Operating device for installation on a vehicle

Abstract

An operating device (10, 10') for installation in a vehicle has a housing (12) and an operating element (14, 14') which is movably mounted in and / or on the housing (12) and can be manually shifted from a rest position into a function triggering position. Furthermore, the operating device (10, 10') is equipped with a switch (22) which is adapted to be actuated by the operating element (14, 14') upon manual shifting into the function triggering position, with a holding force generating unit (26, 26') for generating a holding force by means of which the operating element (14, 14') is held in its rest position, and with a control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding force generating unit in order to set the holding force.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to German patent application 10 2020 111 839.2, filed on April 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an operating device for installation in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Operating devices for vehicle mounting come in various configurations. For example, such devices may have individual pressable buttons, slide switches, toggle switches, rocker arms, and / or push / rotate adjusters. All these operating elements share a common feature: to trigger the operating function, or, in the case of a rotary actuator, to continue manual rotation, a pre-defined driving force threshold must be manually exceeded.

[0005] However, sometimes, to set up different functions or to "personalize" the operating element, it is best to be able to change the force threshold, thereby changing the switching torque. In this way, for example, the operating element design can be installed in the operating devices of vehicles from different vehicle manufacturers, where each vehicle manufacturer can define the force threshold according to its "operating principle," thus defining the switching torque differently.

[0006] For latch-type operating elements, such as rotary adjusters, it is known that the force by which the latch projects onto the locking rail from the latch position to the latch position can be adjusted and changed magnetically. Such tactile operating elements with this degree of adjustability are known in DE-A-10 2008 060 256. In such purely mechanical latching devices, the latch position cannot be changed. For this purpose, WO-A-2007 / 135169 provides that, for example, the latch position can be designed to be changed by connecting the rotary adjuster to the armature shaft of a motor, which provides current at the adjustable rotary position so that the holding position and the force with which the armature holds in these holding positions can be selectively adjusted.

[0007] DE-A 10 2018 217 865 describes an operating device with compensating weight that, when driven, supports a depressed operating element to return to its initial position.

[0008] According to DE-A-10 2011 089 400 and DE-B-10 2019 201 901, it is known that motor vehicles have other operating elements with various kinematics.

[0009] Finally, the previously filed patent application was republished as WO-A-2020 / 234025, which shows an operating unit for a vehicle, wherein the means for holding the operating elements in a stationary position has a holding magnet.

[0010] Existing technology

[0011] DE-A-10 2008 060 256

[0012] DE-A-10 2011 089 400

[0013] DE-B-10 2018 212 618

[0014] DE-A-10 2018 217 865

[0015] DE-B-10 2019 201 901

[0016] WO-A-2007 / 135169

[0017] WO-A-2020 / 234025 Summary of the Invention

[0018] The purpose of this invention is to provide a simple concept for an operating device for use in a vehicle, wherein the operating element can be changed in a simple manner according to the force threshold that it needs to manually overcome.

[0019] The object of this invention is achieved by providing an operating device for installation in a vehicle, the operating device having

[0020] -case;

[0021] - An operating element, movably mounted within and / or on the housing, and manually transferable from a rest position to a function-triggered position.

[0022] - The switch is driven by the operating element when the operating element is manually switched to the function trigger position.

[0023] - A holding force generating unit for generating a holding force that keeps the operating element in its stationary position, and

[0024] - Control unit for electrically controlling the holding force generating unit to set the maximum holding force that can be reduced when the operating element is contacted, thereby generating the tactile sensation of operating the operating element.

[0025] The actuating element according to the invention comprises at least one actuating element movably mounted in and / or on a housing, and manually transferable from a rest position to a function-triggered position. The actuating element is associated with a switch that can be actuated by the actuating element when it is manually transferred to the function-triggered position. The switch can be purely mechanically operated, but can also be configured as an optical, capacitive, or inductive switch. Each actuating element is associated with a holding force generating unit, through which the holding force for holding the actuating element in the rest position can be adjusted. Therefore, the holding force generating unit determines a force threshold that must be manually overcome to effectively actuate the actuating element; thus, the holding force generating unit does not cause substantial blockage of the actuating element, so that, for example, when manually driven beyond the force threshold, the actuating element can still be pressed down, but it is not substantially intended to actuate the actuating element in this manner. One or more holding force generating units are associated with a control unit that generates an electrical control signal for each holding force generating unit, the electrical control signal defining the set holding force.

