CN104271396A

CN104271396A - Integrated vehicle control system and apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN104271396A
Application number: CN201280073033.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·S·哥伦布
Original assignee: Golomb Mercantile Co LLC
Current assignee: Golomb Mercantile Co LLC
Priority date: 2012-05-07
Filing date: 2012-08-17
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Also published as: JP2017206250A; EP2847039A1; EP2847039A4; KR20150018511A; JP2015520694A; WO2013169281A1; HK1202494A1; CA2871361A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.

Description

Integrated vehicle control system and equipment

The cross reference of related application

This application claims on May 7th, 2012 submit to as the Application U.S. Serial No No.12/555 submitted on September 8th, 2009, the part of 477 continues the Application U.S. Serial No No.13/465 of application, the preceence of 468, is incorporated to the present invention at this its full content by reference in allowed by law degree.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the vehicle control system for operating vehicle part and equipment, described vehicle control system and equipment are integrated in the wheel rim of steering wheel for vehicle, and making under the prerequisite not needing vehicle driver to remove his/her hand from bearing circle just can vehicle control system and equipment described in complete operation.

Background technology

Although employ about 70 years in commercially available obtainable power actuated vehicle, almost there is not any change in vehicle turn signal since place in operation first.Recently, vehicle has assembled the function by computer operation, and the function of described computer operation allows vehicle driver or operator by the device of central controller controls radio set for vehicle, compact disc player/CD player, connection, vehicular telephone and navigationsystem and other parts.

Steering wheel for vehicle is made up of columnar member, center hub and annular element usually, and has the multiple parts comprising steering indicating light actuation switch or multiple switch.Usually, by being positioned at " lever switch (the stalk switch) " of bearing circle side or control lever to operate turn signal lamp.Lever switch upward movement will send right turn signal, and move downward and will send left rotaring signal.When lever switch upward movement, the lamp be usually located on the right side mud guard of front and rear starts flicker.Similarly, when lever switch moves downward, the lamp be usually located on the left side mud guard of front and rear starts flicker.More generally, lever switch comprises four positions, i.e. two upper positions and two lower positions.Or be positioned at the primary importance operation steering indicating light of top or bottom, and when lever switch is released, lever switch turns back to open position or central authorities.Even if the second place also keeps steering indicating light to open when lever switch is released, and steering indicating light is closed after bearing circle has forwarded fixed-direction to and turned back to the position of roughly " wheel craspedodrome ".

For said mechanism, there is some well-known problems.Such as, after completing and turning to, steering indicating light may still keep starting, and signal lamp still " flicker ".Common situations is that then signal lamp can be closed prematurely if make bearing circle temporarily rotate and slightly depart from rotation direction.Another kind of common situations is, if along a direction slightly steering wheel rotation and chaufeur attempt to send the signal along contrary directional steering, then steering indicating light will break down.This problem is installed first since steering indicating light just to be existed on the rolling stock.

Nearest progress has proposed different physiques and different control mechanisms, to improve the operation of steering indicating light.Such as, more complicated car-mounted computer hardware (those systems such as provided by the RLP Engineering in Ohioan Dayton city) has allowed real-time management steering indicating light to operate, so that the problem of such as those problems above-mentioned of solution.In such systems, the Real-Time Monitoring speed of a motor vehicle, steering wheel position and other data, turn to judge whether vehicle is turning to and when completing.But, even if in this computer based system, be also open switch by upper and lower poke rod switch to start steering indicating light with corresponding turn signal lamp.Can the steering indicating light of this computer based system of manual-lock by the button on lever switch.A defect of this system is in order to switch operating rod must remove a hand from bearing circle.

Other modification of steering indicating light concentrates on replaces lever switch with the button of the hub being arranged in bearing circle or plectrum, such as at Crosson, the equipment described in US patent application publication 2009/01655592 of the people such as the U.S. Patent No. 5,739,491 of Jr and Sakai.But these modifications do not address the aforementioned drawbacks.Particularly, steering indicating light actuation switch is placed in the hub of bearing circle and still needs chaufeur or a hand removed from bearing circle or discharges its gripping to bearing circle, to operate the switch be arranged on hub.These modifications do not solve the problem produced when steering indicating light still starts after turning or when steering indicating light is closed too early yet.

Be arranged on steering indicating light actuation switch on spoke (such as in Kinsolver U.S. Patent No. 5 under one's name, 823, in 666 anticipation those) do not eliminate such requirement: though hand keep contact with bearing circle, also must reorientate the hand of chaufeur, with actuation switch.When gripping bearing circle, the physical slot of chaufeur thumb is aimed at the wheel rim of bearing circle or part is looped around on the wheel rim of bearing circle.Therefore, chaufeur must discharge the gripping to bearing circle discharges, to be positioned at by thumb on the switch that is arranged on spoke.No matter spoke around bearing circle internal diameter position how, it is all necessary that this position changes.If the hand of chaufeur is positioned at spoke nearside or contacts with spoke and on spoke, then chaufeur must be rotated down hand, to contact the switch be arranged on spoke.If the hand of chaufeur is positioned at spoke nearside or contacts with spoke and be positioned at below spoke, then chaufeur must be rotated down hand to contact switch on spoke, or the hand be rotated down thumb, with contact switch of moving up.This rotation or the gripping of movement needs chaufeur release to bearing circle, so that mobile hand.

Although advantage turn signal swich be placed on the spoke of bearing circle is that permission is operated steering indicating light by this under the prerequisite not needing chaufeur to remove his/her hand from bearing circle, but in practice, chaufeur must locate his/her hand again, to press the switch be arranged on spoke.As mentioned above, this design being similar to the steering indicating light actuation switch be placed in the hub of bearing circle allow when when not removing hand from bearing circle with palmistry for the very limited of bearing circle and operating switch is carried out in less desirable position.

U.S. Patent No. 6,961 under the names such as Mercier, in 644, contemplates so a kind of bearing circle, and described bearing circle has the hot button being positioned at " 10 o'clock " position on steering wheel rim and " 2 o'clock " position.According to this publication, this system allows chaufeur to carry out activation heat button by using thumb, thus opens steering indicating light.According to this publication, this process of opening steering indicating light will not require that chaufeur " moves his or her hand " by a larger margin.But the test implemented proves, when chaufeur keeps referring to any part of the first half gripping bearing circle with four completely, the hot button of this imaginary device cannot be pressed.Therefore, this imaginary device still faces other all problems existing for device more early, and reason is that the function of steering indicating light lever switch only reconfigures to the hot button on steering wheel rim by it.Turn signal lamp may be placed hand mistakenly and by mistake open, or turns to long period rear directional still to open and signal lamp " flicker " completing.Rotate if bearing circle temporarily departs from rotation direction slightly, steering indicating light may be closed prematurely.And for this imaginary device, chaufeur must to loosen the gripping of bearing circle can rotate hand, operates hot button to be put into by thumb on appropriate location.

According to Transit NZIHT 7 ^thannual Conference (2005), " the Hands-On:A Practical Measure of the Perceived Risk of the Driving Context " of J.A.Thomas and D.Walton, when driving under more excessive risk or complex situations, its both hands are all placed on the somewhere of the first half of bearing circle by most chaufeur.Therefore, most chaufeur is thought and is driven can be controlled vehicle better by the mode of the first half of hands grasping bearing circle, especially under excessive risk or complicated driving situation.As Paul A.Eisenstein points out " when lane change, the time chaufeur of 48% is ignored their steering indicating light of use or failed to open steering indicating light " in " the Turn signal neglect a real danger; study shows, " of research having quoted Society of Automotive Engineers.

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/01/11486051-tur?n-signal-neglect-a-real-danger-study-show？lite。Eisenstein also points out, and " when turning, fault rate is about 25%.”Id。

In many cases, chaufeur must remove a hand from bearing circle, to operate the steering indicating light activated by lever switch, this is because lever switch is not located close to the position of bearing circle usually.No matter how, in order to operate the steering indicating light activated by lever switch, a hand must be removed from bearing circle in the position of the hand of chaufeur.In turn signal swich is arranged in during the hub of dish, result is substantially identical.Chaufeur or hand must be removed to activate the switch hub from bearing circle, or must hand be rotated, make the thumb of the hand of chaufeur can touch the switch be arranged on hub.At rotation hand to stretch in the process of thumb touching switch, even if hand keeps with bearing circle to contacting, chaufeur also must discharge his/her gripping to bearing circle.Similarly, when turn signal swich is arranged in the spoke of bearing circle, in order to operate the switch be arranged on spoke, chaufeur must reorientate his or her hand.

Therefore, advantageously have such steering indicating light actuation switch and system, described steering indicating light actuation switch and system do not require that chaufeur discharges in order to operating switch the gripping on bearing circle.Have such steering indicating light actuation switch and system also advantageously, described steering indicating light actuation switch and system can operate under excessive risk or complicated driving situation, and keep hands grasping bearing circle simultaneously.Have such steering indicating light actuation switch and system also advantageously, described steering indicating light actuation switch and system can not close prematurely or stay open after turning.Having also advantageously can not by the steering indicating light actuation switch that by mistake operates and system.

Also knownly use computing machine-driver interface in the motor vehicle.This interface may be used for the specific equipment unit of controlling machine motor vehicle, the device of such as radio receiver, Disc player, connection or radio communication device.The interface of such as BMW IDRIVE, AUDI MMI, MERCEDES COMMAND, LEXUS REMOTE TOUCH and FORD SYNC and MYFORD TOUCH all provides the deformation program controlled for same type.This computing machine-driver interface be rendered as mouse/driver plate/joystick/touch-screen and the control setup that is positioned near gear shift bar selector combined.Alternatively, this computing machine-driver interface can be positioned at and be attached with on the handle control lever of button and switch, or be arranged in the button of thumb manipulation, the button of described thumb manipulation is positioned at the horizontal spoke cross bar of the bearing circle extended internally from bearing circle annular element, and 3 o'clock on the annular element and 9 o ' clock positions.Information from the computer system of controlling machine motor vehicle equipment unit can via the screen display of the center of meter panel of motor vehicle to power actuated vehicle operator, or is presented on the screen in the instrument group of vehicle operators and/or is presented at and be called in the head-up display of HUD.

