Control element for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle with improved, active haptic feedback, as well as motor vehicle with such a control element

Abstract

The invention relates to a control element (1) for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle by manual operation by an operator, comprising: a carrier (3) for attachment to the motor vehicle; an actuating part (2) movably and elastically mounted on the carrier (3) by means of bearing means (8), which forms an actuating rib (2a) with actuating surfaces (2c, 2d; 2e, 2f) arranged on at least two opposite flanks of the actuating rib (2a); a cover (4) fixed to the carrier (3), which forms a viewing surface (S) facing the operator with an opening (4a) through which the actuating rib (2a) extends towards the operator; a vibrotactile actuator (5) fixed to the actuating part (2) for generating haptic feedback; detection means (7) for detecting contact and / or actuation of at least one of the actuating surfaces (2c, 2d; 2e, 2f) of the actuating rib (2a); and a motor vehicle equipped therewith.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control element for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle. Modern motor vehicles are equipped with electrically adjustable seats. These adjustable seats typically include electric motors, or more precisely, actuators, with which individual seat elements can be adjusted. To initiate these individual movements, the associated control element, also called a seat adjuster, has a sensor device that detects an input at the control element. Known seat adjusters are designed as two-way or four-way actuators, which have corresponding button caps mounted on a carrier. The two-way or four-way actuator can include electromechanical click switches or a sensor device for measuring an operating force. In the latter case, once a force threshold is exceeded, the seat adjustment is triggered and the electric motors are energized.

[0002] Due to the relative tilt between the keycap and the housing, achieving uniform illumination is difficult. Furthermore, conventional seat adjusters lack active feedback directly at the operating element. While the adjustment effect of the electric motors could serve as feedback, a certain time lag elapses between the activation of the motors and the moment the user actually moves the seat. This means the user is disadvantageous because they only realize too late that they have already exceeded the force threshold required to activate the seat adjustment, inevitably leading to incorrect operation. Immediate feedback, such as that provided by electromechanical click switches, is therefore desirable and can be achieved, for example, through active haptic feedback generated by an actuator.However, such active haptic feedback, generated by a piezoelectric or electromechanical actuator, causes a vibration that is not limited to the actual contact or actuation surface, but affects the entire control element and the surrounding mounting structure. Therefore, the feedback does not necessarily appear to the user to be directly related to the action performed on the control element, and / or the haptic feedback may be perceived as disruptive.

[0003] Against this background, there was a need for a generic control element for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle with improved, active haptic feedback. This problem is solved by a control element according to claim 1. An equally advantageous motor vehicle is the subject of the dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0004] DE 10 2014 105 177 B4 discloses a control element for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle by manual operation by an operator, comprising a carrier for fixing it to the motor vehicle (cf. Fig. 1, paragraph

[0023] ), an actuating part mounted in a movable and elastically restoring manner by means of bearing means (cf. Fig. 1), and an aperture fixed to the carrier (see Fig. 1, para.

[0025] ).

[0005] From DE 10 2018 219 790 A1, an operating device for adjusting a seat part is known, wherein the operating device has a rib structure (see figures, paragraph

[0049] ).

[0006] Furthermore, a control device for a motor vehicle for electric seat adjustment with a button part and an actuating ring is known from DE 10 2015 116 290 A1 (see figures, paragraphs

[0030] ,

[0031] ).

[0007] The invention relates to a control element designed for manually adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle. The control element has a carrier for mounting it on the motor vehicle. The carrier is, for example, designed as a housing and provides a cavity for accommodating the mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical components of the control element. For example, the carrier is formed from two half-shells. The carrier is, for example, made of a plastic, such as a thermoplastic, a metal, or a metallic alloy, such as ZAMAK.

