CONTROL ELEMENT FOR A SEAT OF A METER OF TRANSPORTATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control element for a seat of a means of transportation. The invention further relates to a means of transportation with a seat comprising a control element according to the invention.

[0002] Seats in vehicles increasingly incorporate comfort features such as seat climate control or massage functions. Furthermore, the position, height, tilt, and other seat settings can be adjusted electrically. All these functions must be operated using one or more control elements. Two main approaches are used for this purpose. The first approach involves operation via a graphical user interface, for example, on the dashboard of a vehicle. However, for seats in the second or third row of a vehicle, this requires additional displays for each row or even each individual seat. The second approach uses dedicated switches on the respective seat, such as mechanical or capacitive buttons.However, push-button solutions become bulky and confusing as their functionality increases. Large control units can interfere with seating functions, often resulting in the loss of certain features. Furthermore, complex controls can lead to operating errors.

[0003] Against this background, DE 10 2014 204 321 A1 describes a switch for selecting and adjusting seat-related functions of motor vehicle seats. The switch has a substantially cylindrical shape raised from the surface with a flat front face. At least two keypads for selecting the function to be operated are arranged on the front face. A rotary ring for adjusting selected functions is arranged around the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

[0004] DE 10 2015 115 044 A1 describes a system for inputting commands and operating various functions. The system comprises a rotary switch rotatable about a pivot axis, with which switching states are set by a mechanical rotation, and a touch-sensitive display designed for selecting and displaying a function to be set. The touch-sensitive display is integrated into the rotary switch at one end face. The display is fixed relative to the rotary switch and configured so that a user can select and trigger a function by touching it. The rotary switch is configured so that a rotation about its pivot axis allows the user to adjust the intensity of the function selected by the display and to select a function that is triggered by touching the display.

[0005] GB 2 494 420 A describes a multi-function rotary control device for controlling a system, comprising a manually operated rotary unit, a switching unit, and a display unit. The rotary unit is configured to supply a control signal to the system in response to its rotation. The switching unit is configured to supply a control signal to the system in response to its actuation. The display unit is configured to show information relating to each of a multitude of operating modes of the system.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a more user-friendly control element for a seat of a means of transportation.

[0007] This problem is solved by a control element having the features of claim 1 and by a means of locomotion according to claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a control element for a seat of a means of transportation has a substantially cylindrical shape with a flat end face, in which a display is arranged. The control element also has an outer ring that is rotatable around the end face. A function or group of functions can be selected by means of the rotatable outer ring. The selected function or group of functions can be called up by means of an actuating mechanism. The control element is designed to display an available setting range for the called-up function on the screen after a function has been called up.

[0009] In the solution according to the invention, all desired functions can be accessed and operated using a single control element. The number of elements required for operation is reduced to a very small number, resulting in a compact control element and a reduced likelihood of incorrect operation. Individual functions or function groups are first selected using a rotatable outer ring. An example of a function group is climate control functions. This function group can, for example, include seat heating and seat cooling. A selected function or function group can be accessed by the user using an actuation mechanism. Once a function has been accessed, the corresponding function value can then be set using the rotatable outer ring.Once a function group has been selected, the rotating outer ring can be used to choose a function within that group, or a subgroup if applicable, and then activated using the operating mechanism. After selecting a function, the available setting range is displayed. This immediately informs the user which setting range is available for the selected function. Furthermore, if the currently set function value is also displayed within the available setting range, the user can instantly see whether a desired change to the function value is even possible.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuation mechanism includes a touch function for the display. In this case, the display is designed as a touch-sensitive display. This solution has the advantage that no mechanical actuation mechanism is required, making the control element very wear-resistant. To enable switching from one called function to another, a special button is preferably displayed on the screen, allowing the user to return to the next higher hierarchy level.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuating mechanism includes a push-button mechanism. This solution has the advantage of avoiding the need to switch between rotary and touch controls when confirming a selection. Furthermore, it allows for stepless adjustment of a function value by combining rotary control via the rotatable outer ring with actuation of the push-button mechanism. For example, the user can select a function using the rotatable outer ring. By then actuating and holding down the push-button mechanism, the user can adjust the corresponding function value using the rotatable outer ring. Releasing the push-button mechanism allows the control element to return to a mode in which a function can be selected.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuating mechanism comprises at least one button arranged laterally on the control element. This solution also has the advantage that a

