DE19525138A1 - Electrical units mounted on steering wheel of road vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The steering wheel unit (2) of a road vehicle has a number of switch actuator levers (22,10) for operating functions, such as lights, indicator. The levers connect with a sensor block (6). An actuator (11) is also built into the assembly and connects with a processing unit (18). The unit is mounted on a circuit board (9) and the processing unit, actuator and sensor connect with an interface (15) via the board. A single cable (16) allows data to be transferred.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical component for arrangement on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the motor vehicle there are electrical components that operated by switches and controls by the user will. Certain switching functions that also during the Driving must be triggered by the driver, such as the direction indicators, switching between remote and low beam, the flasher, the wipers, the Windshield washer, etc. are generally in the Switch located near the steering wheel operated. In particular, switches are arranged on the steering wheel for this purpose so-called steering column switch, in which with a Control multiple switching functions can be controlled.

Steering column switches are known in various designs. For example, DE-PS 41 27 076 shows such Steering column switch for arrangement on a steering wheel Motor vehicle. The steering column switch has a housing in the electrical switch serving as sensors for detection a multi-state switching function and for Generation of switching signals according to the state of the Switching function are arranged. To operate the switches is such a control lever on the housing as an operating element movably mounted that an operative connection between the Shift levers and switches to change the state of the Switching function can be produced.  

Generally, there are several of these in a motor vehicle Steering column switch arranged on the steering wheel. This creates a high assembly effort. The steering column switches are included provided electrical lines, the number of about the number corresponds to the switch located in the steering column switch, so that extensive wiring harnesses in the area of the steering wheel too are embarrassed. In addition, there are other electrical Components such as engines, aggregates, etc. The like in this area are to be wired. So are today's vehicles In the area of the dashboard alone, there are often more than 100 cables and to accommodate plug connections. It is immediate can be seen that such conventional wiring has reached a scarcely manageable extent.

The invention has for its object an arrangement certain electric on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle Component, the sensors for the detection of switching functions contains to develop in such a way that the wiring is simplified.

This task is done in a generic electrical Component by the characterizing features of claim 1 solved.

Further refinements of the invention are the subject of Subclaims.

It is suitable for the electrical component according to the invention especially to those in the previous steering column switches existing functions, such as operating the Direction indicators, the wiper system, the Cruise control system or the like, with the electrical Steering wheel lock as an actuator together in one module integrate. Control buttons in the steering wheel can also be used for example for the horn, the car radio or the like  are connected to the carrier element Interact with the contact spiral with the module. It is further advantageous in the module a sensor for detecting the Arrange steering angle, this sensor in the manner of a Light barrier can be formed. For those in the module arranged sensors and actuators is sufficient Signal processing unit, a via a circuit board Punching grid or the like. The connecting lines between the Sensors and actuators and the signal processing unit are manufactured. Other connecting lines run from the Signal processing unit to a plug element that as Interface for connecting a data line for the external Signal transmission of the module is used.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the module is attached to a Bus system connected. The signal processing unit is formed such that the bus signals supplied to the module in Control signals for the actuators and possibly sensors being transformed. The reverse is done by the sensors generated switching signals and possibly other signals of the actuators in the signal processing unit in turn Bus signals are converted and sent to a bus node in the Motor vehicle forwarded. The Signal processing device then serves as Bus connection for the module. It can even go further offer to also add the bus node to the module integrate. Advantageously, the module on the as Bus node trained ignition switch of the motor vehicle connected.

The housing for the electrical component can approximately be cylindrical, the steering wheel column opening in the axis of the cylinder Housing interspersed. The housing can be a one-piece, common part for all those in the module Act sensors and actuators. Alternatively, a first one  Housing for a sensor and / or actuator can be provided. At This first housing can be used for further housings for sensors and / or actuators can be arranged such that the housing are connected to an integrated module. It offers itself the connection via a snap connection between the Manufacture housings.

