Control device for a multifunctional device in a motor vehicle

Abstract

Operating device for a multifunctional device in a motor vehicle, which has an actuating element (30, 170, 270), a bearing and switching elements (360, 380), wherein - the actuating element (30, 170, 270) comprises a touch-sensitive operating surface (100); - a bearing arranged on the actuating element (30, 170, 270) is designed to displace the actuating element (30, 170, 270) in two mutually perpendicular degrees of rotational freedom, which are defined by a first rotational axis (70) and a second rotational axis (80), wherein the actuating element (30, 170, 270) can be pivoted out of an initial position with respect to the first and second rotational axes (70, 80), and the bearing enables a displacement of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) that can be returned to the initial position; and - switching elements (380) associated with the first and second rotational axes (70, 80) can be activated by the displacement of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) from the initial position.

Description

Field of the InventionThe invention relates to an operating device for a multifunction device in a motor vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAn operating device for a multifunction device for a motor vehicle is known, for example, from DE 10 2006 046 325 A1. The operating device comprises an actuating element with a capacitive touch-sensitive operating surface. By touching this touch-sensitive control surface, functions of the multifunction device can be activated. A touch-sensitive operating surface is also referred to as a touchpad (touch pad). If the touch-sensitive operator control surface simultaneously serves as a display device, it is also referred to as a touchscreen (touchscreen).DE 103 41 016 A1 relates to a rotary / push actuator for use in a motor vehicle having an annular rotary encoder which can be rotated about an axis and can be displaced linearly along a z-axis, wherein a button function can be triggered and a reset element is provided. A further functional element in the form of a touchpad is integrated into the inner part of the rotary encoder.A similar operating element is known from DE 101 20 691 A1. This operating element is likewise rotatable about an axis, is displaceable along this axis of rotation and is provided with a touchpad. Furthermore, a movement of the operating element in the xy plane can be detected.Finally, DE 103 04 720 A1 also shows an operating device for controlling motor vehicle functions, in which a rotary actuator or rotary switch comprises a touchpad, which can be mounted movably, so that a switching element arranged below the touchpad is actuated when a pressure is exerted on the surface of the touchpad.Further operating devices for motor vehicles are shown in EP 1 679 221 A2, DE 101 42 031 A1, DE 10 2005 060 605 A1 and WO 2007 / 122 479 A2.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is the object of the present invention to further develop an operating device in such a way that a user is given haptic feedback when operating the multifunction device.The object is achieved by an operating device having the features of claim 1.The bearing arrangement arranged on the actuating element has the effect that the actuating element can be displaced in a resettable manner from an initial position in at least one degree of freedom. The displacement takes place, for example, by a perceptible mechanical pressure with a finger of the user on the actuating element. If the actuating element is pressed against the at least one switching element, the at least one switching element is activated in the installed and connected state and triggers an evaluable electrical signal. By means of this pressure on the actuating element, the user receives haptic feedback about the activation of the at least one shifting element that was effected by means of the actuating element. The operator control device according to the invention thus makes it possible to combine the advantages of gesture operation of graphical objects via a touch-sensitive operator control surface with the advantages of haptically perceptible operation of a switching element. The touch sensitivity of the operating surface can be achieved, for example, by a capacitive or optical sensor system.In one embodiment, the actuating element can be displaced in two rotational degrees of freedom perpendicular to one another. The rotational degrees of freedom are defined by rotational axes about which the actuating element is pivotably mounted. If the actuating element is arranged such that it can be pivoted out of the initial position in two opposite directions with respect to each axis of rotation, a so-called four-way rocker can be realized in this way. If two switching elements are assigned to each rotational degree of freedom, which can be activated by opposite swivel movements of the actuating element about an axis of rotation, four functions of the multifunction device can be operated with the aid of the four-way rocker, which are assigned to the four switching elements.In a further embodiment, the bearing is configured to displace at least a part of the actuating element in a translational degree of freedom. It is thus possible to move the entire actuating element or a part of the actuating element along a translation axis without a rotational movement. If the translation axis is arranged perpendicular to the surface (actuating surface) of the actuating element, a pressure point can thus be realized on the actuating element. If the translation axis represents an axis of symmetry of the actuating element, a central pressure point can be referred to. If a switching element is assigned to the degree of translational freedom, which can be activated by a movement of the at least one part of the actuating element along the translation axis, a function of the multifunction device can be operated via this switching element. In a development, the switching element assigned to the degree of translational freedom is arranged in a region of the touch-sensitive operator control surface when viewed in the direction of the translational axis. Thus, a contact (without translation) of the actuating element or a detectable approach to the actuating element can already trigger a function of the multifunction device before activation of the switching element assigned to the degree of translational freedom. For example, a preview of the function triggerable by this switching element is displayed on a display device.In a further embodiment, the actuating element comprises a non-touch-sensitive edge surface which is arranged completely or partially around the touch-sensitive operating surface, that the non-touch-sensitive edge surface is mechanically decoupled from the touch-sensitive operating surface, and that the switching elements which are assigned to one or more rotational degrees of freedom are arranged in a region of the non-touch-sensitive edge surface when viewed in the direction