A steering wheel switch

Abstract

The application provides a steering wheel switch, and relates to the technical field of steering wheels. The steering wheel switch comprises a piezoelectric sheet, a panel and a support seat, the panel is fixedly connected with the support seat, the panel extends from the position fixedly connected with the support seat to form a cantilever structure, the piezoelectric sheet is arranged between the cantilever structure and the support seat, the cantilever structure is used for applying pressure to the piezoelectric sheet under the action of an external force, and the piezoelectric sheet is used for realizing pressure detection under the condition of being pressed and vibration feedback after receiving a driving signal, so that the integration of the steering wheel can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of steering wheel technology, and more specifically, to a steering wheel switch. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of automotive electronics technology, intelligent driving assistance systems and in-vehicle human-machine interaction functions are becoming increasingly popular. As a core component for driver-vehicle interaction, the steering wheel's functional integration directly affects the driving experience and safety.

[0003] The pressure detection and vibration feedback functions of existing steering wheels are usually implemented by a pressure detection system and a vibration feedback system, which are independent of each other and have low integration. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application includes, for example, providing a steering wheel switch that can improve the integration of the steering wheel.

[0005] The embodiments of this application can be implemented as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of this application provides a steering wheel switch, which includes a piezoelectric sheet, a panel, and a support base. The panel is fixedly connected to the support base, and the panel extends from the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base to form a cantilever structure. The piezoelectric sheet is disposed between the cantilever structure and the support base. The cantilever structure is used to apply pressure to the piezoelectric sheet under the action of an external force. The piezoelectric sheet is used to realize pressure detection and / or vibration feedback after receiving a drive signal under pressure.

[0007] Optionally, the support base is used to be directly or indirectly mounted on the steering wheel frame, the steering wheel frame including steering wheel frame spokes, and the panel is fixedly connected to the support base at a position close to the steering wheel frame spokes.

[0008] Optionally, the panel is connected to the support base via at least one fixed connector.

[0009] Optionally, the cantilever structure is elastically connected to the support base.

[0010] Optionally, the cantilever structure is connected to the support base via at least one elastic connector.

[0011] Optionally, the elastic connector is a plastic part, a rubber part, or a metal spring.

[0012] Optionally, the steering wheel switch further includes an adjusting member, which passes through the support base and is connected to or abuts against the panel. The adjusting member is configured to move the panel relative to the support base to increase or decrease the pressure applied by the panel to the piezoelectric element.

[0013] Optionally, the support base has a through hole, which is directly opposite the adjusting member in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheet.

[0014] Optionally, the panel includes a face cover and a panel support connected together, a light guide is provided between the face cover and the panel support, and a light source is provided on the support base.

[0015] Optionally, the light guide includes a first light guide segment and a second light guide segment arranged at an angle, the first light guide segment being disposed between the cover and the panel support, and the end of the second light guide segment away from the first light guide segment facing the light source.

[0016] Optionally, the cover has at least one button area, and the light guide has a light-emitting surface that covers all of the button areas.

[0017] Optionally, the panel includes a face cover and a panel support connected together, a touch film is disposed between the face cover and the panel support, the touch film has at least one touch area, and the face cover has at least one button area, the touch area and the button area are positioned correspondingly.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the steering wheel switch provided in this application embodiment include, for example, improving the integration of the steering wheel, a steering wheel switch is designed, the steering wheel switch includes a piezoelectric sheet, a panel and a support base, the panel and the support base are fixedly connected, the panel extends from the position fixedly connected to the support base to form a cantilever structure, the piezoelectric sheet is disposed between the cantilever structure and the support base, the cantilever structure is used to apply pressure to the piezoelectric sheet under the action of external force, and the piezoelectric sheet is used to realize pressure detection and / or vibration feedback after receiving a drive signal under pressure.

