Actuation device for at least one functional device, systems having an actuation device, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation device (100) for at least one functional device (200), comprising: - a printed circuit board (10) for supporting an electronic unit (20), - the electronic unit (20) for providing operating functions (F) in the actuation device (100), - a connecting element (30) for covering the electronic unit (20) and for supporting a sensor unit (40), - the sensor unit (40) with sensor elements (41) for sensing actuation actions (B) of a user relating to corresponding operating functions (F) in the actuation device (100), and - an actuation element (50) for covering the sensor unit (40) and for receiving actuation actions (B) of the user, the actuation device (100) having at least one communication interface to the user, said communication interface being designed to provide the user with feedback, in particular haptic and / or acoustic feedback, upon the receipt of actuation actions (B) by means of the actuation element (50) and / or upon and / or after the sensing of actuation actions (B) by means of the sensor unit (40).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Actuating device for at least one functional device, systems with an actuating device and vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to an actuating device for at least one functional device, in particular in a vehicle and / or a smart device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding system for a vehicle with a corresponding actuating device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding system for a smart device with a corresponding actuating device.

[0004] Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with functional devices that can be used to control the vehicle, entertain the user, and / or serve other purposes. These include functional devices for navigating the vehicle, assisting the user in perceiving their surroundings, so-called augmented reality devices, infotainment devices, radio stations, music and / or image playback devices, telecommunications devices, a wide variety of computer devices, and much more. Furthermore, modern vehicles are being designed with increasing levels of automation, enabling new concepts for the vehicle interior. This means that the operating devices for some functional devices are no longer located in the immediate vicinity of the user, which can make their operation more difficult.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved actuating device for at least one functional device, in particular in a vehicle and / or a smart device. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an actuating device for at least one functional device, in particular in a vehicle and / or a smart device, which is simply constructed, which enables simplified production, which can be operated easily and intuitively, which can be used flexibly in conjunction with different functional devices, which can be put into operation independently of direction and / or position, and which advantageously increases user comfort and safety during operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a corresponding system for a vehicle with a corresponding actuating device.Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding system. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding system for a smart device with a corresponding actuating device.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by: an actuating device for at least one functional device, in particular in a vehicle and / or a smart device, having the features from the independent device claim. The object of the invention is further achieved by: a corresponding system for a vehicle with a corresponding actuating device having the features from the independent system claim. Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by: a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding system having the features from the independent device claim. Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by: a corresponding system for a smart device with a corresponding actuating device having the features from the independent system claim. Further features, advantages and details of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.Features and details that are described in connection with individual aspects of the invention naturally also apply in connection with the other aspects of the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other.

[0007] The invention provides: an actuating device for at least one functional device, in particular in a vehicle and / or a smart device, wherein the actuating device is designed as a, in particular mobile, remote control for the at least one functional device, wherein the actuating device is designed as a ring which, for example,can be worn on an index finger or another finger of a user and / or operated with a thumb, the actuating device comprising: a circuit board for supporting an electronic unit, the electronic unit for providing operating functions in the actuating device, a connecting element for covering the electronic unit and for supporting a sensor unit, the sensor unit with sensor elements for detecting actuating actions of a user for corresponding operating functions in the actuating device, and an actuating element for covering the sensor unit and for recording actuating actions of the user. The actuating device has at least one communication interface (or feedback device) to the user, which is designed to provide, in particular, haptic and / or acoustic, feedback (e.g.by vibration and / or noise) to the user, which can be output when (or during) recording of actuation actions by the actuation element and / or when and / or after detecting actuation actions by the sensor unit (or when and / or after initiating or controlling or triggering corresponding operating functions in the actuation device).

[0008] A functional device can be, for example, a functional device for navigating the vehicle, a functional device for supporting the user's perception of the environment, a so-called augmented reality device (augmented reality stands for extended reality and can be abbreviated as AR), an infotainment device, an entertainment device, a radio station, a music and / or image playback device, a telecommunications device such as a telephone, a mobile device such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a laptop, or similar.

[0009] For example, a vehicle can be designed as an electric vehicle. The vehicle can have several levels of automation, from partially automated to fully automated. The vehicle can also be designed as an autonomous vehicle.

[0010] A smart facility can be designed, for example, as a smart home, smart office, or something similar.

[0011] The user's actuation actions may, for example, include the following movements with respect to the actuating device, in particular with respect to the actuating element: axial and / or tangential actuation and / or radial touching / pressing, etc.

[0012] User actions can be used to trigger certain operating functions on the actuator, such as: scrolling through a list, increasing / decreasing the volume, paging between lists / topics / views, etc., rotating a map / view, etc., moving / deleting entries in a list, selecting an item in a list, selecting an item in a list and launching a help menu for the item, etc.