The electrical component of the invention is integrated Module designed and forms a construction and assembly unit. The advantages achieved with the invention therefore exist especially in that the module can be completely pre-assembled. After that, the module is only locked in the motor vehicle on the steering wheel attach and the data line to the interface put on. It is therefore a simple too assembling component with very little assembly effort in the motor vehicle. The result is a considerable one Cost and time saving during assembly.

There is only one for all sensors and actuators in the module only data line necessary. The effort for that Cabling is therefore greatly reduced.

Additional functions can be arranged in the module by arrangement other sensors and actuators, which were previously used as individual parts in the Motor vehicle are arranged to be integrated. So is especially only one for the sensors and actuators only signal processing unit necessary. this leads to overall a reduction in price compared to the previous separate sensors and actuators. The one with it the accompanying miniaturization defuses that existing space problem in the area of the steering wheel and gives at the same time the possibility of additional functions to accommodate on the steering wheel. This is advantageous again their operation is facilitated, so that the Ergonomics is increased.  

Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings are shown and are described in more detail below. It demonstrate

Fig. 1 shows schematically a sectional view through an electrical component to be mounted on a steering wheel in a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a section along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2, wherein the steering wheel lock is shown in the unlocked state,

Fig. 4 is a section as in Fig. 3, wherein the steering wheel lock is shown in the locked state, and

Fig. 5 shows diagrammatically an electrical part according to a second embodiment.

In Fig. 1, an operating and control elements containing electrical component 1 is shown, which is arranged on a steering wheel 2 of a motor vehicle. The electrical component 1 has an approximately cylindrical housing 3 . An opening 4 runs through the housing 3 and lies centrally in the axis of the cylinder. The steering wheel column 5 projects through the opening 4 in such a way that the housing 3 surrounds the steering wheel column 5 adjacent to the steering wheel 2 . The housing 3 is fastened in the motor vehicle in such a way that the steering wheel column 5 can be freely rotated in the opening 4 by means of the steering wheel 2 .

In the housing 3 , a sensor 6 , which performs the functions of a conventional steering column switch, in the present case, for example, switching on the direction indicators on the motor vehicle, is arranged on a carrier element 9 . In the sensor 6 there are schematically shown electrical switches 7 , 8 which are used to detect a switching function which has several states and to generate switching signals corresponding to the state of this switching function. By means of an operating element designed as a shift lever 10 which is movably supported on the sensor 6, is produced an operative connection between the operating element 10 and the sensor 6 to change the state of the switching function by the control element 10 acts during its movement corresponding to the switches 7, 8 .

If the control element 10 is in the neutral position, the two switches 7 , 8 are switched off and therefore do not emit a switching signal, which means that the two direction indicators are switched off. If the control element 10 is pivoted from its neutral position counterclockwise, the switch 7 is switched on and emits a corresponding switching signal, which triggers the actuation of the left direction indicator. Conversely, if the control element 10 is pivoted clockwise from its neutral position, the switch 8 is switched on and likewise emits a corresponding switching signal, which triggers the actuation of the right direction indicator. A reset disk 34 is attached to the steering wheel column 5 , the periphery of which is in operative connection with the sensor 6 . When the steering wheel 2 is reset, the control element 10 is reset to the neutral position via the reset disk 34 if the control element 10 is pivoted to trigger the direction indicators.

In the housing 3 there is also an actuator 11 fastened on the carrier element 9 , which acts on the steering wheel 2 in accordance with supplied control signals. The actuator 11 is an electric steering lock in which a locking member due to the respective control signals in or out of engagement with one at the attached to the steering column 5 resetting disc 34 can be brought in Fig. Corresponding recess 13 shown in Figure 2. In order to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the actuator 11 for the steering wheel locking, the housing 3 in the area of the actuator 11 is designed as an additional cover cap 14 for theft protection. The more detailed design of the electric steering wheel lock is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the locking member is designed as a locking rocker 12 pivotably mounted on two bearing bolts 44 on a holding element 46 . The holding element 46 is in turn held at fastening points 35 in the housing of the actuator 11 . The locking rocker 12 engages in the locked state of the steering wheel 2 by means of a locking bolt 38 in the recess 13 of the reset plate 34 (the reset plate is covered in Fig. 2 and therefore shown in dashed lines). As can also be seen in FIG. 3, the locking member can be actuated by electromagnetic force by means of an electromagnet 36 arranged in the actuator 11 and holding magnets 47 cooperating with it for locking and unlocking. The electromagnet 36 has an armature 37 for acting on the locking rocker 12, which is configured in a fork shape on the side assigned to the locking rocker 12 . At the other end of the armature 37, a projection 42 is arranged with which the holding magnet 47 cooperates with a projecting into the path of movement of the projection 42 cams 48th

