Vehicle operation unit

Abstract

The vehicle operating unit comprises an operating element 12 with an operating surface 14 having a plurality of symbol fields 16, to which operating functions are assigned that can be activated upon actuation of the operating element 12. The operating element 12 is arranged on a support structure 18 in a restorable manner and in a manner that allows it to be depressed by an actuating object, in particular a finger. The operating unit (10) further comprises a mechanical switch (22) that can be actuated when the operating element (12) is pressed down, a controllable depression force threshold switching device (34) for switching the force that must be exceeded to press down the operating element (12) between a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, an actuation sensor system (30) for detecting whether an actuation object is in contact with the operating element (12) in any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating surface (14) when the operating element (12) is actuated, and an evaluation and control unit (32), wherein the evaluation and control unit (32) receives a signal from the actuation sensor system (30), in particular from the actuation sensor system (30), and causes the depression force threshold switching device (34), in particular the depression force threshold switching device (34), to switch from the first threshold value to the second threshold value by changing the control only if an actuation object in any of the symbol fields (16) is in contact with the operating surface (14) in any of the symbol fields (16) when the operating element (12) is actuated. The depression force threshold switching device (34) is an electromagnet or a permanently held electromagnet (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle operation unit, particularly a vehicle operation unit having a passive tactile concept.

Background Art

[0002] The popularity of vehicle operation units in which an operation element is configured as a display and various symbol fields for command input are provided on its operation surface is increasing more and more. Here, attempts have been made to convey to the operator a tactile sensation that is recognized by depressing an operation key and a mechanical switch arranged behind the operation key when the operator touches any of the symbol fields or presses the operation element.

[0003] For this purpose, there are two fundamentally different methods, one is an active tactile concept and the other is a passive tactile concept. In the active tactile concept, there is no mechanical switch (the effective operation of the operation element is recognized by the operation unit sensing that it has been depressed to a prescribed degree), and the tactile sensation of the button being pressed is performed pseudo - actively by exciting the operation element, that is, a display having an operation surface configured as a touch screen, in a pulsed and mechanical manner. In many cases, this concept requires measuring the pressing force acting on the operation surface in order to generate a pulsed excitation with a minimum pressing force (force feedback). When the display is operated outside the signal field, the actuator may not be controlled and the active tactile response may be suppressed, thereby transmitting an ineffective operation to the operation element. These concepts are quite complex in their configuration and, for example, require an actuator controlled accordingly.

[0004] In an operating element having an operating surface with multiple symbol fields, the tactile sensation of a pressed switch can be much more easily realized by activating, for example, a mechanical switch when the operating element is pressed down. This mechanical switch then provides a tactile concept and tactile feedback similar to that obtained by a user pressing an operating key.

[0005] However, in passive tactile concepts with mechanical switches, a problem arises when a user touches the operating surface outside the symbol field and presses the operating element at that location, yet the user still receives tactile feedback from the pressed switch. In this situation, even though no valid command input is performed, the activation of a switching function or similar is conveyed to the user tactilely.

[0006] Mechanical or electromechanically functioning push-down force threshold switching devices are known from German Patent Application Publication No. 102011089400, German Patent Application Publication No. 102014019041, and German Patent Application Publication No. 102010026910, which have a mechanism to mechanically prevent the pressing down of an operating element, particularly one configured as a touch screen, in its basic state, and to release this blocking function as needed to allow the operating element to be pressed down. These known push-down force threshold switching devices have the disadvantage that they may be damaged or destroyed if the operating element is activated incorrectly or if an unintended excessive push-down force is applied to the operating element.

[0007] From German Patent Application Publication No. 102018212618, it is known that a blocking body made of an electroactive polymer may be used instead of a mechanically functioning push-down force threshold switching device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102011089400 Specification [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102014019041 Specification [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102010026910 Specification [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018212618 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to improve the operability of a vehicle control unit that incorporates a so-called passive tactile concept. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following: A vehicle control unit, The casing and The system comprises an operating element having an operating surface with multiple symbol fields, and operating functions that can be activated when the operating element is operated are assigned to the symbol fields. The above operating element is positioned on the support structure in a manner that allows it to be restored and, in particular, to be pressed down by an operating object such as a finger. A controllable depressing force threshold switching device for switching the force that must be exceeded to depress the above operating element between a first threshold and a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, An operating sensor system for detecting whether the operating object is in contact with the operating element when the operating element is operated, in any of the symbol fields on the operating surface described above, The system further comprises an evaluation control unit, which receives a signal from the operating sensor system, particularly the operating sensor system, and, when the operating element is operating, if the operating object is in contact with the operating surface in any of the symbol fields, it causes the push-down force threshold switching device, particularly the push-down force threshold switching device, to switch from the first threshold to the second threshold by changing the control. The above-mentioned downward force threshold switching device comprises at least one electromagnet having a stator and an armature that are relatively movable, and a coil. The above-mentioned armature is attached to the operating element or an element mechanically connected to the operating element on and / or inside the housing, or the stator is fixed to the operating element or an element mechanically connected to the operating element, and the armature is attached on and / or inside the housing, in this operating unit.