[0019] When the panel is pressed, the cantilever structure formed by the panel extending from the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base applies pressure to the piezoelectric sheet under the pressing action. The piezoelectric sheet itself performs pressure detection under pressure and provides vibration feedback after pressure detection. By setting the piezoelectric sheet between the cantilever structure and the support base, pressure detection and vibration feedback can be realized with a single module, eliminating the need for separate pressure detection and vibration feedback systems, thus improving the integration of the steering wheel. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the steering wheel switch in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the steering wheel switch in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the steering wheel switch and the steering wheel frame spokes in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical connection relationship of the piezoelectric elements in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first arrangement of fixed connectors and flexible connectors in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second arrangement of fixed connectors and flexible connectors in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third arrangement of fixed connectors and flexible connectors in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth arrangement of fixed and flexible connectors in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the steering wheel switch when the panel is not under pressure, as shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a partial schematic diagram of the steering wheel switch when the display panel is pressed, as shown in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the adjusting member, the panel, and the support base in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the light transmission path in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first arrangement of the light source, light guide, and button area in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second arrangement of the light source, light guide, and button area in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third arrangement of the light source, light guide, and button area in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the touch film in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a steering wheel switch in a car in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Icons: 10-Steering wheel switch; 100-Piezoelectric element; 200-Panel; 210-Face cover; 211-Button area; 220-Panel bracket; 230-Light guide; 231-First light guide segment; 232-Second light guide segment; 240-Touch film; 241-Touch area; 300-Support base; 310-Rear cover; 311-Through hole; 312-Waterproof component; 320-Bracket; 321-Nut; 330-Circuit board; 331-Light source; 400-Control unit; 500-Driver chip; 600-Fixed connector; 700-Elastic connector; 800-Adjusting component; 20-Steering wheel frame spokes. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0045] As disclosed in the background section, existing steering wheel pressure detection and vibration feedback functions are typically implemented by two separate systems. For example, the pressure detection system monitors the pressure applied by the driver's hands in real time through an array of pressure sensors installed inside the steering wheel to determine the driver's driving intentions; the vibration feedback system transmits warning information or navigation prompts to the driver through a built-in vibration motor or electromagnetic actuator. While this separate system architecture can achieve basic functions, the need to separately arrange the pressure detection system and the vibration feedback system leads to a complex internal structure of the steering wheel, increases manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty, and also limits the integration of the steering wheel.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 1-4 The embodiments provided in this application are based on a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel includes a rim (not shown), spokes, and a steering wheel frame. Generally, the steering wheel frame includes a rim frame, a spoke frame, and a steering wheel frame spoke plate 20. The rim is the part that the driver usually grips, and is generally circular, which will not be described in detail in this solution. The steering wheel frame spoke plate 20 is the part that directly or indirectly connects the steering wheel and the steering wheel column, and is generally located on the central axis or center of the steering wheel. The spokes include at least the parts that connect the rim and the steering wheel frame spoke plate 20 at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, and may also include the part that connects the rim and the steering wheel frame spoke plate 20 from the 6 o'clock position. Generally, the steering wheel switch 10 is disposed on the spokes arranged at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.

[0047] The steering wheel switch 10 provided in the embodiments of this application includes a piezoelectric sheet 100, a panel 200, and a support base 300. Both the panel 200 and the support base 300 are part of the wheel spokes. The piezoelectric sheet 100 is disposed between the panel 200 and the support base 300. A cantilever structure is used to apply pressure to the piezoelectric sheet 100 under external force. The piezoelectric sheet 100 is used to detect pressure under pressure and to provide vibration feedback after receiving a drive signal. Generally, the support base 300 can be a steering wheel cover, i.e., a housing mounted on the steering wheel surface from the side away from the panel 200. The support base 300 can also be a separate support structure, externally covered by the steering wheel cover.

[0048] It should be noted that the steering wheel switch 10 includes a control unit 400 and a drive chip 500. The drive chip 500 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric sheet 100 and the control unit 400 respectively. When the piezoelectric sheet 100 is subjected to pressure, the piezoelectric sheet 100 generates a voltage output to the control unit 400 for pressure detection. When the output voltage of the piezoelectric sheet 100 reaches a preset value, the control unit 400 controls the drive chip 500 to operate, applying voltage to the piezoelectric sheet 100 to generate mechanical vibration and achieve vibration feedback.