[0013] Switching between rotary and touch controls when confirming a selection is avoided. The button can be integrated into the rotating outer ring or, for example, located below it. Preferably, two buttons are provided. A first button confirms a selection, and a second button allows the user to return to the next higher hierarchy level. This reduces the number of buttons on the display.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the rotatable outer ring is either infinitely rotatable or has limits. In a first embodiment of the rotatable outer ring's rotation range, it is infinitely rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise. This allows for compensation of a potentially small display size, thus enabling fast menu navigation. In a second embodiment of the rotatable outer ring's rotation range, a stop is provided in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. While this results in slight limitations to menu navigation, it is advantageous for the stepless adjustment of function values.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the display is round. This has the advantage that the area available within the rotatable outer ring can be optimally utilized by the display, i.e., the area available for displaying information is maximized. This is particularly advantageous when the control element needs to be as small as possible.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the control element is arranged in an armrest of the seat. The control element is preferably located in the front area of ​​the armrest. This has the advantage that it is easily accessible to the user. Furthermore, the purpose of the control element is intuitively apparent to the user.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle or longitudinal position of the control element is adjustable depending on the seating mode. Particularly in seats that allow for both upright and reclining positions, the usability of the control element can be significantly improved if its angle and longitudinal position are adjusted situationally. Without such situational adjustment, the angle and longitudinal position should at least correspond to a compromise position that allows the control element to be operated in various situations.

[0018] A control element according to the invention is particularly advantageously used in a seat of a means of transport. The means of transport can be, in particular, a motor vehicle, e.g., a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. The seat can, for example, be a comfort seat, also known as a captain's chair. In passenger cars, the use of a control element according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the second and third rows of seats. However, implementation in the first row of seats is also possible. Alternatively, the means of transport can also be a ship, a rail vehicle, or an aircraft, e.g., a Volocopter, etc.

[0019] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the attached claims in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a control element according to the invention for a seat of a means of transportation; Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of a control element according to the invention for a seat of a means of transportation; Fig. 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of a control element according to the invention for a seat of a means of transportation; Fig. 4 schematically shows an example of operation by means of a control element according to the invention; Fig. 5 schematically shows the arrangement of a control element according to the invention in an armrest of a seat in a normal position of the seat; and Fig. 6 schematically shows the arrangement of a control element according to the invention in an armrest of a seat in a relaxed position of the seat.

[0020] To better understand the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the described features can also be combined or modified without leaving the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0021] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of an operating element 1 according to the invention for a seat of a means of transportation. Fig. 1a ) a top view of control element 1, Fig. 1b A perspective view. The control element 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a flat end face 2. A display 3 is arranged in the end face 2, which can occupy part or all of the end face 2. Preferably, the display 3 is round so that the available area of ​​the end face 2 can be optimally utilized by the display 3. A rotatable outer ring 4 is arranged around the end face 2. The rotatable outer ring 4 can be infinitely rotatable, i.e., rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise without limitation. Alternatively, the rotatable outer ring 4 can have a stop in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A function 5 or a group of functions can be selected by means of the rotatable outer ring 4. In the example shown, the seat heating is selected as the function 5 to be operated.Control element 1 additionally features an actuation mechanism with which the selected function 5 or the selected function group can be called up. In . Fig. 1 The operating mechanism is a touch function 7 of the display 3, meaning the display 2 is a touch-sensitive display 3. The seat heating can be activated, for example, by the user tapping the seat heating symbol displayed on the display 3. After activating the desired function 5, the available setting range 10 for the activated function is displayed on the display 3. In this example, three heating levels are available for the seat heating, which can be adjusted using the rotating outer ring 4. The seat heating can also be switched off. Using a button 11 displayed on the display 3, the user can exit the seat heating settings and return to the next higher hierarchy level.

[0022] Fig. 2 Figure 1 schematically shows a second embodiment of an operating element 1 according to the invention for a seat of a means of transportation. In this case, a top view of the operating element 1 is shown. The operating element 1 largely corresponds to the operating element 1 from [reference missing]. Fig. 1 , but has two buttons 9 on the side. The buttons 9 can be integrated into the rotatable outer ring 4 or, for example, arranged below the rotatable outer ring 4. A first button 9 serves to confirm a selection, for example, the button 9 located on the right. This button 9 thus forms the actuation mechanism with which the selected function 5 or the selected function group can be accessed. A second button 9 allows the return to the next higher hierarchy level, for example, the button 9 located on the left. A button displayed on the display 3 for this purpose can therefore be omitted. In this embodiment, the display 3 is not necessarily touch-sensitive. However, a touch-sensitive display 3 can, of course, still be used. In this case, it is possible to process input via the touch-sensitive display 3 in addition to button presses.