Usually, can not keep operating computing machine-driver interface when gripping the annular element of bearing circle completely when power actuated vehicle operator, and operate computing machine-driver interface and reorientate hand by requiring, especially when hand is positioned at the first half of bearing circle at the beginning.Some in computing machine-driver interface commercially available are at present on the pan, because use them to require, the sight line of chaufeur leaves road surface with location and operation-interface.

Therefore, advantageously have a kind of such computing machine-driver interface and system, described computing machine-driver interface and system do not require that chaufeur discharges the gripping to bearing circle in order to operation-interface.Have a kind of such computing machine-driver interface and system also advantageously, described computing machine-driver interface and system can operations while maintenance hands grasping bearing circle during excessive risk or complicated driving situation.Have also advantageously a kind of can not by computing machine-driver interface of by mistake operating and system.

Identical with vehicular telephone with a lot of personal digital assistant (" PDA ") is assignable case, and these assignable buttons are also referred to as " shortcut ".Shortcut allows operator on PDA or vehicular telephone, specify specific function (photographic camera, audifier recorder, media player etc.).The personal music equipment of the screen games system of such as XBOX or PLAYSTATION or Personal Computer and such as IPOD comprises menu, described menu provides the subdivision of controller, at described subdivision place, operator can the local default setting of disconnecting gear, and specific function is distributed to the dedicated key on device.Personalized button also becomes known for seat, bearing circle, mirror and belt position and arranges, and is present in the power actuated vehicle with control button (being usually arranged on the car door of power actuated vehicle).These personalized buttons are analogous to radio preset, and allow chaufeur to utilize promotion button to adjust the element of selection to preset value.But it is evident that, can distribute/can reallocate shortcut can not as the integrated controller device in the bearing circle of power actuated vehicle.

Therefore, advantageously there is a kind of such computing machine-driver interface and system, described computing machine-driver interface and system comprise can distribute/can reallocate shortcut, describedly distribute/can reallocate shortcut and be integrated in the annular element of motor vehicle steering wheel, the operator making to sit in bearing circle rear can to these shortcut distribution functions, then optionally this function can be changed over a different function.

The operation of all plectrums/thumb selector on the power actuated vehicle in consumption market seems that all requiring that the chaufeur of this power actuated vehicle loosens or changes refers to grip around four to the Perfect Ring of the bearing circle of power actuated vehicle.These plectrums are especially used in sports type driving model.Reasonably suppose that the potential desire of vehicle driver under those circumstances keeps the control to bearing circle as much as possible.Plectrum selector at least just occurred in 1912, and described plectrum selector develops into obviously imitation F1 plectrum in consumption market, and described F1 plectrum obtains contest success in the later stage 1980s.Today, most automaker all provides various plectrum selector in the power actuated vehicle of at least one model.These plectrum selectors are sold to as compromise proposal on the one hand and are wished to carry out manually and the vehicle buyer of autoshift motor vehicle transmissions, and on the other hand, as can than the device sales of the traditional manual change speed gear box gear shift quickly on automobile, such as FERRARI.

Therefore, advantageously there is a kind of plectrum selector for power actuated vehicle like this, described plectrum selector is integrated in the annular element of motor vehicle steering wheel, make the chaufeur of power actuated vehicle need not loosen when operating plectrum selector or change to the loopful of bearing circle around four refer to grippings.A kind of integrated vehicle control system and equipment are provided also advantageously, described integrated vehicle control system and equipment comprise computing machine-driver interface and system, described computing machine-driver interface and system have the shortcut that can distribute/can reallocate, the described shortcut distributing/can reallocate is integrated in the annular element of the bearing circle of power actuated vehicle, makes operator arbitrarily the function of plectrum selector can be distributed to shortcut.

The appearance of the control of " without hand " in vehicle mainly responds and keeps the hand of power actuated vehicle operator to be positioned at requirement on bearing circle, might not be because chaufeur wishes that " saying " each order carrys out operating motor vehicle.There is the order that multiple chaufeur wishes to maintain secrecy.When there is car robbery or kidnapping, enabling chaufeur send distress signal to 911 and appear to simultaneously in confidence and never occurring in the market as before this characteristic just driven a car when both hands are put on the steering wheel.

Therefore, advantageously there is a kind of integrated vehicle control system, under excessive risk or complicated driving situation, can operate described integrated vehicle control system while maintenance hands grasping bearing circle, and integrated vehicle control system contributes to sending distress signal to emergency assistance personnel.In the vehicle being equipped with gps system, request signal can also send real-time address to emergency assistance personnel, and can start the hiding pick up camera in automobile, to catch photograph or video image.Do not need chaufeur to remove from motor vehicle steering wheel the integrated vehicle control system that hand just can operate if had, taximan and bus man just no longer need risk to reach for radio equipment or by " bank cashier type " hiding button to ask for help.

There is a kind of such computing machine-driver interface and system also advantageously, described computing machine-driver interface and system do not require that chaufeur discharges the gripping to bearing circle in order to operation-interface, and described computing machine-driver interface and system also with the HUD system integration of power actuated vehicle.For chaufeur, also advantageously, chaufeur sight line to be remained on road surface and keep simultaneously completely four finger rings in the bearing circle of power actuated vehicle, HUD system can be accessed and close on the information of prompting to obtain such as motor vehicle speed, navigation information and position, or vehicle night vision ability can be used.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of activator switch and system, described activator switch and system are integrated in the wheel rim of bearing circle, and can not need to operate described activator switch and system when changing his/her gripping to bearing circle at chaufeur.More specifically, the present invention more specifically provides a kind of power actuated vehicle thumb selector system, described thumb selector system allows during excessive risk or complicated driving situation, while maintenance both hands four refer to grip bearing circle, makes the gearbox shifting of power actuated vehicle.In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a kind of integrated motor vehicle thumb selector system, it for using together with the motor vehicle steering wheel with annular element.Integrated form thumb selector system comprises: left actuator, is attached to bearing circle annular element between 9 o ' clock positions of described left actuator on annular element and 12 o ' clock positions; Right actuator, is attached to bearing circle annular element between 3 o ' clock positions of described right actuator on annular element and 12 o ' clock positions; And controller, described controller is connected to described left actuator and right actuator, and described controller is also connected to system controller, and described system controller causes motor vehicle transmissions gear shift.Left actuator and the right actuator of this embodiment are not overlapping.In addition, when left actuator and right actuator are simultaneously depressed and keep the pressure predetermined threshold value time, described controller activates left actuator and right actuator, thus provides the left actuator of activation and the right actuator of activation.According to the present invention, when in left actuator and right actuator is depressed, change speed gear box carries out upshifing and downshifting.When the left actuator of activation and the right actuator of activation are simultaneously depressed, an integrated motor vehicle thumb selector system can cause change speed gear box to be switched to neutral gear.When the left actuator of activation and the right actuator of activation are simultaneously depressed and power actuated vehicle does not move, a described integrated motor vehicle thumb selector system can cause change speed gear box to be switched to parking gear.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, each in left actuator and right actuator all can comprise switch arrays, makes it possible to use multiple positions of hand at multiple positions depress switch array.In one embodiment, controller determines that the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in when switch arrays is depressed.If the pattern of thumbnail size is depressed, then controller will think that corresponding actuator is in " connection " position.In other embodiments, when the actuator activated is depressed to make corresponding outside turn signal lamp energising, the signal and/or open dashboard lamp of can sounding.

Present invention also offers a kind of integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system is used for using together with the mobile vehicular apparatus parts with function with the motor vehicle steering wheel with annular element.A described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system comprises: left actuator, is attached on bearing circle annular element between 9 o ' clock positions of described left actuator on described annular element and 12 o ' clock positions; Right actuator, is attached to bearing circle annular element between 3 o ' clock positions of described right actuator on described annular element and 12 o ' clock positions; And controller, described controller is connected to left actuator and right actuator, and described controller is also connected to motor vehicle component, the device of such as radio receiver, Disc player, connection, vehicular telephone and navigationsystem and other parts.Left actuator and right actuator not overlapping, and, when left actuator and right actuator be simultaneously depressed and keep pressure the predetermined threshold value time time, controller activates left actuator and right actuator.When actuator is depressed, the function of activating machine motor vehicle equipment unit, described actuator is selected from the group be made up of left actuator and right actuator.

An integrated motor vehicle of the present invention equipment unit control system can also comprise actuator, and each described actuator includes switch arrays.

Present invention also offers an integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, described mobile vehicular apparatus Component Control System has controller, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the switch arrays in each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates left actuator and right actuator.

Present invention also offers a kind of integrated motor vehicle for power actuated vehicle equipment unit control system, described power actuated vehicle has bearing circle and has left actuator and right actuator, 11 o ' clock positions making left actuator preferably be positioned to start from bearing circle annular element and preferably extend the circular arc of two inches towards 9 o ' clock positions, and 1 o ' clock position making right actuator preferably be positioned to start from bearing circle annular element and preferably extend the circular arc of two inches towards 3 o ' clock positions.

Present invention also offers a kind of integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, it has left and right actuator, left and/or right actuator is made to cause controller controlling machine motor vehicle equipment unit, or optionally, controller sends signal to system controller, described system controller controlling machine motor vehicle equipment unit, and wherein mobile vehicular apparatus parts can be audio systems, entertainment systems, radio receiver, Disc player, the device connected, vehicular telephone, navigationsystem, internet access system, one or more in Bluetooth system and other motor vehicle component.

Accompanying drawing explanation

With four, Fig. 1 a refers to that the mode gripped grips the view of the hand of the chaufeur of bearing circle.

With four, Fig. 1 b refers to that the mode gripped grips another view of the hand of the chaufeur of bearing circle.

Fig. 2 is the view of the bearing circle of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 is the view of the hour position of the position of specifying on bearing circle.

Fig. 4 is the view of the bearing circle of one embodiment of the present of invention, it illustrates preferred actuator position.

Fig. 5 is the view of a preferred actuator design of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is the view of one embodiment of the present of invention, and wherein, actuator comprises the multiple switches being arranged in multiple switch arrays.

