DE102013010289B4 - Control module for mounting in a steering wheel or dashboard - Google Patents

Abstract

Module (5) for mounting in a recess (6) in a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical control element or button (2) arranged in the housing of the module (5) and further comprising a substantially flat projecting part (10) intended to be inserted under a rib/strip (7) during mounting in the recess (6), the module (5) having in its bottom surface a cam (15) intended to cooperate with a groove (16) in the recess (6) during mounting of the module (5) so as to fix the module (5) in its final mounted position and to hold it in the recess (6), the module (5) further being adapted to be mounted by partially rotating it in the recess (6), the groove (16) further being adapted to guide the module (5) during rotation to the final mounted position.

Description

Technical area

The subject of the present invention is a module intended for mounting in a steering wheel or in a dashboard and having at least one electric control element or button. The invention is particularly intended for use in heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses. However, it can of course also be used in other types of vehicles, such as passenger cars, construction machines, ships, aircraft, etc. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a module according to the invention.

Technical background

Most vehicles today have a number of controls, such as buttons, switches and indicator lights, mainly in the driver's seat area. The controls most frequently used in a vehicle are now located in the steering wheel so that they are easily accessible to the driver and the driver does not have to take his attention away from the traffic when certain functions are to be activated. These controls can, for example, control functions of the vehicle's cruise control, the so-called infotainment system, navigation units/GPS or other frequently used vehicle functions. Of course, it is possible to place controls for any vehicle function in the steering wheel.

Common buttons and controls are usually mounted in the button housing under the actual button using a quick-release fastener. The button housing slides straight into recesses in the foam that the steering wheel is made of in the axial direction of the steering wheel and is locked in place using a quick-release fastener, such as a spring element attached to the side walls of the housing, for example with hooks anchored in the surrounding foam. Screws are also used to lock the buttons securely and stably, not least to lock the controls in the event of an accident that causes the airbag to deploy. If a control or button comes loose and is thrown into the driver's cab, serious personal injury can occur.

Since in known designs the snap fastening is often placed under the actual button set, the button housing has to be made deeper. This has a negative impact on ergonomics, since in order to gain space the buttons have to be placed closer to the indicator housing of the steering wheel, where the steering wheel core is thicker. This reduces the accessibility of the button functions for the driver.

With the well-known quick-mount technique, the buttons have to be pressed into the steering wheel, which also limits the size of the circuit board that is usually integrated into the button and contains, among other things, the control electronics. The circuit board cannot be larger than the area that the button itself occupies in the steering wheel.

It is difficult to achieve a stable attachment of the button without the use of screws. But even if screws are used, the forces that occur when an airbag is deployed can easily cause weakening cracks in the plastic material of the button housing and the buttons can become detached from their mounts.

When screws are used, they are usually secured into the metal frame of the steering wheel. The metal frame parts have relatively large tolerances in relation to the foam of the steering wheel due to difficulties in the manufacturing process. This can create play. The driver will notice this play less if the button set is mounted in the steering wheel foam rather than in the steering wheel frame.

The current technology also has limitations in terms of the order in which the buttons can be placed in the steering wheel. Since the wiring for the buttons has to be installed before components in the area of the buttons, such as decorative trim, etc., are installed, there are limitations in terms of the order in which they can be installed. It also means that the buttons are more difficult to remove because several other components have to be removed first. This has a negative impact on the ergonomics of the assembly and the aesthetics/appearance of the design of the steering wheel and its components.

Consequently, there is a need for a new type of control that can be quickly and easily mounted in the vehicle's steering wheel, but is nevertheless durable and robust. It is also advantageous if the controls/buttons can be fitted with larger circuit boards for the desired and necessary control electronics.

Controls for placement in a steering wheel have been known for a long time. For example, in US 2005 / 0 077 159 A1 An arrangement is described that allows, in a limited area, a steering wheel with several controls/buttons. When physically activated, each button rotates a limited amount around an axis and thereby activates a switch or microswitch. The buttons are arranged in modules with three buttons each. The modules are pressed into holders in the steering wheel.

US 2003 / 0 155 219 A1 describes a similar control module arrangement, namely a control device pivotally mounted on a steering wheel and containing three buttons, each of which can be tilted about a hinge and actuate switches mounted on or in a base part in the form of a circuit board. The circuit board is secured in the part in which the buttons are mounted by means of a snap-on fastening. The entire button module is mounted in a vehicle steering wheel.

