Knob assembly and control method of knob assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a knob assembly and a control method of the knob assembly. The knob assembly comprises a knob, a torque output unit, an information acquisition unit and a control unit, the information acquisition unit acquires rotation information related to a rotation operation of the knob. The control unit configures a torque-related curve for a single gear for the knob and controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob based on the rotation information and the torque-related curve. According to the invention, dynamic force feedback is carried out by providing variable torque during a single gear period, so that the operation experience feeling of a user is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of switches, and in particular, to a knob assembly, a control method of the knob assembly, a vehicle-mounted device or an electronic device or appliance, and a computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] A knob switch is a kind of switch assembly that can adjust a function object by rotation. Various rotary switches are widely used in many fields, such as household appliances or appliances, electronic devices, communication devices, vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles), or other transportation tools, due to their multi-position (detent) and convenient operation characteristics.

[0003] A conventional mechanical knob usually provides a single feel, which is mainly due to the fixed characteristics of its physical design, that is, the parameters such as resistance, segment feeling, and stroke in the rotation process are determined at the time of manufacture and cannot be dynamically adjusted, resulting in repeated and lack of change in user experience in different application scenarios, which cannot meet the personalized use needs of users or consumers. In addition, the limitations of single function and fixed adjustment scale of mechanical knobs make it cumbersome to control multiple function objects. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a knob assembly, a control method of the knob assembly, a vehicle-mounted device or an electronic device or appliance, and a computer-readable storage medium to at least some of the above problems in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a knob assembly is provided, comprising: a knob, a torque output unit, an information acquisition unit, and a control unit. The information acquisition unit acquires rotation information related to a rotation operation of the knob and transmits the rotation information to the control unit. The control unit performs the following operations: based on the rotation information, determining a single position experienced by the rotation operation; configuring a torque-related curve for the single position for the knob, the torque-related curve comprising a damping force output stage having a damping force increasing portion and a damping force decreasing portion, and a power output stage having a power increasing portion and a power decreasing portion, the torque-related curve satisfying specific characteristic parameters, the characteristic parameters comprising a relationship between a switching point position between the damping force output stage and the power output stage and a total stroke of the position, and a relationship between a peak value of the damping force output stage and a peak value of the power output stage; controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob based on the torque-related curve.

[0006] In some examples, the characteristic parameters further comprise: a relationship between a damping force output peak point position relative to the total stroke of the position or a relationship between a power output peak point position relative to the total stroke of the position.

[0007] In some examples, the switching point position between the damping force output phase and the boost output phase is greater than 0% of the total range travel and less than or equal to 80% of the total range travel, the peak value of the damping force output phase is between 1 times to 3 times or more than 3 times the peak value of the boost output phase, and the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 1° and 45°.

[0008] In some examples, the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 1° and 30°.

[0009] In some examples, the range is selectively set to a torque state of a plurality of torque states, and the control unit configures a force-torque correlation curve for the single range corresponding to the set torque state.

[0010] In some examples, when the range is set to the first torque state, the control unit can configure the force-torque correlation curve such that the switching point position between the damping force output phase and the boost output phase is between 50% and 80% of the total range travel, the peak point position of the damping force output phase is at the rear 50% of the travel segment between 0% of the total range travel and the switching point position, the peak value of the damping force output phase is 2 times the peak value of the boost output phase, and the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 5° and 45°. Further, the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 10° and 30°.

[0011] In some examples, when the range is set to the second torque state, the control unit configures the force-torque correlation curve such that the switching point position between the damping force output phase and the boost output phase is greater than 0% of the total range travel and less than or equal to 60% of the total range travel, the peak point position of the damping force output phase is at the front 50% of the travel segment between 0% of the total range travel and the switching point position, the peak value of the damping force output phase is at least 3 times the peak value of the boost output phase, and the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 1° and 20°. Further, the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 1° and 10°.

[0012] In some examples, when the range is set to the third torque state, the control unit configures the force-torque correlation curve such that the switching point position between the damping force output phase and the boost output phase is between 50% and 75% of the total range travel, the peak point position of the boost output phase is at 45% to 55% of the travel segment between the switching point position and 100% of the total range travel, and the peak value of the damping force output phase is between 1 times to 1.5 times the peak value of the boost output phase, and the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 10° and 45°. Further, the range is suitable for an inter-range angle between 10° and 25°.

[0013] In some examples, the knob corresponds to a plurality of adjustment objects, and different adjustment objects correspond to different numbers of gear positions and different inter-gear angles, such that the control unit configures the knob with different torque-related curves for different adjustment objects.