Fig. 7 is the view of the bearing circle of prior art, shows the position of installation turn signal switch on the steering wheel.

Fig. 8 a is the view that chaufeur grips the bearing circle of the prior art of Fig. 7, shows the position of palmistry for the turn signal switch installed on the steering wheel of chaufeur.

Fig. 8 b is another view that chaufeur grips the bearing circle of the prior art of Fig. 7, shows the position of palmistry for the turn signal switch installed on the steering wheel of chaufeur.

Fig. 8 c is another view that chaufeur grips the bearing circle of the prior art of Fig. 7, shows the position of palmistry for the turn signal switch installed on the steering wheel of chaufeur.

Fig. 8 d is another view that chaufeur grips the bearing circle of the prior art of Fig. 7, shows the position of palmistry for the turn signal switch installed on the steering wheel of chaufeur.

Fig. 9 a illustrates chaufeur and grip bearing circle of the present invention while maintenance four refers to grip and activates turn signal lamp actuator.

Fig. 9 b illustrates chaufeur and refers to that the mode gripped grips bearing circle of the present invention with four.

Fig. 9 c illustrates chaufeur and refers to that the mode gripped grips another view of bearing circle of the present invention with four.

Fig. 9 d illustrates chaufeur and grip bearing circle of the present invention while maintenance four refers to grip and activates turn signal lamp actuator.

Figure 10 is the sketch of the embodiment of system of the present invention, shows bearing circle, controller, lever switch and turn sign circuit for lamp.

Figure 11 is the logical diagram of the operation illustrating embodiments of the invention.

Figure 12 a and 12b is the logical diagram of the operation illustrating embodiments of the invention, and wherein, controller is used for determining when thumb press is on the steering wheel to open turn signal lamp.

Figure 13 is the sketch of the embodiment of system of the present invention, shows bearing circle, controller and motor vehicle transmissions.

Figure 14 is the sketch of the embodiment of system of the present invention, shows bearing circle, controller, interface controller and equipment unit.

Figure 15 is the sketch of the embodiment of system of the present invention, shows bearing circle, controller, interface controller, read-out and equipment unit.

Figure 16 is the logical diagram of the operation of the control convenience parts illustrating embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

For chaufeur, it is generally contemplated that (even if unsuitable), refer to that the mode gripped grips the bearing circle of power actuated vehicle when driving maneuver vehicle with four, wherein the Ring put around finger for massage of cavity of human body of hand is around the wheel rim of bearing circle.Illustrate four fingers in Fig. 1 a and 1b to grip.This four refer to that bearing circle is positioned in the hand of chaufeur by gripping securely.Embodiments of the invention are intended to allow chaufeur to keep four to refer to grip bearing circle, and can operate the steering indicating light of vehicle or other mechanical part of power actuated vehicle via computing machine-driver interface, described parts comprise other parts of radio receiver, Disc player, vehicular telephone, navigationsystem, internet access system, Bluetooth system and power actuated vehicle simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a kind of system, described system allow when do not need chaufeur to unclamp or remove to the Perfect Ring of bearing circle around four refer to carry out control operation to the steering indicating light of power actuated vehicle when gripping.As hereafter described more all sidedly, other embodiments provide for computing machine-driver interface, described computing machine-driver interface contributes to the equipment unit of operating motor vehicle and contributes to mechanical function, and described computing machine-driver interface can be programmed to the function that will operate.Referring now to Fig. 2, the system of embodiments of the invention can comprise switch, sensor or the metering device, the jointly actuator that are installed to integratedly on bearing circle 10.As shown in Figure 2, actuator 40,50 can be close to each other, but actuator 40,50 is not overlapped.The bearing circle 10 of the present embodiment comprises annular element 15, and described annular element 15 can be connected to hub 30 by one or more spoke 20.Other structure of bearing circle is known for those of ordinary skills.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the hour position from the hour position at 3 o'clock on the right-hand side of bearing circle to 9 o'clock on the left-hand side of bearing circle 10 can be appointed as the first half of the annular element 15 of bearing circle 10.Also as shown in Figure 2, actuator 40 can be positioned to the part between 3 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions of coverage direction dish 10.Similarly, actuator 50 can be positioned to the part between 9 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions of coverage direction dish 10.When actuator 40,50 is so located, they can adjoin, but not overlapping.Therefore, in one embodiment, near 9 o ' clock positions of left actuator position on bearing circle annular element, and the relative end of left actuator is positioned near 12 o ' clock positions of bearing circle annular element, make the size of left actuator can stride across distance between 9 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions.The diameter of standard-sized bearing circle is about 15 inches.Therefore, annular element 15 from the circumferential sectors of hour at 3 o'clock position to 12 o ' clock position or the length of " arcuate segments length " be about 12 inches.Similarly, from the length of the arcuate segments of 9 o ' clock position to 12 o ' clock positions be also about 12 inches.

As mentioned above, the size of actuator 40,50 can be set to and make actuator 40,50 cover the whole arcuate segments length between 3 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions and the whole arcuate segments length between 9 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions respectively.Alternatively, the size of actuator 40,50 can be set to the only part making actuator 40,50 cover an only part for arcuate segments length between 3 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions and the arcuate segments length between 9 o ' clock positions and 12 o ' clock positions respectively.As shown in Figure 4, a preferred size of actuator 40,50 and position are the arcuate segments length of 2 inches, and the ending at a part for about 1 o ' clock position and end at a part for 11 o ' clock positions of annular element 15 of actuator 40,50 coverage direction dish 10 respectively, actuator 50 is extended towards 9 o ' clock position conter clockwises, and actuator 40 extend towards 3 o ' clock position cws.

Actuator 40,50 of the present invention can be the diaphragm switch manufactured by the Tapecon Co., Ltd of the Tapecon Membrane Switch Division in the Rochester city of New York.As known in the art, diaphragm switch can manufacture multiple structure, and each in described multiple structure is single pole single throw switches, and described single pole single throw switches is often opened.Diaphragm switch structure comprises standard diaphragm switch structure, sense of touch plas-tic dome structure and corrosion-resistant steel dome structure.Fig. 5 illustrates the diaphragm switch 41 of a type, and described diaphragm switch 41 comprises top cladding layer 42, bonding coat 43, top circuit 44, circuit pad 45, bottom circuit 46, bottom cap layer 47 and contactless switch 48.Diaphragm switch 41 is often opened.When top cladding layer 42 is depressed, top circuit 44 bends, to form close circuit at contactless switch 48.According to arcuate segments length as above, actuator 40,50 can comprise one or more diaphragm switch separately.Such as, be teach a kind of diaphragm switch array in the WO1995001302 of " Curve-conforming Sensor Array Pad " at exercise question, the area that the single diaphragm switch of area ratio that described diaphragm switch array covers covers is large.Actuator 40,50 can be the fibre optic compression sensor or fibre optic compression sensor array that are manufactured by the Luna Innovations in the Hei Bao city of Virginia.Alternatively, actuator 40,50 can be researched and developed by the Quantum-Phase Electronics Center of the engineering college of the Tokyo University of Tokyo and on July 6th, 2004 PNAS the people such as the interim T.Someya of the 101st volume the 27th " A Large-Area, Flexible Pressure Sensor Matrix With Organic Field-Effect Transistors For Artificial Skin Applications " in large area flexible pressure sensor matrix of describing.In addition, actuator 40,50 can be the flexible strain gage that the Omega Engineering Co., Ltd that can be the Stamford city in Dick state from health obtains.

When the building material of the building material of actuator 40,50 and bearing circle 10 is compatible and when being easy to attachment, actuator 40,50 can be such as mechanically attached on bearing circle by heatsealing or sonic welded (sonic welding).Actuator 40,50 can use adhesives to be attached to bearing circle 10.After actuator 40,50 to be attached on bearing circle 10, actuator 40,50 can be covered by cover panel or covering (not shown), and actuator 40,50 is positioned at below the covering of bearing circle 10.Actuator 40,50 can be positioned at below the covering of bearing circle 10, can not see actuator 40,50 to make human eye.Actuator 40,50 can be molded in bearing circle 10 during the process of manufacturing direction dish 10.When being molded in bearing circle 10, when the building material of bearing circle 10 fully can be out of shape thus make the distortion of bearing circle 10 also can start actuator 40,50, actuator can be positioned at below the surface of bearing circle 10.

The characteristic of the building material of bearing circle 10 is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and the feasible attachment method therefore actuator 40,50 being attached to bearing circle 10 also can be understood for those of ordinary skills.Such as, as the U.S. Patent No. 4,567 of the people such as Yamazaki, that instructs in 217 is such, and as known in the art is that bearing circle can be formed by pliable and tough crosslinkable vinyl chloride polymer molding.It is to be further understood that the U.S. Patent No. 5,762 as people such as Harris in the art, that instructs in 853 is such, and the flexible transducer of such as diaphragm switch can be encapsulated in moulding part.And as the U.S. Patent No. 5,198 of the people such as Hayashi, that instructs in 629 is such, embed molded diaphragm switch as the horn switch be arranged on steering wheel hub.

In order to adapt to the different hand position that chaufeur uses during vehicle operation, actuator 40,50 can be configured to sense in the thumb press actuator 40,50 of when hand one or two.Fig. 6 illustrates a kind of design plan, and in described design plan, each in actuator 40,50 is made up of switch arrays 140,150 respectively, and wherein, switch arrays 140,150 include multiple switch 160.Illustrate only the switch arrays 140,150 of Fig. 6, and necessity structure of switch 160 is not shown.Switch 160 often opens (disconnection), and when being depressed or select closed (connection), and turn back to when being cancelled selection and open (disconnection) state.Each in switch 160 is all connected to controller 60, makes controller 60 can the when in an open position or make position of sense switch 160.Switch 160 such as can be connected to controller 60 via wire harness (not shown), make each switch 60 all be connected by electrical wiring to connection terminal (not shown), and connection terminal is connected to controller 60 via wire harness.Those of ordinary skill in the art can recognize other method of attachment switch 60 being connected to controller 60.Controller 60 can judge the state of activation of each switch 160 in switch arrays 140,150, namely judges that switch 160 connects or disconnects.In typical operation, switch 160 disconnects and circuit between close switch 160 and controller 60.If only corresponding with the pattern of thumbnail size switch 160 is depressed, then controller 60 will think that actuator 40,50 is in " connection " position.But if the switch 160 corresponding with the pattern larger than thumb is depressed, then actuator 40,50 considered to be in "off" position.

