Steering column switch, steering wheel system, motor vehicle, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column switch (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, for selecting functions, comprising a rigid lever (2), a lever cap (3) which at least partly surrounds the lever (2), wherein the lever cap (3) has at least one touch sensor (4) for selecting at least one function by means of a defined contact by a user, and a monitoring unit (5) which is connected to the touch sensor (4) so as to transmit data and which is designed to detect (120) the selected function and relay the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface (11) of the monitoring unit (5) in order to carry out an action corresponding to the selected function.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Steering column switch, steering wheel system, motor vehicle and method

[0003] The invention relates to a steering column switch for a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 1, a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 8, a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 9 and a method for performing a function by means of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 10.

[0004] In new vehicle concepts, steering concepts and their design are changing. For example, the steering concepts, and thus also the steering wheels, are increasingly integrated into the electrical control system. This can change the position and design of both the steering system and the steering wheels. Nevertheless, the driver or operator should still have the familiar concepts available for selection. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt the steering column stalks for selecting the turn signal or windshield wiper system, as well as various other functions, to the new circumstances.

[0005] Steering column switches and steering concepts that can be integrated into the electrical control system are already known from the state of the art. These are usually mechanically operated, i.e., they have a guide for operating switches or rotating parts to select functions. Due to the structural design of such steering column switches, they are difficult to adapt to new steering concepts and functions.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above in the steering system for a motor vehicle. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a steering column switch for a motor vehicle, a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle, and a method for performing a function using a steering column switch for a motor vehicle, in which a steering column switch can be easily integrated into a control system of a motor vehicle and the steering column switch for a motor vehicle allows for easy selection of the functions of the steering column switch while simultaneously being variably adaptable.The above object is achieved by a steering column switch for a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 1, by a steering wheel system for a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 8, by a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 9 and by a method for performing a function by means of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description and the drawings.In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the steering column switch according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the steering wheel system according to the invention and / or in connection with the motor vehicle according to the invention and / or in connection with the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made mutually.

[0007] According to the invention, a steering column switch is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular for an electric motor vehicle, for selecting functions, with a rigid lever and a lever cap that surrounds the lever at least in sections, wherein the lever cap has at least one touch sensor for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch of an operator, and with a control unit that is connected to the touch sensor in a data-communicating manner and is designed to detect the selected function and to forward the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface of the control unit for carrying out an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0008] In this case, a defined touch is understood to be a touch that is carried out at a specific position or location for a specific time and / or with a specific pressure and / or a specific movement sequence. The type of defined touch depends on the selected sensor(s). The movement performed to trigger the switch can be a tap, a press, or rotation around the longitudinal axis of the steering column switch, with only the user's fingers indicating the rotation. It is conceivable here for the lever cap to be partially transparent and / or to have a surface structure and / or an LED mat. This makes the position of the functions tangible or visible by touch or sight, thus facilitating operation. It can be advantageous if the lever cap is made of a plastic, for example a hard or flexible plastic.The position is assigned to a function that is triggered by the defined touch. It is conceivable that a function is assigned to each of the positions on the steering column switch.

[0009] For example, safety-relevant functions such as direction indicators or windshield wipers, but also technical functions such as cruise control or radio control switches, can be stored and / or selected on the lever cap.

[0010] The touch sensor can act like a button, meaning it only emits pulses to activate an electrical circuit or a process. This means that the touch sensor can only be activated by pressure, for example. The pulse is triggered depending on the line resistance. It is also conceivable that one or more intensity levels can be set and selected based on the length and / or pressure and / or the number of defined touches.

[0011] The functions can also depend on the lever cap, which is designed to be replaceable depending on the user. To facilitate easy replacement of the lever cap, the lever and the lever cap can be detachably connected. Detachable connections can include snap-in connections, screw connections, or adhesive connections. This allows for easy replacement of the lever cap.

[0012] The data communication connection between the touch sensor and the control unit is used for data transmission, i.e., data that tells the control unit which position is currently being touched and for how long. From this data, the control unit determines which function should be executed. The data communication connection can be established via a cable or wirelessly, for example, via radio.