[0008] According to the invention, the operating element comprises an actuating part movably and elastically restoring on the carrier by means of bearing means, which forms an actuating rib with actuating surfaces arranged on at least two opposite flanks of the actuating rib. Preferably, the actuating rib rises in a direction of projection from a base portion of the actuating part, wherein the bearing means are designed to movably mount the actuating part primarily along a direction of movement perpendicular to a direction of projection. "Primarily" means, for example, that the elasticity in this direction of movement and / or the possible maximum deflection are greatest in this direction of movement.

[0009] Preferably, the foot section and the actuating rib are formed in one piece, with the bearing means arranged on the foot section. For example, the foot section is essentially plate-shaped. In another embodiment, the actuating part is formed in multiple parts and comprises an actuating rib and a foot section connected to the actuating rib by a material or force-fit connection.

[0010] For example, the bearing elements are essentially made of an elastic material, such as spring steel or an elastomer, such as a silicone-containing elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer. To act as vibration isolators, the bearing elements are preferably designed to dampen vibrations.

[0011] The flanks of the actuating rib converge, for example, in a ridge line. This ridge line may be straight in plan view, consist of two straight sections, be L-shaped, and / or resemble the side view of a chair seat and backrest. For example, the actuating rib forms at least two pairs of actuating surfaces, each located on two opposite flanks of the rib. The actuating surface of each pair is designed for adjusting, or in opposite directions, a seat element of an electrically adjustable seat.

[0012] According to the invention, a cover plate is further provided, fixed to the carrier, which forms a viewing surface facing the operator with an opening through which the actuating rib extends towards the operator. The cover plate is, for example, part of a seat cover or an interior door panel. For example, during the assembly of the operating element according to the invention, the actuating part, in particular its actuating rib, is inserted through the opening from the rear side facing away from the viewing surface in order to fix the housing to the cover plate in a force-fit or material-fit position, for example by snapping. For example, the opening is designed such that, in an unactuated and undisplaced rest position of the actuating part, a uniform minimum distance of a few millimeters, such as 0.05 to 3 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, is maintained between the opening and the actuating rib.

[0013] According to the invention, a vibrotactile actuator fixed to the actuating element generates haptic feedback, for example, in response to exceeding a predetermined release force acting on one of the actuating surfaces. Reaching and, if applicable, exceeding this release force serves, for example, a control unit superior to the operating element, to trigger both the electromechanical adjustment of the seat element and the haptic feedback by means of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is a motor with an eccentric rotating mass (ERM), a linear resonant actuator (LRA), an actuator made of electroactive polymer (EAP), an actuator made of dielectric elastomer (EDA), an actuator made of shape memory alloy (SMA), a piezoelectric actuator, or a voice coil actuator.

[0014] Preferably, the actuator is fixed exclusively at the actuating part.

[0015] According to the invention, detection means are further provided for detecting contact and / or actuation of at least one of the actuating surfaces of the actuating rib. For example, actuation or exceeding the aforementioned triggering force is determined by a relative displacement of the actuating part with respect to the carrier and / or by an elastic deformation of the actuating part, in particular of one of the flanks supporting the respective actuating surface.

[0016] Due to the design of the control element according to the invention, the haptic perception of the feedback is essentially limited to the actuating part and, in particular, the actuating rib. Acoustic stimulation or haptic perception outside the actuating part is reduced or even suppressed according to the invention. This prevents incorrect operation. The perceived quality of the control element according to the invention is improved compared to conventional solutions, and its handling is more intuitive. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention saves space and weight compared to previously known solutions. The risk of injury is minimized, and damage from vandalism is virtually eliminated.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, a light source is further provided on the carrier, wherein the actuating rib forms a luminous surface that is backlit by the light source. For example, the luminous surface serves to locate the control element in a darkened passenger compartment.

[0018] Preferably, the actuating rib forms a cavity open away from the operator and bounded by the flanks of the actuating rib, in which at least the detection means and / or means for guiding the light are partially accommodated.

[0019] Preferably, the cavity accommodates a light channel or light guide for backlighting the illuminated surface using light from the light source.

