Input device for a motor vehicle with a suppression of a force threshold in the sequent touch, and method for operating such an input device

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device (10) for a motor vehicle. The flexible actuation member (14) comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) for activating respective functions of the motor vehicle. The touch sensor (34) is designed to output a touch signal indicating that the input area (16, 18, 20, 22) in question has been touched. By means of the force sensor (52), an actuating force can be measured, which is dependent on the pressure that can be applied to the actuating part (14). The evaluation device (68) is designed to allow, for a first input area (18) associated with a first touch signal which can be detected prior to a further touch signal associated with a further input area (16, 20), a function associated with the first input area (18) to be activated even if a predetermined threshold of the actuation force has been exceeded. The threshold may be used to decide whether to prevent a function associated with the input region (16, 18, 20, 22) in question from being activated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for a motor vehicle and also to a method for operating such an input device. Background Art

[0002] An input device may be arranged in a motor vehicle, for example, in the area of ​​the dashboard and / or center console and / or similar interior components of the motor vehicle. Such an input device may be touch-sensitive. Thus, a touch sensor of the input device may be used to detect whether a corresponding input area of ​​the input device is touched. Furthermore, such an input device may include a force sensor, which can detect an actuation force applied by a user of the input device when pressing one of the input areas. The user or similar operator can press the corresponding input area to activate a desired function of the motor vehicle.

[0003] With this input device, a precaution can be taken in the following situation: when a relatively strong pressure is applied to an actuating component of an input device having an input area, a touch signal is output in an input area that is not actually touched by the user. The touch sensor may output such a touch signal that is not caused by actual contact with the input area, especially if the touch sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor device.

[0004] This may be due to a capacitive effect affecting the capacitive sensor elements associated with the corresponding input area. Sensor elements arranged adjacent to the sensor element associated with the input area that is actually pressed may output touch signals due to the capacitive effect, even though the input area associated with these sensor elements is not actually touched.

[0005] In order to prevent activation of vehicle functions associated with input areas even for those input areas that have not been touched at all, a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force may be considered in addition to the touch signal. It may be provided that if the actuation force applied to the flexible actuation member is greater than the predetermined threshold value, activation of the function associated with the corresponding input area is prevented.

[0006] Possible preventive measures in such input devices can have the purpose of preventing the triggering of undesired functions. To this end, provision can be made to prevent the activation of a function associated with the respective input area if a touch signal is detected which allows the conclusion that the respective input area has been touched, but the actuation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0007] However, using this evaluation logic for touch signals and actuation forces can cause problems if an input area is actuated very quickly and with great force, for example, because an operator or user strikes the input area while actuating the input device. In this case, the predetermined actuation force threshold may have been exceeded before the touch signal and actuation force evaluation is complete. However, completing this evaluation is a prerequisite for activating the function associated with the touched input area. Using the described evaluation logic, it is therefore possible that if an input area is pressed quickly and forcefully, the function associated with that input area will not be activated. This is disadvantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an input device for a motor vehicle which enables particularly reliable activation of a function associated with an input area of ​​the input device, and to provide a corresponding method for operating such an input device.

[0009] This object is achieved by an input device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with advantageous developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0010] An input device for a motor vehicle according to the present invention comprises a flexible actuating component having a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas. Activation of a corresponding function of the motor vehicle is associated with a corresponding one of the input areas. The input device comprises a touch sensor configured to output a corresponding touch signal. The touch signal indicates that the corresponding input area has been touched. The input device comprises a force sensor capable of detecting an actuation force. The actuation force depends on the pressure applied to the actuating component. The input device comprises an analysis device. The analysis device is configured to allow activation of a function associated with a first input area associated with a first touch signal detected before at least one other touch signal, even if a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force is exceeded. The at least one other touch signal is associated with the at least one other input area. The analysis device is further configured to use a predetermined threshold value when deciding whether to prevent activation of the function associated with the corresponding input area.

[0011] Thus, the analysis means of the input device ensures that, when a first touch signal is detected at a time indicating that the first input area has been touched, activation of the function associated with the first input area is always permitted, even if the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded. This prevents the activation of the function associated with the first input area from being blocked if the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded.

