Operating device for motor vehicles with touch-sensitive surface and movable control element

Abstract

Control device (10) for capturing user input in a motor vehicle, comprising: - a touch-sensitive surface (12); - a movable control element (14) which is arranged at least partially at a distance (A) of less than 1 cm from the touch-sensitive surface (12) and which is movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface (12); wherein the control element (14) is free of electronic components which could capture user input depending on a movement of the control element (14);wherein user input can be detected by the user touching the touch-sensitive surface (12) while moving the control element (14), characterized in that the control element (14) is movable according to one of the following variants: a) the control element (14) is rotatable about an axis (R) that runs parallel to the touch-sensitive surface (12), wherein the rotary knob is arranged transversely to the touch-sensitive surface (12), wherein the control element (14) protrudes only partly above the touch-sensitive surface (12) and is positioned partly below the touch-sensitive surface (12), so that the user can only access the protruding part and contact the touch-sensitive surface (12) during a rotation of the control element (14);or b) the control element (14) is displaceable along an axis (V) that runs parallel to the touch-sensitive surface (12), wherein the control element (14) has a width (X) of less than 2 cm, wherein the control element (14) is designed as a slider or a sliding control and a pushing movement of the user to move the control element (14) with his finger is then reliably detected by the touch-sensitive surface (12);or, in each case additionally or alternatively to variants a), b):c) the control element (14) is spring-mounted and designed to retract relative to the touch-sensitive surface (12) when touched by the user, wherein the control element (14) is spring-mounted in such a way that it can be retracted relative to the touch-sensitive surface (12), thus increasing the probability that the user, as a result of touching the control element (14), comes into contact with the touch-sensitive surface and / or rests on it and is registered as user input.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device and a method for acquiring user input in a motor vehicle. In particular, control signals for systems of the motor vehicle can be generated by means of the operating device, according to user input acquired by the operating device.

[0002] It is known that various operating devices can be present in a motor vehicle, and more precisely in the vehicle interior. These can be operated by a user (e.g., a vehicle occupant, especially the driver). This operation is often manual, for example, by touching, pressing, moving, or otherwise manually manipulating the operating device or at least parts thereof.

[0003] Movable control elements are known whose user-generated movement (especially rotation or displacement) is electrically detected and / or measured, e.g., with a potentiometer. Touch-sensitive surfaces (touchscreens) are also known, which can, for example, employ known inductive or capacitive operating principles. By touching the touch-sensitive surface, which is usually combined with a display device, a user can input information.

[0004] Existing movable control elements are characterized by high costs due to the infrastructure required (especially due to potentiometers). Because of their moving parts, they can also be prone to malfunction, particularly since they must always work flawlessly in conjunction with a motion detection sensor (e.g., a potentiometer). Touch-sensitive surfaces, on the other hand, do not always allow for intuitive operation by a user, especially while driving and / or without visual contact with the control device.

[0005] There is therefore a need to improve the recording of user input in a motor vehicle, especially from the user's perspective.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the attached independent claims. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims. All of the foregoing explanations and variations may also be provided for or apply to the present solution, unless otherwise stated or apparent.

[0007] It has been recognized that, from a user's perspective, it may be preferable to operate a movable control element. At the same time, however, from an economic point of view or for reasons of reliability, it may be desirable to use touch-sensitive surfaces wherever possible. Therefore, according to the invention, it is proposed to provide a movable control element, but to actually capture user input by means of a touch-sensitive surface.

[0008] More precisely, an operator can actuate a movable control element and thereby receive orienting feedback or guidance during user input, even without visual contact with the control device. However, signals cannot be generated directly in response to this movement; that is, the movement of the control element cannot be detected sensorily and / or electrically. In particular, no interactions can occur between the control element and electronic units, or with the touch-sensitive surface, that could result in the generation of electrical and / or digital signals or, more generally, in the detection of user input.

[0009] In particular, the control element may be electrically passive and / or unsuitable and / or undetectable for signal generation and / or transmission. Instead, the actual detection of user input, as well as any subsequent signal generation (e.g., for other vehicle systems), may be performed via the touch-sensitive surface. This surface can detect a movement of, for example, a hand or finger as user input, but not the movement of the control element itself. However, the latter can be inferred indirectly from the actually detected movement.

