US20200312582A1 - Panel assembly switch having a sensing element - Google Patents
Panel assembly switch having a sensing element Download PDFInfo
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- US20200312582A1 US20200312582A1 US16/371,280 US201916371280A US2020312582A1 US 20200312582 A1 US20200312582 A1 US 20200312582A1 US 201916371280 A US201916371280 A US 201916371280A US 2020312582 A1 US2020312582 A1 US 2020312582A1
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- Prior art keywords
- switch
- flexibend
- panel assembly
- sensor
- nib
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Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/12—Push-buttons
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
- H01H9/161—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off" comprising light emitting elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
-
- B60K35/10—
-
- B60K35/60—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
-
- B60K2360/131—
-
- B60K2360/139—
-
- B60K2360/794—
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
- B60R16/027—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
- H01H2217/032—Feedback about selected symbol, e.g. display
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2231/00—Applications
- H01H2231/026—Car
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
- H01H2300/006—Application power roofs
Definitions
- a system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions.
- One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.
- One general aspect includes a device control switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base mounted to the panel assembly; a switch button tiltably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to tilt away from a default position relative to a horizontal axis, the switch button including a nib; a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial, contact with the nib as the nib moves with the switch button relative to the horizontal axis.
- Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
- the device control switch where: the flexibend sensor is operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU); and when the flexibend sensor is deflected, a signal will be sent to the ECU.
- the device control switch where information based on the signal to the ECU is exhibited on a display.
- the device control switch where the flexibend sensor is a cantilever having one end fixed to the portion of the switch base.
- the device control switch where, when the ch button is tilted to an actuation position, the device control switch will send an actuation signal to a device, the actuation signal configured to actuate the device.
- the device control switch where the panel assembly is located on a front door trim fora vehicle door, a steering wheel, an overhead trim configured to be installed in a vehicle interior, a center console configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, an instrument panel configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, or a vehicle seat.
- a vehicle including the device control switch. Implementation of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or Computer software on, computer-accessible medium.
- One general aspect includes a device control switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base molded to the panel assembly; a switch button tiltably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to tilt away from a default position relative to a horizontal axis, the switch button configured to fully tilt along the horizontal axis to an actuation position, the switch button including a nib; a cantilever sensor having an end being affixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force, the flexibend sensor being operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU); where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial contact with the nib as the Crib moves with the switch button relative, to the horizontal axis, and a signal will be sent to the ECU; where information based on the signal to the ECU is exhibited on a display located in a vehicle interior; and where, when the switch button is fully tilted to the actu
- One general aspect includes a push button switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base mounted to the panel assembly; a switch button pressably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to move towards the switch base relative to a substantially vertical axis, the switch button including a nib; a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight movement of the switch button towards the switch base will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial contact with the nib as the nib moves with the switch button relative to the vertical axis.
- Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
- the device control switch where: the flexibend sensor is operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU): and when the flexibend sensor is deflected, a signal will be sent to the ECU.
- the device control switch where information based on the signal to the ECU is exhibited on a display.
- the device control switch where the flexibend sensor is a cantilever having one end fixed to the portion of the switch base.
- the device control switch where, when the switch button is tilted to, an actuation position, the device control switch will send an actuation signal to a device, the actuation signal configured to actuate the device.
- the device control switch where the panel assembly is located on a front door trim for a vehicle door, a steering wheel, an overhead trim configured to be installed in a vehicle interior, a center console configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, an instrument panel configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, or a vehicle seat.
- the device control switch where the panel assembly is located on a front door trim for a vehicle door, a steering wheel, an overhead trim configured to be installed in a vehicle interior, a center console configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, an instrument panel configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, or a vehicle seat.
- a vehicle including the device control switch. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method Or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional panel assembly in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a device control, switch system in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments
- FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary aspect of the switch system of FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments
- FIG. 2B depicts another exemplary aspect of the switch system of FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments
- FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative device control switch system in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments:
- FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the vehicle interior of FIG. 4 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments
- FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary aspect of the switch system of FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of a vehicle seat in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the switch system.
- FIG. 1 discloses a conventional panel assembly 10 for a plurality of control switches for operating the power windows 12 and power side mirrors 14 of a vehicle, which can be formed as a part of an armrest panel disposed on the door trim of the driver's side door ( FIG. 4 ).