[0013] A circuit board can also be referred to as a printed circuit board, a printed circuit card, or a printed circuit (PCB for short). The circuit board can preferably serve as a carrier for all components of the electronic unit. The circuit board can preferably be designed as an inner ring (or inner sleeve) of the actuating device. The inner ring can be stable and / or allow direct placement on a user's finger. However, flexible circuit boards are also conceivable, which can be placed on an additional stable inner ring. In addition, the circuit board (stable or flexible) can be designed to accommodate various insert rings (or insert sleeves) with different diameters in order to enable different load-bearing sizes for the actuating device or ring.

[0014] An electronic unit can comprise all electrical, electromotor, communication, control, and / or electronic components that can be used to provide operating functions for the actuating device and to operate or control the functional device. The electronic unit can comprise multiple, for example, symmetrical assemblies in which the components of the electronic unit can be combined. The electronic unit can comprise, for example, a vibration unit for providing feedback, in particular haptic feedback (e.g., through vibration), a charging unit, a rechargeable battery, a display element for a charge level, at least one or two charging contacts, a control and / or evaluation unit, and a communication unit for the corresponding communication unit of the functional device, for example, based on a wireless technology such as Bluetooth, WLAN, UWB, mobile radio, etc., an acoustic communication unit, e.g. for voice control, etc.

[0015] A connecting element can be designed to cover the electronics unit and to support a sensor unit. The connecting element can also serve as a mechanical connection to the circuit board and / or the actuating element.

[0016] A sensor unit can be provided using different technologies and can be based, for example, on inductive, electromagnetic, electromechanical, capacitive and / or UWB technology.

[0017] The circuit board may be directed towards the user's finger and the actuating element may be directed outwards so that it can be actuated by the thumb of the same hand and / or another finger of the same or another hand of the user.

[0018] An actuating element can, for example, be designed as an outer ring and preferably serve as an outer housing for all components of the actuating device. The actuating element can be mounted so that it can move relative to the connecting element. The actuating element can be mounted so that it can move in an axial, radial, and / or tangential direction relative to the connecting element.

[0019] The components of the actuating device can advantageously be arranged concentrically one above the other and / or coaxially with each other. The components of the actuating device can advantageously have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, at least one communication interface to the user is provided, which is designed to provide feedback, in particular haptic and / or acoustic, to the user:

[0021] 1) when (or during) the recording of operating actions by the operating element and / or

[0022] 2) during and / or after the detection of actuations by the sensor unit or

[0023] 2a) during and / or after initiating corresponding operating functions in the functional device

[0024] The communication interface to the user can advantageously be used to issue a confirmation using feedback, in particular haptic and / or acoustic:

[0025] 1) that the activity is carried out as intended,

[0026] 2) that the activity is / was recorded as intended, and / or

[0027] 2a) that the actuation action leads / has led to a desired operating function of the actuating device, as intended.

[0028] A further communication interface to the user can also be provided, which can be designed to provide feedback, particularly visual feedback, to the user. The further communication interface can, for example, be part of a charging unit and, for example, have an LED to indicate the charge level of a battery / accumulator.

[0029] With the aid of the invention, an improved actuating device for at least one functional device, in particular in a vehicle and / or a smart device, can be provided, which is of simple construction, which enables simplified production, which can be operated easily and intuitively, which can be used flexibly in conjunction with different functional devices, which can be put into operation independently of direction and / or position, and which advantageously increases user comfort and safety during operation of the vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one communication interface to the user is provided at least partially by the actuating element. In this way, feedback, in particular haptic and possibly acoustic, can be provided upon (or during) the initiation of actuation actions, which can preferably occur without energy consumption. In this way, the functionality of the actuating element can also be expanded.

[0031] Furthermore, the actuating element can be provided with a bearing surface for the sensor elements of the sensor unit. Advantageously, the bearing surface can be designed to enable a preferably mechanical, preferably exclusively mechanical, interaction with the sensor elements and to generate feedback, particularly haptic and optionally acoustic, to the user upon initiation of actuations. For this purpose, the bearing surface can have a running surface for the sensor elements, which can be provided with grooves and / or elevations with corresponding depressions.Consequently, the sensor elements can be at least partially carried along when the actuating element is moved relative to the connecting element in the direction of the actuating movement and, when they engage behind the elevations in the corresponding recesses on the running surface, generate characteristic locking noises which can be accompanied by noticeable vibrations.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one communication interface to the user is at least partially provided by the electronic unit. In this way, feedback, in particular haptic and / or acoustic, can be enabled during and / or preferably after the detection of actuation actions by the actuating device (or during and / or preferably after the initiation of corresponding operating functions in the functional device), which can be generated, for example, by an electric motor and / or electromechanically. Furthermore, it can be provided that the electronic unit has at least one vibration unit. This can advantageously generate targeted, automatic feedback. The at least one vibration unit can, for example, be designed to be driven by an electric motor and / or electromechanically in order to generate feedback, in particular haptic, to the user upon detection of actuation actions.The at least one vibration unit can, for example, comprise a vibration motor, a piezo actuator or similar.

