Patent Publication Number: US-2007103000-A1

Title: Steering column for vehicle interface system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to a system for establishing communication between a control system of a vehicle with an electronic peripheral device.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The control system of a vehicle can monitor numerous categories and types of data during operation of the vehicle. The control system can receives signals from one or more velocity sensors to monitor vehicle speed, from one or more lateral acceleration sensors to monitor vehicle stability, from diagnostic sensors to monitor conditions such as temperature, pressure, and engine revolutions per minute. Also, the control system can monitor serial/parallel data as well as analog/digital signals  
      The control system can also execute several different types of commands. For example, the control system can receive input from the driver and control the functions of an entertainment system of the vehicle. Also, the control system receive signals from vehicle sensors and execute commands. For example, the controller can receive a signal from a windshield rain sensor corresponding to rain and control the windshield wipers to engage.  
      Attempts have been made to tap into the control system of the vehicle with electronic peripheral devices. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,633,482 and 6,788,528 disclose examples of such attempts.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES  
      The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member for supporting rotation of a steering shaft in a vehicle. The steering column assembly also includes a first electrical communication receptacle fixed relative to the steering column member. The first electrical communication receptacle receives an electronic peripheral device on the steering column member. The first electrical communication receptacle electrically connects the electronic peripheral device with a control system of the vehicle.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a vehicle interface system having a steering column assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a second exemplary steering column assembly receiving a first exemplary electronic peripheral;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the second exemplary steering column assembly disposed to receive the first exemplary electronic peripheral or a second exemplary electronic peripheral or a dust cap;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view a first exemplary communications interface module spaced from an electrical communication receptacle of an alternative embodiment of a steering column assembly and connected through a lead;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view a second exemplary communications interface module directly connected to an electrical communication receptacle of an alternative embodiment of a steering column assembly;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a steering column assembly having first and second electrical communication receptacles;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a steering column assembly having a plurality of adaptors wherein each adaptor is engageable with a single electrical communication receptacle and each adaptor is operable to receive a different electronic peripheral device;  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of an electronic peripheral device operable to pivot about hinge axis;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a vehicle interior having a plurality of electrical communication receptacles disposed about the passenger compartment;  
       FIG. 10  is schematic diagram of a third exemplary communications interface module for communicating signals between an electronic peripheral device and a control system of the vehicle; and  
       FIG. 11  is a simplified flow diagram showing steps performed by the first exemplary communications interface module for communicating signals received from an electronic peripheral device to the control system of the vehicle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      A plurality of different embodiments of the invention are shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the invention. Similar features have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic designation. Also, to enhance consistency, features in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic designation even if the feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or be added to other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.  
      The invention relates to a system for establishing communication between a control system of a vehicle with an electronic peripheral device. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a control system  10  of a vehicle can include a processor and memory for storing control programs. The control system  10  communicates with one or more sensors  12  disposed in the vehicle for receiving signals emitted by the sensors  12 . The signals emitted by the sensors  12  correspond to conditions associated with the vehicle. For example, one or more sensors  12  can be disposed in the vehicle to sense conditions such as ambient light, the presence of moisture on a windshield of the vehicle, lateral acceleration, the global position of the vehicle, oil pressure, coolant temperature, exterior temperature, the temperature of the passenger compartment, engine revolutions per minute, quantity of fuel in the fuel tank, vehicle direction (compass).  
      Signals corresponding to one or more of these conditions can be emitted by one or more corresponding sensors  12  to the control system  10 . Based on control logic stored in memory, the control system  12  can execute commands to appropriate actuators  14  or emitters  16 . For example, if the sensor  12  detects the presence of moisture on a windshield of the vehicle, the control system  10  can control an actuator  12  in the form of windshield wipers to actuate and clear the windshield. In another example, if the sensor  12  detects lateral acceleration, the control system  10  can control actuators in the form of components of the brake system of the vehicle to execute a controlled brake event. By way of example and not limitation, the actuator  14  can also take the form of driving lights, locks, valves and pumps.  
