Steering column lever control assembly and motor vehicle with a steering column lever control assembly

Abstract

Steering column lever control assembly (40) for influencing the speed of a motor vehicle (70), with a steering column lever (56) which is operable forwards, backwards, upwards and / or downwards in relation to the forward direction of travel (72) of the motor vehicle (70) to provide at least one functional control unit (30, 32, 60, 62), characterized by an adjustment device (10) for adjusting at least three assistance function units (12, 14, 16, 18) influencing the speed of a motor vehicle (70), which are selected from a speed-keeping assistance function unit (12), a predictive distance control assistance function unit (14), a speed limiting assistance function unit (16) and a hill-climbing assistance function unit (18), wherein the adjusting device (10) has a single switching control unit (22) arranged on the steering column lever (56) in a lower area of ​​the steering column lever (56) with respect to a vehicle vertical axis (74) for adjusting one of the at least three assistance function units (12, 14, 16, 18) influencing the speed of the motor vehicle (70), wherein the adjusting device (10) has a control unit (20) which is configured to monitor the actuation of the individual switching control unit (22) and to select an assistance function unit (12, 14, 16, 18) by actuation of the individual switching control unit (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column lever control assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 and a motor vehicle with such a steering column lever control assembly.

[0002] In the field of driver assistance systems that influence the speed of a motor vehicle, a speed-maintaining assistance system, also known as cruise control, has long been established. This assistance system generally comprises a control unit with several functional controls. One functional control can, for example, activate the speed-maintaining assistance system, another can set the current vehicle speed as the speed to be maintained, and further functional controls can be used for deceleration and acceleration. The control unit can be integrated into a steering wheel horn or into a steering column stalk.When integrated into a steering column lever, it is known to design the steering column lever such that it can be actuated forwards, backwards, upwards and / or downwards to provide at least one functional control unit. Furthermore, it is known to integrate a functional control unit in the form of an on / off switch into such a steering column lever.

[0003] For several years now, adaptive cruise control units have also been available, often integrated into cruise control units. The function is the same as with the cruise control unit, except that the speed is additionally regulated based on a pre-selected distance to the vehicle in front. This pre-selected distance is often adjustable via a separate control unit, which can be set through a software menu in the infotainment system, or via a separate switch that may be located on the steering column stalk.

[0004] In the field of assistance systems that influence the speed of a motor vehicle, it is also known to provide a speed limiter. This limiter can store a maximum speed, which is often set via an infotainment menu (a separate steering column stalk may be used for this purpose). In some cases, the speed limiter assistance system can emit a warning tone when the set maximum speed is exceeded, or intervene to prevent the speed from being exceeded.

[0005] Finally, it is known to include a so-called hill-start assist function, which is intended, for example, as a hill descent control system. This is usually done by pressing a switch on the dashboard, which then coordinates the engine and brake controls to ensure that a certain speed is not exceeded when driving downhill and that the wheels do not lock up.

[0006] Finally, a concept has been known for some time in which distance control is predictive. This involves collecting a variety of supplementary information about the route to be driven, such as gradient profiles, traffic lights, etc. As a rule, measurements from a navigation system are incorporated into the distance control. However, other information can also be used, such as traffic density data, which can be obtained from the navigation system or other information systems (mobile network, internet, etc.). This should make it possible to select a control level that is geared, for example, towards an economical driving style or a sporty driving style.

[0007] From DE 20 2006 017 330 U1, a steering wheel switch module for a motor vehicle is known, which has at least two multi-button control switch arrangements, wherein the steering wheel switch module is designed so that it can be pre-assembled and installed in and removed from a spoked steering wheel. Both cruise control functions and multimedia functions can be operated via the steering wheel switch module.

[0008] DE 10 2006 028 463 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a display arranged in the dashboard, which is divided into a display field and menu selection fields, wherein at least one menu-specific, dynamically changeable piece of information can be displayed in at least some of the menu selection fields. The document also discloses the integration of selection elements into the steering wheel, via which the menus can be selected and functions controlled.