[0049] The piezoelectric sheet 100 can be selected as a piezoelectric ceramic sheet, a laminated piezoelectric vibrating sheet, or a PVDF piezoelectric thin film sheet, as long as it can realize pressure detection and vibration feedback after receiving a drive signal, there is no limitation.

[0050] The piezoelectric sheet 100 can be fixed in the following ways: the piezoelectric sheet 100 is clamped between the panel 200 and the support base 300, or the piezoelectric sheet 100 is fixed to one of the panel 200 and the support base 300. The piezoelectric sheet 100 can be fixed to the panel 200 or the support base 300 by adhesive bonding or snap-fit.

[0051] The panel 200 is connected to the support base 300. Under the action of external force, the panel 200 deforms at least partially, thereby applying pressure to the piezoelectric sheet 100.

[0052] When the panel 200 is pressed, the panel 200 deforms under the pressure and applies pressure to the piezoelectric sheet 100. The piezoelectric sheet 100 itself performs pressure detection under pressure and provides vibration feedback after pressure detection. By setting the piezoelectric sheet 100 between the panel 200 and the support base 300, pressure detection and vibration feedback are achieved without the need for a separate pressure detection system and vibration feedback system.

[0053] In some embodiments, the panel 200 is fixedly connected to the support base 300, and the panel 200 extends to form a cantilever structure at the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base 300. The piezoelectric sheet 100 is disposed between the cantilever structure and the support base 300.

[0054] The cantilever structure can deform when pressed, and in the process of deformation, it squeezes the piezoelectric sheet 100, thereby enabling the piezoelectric sheet 100 to achieve pressure detection and vibration feedback.

[0055] Optionally, the panel 200 extends towards the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position of the steering wheel at the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base 300 to form a cantilever structure. Correspondingly, there is one piezoelectric sheet 100, which is disposed between the cantilever structure and the support base 300. Alternatively, the panel 200 extends towards both the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions of the steering wheel at the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base 300 to form a cantilever structure. Correspondingly, there are two piezoelectric sheets 100, which are disposed between the two cantilever structures and the support base 300 respectively.

[0056] In some embodiments, the support base 300 is used to be directly or indirectly disposed on the steering wheel frame, and the panel 200 is fixedly connected to the support base 300 near the steering wheel frame spoke 20.

[0057] The support base 300 can be directly or indirectly connected to the spoke frame, so that the support base 300 and the spoke frame are relatively fixed.

[0058] The support base 300 can be a symmetrical structure with a central axis, and the panel 200 can also be a symmetrical structure with a central axis. The central axis of the support base 300, the central axis of the panel 200, and the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20 coincide.

[0059] By utilizing inherent steering wheel components such as panel 200 and support base 300 to clamp the piezoelectric sheet 100, the fixing points of panel 200 and support base 300 are reasonably set in the area close to the steering wheel frame spoke 20. The cantilever structure is set at least in the spokes between the fixing point and the piezoelectric sheet 10, so as to form a compact and highly integrated steering wheel and steering wheel switch 10, which can reduce the space requirements inside the steering wheel switch 10 area.

[0060] Please see Figures 5-8 In some embodiments, the panel 200 is connected to the support base 300 by at least one fixed connector 600.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the fixing connector 600 is located on the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20. There may be one or more fixing connectors 600. When there are multiple fixing connectors 600, they are arranged along the extending direction of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20. Furthermore, the fixing connectors 600 are located near the steering wheel frame spoke 20 on the wheel spokes.

[0062] In another optional embodiment, the fixing connector 600 is located on one side of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20, or the fixing connector 600 is provided on both sides of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20.

