Control element with at least two switching functions and individual haptic feedback for each function.

Abstract

The invention relates to a control element (1) with at least two switching functions and individual haptic feedback, comprising an actuating element (10) and a base element (20) on which the actuating element (10) is arranged to be rotatably movable about an axis (21) according to a first degree of freedom (X1), wherein the control element (1) provides at least two detent tracks (11, 12) each with a plurality of detent profiles (13) formed one after the other along the detent tracks (11, 12) and at least one detent element (22) which is configured to engage releasably in the detent profiles (13) while generating haptically perceptible feedback for an operator at the actuating element (10), wherein each of the detent tracks (11, 12) is assigned a switching function and the detent tracks (11,12) have differing detent profiles (13) for generating haptic feedback distinguishable to the operator, wherein the actuating element (10) is arranged on the base element (20) so as to be movable according to a second degree of freedom (X2), and the engagement of the at least one detent element (22) between the at least two detent tracks (11, 12) can be switched by a movement of the actuating element (10) corresponding to the second degree of freedom (X2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control element with at least two switching functions and individual haptic feedback for each.

[0002] A wide variety of control elements for diverse applications and for fulfilling a wide variety of switching functions are known from the state of the art.

[0003] For example, documents DE 102 19 477 C1, DE 10 2011 011 299 A1, EP 0 295 368 A2, US 3,739,316 A and WO 2010 / 009914 A1 disclose multi-way switching devices or control crosses, by which several switching functions, such as directional control, can be fulfilled, often corresponding to a superposition of rocker switches, as are known, for example, from US 5,584,380 A.

[0004] However, a disadvantage of such control elements, particularly when setting a numerical value such as a temperature or a transmitter, is that there is no haptic feedback for individual switching steps when the control is continuously pressed, i.e., no haptic feedback perceptible to the operator, and a specific numerical value is usually only slowly adjustable.

[0005] Therefore, rotary knobs or rotary push-button controls are often used for this purpose, as described in documents DE 10 2007 038 580 A1, DE 10 2012 012 172 A1 and WO 2013 / 189844 A1. Because the respective control elements are roller-like or generally rotatable, individual values ​​can be set quickly, and a corresponding detent during rotation provides immediate haptic feedback.

[0006] A disadvantage here, however, is that precise numerical values ​​are difficult or at least not convenient to set over large adjustment ranges, since a fine subdivision of the switching steps, i.e., many detents around the circumference of the rotary knob, means that a specific value must be set very precisely. If, on the other hand, a coarser subdivision is chosen, i.e., fewer detents around the circumference of the rotary knob, significantly less precision is required for fine adjustment, but adjusting over a large range of values ​​requires a large number of turns of the rotary knob or control element.

[0007] If switching between different value ranges is provided, so that, for example, several consecutive detent steps are assigned to a common switching step, the operator can no longer assign immediate haptic feedback to a switching step, and additional operating elements are required to implement the switching.

[0008] Furthermore, it should be noted that with most known rotary switches, only a switching function is possible by rotating them, unless an external switching mechanism is provided.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing a control element with which switching steps of various switching functions, in particular numerical values ​​of a multi-digit number, can be set quickly and conveniently.

[0010] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0011] According to the invention, a control element with at least two switching functions, each with individual haptic feedback, is proposed. The control element comprises an actuating element and a base element on which the actuating element is arranged to be rotatably movable about an axis in accordance with a first degree of freedom, i.e., it is specifically mounted or supported. Accordingly, an operator can rotate the actuating element about the axis. The proposed invention further provides that the control element has at least two detent tracks, each with a plurality of detent profiles arranged successively along the detent tracks, and at least one detent element, wherein the detent tracks preferably have identical lengths. The at least one detent element is designed to engage or snap into the detent profiles in a releasable manner, generating haptically perceptible feedback for the operator at the actuating element.Each of the detents is assigned a switching function, with the detents having different detents to generate distinguishable haptic feedback for the operator. Thus, the detents of a first detents provide initial haptic feedback, and the detents of a second detents provide a second haptic feedback. It should be clarified that the detents of the detents can differ in both their shape and number, so that a different shape and / or number of detents can generate distinguishable haptic feedback. Furthermore, to enable switching between operation via the detents, the actuating element is arranged on the base element so that it can move according to a second degree of freedom.The locking element is again picked up or stored, and the engagement of at least one locking element between at least two locking tracks can be switched by a movement of the actuating element corresponding to the second degree of freedom. Accordingly, the locking element is only engaged with one locking track or its locking profiles and is brought into engagement with a respective locking track or switched between different locking tracks by means of a movement corresponding to the second degree of freedom.

