Steering column switch for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering column switch for a motor vehicle having a switch lever (1) pivotable in two perpendicular directions, and a switch element (3) pivotally supported about a first axis (4), wherein the switch lever (1) is pivotally supported in the switch element (3) about a second axis (5) perpendicular to the first axis (4), wherein the switch lever (1) carries a spring-loaded locking bushing (6) on an end member (15), the locking bushing being capable of engaging different positions in a locking cam (7), the steering column switch further having at least one magnet (8) and at least one magnetic sensor (9) that are capable of being positioned relative to each other due to the movement of the switch lever (1), wherein the at least one magnet (8) is fixedly connected to a carriage (10) which is linearly movable parallel to the first axis (4) and supported on the switch element (3), and the at least one magnet (8) pivots together with the switch element (3) as the switch element (3) pivots about its first axis (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column switch for a motor vehicle having a switch lever pivotable in two perpendicular directions, and a switch element pivotally supported about a first axis, wherein the switch lever is pivotally supported in the switch element about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the switch lever carries a spring-loaded locking bushing on an end member, the locking bushing being capable of engaging different positions in a locking cam, and the steering column switch further having at least one magnet and at least one magnetic sensor that can be positioned relative to each other due to movement of the switch lever. Background Technology

[0002] In order to identify the adjusted position of the switch lever, a magnetic switching system is provided. If a steering column switch with such a switching system is involved, then the magnet, which is a permanent magnet, is usually either mounted on the switch lever or connected to the switch lever, so that the magnet directly follows the pivoting movement of the switch lever.

[0003] Such a steering column switch is known from the German publication DE102011111871A1. The device described in that document has an operating lever with a magnet disposed thereon, wherein a magnetic sensor is provided at each locking position on the lever, which has a number of possible locking positions for the operating lever.

[0004] Such a structure is relatively expensive due to the numerous necessary magnetic sensors. Furthermore, in this type of steering column switch, the magnetic sensor is located behind the locking cam, which negatively impacts the structural length of the steering column switch.

[0005] In addition to the locking system for generating tactile feedback and the switching system implemented here via a magnetic sensing mechanism for determining the adjusted switching position of the switch lever, many steering column switches also have an actuation system that allows the switch lever to be automatically retracted from the switching position in which the steering column switch functions as a turn signal switch.

[0006] Typically, only limited structural space exists for steering column switches in motor vehicles. Therefore, the aforementioned systems must be coordinated so that they can all be arranged within the available structural space.

[0007] Because both the activation system and the locking system have limited flexibility in their location and placement, most magnetic switching systems must be located adjacent to the activation and locking systems. Finding a suitable location is usually a compromise between structural space requirements and system robustness. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a steering column switch having a particularly compact switching system that has as little impact as possible on other components.

[0009] According to the present invention, the task is solved by having at least one magnet fixedly connected to a carriage that is linearly movably supported on a switch element parallel to a first axis, the carriage following the movement of the switch rod about a second axis, and the at least one magnet pivoting together with the switch element as it pivots about its first axis.

[0010] Therefore, the switching system proposed here is guided linearly in one direction. In contrast, many known switching systems operate rotationally in the horizontal and vertical switching directions of the switching lever.

[0011] The proposed switching system can be configured in such a way that it has little to no impact on other systems and is not limited by other systems itself.

[0012] What is very advantageous in this respect is that the sliding structure creates a frame shape with a notch through which the locking bushing is guided.

[0013] It is also highly advantageous that at least one component of the actuation system, adapted to guide the switch lever back from the operated switch position, can be guided through the notch.

[0014] The magnetic switching system can be "encircled" around the excitation system and, together with its sensing mechanism, positioned below the locking system. This arrangement allows the switching system to be optimized for reliability almost entirely independent of other systems.

[0015] Furthermore, in terms of the positioning of the switching system, the structure and operation of the switching system according to the present invention have the advantage of additional degrees of freedom: known systems only allow limited orientation without incurring significant drawbacks in analytical applications, but the sensing mechanism of the switching system according to the present invention can be freely rotatably arranged around the first pivot axis of the switching element without degrading the quality of analytical applications.

[0016] A particularly advantageous provision is that the carriage is connected to the switching lever by means of a steering rod rotatably supported on the switching element. This enables the steering rod to transmit the movement of the switching lever about a second axis to the carriage via lever transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will be illustrated and explained in the following text with the aid of accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment of the steering column switch according to the invention without a surrounding housing is shown, and:

[0018] Figure 1 Showing a top view,

[0019] Figure 2 An exploded view is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view is shown.

[0021] Figures 4 to 6 A second embodiment of the steering column switch according to the invention without a surrounding housing is shown, and:

[0022] Figure 4 Showing a top view,

[0023] Figure 5 An exploded view is shown.

[0024] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram shows a steering column switch without the additional locking cam 7, but the locking cam 7 is... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figures. The following description also refers to all of these figures.

