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

Abstract

Control element (1) with at least two switching functions and individual haptic feedback for each, 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) in accordance with a first degree of freedom (X1), characterized by the fact that the operating element (1) provides at least two locking tracks (11, 12) each with a plurality of locking profiles (13) formed one behind the other along the locking tracks (11, 12) and at least one locking element (22), which is designed to engage detachably in the detent profiles (13) by generating haptically perceptible feedback for an operator at the actuating element (10), wherein each of the locking tracks (11, 12) is assigned a switching function and the locking tracks (11, 12) have different locking profiles (13) to generate haptic feedback that is distinguishable for the operator and 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] The state of the art provides a wide variety of control elements for a wide range of applications and for fulfilling a wide range of switching functions.

[0003] For example, the 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 means or control crosses, by means of which several switching functions, for example a direction control, can be fulfilled, whereby these often correspond to a superposition of rocker switches, as in turn are known for example from US 5,584,380 A.

[0004] However, particularly when setting a numerical value, such as a temperature or a transmitter, it is disadvantageous with such control elements that when continuously operated for individual switching steps, there is no haptic feedback, i.e. no haptic feedback perceptible to the operator, and a specific numerical value can usually only be set slowly.

[0005] Therefore, rotary controls 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, with immediate haptic feedback being generated via a corresponding ratchet during rotation.

[0006] The disadvantage here is that precise numerical values ​​are difficult or at least not convenient to set for large adjustment ranges, since a fine subdivision of the switching steps, i.e., many click-stops across the circumference of the rotary knob, requires a specific value to be set very sensitively. If a coarse subdivision is chosen instead, i.e., fewer click-stops across the circumference of the rotary knob, significantly less sensitivity is required for fine adjustment, but adjusting a large value range requires numerous 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 direct haptic feedback to a switching step and, on the other hand, additional operating elements are required to implement the switching.

[0008] Irrespective of this, it should be noted that only one switching function can be realized by rotating most known rotary actuators, unless external switching is provided.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing an operating 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, an operating element with at least two switching functions, each with individual haptic feedback, is therefore proposed. The operating element has an actuating element and a base element on which the actuating element is arranged, i.e. in particular is received or mounted, so as to be rotatable about an axis according to a first degree of freedom. An operator can accordingly rotate the actuating element about the axis. According to the proposed invention, it is further provided that the operating element has at least two locking tracks, each with a plurality of locking profiles formed one behind the other along the locking tracks, and at least one locking element, wherein the locking tracks preferably have an identical length. The at least one locking element is designed to releasably engage or snap into the locking profiles, generating haptically perceptible feedback on the actuating element for an operator.Each of the locking tracks is assigned a switching function, whereby the locking tracks have different locking profiles for generating haptic feedback that can be distinguished for the operator, so that a first haptic feedback can be generated by the locking profiles of a first locking track and a second haptic feedback can be generated by the locking profiles of a second locking track. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the locking profiles of the locking tracks can differ in both their shape and number, so that a different shape of the locking profiles and / or a different number of locking profiles can generate a different haptic feedback. In order to be able to switch between operation via the locking tracks, it is further provided that the actuating element is arranged on the base element so that it can be moved according to a second degree of freedom, i.e.is in turn received or mounted, and the engagement of the at least one locking element between the 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 can have 10 detent profiles over a preferably identical length, so that fine adjustment can be carried out more easily with the help of the second detent track. In this case, a value can be set quickly and precisely using the control element, with the first detent track serving as the first switching function for fast but coarse adjustment and the second detent track serving as the second switching function for slow but fine adjustment of the value. The operator can switch between the fast, coarse adjustment and the slow, fine adjustment by moving the control element corresponding to the second degree of freedom.

[0013] If two different values ​​are to be set or two different functions controlled rather than a single value, the first detent track can be assigned to the first value or the first switching function, and the second detent track to the second value or the second switching function. Differently shaped detent profiles allow the operator to haptically perceive whether the first value or the second value is being set. The operator can switch between the adjustability of the first value and the adjustability of the second value by moving the control element corresponding to the second degree of freedom.

[0014] To realize the second degree of freedom, two variants are conceivable.