- control switches 12 of the multifunction panel assembly 10 are used for opening/closing a respective power window.
- the side mirror control switch 14 includes a push button switch portion 14 A (individual switch) disposed at the center and a multi-directional switch portion 14 B arranged at eight (8) peripheral positions, which can cause the power mirror to move in eight (8) corresponding directions (front/rear, left/right and four diagonal directions).
- the multifunction panel assembly 10 can include a switch 16 for retarding one of the power mirrors and, can include a switch 18 for locking/unlocking the power windows.
- Each of the power window control switches 12 is of a push-pull resetting type, which can have two-staged switch functions in each of the push direction and the pull direction.
- the first stage of weak push or pull operation of this switch may open or close the selected power window(s) while the switch is kept in that stage.
- the second stage of strong (full) push or pull operation of the switch was performed, the power window on the driver's seat side is fully opened or closed by the action of the automatic window opening/closing function.
- each of these power window control switches 12 includes a switch base 20 that is intermolded into the rest of panel assembly 10 .
- the switch base 20 provides a foundation to support a switch button 22 and allows the button 22 to snap into a pair of fasteners along the interior of base 20 , via a button axle 26 extending from the exterior of the button 22 .
- the button 22 is ergonomically designed to receive a user's finger at both the top and side of the switch button 22 .
- the user e.g, vehicle occupant
- the switch button 22 will tilt away from its default position in either the forward or backward direction, and respective to a, horizontal axis established by the button axle 26 .
- the switch button 22 includes an internal cavity 28 with a nib 30 joined to a centrally located interior wall of this cavity 28 .
- the nib 30 is a nonconductive protrusion that can be made from the same material as the switch button 22 , when the switch button 22 is manufactured from nonconductive material (e.g., polymer, resin, etc.), and the nib 30 can extend slightly from this centrally located interior wall of the cavity 28 (e.g., one (1) millimeter).
- the switch base 20 includes a receptacle area 34 with a flexibend sensor 32 affixed to the interior side of an outer wall of the receptacle area 34 .
- the flexibend sensor 32 is a vertically oriented cantilever having a leaf spring portion 33 to provide stiff spring force to the rest of the cantilever 32 .
- the cantilever 32 can, also be made of a flexible or semiflexible and conductive material (e.g., some kind of metal).
- the lower end 36 of the cantilever is affixed to the receptacle area 34 wall by means of, for example, a rivet, adhesive, nail, or screw.
- the lower end 36 of the cantilever may also be operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 37 of the vehicle and therefore indirectly connected to a display 38 located in the vehicle's interior (e.g., the Driver Information Screen (DIC) 41 or Heads Up Display (HUD) 43 ).
- ECU electronice control unit
- the upper end 39 of the cantilever 32 is in contact with the nib 30 .
- a point on the cantilever 32 will press against or rub against the nib 30 via stiff spring force provided by the leaf spring 33 (i.e., this point on the cantilever 32 will be in touch contact with the nib 30 ).
- the small movements of the nib 30 with the rest of the witch button 22 will cause at least the upper end 39 of the flexibend sensor 32 to be disturbed into a deflected orientation that causes the sensor's upper end 39 to remain in contact with the nib 30 , via the spring force from leaf spring 33 , and thus the cantilever 32 will remain substantially pressed against the side of the nib 30 ,
- the nib 30 moves counter-clockwise relative to the horizontal axis
- releasing of spring tension will cause the upper end 39 of the cantilever 32 to move in a manner corresponding to that of the nib 30 (and thus remain in contact with the nib 30 during at least a substantial portion of its counter-clockwise movement).
- the flexibend sensor 32 When the flexibend sensor 32 is in a deflected orientation, the sensor 32 will send a signal to the ECU 37 that lets the ECU 37 know which particular switch 12 is being, touched at that moment. Moreover, the ECU 37 will decipher the signal and generate a notification to be exhibited on the DIC 41 and/or HUD 43 ( FIG. 4 ). As follows, the notification can state which control switch 12 of the panel assembly 10 is being touched at that moment or the notification may be a picture of the panel assembly 10 with the specific control switch 12 being distinguished (see FIGS. 5 and 5A ). This will allow the user (e.g., the vehicle operator) to know which button they are pressing without having to look down at the panel assembly 10 and take their eyes off the road.
