Touch panel switch system and steering wheel

Abstract

The disclosed touch panel switch system includes an upper assembly, a lower assembly, and a suspension assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper cover and an inner support. The upper cover and the inner support are fixedly connected to each other. The lower assembly includes a housing and a bottom cover. The upper cover and the housing are movably connected to each other. The housing is fixedly connected to the bottom cover. The suspension assembly is connected between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. The suspension assembly provides a trigger stroke in the Z direction. The trigger stroke is in a micron scale. A steering wheel is also disclosed. In the present invention, since the trigger stroke is in a micron scale, the touch panel switch system achieves both touch elasticity and stiffness. Therefore, when the touch panel switch system is triggered, a certain trigger feedback is provided. However, the trigger of the corresponding function can be achieved by a very small trigger stroke. Furthermore, the touch panel switch system of the present invention has a small occupied space and a high degree of integration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle steering wheels, and more particularly to a touch panel switch system and a steering wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing panel switches are typically classified into three types. One type of panel switch is a touch switch, which provides passive feedback and has a certain pressing stroke. This type of panel switch uses a micro switch, which has an excessively soft tactile feel, requires a large trigger stroke, is thick, and occupies a large space. In addition, it further requires a balanced lever structure to affect the stroke of the large panel.

[0003] Another type of panel switch uses active tactile feedback of a solenoid valve, but this type of panel switch has the disadvantage that the tactile feel cannot be adjusted.

[0004] Yet another type of panel switch is the no-stroke panel switch, which has an overly stiff tactile feel and does not provide trigger feedback that degrades the user experience. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to design a touch panel switch system and steering wheel that achieves both elasticity and rigidity to the touch, requires a small trigger stroke, occupies a small space, and provides adjustable tactile feel.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings in the prior art and provide a touch panel switch system and a steering wheel which achieve both touch elasticity and rigidity, require a small trigger stroke, occupy a small space, and provide adjustable tactile feel.

[0007] In the technical solution of the present invention, a touch panel switch system is provided, which includes an upper assembly, a lower assembly and a suspension assembly.

[0008] The upper assembly includes a top cover and an inner support, the top cover and the inner support being fixedly connected to one another.

[0009] The lower assembly includes a housing and a bottom cover, the top cover and housing are movably connected to one another, and the housing is fixedly connected to the bottom cover.

[0010] The suspension assembly is connected between the upper assembly and the lower assembly, and the suspension assembly provides a trigger stroke in the Z direction, where the trigger stroke is in the micron scale.

[0011] Additionally, the lower assembly further includes a printed circuit board disposed between the inner support and the bottom cover.

[0012] A micron-scale pressure sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0013] The mounting post extends downward from the inner support and is used to press against the micron-scale pressure sensor.

[0014] The touch panel switch system further includes a pretensioner mounted to the mounting post and in contact with the micron-scale pressure sensor, the pretensioner providing an initial value to the micron-scale pressure sensor and setting a trigger threshold for the micron-scale pressure sensor.

[0015] The functional components of the touch panel switch system are not triggered when the micron-scale pressure sensor experiences a force less than an initial value.

[0016] The functional component is triggered when the micron-scale pressure sensor experiences a force that exceeds a trigger threshold.

[0017] Further, a suspension assembly is mounted between the inner support and the housing.

[0018] The suspension assembly further includes a resilient member and a resilient tab, the resilient tab extending downwardly from the lower surface of the inner support, the resilient member being connected between the resilient tab and the housing or the printed circuit board.

[0019] Additionally, the resilient prong includes a plurality of spaced apart barbs.

[0020] Furthermore, the resilient claw has an inverted mushroom head structure, and the shape of the resilient member matches the shape of the mushroom head structure.

[0021] The suspension assembly further includes a first elastic retaining member, a second elastic retaining member, and an elastic member, the first elastic retaining member connected to the inner support, the second elastic retaining member connected to the housing or the printed circuit board, and the elastic member connected between the first elastic retaining member and the second elastic retaining member.

[0022] Furthermore, the elastic member may be made of solid or hollow rubber.

[0023] The present invention also provides a steering wheel equipped with the above-mentioned touch panel switch system.

