Input device for a motor vehicle, in which, in the event of a first touch, a force threshold is suppressed, and method for operating an input device of this kind

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device (10) for a motor vehicle. A flexible actuation part (14) comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) for activating respective functions of the motor vehicle. A touch sensor (34) is designed to output a touch signal which indicates that the input area (16, 18, 20, 22) in question has been touched. By means of a force sensor (52), an actuation force can be measured which is dependent on the pressure which can be applied to the actuation part (14). An analysis device (68) is designed to permit, for a first input area (18) associated with a first touch signal which can be detected prior to further touch signals associated with further input areas (16, 20), the function associated with the first input area (18) to be activated even if a predetermined threshold value of the actuation force has been exceeded. The threshold value can be used to decide whether to prevent the function associated with the input area (16, 18, 20, 22) in question from being activated.

Description

[0001] Input device for a motor vehicle, in which a force threshold is suppressed upon a first contact, and method for operating such an input device

[0002] The invention relates to an input device for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such an input device.

[0003] An input device can be arranged in a motor vehicle, for example in the area of ​​an instrument panel and / or a center console and / or similar interior fittings of the motor vehicle. Such an input device can be designed to be touch-sensitive. A touch sensor on the input device can therefore detect whether particular input areas of the input device are being touched. Furthermore, such an input device can have a force sensor by means of which an actuation force can be detected which is applied by a user of the input device when pressing one of the input areas. The user or similar operator can press a particular input area in order to activate a desired function of the motor vehicle.

[0004] In such an input device, precautions can be taken to deal with the case where, when a relatively strong pressure is exerted on an actuating part of the input device comprising the input areas, touch signals are output in input areas that were not actually touched by the user. Such touch signals, not caused by an actual touch of input areas, can be output by the touch sensor, particularly if the touch sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor device.

[0005] The reasons for this may be the influence of capacitive effects on capacitive sensor elements assigned to the respective input areas. Those sensor elements located adjacent to the sensor element assigned to the input area actually subjected to pressure may emit a touch signal due to the capacitive influence, without the input areas assigned to these sensor elements actually being touched.

[0006] To prevent the motor vehicle function assigned to the respective input area from being activated even for those input areas that have not been touched at all, a predetermined threshold value for the actuation force can be taken into account in addition to the touch signals. In this case, it can be provided that the activation of the function assigned to the respective input area is prevented if the actuation force applied to the flexible actuation part is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0007] The precautionary measure possible with such an input device can serve to prevent the triggering of unwanted functions. For this purpose, it can be provided that the activation of functions assigned to respective input areas is prevented if a touch signal is detected that allows one to conclude that the respective input area has been touched, but the actuation force exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0008] However, with this type of evaluation logic for touch signals and actuation force, problems can arise if an input area is actuated very quickly with a great deal of force, for example if the operator or user impacts the input area when actuating the input device. In such a case, the predetermined threshold value for the actuation force may already be exceeded before the evaluation of the touch signals and actuation force is completed. However, the completion of this evaluation is a prerequisite for permitting activation of the function assigned to the touched input area. With the described evaluation logic, it can therefore happen that if an input area is actuated quickly and forcefully, the function assigned to this input area is not activated. This is disadvantageous.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an input device for a motor vehicle that enables particularly reliable activation of a function associated with an input area of ​​the input device, and to provide a corresponding method for operating such an input device. This object is achieved by an input device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0010] The input device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a flexible actuating part having a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas. Activation of a respective function of the motor vehicle is assigned to each of the input areas. The input device comprises a touch sensor configured to output a respective touch signal. The touch signal indicates that the respective input area has been touched. The input device comprises a force sensor capable of detecting an actuating force. The actuating force depends on the pressure that can be applied to the actuating part. The input device comprises an evaluation unit.The evaluation device is designed to permit activation of the function assigned to a first input area, to which a first touch signal is assigned, which can be detected temporally before at least one further touch signal, even if a predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded. The at least one further touch signal is assigned to at least one further input area. The evaluation device is further designed to use the predetermined threshold value when deciding whether activation of the function assigned to the respective input area should be prevented.

