Control element for a vehicle interior

Abstract

Control element (102) for a vehicle interior, which is extendable and retractable from a surface (110) of a console (100), wherein a surface of the control element (102) lies in a plane with the surface (110) when retracted, comprising - a push / pull device (306) adapted to move the control element (102) into and out of the surface (110), and - a sensor device (104, 106, 108) for detecting a movement of an object in a predetermined direction with respect to the control element (102) and wherein the sensor device (104, 106, 108) detects the measured speed of the approaching object and the push / pull device (306) can be activated to move the control element (102) out of the surface (110), wherein the direction of movement and speed of the object can be detected and the extension speed of the control element (102) out of the surface (110) can be adjusted depending on the detected speed of the object.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to an operating element for a vehicle interior, in particular an operating element that can be activated automatically for operation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating the operating element. State of the art

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with electronic control systems, with most of these systems featuring additional controls. To keep the number of controls in a vehicle's interior—for example, on the dashboard and / or center console—to a manageable number, multifunctional controls have been introduced. These, in conjunction with a screen, allow for easy selection of functions and settings in the electronic control system. One example of this is a rotary knob that allows for the selection of options in a screen menu.

[0003] In some vehicles, such a rotary knob can be mechanically retracted into the center console by pressing the knob. Pressing it again mechanically unlocks the knob (push-push technique) and allows it to retract from the center console. Furthermore, rotary knobs are known in which a selection function—for example, a menu item in an on-screen menu—is triggered by pressing the knob. This creates a conflict between the selection functionality and the retraction of the rotary knob due to the user pressing it.

[0004] DE 10 2015 015 316 A1 discloses a display device for a motor vehicle, comprising a display device movable between a retracted and extended position, a detection device designed to detect an approach of a vehicle occupant to the display device, and a control device designed to actuate the drive device as a function of an approach of the vehicle occupant to the display device detected by means of the detection device, wherein the control device is designed to actuate the drive device such that the display device is moved in the direction of the retracted position if an approach of the vehicle occupant to the display device is detected by means of the detection device.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2009 / 066474 A1 discloses a vehicle input device with a signal processing section that processes signals input via the operating section. The device includes a movable support mechanism that supports the operating section to move between a remote position away from an operator and a close position near the operator.

[0006] DE 10 2013 001 386 A1 discloses an operating device for a motor vehicle with at least one support element held on at least one corresponding holding element. At least one functional element providing a function of the motor vehicle is arranged on the support element.

[0007] The object of this invention is therefore to present a control element which clearly distinguishes between the functionalities of selecting and lowering the control element and thus also increases vehicle safety. Brief description of the invention

[0008] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control element for a vehicle interior is provided. The control element is extendable and retractable relative to a surface of a console. In a retracted state, an upper surface of the control element lies flush with the surface of the console. Furthermore, the control element comprises a push / pull device adapted to move the control element into and out of the surface, as well as a sensor device for detecting a movement of an object, in particular a hand, in a predetermined direction toward the control element.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a control element for a vehicle interior is presented. The method comprises measuring a distance by detecting reflected signals by a sensor device adapted to detect movement of an object toward a control element, and activating, in response to detection of the object indicating that the object is approaching the control element, a push / pull device to move the control element relative to a surface of a console. In a retracted state, an upper surface of the control element lies in a plane with the surface of the console.

[0011] This inventive combination of the retraction and extension mechanism of the control element with a sensor device makes it possible for control elements—particularly in the form of a rotary knob—to be automatically extended or retracted without contact by a user's gesture over a surface—particularly the surface of the center console or dashboard. This feature not only increases the visual elegance of the vehicle interior, but also, in particular, safety, since user distraction while driving is avoided and the control element can only be extended or retracted relative to the surface under certain conditions.

[0012] The function of the rotary knob as a control element within the meaning of the present invention does not have to deviate from previous concepts in terms of its ergonomics. Rather, all previous functionalities—for example, selecting between various options displayed on a screen and finally activating them—can continue to be implemented using the present invention.

