Circuit layout and motor vehicle
The circuit arrangement with an elastically deformable conductor element allows for simple detection of forces and movements in motor vehicles by varying electrical resistance, facilitating effective control systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing control systems in motor vehicles do not effectively utilize force and movement-dependent mechanisms in a simple manner.
A circuit arrangement featuring an elongated, elastically deformable conductor element with a fixed end and a contact element, where the electrical resistance between the free end and the voltage tap point changes based on the deformation of the conductor element, allowing for a control system that detects force and movement.
Enables a straightforward implementation of control systems in motor vehicles that respond to component forces and movements by evaluating electrical resistance changes.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement with an elastically deformable conductor element and to a motor vehicle with such a circuit arrangement.
[0002] From DE 10 2008 014 718 B4 a circuit arrangement with an elastically deformable conductor element is known.
[0003] From US patent 2005 / 0274595 A1, a circuit arrangement is known with an elastically deformable conductor element and a contact element, wherein the elastically deformable conductor element is fixed at one end. The contact element comprises a linear resistor and two voltage tap points arranged at opposite ends of the linear resistor. An electrical resistance measurable between the two voltage tap points depends on a contact area between the conductor element and the linear resistor, wherein a change in the contact area results from a deformation of the elastically deformable conductor element.
[0004] From DE 197 20 713 C1, a sealing profile for sealing a power-operated locking device is known. The sealing profile comprises two spaced-apart contact elements and a contact surface arranged opposite the two contact elements. When the sealing profile is clamped, depending on the applied force, either the two contact elements touch each other or the contact surface is brought into contact with the two contact elements, so that the electrical resistance measurable between the two contact elements depends on the applied force to the sealing profile.
[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of enabling, particularly in a motor vehicle, a control system that depends on a force acting on a component and / or on a movement of a component in a relatively simple manner.
[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a circuit arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 7.
[0007] The circuit arrangement according to the invention comprises an elongated, elastically deformable conductor element, i.e., an element that can be elastically deformed and that is suitable for conducting a significant electric current, i.e., having an effective electrical conductivity of at least 10. 4 S / m. Preferably, the elastically deformable conductor element comprises an elastically deformable lattice structure or frame structure, whereby it is also conceivable that the lattice structure / frame structure comprises rigid elements. According to the invention, the elastically deformable conductor element is fixed on one side, i.e., at one of its two ends. The elastically deformable conductor element thus forms a kind of cantilever beam.
[0008] The circuit arrangement according to the invention further comprises a contact element having a voltage tap point and at least one contact surface electrically connected to the voltage tap point. According to the invention, the contact element is arranged adjacent to the elastically deformable conductor element such that a free end of the elastically deformable conductor element opposite the fixed end is in contact with at least one contact surface and thereby electrically contacts it, at least in one position achievable by deformation of the elastically deformable conductor element as designed, i.e., in an undeformed state of the elastically deformable conductor element and / or in a deformed state achievable as designed.
[0009] According to the invention, the elastically deformable conductor element and the contact element are designed and aligned with each other such that the electrical resistance measurable between the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element and the voltage tap point depends on the respective position of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element, wherein a change in the position of the free end results from a deformation of the elastically deformable conductor element. This means that at least two positions of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element exist, for which different electrical resistances result. It is also conceivable that the elastically deformable conductor element and the contact element do not touch in at least one position, and consequently a measurable electrical resistance of typically more than 1 MΩ is established.
[0010] For example, it is conceivable that the elastically deformable conductor element and the contact element form a switch that is open or closed depending on the position of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element, i.e., depending on the deformation state of the elastically deformable conductor element. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the elastically deformable conductor element and the contact element form a type of potentiometer, whereby the measurable electrical resistance changes continuously between a maximum and a minimum value when the elastically deformable conductor element is deformed and the position of its free end changes accordingly.
[0011] The position of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element can be mechanically coupled to the movement of an object to be monitored in a relatively simple manner. The switching arrangement according to the invention therefore makes it possible, particularly in a motor vehicle, to implement a control system dependent on the movement of a component in a relatively simple way by evaluating the measurable electrical resistance of the arrangement.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the elastically deformable conductor element comprises an elastically deformable base structure, which has no or only very low electrical conductivity, and an electrically conductive coating applied to the base structure. The elastically deformable base structure can, for example, consist of an elastomer. The base structure can be formed in one piece or can consist of several individual parts, typically connected by joints. The electrically conductive coating preferably comprises carbon, specifically graphite, or a metal.
