Steering column switch for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle, and method for selecting a function by means of a steering column switch

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) and a lever cap (3) which at least partly surrounds the lever (2), wherein the lever cap (3) is tiltably mounted on the lever (2) about at least two tilt axes (4) arranged orthogonally or substantially orthogonality to each other, and at least one sensor (5) is provided which is designed to select a function as a result of a tilting of the lever cap (3).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Steering column switch for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for selecting a function by means of a steering column switch

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

[0004] In new automotive concepts, steering concepts and their design are changing. 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 be able to choose from the familiar concepts.

[0005] Accordingly, it is necessary to adapt the steering column levers for selecting the direction indicator or windshield wiper system and various other functions to the new conditions.

[0006] Steering column switches with a rigid base body are already known. The base body is mounted at the level of the steering column and features the necessary sensors for selecting the functions. A grip body is provided on the base body, which allows the operator to select the functions while simultaneously covering and protecting the sensors. To select the functions, the grip body must be rotated around the axis of the base body or moved axially along the axis of the base body. To operate the steering column switch, the operator must release the steering wheel and, if in doubt, avert their gaze to select the correct function.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the above-described disadvantages 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 motor vehicle, and a method for selecting a function using a steering column switch for a motor vehicle, which allow for simple selection of functions in a motor vehicle. 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 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 selecting a function using 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 dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the steering column switch according to the invention naturally also apply 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 always made to each other.

[0008] According to the invention, a steering column switch for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, is provided for selecting functions with a rigid lever and a lever cap that surrounds the lever at least in sections, wherein the lever cap is mounted on the lever so as to be tiltable about at least two tilt axes that are arranged orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to one another, wherein at least one sensor is provided that is designed to select a function by tilting the lever cap.

[0009] In this case, the tilting axes are understood to be a first and a second tilting axis, neither of which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the lever. Both the first tilting axis and the second tilting axis are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the lever. Accordingly, the first tilting axis could correspond to the vertical axis of the lever, and the second tilting axis to the transverse axis of the lever.

[0010] The function here is understood to be the selection of the direction indicator, i.e., right turn signal or left turn signal, or the selection of the windshield wiper. This list is exemplary and should not be considered an exhaustive list.

[0011] The tilting movement of the grip cap around the vertical and / or transverse axis allows the desired function to be selected without releasing the steering wheel. This operation is simple and ensures safety while driving, as the driver doesn't have to look away. Furthermore, the tactile feel of mechanical pitman arms, which have a lower pivot point and are connected to the steering column, is mimicked, enabling intuitive operation by the operator.

[0012] It's conceivable that the movement could be superimposed across the tilt axes. This allows for the storage of additional functions and / or various intensity levels for individual functions, or the simultaneous selection of multiple functions.

[0013] The steering column switch according to the invention can be easily adapted to the conditions in the vehicle, since the operating area is only in the area of ​​the lever cap. Accordingly, the length of the lever can be adjusted as desired.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous for the at least one sensor to be a button per tilt axis. It is conceivable that the at least one button is an integrated spring and / or a rubber mat.

[0015] The button simply provides the pulse or signal needed to activate an electrical circuit or process. The button is activated only by pressure, and the pulse is triggered based on the cable resistance.

[0016] Which function is selected depends on the position of the lever cap relative to the lever and the position-dependent function setting. It is particularly advantageous to assign a button to each function to ensure precise function selection.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the at least one sensor is a Hall sensor, in particular a 3D Hall sensor.

[0018] The Hall sensor simply provides the pulse or signal to activate an electrical circuit or process. The selected function depends on the position of the lever cap relative to the lever; this position is detected by the Hall sensor, which then provides the signal to execute the function.

[0019] If multiple sensors are provided in the steering column lever, it is conceivable to combine both buttons and Hall sensors. This allows for more functions to be stored that provide for the superposition of the movement across the tilt axes. Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for the lever cap to be designed to execute the tilting movement by means of a spring bearing between the lever cap and the lever and / or via the material of the lever cap.

[0020] Both a spring-loaded tilting motion and a tilting motion implemented using the material of the lever cap are easy to implement. The tilting motion can thus be easily generated using a few components. This reduces manufacturing costs.

[0021] If the tilting movement is generated by a spring bearing, it is advantageous if the lever cap is made of a rigid plastic. If the tilting movement is generated by the material, it is advantageous if the lever cap is made of a flexible and yielding plastic, such as silicone.

[0022] It is conceivable according to the invention that the at least one sensor has a locking curve for an intensity of the selected function.

[0023] The intensity of the selected function can be adjusted using the locking curve. One such function with varying intensity is the direction change indicator ("flashing"). The direction change indicator can be activated at a first intensity to indicate a lane change, with the activity being brief, for example, four flashes. If the direction change indicator is activated to indicate a turn, it can be activated at a second intensity. The second activity is designed to last for a longer period.

