Switch assembly for vehicle, steering unit, and vehicle having switch assembly or steering unit

Abstract

The utility model provides a switch assembly for a vehicle, and the switch assembly comprises a housing (11) which is connected to a vehicle body, and the housing (11) is cylindrical; a knob device (2); the utility model relates to a rotary knob (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (11), a rotary knob device (2), and a bearing (3), the bearing (3) being arranged between the housing (11) and the rotary knob device (2), the rotary knob device (2) being rotatably arranged relative to the housing (11) about an axis of rotation (x) by means of the bearing (3), and the housing (11) comprising a first housing section (111a) and a second housing section (111b) adjoining in the direction of the axis of rotation (x), the knob device (2) at least partially surrounds the first housing section (111a) and the second housing section (111b). In addition, the utility model further provides a steering unit for the vehicle and relates to the vehicle, and the vehicle comprises the switch assembly or the steering unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle, a steering unit for a vehicle, and a vehicle having said switch assembly or steering unit. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, as vehicle users increasingly demand greater driving comfort and convenience, the functions of infotainment and driver assistance systems in vehicles are constantly expanding, requiring more and more control devices to manage these functions. However, the limited internal structure of a vehicle necessitates a rational and compact arrangement of these control devices. Simultaneously, to minimize interference with the driver's driving activities, it is desirable to provide feedback on the driver's actions in a reasonable manner without affecting their attention.

[0003] In existing technologies, the corresponding control devices are placed on the center console, steering wheel, etc. However, the design of existing technologies often cannot meet the above requirements, usually requiring the driver to shift their attention to confirm their operation, which may lead to risks to driving safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is how to provide a compact and comfortable switch assembly that can provide feedback on the driver's operation without affecting the driver's attention.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, this utility model provides a switch assembly for a vehicle, the switch assembly comprising:

[0006] A housing connected to the vehicle body, the housing being cylindrical in shape;

[0007] Knob device; and

[0008] bearings

[0009] The bearing is arranged between the housing and the knob device, the knob device being rotatably arranged relative to the housing about a rotation axis by means of the bearing, and wherein the housing includes a first housing section and a second housing section adjacent to each other along the direction of the rotation axis, wherein the knob device at least partially surrounds the first housing section and the second housing section.

[0010] According to this utility model, the arrangement of the bearings improves the smoothness of the knob's movement, avoids driver error, and improves driving comfort. In addition, due to its high ease of operation, the driver does not need to shift their attention to the switch components during driving, which improves driving safety.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing is arranged between the first housing section and the knob device, wherein the bearing includes an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring, the outer bearing ring is fixedly connected to the knob device, and the inner bearing ring is fixedly connected to the first housing section.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the second housing segment includes a corrugated structure extending circumferentially, wherein at least one elastic element is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the knob device facing the second housing segment, the elastic element cooperating with the corrugated structure, such that when the knob device rotates about a rotation axis, the elastic element presses against the corrugated structure.

[0013] According to this invention, the elastic element rotates around the housing along with the knob device. During this process, the elastic element rests against the second housing section and periodically generates alternating elastic forces due to the corrugated outer peripheral surface of the second housing section. The user receives this tactile feedback during operation, thus directly perceiving their operational behavior without needing to shift their attention to the switch assembly.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is configured as a leaf spring with protrusions.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least two elastic members are arranged opposite each other.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the switch assembly further includes a button device movable in the direction of the rotation axis, wherein the button device is disc-shaped and arranged in the knob device by means of an axial transmission member.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the axial drive element is cylindrically constructed and includes a guide protrusion extending in the direction of the rotation axis, and the housing includes a guide groove extending in the direction of the rotation axis at least in a region of the first housing section, the guide protrusion being slidably fitted into the guide groove.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the axial transmission member is fixedly connected to the button device in a centered manner.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the switch assembly further includes a backlight unit configured to direct light radiation from a light source disposed in the housing to the button device.

