Combination switch module, vehicle operation module and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a combination switch module, a steering wheel switch module and a vehicle operation module. The combination switch module comprises a plurality of first switch elements outputting a plurality of first electric signals; an input connector disposed on the printed circuit board, the input connector including a plurality of pins connected to a plurality of second switching elements outside the combination switch module and receiving a plurality of second signals; a control unit disposed on the printed circuit board, a first portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit being connected to the plurality of first switching elements and receiving a plurality of first electrical signals, and a second portion of the plurality of pins of the control unit being connected to a plurality of pins of an input connector; and the at least one reserved area is arranged on the printed circuit board, a first end of each reserved area is respectively connected to a corresponding pin in the plurality of pins of the input connector, and a second end of each reserved area bypasses the control unit and is connected to a corresponding pin of the output connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a vehicle control module, and more particularly to a combination switch module, a steering wheel switch module, a vehicle operation module, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle's combination switch module, also known as the steering column combination switch module, typically includes combination switch elements such as left and right control levers located below the steering wheel and multiple switches on the levers. It is a key component for the driver to operate vehicle lights, signals, and some auxiliary functions. The combination switch module also includes a control unit for controlling the combination switch elements. This control unit may include one or more controllers to detect and analyze the signals output by the combination switch elements, process the detected signals, output control commands conforming to vehicle system specifications, and transmit them via the CAN bus.

[0003] The steering wheel switch module is located on the vehicle's steering wheel panel. The steering wheel switch elements within this module provide the driver with convenient control of functions such as the multimedia system and cruise control while driving. There are two design options for the steering wheel switch module. One type includes a controller unit that detects and processes the signals output from the steering wheel switch elements, outputting control commands conforming to the vehicle system specifications. These commands can also be transmitted to the vehicle's actuators via the vehicle's system communication bus, such as the LIN bus. The other type does not include a controller unit. Instead, the electrical signals output from the steering wheel switch module are connected via a hard wire (physical wire) through the vehicle's wiring harness. Therefore, these hard-wired signals need to be transmitted to other control units in the vehicle system for identification and processing to generate control commands for the vehicle's actuators.

[0004] As the processing power of control units increases, it is necessary to make full use of the processing power provided by the control unit in the combination switch module.

