Active haptic feedback device, human-machine interface and automotive component

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an active haptic feedback device, a human-machine interface and a car part. The active haptic feedback device comprises a fixed part, a movable part and a vibrating plate, the fixed part comprises a coil winding, a coil core passes through the coil winding and is fixed to a bottom plate; the movable part comprises a ferromagnetic plate arranged between the coil core and the bottom plate, the ferromagnetic plate is in a rest state when no current is applied to the coil winding, there is a gap between the ferromagnetic plate and the coil core, the ferromagnetic plate is in an active state when current is applied to the coil winding, the ferromagnetic plate moves away from the bottom plate towards the coil core, the gap is reduced, the vibrating plate is installed on the side of the coil core opposite to the ferromagnetic plate, the coil core extends at least partially between the vibrating plate and the ferromagnetic plate, the vibrating plate is fixedly connected to the ferromagnetic plate and movably connected to the bottom plate through a spring device, the spring device brings the ferromagnetic plate back from the active position to the rest position when no current is applied to the coil winding. The human-machine interface has the device, and the car part has the human-machine interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an active haptic feedback device for a human-machine interface, including a fixed portion, a movable portion and a vibrating plate; a human-machine interface having at least one such device; and an automotive component having at least one such human-machine interface. Background Technology

[0002] In modern human-machine interfaces (HMIs), active haptic feedback is typically required. This is not only to replace physical buttons but also to provide users with physical cues related to their input as feedback. In the following text, active haptic feedback devices will also be referred to as "haptic actuators." These haptic actuators need to be embedded below the surface and within a housing to provide HMI functionality.

[0003] Several types of tactile actuators are available on the market. Some of the known differences between actuators are outlined below, including piezoelectric actuators, the more traditional eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors, linear resonant actuators (LRA), direct drive actuators (DDA), and solenoid actuators that use electromagnetism to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion.

[0004] Most known actuators require complex mechanical decoupling. Mechanical decoupling needs to ensure efficient energy transfer from the haptic actuator to the user's finger, while also ensuring the reliability and durability of the components.

[0005] The most common concept of mechanical decoupling relies on decoupling elements. These decoupling elements can:

[0006] • The outer shell of the HMI box, which isolates the entire box from the external frame, requires relatively high energy to reach the user's fingers; or

[0007] • By arranging the components within the HMI housing and isolating them to a minimum, the number of components that absorb energy generated by the haptic actuator is reduced, which has the following characteristics:

[0008] The floating design of the actuator may result in the force generated by the generator not being efficiently transmitted to the HMI surface, or

[0009] The actuator is pushed against the stationary base, thereby improving efficiency.

[0010] Each decoupling concept needs to consider not only the efficiency of vibration energy transfer and product durability, but also the product's size and the uniformity of tactile feedback on the surface. These aspects make implementing tactile actuators for HMI products inside vehicles even more challenging.

[0011] EP 3 888 806 A1 describes a control device that outputs a drive signal and provides a drive current to a haptic actuator, which is a DDA, to generate vibrations corresponding to a touch operation. The haptic actuator includes: a fixed portion having a base and a core assembly formed by coils surrounding the core; a movable portion having a yoke made of magnetic material; and a plate-like elastic portion elastically supported by the movable portion to be movable relative to the fixed portion in the vibration direction. However, the vibration is in the negative Z direction (“downward”), which reduces energy transfer to the top surface. Summary of the Invention

[0012] There is a need for further improvements to haptic actuators. Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to further develop known active haptic feedback devices for human-machine interfaces, particularly for use in vehicles, to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0013] This objective is achieved by the following: a fixed portion includes a coil winding on a spool, with a coil core extending therefrom fixed to a base plate; a movable portion includes a ferromagnetic plate disposed between the coil core and the base plate, wherein the ferromagnetic plate has a resting state when no current is applied to the coil winding, wherein there is a gap between the ferromagnetic plate and the coil core, and the ferromagnetic plate has an active state when current is applied to the coil winding, wherein the gap decreases as the ferromagnetic plate moves away from the base plate and toward the ferromagnetic plate; a vibrating plate is disposed on the side of the coil core opposite to one side of the ferromagnetic plate, such that the coil core extends at least partially between the vibrating plate and the ferromagnetic plate, wherein the vibrating plate is fixedly connected to the ferromagnetic plate and movably connected to the base plate by a spring device configured to bring the ferromagnetic plate from its active position back to its resting position when no current is applied to the coil winding.