[0020] According to this disclosure, the backlight unit guides light radiation to the button device, providing operational feedback to the driver in an optical manner on the one hand, and also serving as an ambient light to provide a comfortable driving environment on the other.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the backlight unit includes a first backlight device that provides backlighting to the edge region of the key device, the first backlight device including a first light-emitting end disposed from the bottom side of the key device in the edge region of the key device and a first light conductor extending through the housing.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the backlight unit includes a second backlight device that provides backlighting to the central region of the key device. The second backlight device includes a second light-emitting end disposed from the bottom side of the key device in the central region of the key device and a second light conductor extending through the housing.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the second optical conductor extends through the cavity surrounded by the axial drive member.

[0024] According to this disclosure, the axial drive component is inserted into the cavity surrounded by the housing, and the second optical conductor is inserted into the axial drive component. This multi-layered insert structure saves installation space and improves structural compactness.

[0025] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, this utility model also provides a steering unit for a vehicle, which includes the aforementioned switch assembly.

[0026] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, this utility model also relates to a vehicle that includes the aforementioned switch assembly or the aforementioned steering unit.

[0027] To address the aforementioned technical problem, this utility model also relates to a vehicle comprising the aforementioned air intake assembly. The vehicle can be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a battery electric vehicle, or other types of motor vehicles. Based on the above, the vehicle can realize the function of the switching assembly as described above and has the advantages described above. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0029] Figure 1a A perspective view of a switch assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0030] Figure 1b An exploded view of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 is shown schematically.

[0031] Figure 1cA partial longitudinal sectional view of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 is schematically illustrated.

[0032] Figure 2a A partial longitudinal sectional view of the housing unit of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 is schematically illustrated.

[0033] Figure 2b A perspective view of the housing of the housing unit shown in Figure 1 is schematically illustrated.

[0034] Figure 2c schematically shown Figure 2b A partial perspective view of the shell shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the combination of the knob device and bearing of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the knob device and bearing of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 mounted on the housing is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the switch assembly shown;

[0038] Figure 6 A perspective view of the push button device of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 is schematically presented.

[0039] Figure 7 A perspective view of the axial transmission component of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 is schematically illustrated.

[0040] Figure 8 schematically shown Figure 7 The diagram shows the combination of the axial transmission component and the housing.

[0041] Figure 9 A perspective view of the backlight unit of the switch assembly shown in Figure 1 is schematically illustrated.

[0042] Figure 10 schematically shown Figure 9 The diagram shows the combination of the backlight unit and the housing.

[0043] Figure 11 schematically shown Figure 1c A magnified view of a portion of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] The term "one embodiment" or "implementation" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0046] like Figures 1a to 1c This schematically illustrates a switch assembly for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. The switch assembly can be installed and applied in the vehicle's steering unit.

[0047] The switch assembly includes at least a housing unit 1, a knob device 2, a bearing 3, an axial transmission component 4, a backlight unit 5, a button device 7, and an electronic control device 8.

[0048] Especially Figure 1a As shown, the switch assembly is generally cylindrical in construction, wherein the housing unit 1 is generally cylindrical in construction, and the knob device 2 is rotatably supported relative to the housing unit 1 about a rotation axis x. A portion of the knob device 2 extends beyond the top of the housing unit 1 and is generally flush with the housing unit 1 in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis x.

[0049] The housing unit 1 can be as follows: Figure 1b and Figure 1c The diagram shows two parts: an upper housing 11 and a lower bottom cover 12. The housing 11 and the bottom cover 12 can be connected to each other by bolts, threads, or by bonding or snapping. However, in an embodiment not shown, the housing unit 1 can also be constructed as a single piece.

[0050] In this embodiment, the housing 11 includes a housing extension section 11a extending radially outward, and correspondingly, the bottom cover 12 includes a leg section 12a extending radially outward, wherein the housing extension section 11a and the leg section 12a engage with each other to connect the switch assembly to a vehicle component shown in the figure, such as the vehicle's steering unit.

[0051] Figures 2a to 2c The housing 11 of the housing unit 1 is shown.

[0052] The housing 11 has a double-walled structure, comprising an outer housing wall 110 located radially outward and an inner housing wall 111 located radially inward, wherein the outer housing wall 110 and the inner housing wall 111 are transitionally connected to each other to form an annular housing cavity.