[0012] Therefore, if the operator presses very quickly and forcefully on the first input area, and a relatively large actuation force is detected by the force sensor (i.e., exceeding the predetermined threshold), this does not result in the function associated with the input area actually touched (i.e., the first input area) being blocked. This means that activation of the function is not blocked even if the actuation force exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0013] In particular, this prevents the function associated with the first input area from being inhibited if a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force is exceeded very quickly, as could occur, for example, due to a blow being applied to the first input area of ​​the flexible actuation member. More precisely, for the activation of a function of the motor vehicle by the first input area, a touch on the first input area results in the output of a first touch signal in time, even if an actuation force exceeding the predetermined threshold value is detected by means of the force sensor.

[0014] Although the analysis device therefore always takes the predetermined threshold into account when deciding whether activation of the function associated with the respective input area should be blocked, activation of the function associated with the first input area is not blocked even if the predetermined threshold value for the actuation force is exceeded. This allows for particularly reliable activation of the function associated with the first input area of ​​the input device.

[0015] Thus, an operator or user of the input device can very quickly and forcefully press the first input area for which the first touch signal is detected. Nevertheless, it is ensured that this manipulation always results in the activation of the function associated with the first input area.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if a function is associated with the first input area, which ensures activation of the function for safety reasons while driving the motor vehicle. For example, if the first input area is associated with activation of the motor vehicle's hazard warning flashers, the motor vehicle's hazard warning flashers or the hazard warning flasher system can be activated even if the user or operator strikes the input area associated with activation of the hazard warning flashers very quickly and forcefully. This is advantageous.

[0017] Preferably, the analysis device is designed to prevent activation of the function associated with the at least one further input area if a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force is exceeded, despite the detection of the at least one further touch signal indicating that the at least one further input area has been touched. This is a very effective way of preventing the unintended activation of the function associated with the at least one further input area by a further touch signal that is not due to an actual touching of the respective further input area, but rather to a very strong application of a correspondingly high pressure on the actuation element. This advantageously avoids confusing the user or operator by activating an unintended function when the operator actuates the input device and applies very fast and forceful pressure to the first input area.

[0018] This is based on the recognition that, due to the flexibility or pliability of the actuation element, further touch signals associated with further input areas can be output, even if these further input areas are not actually touched. The further touch signals are rather due to the fact that the flexible actuation element deforms when the operator exerts a particularly high pressure on the actuation element, which results in exceeding a predetermined threshold value of the actuation force.

[0019] It is therefore particularly advantageous that, when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, the analysis device evaluates a first touch signal associated with a first input area as a valid touch signal, but classifies further touch signals detected subsequently as invalid, thereby preventing activation of functions associated with further input areas. This is because further touch signals detected after the first touch signal are due to a strong deformation of the flexible actuation member, resulting in further touch signals being output by the touch sensor, while no actual touch is present in the at least one further input area.

[0020] As a result, confusion on the part of the operator or user can be avoided, which might otherwise result from activating functions associated with other input areas.

[0021] Preferably, the analysis device is designed to allow activation of the function associated with the corresponding input area depending on whether a minimum actuation force value has been exceeded. In this way, it can be ensured that an unintentional, light touch on the corresponding input area does not result in activation of the function associated with that input area. This is advantageous in terms of reliably activating the function actually desired by the operator or user.

[0022] The minimum value of the actuation force can be stored in the input device, in particular in the evaluation device, as a first force threshold. Furthermore, a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force, exceeding which always results in activation of the function associated with the first input area when touching the first input area, can be stored in the input device, in particular in the evaluation device, as a second force threshold.

[0023] As a prerequisite for activating the function of the analysis device associated with the first input area, it can be considered whether a minimum actuation force value, and thus a first force threshold, has been exceeded. However, even in this case, exceeding the predetermined actuation force threshold, and thus the second force threshold, does not deactivate the function associated with the first input area. Instead, the analysis device activates the function associated with the first input area. This is advantageous in terms of reliability when operating the input device.

[0024] Preferably, different minimum values ​​of the actuation force are associated with different input ranges.The analysis device is designed to allow activation of a function associated with the respective input area depending on whether the minimum value of the actuation force individually associated with the respective input area is exceeded.

[0025] This is based on the recognition that, depending on the spatial shape of the actuation component, different actuation forces may need to be applied to the respective input areas in order to achieve a certain deformation of the actuation component. In this case, the deformation of the actuation component can be used by an analysis device as an indication that actuation of the respective input area is actually intended by the user or operator of the input device. This is a particularly reliable way to ensure that the function associated with the respective input area is only activated when the user or operator actually intends to activate the respective input area. This is beneficial for reliability when using the input device.

