Method for controlling an operating device for a motor vehicle and operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an operating device (1) for a motor vehicle, which operating device (1) has an operating element (11). In this method, a spring-elastic element (16) arranged below the operating element (11) is moved and / or deformed indirectly or directly by a piezoelectric element (14). At least one haptic feedback is provided to the operator when operating the operating element (11). The invention proposes that, when controlling the piezoelectric element (14), the spring-elastic element (16) is moved in the direction of the operating element (11) and comes into contact with the operating element (11). As a result, when operating the operating element (11), the spring-elastic element (16) is transformed from a stable starting position into an unstable deformed position. When the operating element (11) is released, the spring-elastic element (16) spontaneously returns from the deformed position to the starting position. In the transformation from the starting position to the deformed position and vice versa, a haptic feedback is generated by the spring-elastic element (16) respectively. By means of these features, a haptic feedback can be generated in a simple and low-cost manner when operating the operating device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling an operating device for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to an operating device for carrying out the method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a method and an operating device are known from the patent document US 2014 / 0125470 A1. Specifically, an operating device is disclosed which has an operating element with an operating surface which is surrounded by a housing. Below the operating element, a piezoelectric film is arranged at intervals by a spacer, which can be driven by an electrically controllable piezoelectric element. A pre-tensioned spring connects the operating element with the bottom of the housing and spring- elastically holds the operating element in its starting position. In order to output a haptic feedback to the operator, the piezoelectric element is electrically excited and the piezoelectric film is deformed. This takes place in such a way that the operating element carries out an oscillating movement.

[0003] In the patent document DE 10 2015 007 822 A1, an operating device for a motor vehicle is described which has an operating surface below which discrete deformation elements are arranged. These deformation elements can be moved out of the plane of the operating surface by means of an electrically controllable shape memory alloy. Thereby, elevations are formed on the operating surface which serve as haptic positioning on the operating surface for the operator.

[0004] Finally, an operating device for a motor vehicle is also known from the patent document DE 10 2015 015 417 A1. In this operating element, there is a recess below the operating surface, wherein a piezoelectric element is arranged between the recess and the operating surface. By electrical control, the piezoelectric element can be deformed in such a way that it causes a depression or a bulge. Thereby, during operation, a haptic signal can be generated which is perceptible for the operator. SUMMARY

[0005] Starting from the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the invention is to provide a method for controlling an operating device for a motor vehicle, which enables a reliable and simple implementation of a haptic feedback upon operation of the operating device.

[0006] A further technical problem addressed by the invention is to provide a suitable operating device for carrying out the method, which is particularly simple and low-cost to construct.

[0007] The technical problem is solved by the method according to the invention and by the operating device according to the invention.

[0008] Advantageous refinements or embodiments of the invention can be derived from the description.

[0009] In methodic terms, the application is based on a method for controlling an operating device for a motor vehicle. Here, the operating device has an operating element, wherein a spring-elastic element arranged below the operating element is moved and / or deformed indirectly or directly by a piezoelectric element. This is in order to give the operator at least one haptic feedback when operating the operating element.

[0010] The application here proposes that, when controlling the piezoelectric element, the spring-elastic element is moved in the direction of the operating element and comes into contact with this operating element. This makes it possible for the spring-elastic element to be transformed from a stable starting position to an unstable deformed position when the operating element is operated. When the operating element is released, the spring-elastic element spontaneously returns from the deformed position to the starting position. In the transition from the starting position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the starting position, a haptic feedback is generated by the spring-elastic element, respectively.

[0011] When controlling the piezoelectric element, the spring-elastic element is preferably moved translationally in the direction of the operating element. Here, the haptic feedback is generated during the transition from the starting position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the starting position. That is to say, an oscillating or vibrating haptic feedback is not generated, but rather a simple, unique haptic feedback. This makes it possible to generate a known operating feeling, such as one is familiar with, for example, from computer keyboards and the like.

[0012] According to an advantageous further development of the application, it is detected whether an operating tool of the operator is close to or touches the operating surface of the operating element. The piezoelectric element is controlled only when an operating tool of the operator is close to or touches the operating surface of the operating element. By these features, it is ensured that the piezoelectric element is only energized when a haptic feedback is actually required. This makes it possible to reduce the current consumption. In addition to this, the operating device can generally only be controlled when the on-board electronics are switched on.