[0033] Furthermore, the sensor elements of the sensor unit can be designed to detect the user's actuation actions with respect to the actuating device in a tangential and / or axial direction, e.g., in the form of scrolling, swiping, and / or rotating movements on the actuating element. In this way, operating functions can be initiated or controlled on the actuating device, such as: scrolling through a list (e.g., from bottom to top or top to bottom), searching for a song / phone book entry, increasing / decreasing the volume, fast-forwarding / rewinding a song / film, browsing between lists / topics / views, etc. (e.g., from right to left or left to right), rotating a map / view, etc., moving / deleting entries in a list, etc.

[0034] In addition, it can be provided that at least one sensor element or several sensor elements or all sensor elements of the sensor unit are designed to detect actuation actions of the user with respect to the actuating device in a radial direction, for example in the form of a touch, a pressure actuation, a single click, a double click on the actuating element, etc. In this way, operating functions can be initiated or controlled on the actuating device, such as: selecting an element in a list, selecting an element in a list and starting an auxiliary menu for the element, etc. An auxiliary menu can provide further subordinate operating functions, such as starting / ending playback, deleting an entry, calling a selected number, starting / ending navigation, etc., which can also be controlled using the actuating device.

[0035] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor unit could be implemented using inductive, electromagnetic, electromechanical, capacitive, and / or UWB technology. A combination of technologies is also conceivable. This allows for a flexible design of the sensor unit. Furthermore, it can provide a sensor unit with improved and / or expanded functions. UWB technology can enable the transmission of information, e.g., an access code, identification code, music files, calendar data, etc.

[0036] According to a particular advantage of the invention, the actuating device can be designed to provide ID transmitter functions for a vehicle's security system. In this way, the actuating device can be used to control a vehicle's security system.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensor elements of the sensor unit are designed, in particular with the aid of specially designed sensor transmitters, preferably in the form of rolling bearings, to movably mount the sensor unit on a bearing surface of the actuating element. In this way, a movable mounting of the actuating element on the connecting element can be enabled. In addition, this way, recording of actuating actions by the actuating element through the relative movement of the actuating element to the connecting element can be enabled. Furthermore, this way, a direct input of the movement of the actuating element into the sensor elements of the sensor unit can be enabled. The functionality of the actuating element can thus also be expanded.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensor elements of the sensor unit are designed, in particular with the aid of specially designed sensor transmitters, preferably in the form of rolling bearings, to enable a preferably mechanical, preferably exclusively mechanical, interaction with a bearing surface of the actuating element and to generate feedback, in particular haptic and optionally acoustic, upon detection of actuating actions. In this way, feedback, in particular haptic and optionally acoustic, can be enabled upon (or during) recording of actuating actions by the actuating element, which can preferably occur without energy consumption.

[0039] Furthermore, the actuating device can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical. This allows the ring to be placed and operated in any orientation.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that the circuit board, the electronics unit, the connecting element, the sensor unit, and / or the actuating element are at least partially cylindrical in shape. Furthermore, it can be provided that the circuit board, the electronics unit, the connecting element, the sensor unit, and / or the actuating element are arranged concentrically and / or coaxially with one another. This can facilitate the assembly of the actuating device.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be provided that the circuit board, the electronics unit, the connecting element, the sensor unit, and / or the actuating element are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, in particular using an adhesive or a casting compound. This allows for simple holding and sealing of components of the actuating device. Advantageously, the adhesive or casting compound can be selected such that, after curing, it can enable relative movement of the actuating element to the connecting element.

[0042] However, it is also conceivable that the circuit board, the electronics unit, the connecting element, the sensor unit, and / or the actuating element can be connected to one another, at least in part, by positive and / or non-positive engagement. This allows for flexible assembly of the actuating device.

[0043] Advantageously, the circuit board can have a carrier plate. Advantageously, the carrier plate can be designed as an inner ring (e.g., sleeve-shaped). This allows the circuit board to be aligned with the user's finger.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the actuating device to have a modular design to allow for a fit for different sizes. For this purpose, at least one support ring can be provided as an inner ring (e.g., sleeve-shaped) to allow for a fit for different sizes. Preferably, the at least one support ring can be designed to be attached to the inside of a support plate of the circuit board.

[0045] Furthermore, the actuating element can be designed in one and / or two parts. A one-piece design can facilitate assembly. A two-piece design can facilitate acoustic feedback to the user.

[0046] Advantageously, the actuating element can be designed as an outer ring. Thus, the actuating element can serve as a housing for the actuating device.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that the electronic unit for providing operating functions in the actuating device has at least one of the following, in particular electronic, components: at least one vibration unit, at least one charging unit, comprising, for example, a rechargeable battery, a display element (e.g., an LED lamp) for a charge state, at least one charging contact, etc., at least one control and / or evaluation unit, at least one communication unit to a corresponding electronic unit of the functional device, for example based on a wireless technology, such as, for example,

[0048] Bluetooth, WLAN, UWB, mobile communications, etc., for example to transmit a control signal corresponding to the detected actuation action, according to which the desired operating function of the functional device can be controlled, at least one acoustic communication unit with the actuation device, e.g. for voice control, etc.