[0011] In other words, according to the present invention, an operating element of an operating unit having an operating surface equipped with multiple symbol fields, which activates, for example, a mechanical switch when operated, can be pushed down with a low force threshold (second threshold) when the operating sensor system detects that the operating object touching the operating surface is within one of the symbol fields of the operating surface. On the other hand, by switching to a substantially larger force threshold (first threshold), activation of the switch, etc., can be avoided when the operating object is in an area outside the symbol field, that is, for example, between two symbol fields. In this situation, the operating element becomes very difficult to push down, and the push-down force threshold that must be exceeded is much higher than in the first case described above.

[0012] This concept not only facilitates the implementation of passive tactile feedback in operating elements with operating surfaces having multiple symbolic fields, but also prevents unintended movement of the operating element due to vibrations acting on the vehicle, for example. In operating units equipped with tactile feedback, the operating element is typically mounted by a spring, which can cause unintended vibrations that may trigger the switching function.

[0013] However, the present invention can be understood in much more general terms than described above. The present invention relates to the release of the depressability of an operating element, regardless of whether or not tactile feedback is provided for the operating element. According to the present invention, first, the depressability threshold is basically set high (first threshold), and is lowered to a second threshold (which may be zero) only when there is effective operation of the operating element. According to the present invention, the depressability threshold switching device is configured as an electromagnet, and this electromagnet may or may not be provided with a permanent magnet. If the electromagnet is not provided with a permanent magnet, the holding force is generated by energizing the coil. This energization is stopped when it is desired to release the depressability of the operating element. In other words, the evaluation control unit of the operating unit according to the present invention controls such an electromagnet with a first control signal to generate a holding force, and controls it with a second control signal to stop the energization of the coil, thereby stopping the holding force.

[0014] From the viewpoint of control and energy consumption, it is more preferable to use a permanently held electromagnet as a push-down force threshold switching device. Here, the holding force is generated by the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet, but this needs to be stopped for the time it is desired that the operating element be able to be pushed down. For this reason, the coil is energized accordingly, and the permanent magnetic field is neutralized by its magnetic field. In other words, the non-energization of the coil or the energization of the coil by a quiescent current that is not large enough to compensate for the permanent magnetic field represents the first control signal, and the second control signal output from the evaluation control unit contributes to the energization of the coil or leads to the energization of the coil for the purpose of compensating (neutralizing) the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

[0015] In other words, in a useful embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnet is configured as a permanent holding electromagnet involved in generating a permanent magnetic field for holding an armature, the coil does not receive a control signal for energizing the coil in order to maintain a high push-down force threshold, and the coil receives a control signal for energizing the coil in order to neutralize or significantly weaken the permanent magnetic field in order to release the push-down force of the operating element.

[0016] In a useful embodiment of the present invention, for example, in the basic setting, the depression force threshold switching device makes it a very difficult-to-depress state, and when the operation sensor system conveys that an operating object is in contact with the operation surface in any of the symbol fields, the evaluation control unit outputs a signal for switching to a low depression force threshold (second threshold) to the depression force threshold switching device.

[0017] Also preferably, when the operation sensor system does not convey the contact between the operating object and any of the symbol fields on the operation surface, the depression force threshold switching device may switch or maintain the depression force threshold to a high first force threshold, and as long as the operation sensor system does not convey the contact between the operating object and any of the symbol fields on the operation surface, the depression force threshold switching device may hold the depressibility of the operating element at a high threshold.

[0018] As already described above, the operating element is typically implemented as a display. As the display, a touch screen (or touch pad) is suitable. Such a touch screen has a touch sensor system, by which it can be detected which symbol field the operating object is in contact with. Any concept of the touch sensor system can be applied to the operation unit according to the present invention as is known from touch screens or touch pads. The information shown on the display is typically variable as is known, for example, from a menu-form graphic screen. The information can be represented in the form of symbols, figures, icons or alphanumeric characters. However, in the present invention, an operating element having a "fixed" display surface can also be realized as an operation surface. Such a "fixed" display surface always displays the same unchanged information and can be realized, for example, by symbols, icons, figures or alphanumeric characters illuminated by a backlight.