[0063] When a fixed connector 600 is provided on one side of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20, the panel 200 forms an asymmetrical cantilever structure on both sides of the fixed connector 600; when fixed connectors 600 are provided on both sides of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20, the fixed connectors 600 on both sides of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20, and the panel 200 forms a symmetrical cantilever structure on the side of the two fixed connectors 600 away from the central axis.

[0064] For the fixed connector 600 located on one side of the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20, there may be one or more fixed connectors 600. When there are multiple fixed connectors 600, the multiple fixed connectors 600 may be arranged sequentially in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20.

[0065] The fixing connector 600 can be a screw, fixing pin, etc., as long as it can fix the panel 200 and the support base 300. There is no limitation on this.

[0066] In some embodiments, the cantilever structure is elastically connected to the support base 300.

[0067] The cantilever structure can deform when pressed, and in the process of deformation, it squeezes the piezoelectric sheet 100. At the same time, since the cantilever structure is elastically connected to the support 300, a certain force can also be generated at the elastic connection point between the cantilever structure and the support 300 and transmitted to the piezoelectric sheet 100, making it easier for the piezoelectric sheet 100 to receive pressure, thereby realizing pressure detection and vibration feedback more quickly.

[0068] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the cantilever structure is connected to the support base 300 by at least one elastic connector 700, and in the extension direction of the cantilever structure, the distance from the piezoelectric sheet 100 to the fixed connector 600 is greater than the distance to any one of the elastic connectors 700.

[0069] The cantilever structure can deform and compress the elastic connector 700 when pressed, causing the elastic connector 700 to deform and generate a certain force that is transmitted to the piezoelectric sheet 100. Since the cantilever structure and the support base 300 generate a certain force at the elastic connector 700 that is transmitted to the piezoelectric sheet 100, the piezoelectric sheet 100 can more easily receive pressure when it is brought closer to any one of the elastic connectors 700 relative to the fixed connector 600.

[0070] For example, one or two elastic connectors 700 are provided between the cantilever structure and the support base 300. In the extension direction of the cantilever structure, the one or two elastic connectors 700 are located on the side of the piezoelectric sheet 100 away from the fixed connector 600. When two elastic connectors 700 are provided between the cantilever structure and the support base 300, the two elastic connectors 700 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the steering wheel frame spoke 20.

[0071] Three or four elastic connectors 700 may also be provided between the cantilever structure and the support base 300. These three or four elastic connectors 700 are distributed on both sides of the piezoelectric sheet 100. For example, when three elastic connectors 700 are provided between the cantilever structure and the support base 300, in the extending direction of the cantilever structure, one elastic connector 700 is located on the side of the piezoelectric sheet 100 away from the fixed connector 600, and the other two elastic connectors 700 are located on the side of the piezoelectric sheet 100 facing the fixed connector 600. These two elastic connectors 700 can extend along the direction of the fixed connector 600. The steering wheel frame spokes 20 are arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis. When the cantilever structure and support base 300 have four elastic connectors 700, two of the elastic connectors 700 are located on the side of the piezoelectric sheet 100 away from the fixed connector 600. These two elastic connectors 700 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the steering wheel frame spokes 20. The other two elastic connectors 700 are located on the side of the piezoelectric sheet 100 facing the fixed connector 600. These two elastic connectors 700 can also be arranged in a direction parallel to the central axis of the steering wheel frame spokes 20.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, the resilient connector 700 is a plastic part, a rubber part, or a metal spring.

[0073] For example, when the elastic connector 700 is a rubber component, the rubber component is simultaneously held in place by the cantilever structure and the support base 300. The rubber component is partially clamped between the cantilever structure and the support base 300. When the cantilever structure is pressed, at least the portion of the rubber component clamped between the cantilever structure and the support base 300 deforms to transmit a certain force to the piezoelectric sheet 100.

[0074] When the elastic connector 700 is made of plastic, the shape of the plastic part can be L-shaped or U-shaped.