Comprise in the embodiment of the actuator 40,50 shown in Fig. 6 of the present invention, controller 60 is programmed to judge when switch 160 is depressed by the pattern with thumbnail size.The pattern of thumbnail size used herein refers between about 0.5 sq in the area in the scope of about 2.25 sq ins.Therefore, when completely referring to grip bearing circle 10 with four, his or her hand placed position on the steering wheel according to chaufeur, the size of the switch pattern formed when the size of the pattern of the switch 160 that is depressed may exceed under thumb in hydraulic actuator 40,50.Under these conditions, controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50, and controller 60 thinks that actuator 40,50 is in "off" position.But if thumb is placed on any one actuator 40 and 50 subsequently, then the switch that controller 60 records the pattern of thumbnail size is depressed, and controller 60 correspondingly thinks that actuator 40 or actuator 50 are in " connection " position.Once activate actuator 40,50 via controller 60, then can descend hydraulic actuator 40 or actuator 50, such as, to open vehicle arrangement parts or function, radio receiver, Disc player, vehicular telephone or the navigationsystem (not shown) of corresponding signal lamp (not shown) or operation correspondence.After being activated, corresponding turn signal lamp can not be opened by hydraulic actuator 40 and actuator 50 simultaneously.If controller 60 does not also activate actuator 40,50, then descend hydraulic actuator 40 or actuator 50 can not open corresponding turn signal lamp or operate corresponding vehicle functions.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, the equipment unit of power actuated vehicle will have at least one function, such as, be opened/closed, but also can have several functions.

In one embodiment, the actuator 40 of pressing activation or the actuator 50 of activation also will open aud. snl. except opening corresponding turn signal lamp.Aud. snl. may be used for opening turn signal lamp to chaufeur instruction.Aud. snl. can also be used to indicate actuator 40,50 and be activated.In one embodiment, aud. snl. can from the speaker system of power actuated vehicle, and described speaker system is such as sending the signal of car door opening when ignition key is retained in ignition lock.In another embodiment, aud. snl. can from same sound source, and for sending the warning opening the steering indicating light operated by lever switch to the chaufeur of power actuated vehicle.In another embodiment, can use technology is wireless broadcasting aud. snl., make the earphone worn by chaufeur or head phone receive aud. snl., and chaufeur hears aud. snl. thus.In yet another embodiment, actuator 40,50 can be connected to corresponding turn-signal control lamp, described turn-signal control lamp is arranged in the instrument carrier panel of power actuated vehicle, makes the actuator 50 pressing the actuator 40 or activation activated will light corresponding turn-signal control lamp.

The hand that bearing circle 110, Fig. 8 a to Fig. 8 d that Fig. 7 illustrates prior art illustrates chaufeur grips the bearing circle 110 of Fig. 7.In the figure 7, described in prior art, hot button 115,120 is depicted as and is positioned on bearing circle 110.Term used herein " hot button " refers to single-pass/disconnection and closes (single on/off switch), and pressing described single-pass/disconnection pass can open, and again presses this single-pass/disconnection pass and can close.Therefore, hot button 115,120 lays respectively at 10 o ' clock positions on bearing circle 10 and 2 o-clock position.With reference to Fig. 8 a, clearly, in order to rotate the position of thumb to the hot button 115 of pressure, four of chaufeur must be unclamped and refer to grip, thus bearing circle 110 can not be gripped completely.In figure 8b, chaufeur must change four fingers grippings again to adapt to spoke 125, to contact and to depress hot button 115.In Fig. 8 c, it is also clear that in order to rotate the position of thumb to the hot button 120 of pressure, four of chaufeur must be unclamped and refer to grip, bearing circle 110 can not be gripped completely thus.With seen the same in figure 8b, Fig. 8 d illustrates chaufeur and how must change four fingers and grip to adapt to spoke 125, thus contact and depress hot button 120.

In one embodiment, actuator 40,50 be preferably positioned at bearing circle 10 annular element 15 on and towards chaufeur.When being positioned at this position, the thumb pressure that chaufeur uses left hand or the right hand on the steering wheel time, actuator 40,50 will be activated.Fig. 9 a to Fig. 9 d illustrates the annular element 15 that chaufeur grips bearing circle 10, and wherein, in Fig. 9 b and Fig. 9 c, the thumb of chaufeur is positioned to complete four and refers to grip, and in Fig. 9 a and Fig. 9 d, the thumb of chaufeur is positioned on actuator 40,50.It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that actuator 40,50 except can be positioned at annular element 15 directly on the side of chaufeur except, other position can also be positioned at.

Referring now to the Figure 10 illustrating embodiments of the invention, actuator 40,50 is connected to controller 60.Controller 60 comprises treater 70.Treater 70 comprises decision circuit 80, time meter 90 and memory storage 100.Controller 60 is connected to right-side signal circuit 140 and left-side signal circuit 150.Right-side signal circuit 140 comprises right-side signal lamp (not shown), and left-side signal circuit (150) comprises left-side signal lamp (not shown).Steering indicating light lever switch (not shown) can also be connected to controller 60.

In one embodiment of the invention, controller 60 controls the operation of actuator 40,50, make when actuator 40 is depressed, the right-side signal lamp (not shown) energising of right-side signal circuit 140, and when actuator 50 is depressed, the left-side signal lamp (not shown) energising of left-side signal circuit (150).When energized, the same with all steering indicating lights, right-side signal lamp and/or left-side signal lamp (not shown) can " glimmer ".

Figure 11 illustrates the circuit logic of one embodiment of the present of invention.In this embodiment, when actuator 40 is depressed, actuator 40 is in the close position and form close circuit with controller 60.Similarly, when actuator 50 is depressed, actuator 50 and controller 60 form close circuit.If two actuators 40 and 50 are all depressed, then controller 60 is via each time be depressed in time meter 90 (shown in Figure 10) Mersure Controler 40 and 50.If the time of measuring exceedes the predetermined threshold value time (such as 1 second), then controller 60 activates actuator 40,50.If the time of measuring is less than the predetermined threshold value time, then controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50.The predetermined threshold value time can change and be programmed in the memory storage 100 shown in Figure 10, makes the decision circuit 80 shown in the Figure 10 in controller 60 activate actuator 40,50.The predetermined threshold value time can be about 0.5 second to about 5 seconds.Preferably, the predetermined threshold value time is about 1 second.When activated, depressed actuator 40 causes the right-side signal lamp (not shown) of right-side signal circuit 140 to be energized, and when actuator 50 is depressed, the left-side signal lamp (not shown) energising of left-side signal circuit (150).When energized, the same with all steering indicating lights, right-side signal lamp and/or left-side signal lamp (not shown) can " glimmer ".

Figure 12 shows the decision circuit of an alternative embodiment of the invention, and wherein, actuator 40,50 is actuators of Fig. 6 shown type.In this embodiment, actuator 40 and 50 is made up of switch arrays 140,150 respectively, and wherein, each switch arrays 140,150 include multiple switch 160.Switch 160 often opens (disconnection), when being depressed or select closed (connection), and returning to when being cancelled selection and open (disconnection).Each in switch 160 is all connected to controller 60, makes controller 60 when can be in open position or make position by sense switch 160.In typical operation, switch 160 disconnects and circuit between close switch 160 and controller 60.If only corresponding with thumb pattern switch 160 is depressed, then controller 60 will think that actuator 40,50 is in " connection " state.But if the switch 160 corresponding with the pattern larger than the pattern of thumbnail size is depressed, then actuator 40,50 will considered to be in "off" state.Controller 60 is programmed, and is depressed with the switch 160 of the pattern judging when thumbnail size.Therefore, if completely refer to grip bearing circle 10 with four, then position on the steering wheel, the size of the pattern formed when the pattern magnitude of the switch 160 be depressed can exceed depress actuator 40,50 is put according to the hand of chaufeur.Under these conditions, controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50, and controller 60 thinks that actuator 40,50 is in "off" position.But, if thumb is placed on actuator 40,50 subsequently, the switch that then controller 60 records the pattern of thumbnail size is depressed, and when actuator 40,50 be depressed at least the predetermined threshold value time, controller 60 will activate actuator 40,50.When controller 60 activates actuator 40,50, can depressed actuator 40 or actuator 50, to open corresponding signal lamp (not shown).If controller 60 does not also activate actuator 40,50, then depressed actuator 40 or actuator 50 can not open corresponding signal lamp.

In order to inactive actuator 40,50, two actuators 40,50 can be depressed simultaneously and keep the pressure predetermined threshold value time.With reference to Figure 10, the time that each actuator 40 and actuator 50 are depressed measured by the time meter 90 of controller 60.If the time measured exceedes the predetermined threshold value time (such as 1 second), then the inactive actuator 40,50 activated of controller 10.If the time measured is less than the predetermined threshold value time, then the inactive actuator 40,50 of controller 60.The predetermined threshold value time can change and be programmed in the memory storage 100 shown in Figure 10, makes the inactive actuator 40,50 activated of decision circuit 80 shown in the Figure 10 in controller 60.Preferably the predetermined threshold value time is about 1 second.When actuator 40,50 is deactivated, depressed actuator 40,50 can not open corresponding turn signal lamp.

When driving is equipped with the power actuated vehicle applying bearing circle of the present invention, chaufeur can use the lever switch of vehicle (stalk switch) to carry out the steering indicating light of unlocking vehicle.Preferably, not by the present invention being applied to the operation changing lever switch in bearing circle, amendment can be made under the prerequisite not changing the concept comprised in this specification sheets.After controller 60 has activated the actuator 40,50 arranged here, actuator 40,50 can be used to open and close the turn signal lamp of power actuated vehicle.Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the lever switch of actuator 40,50 and vehicle operates concurrently, and opens steering indicating light when the actuator 40 activated or the actuator 50 of activation are depressed, and closes steering indicating light when the actuator 40 activated or the actuator 50 of activation are released.Be different from bearing circle rotate leave rotation direction time the traditional rod switch of closing, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, operation when only in actuator 40 and actuator 50 one of turn signal lamp is depressed.Under critical or heavily stressed driving condition, chaufeur only needs to be placed on by he or she thumb on actuator 40,50, depressed actuator 40,50 and keep actuator 40,50 to be in " connection " position one schedule time, then use in actuator 40,50 only one operate turn signal lamp.Utilize system of the present invention and equipment, turn signal lamp can not be closed too early or unexpectedly.Once actuator 40,50 is activated, then steering indicating light can be opened by depressed actuator 40,50, and can close by discharging the actuator be depressed.