[0026] The steering column switch has a switching element 3 on which a shaft end serving as a support point 14 is formed on two opposing outer surfaces. In the fully assembled state, the shaft end serving as the support point 14 is placed into a recess in a housing (not shown), thereby pivotally supporting the switching element 3 about a first axis 4. The housing can be provided on the steering column of a motor vehicle or designed as part of the steering column.

[0027] The switch element 3 has a through-hole 13, and two support points 2 are located beside the through-hole, on which the switch rod 1 is pivotally supported about a second axis 5. Here, the end part 15 of the switch rod 1 passes through the through-hole 13 of the switch element 3.

[0028] Below the through-hole 13, a device consisting of multiple components is disposed on the switch member 3. The function of this device is to guide the switch lever 1 from its offset position back to its initial position. These multiple components are collectively referred to as the excitation system 12. The functional mode of the excitation system 12 is not described in detail here, as it is essentially known and not essential to understanding the invention. The principle of the excitation system's function is described, for example, in German Utility Model DE8112331U1.

[0029] The end component 15 is fixedly connected to the gripper 16 of the switch lever 1. The gripper is configured for manual operation of the switch lever 1. Through the movement of the switch lever in different directions, firstly, the switch element 3 can pivot about the first axis 4, and secondly, the switch lever 1 can also pivot about the second axis 5 within the switch element 3. Here, the support point 2 for the switch lever 1 is arranged relative to the support point 14 of the switch element 3 such that the first and second axes 4 and 5 are perpendicularly oriented.

[0030] A locking bushing 6, loaded by a pressure spring 17, is disposed within a hole in the end member 15. The locking bushing rests with its tip against the locking cam 7 and is capable of engaging in multiple positions there. These positions, which the switch lever 1 can occupy stably or unstably on the locking cam 7, define the possible switching positions of the switch lever 1.

[0031] The real-time adjusted switching position of the switch lever 1 is determined by means of a magnetic sensing mechanism. For this purpose, the position of the magnet 8 relative to the magnetic sensor 9 is detected by analyzing the signal from the magnetic sensor 9 using electronic devices not shown here.

[0032] According to the present invention, the magnet 8 is fixedly connected to the slide 10, the slide is linearly movably supported on the switch member 3 parallel to the first axis 4, and the slide follows the movement of the switch rod 1 around the second axis 5, and the at least one magnet pivots together with the switch member 3 when it pivots around the first axis 4.

[0033] For this purpose, the carriage 10 is constructed in a frame shape and has a notch 11 through which the locking bushing 6 and the components of the actuation system 12 are guided. This frame-like structure allows the carriage 10 to be constructed very compactly and requires minimal additional space on the switching element 3.

[0034] The carriage 10 has two parallel sides 20 that connect to grooves 21 formed on the switch element 3 for sliding guidance. For this purpose, guide elements formed on the inner side of the sides 20 are inserted into the grooves 21. These guide elements, not visible in the figure, can be configured in the shape of short pins. At the upper part of the carriage 10, the sides 20 connect to a lateral support portion 22, which is connected to the end member 15 of the switch lever 1 via a drive element 23.

[0035] The lower portion of the carriage 10 is constructed by a magnet retainer 18 that carries one or more magnets 8. The at least one magnet 8 may preferably be glued or injected into the magnet retainer 18. The magnet retainer 18 may be integrally constructed with the side portion 20 of the carriage 10, or may be manufactured as a single piece as shown in the figure, which is connected to the side portion 20 of the carriage 10, for example, by a locking mechanism.

[0036] The movement of the magnet 8 is detected by a magnetic sensor 9 mounted on a circuit board 19, which is fixed relative to a housing (not shown). The magnetic sensor 9, preferably implemented as a Hall effect sensor for three-dimensional measurement, detects both the strength and direction of the magnetic field passing through it, thereby distinguishing between linear and pivoting movements of the carriage 10.

[0037] The magnetic sensing mechanism can essentially be constructed in reverse, kinematically, such that the magnetic sensor 9 is mounted on the carriage 10 and the magnet 8 is fixed relative to the housing. The embodiment shown in the figure is preferred because it eliminates the need for movable connecting wires for the magnetic sensor 9.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the orientation of the single or multiple magnets 8 relative to the magnetic sensor 9 will never be along the longitudinal direction of the steering column switch, i.e., approximately parallel to the locking bushing 6. Instead, the carriage 10 can also be arranged with the magnet holder 18 rotating around the first axis 4, wherein the orientation of the magnetic sensor 9 is adapted accordingly.

[0039] The orientation of such rotation of the switching system does not affect the analysis and utilization, but provides greater flexibility in the design of the steering column switch.

[0040] Figures 4 to 6 A particularly advantageous embodiment of the steering column switch according to the invention is illustrated. The structure of the second embodiment differs from that of the previous embodiment in many details. Figures 1 to 3 The description is consistent with the first embodiment. Therefore, a repetition of the details already described can be omitted here. Thus, the following description mainly concerns the features that distinguish the two embodiments. The reference numerals introduced in the first embodiment are still used for the same and functionally identical components.