[0024] The above technical solutions can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0025] In the present invention, a suspension assembly is provided, which allows a micron-scale trigger stroke in the Z direction to be provided between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. The stroke can be converted into a force value input to determine whether a threshold set by the system is reached. In the present invention, the touch panel switch system achieves both touch elasticity and stiffness, so that a specific trigger feedback is provided when the touch panel switch system is triggered. In this way, the triggering of the corresponding function can be achieved by a very small trigger stroke, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the touch panel switch system of the present invention has a small occupied space and a high degree of integration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] The disclosure of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, which are to be understood as being for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a touch panel switch system mounted on a steering wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the touch panel switch system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the touch panel switch system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the touch panel switch system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an inner support of the touch panel switch system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a touch panel switch system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an inner support of a touch panel switch system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a touch panel switch system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an inner support of a touch panel switch system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The reference numbers are as follows: Touch Panel Switch System 100 Upper assembly 1: upper cover 11, inner support 12, touch conductive membrane 13, light guide plate 14, motor 15, mounting post 121, micron-scale pressure sensor 122, and pretensioner 123. Lower assembly 2: housing 21, bottom cover 22, printed circuit board 23, and hooks 221. Suspension assembly 3: elastic member 31, elastic claw 34, first elastic retaining member 35, second elastic retaining member 36, barb 341, and mushroom head structure 342. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Specific embodiments of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It can be easily understood that those skilled in the art may propose multiple compatible structural modes and implementation methods according to the technical solutions of the present invention without changing the essential spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the following specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary descriptions of the technical solutions of the present invention, and should not be construed as the whole of the present invention or as limitations on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0030] Location terms such as upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, front, rear, top, bottom, etc., referred to or that may be referred to in this specification are defined with respect to the configurations shown in the drawings, and these location terms are relative concepts, and therefore these location terms may change accordingly according to different locations and different usage conditions of the configurations. Therefore, these or other location terms should not be construed as limiting terms.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a touch panel switch system 100 includes an upper assembly 1, a lower assembly 2, and a suspension assembly 3.

[0032] The upper assembly 1 includes a top cover 11 and an inner support 12, which are fixedly connected to each other.

[0033] The lower assembly 2 includes a housing 21 and a bottom cover 22. The top cover 11 and the housing 21 are movably connected to each other. The housing 21 is fixedly connected to the bottom cover 22.

[0034] The suspension assembly 3 is connected between the upper assembly 1 and the lower assembly 2. The suspension assembly 3 provides a trigger stroke in the Z direction. The trigger stroke is in the micron scale.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel switch system 100 is mounted on the left side of the steering wheel of a vehicle so that it can be easily operated by a user.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, multiple functional components are integrated into the touch panel switch system 100. Different keys can be touched to trigger different functional components, such as cruising speed, following distance, speed limit adjustment for autonomous driving, control of multimedia system, etc.

[0037] 3, the touch panel switch system 100 includes an upper assembly 1 and a lower assembly 2. The functional components of the touch panel switch system 100 are mounted in a cavity between the upper assembly 1 and the lower assembly 2. The lower assembly 2 is connected to the body of a steering wheel.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper assembly 1 includes an upper cover 11 and an inner support 12, which are fixedly connected to each other. The upper cover 11 is the top cover of the touch panel switch system 100, and a plurality of function keys are provided on the upper surface of the upper cover 11. A touch conductive film 13 and a light guide plate 14 are mounted between the upper cover 11 and the inner support 12. The touch conductive film 13 is mounted on the upper cover 11 (through adhesion using an optical transparent adhesive or through high temperature adhesion). The inner support 12 is used to support and mount the light guide plate 14. When a user touches a function key on the upper cover 11, the touch conductive film 13 receives a pressing signal to trigger a corresponding function component.

[0039] The lower assembly 2 includes a housing 21 and a bottom cover 22. The top cover 11 and the housing 21 are connected to each other so as to be movable in the Z direction. The housing 21 is fixedly connected to the bottom cover 22. A hook 221 extends downward from the bottom cover 22 and is used to connect to the body of the steering wheel.