In another embodiment using the actuator of the present invention 40 and 50 shown in Figure 11, it is feasible that two activation for actuator 40 and 50 are arranged: (1) actuator 40 and 50 requires to activate actuator when each starter motor motor vehicle, or (2) after actuator 40 and 50 has been activated, when the engine running of power actuated vehicle, actuator 40 and 50 is in state of activation always.Controller 60 in this embodiment is programmable controllers or is alternatively computer implemented device, and its permission is programmed to the ON/OFF state of actuator 40 and 50.Therefore, if two actuators 40 and 50 are all depressed, then each time be depressed in actuator 40 and 50 measured by controller 60 via time meter 90 (shown in Figure 10).Controller 60 can have been programmed two threshold timeframe in advance, such as first threshold time range and Second Threshold time range, make by while the time of depressed actuator 40 and 50 in first threshold time range (such as 1 to 2 second) only will activate actuator 40 and 50 within the time period of the engine running of power actuated vehicle.It should be noted that and those skilled in the art will appreciate that, first threshold time range can be short to part second, and actuator 40,50 is activated immediately.In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, any threshold timeframe implemented about embodiments of the invention all can change, with applicable specific requirement and purposes.In this case, when each power actuated vehicle starts, need to activate actuator 40 and 50 as described above.But, if actuator 40 and 50 is simultaneously depressed and keeps pressure through first threshold time range and the time that continue in Second Threshold time range (such as 3 to 5 seconds), then actuator 40 and 50 is in on-state always, this is because actuator 40 and 50 is activated all the time when the engine running of power actuated vehicle.If when the time measured is in first threshold time range or Second Threshold time range, then controller 60 activates actuator 40,50.If the time measured is less than first threshold time range, then controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50.Predetermined threshold value time range can change and be programmed in the memory storage 100 shown in Figure 10, makes the decision circuit 80 shown in the Figure 10 in controller 60 activate actuator 40,50.Predetermined threshold value time range can change in the scope of about 0.5 second to about 5 seconds.Preferably, the first predetermined threshold value time range is about 1 to 2 second, and the second predetermined threshold value time range is about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds.When activated, depressed actuator 40 causes the right-side signal lamp (not shown) of right-side signal circuit 140 to be energized, and when depressed actuator 50, the left-side signal lamp (not shown) energising of left-side signal circuit (150).When energized, the same with all steering indicating lights, right-side signal lamp and/or left-side signal lamp (not shown) can " glimmer ".

In yet another embodiment, initial activation actuator 40 and 50 time, the selectable option that the read-out (not shown) such as installing LCDs (" LCD ") on the rolling stock can show " connecting all the time ".LCD is used to be well-known in the motor vehicle.The LCD of this power actuated vehicle is driven by car-mounted computer.In the present embodiment, controller 60 can be connected with car-mounted computer, or alternatively, controller 60 can be parts of car-mounted computer, described parts can be hardwired parts, or the parts be programmed realize the function of controller 60 to make car-mounted computer be programmed to, or described parts can hardwired parts and be programmed parts these two kinds structure combination.So if selected or the inquiry of the option that refusal " is connected " all the time in response to closing, power actuated vehicle operator such as inputs "Yes", the selection of then " connecting " option is all the time stored in the electronic storage device of car-mounted computer or is stored in and is attached in the digital memeory device of car-mounted computer, when after making, each power actuated vehicle starts, actuator 40 and 50 is all activated, and arranges until change.

In other embodiments, system of the present invention and equipment may be used for the miscellaneous equipment parts except turn signal lamp of controlling machine motor vehicle.These embodiments of the present invention are intended to allow chaufeur while operation vehicle part, keep four to refer to grip bearing circle.These parts can including, but not limited to the vehicular telephone of the navigationsystem of the device of the audio system of climate controlling, access and controlling machine motor vehicle or connection, access and use power actuated vehicle, access and use power actuated vehicle, open and close power actuated vehicle system, access internet and make the gearbox shifting of power actuated vehicle.Those of ordinary skill in the art can recognize other parts that can be controlled by control system equipment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, with reference to Figure 13, actuator 40 and 50 is used as the computing machine-driver interface with the treater 70 of controller 60, and described actuator 40 and 50 carries out plectrum gearshift and thumb gearshift for allowing to the change speed gear box 250 of power actuated vehicle jointly.Therefore, a kind of integrated motor vehicle thumb shifting system is present embodiments provided.For the actuator 40 and 50 of shifting gears for thumb, electric signal is sent to system controller 260 by controller 60, and described system controller 260 will cause again change speed gear box 250 to change gear.System controller 260 can be electromechanical type or hydraulic machine type, and is the controller of the type for operating plectrum shift type change speed gear box well known in the art.U.S. Patent No. 7,892,143 (' 143 patent ") in describe a kind of such system.' 143 patent also describes a kind of complete plectrum shifting system, and it comprises the controller, change speed gear box and the power-transfer clutch that are suitable for using together with the present invention.As those of ordinary skill in the art are known, operation is switched those ancillary systems needed for variable gear by system controller 260, comprises change speed gear box self and power-transfer clutch (not shown).Power-transfer clutch can be the one in the power-transfer clutch comprising the number of different types of electric clutch as known in the art.

Give a kind of non-limiting example of how controller 60 being programmed to allow actuator 40 and 50 to be used as thumb selector.When the change speed gear box of power actuated vehicle is in activation point and both actuators 40 and 50 are simultaneously depressed a preset durations simultaneously, thumb gearshift function can be started.Right actuator 40 will control the upshift of being undertaken by gear, that is, be transformed to the high speed gear of such as second gear from the low gear of such as first grade, and left actuator 50 will control the downshift being converted into low gear from high speed gear of being undertaken by gear.To cause controller 60 that change speed gear box is switched to Neutral Position by both hydraulic actuators 40 and 50 predetermined lasting time simultaneously.In another embodiment, simultaneously by both hydraulic actuators 40 and 50 and the brake pedal meanwhile going back pressing machine motor vehicle will make change speed gear box be placed in Neutral Position.As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, determine select variable gear by upshifing or downshifting and leave Neutral Position by the RPM of vehicle that calculated by car-mounted computer and/or speed, make gear shift can not damage the driving engine of power actuated vehicle, and will the gear corresponded to based on the optimum powered belt of driving engine per minute rotating speed be in.By while depressed actuator 40 and 50 Preset Time (it is significantly longer than the time length causing change speed gear box to be switched to neutral gear) carry out inactive actuator 40 and 50.Once actuator 40 and 50 stops as after thumb selector, the control of change speed gear box will turn back to original automatic speed changing state.

Figure 14 illustrates the circuit logic of one embodiment of the present of invention, and in described circuit logic, actuator 40 and 50 provides thumb gear shift function for power actuated vehicle.In this embodiment, when actuator 40 is depressed, actuator 40 is in the close position and actuator 40 and controller 60 form close circuit.Similarly, when actuator 50 is depressed, actuator 50 and controller 60 form close circuit.If actuator 40 and 50 is both depressed, then each time be depressed in actuator 40 and 50 measured by controller 60 via time meter 90 (shown in Figure 13).If the time measured is in default activation threshold time range, then controller 60 activates actuator 40,50.If the time measured is outside default activation threshold time range, then controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50.Preset activation threshold time range can change and be programmed in the memory storage 100 shown in Figure 13, make the decision circuit 80 shown in the Figure 13 in controller 60 activate actuator 40,50.Once be activated, actuator 40 and 50 just can be used as thumb selector, and controller 60 measures each time be depressed in actuator 40 and 50 via time meter 90 (shown in Figure 13).In this illustration, there are two predetermined threshold value time ranges: above-mentioned first predetermined threshold value time range, it determines whether actuator 40,50 will be activated; With default time dead scope.Predetermined threshold value time range changes according to actuator 40 and 50 function to be performed.Such as, in order to actuator 40 and 50 is activated as thumb selector, actuator 40 and 50 by the preferably time length of 1 to 2 second that is depressed, although this time length can about 0.1 second to 1 second between change or change between 0.5 second to about 5 seconds.After actuator 40 and 50 has been activated, when while depressed actuator 40 and 50, release actuator 40 and 50 and subsequently again the time length of depressed actuator 40 and 50 in scope (such as about 0.1 second to about 1 second) sometime time, actuator 40 and 50 will signal controller 60 system controller 260 will be placed in neutral gear change speed gear box 250.When the actuator 40 in this example of the present invention is activated, independent depressed actuator 40 causes controller 60 to send signal to system controller 260, change speed gear box is switched to higher gear with the power-transfer clutch of operating motor vehicle.When actuator 50 in this example of the present embodiment is activated, independent depressed actuator 50 will cause controller 60 to send signal to system controller 260, change speed gear box will be switched to lower gear with the power-transfer clutch of operating motor vehicle.

The embodiment as shown in fig. 13 that actuator 40,50 being used as thumb selector of the present invention can also be changed further, make actuator 40,50 may be used for the several functions of the traditional selector implementing those skilled in the art will appreciate that.Give non-limiting example below, change to further illustrate these.

