EP3503064A1 - Vehicle remote control - Google Patents

Abstract

A remote control (1) for a vehicle comprises: - an outer envelope (2) defining a deformable support surface (S) - at least one force sensor (30; 40) coupled to the outer envelope (2) so measuring a force exerted on the bearing surface (S); a processor (22) designed to determine a force exerted on an area (Z1; Z2; Z3) of the bearing surface as a function of the measured force; and to determine a command to be issued according to the determined effort; and- a communication module (24) designed to emit an electromagnetic signal associated with the determined command.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

The present invention generally relates to the field of remote control of certain functionalities of a vehicle such as a motor vehicle.

It relates more particularly to a remote control for a vehicle.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Vehicle remotes designed to exchange signals with an electronic control unit of the vehicle concerned are known for remotely controlling certain functions of the vehicle, for example locking or unlocking the vehicle doors.

Commonly used remote controls include at least one push button arranged to activate a switch when the user depresses the push button.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

• une enveloppe externe définissant une surface d'appui déformable ;
• au moins un capteur de force couplé à l'enveloppe externe de sorte à mesurer un effort exercé sur la surface d'appui ;
• un processeur conçu pour déterminer un effort exercé sur une zone de la surface d'appui en fonction de l'effort mesuré et pour déterminer une commande à émettre en fonction de l'effort déterminé ; et
• un module de communication conçu pour émettre un signal électromagnétique associé à la commande déterminée.

In this context, the invention proposes a remote control for a vehicle comprising:

• an outer envelope defining a deformable support surface;
• at least one force sensor coupled to the outer casing so as to measure a force exerted on the bearing surface;
• a processor adapted to determine a force exerted on an area of the bearing surface as a function of the force measured and to determine a command to be issued according to the determined effort; and
• a communication module designed to emit an electromagnetic signal associated with the determined command.

The use of a force sensor makes it possible on the one hand to extend the possible functionalities of the remote control as explained below and, on the other hand, to provide greater flexibility in the configuration of the external envelope (thanks to the absence of push button). One can for example choose an outer surface extending continuously (without interruption of material) throughout the range of the remote control.

• le processeur est conçu pour sélectionner une première commande lorsque l'effort déterminé est compris dans une première plage de valeurs et pour sélectionner une seconde commande lorsque l'effort déterminé est compris dans une seconde plage de valeurs distincte de la première plage de valeurs ;
• l'enveloppe externe comprend une coque inférieure agencée pour recevoir une batterie électrique et/ou une coque supérieure portant la surface d'appui ;
• la télécommande comprend une membrane d'étanchéité interposée d'une part entre le capteur de force et l'enveloppe externe, et d'autre part entre la coque inférieure et la coque supérieure ;
• un bloc élastomère est interposé entre le capteur de force et l'enveloppe externe ;
• la télécommande comprend un détecteur de mouvement ;
• la télécommande est conçue pour basculer d'un mode de veille à un mode actif lorsque le détecteur de mouvement détecte un mouvement ;
• la télécommande comprend un bouton ;
• la télécommande est conçue pour basculer d'un mode de veille à un mode actif en cas d'actionnement du bouton ;
• le processeur est conçu pour commander l'émission d'un signal par un indicateur lorsque la commande à émettre est déterminée ;
• l'indicateur est un indicateur haptique (par exemple un vibreur) ;
• l'indicateur est un indicateur lumineux (tel qu'une diode électroluminescente) ;
• la télécommande comprend une pluralité de capteurs de force ;
• le processeur est conçu pour détecter l'actionnement successif de certains capteurs de force au moins parmi les capteurs de force de ladite pluralité.

According to other characteristics that can be envisaged as optional (and therefore not limiting):

• the processor is designed to select a first order when the determined effort is within a first range of values and to select a second command when the determined effort is within a second range of values distinct from the first range of values;
• the outer casing comprises a lower shell arranged to receive an electric battery and / or an upper shell bearing the bearing surface;
• the remote control comprises a sealing membrane interposed on the one hand between the force sensor and the outer casing, and on the other hand between the lower shell and the upper shell;
• an elastomeric block is interposed between the force sensor and the outer casing;
• the remote control includes a motion detector;
• the remote is designed to switch from a sleep mode to an active mode when the motion detector detects motion;
• the remote control includes a button;
• the remote control is designed to switch from a sleep mode to an active mode when the button is pressed;
• the processor is adapted to control the transmission of a signal by an indicator when the command to be issued is determined;
• the indicator is a haptic indicator (for example a vibrator);
• the indicator is a light indicator (such as a light-emitting diode);
• the remote control comprises a plurality of force sensors;
• the processor is adapted to detect the successive actuation of certain force sensors at least among the plurality of force sensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be achieved.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un exemple de réalisation d'une télécommande pour véhicule conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique de la télécommande de la figure 1 en communication avec un véhicule automobile ;
• la figure 3 représente un autre exemple de réalisation d'une telle télécommande ; et
• la figure 4 représente une variante de réalisation de la télécommande de la figure 1.