- the user e.g., the vehicle operator
- a conventional switch 45 can be installed in the receptacle area 34 of the switch base 20 , as is generally known.
- actuation position e.g., 30-45 degrees away from the default position relative to the horizontal axis
- an embodiment of the flexibend sensor 32 can also be incorporated into push button portion of the side mirror control switch 14 .
- the switch button 22 can be mounted to a spring-like switch element 46 that protrudes from the switch base 20 .
- the switch element 46 enables the switch button 22 to be pressed down along a substantially vertical axis (e.g., between 85 to 95 degrees) and thus move towards the switch base 20 .
- the nib 30 is joined to the underside of the switch button 22 .
- the flexibend sensor 32 is affixed to the topside of the switch base 20 (e.g., via adhesive, rivets, nails, screws, etc.) and has a bent over shape such that the sensor can also be joined to the Mb 30 .
- the stiff spring force of the leaf spring 33 will cause the cantilever to push upwardly and against the Mb 30 , while the nib 30 moves in a downward fashion, and thus the cantilever will remain in contact with the nib 30 during at least a substantial portion of this downward movement.
- the flexibend sensor 32 when the flexibend sensor 32 is deflected in such a manner, the sensor will send a signal to the ECU 37 that lets the ECU 37 know which particular switch 12 is being touched at that moment.
- the ECU 37 will decipher the signal and generate a notification to be exhibited on the DIC 41 and/or HUD 43 ( FIG. 5 ).
- the notification can show that the push button portion of the side mirror control switch 14 is being touched at that moment or the notification may be a picture of the panel assembly 10 with the side mirror control switch 14 being illuminated.
- a vehicle interior 48 is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the panel assembly 10 can be installed on the arm rest portion of the front door trim 50 of the driver side door 52 (e.g., the power window control panel). In one or more additional embodiments, however, the panel assembly 10 can also be installed on or next to the steering wheel 54 (e.g., the cruise control and headlamp control panel). The panel assembly 10 can also be installed on the overhead trim 56 of the ceiling of the interior 48 (e.g., the sunroof control panel). The panel assembly 10 can also be installed at the center console 58 (e.g., next to one or two cup holders) of the vehicle interior 48 .
- the panel assembly 10 can also be installed on the instrument panel 60 (i.e., the HVAC and radio control panels of the dash hoard).
- the notification is displayed via the DIC 41 and/or the HUD 43 (which will be off the windshield of the vehicle or can be on a screen next to the windshield), as discussed above.
- the notification can also be a graphical representation of panel assembly 10 ′.
- the graphical representation also highlights by shading/illuminating which switch button 12 ′ is being pressed by the user while they are pressing the button.
- the panel assembly 10 can also be installed on the side of vehicle seat 64 (e.g., the power switches to enable seat movement). It should be understood that any of the switches on the side of vehicle seat 64 can include an embodiment of control switch 12 .
- Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Abstract
Description
- When a vehicle driver wants to open their window and places their hand on a power window switch panel, they may accidentally place their fingers on the wrong window switch and cause the wrong window to open. As a result, the driver could get distracted and reflexively divert their attention towards the door trim in order to locate the appropriate power window switch. However, this potentially dangerous situation could be avoided if the Driver Information Screen (DIC) or Heads Up Display (HUD) had been exhibiting information regarding which switch the driver is touching before they attempted to actuate the power window. To help alleviate unsafe driver distraction, it is therefore desirable to produce a system that can exhibit information about which power window switch the driver is touching so they know which window will be activated and do not have to look at the door trim while driving when they press the wrong one. Moreover, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.
- A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a device control switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base mounted to the panel assembly; a switch button tiltably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to tilt away from a default position relative to a horizontal axis, the switch button including a nib; a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial, contact with the nib as the nib moves with the switch button relative to the horizontal axis. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The device control switch where: the flexibend sensor is operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU); and when the flexibend sensor is deflected, a signal will be sent to the ECU. The device control switch where information based on the signal to the ECU is exhibited on a display. The device control switch where the flexibend sensor is a cantilever having one end fixed to the portion of the switch base. The device control switch, where, when the ch button is tilted to an actuation position, the device control switch will send an actuation signal to a device, the actuation signal configured to actuate the device. The device control switch where the panel assembly is located on a front door trim fora vehicle door, a steering wheel, an overhead trim configured to be installed in a vehicle interior, a center console configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, an instrument panel configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, or a vehicle seat. A vehicle including the device control switch. Implementation of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or Computer software on, computer-accessible medium.