[0009] DE 195 09 492 C2 discloses a method for limiting the speed of a motor vehicle to a maximum speed, whereby either an acceleration-controlling system intervention or a speed-controlling system intervention can be performed. It is further disclosed to provide an operating device with a switch for toggling between cruise control operation and speed limiter operation, as well as with a common operating lever for setting both the cruise control speed setpoint and the maximum speed for the limiter function, wherein a plurality of maximum speed values ​​can be stored in a memory and retrieved from it via the operating lever.

[0010] DE 195 09 494 C2 discloses a known device for regulating the driving speed of a motor vehicle, comprising a cruise control function module and a speed limiter function module. Furthermore, an operating device is provided for selectively activating either the cruise control function module or the speed limiter function module while simultaneously deactivating the other module. The operating device includes a switching element for toggling between cruise control operation and speed limiter operation and an operating lever designed in the manner of a conventional cruise control lever.

[0011] DE 100 05 999 A1 and JP 2007 - 15 558 A disclose steering column lever control assemblies according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] DE 10 2006 002 059 A1, DE 43 38 098 A1, DE 100 41 745 A1, DE 102 12 764 B4 and JP H11 - 5 456 A disclose further state of the art.

[0013] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved steering column lever control assembly, which is particularly advantageous from an ergonomic point of view, as well as a motor vehicle with such a steering column lever control assembly.

[0014] The above problem is solved by a steering column lever control assembly according to claim 1.

[0015] Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a motor vehicle according to claim 8.

[0016] The present invention therefore focuses, firstly, on the fact that a plurality of assistance function units influencing the speed of a motor vehicle can be selected via a single switching control unit. This allows the selection of multiple such assistance function units using only one switching control unit. This avoids the need for the driver to remember different locations for selecting the various assistance function units influencing the speed of a motor vehicle, such as a switch on the dashboard, a control unit in the steering wheel, and a steering column stalk as is usually used for cruise control functions. The speed-maintaining assistance function unit can include an automatic distance control assistance function unit. The term "control unit" is to be understood broadly in this context.This could include a touchscreen, a multi-selector switch, or a push button. Gesture control for the switching unit is also generally conceivable.

[0017] In the steering column lever control assembly according to the invention, a switching control unit is arranged on the steering column lever which also includes at least one further functional control unit for influencing the speed of the motor vehicle, e.g. a cruise control steering column lever.

[0018] In the steering column lever control assembly according to the invention, the switching control unit is arranged in a lower region of the steering column lever with respect to a vehicle vertical axis. This also improves ergonomics, since the lower region of the steering column lever is generally not operated accidentally, but is deliberately selected, thus preventing accidental switching of assistance function units.

[0019] Preferably, the single switching control unit should allow the selection of all assistance function units that influence the speed of a motor vehicle and are integrated or installed in the respective vehicle. The term "assistance function unit" should preferably not include function units linked to the accelerator or brake pedal.

[0020] Overall, this method can achieve a significantly more ergonomic operation of the motor vehicle.

[0021] In the setting device according to the invention, it is preferred if the switching control unit is designed as a push button and if the control unit is configured to select the assistance function units sequentially when the push button is actuated.

[0022] In this embodiment, the selection of the assistance function units can be implemented according to the "toggle" principle. Direct selection would require a more complex control unit. By limiting the selection of the assistance function units to sequential operation, the switching control unit can be designed to be particularly simple, namely as a push button (which can be mechanical or a touchscreen button).

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferred if the control unit is configured to select the assistance function units in a loop. For example, if four different assistance function units can be selected using the toggle control unit, these are selected sequentially from 1 to 4 by actuating the toggle control unit, and upon further actuation, the first assistance function unit is selected again in a loop.

[0024] Overall, it is further advantageous in the setting device according to the invention if the control unit is configured to control a display unit to display specific information for the selected assistance function unit when an assistance function unit is selected.