Activate actuator 40,50.When power actuated vehicle has been modified as comprising system of the present invention and equipment, when the ignition lock (not shown) of power actuated vehicle is connected and the change speed gear box 250 of power actuated vehicle is in neutral gear or stop position, actuator 40,50 can be activated.Then, power actuated vehicle operator can by while depressed actuator 40 and 50 1 time be in predetermined threshold value time range activate actuator 40 and 50.Alternatively, when the ignition lock of power actuated vehicle is connected and power actuated vehicle stops (change speed gear box 250 is in activation point and the brake gear of power actuated vehicle operator retro maneuver vehicle), simultaneously depressed actuator 40 and 50 will activate actuator 40 and 50 immediately.As further described above, once actuator 40 and 50 is activated, depressed actuator 40 will cause change speed gear box 250 from parking gear upshift to such as first grade, and depressed actuator 50 will cause change speed gear box 250 such as from park potential drop shelves to such as backing car gear.Have in a change of the present invention, while power actuated vehicle travels, depressed actuator 40,50 will activate actuator 40,50 immediately in the respective notch that change speed gear box 250 is residing when activating actuator 40,50.

Operate actuator 40,50.When power actuated vehicle is modified as comprising system of the present invention and equipment, following example illustrates amendment of the present invention, in described amendment, actuator 40 and 50 is activated and is used as thumb selector subsequently, in this amendment:

1) depressed actuator 40 will cause change speed gear box 250 to upshift (such as from one grade to second gear);

2) depressed actuator 50 will cause change speed gear box 250 to downshift (such as from second gear to grade);

3) both depressed actuator 40 and 50 first predetermined threshold value time length or time range will cause change speed gear box 250 gear shift to be Neutral Position; With

4) the second predetermined threshold value time length that both depressed actuator 40 and 50 are longer than the first predetermined threshold value time length will close actuator 40 and 50.

Other amendment of operate actuator 40,50-.When power actuated vehicle is modified as comprising system of the present invention and equipment, following example illustrates amendment of the present invention, in described amendment, the ignition lock (not shown) of power actuated vehicle is switched on, actuator 40 and 50 is activated and is used as thumb selector subsequently, so that the change speed gear box 250 of power actuated vehicle is placed in neutral gear or parking gear.In this amendment:

1) both depressed actuator 40 and 50 first predetermined threshold value time range or time length will make change speed gear box 250 be in neutral gear simultaneously;

2) continuing the second predetermined threshold value time length that depressed actuator 40,50 to the first predetermined threshold value time length is long simultaneously will cause change speed gear box 250 to be in parking gear (the parking gear that whenever all can not engage change speed gear box 250 power actuated vehicle does not stop completely);

3) when as in step 2) described in power actuated vehicle when being in parking gear, release both actuators 40,50, then both depressed actuator 40,50 first predetermined threshold value time length will cause change speed gear box 250 gear shift to neutral gear simultaneously; With

4) continue the 3rd predetermined threshold value time length that depressed actuator 40 and 50 to the first predetermined threshold value time length and the second predetermined threshold value time length are all grown simultaneously and will stop using or close actuator 40,50.

Use actuator 40,50 that power actuated vehicle is moved forward.When power actuated vehicle is modified as comprising system of the present invention and equipment, following example illustrates amendment of the present invention, in described amendment, the ignition lock (not shown) of power actuated vehicle is connected, and actuator 40 and 50 is activated and is used as thumb selector subsequently, move to advance gear to make the change speed gear box 250 of power actuated vehicle from parking gear or neutral gear.In this amendment:

1) depressed actuator 40 will be placed in one grade change speed gear box 250, and automobile will travel forward; With

2) in the alternate embodiment of this amendment, while the brake pedal of pressing machine motor vehicle, depressed actuator 40 will be placed in one grade change speed gear box 250, and power actuated vehicle can not travel forward, until release brake pedal.

Actuator 40,50 is used to make automobile reversing.When power actuated vehicle is modified as comprising system of the present invention and equipment, following example illustrates amendment of the present invention, in described amendment, the ignition lock (not shown) of power actuated vehicle is switched on, actuator 40 and 50 is activated and is used as thumb selector subsequently, to move to reverse gear to make the change speed gear box 250 of power actuated vehicle from parking gear or neutral gear.In this amendment:

1) when power actuated vehicle stops and change speed gear box 250 is in neutral gear or is in parking gear time, the backing car gear of change speed gear box 250 can be engaged immediately by depressed actuator 50; With

2) in another embodiment of this amendment, when power actuated vehicle stops at neutral gear or stop gear and the brake pedal of power actuated vehicle to be depressed, the backing car gear of change speed gear box 250 can be engaged by depressed actuator 50.

Actuator 40,50 is used when automobile reversing.When power actuated vehicle is modified as comprising system of the present invention and equipment, following example illustrates amendment of the present invention, in described amendment, the ignition lock (not shown) of power actuated vehicle is switched on, actuator 40 and 50 is activated and is used as thumb selector subsequently, so that the change speed gear box 250 of power actuated vehicle is moved to parking gear, neutral gear or advance gear from backing car gear.In this amendment:

1) when the change speed gear box of power actuated vehicle is in backing car gear and power actuated vehicle moves backward, depressed actuator 40,50 will engage the neutral gear of change speed gear box 250 immediately simultaneously; With

2) when the change speed gear box of power actuated vehicle is in reverse gear and power actuated vehicle stops, when depressed actuator 40,50 first predetermined threshold value time length as above, depressed actuator 40,50 will engage the neutral gear of change speed gear box simultaneously, or the second predetermined threshold value time length that alternatively, depressed actuator 40,50 to the first predetermined threshold value time length is long will be placed in parking gear change speed gear box 250 simultaneously; With

3) when change speed gear box 250 is in backing car gear and power actuated vehicle stops, depressed actuator 40 will be placed in one grade change speed gear box 250.

In another embodiment, as shown in figure 15, controller 60 is connected to interface controller 360, described interface controller 360 is the intrinsic and selection controlled the available devices parts 340 on power actuated vehicle and equipment unit function of vehicle, and provides a kind of integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system.Such as, interface controller 360 can be computing machine-driver interface, such as BMW IDRIVE.The similar system provided with some form by the graphic IDRIVE of equipment unit 340 in Figure 15 and most of automaker makes operator can the setting of plurality of devices parts (such as atmosphere control system, audio system, navigationsystem, vehicular telephone, blue-tooth device and the system for accessing internet) in controlling machine motor vehicle and operation.Available equipment unit and their function may be displayed on the combination of read-out 380 (it is usually located at the midway location in the face of front-seat passenger of the front panel of power actuated vehicle) or the small screen (it is at chaufeur gauge panel and between the speed gauge and revolution counter of chaufeur) or head-up display (HUD) (it is incident upon on the Windshield in chaufeur front) or these read out instruments.In this embodiment, interface controller 360 can be programmed, appointed function is distributed to actuator 40 or actuator 50 to allow operator, and function can be implemented by the system selector using vehicle intrinsic to select, the touch screen capability that described system selector is such as rotating disk, mouse, control stalk or is incorporated in read-out 380.This system selector function is widely used in commercially available comprising on the power actuated vehicle of manned vehicle, and therefore those skilled in the art will appreciate that this system selector function.

As an example of the embodiments of the invention shown in Figure 15, interface controller 360 will be programmed, to allow operator, specific function is distributed to actuator 40 or 50, which and this program will be stored in memory storage (100 in Figure 15), and method according to the present invention can control operate actuator 40 and 50 after actuator 40 and 50 is activated and will affect equipment unit or function.Selected by the function using the intrinsic system selector (such as rotating disk, mouse, control stalk or the touch screen capability be incorporated in read-out 380) of vehicle to carry out facilities and equipments parts.Alternatively, controller 60 can be programmed, to implement the function of interface controller 360 as above.When by start the engine or by connecting Vehicle Power at not start the engine and carrying out starter motor motor vehicle, the while of power actuated vehicle operator, the very first time interval of both depressed actuator 40 and 50 preset durations, will provide the actuator 40,50 of activation.When not discharging actuator 40 and 50, power actuated vehicle operator continues second time gap (it is longer than very first time interval) of the extra preset durations of both depressed actuator 40 and 50.For convenience's sake, during the first and second time gaps, signal of can sounding from the loud speaker power actuated vehicle, has depressed suitable preset durations with operator's actuator 40 and 50 of announcement machine motor vehicle.After actuator 40 and 50 has been depressed default second time gap, via controller (60), signal is sent to interface controller 360, thus causes interface controller 360 to enter as actuator 40 and 50 distributes the pattern of equipment unit to be operated and function.Interface controller 360 pattern entered for distributing equipment unit to be operated and function for actuator 40 and 50 can be attended by the displaying contents on aud. snl. and/or read-out 380.Then, the operator of power actuated vehicle can utilize vehicle intrinsic be connected to controller 360 and the finder being optionally connected to controller 60 switches or the available devices parts of rolling vehicle and function.The treatment step of mobile vehicular apparatus parts and function is selected to may be displayed on read-out 380.After the operator of power actuated vehicle to select the equipment unit expected or function by the option such as highlighted on the described read-out 380 described option then entered on read-out 380, power actuated vehicle operator can a preset durations in depressed actuator 40,50, and the actuator of correspondence is distributed to highlighted function by this.The content that dispensing actuator 40 or 50 can be attended by aud. snl. and/or be presented on read-out 380, thus the operator of prompt machine motor vehicle is successfully made distribution.Even if it should be pointed out that actuator 40,50 is not activated, also via interface controller 360 and read-out 380, equipment unit or function can be distributed to actuator 40,50.In this amendment of the present invention, select to be stored in the car-mounted computer memory storage of power actuated vehicle, until the time that such as actuator 40,50 is activated.In another embodiment, the interface controller 360 used together with the car-mounted computer of power actuated vehicle and read-out 380 or other input/output device may be used for activating/stop using actuator 40,50.

In other embodiments of the invention, simultaneously or individually the time length of depressed actuator 40 and 50 can correspond to function, and these functions depend on that the equipment unit of which kind of type and function are assigned to actuator.Such as, when actuator 40,50 is allocated to the audio system of controlling machine motor vehicle, such as time-out, next song, a upper song, to refund or the different command of F.F. can correspond to the combination in any of shorter time length, multiple shorter time length, long duration or these time lengths of depressed actuator 40 and/or 50 1.As those of ordinary skill in the art's easy understand, it is well known that these controlling functions can use together with IPOD earphone, such as, use together with the long-range IPOD being connected to earphone auris dextra line (ear wire).

