EP3385814A1 - Drehbares steuermodul für innenraum eines fahrzeugs - Google Patents

Drehbares steuermodul für innenraum eines fahrzeugs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3385814A1
EP3385814A1 EP18152807.6A EP18152807A EP3385814A1 EP 3385814 A1 EP3385814 A1 EP 3385814A1 EP 18152807 A EP18152807 A EP 18152807A EP 3385814 A1 EP3385814 A1 EP 3385814A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light guide
control module
annular
frustoconical
diopter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18152807.6A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Djamel Lekmine
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance SAS filed Critical Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance SAS
Publication of EP3385814A1 publication Critical patent/EP3385814A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G05G1/10—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles
    • G05G1/105—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles comprising arrangements for illumination

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rotary control module, as used to control and adjust various functions, and in particular for a vehicle interior.
  • control modules such as buttons and controller.
  • Buttons and push buttons unlike a backlit display, have limited visibility in the dark. It is known to use backlighting devices using translucent plastic diodes and light guides of polycarbonate type, in order to reveal pictograms or to make the various control modules visible in the dark, for example when the vehicle is used at night.
  • This backlighting in addition to a safety function allows manufacturers to beautify the cabin and especially the front console, the facade between the driver and the front passenger, which is a part of the vehicle that the driver always has in mind and serves as a "signature" to car manufacturers.
  • annular patterns on the skirt or edge of the rotary control modules by means of an annular or tubular light guide integral with the rotated portion of said control module, said light guide being backlit by one or more sources, for example diodes, integral with the fixed part, generally forming a base of the control module.
  • sources for example diodes
  • the subject of the invention is a rotary control module, in particular for a vehicle cabin, comprising a stator and a rotor movable in rotation with respect to the stator, and a light source, characterized in that it further comprises a hollow frustoconical light guide, a truncated point of which is directed towards the light source and of which an annular base forms an exit diopter.
  • the control module thus produced makes it possible to produce a uniform annular backlighting from a single point or small light source.
  • Said control module may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.
  • the light source is disposed on an axis of rotation of the rotor, and in that the frustoconical light guide is centered on said axis of rotation of the rotor.
  • the light source is a light emitting diode.
  • the frustoconical light guide is made of polymethylmethacrylate or polycarbonate.
  • the truncated tip of the frustoconical light guide forms a focal diopter, and in that the light source is positioned at the focus of the focal diopter.
  • the annular light guide is integral in rotation with the rotor.
  • the frustoconical light guide comprises axial fins which extend axially upwards from its annular base, regularly distributed over said annular base, and in that a surface disposed above the frustoconical light guide comprises a base tubular with which the axial fins engage.
  • the control member is movable in translation between at least two positions, and it comprises a second annular light guide axially located under the first annular light guide and in that the exit diopter of the annular base of the frustoconical light guide. is located in front of the input diopter of the first annular light guide when the control member is in the first first position, and the second annular light guide when the control member is in the second position.
  • the truncation of the frustoconical light guide is performed at an axial height such that the truncated tip is pierced at its center, and in that the light emitted by the light source through the hole in the center of the truncated tip is directed towards a mask or tubular light guide.
  • the subject of the invention is also the light guide for a rotary control module, in particular for an associated vehicle cabin, characterized in that it has a hollow frustoconical shape, with a truncated tip forming an input diopter intended for receiving light from a light source, and an annular base forming an output diopter.
  • This light guide may comprise a larger portion of taper at its annular base configured to reflect on its walls rays guided by a conical portion less important in a horizontal radial direction.
  • figure 1a is schematically shown a control module 1 in a vehicle cabin, here in particular at the center console.
  • the control module 1 is installed in the center console of the vehicle: the wall of the vertical or inclined front panel, located between the driver and the passenger at the front of the vehicle. This location allows the driver, who is here the user U of the control module 1, to interact easily with the control module 1 while having the periphery of his field of vision in normal driving situation.
  • Such a control module 1 allows the control of at least one function of an organ of the motor vehicle such as the control of the functions of an air conditioning system, an audio system, a telephony system or even a navigation system.
  • the control module 1 can also be used for window lifts, exterior mirror positioning, motorized seat movement, interior lights, central locking, sunroof, hazard warning lights, mood lights.
  • control module 1 In figure 1b is shown a control module 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Such a control module 1 is in particular indicated for a vehicle interior.
  • the control module 1 comprises a rotor 3, here comprising a wheel 3-1, intended to be rotated by a user to modify parameters and functions of the vehicle.
  • the rotor 3 is rotatable about an axis A with respect to a stator 5, here comprising an outer enclosure and the bottom of the control module 1.
  • the rotor 3 has a front surface S directed towards the user, and which allows at least locally to define a normal N directed towards the user and substantially aligned with the axis A.
  • the terms “above”, “above below, “” superior “,” lower “,” on “,” under “,” high “,” low “and equivalents are defined relative to this normal N.
  • the wheel 3-1 has radial crenellations 3-3 on its periphery for a better grip during the rotation of the rotor 3.
