Control Element And Vehicle With Content Element
20230159100 · 2023-05-25
Inventors
- Bernhard Stanje (Graz, AU)
- Andreas Pentscher-Stanl (Leibnitz, AU)
- Johannes Burger (Deutschlandsberg, AU)
Cpc classification
B62D15/0205
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60W2300/36
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60W50/16
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60K35/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D1/046
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D1/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B62D15/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A control element (100), for example for a vehicle (1000), is specified which has at least one tubular section (2) with a cavity (4) at least partially surrounded by a wall (3), and a piezoelectric component (1) which is arranged in the cavity and which is provided and embodied to generate a haptic signal at at least one partial region of the control element and/or to detect the action of pressure on at least one part of the piezoelectric component.
Furthermore, a vehicle (1000) with the control element (100) is specified.
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A control element, comprising: at least one tubular section with a cavity at least partially surrounded by a wall; and a piezoelectric component arranged in the cavity, the piezoelectric component is provided to generate a haptic signal at at least a partial region of the control element and/or to detect the action of pressure on at least a part of the piezoelectric component.
17. The control element according to claim 16, wherein the control element comprises a steering rod or a steering wheel for a vehicle comprising the tubular section.
18. The control element according to claim 16, wherein the control element comprises at least one interaction element by which a user can cause an action on the piezoelectric component and/or on which the piezoelectric component can generate the haptic signal.
19. The control element according to claim 18, wherein the interaction element is arranged at least partially in an opening in the wall.
20. The control element according to claim 18, wherein the wall has an interaction region which forms the interaction element or on which the interaction element is arranged, and the wall has a greater mechanical deformability in the interaction region than in other regions.
21. The control element according to claim 18, wherein the piezoelectric component is arranged between the interaction element and a back side region of the wall opposite the interaction element as viewed from the piezoelectric component, and a support element is arranged in the cavity between the piezoelectric component and the back side region of the wall.
22. The control element according to claim 18, wherein at least one interaction element includes two interaction elements, the piezoelectric component is arranged between the two interaction elements.
23. The control element according to claim 16, wherein at least the tubular section of the control element comprises a metal.
24. The control element according to claim 16, wherein the control element comprises a handle element which surrounds the tubular section with the piezoelectric component and which comprises a plastic which is softer than the wall of the tubular section.
25. The control element according to claim 16, wherein the piezoelectric component comprises a piezoelectric actuator having a longitudinal direction and at least one mechanical amplification element attached to the piezoelectric actuator such that a change in length of the piezoelectric actuator along its longitudinal direction moves a portion of the mechanical amplification element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
26. The control element according to claim 16, wherein the piezoelectric component is arranged in the tubular section such that the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator runs along a tube axis of the tubular section.
27. The control element according to claim 16, wherein the piezoelectric component is arranged in the tubular section such that the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator is transverse to a tube axis of the tubular section.
28. The control element according to claim 16, further including at least a second piezoelectric component that is arranged in the tubular section.
29. A vehicle comprising a control element according to claim 16.
30. The vehicle of claim 29, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and further developments are revealed by the embodiments described below in connection with the figures, in which.
[0039]
[0040]
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[0053] In the embodiments and figures, identical, similar or identically acting elements are provided in each case with the same reference numerals. The elements illustrated and their size ratios to one another should not be regarded as being to scale, but rather individual elements, such as for example layers, components, devices and regions, may have been made exaggeratedly large to illustrate them better and/or to aid comprehension.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054]
[0055] In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 1000 is a motorcycle. In particular, as shown, it may be a conventionally or electrically powered motorcycle such as a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be, for example, a trike, a quad bike, or a bicycle. These types of vehicles typically include a steering rod 101, also referred to as a steering handlebar, as a steering element for steering the vehicle. In the embodiment shown, purely by way of example, the steering element is formed as a control element 100. The steering rod 101 has handle regions 111 which are embraced or at least touched by the hands of a user, i.e. a vehicle driver, during normal use for driving.
[0056] As shown in
[0057] The steering rod 101 may preferably be formed as a tube at least in the region of the tubular section 2, and particularly preferably substantially completely as a tube. In this context, the steering rod may be straight or, as indicated in
[0058] In the embodiment shown, the control element 100 has a handle element 5 in each of the handle regions 111, which surrounds the tubular section 2 with the piezoelectric component 1 and which preferably has a plastic that is softer than the wall 3 of the tubular section 2. For example, at least the tubular section 2 of the control element 100 may comprise a metal. In particular, the steering rod 101 may comprise a metal. The handle element 5 may comprise or be made of a plastic, for example a rubber, and/or a metal and may be a conventional handle element for a motorcycle or bicycle mounted directly on the steering rod 101.