[0020] For example, the detection means include a force sensor configured to detect the actuation-induced relative displacement of the actuating element with respect to the carrier in order to determine whether the triggering force has been reached or exceeded. Preferably, the detection means include at least one film layer structure configured to detect an acting actuating force with spatially resolved resistive detection based on the elastic deformation of the actuating element with respect to at least two or more actuating surfaces. Preferably, the film layer structure includes a coating containing nanoparticles.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the film layer structure forms several tabs, each of which rests against an inner side of one of the flanks of the actuating rib.

[0022] Preferably, positioning means are provided between the carrier and the aperture in a form-fitting manner. For example, a pin is provided on the aperture which engages in a form-fitting manner in a recess of the carrier.

[0023] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with at least one electrically adjustable vehicle seat and an associated control element in one of the embodiments described above.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are to be understood as examples only and represent merely one preferred embodiment. They show: Fig. 1a a sectional view of a first embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention; Fig. 1b a top view of the first embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1a; Fig. 1c a rear view of the actuating part 2 of the in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shown first embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention; Fig. 2a a sectional view of a second embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention; Fig. 2b a top view of the second embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention. Fig. 2a; Fig. 3 a sectional view of a third embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention; Fig. 4a a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention; Fig. 4b a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention; Fig. 4c a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention;

[0025] The Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows a first embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention. The control element 1 is designed for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle by manual operation by an operator. The control element 1 has a carrier 3 for mounting it on the motor vehicle. The carrier 3 is designed as a housing 3 in the form of two half-shells 3a, 3b and forms a cavity for receiving mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical components of the control element 3. The carrier 3 is, for example, made of a plastic, such as a thermoplastic, a metal, or a metallic alloy, such as ZAMAK.

[0026] Furthermore, the operating element 1 has an actuating part 2 which is movably and elastically restored to the carrier 3 by means of bearing means 8 and which forms an actuating rib 2a with two opposing flanks. The flanks, with their outer surfaces facing the operator, form at least four pairs of opposing actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f. How Fig. Figure 1b shows that the actuating rib 2a rises in a direction h from a base 2b of the actuating part 2, wherein the bearing means 8 are designed to movably mount the actuating part 2 mainly along a direction of movement v perpendicular to the direction h. "Mainly" means, for example, that the elasticity in this direction of movement v and / or the possible maximum deflection in this direction of movement v are greatest.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the foot part 2b and the actuating rib 2b are formed in one piece, with the bearing means 8 being arranged on the foot part 2b. In the first embodiment, the foot part 2b is essentially plate-shaped.

[0028] The bearing elements 8 are essentially made of an elastic material, such as a silicone-containing elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer. To act as vibration isolators, the bearing elements 8 are preferably designed to dampen vibrations.

[0029] The flanks of the actuating rib 2a converge in a ridge line. This ridge line consists of two straight sections, is L-shaped, and forms the side view of a chair seat and backrest. The actuating rib 2a forms two pairs of actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f, each located on two opposite flanks of the actuating rib 2a. The actuating surface 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f of each pair is designed for adjusting, or in opposite directions, a seat element of an electrically adjustable seat.

[0030] Furthermore, an aperture 4 fixed to the carrier is provided, forming a viewing surface S facing the operator with an opening 4a through which the actuating rib 2a of the actuating part 2 extends towards the operator. In the first embodiment, the circumference of the opening 4a follows the outer circumferential shape of the actuating rib 2a, so that in an unactuated and undisplaced rest position of the actuating part 2, a uniform minimum distance of a few millimeters, such as 0.05 to 3 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, is maintained between the opening 4a and the actuating rib 2a. To ensure the relative alignment of the actuating rib 2a in the opening 4a of the aperture 4, positive-locking positioning means 14 in the form of a pin on the aperture 4 are provided between the carrier 3 and the aperture 4, which engages positively in a recess in the carrier 3.