[0005] In addition, it is necessary to adaptively reduce the design complexity, production and manufacturing costs of combination switch modules. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model proposes a combination switch module, a steering wheel switch module, a vehicle operation module, and a vehicle.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a combination switch module is provided, comprising: a plurality of first switching elements configured to output a plurality of first electrical signals in response to user input; an input connector disposed on a printed circuit board, the input connector including a plurality of pins connected to a plurality of second switching elements outside the combination switch module and receiving a plurality of second signals; a control unit disposed on the printed circuit board, a first portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit connected to the plurality of first switching elements and receiving the plurality of first electrical signals, and a second portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit connected to a plurality of pins of the input connector; and at least one reserved area disposed on the printed circuit board, a first end of each reserved area being connected to a corresponding pin among the plurality of pins of the input connector, and a second end of each reserved area bypassing the control unit and connected to a corresponding pin of the output connector, wherein the first end and the second end of each reserved area are pairs of spaced-apart pads disposed on the printed circuit board.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the input connector receives a plurality of second signals of the first type, a first type element is assembled between the first end and the second end in each of at least one reserved area; when the input connector receives a plurality of second signals of the second type, no element is assembled between the first end and the second end in each of at least one reserved area, or a second type element is assembled.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of multiple second signals includes: multiple second electrical signals directly output by multiple second switching elements, or LIN bus signals obtained by conversion from multiple second electrical signals, wherein the first type of element is an element that provides an on state or a low-impedance state.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of element includes either a 0-ohm resistor or a diode, with the anode of the diode connected to a first end of a reserved area and the cathode of the diode connected to a second end of the reserved area.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second type of multiple second signals includes: multiple second electrical signals obtained by converting multiple second electrical signals directly output by multiple second switching elements through a resistor network, wherein the second type of element is an element that provides a cutoff state or a high impedance state.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second type of element includes either a diode or an ultra-high impedance resistor, with the cathode of the diode connected to a first end of a reserved area and the anode of the diode connected to a second end of the reserved area.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch module further includes: a third part of a plurality of pins of the control unit is connected to the corresponding pins of the output connector to output control commands conforming to the CAN bus specification.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the pins of the output connector connected to the third portion of the plurality of pins of the control unit are arranged in the connector in a non-adjacent manner.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first type of element or the second type of element is a surface mount component.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second switching elements include a plurality of switches disposed on a steering wheel, a plurality of switches disposed on a door for door control, a plurality of switches disposed below a window for window control, or a plurality of switches disposed on the side or below a seat for seat adjustment.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle operation module is provided, comprising a combination switch module and a steering wheel switch module. The combination switch module is a combination switch module according to some embodiments of the present invention, and the steering wheel switch module outputs multiple second signals. These multiple second signals include multiple second electrical signals directly output by multiple second switching elements of the steering wheel switch module, or LIN bus signals converted from the multiple second electrical signals. Alternatively, the combination switch module is a combination switch module according to some embodiments of the present invention, and the steering wheel switch module includes a resistor network comprising multiple branches. Each branch is formed by multiple resistors connected in series and / or in parallel. One end of each branch is connected to a pin of the input connector of the combination switch module. The input connector supplies power to each branch of the resistor network. At least one network node in each branch is connected to the first end of a corresponding switch among the multiple second switching elements, and the second end of the corresponding switching element is connected to ground.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the branches of the resistor network are formed by multiple resistors connected in series, and the network nodes are located on the connection path of two series-connected resistors.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a branch of the resistor network further includes a resistor whose first end is connected to the connection path of two series-connected resistors and whose second end is connected to ground, with the network node located at the second end of the resistor.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of network nodes is greater than or equal to the number of multiple second switching elements.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention, or a vehicle operation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a combination switch module is provided, the method comprising: setting an input connector on a printed circuit board, the input connector including a plurality of pins, such that the plurality of pins are connected to a plurality of second switching elements outside the combination switch module and receive a plurality of second signals; setting a control unit on the printed circuit board, such that a first portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit is connected to a plurality of first switching elements inside the combination switch module and receives a plurality of first electrical signals, and a second portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit is connected to a plurality of pins of the input connector; and setting at least one reserved area on the printed circuit board, such that a first end of each reserved area is respectively connected to a corresponding pin among the plurality of pins of the input connector, and a second end of each reserved area bypasses the control unit and is connected to a corresponding pin of an output connector, wherein the first end and the second end of each reserved area are pairs of spaced-apart pads arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0023] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the device proposed by the present invention at least solves the above-mentioned problems and other problems that can be identified by those skilled in the art, and achieves the reduction of the use of additional controllers, enabling the combination switch module to flexibly and conveniently adapt to different types of steering wheel modules, simplifying the circuit complexity of the combination switch module and reducing the manufacturing cost of the combination switch module, and also enabling the steering wheel switch module to meet diverse intelligent driving and entertainment function requirements, while without requiring modification to the software and hardware configuration of the matching combination switch module. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a steering wheel switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reserved area according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of a vehicle operation module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 12 A block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0039] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments of this application is not intended to limit and / or restrict the scope of this application. For example, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "one," or "the," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. It will be understood that in this invention, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as "connected to another element (e.g., a second element)" or "connected to another element (e.g., a second element)," it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0041] As used herein, any reference to “an example” or “example,” “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrases “in one embodiment” or “in one example” appearing in different places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0042] The number of pins and electrical connections shown in the accompanying drawings of this utility model is merely illustrative, and the number of pins and electrical connections in embodiments of this utility model is not limited to the number shown in the drawings.