[0014] The embodiments of this disclosure can be characterized by the following features: the coil core comprises a ferromagnetic material; the vibrating plate is made of a non-ferromagnetic material; and the connecting device is made of a non-ferromagnetic material.

[0015] The spring device also includes leaf springs, wherein at least one leaf spring is provided on each side of the coil winding in an extension direction perpendicular to the coil core.

[0016] Furthermore, the embodiment can be described as having a maximum gap of 300 micrometers in the resting state.

[0017] It was also proposed that the maximum length of the active haptic feedback device should be 60 mm, the maximum width should be 45 mm, and the maximum height should be 12.5 mm.

[0018] It is also proposed to arrange a damping device between the ferromagnetic plate and the base plate and / or between the coil core and the ferromagnetic plate.

[0019] This disclosure also provides a human-machine interface having at least one active haptic feedback device according to this disclosure.

[0020] For this human-machine interface, it is proposed to arrange a touch surface on the vibrating plate of at least one active tactile feedback device, such that the moving direction of the vibrating plate and the ferromagnetic plate from the rest state to the active state is toward the touch surface.

[0021] This embodiment of the human-machine interface can also be characterized by the following feature: a printed circuit board and substrate having at least one built-in sensor are arranged between the touch surface and at least one active haptic feedback device.

[0022] It also proposes that at least one button is associated with an active haptic feedback device; at least one slider is associated with at least two active haptic feedback devices; and / or at least one touchpad area is associated with at least two active haptic feedback devices.

[0023] Finally, this disclosure also provides an automotive component having at least one human-machine interface according to this disclosure.

[0024] To overcome the shortcomings of known haptic actuators, this disclosure is based on the need to simplify mechanical design and eliminate complex external mechanical decoupling. A haptic actuator with the following unique features is provided:

[0025] • Mechanical decoupling of the actuator itself improves efficiency;

[0026] • From a mechanical design perspective, eliminating external mechanical decoupling is advantageous, thus simplifying the design process;

[0027] • No permanent magnets are required, thus reducing costs;

[0028] • Designed to vibrate in the positive Z direction (“upward”) to improve efficiency;

[0029] • No strong springs are needed, thus reducing energy loss from springs;

[0030] • Self-supporting mechanical decoupling design, therefore no external support is needed to withstand excessive force from the top;

[0031] • Reduced footprint, allowing for multiple placements within the HMI area; and

[0032] • Multiple actuators can be distributed within the HMI area. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description will be more readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, certain examples of this disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and designs shown. Rather, the drawings, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the advantages and principles consistent with this disclosure, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of an HMI with a single haptic actuator according to this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a Another perspective view of the haptic actuator;

[0036] Figures 2a to 2e They are Figure 1b Top view, front view, rear view, side view, and bottom view of the haptic actuator;

[0037] Figure 3a yes Figure 1b Another perspective view of the haptic actuator;

[0038] Figure 3b It is along Figure 3a A sectional view taken along line XX'.

[0039] Figure 3c It is along Figure 3a A cross-sectional view taken by the YY' line in the middle;

[0040] Figure 4a and Figure 4b yes Figures 3a to 3c Side views of the haptic actuator in both inactive and active states; and

[0041] Figures 5a to 5c These are top views of three different HMIs. Detailed Implementation

[0042] like Figure 1a As shown, the HMI according to this disclosure may include a haptic actuator 1 mounted on a top touch surface 34 via a printed circuit board 30, which includes a sensor and a substrate 32. The sensor may be a capacitive sensor or any other type of force sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor, strain gauge, or force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensor. The substrate 32 may be a rigid material, such as PMMA, PET, ABS, or other plastics, or a flexible material, such as foam, 3D mesh, etc. The top touch surface 34 may be the A-side of a vehicle, and therefore any efficient and high-quality surface used in automotive design.

[0043] Figures 1b to 2eFurther details of the haptic actuator 1 are shown in different views. The haptic actuator 1 thus includes a coil winding 10 held by a spool 11 and surrounding a coil core 12. The coil core 12 is ferromagnetic and has high permeability. It extends beyond the spool 11 and is fixedly attached to a base plate 40 by a connecting device 13, which may be in the form of two feet, located on either side of the coil winding 10. A vibrating plate 16 is attached to the base plate 40 by a spring device, which may be in the form of two leaf springs 18, 19, located on either side of the coil winding without the coil core 12 extending beyond the coil winding 10. Furthermore, the vibrating plate 16 is non-ferromagnetic but is fixedly attached to a ferromagnetic plate 14 by another connecting device 15, which extends at least partially parallel to the coil core 12 between the coil winding 10 and the base plate 40. The connecting device 15 may be in the form of four supports arranged on either side of each spring 18, 19.

