Steering lever switch, steering wheel system, motor vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering lever switch (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, for a selective function, comprising a rigid control lever (2) and a control lever cover (3) which at least partially surrounds the control lever (2), the control lever cover (3) having at least one touch sensor (4), the invention relates to a method for selecting at least one function of a motor vehicle, comprising a touch sensor (4) for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch by an operator, and comprising a control unit (5) which is connected to the touch sensor (4) in a data communication manner and is designed to detect (120) the selected function and to transmit the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface (11) of the control unit (5), in order to perform an action corresponding to the selected function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering wheel switch for a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 1, a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 8, a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 9, and a method for implementing a function by means of a steering wheel switch for a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 10. Background Art

[0002] In new concepts for motor vehicles, the steering concepts and their design are changing. Thus, the steering concepts and therefore also the steering wheel are increasingly integrated into the electrical control system. As a result, not only the steering system but also the position and design of the steering wheel are changing. Nevertheless, the conventional concepts for making selections should still be available to the driver or operator. It is therefore necessary to adapt the steering lever control lever for selecting the turn signal indicator or the windshield wiper system and several other functions to the new given conditions.

[0003] Turning lever switches and steering concepts that can be integrated into electrical control systems are already known from the prior art. They are usually mechanically actuated, i.e. have a slide in order to actuate a switch or a rotating element in order to select a function. Due to their structural design, such turning lever switches can only be adapted to new steering concepts and functions with difficulty. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-described disadvantages in a steering system for a motor vehicle. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel switch for a motor vehicle, a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle and a method for implementing a function by means of a steering wheel switch for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering wheel switch can be easily integrated into a control system of the motor vehicle and the steering wheel switch for the motor vehicle allows the functions of the steering wheel switch to be easily selected and can be variably adapted at the same time.

[0005] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a steering wheel switch for a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 1, by a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 8, by a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 9, and by a method for implementing a function by means of a steering wheel switch for a motor vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 10. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features and details described with respect to the steering wheel switch according to the invention naturally also apply with respect to the steering wheel system according to the invention and / or with respect to the motor vehicle according to the invention and / or with respect to the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that reference is always made to one another or can be made to one another with respect to the disclosures relating to the individual inventive aspects.

[0006] According to the present invention, a steering lever switch for selecting functions for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, is provided, comprising a rigid joystick and a joystick cover that at least partially surrounds the joystick, wherein the joystick cover has at least one touch sensor for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch of an operator, and a control unit connected to the touch sensor in a data communication manner, the control unit being designed to detect the selected function and to transmit the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface of the control unit in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0007] As a limited touch, it is currently understood that it is a touch implemented at a specific position or location for a specific time and / or with a specific pressure and / or a specific sequence of movements. The type of limited touch depends on the selected one or multiple sensors selected. The movement to trigger the execution can be a tap or a press or a rotation around the longitudinal axis of the steering lever switch, wherein only the user's finger indicates the rotation. It is conceivable that the joystick cover is partially transparent and / or has a surface structure and / or an LED pad. Thus, the position of the function can be felt or seen by means of touch or vision and the operation is simplified. It can be advantageous that the joystick cover is constructed of plastic, such as hard plastic or flexible plastic.

[0008] Here, a position is associated with a function, which is triggered by a defined touch. It is conceivable that a plurality of positions on the turntable switch are each associated with a function.

[0009] As functions, for example, safety-related functions such as turn indicators or windshield wipers, but also technical functions such as cruise control or a radio setting switch can be stored and / or selected on the joystick cover.

[0010] The touch sensor can act like a button, that is, it only sends out pulses in order to activate a circuit or a program. This means that the touch sensor can be activated, for example, only by pressure. The pulses are triggered depending on the line resistance. It is also conceivable that one or more intensity levels can be adjusted and selected via length and / or pressure and / or a defined number of one or more touches.

[0011] The function can also depend on a joystick cover which is designed so that it can be replaced by the user. In order to easily replace the joystick cover at the joystick, the joystick and the joystick cover can be releasably connected to each other. For example, a latching connection, a screw connection or an adhesive connection etc. can be considered as a releasable connection. This makes it possible to easily replace the joystick cover.