[0014] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining a current adjustment object to which the knob corresponds; determining one or more gear positions experienced by the rotation operation based on the rotation information and the current adjustment object; configuring the knob with a torque-related curve for each of the one or more gear positions based on the current adjustment object; and providing adjustment information corresponding to the one or more gear positions to the current adjustment object, so that the current adjustment object adjusts according to the adjustment information.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a control method of a knob assembly is provided, the knob assembly comprising a knob, a torque output unit, and an information acquisition unit configured to acquire rotation information related to a rotation operation of the knob, the control method comprising the following steps: determining a single gear position experienced by the rotation operation based on the rotation information; configuring the knob with a torque-related curve for the single gear position, the torque-related curve comprising a damping force output stage having a damping force increasing portion and a damping force decreasing portion, and an assist force output stage having an assist force increasing portion and an assist force decreasing portion, the torque-related curve satisfying specific characteristic parameters, the characteristic parameters comprising a relationship between a switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist force output stage and a total stroke of the gear position, and a relationship between a peak value of the damping force output stage and a peak value of the assist force output stage; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob based on the torque-related curve.

[0016] In some examples, the characteristic parameters further comprise: a relationship between a damping force output peak point position relative to the total stroke of the gear position or a relationship between an assist force output peak point position relative to the total stroke of the gear position.

[0017] In some examples, the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist force output stage is greater than 0% of the total stroke of the gear position and less than or equal to 80% of the total stroke of the gear position, the peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 times to 3 times (e.g., between 1 times to 2 times) or more than 3 times the peak value of the assist force output stage, and the gear position is suitable for an inter-gear angle of between 1° and 45°.

[0018] In some examples, the gear position is suitable for an inter-gear angle of between 1° and 30°.

[0019] In some examples, the gear position is selectively set to a torque state of a plurality of torque states, and the torque-related curve for the single gear position corresponding to the set torque state is configured.

[0020] In some examples, when the gear is set to the first torque state, the torque-related curve is configured such that: the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assisting force output stage is located between 50% and 80% of the total stroke of the gear, the peak point position of the damping force output stage is located at the rear 50% of the stroke segment between 0% and the switching point position of the total stroke of the gear, the peak value of the damping force output stage is 2 times the peak value of the assisting force output stage, and the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle between 5° and 45°. Further, the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle between 10° and 30°.

[0021] In some examples, when the gear is set to the second torque state, the torque-related curve is configured such that: the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assisting force output stage is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 60% of the total stroke of the gear, the peak point position of the damping force output stage is located at the front 50% of the stroke segment between 0% and the switching point position of the total stroke of the gear, the peak value of the damping force output stage is at least 3 times the peak value of the assisting force output stage, and the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle between 1° and 20°. Further, the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle between 1° and 10°.

[0022] In some examples, when the gear is set to the third torque state, the torque-related curve is configured such that: the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assisting force output stage is located between 50% and 75% of the total stroke of the gear, the peak point position of the assisting force output stage is located at 45% to 55% of the stroke segment between the switching point position and 100% of the total stroke of the gear, and the peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 times and 1.5 times the peak value of the assisting force output stage, and the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle between 10° and 45°. Further, the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle between 10° and 25°.

[0023] In some examples, the knob corresponds to a plurality of adjustment objects, and different adjustment objects correspond to different numbers of gears and different inter-gear angles, so that different torque-related curves are configured for the knob for different adjustment objects.

[0024] In some examples, the method further comprises the steps of: determining a current adjustment object corresponding to the knob; determining one or more gears experienced by the rotation operation based on the rotation information and the current adjustment object; configuring a torque-related curve for each of the one or more gears for the knob based on the current adjustment object; and providing adjustment information corresponding to the one or more gears to the current adjustment object to enable the current adjustment object to adjust according to the adjustment information.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle-mounted device or electronic equipment or appliance is provided, having a knob assembly according to the foregoing first aspect.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided, comprising computer instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the control method of the knob assembly according to the foregoing second aspect.

[0027] The present disclosure improves the user's operation experience by providing dynamic force feedback during a single gear with variable torque. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present application will be better understood by the following preferred embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference signs represent the same or similar components.

[0029] Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary rotation operation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A flowchart of an exemplary control method for a knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 An exemplary torque-related curve of a single gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A first torque-related curve corresponding to a first torque state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 A second torque-related curve corresponding to a second torque state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A torque state corresponding to the knob rotation operation of Figure 5 and Figure 6 is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 A third torque-related curve corresponding to a third torque state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 9 A torque state corresponding to the knob rotation operation of Figure 8 is shown.

[0038] Figure 10 An implementation block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 11is an exemplary application scenario of the knob assembly to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0040] Figure 12 An exemplary in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 13 An exemplary knob feel testing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 14 An exemplary knob feel testing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 15 An exemplary computer-readable storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] As described below, the present disclosure provides a knob assembly, a control method of the knob assembly, an in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance, a knob feel testing device, a knob feel testing method, to address many deficiencies of existing mechanical knobs and their testing methods.

[0045] Applicants have found that certain characteristic parameters of the torque curve have important influence on the feeling (or feel) of force feedback generated by the user when rotating the knob when providing variable torque within a single gear, and the present disclosure improves the user's operation experience by configuring the torque curve based on such characteristic parameters within a single gear.