In Fig. 3 the unlocked position of the steering wheel lock is shown. If the actuator 11 is now to be actuated for locking, the holding magnet 47 is switched on, with the result that the cam 48 is pulled out of the movement path of the attachment 42 . As a result, the neck 42 is freely movable. At the same time, the electromagnet 36 is switched on, whereby the armature 37 moves in the direction of the locking rocker 12 . The fork-shaped armature 37 acts on a rocker element 41 which is also rotatably mounted on the bearing pin 44 and pivots it about the bearing pin 44 , a compression spring 49 located between the rocker element 41 and the locking rocker 12 being loaded at the same time. As soon as the steering wheel 2 is brought into the position in which the recess 13 covers the locking bolt 38 , the locking rocker 12 is pivoted back about the bearing bolt 44 due to the force of the compression spring 49 and the locking bolt 38 on the locking rocker 12 snaps back into the recess 13 Lock on. When the armature 37 moves in the direction of the locking rocker 12 , a compression spring 39 arranged on the extension 42 is tensioned. If the movement of the armature ends 37, so the holding magnet 47 is turned off, whereby the cam is recycled 48 back into the path of movement of the projection 42 by a return spring 50 so that the lug 42 is held by the cam 48 as shown in FIG. 4 is. As a result, the locking rocker 12 is held in the locked state, so that the electromagnet 36 can be switched off.

Conversely, if the actuator 11 is to be actuated for unlocking, the holding magnet 47 is briefly switched on, with the result that the cam 48 is briefly pulled out of the movement path of the attachment 42 . Because of the compression spring 39 tensioned during locking, the armature 37 is moved in the direction away from the locking rocker 12 until the shoulder 42 comes to rest against a stop 43 , as can be seen in FIG. 3. The armature 37 takes the rocker element 41 with it, the rocker element 41 being pivoted about the bearing bolts 44 . About a driving element 45 , the locking rocker 12 is pivoted by the rocker element 41 around the bearing bolt 44 , so that the locking bolt 38 is pulled out of the recess 13 . The steering wheel 2 is thus unlocked.

The signals for actuating the actuator 11 are generated by an ignition start switch 32 in the motor vehicle, as shown in FIG. 1, and are supplied to the electrical component 1 via a data line 16 . The electrical component 1 has an interface 15 which is designed as a plug element for connecting the data line 16 . The plug element is fastened on the carrier element 9 in such a way that the interface is located on a housing wall 17 . Signal lines in the carrier element 9 lead from the interface 15 to a signal processing unit 18 of the actuator 11 which is also located on the carrier element 9 and of which only one component, for example an integrated circuit, is shown in FIG. 1. In the signal processing unit 18 , the signals supplied by the ignition start switch 32 are evaluated, converted into corresponding control signals for actuating the actuator 11 and these control signals are then fed to the actuator 11 via connecting lines in the carrier element 9 for its actuation. Conversely, signals generated by the actuator 11 , for example signals which code the state of the steering wheel lock, can also be supplied to the interface 15 via the signal processing unit 18 and from there to the ignition switch 32 . These signals corresponding to the position of the locking rocker 12 in the locked or unlocked state are generated by a switch 40 shown in FIG. 3, which is actuated by means of the rocker element 41 in accordance with the movement of the armature 37 .

Connection lines between the sensor 6 shown in FIG. 1 and the signal processing unit 18 of the actuator 11 are likewise arranged in the carrier element 9 . The switching signals of the sensor 6 are transmitted via these connecting lines. The switching signals are then further processed in the signal processing unit 18 in that the signal processing unit 18 generates further signals therefrom.