In another embodiment using the actuator of the present invention 40 and 50 shown in Figure 16, it is feasible that two kinds of activation for actuator 40 and 50 are arranged: (1) actuator 40 and 50 requires all to carry out actuator activation when each motor vehicle engine; Or (2) actuator 40 and 50 is once after being activated, be just in state of activation when the engine running of power actuated vehicle always.Controller 60 in this embodiment is programmable controllers, or is alternatively by computer implemented device, and its permission is programmed to the ON/OFF state of actuator 40 and 50.Therefore, if two actuators 40 and 50 are all depressed, then each time be depressed in actuator 40 and actuator 50 measured by controller 60 via time meter 90 (shown in Figure 15).Controller 60 can be previously programmed as having two threshold timeframe, such as first threshold time range and Second Threshold time range, make by while the time of depressed actuator 40 and 50 1 in first threshold time range (such as 1 to 2 second) only will activate actuator 40 and 50 within the time period of the engine running of power actuated vehicle.In this case, when each power actuated vehicle starts, all need to activate actuator 40 and 50 in the manner described above.But, if actuator 40 and 50 is simultaneously depressed and keeps depressing through first threshold time range and continue in Second Threshold time range or be greater than time of Second Threshold time range (such as 3 to 5 seconds), then actuator 40 and 50 is opened all the time, at this moment because actuator 40 and 50 is in state of activation all the time when the engine running of power actuated vehicle.If the time measured is in first or Second Threshold time range, then controller 60 activates actuator 40,50.If the time measured is less than first threshold time range, then controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50.Predetermined threshold value time range can change and may be programmed in the memory storage 100 shown in Figure 15, makes the decision circuit 80 shown in the Figure 15 in controller 60 activate actuator 40,50.Predetermined threshold value time range can be from about 0.1 second to about 5 seconds.Preferably, the first predetermined threshold value time range is about 0.1 to 2 second, and the second predetermined threshold value time range is greater than the first predetermined threshold value time range.When activated, depressed actuator 40 causes a function of interface controller 360 starting outfit parts 340, and the actuator 50 that pressure activates will cause one of interface controller 360 starting outfit parts 340 different function.Such as, as can be understood in those of ordinary skill in the art, system of the present invention and equipment can be programmed so that depressed actuator 40 sends signal with the Disc player of motor vehicle opening by causing controller 60 to interface controller 360, and depressed actuator 50 sends signal to close the Disc player of power actuated vehicle by causing controller 60 to interface controller 360.Those of ordinary skill in the art can revise other deformation program and the replacement scheme of this embodiment.The step of the equipment unit of power actuated vehicle and the process of function is selected to may be displayed on read-out 380.After the operator of power actuated vehicle to select the equipment unit expected or function by the option such as highlighted on the described read-out 380 described option then entered on read-out 380, the operator of power actuated vehicle subsequently can a preset durations in depressed actuator 40,50, and the actuator of correspondence is distributed to highlighted function by this.The distribution of actuator 40 or 50 can be attended by the displaying contents on aud. snl. and/or read-out 380, distributes success with prompt machine motor vehicle operator.

In another embodiment, in Figure 12, graphic logical diagram can be suitable for the equipment unit (not shown) of operating motor vehicle, makes the function of motor vehicle component replace the function of " left signal lamp is turned on " and " right signal lamp is opened " shown in Figure 12.With reference to Figure 12, be made up of switch arrays 140,150 respectively for the actuator 40 of this embodiment and actuator 50, each switch arrays 140,150 include multiple switch 160.Switch 160 often opens (disconnection), being depressed or by closed (connection) during selection, and turning back to when being cancelled selection and open (disconnection).Each switch 160 is connected to controller 60, makes controller 60 can the when in an open position or make position of sense switch 160.In typical operation, switch 160 disconnects and circuit between close switch 160 and controller 60.If only corresponding with thumb pattern switch 160 is depressed, then controller 60 will think that actuator 40,50 is switched " on ".But, if the switch 160 corresponding with the pattern larger than the pattern of thumbnail size is depressed, will think that actuator 40,50 is by "off".Controller 60 is programmed, to determine when the switch 160 corresponding with the pattern of thumbnail size is depressed.Therefore, when complete four refer to grip bearing circle 10, his or her hand put position on the steering wheel according to chaufeur, the size of the pattern of the thumbnail size when size of the pattern of the switch 160 be depressed may exceed depress actuator 40,50.In this case, controller 60 does not activate actuator 40,50, and controller 60 thinks that actuator 40,50 is in "off" position.But, if subsequently thumb is placed on actuator 40,50, then controller 60 records the switch corresponding with the pattern of thumbnail size and is depressed, and if actuator 40,50 is depressed at least predetermined threshold value time, then controller 60 will activate actuator 40,50.When controller 60 activates actuator 40,50, can depressed actuator 40 or actuator 50, with the corresponding function of the equipment unit (not shown) of starter motor motor vehicle.If controller 60 does not also activate actuator 40,50, then depressed actuator 40 or 50 can not the corresponding function of equipment unit (not shown) of starter motor motor vehicle.

The appearance of the control of " without hand " in power actuated vehicle mainly responds and keeps the hand of power actuated vehicle operator to be positioned at requirement on bearing circle.The order that multiple chaufeur wishes to maintain secrecy may be there is.In another embodiment of the present invention, be programmed to to send distress signal to 911 when the order depressed actuator 40 of pre-programmed and/50 at controller 60, the operator of power actuated vehicle can use actuator 40 and/or 50 to come to send distress signal to 911 in confidence, and appears to as just with the hands driving a car simultaneously.In the vehicle being equipped with gps system, distress signal can also send real time position to police, and can activate the pick up camera hidden in automobile, to catch image or the video image of criminal.

Embodiments of the invention can be suitable for application in the car, operating turn signal lamp, control the country beam function of headlight, control fog lamp, the operation sound of automobile and/or entertainment systems, the vehicular telephone of operation automobile, operation the navigationsystem of system, operation automobile, the back seat DVD player operating automobile, the IPOD being operationally connected to automotive entertainment system, the night vision operating window/tilt controller, operate park auxiliary camera and access and operation automobile.Embodiments of the invention can also be suitable for being applied in military-designed vehicle, such as, be used in HUMVEE, JEEP and truck.Actuator is integrated into system here in steering wheel for vehicle and equipment can make army car operator operate wireless electricity, sends distress signal, the lamp of operation Vehicular navigation system, operation vehicle or the armament systems of operation vehicle.Independent Military Vehicles Operation person such as can use actuator 50 rotating turret machine gun, uses actuator 40 to come with turret gun shooting, and remains secure grip steering wheel for vehicle.Embodiments of the invention can also be suitable for being used on industry or agricultural vehicle, boats and ships, fire extinguishing tanker, medical truck, armored motor car, police car, all-terrain vehicle and golf cart.

Therefore, it is evident that, according to the present invention, provided turn signal lamp activator switch and system and for the vehicle control system that operates vehicle part and equipment, they are integrated on the wheel rim of bearing circle respectively, and adequately achieve above-mentioned purpose, aim and advantage.

Although describe the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiment of the present invention, it is evident that, in view of foregoing description, many replacement schemes, modification and deformation program are apparent for those of ordinary skills.Therefore, the present invention is not by the restriction of foregoing description.On the contrary, present invention resides in all replacement schemes, modification and the deformation program of explaining in the spirit and scope of claims.

Claims (amendment according to treaty the 19th article)

1. an integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system be used for use together with the mobile vehicular apparatus parts with function with the motor vehicle steering wheel with annular element, described mobile vehicular apparatus parts be selected from by the device of audio system, entertainment systems, radio receiver, vehicle-mounted vidicon, head-up display, night vision system, Disc player, connection, vehicular telephone, navigationsystem, internet access system and the group of System's composition, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system comprises:

Left actuator, is attached to the annular element of described bearing circle between 9 o ' clock positions of described left actuator on described bearing circle and 12 o ' clock positions;

Right actuator, is attached to the annular element of described bearing circle between 3 o ' clock positions of described right actuator on described bearing circle and 12 o ' clock positions;

Controller, described controller is connected to described left actuator and right actuator, and described controller is also connected to described mobile vehicular apparatus parts;

Wherein, described left actuator and described right actuator not overlapping;

Wherein, when described left actuator and right actuator are simultaneously depressed and keep the pressure predetermined threshold value time, described controller activates described left actuator and described right actuator, thus provides the left actuator of activation and the right actuator of activation; And

Wherein, when the actuator activated is depressed, activate the function of described mobile vehicular apparatus parts, described actuator is selected from the group be made up of described left actuator and described right actuator.

2. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, wherein, each in described right actuator and described left actuator includes switch arrays.

3. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 2 equipment unit control system, wherein, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the described switch arrays of each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates described left actuator and right actuator.

4. delete.

5. delete.

6. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, wherein, an end of described left actuator is positioned near 9 o ' clock positions on the annular element of described bearing circle, the relative end of described left actuator is positioned near 12 o ' clock positions on the annular element of described bearing circle, makes the size of described left actuator be set as striding across the distance between described 9 o ' clock positions and described 12 o ' clock positions.

7. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, wherein, an end of described right actuator is positioned near 3 o ' clock positions on the annular element of described bearing circle, the relative end of described right actuator is positioned near 12 o ' clock positions on the annular element of described bearing circle, makes the size of described right actuator be set as striding across the distance between described 3 o ' clock positions and described 12 o ' clock positions.

8. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system also comprises the audible signal producing member for generation of aud. snl.; Wherein, when described left actuator or described right actuator are depressed, described aud. snl. is sounded.