      The control system  10  can also control emitters  16  that alert the driver to conditions sensed by the sensor  12 . For example, if the sensor  12  senses a relatively small quantity of fuel in the fuel tank of the vehicle, the control system  10  can control an emitter  16  in the form of a light on a dashboard of the vehicle to emit light. By way of example and not limitation, the emitter  16  can emit visual signals, audio signals, textual messages, and/or graphic messages.  
      The control system  10  can also communicate with one or more comfort controls  18 . Comfort controls  18  are electronic controls accessible to the driver to change a condition associated with the vehicle. Comfort controls  18  can be associated with climate control systems of the vehicle, navigation systems, audio visual systems, and/or safety systems. Comfort controls  18  can be in the form of buttons, knobs, and/or sliding members. The control system  10  can receive signals from the comfort control  18  and control an actuator  14  and/or an emitter  16  in response. By way of example and not limitation, actuators  14  and/or emitters  16  that can be controlled in response to signals emitted by comfort controls  18  include speakers, video screens, throttle control (cruise control), exterior and/or interior lights, windshield wipers, vents, valves, blower motors, pumps, locks, automatic doors, and window defoggers.  
      The control system  10  is electrically connected to a power/ground source  20 . The control system  10  can control power flow to actuators  14  and/or emitters  16  to execute commands in response to signals received from sensors  12  or comfort controls  18 . An antenna  22  can also be electrically connected to the control system  10 . Alternatively, the antenna  22  may be connected directly to actuator  14  and/or an emitter  16 , such as a radio or television disposed in the vehicle.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a steering column assembly  24  for a vehicle includes a steering column member  26  for supporting rotation of a steering shaft  28  in a vehicle. The steering column assembly  24  also includes a first electrical communication receptacle  30  fixed relative to the steering column member  26 . The first electrical communication receptacle  30  receives an electronic peripheral device on the steering column member  26 , such as any of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a , set forth in greater detail below and shown in the various figures. The first electrical communication receptacle  30  electrically connects one of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a  with a control system  10  of the vehicle.  
      The steering column member  26  can be a steering column jacket and/or a tilt housing. The steering column member  26  can be adjustable in tilting movement, telescoping movement, raking movement or can be a stationary column. In embodiments of the invention wherein the steering column member  26  is adjustable, the first electrical communication receptacle  30  can be disposed for movement with the steering column member  26  during the tilting movement, the telescoping movement, or the raking movement.  
      The exemplary first electrical communication receptacle  30  is operable to communicate serial data and parallel data. The exemplary first electrical communication receptacle  30  can also communicate discrete signal, such as binary signals, and can communicate analog signals and/digital signals. The first electrical communication receptacle  30  is also operable to communicate power from the power/ground source  20  to the electronic peripheral device. The first electrical communication receptacle  30  is also operable to communicate signals from the antenna  22  of the vehicle to the electronic peripheral device. As used herein, the first electrical communication receptacle  30  can be a male or female connector.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 ,  8  and  9 , a second exemplary steering column assembly  24   a  for a vehicle includes a steering column member  26   a  for supporting rotation of a steering shaft in a vehicle, such as steering shaft  28  in  FIG. 1 . The steering column assembly  24   a  also includes a first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  fixed relative to the steering column member  26   a . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  receives an electronic peripheral device on the steering column member  26   a , such as any of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a , set forth in greater detail below and shown in the various figures. The first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  electrically connects one of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a  with a control system of the vehicle, such as control system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
      The steering column member  26   a  includes an upwardly facing surface  46   a  and the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  is disposed adjacent to the upwardly facing surface  46   a , best seen in  FIG. 4 . The steering column member  26   a  is adjustable in telescoping movement  50   a  and the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  moves with the steering column member  26   a  during telescoping movement  50   a . The steering column assembly  24   a  includes a shroud  52   a  at least partially covering the steering column member  26   a . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  extends through the shroud  52   a . In the second exemplary embodiment, the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  is fixedly connected to the shroud  52   a  and the shroud  52   a  is fixedly connected to the steering column member  26   a.    