[0046] REFERENCE Figure 1, a block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The knob assembly 100 includes a knob 110, a torque output unit 120, an information acquisition unit 130, and a control unit 140. The knob 110 can be rotatable in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise), or rotatable in two directions, without limitation. The information acquisition unit 130 can acquire rotation information related to the rotation operation of the knob, such as by detecting the rotation operation of the knob 110 to obtain representation data of the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian related to the rotation of the knob 110. For example, the information acquisition unit 130 can directly detect the rotation operation of the knob 110, or can indirectly detect the rotation operation of the knob 110 by detecting the rotation operation of the torque output unit 120 which can be rotatable together with the knob 110. For example, the information acquisition unit 130 can be an encoder, a sensor (e.g., an infrared or photoelectric sensor, an angle sensor, etc.), or other detection components (e.g., a camera, etc.) known in the art that can be used to detect the rotation state, and output representation data about the rotation state (e.g., rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, etc.). For example, the information acquisition unit 130 is electrically connected to the control unit 140 to transmit the representation data to the control unit 140. The control unit 140 can control the torque output unit 120 to dynamically provide torque to the knob 110 based on the rotation information. For example, the control unit 140 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller (MCU), a programmable logic device, or various controllers or processors known to those skilled in the art, etc.

[0047] Reference is made to Figure 2 , an exemplary rotation operation process according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in Figure 2 , the knob 110 is manipulated to rotate clockwise during time t0~t1, stop rotating during time t1~t2, rotate clockwise during time t2~t3, stop rotating during time t3~t4, and rotate counterclockwise during time t4~t5. For example, when the time of rotation stop is less than a stop time threshold, the adjacent rotation processes can be considered to belong to the same rotation operation; when the time of rotation stop is greater than the stop time threshold, the adjacent rotation processes can be considered to belong to different rotation operations.

[0048] The process of providing variable torque for dynamic force feedback during a single gear will be described in detail below in connection with Figures 3-11 . The method 200 can be applicable to and executed by the knob assembly 100 (in particular, the control unit 140) of Figure 1 , the knob assembly 300 of Figure 10 , the knob assembly 410 of Figure 12 , or the knob assembly 510 of Figure 12The method 200 is performed by any of the knob assembly 510 of the vehicle-mounted device, electronic device, or appliance 500. As shown, the method 200 includes steps 210-220.

[0049] In step 210, a torque correlation curve is configured for the knob for a single gear position. This torque correlation curve includes a damping force output stage with increasing and decreasing damping force portions, and an assist output stage with increasing and decreasing assist portions. This torque correlation curve satisfies specific characteristic parameters, including the relationship between the switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage and the total gear travel, and the relationship between the peak value of the damping force output stage and the peak value of the assist output stage. For example, based on the adjustment target, a torque correlation curve is configured for the knob for a single gear position.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the torque-related curve sequentially includes the damping force increase portion, damping force decrease portion, assist increase portion, and assist decrease portion to provide damping and smoothness during rotation. The starting point, switching point, and ending point of the torque-related curve represent the point where the torque is zero. The zero axis of the torque-related curve is a straight line at which the torque is zero. The total travel includes the damping force travel and the assist travel. These parameters can be used to adjust the torque within a single gear, thereby adjusting the damping and smoothness to provide the user with different operating experiences. For example, the relationship between the switching point position and the total gear travel can include the proportional relationship between the switching point position and the total gear travel. For example, the relationship between the peak value of the damping force output phase and the peak value of the assist output phase can include the ratio of their magnitudes.

[0051] In step 220, the torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob based on the rotation information and the configured torque correlation curve. For example, the rotation information can be acquired by the information acquisition unit 130 (as described above). Figure 1 (As described), and transmitted to control unit 140. For example, the rotation angle or rotational stroke experienced in a single rotation operation can be determined as rotation information based on changes in angular velocity, linear velocity, angle, and position. For example, the control unit selects a configured torque-related curve (e.g., the torque-related curve has corresponding characteristic parameters) based on the object being adjusted, and controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob within the stroke of a single gear based on the rotation information (e.g., determining the current rotational position or angle) and the torque-related curve. For example, the torque output unit can be a motor, where multiplying the torque-related curve f(x) by a voltage coefficient yields the voltage curve g(x), and multiplying the voltage curve g(x) by the torque coefficient yields the torque curve z(x), all three being linearly related, i.e., the torque-related curve and the torque curve z(x) = a × g(x) = a × b × f(x) have the same characteristics. Similar to... Figure 4The 0-axis of the torque curve is a straight line at which the torque is 0.

[0052] According to Figure 3 The method 200 can provide dynamic force feedback by providing variable torque based on the rotation information and the torque curve during the rotation operation, thereby improving the operation experience of the user.

[0053] In some examples, the characteristic parameters can further include: a relationship between the damping force output peak point position and the total gear stroke or a relationship between the assist force output peak point position and the total gear stroke. For example, the relationship between the damping force output peak point position and the total gear stroke can be a proportional relationship of the damping force output peak point position in the total gear stroke or the damping force stroke. For example, the proportional relationship of the assist force output peak point position in the total gear stroke or the assist force stroke.