[0012] The data communication connection of the touch sensor to the control unit is used for data transmission, i.e., data that informs the control unit which position was touched in a defined manner and for how long. The control unit recognizes from these data which function is to be executed. The data communication connection can be established with a cable or without a cable, for example via radio.

[0013] Such a steering column switch can be designed in a simple manner. Since there are no mechanical restrictions on size, there are no more constraints when positioning the steering column switch; the steering column switch can now be arranged independently of the steering column. Furthermore, the steering column switch can be adapted to the user, wherein user-specific replacements are also conceivable.

[0014] It may be advantageous within the scope of the present invention if the at least one touch sensor is a capacitive (or also known as capacitive reactance, ie kapazitiver) and / or resistive (or also known as impedance, ie resistiver) touch sensor.

[0015] One or more of the touch sensors can be applied to the inside and / or outside of the joystick cover and / or integrated into the material of the joystick cover. This allows adaptation to the respective given conditions and the sensors to be used.

[0016] For capacitive touch sensors, a film (folie, sometimes referred to as foil) can be provided. In this case, the capacitive film can cover the entire surface of the joystick cover or be placed only at specific locations. In addition, the individual sensors can also be placed between the joystick cover and the joystick. Its position can then be selected by itself. This increases the flexibility of the position of the respective sensor, so that the sensor can be positioned user-specifically in order to ensure simple operation for the respective user.

[0017] It is also conceivable here to retrofit an existing system with a joystick cover having a capacitive and / or resistive touch sensor.

[0018] It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that at least one strain gauge is provided in order to detect a defined touch.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one strain gauge is positioned along the longitudinal extension of the turntable switch. In order to be able to detect the intensity or strength of a touch at every conceivable position along the longitudinal axis, it is particularly advantageous if at least one strain gauge, in particular a cross-shaped strain gauge, is provided.

[0020] The control unit can detect and measure a change in resistance when the at least one strain gauge is touched. With the aid of the at least one strain gauge, the intensity and length of the touch in the axial direction can be detected.

[0021] By means of the at least one strain gauge it can be easily ascertained that triggering of a function is only carried out at a certain force.

[0022] It can be provided within the scope of the invention that a vibration motor is provided in and / or on the joystick in order to provide haptic feedback of the selected function.

[0023] The vibration motor is designed to provide tactile feedback. It is therefore conceivable that different intensities of the vibration can be selected by means of different vibration frequencies or rhythms. The vibration can be felt, for example, like a click, in order to provide the operator with tactile feedback, which is felt like selecting a function using a mechanical lever switch.

[0024] According to the invention, it is conceivable that the control unit is designed to detect the selected function as soon as a definable touch time of a defined touch and / or as soon as a definable touch pressure of a defined touch is exceeded.

[0025] This ensures that only previously defined touches select functions. This prevents undesired functions from not being triggered. It is conceivable that both the touch time and the touch pressure can be adapted to the needs of the operator. It is conceivable that the touch time can be selected between 1 and 5 seconds, preferably between 1.5 and 4 seconds. User-specific data can be stored, for example, on the control unit and can be programmed via the interface of the control unit and the human-machine interface.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the position of the at least one touch sensor can be adapted via the control unit and / or that the touch sensor has a plurality of selection areas, wherein a selection area can be assigned a function via the control unit.

[0027] Advantageously, the position is freely selectable by the user and can be adapted accordingly to his needs. It is conceivable that the touch sensor is already arranged in and / or on the joystick cover, wherein the assignment (Belegung, sometimes called configuration) of the touch sensor can be adjusted via the control unit. If the touch sensor has selection areas, the selection areas can be selected and assigned.

[0028] The user-specific data can be stored, for example, in the control unit and can be programmed via interfaces of the control unit and the human-machine interface.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the control unit to have an interface in order to transmit the functions to be executed to a motor vehicle control system and / or a human-machine interface.

[0030] This can realize simple transmission for carrying out the data of the selected function or corresponding function.In addition, can carry out the assignment of corresponding function to touch sensor by means of interface and man-machine interface.

[0031] Furthermore, the abovementioned object is achieved by a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel support and at least one steering column switch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an actuating lever of the at least one steering column switch is fastened to the steering wheel or the steering wheel support.

[0032] This applies in particular to advantage in motor vehicles with a steer-by-wire system.