[0075] Please see Figure 11 In some embodiments, the steering wheel switch 10 further includes an adjustment member 800, which passes through the support base 300 and is connected to or abuts against the panel 200. The adjustment member 800 is configured to move the panel 200 relative to the support base 300 to increase or decrease the pressure applied by the panel 200 to the piezoelectric sheet 100.

[0076] The support base 300 includes a rear cover 310 and a bracket 320 connected together. The bracket 320 can be set on the spoke frame or integrally formed with the spoke frame. The panel 200 includes a face cover 210 and a panel bracket 220 connected together. The adjusting member 800 passes through the bracket 320 and is connected to or abuts against the panel bracket 220. The adjusting member 800 can move relative to the bracket 320 along the thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheet 100.

[0077] During the movement of the adjusting member 800, the adjusting member 800 can drive the panel 200 to move relative to the support base 300, increasing or decreasing the gap between the bracket 320 and the panel bracket 220, thereby increasing or decreasing the pressure applied by the panel 200 to the piezoelectric sheet 100.

[0078] In some embodiments, the support base 300 has a through hole 311, which is directly opposite the adjusting member 800 in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheet 100.

[0079] A through hole 311 is provided in the rear cover 310. The adjusting member 800 can be a screw, and a nut 321 that mates with the screw can be provided on the bracket 320. By providing a through hole 311 in the rear cover 310, a screw gun can be inserted into the inside of the rear cover 310 through the through hole 311 to tighten the screw. During the process of tightening the screw with the screw gun, the rotation angle of the screw gun is proportional to the output voltage of the piezoelectric element 100. By monitoring the output voltage of the piezoelectric element 100, when the output voltage of the piezoelectric element 100 rises to the preset voltage value, the pre-pressure adjustment is completed. At this time, the pressure applied by the panel 200 to the piezoelectric element 100 reaches the preset pressure value. The pre-pressure adjustment can prevent the panel 200 from over-pressuring the piezoelectric element 100 and avoid the problem of empty stroke between the panel 200 and the piezoelectric element 100. By using the adjusting member 800 to pass through the through hole 311 of the support base 300, the pressure of the support base 300 and the panel 200 on the piezoelectric sheet 100 is adjusted. Without adding excessive parts, the system is adjusted to the effective pressure sensing range of the piezoelectric sheet 100, which solves the problem that the piezoelectric sheet 100 is sensitive to pressure and is difficult to directly adapt to systems with complex error chains.

[0080] The piezoelectric element 100 is located between the bracket 320 and the panel bracket 220. After the preload adjustment is completed, the piezoelectric element 100 is in contact with both the bracket 320 and the panel bracket 220. The piezoelectric element 100 can be a packaged module or a separate cymbal-type piezoelectric device. A packaged module can reduce the preload requirement.

[0081] In some embodiments, a light guide 230 is provided between the cover 210 and the panel support 220, and a light source 331 is provided on the support base 300.

[0082] A circuit board 330 is provided on the back cover 310, and a light source 331 is provided on the circuit board 330. The light emitted by the light source 331 is projected onto the front cover 210 after passing through the light guide 230, so that a local area of ​​the front cover 210 emits light. In addition, the control unit 400 and the driver chip 500 can also be provided on the circuit board 330. A waterproof component 312 is provided on the back cover 310. The waterproof component 312 can be waterproof rubber surrounding the circuit board 330.

[0083] The light guide 230 includes a first light guide segment 231 and a second light guide segment 232 arranged at an angle. The first light guide segment 231 is disposed between the face cover 210 and the panel support 220, and the end of the second light guide segment 232 away from the first light guide segment 231 faces the light source 331.

[0084] The end of the second light guide segment 232 furthest from the first light guide segment 231 is the incident end. The light emitted by the light source 331 enters the light guide 230 through the incident end, and is conducted from the second light guide segment 232 to the first light guide segment 231, and finally projected onto the faceplate 210 through the first light guide segment 231.