[0019] The features of another aspect of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, unless explicitly described above or below.

[0020] The ability to arbitrarily lower the depressing force threshold of an operating element using an electromagnet or permanently retaining electromagnet provided by the present invention is advantageous over pure interlock devices with mechanical locks, such as those referenced at the beginning, in that, for safety reasons, even if a certain pressing force is exceeded, such as a fairly high pressing force applied manually, it can be reversed, i.e., released without damaging the depressing force threshold switching device. When the operating element is pressed fairly hard, it exceeds the resistive force related to the first threshold generated by the magnetic field due to the quiescent current of the electromagnet and / or the permanent magnetic field of the permanently retaining electromagnet. This may occur inappropriately or accidentally, for example, when vibration or shock is applied to the operating unit from an external source. The actual force threshold that needs to be exceeded when intentionally operating a key or display type operating element typically varies in the range of several N (Newtons), for example, from 2 to 4 N, and this may be the magnitude of the second threshold, although the second threshold may be 0 N. The holding force or resisting force related to the first threshold that can be provided by the system used in the present invention can be, for example, 10 times the force threshold, for example, between 20N and 50N. When the maximum holding force determined by this first threshold is exceeded, the electromagnet or permanently holding electromagnet is released, and the armature moves relative to the stator, separating from the stator. Subsequently, as soon as this maximum force no longer acts on the operating element, the push-down force threshold switching device regains its given function. This is not possible with a purely mechanically locking system.

[0021] A high force threshold (first threshold) serves to inform the user that they are not currently operating the operating element correctly and are operating it in the "wrong place." In such cases, the user will usually first try to push down the operating element with relatively low pressure. If this is unsuccessful, they will intuitively try to activate the operating element by increasing the force. The operating element must also provide sufficient resistance to this increased force. This is also true when the user tries to push down the operating element again with increased force. In other words, it is desirable that the first force threshold is greater than all of these normally expected operating forces.

[0022] Therefore, the depression force threshold switching device used in the present invention is a device that can be reversibly switched between two depression force thresholds. When the maximum holding force is exceeded, the operating element can be depressed reversibly in any case. When it is desired to be able to depress an operating element that is operating properly, the holding force can be reduced. Further, in the latter case, when a pure electromagnet is used as the holding magnet, the coil current is reduced, and when a permanent holding electromagnet is used, the coil current is maintained lower than the magnitude that completely compensates the permanent magnetic field by the electromagnetic field, so that the force threshold for properly operating the operating element can also be set electrically.

[0023] That is, according to the concept of the present invention that realizes the depression force threshold switching device as an electromagnet, much more functionality regarding release functions can be obtained than a system that is purely mechanically locked like the system of the document cited at the beginning.

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to embodiments with reference to the drawings schematically showing the embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a permanent holding electromagnet.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] FIG. 1 schematically shows an operation unit 10 having a passive tactile concept. The operation unit 10 has a housing 11 including an operating element 12 mounted as a touch screen having an operation surface 14 in the present embodiment. The operation surface 14 has a plurality of symbol fields 16. The operating element 12 is guided to be depressible on a support structure 18 and is pulled to the initial position in FIG. 1 by a recoverable component such as a spring 20. Thus, the operating element 12 is elastically attached.

[0027] A mechanical switch 22, similarly positioned on the support structure 18, is activated by a downward action performed by an operating object such as a finger or a pen-shaped object. The mechanical switch 22 has a switch housing 24 that includes a switching member 26 elastically held in an initial position. A tappet 28 provided on the operating element 12 acts on this switching member 26.

[0028] The mechanical switch 22 provides tactile feedback to the user when the operating element 12 is pressed down. In other words, the mechanical properties of the switch 22 when the operating element 12 is pressed down, i.e., when the switching member 26 is pressed down, are mechanically transmitted to the operating element 12, and the user feels a tactile sensation similar to the tactile sensation they perceive when pressing down a key switch. As the switch 22, for example, a keytop, a pressure-sensitive mat with a built-in snap disc, or a short-stroke key can be used.

