Multi-function control for vehicle systems

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multifunction control, a control system, and a method of controlling a system in a vehicle. The multifunction control includes a base plate, a post extending through a slot in the base plate, and at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post. The stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob. The multifunction control further includes a plurality of sensors. The sensors include a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a button switch connected to the stacked knobs. The multifunction control also includes a slide sensor. The post and the stacked knobs are mounted to the slide sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Numerous controls can be found inside a vehicle's cabin. These controls may include, but are not limited to, switches, buttons, toggle switches, and dials. A large portion of these controls can be found, for example, on the center console and are used to adjust various features related to vehicle operation, the infotainment system, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) controls. Another portion of the controls are used for seat positioning and are often located under the seats. In addition, there are various controls for operating windows and locks, which are often located in the armrests or on the doors. Background Technology

[0002] As the number of features within a vehicle increases, so does the number of controls. However, with the increase in the number of controls, the space they occupy grows larger, making it difficult to accommodate all controls within the vehicle's cabin, especially on the center console. Furthermore, the complexity of interacting with controls increases with the number of controls, and the difficulty of identifying different controls also increases.

[0003] Therefore, although the current control has achieved its intended purpose, there is still a need for a new and improved control that reduces the encapsulation size, provides increased functionality, and reduces the complexity of use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to a multi-function control for a vehicle. The multi-function control includes: a base plate including a slot; a post extending through the slot in the base plate; and at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post. The stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob. The multi-function control further includes a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors include a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a push-button switch connected to the stacked knobs. The multi-function control includes a sliding sensor, to which the post and the stacked knobs are mounted.

[0005] In some aspects, the multifunction control further includes an onboard processor connected to the multifunction control and multiple devices connected to the onboard processor.

[0006] In a further aspect, the multi-functional control includes a system controller that connects multiple devices to the onboard processor.

[0007] In a further aspect, the multi-functional control includes a separately packaged control that connects to the onboard processor.

[0008] Further details include multiple devices such as heaters, air conditioners, fans, and hybrid door motors.

[0009] In a further aspect, the multi-function control includes an air duct that is fluidly connected to a vehicle compartment including the multi-function control. Multiple devices are operatively coupled to the duct.

[0010] In a further aspect, the temperature sensor is connected to the onboard processor, wherein the temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the passenger compartment.

[0011] In either of the above aspects, the independently packaged control is connected to the vehicle processor.

[0012] In any of the above aspects, the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor each include at least one of a capacitive sensor and a resistive sensor.

[0013] In any of the above aspects, the first rotation sensor and the second rotation sensor each include at least one of a rotary potentiometer and a rotary encoder.

[0014] In any of the above aspects, the sliding sensor includes at least one of a sliding potentiometer and a linear variable differential transformer.

[0015] In any of the above aspects, the display knob includes a display.

[0016] A further aspect of this disclosure relates to a control system for a vehicle. The control system includes a multifunction control and an on-board processor. The multifunction control includes: a substrate including a slot; a post extending through the slot in the substrate; at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; a plurality of sensors including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a push-button switch connected to the stacked knobs; and a slide sensor, wherein the post and the stacked knobs are mounted to the slide sensor. The on-board processor communicates with the plurality of sensors and is configured to: detect manipulation of the multifunction control via at least one of the plurality of sensors, and adjust one of a plurality of devices associated with the detected manipulation of the multifunction control.

[0017] In some aspects, the control system further includes a separately packaged switch. The onboard processor is configured to determine the state of the switch and adjust at least a portion of a plurality of devices associated with the operation of the multifunction control.

[0018] However, an additional aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for controlling a system in a vehicle. The method includes detecting manipulation of a multifunction control via at least one of a plurality of sensors. The multifunction control includes: a substrate including a slot; a post extending through the slot in the substrate; at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; and a plurality of sensors including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a push-button switch connected to the stacked knobs; and a slide sensor, wherein the slide sensor is one of the plurality of sensors, and the post and the stacked knobs are mounted to the slide sensor. The method further includes adjusting one of a plurality of devices in the system based on the detected manipulation of the multifunction control.

