HAPTIC STEERING COLUMN SWITCH ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a haptic steering column switch arrangement (1), in particular for controlling the turn signals of a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier (2) defining a first axis (A); an activation rod (3) arranged within the carrier (2) along a second axis (B) that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A) and designed for actuation by a user; force sensors (5) arranged between the activation rod (3) and the carrier (2) and activated when the activation rod (3) is pressed in a direction not parallel to the first axis (A); and an actuator (4) configured to provide a haptic response to the user by moving the activation rod (3). To enable the input of operating information without moving the activation rod (3) and to generate a predefined haptic experience,The arrangement (1) comprises at least two pairs of force sensors (5) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) on opposite sides of the second axis (B) and in the plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A), each pair of force sensors (5) being separated by a length (L) to detect a torque generated by the activation rod (3) with respect to the first axis (A), and flexible joints (6) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) defining an equilibrium position of the activation rod (3) within the support (2) and allowing limited movements of the activation rod (3) within the support (2) along the second axis (B), the actuator (4) moving the activation rod (3) along the second axis (B) upon activation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a haptic steering column switch arrangement, in particular for controlling the turn signals of a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier defining a first axis; an activation rod arranged within the carrier along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and configured to be actuated by a user; force sensors arranged between the activation rod and the carrier, which are activated when the activation rod is pushed in a direction not parallel to the first axis; and an actuator configured to generate a haptic response for the user by moving the activation rod. Background of the invention

[0002] Such steering column switch assemblies are frequently used in modules integrated into steering columns (CIM) in the automotive industry. They typically form compact, pre-assembled units that are mechanically attached to the steering column and electrically connected to the vehicle's wiring on the assembly line.

[0003] In typical steering column switch arrangements of this type, the activation rod must be tilted at a specific angle of approximately 5 to 12 degrees to trigger a corresponding response.

[0004] Publication US 2022 / 187865 discloses a haptic steering column switch arrangement that enables the input of operating information through very little movement of the vehicle input device. The arrangement comprises a carrier part to be attached to the vehicle, an operating element supported by the carrier part and configured to be operated by a user, an operating detection element configured to detect operation of the operating element, a tactile feedback generating element located inside the operating element and configured to provide tactile feedback to the user, and a control element configured to control the tactile feedback generating element to generate tactile feedback when operation is detected by the operating detection element, wherein the operating element is designed tothat it extends from the support part in a first direction which intersects the direction of travel of the vehicle, and wherein the operating element is restricted in such a way that it does not rotate in a pivoting operation in which a direction which intersects the first direction serves as the axis of rotation.

[0005] Publication GB 2110428 discloses a control system in which the force exerted on a rigid, non-moving main control is detected using strain gauges. A pair of strain gauges is provided for each joint or function. Each strain gauge pair is associated with a measuring amplifier and a servo amplifier. The output voltage signal of the strain gauge amplifier is proportional to the direction and magnitude of the forces exerted on the main control by the operator. The circuitry associated with each strain gauge pair drives an electric motor, which, in a preferred embodiment, drives a hydraulic pump.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a compact, cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture haptic steering column switch arrangement of the type mentioned above, which enables the input of operating information without movement of the activation rod and creates a predefined haptic experience. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention provides a haptic steering column switch arrangement of the type mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises at least two pairs of force sensors arranged in the space between the activation rod and the carrier on opposite sides of the second axis and in the plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis, wherein each pair of force sensors is separated by a length to detect a torque generated by the activation rod with respect to the first axis, and flexible joints arranged in the space between the activation rod and the carrier, defining an equilibrium position of the activation rod within the carrier and enabling limited movements of the activation rod within the carrier along the second axis, wherein the actuator moves the activation rod along the second axis upon activation.

[0008] Preferably, the haptic steering column switch arrangement further comprises at least two pairs of additional force sensors arranged in the space between the activation rod and the support on opposite sides of the second axis and in the plane not perpendicular to the first axis, wherein each pair of force sensors is separated by a length to detect a torque generated by the activation rod with respect to a third axis which is not parallel and preferably perpendicular to the first axis.

[0009] Additional force sensors are activated when the activation rod is pushed in a direction that is essentially parallel to the first axis.

[0010] Preferably, the haptic steering column switch arrangement comprises at least two pairs of force sensors arranged in the space between the activation rod and the support on opposite sides of the second axis, each pair of force sensors being separated by a length to detect a torque generated by the activation rod with respect to the first axis.

[0011] Preferably, the haptic steering column switch arrangement further comprises a sleeve element that is arranged in the space between the activation rod and the carrier.

[0012] Preferably, the force sensors are arranged between the carrier and the sleeve element, and the flexible joints are arranged between the sleeve element and the activation rod.