[0013] Such a steering column switch can be designed in a simple manner. Since there are no mechanical limitations in terms of size, the positioning of the steering column switch is no longer restricted; it can now be installed independently of the steering column. Furthermore, the steering column switch can be adapted to a user, and user-specific replacement is also conceivable. Within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous for the at least one touch sensor to be a capacitive and / or resistive touch sensor.

[0014] The touch sensor(s) can be mounted on the inside and / or outside of the lever cap and / or integrated into the material of the lever cap. This allows for adaptation to the respective conditions and the available sensors.

[0015] A capacitive touch sensor can be provided with a foil. The capacitive foil can cover the entire surface of the lever cap or be applied only in specific positions. Individual sensors can also be mounted between the lever cap and the lever. Their position can then be selected. This increases the flexibility of the respective sensor position, allowing the sensors to be positioned according to the user's specific needs, ensuring easy operation for each user.

[0016] It would also be conceivable to retrofit the existing system with a lever cap with a capacitive and / or resistive touch sensor.

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that at least one strain gauge is provided to detect the defined contact.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one strain gauge is positioned along the longitudinal extension of the steering column switch. In order to be able to detect the strength or intensity of contact at any conceivable position along the longitudinal axis, it is particularly advantageous if at least one strain gauge, in particular a cross strain gauge, is provided.

[0019] The control unit is capable of detecting and measuring the change in resistance upon contact with at least one strain gauge. The strength and length of contact in one axial direction can be determined using the at least one strain gauge.

[0020] Using at least one strain gauge, it can be easily determined that the function is only triggered when a certain force is applied. Within the scope of the invention, a vibration motor can be provided in and / or on the lever for haptic feedback of the selected function.

[0021] The vibration motor is designed to provide haptic feedback. It's conceivable that different vibration intensities could be selected using different vibration frequencies or rhythms. For example, the vibration could feel like a detent, providing the operator with haptic feedback similar to selecting a function with a mechanical steering column switch.

[0022] It is conceivable according to the invention that the control unit is designed to detect a selected function as soon as a determinable contact time of the defined contact is exceeded and / or as soon as a determinable contact pressure of the defined contact is exceeded.

[0023] This ensures that only previously defined touches activate a function. This prevents unwanted functions from being triggered. It is conceivable that both the touch time and the touch pressure can be adapted to the user's needs. It is conceivable that the touch time could be selected between 1 and 5 seconds, preferably between 1.5 and 4 seconds. The user-specific data can, for example, be stored on the control unit and can be programmable via an interface between the control unit and a human-machine interface.

[0024] It is also conceivable that a position of the at least one touch sensor can be adjusted via the control unit and / or that the touch sensor has a plurality of selection areas, wherein functions can be assigned to the selection areas via the control unit.

[0025] The advantage is that the positions are freely selectable by the user and can therefore be adapted to their needs. It would be conceivable for the touch sensors to be already provided in and / or on the lever cap, with the assignment of the touch sensors being adjustable via the control unit. If the touch sensor has selection areas, these can be selected and assigned. The user-specific data can, for example, be stored on the control unit and can be programmable via an interface between the control unit and a human-machine interface.

[0026] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the control unit to have an interface for forwarding the function to be executed to a motor vehicle control system and / or a human-machine interface.

[0027] This allows for easy data transfer to execute the selected function(s). Furthermore, the interface and a human-machine interface can be used to assign the respective functions to the touch sensors.

[0028] The above object is further achieved by a steering wheel system according to the invention for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel holder and at least one steering column switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever of the at least one steering column switch is fastened to the steering wheel or to the steering wheel holder.

[0029] This is particularly advantageous for vehicles with a steer-by-wire steering system.