[0026] According to the concept of the present invention, different force thresholds can now be assigned to each of several operating elements, and these thresholds must be manually overcome in order to effectively drive the corresponding operating element. Therefore, it can be said that the operating device intended for installation in a vehicle can be personalized. However, in particular, the force threshold of the operating element can be specified according to different menus. Finally, the dynamics of driving the operating element can also be set by the control unit and the holding force generation unit. In other words, the force-displacement characteristics of the operating element can be changed not only statically but also dynamically.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding force generating unit may include an electromagnet having a stator with a coil and an armature, and a control unit for controlling the coil of the electromagnet is connected to the coil. The electromagnet allows a force threshold to be defined in a particularly advantageous and simple manner, for example, by the magnitude of the coil current and / or the air gap between the stator and the armature and / or by the degree of overlap of the magnetically effective surfaces of the stator and the armature. Regarding the magnitude and adjustability of the force threshold, the relative direction of movement of the stator and the armature may also play a role when the set force threshold is exceeded. Thus, the stator and the armature can then move further apart, thereby changing the air gap, or the air gap may remain unchanged while the stator and armature move laterally to their extended distance.

[0028] In the electromagnet example described above, the application of coil current, i.e., electrical energy, is required to determine the holding force for the stationary position of the operating element. In this respect, it is advantageous if no electrical energy is needed to apply the holding force, and if the holding force can be adjusted. In an advantageous further development of the invention, a permanent holding electromagnet can be used as the holding force generating unit. In such a holding magnet, the magnetic holding force is provided by the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet. Here, this holding force can also be adjusted, for example, by the size of the air gap in the magnetic circuit. The holding force can also be adjusted by selecting the permanent magnet. By applying current to the coil of the permanent magnet, the magnetic flux generated by the permanent holding electromagnet is canceled out, thereby adjusting the holding force. Finally, a (pure) permanent magnet can also be used as the holding force generating unit. Here, the holding force can be adjusted by designing or selecting the permanent magnet.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating device may include a contact sensor system for detecting contact of the operating element. When contact is detected, the contact sensor system outputs a sensing signal to the control unit, which then controls a holding force generating unit to set a desired holding force acting on the rest position of the contacted operating element. This allows the holding force to be specified at the rest position of the operating element, and set to the desired level (typically by reducing) only when contact is detected. This prevents the operating element from making a "clicking" sound when manually operated without overcoming excessive force.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, an operating element is provided comprising an operating surface having multiple operating panels. A contact sensor system outputs different sensing signals to a control unit based on detected contact with the operating panel. Furthermore, to generate different holding forces, the control unit controls a holding force generating unit using different control signals based on the different sensing signals. Depending on the operating panel being contacted, the force threshold required to press the operating element to activate a function triggered by the corresponding operating panel may vary in magnitude. Depending on the operating menu displayed on the operating surface of the operating element, the holding force may also be the same for each operating panel, and may vary or be the same from one operating panel to another. Therefore, when the operating element is contacted, the (typical) decrease in holding force may differ for different operating panels of the same operating menu, or it may be the same for all operating panels of the operating menu, different from one operating panel to another, or a combination of both. Typically, when the operating element is not contacted, the holding force is large enough that a click or unintentional strong and forceful contact with the operating element will not immediately trigger the operating function.

[0031] In addition to using magnetically effective retaining force generating units, these units can also have magnetorheological or electropolymeric retaining force elements (e.g., see DE-B-10 2018 212 618), wherein these types of retaining force elements can be controlled by electrical control signals generated by the control unit of the operating unit according to the invention. Such retaining force elements can be configured, for example, as mechanically locking elements and elements in a “cured” state to prevent movement of the operating element or elements kinematically coupled thereto, while they become / become flexible when a force threshold is overcome. This is because magnetorheological polymers or fluids can change their stiffness or flowability under the influence of an applied magnetic field, just as electroactive polymers do when a voltage is applied. Alternatively, such blocking elements can also be pneumatically or hydraulically operated. For example, in a housing or similar enclosure, the flowability of particles or elements may be affected by a negative pressure applied pneumatically or hydraulically.

[0032] As described above, within the scope of the operating device according to the invention, the force threshold of at least one operating element can be electrically adjusted, and the operating element can be linearly guided, thus translating from a rest position to a function-triggered position. For example, such an operating element is configured as a key, thus allowing vertical movement, or configured as a slide switch, wherein the operating element can move laterally.

[0033] As an alternative to the above-described at least one actuating element concept, the actuating element can also be tilted or pivoted, thus allowing it to be transferred from a rest position to a function-triggered position via tilting or pivoting. In this configuration, the holding force may also be affected by the selected lever ratio.

