Control device and method for controlling an active haptic operating element for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (14) for actuating an active haptic operating element (12) for a motor vehicle (700), said control device (14) being designed to ascertain (202) whether there is an actuation of the operating element (12) with a short press or an actuation of the operating element with a long press. The control device (14) is designed to ascertain (204) whether a long-push function is assigned to the operating element (12) as soon as an actuation of the operating element (12) with a short-push is ascertained, said long-push function being executable after an actuation of the operating element (12) with a long-push, and to ascertain (204) whether a long-push function is assigned to the operating element (12) as soon as an actuation of the operating element (12) with a long-push is ascertained. If so, the operating element (12) is actuated (206) to output an active haptic feedback (502).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling an active tactile operating element for a motor vehicle, an active tactile operating unit comprising the control device, a motor vehicle comprising the control device and / or a method for controlling an active tactile operating element for a motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method. Additionally or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which, when the instructions are executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method. The present invention is therefore in the field of operating elements for motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the operating element is designed as a single suspended and guided key. In this case, the operating feedback is purely mechanical and depends on the mechanical elements used, such as springs and silicone caps. Therefore, pressing the key always results in a tactile operating feedback, even if the function assigned to the key cannot be used, for example in the case of a non-functional "telephone" key, which may also be installed in vehicles without a telephone connection for reasons of minimizing variants. In addition, operating units with a pressable suspended plate containing a plurality of switch surfaces are known in the prior art. Here, the position of the finger on the plate is analyzed and the corresponding function is triggered, which is stored at the selected position. Even in this case, the operating feedback is purely mechanical and is therefore independent of whether the function can be executed.

[0003] In addition, buttons with a long-press function are known, which means that a function is only executed when the corresponding button is actuated for a certain duration. However, the existence and functionality of the long-press function must first be learned by the user (through recommendations, operating instructions, unintentional mis-activation, active search, etc.), so that many long-press functions often remain unexplored over the entire product life, despite the need or even the existence of a functional use requirement.

[0004] Furthermore, multifunctional operating devices with active tactile feedback are also known in the prior art and are described, for example, in DE 10 2017 127 231 A1. Summary of the invention

[0005] In the context of the prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and / or a method, which are respectively suitable for enriching the prior art, for example, providing an improved operating unit and / or providing improved tactile feedback for an operating element. A specific embodiment of the present disclosure can solve the following task, namely, providing design flexibility for the tactile feedback of an operating element.

[0006] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. The content of the dependent claims is respectively an optional further development of the disclosure.

[0007] Accordingly, the object is achieved by a control device for actuating an active haptic operating element for a motor vehicle.

[0008] The control device is designed to ascertain whether an actuation of the operating element by a short press is present (or has occurred) or an actuation of the operating element by a long press is present (or has occurred).

[0009] The control device is designed to detect, as long as an actuation of the operating element by a short press is detected, whether the operating element is assigned a long press function, which can be executed after the operating element is actuated by the long press, and to control the operating element to output active tactile feedback as long as the long press function is detected.

[0010] "Active haptics" can be understood to mean that the tactile feedback is not provided by, or at least not only by, passive mechanical elements, such as return springs and / or silicone caps, but by active actuators, which can be controlled accordingly. In other words, in order to provide active tactile feedback, it may be necessary to provide an actuator in the operating element and to appropriately control the actuator. For example, the actuator may include a piezoelectric actuator or be configured as such an actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may have other common actuator types, such as a solenoid and / or a voice coil.

[0011] Active haptic feedback can be haptically perceptible events that can be output to the user. In particular, haptic feedback can be output when an operating element is actuated, by means of which a successful actuation of the operating element can be detected, for example, when the duration of the actuation is however too short to execute a (long press) function. The haptic feedback can optionally include vibrations, pulses, vibration patterns and / or deflections. The haptic feedback can optionally be accompanied by acoustic feedback, although this is not mandatory.

[0012] The actuation of the operating element can be the prescribed execution of a switching process with the operating element. If the operating element is designed as a pressure button, the actuation can consist in pressing the pressure button beyond a possibly predetermined pressure point. If the operating element is designed as a toggle switch, the actuation can optionally consist in the toggle movement exceeding a possibly predetermined threshold.

[0013] Ascertaining the manipulation of the operating element may optionally include ascertaining the touching of the operating element. This may be advantageous in particular, for example, in the case of an operating element having a touch operating surface. Here, ascertaining the manipulation of the operating element may optionally include ascertaining the position at which the operating element was touched. Based on the position of the touch, it is then possible to analyze whether there has been manipulation of the operating element. Thus, for example, it may be ascertained whether the operating element has been touched at a specified position, whether the operating element has been assigned or has been assigned a function at the time of the touch, and whether a predetermined force threshold was exceeded during the touch in order to be considered as a manipulation of the operating element.