[0013] In particular, the possibility of inadvertent activation of a push-triggered retraction of the control element, as in the prior art, is avoided because the mechanism for retracting and extending the control element by means of movement detection is separated from the operation of the control element by mechanical pressing according to the present invention.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the control element, the sensor device can consist of a combination of at least two proximity sensors. This makes it possible to determine the direction of approach of a hand to the control element. The proximity sensors are preferably designed to measure ultrasonic or infrared signals, or can detect capacitive changes in the area surrounding the control element.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the control element, the sensor device can have a combination of at least three proximity sensors. In this way, any proximity sensors – even those with a comparatively low spatial resolution – can be used. Furthermore, a direction of movement with a hand in the direction of the control element can be easily detected. The proximity sensors are arranged such that the proximity sensors are located in the immediate vicinity of the control element and with overlapping monitoring areas. Alternatively or additionally, the proximity sensors can also be arranged at other positions within the vehicle interior. In one exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensors can be installed in the door, so that the control element can be extended and retracted within the center console using a gesture control on the inside of the door.

[0016] According to a supplementary advantageous embodiment of the operating element, the sensor device can consist of at least one ultrasonic measuring transducer—as an example of an active sensor device. For this purpose, known methods for detecting the approach of an object, such as a hand, to the proximity sensor can be evaluated. Alternatively, the proximity sensor can also consist of one or more capacitive sensors and / or one or more infrared sensors. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a combination of different sensor types—ultrasonic, infrared, capacitive—which increases the reliability of detecting hand movement toward the operating element. Other sensor types, such as laser systems or camera systems with object detection systems, can also be used.Furthermore, it is provided that not only the approach of the object to the sensor device can be detected, but also the type of movement, for example, an upward movement of the hand. Thus, according to the present invention, not only can the approach of an object itself be detected, but the operating element is only extended or retracted when a previously defined type of movement of the object is detected.

[0017] An additional advantageous embodiment of the control element provides for the console to be a center console, a dashboard, a rear seat console, a side console, or an interior door panel in the vehicle interior. Of course, other surfaces can also accommodate the control element presented here in a retractable form. Thus, the inventive concept can be used in the vehicle interior, for example, in the trunk, with virtually no spatial restrictions.

[0018] According to a supplementary embodiment of the control element, the distance measured by the sensor at which the push / pull device for extending and retracting the control element is activated can be variably determined, thus extending the control element from the surface. This allows the user's motion control preferences to be taken into account and even customized.

[0019] According to a further supplementary embodiment of the control element, it can be variably determined according to which the push / pull device is activated by the sensor when the object's first approach movement is measured, thereby extending the control element from the surface. An additional safety function is implemented by detecting the direction of movement of the hand approaching the control element.

[0020] The speed of the hand moving toward the control element is detected. This also allows the control element's extension speed from the surface to be influenced. For example, if the hand moves toward the control element very quickly, the speed at which the control element extends from the surface can also be increased. This ensures that the control element is fully extended when the user's hand reaches it.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the control element can provide for the variably determined second approach movement measured by the sensor, according to which the push / pull device is activated to move the control element into the surface. The push / pull device can be an electromechanical drive (e.g., an electric motor with appropriate mechanics). Alternatively, the control element can be activated vertically relative to the surface (e.g., the console) using pneumatic or hydraulic drive systems. Non-electromechanically operated drive systems allow for virtually silent movement of the drive element, thus increasing ergonomics and value at comparatively low cost.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment of the control element provides for the possibility of variably setting the speed of an approaching object, measured by the sensor, at which the push / pull device is activated to extend the control element from the surface. This makes it possible to retract the control element into the surface. This can be advantageous, for example, when driving a longer distance and the control element is not required. Because the control element forms a surface with the surrounding surface of the respective console, an additional storage area can be created, for example, on the center console.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the operating element, a control unit can be provided, which receives and processes signals from the sensor device and activates the push / pull device. Both active elements of the sensor device—for example, an ultrasonic transmitter, an infrared transmitter, or an electromagnetic field generator—and passive elements of the sensor device—for example, an ultrasonic receiver, an infrared receiver, or a receiver for changing the electromagnetic field—can be connected to the control unit. These passive elements are designed both to generate the corresponding signals and to receive the detected signals. Furthermore, the control unit has an evaluation unit, which uses the received signals to determine the approach movement of the moving hand with respect to the operating element.The signals generated by the control unit then cause the push / pull device to move the control element out of or into the surface according to the detected hand movement.