These further signals can in turn be fed via the interface 15 and the data line 16 to the ignition switch 32 or other external electrical components to trigger the respective functions, for example to switch on the respective direction indicators.

As stated, the control signals for controlling the actuator 11 and further signals generated by the signal processing unit 18 , in particular switching signals from the sensor 6 , can be exchanged between the electrical component 1 and external components, such as a control system, via a common data line 16 via the interface 15 . To simplify the cabling, it is advisable to design the data line 16 as a bus line of a bus system. The ignition start switch 32 is advantageously also designed as a bus node. The signals to be exchanged are then transmitted as electrical bus signals, which are, for example, pulse-width modulated. The control signals for the actuator 11 are determined in the signal processing unit 18 from the bus signals transmitted by the bus node. Conversely, the signals to be transmitted from the electrical component 1 to the bus node are previously converted into corresponding bus signals by the signal processing device 18 . Such a bus system is described for example in DE-OS 43 22 249. Another bus system, such as the CAN bus known in automotive electronics, can also be used. The bus node, in particular the ignition start switch 32 , can also be integrated directly in the housing 3 of the electrical component 1 . The interface 15 then takes on the role of a bus connection for the electrical component 1 .

The carrier element 9 serves as a carrier for the individual components of the signal processing unit 18 and establishes the electrical connections between these components. At the same time, the carrier element 9 serves to fasten the sensor 6 and the actuator 11 . The signal lines between the interface 15 and the signal processing unit 18 and the connecting lines between the signal processing unit 18 and the sensor 6 or the actuator 11 are also located on the carrier element 9 . It is therefore advisable to design the carrier element as a printed circuit board, as a lead frame or the like made of sheet metal. The sensor 6 , the actuator 11 , the interface 15 and the carrier element 9 are consequently connected to one another and arranged in a common, one-piece housing 3 , so that the electrical component 1 forms an integrated module which represents an independent construction and assembly unit.

Of course, further sensors and / or actuators can be accommodated in the housing 3 . It is therefore appropriate to provide an actuator 19 containing the control electronics for triggering a personal restraint system. The actuator 19 is connected via a feed line 20 to the airbag 21 located in the steering wheel 2 . A coil spring 33 located in the housing 3, which is fastened in the manner of a contact spiral on the one hand to the return disk 34 rotatable with the steering wheel 2 and on the other hand with a connecting element 51 fixedly arranged on the support element 9 , serves for the transmission of electrical signals from the support element 9 to the airbag 21 moved with the steering wheel 2 .

At further sensors, switching elements for operating the windshield wiper system or the like, which are designed with control elements in the manner of a steering column switch, can also be arranged in the housing 3 . In particular, FIG. 1 also shows a sensor 22 for a speed control system of the motor vehicle, namely for a cruise control. As further shown in Fig. 1, there are switching elements 24 on the steering wheel 2 , which interact with controls 25 , these controls 25 from an operating panel in the center of the steering wheel 2 for the horn, not shown control buttons in the steering wheel 2 for a car radio o. Like. Can be formed. These sensors are in turn connected to the winding spring 33 via a feed line 23 , so that the switching signals generated by the switching elements 24 are fed to the signal processing device 18 on the carrier element 9 .