[0019] In some aspects, the method further includes identifying which of the display knob and the base knob is being rotated.

[0020] In an additional aspect, the method further includes determining that both the display knob and the base knob are manipulated, and assigning the manipulation to the base knob.

[0021] In an additional aspect, the method further includes detecting the tilt of the stacked knobs to activate the rocker switch.

[0022] In an additional aspect, the method further includes detecting the state of the push-button switch.

[0023] In any of the above aspects, the system is an HVAC system, and the plurality of devices include a heater, an air conditioner, a blower motor, an actuator, and adjusting one of the plurality of devices includes adjusting one of the heater, air conditioner, blower motor, and actuator.

[0024] In other words, this disclosure provides a multi-functional control for a vehicle, comprising: a substrate including a slot; a post extending through the slot in the substrate; at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; a plurality of sensors including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a push-button switch connected to the stacked knobs; and a slide sensor, wherein the post and the stacked knobs are mounted to the slide sensor. The multi-functional control further comprises: an on-board processor connected to the multi-functional control; and a plurality of devices connected to the on-board processor. The multi-functional control further comprises a system controller connecting the plurality of devices to the on-board processor. The multi-functional control further comprises a separately packaged control connected to the on-board processor. The plurality of devices include a heater, an air conditioner, a fan, and a hybrid door motor. The multifunction control further includes an air duct fluidly connected to a vehicle compartment including the multifunction control, wherein the plurality of devices are operatively coupled to the duct. The multifunction control further includes a temperature sensor connected to the on-board processor, wherein the temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the vehicle compartment. The multifunction control further includes a separately packaged control connected to the on-board processor. The first touch sensor and the second touch sensor each include at least one of a capacitive sensor and a resistive sensor. The first rotation sensor and the second rotation sensor each include at least one of a rotary potentiometer and a rotary encoder. The slide sensor includes at least one of a slide potentiometer and a linear variable differential transformer. The display knob includes a display.This disclosure also provides a control system for a vehicle, the control system comprising: a multifunction control including: a substrate including a slot; a post extending through the slot in the substrate; at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; a plurality of sensors including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a push-button switch connected to the stacked knobs; and a slide sensor, wherein the post and the stacked knobs are mounted to the slide sensor; and an on-board processor communicating with the plurality of sensors, wherein the on-board processor is configured to: detect manipulation of the multifunction control via at least one of the plurality of sensors; and adjust one of a plurality of devices associated with the detected manipulation of the multifunction control. The system further includes an independently packaged switch, and the on-board processor is configured to: determine the state of the switch and adjust at least a portion of the plurality of devices associated with the operation of the multifunction control. This disclosure also provides a method for controlling a system in a vehicle, comprising: detecting operation of a multifunction control via at least one of a plurality of sensors, the multifunction control including: a substrate including a slot; a post extending through the slot in the substrate; at least two stacked knobs rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; a plurality of sensors including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a push-button switch connected to the stacked knobs; and a slide sensor, wherein the slide sensor is one of the plurality of sensors, and wherein the post and the stacked knobs are mounted to the slide sensor; and adjusting one of the plurality of devices in the system based on the detected operation of the multifunction control. The method further includes identifying which of the display knob and the base knob is being rotated. The method further includes determining that both the display knob and the base knob are being manipulated, and assigning the manipulation to the base knob. The method further includes detecting the tilt of the stacked knobs to activate the rocker switch. The method further includes detecting the state of the push-button switch.The system is an HVAC system, and the plurality of devices include a heater, an air conditioner, a blower motor, and an actuator, and adjusting one of the plurality of devices includes adjusting one of the heater, the air conditioner, the blower motor, and the actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates several individually packaged controls for controlling HVAC systems;

[0027] Figure 2A A multifunctional HVAC control according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 2B A perspective view of stacked knobs of a multi-functional HVAC control according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 2C A side view of stacked knobs according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 3A A side view of stacked knobs according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the tilted knobs pivot in an upward direction;

[0031] Figure 3B A side view of stacked knobs according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the tilted knobs pivot in a downward direction;