- One general aspect includes a device control switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base molded to the panel assembly; a switch button tiltably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to tilt away from a default position relative to a horizontal axis, the switch button configured to fully tilt along the horizontal axis to an actuation position, the switch button including a nib; a cantilever sensor having an end being affixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force, the flexibend sensor being operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU); where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial contact with the nib as the Crib moves with the switch button relative, to the horizontal axis, and a signal will be sent to the ECU; where information based on the signal to the ECU is exhibited on a display located in a vehicle interior; and where, when the switch button is fully tilted to the actuation position, the device control switch will send an actuation signal to a vehicle device, the actuation signal configured to actuate the vehicle device. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
- One general aspect includes a push button switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base mounted to the panel assembly; a switch button pressably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to move towards the switch base relative to a substantially vertical axis, the switch button including a nib; a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight movement of the switch button towards the switch base will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial contact with the nib as the nib moves with the switch button relative to the vertical axis. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The device control switch where: the flexibend sensor is operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU): and when the flexibend sensor is deflected, a signal will be sent to the ECU. The device control switch where information based on the signal to the ECU is exhibited on a display. The device control switch where the flexibend sensor is a cantilever having one end fixed to the portion of the switch base. The device control switch where, when the switch button is tilted to, an actuation position, the device control switch will send an actuation signal to a device, the actuation signal configured to actuate the device. The device control switch where the panel assembly is located on a front door trim for a vehicle door, a steering wheel, an overhead trim configured to be installed in a vehicle interior, a center console configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, an instrument panel configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, or a vehicle seat. The device control switch where the panel assembly is located on a front door trim for a vehicle door, a steering wheel, an overhead trim configured to be installed in a vehicle interior, a center console configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, an instrument panel configured to be installed in the vehicle interior, or a vehicle seat. A vehicle including the device control switch. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method Or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.
- The disclosed examples will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional panel assembly in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of a device control, switch system in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; -
FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary aspect of the switch system ofFIG. 2 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; -
FIG. 2B depicts another exemplary aspect of the switch system ofFIG. 2 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative device control switch system in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; and -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments: -
FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the vehicle interior ofFIG. 4 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; -
FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary aspect of the switch system ofFIG. 2 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; and -
FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of a vehicle seat in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the switch system. - Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details, of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.
-
FIG. 1 discloses aconventional panel assembly 10 for a plurality of control switches for operating thepower windows 12 andpower side mirrors 14 of a vehicle, which can be formed as a part of an armrest panel disposed on the door trim of the driver's side door (FIG. 4 ). As follows,control switches 12 of themultifunction panel assembly 10 are used for opening/closing a respective power window. The sidemirror control switch 14 includes a pushbutton switch portion 14A (individual switch) disposed at the center and a multi-directional switch portion 14B arranged at eight (8) peripheral positions, which can cause the power mirror to move in eight (8) corresponding directions (front/rear, left/right and four diagonal directions). Moreover, themultifunction panel assembly 10 can include a switch 16 for retarding one of the power mirrors and, can include aswitch 18 for locking/unlocking the power windows. - Each of the power