      The steering column assembly  24   a  along includes a communication line  64   a  extending along the steering column member  26   a  for connecting with a control system of the vehicle. The communication line  64   a  extends from the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  and under the shroud  52   a  to the control system of the vehicle. The exemplary communication line  64   a  extends to a communications interface module  66   a , which will be described in greater detail below. In alternative embodiments of the invention, such as shown in  FIG. 5 , a communications interface module  68   a  otherwise the same as the communications interface module  66   a  can be directly connected to the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a.    
      Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the steering column assembly  24   a  can include any one of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a , or any of the other electronic peripheral devices  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a , set forth in greater detail below and shown in the various figures. Each of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a  is engagable with the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  and is operable to display vehicle diagnostic data. For example, the electronic peripheral devices  32   a  can display data is graphical form or as text. The data can correspond to any condition monitored by the control system of the vehicle such as engine revolutions per minute, coolant temperature, and/or oil pressure. The exemplary electronic peripheral device  34   a  is a gage cluster that includes a tachometer, an oil pressure gage, and a fuel gage. Either of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a  can be plugged into the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  and communicate data to the driver. The first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  mechanically holds the received electronic peripheral device  32   a  or  34   a  and electronically communicates data between the electronic peripheral device  32   a  or  34   a  and the control system of the vehicle. A dust cap  68   a  can cover the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a  when neither of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a  is received.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a steering column assembly  24   b  for a vehicle includes a steering column member  26   b  for supporting rotation of a steering shaft in a vehicle, such as steering shaft  28  in  FIG. 1 . The steering column assembly  24   b  also includes a first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  fixed relative to the steering column member  26   b . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  receives an electronic peripheral device on the steering column member  26   b , such as any of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a , set forth in greater detail below or above and shown in the various figures. The first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  electrically connects one of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a  with a control system of the vehicle, such as control system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
      The steering column member  26   b  includes an upwardly facing surface  46   b  and the first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  is disposed adjacent to the upwardly facing surface  46   b . The steering column member  26   b  is adjustable in tilting movement  48   b  and the first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  moves with the steering column member  26   b  during tilting movement  48   b . The steering column assembly  24   b  includes a shroud  52   b  at least partially covering the steering column member  26   b . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  extends through the shroud  52   b.    
      The steering column assembly  24   b  also includes a second electrical communication receptacle  54   b . The second electrical communication receptacle  54   b  is spaced from the first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  and fixed relative to the steering column member  26   b . Either or both of the first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  and the second electrical communication receptacle  54   b  can be directly fixed to the steering column member  26   b  or can be fixed to another structures that is directly or indirectly fixed to the steering column member  26   b , such as the shroud  52   b . The second electrical communication receptacle  54   b  receives an electronic peripheral device, such as any one of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a , on the steering column member  26   b . The second electrical communication receptacle  54   b  electrically connects a received electronic peripheral device  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a  with a control system of the vehicle. The first electrical communication receptacle  30   b  and the second electrical communication receptacle  54   b  can concurrently receive different electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a.    
      Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a steering column assembly  24   c  for a vehicle includes a steering column member  26   c  for supporting rotation of a steering shaft in a vehicle, such as steering shaft  28  in  FIG. 1 . The steering column assembly  24   c  also includes a first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  fixed relative to the steering column member  26   c . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  receives an electronic peripheral device on the steering column member  26   c , such as any of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a , set forth in greater detail below or above and shown in the various figures. The first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  electrically connects one of the electronic peripheral devices  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a  with a control system of the vehicle, such as control system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
      The steering column member  26   c  includes an upwardly facing surface  46   c  and the first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  is further defined as being disposed adjacent to the upwardly facing surface  46   c . In other words, the weight of the received electronic peripheral device  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a  is supported by the steering column member  26   c . The steering column member  26   c  is further defined as being adjustable in tilting movement  48   c  and telescoping movement  50   c . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  moves with the steering column member  26   c  during tilting movement  48   c  and during telescoping movement  50   c . The steering column assembly  24   c  also includes a shroud  52   c  at least partially covering the steering column member  26   c . The first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  extends through the shroud  52   c.    