[0014] "Short press" and "long press" are to be understood as actuating the operating element with different actuation durations, wherein in the case of a short press, the operating element is actuated or is actuated with a shorter actuation duration than in the case of a long press. Thus, the operating element may be actuated with a long press when the (uninterrupted) actuation duration of the operating element has reached a predetermined minimum actuation duration.

[0015] Here, the operation duration is the duration of the operation of the operating element, for example, the duration of pressing the operating element configured as a pressure button, the duration of toggling the operating element configured as a toggle switch, and / or the duration of touching the operating element having a touch operating surface. For example, the operation duration may correspond to the duration of the operation of the operating element (uninterruptedly) exceeding a predetermined (switching) threshold. The minimum operation duration may be a lower threshold to be met for the operation duration.

[0016] The fact that the operating element can be assigned a function or a long-press function means that the actuation of the operating element signals a user input with a request to execute a function connected to the operating element. It is also possible that the operating element is not assigned a function or a long-press function. Alternatively or additionally, the operating element can be assigned a function only temporarily or different functions or long-press functions can be assigned at different times.

[0017] The operating element and / or the operating unit can optionally be formed in the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be used in any form of direct screen operation and screen remote control operation, but also in all possible active tactile operating elements without a screen.

[0018] The function or the long-press function can be executable, meaning that the operation of the operating element leads to the execution of the function, for example, in a motor vehicle. It is conceivable that one or more, for example, technical conditions must be met in addition to the operation of the operating element, wherein the verification of these conditions is triggered, for example, by the operation of the operating element. One of these conditions can be as follows or can be verified in addition to these conditions: the function can be executed without fault, which means, for example, that there is no technical fault in the system responsible for executing the function. It is therefore possible to configure a function (or multiple functions) to the operating element, but the function cannot be executed. On the contrary, when no function is configured or a function is configured but cannot be executed, the executable function can be not configured.

[0019] The executable nature of a function referred to or regarded as a long-press function is (among other things) linked to a long press of an operating element, which means that the function can only be executed or is only executed when the operating element is actuated with a long press (e.g. with a minimum actuation duration). A long press (e.g. an actuation with a minimum actuation duration) thus constitutes a condition that should be satisfied, for example, independently of a technical point of view of a system of a motor vehicle that is responsible for or is designed to execute the function. Thus, the system can technically execute the function, but the operating element must be actuated long enough until the system is actuated by the control device in order to execute the function. Thus, a long press or a minimum actuation duration can be a condition that is predetermined by the control device and stored, for example, in a memory (e.g. of the control device).

[0020] Therefore, when the operating element is assigned a long-press function but is only actuated or actuated with a short press, active haptic feedback can be outputted in a targeted manner. In other words, if the operating element is not actuated long enough, for example with an actuation duration less than a minimum actuation duration, active haptic feedback is outputted.

[0021] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, to output an active haptic feedback as soon as a predetermined (switching) threshold is no longer exceeded, wherein, for example, the user's finger is still on the operating element and can thus perceive the active haptic feedback.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that an active haptic feedback is output as soon as the operating element is actuated and that the active haptic feedback can continue during the actuation of the operating element, for example as soon as a minimum actuation duration has not been reached.

[0023] Outputting active tactile feedback here means causing an event that the user can tactilely perceive on the operating element. This can optionally include outputting a control signal to an actuator of the operating element so that the actuator causes a tactilely perceptible movement of the operating element.

[0024] The control device described above provides a number of advantages. In addition, an improved technique is provided, which enables context-dependent provision of active haptic feedback. With the help of active haptic feedback, a user, for example a driver of a motor vehicle, is clearly informed when actuating an operating element whether the operating element is assigned a long-press function, which means that actuation of the operating element only leads to the triggering of a function connected to the operating element when the operating element is actuated for a longer period of time, for example for at least a minimum actuation duration. In other words, the user is already indicated as a forewarning by the active haptic feedback that the operating element must still be actuated for a longer actuation duration in order to trigger the function, because the previous actuation was too short.

[0025] The present disclosure therefore offers the advantage that the blind operability of the operating element is improved, since the user receives reliable information about the non-acceptance of the input command by means of active tactile feedback, since the operating element was not operated for long enough. Distraction of the user, for example the driver of a motor vehicle, is thus minimized, since no shift of sight, for example from the street to a display (for example a display device), is required.