[0054] For example, the characteristic parameters can be that the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist force output stage is greater than 0% of the total gear stroke and less than or equal to 80% of the total gear stroke, the peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 times and 3 times (for example, between 1 times and 2 times) or more than 3 times the peak value of the assist force output stage, the inter-gear angle of the gear represents the angle of rotation of a single gear, that is, the stroke of a single gear. The total gear stroke is applicable to 1°~50°. Preferably, the gear is applicable to an inter-gear angle of 1° to 45°.

[0055] In some examples, a single gear can be selectively set to a torque state of a plurality of torque states, and the method 200 can further include: configuring a torque curve corresponding to the set torque state for the single gear based on the characteristic parameters.

[0056] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 respectively, a first torque curve corresponding to a first torque state, a second torque curve corresponding to a second torque state, and a third torque curve corresponding to a third torque state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are exemplified.

[0057] As Figure 5 shown, when the gear is set to the first torque state, the first torque curve can be configured such that the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist force output stage is between 50% and 80% of the total gear stroke, the peak point position of the damping force output stage is located at the rear 50% of the stroke segment between 0% of the total gear stroke and the switching point position, and the peak value of the damping force output stage is 2 times the peak value of the assist force output stage.

[0058] For example, the damping force peak of the torque-related curve is at 1 / 2 of the total stroke (midpoint), the damping force boost switching point is at 3 / 4 of the total stroke (rear), and the boost force peak is at 7 / 8 of the total stroke (close to the end point).

[0059] The first segment (i.e., the damping force increasing part) of the curve has a small slope and a low damping force peak, typically about 2 times the boost force peak, indicating that the damping force gradually increases as the knob is turned, without producing a large damping feeling when the knob is just turned. The second segment (i.e., the damping force decreasing part) of the curve has a large slope, indicating that the damping force quickly decreases after reaching a maximum value at about the midpoint of the total stroke. That is, the damping part accounts for more than half (3 / 4) of the total stroke, and the damping growth stroke is larger than the damping reduction stroke.

[0060] The third segment (i.e., the boost force increasing part) of the curve has a large slope, but the maximum boost force is not too large, typically about half of the damping force peak, representing that the damping force disappears while the boost force quickly appears to help the knob reach the next gear. The fourth segment (i.e., the boost force decreasing part) of the curve has the same slope as the third segment, representing that the boost force quickly reaches a maximum value and then quickly decreases as it approaches the end point. That is, the boost force quickly appears and decreases near the end of the gear, providing a clear gear-to-position feedback to the user near the end of the gear.

[0061] According to the damping force and boost force waveforms of the first torque-related curve, Figure 5 the first half of the rotation process gradually increases the damping feeling as the knob is turned, and the second half of the rotation process quickly reduces the damping feeling and quickly appears a moderate boost force to provide a clear and soft feedback of gear entry as the knob approaches the end point. Specifically, a uniform and coherent resistance can be felt throughout the rotation process without any abrupt segment feeling or stuttering, allowing for smooth rotation over a large range, which is very suitable for long-stroke and infinite fine adjustment, and almost no sound or very small sound during operation.

[0062] For example, for the first torque-related curve, Figure 5 the gear is suitable for a gear interval angle of 5° to 45°. Preferably, the gear is suitable for a gear interval angle of 10° to 30°. For example, the first torque-related curve can be suitable for the following adjustment objects: ambient light (e.g., mode adjustment), suspension (e.g., height adjustment).

[0063] As Figure 6As shown, when the gear is set to the second torque state, the second torque-related curve can be configured such that: the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is greater than 0% of the total gear stroke and less than or equal to 60% of the total gear stroke, the peak point position of the damping force output stage is located at the front 50% of the stroke segment between 0% of the total gear stroke and the switching point position, and the peak of the damping force output stage is at least 3 times the peak of the assist output stage.

[0064] For example, the peak point of the damping force of the torque-related curve is at 1 / 4 (the front) of the total stroke, the damping force assist switching point is at 1 / 2 (the middle) of the total stroke, and the peak point of the assist is at 3 / 4 (the rear) of the total stroke.

[0065] The first segment (i.e., the damping force increasing part) of the curve has a large slope and a high peak, which is at least 3 times the valley, indicating that a rapidly increasing damping force will occur when the knob is first turned. The second segment (i.e., the damping force decreasing part) of the curve has the same slope as the first segment, indicating that the damping force rapidly increases to a peak and then rapidly decreases. That is, the damping force rapidly increases to a large value at the beginning of the knob rotation, and then rapidly decreases to 0, so that the damping force part forms a relatively crisp or clear feedback.

[0066] The third segment (i.e., the assist increasing part) of the curve has a very small slope and a small peak, which is at least 1 / 3 of the damping force peak or less. The fourth segment (i.e., the assist decreasing part) of the curve has the same slope as the third segment, indicating that the assist also slowly decreases after the maximum value until the next gear is reached. That is, a gradually increasing small assist is generated at the middle point of the gear, and then the assist slowly decreases until the next gear is entered.

[0067] According to the damping force and assist waveforms, Figure 6 , a large force is required to start turning the knob, and once the user turns a certain stroke with a force greater than the maximum value, the user will feel a crisp or clear feeling of assist into the next gear. Specifically, during rotation, the damping force will instantaneously increase and decrease, producing a clear paragraph feeling and high-intensity feedback, with short stroke, high feedback, and low hysteresis characteristics.

