WO2014091272A1 - A controller for controlling a function of a device of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

A controller for controlling a function of a device of a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014091272A1
WO2014091272A1 PCT/IB2012/003030 IB2012003030W WO2014091272A1 WO 2014091272 A1 WO2014091272 A1 WO 2014091272A1 IB 2012003030 W IB2012003030 W IB 2012003030W WO 2014091272 A1 WO2014091272 A1 WO 2014091272A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
touch sensitive
control member
sensitive surface
controller
function
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2012/003030
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Remi BARRELLON
Andre COMIOTTO
Ryme SEBKY
Original Assignee
Renault Trucks
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 Renault Trucks filed Critical Renault Trucks
Priority to PCT/IB2012/003030 priority Critical patent/WO2014091272A1/en
Publication of WO2014091272A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014091272A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • 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—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
    • B60Q1/1446—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means controlled by mechanically actuated switches
    • B60Q1/1453—Hand actuated switches
    • B60Q1/1461—Multifunction switches for dimming headlights and controlling additional devices, e.g. for controlling direction indicating lights
    • B60Q1/1469—Multifunction switches for dimming headlights and controlling additional devices, e.g. for controlling direction indicating lights controlled by or attached to a single lever, e.g. steering column stalk switches
    • B60Q1/1476—Multifunction switches for dimming headlights and controlling additional devices, e.g. for controlling direction indicating lights controlled by or attached to a single lever, e.g. steering column stalk switches comprising switch controlling means located near the free end of the lever, e.g. press buttons, rotatable rings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/96—Touch switches
    • H03K17/962—Capacitive touch switches
    • H03K17/9622—Capacitive touch switches using a plurality of detectors, e.g. keyboard
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/126—Rotatable input devices for instruments
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/141—Activation of instrument input devices by approaching fingers or pens
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/143—Touch sensitive instrument input devices
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/143—Touch sensitive instrument input devices
    • B60K2360/1446—Touch switches
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/145—Instrument input by combination of touch screen and hardware input devices
    • 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
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/77—Instrument locations other than the dashboard
    • B60K2360/782—Instrument locations other than the dashboard on the steering wheel
    • 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
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/006—Containing a capacitive switch or usable as such
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
    • H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
    • H03K2217/96—Touch switches
    • H03K2217/96054—Double function: touch detection combined with detection of a movable element

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a controller for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle.
  • the invention relates to a control member intended to equip a dashboard of a motor vehicle, for instance a truck or a car.
  • the devices intended to be controlled by such a control member are for instance a windshield wiper, lights, an air conditioning device, audio equipment, or a gearbox, etc.
  • control member is a stalk arranged below the steering wheel of the motor vehicle.
  • a control member generally comprises input elements, such as push buttons, rotating buttons, sliders, rotary ring, etc. These input elements allow controlling respective functions of said at least one device.
  • the input elements are able to mechanically move relative to a body of the control member, so that a mechanical motion of an input element triggers a specific function.
  • One of the objects of the invention is to overcome this disadvantage by proposing a control member with an improved service life.
  • control member for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a body and a convex touch sensitive surface, curved along a guide curve, and at least partially surrounding the body of this control member.
  • This touch sensitive surface is intended to replace a mechanical input element.
  • the touch sensitive surface has a cylindrical shape around an axis, and is intended to replace a rotary ring.
  • the touch sensitive surface can be activated by turning fingers around said axis, in the same manner as to activate a rotary ring.
  • the control member of the invention does not change the habits of the driver.
  • a control member according to the invention can comprise one or several of the following features, alone or in combination:
  • the body of the control member has at least a part of a general revolution shape around an axis, the touch sensitive surface surrounding at least partially this part, the part of a general revolution shape being for instance cylindrical or tapered.
  • the part is tapered, with an angle less than 15°, preferably inferior or equal to 5°.
  • the control member forms a stalk for a dashboard of the motor vehicle, extending along an axis.
  • the invention is particularly adapted for a stalk.
  • the touch sensitive surface is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces, independent from each other, and arranged together so as to at least partially surrounding the body of the control member.
  • the touch sensitive surface is formed by a continuous strip, covering the body of the control member.
  • the touch sensitive surface or the part of body surrounded by the touch sensitive surface comprises tactile references provided along the guide curve.