[0030] The steering wheel system according to the further aspect of the invention thus has the same advantages as have already been described for the steering column switch according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0031] The above object is further achieved by a motor vehicle according to the invention, in particular an electric motor vehicle, having a steering wheel system according to claim 8. The motor vehicle according to the further aspect of the invention thus also has the same advantages as have already been described for the steering column switch according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] The above object is further achieved by a method according to the invention for carrying out a function by means of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps:

[0033] - Defined touching of at least one touch sensor of the steering column switch by an operator to select at least one function, - Detection of the selected function by the control unit,

[0034] - Transmission of the selected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via the interface of the control unit in order to carry out an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0035] A defined touch is understood here as a touch that is carried out at a specific position or location for a specific time and / or with a specific pressure and / or a specific movement sequence. The type of defined touch depends on the selected sensor or sensors. The movement carried out to trigger the touch can be a tap or a press or rotation around the longitudinal axis of the steering column switch, with only the user's fingers indicating the rotation. The position is assigned to a function that is triggered by the defined touch. It is conceivable that a function is each assigned to a plurality of positions on the steering column switch.

[0036] For example, safety-relevant functions such as direction indicators or windshield wipers, but also technical functions such as cruise control or radio control switches, can be stored and / or selected on the lever cap.

[0037] The same advantages apply to the method according to the further aspect of the invention as have already been described for the steering column switch according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the defined touch is detected by means of a capacitive and / or a resistive touch sensor.

[0039] The touch sensor(s) can be mounted on the inside and / or outside of the lever cap and / or integrated into the material of the lever cap. This allows for adaptation to the respective conditions and available sensors.

[0040] A capacitive touch sensor can be provided with a foil. The capacitive foil can cover the entire surface of the lever cap or be applied only in specific positions. Individual sensors can also be mounted between the lever cap and the lever. Their position can then be selected. This increases the flexibility of the respective sensor positions, allowing the sensors to be positioned according to the user's specific needs, ensuring easy operation for each user.

[0041] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the defined contact is detected by means of at least one strain gauge.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one strain gauge is positioned along the longitudinal extension of the steering column switch. In order to be able to detect the strength or intensity of contact at any conceivable position along the longitudinal axis, it is particularly advantageous if at least one strain gauge, in particular a cross strain gauge, is provided.

[0043] The control unit is capable of detecting and measuring the change in resistance upon contact with at least one strain gauge. The strength and length of contact in one axial direction can be determined using the at least one strain gauge.

[0044] By means of at least one strain gauge, it can be easily determined that the function is only triggered when a certain force is applied.

[0045] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous for the defined touch to be fed back by means of a vibration of the vibration motor. The vibration motor is designed to provide haptic feedback.

[0046] The vibration motor is designed to provide haptic feedback. It's conceivable that different vibration intensities could be selected using different vibration frequencies or rhythms. For example, the vibration could feel like a click, providing the operator with haptic feedback similar to selecting a function with a mechanical steering column switch.

[0047] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that a selected function is detected as soon as a definable contact time of the defined touch is exceeded and / or as soon as a definable contact pressure of the defined touch is exceeded. This ensures that only previously defined touches select a function. This prevents unwanted functions from being triggered. It is conceivable that both the touch time and the touch pressure can be adapted to the needs of the operator. It is conceivable that the touch time is selected between 1 and 5 seconds, preferably between 1.5 and 4 seconds. The user-specific data can, for example, be stored on the control unit and can be programmable via an interface between the control unit and a human-machine interface.

[0048] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that a position of the at least one touch sensor is adjusted via the control unit and / or that the touch sensor has a plurality of selection areas, wherein functions are assigned to the selection areas via the control unit.

[0049] This allows for easy data transfer to execute the selected function(s). Furthermore, the interface and a human-machine interface can be used to assign the respective functions to the touch sensors.

[0050] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes several embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is illustrated in the following figures:

[0051] Figure 1 schematic representation of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle with various touch sensors,

[0052] Figure 2 schematic representation of a steering column switch with a touch sensor with selection areas,

[0053] Figure 3 schematic representation of a steering wheel system,

[0054] Figure 4 schematic representation of a motor vehicle, Figure 5 method for performing a function by means of a steering column switch for a motor vehicle.

