Rotary selector with anti-travel control and haptic feedback

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary control selector (1) comprising two sub-assemblies (100, 200) mounted to rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation (A), and a bearing (400) comprising two rings (410, 420) centered on said axis of rotation and rigidly connected respectively to one and the other of said sub-assemblies, said selector also comprising a haptic indexing device (500) comprising a ring (510) rigidly connected to one of said sub-assemblies and defining a wavy track, at least one plunger (520) mounted to slide in a corresponding blind housing (118) rigidly connected to the other of said sub-assemblies and adapted to travel along said track, and elastic means (530) returning each said plunger against said track;said rings and said crown being made of the same self-lubricating thermoplastic polymer, with said crown being formed from a single piece of material with one of said rings. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2;

Description

Title of the invention: Rotary control selector with anti-travel and haptic feedback Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a rotary control selector, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0002] It particularly relates to such a rotary control selector with anti-travel and haptic feedback. Prior art

[0003] Such rotary control selectors are commonly used in motor vehicles to allow the driver to easily control certain functional systems such as the automatic gearbox or the navigation and air conditioning systems.

[0004] They conventionally comprise two sub-assemblies, namely a stator and a rotor mounted to rotate relative to each other around an axis of rotation.

[0005] Position and displacement sensors such as optical incrementers or Hall effect sensors make it possible to locate the angular position and rotation of the rotor, so as to apply a change in the parameter of the controlled functions as a function of the angular position or rotation of this rotor.

[0006] Due in particular to the manufacturing tolerances of the parts constituting them, the rotors of these rotary control selectors are subject to a certain amount of movement around their axis of rotation, which negatively affects the level of quality perceived by users.

[0007] Defined by an angle of precession relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor, this deflection should ideally not exceed half a degree in order to be imperceptible.

[0008] With this in mind, it is known in particular from WO 2018 / 134409 A1 to provide a rolling bearing guiding the relative rotation of said subassemblies and conventionally comprising two concentric metal rings centered on said axis of rotation while being rigidly connected respectively to one and the other of said subassemblies, as well as rolling members interposed between these two rings.

[0009] Such rolling bearings have the main disadvantage of significantly increasing the mass of the rotary control selector. In addition, the latter must be lubricated with grease or oil to limit friction and reduce wear on the rolling parts.

[0010] Certain rotary control selectors also include a haptic indexing device making it possible to define, over the rotational movement travel of the rotor, several electrical switching positions providing a haptic feeling to the user when reached.

[0011] Described for example in document EP 1111494 A1, such a haptic indexing device integrated into a rotary control selector conventionally comprises: - an annular crown made of a self-lubricating thermoplastic polymer, rigidly linked to one of the two sub-assemblies, and defining a track with an undulating profile comprising a plurality of depressions separated by reliefs; - at least one plunger member mounted to slide in a corresponding blind housing rigidly connected to the other of said sub-assemblies, each said plunger member being able to travel along said track so as to engage in said depressions; and - elastic return means provided in each said blind housing and elastically stressing said corresponding plunger member so that the latter is pressed against said track.

[0012] It is understood that each switching position corresponds to the engagement of the plunger member(s) in one or more of said depressions.

[0013] Rotary control selectors comprising such a rolling bearing and such a haptic indexing device prove to be relatively expensive to produce because they consist of a large number of different parts to be assembled, which also results in high logistical costs.

[0014] Furthermore, these rotary selectors are relatively heavy compared to conventional rotary selectors, which contributes to the increase in the mass of the vehicle. Presentation of the invention

[0015] The present invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

[0016] To this end, it proposes a rotary control selector, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising two sub-assemblies mounted to rotate relative to each other around an axis of rotation.

[0017] The selector also comprises a rolling bearing guiding the relative rotation of said sub-assemblies and comprising two concentric annular rings centered on said axis of rotation while being rigidly connected respectively to one and the other of said sub-assemblies, said bearing further comprising rolling members interposed between said rings.

[0018] This selector also comprises a haptic indexing device comprising: - an annular crown made of a self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer, rigidly linked to one of said sub-assemblies, and defining a corrugated track provided with a plurality of depressions separated by reliefs, - at least one plunger member mounted sliding in a blind housing cor- corresponding rigidly connected to the other of said subassemblies, each said plunger member being able to travel along said track so as to engage in said depressions, and - elastic return means provided in each said blind housing and elastically stressing said corresponding plunger member so that the latter is pressed against said track.

[0019] According to the invention, said rings of the rolling bearing are also made from said self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer, said crown being made from a single piece with one of said rings.