[0010] Preferably, the touch-sensitive surface is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the movable control element and / or surrounds it, at least partially, or borders it. This allows the operator to, for example, run their finger along the touch-sensitive surface while operating the control element and / or to maintain contact with it, preferably without interruption, during movement.

[0011] In general terms, a movable control element can be provided to the user, but user input can be captured via the touch-sensitive surface.

[0012] In particular, an operating device for capturing user input in a motor vehicle is proposed, especially in a passenger car or truck, wherein the operating device comprises: - a touch-sensitive surface; - a movable control element that is arranged at least partially at a distance of less than 1 cm (and in particular less than 0.5 cm) from the touch-sensitive surface and is movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface; wherein the control element (and / or the operating device) is free of electronic components that could or can detect user input depending on a movement of the control element; wherein a user input can be detected by or when the user touches the touch-sensitive surface while moving the control element.

[0013] The operating device can be located, in particular, in the interior of a vehicle. It can generally be operated manually, and in particular by means of at least one finger of the user.

[0014] The touch-sensitive surface can be based on a capacitive or inductive operating principle, as is known in the prior art. Generally, it can be electronically operated and / or detect touches with spatial resolution.

[0015] The movable control element can be, for example, a rotary knob, a slider, or a push button. Generally, due to the aforementioned distance, the touch-sensitive surface can be designed to abut the control element at least partially, and in particular on at least one side. Specifically, the control element can be at least partially surrounded by the touch-sensitive surface, for example, on at least two or at least three sides. In other words, the control element can be embedded in the touch-sensitive surface and / or enclosed by at least two sections of this surface, i.e., framed by the touch-sensitive surface on at least two opposite sides. The distance can be measured in a plane that is parallel to or coincides with the surface.

[0016] Electronic components for capturing user input can be, in particular, a potentiometer or other components that can register movement of the control element as user input (preferably electronically). In other words, the operating device and / or the control element may not be configured for motion detection of the movable control element, which saves costs and reduces potential interference. On the other hand, the movement can provide the user with desired (haptic) feedback, especially if the control element, as is generally preferred, is configured to provide a certain counterforce against the corresponding movement (e.g., due to appropriate mounting of the control element). Preferably, the control element is free of any electronic components, i.e., for example, a purely mechanical component.However, it may be intended that the control element includes a lighting device (e.g., an LED) as an electrical load. In that case, it is preferably the only electrical load of the control element.

[0017] The control element can be transparent, allowing optional areas of the touch-sensitive surface located below the control element to be used for displaying information. This is possible if, as is generally preferred, the touch-sensitive surface also has a display function and / or is combined with a display device.

[0018] All known approaches in the prior art can be used to capture user input via the touch-sensitive surface. Since touch-sensitive surfaces are generally already present in vehicles, capturing user input via the touch-sensitive surface can therefore involve only minimal or even no additional costs.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the control element is rotatable about an axis that runs parallel to the touch-sensitive surface. In particular, it can be a rotary dial that the operator can rotate by pushing it along the touch-sensitive surface. The rotary dial can be arranged transversely to the touch-sensitive surface. Generally, the control element can protrude only partially above the touch-sensitive surface and be positioned below it for the other (preferably larger) part. The user can then only access or contact the correspondingly protruding part. During rotation or...To rotate the device, the operator can contact the touch-sensitive surface and, in particular, slide at least one finger along the touch-sensitive surface, which then preferably also comes into contact with the control element and, in particular, the aforementioned rotary knob or its externally accessible part (i.e., protruding part). This contact can be detected by the touch-sensitive surface.

[0020] In general, the invention can therefore provide that not the movement of the control element itself, but rather the movement that causes it, for example, a user's finger, is detected by means of the touch-sensitive surface. This movement can form the basis for generating control signals for other vehicle systems, such as an air conditioning system or an infotainment system.

[0021] In particular, in the rotatable control element described above, the touch-sensitive surface can be provided to border at least one front and one rear end of the control element in the direction of rotation. Preferably, it also or alternatively extends laterally to the control element and / or parallel to a plane of rotation of the control element, and at the aforementioned small distance therefrom. In particular, the control element can be positioned between areas of the touch-sensitive surface that extend parallel to the plane of rotation. In this way, the described sliding motion can be reliably detected. With touch-sensitive surfaces in at least the end regions of the control element, the start and / or end of the rotation process can be detected.This is particularly relevant when stepwise rotation positions can be predefined / varied, so that a correspondingly changed step setting can be inferred from the detected termination of a rotation process.