WO 2004/047 134 A1 shows a device for mounting in a steering wheel and is placed in a component that allows rotation of a control element. The module housing itself, however, is not rotatable.

US 2003 / 0 075 931 A1 discloses an audio unit comprising a connection mechanism for connecting a main body to a front panel. The main body includes engagement means with a pair of projections for securing one side of the front panel on which a pair of connection parts are formed. The connection mechanism further includes a latch mechanism on the main body for latching with L-shaped projections on the other side of the front panel.

DE 44 13 453 B4 discloses an electronic device in the form of a counter or timer, wherein a memory module can be inserted into the side of the electronic device. A spring on the memory module is guided linearly in a groove in a flank of the electronic device.

DE 199 58 507 A1 discloses a steering column switch of a motor vehicle, wherein a handle with a switch and contact tracks can be inserted linearly into a blind hole.

DE 100 33 743 A1 relates to a steering column switching unit for motor vehicles, wherein a groove cooperates with a rib to connect actuating elements to a frame of the steering column.

DE 34 20 358 A1 discloses a steering wheel, wherein a cassette-shaped module can be inserted into the steering wheel.

EP 1 693 278 A2 , US 2005 / 0 098 416 A1 , US 8 136 424 B2 , US 7 148 437 B2 reveal additional modules with switches for a steering wheel.

However, the known technology does not show a modular design of the control element for installation in a vehicle steering wheel, which enables quick, simple and yet robust and durable installation, withstands airbag deployment and at the same time increases the possible space for a circuit board.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a system with a module for an operating element and a special recess, which enables a quick, simple, robust and durable installation in a vehicle steering wheel and manages, for example, an airbag deployment.

A further object of the invention is that the module creates more space for a circuit board arranged in the buttons.

A further object of the invention is that the module is easy to disassemble and thus it is easy to replace the module if necessary.

A further object of the invention is that the module offers more freedom of placement for the buttons in the steering wheel.

A further object of the invention is that the module reduces the tolerance sensitivity of the construction and leads to a good execution without visible gaps or clearances after assembly.

A further object of the invention is that the module is held securely on the wheel in the mounted position even in the event of an accident in which the airbag is triggered.

A further object of the invention is that the module is functional and that the components of the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively.

A further object of the invention is that the module offers the possibility of mounting the buttons closer to the outer wheel rim in order to increase accessibility and comfort for the user.

The invention relates to a module according to patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a module according to patent claim 2. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle according to patent claim 9. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The invention is therefore intended in particular for commercial vehicles, such as trucks, buses and the like. However, the invention can of course also be used for other types of vehicles where there is a need for interchangeable modules, for example in order to meet the individual wishes and requirements of the buyer/user.

The invention is achieved by a module having a control/button or preferably several control/buttons and a substantially flat part protruding from the module which is inserted into the recess under a rib/bar and thereby exerts a supporting effect when the module is mounted. The module is mounted by partially rotating it in the recess, for example in the foam of the steering wheel. The foam is usually PUR foam (polyurethane foam), the elasticity of which facilitates a firm connection between the steering wheel and the module. The rotation is carried out by means of the rib/bar, which allows a very robust and secure assembly. The module is snapped into the recess by means of a snap fastening placed on the side of the module. The snap fastening can be carried out by means of a spring element or by means of the foam material, which springs and clings to suitable lugs/hooks in the module. It is therefore possible to achieve self-locking by means of various geometric shapes of the fastening device in the module. By rotating the module in its mounting location, part of the module housing is located in the foam of the steering wheel on the side of the visible part of the module and its buttons. This increases the space for the necessary electronics and circuit board without increasing the visible part of the buttons. The flat protruding part of the module can accommodate at least part of the circuit board. A circuit board arranged in the module can therefore be made larger than the set of buttons visible from the outside.

The module can also be guided and held in place by an elongated guide (groove) at the bottom of the recess. This guide fits into a correspondingly arranged cam in the bottom part of the module. The guide guides the module during rotation to its final mounting position. The fastening of the module is therefore very robust. The guide makes it easier to slide the module into its correct mounting position so that it does not get stuck during the rotation. The simplified assembly also leads to greater freedom of placement for the buttons.

No screws, glue or separate fasteners are required to attach the module. This enables faster assembly and disassembly and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Because the button set can be assembled late in the manufacturing process, different button configurations do not require different steering wheel designs. This late variation is beneficial both during manufacturing and over the life of the vehicle because fewer parts need to be kept in stock.