[0025] The display unit can, for example, be integrated into a dashboard and can, for example, have a display.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferred if the control unit is configured to monitor the actuation of an operating assembly which has at least two function operating units, wherein the control unit is further configured to assign to the function operating units, depending on the selected assistance function unit, at least partially an operating function specific to the selected assistance function unit.

[0027] This can also improve ergonomics, as the total number of functional control units can be reduced.

[0028] It is preferred if the steering column lever has a polygonal cross-section and if the switching control unit is arranged on the underside of the steering column lever.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the switching control unit is designed as a push button.

[0030] In this case, switching between assistance function units can be done, for example, via a button located on the underside of the steering column lever.

[0031] Overall, it is also preferred if the steering column lever operating assembly is combined with an adjustment device of the type according to the invention.

[0032] It is understood that the aforementioned features and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an adjustment device; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a steering wheel with a steering column lever control assembly; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a dashboard with a display unit; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of part of a steering column lever control assembly; and Fig. 5 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows in schematic form a first embodiment of a device for adjusting at least three assistance function units influencing the speed of a motor vehicle, wherein the adjusting device is Fig. 1 is generally denoted by 10.

[0035] In the present case, the adjusting device 10 serves to adjust a speed-holding assistance function unit 12, into which an automatic distance control function may be integrated, a predictive distance control assistance function unit 14, a speed limiting assistance function unit 16 and a hill-riding assistance function unit 18, which may in particular be designed as a hill-riding assistance function unit.

[0036] The adjusting device 10 further includes a control unit 20, which is configured to select one of the assistance function units 12-18 at a time. The adjusting device 10 also has a single switching control unit 22. The control unit 20 is configured to monitor the actuation of the individual switching control unit 22 and to select an assistance function unit when the switching control unit 22 is actuated.

[0037] The adjustment device 10 is connected to a display unit 26. The control unit is configured to activate the display unit 26 to show information specific to the selected assistance function unit when an assistance function unit is selected.

[0038] It is understood that the assistance function units 12-18 can each also be directly connected to the display unit 26, whereby the control unit 20 only transfers control over the display unit to one of the assistance function units.

[0039] Furthermore, the adjusting device 10 includes an operating assembly 28, which has at least two function control units 30, 32. The control unit 20 is configured to assign at least a partial operating function specific to the selected assistance function unit to the function control units, depending on the selected assistance function unit.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a steering wheel arrangement 36 with a steering wheel 38, to which a first steering column lever control assembly 40 is assigned. Further steering column lever control assemblies can be assigned to the steering wheel 38, as indicated by the dashed lines and schematically at Figure 42.

[0041] The first steering column control assembly serves to influence the speed of a motor vehicle and can include the control assembly 28. Furthermore, the first steering column control assembly can include the switching control unit 22. Alternatively, the switching control unit 22 can also be located on the steering wheel (e.g., in the area of ​​a deflector plate) or on the dashboard.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows in schematic form a dashboard 46 of a motor vehicle, with a centrally arranged tachometer 48 and a display unit 26', which in this case has a display 50 and a status indicator 52.

[0043] The Display 50 can also display specific information for each selected assistance function unit.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a steering column lever control assembly 40' with a steering column lever 56 having an end piece 58. Both a control assembly 28' and a switching control unit 22 are integrated into the end piece 58.

[0045] In this embodiment, the steering column lever 56 can be operated forwards, as shown at 30', or backwards, as shown at 32'. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering column lever can be operated upwards, as shown at 60, thereby establishing a third functional control unit. Similarly, the steering column lever 56 can be moved downwards, as shown at 62, thereby establishing a fourth functional control unit.

[0046] Furthermore, a fifth functional control unit 64 in the form of an on / off button is provided on the free end face of the end piece 58.

[0047] A sixth functional control unit 66 is arranged on a rear side of the end piece 58 as viewed in the direction of travel, which in this case can be used in particular for setting a distance to be regulated of an automatic distance control.

[0048] Finally, a push button 22' is provided on the underside of the end piece 58, which is to be actuated upwards and which in this case forms the switching control unit.