[0043] The various embodiments discussed below for describing the principles of this invention in this patent document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch module 100 includes a control unit 110 and a plurality of first switch elements 120, an input connector 130, an output connector 140 and at least one reserved area 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, ..., 150-n disposed on a printed circuit board.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may include one controller or multiple controllers. The control unit 110 receives electrical signals output from multiple first switching elements 120, identifies and processes the electrical signals, and converts the electrical signals into control commands corresponding to the functions of the switching elements. These control commands conform to the design specifications of the vehicle system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control commands are converted into CAN bus signals and transmitted to the vehicle's CAN communication network via an output connector 140 provided on a printed circuit board.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first switching elements 120 may include a combination switching element of the vehicle, the combination switching element including a handle arranged below the steering wheel and a plurality of control switching elements thereon.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, signals from multiple second switching elements in other switching modules are transmitted to the control unit 110 via the input connector 130 for processing by the control unit 110. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input connector 130 may be a connector for a steering wheel switch module.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one reserved area 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, ..., 150-n is provided on a printed circuit board, and each reserved area 150 includes a first end and a second end. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end and the second end may be one or more pairs of pads that are insulated from each other and spaced apart on the printed circuit board. The first end of the reserved area 150 is connected to at least one pin of a plurality of pins of the input connector 130, and the second end bypasses the control unit 110 and is connected to the extension pins of the output connector 140, which are not connected to the data input / output pins of the control unit 110.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 The reserved area 150 can achieve two operating states: one is with both ends connected, and the other is with both ends disconnected. When both ends of the reserved area 150 are connected, at least one pin of the input connector 130 is connected to the extension pin of the output connector 140; when the reserved area 150 is disconnected, at least one pin of the input connector 130 is connected to the data input / output pin of the control unit 110.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reserved area 150 may optionally be omitted.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module 200 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, according to an embodiment of this utility model, the reserved area is omitted in the combination switch module 200. Furthermore, Figure 1 Multiple first switching elements 120 and input connector 130 in Figure 2 These can be implemented as a combination switch element 220 and a steering wheel switch connector 230, respectively. Alternatively, Figure 2 The combination switch module 200 is to enable Figure 1 An example of a reserved area with both ends disconnected.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch module 200 includes a control unit 210, a combination switch element 220, a steering wheel switch connector 230, and an output connector 240. The combination switch element 220 may include a handle arranged below the steering wheel and multiple control switch elements thereon. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch element 220 may include two control handles (levers) for the driver to operate various functions. The combination switch element 220 may also include a third control handle (lever) and / or a roller, buttons, etc., integrated on the control handle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch element 220 can control one or more of the following: high beam headlights, low beam headlights, turn signals, front position lights, rear position lights, fog lights, front wiper / waist spray, rear wiper, cruise control, horn, etc.

[0055] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the combination switch module 200 includes a printed circuit board, on which a control unit 210 is disposed. The control unit 210 may include one controller or multiple controllers. The control unit 210 receives electrical signals output from the combination switch element 220, identifies and processes the electrical signals, and converts the electrical signals into control commands corresponding to the function of the combination switch element 220. These control commands conform to the design specifications of the vehicle system. Furthermore, the control commands are converted into CAN bus signals and transmitted to the vehicle's CAN communication network through the output connector 240 disposed on the printed circuit board.

[0056] With the continuous advancement of semiconductor manufacturing technology, control units of essentially the same size and / or price can offer increasingly enhanced processing capabilities; for example, the processing speed and the number of input / output pins of control units have significantly improved. According to an embodiment of the present invention, after receiving and processing multiple electrical signals output from the combination switch element 220, the control unit 210 of the combination switch module 200 still has multiple idle data input / output pins. According to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to fully utilize the control unit 210 of the combination switch module 200, signals from the steering wheel switch module adjacent to the combination switch module 200 are transmitted to the control unit 210 via the steering wheel switch connector 230 for processing by the control unit 210.

[0057] The steering wheel switch module includes multiple switch elements mounted on the steering wheel for convenient hand operation while driving, minimizing distraction and ensuring driving safety. These steering wheel switch elements can be used for operations related to vehicle entertainment, intelligent driving, and telephone functions, such as volume adjustment, voice control, channel switching, answering / hanging up calls, cruise control, and other cruise control functions. The steering wheel switch elements can be one or more of pressure contact switches, micro switches, membrane switches, or touch sensors.