[0013] According to a further advantageous design concept of the application, it is detected at which position on the operating surface of the operating element an operating tool of the operator is close to or touches the operating element. Here, the piezoelectric element is controlled only when an operating tool of the operator is close to or touches a defined position on the operating surface.

[0014] By this design concept of the method, it is possible to generate a haptic feedback only when a defined operating symbol on the operating surface is actually operated. If, for example, a plurality of symbols are arranged on a larger operating surface and an operating tool of the operator touches a position between the operating symbols, the piezoelectric element is not controlled, and the operator has the impression that he is only touching a "dead", hard operating surface.

[0015] In order to be able to give the operator a suitable acoustic feedback also when operating the operating device, it is proposed here that, in the transition of the spring-elastic element from the starting position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the starting position, an acoustic, distinctive sound is additionally produced by the spring-elastic element, respectively. That is to say, a continuous signal, such as a hum or a buzz, is not produced, but rather a short sound, such as a click or a clack. This very well matches the haptic feedback and is a familiar sound for operating.

[0016] As already mentioned, the application also relates to an operating device for carrying out the method, which is equipped with an operating element, which has an operating surface. Furthermore, the operating element is surrounded by a housing. Below the operating element there is a spring-elastic element, which is indirectly or directly movable and / or deformable by means of a piezoelectric element.

[0017] The operating device is characterized in that the piezoelectric element is controllable in such a way that the spring-elastic element is moved in the direction of the operating element and comes into active contact with this operating element. The movement of the piezoelectric element in the direction of the operating element preferably takes place translationally. By means of the active contact established, the spring-elastic element can be brought from a stable starting position into an unstable deformed position in the operation of the operating element, i.e. by pressing the operating element. When released, the operating element can return autonomously from the unstable deformed position back to the starting position. In the transition from the starting position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the starting position, a haptic feedback can be produced by the spring-elastic element, respectively.

[0018] The spring-elastic element is preferably composed of metal. However, other materials, such as plastics, are also conceivable.

[0019] This operating device serves for carrying out the method according to the application cost-effectively and reliably. However, when the spring-elastic element is a commercially customary touch tab or Knackscheibe, the operating device can be realized particularly cost-effectively. Commercially customary touch tabs usually have a circular profile and the known, very suitable "Knackfrosch-Eigenschaften" for the application. That is to say, when the touch tab is pressed and a certain resistance, which forms the haptic feedback, is overcome, the touch tab collapses, while a clack is emitted. After the pressure is relieved, the touch tab likewise returns to its starting position with the emission of a clack and the generation of a haptic feedback.

[0020] In order to make the pressure point for the spring-elastic element as repeatable as possible, it is very suitable for the spring-elastic element to be guided by at least one wall of the housing in the direction of its axis, i.e. in the direction of its translational movement.

[0021] In order to avoid tilting of the operating element when operating symbols outside the centre of the operating element or even on the edge of the operating element are pressed, according to a further design of the application the operating element is guided along its operating direction by at least one wall of the housing. If the operating element has a circular shape in terms of its contour, for example, the wall of the housing can preferably surround the entire contour of the operating element. In the case of a rectangular design of the operating element contour, the guiding can take place at least on two parallel outer sides of the operating element. Different from this, further solutions are also conceivable in order to obtain a tilting freedom.

[0022] According to a further expanded design it is most advantageous if the operating surface of the operating element is designed as a proximity and / or contact-sensitive surface. There is an evaluation and control here by means of which it can be detected which position on the operating surface an operating tool of an operator approaches or touches the operating element.

[0023] In this way it can be ensured that the operating element is only switched on or rather a haptic and / or acoustic feedback is only generated when a defined operating symbol on the operating surface of the operating element is touched or approached.

[0024] In this connection it is very advantageous for easy operability that a plurality of operating symbols are arranged on the operating surface and the operating surface is designed as a customary, preferably flat surface. The term "operating symbol" is to be understood as a number, a letter, a graphic symbol, etc.