[0024] For example, with the windscreen wiper function, the speed of the wiper blades can be selected using the first and second intensity.

[0025] It is possible to assign a different resistance to each of the locking points of the locking curve, providing the operator with haptic feedback to know which of the locking points they have just reached. It would be conceivable to provide the resistance using a mechanical solution, with locking lugs that can be moved into locking openings of varying depths. The locking curve can be generated via a double stroke.

[0026] Overcoming the different depths of the locking openings when moving the device provides the operator with haptic feedback indicating the current level of resistance. Electronic adjustment of the resistance would also be conceivable, with haptic feedback, such as a vibration from a vibration motor, being generated to provide feedback to the operator on the setting of the respective locking point.

[0027] With both a mechanical and an electronic solution, the intensity can be adjusted using the force exerted by the operator.

[0028] It is also conceivable that a reset function is provided for returning the lever cap to a neutral position, wherein the reset function is designed to carry out the reset mechanically or electronically.

[0029] A spring and / or a magnet can advantageously be provided for the reset. This is particularly advantageous for functions that require a predeterminable end or termination of the function. Either a duration for the execution of the function or an action to terminate the execution of the function can be stored. The duration can then be determined by the force of the magnet or spring. A signal to release the spring or generate the magnetic force is also conceivable.

[0030] The type of reset may depend on the respective function and / or the selected intensity.

[0031] For example, when indicating a change of direction with a brief first intensity, a spring reset is set to a predetermined time, so that in this case, only four flashes occur. When selecting the second intensity, the end of the direction change indication can be based on a signal from a steering angle sensor, with the values ​​from the steering angle sensor being compared until the specified values ​​for ending the direction change indication are reached. However, active termination by the operator is still possible here. This type of unlatching depending on the steering angle is very energy-efficient, since power is only required for the unlatching process.

[0032] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible to provide a control unit connected to the sensor for data communication, wherein the control unit is designed

[0033] - to detect a position of the lever cap by querying at least one sensor,

[0034] - to select at least one function depending on the detected position and to forward the selected function to a motor vehicle control system via an interface in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0035] The control unit simplifies the operation and forwards the selected function to a vehicle control system, which in turn executes the selected function by controlling the corresponding functional units. The control unit can store data relating to the intensity of the selected function or the reset function.

[0036] The above object is further achieved by a steering wheel system according to the invention having a steering wheel, a steering wheel holder and at least one steering column switch as described above, wherein the lever of the at least one steering column switch is fastened to the steering wheel or to the steering wheel holder.

[0037] Such a steering wheel system is particularly advantageous for use in steer-by-wire steering systems. The steering wheel system can be flexibly adapted to the design requirements and the needs of the operator.

[0038] The above object is further achieved by a motor vehicle according to the invention with a steering column switch described above. The above-mentioned functions are advantageously achieved for the motor vehicle.

[0039] The above object is further achieved by a method according to the invention for selecting a function by means of an above-mentioned steering column switch in a motor vehicle described above, comprising the following steps:

[0040] - Tilting the steering column switch over at least one tilt axis,

[0041] - Detecting the position of the steering column switch by querying at least one sensor by the control unit,

[0042] - Selection of the function depending on the detected position by the control unit,

[0043] - Transmission of the selected function by the control unit via an interface to a vehicle control system to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0044] The position to be detected is previously set by the operator by tilting it depending on the desired function. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, the control unit can detect the position of the steering column switch by querying at least one button with an integrated spring and / or rubber mat, or by querying at least one Hall sensor, or by querying at least one 3D Hall sensor.

[0045] The control unit detects the activated button and can then detect and transmit the position and thus the selected position. If a Hall sensor, especially a 3D Hall sensor, is installed, the control unit can use the sensor to detect the position of the lever cap and the function set by the operator.

[0046] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the steering column switch is tilted along a locking curve, wherein the locking curve specifies the intensity of the selected function.

[0047] The intensity of the selected function can be adjusted using the locking curve. One such function with varying intensity is the direction change indicator ("flashing"). The direction change indicator can be activated at a first intensity to indicate a lane change, with the activity being brief, for example, four flashes. If the direction change indicator is activated to indicate a turn, it can be activated at a second intensity. The second activity is designed to last for a longer period.

[0048] For example, with the windscreen wiper function, the speed of the wiper blades can be selected using the first and second intensity.

[0049] It is possible to assign a different resistance to each of the locking points of the locking curve, providing the operator with haptic feedback to know which of the locking points they have just reached. It would be conceivable to provide the resistance using a mechanical solution, with locking lugs that can be moved into locking openings of varying depths. The locking curve can be generated via a double stroke.