[0068] For example, for the second torque-related curve, Figure 6 , the gear is suitable for a gear interval angle of 1° to 20°. Preferably, the gear is suitable for a gear interval angle of 1° to 10°. For example, the second torque-related curve can be suitable for the following adjustment objects: screen cursor, volume adjustment, screen brightness adjustment, etc.

[0069] Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 5 and Figure 6The knob rotation operation corresponding to the torque state has almost no wobble as it moves from the starting point 1 of a single gear, through the intermediate point 2 (e.g., the switching point), to the ending point 3.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, when the gear is set to the third torque state, the torque-related curve can be configured as follows: the switching point between the damping force output stage and the power assist output stage is located between 50% and 75% of the total gear travel; the peak point of the power assist output stage is located between 45% and 55% of the travel segment between the switching point and 100% of the total gear travel; and the peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 and 1.5 times the peak value of the power assist output stage.

[0071] For example, the peak point of the damping force of the curve is at 3 / 8 of the total stroke (slightly before the midpoint), the damping force assist switching point is at 3 / 4 of the total stroke (towards the end), and the assist peak is at 7 / 8 of the total stroke (near the end).

[0072] The first segment of the curve (i.e., the portion where damping force increases) has a shallow slope and a low peak value, generally within 1.5 times the peak value of the assist. The damping force gradually increases as the knob is turned, without producing a strong damping sensation immediately upon rotation. The second segment of the curve (i.e., the portion where damping force decreases) has the same slope as the first segment, indicating that the damping force reaches its maximum value after approximately 1 / 3 of the total travel and then gradually decreases with continued rotation. The damping portion constitutes the majority of the entire travel (3 / 4), and the change in damping force is slow with rotation, while the peak value of damping is relatively small, resulting in a smooth overall feedback.

[0073] The third segment of the curve (i.e., the portion where the assist increases) has a steeper slope, and the peak assist value is also relatively large, typically more than half the peak damping force. This indicates that as the next gear approaches, the damping force disappears, and the assist rapidly increases to help the knob reach the next gear. In other words, the assist increases and disappears rapidly near the end of the gear shift, providing the user with a significant boost as they approach the end of the shift.

[0074] according to Figure 8 The damping force and assist waveforms gradually increase as the knob is turned, and then gradually decrease as it approaches the midpoint. As the knob approaches the end point, a large assist quickly rushes towards the end point, but due to inertia and the slow generation of resistance, it will rush beyond the end point by a certain distance, creating a springy gear shift feedback.

[0075] For example, for Figure 8The third torque-related curve is suitable for a gear interval angle between 10° and 45°. Preferably, the third torque-related curve is suitable for a gear interval angle between 10° and 25°. For example, the third torque-related curve can be suitable for adjusting the following objects: driving mode of the vehicle, road assistance in vehicle driving, etc.

[0076] Figure 9 An implementation block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 The torque state corresponding to the knob rotation operation from the single gear starting point 1 through the intermediate point 2 (e.g., switching point) to the ending point 3, due to the assistance and inertia, will hit point 4, and due to the resistance and inertia, will return to point 2, and finally terminate at point 3, thus forming an oscillating elastic gear-in.

[0077] For example, the aforementioned torque-related curves can be spliced by multiple curves. For example, multiple parabolas can be spliced. For example, the torque-related curve can be determined according to the percentage position of the parabola inflection point (e.g., peak point), the percentage position of the curve splicing point, the coordinates of the inflection point and the splicing point, other characteristic values of the curve (such as the parameters a, h, k, etc. in the parabola y=a(x-h) 2 +k), etc. For example, when splicing multiple curves, the splicing points can be constrained to have consistent tangent slopes in the adjacent curves being spliced.

[0078] In some examples, the knob can correspond to one or more adjustment objects. When the knob corresponds to multiple adjustment objects, different adjustment objects correspond to different numbers of gears, different gear interval angles, and different characteristic parameters, so that the control unit configures different torque-related curves for the knob for different adjustment objects. For example, when the knob is used to adjust different adjustment objects, the number of gears of the knob, the angle of each gear, and the torque curve between each gear can be different. In this way, different suitable torque-related curves can be preset according to the adjustment object / gear interval angle / gear number. Compared with the prior art, multiple adjustment objects can be easily controlled.

[0079] Figure 10 An implementation block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1knob 110), motor 320, angle sensor 330, processor 340, magnetic ring 350, and MOS switch 360. Knob 310, when rotated, drives motor 320 to rotate, magnetic ring 350 is installed below motor 320 and rotates with motor 320, angle sensor 330 is used to input the angle position of current knob 310, and converts into an electrical signal to processor 340. Processor 340 determines the torque-related curve according to the current adjustment object (for example, needs to meet specific characteristic parameters), drives Mos tube switch 350 according to the angle and torque-related curve, and outputs PWM signal to motor 320. Motor 320 generates the final torque based on the torque-related curve according to the PWM signal. In this example, angle sensor 330 and magnetic ring 350 can be regarded as, for example Figure 1 information acquisition unit 130, processor 340 can be regarded as Figure 1 control unit 140, and motor 320 can be regarded as Figure 1 torque output unit 120.