[0025] Finally, the application also claims a motor vehicle having at least one operating device according to the application.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the application are shown in the drawings and will be explained in detail in the following description with reference to the drawings. Further advantages of the application become apparent therefrom. Identical reference signs in different drawings denote identical, similar or functionally identical components. Here, even if not repeated or referred to, the respective or similar properties and advantages are achieved. The scale of the drawings is not always correct. In some drawings, the scale can be exaggerated in order to be able to highlight features of the embodiments more clearly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] In the drawings, respectively schematically:

[0028] Figure 1 An operating device according to the application in the front interior of a motor vehicle is shown,

[0029] Figure 2a A horizontal view according to the rotation of the section line II in Figure 1 in a first operating state,

[0030] Figure 2b Showing with Figure 2a A similar diagram shows the second operating state.

[0031] Figure 3 Show along Figure 2b View III shows a separate view of the piezoelectric element along with the spring elastic element.

[0032] Figure 4 The diagram shows separate side views of the spring elastic element in two different operating states.

[0033] Figure 5 Show along Figure 2b III. Top view of the operating surface of the operating element. Detailed Implementation

[0034] First refer to Figure 1 .exist Figure 1 In the image, the interior space of vehicle K is shown within the area of ​​the central control panel 2.

[0035] As can be seen, an operating device 1 is arranged in the area of ​​the central control panel 2. The operating device 1 has an operable, especially pressable, operating element 11, which is surrounded or framed by a housing 10 on its contour side. A plurality of operating symbols 13 are arranged on the operating surface 12 of the operating element 11.

[0036] When operating and pressing the operating element 11 by touching one of the operating symbols 13, it is desirable not only to perform the corresponding function stored in the operating symbol 13, but also to return tactile and / or even acoustic feedback to the operator about the operation performed.

[0037] For this purpose, the operating device 1 is specially designed, as explained in detail herein with reference to Figure 2. Thus, Figure 2a A cross-sectional view through the operating device 1 is shown. Figure 2a The first operating state of the operating device 1 can be seen in the image.

[0038] As can be seen, the operating element 11 is guided laterally by the wall 101 of the housing 10, and especially parallel to it (see guide device 18). In this way, it is ensured that even if the operating element 11 is operated eccentrically, the operating element 11 will not tilt during its translational movement along the operating direction B.

[0039] Operation of the operating element 11 is performed by pressing on the operating surface 12 with an operating tool (e.g., a finger, not shown).

[0040] Therefore, the preferred design is for a stable, generally rigid body to move toward the spring elastic element 16.

[0041] The spring-elastic element 16 is located adjacent to and below the operating element 11. The spring-elastic element 16 is guided, in particular parallel to, the wall portion 102 of the housing 10 in at least two positions (see guide device 17).

[0042] Below the spring elastic element 16 is a deformable element 15, which rests against. In the illustration, a small distance is shown between these components only for better readability. The deformable element 15 is connected to the piezoelectric element 14 located below it in its edge region, or along its contour.

[0043] The piezoelectric element 14 is connected via electrical connection terminal 140 to the evaluation and controller 20 (not shown here) via signal technology (see [link]). Figure 5 ).

[0044] The spring element 19, preferably a helical compression spring, elastically holds the operating element 11 in the position shown.

[0045] If the operating element 11 is operated in the indicated operating state, i.e., the operating element 11 is pressed down, the operating element 11 is pressed down to a certain extent along its operating direction B until the bottom side 111 of the operating element 11 collides with the shoulder 100 of the housing 10.

[0046] However, in the current operating state of the operating device, when the operating element 11 is pressed, neither the function is triggered nor does the operator receive tactile or acoustic feedback regarding the operation performed on the operating element 11.

[0047] Instead, the operator feels as if they are being pressed against a rigid plate without any feedback. This is because when the bottom side 111 collides with the shoulder 100, although the bottom side contact element 110 also moves toward the spring elastic element 16 (see numeral 110'), the contact element 110 does not reach contact with the button-style contact element 161 present with the spring elastic element 16.

[0048] Only when operating device 1 is like Figure 2b As shown, a "precise engagement" is required to trigger a specific function and provide corresponding tactile and / or acoustic feedback. Precise engagement of the operating device 1 is based on touch of the operating surface 12 at a defined location, detected by the proximity and contact sensitive layer 120 of the operating surface 12. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0049] If the prerequisite for precise connection of operating device 1 exists, the piezoelectric element 14 is controlled accordingly via electrical connection terminal 140. This causes the piezoelectric element 14 to contract inward in its longitudinal direction (see arrow). As a result, the deformable element 15 deforms such that it is raised concavely upward toward the spring elastic element 16 (see deformation VF and position 15').