[0026] Preferably, different input areas of the input device are associated with different predetermined thresholds for the actuation force. This allows for consideration of the fact that, depending on the spatial shape of the actuation component, different actuation forces may be required to induce a certain deformation of the flexible actuation component. For example, if the input area is centrally located relative to the respective edge of the actuation component, a lower pressure may be sufficient to achieve a certain deformation of the actuation component than if pressing on an input area closer to one of the edges of the actuation component.

[0027] Therefore, it can be considered that the degree of deformation of the actuation member may influence whether a touch signal attributable to the deformation of the actuation member is emitted at an input area that is not actually touched. Therefore, by associating different predetermined thresholds with various input areas, it is very easy and effective to ensure that touch signals due solely to deformation of the flexible actuation member are ignored. This also facilitates reliable activation of the corresponding function when the input device is actuated.

[0028] Preferably, the surface of the actuation component that can be touched by the operator is designed as the outer side of the operating panel of the input device. In this case, the operating panel is convexly curved toward the area adjacent to the outer side of the input device. In particular, if the actuation component is designed in this manner as a control panel, touch signals can be emitted that are considered invalid because they cannot be attributed to actual contact with the corresponding input area. Accordingly, providing an analysis device that always allows activation of the function associated with the first input area (i.e., even if a predetermined threshold of actuation force is exceeded) is particularly advantageous for such input devices with a convexly curved operating panel.

[0029] Preferably, the respective sensor elements of the touch sensor, designed as a capacitive sensor device, are arranged on the rear side of the actuating component, facing away from the surroundings of the input device. The sensor elements are associated with respective ones of the input areas, with a gap being formed between the rear of the actuating component and the substrate of the input device. Applying pressure to the actuating component can move the rear of the actuating component toward the substrate.

[0030] In this input device design, if the gap between the back of the actuating element and the substrate decreases, the substrate can affect the sensor elements of the touch sensor, which is designed as a capacitive sensor device. This gap reduction can be caused by an operator applying pressure to the actuating element.

[0031] When the rear portion of the actuating component approaches the substrate, and in particular, when the substrate contacts the rear portion of the actuating component, a change in capacitance may occur that can be detected by the corresponding sensor element without contacting the input area associated with the sensor element. This may be due in particular to the substrate having a greater dielectric constant or dielectric conductivity than the air located in the gap.

[0032] In particular with this design of the input device, it is therefore particularly advantageous to ignore invalid touch signals that can be detected by means of the capacitive sensor device, but to take into account the first touch signal in time associated with the first input area and to activate the function associated with the first input area even if a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force is exceeded.

[0033] Preferably, the force sensor is designed as a distance sensor, by means of which a change in the distance between the rear end of the actuating element and the base plate can be detected. This makes it particularly easy to draw conclusions about the actuating force applied to the actuating element by an operator or user due to the operator or user pressing the corresponding input area from the deformation of the flexible actuating element.

[0034] Preferably, the substrate is designed as a diffuser, which is configured to scatter light from the at least one light source of the input device. The actuation component can be exposed to the light scattered from behind by the diffuser. This makes it easier to operate the input device. This is because operating the at least one light source ensures that the input area of ​​the actuation component is particularly easy to identify.

[0035] In a method for operating an input device for a motor vehicle according to the present invention, the input device includes a flexible mounting member having a plurality of input areas arranged adjacent to one another. Each of the input areas is associated with activation of a corresponding function of the motor vehicle. The input device includes a touch sensor configured to output a corresponding touch signal, wherein the corresponding touch signal indicates that the corresponding input area has been touched. Furthermore, the input device includes a force sensor that detects an actuation force. The actuation force depends on the pressure applied to the actuation member. The input device includes an analysis device that, for a first input area associated with a first touch signal, allows activation of a function associated with the first input area even if a predetermined actuation force threshold is exceeded. The first touch signal may be detected before at least one additional touch signal associated with at least one additional input area. The predetermined threshold is used by the analysis device to determine whether activation of the function associated with the corresponding input area should be prevented.

[0036] Thus, the analysis device ensures that when the touch sensor outputs a first touch signal associated with the first input area, the function associated with the first input area is activated, even if a predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded. The method enables reliable activation of functions associated with input areas of the input device, in particular the function associated with the first input area.

