Patent Publication Number: US-6903288-B2

Title: Dial-down switching system and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a system and a method that control the windows of a vehicle. 
   BACKGROUND 
   There are several systems used to control the raising and lowering of a window within a vehicle. One method uses a handle rotatably connected to a worm gear and a pinion gear. As the handle rotates, the gears operate as a pair to transmit and translate the turning force of the handle to a linear force that raises and lowers the window. The motion, speed, and position of the window are manually controlled by the user, which can provide a very precise control. 
   Unfortunately, manual control requires occupants to have the strength to raise or lower a window regardless of the handle&#39;s position. When multiple windows need to be adjusted, it can be difficult to raise and lower these windows unless the occupant is seated adjacent to each of the handles. This can be very difficult, especially when there is only one occupant and that occupant is driving. 
   Power windows have overcome some of these disadvantages by using electric motors to generate the turning and twisting forces needed to raise or lower a window. Power windows can be operated by pushing a toggle switch firmly down and then releasing it. Often, additional toggle switches are placed near the driver so that the driver can separately operate all of the vehicle&#39;s windows. In these systems, each passenger window is controlled by an independent switch. To raise or lower a specific window, a specific switch must be selected and then actuated. 
   While many power windows are easy to operate, they do not provide the precise control that some manual systems provide. To open a window to a desired position, for example, an occupant must push a window switch down. Once a desired position is reached, the occupant must release the switch. As the switch transitions from a closed to an open state, the window will continue to move until the switch is fully open. As a result, it can be difficult to control the position of a window precisely. Moreover, it can be difficult to control the position of multiple windows as each switch can have different transition periods. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention is defined by the following claims. This description summarizes some aspects of the present embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. 
   A window switch embodiment for a motor vehicle comprises a first switch and a second switch. Preferably, the first switch is positioned within the vehicle for selecting a window. Preferably, the second switch is positioned adjacent to the first switch. A rotary motion of the second switch raises or lowers the selected window in discrete increments. 
   A method of controlling the translation of multiple windows within a motor vehicle preferably comprises selecting one or more of a passenger or a driver side windows by activating one or more window keys and simultaneously raising or lowering one or more of the selected windows in discrete increments by activating a multifunction switch. 
   Further aspects and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the present embodiments. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle that includes a side perspective view of a driver&#39;s side and a passenger side embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1   
       FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s side embodiment coupled to a window. 
       FIG. 6  is a top partial view of the driver&#39;s side embodiment coupled to a driver control unit. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of controlling the translation of a selected window. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of an express function of an embodiment. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a vent function of an embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a memory function of an embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of a passenger side embodiment. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS 
   The present embodiments of the system and method can be precisely configured and adjusted. When part of a window control system within a vehicle, the flexible system and method allows an occupant to control the translation of multiple windows through a single switch. Preferably, the system and method include a vent key that allows a controlled amount of air to pass between an interior and an exterior of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system and method includes a memory key that can store and recall window positions. 
     FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle  100  that includes a side perspective view of a driver&#39;s side and a passenger side embodiment  120  and  1102 . The vehicle  100  includes a driver&#39;s seat  104  positioned behind a steering wheel  106  and across from a right front passenger seat  108  and a rear passenger seat  130 . Preferably, the driver and passenger seats  104 ,  108 , and  130  are coupled to a frame  132 . An instrument cluster  110  is also coupled to the frame  132  under a windshield  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, a left front and a left rear window  114  and  116  are shown. 
   Preferably, a left front door panel  118  and trim  134  are positioned below the left front window  114 . The driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  is shown coupled to the door panel  118  near the instrument cluster  110  but can be positioned anywhere within the vehicle  100  including a front or a center console  122 , a front panel  124 , or within a steering wheel control  126 , for example. Preferably, the driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  can control a driver&#39;s left front window  114  and all of the passenger&#39;s window controls (one is shown as  1102 ). This means that the driver can raise and lower the left front  114 , right front, left rear  116 , and right rear windows of the vehicle  100 . 
   Preferably, the driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  is comprised of a plurality of single function circuits and a multi-function circuit partially enclosed within a housing  202  shown in FIG.  2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  202  comprises a rectangular enclosure  226  partially covered by a protective plate or escutcheon  204 . Preferably the escutcheon  204  has a beveled perimeter. Mounting tabs  208  projecting from the exterior side surfaces of the housing  202  securely attach the driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  to the left front door panel  118 . Preferably, the openings passing through the escutcheon  204  provide access to the single and multi-function circuits. In this embodiments, the openings to the left front, right front, left rear, and right rear window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  have a parabolic shape terminating at an arc, the opening to the rotary-rocker switch  218  has a circular shape, the openings to the memory keys  220  and  222  have a polygonal shape, and the opening to the vent key  224  has a rectangular shape. 