  • the wheel 3-1 is apparent in the mounted state of the control module 1, opaque and can be painted , metallized or decorated to be more visible or integrate into an overall aesthetic of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • the crenellations 3-3 are formed as upward axial protuberances, alternating with depressions, generated by radii of the circular upper surface and concentric inner and outer circles of center located on the axis A, giving them a shape. trapezes with rounded bases. Their edges are rounded for a better haptic feel in contact with the user.
  • the front surface S thus forms a gripping surface with which the user comes into contact in a privileged manner to actuate the control module 1 in rotation.
  • the control module 1 furthermore comprises a control member 7, produced here in the form of a push button, a bearing surface S p of which is located in the center of the front surface S of the rotor 3.
  • the control member 7 enables the additional control of additional functions, for example selection validation in a drop-down menu.
  • the arrangement of the control member 7 at the center of the rotor 3 makes it possible to produce a compact and aesthetically pleasing control module 1.
  • the bearing surface S p is circular in contour, concave with a flat central portion to direct the support of a user approaching his finger towards the center and the flat portion where the couples inducing a precession of the rotor 3 are minimal.
  • the crenellations 3-3 extend radially outwardly from the outer contour circle of the bearing surface S p .
  • the wheel 3-1 of the rotor 3 of the control module 1 is shown schematically in side view during use in figure 2 .
  • the deformation is quantifiable by a precession angle W, causing a displacement ("wobble" in English) of the axis A of rotation or of the normal N.
  • the precession angle W is measured between the axis of rotation A in the absence of radial forces or torques, and the axis A 'of actual rotation with deformations.
  • the angle W In order for the user to perceive the control module 1 as being of quality, the angle W must remain as small as possible during normal use, with forces of the order of a few newtons to a few tens of Newton, typically ten Newton (10 N , weight of a hand resting radially on the control module 1) exerted at the top of the control module 1.
  • a radial deviation e measured at the upper surface S between the axis A of ideal rotation and the axis A 'of actual rotation, less than 0.25mm allows to keep a feeling of quality by the user.
  • the figure 3 is a sectional view of the control module 1 of the figure 1b .
  • the elements constituting the control module 1 are for the most part symmetrically distributed on either side of the axis of rotation A which thus substantially forms an axis of symmetry for the figure 3 .
  • the constituent elements of the control module 1 are grouped into three sets respectively corresponding to the rotational elements included in the rotor 3, the elements movable in axial translation included in the control member 7, and the remaining fixed elements which form the stator 5.
  • control member 7 The elements included in the control member 7, represented with fine hatching, are located in a central tubular portion about the axis A delimited essentially by the bearing surface S p of the control member 7.
  • the elements included in the rotor 3, shown with wide hatching, are located in an annular portion located under the wheel 3-1, around the bearing surface S p .
  • FIG. 4 is an axial sectional view in partial elevation of the elements included in the stator 5.
  • the elements included in the stator 5 comprise a bottom 5-1 and a wall 5-3 forming an outer enclosure of the control module 1 and giving by its outer surface a flattened tubular assembly form of the control module 1.
  • the bottom 5-1 is of flattened shape, with on its upper central portion a shallow discoid housing accommodating a printed circuit 5-5 carrying all or part of the electronics of the control module 1.
  • the printed circuit 5-5 may in particular comprise a control unit or an interface to a control unit.
  • a control unit generally comprises an electronic memory and calculation means, either dedicated (case of a dedicated control unit implemented on the printed circuit board 5-5) is distributed and shared as part of an electronic network of the vehicle.
  • the control unit can in particular control electronic modules corresponding to the different functions set and controlled by means of the control module 1, for example by means of transistors.
  • the control unit is configured to modify a parameter of a function when it detects a passage by an indexing position of the rotor 3 of the control module 1.
  • the bottom 5-1 has a bore (not visible in figure 4 ) through which electrical and electronic contacts will be put in place when mounting the control module in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, for example in the form of plug or electronic socket.
  • the printed circuit 5-5 is of discoidal general shape, complementary to the housing in the bottom 5-1 where it is placed, screwed and possibly glued. It is made of insulating polymer resin and carries electrical contacts and electronic components, in particular a 5-7 light source and 5-9 blister switches on a circular central portion.
  • the wall 5-3 On the printed circuit 5-5 and the bottom 5-1 is disposed the wall 5-3, of tubular outer shape forming the outer enclosure of the control module, and of diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the bottom 5-1.
  • the wall 5-3 partially closes the disc housing accommodating the printed circuit 5-5.
  • the wall 5-3 comprises an annular flat portion defining a radial and annular planar bottom 5-11, and an axial central tube 5-13 delimiting a central opening in the flat bottom 5-11, at the center of which are located the light source 5-7 and the blister switches 5-9.
  • the bottom 5-1 and the wall 5-3 form, once assembled, a tubular block giving its overall shape to the control module 1.
  • planar bottom 5-11 is supported on the printed circuit 5-5 by means of two annular supports which extend axially downwards from the internal and external contours of the planar bottom 5-11. Ring supports can also surround holes for holding screws of the printed circuit 5-5 and the base 5-1 with respect to the wall 5-3.