[0058] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the electrical signal output by the steering wheel switch module is transmitted to the combination switch module 200 via the steering wheel switch connector 230. In the combination switch module 200, multiple pins of the steering wheel switch connector 230 are connected to unused data input / output pins in the control unit 210. Furthermore, the electrical signal output by the steering wheel switch module is processed and converted by the control unit 210 of the combination switch module 200 to generate control commands corresponding to the functions of each steering wheel switch element. These control commands conform to the design specifications of the vehicle system. The control commands are then converted into CAN bus signals and transmitted to the vehicle's CAN communication network via the output connector 240.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the pins of the output connector 240 connected to the control unit 210 are related to intelligent driving control and are therefore arranged at intervals in a non-adjacent manner to meet the vehicle's safety requirements.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 210 of the combination switch module 200 can process the electrical signals output by the steering wheel switch module. The processing resources of the combination switch module 200 are fully utilized. The steering wheel switch module itself no longer needs a control unit, which simplifies the design, reduces costs, improves the system integration, enhances reliability and safety, and saves space and weight.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch module 200 can process signals from other switch modules, not limited to the steering wheel switch module. For example, the signals that the combination switch module can process can come from various switches located near the steering column of the steering wheel, such as multiple switches located on the door for door or trunk door control, multiple switches located below the window for window control, interior lighting switches located on the roof above the steering wheel, or multiple switches located on the side or below the seat for seat adjustment, etc.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a steering wheel switch module 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Steering wheel switches offer advantages such as ease of operation and minimal interference with driving, leading to their increasing integration into steering wheel switch modules. These modules include switches for entertainment controls, intelligent driving controls, intelligent voice controls, and communication controls. In some cases, the number of switches can reach a dozen or even dozens. However, the number of pins on the steering wheel switch connectors that connect to the steering wheel switch module, or the number of pins on the controller corresponding to the number of steering wheel switch connector pins, is limited. Using as many steering wheel switch connector pins or controller pins as there are switches is uneconomical and unreasonable. Therefore, a solution is needed to detect the output signals of a large number of steering wheel switch components without changing the existing configuration of the steering wheel switch connectors and / or without affecting the hardware and software configuration of the accompanying combination switch module.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering wheel switch module 300 includes multiple switching elements and a resistor network. The resistor network includes multiple branches, each branch being formed by multiple resistors connected in series and / or in parallel. One end of each branch is connected to the steering wheel switch connector 310 (e.g., Figure 1 Input connector 130, or Figure 2 The steering wheel switch connector 310 supplies power to this branch via its pins. For example, the branch can be powered by a voltage source or a current source; when using a voltage source, it needs to be connected in series with a resistor before supplying power to the branch. According to an embodiment of this invention, the other end of the branch can be grounded.

[0065] According to an embodiment of this utility model, at least one network node is selected in each branch of the resistor network. Each of these network nodes is connected to the first end of a corresponding switching element of a plurality of switching elements, and the second end of the corresponding switching element is connected to ground. The switching elements may include mechanical switches, pressure contact switches, micro switches, membrane switches, touch switches, etc. When a switching element is operated, it can provide its unique voltage level to the pins of the steering wheel switch connector 310 connected to that branch. The controller connected to that branch can then identify the operated switching element by detecting the voltage level and determine the corresponding function. Each branch can connect at least one switching element, thereby increasing the number of switching elements that can be configured in the steering wheel switch module 300.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 3 The branches of the resistor network are formed by multiple resistors connected in series. Network node N1 can be set on the connection path of two resistors R1 and R2 connected in series. The first end of the switching element S1 is connected to the network node N1, and the second end of the switching element S1 is connected to ground.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 3 The resistor network branch also includes a resistor R5, whose first end is connected to the connection path of two series-connected resistors R3 and R4, and whose second end is connected to ground. Network node N2 is located at the second end of resistor R5. The first end of switching element S2 is connected to network node N2, and the second end of switching element S2 is connected to ground.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of network nodes in the resistor network can be equal to or much greater than the number of existing steering wheel switch elements, thereby providing sufficient margin for further expansion of the number of switch elements.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, multiple electrical signals with different voltage levels are provided to one pin of the steering wheel switch connector 310. These electrical signals are output by different switching elements, thereby enabling the detection of a large number of switching element output signals without changing the existing configuration of the steering wheel switch connector 310.

