Adjustment lever for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment lever for a motor vehicle, comprising a force sensor to detect the change requests of a driver, wherein the force of a return mechanism of the adjustment lever to return the adjustment lever to a starting position is not linear but increases more sharply towards the end, or a speed sensor to detect the change requests of a driver for a setpoint, wherein a speed and / or a rate of change of the adjustment lever from a starting position towards at least one end stop is detected.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjusting lever for a motor vehicle.

[0002] In today's modern vehicles, the interaction between driver and vehicle is becoming increasingly complex, as more and more functions and systems are integrated to optimize comfort, safety, and performance. This growing complexity requires innovative solutions in the field of human-machine interfaces (HMI) to ensure intuitive and efficient control.

[0003] The present invention relates to such an innovative MMI, which has been specially developed to improve the operability of modern motor vehicles from the prior art and to raise the interaction between driver and vehicle to a new level.

[0004] According to the invention, an adjusting lever for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle with the adjusting lever according to claim 9 are provided. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] The invention relates to an adjusting lever for a motor vehicle, comprising a force sensor to detect a driver's desired changes to a setpoint, wherein the force of a return mechanism of the adjusting lever to return the adjusting lever from a starting position to at least one end stop is increasing. or a speed sensor to detect a driver's change requests for a setpoint, wherein a speed and / or a rate of change of the adjusting lever from a starting position towards at least one end stop is detected.

[0006] The adjustment lever can be located on a control unit. The control unit can be mounted on the vehicle's steering column to accommodate at least one adjustment lever. The control unit is an integral part of the vehicle design, allowing the user to adjust various vehicle systems. This control unit is often integrated directly into the steering column and offers ergonomically positioned controls that are easily accessible and user-friendly. The control unit serves as a mounting device and protective frame for the at least one adjustment lever, which can control different vehicle functions.Frequently used functions via these control levers may include turn signal control, which allows the turn signal to be switched on and off to indicate changes in direction; windshield wiper control, for controlling wiper speed and function as well as activating a windshield washer system; and high / low beam control, which switches between the two light modes and activates the flash-to-pass function. In addition, a lever or switch for a cruise control function may be integrated into the control unit, allowing activation and adjustment of the speed control. The control unit is designed to be robust and durable to withstand frequent use and offers safe and intuitive operation so that the driver can use the various functions without being distracted from the road.

[0007] In an advantageous further development, it may be possible, regardless of the force level, to interpret the desired change in a setpoint, in particular a change in speed, based on a trigger speed or a speed at which the vehicle user operates the adjustment lever.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the increase in force of the return mechanism towards the at least one end stop can be non-linear and / or linear. The movement of the adjusting lever can proceed from a starting position towards the at least one end stop, or alternatively from the direction of the at least one end stop towards the starting position. Alternatively or additionally, the adjusting lever or its suspension on the control unit can allow for a push direction and a pull direction. In an advantageous embodiment, the force curves for actuating the adjusting lever can differ in the push and pull directions.

[0009] The push direction and pull direction of the adjusting lever denote the two opposite directions of movement that an adjusting lever can perform to operate various vehicle functions of the motor vehicle.

[0010] The pressure direction of the adjustment lever is the direction in which the lever moves when it is pushed or pressed down. This movement can be used to activate or control various functions in the vehicle. A typical example is the turn signal lever, which is pushed down to activate the left turn signal. In some vehicles, the pressure direction might also be used to activate functions such as turning on the low beam headlights or sounding the horn.

[0011] The direction of pull of the adjustment lever, on the other hand, is the direction in which the lever moves when it is pulled or lifted upwards. This movement is also used to activate or control various functions. For example, the turn signal lever can be pulled upwards to activate the right turn signal. In some vehicles, pulling the lever might also activate the high beams or temporarily flash the headlights.

[0012] The two directions enable intuitive, ergonomic control and contribute to user-friendliness by providing clear and tactile feedback. This allows the driver to activate functions without taking their eyes off the road. In summary, the push and pull directions of an adjustment lever refer to two opposing movements that control different vehicle functions by pushing or pulling the lever. These two directions can also be applied to push buttons, such as those for window controls.

[0013] In an advantageous further training, the detection of the change in speed can cause a linear or non-linear change in the setpoint.

[0014] A return mechanism for an adjustment lever in a motor vehicle refers to a system that can return an adjustable component to its original or preset state. The adjustment lever can therefore be moved from a starting position towards at least one end stop. The return mechanism can then be designed to return the lever to its starting position. Examples of such a component include the turn signal lever and / or the cruise control lever.

[0015] The return mechanism can be implemented using mechanical springs, electric motors, or hydraulic, MRF (Multi-Reference Function) and pneumatic systems. Mechanical springs store energy that is released to return the component to its original position after adjustment. Electric motors offer precise control and allow the component to return to its starting position through a reverse movement. Hydraulic or pneumatic systems use fluid pressure for movement and return. Modern vehicles often have electronic memory systems that can store multiple preset positions for different users and recall them at the touch of a button. The return mechanism can contribute to increased comfort and ease of use by enabling a quick and efficient return to optimal positions.

[0016] In a training course, the adjustment lever is infinitely adjustable in at least two directions of operation.

[0017] In further training, the force sensor is designed as a strain gauge, capacitive sensor or inductive sensor.