[0080] Figure 11 is an exemplary application scenario 400 of the knob assembly to which the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied. In scenario 400, knob assembly 410 can be used to adjust multiple adjustment objects 420-1~420-M (referred to as 420 for short), and the number of gears, the angle of each gear, and the torque-related curve between each gear of the knob of knob assembly 410 can be different when adjusting different adjustment objects 420 (i.e., meet different characteristic parameters). According to the difference of adjustment object / gear angle / gear number, the torque-related curve suitable for this application scenario can be preset. For example, knob assembly 410 and multiple adjustment objects 420-1~420-M can be connected to the same communication network 430 (such as in-vehicle CAN network), so that multiple adjustment objects 420-1~420-M are adjusted by knob assembly 410 through the in-vehicle CAN network. It should be understood that knob assembly 410 (specifically, the control unit) can directly or indirectly (for example, via an intermediate device such as a vehicle-mounted controller, etc.) provide adjustment information corresponding to one or more gears to the current adjustment object, so that the current adjustment object is adjusted according to the adjustment information. For example, the current adjustment object is the adjustment object among multiple adjustment objects that is currently set as the rotation control of the knob.

[0081] Figure 12 An exemplary vehicle-mounted device or electronic equipment or appliance 500 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Vehicle-mounted device or electronic equipment or appliance 500 can include knob assembly 510, such as knob assembly 100, 300, or 400 described above.

[0082] Figure 13A testing device 600 for testing the feel of an exemplary knob according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The device 600 includes a servo motor 601, a coupling 602, a torque sensor 603, a bearing block 604, and a rotating clamp 605. The servo motor 601 is configured to generate a rotational power. The coupling 602 connects the motor shaft of the servo motor 601 and the input shaft of the torque sensor 603, and connects the output shaft of the torque sensor 603 and the shaft of the bearing block 604. The shaft of the bearing block 604 is connected to the rotating clamp 605, which is configured to hold a test knob, such as a knob assembly or a knob as described herein. In addition, the bearing block 604 can support and position the upper components, such as the servo motor 601, the coupling 602, and the torque sensor 603.

[0083] The rotational power generated by the servo motor 601 is transmitted to the torque sensor 603 through the coupling 602, which measures the magnitude of the transmitted torque while transmitting the torque, which is then transmitted to the shaft supported by the bearing block 604 through the coupling 602, driving the rotating clamp 605 to rotate, and ultimately applying the torque to the test knob.

[0084] Specifically, the torque sensor 603 measures the torque transmitted from the servo motor 601, which is transmitted to the bearing block 604 to drive the rotating clamp 605 to rotate. When the torque causes the rotational speed of the input shaft and the output shaft of the torque sensor 603 to be not a predetermined ratio, the torque sensor 603 sends a signal to the servo motor 601 to adjust the rotational power. When the torque causes the rotational speed of the input shaft and the output shaft of the torque sensor 603 to be a predetermined ratio, the measured torque is stored or output in association with the rotational stroke of the test knob. For example, the predetermined ratio is 1:1 (i.e., the rotational speeds of both are consistent), or other ratios.

[0085] According to the testing device 600, Figure 14 the torque feedback of the test knob when working (such as a knob assembly or a knob as described herein being configured with various specific torque-related curves when powered on) can be obtained, thereby verifying whether the test knob meets certain characteristic parameters. Moreover, the testing device 600 is compact in assembly and small in size, and can be suitable for testing the knob in the vehicle.

[0086] In some examples, the test rotational speed for testing the knob is between 1° / s and 180° / s. Preferably, the test rotational speed for testing the knob is 5° / s, so that a smooth measurement result curve (i.e., a torque curve) can be obtained.

[0087] In some examples, the test apparatus 600 may also include a connector 606 (such as a six-axis flange) with one end connected to a servo motor 601 and the other end connected to a bearing housing 604. For example, the connector 606 is adapted to be connected to a multi-axis actuator (such as a six-axis robotic arm) to adjust the spatial position of the test apparatus 600.

[0088] In some examples, the test apparatus 600 may also include an infrared calibrator 607 for calibrating the Z-axis alignment of the test apparatus 600 with the test knob before testing.

[0089] In some examples, the rotary fixture 605 may be equipped with a level to calibrate the levelness of the plane of the rotary fixture 605 relative to the plane of the test knob before testing.

[0090] Figure 13 An exemplary method 700 for testing the feel of a knob according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Method 700 utilizes... Figure 14 The aforementioned test apparatus 600 for the feel of the knob. Method 700 can be performed at the test apparatus 600 or at another computing device in communication with the test apparatus 600. Method 700 includes steps 710 and 720.

[0091] In step 710, test data corresponding to the test knob, stored or output by the test device, is acquired. This test data includes torque and associated rotational stroke.

[0092] In step 720, the test data is analyzed.

[0093] according to Figure 5 This method can verify whether the torque feedback of the test knob meets the expected design.

