Switching integrated system and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a switch integrated system and a vehicle. The switch integrated system comprises a steering wheel switch, a combination switch module and a first control module corresponding to the function of the steering wheel switch, the combination switch module is connected with the steering wheel switch through a plurality of signal lines, and the combination switch module is connected with the first control module through a vehicle-mounted communication bus; the combination switch module is configured to collect a voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module through the vehicle-mounted communication bus. The method can reduce wiring and reduce cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a switch integrated system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Steering wheel switches, typically mounted on the steering wheel, incorporate functions related to intelligent driver assistance and entertainment. Currently, one type of steering wheel switch directly connects to the Display Head Unit (DHU) or Engine Control Module (ECM) via multiple signal wires, resulting in long signal lines and numerous wiring harnesses, increasing overall vehicle weight and cost. Another type of steering wheel switch integrates Local Interconnect Network (LIN) logic circuitry, enabling communication with the DHU or other control modules via LIN signals. This reduces signal line length and wiring harness quantity; however, the high cost of LIN logic circuitry means that both solutions suffer from excessively high implementation costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a switch integration system and vehicle that can reduce wiring and lower costs to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a switch integration system, comprising:

[0005] The system includes a steering wheel switch, a combination switch module, and a first control module corresponding to the function of the steering wheel switch. The combination switch module is connected to the steering wheel switch via multiple signal lines, and the combination switch module is connected to the first control module via an in-vehicle communication bus.

[0006] The combination switch module is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module through the vehicle communication bus.

[0007] In one embodiment, the combination switch module includes: logic circuitry;

[0008] The logic circuit is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module through the vehicle communication bus.

[0009] In one embodiment, the combination switch module further includes: a combination switch;

[0010] The logic circuit is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the combination switch and generate a second control signal based on the voltage signal of the combination switch.

[0011] In one embodiment, the system further includes: a second control module corresponding to the function of the combination switch; the second control module is connected to the logic circuit via an in-vehicle communication bus;

[0012] The logic circuit is also configured to transmit the second control signal to the second control module via the vehicle communication bus.

[0013] In one embodiment, the logic circuit includes an MCU, which has n first analog-to-digital converter sampling ports configured to acquire the voltage signal of the combination switch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the MCU is provided with m second analog-to-digital converter sampling ports, which are configured to collect the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first control module and the second control module are connected via the vehicle communication bus.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first control module includes at least one of the following:

[0017] Engine Control Module (ECM), Intelligent Human-Machine Interaction System (IHU), Display Control Unit (DHU).

[0018] In one embodiment, the second control module includes a body control module (BCM).

[0019] Secondly, this application also provides a vehicle including: a switch integrated system as described in the first aspect.

[0020] The aforementioned integrated switch system and vehicle include: a steering wheel switch, a combination switch module, and a first control module corresponding to the function of the steering wheel switch. The combination switch module is connected to the steering wheel switch via multiple signal lines and is connected to the first control module via an in-vehicle communication bus. The combination switch module is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module via the in-vehicle communication bus. This system eliminates the need for additional signal lines between the steering wheel switch and the combination switch module, which are typically located close to each other. Since the combination switch module connects to the steering wheel switch via multiple signal lines, the required signal line routing is shorter. Furthermore, the combination switch module connects to the first control module via the vehicle communication bus, eliminating the need for additional signal lines and reducing the number of signal lines between the combination switch module and the first control module. Additionally, because the combination switch module can process the voltage signal from the steering wheel switch to generate the first control signal, there is no need to integrate logic circuitry at the steering wheel switch. Therefore, this system not only reduces the number of wiring harnesses and the length of the lines but also avoids integrating logic circuitry at the steering wheel switch, thus lowering implementation costs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a switch integration system in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another switch integration system in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a switch integration system in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0026] In a vehicle, steering wheel switches are control components mounted on the steering wheel, typically distributed symmetrically on both sides or in a layout convenient for one-handed operation. They integrate various functions related to driver assistance and entertainment systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, voice control, multimedia volume adjustment, and song switching. With hands on the steering wheel, the driver can easily switch and adjust various functions by pressing, toggling, or rolling the buttons on the steering wheel switches without significant arm movement, enhancing driving convenience while effectively ensuring driving safety.