[0020] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the number of parts required for assembling the rotary control selector, which generates significant economies of scale and also leads to a significant reduction in the costs of managing and storing spare parts.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention also makes it possible to significantly reduce the overall mass and operating noise of this rotary control selector in comparison with existing rotary selectors equipped with metal rings.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, said track is defined on one of the radial faces of said crown, each said plunger member being mounted to slide along a respective axis oriented parallel to said axis of rotation.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment, said track is defined on one of the axial faces of said crown, each said plunger member being mounted to slide along a respective axis oriented radially to said axis of rotation.

[0024] With a view to obtaining an optimum compromise between operating noise and cost price, said self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer is advantageously chosen from Polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamides (PA) and Xirodur® S180LF.

[0025] In order to limit the mass of the bearing as well as the operating noise, said rolling members are preferably made up of balls.

[0026] For reasons of mechanical resistance, these rolling members are advantageously made of metal, glass or a ceramic material.

[0027] With the aim of improving the haptic feeling of the user, said haptic indexing device advantageously comprises two said plunger members arranged symmetrically with respect to said axis of rotation, said depressions being arranged in a diametrically opposed manner two by two so that said plunger members are simultaneously opposite two said respective depressions.

[0028] Each said plunger member is preferably in the form of a finger comprising a hollow elongated cylindrical body defining a cylindrical receiving cavity, as well as a hemispherical support head projecting from said blind housing. corresponding to and coming into contact with said track.

[0029] Alternatively, each said plunger member may be in the form of a ball, for example.

[0030] For reasons of simplicity and optimization of manufacturing costs, the elastic return means provided in each said blind housing are for example constituted by a helical compression spring.

[0031] Alternatively and in order to further reduce operating noise, these elastic means may consist of a single-piece body made of elastomer material.

[0032] In order to ensure optimal operation of the rolling bearing, the latter also advantageously comprises a holding cage arranged between said rings in order to maintain the circumferential space between said rolling members and to ensure their guidance in rotation around axes parallel to said axis of rotation.

[0033] In order to limit friction with said rolling members and to avoid their wear as well as operating noise, this holding cage is preferably made from a self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer.

[0034] The invention also aims, in a second aspect, at a motor vehicle comprising at least one such rotary control selector. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of several exemplary embodiments, given below for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a rotary control selector according to the invention; - [Fig.2] is a perspective sectional view along a vertical diametrical plane of the rotary control selector of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] represents a perspective sectional view along a horizontal radial plane of the rotary control selector of [Fig.l]; and - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the rotary control selector of [Fig.l] without its stator subassembly. Description of the embodiments

[0036] [Fig.l] represents a rotary control selector 1 intended to be integrated into equipment not shown in a motor vehicle such as its central console or its dashboard.

[0037] The rotary control selector 1 constitutes in this case a speed selector making it possible to select the active mode of the automatic gearbox of the vehicle from among the following three modes: - reverse mode R (for “Reverse” in English), - neutral mode N (for “Neutral” in English), and - forward mode D (for “Drive” in English).

[0038] More generally, such a rotary control selector 1 may be intended to allow the control of at least one function of a system of this vehicle, such as the air conditioning system, the audio system, the telephone system or the navigation system. It could also be used for window regulator controls, positioning of exterior rearview mirrors or for moving motorized seats or for controlling interior lights, central locking, a sunroof, hazard lights or ambient lights.

[0039] With reference to this [Fig.l], the rotary control selector 1 comprises two sub-assemblies 100, 200 respectively forming a stator and a rotor, these two sub-assemblies being mounted to rotate relative to each other around an axis of rotation A.

[0040] In the remainder of this description and by convention, the terms “axial”, “radial”, and equivalents will, in the absence of details, be defined in relation to this axis of rotation A.

[0041] The terms “external” and “internal” will be used to define the relative position of an element with reference to the axis of rotation A. The element closest to this axis A will thus be described as internal as opposed to the other element further from this same axis A which will be described as external.

[0042] On the other hand, the terms “upper” and “lower” will be defined to specify the relative position of certain elements relative to the orientation of this control selector 1 in the figures.

[0043] Still with reference to this [Fig.l], the rotary control selector 1 also comprises a control push button 300 housed in the rotor 200 and mounted to slide relative to the stator 100.

[0044] This control button 300 allows the additional control of at least one additional function, such as in this case the activation of the parking mode P (or “Park” in English) causing the wheels of the vehicle to lock. Its arrangement inside the rotor 200 makes it possible to produce a compact and aesthetically pleasing rotary control selector 1.