      The steering column assembly  24   c  includes a plurality of differently configured adaptors  56   c ,  58   c ,  60   c ,  62   c . Each adaptor  56   c ,  58   c ,  60   c ,  62   c  is engageable with the first electrical communication receptacle  30   c . Also, each adaptor  56   c ,  58   c ,  60   c ,  62   c  and is operable to receive a differently configured electronic peripheral device  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   c ,  38   c ,  40   c ,  42   c ,  44   a . For example, an electronic peripheral device  36   c  is engagable with the first electrical communication receptacle  30   c  and is operable to display vehicle diagnostic data. The electronic peripheral device  36   c  can show, with text or graphics, data corresponding to one or more of engine revolutions per minute, coolant temperature, and/or oil pressure. The electronic peripheral device  36   c  may also be operable to tap into the control system to show other categories that are not traditionally shown, such as tire pressure and engine oil quality. The electronic peripheral device  36   c  may also be operable to tap into the control system to show data that was previously acted on by the control system without communication to the driver, such as events that might cause a “check engine” light to illuminate.  
       FIG. 8  shows an electrical peripheral device  44   a  that pivots about a pivot axis to tilt between a showed, display position and a closed position. The electrical peripheral device  44   a  can be in the form of a display screen operable to display images from one or more cameras or other devices associated with the vehicle.  
      In another example, the electronic peripheral device  38   c  is in the form of an MP3 player, such as an IPOD™. The electronic peripheral device  38   c  is received in the adaptor  58   c  and the adaptor  58   c  is received in the first electrical communication receptacle  30   c . The electronic peripheral device  38   c  is operable to communicate electronic files through first electrical communication receptacle  30   c . The electronic peripheral device  40   c  is in the form of a satellite radio receiver. The electronic peripheral device  40   c  is received in the adaptor  60   c  and the adaptor  60   c  is received in the first electrical communication receptacle  30   c . The electronic peripheral device  40   c  is operable to communicate electronic music data through first electrical communication receptacle  30   c . The electronic peripheral device  40   c  can be assist in receiving a satellite signal through the connection to the antenna  22  through the first electrical communication receptacle  30   c.    
      In another example, the electronic peripheral device  42   a  is in the form of a navigation device. The electronic peripheral device  42   a  is operable to receive a global position of the steering column member  26   c . In other words, since the vehicle, the electronic peripheral device  42   a , and the steering column member  26   c  are approximate, the global position of one corresponds to the global position of all. The electronic peripheral device  42   a  may receive global position data from the control system of the vehicle through a communication line, such as communication line  62   a  in  FIG. 4 , or may include a self-contained global positioning system.  
      Electrical peripheral devices engageable with any embodiment of the first electrical communication receptacles set forth above, including but not limited to the electrical peripheral devices set forth above, can be powered and/or recharged through the connection to the power/ground source  20  through the first electrical communication receptacle. The respective adaptors can be constructed to regulate charge to the particular electrical peripheral device.  
       FIG. 9  shows a vehicle interior compartment of a vehicle. The steering column assembly  24   a  is disposed in the interior compartment. A plurality of electrical communication receptacles, each similar to the first electrical communication receptacle  30   a , are disposed throughout the interior compartment. Occupants of the vehicle plug electronic peripheral devices in the various electrical communication receptacles disposed throughout the interior compartment.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 10 , a communications interface module  66  is mountable in a vehicle. The communications interface module  66  facilitates communication between the control system  10  and the electronic peripheral device received by the first electrical communication receptacle  30 . The communications interface module  66  includes a first electrical interface  70  for electrically communicating with the control system  10 . The first electrical interface  70  can be a plug-like connector or can be a permanent electrical connection. The communications interface module  66  also includes a second electrical interface  72  spaced from the first electrical interface  70  for being positioned in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment, the first electrical interface  70  is the first electrical communication receptacle  30 .  