[0013] Preferably, the elastically deformable conductor element comprises a Fin-Ray structure, i.e., a structure acting according to the so-called Fin-Ray principle, which enables particularly controlled movement of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element, and in particular movement that opposes an applied force. The Fin-Ray structure preferably comprises two flexible, elastically deformable side surfaces that are arranged conically, i.e., converging towards each other, and connected to each other by several relatively inflexible connecting struts, wherein the two side surfaces are preferably provided on their outer surface with an electrically conductive coating.
[0014] To achieve a potentiometer-like function of the switch arrangement, the contact element in a preferred embodiment comprises a sliding contact surface along which the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element slides when the conductor element is deformed. The sliding contact surface is designed such that the measurable electrical resistance of the arrangement changes continuously depending on the position of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element on the sliding contact surface, similar to the operation of a potentiometer.
[0015] To implement an on / off switch, the elastically deformable conductor element and the contact element are preferably designed and aligned such that the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element does not contact a contact surface of the contact element in at least one position, thus creating a type of open switch in this position. Preferably, the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element is spaced apart from the contact element in the relevant position. However, it is also conceivable that the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element rests against an electrically insulated area of the contact element in the relevant position.
[0016] To implement a switch with multiple distinguishable switching positions, the contact element in a preferred embodiment comprises several contact surfaces assigned different electrical resistances. For example, the multiple contact surfaces can be connected to the voltage tap point via connections exhibiting different electrical resistances or can have different surface resistances. In each case, contacting the individual contact surfaces through the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element results in a different measurable electrical resistance, so that the position of the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element can be determined by evaluating the resistance.
[0017] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one circuit arrangement according to the invention. The elastically deformable conductor element of the circuit arrangement according to the invention is preferably coupled to a component of the motor vehicle in such a way that a force acting on the respective component and / or a movement of the component causes a deformation of the elastically deformable conductor element, and consequently, by evaluating the measurable electrical resistance of the circuit arrangement, the force acting on the respective component or the position of the respective component can be easily deduced. This makes it possible to easily implement a control system that depends on the force acting on the component or on the movement of the component.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the elastically deformable conductor element of a circuit arrangement is arranged on or in an armrest such that the elastically deformable conductor element is deformed by a load generated when an arm is placed on the armrest. Preferably, the circuit arrangement is designed such that the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element does not contact any contact surface of the contact element in an undeformed state, and electrically contacts a contact surface of the contact element in a deformed state caused by the load generated when the arm is placed on the armrest. This makes it possible to easily detect when an arm is placed on the armrest.
[0019] Preferably, alternatively or additionally, the elastically deformable conductor element of a circuit arrangement is arranged on a seat such that the elastically deformable conductor element is deformed when the seat is adjusted. Preferably, the circuit arrangement is designed such that the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element does not contact a contact surface of the contact element in an undeformed state, and in a deformed state caused by setting a defined seat position, for example, a rest position in an autonomous vehicle, it electrically contacts a contact surface of the contact element. This makes it possible to easily detect when the defined seat position is set.
[0020] Preferably, or alternatively or additionally, the elastically deformable conductor element of a circuit arrangement is arranged on or in a holding device such that the elastically deformable conductor element is deformed by a load generated when an object to be held is inserted into the holding device. The holding device can be, for example, a coat hook or a cup holder. Preferably, the circuit arrangement is designed such that the free end of the elastically deformable conductor element does not contact a contact surface of the contact element in an undeformed state, and in a deformed state caused by the load generated when the object to be held is inserted into the holding device, it electrically contacts a contact surface of the contact element.This makes it easy to detect when an object to be held is inserted into the holding device.