[0029] Regarding the user receiving tactile feedback for the activation of the switching operation, a problem arises when the user presses down the operating element 12. Instead of pressing down the symbol field 16, the user's press of the operating element 12 may touch an area on the operating surface 14 where the switching function or command input cannot be executed, such as between two symbol fields 16. Nevertheless, the user receives the corresponding tactile feedback, leading them to believe that a valid command input or switching function has been performed.

[0030] Therefore, according to the present invention, the operating element 12 can be pressed down with sufficient force with the force normally applied when operating an operating key, only when it is detected that an operating object (a finger) is on the symbol field 16 when the operating surface 14 is touched. The operating sensor system 30, which is usually configured as a touch sensor system built into a display such as a touch screen, can detect, for example, where the user's finger is on the operating surface 14. The operating sensor system 30 outputs a signal corresponding to the evaluation control unit 32, which has a pressing force threshold switching device 34 for switching the force threshold for the pressing operation of the operating element 12 from a higher value to a lower value such as zero. As this pressing force threshold switching device 34, for example, one or more electromagnets or permanently held electromagnets (see also Figure 2) are used, and in an uncontrolled state, a built-in permanent magnet prevents, for example, a first part 36 connected to the operating element 12 from moving toward a second part 38 located on the support structure 18. The magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is offset, changed, or redirected to cancel out the relatively large resistance it generates when the coil is controlled by the evaluation control unit 32, making the operating element 12 movable and pressable.

[0031] Furthermore, Figure 1 suggests that the operating element 12 is pressed down on the symbol field 16. The evaluation control unit 32 detects this press-down based on position data sent from the operation sensor system 30. Alternatively, the operation sensor system 30 transmits the above operation only if there is a valid operation of the operating surface 14 on the symbol field 16. In either case, the evaluation control unit 32 controls the press-down force threshold switching device 34 to switch to a lower second threshold in order to operate the operating element 12 with a smaller required force threshold or a force threshold of 0N. The switching signal sent from the switch 22 is also released or switched by the evaluation control unit 32, for example, as suggested in 39 of Figure 1.

[0032] As can be seen from the above, Figure 1 illustrates the components and elements of the present invention that primarily interact. The operating element 12, which has an operating surface 14, is typically attached by a spring. When a force acts from above and exceeds a switching threshold defined, for example, by the bias of the switching member 26, the switch 22 is activated. The switch has a characteristic force-displacement curve, and as the force increases, the switching member moves to a point where it reaches the switch activation position "instantly" without requiring additional force. At this time, mechanical feedback (tactile feedback), i.e., force feedback, is returned to the operating surface 14. The operating surface 14 or the operating element 12 can be locked by arbitrarily switching the resistance force against the pressing down of the operating element 12 to a higher first threshold, or by setting a higher resistance force for each symbol field 16 that can be preset by at least temporarily defined conditions, thereby suppressing the activation of the switch 22.

[0033] Using the permanently held electromagnet 40 schematically shown in Figure 2 as the push-down force threshold switching device 34 is preferable because, at the holding position of the holding magnet, the movable armature 42 and the stationary stator 44 do not come into contact with each other, and are separated by, for example, a minimum air gap 46. The air gap 46 may be filled with a mechanically vaporized compressible material or the like. In other words, no noise is generated, and since the armature 42 and stator 44 do not come into contact, no mechanical force feedback that would impair operability occurs on the operating surface 14. The permanent magnet 50 is provided on the stationary stator 44 or the movable armature 42. Furthermore, the stator 44 has a coil 48, and current flows through the coil 48 in order to cancel, change, or redirect the magnetic field generated from the permanent magnet 50 that acts to hold the position of the armature 42. In other words, conventionally, when a finger is detected via the touch sensor system 30, the coil 48 of the permanently held electromagnet 40 is energized, and the higher resistance is counteracted. This happens within a few milliseconds and is therefore not perceived as a delay.

