Operating unit for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, provided with an operating element (12) having an operating surface (14) with multiple symbol fields (16), which are assigned operating functions that can be triggered with the actuation of the operating element (12). The operating element (12) is arranged on a support structure (18) such that it can be pressed down in a returnable manner and by means of an actuation object, in particular by means of the finger of a hand. The operating unit (10) is also provided with a mechanical switch (22) which can be actuated when pressing down the operating element (12), a controllable press-down force threshold switching device (34) for switching the force to be overcome to press down the operating element (12) between a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller in comparison to the first threshold value, an actuation sensor system (30) for detecting whether, when the operating element (12) is actuated, the actuation object contacts same within one of the symbol fields (16) of the operating surface (14), and an evaluation and control unit (32) which receives signals from the actuation sensor system (30) or, inter alia, from the actuation sensor system (30), and which only causes the press-down force threshold switching device (34) or, inter alia, the press-down force threshold switching device (34) to switch from the first threshold value to the second threshold value by changing its control, when the actuation object within one of the symbol fields is in contact with the operating surface (14) within one of the symbol fields (16) with an actuation of the operating element (12). An electromagnet or permanent electromagnetic clamp (40) is used as the press-down force threshold switching device (34).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, and in particular to an operating unit for a vehicle with a passive haptic concept. Background technique [0002] Vehicle operating units in which the operating element is configured as a display are becoming more and more popular, the operating interface of which is provided with various symbol fields for entering commands. Here, an effort is made to convey to the operator the tactile sensation that he perceives when he touches a symbol field or presses an operating element by pressing the operating keys and the mechanical switches arranged behind these operating keys. [0003] To this end, there are two fundamentally different approaches, namely active haptic concepts on the one hand and passive haptic concepts on the other. Simulate the tactile sensation of pressing a key without providing an active haptic concept of a mechanical switch (detection of effective actuation of the operating elem...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of these known downforce threshold switching devices is that they can be damaged or even destroyed in the event of improper actuation of the operating element or excessive downforce unintentionally exerted on the operating element

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