[0049] In this way, an actuating device with improved functions can be provided.

[0050] Furthermore, the electronics unit can comprise at least three, preferably four, interconnected assemblies of, in particular, electronic components. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the assemblies to be symmetrical and arranged symmetrically along a cylindrical surface of the connecting element. This allows the actuating device to be mounted and operated in any position and / or orientation.

[0051] Furthermore, the connecting element can have an inner surface for covering the electronics unit and an outer surface for supporting a sensor unit. In this way, the connecting element can serve as an intermediate support.

[0052] Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting element, in particular on an inner surface, has receiving chambers designed to at least positively accommodate at least three, preferably four, connected assemblies of, in particular, electronic components of the electronics unit. This allows for a protective accommodation of the electronics unit.

[0053] Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting element, in particular on an outer surface, has support receptacles for the sensor elements of the sensor unit, in particular for detection elements of the sensor elements. This allows for reliable support of a sensor unit. Advantageously, the support receptacles can form partition walls for the receiving chambers. This enables a space-saving construction and an improved design of the connecting element with expanded functions.

[0054] Advantageously, the connecting element can have at least one, preferably two, collar elements, particularly those directed radially inward, to define receiving chambers, particularly axially. In this way, axial displacement of components of the electronics unit can be prevented.

[0055] Furthermore, the invention provides: a system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one actuating device, which can be designed as described above, and at least one functional device of the vehicle, which can be controlled or operated by means of the actuating device.

[0056] The system according to the invention allows the same advantages to be achieved as explained above in connection with the actuating device. These advantages are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] Furthermore, at least one eye-tracking device can be provided to automatically select the at least one functional device to be controlled by the actuating device. This makes it possible to operate the functional device from a distance. It can also make it possible to control multiple functional devices by means of the actuating device.

[0058] Furthermore, a first charging device can be provided to charge the actuating device. This allows charging of the actuating device directly in the vehicle.

[0059] Advantageously, the first charging device can be designed to accommodate the actuating device of different sizes for charging.

[0060] The invention also provides: a vehicle with a system that can be designed as described above. The vehicle can achieve the same advantages as explained above in connection with the actuating device and / or the system. These advantages are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The invention also provides: a system for a smart device, in particular a smart home, smart office, etc., comprising: at least one actuating device that can be designed as described above, and at least one functional device of the smart device that can be controlled using the actuating device.

[0061] The system according to the invention allows the same advantages to be achieved as explained above in connection with the actuating device. These advantages are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] Furthermore, at least one second charging device can be provided to charge the actuating device. This allows for flexible charging of the actuating device. Advantageously, the at least one second charging device can be designed to accommodate actuating devices of different sizes for charging.

[0063] The system for a vehicle and the system for a smart device can advantageously form a connected system which can enable control / operation of different functional devices at different locations with the same actuating device.

[0064] Advantageously, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be combined individually or in any combination. Further advantages and details will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0065] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an actuating device,

[0066] Fig. 2 shows the actuating device in the assembled state,

[0067] Fig. 3 shows the actuating device without an actuating element,

[0068] Fig. 4 is a representation of the actuating device without an actuating element and at least partially in section through the actuating device,

[0069] Fig. 5 is a representation of a connecting element, an assembly of an electronic unit, a sensor unit and an actuating element, Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the actuating device in different sizes,

[0070] Fig. 7 exemplary actions,

[0071] Fig. 8 an exemplary actuation action in a tangential direction,

[0072] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary actuation action in a substantially axial direction,

[0073] Fig. 10 an exemplary actuation action in a radial direction,

[0074] Fig. 11 different examples of operating functions, and

[0075] Fig. 12 different examples of charging devices.

[0076] Fig. 1 - 12 show an actuating device 100 for at least one functional device 200, in particular in a vehicle 101 (see Fig. 11 and 12) and / or a smart device 102 (see Fig. 12).

[0077] As can be seen from Figs. 1-12, the actuating device 100 is designed as a, in particular mobile, remote control for the at least one functional device 200. Furthermore, Figs. 1-12 show that the actuating device 100 is configured as a ring, which can be worn, for example, on an index finger or another finger of a user and / or actuated with a thumb (cf. Figs. 7-10).

[0078] As Fig. 1 illustrates, the actuating device 100 has the following components: a circuit board 10 for supporting an electronics unit 20, the electronics unit 20 for providing operating functions F in the actuating device 100 (cf. Fig. 11), a connecting element 30 for covering the electronics unit 20 and for supporting a sensor unit 40 (cf. Fig. 5), the sensor unit 40 with sensor elements 41 for detecting actuation actions B of a user for corresponding operating functions F in the actuating device 100 (cf. Figs. 5 and 7 - 10), and an actuation element 50 for covering the sensor unit 40 and for recording actuation actions of the user (cf. Fig. 5). The actuating device 100 has at least one communication interface (or feedback device) to the user, which is designed to provide, in particular, haptic and / or acoustic, feedback (e.g.by vibration and / or noise) to the user: upon (or during) the recording of actuation actions B by the actuation element 50 and / or upon and / or after the detection of actuation actions B by the sensor unit 40 (or upon and / or preferably after the initiation or control or triggering of corresponding operating functions F in the actuation device 100).