of the translation axis. In this embodiment, the touch-sensitive operating surface can be made smaller on the one hand and thus more cost-effective on the other hand, the user has the impression of a large overall operating surface on account of a virtually flowing integration of the touch-sensitive operating surface with the non-touch-sensitive edge surface. In a development, the touch-sensitive operating surface is designed to be elastic, as a result of which it permits deformation during its movement (translation, rotation). If, for example, a central pressure point is realized, the touch-sensitive operating surface allows a mechanical pressure in the middle without (substantially) moving the edge regions. In particular, the actuating element can be formed with an elastic touch-sensitive operating surface in such a way that a movement of the touch-sensitive operating surface along the degree of translational freedom can be carried out in such a way that, when the switching element assigned to the degree of translational freedom is activated, none of the switching elements assigned to the degree of rotational freedom is activated.In a further embodiment, the touch-sensitive operating surface is divided into a plurality of touch-sensitive zones which are electrically decoupled from one another, each touch-sensitive zone is assigned its own control unit and each control unit is designed to detect a touch or approach position in the zone assigned to this control unit. The control units cooperate in such a way that a touch or approach position can be detected over the entire touch-sensitive operating surface. This cooperation of the control units can be referred to as a handover method. It enables the different zones to cooperate in such a way that the touch-sensitive control surface divided into zones behaves substantially like a single contiguous zone. The subdivision of the touch-sensitive operator control surface into a plurality of zones which are electrically decoupled from one another can prove to be advantageous in particular in the case of deformable touch-sensitive operator control surfaces or in the case of curved touch-sensitive operator control surfaces. In the event of elastic deformation of the touch-sensitive operator control surfaces, essentially only the material between the zones is stretched, while the geometric relationships within the zones remain stable.In a further embodiment, a wiping movement can be detected at or close to the touch-sensitive operating surface. A function of the multifunction device can be assigned to the wiping movement. In this case, the direction, the curve profile and / or the speed of the wiping movement can also be taken into account.In a further embodiment, the actuating element has a curved surface at least in the region of the touch-sensitive operating surface, which can be advantageous when integrating the operating device into other components, for example steering wheel spokes.In a further embodiment, the actuating element has a tactile aid which makes the orientation on the actuating element easier for the user without having to look at the actuating element. This is very relevant to safety especially for the driver of a motor vehicle. The sensing aid is designed, for example, in the form of joints, depressions or variations of the surface of the actuating element.In a further embodiment, the operating device is integrated into a steering wheel for a motor vehicle. The operator control device can be operated on the basis of its haptic feedback without visual contact by the driver of the motor vehicle, who can concentrate further on the traffic during the operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGThe invention is explained in more detail on the basis of the embodiments illustrated in the following figures.They show FIG. 1 shows a steering wheel with two operating devices according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a top and side view of an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, FIG. 3 shows a top and side view of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows a steering wheel with a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, FIG. 5 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, FIG. 6 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, FIG. 8 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, and FIG. 9 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the operating device according to the invention.Detailed Description of the DrawingsIn the figures, identical or similar features are generally provided with identical reference numerals.FIG. 1 shows, in simplified form, a steering wheel 10 on which two operating devices 20 according to the invention are arranged. They can be integrated into steering wheel spokes (not shown).FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the operating device 20 according to the invention. An actuating element 30 is shown in plan view in the upper part. The actuating element 30 is designed as a touch-sensitive operating surface-as a touchpad-with a substantially square structure. The actuating element 30 is thus able to detect, together with a suitable control unit (not shown), a touch or approach (for example of a finger of a user) in a spatially resolved manner. Spatially resolved means that it is detected at which point on the surface of the actuating element 30 the contact or approach takes place.It is also conceivable that a wiping movement is detected via or above the surface of the actuating element 30. A wiping movement is represented by a time- and spatially resolved curve of contact points or approach points. For this purpose, the control unit has a suitable memory, in which a plurality of time and location coordinates are stored. The stored time and location coordinates are then evaluated in the control unit.The detected location or the evaluated wiping movement can be used to control a multifunction device as a function of these values. Corresponding control signals are generated for this purpose.The lower part of FIG. 2 shows a side view of the operating device 20. Below the actuating element 30, a total of five switching elements 40 are arranged, of which only three can be seen, however. Four shift elements 40 are arranged below arrows 50, and the fifth shift element is arranged centrally below the actuating element 30. The contact or approach to the actuating element 30 takes place at the upper side 60 of the actuating element 30.A bearing (not shown) is arranged on the actuating element 30, which enables a displacement of the actuating element 30 that can be reset into an initial position shown in the lower part of FIG. 2. The actuating element 30 can be displaced in two rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom. A first rotational degree of freedom is defined by a first rotational axis 70. A second rotational degree of freedom is defined by a second rotational axis 80. The actuator 30 is pivotable about the first and second axes of rotation 70, 80. This is expediently