[0094] In some examples, step 720 may include: determining the torque curve of the test knob in a single gear based on the acquired torque and rotational stroke, and comparing the consistency of the torque curve with the required characteristic parameters of the torque-related curve of the test knob for a single gear.

[0095] In some examples, the characteristic parameters include the relationship between the peak value of the damping force output stage and the peak value of the forward force output stage, and the relationship between the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the forward force output stage and the total gear travel.

[0096] In some examples, the characteristic parameters also include the relationship between the peak position of the damping force output and the total gear travel, or the relationship between the peak position of the follow force output and the total gear travel.

[0097] In some examples, the torque-related curve for a single gear of the test knob can include one or more of a first torque-related curve corresponding to the first torque state (as described with reference to Figure 6 Figure 8 Figure 15

[0098] For example, as previously described, due to the linear relationship between the torque curve obtained by the test device 600 and the torque-related curve, both should satisfy the same characteristic parameters (i.e., the characteristics remain consistent).

[0099] In some examples, due to the test device 600 and the environment not being in a standard state, a 0-axis shift can occur in the obtained continuous waveform curve, which requires waveform correction to a unified 0-axis.

[0100] In some examples, in the obtained continuous waveform curve, any one of a plurality of cycles with a unified 0-axis can be selected, and it is verified whether the characteristic parameters of the curve in the cycle are consistent with the characteristic parameters of the torque-related curve. For example, based on the obtained torque and rotation stroke, a continuous waveform can be generated; a plurality of cycles of waveforms with a unified 0-axis are determined from the continuous waveform; and a single cycle of waveform is selected from the plurality of cycles of waveforms as the torque curve of the test knob at a single gear.

[0101] In addition, the test method 700 can also include various operations before starting the test device 600, including but not limited to the following: zero calibration of the test device to ensure no zero drift; placing the test knob in the rotary clamp to ensure that it is well centered and has no deflection; setting the test rotation speed, etc.

[0102] ​ An example computer-readable storage medium 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, including computer instructions 810 stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a control method of a knob assembly or a test method of a knob feel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] ​​​It is to be noted that the present application (e.g., inventive concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings in accordance with exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present application are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concepts as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings are illustrative only. Although exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described in detail in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications, substitutions, changes, equivalents, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and / or the subject matter of the elements of the inventive concepts as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings can be made without departing from the scope of the present application; all such modifications, substitutions, changes, equivalents, etc. (e.g., modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. It is also to be noted that various / other modifications, changes, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc. can be made in the configurations and / or arrangements of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concepts, designs, structures, devices, forms, assemblies, constructions, means, functions, systems, processes / methods, steps, order of process / method steps, operations, operating conditions, performances, materials, compositions, combinations, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present application; all such modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc. are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, acts, steps, order, systems, results, etc.) as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings. It is contemplated that the claims of the present patent document will be appropriately interpreted to cover the full scope of the inventive subject matter (e.g., including any and all modifications, changes, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it is to be understood that the terminology used in the present patent document is intended to describe the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and not as limitations on the scope of the present application.

[0104] It is also to be noted that, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the present application can include conventional technology (e.g., technology implemented and / or integrated in the exemplary embodiments, modifications, changes, combinations, equivalents, etc.) or can include any other applicable technology (present and / or future), having the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings. All such technology (e.g., technology implemented in the exemplary embodiments, modifications, changes, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is considered to be within the scope of the present application of the present patent document.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, comprising: Knob, torque output unit, information acquisition unit, and control unit; in: The information acquisition unit acquires rotation information related to the rotation operation of the knob and transmits the rotation information to the control unit; The control unit performs the following operations: The knob is configured with a torque-related curve for the single gear position. The torque-related curve includes a damping force output stage with a damping force increase portion and a damping force decrease portion, and an assist output stage with an assist increase portion and an assist decrease portion. The torque-related curve satisfies specific characteristic parameters, including the relationship between the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage and the total gear travel, and the relationship between the peak value of the damping force output stage and the peak value of the assist output stage. Based on the rotation information and the torque correlation curve, the torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristic parameters also include: the relationship between the peak position of the damping force output and the total gear travel, or the relationship between the peak position of the power assist output and the total gear travel.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 80% of the total gear travel. The peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 and 3 times or more than 3 times the peak value of the assist output stage. The gear is suitable for gear angles between 1° and 45°.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The gear position is applicable to gear angles between 1° and 30°.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The gear is selectively set to a torque state among multiple torque states; and The control unit configures the torque-related curve for the single gear by configuring a torque-related curve for the single gear that corresponds to the set torque state.

6. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, When the gear is set to the first torque state, the control unit configures the torque-related curve as follows: The switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is located between 50% and 80% of the total gear travel. The peak position of the damping force output stage is located in the last 50% of the travel segment between 0% of the total gear travel and the shift point position. The peak value of the damping force output stage is twice the peak value of the assist output stage. The gear position is applicable to a gear angle between 5° and 45°.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The gear position is suitable for gear angles between 10° and 30°.

8. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, When the gear is set to the second torque state, the control unit configures the torque-related curve as follows: The switching point between the damping force output stage and the power assist output stage is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 60% of the total gear travel. The peak position of the damping force output stage is located in the first 50% of the travel segment between 0% of the total gear travel and the shift point position. The peak value of the damping force output stage is at least three times the peak value of the assist output stage. The gear position is applicable to a gear angle between 1° and 20°.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The gear position is applicable to gear angles between 1° and 10°.

10. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, When the gear is set to the third torque state, the control unit configures the torque-related curve as follows: The switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is located between 50% and 75% of the total gear travel. The peak position of the power assist output stage is located at 45% to 55% of the travel range between the shift point and 100% of the total gear travel. The peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 and 1.5 times the peak value of the assist output stage. Therefore, all gear positions are suitable for gear angles between 10° and 45°.

11. The knob assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The gear position is suitable for gear angles between 10° and 25°.

12. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The knob corresponds to multiple adjustment objects, and different adjustment objects correspond to different numbers of gears, different gear angles, and different characteristic parameters, so that the control unit configures different torque-related curves for the knob for different adjustment objects.

13. The knob assembly according to claim 1 or 12, wherein, The control unit also performs the following operations: Determine the current adjustment target corresponding to the knob; Based on the rotation information and the current adjustment object, determine one or more gear levels experienced by the rotation operation; Based on the current adjustment object, configure the knob with a torque-related curve for each of the one or more gears; The current adjustment object is provided with adjustment information corresponding to the one or more gear positions, so that the current adjustment object can adjust according to the adjustment information.

14. A control method for a knob assembly, The knob assembly includes a knob, a torque output unit, and an information acquisition unit; in: The information acquisition unit acquires rotation information related to the rotation operation of the knob; The control method includes the following steps: The knob is configured with a torque-related curve for the single gear position. The torque-related curve includes a damping force output stage with a damping force increase portion and a damping force decrease portion, and an assist output stage with an assist increase portion and an assist decrease portion. The torque-related curve satisfies specific characteristic parameters, including the relationship between the switching point position between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage and the total gear travel, and the relationship between the peak value of the damping force output stage and the peak value of the assist output stage. Based on the rotation information and the torque correlation curve, the torque output unit is controlled to provide torque to the knob.

15. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The characteristic parameters also include: the relationship between the peak position of the damping force output and the total gear travel, or the relationship between the peak position of the power assist output and the total gear travel.

16. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 80% of the total gear travel. The peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 and 3 times or more than 3 times the peak value of the assist output stage. The gear is suitable for gear angles between 1° and 45°.

17. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 16, wherein, The gear position is applicable to gear angles between 1° and 30°.

18. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The gear is selectively set to a torque state among multiple torque states; and Configuring the torque-related curve for the single gear position includes configuring a torque-related curve for the single gear position that corresponds to the set torque state.

19. The control method for the knob assembly according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein, When the gear is set to the first torque state, the torque-related curve is configured as follows: The switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is located between 50% and 80% of the total gear travel. The peak position of the damping force output stage is located in the last 50% of the travel segment between 0% of the total gear travel and the shift point position. The peak value of the damping force output stage is twice the peak value of the assist output stage. The gear position is applicable to a gear angle between 5° and 45°.

20. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The gear position is suitable for gear angles between 10° and 30°.

21. The control method for the knob assembly according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein, When the gear is set to the second torque state, the torque-related curve is configured as follows: The switching point between the damping force output stage and the power assist output stage is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 60% of the total gear travel. The peak position of the damping force output stage is located in the first 50% of the travel segment between 0% of the total gear travel and the shift point position. The peak value of the damping force output stage is at least three times the peak value of the assist output stage. The gear position is applicable to a gear angle between 1° and 20°.

22. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 21, wherein, The gear position is applicable to gear angles between 1° and 10°.

23. The control method for the knob assembly according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein, When the gear is set to the third torque state, the torque-related curve is configured as follows: The switching point between the damping force output stage and the assist output stage is located between 50% and 75% of the total gear travel. The peak position of the power assist output stage is located at 45% to 55% of the travel range between the shift point and 100% of the total gear travel. The peak value of the damping force output stage is between 1 and 1.5 times the peak value of the assist output stage. Therefore, all gear positions are suitable for gear angles between 10° and 45°.

24. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 23, wherein, The gear position is suitable for gear angles between 10° and 25°.

25. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The knob corresponds to multiple adjustment objects, and different adjustment objects correspond to different numbers of gears and different gear angles, so that the control unit configures different torque-related curves for the knob for different adjustment objects.

26. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 14 or 25, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: Determine the current adjustment target corresponding to the knob; Based on the rotation information and the current adjustment object, determine one or more gear levels experienced by the rotation operation; Based on the current adjustment object, configure the knob with a torque-related curve for each of the one or more gears; The current adjustment object is provided with adjustment information corresponding to the one or more gear positions, so that the current adjustment object can adjust according to the adjustment information.

27. A vehicle-mounted device, electronic device, or appliance having a knob assembly according to any one of claims 1-13.

28. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a control method for a knob assembly according to any one of claims 14-26.

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