[0032] Figure 4A A sliding sensor according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 4B A bottom view of a sliding sensor according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 4C Further aspects of the sliding sensor according to this disclosure are shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A multifunctional control combined with an independently encapsulated control, according to one aspect of this disclosure, is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 A system incorporating a multi-function controller according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 7 A method for operating a multifunction controller according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown; and

[0038] Figure 8A method for operating a multifunction controller according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure relates to a multifunctional HVAC control. A control is understood as an electromechanical input device associated with one or more devices, such as a switch, button, toggle, dial, etc., which is adjusted to achieve a specific result. For example, a temperature control is adjusted to change the operating settings of a heater or air conditioner to heat or cool the air circulating through the vehicle compartment. The multifunctional controls described herein reduce the number of separately packaged HVAC controls, reduce footprint, increase functionality, and reduce complexity of use. These controls can also be used to control other vehicle features, such as infotainment system controls or seat positioning controls.

[0040] Figure 1 An HVAC control panel 100 is shown, comprising multiple individually packaged controls manipulated to adjust setpoints and control various devices constituting the HVAC system. In the illustrated aspect, the controls include a temperature control 102 for the driver and passengers, a fan speed control 104, an automatic temperature adjustment control 106, a directional airflow control 108, and a synchronization control 110, which synchronizes the temperature control 102 and, in a particular aspect, synchronizes at least one of the passenger-side temperature and airflow controls with at least one of the driver-side temperature and airflow controls. These controls occupy a considerable amount of space in the center console.

[0041] Figures 2A to 2C This shows one aspect of the multi-functional control 200, with Figure 1 Compared to the HVAC control panel 100, the multifunction control 200 occupies a relatively small amount of space on the center console. The multifunction control 200 includes at least two stacked knobs 202, each knob 202a, 202b controlling an individual device setpoint, such as temperature and fan speed. The stacked knobs 202 include a display knob 202a stacked on top of the base knob 202b. The display knob 202a includes a display 204 that shows information related to a given setpoint adjusted by manipulating the multifunction control 200. For example, if the temperature is being adjusted, the adjustment to the temperature setpoint will be displayed on the display 204. The display 204 may include, for example, an LED display.

[0042] Each stacked knob 202a, 202b includes touch sensors 206a, 206b surrounding the periphery of the stacked knob 202. For example, touch sensors 206a, 206b may be capacitive or resistive sensors. When one of the stacked knobs 202a, 202b is grasped and adjusted, the corresponding touch sensor 206a, 206b detects an interaction, and the display 204 provides information about the setpoint associated with the stacked knobs 202a, 202b that have been adjusted by the user. If interaction is detected with both stacked knobs 202, the vehicle processor assumes that the user wants to interact with the base knob 202b, as further described herein.

[0043] The stacked knobs 202 are mounted on the column 208 in a manner that allows them to rotate in direction 214, as... Figure 3A and 3B As shown, each stacked knob 202a, 202b is independently rotatable in direction 214 relative to another stacked knob 202a, 202b and relative to the axis 210 defined by post 208. A first rotation sensor 212a is incorporated in the display knob 202a, and a second rotation sensor 212b is incorporated in the base knob 202b. Rotation of the stacked knobs 202a adjusts the setpoint associated with each stacked knob 202a, 202b. The rotation sensors 212a, 212b may include, for example, potentiometers or rotary encoders. The greater the rotation of each of the stacked knobs 202a, 202b, the greater the change in the setpoint corresponding to each stacked knob 202a, 202b. In some aspects, rotation of the display knob 202a adjusts the temperature setpoint, and rotation of the base knob 202b adjusts the fan speed setpoint, and vice versa. Furthermore, in any of the aforementioned aspects, the stacked knobs 202 include a stop structure to provide a tactile indicator of the degree to which a given stacked knobs 202a, 202b have been rotated and adjusted.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 3A and 3BAs shown, a stacked knob 202 is connected to a rocker switch 228 at the end of a column 208, wherein the stacked knob 202a is tilted by an angle 216 relative to the axis 210 in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The stacked knob 202 can provide, for example, a three-way rocker switch 228. The tilting of the stacked knob 202 in the rocker switch 228 controls another set point, such as the airflow direction, wherein upward movement of the stacked knob 202 causes the airflow to move toward the top of the vehicle compartment, and downward movement of the stacked knob 202 causes the airflow to move toward the floor of the vehicle compartment. When the stacked knob 202 is adjusted to activate the rocker switch 228, the duration or number of adjustments in a particular direction can change the degree of airflow orientation in that particular direction. For example, if the stacked knob 202 and rocker switch 228 are tilted upwards for four or more seconds, or pushed four times in an upward direction, the airflow can shift from the floor to the floor and center console on the first adjustment, then to the center console on the second adjustment, then to the center console and towards the roof on the third adjustment, and then towards the roof of the vehicle on the fourth adjustment. Similarly, the display 204 can show the adjustment in terms of the direction setpoint when the rocker switch 228 is activated.