A sensor for detecting the steering angle turned on the steering wheel 2 can also be arranged in the housing 3 . In the present case, this sensor consists of a fork-shaped light barrier 54 which is fastened to the carrier element 9 via the connecting element 51 . A perforated aperture 55 engages in the light barrier 54 , in which there are equidistant holes. The pinhole 55 is attached to the reset plate 34 , so that the pinhole 55 is rotatable simultaneously with the steering wheel 2 . When the steering wheel 2 rotates, a pulse train is therefore generated in the light barrier 54 . This pulse sequence is evaluated by the signal processing unit 18 , the number of pulses being proportional to the respective steering angle set on the steering wheel 2 . To increase the resolution for the steering angle, a plurality of such light barriers 54 and perforated screens 55 can be arranged in the housing 3 . Depending on the respective steering angle set on the steering wheel 2 , vehicle functions can be triggered by the signal processing device 18 via the data line 16 . For example, anti-slip control of the drive wheels or suspension control for stabilization when cornering can be carried out as a function of the respective steering angle.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described and illustrated, in which the sensors, the actuators and the carrier element are arranged in a common, integrally formed housing 3 . Rather, it also includes all professional training within the scope of the inventive concept. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, the sensors designed as steering column switches 29 , 29 'can also be arranged in a first housing 26 , 26 ' and the actuator formed by the electric steering wheel lock 28 in a second housing 27 . The carrier element 30 is located in one of the housings 26 or 26 'or 27 , the interface 31 in turn being arranged on a housing wall of one of the housings 26 , 26 ' or 27 . In the further embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the carrier element 30 and the interface 31 are located in the housing 27 , in which the steering wheel lock 28 is arranged, which can engage in a recess 53 on the steering wheel column 5 by means of a movable locking pin 52 . To form an integrated module, the housings 26 , 26 ', 27 can be connected to one another by being plugged together. For this purpose, on one of the two housings 26 or 26 'or 27 locking hooks and in the other housing 27 or 26 or 26 ' corresponding recesses for engaging the locking hooks in the manner of a known snap connection not shown in FIG. 5 to be appropriate.

The invention can also be used if instead the electrical signals other types of signals, for example optical signals can be used for transmission. It is also conceivable instead of the electrical switching elements in the Sensors to use further switching principles for example those that use optical switching elements.

Reference list

1 : electrical component
2 : steering wheel
3 : housing
4 : opening
5 : Steering wheel column
6 : sensor
7 : electrical switch
8 : electrical switch
9 : support element
10 : control element
11 : actuator
12 : locking rocker
13 : recess
14 : Cover cap
15 : interface
16 : Data line
17 : housing wall
18 : signal processing unit
19 : actuator (for airbag)
20 : supply line (for airbag)
21 : airbag
22 : sensor (for cruise control)
23 : supply line (for horn)
24 : switching element
25 : control element (in the steering wheel)
26 : first housing (further version)
26 ′ : first housing (further version
27 : second housing (further version
28 : Steering wheel lock
29 : Steering column switch
29 ′ : steering column switch
30 : support element
31 : interface
32 : Ignition start switch
33 : Clock spring
34 : reset disk
35 : attachment point
36 : Electromagnet
37 : anchor
38 : bolt
39 : compression spring
40 : switch
41 : rocker element
42 : Approach
43 : stop
44 : bearing pin
45 : take-along element
46 : holding element
47 : holding magnet
48 : cams
49 : compression spring
50 : return spring
51 : connecting element
52 : lock pin
53 : recess
54 : light barrier
55 : pinhole.

Claims (10)