[0070] According to an embodiment of this utility model, for a switching element connected through a network node on a network branch in a resistor network, the voltage level corresponding to each switching element on the network branch can be predetermined. Therefore, the steering wheel switch can be directly connected to an existing combination switch module without any changes to the hardware and software configuration of the existing combination switch module.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a combination switch module 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch module 400 includes... Figure 1 The reserved area in the document. Furthermore, Figure 1 Multiple first switching elements 120 and input connector 130 in Figure 4 The components are respectively implemented as a combination switch element 420 and a steering wheel switch connector 430.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination switch module 400 includes a control unit 410 and combination switch elements 420, steering wheel switch connector 430, output connector 440, and at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ..., 450-n disposed on a printed circuit board.

[0074] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the control unit 410, the combination switch element 420, the steering wheel switch connector 430, and the output connector 440 can respectively correspond to Figure 1 The control unit 110, multiple first switching elements 120, input connector 130, output connector 140, or Figure 2 The control unit 210, combination switch element 220, steering wheel switch connector 230, and output connector 240 in this invention have the same or similar connections and configurations, therefore repeated descriptions are omitted herein. However, it should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not limited thereto, and various control units, combination switch elements, steering wheel switch connectors, and output connectors may be used.

[0075] Because steering wheel switch modules include various design schemes, each design scheme outputs different signal types. For example, LIN bus output signals conforming to vehicle system specifications use hard-wired output electrical signals, that is, electrical signals directly output through physical wires (hard wires), or output electrical signals extended through a resistor network according to embodiments of this utility model. Therefore, there is a need for a combined switch module that can flexibly adapt to various types of steering wheel switch modules, so that the combined switch module can be compatible with or used in conjunction with various types of steering wheel switch modules, while the circuit structure of the combined switch module is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ..., 450-n is provided on a printed circuit board. Each reserved area includes a first end and a second end, which are solder pads that are insulated from each other on the printed circuit board. The first end of the reserved area 450 is connected to at least one pin of a plurality of pins of the steering wheel switch connector, and the second end bypasses the control unit 410 and is connected to the extension pins of the output connector 440. These extension pins are not connected to the data input / output pins of the control unit 410.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reserved area according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0078] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the first end of the reserved area 450 may include at least one pad, and the second end may include at least one pad corresponding to each pad at the first end. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (a), pad pair 510 includes pad 511 as the first end of the reserved area and pad 512 as the second end of the reserved area, and the pads are rectangular. Figure 5 As shown in (b), pad pair 520 includes pad 521 as the first end of the reserved area and pad 522 as the second end of the reserved area, and the pads are circular. Figure 5As shown in (c), the pad pair 530 includes a pad 531 as the first end of the reserved area and a pad 532 as the second end of the reserved area, and the pads are annular.

[0079] According to embodiments of this invention, the shape, size, and spacing of the pad pairs can be different to accommodate different components. Furthermore, the reserved area can include multiple pairs of pads, each pair of pads may have the same or different shape, size, and spacing.

[0080] When the steering wheel switch module does not include a control unit, the steering wheel switch module can output the electrical signal directly from the steering wheel switch element via hard wiring. When the steering wheel switch module includes a control unit, the control unit can process and convert the electrical signal output by the steering wheel switch element so that the steering wheel switch module can output a LIN bus signal. These two types of signals can be referred to as first-type steering wheel switch module signals in this invention. According to an embodiment of this invention, when the combination switch module needs to be used in conjunction with a steering wheel switch module that outputs first-type steering wheel switch module signals, i.e., when the steering wheel switch connector 430 receives first-type steering wheel switch module signals, first-type components are assembled (e.g., soldered) in each of at least one reserved area 450 to meet the processing requirements of the first-type steering wheel switch module signals.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of element is an element capable of providing an on state or a low-resistance state. When the first type of element is assembled in the reserved area 450, the first type of steering wheel switch module signal passes through the reserved area 450 and is output through the output connector 440, without requiring processing by the control unit 410.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first type of element may be a 0-ohm resistor or a diode (when the signal polarity or current direction or diode loss allows).