[0045] Furthermore, the stacked knob 202 is connected to the push-button switch 236. The push-button switch 236 is activated by pressing the stacked knob 202 in the direction of axis 210. As shown, the stacked knob 202 encloses the push-button switch 236, which is activated by pressing the display 204. Alternatively, the push-button switch 236 is integrated into the post 208 or into the middle position of a three-way rocker switch. Pressing the push-button switch 236 adjusts additional setpoints, such as placing the HVAC system in automatic mode, where the system controls various devices associated with the system to achieve a specific temperature setpoint. Alternatively, pressing the push-button switch 236 sets the system to synchronous mode, where all zones are set to the setpoint used in the driver's side forward zone. Again, pressing the push-button switch 236, when activated, displays an icon on the display 204, such as an automatic mode or synchronous icon.

[0046] Furthermore, the post 208 is mounted to the sliding sensor 222 and extends from the slot 232 in the substrate 218, as... Figures 4A to 4CAs shown. The stacked knobs 202 and column 208 slide back and forth in direction 220. The slide sensor 222 may include a sliding potentiometer or a linear variable differential transformer. The slide sensor 222 controls one or more additional setpoints, or optionally applies a setpoint adjusted by manipulating the stacked knobs 202. As mentioned herein, manipulation is understood herein as an interaction between a user and the multifunction control 200, such as rotating, tilting, or pressing the controls described herein. When the slide sensor 222 is activated, i.e., when the column 208 moves from the center 234 of the slide sensor 222 in direction 220, these adjustments are also shown on the display 204. For example, depending on the position to which the column 208 moves, toward the driver's side 240 to the passenger side 242, the slide sensor 222 may optionally apply an adjustment (temperature, fan speed, airflow direction) from the setpoint adjusted by the aforementioned stacked knobs 202 to one of the driver's side and passenger side of the vehicle compartment, or both the driver's side and passenger side.

[0047] In some aspects, the slide sensor 222 is motorized to cause the post 208 to return to the center 234 of the slide sensor 222 after a selected time period. In some aspects, the selected time period may occur immediately after the release of the stacked knobs 202 detected by the touch sensors 206a, 206b, or 30 seconds after the release of the stacked knobs 202 detected by the touch sensors 206a, 206b. As described above, the slide sensor 222 may include a motor 224 and a pulley 226, for example, for returning the stacked knobs 202 to the center of the slide sensor 222. The speed at which the stacked knobs 202 return to the center of the slide sensor 222 can be adjusted by adjusting the motor speed.

[0048] In optional aspects, independently encapsulated controls, such as Figure 5 The illustrated independent packaged control 230 can be combined with the multifunction control 200. The independent packaged control 230 is, in some respects, a two-way or three-way switch, including a toggle switch, rocker switch, button, knob, etc. In some respects, the independent packaged control 230 can change which of the multiple devices 334 the operation of the multifunction control 200 is applied to. For example, when the independent packaged control 230 is in a first position, the operation of the stacked knob 202 controls the front area of ​​the vehicle, while in a second position, the operation of the stacked knob 202 controls the rear area of ​​the vehicle. In this way, different actuators can be triggered depending on the state in which the independent packaged control 230 is in. Alternatively, when the independent packaged control 230 is in the first position, the multifunction control 200 controls the HVAC system, and when the independent packaged control 230 is in the second position, the multifunction control controls the infotainment system.