[0079] As Fig. 11 indicates, a functional device 200 can be, for example, a functional device for navigating the vehicle, a functional device for supporting the user's perception of the environment, a so-called augmented reality device, an infotainment device, an entertainment device, a radio station, a music and / or image playback device, a telecommunications device such as a telephone, a mobile device such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or the like.

[0080] A vehicle 101 can, for example, be designed as an electric vehicle. The vehicle 101 can have several levels of automation, from partially automated to fully automated, or can be designed as an autonomously driving vehicle 101.

[0081] A smart device 102 can be designed, for example, as a smart home, smart office, or similar.

[0082] As indicated in Fig. 7 - 10, actuation actions B of the user can comprise, for example, the following movements with respect to the actuating device 100, in particular with respect to the actuating element 50: in an axial direction Ra and / or in a tangential direction Rt (e.g., swiping / scrolling) and / or in a radial direction Rr (e.g., touching / pressing), etc.

[0083] Actuation actions B of the user can serve to trigger certain operating functions F on the actuating device 100, such as: selecting an application (top left in Fig. 11), adjusting the volume (top center in Fig. 11), scrolling through a list, e.g.

[0084] Music list (top right in Fig. 11), fast forward (bottom left in Fig. 11), select playback settings (bottom center in Fig. 11), select an item in a list, e.g. the next song to be played (bottom right in Fig. 11). The circuit board 10 or printed circuit board, printed circuit card or printed circuit can preferably serve as a carrier for all components of the electronics unit 20. The circuit board can preferably be designed as an inner ring (or as an inner sleeve) of the actuating device 100. The inner ring can be stable and / or allow direct placement on a user's finger. However, flexible circuit boards are also conceivable, which can be placed on an additional stable inner ring. In addition, the circuit board 10 (stable or flexible) can be designed to accommodate various insert rings (or insert sleeves) with different diameters in order to accommodate different load-bearing sizes for the actuating device orto enable the ring.

[0085] Fig. 6 also shows that the actuating device 100 itself can be provided in different sizes G1, G2, G3 (e.g. S, M, L).

[0086] The electronics unit 20 can have a plurality of electrical, electromotive, communication, control and / or electronic components that can serve to provide operating functions F in the actuating device 100 and to operate or control the functional device 200.

[0087] As Fig. 1 indicates, the electronic unit 20 can have several, preferably symmetrically designed and arranged assemblies 21 in which the components of the electronic unit 20 can be combined.

[0088] The electronics unit 20 can have different components, for example: at least one vibration unit, at least one charging unit, comprising, for example, a rechargeable battery, a display element 22 for a charge state, at least one charging contact 23 (see Fig. 5), etc., at least one control and / or evaluation unit, at least one communication unit to a corresponding electronic unit of the functional device 200, for example based on a wireless technology such as Bluetooth, WLAN, UWB, mobile radio, etc., at least one acoustic communication unit with the actuating device 100, for example for voice control, etc.

[0089] As Fig. 1 also indicates, the electronics unit 20 can comprise at least three, preferably four, interconnected assemblies 21 of, in particular, electronic components. As Fig. 5 indicates, the connecting element 30 can serve, on the one hand, to cover the electronics unit 20 and, on the other hand, to support a sensor unit 40. The connecting element 30 can also serve for mechanical connection to the circuit board 10 and / or to the actuating element 50.

[0090] Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows that the connecting element 30 can have an inner surface 31 for covering the electronics unit 20 and an outer surface 32 for supporting a sensor unit 40.

[0091] Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows that the connecting element 30, in particular on an inner surface 31, has receiving chambers 31K which are designed to receive at least three, preferably four, connected assemblies 21 on, in particular electronic, components of the electronic unit 20 in an at least form-fitting manner.

[0092] Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows that the connecting element 30, in particular on an outer surface 32, has support receptacles 32A for the sensor elements 41 of the sensor unit 40, in particular in the form of openings 33 for detection elements 43 of the sensor elements 41. In this way, reliable support of a sensor unit 40 can be enabled.

[0093] Advantageously, the support receptacles 32A can form partition walls for the receiving chambers 31K.

[0094] In addition, Fig. 5 shows that the connecting element 30 can have at least one, preferably two, collar elements 30K, which are in particular directed radially inwards, in order to delimit receiving chambers 31K in particular from an axial perspective.

[0095] From Figs. 7-10 and 11, it can be seen that the circuit board 10 can be aligned with the user's finger, and that the actuating element 50 can be oriented outward so that it can be actuated with the thumb of the same hand. In principle, however, it is also possible to actuate the actuating element 50 with another finger of the same or a different hand of the user.