[0083] Figure 6 A circuit diagram showing the use of a 0-ohm resistor in a reserved area according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 610 of the combination switch module 600 and the combination switch element 620, steering wheel switch connector 630, output connector 640, and at least one reserved area 650-1, 650-2, 650-3, ..., 650-n disposed on the printed circuit board can be implemented as follows: Figure 4The control unit 410 and the combination switch element 420, steering wheel switch connector 430, output connector 440, and at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ... 450-n disposed on the printed circuit board, are described repeatedly here.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 In the reserved area, assemble (e.g., solder) a 0-ohm resistor, which can be regarded as a wire in the circuit.

[0086] Figure 7 A circuit diagram showing the use of diodes in a reserved area according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 710 of the combination switch module 700 and the combination switch element 720, steering wheel switch connector 730, output connector 740, and at least one reserved area 750-1, 750-2, 750-3, ..., 750-n disposed on the printed circuit board can be implemented as follows: Figure 4 The control unit 410 and the combination switch element 420, steering wheel switch connector 430, output connector 440, and at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ... 450-n disposed on the printed circuit board, are described repeatedly here.

[0088] refer to Figure 7 When using a diode, the anode of the diode is connected to the first end of a reserved area, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the second end of the reserved area.

[0089] The steering wheel switch module includes a resistor network (e.g., according to the embodiments of this invention). Figure 3 When the resistor network shown transforms the electrical signal output by the steering wheel switch element, the steering wheel switch module outputs an electrical signal transformed by the resistor network. This signal can be referred to as the second type of steering wheel switch module signal in this invention. When the combination switch module needs to be used in conjunction with a steering wheel switch module that outputs the second type of steering wheel switch module signal, i.e., when the steering wheel switch connector 430 receives the second type of steering wheel switch module signal, no components are assembled in each of at least one reserved area 450, or second type components are assembled (e.g., soldered) to meet the processing requirements of the second type of steering wheel switch module signal.

[0090] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the second type of element can be an element capable of providing a cutoff state or a high-resistance state. When the second type of element is assembled in the reserved area 450, the second type of steering wheel switch module signal cannot flow through the reserved area and needs to be processed and converted by the control unit 410 before being output through the corresponding pin of the output connector 440.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when using a second type of element, the second type of element may be a diode (when the signal polarity or current direction or diode loss allows) or an ultra-high impedance resistor.

[0092] Figure 8 A circuit diagram is shown in which no components are assembled in the reserved area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 810 of the combination switch module 800 and the combination switch element 820, steering wheel switch connector 830, output connector 840, and at least one reserved area 850-1, 850-2, 850-3, ..., 850-n disposed on the printed circuit board can be implemented as follows: Figure 4 The control unit 410 and the combination switch element 420, steering wheel switch connector 430, output connector 440, and at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ... 450-n disposed on the printed circuit board, are described repeatedly here.

[0094] refer to Figure 8 No components are installed in the reserved area; this reserved area can be regarded as a circuit break.

[0095] Figure 9 A circuit diagram showing the use of diodes in a reserved area according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0096] like Figure 9 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 910 of the combination switch module 900 and the combination switch element 920, steering wheel switch connector 930, output connector 940, and at least one reserved area 950-1, 950-2, 950-3, ..., 950-n disposed on the printed circuit board can be implemented as follows: Figure 4 The control unit 410 and the combination switch element 420, steering wheel switch connector 430, output connector 440, and at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ... 450-n disposed on the printed circuit board, are described repeatedly here.

[0097] refer to Figure 9When using a diode, the cathode of the diode is connected to the first end of a reserved area, and the anode of the diode is connected to the second end of the reserved area, thereby achieving a cut-off state from the first end to the second end.

[0098] Figure 10 A circuit diagram showing the use of an ultra-high impedance resistor in a reserved area according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0099] like Figure 10 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 1010 of the combination switch module 1000 and the combination switch element 1020, steering wheel switch connector 1030, output connector 1040, and at least one reserved area 1050-1, 1050-2, 1050-3, ..., 1050-n disposed on the printed circuit board can be implemented as follows: Figure 4 The control unit 410 and the combination switch element 420, steering wheel switch connector 430, output connector 440, and at least one reserved area 450-1, 450-2, 450-3, ... 450-n disposed on the printed circuit board, are described repeatedly here.