[0059]
[0060] The steering wheel 102 has at least one tubular section, which may be formed as explained in connection with
[0061] By means of the piezoelectric component integrated in the control element 100, a driver of a vehicle 1000 can be specifically notified or alerted via a tactile or palpable signal, for example, in a hazardous situation, when parameters are exceeded, or in the case of other messages. Furthermore, the dual functionality of the piezoelectric component can also actively trigger control commands by applying a targeted pressure.
[0062] For the realization of a haptic feedback, in particular in the handle region 111 of the control elements 100 shown in
[0063] The use of the piezoelectric component makes it possible to use different drive signals in the form of one or more variable parameters, for example voltage, frequency, signal type and/or pulse sequence, which enables the use of different signals for different functions.
[0064] By applying pressure to the piezoelectric component, the user can generate an electrical signal that can be used to trigger a defined function, such as switching displays and/or accepting or rejecting calls, as well as other functions.
[0065] As an alternative to the control element for a vehicle in the form of a steering element described in the previous embodiments, the control element 100 can also be formed as another element, in particular, for example, as another control element for a vehicle. For example, the control element may be a brake element, for example a brake lever, and/or a gear selection element, for example a gearshift or a gear shift lever. Furthermore, the control element may also be, for example, an input component, for example a pen-type input component, which may further be used, for example, in connection with a display component, for example in a vehicle. In connection with the figures described below, preferred modifications and further embodiments of the control element 100 are described, which may be, for example, as shown, a control element for a vehicle. Elements and features not described or shown may be embodied as described in preceding embodiments.
[0066]
[0067] The piezoelectric component 1 has a piezoelectric actuator 11 and two mechanical amplification elements 13a, 13b. The piezoelectric actuator 11 has a stack of internal electrodes 21 and piezoelectric layers 22 alternately stacked in a stacking direction S. The piezoelectric actuator 11 has a first outer electrode 23 disposed on a first end face 24, and a second outer electrode 23 disposed on a second end face. The internal electrodes 21 are alternately contacted with one of the first outer electrodes 23 in the stacking direction S.
[0068] The piezoelectric layers 22 may be, for example, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. The PZT ceramics may additionally further include Nd and Ni. Alternatively, the PZT ceramic may additionally further comprise Nd, K, and optionally Cu. Alternatively, the piezoelectric layers 22 may have a composition comprising Pb(Zr.sub.xTi.sub.1-x)O.sub.3+y Pb(Mn.sub.1/3Nb.sub.2/3)O.sub.3. As an alternative to a piezoelectric ceramic material, for example a piezoelectric polymer may be used. The internal electrodes 21 preferably comprise copper or are particularly preferably made of copper.
[0069] The piezoelectric actuator 11 is preferably cuboid-shaped as shown. The base surface is defined as a surface whose surface normal points in the stacking direction S. The base surface is rectangular. The longer side of the base surface defines the length L of the piezoelectric actuator 11 and the shorter side of the base surface defines the width B of the piezoelectric actuator 11.
[0070] The piezoelectric actuator 11 has a length L between 5 mm and 100 mm and a width B between 2 mm and 8 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, for example, the piezoelectric actuator 11 has a length L of 60 mm and a width B of 5 mm.
[0071] The extent of the piezoelectric actuator 11 in stacking direction S defines the height H of the piezoelectric actuator 11. The height H of the piezoelectric actuator 11 can be between 200 μm and 3 mm in a particularly preferred embodiment, the height H is 1.8 mm.
[0072] The actuator 11 has two insulation regions 12. Each of the insulation regions 12 is formed in an end region of the actuator 11. In particular, the respective insulation region 12 is formed in the region of an end face 24 of the actuator 11.
[0073] In the insulation region 12, only internal electrodes 21 of one polarity extend to the end face 24 of the actuator 11. The insulation region 12 can be used for contacting the actuator 11. For example, the respective insulation region 12 can be provided with the outer electrodes 23 for electrical contacting.
[0074] The actuator 11 is embodied in such a way that when an electrical voltage is applied, a deformation of the actuator 11 takes place, in particular a change in length in the longitudinal direction R1 indicated in
[0075] In order to redirect the effect of the change in length in the stacking direction S, the component has two amplification elements 13a, 13b. When a voltage is applied to the actuator 11, the amplification elements 13a, 13b deform at least partially as a result of the change in the extension of the actuator 11. In particular, the two amplification elements 13a, 13b are dimensioned and connected to the actuator 11 in such a way that, as a result of a change in the length L of the actuator 11, a middle region 17a, 17b of each of the amplification elements 13a, 13b executes a stroke movement in the stroke direction R2, as indicated in
[0076] As shown, the actuator 11 is preferably arranged between the amplification elements 13a, 13b. The amplification elements 13a, 13b rest at least partially on the upper side 25 and the lower side 26 of the actuator 11, respectively.