[0049] The multi-functional control 200 and the optional independent encapsulated control 230 constitute a system for vehicle 302, such as... Figure 6 This is a part of the control system 300 shown. Generally, the control system 300 includes a vehicle 302, a multi-function control 200 as described above, a separately packaged control 230 as described above, an on-board processor 320, a system controller 322, and a plurality of devices 334. The vehicle 302 includes a passenger compartment 304 for carrying passengers, and at least one multi-function control 200 within the passenger compartment includes controls for various functions. The passenger compartment 304 contains a multi-function control 200, and in some aspects, at least one separately packaged control 230 is associated with the multi-function control 200. Furthermore, an air duct 238 is fluidly connected to the passenger compartment 304 to supply recirculated air or fresh air to the passenger compartment 304. Fluid connection is understood herein to allow air, gas, or other flowable material to flow from the air duct 238 into the passenger compartment 304, and in some aspects, the reverse.

[0050] The multifunction control 200 is connected to the vehicle processor 320 to transmit signals indicating adjustments detected by at least one of a plurality of sensors associated with the multifunction control. These sensors include, for example, touch sensors 206a and 206b, rotation sensors 212a and 212b, and a slide sensor 222, along with information received from the rocker switch 228 and the push-button switch 236. Further information is transmitted from the vehicle processor 320 to the display 204 in the form of signals to provide an indication of the parameter being adjusted. Additionally, a separately packaged control 230 is also connected to the vehicle processor 320, and signals are sent to the separately packaged control 230 to adjust the parameter being adjusted and the corresponding device 334.

[0051] The vehicle processor 320 may include a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the vehicle processor 320, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), microprocessors, and combinations thereof, or generally, devices for executing instructions. In some aspects, more than one vehicle processor 320 may be present, wherein processing may be distributed across multiple vehicle processors 320. The vehicle processor 320 is configured to perform the methods described herein for controlling systems in a vehicle.

[0052] In some embodiments, the on-board processor 320 is connected to the system controller 322. In other embodiments, the system controller 322 is integrated with the on-board processor 320. The on-board processor 320 detects that the multifunction control 200 has been manipulated based on signals received from sensors in the multifunction control 200. Depending on the sensors, it may be necessary to cross-reference the signals received from the sensors to determine the degree of adjustment (e.g., in the case of rotation sensors 212a, 212b), and transmit this information to the system controller 322 in the form of one or more signals. The system controller 322 then controls multiple devices 334 associated with the sensors in the multifunction control.

[0053] Furthermore, the vehicle processor 320 includes a video processor 324 connected to the display 204. The video processor 324, based on detected signals transmitted to the vehicle processor 320 by sensors in the multifunction control 200, instructs the display 204 to provide visual indications of the expected output. For example, for temperature adjustments detected by rotating the display knob 202a, the display 204 can provide visual indications such as… Figure 2A The indicated desired temperature setpoint.

[0054] When the multifunction control 200 is used for HVAC, the system controller 322 controls multiple devices 334 associated with the HVAC system and utilizes information provided to the on-board processor regarding setpoints for various selections to control the multiple devices 334 in the HVAC system. The multiple devices 334 are operatively coupled to the air duct 238, wherein the multiple devices 334 are connected in such a way that they can alter or otherwise influence the characteristics of the air passing through the air duct 238, such as changing the air temperature, humidity level, speed, or direction. For example, the devices 334 include a heater 336, an air conditioner 338, a blower motor 340, actuators such as a mixing damper motor 342, etc. Furthermore, one or more temperature sensors 350 located within the vehicle compartment 304 and connected to the system controller 322 can be used to determine and adjust the temperature within the vehicle compartment 304. The output of the control system 300 results in changes to the temperature, blower motor, actuators for controlling each zone, automatic control of the HVAC system, zone synchronization, and changes in airflow direction, etc.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 7A method for operating an HVAC system using a multifunction control 200 is illustrated. Method 700 begins at box 702, where a user enters the passenger compartment 304 of vehicle 302. At box 704, the user desires to adjust the HVAC settings. At box 706, the user determines whether the HVAC should be placed in automatic control mode. If automatic control mode is desired, at box 708, the user presses the stacked knob 202, activating a button to select automatic control mode. If, at box 706, the user does not wish to place the HVAC in automatic mode, at box 710, it is determined whether the user prefers to adjust personal zone settings, such as driver-side or passenger-side settings. If the user prefers to adjust the HVAC settings in a specific zone, i.e., driver-side or passenger-side, at box 712, the user selects that zone using the slide sensor 222 and slides the stacked knob 202 toward the desired zone in vehicle 302. After a given period of time following the adjustment, the stacked knob 202 returns to the center of the slide sensor 222. If no adjustment of a given area is desired, then in box 714, the user holds the stacked knob 202 at the center of the sliding sensor 222.