[0031] Like view 1a and the Fig. Figure 1c shows a vibrotactile actuator 5, fixed to the actuating element 2 and located on the rear side of the actuating element 2 facing away from the operator, to generate haptic feedback in response to exceeding a predetermined trigger force acting on one of the actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f. Reaching and, if necessary, exceeding this trigger force serves, for example, a control unit (not shown) superior to the operating element 1, to trigger both the electromechanical adjustment of the seat element and the haptic feedback via the actuator 5. Here, the actuator 5 is either a motor with an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) or a voice coil actuator, each fixed exclusively to the actuating element 2.

[0032] Furthermore, detection means 7 are provided for detecting the actuation of at least one of the actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f of the actuating rib 2a. Actuation, or the exceeding of the aforementioned triggering force, is determined by an elastic deformation of the actuating part 2, in particular of one of the flanks of the actuating rib 2a supporting the respective actuating surface 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f. The actuating rib 2a forms a cavity 9 open away from the operator and bounded by the flanks of the actuating rib 2a, in which at least the detection means 7 are partially enclosed. For this purpose, the detection means 7 have at least a film layer structure 7a, 7b, which is configured to detect an acting actuating force with spatial resolution and resistivity, based on an elastic deformation of the actuating part, similar to a strain gauge, with respect to at least two or more actuating surfaces.The film layer structure 7a 7b forms several tabs 7c, 7d, each of which rests against an inner side of one of the flanks of the actuating rib 2a. For this purpose, the film layer structure 7a, 7b, in particular its tabs 7c, 7d, is fixed to the respective inner side of a flank of the actuating rib 2a by means of an adhesive layer (not shown in detail). For example, the film layer structure 7a, 7b has a coating containing nanoparticles, the electrical resistance of which varies with the tensile stress of the film layer structure 7a, 7b.

[0033] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1a, a light source 6 is provided on a circuit board 3c fixed to the carrier 3, and the actuating rib 2a forms a luminous surface 2g extending along the ridge line. The cavity 9 forms a light channel for back-illuminating the luminous surface 2g with light from the light source 6. The back-illuminated luminous surface 2g makes it easier to locate the control element in a darkened passenger compartment.

[0034] Due to the design of the control element 1 according to the invention, the haptic perception of the feedback is essentially limited to the actuating part 2 and, in particular, the actuating rib 2a. According to the invention, any acoustic stimulation or haptic perception outside the actuating part 2 is reduced or even suppressed. This prevents incorrect operation. The perceived quality of the control element 1 according to the invention is improved compared to conventional solutions, and its handling is more intuitive. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention saves space and weight compared to previously known solutions. The risk of injury is minimized, and damage from vandalism is virtually eliminated.

[0035] The Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows a second embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention. The control element 1 is designed for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle by manual operation by an operator. The control element 1 has a carrier 3 for mounting it on the motor vehicle. The carrier 3 is designed as a housing 3 in the form of two half-shells 3a, 3b and forms a cavity for receiving mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical components of the control element 3. The carrier 3 is, for example, made of a plastic, such as a thermoplastic, a metal, or a metallic alloy, such as ZAMAK.

[0036] Furthermore, the operating element 1 has an actuating part 2 which is movably and elastically restored to the carrier 3 by means of bearing means 8 and which forms an actuating rib 2a with two opposing flanks. The flanks, with their outer surfaces facing the operator, form at least four pairs of opposing actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f. How Fig. Figure 2b shows that the actuating rib 2a rises in a direction h from a base 2b of the actuating part 2, wherein the bearing means 8 are designed to movably mount the actuating part 2 mainly along a direction of movement v perpendicular to the direction h. "Mainly" means, for example, that the elasticity in this direction of movement v and / or the possible maximum deflection in this direction of movement v are greatest.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the foot section 2b and the actuating rib 2b are formed in one piece, with the bearing means 8 being arranged on the foot section 2b. In the second embodiment, the foot section 2b has cranked sections that serve to receive the bearing means 8.