1. Electrical component for arrangement on a steering wheel ( 2 ) of a motor vehicle with at least one sensor ( 6 ) for detecting a switching function which has at least two states and for generating switching signals corresponding to the state of the switching function, an operating element ( 10 ) on the sensor ( 6 ) is movably mounted such that an operative connection between the control element ( 10 ) and the sensor ( 6 ) for changing the state of the switching function can be established, characterized in that an actuator ( 11 ) on the steering wheel ( 2 ) for acting on the steering wheel ( 2 ) according to control signals, which are supplied to a signal processing unit ( 18 ) of the actuator ( 11 ), that the signal processing unit ( 18 ) is connected to an interface ( 15 ), the control signals and others being provided via the interface ( 15 ) signals generated by the signal processing unit ( 18 ) are interchangeable, and that the sensor ( 6 ), the actuator ( 11 ) and the interface ( 15 ) can be connected to one another in such a way that they form an independent construction and assembly unit in the manner of an integrated module. 2. Electrical component according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processing unit ( 18 ) is arranged on a carrier element ( 9 ), that signal lines from the signal processing unit ( 18 ) lead to the interface ( 15 ) and that connecting lines between the sensor ( 6 ) and the signal processing unit ( 18 ) are arranged for transmitting the switching signals for their further processing in the signal processing unit ( 18 ), the carrier element ( 9 ) preferably being made of a printed circuit board containing the electrical connections for the components of the signal processing unit ( 18 ), a lead frame or the like is formed and further preferably the signal lines and connecting lines are located on the carrier element ( 9 ) and in particular the interface ( 15 ) is attached as a plug element on the carrier element ( 9 ). 3. Electrical component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a common data line ( 16 ) for the sensors ( 6 ) and actuators ( 11 ) is arranged at the interface ( 15 ), the data line ( 16 ) in particular as a bus Line of a bus system with preferably pulse-wide modulated, electrical bus signals is formed, the bus signals between the signal processing device ( 18 ) and a bus node located in the motor vehicle, which further preferably in the electrical ignition switch ( 32 ) of the Motor vehicle is located to be replaced. 4. Electrical component according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensor ( 29 , 29 ') in a first housing ( 26 , 26 '), the actuator ( 28 ) in a second housing ( 27 ) and the carrier element ( 30 ) in one of the two housings ( 26 , 26 ', 27 ) and the interface ( 15 ) are arranged on a housing wall, the two housings ( 26 , 26 ', 27 ) being designed such that they can be plugged together, in particular by means of a housing ( 26 , 26 'or 27 ) attached latching hook and corresponding recesses in the other housing ( 27 or 26 , 26 ') for engagement for the latching hook in the manner of a snap connection. 5. Electrical component according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensor ( 6 ), the actuator ( 11 ) and the carrier element ( 9 ) are arranged in a common, one-piece housing ( 3 ), the interface ( 15 ) is located on a housing wall ( 17 ). 6. Electrical component according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one of the two housings ( 26 , 26 ', 27 ) or the common housing ( 3 ) approximately cylindrical with one through the housing ( 3 ), preferably centrally in the axis of the Cylinder-extending opening ( 4 ) is designed, wherein the steering wheel column ( 5 ) projects through the opening ( 4 ) such that the housing ( 3 , 26 , 26 ', 27 ) surrounds the steering wheel column ( 5 ) adjacent to the steering wheel ( 2 ). 7. Electrical component according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is in the actuator ( 11 ), which can optionally be provided with an additional cover cap ( 14 ) for theft protection, is an electric steering wheel lock, in which a locking member , which can be designed as a locking rocker ( 12 ), locking pin ( 52 ) or the like, by means of corresponding electrical signals in or out of engagement, in particular by electromagnetic force with a corresponding recess ( 13 , 53 ) in the steering wheel column ( 5 ) or in a part connected to the steering wheel column ( 5 ), such as a reset disk ( 34 ), can be brought, preferably another actuator being arranged on the integrated module, in particular an actuator ( 19 ) containing control electronics for triggering a personal restraint system, such as one Airbags ( 21 ). 8. Electrical component according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor ( 6 ) is a steering column switch for actuating the direction indicators, the windshield wiper system or the like. Preferably another sensor with an operating element on Integrated module is arranged, in particular a sensor ( 22 ) for a cruise control system, such as a cruise control. 9. Electrical component according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a coil spring ( 33 ) is arranged in the integrated module, which preferably on the one hand on a with the steering wheel ( 2 ) rotatable reset disk ( 34 ) and on the other hand with a on the carrier element ( 9 ) fixed connection element ( 51 ) is fastened, the coil spring ( 33 ) in the manner of a contact spiral connecting a control element ( 25 ) fastened to the steering wheel ( 2 ) and moved together with it, in particular an operating plate for the horn, control buttons for a car radio or the like to the signal processing unit ( 18 ) fixedly arranged in the housing ( 3 ). 10. Electrical component according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a sensor for detecting the steering angle set on the steering wheel ( 2 ) is arranged in the integrated module, the sensor preferably consisting of a in the module, in particular on the carrier element ( 9 ), fixedly arranged photocell (54) and an engaging into the light barrier (54) secured to a rotatable with the steering wheel (2), particularly on the return disc (34), pinhole (55).