[0033] Therefore, the steering wheel system according to the other aspect of the present invention has the same advantages as those already described with respect to the steering column switch according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a motor vehicle according to the invention, in particular an electric motor vehicle, which has a steering wheel system according to claim 8. Therefore, the motor vehicle according to the other aspect of the invention also has the same advantages as those already described for the steering column switch according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method according to the invention for implementing a function by means of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps:

[0036] - a defined touching of the at least one touch sensor of the steering column switch by an operator in order to select at least one function,

[0037] - the selected function is tested by the control unit,

[0038] The selected function is transmitted via an interface of the control unit to a control device of the motor vehicle in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0039] A defined touch is currently understood to be a touch that is performed at a specific position or location for a specific time and / or with a specific pressure and / or a specific sequence of movements. The type of defined touch depends on the selected sensor or sensors. The movement to trigger the execution can be a tap, a press or a rotation around the longitudinal axis of the turntable switch, wherein only the user's finger indicates the rotation. In this case, a position is associated with a function, which is triggered by a defined touch. It is conceivable that a plurality of positions at the turntable switch are each associated with a function.

[0040] As functions, for example, safety-related functions such as turn indicators or windshield wipers, but also technical functions such as cruise control or a radio setting switch can be stored and / or selected on the joystick cover.

[0041] The same advantages as have been described for the turntable switch according to the first aspect of the invention apply to the method according to the other aspect of the invention.

[0042] Furthermore, it may be provided within the scope of the invention that a defined touch is detected by means of a capacitive and / or resistive touch sensor.

[0043] One or more of the touch sensors can be applied to the inside and / or outside of the joystick cover and / or integrated into the material of the joystick cover. This allows adaptation to the respective given conditions and the sensors to be used.

[0044] For capacitive touch sensors, a film can be provided. In this case, the capacitive film can cover the entire surface of the joystick cover or be placed only at specific locations. In addition, the individual sensors can also be placed between the joystick cover and the joystick. Its position can then be selected independently. This increases the flexibility of the position of the respective sensor, so that the sensor can be positioned user-specifically in order to ensure simple operation for the respective user.

[0045] It is conceivable within the context of the present invention to detect a defined touch by means of at least one strain gauge.

[0046] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one strain gauge is positioned along the longitudinal extension of the turntable switch. In order to be able to detect the intensity or strength of a touch at every conceivable position along the longitudinal axis, it is particularly advantageous if at least one strain gauge, in particular a cross-shaped strain gauge, is provided.

[0047] The control unit can detect and measure a change in resistance when the at least one strain gauge is touched. With the aid of the at least one strain gauge, the intensity and length of the touch in the axial direction can be detected.

[0048] By means of the at least one strain gauge it can be easily ascertained that triggering of a function is only carried out at a certain force.

[0049] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous to define the touch by means of vibration feedback of a vibration motor. The vibration motor is designed to provide tactile feedback.

[0050] The vibration motor is designed to provide tactile feedback. It is therefore conceivable that different intensities of the vibration can be selected by means of different vibration frequencies or rhythms. In this case, the vibration can be felt, for example, like a click, in order to provide the operator with tactile feedback, which is felt like selecting a function using a mechanical turn-coupling switch.

[0051] It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the selected function is detected as soon as a definable touch time of a defined touch is exceeded and / or as soon as a definable touch pressure of a defined touch is exceeded.

[0052] This ensures that only previously defined touches select functions. This prevents undesired functions from not being triggered. It is conceivable that both the touch time and the touch pressure can be adapted to the needs of the operator. It is conceivable that the touch time can be selected between 1 and 5 seconds, preferably between 1.5 and 4 seconds. User-specific data can be stored, for example, on the control unit and can be programmed via the interface of the control unit and the human-machine interface.

[0053] It can be provided within the scope of the invention that the position of the at least one touch sensor is adapted via the control unit and / or that the touch sensor has a plurality of selection areas, wherein a function is assigned to the selection areas via the control unit.