[0022] One further development method stipulates that the control element can be moved along an axis parallel to the touch-sensitive surface. For example, the control element could be a slider or a control knob. By appropriately positioning the axis of movement, the control element can be moved within the plane of, or parallel to, the touch-sensitive surface. A sliding motion by the user (or their finger) to move the control element can then be reliably detected by the touch-sensitive surface.

[0023] The latter applies particularly when the width of the control element transverse to the direction of movement, according to embodiments of the invention, is less than 2 cm or even less than 1 cm. In such cases, the likelihood increases that parts of the user's finger will protrude laterally from the control element and be able to contact the touch-sensitive surface. Such dimensioning of the control element is not limited to the variant of the sliding control element, but is also possible, in particular, with the rotatable control element already discussed.

[0024] In the case of a movable control element, it is preferably further provided that the touch-sensitive surface extends at least partially along the (movement) axis. In particular, it can extend on both sides of the control element along the corresponding axis, thus enclosing the control element, for example, between itself. During the movement, the user can therefore slide and / or brush along the touch-sensitive surface again, which can be sensed as corresponding user input.

[0025] In general, the control element may have at least one recess, particularly in an area protruding from the touch-sensitive surface. Multiple recesses may also be provided, which, for example, in the case of a rotatable control element (especially a rotary dial), may be distributed along its circumference. In the case of a sliding control element, one embodiment provides only one recess to guide the user, and in particular their finger, into a preferred position relative to the control element.

[0026] The minimum indentation can extend to the level of the touch-sensitive surface, end slightly above it, or even to a level below it. For example, it can be positioned at a distance of no more than 1 mm or no more than 3 mm (from the user's perspective) above or below the touch-sensitive surface, or have its deepest point there. If the user then reaches into this indentation, the likelihood is increased that their finger will contact or rest against the adjacent touch-sensitive surface.

[0027] According to one variant, the control element is electrically passive or, as mentioned, has a lighting arrangement as its only electrical consumer.

[0028] Another variant provides that the control element protrudes no more than 3 cm from the touch-sensitive surface. In the case of a control element that is partially integrated into or embedded in the touch-sensitive surface, the protrusion can refer to a corresponding exposed and / or protruding area of ​​the control element, e.g., an exposed circumferential section of a rotary dial. Particularly preferably, the control element protrudes no more than 1 cm from the touch-sensitive surface. All specifications regarding the protrusion can refer to a state in which the control element is not yet being operated by a user.

[0029] The terms user, operator and user can be used interchangeably here.

[0030] A preferred embodiment provides that the control element is spring-mounted. In particular, it can be spring-mounted in such a way that it can be displaced according to user interactions and / or the associated pressure forces, and especially that it can be retracted relative to the touch-sensitive surface. In other words, the control element can be pressed in and / or recessed relative to the touch-sensitive surface due to the spring mounting.

[0031] In this context, it is preferably provided that the control element is further configured to spring back and / or retract relative to the touch-sensitive surface when touched by the user. This also increases the probability that the user, and in particular at least one of their fingers, will come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface and / or rest against it as a result of touching the control element. This can then be registered as user input.

[0032] A further development provides that haptic and / or acoustic feedback can be generated depending on the movement of the control element. In particular, the feedback can be generated by means of a mechanical feedback generation device, which is preferably encompassed by the control element and / or configured to interact with it. For example, the control element can comprise an engagement structure into which an elastically mounted engagement element, preferably supported on a housing of the control device, engages. When the control element is moved, this engagement element can slide within the engagement structure and / or be deflected by it abruptly and / or interact with it in the manner of a ratchet connection. In this way, both haptic and acoustic feedback can be generated.Other methods for generating corresponding feedback are known to those skilled in the art, particularly in the form of click discs or more generally within the context of switch functions. Preferably, the feedback is also generated mechanically and / or without the involvement of an electrical component.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for capturing user input in a motor vehicle with an operating device, wherein the operating device comprises: - a touch-sensitive surface; - a movable control element that is movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface; wherein the method comprises: - Capturing user input by the user touching the touch-sensitive surface while moving the control element.