[0045] [Fig.2] is a perspective sectional view along a vertical diametrical plane of the rotary control selector 1.

[0046] It will be noted that the elements constituting this rotary control selector 1 are for the most part distributed symmetrically on either side of the axis of rotation A which therefore substantially forms an axis of symmetry for this [Fig.2].

[0047] The stator 100 comprises a housing 110 comprising an outer casing 111 having a cylindrical main portion surmounted by an upper portion sen- possibly truncated cone-shaped, narrowing towards axis A.

[0048] Advantageously made from a single-piece injection molding of a thermoplastic material, the housing 110 also comprises several fixing lugs 112 projecting radially from this outer casing 111 so as to allow the rotary control selector 1 to be mounted on equipment of the motor vehicle such as its central console or its dashboard.

[0049] The upper part of this housing 110 defines an annular receiving groove 113 centered on the axis A and delimited by an external cylindrical wall 114 attached to the upper end of the external wall 111, an internal cylindrical wall 115 and a bottom wall 116.

[0050] The central zone of this upper part of the housing 110 is further closed by a disc 117 whose periphery is attached to the upper end of the internal wall 115.

[0051] The stator 100 also comprises a cylindrical cup 120 surmounting the housing 110 to which it is fixed by means of screws 121 passing through the disc 117 and bolted into screw barrels projecting axially below the flat bottom of this cup 120.

[0052] The bowl 120 defines a housing accommodating a first electronic card with disc-shaped printed circuits 130, made of an insulating polymer resin.

[0053] Fixed by screwing onto the bottom of this bowl 120, the printed circuit board 130 carries electrical contacts and electronic components, such as in particular blister switches 131.

[0054] The stator 100 further comprises a second electronic printed circuit board of discoid shape 140, made of an insulating polymer resin, and housed fixedly inside the housing 110 below the annular receiving groove 113. This second electronic printed circuit board 140 is connected to the first board 130 by means of a connecting sheet 150 passing through the disc 117 and the bottom of the cup 120 via passage windows provided in these two elements (the passage window provided in the disc 117 being clearly visible in [Fig. 3]).

[0055] The stator 100 finally comprises a discoidal flat bottom 160 fixedly attached against the lower end of the housing 110 so as to ensure its closure. This flat bottom 160 has an opening 161 for access to a connector 170, electrically connected to the second electronic card 140, and allowing it to be connected to the multiplexed electrical network of the vehicle.

[0056] As illustrated by [Fig.4], the rotor 200 comprises a drum of revolution 210 centered on the axis A.

[0057] Advantageously made from a single-piece injection molding of a thermoplastic material, this drum 210 comprises a cylindrical upper skirt 211 as well as than a cylindrical lower skirt 212, of smaller diameter than this upper skirt 211 and projecting below the latter.

[0058] Having an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the upper end of the outer casing 111 of the housing 110, the upper skirt 211 has a main portion projecting above the stator 100. The lower skirt 212 is housed in the annular receiving groove 113 of the housing 110.

[0059] The rotor 200 also comprises two external annular gripping wheels 220, 230 superimposed and covering the external surface of this main portion of the upper skirt 211 to which they are fixed for example by force fitting.

[0060] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the outer annular surface of each gripping wheel 220, 230 has knurling consisting of a plurality of vertical ridges 221, 231 spaced evenly along its perimeter.

[0061] In order to ensure optimal gripping of the rotor 200 by the user, at least one of these two gripping wheels (for example, the upper wheel 230) is advantageously made of an elastomeric material such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer).

[0062] In order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the rotor 200, the external surface of at least one of these two gripping wheels (for example, the lower wheel 220) is advantageously covered with a decorative coating, for example of the chrome type.

[0063] The rotor 200 further comprises an upper finishing ring 240 covering the top of the upper skirt 211 of the drum 210 and that of the upper gripping wheel 230, this finishing ring 240 being further fixed to this upper skirt 211 for example by snap-fastening.

[0064] Still with a view to improving the aesthetic appearance of the rotor 200, the outer surface of this upper finishing ring 240 is advantageously also covered with a decorative coating, for example of the chrome type.

[0065] In order to limit the movement of the rotor 200 around the axis of rotation A when it is being handled by a user, the rotary control selector 1 also comprises a rolling bearing 400 housed in the annular receiving groove 113 of the housing 110.

[0066] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the rolling bearing 400 comprises two concentric annular rings, outer 410 and inner 420, centered on the axis of rotation A, being rigidly connected respectively to the rotor 200 and to the stator 100.