[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a first circuit arrangement according to the invention in an unloaded state, Fig. 2 the circuit arrangement from Fig. 1 in a stressed state, Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a second circuit arrangement according to the invention in an unloaded state, Fig. 4 the circuit arrangement from Fig. 3 in a stressed state, and Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of a third circuit arrangement according to the invention in an unloaded state, Fig. 6 the circuit arrangement from Fig. 5 in a stressed state, and Fig. 7 a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising several circuit arrangements according to the invention.
[0022] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first circuit arrangement 100a according to the invention with an elongated, elastically deformable conductor element 1 and with a contact element 2a.
[0023] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 comprises an elastically deformable basic structure 1.1 designed as a fin-ray structure, which includes two tapered elastically deformable side surfaces 1.1.1 and several relatively rigid connecting struts 1.1.2 connected to the two side surfaces 1.1.1 by hinges.
[0024] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 further comprises an electrically conductive coating 1.2 applied to an outer surface of the two side surfaces 1.1.1 of the basic structure 1.1.
[0025] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 comprises a fixed end 1.3, which is fixed in any way, and a free end 1.4 opposite the fixed end 1.3.
[0026] The contact element 2a comprises a voltage tap point 2.1 and a contact surface 2a.2 designed as a sliding contact, which is electrically connected to the voltage tap point 2.1.
[0027] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 and the contact element 2 are designed and aligned to each other in such a way that the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 electrically contacts the contact surface 2a.2 and slides along the contact surface 2a.2 when deformed by a force F acting on the elastically deformable conductor element 1.
[0028] The contact surface 2a.2 is designed such that an electrical arrangement resistance measurable via terminals 3 between the voltage tap point 2.1 and the elastically deformable conductor element 1 changes continuously depending on the position of the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 on the contact surface 2a.2, i.e. depending on the respective position of the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1.
[0029] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a second circuit arrangement 100b according to the invention, wherein, to describe features of the circuit arrangement 100b that are identical or similar to those of the circuit arrangement 100a, the corresponding reference numerals from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be used.
[0030] Circuit arrangement 100b differs from circuit arrangement 100a in that a contact element 2b of circuit arrangement 100b has three separate contact surfaces 2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4, wherein a first contact surface 2b.2 is located in a Fig. 3. The undeformed state of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 is electrically contacted by the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1, a second contact surface 2b.3 in a Fig. 4. In the upwardly bent deformation state of the elastically deformable conductor element 1, caused by the action of a force F, the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 is electrically contacted, and a third contact surface 2b.4 is electrically contacted in a downwardly bent deformation state of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 (not shown) through the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1.
[0031] The three contact surfaces 2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4 are designed such that for each of the three contact surfaces 2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4, when electrically contacted by the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1, a different electrical arrangement resistance measurable between the terminals 3 is established, and are thus assigned different measurable electrical arrangement resistances.
[0032] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a third circuit arrangement 100c according to the invention, wherein, to describe features of the circuit arrangement 100c that are identical or similar to those of the circuit arrangement 100a and / or the circuit arrangement 100b, the corresponding reference numerals from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 can be used.
[0033] Circuit arrangement 100c differs from circuit arrangements 100a and 100b in that the elastically deformable conductor element 1 and a contact element 2c of circuit arrangement 100c are designed and aligned with each other such that the free end 1.4 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 is in a Fig. In the undeformed state of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 shown in Figure 5, it does not rest against the contact element 2c, but is arranged at a distance from the contact element 2c, and in a Fig. 6 shown, the upwardly bent deformation state of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 caused by the action of a force F is located at a contact surface 2c.2 of the contact element 2c and electrically contacts it.
[0034] Fig. Figure 7 shows a motor vehicle 200 according to the invention, comprising a seat 201 with an armrest 202, a holder 203 for a cup and three switching arrangements 100c, wherein one of the switching arrangements 100c is arranged on the seat 201, one of the switching arrangements 100c is arranged on the armrest 202, and one of the switching arrangements 100c is arranged on the holder 203.
[0035] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 of the circuit arrangement 100c located on the seat 201 is arranged on the seat 201 such that the elastically deformable conductor element 1 is deformed when the seat 201 is adjusted, wherein, upon reaching a defined seating position, the free end 104 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 electrically contacts the contact surface 2c.2 of the contact element 2c.