[0012] In a simple example, a first detent track can have 100 detent profiles, and a second detent track, preferably of identical length, can have 10 detent profiles, allowing for easier fine-tuning using the second detent track. In this case, a value can be set quickly and precisely via the control element, with the first detent track serving as the primary switching function for fast but coarse adjustment and the second detent track as the secondary switching function for slow but fine adjustment of the value. The operator can switch between fast, coarse adjustment and slow, fine adjustment by moving the control element in a manner corresponding to the second degree of freedom.

[0013] If not a single value, but two different values ​​are to be set, or more generally, two different functions are to be controlled, the first detent track can be assigned to the first value or switching function, and the second detent track to the second value or switching function. The operator can haptically perceive whether the first or second value is being set due to the detent profiles differing in shape. The operator can switch between the setting of the first value and the setting of the second value by moving the control element, corresponding to the second degree of freedom.

[0014] Two variants in particular are conceivable for realizing the second degree of freedom.

[0015] In a first alternative, the actuating element, to provide the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom, can be arranged parallel to and preferably displaceable along the axis on the base element, i.e., in particular, it can be mounted or supported thereon. For this purpose, the actuating element can be cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical, so that it is rotatable about the axis and displaceable along the axis. Likewise, the actuating element can be fixed to the axis or formed integrally with it, so that it can rotate or be displaced together with the axis.

[0016] Alternatively, the actuating element can be arranged on the base element in such a way as to allow tilting relative to the axis, thus providing the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom. For this purpose, the actuating element is connected to or mounted on the axis, for example, by a ball joint, a universal joint, or a swivel joint, so that the actuating element is either rotatable around the axis and tiltable relative to it, or rotatable with the axis and tiltable relative to it.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the locking tracks can be assigned to either the actuating element or the base element, i.e., be fixed to it. This results in essentially three cases. First, the at least two locking tracks can be provided on the actuating element and the at least one locking element on the base element, i.e., fixed to them, arranged on them, or formed by them. Alternatively, conversely, it can be provided that the at least two locking tracks are provided on the base element and the at least one locking element is provided on the actuating element, i.e., fixed to them, arranged on them, or formed by them. According to the third case, at least one first locking track and at least one first locking element can be provided on the actuating element and at least one second locking track and at least one second locking element can be provided on the base element, i.e., fixed to them, arranged on them, or formed by them.fixed or formed by these, wherein the first detent element is assigned to the second detent track and the second detent element to the first detent track, and each can be engaged or disengaged by a corresponding movement according to the second degree of freedom.

[0018] In order to generate haptic feedback not only during a rotation corresponding to the first degree of freedom, but also to make the switching between the switching functions perceptible to the operator, i.e., haptically perceptible, it can further be provided that a predetermined threshold geometry is provided between each pair of detent tracks of the at least two detent tracks, which is designed to generate a predetermined feedback on the actuating element that is haptically perceptible to the operator when the detent element switches between the two detent tracks, and which can accordingly be a third feedback.Since this not only creates haptic feedback but also increases the force required for switching, switching between functions can be made noticeable to the operator, and at the same time accidental switching between functions can be prevented.