   In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the left front, right front, left rear, and right rear window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  substantially surround the outer circumference of the multi-function circuit. In this embodiment the multi-function circuit comprises a rotary-rocker switch  218 . Preferably, the left front, right front, left rear, and right rear window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  are single function circuits comprised of momentary contact switches that select the windows to be maneuvered. These switches are activated when rubber domes press electrical contacts against each other. Once a window key is selected, the elasticity of the rubber dome restores the switch to a return position separating the electrical contacts and the window remains in an active (a.k.a. selected) state until that window key is pressed again. This movement selects or releases a window to be maneuvered. 
   When an occupant selects a window to be maneuvered, a pressing of a window key illuminates the selected window key to indicate that the selected window is active. Preferably, an illumination system transmits light through a translucent portion of the window key to indicate its selection. In this embodiment, the illumination system comprises a light source and a light guide that provide a uniform illumination of the selected keys and fills the activation apertures  304  passing through the selected window keys. 
   In this embodiment, the rotary-rocker switch  218  is positioned in one or more panel locations surrounded by the left front, right front, left rear, and right rear window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216 , although the window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216  can have many other positions and configurations in other embodiments. The raised convex projections  306  positioned near the perimeter of a rotary disk  308  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  (and  FIG. 11  of the passenger side embodiment  1102 ) preferably allow an occupant to rotate the rotary-rocker switch  218  about a central axis  502  shown in FIG.  5  and through the contact points that determine the resolution of the switch. Preferably, the discrete electrical resistances  504  of these contact points are used to control the level of translation of the selected or active windows while the contact resistance holds the rotary-rocker switch  218  in a given position once an actuating torque is removed. The contact resistance of each contact point preferably acts as a detent that prevents a rotation of the rotary-rocker switch  218  until a minimum actuating torque is applied. 
   In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the rotary-rocker switch  218  can also rock about the central axis  502 . Preferably, when pushed along a longitudinal axis  508 , the rotary-rocker switch  218  provides an express-down or an express-up function. In this embodiment, when the rotary disk  308  is pushed toward a proximal end  510 , each active window rolls completely down. This “one touch” function can help keep a driver&#39;s hands free. The driver can also roll up the active windows. By pushing the rotary-rocker switch  218  toward a distal end  512 , the express-up function rolls the active windows completely up. When the express functions are inadvertently engaged, pressing the rotary-rocker switch  218  in an opposite direction of the original engagement disengages the respective functions. 
   Preferably, the rocker actuation shown in  FIGS. 4  occurs when the extensions  514  shown in  FIG. 5  disposed below the rotary disk  308  press electrical contacts together. In the enlarged view of  FIG. 5 , the extensions  514  are shown in an are shape terminating at a stair-step side boundary. At an upper surface  516 , the extensions  514  press against a supporting enclosure  518  shown in rectangular cross-section. At a lower surface  520 , stair step portions  524  that support one of the electrical contacts are positioned above triangular shaped bases  526  that support a second electrical contact. Preferably, the bases  526  are directly coupled to a power source  528  and the extensions  514  are connected to a fulcrum  530  that supports the supporting enclosure  518 . 
   Preferably, a window lock key  532  is symmetric and partially concentric with the central axis  502 . Preferably, the window lock key  532  comprises a contact switch having a rubber shaped dome coupled to one electrical contact disposed above a second electrical contact as shown in FIG.  5 . When engaged, the window lock key  532  remains pressed down disabling all of the passenger&#39;s window controls. However, the driver&#39;s embodiment  120  can still control all of the passenger&#39;s windows. Preferably, the driver will feel a tactile feedback such as a soft snap as the window lock key  532  is engaged and disengaged. To disengage the window lock key  532 , a driver presses the window lock key  532  down again. When pressed again, the driver feels another soft snap and the window lock key  532  returns to its original position. 