  • the elementary touch sensitive surfaces are regularly arranged around said part and are separated by tactile references.
  • the touch sensitive surface is a capacitive touch sensitive surface.
  • the guide curve has a radius of curvature included between 10 and 40 millimetres and preferably between 12,5 and 25 mm.
  • the invention also relates to a controller for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:
  • an encoder connected to the touch sensitive surface and intended to be connected to the at least one device, said encoder being able to convert a finger motion along the guide curve in contact with the touch sensitive surface, into a first digital instruction for controlling a first function of one of the at least one device.
  • a controller according to the invention can comprise one or several of the following features, alone or in combination:
  • the encoder is able to convert a finger pressure or a finger motion along another direction than the guide curve, in contact with the touch sensitive surface, into a second digital instruction for controlling a second function of one of the at least one device.
  • the touch sensitive surface can be associated with several functions.
  • the encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when the finger motion along the touch sensitive surface exceeds a predetermined amplitude.
  • the encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when at least two contacts with fingers are detected on the touch sensitive surface, in particular when the two contacts are separated by an angle greater than 45° around a central axis of the body.
  • the invention also relates to a dashboard for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a controller as previously disclosed, and in that it comprises a support member for the control member, the control member protruding axially from this support member.
  • control member is fastened on the support member.
  • control member is movable in at least one direction in regard of the support member.
  • Figure 1 is a view from above of a dashboard having a controller with a control member according to an example of embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a detail of the control member of figure 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a control member according to a different embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a control member according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • a dashboard 10 for a motor vehicle having a controller 12 with a control member 14 according to an example of embodiment of the invention.
  • the dashboard comprises a support member 16, intended to support several equipments.
  • the support member 16 supports a known steering wheel 18.
  • control member 14 is a stalk, supported by the support member 16 and arranged below the steering wheel 18.
  • This stalk 14 extends along an axis X, and it protrudes axially from the support member 16.
  • Such a stalk is usually intended to control several functions of several devices of the motor vehicle. For instance, it can control a windshield wiper, lights, an air conditioning device, a gearbox, and/or audio equipment.
  • the stalk 14 is fastened on the support member 16.
  • the stalk 14 is motionless in regard to the support member 16, so that no mechanical wear is implied between the stalk 14 and the support member 16.
  • the stalk 14 is movable in at least one direction in regard to the support member 16, for instance an axial direction along the axis X, or an angular direction around an axis perpendicular to the axis X.
  • the triggering of a function can be associated with a motion of the stalk 14 in this at least one direction.
  • This variant is preferred when a mechanical motion is expressly wanted for a specific function, such as a city horn feature.
  • the stalk 14 has a body 15, and a convex touch sensitive surface 22, curved along a guide curve 24, surrounding the body 15. More particularly, the body 15 comprises at least a part 20 surrounded with the touch sensitive surface 22.
  • the touch sensitive surface 22 only partially surrounds the part 20.
  • the guide curve 24 has a radius of curvature included between 10 and 40 millimetres and more preferably between 12,5 and 25 millimetres. Such a radius of curvature is particularly ergonomic and well adapted to a stalk.
  • the part 20 has a general revolution shape around the axis X.
  • this part 20 is cyiindricaily shaped.
  • the part 20 can be tapered, preferably with an angle a less than 15° preferably inferior or equal to 5°. Thanks to these features, the user can still press the touch sensitive surface 22 surrounding the part 20 through his fingers and therefore he keeps the feeling of activating a rotary ring.
  • the part 20 has a non circular transverse section, for instance it has an oval transverse section.
  • the touch sensitive surface 22 forms a ring, or a partial ring, that surrounds the part 20.
  • the body 15 may comprise a second part 21 surrounded with a second touch sensitive surface 23. More particularly, the stalk 14 can comprise as touch sensitive surface as necessary. In this case, each touch sensitive surface is associated with at least one specific function.
  • each touch sensitive surface 22, 23 is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces 22A, 23A, independent from each other, and gathered together so as to at least partially surround the stalk 14.
  • each touch sensitive surface 22, 23 is formed by a continuous strip, covering the corresponding part 20, 21.
  • the touch sensitive surface 22, 23 can be separated into virtual elementary touch sensitive surfaces 22A, 23A forming together a matrix.