[0055] 1 and 2 each show a steering column switch 1 for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, for selecting functions. Each steering column switch 1 comprises a rigid lever 2 and a lever cap 3 that at least partially encloses the lever 2. The lever cap 3 has at least one touch sensor 4 for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch by an operator. Furthermore, a control unit 5 is provided that is connected to the touch sensor 4 for data communication, which is designed to detect the selected function and, via an interface 11 of the control unit 5, to forward the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle for carrying out an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0056] The touch sensor 4 or the plurality of touch sensors 4 in Fig. 1 are resistive touch sensors 6; these respond to pressure activation. The touch sensor 4 in Fig. 2 is a capacitive touch sensor 7, whose surface is distributed around the entire lever cap 3 and has various selected areas to which functions have been assigned.

[0057] In order to be able to detect a defined contact more precisely, both steering column switches 1 have a strain gauge 8. This extends in the longitudinal direction of the steering column switch 1. To detect movements of the steering column switch 1 in the horizontal or transverse direction, a cross strain gauge 8 is installed.

[0058] The functions set using the steering column switch 1 can be selected at different intensities. For example, the turn signal can flash only a few times with a light or short touch, for example, for a period of 1.2 seconds, or it can flash continuously with a defined touch with greater pressure or for a longer time, for example, a touch of 3 seconds, to indicate a turn. To select the correct intensity level for the selected function, haptic feedback is provided by a vibration motor 9 in the lever 2.

[0059] The control unit 5 of the steering column lever according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is designed to detect a selected function as soon as a definable contact time of the defined contact is exceeded and / or as soon as a definable contact pressure of the defined contact is exceeded. The resistive touch sensors 6 shown in Fig. 1 are all already provided, however, it is not necessary for all of these touch sensors 4 shown to have a stored function. Rather, the operator can adapt the assignment of the resistive touch sensors 6 to the desired functions according to their needs 140. This is done using the control unit 5.

[0060] The steering column switch 1 in Fig. 2 has a capacitive touch sensor 7. This is characterized by the fact that, in principle, its entire surface can be used as a sensor. However, it is useful for it to have several selection areas 10, as shown, with functions being assignable to the selection areas 10 via the control unit 5.

[0061] In order to simplify programming, i.e., the assignment and adjustment 140 of the positions of the selection areas 10 or the assignment of the touch sensors 4, the control unit 5 has an interface 11 for forwarding 130 the function to be executed to a motor vehicle control system and / or a human-machine interface.

[0062] The steering column switch 1 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively, is suitable for use in a steer-by-wire steering wheel system comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel mount, and a steering column switch. The lever 2 of the at least one steering column switch 1 is attached to the steering wheel or to the steering wheel mount.

[0063] Fig. 3 schematically shows a steering wheel system 12 for a motor vehicle 15, comprising a steering wheel 13, a steering wheel mount 14, and at least one steering column switch 1 as described above. The lever 2 of the at least one steering column switch 1 is attached to the steering wheel 13 or to the steering wheel mount 14.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a motor vehicle 15, in particular an electric motor vehicle 15, with a steering wheel system 12. The steering wheel system 12 has at least one of the steering column switches described above in Figs. 1 to 2.

[0065] Fig. 5 shows the method 100 for executing a function using a steering column switch 1 according to one of Figs. 1 or 2. The method 100 comprises the following steps:

[0066] - Defined touching 110 of at least one touch sensor 4 of the steering column switch 1 by an operator to select at least one function, - Detection 120 of the selected function by the control unit 5,

[0067] - Transmission 130 of the selected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via the interface 11 of the control unit 5 for carrying out an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0068] In order to be able to carry out the defined touch 110 more precisely, in a previous step, the functions of the steering column switch 1 according to Fig. 1 are assigned to their user-defined positions via the control unit 5 and thus the assignment of the touch sensors 4 is adjusted 140. In Fig. 2, the desired selection areas 10 of the touch sensor 4 are also assigned 150 to the functions.