   Preferably, the driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  also includes a vent key  224 . In the illustrated embodiments of  FIG. 5 , the vent key comprises a momentary switch. In this embodiment the momentary switch includes a rubber dome shown in an I-shaped cross-section terminating at an electrical contact disposed above a second electrical contact. When the vent key  224  is engaged, the rubber dome is pushed down to close the switch, which raises or lowers the active windows to a pre-selected position. Accordingly, each of the windows will translate an equal or an unequal length. While the programmed position of the windows can vary with each embodiment, preferably the venting position is intermediate of a fully closed and a half-open window position. In one exemplary embodiment, the vent key  224  opens the selected active windows to about a 25-millimeter opening. Once the vent key  224  is re-engaged, the vent key  224  preferably returns the active windows to a fully closed position. 
   The driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  can also include memory keys  220  and  222  that recall programmed window positions. Preferably, the memory keys  220  and  222  comprise momentary switches that include a rubber dome terminating at an electrical contact disposed above a second electrical contact. Pressing one of the momentary switches for a pre-determined period of time selects the memory function for that memory key. In this embodiment, the illumination system illuminates the selected memory key indicating that the active window positions will be recorded. After the driver adjusts the active windows, the memory records these active positions when the memory key is pressed again. When pressed again, the illumination system flashes the memory key to indicate that the recording was completed. Once a memory key is programmed, a brief pressing of that memory key will return the programmed windows to their recorded positions. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates the side cross-sectional view of the driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  coupled to a window control system  534 . Preferably, the driver side embodiment  120  is coupled to the window control system  534  by a data link. In this embodiment the data link comprises a vehicle bus  536  that has a group of lines (conductors) that carry different types of information. One group of lines can carry data; another can carry control signals; and in other embodiments, another can carry memory addresses or locations. In this illustration, a window control unit  538  responds to a driver&#39;s side control unit  5540 . Preferably, a messaging protocol received over the vehicle bus  536  activates and maintains the operational state of the window control unit  538  until a requested task is completed. Upon receipt of the command from the vehicle bus  536 , the window control unit  538  switches from a low power quiescent state that conserves power to an awakened state. The window control unit  538  then monitors the vehicle bus  536  and executes the requested task. 
   One way of raising or lowering a window is to raise or lower a linking arm  540  that is attached to a bottom portion of the window  114 . To facilitate this description, the left front window  114  is shown in FIG.  5 . In response to the control signals received from the window control unit  538 , an electric motor  544  rotatably connected to a worm gear and spur gears  546  transmit a force that raises or lowers the linking arm  540 . As the linking arm  540  is raised or lowered so is the window  114 . Preferably, a sensor  548  linked to the window control unit  538  track and record the rotational motion of the motor shaft in its or the window control unit&#39;s  538  memory. This information allows the window control unit  538  to communicate the precise position of the window to another passenger or a driver control unit. 
   Preferably, the window control units  538  (one of which is illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) that are associated with each of the left front  114 , right front, left rear  116 , and right rear windows prevent the pinching of fingers, hands, and other body parts. Preferably, the window control units  538  monitor window loads to sense differences between normal and abnormal conditions. When load values indicate an abnormal disparity, preferably window movements are stopped, and in some embodiments the window movements reversed. Variations in window loads may be derived from sensing window speeds or by monitoring the current flowing through the motor  544 , for example. When a window experiences an unexpected load, the current flowing through the motor  544  may increase beyond an expected run current value in some embodiments. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the driver control unit  5540  is coupled to the single and multi-function circuits by a local bus  602 . Although the local bus  602  is shown as a parallel bus it can also encompass a serial path or bus in other embodiments. Preferably, the driver control unit  5540  encompasses both logic and memory that provide the ability to decode and execute instructions and in some embodiments the ability to transfer information to and from other devices coupled to the vehicle bus  536 . While the vehicle bus  536  is illustrated as a group of lines (conductors), it also encompasses a single transmission path that conveys electronic transmissions of one or more separate messages separately or simultaneously in one or both direction separated in time, space, or frequency (e.g., multiplexing). 
   One method of opening multiple windows is shown in FIG.  7 . To raise or lower a driver and/or passenger windows, a driver makes a selection. A pressing of one or more window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216  selects the windows to be maneuvered at act  702 . Once selected, at act  704  a clockwise rotation  310  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the rotary-rocker switch  218  lowers the windows selected at act  702 . As the rotary-rocker switch  218  rotates through the contact points, preferably the selected windows are simultaneously lowered in substantially equal discrete increments such as in about 10 millimeter increments, for example. An inverse rotation of the rotary-rocker switch  218  in a counter clockwise direction  312  preferably raises the active windows in substantially equal discrete increments of about 10 millimeters. 