[0019] As previously explained, the indexing tracks can have different numbers of indexing profiles and thus different numbers of indexing steps. Accordingly, it can be provided that the at least two indexing tracks, through their respective indexing profiles, form different indexing patterns, i.e., different divisions, each of which is assigned to switching steps of the respective switching function, so that the switching functions have different switching steps or a different number of switching steps. Since each indexing track can be assigned one switching step, a smaller number of switching steps over the length of the indexing track means that each switching step covers a larger area, thus significantly simplifying fine-tuning.

[0020] Regardless of whether the second degree of freedom is provided, the at least two detent tracks around the axis can be cylindrical, spherical segment-shaped, or spherical layer-shaped. However, if the actuating element is displaceable along the axis, the at least two detent tracks are preferably cylindrical, and if they are tiltable relative to the axis, they are preferably spherical segment-shaped or spherical layer-shaped.

[0021] In order to ensure that the locking element can be releasably engaged in the locking profiles, at least one locking element for engagement with the locking profiles is preferably designed as a sphere or forms a surface corresponding to a sphere segment or concave.

[0022] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one locking element for engaging the locking profiles in the direction of the respective locking track is spring-actuated or spring-loaded.

[0023] According to a further development, the detent profiles of the at least two detent tracks each form a multitude of alternating maxima and minima, by which the torque applied by the operator to rotate the actuating element around the axis is haptically increased and decreased by the detent element moving along the detent track. The increase in torque during movement to a maximum can be perceived by the operator as smooth, while the decrease during movement to a minimum can be perceived as a jerk, i.e., as a snapping sensation.

[0024] At least one of the track sections can have a longitudinal profile resembling a sine curve, or a zigzag or sawtooth shape, the latter determined by the shape and spacing of the track profiles. Furthermore, the sections between any two extrema can also include, for example, a level or sections with varying gradients.

[0025] Furthermore, the control element can include a detection device for detecting the movement of the actuating element. The detection device is configured to generate a switching signal depending on a movement and / or position of the actuating element corresponding to the first degree of freedom, and to assign the switching signal to one of at least two switching functions depending on a movement and / or position of the actuating element corresponding to the second degree of freedom.

[0026] For this purpose, the detection device can have one or two sensors. For example, a first sensor can detect the position and / or movement of the control element around the axis, i.e., the first degree of freedom, and a second sensor can detect the position and / or movement of the control element according to the second degree of freedom.

[0027] Furthermore, it is also possible to detect the movement of the locking element using a single sensor in order to detect movements of the control element corresponding to both the first degree of freedom and the second degree of freedom from the different movement patterns resulting from the at least two locking tracks or their locking profiles on the locking element, as well as optionally from a further movement pattern that may result from a threshold geometry when switching between the locking tracks.

[0028] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0029] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 Exploded view of a first variant of a control element; Fig. 2 the control element of the first variant in a first position; Fig. 3 the control element of the first variant in a second position; Fig. 4 Exploded view of a second variant of a control element; Fig. 5 the control element of the second variant in a first position; Fig. 6 the control element of the second variant in a second position.

[0030] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0031] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show an operating element 1 according to the invention, which comprises an actuating element 10 that can be manipulated by an operator and a base element 20, wherein the actuating element 10 is attached to an axis 21 of the base element 20 via a ball joint. The ball joint allows the actuating element 10 to be rotated about the axis 21 by the operator in accordance with a first degree of freedom X1 and also to be tilted relative to the axis 21 in accordance with a second degree of freedom X2.

[0032] The actuating element 10 has two locking tracks 11, 12 which extend around the axis 21, have an essentially identical length or circumference and each have a plurality of locking profiles 13, wherein the locking profiles 13 of the first locking track 11 and the locking profiles 13 of the second locking track 12 differ from each other, so that different haptic feedback is generated for the operator by these or by a locking element 22 arranged on the base element 20 engaging.

[0033] If, therefore, the locking element 22 is located in the area of ​​the first locking track 11, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown, and if the actuating element 10 is rotated by the operator around the axis 21 according to the first degree of freedom X1, a first haptic feedback is generated, which is haptically perceptible to the operator on the actuating element 10.