[0038] The bearing elements 8 are essentially made of an elastic material, such as a silicone-containing elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer. To act as vibration isolators, the bearing elements 8 are preferably designed to dampen vibrations.

[0039] The flanks of the actuating rib 2a converge in a ridge line. This ridge line consists of two straight sections, is L-shaped, and forms the side view of a chair seat and backrest. The actuating rib 2a forms two pairs of actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f, each located on two opposite flanks of the actuating rib 2a. The actuating surface 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f of each pair is designed for adjusting, or in opposite directions, a seat element of an electrically adjustable seat.

[0040] Furthermore, a cover 4 fixed to the carrier is provided, which forms a viewing surface S facing the operator with an opening 4a through which the actuating rib 2a of the actuating part 2 extends towards the operator. Unlike in the first embodiment, the opening 4a does not follow the shape of the actuating rib 2a but instead accommodates a plateau of the base part 2b of the actuating part 2 surrounding the actuating rib 2a.

[0041] As in the first embodiment, a vibrotactile actuator 5 is provided, fixed to the actuating part 2 and arranged on the rear side of the actuating part 2 facing away from the operator, to generate haptic feedback in response to exceeding a predetermined trigger force acting on one of the actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f. Reaching and, if applicable, exceeding this trigger force serves, for example, a control unit (not shown) superior to the operating element 1, to trigger both the electromechanical adjustment of the seat element and the haptic feedback by means of the actuator 5. Here, the actuator 5 is a motor with an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) or a voice coil actuator, each fixed exclusively to the actuating part 2.

[0042] Furthermore, detection means 7 are provided for detecting the actuation of at least one of the actuating surfaces 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f of the actuating rib 2a. Actuation, or the exceeding of the aforementioned triggering force, is determined by an elastic deformation of the actuating part 2, in particular of one of the flanks of the actuating rib 2a supporting the respective actuating surface 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f. The actuating rib 2a forms a cavity 9 open away from the operator and bounded by the flanks of the actuating rib 2a, in which at least the detection means 7 are partially enclosed. For this purpose, the detection means 7 have at least a film layer structure 7a, 7b, which is configured to detect an acting actuating force with spatial resolution and resistivity, based on an elastic deformation of the actuating part, similar to a strain gauge, with respect to at least two or more actuating surfaces.The film layer structure 7a 7b forms several tabs 7c, 7d, each of which rests against an inner side of one of the flanks of the actuating rib 2a. For this purpose, the film layer structure 7a, 7b, in particular its tabs 7c, 7d, is fixed to the respective inner side of a flank of the actuating rib 2a by means of an adhesive layer (not shown in detail). For example, the film layer structure 7a, 7b has a coating containing nanoparticles, the electrical resistance of which varies with the tensile stress of the film layer structure 7a, 7b.

[0043] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2a, a light source 6 is provided on a circuit board 3c fixed to the carrier 3, and the actuating rib 2a forms a luminous surface 2g extending along the ridge line. The cavity 9 forms a light channel for back-illuminating the luminous surface 2g with light from the light source 6. The back-illuminated luminous surface 2g makes it easier to locate the control element in a darkened passenger compartment.

[0044] Due to the design of the control element 1 according to the invention, the haptic perception of the feedback is essentially limited to the actuating part 2 and, in particular, the actuating rib 2a. According to the invention, any acoustic stimulation or haptic perception outside the actuating part 2 is reduced or even suppressed. This prevents incorrect operation. The perceived quality of the control element 1 according to the invention is improved compared to conventional solutions, and its handling is more intuitive. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention saves space and weight compared to previously known solutions. The risk of injury is minimized, and damage from vandalism is virtually eliminated.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention. The control element 1 is designed for adjusting the seat of a motor vehicle by manual operation by an operator. The control element 1 has a carrier 3 for mounting it on the motor vehicle. In this third embodiment as well, the carrier 3 is designed as a housing 3 in the form of two half-shells 3a, 3b and forms a cavity for receiving mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical components of the control element 3. The carrier 3 is made, for example, of a plastic, such as a thermoplastic, a metal, or a metallic alloy, such as ZAMAK.