window control switches 12 is of a push-pull resetting type, which can have two-staged switch functions in each of the push direction and the pull direction. The first stage of weak push or pull operation of this switch may open or close the selected power window(s) while the switch is kept in that stage. When the second stage of strong (full) push or pull operation of the switch was performed, the power window on the driver's seat side is fully opened or closed by the action of the automatic window opening/closing function. As can be seen inFIGS. 2 and 2A , each of these powerwindow control switches 12 includes aswitch base 20 that is intermolded into the rest ofpanel assembly 10. Theswitch base 20 provides a foundation to support aswitch button 22 and allows thebutton 22 to snap into a pair of fasteners along the interior ofbase 20, via abutton axle 26 extending from the exterior of thebutton 22. Moreover, thebutton 22 is ergonomically designed to receive a user's finger at both the top and side of theswitch button 22. As follows, the user (e.g, vehicle occupant) can push-pull theswitch button 22 with their finger and thus theswitch button 22 will tilt away from its default position in either the forward or backward direction, and respective to a, horizontal axis established by thebutton axle 26. - As can be seen, the
switch button 22 includes aninternal cavity 28 with anib 30 joined to a centrally located interior wall of thiscavity 28. Thenib 30 is a nonconductive protrusion that can be made from the same material as theswitch button 22, when theswitch button 22 is manufactured from nonconductive material (e.g., polymer, resin, etc.), and thenib 30 can extend slightly from this centrally located interior wall of the cavity 28 (e.g., one (1) millimeter). Conversely, theswitch base 20 includes areceptacle area 34 with aflexibend sensor 32 affixed to the interior side of an outer wall of thereceptacle area 34. As shown, theflexibend sensor 32 is a vertically oriented cantilever having a leaf spring portion 33 to provide stiff spring force to the rest of thecantilever 32. Thecantilever 32 can, also be made of a flexible or semiflexible and conductive material (e.g., some kind of metal). The lower end 36 of the cantilever is affixed to thereceptacle area 34 wall by means of, for example, a rivet, adhesive, nail, or screw. The lower end 36 of the cantilever may also be operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 37 of the vehicle and therefore indirectly connected to adisplay 38 located in the vehicle's interior (e.g., the Driver Information Screen (DIC) 41 or Heads Up Display (HUD) 43). In addition, theupper end 39 of thecantilever 32 is in contact with thenib 30. As such, a point on thecantilever 32 will press against or rub against thenib 30 via stiff spring force provided by the leaf spring 33 (i.e., this point on thecantilever 32 will be in touch contact with the nib 30). - As can be understood with reference to
FIG. 2B , when theuser 42 places their finger on either the top or side of theswitch button 22, the slight force created by this touching will cause theswitch button 22 to tilt ever so slightly away from its default position 27 (one half of one (1) millimeter). Furthermore, this slight tilting will create a minute deviation of the nib's 30 location in relation to the horizontal axis (thenib 30 will move clockwise or counter-clockwise around the horizontal axis—shown as counter-clockwise inFIG. 2B , as indicated by the arrows) and thus will cause theflexibend sensor 32 to move with thenib 30. In essence, the small movements of thenib 30 with the rest of thewitch button 22 will cause at least theupper end 39 of theflexibend sensor 32 to be disturbed into a deflected orientation that causes the sensor'supper end 39 to remain in contact with thenib 30, via the spring force from leaf spring 33, and thus thecantilever 32 will remain substantially pressed against the side of thenib 30, As follows, when thenib 30 moves counter-clockwise relative to the horizontal axis, releasing of spring tension will cause theupper end 39 of thecantilever 32 to move in a manner corresponding to that of the nib 30 (and thus remain in contact with thenib 30 during at least a substantial portion of its counter-clockwise movement). However, if thenib 30 moves clockwise relative to the horizontal axis, building of spring tension in the leaf spring 33 will cause theupper end 39 ofcantilever 32 to move in a manner corresponding that of the nib 30 (and thus remain pressed against thenib 30 during at least a substantial portion of its clockwise movement). - When the
flexibend sensor 32 is in a deflected orientation, thesensor 32 will send a signal to theECU 37 that lets theECU 37 know whichparticular switch 12 is being, touched at that moment. Moreover, theECU 37 will decipher the signal and generate a notification to be exhibited on the DIC 41 and/or HUD 43 (FIG. 4 ). As follows, the notification can state which control switch 12 of thepanel assembly 10 is being touched at that moment or the notification may be a picture of thepanel assembly 10 with thespecific control switch 12 being distinguished (seeFIGS. 5 and 5A ). This will allow the user (e.g., the vehicle operator) to know which button they are pressing without having to look down at thepanel assembly 10 and take their eyes off the road. - In addition, a conventional switch 45 can be installed in the
receptacle area 34 of theswitch base 20, as is generally known. Thus, after the user knows which control switch 12 they are touching, they can use their finger to fully tilt the switch into an actuation position (e.g., 30-45 degrees away from the default position relative to the horizontal axis) so as to send an actuation signal, to activate the power window 44 (i.e., to allow the window to open or close). - As can be seen in