[0037] In contrast, further touch signals that may be detected after the first touch signal and that may be associated with further input areas preferably do not result in activation of the functions associated with these further input areas. Instead, these additional touch signals are preferably rejected as invalid signals. This is because the output of these additional touch signals can be attributed by the analysis device to the fact that a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force has been exceeded.

[0038] Preferably, other touch signals are rejected as invalid, preventing the functions associated with the corresponding other input areas from being activated. However, the first input area, i.e., the input area where the touch signal is first detected, is always excluded from this activation suppression. On the one hand, this enables the user to reliably trigger the function they want to activate, but on the other hand, it is advantageous to avoid activating functions that the user does not want and thus confuse the user.

[0039] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the input device according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings may be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations. Therefore, the present invention is also intended to be considered to include and disclose embodiments that are not explicitly shown and explained in the drawings but which result from and can be derived from the explained embodiments by individual combinations of features. Therefore, embodiments and feature combinations that do not have all the features of the originally formulated independent claims are also to be regarded as disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and feature combinations that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features outlined in the backreferences of the claims are to be regarded as disclosed, in particular disclosed by the embodiments outlined above.

[0041] Other features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an input device for a motor vehicle, the input device having a flexible actuation member with a plurality of input areas or input fields arranged adjacent to one another, wherein respective input areas are associated with respective sensor elements of a capacitive sensor device;

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an input device in a top view of an input area;

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a variant of the input device, in which the actuating member is designed as a convexly curved control panel;

[0045] Figure 4 shows the time progression when a touch signal is output as a result of touching the actuation member or the control panel in one of the input areas;

[0046] Figure 5 showing the time progression of an actuation force applied by an operator pressing an actuation member or a control panel in an input area, wherein the actuation force exceeds a minimum value or a first force threshold;

[0047] Figure 6 showing the time progression of the actuation force when the actuation element or the operating panel is pressed in the input region, wherein the actuation force additionally exceeds a predetermined threshold value in the form of a second force threshold value; and

[0048] Figure 7shows the temporal progression of the output of the corresponding touch signals as they depend on the application of the actuation force, which is applied at Figure 6 Shown in.

[0049] Elements that are identical or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an input device 10, such as may be used in a motor vehicle. As an example, Figure 2 A highly schematic dashboard 12 of a motor vehicle is shown, which has an input device 10. Additionally or alternatively, such an input device 10 can be arranged in the region of a center console and / or a steering handle and / or a door panel or similar interior component of the motor vehicle.

[0051] The input device 10 comprises a flexible or bendable actuating element 14 having a plurality of input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 arranged laterally adjacent to one another, in particular adjacent to one another in a row. Figure 1 , a finger 24 of an operator or user of the input device 10 is shown, wherein the operator presses with the finger 24 on one of the input areas 16, 18, 20, 22. In this case, the operator presses the input area 18.

[0052] Input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 can be designed in the form of buttons or similar control areas. A vehicle function is associated with each of input areas 16, 18, 20, 22. For example, the intention is to activate the hazard warning flashers of a motor vehicle by pressing input area 18. For the purposes of this exemplary explanation, it is assumed that a user or operator touches actuation component 14 with finger 24 in input area 18 associated with the hazard warning flashers of a motor vehicle or a function of a hazard warning flasher system.

[0053] The input device 10 comprises a touch sensor 34 which is designed as a capacitive sensor device. Therefore, the touch sensor 34 comprises a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32. Figure 1 The sensor element 26 arranged on the far left in the Figure 1 The sensor element 28 is associated with the input area 18 that is arranged on the leftmost side. In the same way, the sensor element 30 is associated with another input area 20 that is arranged on the right side of the input area 18. Figure 1 The rightmost input area 22 is assigned with Figure 1 The rightmost sensor element 32 in FIG.

[0054] When the operator touches the input area 18 with the finger 24, the touch sensor 34 sends a first touch signal 36 (see Figure 4 ). Accordingly, the input area 18 associated with the vehicle's hazard warning flashers, for example, may be referred to below as the first input area 18 . This is because the temporally first touch signal 36 output by the touch sensor 34 is associated with this input area 18 .