[0050] As the deformable element 15 deforms (VF), the spring elastic element 16 simultaneously moves upward toward the operating element 11 in the form of a translational movement (T). This translational movement (T) continues until the contact element 161 of the spring elastic element 16 and the contact element 110 of the operating element 11 reach mutual contact (see position 16'). Subsequently, the operating device 1 is precisely engaged. This precise engagement can be performed in the shortest possible time, preferably within milliseconds.

[0051] The operating direction B of the operating element 11 and the translational movement T of the spring elastic element 16 are both along the direction of the central axis M, and the aforementioned guiding devices 17 and 18 also function along the direction of the central axis M.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is evident that the deformable element 15 and the spring elastic element 16 are preferably designed to be circular. Conversely, the piezoelectric element 14 on which the deformable element 15 is fixed is designed to be rectangular, preferably square. The deformable element 15 is preferably a thin plate and is constructed of metal.

[0053] The spring elastic element 16 has a disc-shaped shape, with a raised edge region surrounding it and a central ridge 160. On the ridge 160, a contact element 161 is arranged in the region of the central axis M.

[0054] If at this time according to Figure 2b In the precisely set (scharfgestellten) state, when the operating element 11 is operated in the correct position, that is, pressed down by the spring force opposite to that of the spring 19, the spring elastic element 16 releases its tension. Figure 2b The stable initial position shown transitions to an unstable deformable position, triggering at least one tactile feedback to the operator. Simultaneously, a signal contact (not shown in detail) closes, causing the desired function to be triggered.

[0055] When the operating element 11 is released, it returns to its initial position by the spring force of the spring element 19. Simultaneously, the spring element 16 autonomously returns from its deformed position to its initial position. Here, the operator receives at least one tactile feedback generated by the spring element 16.

[0056] The two states mentioned in spring elastic element 16 will also be based on Figure 4 A brief explanation. In Figure 4 In the diagram, a spring-loaded element 16, preferably made of metal, is shown separately. The spring-loaded element 16 is preferably designed as a commercially available contact spring. The stable initial position of the spring-loaded element 16 is shown in solid lines. If an operating force F is applied to the contact element 161 in this initial position, the spring-loaded element 16 reaches the aforementioned unstable deformable position in the region of its raised portion 160. The unstable deformable position is characterized by the recess 160' (shown in dashed lines). When the operating force F decreases or is removed, the recess 160' re-folds back into the raised portion. Each transition from one of the aforementioned positions to another produces tactile feedback and, depending on the design dimensions, also a distinctive audible sound. This sound is preferably a click or snap.

[0057] Finally, according to Figure 5 Explain the conditions under which the operating device 1 is precisely switched on.

[0058] Thus, as already mentioned, the operating surface 12 is provided with a proximity and contact sensitive layer 120. The proximity and contact sensitive layer 120 can detect precisely at which position the operator's tool approaches or touches the operating surface 12. Therefore, the operating symbol 13 corresponds to specific positions 13-1 to 13-9 or specific position areas on the operating surface 12.

[0059] If a location is brought near or touched, this is detected and evaluated in an appropriate manner by the controller 20. The evaluation and controller 20 then control the piezoelectric element 14 such that the operating device 1 is precisely switched on in the manner described above.

[0060] If the operating surface 12 is approached or touched only at positions other than 13-1 to 13-9, the operating device 1 will not be precisely switched on. When touched, the operating surface 12 remains "hard" and does not provide a switching feel. Nor is a switching signal generated or transmitted.

[0061] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, it is conceivable that more or fewer operation symbols 13 may be arranged on the operating surface 12. Based on the guide device 18 (see FIG. 2), at least the operating element 11 can be moved without tilting, regardless of the touch position.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the operating surface 12 is preferably designed as a conventional operating surface. There are no gaps, crevices, or other obstructions between the various operating symbols 13. This improves the user experience and reduces the sensitivity of the operating device 1 to contamination. Here, the operating surface can be designed to be flat or curved, for example, convex or concave.