[0011] The evaluation unit of the input device thus ensures that upon detection of the first touch signal, which indicates touching of the first input area, the activation of the function assigned to the first input area is always permitted, even if the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded. This prevents the activation of the function assigned to the first input area from being inhibited due to the actuation force exceeding the predetermined threshold value. Thus, if an operator presses very quickly and forcefully on the first input area and the force sensor thus detects a comparatively large actuation force (i.e., one that exceeds the predetermined threshold value), this does not result in the function assigned to the actually touched input area, i.e. the first input area, being inhibited.This means that the function is not prevented from being activated even if the actuation force exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0012] In this way, in particular, it is prevented that the function assigned to the first input area is suppressed when the predetermined threshold value of the actuating force is exceeded very quickly, as can occur, for example, as a result of an impact on the first input area of ​​the flexible actuating part. Rather, for the first input area, whose touching results in the output of the first touch signal, the function of the motor vehicle is activated even if the actuating force exceeding the predetermined threshold value is detected by the force sensor.

[0013] Although the evaluation device generally takes the predetermined threshold value into account when deciding whether activation of the function assigned to the respective input area should be prevented, activation of the functions assigned to the first input area is not prevented even if the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded. Consequently, particularly reliable activation of the function assigned to the first input area of ​​the input device is possible.

[0014] The operator or user of the input device can therefore actuate the first input area, for which the first touch signal is detected, very quickly and forcefully. Nevertheless, it is ensured that this actuation always activates the function assigned to the first input area.

[0015] This is particularly advantageous if the first input area is assigned a function whose activation should be ensured with regard to safety when driving the motor vehicle. For example, if the first input area is assigned to activate the motor vehicle's hazard warning lights, the hazard warning lights or the vehicle's hazard warning system will be activated even if the user or operator strikes the input area assigned to the hazard warning lights very quickly and forcefully. This is advantageous.

[0016] The evaluation device is preferably designed to prevent the activation of the function assigned to the at least one further input area if the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded, despite detecting the at least one further touch signal, which indicates that the at least one further input area has been touched. This makes it very effective to prevent further touch signals, which are not attributable to an actual touch of the respective further input area but rather to the very forceful application of a correspondingly high pressure to the actuating part, from leading to an undesired activation of the function assigned to the at least one further input area.Consequently, it is advantageously avoided that the user or the operator is confused by activating functions that are not actually desired when the operator operates the input device and applies pressure very quickly and forcefully to the first input area.

[0017] This is based on the finding that, due to the flexibility or pliability of the actuating part, additional touch signals associated with additional input areas can be emitted, even if these additional input areas are not actually touched. Rather, the additional touch signals are due to the flexible actuating part being deformed when the operator exerts particularly high pressure on the actuating part, which leads to the predetermined threshold value of the actuating force being exceeded.

[0018] It is therefore particularly advantageous if, when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded, the evaluation device evaluates the first touch signal, which is assigned to the first input area, as a valid touch signal, but classifies the further touch signals detected later as invalid and thus prevents the activation of the function assigned to the further input areas. This is because the further touch signals detected after the first touch signal are due to the fact that the strong deformation of the flexible actuating part causes the touch sensor to output the further touch signals without there being an actual touch in the at least one further input area. Consequently, this can avoid confusion on the part of the operator or user, which could otherwise arise from activating the functions assigned to the further input areas.

[0019] Preferably, the evaluation device is designed to allow activation of the function assigned to the respective input area depending on whether a minimum actuation force value is exceeded. This ensures that an inadvertent, light touch of the respective input area does not lead to activation of the function assigned to that input area. This is advantageous with regard to the reliable activation of the functions actually desired by the operator or user.

[0020] The minimum actuation force value can be stored in the input device, in particular in the evaluation device, as a first force threshold. Furthermore, the predetermined actuation force threshold, which, when exceeded when touching the first input area, always leads to activation of the function assigned to the first input area, can be stored in the input device, in particular in the evaluation device, as a second force threshold.

[0021] As a prerequisite for activating the function of the evaluation device assigned to the first input range, it can be considered whether the minimum value of the actuation force and thus the first force threshold has been exceeded. Even if this is the case, however, exceeding the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force and thus the second force threshold for the first input range does not result in the function assigned to the first input range being deactivated. Rather, the evaluation device activates the function assigned to the first input range. This is advantageous with regard to the reliability of actuating the input device.

[0022] Preferably, different minimum actuation force values ​​are assigned to different input ranges. The evaluation device is designed to allow activation of the function assigned to the respective input range depending on whether the minimum actuation force value individually assigned to the respective input range has been exceeded.