[0034] As described above, the switch can be a mechanical switch or a contactless switch, such as a switch operated optically, capacitively, or inductively. If a mechanical switch is used, its tactile feedback is utilized in addition to the tactile feedback generated by the holding force provided according to the invention. In the case of a non-mechanical switch, the tactile feedback can be achieved independently through the holding force generating unit provided according to the invention.

[0035] The movement of the actuating element back to its resting position can be supported by a spring or by compensating weight, or it can be influenced by the restoring capability of a switch, for example, by actuating the switch when the actuating element is pressed. Different methods exist. Therefore, different concepts can be envisioned in the exemplary embodiments described herein. Finally, a holding force generating device and its commonly used magnetic force can also be used to “pull” the actuating element back to its resting position. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to two exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1A first exemplary embodiment of the operating device is schematically shown, the operating device having a pressure-operated element configured as a touch screen.

[0038] Figure 2 A second exemplary embodiment of the operating device with a toggle switch is shown, and

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a permanently retained electromagnet.

[0040] Figure Labels

[0041] 10 Operating Device

[0042] 10' Operating device

[0043] 12. Shell

[0044] 12' shell

[0045] 14 Operating elements

[0046] 14' Operating element

[0047] 16 Operating surfaces

[0048] 18. Control Panel

[0049] 20 Bottom

[0050] 20' bottom

[0051] 22 Switches

[0052] 22' switch

[0053] 24 plungers

[0054] 24' plunger

[0055] 26 Holding Force Generating Units

[0056] 26' Holding Force Generating Unit

[0057] 28 Permanently maintained electromagnet

[0058] 28' Permanently retained electromagnet

[0059] 30 Control Signals

[0060] 30' Control signal

[0061] 32 Control Unit

[0062] 32' Control Unit

[0063] 34. Induction signal

[0064] 36 Contact Sensor System

[0065] 37 Tilt / Pivot Bearing

[0066] 38 Armature

[0067] 38' armature

[0068] 40 stator

[0069] 40' stator

[0070] 42 air gap

[0071] 42' air gap

[0072] 44 permanent magnet

[0073] 46 coils

[0074] 46' coil Detailed Implementation

[0075] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional and perspective view of an operating device 10 for installation on a vehicle, including a housing 12 with an operating element 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the operating element 14 is configured as a touchscreen, forming an operating surface 16 on which a plurality of operating panels 18 are displayed. For example, on the bottom 20 of the housing 12, there is a mechanical switch 22 actuated by a plunger 24 extending from the operating element 14 toward the bottom 20. Figure 1 In the illustrated static position, in this exemplary embodiment, the operating element 14 is held by a holding force generating unit 26 comprising two permanently holding electromagnets 28. However, one such permanently holding electromagnet 28 is also sufficient. In addition to the permanent magnet, this permanently holding electromagnet 28 (see...) Figure 3 It also has a coil. The coil is controlled by means of an electrical control signal 30 generated by the control unit 32. In this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 32 is also equipped with a sensing signal 34 from the touch sensor system 36 of the touch screen.

[0076] exist Figure 1 In this diagram, the structure of the operating device 10 is purely schematic. For example, for clarity, the illustration of the linear guide of the operating element 14 for pressing is not shown.

[0077] Figure 1The holding force of the operating element 14 in its rest position is generated by two permanent electromagnets 28 of the holding force generating unit 26. Here, the size of the air gap and the selection of the permanent magnets play a role. When the operating surface 16 contacts the area of ​​one of the operating panels 18, a control signal 30 is sent via the control unit 32 to the coils of the permanent holding electromagnets 28 so that their force threshold is adjusted to the desired level and must be manually overcome to press down the operating element 14. When the operating element 14 is pressed down, the switch 22 is then activated.

[0078] Figure 2 An improved concept of the operating device 10' is shown, which has an optionally configurable operating element 14'. The operating element 14' is designed as a toggle key, each having a tilting or pivot bearing 37. This is necessary for the present invention. Figure 2 The components of the operating device 10' are structurally or functionally similar to... Figure 1 Compared to the components of the operating device 10, they are in Figure 2 The same reference number is provided, but it is labeled with a single prime number.

[0079] Figure 2 The holding force generating unit 26 of the operating device 10' has a permanently holding electromagnet 28' in sequence. If the lever ratio is selected accordingly, the tilting or pivoting design of the operating element 14' can now influence... Figure 2 The holding force of the operating element 14” in the static position, as shown, provides greater degrees of freedom.