[0027] A combination switch, or a combination switch module that integrates a combination switch, is typically located near the steering column behind the steering wheel. Its main functions include controlling the vehicle's lighting system, such as turning on and off high beams, low beams, turn signals, and fog lights; and controlling the windshield wipers, adjusting their speed and frequency, and performing single wipes or washer spraying. The combination switch's ergonomic design allows the driver to quickly and accurately operate the lights and wipers while driving, improving visibility and safety in inclement weather or complex road conditions.

[0028] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a switch integration system in one embodiment. The switch integration system includes:

[0029] Steering wheel switch 11, combination switch module 12 and first control module 13 corresponding to the function of steering wheel switch 11. Combination switch module 12 is connected to steering wheel switch 11 through multiple signal lines 14. Combination switch module 12 is connected to first control module 13 through vehicle communication bus 15.

[0030] The combination switch module 12 is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch 11, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch 11, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module 13 through the vehicle communication bus 15.

[0031] The first control module 13 mentioned above may include at least one of the following:

[0032] Engine Control Module (ECM), Intelligent Human-Machine Interaction System (IHU), and Display Head Unit (DHU).

[0033] The ECM (Electronic Control Unit) is the core control unit of the vehicle's powertrain system, primarily responsible for monitoring and managing the engine's operating status. The IHU (Integrated User Hub) is the interaction hub between the vehicle and its occupants, integrating multiple interaction methods such as voice recognition, touch control, and gesture recognition. It can process user commands (such as navigation queries, multimedia playback, and air conditioning adjustments) and achieve intelligent responses through natural language processing technology. The IHU is typically deeply integrated with other vehicle systems (such as navigation, audio, and smartphone connectivity), providing a unified operating interface and enhancing driving convenience and user experience. The DHU (Display Unit) is the core of the vehicle's information display system, responsible for driving the central control display screen, instrument panel, and other display devices to present information such as vehicle status, navigation maps, and multimedia content. The DHU receives data from various systems (such as vehicle speed, fuel consumption, and navigation routes) and converts it into a visual interface. Some high-end models' DHUs support multi-screen interaction, 3D display, or AR navigation. The BCM (Battery Management System) is the central hub of the vehicle's electrical system, primarily managing the vehicle's electronic equipment and functions. It controls non-powertrain functions such as lighting systems (headlights, taillights, and turn signals), wipers, door locks, windows, and power seats. The BCM (Battery Management System) receives signals from combination switches, sensors, or other modules and executes corresponding actions (such as automatically switching headlights on and off based on a light sensor). In addition, the BCM is responsible for vehicle power management (such as delayed power cut-off after engine shutdown) and linkage with the anti-theft system, enhancing overall vehicle safety and comfort.

[0034] The aforementioned vehicle communication bus refers to a shared communication channel for transmitting digital signals between various control units within a vehicle, enabling multi-node data interaction through physical links. This bus includes, but is not limited to, the following communication protocols with different topologies:

[0035] (1) Bus-type protocols: such as any one of Controller Area Network (CAN), CAN Flexible Data-Rate (CAN FD), or Local Interconnect Network (LIN);

[0036] (2) Ring protocols: such as Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST);

[0037] (3) Switched protocols: such as FlexRay or Ethernet (where Ethernet uses a switch to implement logical bus communication). Among them, FlexRay is a highly deterministic in-vehicle communication protocol that uses a dual-channel redundant architecture and a time-sharing scheduling mechanism (static segment transmits hard real-time control signals / dynamic segment transmits elastic data) to achieve hybrid data transmission, and is suitable for safety-critical systems such as steering control and active suspension.

[0038] It is a highly efficient in-vehicle communication network that can transmit signals quickly and accurately.

[0039] In the aforementioned integrated switch system, the signal line in this application is a physical conductor, also known as a hard wire.

[0040] In the above Figure 1 In the system shown, when different function buttons on the steering wheel switch 11 are pressed, different voltage values ​​or voltage change sequences are generated, which are the voltage signals mentioned above. The multiple signal lines 14 mentioned above can be used to transmit these voltage signals to the combination switch module 12.