[0034] However, it may not be possible to detect the movement of the control element and / or generate control signals based on it. Instead, the movement of the user or their finger, based on touching the touch-sensitive surface, can be detected as user input while the user moves the control element.

[0035] The method may include all further features and steps necessary to provide any operating states, interactions, or functions described herein. In particular, the method may be executable with an operating device according to any aspect described herein. Furthermore, all further developments and explanations of features of the operating device may also apply to, or be provided for, the corresponding features of the method.

[0036] The invention is explained below with reference to the attached schematic figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows views of an operating device with which a method according to the invention can be carried out, according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an operating device with which a method according to the invention can be carried out, according to a second embodiment.

[0037] In Fig. 1 is an operating device 10 shown according to a first embodiment. The operating device comprises a touch-sensitive surface. 12 Furthermore, it includes an embedded (see Fig. 2) Control element 14 This is, as further illustrated below, Fig. 2 explained, designed as a rotary wheel that rotates around an axis of rotation R It is rotatable. The movement required to turn the rotary knob. R It runs along the arrow B out of Fig. 1 and parallel to the touch-sensitive surface12 or in the plane of the leaf.

[0038] The control element 14 It has several recesses distributed along its circumference. These each represent a depression. 16 represent the webs that define an outer circumference or outer radius 18 are separated from each other.

[0039] The control element 14 is a slit-shaped recess 20 the touch-sensitive surface 12 It is captured and framed by these. For example, it is shown on four sides by the touch-sensitive surface. 12 surrounded. To allow sufficient freedom of movement, a gap must be left between the edges of the recess. 20 and the control element 16 Although present, the gap does not exceed 0.5 cm in any area. This distance is defined as the distance between the respective outer surfaces of the control element. 14and measured against an immediately opposite edge area and is in Fig. 1 Example of the upper outer side of the control element in this view 14 as a distance A It is entered in a surface. 12 contained level measured.

[0040] As in Fig. As illustrated in section 2, the control element is... 14 as the already discussed circular disc or as a rotary wheel with circumferentially distributed depressions 16 trained. Not all of these specializations 16 as well as the separating bridges 18 Each is marked with its own reference symbol. The control element 14 It stands only slightly away from the touch-sensitive surface. 12 The areas whose elevation is shown as a dashed line are highlighted. The corresponding elevation H , with which the control element 14 from the surface 12protrudes (especially in a normal direction to this surface) 12 ), for example, is 1 cm.

[0041] A preferred variant is also indicated, according to which the depressions 16 starting from an outermost circumference or outermost radius, as exemplified by the bridges 18 specified, up to a height level of the area 12 extend downwards and may even lie below that.

[0042] If a user wants to use the control element 14 When activated, it is inserted into a recess with one finger. 16 led and in particular into the according to Fig. 2 above and from the slot-shaped recess 20 (see Fig. 1) via the touch-sensitive surface 12 protruding indentation 16 Due to the reduced elevation of this depression 16 opposite the surface 12Does the user also come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface? 12 , which it can register as the corresponding user input. For a rotational movement, the operator must then make a push movement according to the arrow. B along the touch-sensitive surface 12 execute, which can also be registered accordingly.

[0043] Optionally shown in Fig. 2 also a spring bearing 23 As a result of contact with the user, and more precisely with a finger from that user, the control element can 14 according to the arrow F due to this spring mounting 23 spring inwards, so that the height H The protrusion can be reduced. This also increases the likelihood that the user or their finger will come into contact with the touch-sensitive surface. 12 device.

[0044] Another optional feature is a feedback generation device. 22 shown. This one is purely mechanical in design. It includes an engagement pin. 24 , which goes into the depressions 16 intervenes and can slide within it. During a rotation of the control element. 14 around the axis of rotation R , which in Fig. 2. The engagement pin is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the leaf. 24 depending on the adjacent radial level of the depression 16 Forced to varying degrees radially outwards or inwards. Via a spring mounting 26 can the intervention pin 24 yield to the corresponding forces, but only with a ratchet-like noise, which the user can perceive as acoustic feedback.