[0024] An optional embodiment of the method provides that the operating element moves out of the surface when the object or hand approaches the button-like element on a first predefined path - i.e., on a predefined trajectory. In this case, not only the approach of the hand as the object itself is detected, but also the actual direction of movement. This can be from back to front, for example, where "front" is defined by the direction of travel. Furthermore, other trajectories for activating the push / pull device can also be provided. For example, circling the hand over the operating element in a clockwise direction can activate the operating element to extend or extend, while circling the hand in a counterclockwise direction can activate the button-like element to retract or retract.

[0025] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, it may be possible to move the button-like element into the surface when the object - in particular the user's hand - approaches the control element on a second predefined path. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 shows a center console of a vehicle interior with a retracted control element. Fig. 2 shows the center console of the vehicle interior with the extended control element. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional drawing of the surface and the control element in the extended state. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional drawing of the surface and the control element in the retracted state. Description of embodiments based on the figures

[0026] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. It should also be noted that features or components of different embodiments that are identical or at least functionally equivalent to the corresponding features or components of the embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals. To avoid unnecessary repetition, features or components already explained with reference to a previously described embodiment will not be explained in detail later.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments described below represent only a limited selection of possible variants of the invention. In particular, it is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments can be considered as obviously disclosed to those skilled in the art with the variants explicitly presented here.

[0028] The term "control element" in the context of the present invention describes an element for operating components of a vehicle. In particular, the control element relates to a button-like element that is rotatably provided in a surface of a vehicle interior. The control element generally serves to select and / or activate certain functions of the vehicle. Alternatively, it can also be a control unit that extends completely out of a surface—for example, a console. A plurality of rotary knobs, toggle switches, touchscreens, and other known control elements can be provided on this control unit.

[0029] In addition, a sliding cover can completely cover the control panel (e.g. horizontally sliding or equipped with a turn / tilt mechanism) when retracted.

[0030] The term "push / pull device" describes an actuator by means of which the control element can be extended or retracted from a surface. This can be an electromechanical drive, a pneumatic drive, or a hydraulic drive.

[0031] The term “sensor device” describes either a single sensor adapted to detect a direction of movement of approaching objects, or it is a combination of several individual sensors which, in combination with a control device, are adapted to detect a direction of movement relative to the control element.

[0032] The term “surface” describes an upper surface of a part of a vehicle interior, such as a center console, a dashboard, a side console, an interior door panel, a media control interface (e.g., audio / phone / video systems).

[0033] The term "ultrasonic transducer" generally describes a component or assembly for converting one form of energy into another. In this case, the ultrasonic transducer converts electrical energy into ultrasound or converts reflected ultrasound back into electrical energy.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a center console 100 of a vehicle interior with a retracted control element 102. The center console 100 has, in particular, a surface 110 in which the control element 102 is shown in a retracted state. The upper surface of the control element 102 lies in a plane with the surface 110 of the console 100. In addition, sensors 104, 106, 108 of the sensor device are shown. According to the Fig. 1, the sensors 104, 106, 108 are shown in line with the control element 102. Other arrangements of the sensors 104, 106, 108 are also possible, either alternatively or simultaneously. The precise configuration of the arrangement of the sensors 104, 106, 108 is also determined by the type of sensors—for example, ultrasonic sensors. The arrangement shown is suitable for detecting movement from behind or from the right-hand area of ​​the console 100 toward the control element 102. If circular movements of the hand above the control element 102 are to be detected, a circular arrangement of the sensors 104, 106, 108 around the control element 102 would be more advantageous.