[0050] Overcoming the different depths of the locking openings when moving the device provides the operator with haptic feedback indicating the current intensity. Electronic adjustment of the resistance is also conceivable, with haptic feedback, such as a vibration from a vibration motor, being generated to inform the operator of the setting of the respective locking point. With both a mechanical and an electronic solution, the intensity can be adjusted using the operator's force.

[0051] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that after the function has been carried out, the steering column switch is reset to a neutral position by means of a reset function, wherein the reset is carried out mechanically or electronically.

[0052] A spring and / or a magnet can advantageously be provided for the reset. This is particularly advantageous for functions that require a predeterminable end or termination of the function. Either a duration for the function's execution or an action to terminate its execution can be stored. The duration can then be determined by the force of the magnet or the spring.

[0053] A signal to release the spring or generate the magnetic force is also conceivable. The type of reset can depend on the respective function and / or the selected intensity.

[0054] For example, when indicating a change of direction with a short first intensity, a spring reset is set to a predetermined time, so that only four flashes occur. When selecting the second intensity, the end of the direction change indication can be based on a signal from a steering angle sensor, with the steering angle sensor values ​​being compared until the specified values ​​for ending the direction change indication are reached. However, active termination by the operator is still possible here.

[0055] 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:

[0056] Figure 1 schematic representation of a steering column switch according to the invention with button,

[0057] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a steering column switch according to the invention with a button and Hall sensor, Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a steering column switch according to the invention with a button and a tilted lever cap,

[0058] Figure 4 schematic representation of a steering column switch according to the invention with a flexible and yielding lever cap,

[0059] Figure 5 schematic representation of a steering wheel system,

[0060] Figure 6 schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a steering wheel system according to Fig. 5, and

[0061] Figure 7 Method for selecting a function by means of a steering column switch according to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0062] 1 to 4 each show a steering column switch 1 for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, for selecting functions such as the windshield wiper system or the direction indicator. The 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 is mounted on the lever 2 so that it can be tilted about at least two tilt axes 4 arranged orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to one another. Furthermore, at least one sensor 5 is provided, which is designed to select a function by tilting the lever cap 3.

[0063] The tilting axes 4 are the vertical axis Y and the transverse axis Z, both of which are orthogonal or at least substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X of the lever 2.

[0064] The steering column switch 1 according to Fig. 1 has three sensors 5 in the form of a button 6. Two of the buttons 6 can be tilted about the transverse axis Z, and one button 6 can be tilted about the vertical axis Y. A first detent curve 10 is assigned to the two transverse-axis buttons 7, and a second detent curve 11 is assigned to the vertical-axis button 8. Using the first detent curve 10 and the second detent curve 11, the operator can set a first intensity and a second intensity via the detent points 12. The lever cap 3 is moved from the neutral position 15 to a first stage 13 for the first intensity or a second stage 14 for the second intensity. What is special about the first detent curve 10 in Fig. 1 is that it is assigned to two buttons 6; each of the two buttons 6 has its own detent points 12 along the detent curve 9.The two cross-axis buttons 7 are used, for example, to indicate the direction, with one of the buttons 6 being responsible for “right” and the other button 6 for “left” and the buttons can each be moved from a neutral position 15 to a first and a second stage 14.

[0065] For better adjustment of the function and for the haptics during adjustment, an integrated spring 16 and rubber mat 17 are provided for the buttons 6, both the cross-axis buttons 7 and the vertical axis button 8.

[0066] The steering column switch 1 according to Fig. 2 has a Hall sensor 18 as sensor 5, which determines the position of the lever cap 3 by means of the control unit 19, so that the selected function can be transmitted via the control unit 19 connected to the sensor for data communication. The control unit 19 is designed as follows:

[0067] - to detect a position of the lever cap 3 by querying the at least one sensor,

[0068] - to select at least one function depending on the detected position of the lever cap and

[0069] - to transmit the selected function to a motor vehicle control system via an interface in order to execute an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0070] Here, too, locking cams 9 are provided. The first locking cam 10 is for the function that performs the tilting movement along the transverse axis Z, and the second locking cam 11 is for the function that performs the tilting movement along the vertical axis Y.

[0071] In both the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, an electromagnet 20 is provided to maintain the steering column switch 1 in the desired function or to return the steering column switch 1 to its neutral position 15. Tilting the lever cap 3 about the transverse axis Z and / or the vertical axis Y is accomplished via a spring bearing 21.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a steering column switch 1 with a lever cap 3 tilted about the transverse axis Z. It can be seen that a locking lug 22 of the locking mechanism 26 is engaged with a locking point of the locking curve 9. A simplified representation of a locking curve with only two stages is shown here.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows a steering column switch 1 that generates the tilting movement via the material of the lever cap 3, in this case, silicone. For this purpose, it has a 3D Hall sensor 23 to cover all directions of movement. The detection 120 and assignment of the position-dependent function is performed and transmitted via the control unit 19.