[0067] This rolling bearing 400 also comprises rolling members 430 (in this case balls) interposed between the two rings 410, 420, each being partially contained in two annular rolling grooves, not shown, formed on these two rings 410, 420.

[0068] Although not shown, a holding cage is advantageously arranged between the two rings 410, 420 in order to maintain the circumferential space between the members rolling 430 and to ensure their guidance in rotation around axes parallel to the axis of rotation A.

[0069] As can be seen in this [Fig.2], the outer ring 410 is fixedly supported, by its outer cylindrical axial face, against the lower skirt 212 of the drum 210 of the rotor 200.

[0070] The internal ring 420 is fixedly attached, by its internal cylindrical axial face, against the internal cylindrical wall 115 of the housing 110 of the stator 100.

[0071] As illustrated by figures 3 and 4, the axial and radial locking of the rolling bearing 400 is ensured in this case by means of elastically deformable axial clipping tabs 212A cut out in the lower skirt 212 and cooperating by snap-fastening with the lower radial face of the ring 410.

[0072] The outer ring 410 is rotationally secured to the skirt 212 by means of axial ribs, not visible, projecting from this skirt 212 and fitting by correspondence of shape into corresponding grooves formed in this outer ring 410.

[0073] In the same way, the internal ring 420 is secured in rotation with the internal cylindrical wall 115 by means of axial ribs, not visible, projecting from this wall 115 and fitting by correspondence of shape into corresponding grooves formed in this internal ring 420.

[0074] The outer 410 and inner 420 rings as well as the holding cage are made from a self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer advantageously chosen from Polyoxymethylenes (POM), Polyamides (PA) and Xirodur® S180LF.

[0075] The rolling members 430 are advantageously made of metal (for example stainless steel). They can also alternatively be made of glass or a ceramic material such as zirconium oxide (such a material having the advantage of being extremely strong and exhibiting great toughness as well as low wear).

[0076] The rotary control selector according to the invention 1 finally comprises a haptic indexing device 500 making it possible to define, over the rotational movement travel of the rotor 200 at 360°, several electrical switching positions providing a haptic feeling to the user when they are reached.

[0077] With reference to figures 2 to 4, the haptic indexing device 500 comprises an annular crown 510 rigidly connected to the rotor 200 while being centered on the axis of rotation A, one of the radial faces of this crown 510 (in this case its lower radial face) defining an undulating track 511 formed of a plurality of depressions 511A separated by reliefs 511B.

[0078] According to the invention and as can be seen in [Fig.2], the crown 510 is made of a single piece with the outer ring 410 of the rolling bearing. 400, in the same self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer as that constituting this external ring 410.

[0079] The haptic indexing device 500 also comprises two plunger members 520, arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation, and each capable of traveling along the undulating track 511 so as to engage in the depressions 511A.

[0080] It will be noted with reference to [Fig. 3] that the depressions 511A are arranged in a diametrically opposed manner two by two so that the plunger members 520 are simultaneously located opposite two respective depressions 511A.

[0081] Each plunger member 520 is mounted to slide along a respective vertical axis oriented parallel to the axis of rotation A, in a respective blind housing 118 provided in a corresponding support barrel 119 rigidly connected to the stator 100 (each support barrel 119 in this case forming an integral part of the housing 110 and extending below the bottom wall 116).

[0082] As illustrated by [Fig.4], each of the plunger members is in this case in the form of a finger 520 (advantageously made of metal) comprising a hollow elongated cylindrical body 521 defining a cylindrical receiving cavity, as well as a hemispherical support head 522 projecting from the corresponding blind housing 118 and coming into contact with the corrugated track 511.

[0083] With reference to figures 2 and 4, this haptic indexing device 500 further comprises elastic return means 530 arranged in each blind housing 118 and elastically urging the corresponding plunger member 520 in the direction of the track 511 so that its support head 522 is pressed against this track 511.

[0084] In this case, the elastic return means provided in each blind housing 118 are constituted by a helical compression spring 530, a portion of which is housed in the cylindrical receiving cavity of the hollow elongated cylindrical body 521 of the corresponding plunger member 520.

[0085] Each electrical switching position of the rotary control selector 1 ensures a change in the active mode of the automatic gearbox and corresponds to the positioning of the support heads 522 of the plunger members 520 against the bottom of two corresponding depressions 51 IA diametrically opposed to the corrugated track 511.

[0086] These switching positions which correspond to a partial relaxation of the plunger members 520 (the elastic return force exerted by the springs 530 on these plunger members 520 being less in such a switching position than in the positions slightly more advanced or retracted with respect to this position) serve as reference points for the user by providing him with a haptic feeling when they are reached.