  • a motion of a finger in contact with the touch sensitive surface can be detected, particularly when the finger moves from an elementary touch sensitive surface 22A, 23A to another 22A, 23A.
  • Methods for detecting a finger motion on each elementary touch sensitive surface are well known.
  • At least one of the touch sensitive surfaces 22, 23 is a capacitive touch sensitive surface.
  • a capacitive touch sensitive surface detects a contact with a finger by measuring a change in capacitance.
  • At least one touch sensitive surface 22 or the corresponding part 20 of the control member 14 may comprise tactile references 26, provided along the guide curve 24.
  • the tactile references 26 extend from the part 20 of the control member that is surrounded by the touch sensitive surface 22. Such tactile references 26 allow the driver to measure the amplitude of his finger motion, in particular when this amplitude has an effect on the controlled function.
  • the touch sensitive surface 22 is formed by a continuous strip and the part 20 of the control member 14 that is surrounded by the touch sensitive surface 22 is tapered with an angle a of approximately 5°.
  • the touch sensitive surface 22 is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces 25.
  • the elementary touch sensitive surfaces 25 are formed by several strips that extend substantially along the axis X and that are regularly arranged around the part 20.
  • the elementary touch sensitive surfaces 25 are also regularly punctuated by tactile references 26. Thanks to that and, for instance, at the end of a user's finger motion around the touch sensitive surface 22, each user's finger can be intuitively stopped on the center of an elementary touch sensitive surface 25.
  • the controller 12 comprises an encoder (not shown), connected to this touch sensitive surface 22, 23 and intended to be connected to at least one device controlled from this touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
  • the encoder is able to convert a finger motion along the guide curve 24 in contact with said this touch sensitive surface 22, 23, into a first digital instruction for controlling a first function of one of the at least one device.
  • a finger motion along the guide curve 24, extending on a first amplitude triggers the windscreen wiper so that they wipe the windscreen with a first speed.
  • a finger motion along the guide curve 24, extending on a second amplitude triggers the windscreen wiper so that they wipe the windscreen with a second speed.
  • a finger motion along the guide curve 24, extending on the first amplitude triggers an increment in a function, for instance so that the windscreen wiper passes from a rest state to a first speed wiping state, or from the first speed wiping state to a second speed wiping state.
  • the encoder emits a digital instruction only when the finger motion runs along a least a predetermined length.
  • the corresponding function is not accidentally triggered in case of an unintentional touch of the touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
  • the encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when at least two contacts with fingers are detected on the touch sensitive surface 22, 23, in particular when the two contacts are separated by an angle greater than 45° around the axis X.
  • the driver needs two fingers to control a function.
  • the corresponding function is not accidentally triggered in case of an unintentional touch of the touch sensitive surface 22, 23 with only one finger or with the hand or the arm of the driver.
  • the encoder is able to convert a motion of at least one finger, along a direction different from the direction of the guide curve, or a finger pressure, in contact with the touch sensitive surface 22, 23, into a second digital instruction for controlling a second function of one of the at least one device.
  • the encoder can be configured so as to trigger a windshield washer system when a motion of at least one finger is detected in a direction parallel to the axis X in contact with the touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
  • the encoder can be configured so as to control the turn left/right signal when an adapted touch sensitive surface is briefly touched on its outer top or bottom.
  • Different controlled function can also be associated with different opposite directions of a finger motion on the touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
  • a finger motion anticlockwise along the guide curve can trigger the windscreen wipe, or increment the speed of the windscreen wipe
  • a finger motion clockwise along the guide curve can deactivate the windscreen wipe, or decrement the speed of the windscreen wipe.
  • control member can be formed by a motionless control wheel arranged on the dashboard of a vehicle to control functions of the vehicle and having a part of its shape that is a cylinder or a tapered shape that protrudes from a support member.
  • This motionless control wheel being surrounded with a convex touch sensitive surface, curved along a guide curve.
  • control member can be formed by a retarder stalk of a truck, having an outer convex touch sensitive surface, curved along a guide curve, coating a convex part of a body of this retarder stalk.
  • the invention clearly allows avoiding mechanical motions between parts of a control member, thus it allows avoiding mechanical wears.
  • a touch sensitive surface 22, 23 can be used to control several functions, each function being associated with a specific motion, the invention allows to control several functions from a restricted area.
  • the invention is particularly appropriated for a control member formed by a stalk.