[0096] From Figs. 1 and 5, it can be seen that the actuating element 50 can be designed as an outer ring. Thus, the actuating element 50 can serve as an outer housing for all components of the actuating device 100. The actuating element 50 can be movably mounted relative to the connecting element 30 to enable an actuating action B in an axial direction Ra, in a radial direction Rr, and / or in a tangential direction Rt with respect to the connecting element 30 or the actuating device 100.

[0097] It can also be seen from Fig. 1 that the components of the actuating device 100 can be arranged concentrically one above the other and / or coaxially with each other. The components of the actuating device 100 can, for example, have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0098] The actuating device 100 is provided with at least one communication interface to the user, which is designed to provide feedback, in particular haptic and / or acoustic, to the user:

[0099] 1) when (or during) the recording of actuation actions B by the actuating element 50 and / or

[0100] 2) during and / or after the detection of actuation actions B by the sensor unit 40 or

[0101] 2a) during and / or after initiating corresponding operating functions in the functional device 200.

[0102] The communication interface to the user can advantageously be used to issue a confirmation using feedback, in particular haptic and / or acoustic:

[0103] 1) that the activity B is carried out as intended,

[0104] 2) that the act B is / was recorded as intended, and / or

[0105] 2a) that the actuating action B, as intended, leads / has led to a desired operating function F in the actuating device 100.

[0106] A further communication interface to the user can also be provided, which can be designed to provide feedback, particularly visual feedback, to the user, for example, to indicate the charge level of a battery / accumulator. A display element 22, e.g., an LED, can be provided for this purpose (see Fig. 5).

[0107] The at least one communication interface to the user for generating a, in particular haptic and / or acoustic, feedback to the user can be provided at least in part by the actuating element 50.

[0108] As indicated in Fig. 5, the actuating element 50 can have a bearing surface 51 for the sensor elements 41 of the sensor unit 40. Advantageously, the bearing surface 51 can serve to enable a preferably mechanical, preferably exclusively mechanical, interaction with the sensor elements 41 and to generate feedback, particularly haptic and optionally acoustic, to the user upon recording actuation actions B. For this purpose, the bearing surface can have a running surface for the sensor elements 41, which can be provided with grooves 52 and / or elevations with corresponding depressions 53.Consequently, the sensor elements 41 can be at least partially carried along when the actuating element 50 is moved relative to the connecting element 30 in the direction of the actuating movement and, when engaging behind the grooves 52 in the corresponding recesses 53 on the bearing surface 51, generate characteristic locking noises which can be accompanied by noticeable vibrations.

[0109] Furthermore, the at least one communication interface to the user can be provided at least in part by the electronics unit 20. For this purpose, the electronics unit 20 can have at least one vibration unit. The at least one vibration unit can, for example, be driven by an electric motor and / or electromechanically in order to generate feedback, in particular haptic feedback, to the user upon detecting actuations B. The at least one vibration unit can, for example, have a vibration motor, a piezo actuator, or the like.

[0110] As indicated in Figs. 7-10, the sensor elements 41 of the sensor unit 40 can be designed to detect actuation actions B of the user with respect to the actuation device 100 in a tangential direction Rt and / or in an axial direction Ra, for example in the form of scrolling, wiping and / or rotating movements on the actuation element 50.

[0111] As Fig. 7 - 10 indicate, at least one sensor element 41 (for this purpose, the at least one sensor element 41 can be aligned in a radial direction Rr, as Fig. 5 shows merely as an example) or several sensor elements 41 or all sensor elements 41 of the sensor unit 40 can be designed to detect actuation actions B of the user with respect to the actuation device 100 in a radial direction Rr, for example in the form of a touch on the actuation element 50, a pressure actuation, a single click, a double click, etc.

[0112] The sensor unit 40 can be implemented using inductive, electromagnetic, electromechanical, capacitive, and / or UWB technology. A combination of technologies is also possible. This allows for a flexible design of the sensor unit 40. UWB technology can be used to enable the transmission of information, for example, an access code, identification code, music files, calendar data, etc. Thus, the actuating device 100 can be designed to provide ID transmitter functions for a security system of a vehicle 101, for example, in the form of an access system to the vehicle 101.

[0113] As can be seen in Figs. 5 and 7-10, the sensor elements 41 of the sensor unit 40 have respective sensor transmitters 42, for example in the form of rolling bearings, in order to movably mount the sensor unit 40 on a bearing surface 51 of the actuating element 50. Thus, the sensor elements 41 of the sensor unit 40, in particular with the aid of sensor transmitters 42, for example in the form of rolling bearings, can enable a preferably mechanical, preferably exclusively mechanical, interaction with a bearing surface 51 of the actuating element 50 in order to generate, in particular haptic and optionally acoustic, feedback to the user upon detecting actuation actions B.

[0114] As indicated in Figs. 1-12, the actuating device 100 can be rotationally symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical. This provides the advantage that the actuating device 100 can be mounted and actuated in any position and / or orientation.