[0087] According to a second embodiment not shown, the outer and inner rings are still rigidly connected respectively to the rotor and to the stator, but the crown The track is made of a single piece of material with the inner ring while the blind housings receiving the plunger members are rigidly connected to the rotor.

[0088] According to a third embodiment not shown, the outer and inner rings are rigidly connected respectively to the stator and to the rotor, the track crown being made of a single piece with the inner ring while the blind housings receiving the plunger members are rigidly connected to the stator.

[0089] According to a fourth embodiment not shown, the outer and inner rings are rigidly connected respectively to the stator and to the rotor, the track crown being made of a single piece with the outer ring while the blind housings receiving the plunger members are rigidly connected to the rotor.

[0090] According to other embodiments not shown, the corrugated track is formed on one of the internal or external axial faces of an external or external ring, while each plunger member is mounted to slide along a respective horizontal axis oriented radially to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0091] According to other embodiment variants not shown, the number of plunger members can vary, this being at least equal to one and for example between one and four.

[0092] According to still other variant embodiments not shown: - each said plunger member may be shaped differently, and for example be constituted by a ball made for example of metal such as stainless steel, glass or a ceramic material such as zirconium oxide; - the elastic return means may be of another type and for example each constituted by a single-piece body made of elastomer material; and / or - the number and / or conformation of depressions may also vary depending on the circumstances.

[0093] Generally speaking, it is recalled that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but also encompasses all variant embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims

1. Rotary control selector (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising two sub-assemblies (100, 200) mounted to rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation (A), said selector (1) also comprising a rolling bearing (400) guiding the relative rotation of said sub-assemblies (100, 200) and comprising two concentric annular rings (410, 420) centered on said axis of rotation (A) while being rigidly connected respectively to one (200) and to the other (100) of said sub-assemblies (100, 200), said bearing (400) further comprising rolling members (430) interposed between said rings (410, 420), said selector (1) further comprising a haptic indexing device (500) comprising: - an annular crown (510) made of a self-lubricating thermoplastic polymer, rigidly linked to one (200) of said subassemblies (100, 200),and defining a corrugated track (511) provided with a plurality of depressions (51 IA) separated by reliefs (51 IB), - at least one plunger member (520) slidably mounted in a corresponding blind housing (118) rigidly connected to the other (100) of said sub-assemblies (100, 200), each said plunger member (520) being able to travel along said track (511) so as to engage in said depressions (511 A), and - elastic return means (530) arranged in each said blind housing (118) and elastically biasing said corresponding plunger member (520) so that the latter is pressed against said track (510); characterized in that said rings (410, 420) of the rolling bearing (400) are also made of said self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer, said crown (510) being made of a single piece with one (410) of said rings (410, 420).,

2. Rotary control selector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said track (511) is defined on one of the radial faces of said crown (510), each said plunger member (520) being slidably mounted along a respective axis oriented parallel to said axis of rotation (A).

3. Rotary control selector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said track is defined on one of the axial faces of said crown, each said plunger member being mounted to slide along a respective axis oriented radially to said axis of rotation.

4. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer is chosen from Polyoxymethylenes (POM), polyamides (PA) and Xirodur® S180LF.

5. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said rolling members are constituted by balls (430).

6. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said rolling members (430) are made of metal, glass or a ceramic material.

7. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said haptic indexing device (500) comprises two said plunger members (520) arranged symmetrically with respect to said axis of rotation (A), said depressions (511 A) being arranged diametrically opposite two by two so that said plunger members (120) are simultaneously opposite two said respective depressions (511 A).

8. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each said plunger member is in the form of a finger (520) comprising a hollow elongated cylindrical body (521) defining a cylindrical receiving cavity, as well as a hemispherical support head (522) projecting from said corresponding blind housing (118) and coming into contact with said track (511).

9. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each said plunger member (520) is in the form of a ball.

10. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the elastic return means provided in each said blind housing consist of a helical compression spring (530).

11. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the elastic return means (530) provided in each said blind housing consist of a single-piece body made of elastomer material.

12. Rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said rolling bearing (400) also comprises a holding cage arranged between said rings (410, 420) in order to maintain the circumferential space between said rolling members (430) and to ensure their guidance in rotation around axes parallel to said axis of rotation (A).

13. Rotary control selector (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said holding cage is made of a self-lubricated thermoplastic polymer.

14. Motor vehicle comprising at least one rotary control selector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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