[0063] List of reference numerals

[0064] 1. Operating device

[0065] 2. Center console

[0066] 10. Shell

[0067] 11 Operating elements

[0068] 12 Operating Surfaces

[0069] 13 Operation Symbols

[0070] Positions on the operating surface (13-1 to 13-9)

[0071] 14 Piezoelectric elements

[0072] 15, 15' Deformable elements

[0073] 16, 16' Spring elastic element

[0074] 17 Guiding Device

[0075] 18 Guiding Device

[0076] 19 Spring elements

[0077] 20. Assessment and Control

[0078] 100 shoulder

[0079] 101 Wall section

[0080] 102 Wall section

[0081] 110, 110' contact elements

[0082] 111 Bottom side

[0083] 120 Approach and contact sensitive layers

[0084] 140 Electrical connection terminal

[0085] 160 ridge

[0086] 160' Inward Recess

[0087] 161 Contact element

[0088] B Operation Direction

[0089] F Operating force

[0090] K Motor Vehicles

[0091] M central axis

[0092] T translational motion

[0093] VF Deformation

[0094] W action contact

Claims

1. An operating device (1) for a motor vehicle (K), the operating device (1) having an operating element (11), the operating element (11) being surrounded by a housing and having an operating surface, wherein, A spring-elastic element (16) arranged below the operating element (11) is indirectly or directly movable and / or deformable via a piezoelectric element (14). The characteristic feature is that a plurality of operating symbols (13) are arranged on the operating surface (12), and the piezoelectric element (14) is controlled only when the operator's tool approaches or touches a position (13-1 to 13-9) on the operating surface (12) corresponding to the operating symbol (13). When the operator's tool approaches or touches the operating surface (12) at a position other than the stated position, the piezoelectric element (14) is not controlled. The housing has a shoulder (100) for the operating element, which, when pressed, can be pressed downwards along its operating direction until the bottom side (111) of the operating element collides with the shoulder. In the absence of control over the piezoelectric element, the operating device is in a first operating state. In the first operating state, even when the bottom side of the operating element collides with the shoulder, the spring elastic element does not come into contact with the operating element. The piezoelectric element (14) can be controlled such that the spring elastic element (16) is moved towards the operating element (11) by the piezoelectric element (14) and the operating device is brought to the second operating state. In the second operating state, the spring elastic element comes into contact with the operating element (11) (W) such that when the operating element (11) is pressed, the spring elastic element (16) can change from a stable starting position to an unstable deformed position. When the operating element (11) is released, the spring elastic element (16) can autonomously return from the deformed position to the starting position. Tactile feedback can be generated by the spring elastic element (16) during the transition from the starting position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the starting position, respectively.

2. The operating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring elastic element (16) is a commercially available contact spring.

3. The operating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring elastic element (16) is guided in the direction of its movement (T) through at least one wall (102) of the housing (10).

4. The operating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating element (11) is guided along its operating direction (B) by at least one wall (101) of the housing (10).

5. The operating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating surface (12) of the operating element (11) is designed to be a proximity and / or contact sensitive surface, and there is an evaluation and controller (20) that can detect which part of the operator's operating tool is close to the operating surface (12) or which part of the operating element (11) is touched.

6. The operating device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The operating surface (12) is designed as a conventional surface.

7. A motor vehicle (K), characterized in that, It has an operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling an operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for a motor vehicle (K), said operating device (1) having an operating element (11), wherein, The spring elastic element (16) arranged below the operating element (11) is moved and / or deformed indirectly or directly by the piezoelectric element (14) so ​​as to provide at least one tactile feedback to the operator when the operating element (11) is pressed. The spring elastic element (16) is moved toward the operating element (11) and forms an action contact (W) with the operating element (11) when the operating element (11) is pressed, such that the spring elastic element (16) changes from a stable initial position to an unstable deformed position when the operating element (11) is released, and the spring elastic element (16) autonomously returns from the deformed position to the initial position when the operating element (11) is released, wherein tactile feedback is generated by the spring elastic element (16) in the transition from the initial position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the initial position, respectively.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Detect whether the operator's operating tool is close to or touches the operating surface (12) of the operating element (11).

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detection tool is located near or touches the operating surface (12) of the operating element (11).

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, During the transition from the starting position to the deformed position and from the deformed position to the starting position, the spring elastic element (16) additionally generates unique acoustic sounds.

Images