[0044] Therefore, the vibrating plate 16 and the ferromagnetic plate 14 can move up and down relative to the base plate 40, as described below. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As described in the detailed description, damping material can be inserted between the ferromagnetic plate 14 and the base plate 40 to reduce the damping effect when current flows through the coil winding 10. Figure 2c The activation sound when the vibrating plate 16 is pushed upwards. Additionally, damping material can be inserted between the ferromagnetic plate 14 and the base 40 to reduce the sound when the current stops. Furthermore, damping material can be inserted between the coil core 12 and the ferromagnetic plate 14, which can reduce the activation sound when the current flows.

[0045] Figure 3a A perspective view of haptic actuator 1 is provided, while Figure 3b and Figure 3c They respectively showed along Figure 3a A cross-sectional view taken along the XX' and YY' lines to reveal the relative spatial arrangement of all components of the aforementioned tactile actuator 1.

[0046] For example from Figure 3b and Figure 4a As can be seen, the ferromagnetic plate 14 extends below the coil core 12 and is designed to rest against the stationary base 40. A gap 50 of less than 300 micrometers is provided between the coil core 12 and the ferromagnetic plate 14, provided that no current is applied to the tactile actuator 1. The gap is designed to be less than 300 micrometers because most tactile vibrations do not require a higher value. In the resting state, the ferromagnetic plate 14 and its connection to the vibrating plate 16 are "resting" on top of the base plate 40. In this state, any excessive force from the outside will not put pressure on the springs 18 and 19, as movement is restricted by the base plate 40.

[0047] During tactile activation caused by current flowing through the coil winding 10, the ferromagnetic plate 14 moves toward the coil core 12, reducing the gap 50, while the vibrating plate 16 moves as... Figure 4b As indicated by the arrow, the coil core 12 moves upward, opening a gap 60 between it and the vibrating plate 16. Therefore, in the active state, when current is applied to the coil winding 10, the tactile actuator 1 is activated, and the ferromagnetic plate 14 is attracted / pulled towards the coil core 12, reducing the gap 50. The connection to the vibrating plate 16 transmits this motion to, for example, a printed circuit board and a top plate, such as... Figure 1a The substrate 30 and touch surface 34 are shown. The user's fingertip then interprets this movement as an active haptic feedback vibration.

[0048] The coil winding 10 is connected to the upper vibrating plate 16 via springs 18 and 19. Springs 18 and 19, as well as the vibrating plate 16, must be made of non-ferromagnetic materials. When no current is applied, springs 18 and 19 bring the ferromagnetic plate 14 back to its original position. Figure 4a The indicated resting position. Specifically, when the current stops, due to... Figure 4a and 4b In the arrangement shown, gravity and spring force cause the ferromagnetic plate 14 to be brought down from its active position to its resting position again.

[0049] The structure of the haptic actuator 1 described above allows for the arrangement of the actuator 1 as needed, without being limited to a horizontal arrangement. Therefore, the HMI shown in Figure 1, for example, does not need to be placed horizontally. Furthermore, sequential multiple actuations are possible to provide different haptic feedback to the user.

[0050] Figures 5a to 5c This shows how the haptic actuator 1 is placed inside the HMI housing.

[0051] Due to the relatively small dimensions of each actuator 1 (approximately 60 mm long × 45 mm wide × 12.5 mm high), multiple actuators can be distributed across a large HMI component. Distributing multiple actuators across a wide surface also contributes to vibration uniformity across the entire surface.

[0052] Figure 5a An HMI 100 with six buttons 101 to 106 is shown, with tactile actuators 1 arranged below buttons 101 and 106 respectively. Buttons 101 and 106 may be 25 mm × 25 mm in size, as is commonly used in motor vehicles.

[0053] Figure 5b An HMI 200 with a slider 207 and three buttons 201 to 203 is shown, with tactile actuators 1 arranged below the buttons 201 and 203 and at both ends of the slider 207.

[0054] Figure 5cAn HMI 300 with a touchpad area 308 and four buttons 301 to 304 is shown. A haptic actuator 1 is arranged in the touchpad area 308 and associated with buttons 302 and 304.