[0055] When the time when the first touch signal 36 is output progresses Figure 4 In the graph shown by curve 38. Figure 4 In FIG. 4 , the amplitude of the touch signal 36 is plotted on the ordinate 40 and the time t is plotted on the abscissa 42. During a first time period 44, the finger 24 approaches the first input area 18. During a second time period 46, the finger 24 touches the first input area 18 and exerts pressure on the actuation member 14 in the first input area 18. And during a third time period 48, the finger 24 releases the actuation member 14 again, so that the first input area 18 is no longer touched. During the second time period 46, according to Figure 4 , the contact threshold 94 is exceeded. This means that the first touch signal 36 is evaluated as a valid touch signal.

[0056] Figure 5 The time progression of the actuation force 50 associated with such an actuation of the input device 10 is shown. In order to detect the actuation force 50 which depends on the pressure applied to the actuation member 14, the input device 10 has a force sensor 52 which is Figure 1 The force sensor 52 can be designed as a distance sensor, in particular as an optical sensor, by means of which deformations of the flexible actuating element 14 can be detected. This is because exerting pressure on the actuating element 14 causes the actuating element 14 to move towards the base plate 54 of the input device 10.

[0057] The substrate 54 is made of translucent plastic and serves as a diffuser for scattering light. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the input device 10 shown, light is provided by a plurality of light sources 56, which may be arranged, for example, on a printed circuit board 58 of the input device 10. When the light sources 56 are in operation, the actuating member 14 is exposed to light from its rear side 76, which is diffused by the substrate 54 formed as a diffuser.

[0058] When the first input area 18 is touched according to the first touch signal 36 (such as Figure 4 As shown) and when the actuation force 50 is actuated, the actuation force 50 progresses over time. Figure 5 It is shown that according to Figure 5 A first force threshold or minimum value 60 of the actuation force may be exceeded. The magnitude of the actuation force 50 detectable by the force sensor 52 is plotted on Figure 5 , while time t is plotted on the abscissa 64 .

[0059] according to Figure 5 , the actuation force 50 therefore exceeds the minimum value 60 or the first force threshold value. However, the force drops below a further threshold value 66. This further threshold value 66 is a predetermined threshold value 66 in the form of a second force threshold value, which, like the first force threshold value or the minimum value 60, can be stored in the analysis device 68 of the input device 10 (see Figure 1 )middle.

[0060] Both the touch signal 36 and the actuation force 50 are fed to an analysis device 68. The analysis device 68 then ensures that an output signal is provided at an output (not shown) of the input device 10, which output signal causes the activation of a function of the motor vehicle associated with the respective input area 16, 18, 20, 22. Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5 The situation described is, for example, the activation of the hazard warning lights of a motor vehicle, since the function of the hazard warning lights is associated with first input area 18 .

[0061] If the first input area 18 is pressed very hard, the actuation force 50 may change over time, e.g. Figure 6 Here, the actuation force 50 not only exceeds the minimum value 60 and thus the first force threshold, but also exceeds the predetermined threshold 66 and thus the second force threshold. This very strong actuation force 50 causes the gap 70 formed between the rear side 76 of the actuation member 14 and the base plate 54 to become relatively small (see Figure 1 ).

[0062] In the present case, the surface of the actuating element 14 that can be touched by the operator's finger 24 is formed as an outer side 72 of the actuating element 14, which is designed, for example, as an operating panel. The outer side 72 faces the environment 74 of the input device 10. Conversely, the rear side 76 of the actuating element 14 faces away from the environment 74 of the input device 10.

[0063] When the flexible actuation member 14 in the form of a control panel is subjected to a relatively strong actuation force 50, which also exceeds the predetermined threshold 66 and thus the second force threshold, the sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 come relatively close to the substrate 54. In particular, it is even possible that at least one of the sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 arranged on the rear side 76 of the actuation member 14 contacts the substrate 54 or the membrane 78, which may be applied to the front side of the substrate 54 facing the rear side 76 or may be arranged on this front side of the substrate 54.

[0064] When the operating panel or the actuating element 14 is brought very close to the substrate 54, or even when the actuating element 14 strikes the substrate 54 or the membrane 78, at least one of the sensor elements 26, 30, 32, which is arranged laterally next to the sensor element 28, can emit a corresponding touch signal. Since the minimum value 60 of the actuating force 50 is also exceeded, this can result in the triggering of functions associated with the other input areas 16, 20, 22, even though the other input areas 16, 20, 22 are not actually touched by the finger 24.