  • the planar bottom 5-11 comprises axial fingers 5-15 in number greater than or equal to two, regularly distributed around the axis of rotation A.
  • the axial fingers 5-15 are engaged, in the assembled state of the control module 1, in bores of complementary shape made in the printed circuit 5-5 that they pass through, and in the bottom 5-1 of the stator 5, for the positioning of these elements to the assembly and torsional reinforcement of the stator 5 of the control module 1.
  • the wall 5-3 has on its radially outer portion a reinforced tubular portion 5-17 forming a lower portion of the outer enclosure of the control module 1.
  • the upper edge of said reinforced tubular portion 5-17 part a tubular collar 5- 19 extending radially upward, of radial thickness less than that of the reinforced tubular portion 5-17, forming a radial step at the transition with the reinforced tubular portion 5-17.
  • This radial step defines a radial surface of stator S sr .
  • the tubular flange 5-19 is of rectangular section, stretched in axial height, with a chamfer of reduced size on its radially outer upper edge helping to put it in place.
  • the planar bottom 5-11 forms, with the lower portion of the central tube 5-13, and the reinforced tubular portion 5-17 a lower annular recess L1 intended to accommodate a haptic indexing and return ring 3-9, shown in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the wall 5-3, the flat bottom 5-11, the central tube 5-13, the axial fingers 5-15, the reinforced tubular portion 5-17 and the tubular collar 5-19 are made of material, and are made by molding in one piece, for example by injection molding of thermoplastic material.
  • the annular space between the tubular flange 5-19 and the central tube 5-13 defines an upper annular housing L2 for a bearing 9 guiding the rotor 3 (shown in FIG. figure 5 ) in rotation with respect to the stator 5.
  • the upper annular housing L2 to accommodate the bearing 9 is partially closed upper side by a compression ring 5-21, which fits on the tubular collar 5-19 from the outside and comprises a radial shoulder 5-23 which extends radially inwardly from a base of the compression ring 5-21 of rectangular section, and covers the upper edge of the axial flange 5-19 by pressing the bearing 9 in the assembled state (see figure 7 ).
  • the compression ring 5-21 and the radial shoulder 5-23 are made in one piece, for example by molding, in particular by injection molding of thermoplastic materials.
  • the compression ring 5-21 is held integral with the stator 5 and compressed by screws (not shown) which fit in the axial housing 5-25.
  • the housings 5-25 of the screws are formed in axial recesses 5-27 of the outer surface of the wall 5-3. These recesses 5-27 start from the lower base of the wall 5-3 and are of semicircular section.
  • the housings 5-25 are made in the axial extension of the recesses 5-27 so that the screw can be inserted from the bottom of the control module 1, before placing the bottom 5-1.
  • the axial recesses 5-27 make it possible to make the screws invisible to the user once the control module 1 is integrated in a wall of the vehicle while maintaining their accessibility during assembly.
  • the planar bottom 5-11 comprises at least one window 5-29, through which Hall effect sensors arranged on the printed circuit 5-5 cooperate with the rotating part of the indexing module and haptic return to the assembled state of the control module 1.
  • the control module 1 may comprise two or more Hall effect sensors and possibly several associated windows to enable the speed and direction of rotation of the rotor 3 to be determined.
  • the central tube 5-13 forms a tubular housing for the control member 7 in translation. It has on its inner axial surface guide rails 5-31 in translation of the control member 7. It also has on its lower portion a radial recess 5-33 outwards, which limits the axial stroke of the organ of order 7.
  • the compression ring 5-21 has on its upper surface an annular chamfer 5-35 which forms a bearing surface and guide the upper part of the rotor 3.
  • the figure 5 is a view in axial section and in partial elevation of the constituent rotating elements constituting the rotor 3.
  • the rotor 3 comprises a wheel 3-1 radial crenellations 3-3 on the periphery of its upper surface S. Against the lower surface of the wheel 3-1 is disposed an annular light guide 3-5.
  • the other elements of the rotor 3 are arranged around a tubular body 3-7 of the rotor 3.
  • This tubular body 3-7 comprises two upper tubular sections 3-7a, and lower 3-7b, aligned axially and separated by an annular portion 3-7c intermediate radial plateau which extends radially between the tubular sections 3-7a, 3-7b.
  • the tubular body 3-7 of the rotor 3 thus has a cross section in cross, the vertical branches are not aligned, the upper tubular section 3-7a having a slightly larger diameter than the lower section 3-7b.
  • the bearing 9 is a rolling bearing, here a ball bearing, having balls 9-1 which roll between two rings: a radially outer ring 9-3 and a radially outer ring 9-5 respectively integral with the rotor 3 and the stator 5.
  • the axial height of the radially outer ring 3-5 corresponds to the axial height of the axial tubular collar 5-19.
  • This indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9 comprises an indexing ring 3-11 and a ferromagnetic ring 3-13, integrated in a plastic ring body 3-15, for example by overmolding.