[0026] In addition, the present disclosure provides the advantage that an operating unit having one or more operating elements can be provided in a monolithic and / or seamless design and still provide tactile feedback and output the tactile feedback to the user on the operating element, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the operating unit.

[0027] Furthermore, the long-press function is nowadays somewhat of an expert function: one must know which switch surface is behind which the long-press function is hidden and which switch surface is behind which the long-press function is not hidden. This is improved in an advantageous manner by the present disclosure: even without this knowledge, the "foreshadowing" provides the information that the long-press function is also hidden after the short-press function. This simplifies the search and improves the understanding of the system, and more precisely, it is not necessary to read the operating instructions.

[0028] Possible further developments of the above-described control device are explained in detail below.

[0029] The control device can be designed to control the operating element to output an active tactile short-press feedback, as long as it is detected that the operating element is actuated with a short press and that the operating element is not assigned a long press function. The active tactile feedback and the active tactile short-press feedback can be distinguished from each other. The prefix "short press" is used only to distinguish between the two active tactile feedbacks. In other words, the active tactile feedback and the active tactile short-press feedback are active tactile feedbacks that are distinguished from each other.

[0030] The control device can be designed to control the operating element so that no active tactile feedback or active tactile long-press feedback is output as long as a long-press operation of the operating element is detected. The active tactile feedback and the active tactile long-press feedback can be distinguished from each other. The prefix "long-press" is used only to distinguish between the active tactile feedback and the active tactile long-press feedback (and the optional short-press feedback), and the active tactile feedback and the active tactile long-press feedback are active tactile feedback that can be distinguished from each other.

[0031] The operating element may be actuatable in a first switching position and in a second switching position.

[0032] The control device can be designed to distinguish whether an actuation of the operating element by a short press or a long press is detected, whether an actuation of the operating element in the first switch position is present (or has been present) or whether an actuation of the operating element in the second switch position is present (or has been present).

[0033] The control device may be configured to output active haptic feedback for actuating the operating element such that, when the operating element is actuated in the first switch position, a first active haptic feedback is output, and when the operating element is actuated in the second switch position, a second active haptic feedback is output. In other words, the control device may be configured (for actuating the operating element to output active haptic feedback) to actuate the operating element to output the first active haptic feedback when actuation of the operating element in the first switch position is detected, and to actuate the operating element to output the second active haptic feedback when actuation of the operating element in the second switch position is detected.

[0034] This offers the advantage that, by progressively actuating the operating element, a plurality of different long-press functions can be selected and the user is informed by corresponding active haptic feedback that the operating element was actuated or held in the corresponding switch position too briefly for triggering the corresponding long-press function. Alternatively, more than two different switch positions and optionally more than two different active haptic feedback signals connected thereto can be provided.

[0035] The manipulation of the operating element in the first switch position can exist by exceeding the first switch threshold and the manipulation of the operating element in the second switch position can exist by exceeding the second switch threshold. Exceeding the second switch threshold occurs in the following manipulation movement, which has the same direction as the manipulation movement for exceeding the first switch threshold and has a greater action than the manipulation movement for exceeding the first switch threshold. As a result, multiple functions can be assigned to a single operating element in a simple and intuitive way. The greater action of the manipulation movement can be in or include a greater manipulation force. For example, in the case where the operating element is constructed as a pressure button, the first switch threshold can be reached by pressing with a first button pressure, and the second switch threshold can be reached by pressing with a second button pressure, and the second button pressure is greater than the first button pressure.

[0036] A greater action of the operating movement can be due to or include a greater operating force.

[0037] In order to distinguish whether the operating element is operated in the first switch position or in the second switch position, the control device can be designed to detect that the operating element is operated in the first switch position when the first switching threshold is exceeded after the first reset threshold is exceeded. In other words, in order to recognize the operation of the operating element in the first switch position, it is first necessary to exceed the first reset threshold, which is below, in order to recognize the exceeding of the first switching threshold as an operation process. This can be done in that the first reset threshold and the first switching threshold are exceeded for the first time when the operating element is operated, or the operation of the operating element is reduced or weakened during this period, without the operation being completely interrupted, and the operation falls back below the first reset threshold.

[0038] In order to distinguish whether the operating element is operated in the first switch position or in the second switch position, the control device can be configured to detect that the operating element is operated in the second switch position when the second switching threshold is exceeded after the second reset threshold is exceeded. In other words, in order to recognize the operation of the operating element in the second switch position, the second reset threshold, which is located below, must first be exceeded in order to recognize the exceeding of the first switching threshold as an operation process. This can be done in the following way, that is, when the operating element is operated, the second reset threshold and the second switching threshold are exceeded for the first time, or the operation of the operating element decreases or weakens in the meantime, and the operation falls back below the second reset threshold without interrupting the operation at all, and the operation does not fall back below the first reset threshold.