[0041] An exemplary illustration of how different buttons on a steering wheel switch transmit signals via different signal lines:

[0042] (1) Volume Adjustment Buttons: One signal line is used to transmit the voltage signal for increasing volume. When the volume up button is pressed, a specific voltage value or voltage change sequence is generated and transmitted to the combination switch module through this signal line. After receiving the signal, the combination switch module sends a command to the corresponding control module (such as IHU) to realize the function of increasing volume. The other signal line is used to transmit the voltage signal for decreasing volume. The principle is similar to that of increasing volume. When the volume down button is pressed, the generated different voltage signals are transmitted through this signal line, thereby realizing the control of decreasing volume.

[0043] (2) Cruise Control On / Off Buttons: One signal line is dedicated to transmitting the cruise control activation signal. When the cruise control activation button is pressed, a specific voltage signal is output. This signal is transmitted along this signal line to the combination switch module, which then notifies the relevant control module (such as the ECM) to enter the cruise control preparation state and make corresponding settings based on the current vehicle speed and other information. Correspondingly, there is also a separate signal line for deactivating cruise control. The voltage signal generated when the deactivation button is pressed is transmitted through this line, informing the control module to stop the cruise control function and restore the vehicle to normal driving control.

[0044] (3) Song Switching Buttons: One signal line is responsible for transmitting the signal for the previous song. When the previous song button is pressed, a unique voltage change is generated. This signal is transmitted to the combination switch module via this signal line, and then the combination switch module forwards the signal to the intelligent human-machine interaction system (IHU) and other related modules to realize the function of switching to the previous song. Another signal line is used to transmit the signal for the next song. The different voltage signal generated by pressing the next song button is transmitted along this signal line to realize the operation of switching to the next song.

[0045] (4) Voice control button: A separate signal line is used for the voice control function. When the voice control button is pressed, a specific voltage signal is generated and transmitted to the combination switch module through this signal line, thereby triggering the voice recognition function of the intelligent human-machine interaction system (IHU), enabling the driver to control the relevant functions of the vehicle through voice commands, such as navigation settings and music playback control.

[0046] It should be noted that the above-described button and signal line settings are only one possible example. In actual applications, they can be set according to requirements. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0047] The combination switch module 12 can be located near the steering wheel (such as in the steering column area). The aforementioned steering wheel switch 11 is a control component installed on the steering wheel.

[0048] The above Figure 1 In the system shown, since the steering wheel switch 11 is a control component installed on the steering wheel, and the combination switch module 12 is usually located within a certain distance from the steering wheel switch 11, the physical space between the steering wheel switch 11 and the combination switch module 12 is very close. Therefore, when the combination switch module 12 is connected to the steering wheel switch 11 through multiple signal lines, the required signal line routing is relatively short.

[0049] In a vehicle's network architecture, the onboard communication bus is typically a standard configuration, used to connect core control units such as the engine control module (ECM) and the human-machine interface system (IHU) (i.e., the first control module 13), enabling efficient communication between these modules. The above... Figure 1 In the system shown, the combination switch module 12 is connected to the first control module 13 via the vehicle communication bus. This not only eliminates the need for additional signal lines between the combination switch module 12 and the first control module 13, but also reduces the number of signal lines between the combination switch module 12 and the first control module 13 by utilizing the existing vehicle communication bus for control signal transmission.

[0050] The above Figure 1 In the system shown, the combination switch module 12 integrates the function of processing the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch 11 to generate a first control signal. Since the combination switch module 12 can process the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch 11 to generate the first control signal, there is no need to integrate LIN logic circuitry at the steering wheel switch 11. Therefore, this system not only reduces the number of wiring harnesses and the length of wiring, but also avoids integrating logic circuitry at the steering wheel switch 11, thus reducing implementation costs.

[0051] In the aforementioned integrated switch system, short-distance signal line routing is combined with a multiplexed vehicle communication bus, which significantly optimizes the wiring harness layout and system cost while ensuring functional reliability.