  • the indexing and haptic feedback ring 3-9 has a square section, the lower radial face carries an indexing ring 3-11, indexing ring 3-11 which includes indexing magnets (not visible in FIG. figure 5 , reference 3-31 in figure 9 ) regularly distributed on its lower surface. These indexing magnets are then arranged in the assembled state of the control module 1 vis-à-vis the planar bottom 5-11 of the stator 5, and thus windows 5-29 and Hall effect sensors arranged at the level said windows 5-29 which detect the passage of the magnets during rotation of the rotor 3.
  • the ferromagnetic ring 3-13 is integrated in the upper portion of the indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9, and has radial protuberances (not visible in figure 5 ) which therefore scroll, in the assembled state of the control module 1, in front of the magnets of the stator 5 during the rotation of the rotor 3.
  • the axially upper portion 3-7a and the radially inner portion of the annular portion 3-7c form a third housing which is disposed an annular body 3-17 screwed to the radially inner portion of the annular portion 3-7c by means of screws arranged in pre-drills 3-19.
  • the annular body 3-17 has an enlarged base radially outwardly on its lower portion, and an inwardly directed chamfer on its upper portion.
  • the radially outer axial surface of the annular body 3-17 is, due to the enlarged base, recessed relative to the axially upper portion 3-7a of the tubular body 3-7, which defines a tubular housing of small thickness.
  • the chamfer of the annular body 3-17 has an angle of 45 °, and does not occupy the entire upper face of the annular body 3-17, so that said upper face has a flat radial surface portion on its portion. radially inner, on the axially lower side of the chamfer.
  • the axially upper portion 3-7a of the tubular body 3-7 has axial slots 3-21, only two of which are visible. These axial slots 3-21 have a flared opening for better insertion of fins (not visible in figure 5 ) located on the lower surface of the annular light guide 3-5 which bears on the axially upper portion 3-7a.
  • the annular light guide 3-5 located under the wheel 3-1 comprises a bent section 3-23 comprising two optical bends defining two radial portions and an axial portion of said annular light guide 3-5.
  • the bends are made by two angles at 45 ° successive in the axial plane to ensure reflection at right angles to the incident rays.
  • the outer radial portion is raised axially relative to the inner radial portion, and comprises a tubular protrusion 3-25 complementary to the thin tubular housing.
  • the tubular protrusion 3-25 is inserted into said thin tubular housing when the control module 1 is assembled.
  • the axially lower bend of the bent section 3-23 has a complementary shape of the chamfer and of the radial surface portion of the annular body 3-17, and bears on said upper face of the annular body 3-17 when the control module 1 is assembled.
  • the wheel 3-1 has a surface complementary to the upper surface of the annular light guide 3-5, with a tubular portion which matches the shape of the bent section 3-23, which solidarise the wheel 3-1 and the guide of annular light 3-5, and allows effective gluing.
  • the radially inner portion of the wheel 3-1 comprises a radial groove 3-27 of annular shape, forming a housing for a radial flange of the bearing surface S p of the control member 7 (shown in FIG. figure 6 ).
  • the groove 3-27 is extended into an axial groove which, by cooperating with an axial extension of the radial flange of the bearing surface S p, retains said bearing surface S p radially while delimiting the axial stroke of the surface d support S p and therefore of the control member 7.
  • the bearing 9 occupies, in the assembled state of the control module 1, the second housing L2 of the figure 4 , whose two sides are delimited by the radial and axial right-angled surfaces of the axially upper portions 3-7a and radially outer of the annular portion 3-7c of the rotor body 3-7.
  • the axial and radial walls of the radially inner ring 9-3 are supported respectively against the axial wall of the upper axial portion 3-7a of the tubular body 3-7 and against the upper and outer surface of the annular portion 3-7c, which extends to the radial half of the bearing 9.
  • the control member 7 is shown in more detail in figure 6 .
  • the figure 6 is an axial sectional view of the elements movable in translation of the control module 1 forming the control member 7.
  • the control member 7 is made here in the form of a member movable in translation along the axis A of rotation of the rotor 3.
  • a control member 7 integrated in a rotary control module 1 allows selection in menus scrolling on a display screen: the rotation of the rotor 3 scrolls a cursor among items to select (audio tracks, temperature, vehicle function icons) in the drop-down menu, the depression of the control member 7 validating then the selection of the element at which the cursor is located.
  • the control member 7 is of generally tubular shape and extends under the circular support surface S p and centered around the axis A of rotation of the rotor 3.
  • the figure 6 shows in more detail the radial flange 7-1, which has a radial extension and an axial tubular portion at the end of the radial extension, forming a catch with the axial groove of the groove 3-27.
  • the bearing surface S p has on its lower surface an axial extension 7-3 of tubular and hollow form, which engages with axial fins 7-5 of a frustoconical light guide 7-7.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is generally conical, hollow in the middle, with a truncated tip disposed on the axis of rotation A, and directed downwards. When the control module 1 is assembled, the truncated tip is then located vis-à-vis the light source 5-7.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 comprises two conical axial portions, one 7-7a of less conicity, and a 7-7b of greater conicity (see figure 11 ).