[0054] This can realize simple transmission for carrying out the data of the selected function or corresponding function.In addition, can carry out the assignment of corresponding function to touch sensor by means of interface and man-machine interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is described in the following figures:

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle with several touch sensors,

[0057] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a steering column switch with a touch sensor having a selection area,

[0058] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the steering wheel system,

[0059] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle,

[0060] Figure 5 A method is shown for implementing a function by means of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] exist Figure 1 and 2 , a steering lever switch 1 for selecting a function for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, is presented in each case. The steering lever switch 1 is provided with a rigid joystick 2 and a joystick cover 3 which surrounds the joystick 2 at least in sections. The joystick cover 3 has at least one touch sensor 4 for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch of an operator. In addition, a control unit 5 is provided which is connected to the touch sensor 4 in a data communication manner and is designed to detect the selected function and transmit the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface 11 of the control unit 5 in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0062] Here, Figure 1 The touch sensor 4 or the touch sensors 4 in FIG. 5 are resistive touch sensors 6 ; they react to actuation by means of pressure. Figure 2 The touch sensor 4 in FIG. 4 is a capacitive touch sensor 7 , which is distributed around the entire joystick cover 3 and has several selection areas with associated functions.

[0063] In order to detect a defined touch more accurately, the two turntable switches 1 have strain gauges 8. The strain gauges 8 extend in the longitudinal direction of the turntable switch 1. In order to detect the movement of the turntable switch 1 in the horizontal or lateral direction, a cross-shaped strain gauge 8 is installed.

[0064] The function set by means of the turntable switch 1 can be selected with different intensities. For example, the flashlight can flash only a few times when touched lightly or briefly, for example for a limited time of 1.2 seconds, or the flashlight can flash continuously for a turning process with a higher pressure or a limited touch for a longer time, for example 3 seconds. In order to be able to select the correct intensity level of the selected function, a tactile feedback caused by a vibration motor 9 is provided in the joystick 2.

[0065] according to Figure 1 and 2 The control unit 5 of the steering column lever is designed to detect the selected function as soon as a definable touch time of a defined touch and / or as soon as a definable touch pressure of a defined touch is exceeded.

[0066] Figure 1 The resistive touch sensors 6 presented in FIG. 1 are all already set, but it is not necessary that all the touch sensors 4 shown store functions. Instead, the operator can match the assignment of the resistive touch sensors 6 to the desired functions according to his needs 140. This can be performed by means of the control unit 5.

[0067] Figure 2 The turntable lever switch 1 has a capacitive touch sensor 7. It is distinguished by the fact that, in principle, its entire surface can be used as a sensor. However, it is meaningful, as shown, that it has a plurality of selection areas 10, wherein the selection areas 10 can be associated with functions via the control unit 5.

[0068] In order to simplify programming, ie the association and adaptation 140 of the positions of selection areas 10 or the assignment of touch sensors 4 , control unit 5 has an interface 11 for transmitting 130 the functions to be executed to a motor vehicle control system and / or a human-machine interface.

[0069] according to Figure 1 or Figure 2 The steering rod switch 1 is suitable for use in a wire-controlled steering wheel system with a steering wheel, a steering wheel bracket and a steering rod switch. Here, the operating rod 2 of the at least one steering rod switch 1 is fixed on the steering wheel or the steering wheel bracket.

[0070] exist Figure 3 Schematically shown in FIG. 1 is a steering wheel system 12 for a motor vehicle 15 with a steering wheel 13, a steering wheel bracket 14 and at least one steering column switch 1 as described above. Here, the actuating lever 2 of the at least one steering column switch 1 is fastened to the steering wheel 13 or the steering wheel bracket 14.

[0071] exist Figure 4 A motor vehicle 15, in particular an electric motor vehicle 15, is shown with a steering wheel system 12. The steering wheel system 12 has Figures 1 to 2 At least one of the steering column switches described above.

[0072] exist Figure 5 The paper presents a method for using Figure 1 A method 100 for implementing a function of a steering column switch 1 in one of the embodiments of the present invention. The method 100 comprises the following steps:

[0073] - a defined touching 110 of the at least one touch sensor 4 of the turn-column switch 1 by the operator in order to select at least one function,

[0074] - detecting 120 the selected function by the control unit 5,

[0075] The selected function is transmitted 130 via the interface 11 of the control unit 5 to a control device of the motor vehicle in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0076] In order to implement the defined touch 110 more accurately, Figure 1 In the previous step, in the turn-column switch 1 , the functions were associated with their user-defined positions via the control unit 5 , and the assignment of the touch sensor 4 was therefore adapted 140 . Figure 2 In the example embodiment, a function is associated 150 with a desired selection area 10 of the touch sensor 4 .