In the accompanying drawings:

• the figure 1 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a remote control for a vehicle according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a schematic representation of the remote control of the figure 1 in communication with a motor vehicle;
• the figure 3 represents another embodiment of such a remote control; and
• the figure 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the remote control of the figure 1 .

The Figures 1 and 4 show a remote control 1; 101 for a vehicle (here for a motor vehicle) according to the invention.

As explained below, such a remote control 1; 101 makes it possible to remotely control at least one functionality (and in general several functionalities) of a vehicle 50 (schematically represented in FIG. figure 2 ), such as unlocking the doors of the vehicle 50 and / or locking the doors of the vehicle 50.

The remote control 1; 101 represented on the Figures 1 and 4 comprises an outer casing 2; 102 formed of an upper shell 4; 104 and a lower shell 6; 106 (with the interposition of a sealing membrane 125 in the case of the figure 4 as explained below).

The outer shell 2; 102 (that is to say the upper shell 4, 104 on the one hand and the lower shell 6; 106 on the other hand) is for example made of a relatively rigid plastic material (Young's modulus typically between 1 GPa and 10 GPa), such as polyamide (PA) or poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT). Alternatively, the outer shell 2; 102 could be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or zamak. Moreover, according to one possible embodiment, the outer casing 2; 102 could contain at least one decoration piece made of a separate material, such as leather, wood or other type of plastic (the outer casing can in this case be formed by bi-injection).

The upper shell 4; 104 defines, on its outer surface and at a central region C, a deformable support surface S (in particular due to the thickness of material used), generally flat, intended to receive loads from the user of the remote control 1; 101 as explained later.

The upper shell 4; 104 also has an annular peripheral region P from which extends (towards the lower shell 6; 106) a peripheral wall 3; 103 whose end comes into contact with the lower shell 6 (with the interposition of the sealing membrane 125 on at least part of this end in the case of the figure 4 ).

The central region C (which carries the bearing surface S), the peripheral region P and the wall 3 are here made in one piece, for example by injection of the aforementioned plastic material.

In particular, the central region C carrying the bearing surface S and the peripheral region P are interconnected with continuity of material. The face of the upper shell 4; 104 bearing the bearing surface S does not have any interruption or discontinuity of material.

Due to this continuity of material, it is possible in practice to delimit the bearing surface S and the peripheral region P by means of a decorative pattern (affixed to the outer face of the upper shell 4; a relief (formed at the outer face of the upper shell 4; 104), in order to allow the user to discern this bearing surface S.

According to one conceivable embodiment, transparent decorative patterns could be provided on the bearing surface S (the upper shell 4; 104 being opaque outside these transparent decorative patterns); these patterns of decorations could be backlit by a lighting device (for example light-emitting diodes) provided within the remote control 1; 101 (for example mounted on the printed circuit 20; 120).

The face of the upper shell 4; 104 bearing the support surface S thus extends over the entire concerned side of the remote control 1; 101. In other words, the dimensions of the face of the upper shell 4; 104 bearing the bearing surface S here correspond to the outer dimensions of the remote control 1; 101.

The lower shell 6; 106 comprises a bottom wall 8; 108 and an inner wall 10; 119 connected by side walls 12; 112 so as to define a housing 14; 114 for an electric battery 16; 116.

The lower shell 6; 106 also includes an outer peripheral wall 18; 118 which extends from the bottom wall 8; 108 towards the upper hull 4; 104, until contact with the wall 3; 103 above (with the interposition of the sealing membrane 125 on at least a portion of the thickness of the wall 103 and the outer peripheral wall 118 in the case of the figure 4 ).

The upper shell 4; 104 and the lower shell 6; 106 thus form an outer shell 2; 102 waterproof enclosing electrical and electronic circuits as described below. In the case of figure 4 , shell lower 106 and the sealing membrane 125 also form sealed walls for a volume enclosing the electrical and electronic circuits.

The lower shell 6; 106 (specifically the inner wall 10; 110) carries a printed circuit 20; 120 electrically powered by the electric battery 16; 116.

As schematically represented on the figure 1 the printed circuit 20; 120 carries a processor 22; 122 and a communication module 24; 124.

Printed circuit 20; 120 also carries at least one force sensor, here two force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140.