  • the larger taper portion 7-7b is larger, and carries the fins axial 7-5 on its upper radial surface.
  • the extremal surface of this large conical portion 7-7b is annular, axial and corresponds to the radially inner surface of the annular light guide 3-5 which faces it in the assembled state of the control module 1.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 bears on an organ body 7-9 of tubular outer contour.
  • the body body 7-9 has a recessed cone top surface corresponding to the outer shape of the lower portion of the frusto-conical light guide 7-7.
  • the lower portion of the body body 7-9 is hollowed out with two stepped tubular recesses which join the conical recess of the upper surface, so that the truncated frustoconical guide 7-7's truncated tip enters the empty space as well. formed in the lower part of the organ body 7-9.
  • axial lugs 7-11 which press the blister switches 5-9 when the control module 1 is assembled.
  • Alternative embodiments may include one or more springs that can supplement the compressive forces of blister bodies 5-9 and provide haptic feedback in translation.
  • the body body 7-9 has on its lower periphery a radial enlargement 7-13 of rectangular section, which engages with the radial recess 5-33 at the base of the central tube 5-13 of the stator 5, the central tube 5 -13 which forms a housing for the control member 7.
  • the body body 7-9 has on its external surface axial ribs (not visible in figure 6 ) which cooperate with the guide rails 5-31 to guide the control member 7 in its movement in axial translation.
  • These axial ribs are of rectangular section corresponding to the guide rails 5-31 and comprise chamfers at least at their lower ends for better insertion.
  • the figure 7 is a sectional view of the control module 1 where several elements are not shown to allow a better understanding of the rotational guidance of the rotor 3.
  • the rotor 3 is guided in rotation relative to the stator 5 by a bearing 9, here a rolling bearing, more particularly a ball bearing 9-1.
  • the bearing 9 is composed of two rings, one radially inner 9-3 and integral with the rotor 3, the other radially outer 9-5 and integral with the stator 5.
  • the two rings 9-3, 9-5 have a rectangular section, each with two radial walls and two axial walls. Between the two rings 9-3, 9-5 are placed the balls 9-1 or, alternatively, needles. The balls 9-1 are arranged between the two axial walls facing the rings 9-3, 9-5 of the bearing 9. The own axis of rotation B of the balls 9-1 is then parallel to the axis of rotation A. rotor 3.
  • the axial and radial walls of the radially inner ring 9-3 abut respectively against an axial surface S ra of the rotor 3, in this case the axial wall of the upper axial portion 3-7a of the tubular body 3-7 and against a radial surface Srr of the rotor 3, here the upper surface of the annular portion 3-7c, which extends to the radial half of the bearing 9.
  • the support of the stator 5 and the rotor 3 is thus against at least two adjacent faces perpendicular to each other of each of the two rings 9-3, 9-5.
  • the axial and radial walls of the radially outer ring 9-5 bear respectively against an axial surface S sa of the stator 5, here the radially inner surface of the tubular flange 5-19 and against a radial surface S sr of the stator 5, here the step between the reinforced tubular portion 5-17 and the tubular collar 5-19.
  • the radial shoulder 5-23 of the compression ring 5-21 has a second radial surface of the stator S sr2 resting on the upper radial surface of the radially outer ring 9-5, the tightening of the screws of the housings 5-25 compresses axially said radially outer ring 9-5 in a controlled manner (for example with torque-controlled torque tools).
  • the compression ring 5-21 includes the tubular flange 5-19 and forms with the reinforced tubular portion 5-17 a continuous tubular outer surface of the control module 1.
  • the bearing 9 is implemented as close as possible axially to the front surface S and presents a outer radius r close to the outer radius R of the control module 1 as a whole.
  • the height h of implementation of the bearing 9 measured between the lower surface of the bottom 11 of the control module 1 and the upper radial surface of the bearing 9 is such that, with H, the total height of the control module 1, h / H > 1/2.
  • the height h is such that h / H > 2 / 3.
  • the outer radius r of the bearing 25 is preferably such that r / R> 2/3, in particular such that r / R > 3/4.
  • the figure 8 is a perspective view of the control module 1 in which some elements are not shown for a better understanding of the generation of haptic feedback during the rotation of the rotor 3.
  • the control module 1 is shown without the enclosure 5-3 and the tubular body 3-7 for better visibility of the internal components of the control module 1.
  • the haptic feedback module 11 generating the haptic feedback torque comprises the ferromagnetic ring 3-13 which is shown without the overmolded ring body 3-15 and the indexing ring 3-11 for a better understanding.
  • the ferromagnetic ring 3-13 has radial protuberances 3-29 which pass in front of fixed magnets 5-37.
  • the ferromagnetic ring 3-13 is made of ferromagnetic material, for example optionally doped steel or ferrite, and in particular by sintering, the strength of the ferromagnetic ring 3-13 being secondary due to the ring body 3- 15 overmoulded.