  • a stalk according to the invention can control several functions from solely one or two touch sensitive surfaces, which are not bulky.
  • a stalk from prior art usually comprises several input elements for controlling several functions, so such a stalk is relatively complex.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Control member (14) for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle which comprises a body (15) and a convex touch sensitive surface (22, 23), curved along a guide curve (24), and at least partially surrounding the body (15).

Description

A controller for controlling a function of a device of a motor vehicle Field of the invention
The invention relates to a controller for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a control member intended to equip a dashboard of a motor vehicle, for instance a truck or a car.
Background of the invention
The devices intended to be controlled by such a control member are for instance a windshield wiper, lights, an air conditioning device, audio equipment, or a gearbox, etc.
For instance, the control member is a stalk arranged below the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. Such a control member generally comprises input elements, such as push buttons, rotating buttons, sliders, rotary ring, etc. These input elements allow controlling respective functions of said at least one device.
To this end, the input elements are able to mechanically move relative to a body of the control member, so that a mechanical motion of an input element triggers a specific function.
Mechanical motions in the control member imply unwanted mechanical wears, thus reduce the service life of this control member.
Summary
One of the objects of the invention is to overcome this disadvantage by proposing a control member with an improved service life.
To this end, the invention relates to a control member for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a body and a convex touch sensitive surface, curved along a guide curve, and at least partially surrounding the body of this control member.
This touch sensitive surface is intended to replace a mechanical input element. For instance, the touch sensitive surface has a cylindrical shape around an axis, and is intended to replace a rotary ring. In this case, the touch sensitive surface can be activated by turning fingers around said axis, in the same manner as to activate a rotary ring. Thus, the control member of the invention does not change the habits of the driver.
Besides, the touch sensitive surface is motionless in regard to the control member, so that it does not imply any mechanical wear. As a consequence, the service life of such a control member is improved. A control member according to the invention can comprise one or several of the following features, alone or in combination:
- The body of the control member has at least a part of a general revolution shape around an axis, the touch sensitive surface surrounding at least partially this part, the part of a general revolution shape being for instance cylindrical or tapered.
- The part is tapered, with an angle less than 15°, preferably inferior or equal to 5°.
- The control member forms a stalk for a dashboard of the motor vehicle, extending along an axis. Indeed, the invention is particularly adapted for a stalk.
- The touch sensitive surface is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces, independent from each other, and arranged together so as to at least partially surrounding the body of the control member.
- The touch sensitive surface is formed by a continuous strip, covering the body of the control member.
- The touch sensitive surface or the part of body surrounded by the touch sensitive surface comprises tactile references provided along the guide curve.
- The elementary touch sensitive surfaces are regularly arranged around said part and are separated by tactile references.
- The touch sensitive surface is a capacitive touch sensitive surface.
- The guide curve has a radius of curvature included between 10 and 40 millimetres and preferably between 12,5 and 25 mm.
The invention also relates to a controller for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:
- a control member as previously disclosed, and
- an encoder, connected to the touch sensitive surface and intended to be connected to the at least one device, said encoder being able to convert a finger motion along the guide curve in contact with the touch sensitive surface, into a first digital instruction for controlling a first function of one of the at least one device.
A controller according to the invention can comprise one or several of the following features, alone or in combination:
- The encoder is able to convert a finger pressure or a finger motion along another direction than the guide curve, in contact with the touch sensitive surface, into a second digital instruction for controlling a second function of one of the at least one device. Thus, the touch sensitive surface can be associated with several functions.
- The encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when the finger motion along the touch sensitive surface exceeds a predetermined amplitude. - The encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when at least two contacts with fingers are detected on the touch sensitive surface, in particular when the two contacts are separated by an angle greater than 45° around a central axis of the body.
The invention also relates to a dashboard for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a controller as previously disclosed, and in that it comprises a support member for the control member, the control member protruding axially from this support member.
In a possible embodiment, the control member is fastened on the support member.
In another possible embodiment, the control member is movable in at least one direction in regard of the support member.
These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description in view of the drawing attached hereto representing, as non-limiting examples, embodiments of a vehicle according to the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
The following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, it being however understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.
Figure 1 is a view from above of a dashboard having a controller with a control member according to an example of embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a detail of the control member of figure 1.