[0049] The fifth function control unit 64 preferably serves to switch all assistance function units influencing the speed of the motor vehicle on and off. The sixth function control unit 66 preferably serves exclusively to set a distance in an automatic distance control system, which may be integrated into the speed-maintaining assistance function unit 12, or in a predictive distance control system.

[0050] The first function control unit 30' is used in the speed-holding assistance function unit 12 and the hill-climbing assistance function unit 18 to set a speed or to accelerate, possibly also for so-called "tap acceleration". In the predictive distance control assistance function unit 14, the first function control unit 30' is used to activate it and to increase a limit deviation. In the speed limiter assistance function unit 16, the first function control unit 30' is used to activate and increase a limit speed.

[0051] The second function control unit 32' is used in the speed-hold assist function unit 12 and the hill-climb assist function unit 18 to set a speed and to decelerate, possibly for intermittent deceleration. In the predictive distance control assist function unit 14, the second function control unit 32' is used to reactivate or reduce a limit deviation. In the speed limit assist function unit 16, the second function control unit 32' is used to activate or reactivate and to reduce a limit speed.

[0052] The third function control unit 60 is used for resuming operation in all assistance function units except for the predictive distance control assistance function unit 14. In the case of the predictive distance control assistance function unit 14, the third function control unit 60 is used for resuming and / or deselecting the next event.

[0053] The fourth function control unit 62 is used to interrupt all assistance function units.

[0054] The switching control unit 22' is used for sequentially selecting the four above-mentioned assistance function units, in a loop-like fashion.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a motor vehicle 70 in schematic form, with a forward direction of travel 72 shown and a vehicle vertical axis 74 shown in schematic form, to classify the terms front, rear, top and bottom.

Claims

[1] Steering column lever control assembly (40) for influencing the speed of a motor vehicle (70), with a steering column lever (56) which can be actuated forwards, backwards, upwards and / or downwards in relation to the forward direction of travel (72) of the motor vehicle (70) to provide at least one functional control unit (30, 32, 60, 62), characterized by an adjustment device (10) for adjusting at least three assistance function units (12, 14, 16, 18) influencing the speed of a motor vehicle (70), which are selected from a speed-keeping assistance function unit (12), a predictive distance control assistance function unit (14), a speed limiting assistance function unit (16) and a hill-climbing assistance function unit (18), wherein the adjusting device (10) has a single switching control unit (22) arranged on the steering column lever (56) in a lower area of ​​the steering column lever (56) with respect to a vehicle vertical axis (74) for adjusting one of the at least three assistance function units (12, 14, 16, 18) influencing the speed of the motor vehicle (70), wherein the adjusting device (10) has a control unit (20) which is configured to monitor the actuation of the individual switching control unit (22) and to select an assistance function unit (12, 14, 16, 18) by actuation of the individual switching control unit (22). [2] Steering column lever control assembly (40) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the steering column lever (56) has a polygonal cross-section and the switching control unit (22) is arranged on a lower side of the steering column lever (56). [3] Steering column lever control assembly (40) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the switching control unit (22) is designed as a push button. [4] Steering column lever control assembly (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the switching control unit (22) is designed as a push button, and wherein the control unit (22) is configured to select the assistance function units (12, 14, 16, 18) sequentially (24) when the push button is pressed. [5] Steering column lever control assembly (40) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the control unit (20) is configured to select the assistance function units (12, 14, 16, 18) in a loop. [6] Steering column lever control assembly (40) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the control unit (20) is configured to control a display unit (26) to display specific information for the selected assistance function unit (12, 14, 16, 18) when an assistance function unit (12, 14, 16, 18) is selected. [7] Steering column lever control assembly (40) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the control unit (20) is configured to monitor the actuation of an operating assembly (28) which has at least two function operating units (30, 32; 30', 32', 60-66), wherein the control unit (20) is further configured to assign to the function operating units (30, 32; 30', 32', 60-66) at least partially an operating function specific to the selected assistance function unit (12, 14, 16, 18). [8] Motor vehicle (70) with a steering column lever control assembly (40) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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