[0039] The first reset threshold can be formed below the second reset threshold, and the second reset threshold can be formed below the first switching threshold. "Below" in this context means that actuation should be performed with a smaller movement or that a lower actuation force is required to reach the respective threshold than to reach a switching threshold lying above the threshold.

[0040] The actuation duration of the actuation of the operating element in the first switch position may correspond to the duration from the (first) exceeding time of the first switching threshold until the falling below time of the first reset threshold (or alternatively, the duration of the exceeding of the first switching threshold). In other words, the actuation may begin as soon as the first switching threshold has been exceeded, and the actuation may end again as soon as the first switching threshold is fallen below and then the first reset threshold is fallen below. With the aid of the actuation duration, it can be determined whether the operating element is actuated in the first switch position by a short press or whether the operating element is actuated in the first switch position by a long press.

[0041] Similarly, the actuation duration of the actuation of the operating element in the second switch position may correspond to the duration from the (first) time of exceeding the second switching threshold until the time of falling below the second reset threshold (or alternatively, the duration of exceeding the second switching threshold). In other words, the actuation may begin as soon as the second switching threshold is exceeded, and the actuation may end again as soon as the second switching threshold is fallen below and then the second reset threshold is fallen below. With the aid of the actuation duration, it can be determined whether the operating element is actuated in the second switch position by a short press or by a long press.

[0042] The first active haptic feedback and the second active haptic feedback can optionally be distinguished from one another. This offers the advantage that, as long as the operating element is actuated or remains in this switch position too briefly, the user receives information based on the haptic feedback and without a control line of sight about which switch position of the operating element is assigned a long-press function.

[0043] In other words, the above content allows to be summarized as a possible specific implementation of the present disclosure as described below, wherein the following description should be interpreted as non-limiting to the present disclosure.

[0044] During a short press of an operating element with long press functionality, for example a button, a signal can be output by means of an active tactile element, which distinguishes the operating element with long press functionality from operating elements without long press functionality.

[0045] The user can be informed that there is a long press functionality. During a long press, it can be clearly communicated that there is a long press function and that the long press function is executed when staying for a longer time.

[0046] For use in a motor vehicle, the driver's distraction can be minimized as optimally as possible. The availability of faster operating options can be communicated to the user during use without the need to shift the gaze for this purpose. This enables hidden functions to be found that are available but even remain undiscovered.

[0047] Feedback about the long-press function can thus already be provided during operation, thereby alleviating the problem of "premature release".

[0048] Furthermore, an active haptic operating unit is provided for a motor vehicle, wherein the active haptic operating unit can include an active haptic operating element and an above-described control device.

[0049] It is conceivable that the actively haptic operating unit comprises a plurality of actively haptic operating elements which can be actuated by means of a control device.

[0050] The actively tactile operating unit (or the plurality of actively tactile operating units) and the control device can be connected in terms of signaling.

[0051] What has been described above with reference to the control device also applies analogously to the active tactile operating unit and vice versa.

[0052] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the motor vehicle comprises an active haptic operating unit as described above (and / or an active haptic control device as described above).

[0053] The motor vehicle may be a passenger vehicle, in particular a car, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck.

[0054] What has been described above with reference to the control device and the active haptic operating unit also applies analogously to the motor vehicle and vice versa.

[0055] Furthermore, a method for actuating an active haptic operating element for a motor vehicle is provided.

[0056] The method includes ascertaining whether an actuation of the operating element has occurred by a short press or an actuation of the operating element has occurred by a long press.

[0057] The method includes, as long as an actuation of the operating element with a short press is detected, determining whether the operating element is assigned a long press function, which can be executed after the operating element is operated with a long press, and as long as the long press function is detected, controlling the operating element to output active tactile feedback.

[0058] The (control) method may be a computer-implemented method, which means that one, several or all steps of the method may be at least partially executed by a computer or a device for data processing (optionally a control device).

[0059] What was described above with reference to the control device, the active haptic operating unit and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the method and vice versa.

[0060] Furthermore, a computer program is provided, which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute or carry out the above-described method.

[0061] The program code of the computer program may be present as any desired code, in particular as a code suitable for controlling a motor vehicle.

[0062] What has been described above with reference to the control device, the active haptic operating unit, the motor vehicle and the method also applies analogously to the computer program and vice versa.