[0053] The outer wall 110 of the housing has a cylindrical circumferential surface. The inner wall 111 of the housing is constructed in an annular stepped manner, and a central through portion is surrounded by the inner wall 111. The inner wall 111 of the housing includes a first housing segment 111a, a second housing segment 111b, and a third housing segment 111c that are sequentially adjacent to each other along the direction of the rotation axis x.

[0054] The housing 11 includes at least one guide groove 112 extending downward from the end face of the first housing section 111a. For example, in this embodiment, the housing 11 is provided with four guide grooves 112. In addition, at least one housing through hole 113 is formed on the end face of the first housing section 111a.

[0055] The outer peripheral surface of the second housing section 111b includes a corrugated structure extending circumferentially and has a larger radial dimension relative to the first housing section 111a.

[0056] The third shell section 111c is generally L-shaped and the inner shell wall 111 is fixedly connected to the outer shell wall 110.

[0057] The bottom cover 12 can also be constructed in a split or integrated manner.

[0058] In this embodiment, the bottom cover 12 is constructed in a split manner and includes a rear cover 121 and a cover 122 surrounding the rear cover 121. The rear cover 121 is fixedly connected to the upper housing 11 by at least one bolt, and the rear cover 121 is also fixedly connected to the lower cover 122 by a central bolt.

[0059] In embodiments not shown, the rear cover 121 may also be fixedly connected to the cover 122 by adhesive.

[0060] To ensure accurate orientation between the housing 11 and the bottom cover 12, the housing 11 also includes an orientation pin 114 disposed on the inner wall of the housing 11. The orientation pin 114 can be inserted into the orientation hole 123 disposed in the rear cover 121 to ensure that the housing 11 and the bottom cover 12 are correctly assembled with accurate orientation.

[0061] Figure 3This diagram shows a combined view of the knob device 2 and bearing 3 of the switch assembly according to the present invention. The knob device 2 is generally cylindrical in construction and includes a rotating ring 21 with an annular structure and a rotating body 22 located radially inside the rotating ring 21. The rotating ring 21 and the rotating body 22 are fixedly connected to each other, thereby enabling them to rotate about the rotation axis x at the same angular velocity. To achieve the fixed connection between the rotating ring 21 and the rotating body 22, the rotating ring 21 includes at least one rotating ring retaining pin 211 protruding inward on its inner wall, and correspondingly, the rotating body 22 includes at least one rotating body retaining groove 221, wherein the rotating ring retaining pin 211 can be form-fitted into the rotating body retaining groove 221.

[0062] The rotating body 22 extends downward along the rotation axis x beyond the lower edge of the rotating ring 21, thereby enabling the knob device 2 to... Figure 4 When mounted on the housing 11, the rotating body 22 is at least partially surrounded by the outer wall 110 of the housing 11, while the rotating ring 21 extends beyond the upper edge of the housing 11 to allow the user to rotate the knob device 2.

[0063] To make the rotation operation smoother, a bearing 3 is provided between the knob device 2 and the housing 11.

[0064] The bearing 3 can be constructed as a roller bearing, comprising an outer ring 31 and an inner ring 32, which together form a working track for the rollers to run on. The bearing 3 is positioned between the rotating body 22 of the knob device 2 and the first housing section 111a of the housing 11. The outer ring 31 is fixedly connected to the rotating body 22, for example, by being secured by a hook 222 on the rotating body 22. The inner ring 32 is fixedly connected to the outer circumferential surface of the first housing section 111a. The outer ring 32 can also be additionally supported at a step formed between the first housing section 111a and the second housing section 111b for more stable fixation. Thus, smooth relative rotation between the knob device 2 and the housing 11 is achieved through the bearing 3.

[0065] In order to enable users to obtain timely and accurate operation feedback when rotating the knob device 2, at least one elastic element 6 is also provided in the switch assembly.