Figure 3 is a detailed view of a control member according to a different embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a detailed view of a control member according to a further embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
With reference to Figure 1 , we describe a dashboard 10 for a motor vehicle, having a controller 12 with a control member 14 according to an example of embodiment of the invention.
The dashboard comprises a support member 16, intended to support several equipments. In particular, the support member 16 supports a known steering wheel 18.
According to this example, the control member 14 is a stalk, supported by the support member 16 and arranged below the steering wheel 18. This stalk 14 extends along an axis X, and it protrudes axially from the support member 16. Such a stalk is usually intended to control several functions of several devices of the motor vehicle. For instance, it can control a windshield wiper, lights, an air conditioning device, a gearbox, and/or audio equipment.
In a variant, the stalk 14 is fastened on the support member 16. Thus, the stalk 14 is motionless in regard to the support member 16, so that no mechanical wear is implied between the stalk 14 and the support member 16.
In another variant, the stalk 14 is movable in at least one direction in regard to the support member 16, for instance an axial direction along the axis X, or an angular direction around an axis perpendicular to the axis X. Thus, the triggering of a function can be associated with a motion of the stalk 14 in this at least one direction. This variant is preferred when a mechanical motion is expressly wanted for a specific function, such as a city horn feature.
In the disclosed embodiment, the stalk 14 has a body 15, and a convex touch sensitive surface 22, curved along a guide curve 24, surrounding the body 15. More particularly, the body 15 comprises at least a part 20 surrounded with the touch sensitive surface 22.
In a variant, the touch sensitive surface 22 only partially surrounds the part 20.
Preferably, the guide curve 24 has a radius of curvature included between 10 and 40 millimetres and more preferably between 12,5 and 25 millimetres. Such a radius of curvature is particularly ergonomic and well adapted to a stalk.
Usually, the part 20 has a general revolution shape around the axis X. For instance, this part 20 is cyiindricaily shaped. In a variant such as depicted in figures 3 and 4, the part 20 can be tapered, preferably with an angle a less than 15° preferably inferior or equal to 5°. Thanks to these features, the user can still press the touch sensitive surface 22 surrounding the part 20 through his fingers and therefore he keeps the feeling of activating a rotary ring.
In another variant, the part 20 has a non circular transverse section, for instance it has an oval transverse section. In each case, the touch sensitive surface 22 forms a ring, or a partial ring, that surrounds the part 20.
The body 15 may comprise a second part 21 surrounded with a second touch sensitive surface 23. More particularly, the stalk 14 can comprise as touch sensitive surface as necessary. In this case, each touch sensitive surface is associated with at least one specific function.
According to the example shown on figure 2, each touch sensitive surface 22, 23 is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces 22A, 23A, independent from each other, and gathered together so as to at least partially surround the stalk 14.
In a variant, each touch sensitive surface 22, 23 is formed by a continuous strip, covering the corresponding part 20, 21. In this case, the touch sensitive surface 22, 23 can be separated into virtual elementary touch sensitive surfaces 22A, 23A forming together a matrix.
In both cases; a motion of a finger in contact with the touch sensitive surface can be detected, particularly when the finger moves from an elementary touch sensitive surface 22A, 23A to another 22A, 23A. Methods for detecting a finger motion on each elementary touch sensitive surface are well known.
Thanks to this matrix, a finger motion is detected in a direction when a contact is detected on a first elementary touch sensitive surface and then on the next elementary touch sensitive surface in said direction.
Preferably, at least one of the touch sensitive surfaces 22, 23 is a capacitive touch sensitive surface. Such a capacitive touch sensitive surface detects a contact with a finger by measuring a change in capacitance.
In preferred embodiments of the inventions such as, for instance, illustrated on figures 3 and 4, at least one touch sensitive surface 22 or the corresponding part 20 of the control member 14 may comprise tactile references 26, provided along the guide curve 24. In the embodiments of figures 3 and 4, the tactile references 26 extend from the part 20 of the control member that is surrounded by the touch sensitive surface 22. Such tactile references 26 allow the driver to measure the amplitude of his finger motion, in particular when this amplitude has an effect on the controlled function.
It is noticed that in the control member 14 partially represented in figure 3, the touch sensitive surface 22 is formed by a continuous strip and the part 20 of the control member 14 that is surrounded by the touch sensitive surface 22 is tapered with an angle a of approximately 5°.