[0115] After assembly of the actuating device 100, the circuit board 10, the electronics unit 20, the connecting element 30, the sensor unit 40, and / or the actuating element 50 can be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, for example, using an adhesive. This enables simple holding and sealing of components. An adhesive can be selected which, after curing, can enable relative movement of the actuating element 50 to the connecting element 30. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the circuit board 10, the electronics unit 20, the connecting element 30, the sensor unit 40, and / or the actuating element 50 to be connected to one another, at least in part, in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0116] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figs. 2-5 that the actuating element 50 can be constructed in one and / or two parts. A one-piece design can facilitate assembly. A two-piece design can facilitate acoustic feedback to the user.

[0117] A corresponding system S1 for a vehicle 101 also represents an aspect of the invention, comprising: at least one actuating device 100, which can be designed as described above, and at least one functional device 200 of the vehicle 101, which can be controlled or operated using the actuating device 100.

[0118] In the system S1, at least one eye-tracking device can be provided to automatically select the at least one functional device 200 to be controlled by means of the actuating device 100. This makes it possible for the functional device 200 to be operated remotely. It can also make it possible for multiple functional devices 200 to be controlled by means of the same actuating device 100.

[0119] In the system S1, a first charging device L1 can be provided to charge the actuating device 100. In this way, charging of the actuating device 100 can be enabled directly in the vehicle 101.

[0120] The first charging device L1 may be designed to accommodate actuators 100 of different sizes for charging.

[0121] A corresponding vehicle 101 with a system S1, which can be designed as described above, also represents an aspect of the invention.

[0122] A corresponding system S2 for a smart device 102, in particular a smart home, smart office, etc., also represents an aspect of the invention, comprising: at least one actuating device 100, which can be designed as described above, and at least one functional device 200 of the smart device 102, which can be controlled by means of the actuating device 100.

[0123] In the system S2, at least one second charging device L2 can be provided to charge the actuating device 100. This allows for flexible charging of the actuating device 100. Advantageously, the at least one second charging device L2 can be designed to accommodate actuating devices 100 of different sizes for charging.

[0124] Different configurations of the first charging device L1 and / or the second charging device L2 are shown in Fig. 12.

[0125] The system S1 for a vehicle 101 and the system S2 for a smart device 102 can advantageously form a connected smart system, which can enable control / operation of different functional devices 200 at different locations with the same actuating device 100.

[0126] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0127] List of reference symbols