[0013] Preferably, the flexible joints are arranged between the carrier and the sleeve element, and the force sensors are arranged between the sleeve element and the activation rod.

[0014] Preferably, the actuator is arranged on the second axis between the activation rod and the support.

[0015] Preferably, the flexible joints have the form of O-rings, flat springs, metal membranes or angularly arranged flexible elements.

[0016] Preferably, the actuator has the form of a solenoid, a piezoelectric element, an electrostatic force generator or a pneumatic actuator.

[0017] The force sensors preferably take the form of force measuring resistors, force measuring cells, Wheatstone bridges or capacitive sensors.

[0018] Preferably, the haptic steering column switch arrangement is designed for controlling the turn signals of a motor vehicle, wherein the first axis is the steering wheel axis. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The invention is described and explained below in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which: Fig. 1 is a schematic axonometric and partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a haptic steering column switch arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic, partially cutaway view of the in Fig. The haptic steering column switch arrangement shown in 1 is; Fig. 3 A schematic view of the haptic steering column switch arrangement in cross-section along the plane DD perpendicular to the axis of the in Fig. The activation bar shown in section 2 is; Fig. 4 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 1. The haptic steering column switch arrangement shown is in a state of equilibrium; Fig. 5 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 1. The haptic steering column switch arrangement shown is in an active, shifted state; Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a haptic steering column switch arrangement according to the invention in a state of equilibrium; and Fig. 7 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the in Fig. The haptic steering column switch arrangement shown in section 8 is in an active, shifted state. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0020] The reference symbols corresponding to the same functional elements remain the same throughout the description, with suffixes (a, b) being added where appropriate to distinguish different components that have an analogous construction or functionality or that provide different measured values.

[0021] A compact, pre-assembled module 100 integrated into the steering column of a motor vehicle is in the Fig. Figures 1-5 illustrate the module 100, which comprises an embodiment of a steering column switch arrangement 1a according to the invention. The arrangement 1a includes a support 2 defining a first axis A. An activation rod 3, configured to be operated by a user, is arranged within the support 2 along a second axis B, which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis A. The activation rod 3 is provided with a number of switches 33a, 33b, which are electrically connected to the vehicle wiring via a connecting cable 32. The module 100 can be mechanically attached to a steering column on the vehicle's assembly line and electrically connected to the vehicle wiring (not shown) in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the first axis A of the switch arrangement 1a is the axis of rotation of the steering wheel (not shown).

[0022] Sliding the rod 3 of the arrangement 1 in an angular direction defined by the first axis A, as indicated by the arrows, can be used to control the vehicle's flashing lights.

[0023] In this embodiment, the activation rod 3 is arranged within a sleeve element 7 on two flexible joints, which in this embodiment have the form of two O-rings 6a. These O-rings are arranged in annular grooves 31, 71 formed in the rod 3 and the sleeve element 7, respectively, within a space between the activation rod 3 and the sleeve element 7. The O-rings 6a define an equilibrium position of the activation rod 3 within the carrier 2.

[0024] An actuator 4, which in this embodiment has the form of a linear solenoid, is arranged on the second axis B between the activation rod 3 and the support 2.

[0025] Two pairs of force sensors 5, which in this embodiment have the form of strain gauges, are arranged between the sleeve 7 and the carrier 2 on opposite sides of the second axis B and in the plane perpendicular to the first axis A.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each pair of force sensors 5 is separated by a length L. When the user pushes the activation rod 3 in the direction indicated by an arrow, the force sensors 5 detect a torque generated by the activation rod 3 with respect to the first axis A. Specifically, force sensors 5a detect an increase in force and force sensors 5b detect a decrease in force. Simultaneously, the duration of the torque application is recorded and converted into a corresponding electrical signal.

[0027] This allows the user to enter information without having to tilt the activation rod 3.

[0028] In response to the predefined measured values ​​of the force sensors 5, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, an actuator 4 is activated, and its plunger 41 pushes or vibrates the activation rod 3 along the second axis B in a direction indicated by the arrow to generate a predefined tactile response for the user. During this movement, the O-rings 6a deform elastically and return the activation rod 3 to its equilibrium position as soon as the actuator 4 is deactivated. The tactile response generated by the actuator 4 can depend on the duration of the force applied. A shorter duration can be interpreted as the intention to change lanes on the highway, while a longer duration can be interpreted, for example, as the intention to make a prolonged turn.

[0029] If the user pushes the activation rod 3 with their finger in the opposite direction to that indicated by a dashed arrow, measuring instruments 5b would detect an increase in force and measuring instruments 5a would detect a corresponding decrease in force.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the steering column switch arrangement 1a in this embodiment also comprises two pairs of additional force sensors 8, which are likewise separated by the separation length L of the force sensors 5. In this embodiment, the additional force sensors 8 also have the form of strain gauges and are arranged between the sleeve element 7 and the carrier 2 on opposite sides of the second axis B and in the plane defined by the first axis A and a third axis C perpendicular to the first axis A.