The module also allows for customization of the appearance of the buttons. The cutouts in the steering wheel for the modules are the same for all actual button solutions. This makes the new solution easier and more cost-effective to apply in vehicle manufacturing.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention as well as from the accompanying drawings and the claims.

Short list of drawings

• zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bekannten Fahrzeuglenkrads, bei dem an einigen seiner Speichen Bedienorgane angeordnet sind.
• zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils eines Fahrzeuglenkrads mit einem Modul gemäß der Erfindung und genauer gesagt einen Ausschnitt aus einer Lenkradspeiche, die eine Aussparung besitzt, in der ein Modul mit vier Bedienorganen und der daran angeschlossenen Steuerelektronik gedreht und in seiner endgültigen Montageposition eingerastet wird.
• zeigt einen schematischen vertikalen Längsschnitt durch die in gezeigte Anordnung, aus dem die Aussparung im Lenkrad und das darin eingeführte Modul deutlicher zu ersehen sind.
• zeigt ein unmontiertes Modul gemäß der Erfindung. Aus dieser Abbildung ist unter anderem zu ersehen, wie eine keilförmige Schnappbefestigung auf einer Kurzseite des Modulgehäuses angeordnet ist und wie ein Nocken im Boden des Moduls angeordnet ist, der mit einer Führung (Nut) in der Aussparung des Lenkrads zusammenwirkt.
• zeigt einen Querschnitt des Lenkradkerns. Eigentlich ist dies eine Queransicht der in gezeigten Anordnung. Aus ist zu ersehen, wie das Modul im Lenkradkern angeordnet ist und wie der Bodennocken des Moduls in der Führung (Nut) am Boden der Aussparung platziert ist.
• Die zeigen die schrittweise Montage des Moduls in der Aussparung.

The invention is described below using some preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• shows a perspective view of a known vehicle steering wheel in which controls are arranged on some of its spokes.
• shows a perspective view of a part of a vehicle steering wheel with a module according to the invention and more precisely a section of a steering wheel spoke which has a recess in which a module with four operating elements and the control electronics connected to it is rotated and locked in its final mounting position.
• shows a schematic vertical longitudinal section through the shown arrangement, from which the recess in the steering wheel and the module inserted into it can be seen more clearly.
• shows an unassembled module according to the invention. This figure shows, among other things, how a wedge-shaped snap fastening is arranged on a short side of the module housing and how a cam is arranged in the base of the module, which cooperates with a guide (groove) in the recess of the steering wheel.
• shows a cross-section of the steering wheel core. Actually, this is a cross-section of the in shown arrangement. From you can see how the module is arranged in the steering wheel core and how the bottom cam of the module is placed in the guide (groove) at the bottom of the recess.
• The show the step-by-step installation of the module in the recess.

Description of preferred embodiments

thus shows a perspective view of a vehicle steering wheel 1, known per se, which has controls 2 or buttons on some of its spokes 3a,b. The buttons 2 are placed as close as possible to the outer rim 4 of the steering wheel in order to increase the comfort of the user and to offer the user the possibility of reaching the buttons 2.

shows a perspective view of a part of a vehicle steering wheel 1 known per se, but with a module 5 according to the invention mounted. More specifically, a section of a spoke 3a of the vehicle steering wheel 1 is shown, which has a recess 6 in which a module 5 with four buttons 2 is rotated around a rib or strip 7 attached to the recess 6. The module 5 is then fixed in its final functional position by means of snap fasteners or fastening clips (see )

The steering wheel 1 and its spokes 3 generally consist of a load-bearing frame 8 which is surrounded by a cast molded body 9, for example made of plastic, foam, wood or the like. The frame 8 is expediently made of a hard, dimensionally and torsionally rigid material, preferably a metal such as magnesium, a combination of steel and aluminum or another similar, rigid material. The flat, projecting part 10 of the module 5 is directed towards the center of the steering wheel 1 and towards the airbag (not shown) which is generally arranged there.

shows schematically a vertical longitudinal section through the shown arrangement according to the invention, from which the recess 6 in the steering wheel core 3a and the module 5 inserted therein can be seen more clearly. A circuit board 11 is placed in the middle of the module 5 and projects into the flat, protruding part 10. The circuit board 11 is equipped with the necessary components for the control electronics in the module 5 as well as with the switch element 12, which is operated with the operating elements/buttons 2. The buttons 2 transmit a mechanical, downward movement of the buttons 2 via the operating element 13 to the switches 12. The base surface of the module 5 is at least partially rotationally symmetrical or convex and fits to a corresponding base surface in the recess 6. This design ensures very good fastening of the module 5 in the steering wheel core 3a.