[0056] In box 716, it is determined whether the user wishes to adjust the temperature of the area or compartment 304. If in box 716 the user does not wish to adjust the temperature, then in box 718 it is determined whether the user wishes to adjust the fan speed. If in box 716 the user does wish to adjust the temperature, then in box 720 the user rotates one of the two stacked knobs 202a, 202b. As previously described, the activation of touch sensors 206a, 206b determines which of the knobs 202a, 202b the user wishes to interact with.

[0057] In box 718, it is determined whether the user wants to adjust the fan speed. If the user wants to adjust the fan speed, in box 722, the user rotates another of the two stacked knobs 202a and 202b. If the user does not want to adjust the fan speed, in box 724, it is determined whether the user wants to adjust the airflow direction. If the user wants to adjust the airflow direction, in box 726, the user tilts the stacked knob up and down, activating the rocker switch 228. If the user does not want to adjust the airflow direction, or when the user decides to adjust the HVAC system again, the method proceeds to box 704. Additional steps may also include switching between the front and rear of the compartment using a separately packaged control 230. It should be understood that the above method and control system are described with reference to an HVAC system. However, as mentioned above, the multi-function control 200 can be used to control other systems, such as seating systems, infotainment systems, etc.

[0058] Figure 8 This illustrates a series of instructions 800 that the onboard processor 320 is configured to execute, for purposes in accordance with any of the foregoing aspects and further reference. Figure 6The method uses a multifunction control 200 to change one of a plurality of devices 334 in a control system 300. Instructions 800 include, at block 802, detecting manipulation of the multifunction control 200 by receiving a signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors in the multifunction control 200. Depending on which sensor is activated, at block 804, the method includes determining how or to what extent the multifunction control is manipulated. For example, if the stacked knobs 202 are tilted, the method includes determining the tilt direction using a rocker switch 228. In another alternative example, if a push-button switch 236 connected to the stacked knobs 202 is activated, or if the stacked knobs 202 are displaced in a sliding sensor 222, the method includes adjusting which of the plurality of devices 334 the manipulation of the multifunction control 200 is applied to. In yet another further example, if at least one of the display knobs 202a and the base knobs 202b is being rotated, the method further includes determining the degree of rotation applied to the knobs 202a and 202b. In addition, instruction 800 also includes assigning the operation of the two stacked knobs 202 to the base knob 202 when it is detected in block 806 that both the display knob 202a and the base knob 202b are operated.

[0059] Once it is determined that the multifunction control 200 has been actuated, at box 808, the vehicle processor is configured to adjust one of the multiple devices 334 associated with the actuation of the multifunction control 200. As described above, in the case of an HVAC system, the multiple devices 334 include heaters, air conditioners, blower motors, and actuators. In the case of an infotainment system, the multiple devices may include volume controls, radio station selection, data input terminals (i.e., radio, USB, Bluetooth, etc.). In the case of a seating system, the multiple devices may include seat motors for controlling seat height, angle, forward position, rearward position, lumbar position, etc.

[0060] The multifunctional controls, systems, and methods disclosed herein offer several advantages. These advantages may include the ability to effectively reduce the overall package size of multiple controls. Furthermore, these advantages include reduced footprint of multiple controls, increased functionality, and reduced complexity of use, as the user only needs to position one, or possibly two, controls to operate the system. Additional advantages include the ability to control other vehicle features, such as infotainment system controls or seat positioning controls.