[0046] Furthermore, the operating element 1 has an actuating part 2 which is movably and elastically restored to the carrier 3 by means of bearing means 8 and which, in the third embodiment, is designed in two parts. It comprises the base part 2b, which is connected here by means of a frictional locking mechanism to the actuating rib 2a, which forms two opposing flanks. The flanks, with their outer surfaces facing the operator, form at least one pair or more opposing actuating surfaces. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the actuating rib 2a rises in an upward direction h from the base 2b of the actuating part 2, with the bearing means 8 being designed to movably mount the actuating part 2 mainly along a direction of movement v perpendicular to the upward direction h. "Mainly" means, for example, that the elasticity in this direction of movement v and / or the possible maximum deflection in this direction of movement v are greatest.

[0047] In the third embodiment, the foot part 2b also has cranked sections that serve to accommodate the bearing means 8.

[0048] The bearing elements 8 are essentially made of an elastic material, such as a silicone-containing elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer. To act as vibration isolators, the bearing elements 8 are preferably designed to dampen vibrations.

[0049] The flanks of the actuating rib 2a converge in a ridge line. This ridge line consists, for example, of two straight sections, is L-shaped, and replicates the side view of a chair seat and backrest. The actuating rib 2a thus forms two pairs of actuating surfaces, each located on two opposite flanks of the actuating rib 2a, similar to the arrangement described in the following examples: Fig. 1b and Fig. 2b is shown.

[0050] Furthermore, a aperture 4 fixed to the carrier is provided, which forms a viewing surface S facing the operator with an opening 4a through which the actuating rib 2a of the actuating part 2 extends towards the operator. Similar to the first embodiment, the opening 4a follows the shape of the actuating rib 2a.

[0051] As in the first embodiment, a vibrotactile actuator 5 is provided, fixed to the actuating part 2 and arranged on the rear side of the actuating part 2 facing away from the operator, to generate haptic feedback in response to exceeding a predetermined trigger force acting on one of the actuating surfaces. Reaching and, if applicable, exceeding this trigger force serves, for example, a control unit (not shown) superior to the operating element 1, to trigger both the electromechanical adjustment of the seat element and the haptic feedback by means of the actuator 5. Here, the actuator 5 is a motor with an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) or a voice coil actuator, each fixed exclusively to the actuating part 2.

[0052] Furthermore, detection means 7 are provided, consisting of capacitive proximity sensors 7a for detecting approach to the actuating surfaces and capacitive force sensors 7b for detecting actuation, here due to a displacement or deformation of the foot section 2b relative to the carrier 3. Actuation, or the exceeding of the aforementioned triggering force, is determined by an elastic deformation or displacement of the foot section 2c due to pressure on the respective actuating surface of the actuating rib 2a. Unlike the other embodiments, the detection means 7 are arranged outside the cavity 9 bounded by the flanks of the actuating rib 2a, thus creating space for backlighting.

[0053] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, a light source 6 is also provided, arranged on a circuit board 3c fixed to the carrier 3, wherein the actuating rib 2a forms a luminous surface 2g extending along the ridge line. The cavity 9 accommodates a light guide 11 for back-illuminating the luminous surface 2g with light from the light source 6. The back-illuminated luminous surface 2g facilitates the location of the control element in a darkened passenger compartment. The light guide 11 is inserted into a guide in the base 2b of the actuating element 2.