[0100] refer to Figure 10 In the reserved area, ultra-high impedance resistors are assembled (e.g., soldered), where the resistance value of the ultra-high impedance resistors can be as high as hundreds of megahertz, so it can also be regarded as a circuit break.

[0101] According to embodiments of this utility model, the combination switch module of this utility model can be used regardless of the design scheme of the steering wheel switch module. According to embodiments of this utility model, during the production of the combination switch module, depending on the type of steering wheel switch module being used, components may or may not be installed in the reserved area 450, or the components installed in the reserved area 450 may be replaced, or components may be installed in the reserved area 450 by flipping the direction of the components, without changing the existing circuit design scheme of the combination switch module, without remanufacturing the PCB, and without preparing circuit design schemes for multiple combination switch modules.

[0102] According to embodiments of this utility model, the first type of component and the second type of component can be surface mount components. Using surface mount components, when manufacturing the PCB of the steering wheel switch module, the surface mount equipment only needs to automatically place or not place the surface mount components on the reserved area 450, or place different types of components on the reserved area 450, or reverse the orientation of the components placed on the reserved area 450, thereby further simplifying manufacturing complexity and reducing production costs.

[0103] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of the vehicle operation module 1100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle operation module 1100 is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle operation module 1100 may include a combination switch module 1110, which may be a combination switch module 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle operation module 1100 may further include a steering wheel switch module 1120. The steering wheel switch module 1120 may be a steering wheel switch module 300 according to embodiments of the present invention or any other type of steering wheel switch module.

[0105] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a vehicle 1200 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle 1200 is proposed, which includes a combination switch module 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention, or a steering wheel switch module 300 according to embodiments of the present invention, or a vehicle operation module 1100 according to embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle may be an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle may also be a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

[0107] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a combination switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a combination switch module is provided, which can be used to manufacture combination switch modules 100, 200, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0109] In step S1301, an input connector is provided on the printed circuit board of the combination switch module. The input connector includes multiple pins, which are connected to multiple second switching elements outside the combination switch module and receive multiple second signals.

[0110] According to embodiments of the present invention, the input connector may include the input connector 130 of the present invention or the steering wheel switch connectors 230, 430, 630, 730, 830, 930, or 1030. According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of second switching elements may include a steering wheel switch element disposed on the steering wheel, a plurality of switch elements disposed on the door for controlling the door or trunk door, a plurality of switch elements disposed below the window for controlling the window, an interior lighting switch element disposed on the roof above the steering wheel, or a plurality of switch elements disposed on the side or below the seat for seat adjustment, etc.

[0111] In step S1302, a control unit is set on a printed circuit board such that a first portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit (e.g., data input / output pins) is connected to a plurality of first switching elements of the steering wheel switch module and receives a plurality of first electrical signals, and a second portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit is connected to a plurality of pins of the input connector.

[0112] According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit may include control units 110, 210, 410, 610, 710, 810, 910 or 1010 of the present invention.

[0113] In step S1303, at least one reserved area is provided on the printed circuit board, such that the first end of each reserved area is connected to a corresponding pin among a plurality of pins of the input connector, and the second end of each reserved area is connected to a corresponding pin of the output connector around the control unit, wherein the first end and the second end of each reserved area are a pair of pads spaced apart from each other arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0114] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the reserved area can achieve two working states: the first is that both ends are connected, and the second is that both ends are disconnected. When both ends of the reserved area are connected, at least one pin of the input connector is connected to a pin of the output connector; when the reserved area is disconnected, at least one pin of the input connector is connected to a data input / output pin of the control unit.

[0115] According to embodiments of the present invention, the output connector may include output connectors 140, 240, 440, 640, 740, 840, 940 or 1040 of the present invention, and the reserved area may include reserved areas 150, 450, 650, 750, 850, 950 or 1050 of the present invention.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrative embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that any two or more embodiments of the invention described herein can be combined in any combination. Furthermore, other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of the invention, as generally described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in various different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and steps described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above in the form of sets of functions. Whether such sets of functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described sets of functions in different ways for each specific application, but such design decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this application.