In figure 4 partially representing another control member 14 according to the invention, the touch sensitive surface 22 is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces 25. To be precise, the elementary touch sensitive surfaces 25 are formed by several strips that extend substantially along the axis X and that are regularly arranged around the part 20. The elementary touch sensitive surfaces 25 are also regularly punctuated by tactile references 26. Thanks to that and, for instance, at the end of a user's finger motion around the touch sensitive surface 22, each user's finger can be intuitively stopped on the center of an elementary touch sensitive surface 25. Consequently, for each elementary touch sensitive surface 25, it is possible to assign a detectable angular position of the touch sensitive surface 22 so that the accuracy of the control member for detecting the amplitude of user's finger motions or for detecting the actual angular position of user's fingers around the touch sensitive surface 22 is greatly increased.
In order to interpret a finger motion in contact with one of the touch sensitive surfaces 22, 23, the controller 12 comprises an encoder (not shown), connected to this touch sensitive surface 22, 23 and intended to be connected to at least one device controlled from this touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
Indeed, the encoder is able to convert a finger motion along the guide curve 24 in contact with said this touch sensitive surface 22, 23, into a first digital instruction for controlling a first function of one of the at least one device.
For instance, a finger motion along the guide curve 24, extending on a first amplitude, triggers the windscreen wiper so that they wipe the windscreen with a first speed. Besides, a finger motion along the guide curve 24, extending on a second amplitude, triggers the windscreen wiper so that they wipe the windscreen with a second speed.
In a variant, a finger motion along the guide curve 24, extending on the first amplitude, triggers an increment in a function, for instance so that the windscreen wiper passes from a rest state to a first speed wiping state, or from the first speed wiping state to a second speed wiping state.
It should be noticed that the tactile references previously disclosed allow the driver to know the amplitude of his finger motion.
In another variant, or in combination with the preceding disclosure, the encoder emits a digital instruction only when the finger motion runs along a least a predetermined length. Thus, the corresponding function is not accidentally triggered in case of an unintentional touch of the touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
In another variant, or in combination with the preceding disclosure, the encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when at least two contacts with fingers are detected on the touch sensitive surface 22, 23, in particular when the two contacts are separated by an angle greater than 45° around the axis X. According to this variant, the driver needs two fingers to control a function. Thus, the corresponding function is not accidentally triggered in case of an unintentional touch of the touch sensitive surface 22, 23 with only one finger or with the hand or the arm of the driver.
It should be noticed that several functions can be associated with a same touch sensitive surface 22, 23. Thus, in a favourite variant, the encoder is able to convert a motion of at least one finger, along a direction different from the direction of the guide curve, or a finger pressure, in contact with the touch sensitive surface 22, 23, into a second digital instruction for controlling a second function of one of the at least one device.
For instance, the encoder can be configured so as to trigger a windshield washer system when a motion of at least one finger is detected in a direction parallel to the axis X in contact with the touch sensitive surface 22, 23.
In another example, the encoder can be configured so as to control the turn left/right signal when an adapted touch sensitive surface is briefly touched on its outer top or bottom.
Different controlled function can also be associated with different opposite directions of a finger motion on the touch sensitive surface 22, 23. For instance, a finger motion anticlockwise along the guide curve can trigger the windscreen wipe, or increment the speed of the windscreen wipe, and a finger motion clockwise along the guide curve can deactivate the windscreen wipe, or decrement the speed of the windscreen wipe.
It should be noticed that the invention is not limited to the previously disclosed embodiment, but it can comprise several variants.
In particular, the control member can be formed by a motionless control wheel arranged on the dashboard of a vehicle to control functions of the vehicle and having a part of its shape that is a cylinder or a tapered shape that protrudes from a support member. This motionless control wheel being surrounded with a convex touch sensitive surface, curved along a guide curve.
In another variant, the control member can be formed by a retarder stalk of a truck, having an outer convex touch sensitive surface, curved along a guide curve, coating a convex part of a body of this retarder stalk. Thus, instead of applying an angular motion on the retarder, to activate a retarder feature as known in prior art, the driver slides his hand palm on the outer convex touch sensitive surface in the same way to activate same features.
Besides, it should be noticed that the invention clearly allows avoiding mechanical motions between parts of a control member, thus it allows avoiding mechanical wears.