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

[0016] In a second alternative, the actuating element can be arranged on the base element so that it can tilt relative to the axis to provide the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom. For this purpose, the actuating element is connected to the axis, for example, by a ball joint, a universal joint, or a tilt-and-rotate joint, so that the actuating element can either rotate around the axis and tilt relative to it, or rotate with the axis and tilt relative to it.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the locking tracks can be assigned either to the actuating element or to the base element, i.e., it can be stationary relative to the latter. This essentially results in three cases. Firstly, the at least two locking tracks can be provided on the actuating element and the at least one locking element can be provided on the base element, i.e., it can be stationary relative to these, arranged or fixed thereon, or formed by these. Alternatively, and 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 are provided on the actuating element, i.e., it can be stationary relative to these, arranged or fixed thereon, or formed by these. Corresponding 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., it can be stationary relative to these, arranged or fixed thereon, or formed by these.fixed or formed by them, wherein the first locking element is assigned to the second locking track and the second locking element is assigned to the first locking track and can each be brought into engagement or out of engagement 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 switching between the switching functions perceptible, i.e. haptically perceivable, for the operator, it can further be provided that a predetermined threshold geometry is provided between each two locking tracks of the at least two locking tracks, which is designed to generate a predetermined feedback on the actuating element that is haptically perceptible to the operator when the locking element is switched between the two locking tracks, which feedback can accordingly be a third feedback.Since this not only generates haptic feedback but also increases the force required for switching, switching between the switching functions can be made noticeable to the operator and at the same time accidental switching between the switching functions can be prevented.

[0019] As already explained, the locking tracks can have different numbers of locking profiles and thus a different number of locking steps. Accordingly, it can be provided that the at least two locking tracks, through their respective locking profiles, form different locking positions, i.e. a different pitch, which are each 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 detent can be assigned a switching step, a larger range is assigned to each switching step with a smaller number of switching steps over the length of the locking track, so that fine adjustment is significantly simplified.

[0020] Regardless of the provision of the second degree of freedom, the at least two locking tracks can be cylindrical, spherical segment-shaped, or spherical layer-shaped around the axis. Nevertheless, the at least two locking tracks are preferably cylindrical when the actuating element is displaceable along the axis, and preferably spherical segment-shaped or spherical layer-shaped when the actuating element is tiltable relative to the axis.

[0021] In order to ensure a releasable locking of the locking element into the locking profiles, the at least one locking element for engagement in the locking profiles is preferably designed as a ball or forms a surface corresponding to a spherical segment or a concave surface.

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

[0023] According to a further development, the locking profiles of the at least two locking tracks each form a plurality of alternating maxima and minima, by means of which a torque applied by the operator to rotate the actuating element about the axis is alternately increased and reduced by the locking element moving along the locking track, which is haptically perceptible to the operator. The increase in torque during movement to a maximum can be perceived evenly by the operator, while the reduction during movement to a minimum can be perceived jerkily, i.e., as a snapping sensation.

[0024] At least one of the locking tracks can correspond to a sine curve in its longitudinal section or have a zigzag or, for example, sawtooth-shaped profile, which is determined by the shape and spacing of the locking profiles. Furthermore, the profiles can also include a level or sections of varying gradient between each two extremes.

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

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

[0027] Furthermore, it is also possible to detect the movement of the locking element by a single sensor in order to detect both a movement of the operating element corresponding to the first degree of freedom and a movement corresponding to 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 and optionally a further movement pattern resulting from a threshold geometry when switching between the locking tracks.

[0028] The features disclosed above can be combined as desired, as long as this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0029] Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below, together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. They 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 numerals in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0031] In the Fig. 1 to 3 illustrate 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 operator to rotate the actuating element 10 about the axis 21 according to a first degree of freedom X1 and to tilt it relative to the axis 21 according to a second degree of freedom X2.

[0032] On the actuating element 10, two locking tracks 11, 12 are provided, which extend around the axis 21, have a substantially identical length or a substantially identical 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 one another, so that by these or by a locking of a locking element 22 arranged on the base element 20, different haptic feedback is generated for the operator.

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

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

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

[0036] The locking profiles 13 not only generate haptic feedback, but also vary the torque (in Nm) which has to be applied by the operator to rotate the actuating element 10, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is plotted against time t.

[0037] Since each locking profile 13 is assigned a switching step, the first locking 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 locking track 12.

[0038] In order to release the locking element 22 from engagement with the first locking track 11, as shown in Fig. 2, into engagement with the second locking track 12, as shown in Fig. 3, the operator can pivot the actuating element 10 relative to the axis 21 in accordance with the second degree of freedom X2. To further restrict the mobility of the actuating element 10 and limit it along the second degree of freedom X2, a cover (not shown) may also be provided.

[0039] Since switching from the first locking track 11 to the second locking track 12 should also be haptically detectable for the operator, a threshold geometry 14 is provided between them, by means of which, together with the locking element 22, a third haptic feedback perceptible to the operator is generated.