  • the fixed magnets 5-37 here are permanent magnets, in particular neodymium, but may be electromagnets selectively and variably supplied by means of the control unit.
  • the fixed magnets 5-37 are respectively mounted on a plastic support which comprises a positioning rod 5-39 of square or rectangular section, and a flattened base 5-41.
  • the positioning rod 5-39 is axial, and stretches from the flattened base 5-41.
  • the positioning rod comprises a bore in which is disposed and glued the fixed magnet 5-37, here in the form of a puck or tablet.
  • the flattened base 5-41 is flattened parallelepiped shape, its axial face radially on the inside being in the extension of the radially inner axial surface of the positioning rod 5-39.
  • the positioning rod 5-39 and the flattened base 5-41 are, in the mounted state, arranged in corresponding recesses of the wall 5-3, in particular, recesses axially hollowed in the reinforced tubular portion 5-17. , with an opening on the housing L1 accommodating the indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9.
  • the flat base 5-41 comprises a dowel and bores accommodating screws. The peg is disposed on a central portion of the base, radially outside the positioning rod 5-29, the holes and the screws are two in number by fixed magnet 5-37 and arranged on both sides. other of the positioning rod 5-39 in the direction of rotation.
  • the flattened base 5-41 is axially at the height of the printed circuit 5-5.
  • the magnets 5-37 are in particular inserted in their housing of the wall 5-3 before the fixing of the wall 5-3 on the bottom 5-1 carrying the printed circuit 5-5, the housing of the wall being closed by the background 5-1.
  • the rotor 3 rotates, and drives the ferromagnetic ring 3-9 whose radial protuberances 3-13 then pass in front of the fixed magnets 5-37, so as to generate the torque of variable haptic feedback.
  • the figure 9 shows in more detail the indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9.
  • the figure 9 is a sectional view, exploded and partially elevated of said indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9.
  • the indexing ring 3-11 comprises indexing magnets 3-31 flattened, and carried by an annular band 3-33 which positions them regularly around the periphery of the indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9 and allows and their handling and positioning in the indexing ring and haptic feedback 3-9 quickly and easily.
  • the indexing and haptic feedback ring 3-9 enables the magnetic elements (ferromagnetic ring 3-13 and indexing magnets 3-11) to be combined in a compact manner.
  • the haptic indexing and feedback ring 3-9 can be assembled separately, and then transported in a simple and compact way from one assembly workshop to another.
  • the indexing and haptic feedback ring 3-9 is then arranged, tightened and possibly glued around the lower tubular portion 3-7b of the tubular body 3-7 of the rotor 3 (see FIG. figure 5 ).
  • the indexing and haptic feedback ring 3-11 is rotated with the rotor 3.
  • the radial protuberances 3-29 pass in front of the magnets 5-37, which generates the haptic feedback, and the indexing magnets 3-31 scroll past the window or windows 5-29 and thus in front of the associated Hall effect sensors, which allows indexing and rotational tracking of the rotor 3 by the control unit.
  • the figure 10 is an axial sectional view of the control module 1 of the preceding figures, where several elements are not shown for a better understanding of the backlight module 13 of the decorative elements of the control module 1.
  • the backlight module 13 essentially comprises the frustoconical light guide 7-7, the annular light guide 3-5 and a light source 5-7.
  • the light source 5-7 is here a light-emitting diode disposed on the printed circuit 5-5, in a position centered on the axis of rotation A.
  • Other embodiments can be obtained by substituting other light sources. to the light-emitting diode, such as incandescent or halogen lamps.
  • Light-emitting diodes require less electrical power and produce less heat to be discharged from the central portion of the control module where they are disposed.
  • the light source 5-7 is selectively switched on when the vehicle enters a night mode of operation, for example when the headlights of the vehicle are on or when a detector senses an ambient light. below a predetermined threshold.
  • the operation of the light source 5-7 can in particular be controlled by the control unit of the control module 1.
  • At least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 5-7 is picked up by the frustoconical light guide 7-7 at its truncated tip. This light is reflected on the walls and / or diffused in the body of the frustoconical light guide 7-7 and emitted by the annular base of the frustoconical light guide 7-7.
  • the portion of the frustoconical guide 7-7 of greater conicity 7-7b reflects the rays guided by the smaller conical portion 7-7a in a radial direction.
  • outer annular light guide 3-5 which forms the backlit ring pattern or "halo-ring" in English.
  • An example of such a light path is represented by arrows in figure 10 .
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is shown in more detail in figure 11 , where it is shown in axial section and partial elevation.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is of frusto-conical shape, with a conical recess in its center, its truncated tip being pointed towards the light source 5-7 2 , and its annular base being pointed towards the annular light guide 3-5.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 has a relative invariance by rotation about the axis A which is therefore substantially an axis of symmetry of revolution for it.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is divided into two axial portions 7-7a, 7-7b of different conicity.
  • the axially lower portion 7-7a, truncated tip side, is of lower conicity relative to the axially upper portion 7-7b, annular base side, of upper conicity.