   Another method of translating windows is shown in FIG.  8 . To raise or lower driver and/or passenger windows in an express mode, a driver makes window selections. A pressing of one or more window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216  selects the windows at act  802 . Once selected, pushing the rotary-rocker switch  218  to engage the electrical contacts located near the proximal end  510  fully opens the selected or active windows at act  804  simultaneously. When engaging the electrical contacts located near the distal end  512 , the windows fully close simultaneously. Preferably window movements are separately stopped, and in some embodiments separately reversed when an abnormal load is detected. 
   Yet another method of translating windows is shown in FIG.  9 . To vent an interior of a vehicle  100  a driver first makes window selections. A pressing of one or more window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216  selects the windows to be vented at act  902 . Once selected, activating the vent key  224  simultaneously raises or lowers the selected windows to a discrete pre-selected position at act  904 . In one exemplary embodiment, the selected windows will open to about 25 millimeters. 
   Preferably, the driver&#39;s side embodiment  120  can also be programmed as shown in FIG.  10 . Pressing one of the memory keys  220  or  224  for a pre-determined period of time selects the memory function at act  1002 . A pressing of one or more window keys  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216  selects the windows to be programmed at act  1004 . Once selected, the windows can be adjusted to a desired position at act  1006 . Once adjusted, the memory records these positions when the memory key is pressed again at act  1008 . 
     FIG. 11  shows an alternative passenger side embodiment  1102  to the driver&#39;s side embodiments  120 . In this passenger side embodiment  1102 , the vent key  1104  and rotary-rocker switch  1106  control a single window. This embodiment can be interfaced to the driver&#39;s side embodiment through the vehicle bus  536  and the passenger side control unit  538  and can include a memory key. Preferably, the vent-key, rotary rocker switch, and memory key have the same mechanical and functional properties as the driver&#39;s side embodiments  120  described above. 
   Many other alternative embodiments are also possible. For example, the rotary-rocker switch used in the driver&#39;s side and passenger side embodiments  120  and  1102  can comprise a coded switch. In one embodiment, the coded switch comprises a rotary switch that converts dial positions into digital or custom coded numbers. Preferably, these digital number comprise binary coded decimal, binary (base  2 ), octal (base  8 ), hexadecimal (base  16 ), and/or a gray codes. In this embodiment adjustable stops can be provided to act as a detent or to control a range of motion of the switch and selected windows. Accordingly, this window control can comprise an entirely digital embodiment. In another alternative embodiment, the rotary rocker-rock switches of the driver&#39;s side and passenger side embodiments  120  and  1102  can comprise concentric shafts that share a common axis and are independently actuated. Preferably, this embodiment provides two or more separate switches in one panel location. Preferably, some of these independent switches can control other devices such as sunroofs, moon roofs, and other electrical loads of a vehicle  100 , for example. 
   In yet another alternative embodiment, window select keys are provided for one or more ancillary windows. Preferably, the structure and functionality of a vent key, memory keys, and a rotary-rocker switch can control the ancillary windows too. In yet another embodiment, the discrete resistors  504  and rotary-rocker switch  218  shown in  FIG. 5  can be replaced by a rotary switch that includes a potentiometer. In another alternative embodiment one or more of the momentary contact switches can be replaced with switches that maintain contact. Another alternative embodiments can also include a key-off delay function that allows the embodiments to function for a predetermined amount of time after an ignition of the vehicle  100  is turned off. In these embodiments, the opening of a front door preferably cancels the delay function. 
   When part of a vehicle having additional functionality, movable extensions and contacts similar to those shown in  FIG. 5 , are disposed along a latitudinal axis in alternative driver side and passenger side embodiments  120  and  1102 . In these embodiments, an actuation of the rotary rocker switch along a latitudinal axis can raise or lower a window to another desired position like an analog switch or control an ancillary load. 
   The above-described system and method provides a reliable and precise means for controlling a window. When part of a vehicle, the system and method allows an occupant to precisely control the translation of one or more windows. Preferably, the system and method includes a multi-function switch that can simultaneously raise or lower windows in precise and substantially equal increments and roll the windows up or down with one touch. Preferably, a vent key allows the occupants to ventilate an interior of a vehicle by raising or lowering one or more pre-selected windows and a memory key allows occupants to raise or lower windows to an occupant programmed position. Preferably, the system and method can be used as a single or multi-window control. While the embodiments have been described as a driver or a passenger side embodiment, any combination of embodiments can be used interchangeably. Moreover, the passenger and driver side embodiments  1102  can include as much, more, or less functionality as described above. 
   While some embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be apparent that many more embodiments and implementations are possible and are within the scope of this invention. It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.