[0061] The description in this disclosure is exemplary in nature only, and variations thereof are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-functional control for a vehicle, comprising: The substrate includes the groove; A post extending through a groove in the substrate; At least two stacked knobs, the at least two stacked knobs being rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; Multiple sensors, including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a button switch connected to the stacked knobs; as well as A sliding sensor, wherein the column and the stacked knobs are mounted to the sliding sensor.

2. The multifunctional control as described in claim 1, further comprising: The vehicle-mounted processor connected to the multi-functional control; and Multiple devices connected to the onboard processor.

3. The multi-functional control of claim 2, further comprising a system controller for connecting the plurality of devices to the vehicle processor.

4. The multifunctional control as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a separately packaged control connected to the vehicle processor.

5. The multifunctional control of claim 2, wherein the plurality of devices includes a heater, an air conditioner, a fan, and a hybrid door motor.

6. The multifunction control of claim 5, further comprising an air duct fluidly connected to a vehicle compartment including the multifunction control, wherein the plurality of devices are operatively coupled to the duct.

7. The multi-functional control of claim 6, further comprising a temperature sensor connected to the vehicle processor, wherein the temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the vehicle compartment.

8. The multifunctional control of claim 2, further comprising a separately packaged control connected to the vehicle processor.

9. The multi-functional control of claim 1, wherein the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor each comprise at least one of a capacitive sensor and a resistive sensor.

10. The multifunctional control of claim 1, wherein the first rotation sensor and the second rotation sensor each comprise at least one of a rotary potentiometer and a rotary encoder.

11. The multifunctional control of claim 1, wherein the sliding sensor comprises at least one of a sliding potentiometer and a linear variable differential transformer.

12. The multi-functional control of claim 1, wherein the display knob includes a display.

13. A control system for a vehicle, the control system comprising: A multi-functional control, comprising: The substrate includes the groove; A post extending through a groove in the substrate; At least two stacked knobs, the at least two stacked knobs being rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; Multiple sensors, including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a button switch connected to the stacked knobs; as well as A sliding sensor, wherein the column and the stacked knobs are mounted to the sliding sensor; as well as An onboard processor that communicates with the plurality of sensors, wherein the onboard processor is configured to: The operation of the multi-functional control is detected by at least one of the plurality of sensors; and Adjust one of the multiple devices associated with the operation of the detected multi-function control.

14. The control system of claim 13, wherein the system further comprises an independently packaged switch, and the on-board processor is configured to: determine the state of the switch and adjust at least a portion of the plurality of devices associated with the operation of the multifunction control.

15. A method for controlling a system in a vehicle, comprising: The operation of a multi-functional control is detected by at least one of a plurality of sensors, the multi-functional control comprising: The substrate includes the groove; A post extending through a groove in the substrate; At least two stacked knobs, the at least two stacked knobs being rotatably and tiltably attached to the post, wherein the stacked knobs include a display knob and a base knob; Multiple sensors, including a first touch sensor integrated in the display knob, a second touch sensor integrated in the base knob, a first rotation sensor integrated in the display knob, a second rotation sensor integrated in the base knob, a rocker switch connected to the stacked knobs, and a button switch connected to the stacked knobs; as well as A sliding sensor, wherein the sliding sensor is one of the plurality of sensors, and wherein the column and the stacked knob are mounted to the sliding sensor; and Adjust one of the multiple devices in the system based on the detected manipulation of the multi-functional control.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising identifying which of the display knob and the base knob is being rotated.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining that both the display knob and the base knob are manipulated, and assigning the manipulation to the base knob.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising detecting tilt of the stacked knobs to activate the rocker switch.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising detecting the state of the push-button switch.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the system is an HVAC system, and the plurality of devices include a heater, an air conditioner, a blower motor, and an actuator, and adjusting one of the plurality of devices includes adjusting one of the heater, the air conditioner, the blower motor, and the actuator.

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