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

[0041] In the Fig. 4 to 6, a second variant of an operating element 1 is shown, which, however, also has an actuating element 10 that can be manipulated by an operator and a base element 20, wherein, in contrast to the Fig. 1 to 3, it is provided that the actuating element 10 is arranged displaceably on the axis 21 in order to realize the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom X2.

[0042] If the first locking track 11 of the actuating element 10 is in engagement with the locking element 22, as shown in Fig. 5, a haptic feedback perceptible to the operator is generated on the actuating element 10, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown as a function of the force acting on the actuating element 10 through the locking profiles 13 of the first locking track 11 over time t.

[0043] By a displacement of the actuating element 10 corresponding to the second degree of freedom X2, the operator can bring the second locking track 12 into engagement with the locking element 22, as shown in Fig. 6 is shown, wherein half the number of locking profiles 13 is provided along the second locking track 12 and with constant levels lying between the locking profiles 13, so that a different course of the function and thus a different haptic feedback results.

[0044] As per the Fig. 1 to 3, can also be achieved by the Fig. 4 to 6, the control element 1 can first be used to quickly and roughly set a numerical value and then to make 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.4 to 6, for example, two completely different functions can be controlled. For example, a first flow rate or a first speed can be controlled by the first detent track 11, and a second flow rate or a second speed can be controlled by the second detent track 12. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes 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]

Claims

[1] 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 so as to be rotatably movable about an axis (21) in accordance with a first degree of freedom (X1), characterized by , that the operating element (1) provides at least two locking tracks (11, 12), each with a plurality of locking profiles (13) formed one behind the other along the locking tracks (11, 12), as well as at least one locking element (22), which is designed to releasably engage in the locking profiles (13) while generating a haptically perceptible feedback for an operator on the actuating element (10), wherein each of the locking tracks (11, 12) is assigned a switching function and the locking tracks (11, 12) have mutually different locking profiles (13) for generating haptic feedback that can be distinguished by the operator and wherein the actuating element (10) is arranged on the base element (20) so as to be movable in accordance with a second degree of freedom (X2), and the engagement of the at least one locking element (22) between the at least two locking tracks (11, 12) can be switched by a movement of the actuating element (10) corresponding to the second degree of freedom (X2). [2] Control element according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (10) is arranged displaceably on the base element (20) parallel to the axis (21) to provide the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom (X2) or wherein the actuating element (10) is arranged on the base element (20) so as to be tiltable relative to the axis (21) in order to provide the mobility corresponding to the second degree of freedom (X2). [3] Control element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two locking tracks (11, 12) are provided on the actuating element (10) and the at least one locking element (22) is provided on the base element (20) or wherein the at least two locking tracks (11, 12) are provided on the base element (20) and the at least one locking element (22) is provided on the actuating element (10) or wherein at least one first locking track (11) and at least one first locking element are provided on the actuating element (10) and at least one second locking track (12) and at least one second locking element are provided on the base element (20), and the first locking element is assigned to the second locking track (12) and the second locking element is assigned to the first locking track (11). [4] Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined threshold geometry (14) is provided between each two locking tracks (11, 12) of the at least two locking tracks (11, 12), which is designed to generate a predetermined haptically perceptible feedback for the operator on the actuating element (10) when the locking element (22) is switched between the two locking tracks (11, 12) on the actuating element (10). [5] Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two locking tracks (11, 12) form different locking positions by means of their respective locking profiles (13), which are each assigned to switching steps of the respective switching function, so that the switching functions have different switching steps. [6] Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two locking tracks (11, 12) are cylindrical or spherical segment-shaped or spherical layer-shaped around the axis (21). [7] Control element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one locking element (22) for engaging in the locking profiles (13) is designed as a ball or forms a surface corresponding to a spherical segment or a concave surface and / or wherein the at least one locking element (22) is spring-actuated for engagement in the locking profiles (13) in the direction of the at least respective locking track (11, 12). [8] Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking profiles (13) of the at least two locking tracks (11, 12) each form a plurality of alternating successive maxima and minima, by means of which a torque to be applied by the operator for rotating the actuating element (10) about the axis (21) is alternately increased and reduced in a haptically perceptible manner by means of the locking element (22) moving along the locking track (11, 12) for the operator. [9] Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the locking tracks (11, 12) corresponds in longitudinal section to a sine curve or has a zigzag-shaped course. [10] Control element according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detection device for detecting the movement of the actuating element (10), wherein the detection device is designed to generate a switching signal depending on a movement corresponding to the first degree of freedom (X1) and / or a position of the actuating element (10) associated with the first degree of freedom (X1), wherein the detection device is designed to assign the switching signal to one of the at least two switching functions depending on a movement corresponding to the second degree of freedom (X2) and / or a position of the actuating element (10) assigned to the second degree of freedom (X2).

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