[0041] for Figures 4 to 6 What is unique about the illustrated embodiment is that the carriage 10 is connected to the switch lever 1 by means of a steering rod 24 rotatably supported on the switch element 3, thereby the steering rod 24 transmitting the movement of the switch lever 1 about the second axis 5 to the carriage 10 by means of lever transmission.

[0042] exist Figure 5 In this context, the steering rod 24 is particularly easily identifiable as a single component. It consists of a connecting strip 28, on which are formed opposing first elongated hole guides 25 and second elongated hole guides 26, which are parallel to each other, and a support pin 27 disposed between them.

[0043] The support pin 27 is inserted into the support notch 37 on the switch member 3, thereby rotatably supporting the steering rod 24 on the switch member 3. A first guide pin 35 formed on the carriage 10 is embedded in the first elongated guide portion 25, wherein one of the first guide pins can... Figure 6 The second elongated guide portion 26 of the steering rod 24 cooperates with the second guide pin 36 on the end component 15 of the switch rod 1. The steering rod 24 thus constructs a double-arm lever in a physical sense.

[0044] The pivoting of the switch lever 1 about its second axis 5 causes the steering lever 24 to pivot, and simultaneously moves the carriage 10 connected to the steering lever 24. Here, the carriage 10 moves in the opposite direction to the end member 15 of the switch lever 1, or in other words, the carriage moves precisely in the same direction as the gripper of the switch lever 1.

[0045] Important for the overall function of the switching system is that the magnet 8 occupies a distinct position in each switching position, a position that is sufficiently distinguishable from other positions so that these positions can be reliably sensed by the magnetic sensor 9.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, when the switch lever 1 pivots about the second axis 5, the achievable lift of the carriage 10 under the direct drive of the switch lever 1 is directly related to the switching motion of the switch lever 1. The small-angle pivoting of the switch lever 1 thus results in a small lift of the carriage 10, and thereby also a small lift of the magnet 8.

[0047] If the pivoting motion of the switch lever 1 about the second axis 5 is too small, then the magnet 8 cannot achieve a sufficient lift to reliably identify its position and to distinguish it from other positions.

[0048] According to the second embodiment, the small pivoting motion of the switch lever 1 can be transmitted and amplified accordingly by means of the steering rod 24. The small pivoting motion of the switch lever 1 enables the carriage 10 and the magnet 8 mounted thereon to have a relatively large lift.

[0049] Therefore, the linear motion of the carriage 10 no longer depends solely on the pivoting motion of the switch lever 1, but is also determined by the transmission ratio achieved through the steering lever 24.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 1 switch rod

[0052] 2 support points

[0053] 3 Switches

[0054] 4 First axis

[0055] 5 Second Axis

[0056] 6-lock bushing

[0057] 7-card lock cam

[0058] 8 magnets

[0059] 9 magnetic sensors

[0060] 10 carriages

[0061] 11 gaps

[0062] 12 Excitation System

[0063] 13 holes

[0064] 14 support points

[0065] 15-end components

[0066] 16 gripper components

[0067] 17 Compression Springs

[0068] 18 Magnet Holder

[0069] 19 circuit boards

[0070] 20 Side

[0071] 21 Slide

[0072] 22 Transverse load-bearing section

[0073] 23 drive components

[0074] 24 steering rods

[0075] 25 First long hole guide section

[0076] 26 Second long hole guide section

[0077] 27 support pins

[0078] 28 connecting strips

[0079] 35 First Leading Pin

[0080] 36 Second Guide Pin

[0081] 37 Support notch

Claims

1. A steering column switch for motor vehicles, It has a switch lever (1) that can pivot in two perpendicular directions. It also has a switch (3) that is pivotally supported around the first axis (4). in, The switch rod (1) is pivotally supported in the switch element (3) about a second axis (5) that is perpendicular to the first axis (4). The switch rod (1) carries a spring-loaded locking bushing (6) on its end component (15). The locking bushing can engage in different positions in the locking cam (7). The steering column switch further includes at least one magnet (8) and at least one magnetic sensor (9) that can be positioned relative to each other due to the movement of the switch lever (1). The feature is that at least one magnet (8) is fixedly connected to a slide (10), the slide being linearly movable parallel to the first axis (4) and supported on the switch member (3), and the slide following the movement of the switch rod (1) around the second axis (5), and The at least one magnet (8) pivots together with the switch (3) as it pivots about its first axis (4).

2. The steering column switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carriage (10) is constructed in a frame shape and has a notch (11), through which the locking bushing (6) is guided.

3. The steering column switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one component of the activating system (12) adapted to guide the switch lever (1) back from the operated switch position is guided through the notch (11).

4. The steering column switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carriage (10) is connected to the switch rod (1) by means of a steering rod (24) rotatably supported on the switch element (3).

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