[0040] The "Z" direction in the present invention is the up-down direction of the steering wheel, that is, the up-down direction in FIG.

[0041] Since the suspension assembly 3 is connected between the upper assembly 1 and the lower assembly 2, the suspension assembly 3 provides a trigger stroke in the Z direction. When a user presses a function key on the upper cover 11, the upper assembly 1 generates a trigger stroke in the Z direction relative to the lower assembly 2. The user cannot sense the trigger stroke, which is micron-scale. The vibration of the motor 15 (see FIG. 6) drives the upper cover 11 to generate a vibration sensation, and the user senses the trigger feedback. In the present invention, since the trigger stroke is micron-scale, the touch panel switch system achieves both touch elasticity and rigidity. Therefore, when the touch panel switch system is triggered, the stroke can be converted into a force value input to determine whether a threshold set by the system is reached. When the set threshold is exceeded, the feedback element (e.g., the motor 15 generates a vibration) applies a specific trigger feedback to the upper cover 11 that can be sensed by the user. In this way, the triggering of the corresponding function can be achieved by a very small trigger stroke, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the touch panel switch system of the present invention has a small occupied space and a high degree of integration.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower assembly 2 further includes a printed circuit board 23 disposed between the inner support 12 and the bottom cover 22.

[0043] A micron-scale pressure sensor 122 is mounted on the printed circuit board 23 .

[0044] A mounting post 121 extends downwardly from the inner support 12 and is used to press against a micron-scale pressure sensor 122 .

[0045] Specifically, the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 is surface mounted and soldered to the printed circuit board 23 .

[0046] When a user presses a function key on the upper cover 11, the touch conductive film 13 receives a pressing signal. The upper assembly 1 generates a trigger stroke in the Z direction. The mounting post 121 drives the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 downward. A pressing force is generated between the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 and the printed circuit board 23. The micron-scale pressure sensor 122 detects the force value of the pressing force. When the force value of the pressing force is greater than a set force value, the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 sends a signal to the printed circuit board 23. The printed circuit board 23 controls and activates the corresponding functional components.

[0047] Since the suspension assembly 3 is suspended relative to the printed circuit board 23, the suspension assembly 3 does not contact or interfere with the printed circuit board 23 when the upper cover 11 is pressed.

[0048] 4, a pretensioner 123 is further included. The micron-scale pressure sensor 122 is connected to the mounting post 121 by the pretensioner 123. The pretensioner 123 provides an initial value to the micron-scale pressure sensor 122. A trigger threshold is set in the micron-scale pressure sensor 122.

[0049] The functional components of the touch panel switch system are not triggered when the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 experiences a force below the initial value.

[0050] The functional component is triggered when the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 experiences a force that exceeds a trigger threshold.

[0051] The pretensioner 123 may be an elastomer made of rubber. The pretensioner 123 is bowl-shaped and has a sleeve at the lower end of the mounting post 121. The micron-scale pressure sensor 122 is mounted at the lower end of the pretensioner 123. The pretensioner 123 is compressed and applies an initial force to the micron-scale pressure sensor 122, causing the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 to have an initial value.

[0052] The micron-scale pressure sensor 122 is a very high-precision sensor that can convert micron-scale strokes into sensing force values ​​to replace the passive feedback of traditional mechanical switches. The size of the micron-scale pressure sensor 122 is very small (0.6 mm thick), allowing the thickness of the switch to be thinned compared with a microswitch. In addition, the balanced sensing lever structure for triggering the microswitch is replaced. Compared with a microswitch with a fixed pressing force, the trigger threshold of the micron-scale pressure sensor 12 can be customized by software. That is, the trigger threshold can be readjusted without changing the structure or hardware. Also, setting the trigger threshold can prevent erroneous operation.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the suspension assembly 3 is mounted between the inner support 12 and the housing 21, as shown in FIG.

[0054] When the upper assembly 1 is pressed, the inner support 12 generates a trigger stroke in the Z direction relative to the housing 21 by the suspension assembly 3 .

[0055] Embodiment 1: 4 and 5, the suspension assembly 3 includes an elastic member 31 and an elastic claw 34. The elastic claw 34 extends downward from the lower surface of the inner support 12. The elastic member 31 is connected between the elastic claw 34 and the housing 21.