[0085] By setting a light guide 230 between the cover 210 and the panel support 220, the light guide 230 has lower space requirements along the thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheet 100, which can shorten the distance between the light source 331 and the panel 200. In addition, since the light emitted by the light source 331 can be directly incident through the incident end of the light guide 230, the transmission of light is not easily affected by surrounding devices.

[0086] Please see Figures 12-15 In some embodiments, the cover 210 is provided with at least one button area 211, and the light guide 230 has a light-emitting surface that covers all the button areas 211.

[0087] The light-emitting surface is located on the side of the first light guide section 231 facing the cover 210. When the light emitted by the light source 331 is projected onto the cover 210 through the light-emitting surface, the light can cover all the button areas 211, so that all the button areas 211 can emit light simultaneously. Figure 11 The middle arrow indicates the path of light transmission.

[0088] The number of button areas 211 on the faceplate 210 can be one or more, and the number of light sources 331 can also be one or more. For example, the faceplate 210 may have one or two button areas 211 and one light source 331, with the light emitted by the light source 331 covering one or two button areas 211 after being conducted by the light guide 230; or, the faceplate 210 may have four button areas 211 and two light sources 331, with the light emitted by the two light sources 331 covering all four button areas 211 after being conducted by the light guide 230. It is understood that the number of button areas 211 and light sources 331 on the faceplate 210 can be determined according to actual needs.

[0089] In some embodiments, a touch film 240 is disposed between the face cover 210 and the panel support 220, in combination with Figure 16 The touch diaphragm 240 is provided with at least one touch area 241, and the touch area 241 and the button area 211 are positioned correspondingly.

[0090] The touch diaphragm 240 is bonded and fixed to the surface of the cover 210 facing the panel support 220. The touch diaphragm 240 may be a capacitive touch diaphragm. A touch controller for receiving signals from the touch diaphragm 240 may be provided on the circuit board 330.

[0091] When a light guide 230 is provided between the faceplate 210 and the panel support 220, the touch film 240 is located above the light guide 230 and the touch film 240 is at least partially transparent so that the light emitted by the light guide 230 can be projected onto the faceplate 210.

[0092] When the cover 210 is pressed on different button areas 211, the touch area 241 corresponding to the touch membrane 240 generates a signal and provides feedback after being pressed, so as to realize the corresponding function of different button areas 211.

[0093] For example, the touch film 240 is provided with two touch areas 241, and correspondingly, the cover 210 is provided with two button areas 211. When one of the button areas 211 on the cover 210 is pressed, the touch area 241 corresponding to the position of the button area 211 generates a signal and provides feedback, thereby realizing the corresponding function of the button area 211.

[0094] The piezoelectric element 100 is located below the touch diaphragm 240. When any button area 211 on the cover 210 is pressed, the piezoelectric element 100 can be subjected to pressure, thereby realizing pressure detection and vibration feedback.

[0095] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the steering wheel switch 10 applied to an automobile is shown. In other embodiments, the steering wheel switch 10 may also be applied to ships, aircraft, etc., without limitation.

[0096] This application provides a steering wheel switch 10 whose technical advantages include at least the following: by setting a piezoelectric sheet 100 between the panel 200 and the support base 300, pressure detection and vibration feedback after receiving a drive signal can be achieved, eliminating the need for independent pressure detection and vibration feedback systems, simplifying the electronic architecture and product structure, and improving the integration of the steering wheel; the panel 200 extends to form a cantilever structure at the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base 300, and the cantilever structure can deform when pressed, squeezing the piezoelectric sheet 100 during the deformation process. Simultaneously, an elastic connector 700 is provided between the cantilever structure and the support base 300, and the elastic connector 700 can generate a certain force when deformed, transmitting it to the piezoelectric sheet 100, making it easier for the piezoelectric sheet 100 to receive pressure, thereby achieving pressure detection and vibration feedback more quickly; the adjusting member 800 can... The light guide 230 can move relative to the support 300, increasing or decreasing the gap between the bracket 320 and the panel bracket 220, thereby increasing or decreasing the pressure applied by the panel 200 to the piezoelectric sheet 100, achieving pre-pressure adjustment. On the one hand, it can prevent the panel 200 from over-pressuring the piezoelectric sheet 100, and on the other hand, it can avoid the problem of empty travel between the panel 200 and the piezoelectric sheet 100. By setting the light guide 230 between the cover 210 and the panel bracket 220, the light guide 230 has low space requirements along the thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheet 100, which can shorten the distance between the light source 331 and the panel 200, and the light transmission is not easily affected by surrounding devices. When the cover 210 is pressed on different button areas 211, the touch area 241 corresponding to the touch film 240 generates a signal and feeds back after being pressed, so as to realize the corresponding function of different button areas 211.