[0063] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable storage medium, is provided. The computer-readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute or implement the above method.

[0064] That is, a computer-readable medium may be provided, the computer-readable medium comprising the computer program defined above. The computer-readable medium may relate to any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, hard disk, CD-ROM, SD card or SSD card (or SSD drive / SSD hard disk).

[0065] The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium in order to be available in the motor vehicle, but can also cover the Internet or other external sources.

[0066] What was described above with reference to the method, the control device, the active haptic operating unit, the computer program and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the computer-readable medium and vice versa.

[0067] It goes without saying that the features and embodiments mentioned above and explained below are not only to be regarded as disclosed in the respectively explicitly mentioned combination, but rather other technically meaningful combinations and embodiments are also encompassed by the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Optional implementation forms are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows an active haptic operating unit for a motor vehicle according to an optional embodiment;

[0070] Figure 2 A method for actuating an active haptic operating element according to an optional embodiment is shown;

[0071] Figure 3A and 3B For a conventional mechanical key with passive tactile sensation ( Figure 3A ) and an active tactile operating element according to an optional embodiment ( Figure 3B ) with respect to the return force (horizontal axis) of the travel (vertical axis);

[0072] Figure 4A and 4B The example shows that a conventional mechanical key ( Figure 4A ) and an active tactile operating unit according to an optional embodiment ( Figure 4B ) for the comparison of the time variation curves of finger travel and finger force;

[0073] Figure 5A schematically showing the relative arrangement of the first and second switch thresholds and the first and second reset thresholds with a graph showing finger force on the horizontal axis;

[0074] Figure 5B shows a situation in which a first switch position and a second switch position of an actively haptic operating element are distinguished by separate actively haptic feedback; and

[0075] Figure 6 A motor vehicle according to an alternative specific embodiment is shown by way of example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The same reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or similar elements. Even if corresponding elements can only be seen in other figures, they are also partially given reference numerals in the description of the figures.

[0077] Figure 1 An active haptic operating unit 10 for a motor vehicle is shown in a schematic diagram according to an alternative embodiment.

[0078] The active haptic operating unit 10 comprises (at least one) actively haptic operating element 12 and a control device 14 for actuating the (at least one) actively haptic operating element 12 .

[0079] Here, the active tactile operating unit 10 can have an actuator 16 and a force sensor 18. The actuator 16 can optionally be configured as an oscillating coil actuator or include such an oscillating coil actuator and is designed to act mechanically on the operating element 12 in order to generate active tactile feedback. Arrow 100 shows the direction of action of the actuator 16 by way of example. The force sensor 18 can optionally be configured as a piezoresistive force sensor or include such a piezoresistive force sensor and is designed to identify user input to the operating element 12, which is performed, for example, by keystrokes and generates corresponding sensor signals. Arrow 102 shows the direction of the force when the user input is performed by way of example. Optionally, not only the actuator 16 but also the force sensor 18 is connected to the control device 14, so that the control device 14 can receive sensor information from the force sensor 18 and can control and / or adjust the actuator 16 to generate active tactile feedback. Arrow 20 indicates the support position of the operating element 12. According to other embodiments, the operating element 12 can be constructed differently and allow other manipulations. In particular, according to an alternative embodiment, the action of the actuator can be directed in a plurality of directions, for example in two spatial directions or in three spatial directions, including a direction in the plane of the operating surface of the operating element 12 .

[0080] In order to actuate the active haptic operating element 12 , the control device 14 is designed to execute the following steps, which are also referred to in Figure 2 The method 200 is described in detail.

[0081] In the first method step 202, it is determined whether the operating element 12 is operated by a short press or a long press. For this purpose, the operation of the operating element and the operation duration can be determined during the operation. If the determined operation duration is, for example, less than a predetermined minimum operation duration, then a short press is present, otherwise a long press is present.

[0082] As soon as an actuation of operating element 12 by a short press is detected, further method steps 204 and 206 (and optionally method step 208 ) are carried out.

[0083] In a second method step 204 , it is determined whether a long-press function is assigned to operating element 12 , which can be executed after an actuation of operating element 12 by a long press.

[0084] In a third method step 206 , as soon as it has been determined that a long-press function is assigned to operating element 12 , active haptic feedback 502 is output by actuating operating element 12 .

[0085] In the optional fourth method step 208, as long as it is determined in the first method step 202 that the operating element 12 is operated with a short press and in the second method step 204 that the operating element 12 is not assigned a long press function, the operating element 12 can be operated to output an active tactile short press feedback 504, wherein the active tactile feedback 502 and the active tactile short press feedback 504 are distinguished from each other.