[0077] Each of the amplification elements 13a, 13b is preferably formed in one piece and is strip-shaped and has a rectangular basic shape. Furthermore, each of the amplification elements 13a, 13b is curved or bent and is bow-shaped. For example, the amplification elements 13a, 13b each have a sheet metal strip or are made from it, in particular, with or from titanium.
[0078] Each of the amplification elements 13a, 13b is divided into several regions or sections. Thus, each amplification element 13a, 13b has a middle region 17a, 17b. The middle regions 17a, 17b are connected to respective end regions 18a, 18b via connecting regions 20a, 20b. The two end regions 18a, 18b of each of the amplification elements 13a, 13b rest directly on a surface of the actuator 11. In other words, the first and second end regions 18a of the first amplification element 13a rest on a partial region of the top surface 25 of the actuator 11. Further, the first and second end region 18b of the second amplification element 13b rest on a partial region of the bottom surface 26 of the actuator 11. Preferably, the end regions 18a, 18b are non-detachably connected to the surface of the actuator 11. In particular, the end regions 18a, 18b are connected to the surface of the actuator 11 by an adhesive bond 15.
[0079] Each of the middle regions 17a, 17b is spaced from the surface of the actuator 11. In particular, a free region 16 is located between the respective middle region 17a, 17b and the bottom side 26 or the top side 25 of the actuator 11. The free region 16 has a height h. A free height h between the actuator 11 and the respective middle region 17a, 17b is preferably between 0.2 mm and 5.0 mm and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, is about 3 mm, wherein the free height h indicates the maximum distance between the respective middle region 17a, 17b and the piezoelectric actuator 11 when no voltage is applied to the actuator 11 and no external force acts on the amplification element 13a, 13b.
[0080] Preferably, the middle regions 17a, 17b are formed to run parallel to the surface of the actuator 11. The connecting regions 20a, 20b run obliquely to the surface of the actuator 11. In other words, the respective connecting region 20a, 20b encloses an angle with the upper side 25 or the lower side 26 of the actuator 11. The angle is preferably less than or equal to 45°. Thus, the height h of the free region 16 decreases in the direction from the middle region 17a, 17b towards the end region 18a, 18b of the respective amplification element 13a, 13b. A total height of the piezoelectric component 1 with the actuator 11 and the two amplification elements 13a, 13b may be about 9 mm in a preferred embodiment.
[0081] If an electrical voltage is now applied to the actuator 11, the partial regions 17a, 17b of the respective amplification element 13a, 13b move relative to the actuator 11 in the stroke direction R2. In particular, the middle regions 17a, 17b move in the stroke direction R2. In doing so, the amplification elements 13a, 13b bend at transitions between the middle regions 17a, 17b and the connecting regions 20a, 20b and between the connecting regions 20a, 20b and the end regions 18a, 18b. The amplification elements 13a, 13b can have at least one thinning, preferably several thinnings, between the respective regions, which allow better deformability of the amplification elements 13a, 13b and easier execution of the stroke movement. Furthermore, the amplification elements 13a, 13b can have, for example, embossed structures to increase the strength of individual regions.
[0082] Movement of the end regions 18a, 18b in the stroke direction R2 is prevented by the adhesive bond 15 to the actuator 11. Instead, the end regions 18a, 18b move with the actuator 11 in the longitudinal direction R1. Thus, a relative movement takes place between the end regions 18a, 18b and the middle regions 17a, 17b. In a preferred embodiment, a total stroke movement of about 200 μm can be achieved when an electrical voltage of up to 120 V is applied.
[0083] If a force is applied to the piezoelectric component 1 along the stroke movement R2, the amplification elements 13a, 13b are deformed in such a way that, in particular, the end regions 18a, 18b are moved away from each other in the longitudinal direction R1. By attaching the amplification elements 13a, 13b to the piezoelectric actuator 11, the latter is also deformed in the longitudinal direction. As a result, an electrical voltage is generated in the piezoelectric actuator 11. This voltage can be detected and in this way an action of force can be inferred. For this purpose, the piezoelectric actuator 11 can be connected to a control element, for example a microcontroller or a control unit of the vehicle, which evaluates the electrical voltages generated at the piezoelectric actuator 11. The piezoelectric actuator 11 can thus be used as a sensor that can detect a force applied by a user.