shows an unassembled module 5 according to the invention. This figure shows, among other things, the wedge-shaped snap fasteners 14 which are arranged on a long side and a gable side of module 5 and which interact with a stop in the recess (not shown). A cam 15 is arranged on the underside of module 5 and extends essentially along the entire underside of module 5 in the longitudinal direction of module 5. A matching groove 16 is arranged in the bottom of recess 6 in the steering wheel core 3a. When module 5 is assembled, cam 15 runs in groove 16 in the bottom 6 of the recess and guides module 5, making assembly easier and preventing module 5 from tilting or jamming before the final assembly position is reached.

shows a cross-section through the steering wheel core 3a (section near the center of the steering wheel). This is actually a cross-section from the end of the shown device. From this figure it can be seen how the module 5 is mounted in the recess 6 in the wheel core 3a and how the cam 15 placed on the underside of the module 5 is pushed into the groove 16 at the bottom of the recess. The rib/bar 7 placed above the recess 6 is shown in detail. The module 5 is in its final functional position with its flat, projecting part 10 pushed in and secured under the rib/bar 7.

The show the step-by-step assembly of module 5. First, module 5 is pushed with the flat, protruding part 10 into the recess 6 so that the flat, protruding part 10 is located under the rib/bar 7. The part 10 supports the underside of the rib/bar 7. Then the opposite part of module 5 is pressed downwards by turning module 5 here anti-clockwise into its assembly position so that the cam 15 is pressed into the groove 16. Finally, module 5 is fastened, for example by means of snap fasteners arranged on the side of the module and/or on the rear gable end of the module (see ).

The above description serves primarily to facilitate the understanding of the invention and is of course not limited to the embodiments specified. Within the scope of the inventive idea and the scope of the following patent claims, other variants of the Invention possible and conceivable. Within the scope of the invention, it is of course possible to arrange the cam 15 in the bottom of the recess 6 in the wheel core 3a and to place the groove 16 in the bottom of module 5. The effect is the same as in the embodiment described above. The module 5 is guided to its location and securely fastened. Of course, it is also possible to attach the module 5 to a dashboard instead of a steering wheel. The recess 6 and its rib/strip 7 are arranged on a surface on the dashboard. In this case, assembly takes place as described above (not shown).

Claims (9)

Module (5) for mounting in a recess (6) in a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical control element or button (2) arranged in the housing of the module (5) and further comprising a substantially flat, projecting part (10) intended to be inserted under a rib/strip (7) during mounting in the recess (6), the module (5) having in its bottom surface a cam (15) intended to cooperate with a groove (16) in the recess (6) during mounting of the module (5) so as to fix the module (5) in its final, mounted position and to hold it in the recess (6), the module (5) further being adapted to be mounted by partially rotating it in the recess (6), the groove (16) further being adapted to guide the module (5) during rotation to the final, mounted position. Module (5) for mounting in a recess (6) in a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical control or button (2) arranged in the housing of the module (5) and further comprising a substantially flat, projecting part (10) intended to be inserted under a rib/strip (7) during mounting in the recess (6), the recess (6) having in its bottom surface a cam intended to cooperate with a groove in the module (5) during mounting of the module (5) so as to fix the module (5) in its final, mounted position and to hold it in the recess (6), the module (5) further being adapted to be mounted by partially rotating it in the recess (6), the groove further being adapted to guide the module (5) during rotation to the final, mounted position. Module (5) according to Patent claim 1 or 2 , wherein the module (5) is intended for mounting in a steering wheel (1) or in a dashboard. Module (5) according to one of the above claims, wherein the flat, projecting part (10) supports the rib/bar (7) during assembly and holds the module (5) in its assembly position by means of the rib/bar (7). Module (5) according to one of the above claims, wherein the flat, projecting part (10) can accommodate at least a part of a circuit board (11). Module (5) according to one of the above claims, wherein the area occupied by the circuit board (11) arranged in the module (5) is larger than the area of the operating element/button (2) visible in the mounted position of the module (5). Module (5) according to one of the above claims, wherein the bottom surface of the module (5) is at least partially rotationally symmetrical or convex and fits to a corresponding bottom surface in the recess (6). Module (5) according to one of the above claims, wherein one or more fastening elements (14) is/are arranged on the side walls of module (5). Vehicle with a module (5) according to one of the Patent claims 1 until 8 .

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