[0065] This could lead to erroneous conclusions, for example Figure 1 Another input area 20 to the right of the first input area 18 is shown as having been touched. This other input area 20 can be actuated to activate the rear window heater or another vehicle function. Accordingly, the vehicle's hazard warning flashers will not only be turned on when the first input area 18 is actually touched. Instead, other vehicle functions will also be activated, such as the rear window heater or similar functions.

[0066] To counteract this, provision can be made that if, when applying the actuation force 50, not only the minimum value 60 and thus the first force threshold is exceeded, but also the predetermined threshold 66 and thus the second force threshold is exceeded, the functions associated with the other input areas 16, 20, 22 of the motor vehicle are disabled (see Figure 6 ).

[0067] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 8 , the corresponding curves 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 indicate the time progression of the actuation force 50 as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Shown is the time progression of the touch signals 36 , 86 , 88 output by the touch sensor 34 .

[0068] exist Figure 7 , the first curve 80 corresponds to the time progression of the first touch signal 36. The first touch signal 36 is associated with the first input area 18 actually touched by the finger 24 (see Figure 1 However, due to the strong proximity of the rear side 76 of the actuating member 14 to the substrate 54, another touch signal 88 is also emitted, which progresses in time with respect to the corresponding time. Figure 7 The curve 82 and the curve 84 are shown in FIG. Figure 1 The input region 16 on the left side is associated with the first input region 18, which is arranged adjacent to the first input region 18. And the curve 84 is associated with the input region 20, according to Figure 1 , the input area 20 is arranged on the right side of the first input area 18. In addition, the curve 86 is arranged Figure 1 The rightmost input area 22 is associated with the input area 22 in FIG.

[0069] Figure 7Curves 80, 82 and 84 are shown exceeding respective contact thresholds 90, 92. Figure 7 , the respective sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 can therefore be assigned respective, individual contact thresholds 90, 92. Exceeding the touch thresholds 90, 92 associated with the respective sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 is interpreted by the analysis device 68 such that the signal detected by means of the touch sensor 34 is a further valid touch signal 88. Only Figure 1 The rightmost sensor element 32 in Figure 1 The rightmost input area 22 is associated with the Figure 7 This additional touch signal 88 is output.

[0070] In the present case, it is ensured that despite the presence of the further touch signal 88, the corresponding input area 16, 20 is not activated (ie according to Figure 1 The function associated with the further input area 16, 20 directly adjacent to the first input area 18. Even if the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 has been exceeded (see Figure 6 ), the analysis device 68 also allows the activation of the function associated with the first input area 18. This is due to the fact that in the case of another touch signal 88 (see Figure 7 ) before the first touch signal 36 was detected, wherein the further touch signal 88 is associated with the other input area 16, 20.

[0071] Logic or an algorithm is therefore stored in the analysis device 68, which ensures that the first valid touch signal 36 suppresses the second force threshold or predetermined threshold 66. In other words, even exceeding the predetermined threshold 66 or the second force threshold does not result in the function corresponding to the first touch signal 36 at the time being being disabled. In this case, the output of the first touch signal 36 at the time is derived from an actual touch of the first input area 18. Even if the predetermined threshold 66 of the actuation force 50 is exceeded, i.e. the second force threshold (see Figure 6 ), the function associated with the first input area 18 is also activated.

[0072] This is based on the finding explained below. If, for example, actuation element 14 is pressed very quickly in first input area 18, both first force threshold or minimum value 60 and second force threshold or predetermined threshold value 66 for actuation force 50 may be exceeded before an output signal can be provided at the output of input device 10, which is intended to activate a function of the motor vehicle associated with first input area 18. This can be due to the fact that both the recognition of first touch signal 36 as valid and the detection of actuation force 50 are associated with a certain time delay or time expenditure.

[0073] A further time delay results from the fact that an output signal must be provided at the output of the input device 10 and then converted in order to activate the desired function. Therefore, before the output signal can be provided at the output of the input device 10, the second force threshold of the actuation force 50 and thus the predetermined threshold 66 (see Figure 6 ) can be exceeded. In this case, it does not make sense to use the exceeding of the predetermined threshold 66 as a reason for not activating the function associated with the first input area 18 or for preventing the function from being activated.

[0074] Therefore, the analysis device 68 is designed to allow activation of the function associated with the first input area 18 in the present case even if the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 is exceeded, provided that a temporally first touch signal 36 is detected for the first input area 18. Therefore, the touch sensor 34 outputs the temporally first touch signal 36 before the touch sensor 34 outputs at least one of the further touch signals 88.