      The communications interface module  66  also includes a plurality of communication lines  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  extending in parallel between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72 . The plurality of communication lines  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  exchange a plurality of different communication formats between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72 . For example, a first communication line  74  communicates electrical power and electrical grounding from the first electrical interface  70  to the second electrical interface  72 . As a result, the electronic peripheral device received by the first electrical communication receptacle  30  can be powered and/or recharged while engaged with the first electrical communication receptacle  30 .  
      A second communication line  76  extends between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72  for communicating serial and parallel data in two directions between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72 . In other words, the communications interface module  66  can facilitate the transmission of data from the electronic peripheral device to the control system and from the control system to the electronic peripheral device. A translator  84  disposed along the second communication line  76 . The translator  84  is operable to convert a first communication protocol received from the second electrical interface  72  to a second communication protocol different than the first communication protocol and for emitting the converted communication protocol to the first electrical interface  70 . In other words, if the electronic peripheral device communicates in a different language from the control system of the vehicle, the translator can convert the language of the electronic peripheral device to the language used by the control system of the vehicle. The translator  84  can be operable to translate the first communication protocol received from the second electrical interface  72  from the electronic peripheral device to controller area network protocol, class 2 protocol, and keyword protocol.  
      A third communication line  78  extends between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72  for communicating discrete signals in two directions between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72 . For example, discrete command signals can be communicated across the third communication line. Command signals can be communicated in binary form. An amplifier  86  is disposed along the exemplary third communication line  78 . The amplifier is operable to amplify signals received from the second electrical interface  72  and direct the amplified signal to the first electrical interface  70 .  
      A fourth communication line  80  extends between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72  for communicating analog/digital conversions in two directions from the first electrical interface  70  to the second electrical interface  72 . A converter  88  is disposed along the fourth communication line  80  for converting analog signals received from the first electrical interface  70  to a digital signal. For example, signals emitted by sensors  12  may be in analog format. These signals can be received by the module  66 , directed along the fourth communication line  80 , converted to digital format (if desired), and directed to the second electrical interface  72 . On example of two-directional communication along the analog/digital fourth communication line  80  could relate to controlling a dimmable light.  
      A fifth communication line  82  extends between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72  for communicating unmodified signals in two directions between the first electrical interface  70  and the second electrical interface  72 . For example, the fifth communication line  82  can communicate with the antenna  22  to direct radio signals to the electronic peripheral device received in the first electrical communication receptacle  30 .  
       FIG. 11  is a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process followed by the exemplary communications interface module  66 . The process starts at step  92 . At step  94 , the communications interface module  66  receives a signal from the electronic peripheral device with the second electrical interface  72 . Prior to step  94 , the electronic peripheral device can be plugged into the first electrical communication receptacle  30  (the second electrical interface  72 ).  
      At step  96 , the communications interface module  66  determines if the signal is of serial/parallel data format. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the communications interface module  66  includes a switch  98  to direct the signal to the appropriate communication line. A similar switch can be disposed adjacent the first electrical interface  70 .  
      If the signal is in serial/parallel data format, the switch  98  directs the signal to the second communication line  76  and the process continues to step  100 . At step  100 , the translator  84  translates the communication protocol of the signal received from the electronic peripheral device to a communication protocol of the vehicle as necessary. The translated signal is then communicated to the control system  10  through the first electrical interface  70  at step  102 .  
      If the signal is not in serial/parallel data format at step  96 , the process continues to step  104  and the communications interface module  66  determines if the signal is in discrete format. If so, the switch  98  directs the signal to the third communication line  78  and the process continues to step  106 . At step  106 , the signal is amplified by the amplifier  84 . The amplified signal is then communicated to the control system  10  through the first electrical interface  70  at step  102 .  
      If the signal is not in discrete format at step  104 , the process continues to step  108  and the switch  98  directs the signal to the fourth communication line  80 . The signal can be converted from digital format to analog format or can be converted from analog format to digital format, as necessary, by the converter  88 . The converted signal is then communicated to the control system  10  through the first electrical interface  70  at step  102 . The process ends at step  110 .  
      While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.