[0128] 100 Actuating device

[0129] 10 circuit boards

[0130] 11 Carrier plate

[0131] 20 Electronic unit

[0132] 21 Assembly

[0133] 22 Display element

[0134] 23 Charging contact

[0135] 30 connecting element

[0136] 30K collar elements

[0137] 31 inner surface

[0138] 31 K recording chambers

[0139] 32 exterior area

[0140] 32A support mounts

[0141] 33 openings

[0142] 40 Sensor unit

[0143] 41 sensor elements

[0144] 42 sensor encoders

[0145] 43 Recording element

[0146] 50 Actuating element

[0147] 51 storage space

[0148] 52 grooves

[0149] 53 recesses

[0150] B Actual action

[0151] Ra axial direction

[0152] Rt tangential direction

[0153] Rr radial direction F operating function

[0154] 200 functional device

[0155] 51 System

[0156] 101 vehicle

[0157] L1 charging device

[0158] 52 systems

[0159] 102 Smart Setup

[0160] L2 charging device

Claims

Patent claims Actuating device (100) for at least one functional device (200), in particular in a vehicle (101) and / or a smart device (102), wherein the actuating device (100) is designed as a remote control for the at least one functional device (200), wherein the actuating device (100) is designed as a ring, comprising: a circuit board (10) for supporting an electronic unit (20), the electronic unit (20) for providing operating functions (F) in the actuating device (100), a connecting element (30) for covering the electronic unit (20) and for supporting a sensor unit (40), the sensor unit (40) with sensor elements (41) for detecting actuating actions (B) of a user for corresponding operating functions (F) in the actuating device (100), and an actuating element (50) for covering the sensor unit (40) and for recording actuating actions (B) of the user,wherein the actuating device (100) has at least one communication interface to the user, which is designed to provide, in particular, haptic and / or acoustic, feedback to the user upon recording actuating actions (B) by the actuating element (50) and / or during and / or after detecting actuating actions (B) by the sensor unit (40). Actuating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication interface to the user is provided at least in part by the actuating element (50), and / or wherein the actuating element (50) has a bearing surface (51) for the sensor elements (41) of the sensor unit (40), wherein in particular the bearing surface (51) is designed to enable a, preferably mechanical, preferably exclusively mechanical, interaction with the sensor elements (41), and to provide, upon detecting actuating actions (B),in particular haptic and, if necessary, acoustic feedback to the user. Actuating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one communication interface to the user is provided at least in part by the electronics unit (20), and / or wherein the electronics unit (20) has at least one vibration unit, wherein in particular the at least one vibration unit is designed to be driven by an electric motor and / or electromechanically in order to generate, in particular haptic, feedback to the user upon detecting actuating actions (B). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor elements (41) of the sensor unit (40) are designed to detect actuating actions (B) of the user with respect to the actuating device (100) in a tangential direction (Rt) and / or in an axial direction (Ra), e.g.in the form of scrolling, swiping and / or rotating movements on the actuating element (50), and / or wherein at least one sensor element (41) or several sensor elements (41) or all sensor elements (41) of the sensor unit (40) are designed to detect actuation actions (B) of the user with respect to the actuating device (100) in a radial direction (Rr), e.g. in the form of a touch, a pressure actuation, a single click, a double click, etc. on the actuating element (50), and / or wherein the sensor unit (40) is designed using inductive, electromagnetic, electromechanical, capacitive and / or UWB technology, and / or wherein the actuating device (100) is designed to provide ID transmitter functions for a security system of a vehicle (101).Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor elements (41) of the sensor unit (40) are designed, in particular with the aid of specially designed sensor transmitters (42), preferably in the form of rolling bearings, to movably mount the sensor unit (40) on a bearing surface (51) of the actuating element (50), and / or wherein the sensor elements (41) of the sensor unit (40) are designed, in particular with the aid of specially designed sensor transmitters (42), preferably in the form of rolling bearings. to enable a preferably mechanical, preferably exclusively mechanical, interaction with a bearing surface (51) of the actuating element (50), and to generate, upon detection of actuating actions (B), a particularly haptic and optionally acoustic feedback. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (100) is rotationally symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical, and / or wherein the circuit board (10), the electronics unit (20), the connecting element (30), the sensor unit (40) and / or the actuating element (50) are at least partially cylindrical in shape, and / or wherein the circuit board (10), the electronics unit (20), the connecting element (30), the sensor unit (40) and / or the actuating element (50) are arranged concentrically and / or coaxially with one another, and / or wherein the circuit board (10), the electronics unit (20), the connecting element (30),the sensor unit (40) and / or the actuating element (50) are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, in particular by means of an adhesive or a potting compound, and / or wherein the circuit board (10), the electronics unit (20), the connecting element (30), the sensor unit (40), and / or the actuating element (50) are at least partially connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit board (10) has a carrier plate (11), wherein in particular the carrier plate (11) is designed as an inner ring, and / or wherein the actuating device (100) is of modular construction to enable a fit for different sizes, and / or wherein at least one carrier ring is provided as an inner ring to enable a fit for different sizes, wherein in particular the at least one carrier ring is designedto be fastened internally to a carrier plate (11) of the circuit board (10). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (50) is formed in one and / or two parts, and / or wherein the actuating element (50) is designed as an outer ring, and / or wherein the actuating element (50) is designed as a housing for the actuating device (100). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic unit (20) for providing operating functions (F) in the actuating device (100) comprises at least one of the following, in particular electronic, components: at least one vibration unit, at least one charging unit, comprising, for example, a rechargeable battery, a display element (22) for a charge state, at least one charging contact (23), etc., at least one control and / or evaluation unit, at least one communication unit to a corresponding electronic unit of the functional device (200), for example based on a wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, WLAN, UWB, mobile radio, etc., at least one acoustic communication unit with the actuating device (100), for example for voice control, etc., and / or wherein the electronic unit (20) comprises at least three, preferably four, interconnected assemblies (21) on, in particular electronic,Components, wherein in particular the assemblies (21) are designed symmetrically and are arranged symmetrically along a cylindrical surface of the connecting element (30). Actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (30) has an inner surface (31) for covering the electronics unit (20) and an outer surface (32) for supporting a sensor unit (40), and / or wherein the connecting element (30), in particular on an inner surface (31), has receiving chambers (31K) designed to at least positively accommodate at least three, preferably four, connected assemblies (21) on, in particular electronic, components of the electronics unit (20), and / or wherein the connecting element (30), in particular on an outer surface (32), has support receptacles (32A) for the sensor elements (41) of the sensor unit (40).wherein in particular the support receptacles (32A) form partition walls for the receiving chambers (31K), and / or wherein the connecting element (30) has at least one, preferably two, in particular radially inwardly oriented, collar elements (30K) in order to delimit in particular receiving chambers (31K) axially. A system (S1) for a vehicle (101), comprising: at least one actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one functional device (200) of the vehicle (101) that can be controlled by means of the actuating device (100). The system (S1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one eye-tracking device is provided to automatically select the at least one functional device (200) that is to be controlled by means of the actuating device (100), and / or wherein a first charging device (L1) is provided to charge the actuating device (100), wherein in particular the first charging device (L1) is designed to accommodate the actuating devices (100) of different sizes for charging. A vehicle (101) with a system (S1) according to one of the preceding claims. A system (S2) for a smart device (102), in particular a smart home, smart office, etc., comprising: at least one actuating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one functional device (200) of the smart device (102) that can be controlled using the actuating device (100). System (S2) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one second charging device (L2) is provided to charge the actuating device (100), wherein in particular the at least one second charging device (L2) is designed to accommodate actuating devices (100) of different sizes for charging.

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