[0055] The implementation of actuators in vehicles is increasing. However, most actuators currently in use are not specifically designed for automotive applications. This presents new challenges for mechanical design to achieve proper mechanical decoupling, ensuring component reliability and high efficiency in transferring vibrational energy to the HMI surface. The haptic actuator according to this disclosure offers simplicity in mechanical design because mechanical decoupling is embedded in the actuator structure while maintaining energy transfer efficiency to the surface and ensuring mechanical reliability.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from their broad innovative concept. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0057] Figure Labels

[0058] 1 Actuator

[0059] 10 coil windings

[0060] 11. Bollards, coil holders

[0061] 12 coil cores

[0062] 13 Connecting device

[0063] 14 Ferromagnetic plates

[0064] 15. Connecting device

[0065] 16 Vibrating plate

[0066] 18 Springs

[0067] 19 Springs

[0068] 30 Printed circuit boards with built-in sensors

[0069] 32 substrate

[0070] 34 Top Touch Surface

[0071] 40 Base, base plate

[0072] 50 gap

[0073] 60 gap

[0074] 100 Human-Computer Interface

[0075] Buttons 101-106

[0076] 200 Human-Computer Interface

[0077] Buttons 201-203

[0078] 207 sliders

[0079] 300 Human-Computer Interface

[0080] Buttons 301-304

[0081] 308 Touchpad Area

Claims

1. An active tactile feedback device (1) for human-machine interfaces (100, 200, 300), comprising a fixed part, a movable part, and a vibrating plate, wherein... • The fixed part includes a coil winding (10) on a bobbin (11), through which a coil core (12) extends and is fixed to a base plate (40); • The movable part includes a ferromagnetic plate (14) disposed between the coil core (12) and the base plate (40), wherein the ferromagnetic plate (14) is in a resting state when no current is applied to the coil winding (10), in which a gap (50) exists between the ferromagnetic plate (14) and the coil core (12), and the ferromagnetic plate is in an active state when current is applied to the coil winding (10), in which the gap (50) decreases as the ferromagnetic plate (14) moves away from the base plate (40) and toward the coil core (12), and • A vibrating plate (16) is arranged on one side of the coil core (12) opposite to one side of the ferromagnetic plate (14), such that the coil core (12) extends at least partially between the vibrating plate (16) and the ferromagnetic plate (14), wherein the vibrating plate (16) is fixedly attached to the ferromagnetic plate (14) and movably attached to the base plate (40) by means of spring devices (18, 19), wherein the spring devices (18, 19) are configured to bring the ferromagnetic plate (14) from its active position back to its rest position when no current is applied to the coil winding (10).

2. The active haptic feedback device according to claim 1, wherein... The coil core (12) contains ferromagnetic material; The vibrating plate (16) is made of a non-ferromagnetic material; and The first connecting device (13) and the second connecting device (15) are made of non-ferromagnetic materials. The coil core (12) is fixedly attached to the base plate (40) through the first connecting device (13), and the vibrating plate (16) is fixedly attached to the ferromagnetic plate (14) through the second connecting device (15).

3. The active haptic feedback device according to claim 1, wherein... The spring assembly (18, 19) includes leaf springs, with at least one leaf spring on each side of the coil winding (10) perpendicular to the extension direction of the coil core (12).

4. The active haptic feedback device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In the resting state, the gap (50) is at most 300 micrometers.

5. The active haptic feedback device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The active haptic feedback device (1) has a length of up to 60 mm, a width of up to 45 mm, and a height of up to 12.5 mm.

6. The active haptic feedback device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The damping device is arranged between the ferromagnetic plate (14) and the base plate (40), and / or The damping device is arranged between the coil core (12) and the ferromagnetic plate (14).

7. A human-machine interface (100, 200, 300) having at least one active haptic feedback device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The human-machine interface according to claim 7, wherein... The touch surface (34) is arranged on the vibrating plate (16) of the at least one active tactile feedback device (1) such that the vibrating plate (16) together with the ferromagnetic plate (14) moves toward the touch surface (34) from the rest state to the active state.

9. The human-machine interface according to claim 8, wherein... A printed circuit board (30) and a substrate (32) having at least one built-in sensor are arranged between the touch surface (34) and the at least one active haptic feedback device (1).

10. The human-machine interface according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising: At least one button (101, 106, 201, 203) associated with the active haptic feedback device (1). At least one slider (207) associated with at least two active haptic feedback devices (1); and / or At least one touchpad area (308) associated with at least two active haptic feedback devices (1).

11. An automotive component having at least one human-machine interface (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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