[0069] The defined touch is detected in Fig. 1 by means of a capacitive touch sensor 4 and in Fig. 2 by means of a resistive touch sensor 4, each in combination with a cross strain gauge 8.

[0070] When a defined touch occurs, the defined touch is fed back by means of a vibration of the vibration motor 9. The feedback can provide different intensity levels 160 and can have different vibration intensities and / or rhythms.

[0071] Furthermore, a selected function is detected 120 as soon as a definable contact time (Fig. 2) of the defined contact is exceeded and / or as soon as a definable contact pressure (Fig. 1) of the defined contact is exceeded.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] Steering column switch

[0074] lever

[0075] lever cap

[0076] Touch sensor

[0077] Control unit resistive touch sensors capacitive touch sensor

[0078] Strain gauges, cross strain gauges

[0079] Vibration motor

[0080] Selection areas

[0081] interface

[0082] Steering wheel system

[0083] steering wheel

[0084] Steering wheel mount

[0085] Motor vehicle

[0086] Proceedings

[0087] Defined touch

[0088] Capture

[0089] Disclosure

[0090] Adjust

[0091] Assign

[0092] Feedback

Claims

Patent claims Steering column switch (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, for selecting functions, with a rigid lever (2) and a lever cap (3) enclosing the lever (2) at least in sections, wherein the lever cap (3) has at least one touch sensor (4) for selecting at least one function by means of a defined touch of an operator, and with a control unit (5) connected to the touch sensor (4) for data communication, which is designed to detect the selected function (120) and to forward the detected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via an interface (11) of the control unit (5) for carrying out an action corresponding to the selected function. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one touch sensor (4) is a capacitive Touch sensor (4, 6) and / or a resistive touch sensor (4, 7). Steering column switch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one strain gauge is provided for detecting the defined contact. Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vibration motor (9) is provided in and / or on the lever (2) for haptic feedback of the selected function. Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (5) is designed to detect (120) a selected function as soon as a definable contact time of the defined contact is exceeded and / or as soon as a definable contact pressure of the defined contact is exceeded. Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a position of the at least one touch sensor (4) can be adjusted via the control unit (5) and / or that the touch sensor (4) has a plurality of selection areas (10), wherein functions can be assigned to the selection areas (10) via the control unit (5). Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (5) has an interface (11) for forwarding (130) the function to be executed to a motor vehicle control system and / or a human-machine interface. Steering wheel system (12) for a motor vehicle (15), comprising a steering wheel (13), a steering wheel mount (14), and at least one steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (2) of the at least one steering column switch (1) is fastened to the steering wheel (13) or to the steering wheel mount (14).Motor vehicle (15), in particular electric motor vehicle (15), with a steering wheel system (12) according to claim 8. Method (100) for carrying out a function by means of a steering column switch (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps:. Defined touching (110) of the at least one touch sensor (4) of the steering column switch (1) by an operator to select at least one function, Detecting (120) the selected function by the control unit (5), forwarding (130) the selected function to a control device of the motor vehicle via the interface (11) of the control unit (5) for performing an action corresponding to the selected function. The method (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the defined contact is detected by means of a capacitive touch sensor (4, 6) and / or a resistive touch sensor (4, 7). Method (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the defined contact is detected by means of at least one strain gauge. Method (100) according to claim 10 to 12, characterized in that the defined contact is fed back (160) by means of a vibration of the vibration motor (9). Method (100) according to claim 10 to 13, characterized in that a selected function is detected (120) as soon as a determinable contact time of the defined contact is exceeded and / or as soon as a determinable contact pressure of the defined contact is exceeded. Method (100) according to claim 10 to 14, characterized in that a position of the at least one touch sensor (4) is determined via the Control unit (5) is adapted (140) and / or that the touch sensor (4) has a plurality of selection areas (10), wherein functions are assigned (150) to the selection areas (10) via the control unit (5).

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