[0077] Here, the limited touch Figure 1 By means of the capacitive touch sensor 4 and in Figure 2 The resistive touch sensors 4 are respectively detected in combination with the cross-shaped strain gauges 8 .

[0078] In the case of a defined touch, the defined touch is fed back by means of the vibration of the vibration motor 9. The feedback can be fed back 160 at different intensity levels and for this purpose have different vibration intensities and / or rhythms.

[0079] In addition, once the touch time ( Figure 2 ) and / or once a defined touch pressure is exceeded ( Figure 1 ), the function of 120 selection is detected.

[0080] Reference Numbers List

[0081] 1 Steering lever switch

[0082] 2 Joystick

[0083] 3 Joystick cover

[0084] 4 Touch Sensor

[0085] 5 Control unit

[0086] 6 Resistive touch sensor

[0087] 7 Capacitive touch sensor

[0088] 8 strain gauges, cross strain gauges

[0089] 9. Vibration Motor

[0090] 10 Select Region

[0091] 11 Interface

[0092] 12 Steering wheel system

[0093] 13 Steering Wheel

[0094] 14 Steering wheel bracket

[0095] 15 Motor Vehicles

[0096] 100 Methods

[0097] 110 Limited Touch

[0098] 120 Detection

[0099] 130 Transfer

[0100] 140 matches

[0101] 150 Relationship

[0102] 160 Feedback

Claims

1. A steering column switch (1) for selecting a function for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, having A rigid joystick (2) and a joystick cover (3) which at least partially surrounds the joystick (2), in, The joystick cover (3) has at least one touch sensor (4) for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch by an operator, and A control unit (5) is connected to the touch sensor (4) in a data communication manner, and is designed to detect (120) a selected function and transmit the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface (11) of the control unit (5) in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

2. The steering lever switch (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least one touch sensor (4) is a capacitive touch sensor (4, 6) and / or a resistive touch sensor (4, 7).

3. The steering lever switch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one strain gauge is provided in order to detect a defined touch.

4. A turntable lever switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that A vibration motor (9) is arranged in and / or on the joystick (2) to provide tactile feedback of the selected function.

5. A turntable lever switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The control unit (5) is designed to detect (120) a selected function as soon as a definable touch time of a touch is exceeded and / or as soon as a definable touch pressure of a touch is exceeded.

6. A turntable lever switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The position of the at least one touch sensor (4) can be adapted via the control unit (5), and / or The touch sensor (4) has a plurality of selection areas (10), wherein the selection areas (10) can be assigned functions via the control unit (5).

7. A turntable lever switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The control unit (5) has an interface (11) for transmitting (130) functions to be executed to a motor vehicle control system and / or a human-machine interface.

8. A steering wheel system (12) for a motor vehicle (15), comprising a steering wheel (13), a steering wheel support (14) and at least one steering lever switch (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operating lever (2) of the at least one steering lever switch (1) is fastened to the steering wheel (13) or to the steering wheel support (14).

9. A motor vehicle (15), in particular an electric motor vehicle (15), having a steering wheel system (12) according to claim 8.

10. A method (100) for executing a function by means of a steering column switch (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - a defined touching (110) of the at least one touch sensor (4) of the steering lever switch (1) by an operator in order to select at least one function, - detecting (120) the selected function by means of the control unit (5), - transmitting (130) the selected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface (11) of the control unit (5) in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

11. The method (100) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The defined touch is detected by means of a capacitive touch sensor (4, 6) and / or a resistive touch sensor (4, 7).

12. The method (100) according to claim 10 or 11, It is characterized in that The defined touch is detected by means of at least one strain gauge.

13. The method (100) according to claims 10 to 12, It is characterized in that The defined touch is provided by means of vibration feedback (160) of a vibration motor (9).

14. The method (100) according to claims 10 to 13, It is characterized in that Once a determinable touch time of the defined touch is exceeded, and / or once a determinable touch pressure of the defined touch is exceeded, a selected function is detected (120).

15. The method (100) according to claims 10 to 14, It is characterized in that matching (140) the position of the at least one touch sensor (4) via the control unit (5), and / or The touch sensor (4) has a plurality of selection areas (10), wherein the selection areas (10) are associated (150) with functions via the control unit (5).

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