[0023] Fig. 3 Figure 1 schematically shows a third embodiment of a control element 1 according to the invention for a seat of a means of transportation. In this case, a perspective view of the control element 1 is shown. The control element 1 largely corresponds to the control element 1 from [reference missing]. Fig. 1 , but has a push-button mechanism 8. The selected function 5 or function group can be accessed via the push-button mechanism 8; that is, the push-button mechanism 8 forms the actuation mechanism. In the example shown, the display 3 is a touch-sensitive display 3. The user can exit the setting of the accessed function and return to the next higher hierarchy level by means of a button 11 displayed on the display 3.

[0024] Of course, the examples in the three implementation examples can be found in Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 The actuation mechanisms shown 7, 8, 9 can also be combined.

[0025] Fig. 4 Figure 1 schematically illustrates an operating example using a control element 1 according to the invention. In this operating example, the user wants to adjust the heating level of the seat heating. Fig.4a The user is initially at the top level of the seat control hierarchy. At this level, seven different functions (5 or function groups 6) are available, visualized by the seven dots displayed on the screen. The currently selected function, in this case, the seat mode setting, is highlighted by the larger, filled dot on the display. When setting the seat mode, the user can choose, for example, between a normal position, an entertainment position, a relaxation position, and a user-defined position. By rotating the outer ring, the user accesses function group 6, seat climate control. This is in Fig. 4b ) shown. By activating the operating mechanism, e.g., by tapping the display, function group 6, seat climate, is now called up. This includes, for example, the three functions seat heating, seat ventilation, and seat cooling. As shown in Fig. 4c As can be seen, after calling up function group 6, function 5, seat heating, is already selected. By pressing the operating mechanism again, the user can now call up the selected function 5. After calling up the function, the setting range 10 available for this function 5 is displayed on the screen. This is in Fig. 4d ) shown. In the example shown, the seat heating is initially switched off, which is illustrated by the three unfilled bars of the available setting range 10. The user can adjust the seat heating to the desired value using the rotating outer ring. As shown in Fig. 4e As illustrated by the two filled bars of the available setting range 10, the user has set the seat heating to level two. By tapping the arrow displayed on the screen, the user can now return to the next higher level in the hierarchy.

[0026] Fig. 5 Figure 1 schematically shows the arrangement of a control element 1 according to the invention in an armrest 21 of a seat 20 in a normal position of the seat 20, in which the user 30 is in an upright position. Fig. 6Figure 1 schematically shows the arrangement of the control element 1 according to the invention in the armrest 21 of the seat 20 in a relaxed position of the seat 20, in which the user 30 is in a reclining position. The control element 1 is located in the front area of ​​the armrest 21. To enable the user 30 to comfortably operate the control element 1 in both the upright and reclining positions, it is advantageous to adjust the angle and / or the longitudinal position of the control element 1 as needed. Without such situational adjustment, the angle and longitudinal position should at least correspond to a compromise position that allows the control element 1 to be operated from various positions. Reference symbol list

[0027] 1 Control element 2 Front panel 3 Display 4 Rotating outer ring 5 Function 6 Function group 7 Touch function 8 Push mechanism 9 Button 10 Adjustment range 11 Switch 20 Seat 21 Armrest 30 User

Claims

1. Control element (1) for a seat (20) of a means of transport, having a substantially cylindrical shape with a flat end face (2), a display (3) being arranged in the end face (2), and having an outer ring (4) rotatable around the end face (2), a function (5) to be controlled or a function group (6) being selectable by means of the rotatable outer ring (4) and the selected function (5) to be controlled or the selected function group (6) being able to be called up by means of an actuating mechanism (7, 8, 9), characterized in that the control element (1) is designed to display an available setting range (10) for the called-up function (5) on the display (3) after a function to be controlled has been called up.

2. Control element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a touch function (7) of the display (3).

3. Control element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a push mechanism (8).

4. Control element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises at least one button (9) arranged laterally on the control element (1).

5. Control element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable outer ring (4) is rotatable endlessly or has limits.

6. Control element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display (3) is round.

7. Control element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (1) is arranged in an armrest (21) of the seat (20).

8. Control element (1) according to claim 7, wherein an angle or longitudinal position of the control element (1) is adjustable depending on a seating mode.

9. Means of transport comprising at least one seat (20), characterized in that the seat (20) has a control element (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8.