[0075] In other words, the second force threshold or predetermined threshold 66 is deactivated for the first valid touch signal 36. Accordingly, in the exemplary case considered here, a quick and strong press on the first input area 18 (e.g. as a result of impacting the first input area 18) also triggers the hazard warning flasher switch.

[0076] For the other input areas 16, 20, the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 is used by the analysis device 68 when deciding whether the function associated with the respective other input area 16, 18 should be disabled. Accordingly, although a further touch signal 88 is detected (see Figure 7 ), but because the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 is exceeded (see Figure 6 ), so that activation of the functions associated with the further input areas 16 , 18 is prevented.

[0077] The time delay between the start of the detection of the first touch signal 36 and the output of the output signal at the output of the input device 10 can be, for example, in the range of about 50 milliseconds. If the operator presses or taps the first input area 18 very quickly and forcefully, the second force threshold or predetermined threshold 66 of the actuation force 50 may already be exceeded within these 50 milliseconds.

[0078] In the present case, the second force threshold (i.e., no output signal at the output of input device 10) is therefore suppressed for first input area 18, at which time first touch signal 36 is detected. Therefore, the function associated with first input area 18 is always activated, even if predetermined threshold 66 or the second force threshold is quickly reached or exceeded.

[0079] The sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 can be components of a membrane associated with a touch sensor 34, which is arranged on the rear side 76 of the operating element or actuating member 14. When the evaluation device 68 queries whether a valid touch signal 36, 88 is output by the touch sensor 34, the input area that is not actually touched (i.e., according to the Figure 1 The sensor elements associated with the input regions 16, 20 and 22 of the embodiment are preferably electrically grounded. Figure 1 , the sensor elements 26 , 30 and 32 may thus be electrically grounded so that these sensor elements 26 , 30 , 32 do not interfere with the detection of the capacitance change between the finger 24 and the actually touched first input area 18 .

[0080] This is linked to the fact that approaching or touching the substrate 54 or the membrane 78 can lead to capacitive crosstalk of the sensor elements 26, 30, 32 that are arranged in the vicinity of the sensor element 28 associated with the actually touched first input area 18. This is because the plastic of the membrane 78 or the substrate 54 can ensure that the electric field lines are conducted to the electrically adjacent sensor elements 26, 30, 32. As a result, the further touch signals 88 can lead to the conclusion that the further input areas 16, 20 have been touched, even if these further input areas 16, 20 have not actually or de facto been touched.

[0081] When a strong overpressure is applied or the predetermined threshold value 66 or the second force threshold value is exceeded, an artificial active touch signal 88 is emitted in the input device 10. However, the output of the function associated with the respective further input area 16, 20 is suppressed because the second force threshold value or the predetermined threshold value 66 (see Figure 6 ) is exceeded.

[0082] Figure 3 It is shown by way of example that the actuating element 14 or the operating panel can be curved convexly toward the surroundings 74 .

[0083] For clarity, in Figure 3 The sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 associated with the individual input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 are not shown in detail. Figure 3 As can be clearly seen in FIG, pressing the first input area 18 causes the rear side 76 of the flexible actuating member 14 to approach the substrate 54. By means of the force sensor 52 (which is also not shown in FIG for reasons of clarity), the flexible actuating member 14 is moved closer to the substrate 54. Figure 3 ), the approach of the rear side 76 of the actuating component 14 to the substrate 54 and thus the actuating force 50 can be detected very easily and reliably.

[0084] In accordance with Figure 3In the variation of the input device 10 , when the rear side 76 of the actuating member 14 moves toward the base plate 54 due to pressure being applied to the actuating member 14 , the gap 70 between the base plate 54 and the rear side 76 of the actuating member 14 becomes smaller.

[0085] In particular in the case of such a convexly curved shape of the actuating element 14 , individual or mutually different minimum values ​​60 of the actuating force 50 can be assigned to the respective input regions 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 .

[0086] Furthermore, different predetermined thresholds 66 or second force thresholds for actuation force 50 may be associated with different input areas 16, 18, 20, 22. This is due to the fact that, for example, pressing down a certain amount or distance on one of the central input areas 18, 20 requires a lower actuation force 50 than when pressing one of the outer input areas 16, 22.