[0036] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 of the circuit arrangement 100c located on the armrest 202 is arranged on the armrest 202 in such a way that the elastically deformable conductor element 1 is deformed by a load generated when an arm is placed on the armrest 202 in such a way that the free end 104 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 electrically contacts the contact surface 2c.2 of the contact element 2c.
[0037] The elastically deformable conductor element 1 of the circuit arrangement 100c located on the holder device 203 is arranged on the holder device 203 in such a way that the elastically deformable conductor element 1 is deformed by a load generated when an object to be held, i.e. here a cup, is inserted into the holder device 203 in such a way that the free end 104 of the elastically deformable conductor element 1 electrically contacts the contact surface 2c.2 of the contact element 2c. Reference symbol list 100a Circuit arrangement 100b Circuit arrangement 100c circuit arrangement 1 elastically deformable conductor element 1.1 Basic structure / Fin-Ray structure 1.1.1 Side surfaces 1.1.2 Connecting struts 1.2 Electrically conductive coating 1.3 fixed end 1.4 free end 2a Contact element 2b Contact element 2c contact element 2.1 Voltage tap point 2a.2 Contact surface 2b.2 Contact surface 2b.3 Contact surface 2b.4 Contact surface 2c.2 Contact surface 3 terminals 200 motor vehicles 201 seats 202 Armrest 203 Holder device F force
Claims
[1] Circuit arrangement (100a; 100b; 100c) comprising: an elastically deformable conductor element (1) that is fixed on one side, and a contact element (2a; 2b; 2c) that has a voltage tap point (2.1) and at least one contact surface (2a.2; 2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4; 2c.2) has, wherein the at least one contact surface (2a.2; 2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4; 2c.2) is electrically connected to the voltage tap point (2.1) and is electrically contacted by the elastically deformable conductor element (1) at least in one position of a free end (1.4) of the elastically deformable conductor element (1), wherein the elastically deformable conductor element (1) and the contact element (2a; 2b; 2c) are designed such that an electrical arrangement resistance measurable between the free end (1.4) of the elastically deformable conductor element (1) and the voltage tap point (2.1) of the contact element (2a; 2b; 2c) depends on a respective position of the free end (1.4) of the elastically deformable conductor element (1), wherein a change in the position of the free end (1.4) results from a deformation of the elastically deformable conductor element (1). [2] Circuit arrangement (100a, 100b, 100c) according to claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable conductor element (1) comprises an elastically deformable base structure (1.1) and an electrically conductive coating (1.2) applied to the elastically deformable base structure (1.1). [3] Circuit arrangement (100a, 100b, 100c) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastically deformable conductor element (1) comprises a Fin-Ray structure (1.1). [4] Circuit arrangement (100a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (2a) comprises a contact surface (2a.2) designed as a sliding contact, on which the free end (1.4) of the elastically deformable conductor element (1) slides when the elastically deformable conductor element (1) is deformed, and wherein the electrical arrangement resistance changes continuously depending on the position of the free end (1.4) of the elastically deformable conductor element (1) on the contact surface (2a.2) designed as a sliding contact. [5] Circuit arrangement (100b, 100c) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the free end (1.4) of the elastically deformable conductor element (1) does not contact any contact surface (2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4; 2c.2) of the contact element (2b; 2c) in at least one position. [6] Circuit arrangement (100b) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (2b) has several contact surfaces (2b.2, 2b.3, 2b.4) which are assigned different electrical arrangement resistances. [7] Motor vehicle (200) with at least one circuit arrangement (100a, 100b, 100c) according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Motor vehicle (200) according to claim 7, wherein the elastically deformable conductor element (1) of a circuit arrangement (100c) is arranged on an armrest (202) such that the elastically deformable conductor element (1) is deformed by a load generated when an arm is placed on the armrest (202). [9] Motor vehicle (200) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the elastically deformable conductor element (1) of a circuit arrangement (100c) is arranged on a seat (201) such that the elastically deformable conductor element (1) is deformed when the seat (201) is adjusted. [10] Motor vehicle (200) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the elastically deformable conductor element (1) of a circuit arrangement (100c) is arranged on a holder device (203) such that the elastically deformable conductor element (1) is deformed by a load generated when an object to be held is inserted into the holder device (203).