[0086] Method steps 206 and 208 may be performed in any order or simultaneously.

[0087] In an optional fifth method step 210, as long as an actuation of the operating element 12 by a long press is detected in the first method step 202, the operating element 12 can be controlled not to output an active haptic feedback or an active haptic long press feedback, wherein the active haptic feedback 502 and the active haptic long press feedback are distinguished from each other. Method step 210 can be performed as an alternative to method steps 204, 206 and 208.

[0088] To explain the technical background, Figure 3A and 3B For a conventional mechanical key with passive tactile sensation ( Figure 3A ) and a comparison of the restoring force (horizontal axis) of an active haptic operating element 12 in accordance with an alternative embodiment over the travel (vertical axis).

[0089] The drawn horizontal auxiliary lines here mark the preload 302, the reset threshold 304, the snap 306, the reset click 308, the switching threshold 310 and the stop 312 in the case of a conventional mechanical key. Here, the threshold values ​​S1, S2 and S3 indicate the reaching of the switching threshold 310, the click 306 and the stop 312. Here, the click can include a snap-in or snap-in movement. When actuating a conventional key with passive haptics, the finger "falls" into the switching point (indicated by arrow 314) when crossing the switching threshold 310. When releasing or releasing the key, due to the reduction in the pressure on the key, the finger is pushed back as indicated by arrow 316. As a result, tactile feedback is provided in a passive manner when pressing and releasing or releasing the key.

[0090] Unlike conventional mechanical buttons, the restoring force (horizontal axis) in the case of an active tactile operating element 12 can optionally extend linearly over the travel (vertical axis), as in Figure 3B. In order to simplify the orientation, the auxiliary symbols for the preload force 302 and the stop 312 are indicated here, as well as a switching threshold 318 (when the switching threshold is exceeded, the actuation or the start of actuation of the operating element 12 is confirmed) and a reset threshold 320, which is used to provide active haptic feedback when the reset threshold 320 is fallen below after the switching threshold 318 is exceeded and then again fallen below. The linear course makes it possible for the force expenditure for actuating the operating element 12 to be perceived as linearly elastic.

[0091] Figure 4A and 4B The example shows that a conventional mechanical key ( Figure 4A ) and an active tactile operating unit 12 according to an optional embodiment ( Figure 4B ) for the time profiles of finger travel 400 and finger force 402. Auxiliary lines indicate the switching threshold, the reset threshold and the switching process. It can be seen here that with the active tactile operating element 12, multiple actuations of the active tactile operating element 12 can be achieved with a significantly lower finger travel or finger stroke than with conventional mechanical buttons.

[0092] exist Figure 1 The operating element 12 shown in FIG. 1 can optionally be actuated in a first switch position and in a second switch position. If this is the case, then in the method 200 (in Figure 2 In optional method step 203 , a distinction is made as to whether an actuation of operating element 12 in the first switch position exists or has existed or whether an actuation of operating element 12 in the second switch position exists or has existed.

[0093] In order to distinguish the two switch positions, the active tactile feedback 502 may include an active tactile first feedback 502a when the operating element 12 is operated in the first switch position and an active tactile second feedback 502b when the operating element 12 is operated in the second switch position. Thus, in the third method step 206, when it is detected that the operating element 12 is operated in the first switch position, the operating element 12 may be controlled to output the active tactile first feedback 502a, or when it is detected that the operating element 12 is operated in the second switch position, the operating element may be controlled to output the active tactile second feedback 502b.

[0094] The actuation of the operating element 12 in the first switch position may be present by exceeding a first switching threshold 318a, and the actuation of the operating element in the second switch position may be present by exceeding a second switching threshold 318b, wherein the exceeding of the second switching threshold 318b is present in an actuation movement that has the same direction as the actuation movement for exceeding the first switching threshold 318a and has a greater movement than the actuation movement for exceeding the first switching threshold. The greater movement of the actuation movement may here consist in or include a greater actuation force.

[0095] The actuation of the operating element 12 in the first switch position or in the second switch position can be distinguished in that, when the first switching threshold 318a is exceeded after the first reset threshold 320a is exceeded, it can be determined that the operating element 12 is actuated in the first switch position, and when the second switching threshold 318b is exceeded after the second reset threshold 320b is exceeded, it can be determined that the operating element 12 is actuated in the second switch position. The first reset threshold 320a can be formed below the second reset threshold 320b and the second reset threshold 320b can be formed below the first switching threshold 318a.