Each force sensor 30, 40 is mechanically coupled to the central region C forming the bearing surface S, with the interposition of an elastomer block 32, 42 in the case of the figure 1 or with the interposition of the membrane 125 in the case of the figure 4 .

The force sensors 30, 40 may be biased due to a deformation (in this case a microdeformation) of the bearing surface S (the absence of discontinuity at the face of the upper shell 4; S support preventing relative movement of two parts of the bearing surface, except by deformation).

The figure 2 gives a schematic representation of the remote control 1; 101 in communication with an electronic control unit 52 of the vehicle 50.

As shown in this figure, the processor 22; 122 is connected on the one hand to each of the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140 so as to receive force values measured by the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140 and to determine the forces exerted respectively on a plurality of zones Z1, Z2, Z3 of the central region C forming the bearing surface S.

The processor 22; 122 is further connected to the communication module 24; 124 to control the transmission by this communication module 24; 124 of electromagnetic signals (here in practice radiofrequency signals) for the electronic control unit 52 of the vehicle 50, as described below.

The processor 22; 122 (for example a microcontroller) comprises at least one memory (not shown, for example a rewritable non-volatile memory) which stores computer program instructions designed to implement the operation of the processor 22; 122 (especially as described in this description) when these instructions are executed by the processor 22; 122.

The memory of the processor 22; 122 also stores a table associating, for each zone Z1, Z2, Z3 of the support surface S, at least one command to be transmitted to a range of force values determined at the zone Z1, Z2, Z3 concerned. .

When a user exerts a force on the support surface S at a zone Z1, Z2, Z3, the outer casing 2 undergoes microdeformation and the processor 22; 122 thus determines, on the basis of the measurements made by the force sensors 30, 40, the force thus exerted at the zone Z1, Z2, Z3 concerned.

The processor 22; 122 can thus possibly determine a command associated with the determined force value (here by comparison of the determined force value with the different ranges of values stored in the aforementioned table for the zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned, then by selection of the associated command in the aforementioned table to the range of values which corresponds to the force value determined for the zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned).

According to a first embodiment, a single command is provided for each zone Z1; Z2; Z3 of the support surface S, 40, in association with a defined range of values above a predetermined threshold.

In such a case, as long as the effort determined by the processor 22; 122 for zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned (on the basis of the measurements made by the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140) is below the predetermined threshold, no control is associated (by the processor 2; 122) with the determined effort and no control is transmitted by the remote control 1; 101.

On the other hand, since the effort determined by the processor 22; 122 for zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned (on the basis of the measurements made by the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 150) is greater than the predetermined threshold, the control provided for the zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned is selected by the processor 22; 122 (here by reading the aforementioned table stored in the memory of the processor 22; 122) and the processor 22; 122 control to the communication module 24; 124 the emission of an electromagnetic signal associated with the selected command.

According to a second embodiment, several commands are provided for at least one zone Z1; Z2; Z3 of the support surface S, each command being associated with a specific range of values of the force determined by the processor 22; 122 for this zone Z1; Z2; Z3 (based on measurements by the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140).

Thus, if the user exerts an effort included in a first range of values on the zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned, the processor 22; 122 determines a first command associated with this first range of values (here by consulting the table stored in the memory of the processor 22; 122) and controls the communication module 24; 124 the emission of a first electromagnetic signal associated with this first command. Such a first command is for example an unlocking command of the doors of the vehicle 50.

Similarly, if the user exerts effort within a second range of values (distinct from the first range of values) on the zone Z1; Z2; Z3 concerned, the processor 22; 122 determines a second command associated with this second range of values (here by consulting the table stored in the memory of the processor 22; 122) and controls the communication module 24; 124 the emission of a second electromagnetic signal associated with this second command. Such a second command is for example a door lock control of the vehicle 50.

In all the cases mentioned above, the electronic control unit 52 of the vehicle 50 receives the electromagnetic signal emitted by the communication module 24; 124 and then implements the command associated with this electromagnetic signal, for example by controlling a locking system (not shown) of the vehicle 50 locking or unlocking (if appropriate) of the vehicle 50 in the above examples.

According to a possible embodiment, the remote control 1; 101 may be designed to operate either in a sleep mode (low power) or in an active mode, and include a motion detector (such as an accelerometer, for example implanted on the printed circuit board 20; 120)

When the remote control 1 is in standby mode and the motion detector detects a movement, the remote control 1 switches to active mode, where the aforementioned components (in particular the processor 22; 122 and the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140) are operational and can thus operate as described above.

Moreover, after a predetermined period of time in active mode without force detection by the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140 and / or without motion detection by the motion detector, the remote control 1; 101 switches to standby mode (where the processor 22; 122 and / or the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140 have a reduced or even zero consumption).