[0087] Thus, the first force threshold and the second force threshold may be individually set and calibrated for each input area 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , for example during manufacture of the input device 10 .

Claims

1. An input device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a flexible actuation member (14), the flexible actuation member (14) having a plurality of input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) arranged adjacent to one another, wherein: A respective one of the input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) is associated with the activation of a respective function of the motor vehicle, wherein the input device (10) has a touch sensor (34) designed to output a respective touch signal (36, 88), the touch signal (36, 88) indicating that the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) has been touched, wherein the input device (10) has a force sensor (52) by means of which an actuation force (50) can be detected, wherein the actuation force (50) depends on a pressure that can be applied to the actuation element (14), wherein the input device (10) has an analysis device ( 68), the analyzing device (68) is designed to detect a first input area (18) associated with a first touch signal (36) detectable before at least one further touch signal (88), wherein the at least one further touch signal (88) is associated with at least one further input area (16, 20), activation of a function associated with the first input area (18) is allowed even if a predetermined threshold value (66) of the actuation force (50) is exceeded, and wherein the analyzing device (68) is designed to use the predetermined threshold value (66) to decide whether to prevent activation of the function associated with the corresponding input area (16, 18, 20, 22).

2. The input device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The analyzing device (68) is designed to prevent activation of a function associated with the at least one further input area (16, 20) if the predetermined threshold value (66) of the actuation force (50) is exceeded, despite detection of the at least one further touch signal (88) indicating that the at least one further input area (16, 20) has been touched.

3. The input device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The analysis device (68) is designed to allow activation of a function associated with the corresponding input area (16, 18, 20, 22) depending on whether a minimum value (60) of the actuation force (50) is exceeded.

4. The input device (10) according to claim 3, wherein Mutually different minimum values ​​(60) of the actuation force (50) are associated with mutually different input areas (16, 18, 20, 22), and wherein the analysis device (68) is designed to allow activation of a function associated with the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) depending on whether the minimum value (60) of the actuation force (50) individually associated with the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) is exceeded.

5. The input device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Mutually different predetermined threshold values ​​(66) of the actuation force (50) are associated with mutually different input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) of the input device (10).

6. The input device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The surface of the actuating element (14) that can be touched by an operator is designed as an outer side (72) of an operating panel of the input device (10), wherein the operating panel is convexly curved toward an environment (74) of the input device (10) adjacent to the outer side (72).

7. The input device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The respective sensor elements (26, 28, 30, 32) of the touch sensor (34) designed as a capacitive sensor device are arranged on a rear side (76) of the actuating component (14), the rear side facing away from the environment (74) of the input device (10), wherein the sensor elements (26, 28, 30, 32) are associated with a respective one of the input areas (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein a gap (70) is present between the rear side (76) of the actuating component (14) and a substrate (54) of the input device (10), and wherein the rear side (76) of the actuating component (14) can be moved towards the substrate (54) by applying pressure to the actuating component (14).

8. The input device (10) according to claim 7, wherein The force sensor (52) is designed as a distance sensor, by means of which a change in the distance of the rear side (76) of the actuating element (14) from the base plate (54) can be detected.

9. The input device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The substrate (54) is designed as a diffuser, which is designed to scatter light from at least one light source (56) of the input device (10), wherein the light scattered by means of the diffuser can act on the actuating component (14) from the rear side (76).

10. A method for operating an input device (10) for a motor vehicle, the input device having a flexible actuation member (14) having a plurality of input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) arranged adjacent to one another, wherein: A respective one of the input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) is associated with the activation of a respective function of the motor vehicle, wherein the input device (10) has a touch sensor (34) designed to output a respective touch signal (36, 88), the touch signal indicating that the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) has been touched, wherein the input device (10) has a force sensor (52) by means of which the actuation force (50) is detected, wherein the actuation force (50) depends on the pressure applied to the actuation element (14), wherein the input device (10) has an analysis device (6 8), wherein, for a first input area (18) associated with a first touch signal (36) detectable at a time before at least one further touch signal (88), the analysis device (68) allows activation of a function associated with the first input area (18) despite the predetermined threshold value (66) of the actuation force (50) being exceeded, wherein the at least one further touch signal (88) is associated with at least one further input area (16, 20), wherein the analysis device (68) uses the predetermined threshold value (66) to decide whether to prevent activation of the function associated with the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22).

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