[0056] Additionally, the resilient prong 34 includes a plurality of barbs 341 spaced apart from one another.

[0057] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, three barbs 341 extend downwardly from the inner support 12. The barbs 341 may be integrally formed with the inner support 12 and are made of a hard plastic. The barbs 341 are elastically deformable to a certain extent.

[0058] The elastic member 31 is a circular ring made of rubber. The inner ring of the elastic member 31 has a sleeve on the outside of three barbs 341. The lower ends of the barbs 341 restrain the elastic member 31. The outer ring of the elastic member 31 still fits into the mounting hole on the housing 21.

[0059] The suspension connection between the upper assembly 1 and the lower assembly 2 is achieved by the elastic member 31 and the barb 341. That is, a specific trigger stroke is provided in the Z direction.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the elastic barbs 341 absorb a part of the Z-direction deformation of the elastic member 31. However, since the barbs 341 have elasticity, the suspension assembly 3 achieves both elasticity and rigidity.

[0061] The stiffness of the suspension assembly 3 can be achieved by adjusting the stiffness of the rubber, i.e. by increasing or decreasing the stiffness of the rubber.

[0062] In addition, the rigidity may be adjusted by adjusting the overlap amount of the barbs 341, or the rigidity of the entire suspension assembly 3 may be adjusted by adjusting the elasticity or rigidity of the barbs 341.

[0063] In this embodiment, there are three suspension assemblies 3. Optionally, a different number of suspension assemblies 3 may be provided.

[0064] Embodiment 2: As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the elastic claw 34 includes an inverted mushroom head structure 342 , and the shape of the elastic member 31 fits the shape of the mushroom head structure 342 .

[0065] Specifically, the mushroom head structure 342 also extends downward from the inner support 12. The difference from embodiment 2 is that one suspension assembly 3 includes only one mushroom head structure 342. The shape of the elastic member 31 matches the shape of the mushroom head structure 342. The elastic member 31 is a rubber sleeve, and its middle part is hollow. The bottom of the mushroom head structure 342 is completely surrounded by the center of the elastic member 31. The outside of the elastic member 31 is also mushroom head shaped, and its outer wall still fits into the housing 21.

[0066] The elastic member 31 achieves an elastic connection between the inner support 12 and the housing 21, and the stiffness of the suspension assembly 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the stiffness of the rubber.

[0067] The elasticity can also be increased by increasing the thickness of the solid portion of the elastic member 31. Alternatively, the shape of the hollow portion of the elastic member 31, that is, the depth and width of the hollow portion, can be changed to adjust the tactile sensation.

[0068] Embodiment 3: 8 and 9, the suspension assembly 3 includes a first elastic retaining member 35, a second elastic retaining member 36, and an elastic member 31. The first elastic retaining member 35 is fixedly connected to the inner support 12. The second elastic retaining member 36 is connected to the housing 21. The elastic member 31 is connected between the first elastic retaining member 35 and the second elastic retaining member 36.

[0069] Specifically, the inner support 12 and the housing 21 are made of hard plastic. The first elastic retaining member 35 is formed integrally with the inner support 12. The second elastic retaining member 36 is formed integrally with the housing 21. The first elastic retaining member 35 and the second elastic retaining member 36 have a certain degree of elasticity.

[0070] 9, the first elastic holding member 35 has a hollow ring structure, and the second elastic holding member 36 also has a similar hollow ring structure.

[0071] 8, the elastic member 31 is made of rubber. The outer wall of the elastic member 31 is provided with two circular recesses that engage with the first elastic holding member 35 and the second elastic holding member 36, respectively.

[0072] Compared with the previous two embodiments, the suspension assembly 3 in embodiment 3 has higher elasticity, larger trigger stroke, and softer touch feeling.

[0073] Furthermore, the elastic member 31 is made of hollow rubber. By adding a hard material to the cavity of the elastic member 31, the rigidity can be adjusted.

[0074] Alternatively, the elastic member 31 may be made of solid rubber.

[0075] Furthermore, the shape and size of the elastic member 31 may be adjusted to adjust the rigidity and elasticity of the suspension assembly 3.