[0018] In a further training, the adjusting lever has a mechanical end stop at the respective end of at least two directions of operation.

[0019] In a further training, a control unit determines the measured quantity recorded by the force sensor and / or the speed sensor and interprets it to determine a new target value.

[0020] In an advantageous training program, the target value can be displayed on a screen to facilitate hand-eye coordination. Alternatively or additionally, haptic feedback can be provided to the vehicle operator via the adjustment lever, alongside the increasing resistance when operated.

[0021] In a training course, the control unit performs a stepless change in speed above the target value.

[0022] In a further training course, the adjusting lever is equipped with an electromagnet and / or MRF technology to make the end of the travel change perceptible.

[0023] In a further training course, MRF technology includes switchable contact points for standardized speed limits.

[0024] A magnetorheological fluid (MRF) is a smart material whose flow and mechanical properties can be rapidly and reversibly altered by a magnetic field. It typically comprises a carrier fluid in which ferromagnetic particles are suspended. When a magnetic field is applied to the MRF, the particles align themselves along the magnetic field lines, making the fluid more viscous or even causing it to solidify.

[0025] An adjustment lever in a motor vehicle based on MRF technology could therefore realize the following functions.

[0026] In a further development, the adjustment lever can be designed so that it can be adapted according to the required damping force. By changing the magnetic field, the stiffness of the lever can be adjusted in real time, for example to optimize damping and shock absorption.

[0027] MRF technology can enable very fine and precise control of the damping force, which can lead to improved control.

[0028] Since the properties of the MRF can change very quickly, the adjustment lever can react almost immediately to changes in operating conditions.

[0029] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a continuously variable adjustment lever according to at least one of the preceding further developments.

[0030] In a further development, the motor vehicle includes a cruise control, wherein the cruise control is controlled by the adjusting lever according to one of the preceding claims.

[0031] The invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. Figure 1 shows an operating system with an adjustment lever for a motor vehicle; and Fig. Figure 2 shows a motor vehicle comprising a continuously variable adjustment lever according to at least one of the preceding claims; and Fig. Figure 3 shows a force-displacement diagram for an adjustment lever.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a control unit 100. The control unit 100 comprises an adjusting lever 110 for a motor vehicle 200, comprising a force sensor 120 to detect change requests from a driver, wherein the force of a return mechanism of the adjusting lever 110 to return the adjusting lever 110 from a starting position to an end stop is increasing. or a speed sensor 130 to detect a driver's change requests for a target value, whereby a speed and / or a rate of change of the adjusting lever 110 from a starting position towards at least one end stop is detected.

[0033] The adjusting lever 110 has a pressure direction 111, i.e. upwards or away from a motor vehicle user, and a pull direction 112, i.e. downwards or towards a motor vehicle user.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a motor vehicle 200 comprising a control unit 100 with a continuously variable adjustment lever 110 according to at least one of the preceding claims. The control unit may additionally include a speed sensor 130.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a force-displacement diagram 300 for an adjusting lever 110. The force-displacement diagram 300 shows a pull direction of the adjusting lever 110 and a push direction of the adjusting lever 110.

[0036] The force-displacement diagram 300 shows the displacement of the adjusting lever 110 on an X-axis 320 and the force required to travel this displacement on a Y-axis 310. The adjusting lever 110 passes through several points P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 in the compression direction 335 and in the tension direction 330. During an example movement of P1, P2, a force F increases. The force required for this would be calculated as F2 - F1. The forces F1, F2, F3, and F4 required at each point P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 are plotted on the Y-axis 320.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Within the scope of the invention, all described and / or drawn features can be combined with one another as desired, unless otherwise stated. Reference sign 100 Control unit 110 adjusting levers 120 force sensor 130 speed sensor 200 motor vehicles 300 Force-Displacement Diagram 310 X-axis 320 Y-axis 330 Direction of travel 335 Print direction P1 - P5 Waypoints F1 - F4 Force points

Claims

[1] Adjustment lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200), comprehensive, a force sensor (120) to detect a driver's change requests for a target value, wherein the force of a return mechanism of the adjusting lever (110) for returning the adjusting lever (110) from a starting position to at least one end stop is increasing or a speed sensor (130) to detect a driver's change requests for a target value, wherein a speed and / or a rate of change of the adjusting lever (110) from a starting position towards at least one end stop is detected. [2] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adjusting lever (110) is infinitely adjustable in at least two directions of operation. [3] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the force sensor is designed as a strain gauge, capacitive sensor or inductive sensor. [4] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjusting lever (110) has a mechanical end stop at the respective end of at least two directions of actuation. [5] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a control unit interprets the measured quantity detected by the force sensor (120) and / or the speed sensor (130) and determines a new target quantity from it. [6] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit makes a stepless change in speed above the setpoint. [7] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adjusting lever (110) is equipped with an electromagnet and / or MRF technology to make the end of the travel change perceptible. [8] Adjusting lever (110) for a motor vehicle (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the MRF technology includes switchable contact points and provides standardized speed limits. [9] Motor vehicle (200), comprising a stepless adjusting lever (110) according to at least one of the preceding claims. [10] Motor vehicle (200) according to claim 9, comprising a cruise control, wherein the cruise control is controlled by the adjusting lever (110) according to one of the preceding claims.

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