[0080] use Figure 3 The permanent holding electromagnet 28, schematically shown, is also advantageous as a holding force generating unit 26. For example, in the holding position, the movable armature 38 of the holding magnet and the stationary stator 40 do not contact each other but are kept separated by a minimum air gap 42. The gap 42 can also be filled with mechanical vapor, for example, a compressible material. Therefore, there is no contact between the armature 38 and the stator 40, and thus no mechanical force that could affect comfort is fed back to the operating surface 16. The stationary stator 40 or the movable armature 38 is equipped with a permanent magnet 44. The stator 40 also includes a coil 46 through which current flows to counteract, alter, redirect, etc., the magnetic field from the permanent magnet 44, thereby affecting the holding position of the armature 28. In practice, if the fingers of a hand are detected by a contact sensor system 36, typically a touch sensor system, current can be supplied to the coil 46 of the permanent holding electromagnet 28, thereby altering or even canceling the holding force. This occurs within milliseconds, thus exceeding the perceptible delay.

[0081] Therefore, the design according to the invention enables the convenient implementation of the passive tactile concept in a simple manner. It is characterized by a pressure-operated element 14' acting on a mechanical switch 22, providing a perceptible force feedback effect to the element 14'. The element 14' has multiple symbol fields. The entire operating surface 16 is not always occupied by symbol fields. For example, 16 "individual contact surfaces" can be designated on the operating surface. There is no function between these individual surfaces. However, without mechanical locking, the operating surface 16 may move when force is applied by a finger, thus indicating that no function is triggered. The controllable mechanical locking according to the invention prevents this. The lock can only be released when a finger is on a designated contact surface. The lock can also only be temporarily released on the designated contact surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a substantially active touch surface from becoming ineffective due to a previously defined operating state, such as a vehicle.

Claims

1. An operating device for installation in a vehicle, comprising: -Shell (12), - An operating element (14, 14') is movably mounted in or on the housing (12) and can be manually moved from a rest position to a function-triggered position. - Switch (22), which is actuated by operating element (14, 14') when the operating element is manually switched to the function trigger position. - A holding force generating unit (26, 26') is used to generate a holding force by which the operating element (14, 14') is held in its rest position, and - Control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding force generating unit (26, 26') to set the holding force, in, The operating elements (14, 14') include an operating surface (16) having multiple operating panels (18). A contact sensor system (36) is used to detect contact with the operating elements (14, 14'). When contact with the operating panel (18) is detected, the contact sensor system (36) outputs a sensing signal to the control unit (32). -The contact sensor system (36) provides a sensing signal (34) to the control unit (32) only when it senses contact with the operation panel (18) to release the static position holding force.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holding force generating unit (26, 26') includes an electromagnet (28), a stator (40) with a coil and an armature, and a control unit (32) for controlling the coil of the electromagnet (28) is connected to the coil.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnet is configured as a permanently held electromagnet (28), whose stator (40) has a permanent magnet.

4. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When contact of the operating elements (14, 14') is detected, the contact sensor system (36) outputs a sensing signal (34) to the control unit (32), and then the control unit (32) controls the holding force generating unit (26, 26') to set the required holding force acting on the rest position of the operating elements (14, 14') when they are in contact. The required holding force for the rest position is lower than the holding force required to keep the operating elements (14, 14') from contact.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When contact of the operating elements (14, 14') is detected, the contact sensor system (36) outputs a sensing signal (34) to the control unit (32), and then the control unit (32) controls the holding force generating unit (26, 26') to set the required holding force acting on the rest position of the operating elements (14, 14') when they are in contact. The required holding force at the rest position is lower than the holding force that keeps the operating elements (14, 14') from contact before contact.

6. The operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The contact sensor system (36) outputs different sensing signals (34) to the control unit (32) based on the detected contact operation panel (18), and controls the holding force generating unit (26, 26') through different control signals based on the different sensing signals (34) to generate different holding forces.

7. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding force generating unit (26, 26') includes a magnetorheological or electropolymerization holding force element, which is controlled by an electrical control signal of the control unit (32) to set a mechanical holding force acting on the rest position of the operating element (14, 14').

8. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating element (14, 14') moves linearly and translationally from the rest position to the function trigger position.

9. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating element (14, 14') tilts or pivots, and moves from a rest position to a function trigger position by tilting or pivoting.

10. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch (22) is a mechanical switch (22) or a contactless switch (22).

11. The operating device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The switch (22) is a switch (22) operated by optical, capacitive or inductive means.

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