[0023] This is based on the knowledge that, depending on the spatial shape of the actuating part, different actuating forces may have to be applied in the respective input areas in order to achieve a specific deformation of the actuating part. The deformation of the actuating part can be used by the evaluation device as an indication that the actuation of the respective input area is actually intended by the user or operator of the input device. This ensures with particular reliability that the function assigned to the respective input area is only activated when the user or operator actually intended to actuate the respective input area. This is advantageous for the reliability of the input device.

[0024] Preferably, different input regions of the input device are assigned different predetermined threshold values ​​for the actuation force. This allows for the fact that, depending on the spatial configuration of the actuation part, different actuation forces may be required to effect a specific deformation of the flexible actuation part. For example, with an input region arranged centrally with respect to respective edges of the actuation part, a lower pressure may be sufficient to achieve a specific deformation of the actuation part than is the case when pressing an input region that is closer to one of the edges of the actuation part.

[0025] Accordingly, it can be taken into account that the extent of the deformation of the actuating part can influence whether touch signals are emitted at input areas that are not actually touched and are attributable to the deformation of the actuating part. Therefore, by assigning different predetermined threshold values ​​to the various input areas, it can be ensured very simply and effectively that touch signals that are solely attributable to the deformation of the flexible actuating part are neglected. This also contributes to the reliable activation of respective functions when actuating the input device. Preferably, a surface of the actuating part that can be touched by an operator is designed as the outer side of an operating panel of the input device. In this case, the operating panel is convexly curved towards an area of ​​the input device that borders on the outer side.Particularly with such a design of the actuating part in the form of the control panel, touch signals may be emitted that are considered invalid, since they are not attributable to an actual touch of the respective input area. Accordingly, especially with such an input device with the convexly curved control panel, it is advantageous to provide an evaluation device that always allows the activation of the function assigned to the first input area, i.e., even when the predetermined threshold value of the actuating force is exceeded.

[0026] Preferably, respective sensor elements of the touch sensor, designed as a capacitive sensor device, are arranged on a rear side of the actuating part, which faces away from the surroundings of the input device. The sensor elements are assigned to a respective input area, with a gap formed between the rear side of the actuating part and a base plate of the input device. By applying pressure to the actuating part, the rear side of the actuating part can be moved toward the base plate.

[0027] With such an input device design, the base plate can influence the sensor elements of the touch sensor, which is designed as a capacitive sensor device, if the gap between the back of the actuating part and the base plate decreases. This reduction in the gap can be caused by the operator applying pressure to the actuating part.

[0028] When the back of the actuating part approaches the base plate, and in particular when the base plate touches the back of the actuating part, a change in capacitance can occur, which can be detected by the respective sensor element without contact with the input area assigned to the sensor element. This can be caused, in particular, by the base plate having a higher permittivity or dielectric conductivity than the air in the gap.In particular, with such a design of the input device, it is therefore particularly advantageous to disregard invalid touch signals which can be detected by means of the capacitive sensor device, but to take into account the temporally first touch signal assigned to the first input area and to activate the function assigned to the first input area even if the predetermined threshold value of the actuating force is exceeded.

[0029] Preferably, the force sensor is designed as a distance sensor, which can detect a change in the distance between the back of the actuating part and the base plate. This makes it particularly easy to determine the actuating force applied by the operator or user to the actuating part by pressing on the respective input area from a deformation of the flexible actuating part.

[0030] Preferably, the base plate is designed as a diffuser, which is designed to scatter light from at least one light source of the input device. The actuating part can be exposed to the light scattered by the diffuser from the rear side. This facilitates operation of the input device. By operating the at least one light source, it can be ensured that the input areas of the actuating part are particularly clearly visible.

[0031] In the method according to the invention for operating an input device for a motor vehicle, the input device comprises a flexible fastening part having a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas. Activation of a respective function of the motor vehicle is assigned to each of the input areas. The input device has a touch sensor configured to output a respective touch signal, wherein the respective touch signal indicates that the respective input area has been touched. Furthermore, the input device has a force sensor for detecting an actuating force. The actuating force depends on the pressure applied to the actuating part.The input device has an evaluation device which, for a first input area to which a first touch signal is assigned, permits the activation of the function assigned to the first input area even though a predetermined threshold value of the actuation force is exceeded. The first touch signal can be detected before at least one further touch signal, wherein the at least one further touch signal is assigned to at least one further input area. The predetermined threshold value is used by the evaluation device to decide whether activation of the function assigned to the respective input area should be prevented.