[0054] Due to the design of the control element 1 according to the invention, the haptic perception of the feedback is essentially limited to the actuating part 2 and, in particular, the actuating rib 2a. According to the invention, any acoustic stimulation or haptic perception outside the actuating part 2 is reduced or even suppressed. This prevents incorrect operation. The perceived quality of the control element 1 according to the invention is improved compared to conventional solutions, and its handling is more intuitive. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention saves space and weight compared to previously known solutions. The risk of injury is minimized, and damage from vandalism is virtually eliminated.

[0055] The Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4c schematically shows further embodiments, whose specific features can each be combined individually or in combination with the embodiments described above. For example, it shows Fig. 4a A third embodiment in which a light guide 11 is arranged at least partially in the cavity 9 to establish a light-conducting connection between the light source 6 and the illuminating surface 2g. The light guide 11 is, for example, fixed to the support 3 and / or to the actuating part 2. Fig. Figure 4b shows a fourth embodiment in which a light-shielding channel 12 made of opaque material extends into the cavity 9 and is fixed to the actuating part 2. This ensures that light transmission through the actuating part outside the illuminated area 2g is prevented. In a fifth embodiment, a deep-drawn and surface-etched insert 13 made of a glass material is inserted into the cavity 9, which serves to back-illuminate the actuating rib 2 and, in particular, the illuminated area 2g.

Claims

[1] Control element (1) for making a seat adjustment of a motor vehicle by manual operation by an operator, comprising: a carrier (3) for attachment to the motor vehicle; an actuating part (2) mounted on the carrier (3) by means of bearing means (8) in a movable and elastically restoring manner, which forms an actuating rib (2a) with actuating surfaces (2c, 2d; 2e, 2f) arranged on at least two opposite flanks of the actuating rib (2a); a aperture (4) fixed to the carrier (3) which forms a viewing surface (S) facing the operator with an opening (4a) through which the actuating rib (2a) extends towards the operator; a vibrotactile actuator (5) fixed to the actuating part (2) for generating haptic feedback; Detection means (7) for detecting contact and / or actuation of at least one of the actuating surfaces (2c, 2d; 2e, 2f) of the actuating rib (2a). [2] Control element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vibrotactile actuator (5) is selected from the group comprising: Eccentric Rotating Mass Motor (ERM), Linear Resonance Actuator (LRA), Electroactive Polymer Actuator (EAP), Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (EDA), Shape Memory Alloy Actuator (SMA), Piezoelectric Actuator and Voice Coil Actuator. [3] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a light source (6) is arranged on the carrier (3) and the actuating rib (2a) forms a luminous surface (2g) to be backlit by the light source (6). [4] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating rib (2a) forms a cavity (9) open away from the operator and bounded by the flanks of the actuating rib (2a), in which the detection means (7) and / or means for guiding light are at least partially received. [5] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for guiding the light comprise a light channel or a light guide (11). [6] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating rib (2a) rises in a lifting direction (h) from a foot part (2b) of the actuating part (2), and the bearing means (8) are designed to mount the actuating part (2) movably, preferably elastically restoring, mainly along a direction of movement (v) perpendicular to the lifting direction (h). [7] Control element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the foot part (2b) and the actuating rib (2a) of the actuating part (2) are formed in one piece, and the bearing means (8) are arranged on the foot part (2b). [8] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means (7) comprise at least a foil layer structure (7a, 7b) configured to detect an acting actuating force with spatial resolution resistively with respect to at least two different actuating surfaces (2c, 2d; 2e, 2f). [9] Control element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the film layer structure (7a, 7b) comprises a coating containing nanoparticles. [10] Control element (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the film layer structure (7a, 7b) forms several tabs (7c, 7d) which each abut an inside of one of the flanks of the actuating rib (2a). [11] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein positively interlocking positioning means (14) are provided between carrier (3) and aperture (4). [12] Control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing means (8) are designed to dampen vibrations. [13] Motor vehicle with at least one electrically adjustable vehicle seat and an associated control element (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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