  • This difference in conicity causes a bend in the light path, where the rays in the direction given by the low taper of the lower taper portion 7-7a are deflected in a horizontal axial direction (with the axis A forming the reference vertical ) so that the rays exit through the axial annular surface without deflection.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is advantageously made of plastic material of the polycarbonate (PC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) type. These materials are relatively inexpensive, easy to shape by injection molding, solid and resistant to aging while having a high refractive index (about 1.4 to 1.6) and high transparency.
  • PC polycarbonate
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • the materials of the other elements of the control module 1, in particular the knob 3-1, the tubular body 3-7, the body body 7-9 and the annular body 3-17, which come into contact with the guides of annular light 3-5 and frustoconical 7-7, are made of opaque material, for example a molded thermoplastic, in particular by injection.
  • opaque material for example a molded thermoplastic, in particular by injection.
  • examples of such materials are polyethylene (PE), polyvinyls (PV, PVC), polypropylene (PP).
  • the truncated cone-shaped light guide 7-7 has a truncated tip 7-7 which forms a first input diode ⁇ e1 , here produced as a focal diopter whose focal point corresponds, in the mounted state of the frustoconical light guide 7-7, to the position of the light source 5-7 for transmitting a large part of the light emitted by said light source 5-7, and guiding the light beam into the smaller conicity portion 7-7a.
  • the annular base at the other end of the frustoconical light guide 7-7 forms a first output diode ⁇ s1 , through which light emitted from the light source 5-7 is guided by reflection on the walls and / or diffusion in the material.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 comprises axial fins 7-5 which extend axially upwards from its annular base. These axial fins 7-5 are evenly distributed over the large conical portion 7-7b. They engage with the tubular base 7-3 located under the bearing surface S p and clamp tightly the frustoconical light guide 7-7 and said support surface S p both in translation and in rotation.
  • the axial fins 7-5 have a larger lower base trapezoidal profile, with half of the axial fins 7-5 located on the same side (right in figure 11 ) of the frustoconical light guide 7-7, a chamfer on the radially inner corner for better insertion to the assembly of the control module 1.
  • the axial fins 7-5 represent only a small volume, and have a low angular width (a few millimeters). They do not cause a significant loss of brightness in the backlight, and in particular do not generate a variation in brightness perceptible in their radial extension.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is also supported on the tubular body 7-9 ( figure 8 ), in particular against the walls of a housing of corresponding shape, and can be held in place by gluing or clamping.
  • a frustoconical light guide 7-7 integral in rotation with the rotor 3, and whose annular base directly forms the luminous halo, can be used.
  • the figure 12 shows in more detail the annular light guide 3-5 and the wheel 3-1 under which it is placed and fixed, by means of complementary axial circular contours forming clamping or by gluing or clipping.
  • the annular light guide 3-5 is integral in rotation with the wheel 3-1 and stationary in axial translation.
  • the annular light guide 3-5 comprises an inner radial surface forming a second input diopter ⁇ e2 , of complementary shape to the first output diode ⁇ s1 of the frustoconical light guide 7-7.
  • the first output diode ⁇ s1 of the frustoconical light guide 7-7 and the second input diode ⁇ e2 of the annular light guide 3-3 are located opposite each other in the assembled state of the components. mentioned above and have complementary shapes.
  • the annular light guide 3-5 has an outer radial surface forming a second output diode ⁇ s2 , visible under the wheel 3-1, and diverting the upper edge of the control module 1.
  • the lower radial surface of the annular light guide 3-5 comprises an end chamfer 3-35, with a relatively small angle, in particular less than 45 °, more precisely less than 30 °, and in particular less than 20 ° while remaining greater than 5 °, preferably 10 °.
  • the diopter formed by said end chamfer 3-35 directs by reflection a portion of the light guided by the light guide annular 3-5 upwards (the axially lower beam portion), and thus in the expected direction of the user, so as to make the backlit surface visible with a greater light intensity in a larger space.
  • the light emitted by the light source 5-7 enters the first input diopter ⁇ e1 , which faces said light source 5-7, and is then guided by the frustoconical light guide 7-7.
  • the light then leaves via the first output diopter ⁇ s1 to enter the annular light guide 3-5 by the second input diopter ⁇ e2 and is finally emitted by the second output diode ⁇ s2 to cut the upper edge of the control module 1.
  • the structure thus obtained allows a uniform backlighting over the entire periphery of the rotor 3 by placing the light source 5-7 on the axis of rotation A despite the presence of a control member 7 movable in translation in the central position.
  • the figure 13 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of backlighting.
  • the control member 7 is movable in translation between two positions, respectively high and low. These two positions are stable positions, which the control member 7 retains in the absence of actuation by the user.
  • a rotation of the rotor 3 can decrease or increase the temperature of an air flow of an air conditioning unit blower.
  • the rotation of the rotor 3 can decrease or increase the power of the air flow of the air conditioning module blower.
  • the embodiment of the figure 13 comprises two annular light guides 3-5 and 3-5a, located one below the other on the periphery of the rotor 3 of the control module 1.