[0032] The evaluation device thus ensures that, despite the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force being exceeded, the function assigned to the first input area is activated when the touch sensor outputs the first touch signal associated with the first input area. The method enables reliable activation of a function assigned to an input area of ​​the input device, in particular the function assigned to the first input area.

[0033] In contrast, further touch signals that may be detected after the first touch signal and that may be assigned to additional input areas preferably do not activate the functions assigned to these additional input areas. Rather, these additional touch signals are preferably discarded as invalid signals. The evaluation device can attribute the output of these additional touch signals to the fact that the predetermined threshold value of the actuation force has been exceeded.

[0034] Preferably, discarding the additional touch signals as invalid prevents the activation of the function assigned to the respective additional input area. However, the first input area, i.e., the input area in which a touch signal, i.e., the first touch signal, is detected first, is always excluded from such activation. This allows for reliable triggering of functions desired by the user, while advantageously preventing the activation of unwanted functions and the resulting confusion for the user.

[0035] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the input device according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be generated through separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be considered disclosed that therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features are to be regarded as disclosed, in particular by the embodiments set out above, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the reliances of the claims.

[0036] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. These show:

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically shows an input device for a motor vehicle, which has a flexible actuating part with a plurality of input areas or input fields arranged next to one another, wherein respective sensor elements of a capacitive sensor device are assigned to the respective input areas;

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically shows the input device in a plan view of the input areas;

[0039] Fig. 3 shows schematically a variant of the input device in which the actuating part is designed as a convexly curved control panel;

[0040] Fig. 4 shows the time course when a touch signal is output as a result of touching the actuating part or the control panel in one of the input areas;

[0041] Fig. 5 shows the time course of an actuating force which is applied by an operator who presses on the actuating part or the control panel in the input area, wherein the actuating force exceeds a minimum value or a first force threshold;

[0042] Fig. 6 shows the temporal progression of the actuating force when pressing the actuating part or the control panel in the input area, wherein the actuating force additionally exceeds a predetermined threshold value in the form of a second force threshold; and

[0043] Fig. 7 shows the time course when outputting respective touch signals, as they result from the application of the actuating force, which is illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0044] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an input device 10, such as may be used in a motor vehicle. By way of example, Fig. 2 shows a highly schematic illustration of an instrument panel 12 of the motor vehicle, which includes the input device 10. Additionally or alternatively, such an input device 10 can be arranged in the area of ​​a center console and / or a steering handle and / or a door panel or similar interior fittings of the motor vehicle.

[0046] The input device 10 comprises a flexible or bendable actuating part 14, which has a plurality of input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 arranged laterally next to one another, in particular in a row. Fig. 1 shows a finger 24 of an operator or user of the input device 10, with the operator pressing with the finger 24 on one of the input areas 16, 18, 20, 22. In this case, the operator presses on the input area 18.

[0047] The input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 can be designed in the manner of buttons or similar control panels. Each of the input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 is assigned a function of the motor vehicle. For example, it can be provided that actuating the input area 18 activates the hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this exemplary explanation, it should be assumed that the user or operator touches the actuating part 14 in the input area 18 with their finger 24, to which the function of the hazard warning lights or the hazard warning system of the motor vehicle is assigned.

[0048] The input device 10 comprises a touch sensor 34, which in this case is designed as a capacitive sensor device. Accordingly, the touch sensor 34 comprises a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32. Here, the sensor element 26 arranged on the far left in Fig. 1 is assigned to the input area 16 arranged on the far left in Fig. 1. The sensor element 28 is assigned to the input area 18 adjoining it to the right. Analogously, the sensor element 30 is assigned to the further input area 20 arranged to the right adjacent to this input area 18. And the sensor element 32, also arranged on the far right in Fig. 1, is assigned to the input area 22 arranged on the far right in Fig. 1.

[0049] The touch sensor 34 outputs a first touch signal 36 (see Fig. 4) when the operator touches the input area 18 with their finger 24. Accordingly, the input area 18 assigned, for example, to the hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle can be referred to below as the first input area 18. This is because the first touch signal 36, which is output by the touch sensor 34, is assigned to this input area 18.