[0066] In this embodiment, the elastic element 6 can be constructed as a sheet spring supported on the inner circumferential surface of the knob device 2. In particular, as shown in... Figures 3 to 5As shown, two elastic elements 6, constructed as leaf springs, are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the rotating body 22, below the outer ring 31 of the bearing. These two elastic elements 6 are arranged opposite each other, and their ends are supported on the inner circumferential surface of the rotating body 22. In the direction of the rotation axis x, that is, in the height direction, the elastic elements 6 face the second housing section 111b of the housing 11. Between the two ends of the elastic element 6, there is an inwardly protruding protrusion 61, which can be pre-tightly pressed against the corrugated structure on the outer circumferential surface of the second housing section 111b. Due to the circumferentially extending corrugated structure of the second housing section 111b causing the protrusion 61 to bounce regularly, the entire spring element 6 periodically produces elastic deformation of alternating sizes. During operation, the user receives tactile feedback caused by this elastic deformation, thereby directly perceiving their operation without having to shift their attention to the switch assembly. For example, in this embodiment, the corrugated structure of the outer peripheral surface of the second housing section 111b includes a total of 12 pairs of adjacent peaks and troughs. In this case, functions that need to be controlled, such as the volume of an in-vehicle infotainment system, can be divided into twelve levels. The user can feel a distinct tactile bump every 30° of rotation, thus clearly knowing that a level has been adjusted.

[0067] This switch assembly can be operated not only by rotary switch 2 but also by push-button switch 2. Therefore, the switch assembly also includes a button 7.

[0068] Figure 6 A button device 7 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The button device 7 includes a disc-shaped button plate 70, a mounting flange 71 extending downward from the bottom side of the button plate 70, a button latch 73 and a button hook 74 disposed on the bottom side of the button plate 70, wherein the mounting flange 71 is centrally fixed to the bottom side of the button plate 70.

[0069] Figure 7 An axial transmission member 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The axial transmission member 4 is fixedly connected to a button device 7 to transmit the pressing force applied to the button device 7 to an electronic control device 8 arranged in a housing unit 1. The axial transmission member 4 may be cylindrically constructed and surround a through cavity with its own circumferential surface. At least one guide protrusion 41 extending in the direction of the rotation axis x is also provided on the circumferential surface of the axial transmission member 4, and at least one transmission member latch 42 is also provided on the upper part of the circumferential surface of the axial transmission member 4. In this embodiment, the axial transmission member 4 has a cross-section that gradually increases from top to bottom. However, in an embodiment not shown, the axial transmission member 4 may also have a constant cross-section from top to bottom.

[0070] In the assembled state, the button plate 70 of the button device 7 is centered relative to the rotating ring 21 of the knob device 2, wherein the button plate 70 and the rotating ring 21 are spaced apart to avoid interference. The top of the axial transmission member 4 is inserted into the mounting flange 71 of the button device 7, wherein the transmission member locking pin 42 locks into the button slot 72 opened on the mounting flange 71, thereby fixing the button device 7 and the axial transmission member 4 in a centered connection; the axial transmission member 4 is inserted into the through portion surrounded by the inner wall 111 of the housing, wherein the guide protrusion 41 of the axial transmission member 4 is slidably fitted into the guide groove 112 of the housing 11, such as Figure 8 As shown, this directionally guides the movement of the axial transmission component 4, together with the key device 7 connected thereto, on the rotation axis x.

[0071] Figure 9 A backlight unit 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the button device 7, especially the button plate 70, is constructed to be light-transmitting, and the backlight unit 5 is used to guide the light radiation from a light source arranged in the housing unit 1 to the button plate 70, thereby providing backlight for the button device 7.

[0072] In this embodiment, the backlight unit 5 includes a first backlight device 51 that provides backlighting to the edge area of ​​the button device 7 and a second backlight device 52 that provides backlighting to the center area of ​​the button device 7. The backlight devices can have different shapes and / or structures as needed. Figure 9 Only one example is shown.