Alternatively, the switch from standby mode to active mode could be triggered by actuation (by the user) of a button provided on the remote control 1; 101 or by means of a biometric recognition system (for example a fingerprint recognition system).

In the case where a translucent decor pattern lighting device is provided as proposed above, this lighting device is active (ie illuminates the translucent decor patterns) when the remote control 1; 101 is in active mode, and off when the remote control is in standby mode.

According to another conceivable embodiment (possibly combinable with the possibility presented above), the remote control 1; 101 may include an indicator (not shown) that provides a return to the user following the determination of a command by the processor 22; 122.

Such an indicator may be a haptic indicator (for example a vibrator mounted within the remote control 1; 101), a light indicator (for example at least one light-emitting diode implanted within the remote control 1, possibly on the printed circuit 20; 120) or a sound indicator (made for example by means of an electro-acoustic transducer).

The processor 22; 122 can control, following the determination of a control according to the force determined on the basis of the values measured by the force sensors 30, 40; 130, 140 as already explained, the emission of a signal by the indicator (namely a vibration in the case of the haptic indicator, a light signal in the case of a light indicator and a sound signal in the case the sound indicator).

In the case where several commands can be thus determined by the processor 22; 122 as explained above, the processor 22; 122 can control the emission by the indicator of a signal (selected from different signals) associated with the determined order.

The figure 3 represents another embodiment of a remote control 60 according to the invention.

The remote control 60 includes all the elements of the remote control 1 described above (including the two force sensors 30, 40) and will not be described in detail.

The remote control 60 further comprises a plurality of force sensors 62, 64, 66, 68 located in the same region 70 of the support surface S.

The force sensors 62, 64, 66, 68 are arranged in a line (here a curved line) so that the passage of a finger of the user on the bearing surface S at the region 70 and according to this line (as represented by the arrow F on the figure 3 ) is detected successively by each of the force sensors 62, 64, 66, 68.

Thus, when the different force sensors 62, 64, 66, 68 successively transmit to the processor 22 (in a predefined order of the sensors 62, 64, 66, 68) a measured value of effort greater than a threshold value (so that the processor 22 detects the successive actuation of these force sensors 62, 64, 66, 68), the processor 22 deduces the passage of the finger of the user along the line formed by the sensors 62, 64, 66, 68 and can implement an action associated with this movement.

According to a first possible embodiment, this action is the tilting of the remote control 1 of a first mode of operation (where the other force sensors 30, 40 are for example inactive and / or the lighting device mentioned above is extinguished ) to a second mode of operation (where the other force sensors 30, 40 are active and / or the lighting device mentioned above is active).

According to a second possible embodiment, this action is the determination of a command to transmit associated with this movement and the emission of an electromagnetic signal associated with this command.

Claims (12)

Remote control (1; 101) for a vehicle (50) comprising: an outer envelope (2; 102) defining a deformable support surface (S); at least one force sensor (30; 40; 130; 140) coupled to the outer envelope (2; 102) so as to measure a force exerted on the bearing surface (S); a processor (22; 122) designed to determine a force exerted on an area (Z1; Z2; Z3) of the bearing surface as a function of the measured force and to determine a command to be transmitted as a function of the effort determined; and a communication module (24; 124) designed to emit an electromagnetic signal associated with the determined command. A remote control according to claim 1, wherein the processor (22; 122) is adapted to select a first command when the determined effort is within a first range of values and to select a second command when the determined effort is included in a second range of values distinct from the first range of values. Remote control according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer shell (2; 102) comprises a lower shell (6; 106) arranged to receive an electric battery (16; 116) and an upper shell (4; bearing surface (S). Remote control according to claim 3, comprising a sealing membrane (125) interposed on the one hand between the force sensor (130; 140) and the outer casing (102), and on the other hand between the lower shell (106). ) and the upper shell (104). Remote control according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an elastomeric block (32; 42) is interposed between the force sensor (30; 40) and the outer casing (2). Remote control according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a motion detector and adapted to switch from a standby mode to an active mode when the motion detector detects motion. Remote control according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a button and adapted to switch from a standby mode to an active mode in case button actuation. Remote control according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor is adapted to control the transmission of a signal by an indicator when the command to be issued is determined. Remote control according to claim 8, wherein the indicator is a haptic indicator. Remote control according to claim 8, wherein the indicator is a light indicator. Remote control according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a plurality of force sensors (62, 64, 66, 68). The remote control of claim 11, wherein the processor (22) is adapted to detect the successive actuation of at least one of the at least one force sensor (62, 64, 66, 68) among the plurality of force sensors.

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