[0050] The temporal progression during the output of the first touch signal 36 is illustrated in Fig. 4 by a curve 38. An amplitude of the touch signal 36 is plotted on an ordinate 40 in Fig. 4, and time t is plotted on an abscissa 42. During a first time period 44, the finger 24 approaches the first input area 18. During a second time period 46, the finger 24 touches the first input area 18 and exerts pressure on the actuating part 14 in the first input area 18. And during a third time period 48, the finger 24 releases the actuating part 14 again, so that there is no longer any contact with the first input area 18. During the second time period 46, a touch threshold 94 is exceeded according to Fig. 4. This is accompanied by the fact that the first touch signal 36 is evaluated as a valid touch signal. A temporal progression of an actuating force 50 associated with such an actuation of the input device 10 is shown in Fig.5. To detect the actuating force 50, which depends on the pressure applied to the actuating part 14, the input device 10 has a force sensor 52, which is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1. The force sensor 52 can be designed as a distance sensor, in particular as an optical sensor, by means of which a deformation of the flexible actuating part 14 can be detected. The exertion of pressure on the actuating part 14 results in the actuating part 14 moving toward a base plate 54 of the input device 10.

[0051] The base plate 54 is made of translucent plastic and serves as a diffuser for scattering light. In the exemplary embodiment of the input device 10 shown in Fig. 1, the light is provided by a plurality of light sources 56, which can be arranged, for example, on a circuit board 58 of the input device 10. When the light sources 56 are in operation, the actuating part 14 is exposed to the light from its rear side 76, which is scattered by the base plate 54 designed as a diffuser.

[0052] When the first input area 18 is actuated according to the first touch signal 36, as illustrated in Fig. 4, and with the actuating force 50, the temporal progression of which is shown in Fig. 5, it can be provided according to Fig. 5 that a first force threshold or a minimum value 60 of the actuating force is exceeded. The magnitude of the actuating force 50 detectable by the force sensor 52 is plotted on an ordinate 62 in Fig. 5, while the time t is plotted on an abscissa 64.

[0053] According to Fig. 5, the actuation force 50 does indeed exceed the minimum value 60 or the first force threshold. However, the force falls below a further threshold value 66. This further threshold value 66 is a predetermined threshold value 66 in the form of a second force threshold, which, like the first force threshold or the minimum value 60, can be stored in an evaluation device 68 (see Fig. 1) of the input device 10.

[0054] The evaluation device 68 receives both the touch signal 36 and the

[0055] Actuating force 50 is applied. The evaluation device 68 then ensures that an output signal is provided at an output (not shown) of the input device 10, which leads to the activation of the function of the motor vehicle assigned to the respective input area 16, 18, 20, 22. The case described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5, for example, involves the activation of the hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle, since the hazard warning function is assigned to the first input area 18.

[0056] If the first input area 18 is pressed very hard, the temporal progression of the actuating force 50 can be as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the actuating force 50 not only exceeds the minimum value 60 and thus the first force threshold, but also the predetermined threshold value 66 and thus the second force threshold. Such a very strong actuating force 50 results in a comparatively significant reduction in the size of a gap 70 formed between the rear side 76 of the actuating part 14 and the base plate 54 (see Fig. 1).

[0057] In the present case, a surface of the actuating part 14 that can be touched by the operator's finger 24 is formed as the outer side 72 of the actuating part 14, which is designed, for example, as a control panel. The outer side 72 faces an area 74 surrounding the input device 10. The rear side 76 of the actuating part 14, in contrast, faces away from the area 74 surrounding the input device 10.

[0058] When the flexible actuating part 14 in the form of the control panel is subjected to the comparatively strong actuating force 50, which also exceeds the predetermined threshold value 66 and thus the second force threshold, the sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 come comparatively close to the base plate 54. In particular, it may even happen that at least one of the sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 arranged on the rear side 76 of the actuating part 14 touches the base plate 54 or a film 78, which can be applied to a front side of the base plate 54 facing the rear side 76 or can be arranged on this front side of the base plate 54.

[0059] When the control panel or the actuating part 14 comes very close to the base plate 54, or even when the actuating part 14 hits the base plate 54 or the film 78, at least one of the sensor elements 26, 30, 32, which are arranged laterally next to the sensor element 28, may emit a respective touch signal. Furthermore, since the minimum value 60 of the actuating force 50 is exceeded, this could result in functions being triggered that are assigned to the other input areas 16, 20, 22, even though the other input areas 16, 20, 22 were not actually touched by the finger 24.