[0034] In other words, the configuration according to the present invention makes it possible to realize the passive tactile concept in a simple and easy-to-use manner. This is characterized in that a pressable operating element acts on a mechanical switch, and the mechanical switch provides tactilely recognizable force feedback to the operating element. The operating element has multiple symbol fields. Not all operating surfaces are always filled with symbol fields. For example, "isolated touch areas" may be designated on the operating surface. No function is assigned between these isolated areas. However, without further measures, force from a finger may act on the operating surface, causing it to move and activating a function that does not exist. This is prevented by a higher press resistance force that can be set according to the present invention. The press resistance, which is suppressed by a high first threshold, is released only when a finger is in a designated touch area. It may also be released only temporarily in the designated touch area. This prevents, for example, a higher press resistance force from being assigned to a touch area that is basically released and becoming "disabled" due to the above-mentioned operating state of the vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 10. Operation Unit 11. Housing of the operating unit 12 Operating elements 14 Operating surface of the operating element 16 Symbol Fields 18 Support structure 20 springs 22 switches 24 Switch cabinets 26 Switching component 28 Tappet 30. Actuation Sensor System 32 Control Units 34. Push-down force threshold switching device 36 First part arranged on the operating element 38 Second part placed in the support structure 39 Transfer of switch signals 40 permanent retention electromagnet 42 armature 44 Stator 46 void 48 coils 50 permanent magnets

Claims

1. A vehicle operation unit, A housing (11), an operating element (12) having an operating surface (14) with a plurality of symbol fields (16), wherein operating functions that can be activated upon actuation of the operating element (12) are assigned to the symbol fields (16); the operating element (12) is arranged on a support structure (18) in a restorable state and in a state in which it can be depressed by an actuating object, in particular a finger, a controllable depression force threshold switching device (34) for switching the force that must be exceeded to depress the operating element (12) between a first threshold and a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold; an actuation sensor system (30) for detecting whether the actuation object is in contact with the operating element (12) in any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating surface (14) when the operating element (12) is actuated; and an evaluation and control unit (32) that receives a signal from the actuation sensor system (30), in particular from the actuation sensor system (30), and that causes the depression force threshold switching device (34), in particular the depression force threshold switching device (34), to switch from the first threshold value to the second threshold value by a control change only when the actuation object is in contact with the actuation surface (14) in any of the symbol fields (16) upon actuation of the operating element (12); The depression force threshold switching device (34) has at least one electromagnet (40) having a stator (44) and an armature (42) that are relatively movable, and a coil (48); An operating unit in which the armature (42) is attached to the operating element (12) or an element (36) mechanically connected to the operating element (12) on and / or within the housing (11), or the stator (44) is fixed to the operating element (12) or an element mechanically connected to the operating element (12), and the armature (42) is attached to and / or within the housing (11).

2. 2. The operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the stator (44) of the electromagnet (40) has a permanent magnet (50) for generating a permanent magnetic field (50) for holding the armature (42).

3. 3. The operating unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the coil (48) does not receive a control signal for energizing the coil (48) from the evaluation and control unit (32) in order to switch to the first threshold value and / or to maintain the first threshold value.

4. 4. An operating unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the coil (48) receives a control signal for energizing the coil (48) in order to reduce or neutralize the permanent magnetic field (50) in order to switch to the second threshold value and / or to maintain the second threshold value.

5. 5. The operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is selected by the depression force threshold switching device (34) when the actuation object is not in contact with any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating element (12), and the evaluation and control unit (32) outputs a control signal to the depression force threshold switching device (34) for switching to the second threshold value when the actuation sensor system (30) reports that the actuation object is in contact with the operating surface (14) in any of the symbol fields (16).

6. 6. The operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is selected by the depression force threshold switching device (34) when the actuating object is not in contact with any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating element (12), or the first threshold value is selected by the depression force threshold switching device (34) when the actuating object is not in contact with any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating element (12) as long as the actuation sensor system (30) does not report contact between the actuating object and any of the symbol fields (16) on the operating surface (14).

7. 7. An operating unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (12) has a backlit or non-backlit display with a display surface as operating surface for displaying variable information in the form of symbols, icons, alphanumeric characters or figures, or the operating element has a display surface as operating surface (14) for displaying unchanging information, in particular backlit information, in the form of symbols, icons, alphanumeric characters or figures.

8. 8. The operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the symbol fields (16) are at least temporarily configurable so that when the actuation sensor system (30) reports contact between the actuation object and at least one of the symbol fields (16), the evaluation and control unit (32) does not output a control signal to the depression force threshold switching device (34) for switching from the first threshold value to the second threshold value.

9. 9. The operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the second threshold value is equal to the force applied to press down the operating element (12) when the actuation object is in contact with any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating element (12).

10. 9. The operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is at least one order of magnitude greater than the force applied to press down the operating element (12) when the actuation object is in contact with any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating element (12).

11. 11. The operating unit according to claim 10, wherein the second threshold value is equal to the force applied to press down the operating element (12) when the actuation object is in contact with any of the symbol fields (16) of the operating element (12).

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