[0076] Embodiment 4: As shown in FIG. 1, a steering wheel includes any of the above touch panel switch systems 100. One touch panel switch system 100 is provided on each of the right and left sides of the steering wheel. The upper cover 11 of the touch panel switch system 100 is an integrated large touch panel. A very small trigger stroke is achieved by a micron-scale trigger stroke, that is, the activation of a corresponding function can be triggered while a certain trigger feedback is maintained, thereby providing a better experience for the user. Furthermore, compared with the conventional system in which a micro switch or conductive rubber is provided as a switch, the present invention occupies a smaller space, has a higher precision, and allows the trigger stroke and its feedback force value to be adjusted or customized.

[0077] The above description is merely illustrative of the principles and preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that other variations may be made by those skilled in the art based on the principles of the present invention, and such variations should be construed as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A touch panel switch system comprising an upper assembly (1), a lower assembly (2), and a suspension assembly (3), The upper assembly (1) comprises an upper cover (11) and an inner support (12), the upper cover (11) and the inner support (12) being fixedly connected to each other; The lower assembly (2) comprises a housing (21) and a bottom cover (22), the upper cover (11) and the housing (21) are movably connected to each other, and the housing (21) is fixedly connected to the bottom cover (22); the suspension assembly (3) is connected between the upper assembly (1) and the lower assembly (2), the suspension assembly (3) provides a trigger stroke in a Z direction, the trigger stroke being in a micron scale; The suspension assembly (3) is mounted between the inner support (12) and the housing (21); The suspension assembly (3) comprises an elastic member (31) and an elastic claw (34), the elastic claw (34) extending downward from the lower surface of the inner support (12), and the elastic member (31) is connected between the elastic claw (34) and the housing (21).

2. The lower assembly (2) comprises a printed circuit board (23) disposed between the inner support (12) and the bottom cover (22); a micron-scale pressure sensor (122) mounted on said printed circuit board (23); 2. The touch panel switch system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting post (121) extending downwardly from said inner support (12) and used to press against said micron-scale pressure sensor (122).

3. a pretensioner (123) mounted to the mounting post (121) and in contact with the micron-scale pressure sensor (122), the pretensioner (123) providing an initial value to the micron-scale pressure sensor (122) and a trigger threshold is set for the micron-scale pressure sensor (122); a functional component of the touch panel switch system is not triggered when the micron-scale pressure sensor (122) experiences a force less than the initial value; The touch panel switch system of claim 2 , wherein the functional component is triggered when the micron-scale pressure sensor (122) experiences a force that exceeds the trigger threshold.

4. The touch panel switch system of claim 1 , wherein the resilient claw (34) comprises a plurality of spaced apart barbs (341).

5. 2. The touch panel switch system according to claim 1, wherein the elastic claw (34) has an inverted mushroom head structure (342), and the shape of the elastic member (31) fits the shape of the inverted mushroom head structure (342).

6. A touch panel switch system comprising an upper assembly (1), a lower assembly (2), and a suspension assembly (3), The upper assembly (1) comprises an upper cover (11) and an inner support (12), the upper cover (11) and the inner support (12) being fixedly connected to each other; The lower assembly (2) comprises a housing (21) and a bottom cover (22), the upper cover (11) and the housing (21) are movably connected to each other, and the housing (21) is fixedly connected to the bottom cover (22); the suspension assembly (3) is connected between the upper assembly (1) and the lower assembly (2), the suspension assembly (3) provides a trigger stroke in a Z direction, the trigger stroke being in a micron scale; The suspension assembly (3) is mounted between the inner support (12) and the housing (21); A touch panel switch system, wherein the suspension assembly (3) comprises a first elastic retaining member (35), a second elastic retaining member (36), and an elastic member (31), the first elastic retaining member (35) being connected to the inner support (12), the second elastic retaining member (36) being connected to the housing (21), and the elastic member (31) being connected between the first elastic retaining member (35) and the second elastic retaining member (36).

7. The touch panel switch system according to claim 6, wherein the elastic member (31) is made of solid rubber or hollow rubber.

8. A steering wheel comprising a touch panel switch system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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