[0060] For example, it could be mistakenly concluded that the additional input area 20, located to the right of the first input area 18 as shown in Fig. 1, has been touched. This additional input area 20 can be actuated to activate a rear window heater or another function of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, the hazard warning lights of the motor vehicle would not only be activated upon actually touching the first input area 18. Rather, the other function of the motor vehicle would also be activated, such as the rear window heater or the like.

[0061] To counteract this, it can be provided that the functions of the motor vehicle assigned to the further input areas 16, 20, 22 are prevented if, when the actuating force 50 is applied, not only the minimum value 60 and thus the first force threshold, but also the predetermined threshold value 66 and thus the second force threshold are exceeded (see Fig. 6).

[0062] In Fig. 7, respective curves 80, 82, 84, 86 indicate the time course of touch signals 36, 86, 88 which are output by the touch sensor 34 when the time course of the actuating force 50 is as shown in Fig. 6.

[0063] In Fig. 7, the first curve 80 corresponds to the temporal progression of the first touch signal 36. The first touch signal 36 is assigned to the first input area 18, which is actually touched by the finger 24 (see Fig. 1). However, due to the close proximity of the rear side 76 of the actuating part 14 to the base plate 54, further touch signals 88 are also output, the respective temporal progression of which is illustrated in Fig. 7 by curve 82 and curve 84. Here, curve 82 is assigned to the left input area 16 in Fig. 1, which is adjacent to the first input area 18. And curve 84 is assigned to the input area 20, which, according to Fig. 1, is arranged to the right of the first input area 18. Furthermore, curve 86 is assigned to the input area 22, which is arranged on the far right in Fig. 1.

[0064] From Fig. 7, it can be seen that curves 80, 82, and 84 exceed respective touch thresholds 90, 92. According to Fig. 7, respective individual touch thresholds 90, 92 can therefore be assigned to the respective sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32. Exceeding the touch threshold 90, 92 assigned to the respective sensor element 26, 28, 30, 32 is interpreted by the evaluation device 68 such that the signal detected by the touch sensor 34 is another valid touch signal 88. Therefore, only the rightmost sensor element 32 in Fig. 1, which is assigned to the rightmost input area 22 in Fig. 1, does not result in the output of such another touch signal 88, according to Fig. 7.

[0065] In the present case, it is ensured that, despite the presence of the additional touch signals 88, the functions assigned to the corresponding input areas 16, 20, i.e., the additional input areas 16, 20 which, according to Fig. 1, are directly adjacent to the first input area 18, are not activated. The evaluation device 68 allows the activation of the function assigned to the first input area 18, even though the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuating force 50 (see Fig. 6) has been exceeded. This is because the first touch signal 36 is detected before the additional touch signals 88 (see Fig. 7), with the additional touch signals 88 being assigned to the additional input areas 16, 20.

[0066] Thus, a logic or algorithm is stored in the evaluation device 68 which ensures that the first valid touch signal 36 suppresses the second force threshold or the predetermined threshold value 66. In other words, even exceeding the predetermined threshold value 66 or the second force threshold does not result in the function corresponding to the first touch signal 36 being inhibited. The output of the first touch signal 36 results from the actual touching of the first input area 18. The function assigned to the first input area 18 is activated even if the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50, i.e., the second force threshold, is exceeded (see Fig. 6). This is based on the insight presented below.If the actuating part 14 is pressed very quickly, for example in the first input area 18, it may happen that both the first force threshold or the minimum value 60 and the second force threshold or the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuating force 50 are already exceeded before the output signal can be provided at the output of the input device 10, which signal is intended to activate the function of the motor vehicle assigned to the first input area 18. This may be due to the fact that both the recognition of the first touch signal 36 as valid and the detection of the actuating force 50 are associated with a certain time delay or time expenditure.

[0067] A further time delay results from the fact that the output signal must be provided at the output of input device 10, which signal must then be implemented to activate the desired function. Accordingly, the second force threshold and thus the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 can be exceeded (see Fig. 6) before the output signal can be provided at the output of input device 10. In this case, it would not be sensible to use the exceeding of the predetermined threshold value 66 as a reason not to activate the function assigned to the first input area 18 or to prevent the activation of this function.