Moreover, since a touch sensitive surface 22, 23 can be used to control several functions, each function being associated with a specific motion, the invention allows to control several functions from a restricted area. Thus, the invention is particularly appropriated for a control member formed by a stalk. Indeed, a stalk according to the invention can control several functions from solely one or two touch sensitive surfaces, which are not bulky. On contrary, a stalk from prior art usually comprises several input elements for controlling several functions, so such a stalk is relatively complex.

Claims

1. A control member (14) for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a body (15) and a convex touch sensitive surface (22, 23), curved along a guide curve (24), and at least partially surrounding the body (15).
2. The control member (14) according to claim 1 , wherein the body (15) has at least a part (20, 21) of a general revolution shape around an axis (X), the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) surrounding at least partially this part (20, 21), this part (20, 21) of a general revolution shape being for instance cylindrical or tapered.
3. The control member (14) according to claim 2, wherein said part (20, 21) is tapered, with an angle (a) less than 15°, preferably inferior or equal to 5°.
4. The control member (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, forming a stalk for a dashboard (10) of the motor vehicle, extending along an axis (X).
5. The control member (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) is formed by an assembly of a plurality of elementary touch sensitive surfaces (22A, 23A, 25), independent from each other, and arranged together so as to at least partially surrounding the body (15) of the control member (14).
6. The control member (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) is formed by a continuous strip, covering the body (15) of the control member (14).
7. The control member (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) or the part (20, 21) of the body (15) surrounded by the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) comprises tactile references (26), provided along the guide curve (24).
8. The control member (14) according to claims 2, 5 and 7, wherein the elementary touch sensitive surfaces (25) are regularly arranged around said part (20) and are separated by said tactile references (26).
9. The control member (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) is a capacitive touch sensitive surface.
10. The control member (14) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide curve (24) has a radius of curvature included between 10 and 40 millimetres and preferably between 12,5 and 25 millimetres.
11. A controller (12) for controlling at least one function of at least one device of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - a control member (14) according to any one of preceding claims, and
- an encoder, connected to the touch sensitive surface (22, 23) and intended to be connected to the at least one device, said encoder being able to convert a finger motion along the guide curve (24) in contact with the touch sensitive surface (22, 232), into a first digital instruction for controlling a first function of one of said at least one device.
12. The controller (12) according to claim 11 , wherein the encoder is able to convert a finger motion, along another direction than the guide curve (24), or a finger pressure, in contact with the touch sensitive surface (22, 23), into a second digital instruction for controlling a second function of one of the at least one device.
13. The controller (12) according to claim 1 or 12, wherein the encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when the finger motion along the touch sensitive surface exceeds a predetermined amplitude.
14. The controller (12) according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the encoder is designed to emit a digital instruction only when at least two contacts with fingers are detected on the touch sensitive surface (22, 23), in particular when the two contacts are separated by an angle greater than 45° around a central axis (X) of the body (15).
15. A dashboard (10) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a controller (12) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, and in that it comprises a support member (16) for the control member (14), the control member (14) protruding axially from this support member (16).
16. A dashboard (10) according to claim 15, wherein the control member (14) is fastened on the support member (16).
17. A dashboard according to claim 15, wherein the control member (14) is movable in at least one direction in regard of the support member (16).
PCT/IB2012/003030 2012-12-12 2012-12-12 A controller for controlling a function of a device of a motor vehicle WO2014091272A1 (en)

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DE102017200992A1 (en) 2017-01-23 2018-07-26 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Rotary trigger and method for controlling an infotainment system by means of a Drehdrückstellers

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DE102009010799A1 (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-09 Behr-Hella Thermocontrol Gmbh Device for operating vehicle component, particularly vehicle heating and air conditioning system, has rotary knob, which rotates around rotational axis and is so gripped with fingers and thumb of one hand that fingers touch contact surface
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JP2016168958A (en) * 2015-03-13 2016-09-23 矢崎総業株式会社 Operation system for vehicle
FR3051154A1 (en) * 2016-05-13 2017-11-17 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa TACTILE COMBINER DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC RECONFIGURATION FOR VEHICLE
DE102017200992A1 (en) 2017-01-23 2018-07-26 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Rotary trigger and method for controlling an infotainment system by means of a Drehdrückstellers

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