[0045] It should be noted that in Fig. 1 in one direction of rotation or actuation B of the control element 14horizontal end area 21 also a section of the touch-sensitive surface 12 the control element 14 surrounds or borders this area. Therefore, a user's finger will likely come into contact with this area at the latest when the rotational movement is completed. 21 This can be entered into the system, which can be registered as user input.

[0046] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is a control element 14 as shown according to an alternative embodiment. In this case, the control element 14 It is designed as a slider or slider. This is positioned along an axis. V movable, which can be provided as a mechanical rail or defined by one. The control element 14 It is designed in an exemplary block shape and, for example, can be moved linearly along the aforementioned rail. As can be seen from the side view of Fig. As illustrated in section 4, the control element14 again a deeper dive 16 on, which are exemplary at approximately the height level of the touch-sensitive surface 12 ends, but can optionally also lie below it. Edge areas of the control element 14 They are also only slightly above the height level of the touch-sensitive surface. 12 stand out, namely by a height H of, for example, less than 1 cm. A user, and especially their finger, will therefore be forced into the indentation again. 16 guided and thus reliably comes into contact with the touch-sensitive surface 12 .

[0047] In Fig. 3 shows that the control element 14 along its displacement axis V on both sides of areas of the touch-sensitive surface 12 is enclosed or framed and / or arranged between corresponding areas. Preferably, the control element has 14even a narrow width X from, for example, less than 2 cm. A user's finger will then likely protrude at least slightly to the side and affect the adjacent area of ​​the touch-sensitive surface. 12 to be opposite each other or to come into contact with this.

[0048] To activate the control element 14 is again a thrust movement according to the arrow B required, which then from the touch-sensitive surface 12 It can be registered. However, once again, no components are provided to monitor the movement of the control element. 14 to be directly detected by sensors. Instead, the movement of the user's finger when moving this control element is tracked. 14 from the touch-sensitive surface 12 recorded as user input.

[0049] Only schematically in Fig.Finally, as indicated in section 3, there is a signal connection S from the touch-sensitive surface. 12 to a control unit 100 . In a manner known per se, detection signals from individual detection units (e.g., capacitor units) within the touch-sensitive surface can be transmitted via the signal connection S. 12 to the control unit 100 are transmitted, which then trigger corresponding actions on the touch-sensitive surface. 12 registered as user input. The control unit 100 However, it is also preferably designed to generate and output control signals for other vehicle systems in response to appropriately detected user input, such as control commands for an air conditioning system or a navigation system. Reference symbol list 10 Operating device 12 touch-sensitive surfaces 14 Control element 16 In-depth study 18 Bridge 20 Exclusion 21 End area 22 Feedback generation device 23 Spring bearing 24 Intervention element 26 Spring bearing 100 Control unit A distance R axis of rotation V displacement axis H height X Width B Direction of action F Suspension direction

Claims

[1] Control device (10) for recording user input in a motor vehicle, comprising: - a touch-sensitive surface (12); - a movable control element (14) which is arranged at least partially at a distance (A) of less than 1 cm from the touch-sensitive surface (12) and which is movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface (12); wherein the control element (12) is free of electronic components that could detect user input depending on a movement of the control element (14); where user input can be detected by the user touching the touch-sensitive surface (12) while moving the control element (14). [2] Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control element (14) is rotatable about an axis (R) which runs parallel to the touch-sensitive surface (12). [3] Operating device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that the touch-sensitive surface (12) borders at least a front and / or rear end (21) of the control element (14) in the direction of rotation. [4] Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control element (14) is movable along an axis (V) that runs parallel to the touch-sensitive surface (12). [5] Operating device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the touch-sensitive surface (12) extends at least section by section along the axis (V). [6] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element (14) is electrically passive or comprises a lighting arrangement as its only electrical consumer. [7] Operating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the control element (14) protrudes no more than 3 cm from the touch-sensitive surface (12). [8] Operating device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control element (14) is spring-mounted and designed to retract towards the touch-sensitive surface (12) when touched by the user. [9] Operating device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that haptic and / or acoustic feedback can be generated depending on the movement of the control element (14). [10] Method for capturing user input in a motor vehicle with an operating device (10), wherein the operating device (10) comprises: - a touch-sensitive surface (12); - a movable control element (14) that is movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface (12); wherein the method comprises: - Capturing user input by means of a touch of the touch-sensitive surface (12) by the user while moving the control element (14).

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