[0073] Combination Figures 9 to 11The first backlight device 51 includes a disc-shaped first light-emitting end 51 and two first light conductors 512 extending downward from the first light-emitting end 51. The first light-emitting end 51 is annularly constructed and includes a central hole, wherein the first light-emitting end 51 is arranged from the bottom side of the keypad 70 in the edge region of the keypad 70. The first light conductors 512 pass through housing perforations 113 formed on the housing 11 and extend to a light source arranged in the housing unit 1. The second backlight device 52 includes a tapered second light-emitting end 521 and a second light conductor 522 extending downward from the second light-emitting end 521. The second light-emitting end 521 is centrally arranged at the central hole of the first light-emitting end 51, thereby being arranged from the bottom side of the keypad 70 in the central region of the keypad 70. The second light conductor 522 passes through a through cavity surrounded by the circumferential surface of the axial transmission member 4, thereby extending to a light source arranged in the housing unit 1. The light source may be part of an electronic control device 8. The electronic control device 8 may include a keyboard 81 and an integrated circuit board 82 electrically and signal-connected thereto. Several light-emitting elements, such as LED light sources, are provided on the keyboard 8, corresponding to the first light conductor 512 and the second light conductor 522, respectively. The light sources can emit different colors and / or different intensities and / or different rhythms of light as needed and according to the function selection made by the switching assembly, thereby providing a suitable lighting environment. For example, the first backlight device 51 can be used as an ambient light to illuminate the edge area of ​​the switching device 7; while the second backlight device 52 can be used as an indicator light to illuminate the symbol located in the central area of ​​the switching device 7.

[0074] Certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this utility model may be appropriately combined.

[0075] The above description is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that the above description is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switch assembly for a vehicle, characterized by The switching assembly includes: A housing (11) connected to the vehicle body, the housing (11) being cylindrically constructed; Knob device (2); and Bearing (3), The bearing (3) is arranged between the housing (11) and the knob device (2), the knob device (2) being rotatably arranged relative to the housing (11) about a rotation axis (x) by means of the bearing (3), and wherein the housing (11) includes a first housing section (111a) and a second housing section (111b) adjacent to each other along the direction of the rotation axis (x), wherein the knob device (2) at least partially surrounds the first housing section (111a) and the second housing section (111b).

2. The switch assembly of claim 1, wherein, The bearing (3) is arranged between the first housing section (111a) and the knob device (2), wherein the bearing (3) includes an outer bearing ring (31) and an inner bearing ring (32), the outer bearing ring (31) is fixedly connected to the knob device (2), and the inner bearing ring (32) is fixedly connected to the first housing section (111a).

3. The switch assembly of claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the second housing section (111b) includes a corrugated structure extending circumferentially, wherein at least one elastic element (6) is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the knob device (2) facing the second housing section (111b), the elastic element (6) cooperating with the corrugated structure, such that when the knob device (2) rotates about the rotation axis (x), the elastic element (6) presses against the corrugated structure.

4. The switch assembly of claim 3, wherein, The elastic element (6) is constructed as a leaf spring with a protrusion (61).

5. The switching assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, At least two elastic elements (6) are arranged opposite each other.

6. The switch assembly of claim 1, wherein, The switch assembly further includes a button device (7) movable in the direction of the rotation axis (x), wherein the button device (7) is disc-shaped and arranged in the knob device (2) by means of an axial transmission member (4).

7. The switch assembly of claim 6, wherein, The axial drive member (4) is cylindrically constructed and includes a guide protrusion (41) extending in the direction of the rotation axis (x). The housing (11) includes a guide groove (112) extending in the direction of the rotation axis (x) in at least the region of the first housing section (111a). The guide protrusion (41) is slidably fitted into the guide groove (112).

8. The switch assembly of claim 6, wherein, The axial transmission component (4) is fixedly connected to the button device (7) in a centered manner.

9. The switch assembly of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The switch assembly also includes a backlight unit (5) configured to direct light radiation from a light source arranged in the housing (11) to the button device (7).

10. The switch assembly of claim 9, wherein, The backlight unit (5) includes a first backlight device (51) that provides backlight to the edge region of the button device (7). The first backlight device (51) includes a first light-emitting end (511) disposed from the bottom side of the button device (7) in the edge region of the button device (7) and a first light conductor (512) extending through the housing (11).

11. The switch assembly of claim 9, wherein, The backlight unit (5) includes a second backlight device (52) that provides backlight to the central area of ​​the button device (7). The second backlight device (52) includes a second light-emitting end (521) disposed from the bottom side of the button device (7) in the central area of ​​the button device (7) and a second light conductor (522) extending through the housing (11).

12. The switch assembly of claim 11, wherein, The second optical conductor (522) extends through the cavity surrounded by the axial drive member (4).

13. A steering unit for a vehicle, characterized by The steering unit includes the switching assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle includes the switching assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12 or the steering unit of claim 13.

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