[0097] In summary, this application provides a steering wheel switch 10, which includes a piezoelectric sheet 100, a panel 200, and a support base 300. By placing the piezoelectric sheet 100 between the panel 200 and the support base 300, when the panel 200 is pressed, the panel 200 deforms under the pressure and applies pressure to the piezoelectric sheet 100. The piezoelectric sheet 100 itself performs pressure detection under pressure and provides vibration feedback after pressure detection. There is no need to set up an independent pressure detection system and vibration feedback system, which simplifies the electronic architecture and product structure and improves the integration of the steering wheel.

[0098] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steering wheel switch characterized by comprising: The device includes a piezoelectric element (100), a panel (200), and a support base (300). The panel (200) is fixedly connected to the support base (300). The panel (200) extends from the position where it is fixedly connected to the support base (300) to form a cantilever structure. The piezoelectric element (100) is disposed between the cantilever structure and the support base (300). The cantilever structure is used to apply pressure to the piezoelectric element (100) under the action of external force. The piezoelectric element (100) is used to realize pressure detection and / or vibration feedback after receiving a drive signal under pressure.

2. The steering wheel switch according to claim 1, characterized by The support base (300) is used to be directly or indirectly mounted on the steering wheel frame, the steering wheel frame including steering wheel frame spokes (20), and the panel (200) is fixedly connected to the support base (300) near the steering wheel frame spokes (20).

3. The steering wheel switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The panel (200) is connected to the support base (300) by at least one fixed connector (600).

4. The steering wheel switch according to claim 1, characterized by The cantilever structure is elastically connected to the support base (300).

5. The steering wheel switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cantilever structure is connected to the support base (300) via at least one elastic connector (700).

6. The steering wheel switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic connector (700) is a plastic part, a rubber part, or a metal spring.

7. The steering wheel switch according to claim 1, characterized by The steering wheel switch (10) also includes an adjusting member (800), which passes through the support base (300) and is connected to or abuts against the panel (200). The adjusting member (800) is configured to move the panel (200) relative to the support base (300) to increase or decrease the pressure applied by the panel (200) to the piezoelectric sheet (100).

8. The steering wheel switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support base (300) has a through hole (311) and the through hole (311) is directly opposite the adjusting member (800) in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheet (100).

9. The steering wheel switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel (200) includes a face cover (210) and a panel support (220) connected together. A light guide (230) is provided between the face cover (210) and the panel support (220). A light source (331) is provided on the support base (300).

10. The steering wheel switch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The light guide (230) includes a first light guide segment (231) and a second light guide segment (232) arranged at an angle. The first light guide segment (231) is disposed between the cover (210) and the panel support (220), and the end of the second light guide segment (232) away from the first light guide segment (231) faces the light source (331).

11. The steering wheel switch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover (210) is provided with at least one button area (211), and the light guide (230) has a light-emitting surface that covers all the button areas (211).

12. The steering wheel switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel (200) includes a face cover (210) and a panel support (220) connected to each other. A touch film (240) is disposed between the face cover (210) and the panel support (220). The touch film (240) is provided with at least one touch area (241). The face cover (210) is provided with at least one button area (211). The touch area (241) and the button area (211) are positioned correspondingly.

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