effected by a pressure on one of the four arrows 50. By pressing on the center of the actuating element 30, the central switching element 40 is activated without tilting the actuating element 30 about the axes of rotation 70, 80.FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the operating device 20 according to the invention. The actuating element 30 comprises a touch-sensitive operating surface 100 (hereinafter referred to as an operating surface only) and a non-touch-sensitive edge surface 110 (hereinafter referred to as an edge surface only). The edge surface 110 is arranged around the operating surface 100. The edge surface 110 and the operating surface 100 are mechanically decoupled from one another. This can be clearly seen in the lower part of FIG. 3 by a circumferential gap 120. The gap 120 is indicated in the upper part of FIG. 3 by a line 130. In the lower part of FIG. 3, it can be seen that the edge surface 110 and the operating surface 100 lie in a plane 140. Four of the five switching elements 40 are arranged below the arrows 50 of the edge surface 110 and the fifth switching element 40 is arranged centrally below the operating surface 100. The activation of the switching elements 40 takes place in a similar manner to the embodiment from FIG. 2, however, differences arise in that the actuating element 30 consists of an operating surface 100 and an edge surface 110 which is mechanically decoupled from the operating surface 100. The switching elements 40 arranged below the edge surface 110 are activated by tilting the edge surface 110 about the rotational degrees of freedom 70, 80. The switching element 40 arranged below the operating surface 100 is activated by pressing the operating surface 100 along the translation axis 90.FIG. 4 shows a steering wheel 10 having a steering wheel rim 150 and three steering wheel spokes 160. Integrated into the two substantially diagonally opposite steering wheel spokes 160 is an operating device 20 according to the invention. It can be seen that the operating device 20 has an actuating element 170 with a curved surface. The surface extends approximately crater-shaped into the steering wheel spoke 160. In the center, a push button 180 is arranged, under which one of the switching elements 40 is arranged so as to be activatable. From the push button 180, the curved surface of the actuator extends toward the top of the steering wheel spoke 160. It can be seen that the curved surface of the actuator 170 comprises four substantially trapezoidal segments 190. Each trapezoidal segment 190 is assigned one of the switching elements 40. The entire surface of the actuating element 170 is touch-sensitive and likewise pivotable according to the invention.FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of an operating device 20 according to the invention. five switching elements 40 are arranged below an actuating element 200, of which four switching elements 40 can be seen, which are assigned to the rotational degrees of freedom. The fifth switching element 40 is arranged under the central square push button 210 associated with the degree of translational freedom. The four switching elements 40 assigned to the rotational degrees of freedom are arranged in corner regions 220 of the actuating element 200, which is square in plan view.FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a further operating device 20 according to the invention, in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the four switching elements 40 assigned to the rotational degrees of freedom are arranged not in corner regions 220 but in side edge regions 230.FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a further embodiment of the operating device 240 according to the invention. The operating device 240 has a plate-shaped carrier 250, a capacitive layer 260, an actuating element 270 and a control unit 280.Switching elements (not shown in FIG. 7 ) are arranged below the carrier 250, i.e. in the region 290.The capacitive layer 260 has a grid of electrical conductor tracks, the changes in capacitance of which can be detected in a spatially resolved manner by an approach of a finger 300. The capacitance changes are evaluated in the control unit 280.The actuating element 270 has a planar underside 310 and a concave upper side 320. The finger 300 is touched or approached on the top side 320 or on the top side 320, as a result of which the capacitance of the capacitive layer 260 arranged below the actuating element 270 changes. The top side 320 is curved downward.FIG. 8 schematically shows a central sectional view of a further embodiment of the operating device 20 according to the invention.The operating device 20 comprises, like the embodiment in FIG. 7, a horizontally oriented carrier 250, a capacitive layer 260 and an actuating element 270.The actuator 270 has a central passage 330. A central push button 340 extends into the passage 330 and is connected to a switching element 360 via a vertical axis 350. A vertically downward pressure (in the direction of arrow 370) activates the switching element and generates an electrical signal that can be used for controlling a multifunction device. For example, an input is confirmed in this way (so-called enter key). The diameter of the passage 330 must be dimensioned at least so large that the actuating element can be inclined so far that a switching element 380 assigned to a rotational degree of freedom (the rotational axis is directed perpendicularly into the paper plane and lies in a plane containing the axis 350) can be activated. This is indicated by a curved arrow 390.FIG. 9 schematically shows a central sectional view of a further embodiment of the operating device 20 according to the invention.Unlike the embodiment in Figure 8, the top of the actuator 270 is provided with a resilient covering 400 which also extends over the central push button 340. This ensures that the user perceives the entire surface of the actuating element and of the pushbutton substantially as a uniform surface.In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the capacitive layers 260 have central holes through which the axes 350 or pushbuttons 340 are guided. However, it is possible to interpolate a movement across the hole by surrounding sensitive points and surfaces. Such defects in sensitive surfaces are also known as diamond structures.List of reference characters10 Steering wheel 20 Operating device 30 Actuating element 40 Switching elements 50 Arrow 60 Upper side 70 Rotational axis 80 Rotational axis 90 Translation axis 100 Operating surface 110 Edge surface 120 Gap 130 Line 140 Plane 150 Steering wheel rim 160 Steering wheel spoke 170 Actuating element 180 Pushbutton 190 Segment 200 Actuating element 210 Pushbutton 220 Corner regions 230 Side edge regions 240 Operating device 250 Carrier 260 Capacitive layer 270 Actuating element 280 Control unit 290 Region 300 Finger 310 Lower side 320 Upper side 330 Passage 340 Pushbutton 350 Axis 360 Switching element 370 Arrow 380 Switching element 390 Arrow 400 Covering