[0068] Therefore, the evaluation device 68 is configured here to permit activation of the function assigned to the first input area 18 even if the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuating force 50 is exceeded, provided that the first touch signal 36 is detected for the first input area 18. The first touch signal 36 is thus output by the touch sensor 34 before at least one of the further touch signals 88 is output by the touch sensor 34.

[0069] In other words, for the first valid touch signal 36, the second force threshold or the predetermined threshold value 66 is deactivated. Accordingly, in the presently considered example, a quick and forceful press on the first input area 18, for example as a result of striking the first input area 18, also triggers the hazard warning switch. For the additional input areas 16, 20, the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 is used by the evaluation device 68 to decide whether the function assigned to the respective additional input area 16, 18 should be inhibited. Accordingly, despite the detection of the additional touch signals 88 (see Fig. 7), the activation of the functions assigned to the additional input areas 16, 18 is inhibited because the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50 has been exceeded (see Fig. 6).

[0070] The time delay between the beginning of the detection of the first touch signal 36 and the output of the output signal at the output of the input device 10 can, for example, be in the range of approximately 50 milliseconds. Therefore, if the operator presses or strikes the first input area 18 very quickly and forcefully, the second force threshold, or the predetermined threshold value 66 of the actuation force 50, can already be exceeded within these 50 milliseconds.

[0071] In this case, the second force threshold (i.e., the non-output of the output signal at the output of the input device 10) is therefore suppressed for the first input area 18, at which the first touch signal 36 is detected. Even if the predetermined threshold value 66 or the second force threshold is quickly reached or exceeded, the function assigned to the first input area 18 is thus always activated.

[0072] The sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 can be components of a film associated with the touch sensor 34, which is arranged on the back 76 of the actuating part 14 or operating part. When the evaluation device 68 queries whether a valid touch signal 36, 88 is output by the touch sensor 34, the sensor elements associated with the input areas not actually touched (according to Fig. 1, i.e., the input areas 16, 20, and 22) are preferably electrically grounded. According to Fig. 1, the sensor elements 26, 30, and 32 can thus be electrically grounded so that these sensor elements 26, 30, 32 do not interfere with the detection of the capacitance change between the finger 24 and the actually touched first input area 18.

[0073] This is accompanied by the fact that approaching or touching the base plate 54 or the film 78 can lead to capacitive crosstalk between the sensor elements 26, 30, 32 that are arranged near the sensor element 28 associated with the first input area 18 that is actually touched. This is because the plastic of the film 78 or the base plate 54 can ensure that electric field lines are conducted to the electrically adjacent sensor elements 26, 30, 32. Therefore, it can happen that, based on the additional touch signals 88, it is concluded that the additional input areas 16, 20 have been touched, even though there is actually or de facto no contact between these additional input areas 16, 20.

[0074] When the predetermined threshold value 66 or the second force threshold is forcefully pressed or exceeded, the artificial, active touch signals 88 are output within the input device 10. However, the output of the functions assigned to the corresponding further input areas 16, 20 is suppressed because the second force threshold or the predetermined threshold value 66 was exceeded when the actuating force 50 was applied (see Fig. 6).

[0075] In Fig. 3 it is shown by way of example that the actuating part 14 or the control panel can be convexly curved towards the surroundings 74.

[0076] For reasons of clarity, the sensor elements 26, 28, 30, 32 assigned to the individual input areas 16, 18, 20, 22 are not shown in detail in Fig. 3. However, it is clearly evident from Fig. 3 that pressing on the first input area 18 causes the rear side 76 of the flexible actuating part 14 to approach the base plate 54. By means of the force sensor 52, which is also not shown in Fig. 3 for reasons of clarity, the approach of the rear side 76 of the actuating part 14 to the base plate 54 and thus the actuating force 50 can be detected very easily and reliably.

[0077] In the variant of the input device 10 according to Fig. 3, the gap 70 between the base plate 54 and the rear side 76 of the actuating part 14 becomes smaller when the rear side 76 of the actuating part 14 moves toward the base plate 54 due to the pressure being applied to the actuating part 14. Particularly with such a convexly curved shape of the actuating part 14, individual or mutually different minimum values ​​60 of the actuating force 50 can be assigned to the respective input areas 16, 18, 20, 22. Furthermore, different predetermined threshold values ​​66 or second force thresholds of the actuating force 50 can be assigned to the mutually different input areas 16, 18, 20, 22.This is because, for example, pressing one of the middle input areas 18, 20 by a certain amount or downward path requires a lower actuating force 50 than is the case when pressing one of the outer input areas 16, 22.