[0035] In addition, Fig. 1 exemplary additional other operating elements 112, which are either conventionally not height-adjustable or, in the sense of the present invention, can be extended and retracted by gesture control.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the center console 100 of the vehicle interior with an extended control element 102. In this case, a part of the control element 102 is visibly raised from the surface 110 of the center console 100 in order to be grasped and turned with one hand or pressed to activate functions.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the surface 110 and the operating element 102 in an extended state. The sensors 104, 106, 108 are shown recessed into the surface 110. The push / pull device 306 acts on an axis 302 of the button-like element 102 and can be moved according to the vertical direction of movement represented by the double arrow 304. Additional evaluation electronics for rotating, etc., the operating element 102 are not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0038] The control unit 308 is connected to the sensors 104, 106, 108 via lines 310, 312, 314 to evaluate their signals and also to send active signals to them. Depending on the measured approach / direction of movement of an object relative to the sensors—and thus also relative to the control element 102—the control unit 308 generates control signals for activating the push / pull device 306. In one embodiment, these can be activation signals for an electric motor that accomplishes the retraction / extension, via line 316.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the surface 110 and the operating element 102 in a retracted state. In this case, the push / pull device 306 was activated by the control unit 308 via the line 316 according to the direction of movement 304 such that the operating element 102 is retracted and the upper surface of the operating element 102 is in a plane with the surface 100 of the console. For reasons of clarity, the control unit 308 and the corresponding lines are not shown in the Fig. 4 shown again. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 console 102 Control element 104 Sensor device 106 Sensor device 108 Sensor device 110 Surface 112 additional controls 302 Axis 304 Movement arrow 306 Push / pull device 308 control unit 310 sensor cable 312 sensor cable 314 Sensor cable 316 control line

Claims

[1] Operating element (102) for a vehicle interior, which is extendable and retractable from a surface (110) of a console (100), wherein a surface of the operating element (102) in the retracted state lies in a plane with the surface (110), comprising, - a push / pull device (306) adapted to move the operating element (102) into and out of the surface (110), and - a sensor device (104, 106, 108) for detecting a movement of an object in a predetermined direction with respect to the operating element (102), and wherein the sensor device (104, 106, 108) detects the measured speed of the approaching object and the push / pull device (306) can be activated to move the operating element (102) out of the surface (110), wherein the direction of movement and speed of the object can be detected and the extension speed of the operating element (102) from the surface (110) can be adjusted depending on the detected speed of the object. [2] Operating element (102) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (104, 106, 108) is a combination of at least two proximity sensors. [3] Operating element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (104, 106, 108) comprises at least one ultrasonic measuring sensor. [4] Control element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the console (100) is a center console, a dashboard, a rear seat console, a side console, an interior door panel or part of the trunk of the vehicle interior. [5] Operating element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is variably determined from which distance measured by the sensor device the push / pull device (306) can be activated in order to move the operating element (102) out of the surface (110). [6] Operating element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is variably definable by which first approach movement the push / pull device (306) can be activated in order to move the operating element (102) out of the surface (110). [7] Operating element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is variably definable by which measured second approach movement the push / pull device (306) can be activated in order to move the operating element into the surface (110). [8] Operating element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a control unit (308) which processes signals from the sensor device (104, 106, 108) and activates the push / pull device (306). [9] Operating element (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the push / pull device (306) comprises an electric motor, a pneumatically operating unit or a hydraulically operating unit. [10] Method for controlling an operating element (102) for a vehicle interior, comprising - measuring a distance by detecting signals by a sensor device (104, 106, 108) adapted to detect a movement of an object towards the control element (102), - activating a push / pull device (306) in response to the detected signals to move the operating element (102) relative to a surface of a console (100), wherein an upper surface of the operating element (102) in a retracted state lies in a plane with the surface (110) of the console (100) and the measured speed of the approaching object is detected by the sensor device (104, 106, 108) and the push / pull device (306) is activated to move the operating element (102) out of the surface (110), wherein the direction of movement and speed of the object can be detected and the extension speed of the operating element (102) out of the surface (110) is adjusted depending on the detected speed of the object.

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