[0031] When the user pushes the activation rod 3 in a direction parallel to the first axis A, the additional force sensors 8 detect a torque generated by the activation rod 3 with respect to the third axis C. This torque is detected, evaluated, for example, to trigger the flashing of the vehicle's two turn signals, and converted into a corresponding electrical signal. Naturally, the steering column switch assembly can include several pairs of additional force sensors 8 arranged in other planes that pass through the second axis B and not perpendicular to the first axis A.

[0032] Another embodiment of the steering column switch arrangement 1b according to the invention is described in the Fig. 6 and Fig.Figure 7 shows the two flexible joints in the form of four flat springs 6b, arranged between the support 2 and the sleeve element 7. The force sensors 5 are arranged between the sleeve element 7 and the activation rod 3.

[0033] In other embodiments of the invention, the force sensors 5, 8 can have the form of force-measuring resistors, force-measuring cells, Wheatstone bridges, capacitive sensors, etc.; the flexible joints 6 can have the form of metal diaphragms, angularly arranged flexible elements, etc.; the actuator 4 can be designed as a solenoid, piezoelectric element, electrostatic force generator, pneumatic actuator, or any other suitable device of this type.

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention described above are therefore merely exemplary. The illustrations are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or reduced in size. However, these and other factors should not be considered as limiting the spirit of the invention, the intended scope of protection of which is specified in the accompanying claims. List of reference symbols A first axis B second axis C. third axis 1. Steering column switch arrangement 2. Carrier 3. Activation rod 31. ring-shaped groove 32. Connecting cable 33. Switch 4. Actuator 41. Pestle 5. Force sensor 6. Flexible joint (6a. O-ring, 6b. flat spring) 7. Sleeve part 71. annular groove 8. Additional force sensor 100. Steering column with integrated module QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2022 / 187865

[0004] GB 2110428

[0005]

Claims

[1] Haptic steering column switch arrangement (1), in particular for controlling the indicator lights of a motor vehicle, with a support (2) that defines a first axis (A); an activation rod (3) arranged within the support (2) along a second axis (B) which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A) and which is configured to be operated by a user; Force sensors (5) arranged between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) and activated when the activation rod (3) is pushed in a direction not parallel to the first axis (A); and an actuator (4) configured to produce a haptic response for the user by moving the activation rod (3), characterized by that it includes at least two pairs of force sensors (5) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) on opposite sides of the second axis (B) and in the plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A), each pair of force sensors (5) being separated by a length (L) to detect a torque generated by the activation rod (3) with respect to the first axis (A), and flexible joints (6) which are arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) and define an equilibrium position of the activation rod (3) in the support (2) and allow limited movements of the activation rod (3) in the support (2) along the second axis (B), wherein the actuator (4) moves the activation rod (3) along the second axis (B) when activated. [2] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that it further comprises at least two pairs of additional force sensors (8) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) on opposite sides of the second axis (B) and in the plane not perpendicular to the first axis (A), wherein each pair of force sensors (8) is separated by a length (L) to detect a torque generated by the activation rod (3) with respect to a third axis (C) which is not parallel and preferably perpendicular to the first axis (A). [3] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by, that it comprises at least two pairs of force sensors (5, 8) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) on opposite sides of the second axis (B), wherein each pair of force sensors (5, 8) is separated by a length (L) to detect a torque generated by the activation rod (3) with respect to the first axis (A). [4] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 , characterized by , that it further comprises a sleeve element (7) which is arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2). [5] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by , that the force sensors (5, 8) are arranged between the carrier (2) and the sleeve element (7) and the flexible joints (6) are arranged between the sleeve element (7) and the activation rod (3). [6] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by, that the flexible joints (6) are arranged between the support (2) and the sleeve element (7) and the force sensors (5, 8) are arranged between the sleeve element (7) and the activation rod (3). [7] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuator (4) is arranged on the second axis (B) between the activation rod (3) and the support (2). [8] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flexible joints (6) are designed as O-rings (6a), flat springs (6b), metal membranes or angularly arranged flexible elements. [9] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuator (4) has the form of a solenoid, a piezoelectric element, an electrostatic force generator or a pneumatic actuator. [10] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the force sensors (5) are designed as force measuring resistors, force measuring cells, Wheatstone bridges or capacitive sensors. [11] Haptic steering column switch arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is designed to control the turn signals of a motor vehicle, wherein the first axis (A) is the steering wheel axis.

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