[0118] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The scope of protection of this application is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination switch module, characterized in that, The combined switch module includes: Multiple first switching elements are configured to output multiple first electrical signals in response to user input; An input connector disposed on a printed circuit board includes multiple pins that are connected to multiple second switching elements outside the combination switch module and receive multiple second signals; A control unit disposed on the printed circuit board, wherein a first portion of a plurality of pins of the control unit is connected to a plurality of first switching elements and receives a plurality of first electrical signals, and a second portion of the plurality of pins of the control unit is connected to a plurality of pins of the input connector; and At least one reserved area is provided on the printed circuit board, the first end of each reserved area is connected to a corresponding pin among a plurality of pins of the input connector, and the second end of each reserved area bypasses the control unit and is connected to a corresponding pin of the output connector, wherein the first and second ends of each reserved area are pairs of pads arranged on the printed circuit board spaced apart from each other.

2. The combination switch module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the input connector receives a plurality of second signals of the first type, a first-type element is assembled between the first and second ends in each of the at least one reserved area. When the input connector receives a plurality of second signals of the second type, no component is fitted between the first and second ends in each of the at least one reserved area, or a component of the second type is fitted.

3. The combination switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first type of multiple second signals includes: multiple second electrical signals directly output by multiple second switching elements, or LIN bus signals obtained by conversion from the multiple second electrical signals. The first type of element is an element that provides an on state or a low-resistance state.

4. The combination switch module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first type of component includes either a 0-ohm resistor or a diode. The anode of the diode is connected to a first end of a reserved area, and the cathode of the diode is connected to a second end of the reserved area.

5. The combination switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second type of multiple second signals includes: multiple electrical signals obtained by converting multiple second electrical signals directly output by multiple second switching elements through a resistor network. The second type of element is an element that provides a cutoff state or a high-resistance state.

6. The combination switch module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second type of component includes either a diode or an ultra-high impedance resistor. The cathode of the diode is connected to a first end of a reserved area, and the anode of the diode is connected to a second end of the reserved area.

7. The combination switch module according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: The third portion of the multiple pins of the control unit is connected to the corresponding pins of the output connector to output control commands conforming to the CAN bus specification.

8. The combination switch module according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least a portion of the pins of the output connector, which is connected to a third portion of the plurality of pins of the control unit, are arranged in the connector in a non-adjacent manner.

9. The combination switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first type of component or the second type of component is a surface mount component.

10. The combination switch module according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The plurality of second switching elements include a plurality of switches disposed on the steering wheel, a plurality of switches disposed on the door for door control, a plurality of switches disposed below the window for window control, or a plurality of switches disposed on the side or below the seat for seat adjustment.

11. A vehicle operation module, the vehicle operation module comprising a combination switch module and a steering wheel switch module, characterized in that, The combination switch module is a combination switch module as described in any one of claims 1-4 and 7-9, and the steering wheel switch module outputs a plurality of second signals, the plurality of second signals including a plurality of second electrical signals directly output by a plurality of second switching elements of the steering wheel switch module, or LIN bus signals converted from the plurality of second electrical signals; or The combination switch module is the combination switch module as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 5-9, and the steering wheel switch module includes a resistor network. The resistor network comprises multiple branches, each formed by multiple resistors connected in series and / or parallel. One end of each branch is connected to a pin of the input connector of the combination switch module. The input connector supplies power to each branch of the resistor network. At least one network node in each branch is connected to the first terminal of a corresponding switch in a plurality of second switching elements, and the second terminal of the corresponding switching element is connected to ground.

12. The vehicle operation module as described in claim 11, characterized in that, A resistor network is formed by connecting multiple resistors in series, and the network nodes are located on the connection path of two series-connected resistors.

13. The vehicle operation module as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The resistor network also includes a resistor whose first end is connected to the connection path of two series-connected resistors and whose second end is connected to ground, with the network node located at the second end of the resistor.

14. The vehicle operation module as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The number of network nodes is greater than or equal to the number of multiple second switching elements.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, This includes the combination switch module as described in any one of claims 1-10, or the vehicle operation module as described in claims 11-14.

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