9. an integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system is used for using together with mobile vehicular apparatus parts with motor vehicle steering wheel, described bearing circle has annular element, described annular element has covering, described mobile vehicular apparatus parts be selected from by the device of audio system, entertainment systems, radio receiver, vehicle-mounted vidicon, head-up display, night vision system, Disc player, connection, vehicular telephone, navigationsystem, internet access system and the group of System's composition, described mobile vehicular apparatus parts have several functions, and a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system comprises:

Left actuator, be attached to the annular element of described bearing circle between 9 o ' clock positions of described left actuator on described annular element and 12 o ' clock positions, described left actuator is covered by described covering;

Right actuator, be attached to the annular element of described bearing circle between 3 o ' clock positions of described right actuator on described annular element and 12 o ' clock positions, described right actuator is covered by described covering;

Controller, described controller is connected to described left actuator and right actuator, and described controller is also connected to system controller, and described system controller is suitable for activating at least the first function and the second function;

Wherein, described left actuator and described right actuator not overlapping;

Wherein, when described left actuator and right actuator are simultaneously depressed and keep the pressure predetermined threshold value time, described controller activates described left actuator and described right actuator, thus provides the left actuator of activation and the right actuator of activation;

Wherein, when the left actuator activated is depressed, described first function is activated; And

Wherein, when the right actuator activated is depressed, described second function is activated.

10. integrated mobile vehicular apparatus Component Control System according to claim 9, wherein, each in described right actuator and described left actuator includes switch arrays.

A 11. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 10 equipment unit control system, wherein, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the described switch arrays of each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates described left actuator and right actuator.

12. delete.

13. delete.

14. delete.

A 15. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 9 equipment unit control system, wherein, described left actuator and right actuator are molded in the annular element of described bearing circle.

A 16. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 9 equipment unit control system, wherein, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system be arranged on be selected from the group be made up of automobile, HUMVEE, JEEP, truck, motorization field machine, military-designed vehicle, boats and ships, all-terrain vehicle and golf cart power actuated vehicle on.

17. 1 kinds of integrated motor vehicle thumb selector systems, a described integrated motor vehicle thumb selector system is used for using together with motor vehicle transmissions with the bearing circle of power actuated vehicle, described bearing circle has annular element, and a described integrated motor vehicle thumb selector system comprises:

Left actuator, is attached to the annular element of described bearing circle between 9 o ' clock positions of described left actuator on described annular element and 12 o ' clock positions;

Right actuator, is attached to the annular element of described bearing circle between 3 o ' clock positions of described right actuator on described annular element and 12 o ' clock positions;

Controller, described controller is connected to described left actuator and right actuator, and described controller is also connected to system controller, and described system controller is suitable for operating described change speed gear box;

Wherein, described left actuator and described right actuator not overlapping;

Wherein, when the actuator activated is depressed, activate described system controller, the actuator of described activation is selected from the group be made up of the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation; And wherein, when in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of activation is depressed, described system controller causes described change speed gear box to upshift, when another in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of activation is depressed, described system controller causes described change speed gear box to downshift.

18. integrated power actuated vehicle thumb selector systems according to claim 17, wherein, when the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation are simultaneously depressed, described system controller will cause described change speed gear box to be switched to Neutral Position.

19. integrated power actuated vehicle thumb selector systems according to claim 17, wherein, when the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation are simultaneously depressed and described power actuated vehicle does not move, described system controller will cause described change speed gear box to be switched to parking gear.

20. integrated power actuated vehicle thumb selector systems according to claim 17, wherein, each in described right actuator and described left actuator includes switch arrays.

A 21. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, wherein, the arcuate segments length of described left actuator is about two inches, and the arcuate segments length of described right actuator is about two inches.

A 22. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 21 equipment unit control system, wherein, what described left actuator covered described annular element ends at 11 o ' clock positions and the part that extends towards 9 o ' clock positions of conter clockwise, and what described right actuator covered described annular element ends at 1 o ' clock position and the part that extends towards 3 o ' clock positions of cw.

23. integrated vehicle component systems according to claim 1, wherein, described parts have several functions, and described controller is configured to activate the first function when the left actuator of described activation is depressed and is configured to activate the second function when the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

24. integrated vehicle component systems according to claim 3, wherein, described parts have several functions, and described controller is configured to activate the first function when the left actuator of described activation is depressed and is configured to activate the second function when the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

A 25. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 9 equipment unit control system, wherein, the arcuate segments length of described left actuator is about two inches, and the arcuate segments length of described right actuator is about two inches.

A 26. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 25 equipment unit control system, wherein, what described left actuator covered described annular element ends at 11 o ' clock positions and the part that extends towards 9 o ' clock positions of conter clockwise, and what described right actuator covered described annular element ends at 1 o ' clock position and the part that extends towards 3 o ' clock positions of cw.

27. integrated vehicle component systems according to claim 9, wherein, described controller is configured to activate the first function when the left actuator of described activation is depressed and is configured to activate the second function when the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

28. integrated vehicle component systems according to claim 11, wherein, described controller is configured to activate the first function when the left actuator of described activation is depressed and is configured to activate the second function when the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

A 29. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 17 equipment unit control system, wherein, the arcuate segments length of described left actuator is about two inches, and the arcuate segments length of described right actuator is about two inches.

A 30. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 29 equipment unit control system, wherein, what described left actuator covered described annular element ends at 11 o ' clock positions and the part that extends towards 9 o ' clock positions of conter clockwise, and what described right actuator covered described annular element ends at 1 o ' clock position and one 31. parts that extend towards 3 o ' clock positions of cw.

A 32. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 20 equipment unit control system, wherein, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the described switch arrays of each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates described left actuator and right actuator.

A 33. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, wherein, described parts have several functions, one in described left actuator and described right actuator comprises multiple actuator, and described controller be activated first actuator be configured in described multiple actuator activates the one in described several functions when being depressed, and when be activated second actuator be configured in described multiple actuator is depressed, activate the one in described several functions.

A 34. integrated motor vehicle according to claim 32 Component Control System, wherein, described controller be activated first actuator be configured in described multiple actuator activates the first function in described several functions when being depressed, and activates the second function in described several functions when be activated second actuator be configured in described multiple actuator is depressed.

A 35. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 9 equipment unit control system, wherein, one in described left actuator and described right actuator comprises multiple actuator, and described controller be activated first actuator be configured in described multiple actuator activates the one in described several functions when being depressed, and when be activated second actuator be configured in described multiple actuator is depressed, activate the one in described several functions.

A 36. integrated motor vehicle according to claim 34 Component Control System, wherein, described controller be activated first actuator be configured in described multiple actuator activates the first function in described several functions when being depressed, and activates the second function in described several functions when be activated second actuator be configured in described multiple actuator is depressed.

A 37. integrated motor vehicle according to claim 3 Component Control System, wherein, the pattern that described controller is configured to the first thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation activates described function when being depressed, and activates described function when the pattern being configured to the second thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

A 38. integrated motor vehicle according to claim 3 Component Control System, wherein, described function comprises several functions, and the pattern that described controller is configured to the first thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation activates the first function in described several functions when being depressed, and activates the second function in described several functions when the pattern being configured to the second thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

A 39. integrated motor vehicle according to claim 11 Component Control System, wherein, the pattern that described controller is configured to the first thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation activates a kind of function in described several functions when being depressed, and activates the described a kind of function in described several functions when the pattern being configured to the second thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

A 40. integrated motor vehicle according to claim 11 Component Control System, wherein, the pattern that described controller is configured to the first thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation activates the first function in described several functions when being depressed, and activates the second function in described several functions when the pattern being configured to the second thumbnail size of the switch in the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation is depressed.

Claims

1. an integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system is used for using together with the automotive vehicles motor vehicle equipment unit with function with the motor vehicle steering wheel with annular element, and a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system comprises:

Wherein, described left actuator and described right actuator not overlapping;

Wherein, activate the function of the equipment unit of described power actuated vehicle when actuator is depressed, described actuator is selected from the group be made up of described left actuator and described right actuator.

4. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 1 equipment unit control system, wherein, described mobile vehicular apparatus parts be selected from by the device of audio system, entertainment systems, radio receiver, Disc player, connection, vehicular telephone, navigationsystem, internet access system and the group of System's composition.

5. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 5 equipment unit control system, wherein, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the described switch arrays of each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates described left actuator and right actuator.

9. an integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system is used for motor vehicle steering wheel and uses together with mobile vehicular apparatus parts, described motor vehicle steering wheel has annular element, described annular element has covering, described mobile vehicular apparatus parts have several functions, and a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system comprises:

Wherein, described left actuator and described right actuator not overlapping;

10. an integrated motor vehicle according to claim 13 equipment unit control system, wherein, each in described right actuator and described left actuator includes switch arrays.

A 11. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 14 equipment unit control system, wherein, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the described switch arrays of each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates described left actuator and right actuator.

A 12. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 16 equipment unit control system, wherein, described mobile vehicular apparatus parts be selected from by the device of audio system, entertainment systems, radio receiver, Disc player, connection, vehicular telephone, navigationsystem, internet access system and the group of System's composition.

A 13. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 16 equipment unit control system, wherein, each in described right actuator and described left actuator includes switch arrays.

A 14. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 18 equipment unit control system, wherein, when the pattern of the thumbnail size of the switch in the described switch arrays of each in described left actuator and right actuator is simultaneously depressed, described controller activates described left actuator and right actuator.

A 15. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 13 equipment unit control system, wherein, described left actuator and right actuator are molded in the annular element of described bearing circle.

A 16. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 13 equipment unit control system, wherein, a described integrated motor vehicle equipment unit control system be arranged on be selected from the group be made up of automobile, HUMVEE, JEEP, truck, motorization field machine, military-designed vehicle, boats and ships, all-terrain vehicle and golf cart power actuated vehicle on.

Wherein, described left actuator and described right actuator not overlapping;

Wherein, when actuator is depressed, activate described system controller, described actuator is selected from the group be made up of described left actuator and described right actuator; And

Wherein, when in described left actuator and right actuator is depressed, described system controller causes described change speed gear box to upshift, and when another in described left actuator and right actuator is depressed, described system controller causes described change speed gear box to downshift.

A 18. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 17 thumb selector system, wherein, when the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation are simultaneously depressed, described system controller will cause described change speed gear box to be switched to Neutral Position.

A 19. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 17 thumb selector system, wherein, when the left actuator of described activation and the right actuator of described activation are simultaneously depressed and described power actuated vehicle does not move, described system controller will cause described change speed gear box to be switched to parking gear.

A 20. integrated motor vehicles according to claim 17 thumb selector system, wherein, each in described right actuator and described left actuator includes switch arrays.