[0074] Here, the intensity is adjusted via the pressure or force the operator applies to the lever cap 3 during the tilting movement to select the function. Additional pressure sensors 24 can be provided for this purpose. Furthermore, a vibration motor 25 is provided; this allows the selected intensity to be fed back to the operator via vibration.

[0075] Fig. 5 schematically shows a steering wheel system 27 with a steering wheel 28, a steering wheel mount 29, and at least one steering column switch 1 described above. The lever 2 of the at least one steering column switch 1 is attached to the steering wheel 28 or to the steering wheel mount 29.

[0076] In Fig. 6, a motor vehicle 30, in particular an electric motor vehicle 30, with a steering wheel system 27 according to Fig. 5 and at least the steering column switch 1 according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 is shown schematically.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows the method 100 for selecting a function by means of a steering column switch 1 according to one of Figs. 1 to 4 in a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps:

[0078] - Tilting 110 of the steering column switch 1 via at least one tilting axis,

[0079] - detecting 120 the position of the steering column switch 1 by querying at least one sensor 5 by the control unit 19,

[0080] - Selection 130 of the function depending on the detected position by the control unit 19,

[0081] - Transmission 140 of the selected function by the control unit 19 via an interface to a motor vehicle control system for executing an action corresponding to the selected function.

[0082] The control unit 19 detects the position of the steering column switch 1 by means of the

[0083] Button 6 with integrated spring 16 and / or rubber mat 17 or by means of the Hall sensor 18 or by means of the 3D Hall sensor 23. Furthermore, the steering column switch 1 is tilted along a detent curve 9, but about the transverse axis Z or the vertical axis Y, whereby the detent curve 9 specifies the intensity of the selected function.

[0084] After executing the function 150, the steering column switch 1 is returned to a neutral position 15 via a spring or electronically 160.

[0085] List of reference symbols Steering column switch Lever Lever cap Tilt axes Sensor Button Cross-axis buttons Vertical axis button Detent curve First detent curve Second detent curve Detent points First stage Second stage Neutral position Integrated spring Rubber mat Hall sensor Control unit Electromagnet Spring bearing Detent 3D Hall sensor Pressure sensor Vibration motor Detent mechanism Steering wheel system Steering wheel Steering wheel bracket Motor vehicle Procedure Tilt Detect

Claims

Patent claims Steering column switch (1) for a motor vehicle (30), in particular an electric motor vehicle (30), for selecting functions with a rigid lever (2) and a lever cap (3) that at least partially encloses the lever (2), wherein the lever cap (3) is mounted on the lever (2) so as to be tiltable about at least two tilt axes (4) that are arranged orthogonally or essentially orthogonally to one another, wherein at least one sensor (5) is provided that is designed to select a function by tilting the lever cap (3). Steering column switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor (5) is at least one button (6) per tilt axis.Steering column switch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one sensor (5) is at least one Hall sensor (18), in particular a 3D Hall sensor (23). Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever cap (3) is designed to execute the tilting movement by means of a spring bearing between the lever cap (3) and the lever (2) and / or via the material of the lever cap (3). Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor (5) has a detent curve (9) for an intensity of the selected function. Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reset function is provided for returning the lever cap (3) to a neutral position (15), wherein the reset function is designed to carry out the reset mechanically or electronically. Steering column switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit (19) connected to the sensor (5) for data communication is provided, wherein the control unit (19) is designed - to detect a position of the lever cap (3) by querying the at least one sensor (5), - to select at least one function depending on the detected position of the lever cap (3) and - to forward the selected function to a motor vehicle control system via an interface for executing an action corresponding to the selected function. Steering wheel system (27) comprising a steering wheel (28), a steering wheel mount (29), 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 attached to the steering wheel (28) or to the steering wheel mount (29). A motor vehicle (30), in particular an electric motor vehicle (30), comprising a steering wheel system (27) according to claim 8. A method (100) for selecting a function by means of a steering column switch (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 in a motor vehicle according to claim 9, comprising the following steps: Tilting (110) the steering column switch (1) via at least one tilting axis, detecting (120) the position of the steering column switch (1) by querying the at least one sensor (5) by the control unit (19), Selection (130) of the function depending on the detected position by the control unit (19), Transmission (140) of the selected function by the control unit (19) via an interface to a motor vehicle control system for executing an action corresponding to the selected function. Method (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit (19) determines the position of the steering column switch (1) by querying the at least one button (6) with an integrated spring (16) and / or Rubber mat (17) or the at least one Hall sensor (18) or the at least one 3D Hall sensor (23). Method (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the steering column switch (1) is tilted along a locking curve (9), wherein the locking curve (9) predetermines the intensity of the selected function. Method (100) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that after the function has been executed, the steering column switch (1) is reset (160) to a neutral position (15) via a spring or electronically.

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