FIG. 3 , an embodiment of theflexibend sensor 32 can also be incorporated into push button portion of the sidemirror control switch 14. In this embodiment, theswitch button 22 can be mounted to a spring-like switch element 46 that protrudes from theswitch base 20. Moreover, theswitch element 46 enables theswitch button 22 to be pressed down along a substantially vertical axis (e.g., between 85 to 95 degrees) and thus move towards theswitch base 20. Thenib 30 is joined to the underside of theswitch button 22. In addition, theflexibend sensor 32 is affixed to the topside of the switch base 20 (e.g., via adhesive, rivets, nails, screws, etc.) and has a bent over shape such that the sensor can also be joined to theMb 30. - As follows, when the
user 42 places their finger on top of thepush button switch 22, the slight force created by this touching action will cause theswitch button 22 to move ever so slightly away from its default position 47 and downward towards theswitch base 20. Furthermore, this slight pressing force will create a minute deviation of the nib's 30 location in relation to theswitch base 20 and thus will push on theflexibend sensor 32. Therefore, the small movements of thenib 30 will cause, theflexibend sensor 32 to be disturbed into a deflected orientation via the spring force and thus at least a portion of the cantilever will remain pressed against the underside of thenib 30. As such, the stiff spring force of the leaf spring 33 will cause the cantilever to push upwardly and against theMb 30, while thenib 30 moves in a downward fashion, and thus the cantilever will remain in contact with thenib 30 during at least a substantial portion of this downward movement. In addition, when theflexibend sensor 32 is deflected in such a manner, the sensor will send a signal to theECU 37 that lets theECU 37 know whichparticular switch 12 is being touched at that moment. Moreover, theECU 37 will decipher the signal and generate a notification to be exhibited on the DIC 41 and/or HUD 43 (FIG. 5 ). As follows, the notification can show that the push button portion of the sidemirror control switch 14 is being touched at that moment or the notification may be a picture of thepanel assembly 10 with the sidemirror control switch 14 being illuminated. - A
vehicle interior 48 is shown inFIG. 4 . As shown, in one or more embodiments, thepanel assembly 10 can be installed on the arm rest portion of the front door trim 50 of the driver side door 52 (e.g., the power window control panel). In one or more additional embodiments, however, thepanel assembly 10 can also be installed on or next to the steering wheel 54 (e.g., the cruise control and headlamp control panel). Thepanel assembly 10 can also be installed on the overhead trim 56 of the ceiling of the interior 48 (e.g., the sunroof control panel). Thepanel assembly 10 can also be installed at the center console 58 (e.g., next to one or two cup holders) of thevehicle interior 48. Thepanel assembly 10 can also be installed on the instrument panel 60 (i.e., the HVAC and radio control panels of the dash hoard). As can also be, seen in this figure, the notification is displayed via the DIC 41 and/or the HUD 43 (which will be off the windshield of the vehicle or can be on a screen next to the windshield), as discussed above. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 5A , the notification can also be a graphical representation ofpanel assembly 10′. As can be seen, the graphical representation also highlights by shading/illuminating which switchbutton 12′ is being pressed by the user while they are pressing the button. As shown inFIG. 6 , thepanel assembly 10 can also be installed on the side of vehicle seat 64 (e.g., the power switches to enable seat movement). It should be understood that any of the switches on the side of vehicle seat 64 can include an embodiment ofcontrol switch 12. - While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- None of the elements recited in the claims are intended to be a means-plus-function element within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless an element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for,” or in the case of a method claim using the phrases “operation for” or “step for” in the claim.
Claims (22)
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US16/371,280 US10790100B1 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2019-04-01 | Panel assembly switch having a sensing element |
DE102020105645.1A DE102020105645A1 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2020-03-03 | SWITCH PANEL ASSEMBLY SWITCH WITH A SENSOR ELEMENT |
CN202010231178.2A CN111799109B (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2020-03-27 | Panel assembly switch with sensing element |
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US16/371,280 US10790100B1 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2019-04-01 | Panel assembly switch having a sensing element |
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US10790100B1 US10790100B1 (en) | 2020-09-29 |
US20200312582A1 true US20200312582A1 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
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US16/371,280 Active US10790100B1 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2019-04-01 | Panel assembly switch having a sensing element |
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USD916196S1 (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2021-04-13 | Jiarui Zhu | Button |
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JP2021064522A (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2021-04-22 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Operating device |
DE102020109800A1 (en) | 2020-04-08 | 2021-10-14 | Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh | Actuating device for a vehicle and method for actuating an actuating device |
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US10790100B1 (en) | 2020-09-29 |
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