[0034] Is the locking element 22 located in the area of ​​the second locking track 12, as shown in Fig. 3 is shown, and if the actuating element 10 is rotated by the operator around the axis 21 according to the first degree of freedom X1, a second haptic feedback is generated, which is haptically perceptible to the operator on the actuating element 10.

[0035] These different haptic feedbacks result from the fact that the resting profiles 13 of the first resting track 11 have a different shape compared to the resting profiles 13 of the second resting track 12, and that a significantly higher, and in this case twice the, number of resting profiles 13 is provided along the first resting track 11 compared to the second resting track 12.

[0036] The detent profiles 13 not only generate haptic feedback, but also vary the torque (in Nm) that the operator must apply to rotate the actuating element 10, as described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is applied over time t.

[0037] Since each detent profile 13 is assigned a switching step, the first detent track 11 can perform twice the number of switching steps when the actuating element 10 is rotated by a predetermined angle compared to the second detent track 12.

[0038] To prevent the locking element 22 from engaging with the first locking track 11, as described in Fig. 2 is shown, to bring into engagement with the second track 12, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the operator can pivot the actuating element 10 relative to the axis 21 according to the second degree of freedom X2. To further restrict the movement of the actuating element 10 and limit it along the second degree of freedom X2, a shutter (not shown) can also be provided.

[0039] Since the operator should also be able to haptically perceive the switch from the first ratchet track 11 to the second ratchet track 12, a threshold geometry 14 is provided between these, which, together with the ratchet element 22, generates a third haptic feedback perceptible to the operator.

[0040] If, for example, a numerical value is to be set, the operator can first position the actuating element 10 in the Fig. The actuator 10 rotates around axis 21 in the position shown in section 2. If the numerical value has been roughly set and fine-tuning is now required, the operator can move the actuator 10 into the position shown in section 2 by moving the actuator 10 according to the second degree of freedom X2. Fig. 3 position shown, whereby the numerical value can then be adjusted by rotating the actuating element 10 around the axis 21 again.

[0041] In the Fig. Figures 4 to 6 show a second variant of a control element 1, which also has an actuating element 10 that can be manipulated by an operator and a base element 20, whereby, in contrast to the one shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 1 to 3, the actuating element 10 is arranged to be displaceable on the axis 21 in order to realize the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom X2.

[0042] If the first detent track 11 of the actuating element 10 is engaged with the detent element 22, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the actuating element 10 generates haptic feedback perceptible to the operator, as described in Figure 5. Fig. 5 is represented as a function of the force acting on the actuating element 10 by the detent profiles 13 of the first detent track 11 over time t.

[0043] By shifting the actuating element 10 according to the second degree of freedom X2, the operator can bring the second detent track 12 into engagement with the detent element 22, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 is shown, with half the number of rest profiles 13 along the second rest track 12 and constant levels between the rest profiles 13, resulting in a different function and thus a different haptic feedback.

[0044] As per the Fig. 1 to 3 explained, can also be explained by the in the Fig. The control element 1 shown in sections 4 to 6 allows for a quick and rough setting of a numerical value, followed by a finer adjustment.

[0045] Both for the variant according to the Fig. 1 to 3 as well as for the embodiment according to the Fig.Paragraphs 4 to 6 state that, for example, two completely different functions can be controlled. Thus, a first flow rate or a first rotational speed can be controlled by means of the first locking track 11, and a second flow rate or a second rotational speed can be controlled by means of the second locking track 12. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 19 477 C1

[0003] DE 10 2011 011 299 A1

[0003] EP 0 295 368 A2

[0003] US 3,739,316 A

[0003] WO 2010 / 009914 A1

[0003] US 5,584,380 A

[0003] DE 10 2007 038 580 A1

[0005] DE 10 2012 012 172 A1

[0005] WO 2013 / 189844 A1

[0005]

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