[0096] Figure 5A The relative arrangement of the first and second switch thresholds 318a, 318b and the first and second reset thresholds 320a and 320b is schematically illustrated by a graph showing finger force 402 on the horizontal axis. Figure 5A The output of active tactile feedback 502 and the optional output of active tactile short-press feedback 504 are indicated on the right.

[0097] Once the first switching threshold 318a is exceeded and then falls below, and then also falls below the first reset threshold 320a, for example, an active tactile feedback 502 or an active tactile short-press feedback 504 can be output. The actuation duration can correspond to the duration from exceeding the first switching threshold 318a until falling below the first reset threshold 320a. With the aid of the actuation duration, it can be determined whether the operating element 12 is actuated with a short press or a long press. If there is a short press, an active tactile feedback 502 can be output when the operating element 12 is assigned a long press function, or an active tactile short press feedback 504 can be output when the operating element 12 is not assigned a long press function.

[0098] As an alternative to the active haptic feedback 502 which is first output when the active haptic operating element 12 is actuated and the first reset threshold 320a is again undershot, it can also be provided that the active haptic feedback is already output as soon as the first switching threshold is exceeded (that is, as soon as the active haptic operating element 12 is actuated). It is conceivable that the active haptic feedback is stopped as long as the minimum actuation duration has not been reached and / or the actuation of the active haptic operating element 12 has been terminated by undershooting the first switching threshold 318a and the first reset threshold 320a. In this case, the actuation duration is already determined during the actuation of the active haptic operating element 12, so that it is determined whether the current actuation constitutes an actuation with a short press as long as the minimum actuation duration has not yet been reached.

[0099] Figure 5B The following situation is shown, in which the first switch position and the second switch position of the active tactile operating element 12 are distinguished by separate active tactile feedback. Here, when the first switching threshold 318a is exceeded, the first active tactile feedback 502a or the optional active tactile short-press feedback 504a is output, and when the second switching threshold 318b is exceeded, the second active tactile feedback 502b or the optional active tactile short-press feedback 504b is output. The first active tactile feedback 502a and the second active tactile feedback 502b and the optional first active tactile short-press feedback 504a and the second active tactile short-press feedback 504b can be distinguished from each other.

[0100] The output of the first active tactile feedback 502a or the first short press-feedback 504a of the active tactile sense may be similar to that in Figure 5A 502, 504 in the feedback. Once the second switching threshold 318b is exceeded and then falls below the second reset threshold 320b, for example, the second active tactile feedback 502b or the second short press-feedback 504b of active tactile can be output. The operation duration can correspond to the duration from exceeding the second switching threshold 318b to falling below the second reset threshold 320b. With the help of the operation duration, it can be confirmed whether the operating element 12 is operated by a short press or a long press. If there is a short press, when the operating element 12 is assigned a long press function, the second active tactile feedback 502b can be output, or when the operating element 12 is not assigned a long press function, the second active tactile short press-feedback 504b can be output.

[0101] As an alternative to the first active tactile feedback 502a and the second active tactile feedback 502b that are first output when the active tactile operating element 12 is operated and the first reset threshold 320a or the second reset threshold 320b is again undershot, it can also be provided that the active tactile feedback is already output as soon as the active tactile operating element 12 is operated in the first switch position or in the second switch position. Thus, the first active tactile feedback can be output as soon as the first switch threshold 318a is exceeded, and the second active tactile feedback can be output as soon as the second switch threshold 318b is exceeded. It is also conceivable that the first active tactile feedback or the second active tactile feedback can be stopped as soon as the corresponding minimum operation duration is not reached and / or the operation of the active tactile operating element 12 is terminated by falling below the first switch threshold 318a and the first reset threshold 320a (for the first switch position) or by falling below the second switch threshold 318b and the first reset threshold 320b (for the second switch position). The actuation duration is therefore already determined during an actuation of actively haptic operating element 12 in order to determine whether the current actuation constitutes an actuation with a short press, as long as a corresponding minimum actuation duration has not yet been reached.

[0102] Figure 6 By way of example, a motor vehicle 700 is shown having a steering wheel 702 , wherein steering wheel 702 has an operating unit 10 according to the disclosure having the (at least one) operating element 12 .