[0052] For example, in Figure 1 On the basis of, such as Figure 2 The present invention is a schematic diagram of another switch integration system in one embodiment. The combined switch module 12 of the switch integration system includes a logic circuit 121. The logic circuit 121 is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch 11, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch 11, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module 13 through the vehicle communication bus 15.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the combination switch module 12 also includes: a combination switch 122; and a logic circuit 121 configured to acquire the voltage signal of the combination switch 122 and generate a second control signal based on the voltage signal of the combination switch 122.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the integrated switch system also includes a second control module 16 corresponding to the function of the combination switch 122; the second control module 16 is connected to the logic circuit 121 via the vehicle communication bus 15; the logic circuit 121 is also configured to transmit a second control signal to the second control module 16 via the vehicle communication bus 15.

[0055] in, Figure 2 The first control module 13 and the second control module 16 mentioned above are connected via an on-board communication bus.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second control module includes a body control module (BCM).

[0057] In some embodiments, the logic circuit 121 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU), which has n first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling ports configured to acquire voltage signals from the combination switch.

[0058] In some embodiments, the MCU may also be provided with m second AD sampling ports, which are configured to collect the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch.

[0059] The above m and n are positive integers.

[0060] The aforementioned MCU serves as the core of the logic circuit. After acquiring the voltage signal through the ADC sampling port, it converts the analog signal into a digital signal and then generates a control signal according to the control rules.

[0061] The aforementioned MCU can identify voltage signals from different sources through different ADC sampling port numbers or software-configured signal channels, and call the corresponding processing logic to generate different types of control signals (i.e., the first control signal and the second control signal mentioned above).

[0062] In the above embodiments, the LIN logic circuit at the steering wheel switch can be eliminated, and the signal processing can be centralized in the MCU of the combination switch module, reducing the use of independent control chips and lowering hardware complexity and cost.

[0063] For example, in Figure 2 On the basis of, such as Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a switch integrated system in one embodiment. Figure 3 The switch integrated system shown is based on Figure 2 The first control module 13 is Figure 3 ECM and DHU in Figure 2 The second control module 16 in the middle is Figure 3 This application uses a BCM (Browser Control Module) as an example of a switch integration system. In practical applications, it can also take the form of other control modules, but this application does not limit the specific implementation.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first control module may include more or fewer control modules than those listed in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not impose any limitations. The second control module may also include other control modules besides BCM, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0065] The aforementioned integrated switch system shortens the length of hard wiring by connecting the steering wheel switch and the combination switch module in close proximity. It also reuses the vehicle communication bus to replace traditional multi-harness connections, reducing the overall vehicle wiring harness length and weight. Furthermore, it eliminates the LIN logic circuit at the steering wheel switch, reducing the use of independent control chips and lowering hardware costs. In addition, this integrated design simplifies the assembly process, shortens troubleshooting time, and significantly improves production and maintenance efficiency.

[0066] In this application embodiment, a vehicle is also provided, the vehicle including: a switch integration system as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0067] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0068] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switch integrated system, characterized in that, include: The system includes a steering wheel switch, a combination switch module, and a first control module corresponding to the function of the steering wheel switch. The combination switch module is connected to the steering wheel switch via multiple signal lines, and the combination switch module is connected to the first control module via an in-vehicle communication bus. The combination switch module is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module through the vehicle communication bus.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combination switch module includes: logic circuitry; The logic circuit is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, generate a first control signal based on the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch, and transmit the first control signal to the first control module through the vehicle communication bus.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The combination switch module further includes: a combination switch; The logic circuit is configured to acquire the voltage signal of the combination switch and generate a second control signal based on the voltage signal of the combination switch.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The system further includes: a second control module corresponding to the function of the combination switch; the second control module is connected to the logic circuit via the vehicle communication bus; The logic circuit is also configured to transmit the second control signal to the second control module via the vehicle communication bus.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The logic circuit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU), which has n first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling ports configured to acquire the voltage signal of the combination switch.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The MCU is equipped with m second analog-to-digital converter sampling ports, which are configured to collect the voltage signal of the steering wheel switch.

7. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first control module and the second control module are connected via the vehicle communication bus.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first control module includes at least one of the following: Engine Control Module (ECM), Intelligent Human-Machine Interaction System (IHU), Display Control Unit (DHU).

9. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The second control module includes a body control module (BCM).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The switch integration system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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