[0084] Furthermore, the piezoelectric component 1 can also be used to generate a haptic signal, as described above. When an electrical voltage is applied to the actuator 11, the piezoelectric actuator 11 deforms in the longitudinal direction R1 and the amplification elements 13a, 13b accordingly perform the described stroke movement. By applying an AC voltage, a vibration can be generated accordingly, which can be transmitted to the tubular section of the control element and perceived by a user.
[0085]
[0086] The piezoelectric component 1 is arranged in the tubular section 2 such that the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator is along the tube axis of the tubular section. In such a longitudinal arrangement, as shown, a piezoelectric component 1 can be used which has a linear expansion much larger than a diameter of the tubular section 2.
[0087] Furthermore, the control element 100 comprises at least one interaction element 6 through which a user can cause an action of pressure on the piezoelectric component 1 and/or to which the piezoelectric component 1 can transmit the haptic signal for forwarding to the user. In particular, the piezoelectric component 1 may act on the interaction element 6 by the stroke movement described above. Furthermore, the interaction element can transmit a pressure caused by a user on the interaction element 6 to the piezoelectric component 1 so that the action of pressure can be detected by the piezoelectric component 1 by generating an electrical signal in the piezoelectric component 1. In this case, the interaction element 6 can form a button that can be actuated by the user, by means of which a specific function can be triggered.
[0088] In the embodiment shown, the interaction element 6 is in the form of a button or a plunger and is arranged or attached to an amplification element of the piezoelectric component 1. The interaction element is partially arranged in an opening 62 in the wall 3 of the tubular section 2 and extends into the cavity 4. Due to the stroke movement of the piezoelectric component 1, the interaction element 6, which in the rest position prior to the stroke movement may be recessed in the opening or may also be arranged protruding from the opening, can be pressed (further) out of the opening 62 and thus cause a perceptible haptic signal for a user. Conversely, in a rest position, the interaction element 6 may protrude from the opening 62 and be pressable by a user towards the piezoelectric component 1.
[0089] The control element 100 further comprises a support element 7 on a side of the piezoelectric component 1 facing away from the interaction element 6. Thus, the piezoelectric component 1 is arranged between the interaction element 6 and a back side region 63 of the wall 3 opposite the interaction element 6, as viewed from the piezoelectric component 1. The support element 7 is thus arranged between the piezoelectric component 1 and the back side region 63 of the wall 3 in the cavity 4 of the tubular section 2. As shown, the support element 7 has a bearing surface 71 for the piezoelectric component 1, with which the piezoelectric component 1 can be supported against the support element 7. On a side opposite to the bearing surface 71, the support element 7 has a support surface 72 which nestles against the back side region 63. The support element 7 allows the stroke movement of the piezoelectric component 1 to be directed completely in the direction of the interaction element 6.
[0090] As shown, the tubular section 2 of the control element 100 may have a round, in particular a circular, tubular cross-section. In addition, however, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, since in particular the shapes of the support element 7 and the interaction element 6 can be easily adapted to other tubular cross-sections.
[0091]
[0092] In the figures below, directions 91, 92, 93 are also shown for clarity.
[0093] As can be seen in
[0094] As shown in
[0095] As indicated in
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[0097] The features and embodiments described in connection with the figures can be combined with each other according to further embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in connection with the figures may alternatively or additionally have further features according to the description in the general part.
[0098] The invention is not limited by the description based on the embodiments to these embodiments. Rather, the invention includes each new feature and each combination of features, which includes in particular each combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly explained in the patent claims or embodiments.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0099] 1 piezoelectric component [0100] 2 tubular section [0101] 3 wall [0102] 4 cavity [0103] 5 handle element [0104] 6 interaction element [0105] 7 support element [0106] 11 piezoelectric actuator [0107] 12 insulation region [0108] 13a amplification element [0109] 13b amplification element [0110] 15 adhesive bond [0111] 16 free region [0112] 17a, 17b middle region [0113] 18a, 18b end region [0114] 20a, 20b connection region [0115] 21 internal electrode [0116] 22 piezoelectric layer [0117] 23 outer electrode [0118] 62 opening [0119] 63 back side region [0120] 71 bearing surface [0121] 72 support surface [0122] 91, 92, 93 direction [0123] 100 control element [0124] 101 steering rod [0125] 102 steering wheel [0126] 111 handle region [0127] 1000 vehicle [0128] B width [0129] h height [0130] H height [0131] L length [0132] R1 longitudinal direction [0133] R2 stroke direction [0134] S stacking direction