[0078] Accordingly, the first force threshold and the second force threshold can be individually set and calibrated for each input range 16, 18, 20, 22, for example during production of the input device 10.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Input device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a flexible actuating part (14) which has a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein an activation of a respective function of the motor vehicle is assigned to a respective one of the input areas (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein the input device (10) has a touch sensor (34) which is designed to output a respective touch signal (36, 88) which indicates a touching of the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein the input device (10) has a force sensor (52) by means of which an actuating force (50) can be detected, wherein the actuating force (50) is dependent on a pressure which can be applied to the actuating part (14), wherein the input device (10) has an evaluation device (68) which is designed to first input area (18),to which a first touch signal (36) is assigned, which can be detected before at least one further touch signal (88), wherein the at least one further touch signal (88) is assigned to at least one further input area (16, 20), to allow the activation of the function assigned to the first input area (18) even if a predetermined threshold value (66) of the actuating force (50) is exceeded, and wherein the evaluation device (68) is designed to use the predetermined threshold value (66) in a decision as to whether activation of the function assigned to the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) is to be prevented.

2. Input device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation device (68) is designed to prevent the activation of the function assigned to the at least one further input area (16, 20) despite detection of the at least one further touch signal (88), which indicates touching of the at least one further input area (16, 20), if the predetermined threshold value (66) of the actuating force (50) is exceeded.

3. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (68) is designed to permit the activation of the function assigned to the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) depending on whether a minimum value (60) of the actuating force (50) is exceeded.

4. Input device (10) according to claim 3, wherein different input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) are assigned different minimum values ​​(60) of the actuating force (50), and wherein the evaluation device (68) is designed to allow the activation of the function assigned to the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) depending on whether the minimum value (60) of the actuating force (50) individually assigned to the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) is exceeded.

5. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein mutually different input areas (16, 18, 20, 22) of the input device (10) are assigned mutually different predetermined threshold values ​​(66) of the actuating force (50).

6. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of the actuating part (14) that can be touched by an operator is designed as an outer side (72) of an operating panel of the input device (10), and wherein the operating panel is convexly curved towards an environment (74) of the input device (10) that is adjacent to the outer side (72).

7. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein respective sensor elements (26, 28, 30, 32) of the touch sensor (34) designed as a capacitive sensor device are arranged on a rear side (76) of the actuating part (14), which is facing away from an environment (74) of the input device (10), wherein the sensor elements (26, 28, 30, 32) are assigned to a respective one of the input regions (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein an intermediate space (70) is formed between the rear side (76) of the actuating part (14) and a base plate (54) of the input device (10), and wherein the rear side (76) of the actuating part (14) can be moved towards the base plate (54) by applying pressure to the actuating part (14).

8. Input device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the force sensor (52) is designed as a distance sensor, by means of which a change in a distance of the rear side (76) of the actuating part (14) from the base plate (54) can be detected.

9. Input device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the base plate (54) is designed as a diffuser which is designed to scatter light from at least one light source (56) of the input device (10), wherein the actuating part (14) can be exposed from the rear side (76) to the light scattered by means of the diffuser.

10. A method for operating an input device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a flexible actuating part (14) which has a plurality of adjacently arranged input areas (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein an activation of a respective function of the motor vehicle is assigned to a respective one of the input areas (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein the input device (10) has a touch sensor (34) which is designed to output a respective touch signal (36, 88) which indicates a touching of the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein the input device (10) has a force sensor (52) by means of which an actuating force (50) is detected, wherein the actuating force (50) is dependent on a pressure with which the actuating part (14) is acted upon, wherein the input device (10) has an evaluation device (68) which is designed for a first input area (18),to which a first touch signal (36) is assigned, which can be detected before at least one further touch signal (88), wherein the at least one further touch signal (88) is assigned to at least one further input area (16, 20), allows the activation of the function assigned to the first input area (18) even though a predetermined threshold value (66) of the actuating force (50) is exceeded, wherein the predetermined threshold value (66) is used by the evaluation device (68) in a decision as to whether activation of the function assigned to the respective input area (16, 18, 20, 22) is to be prevented.

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