Claims

Operating device for a multifunction device in a motor vehicle, which has an actuating element (30, 170, 270), a mounting and switching elements (360, 380), wherein - the actuating element (30, 170, 270) comprises a touch-sensitive operating surface (100); - a mounting arranged on the actuating element (30, 170, 270) is designed to displace the actuating element (30, 170, 270) in two mutually perpendicular rotational degrees of freedom, which are defined by a first rotational axis (70) and a second rotational axis (80), wherein the actuating element (30, 170, 270) can be pivoted out of a starting position with respect to the first and second rotational axes (70, 80) and the mounting enables a displacement of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) which can be reset into the starting position; and switching elements (380) assigned to the first and second axes of rotation (70, 80) can be activated by the displacement of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) out of the initial position.Operating device according to Claim 1, wherein two switching elements (380) are assigned to each rotational degree of freedom, which can be activated by opposite pivoting movements of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) about an axis of rotation (70, 80).Operating device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second axes of rotation (70, 80) are arranged parallel to the upper side (60) of the touch-sensitive operating surface (100) of the actuating element (30, 170, 270).Operator control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touch-sensitive operator control surface (100) is touch-sensitive on the basis of a capacitive or optical sensor system.Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing is designed to displace at least a part of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) in a degree of freedom in translation.Operating device according to Claim 5, wherein a switching element (360) assigned to the degree of translational freedom can be activated by a movement of at least part of the actuating element (30, 170, 270) along a translation axis (90).Operating device according to Claim 6, wherein the switching element (360) assigned to the degree of translational freedom is arranged in a region of the touch-sensitive operating surface (100) when viewed in the direction of the translation axis (90).Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (30, 170, 270) comprises a non-touch-sensitive edge surface (110) which is arranged completely or partially around the touch-sensitive operating surface (100), and wherein the non-touch-sensitive edge surface (110) is mechanically decoupled from the touch-sensitive operating surface (100), and wherein the switching elements (380), which are associated with one or more rotational degrees of freedom, are arranged in a region of the non-touch-sensitive edge surface (110) when viewed in the direction of the translation axis (90).Operating device according to claim 8, wherein the touch-sensitive operating surface (100) is designed to be elastic.Operating device according to Claim 9, wherein a movement of the touch-sensitive operating surface (100) along the degree of translational freedom can be carried out in such a way that, when the switching element (360) assigned to the degree of translational freedom is activated, none of the switching elements (380) assigned to the degree of rotational freedom is activated.Operator control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the touch-sensitive operator control surface (100) is divided into a plurality of touch-sensitive zones which are electrically decoupled from one another, wherein each touch-sensitive zone is assigned its own control unit (280), wherein each control unit (280) is designed to detect a touch or approach position in the zone assigned to this control unit (280), and wherein the control units (280) cooperate in such a way that a touch or approach position can be detected over the entire touch-sensitive operator control surface (100).Operator control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a wiping movement can be detected at or close to the touch-sensitive operator control surface (100).Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (30, 170, 270) has a curved surface at least in the region of the touch-sensitive operating surface (100).Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (30, 170, 270) has a touch aid.Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (20) is integrated into a steering wheel (10) for a motor vehicle.

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