  • the frustoconical light guide 7-7 When the control member 7 is in the high position, the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is in a position where its output diopter ⁇ s1 is located opposite the input diopter ⁇ e2 of the first annular light guide 3- 5.
  • the light guide frustoconical 7-7 When the control member 7 is in the lower position, the light guide frustoconical 7-7 is in a position where its output diopter ⁇ s1 is located opposite the input diopter ⁇ e3 of the second annular light guide 3-5a.
  • the annular light guides 3-5, 3-5a may be different in color, shape or relative size of their output diode ⁇ s2 , ⁇ s3 or by the application of different masks on their output diopter ⁇ s2 , ⁇ s3 .
  • the first annular light guide 3-5 may be made red, for example by dyeing in the mass during molding, and the second annular light guide 3-5a, green in color.
  • a frustoconical light guide 7-7 in yellow (spectral addition of red and green) or white in transparency, and a yellow or white light source (such as a red-green-blue "RGB” light-emitting diode) the luminous halo will be apparent with different colors depending on the translational position of the control member 7.
  • the color change momentarily visible upon depressing may provide a visual indicator confirming sinking.
  • figure 14 is shown in axial section an alternative embodiment of frustoconical light guide 7-7.
  • the truncation of the hollow cone of the body of the frustoconical light guide 7-7 is performed above the tip of the hollow interior cone.
  • the truncated frustoconical guide 7-7 has its truncated tip with a circular central opening 7-15 located axially above the light source 5-7.
  • the light from the light source 5-7 which passes through said central opening 7-15 is here in particular directed towards a central light guide 7-17, which guides said light towards a portion of the bearing surface S p (not shown) or of the upper surface S, where is disposed a mask or a window, in particular in the form of an icon or a pictogram.
  • the central light guide 7-17 is held in position by a pierced body 7-19 which surrounds the central light guide 7-17 and engages in the conical space within the frusto-conical light guide 7-7 .
  • the same light source 5-7 can then be used to provide both the uniform illumination of a light halo and the illumination of a pictogram on the upper surface of the control module.
  • figure 15 is shown another alternative embodiment of frustoconical light guide 7-7, in schematic sectional view with partial elevation.
  • the axial portion of lower conicity 7-7a of the frustoconical light guide 7-7 comprises angular portions of different thicknesses.
  • the axial portion of lower conicity 7-7a frustoconical light guide 7-7 present on the left side of the figure 15 a thickness e 1 less than its thickness e 0 in the right part of the figure 15 .
  • the embodiment of the figure 15 provides that the tip of the cone recessed within the axial portion of lower conicity 7-7a is offset relative to the axis A of rotation of the rotor 3 on which is centered the frustoconical light guide 7-7, the side of low thickness e 1 .
  • the luminous halo is then nonuniform, with a brighter angular portion (high thickness side e 0 ) and a less glossy angular portion (low thickness side e 1 ).
  • one of the two angular portions can serve as an index providing a visual indication of the rotational position of the rotor 3.
  • the less brilliant angular portion can be oriented in a direction where the presence of a user is less likely, for example towards the bottom of the passenger compartment of the vehicle .
  • the frustoconical light guides 7-7 make it possible to create a luminous halo uniform, or with controlled inhomogeneities, and thus offer increased possibilities in terms of aesthetic customization of the control modules, while allowing to reduce the production cost of a control module backlit.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
EP18152807.6A 2017-01-20 2018-01-22 Drehbares steuermodul für innenraum eines fahrzeugs Withdrawn EP3385814A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1750499A FR3062221B1 (fr) 2017-01-20 2017-01-20 Module de commande rotatif pour habitacle de vehicule

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3385814A1 true EP3385814A1 (de) 2018-10-10

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0976972A2 (de) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-02 Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Drehknopf eines Steuergerätes
DE102005001560A1 (de) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-27 Leopold Kostal Gmbh & Co. Kg Drehsteller für elektrische oder elektronische Geräte in einem Kraftfahrzeug
US20080186730A1 (en) * 2006-01-04 2008-08-07 Gregg Smith Annular light pipe
US20120314397A1 (en) * 2010-03-01 2012-12-13 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Operation device
EP2693290A1 (de) * 2012-08-02 2014-02-05 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Bedienvorrichtung für ein Haushaltsgerät mit einem mehrteiligen Bedienelement

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0976972A2 (de) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-02 Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Drehknopf eines Steuergerätes
DE102005001560A1 (de) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-27 Leopold Kostal Gmbh & Co. Kg Drehsteller für elektrische oder elektronische Geräte in einem Kraftfahrzeug
US20080186730A1 (en) * 2006-01-04 2008-08-07 Gregg Smith Annular light pipe
US20120314397A1 (en) * 2010-03-01 2012-12-13 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Operation device
EP2693290A1 (de) * 2012-08-02 2014-02-05 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Bedienvorrichtung für ein Haushaltsgerät mit einem mehrteiligen Bedienelement

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FR3062221B1 (fr) 2021-01-08
FR3062221A1 (fr) 2018-07-27

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