[0103] Reference numerals list

[0104] 10 operation units

[0105] 12 Active tactile operating elements

[0106] 14 Control Equipment

[0107] 16 Actuator

[0108] 18 Force Sensor

[0109] 20 support positions

[0110] 100Actuator action direction

[0111] 102 User input force direction

[0112] 200 Method for controlling an active tactile operating element

[0113] 202–210 Methods and Steps

[0114] 302 preload

[0115] 304 reset threshold

[0116] 306 Clicking sound

[0117] 308 reset click

[0118] 310 switch threshold

[0119] 312 stop

[0120] 314 falls into the switch point

[0121] 316 Press back your fingers

[0122] 318 Switching threshold (for the start of operation)

[0123] 318a First switch threshold

[0124] 318b Second switch threshold

[0125] 320 reset threshold

[0126] 320a First reset threshold

[0127] 320b Second reset threshold

[0128] 400 finger stroke

[0129] 402 Finger Strength

[0130] 502 Active tactile feedback

[0131] 502a Active tactile first feedback

[0132] 502b Active tactile second feedback

[0133] 504 Active tactile short press-feedback

[0134] 504a Active tactile first short press-feedback

[0135] 504b Active tactile second short press - feedback

[0136] 700 Motor Vehicles

[0137] 702 Steering Wheel

Claims

1. A control device (14) for actuating an active haptic operating element (12) for a motor vehicle (700), wherein: The control device (14) is configured to: - determining ( 202 ) whether the operating element ( 12 ) was actuated by a short press or by a long press; The invention is characterized in that the control device (14) is designed to, upon detection of an actuation of the operating element (12) by a short press: - it is then determined (204) whether the operating element (12) is assigned a long-press function which can be executed after the operating element (12) is actuated by a long press; and - As soon as it is determined that the operating element (12) is assigned a long-press function, actuating (206) the operating element (12) to output an active haptic feedback (502).

2. The control device (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (14) is configured to: - As soon as it is detected that the operating element (12) is actuated with a short press and it is detected that the operating element (12) is not assigned a long press function, actuating (208) the operating element (12) to output an active haptic short press feedback (504), wherein the active haptic feedback (502) and the active haptic short press feedback (504) are distinguished from one another.

3. The control device (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control device (14) is configured to: - as long as an actuation of the operating element (12) by a long press is detected, actuating (210) the operating element (12) does not output an active haptic feedback or an active haptic long press feedback, wherein the active haptic feedback (502) and the active haptic long press feedback are distinguished from one another.

4. The control device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The operating element (12) can be actuated in a first switch position and in a second switch position, wherein the control device (14) is designed to: - if an actuation of the operating element (12) by a short press or a long press is detected, a distinction (203) is made as to whether the operating element (12) is actuated in the first switch position or in the second switch position, and - when the operating element (12) is actuated (210), active tactile feedback (502) is output, such that when the operating element (12) is actuated in a first switch position, a first active tactile feedback (502a) is output, and when the operating element (12) is actuated in a second switch position, a second active tactile feedback (502b) is output.

5. The control device (14) according to claim 4, characterized in that Actuation of the operating element (12) in a first switch position occurs by exceeding a first switching threshold (318a), and actuation of the operating element (12) in a second switch position occurs by exceeding a second switching threshold (318b), wherein exceeding the second switching threshold (318b) occurs in an actuation movement that is in the same direction as the actuation movement for exceeding the first switching threshold (318a) and has a greater movement than the actuation movement for exceeding the first switching threshold.

6. The control device (14) according to claim 5, characterized in that The greater action of the actuating movement lies in or includes a greater actuating force.

7. The control device (14) according to claim 4, characterized in that The control device (14) is designed to differentiate (203) between: - when a first switching threshold (318a) is exceeded after a first reset threshold (320a) has been exceeded, it is determined that the operating element (12) has been actuated in the first switch position; and - when a second switching threshold (318b) is exceeded after a second reset threshold (320b) has been exceeded, it is determined that the operating element (12) has been actuated in the second switch position, The first reset threshold (320a) is lower than the second reset threshold (320a), and the second reset threshold (320b) is lower than the first switch threshold (318a).

8. An active tactile operating unit (10) for a motor vehicle (700), characterized in that The active tactile operating unit (10) comprises: - a control device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 7; and - Active tactile operating element (12).

9. A motor vehicle (700), characterized in that The motor vehicle (700) comprises an active haptic operating unit (10) according to claim 8.

10. A method (200) for controlling an active haptic operating element (12) for a motor vehicle (700), wherein: The method (200) comprises: - determining (202) whether the operating element (12) was actuated by a short press or by a long press, The method (200) comprises, as soon as an actuation of the operating element (12) by a short press is detected: - it is then determined (204) whether the operating element (12) is assigned a long-press function which can be executed after the operating element (12) is actuated by a long press; and - As soon as it is determined that the operating element (12) is assigned a long-press function, actuating (206) the operating element (12) outputs an active haptic feedback (502).

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