Operating device and motor vehicle comprising such an operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, comprising an opening, which extends along a longitudinal axis, for arranging the operating device on a steering unit of a motor vehicle and comprising an operating element which has an operating surface. The operating element is designed to be displaceable, and the displacement capability of the operating element is at least partly provided by a transmission element on which the operating element is arranged or formed. The transmission element is operatively connected to a haptic device which is offset relative to the operating element in the circumferential direction of the opening.

Description

[0001] OPERATING DEVICE AND MOTOR VEHICLE WITH SUCH AN OPERATING DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to an operating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, and to a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle.

[0003] Operating devices for motor vehicles, in particular motor vehicles such as motorcycles or scooters, are generally known from the prior art. They are usually arranged in the immediate vicinity of the grips, where they can be operated without the rider having to take their hand off the handlebar. Operation is typically achieved with the thumb. In this context, EP 1 727 728 B1 shows, for example, an operating element for a vehicle steerable with a handlebar, having an actuating ring rotatably mounted on the handlebar and located in the area of ​​a handle of the handlebar, which, in addition to being rotatable, has at least one further degree of freedom for selecting a vehicle function. One challenge in the development of such operating devices is the size. It must be ensured that the operating elements are ergonomically easy to reach. This generally means that they should be as flat and / or low as possible.However, this proves to be difficult, especially when many degrees of freedom have to be realized or high demands are placed on the haptics.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an operating device and a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device is intended to meet the highest ergonomic and haptic requirements.

[0005] This object is achieved by an operating device according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to claim 14. Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims as well as the description and the attached figures.

[0006] According to the invention, an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, comprises an opening which extends along a longitudinal axis for arranging the operating device on a handlebar unit of a motor vehicle, and comprising an operating element which has an operating surface which is preferably oriented parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the operating element is designed to be displaceable, and wherein the displaceability of the operating element is provided at least partially by a transmission element on or at which the operating element is arranged or formed, wherein the transmission element is operatively connected to a haptic device, and wherein the haptic device and / or a bearing of the transmission element is arranged offset from the operating element in the circumferential direction of the opening.The haptic device is designed and intended to generate haptic feedback to the operator of the control element, typically the driver. The haptic device can be passive or active. With a passive haptic device, also referred to herein as a "haptic device," no additional actuator or the like is necessary. Instead, a force is generated, for example, by suitable restoring elements such as springs, magnets, or the like.

[0007] The major advantage in this case is that the operating element, i.e. the part that is directly operated by an operator, for example with a thumb, is connected to the transmission element. On the one hand, the operating element is mounted via the transmission element, and on the other hand, the haptic feedback generated by the haptic device can be transmitted back to the operating element. In this case, the mounting and / or the haptic device can be spatially decoupled from the operating element via the transmission element. In other words, the mounting and / or the haptic device can be positioned where they do not "disturb". For the operating element, this means, among other things, that it or its operating surface can be positioned very close to the handlebar unit. The distance between the operating surface and the handlebar unit in the radial direction can therefore be very small.This allows for very convenient operation. Furthermore, the spatial separation of the haptic device from the control element creates additional space for arranging other switches and actuators, etc., in or near the control element, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0008] “Offset in the circumferential direction” means, for example, offset by an angular range of preferably at least 80° or at least 90°. The reference axis here is the longitudinal axis along which the opening extends or along which the handlebar unit also extends in this area. According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission element encompasses or projects around the opening at least in part, preferably completely. In this case, the transmission element can also be described as “circular arc-shaped” or “annular”. The actual design depends in particular on the design of the haptic device. According to one embodiment, the transmission element describes a circular arc and spans an angle of approximately 180°, with haptic elements and the bearing of the transmission element being provided at each end.In this embodiment, the control element is arranged approximately centrally in the circumferential direction.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the transmission element completely or almost completely encompasses the opening. In this case, the transmission element can be described as (circular) ring-shaped. One or more bearing points and one or more haptic elements can be arranged along the ring-shaped transmission element to enable the desired relocatability of the control element.

[0010] Preferably, the transmission element is mounted in such a way that the operating element can be displaced along and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis, preferably along and transversely to the longitudinal axis. "Transversely to the longitudinal axis" is understood in particular to mean rotation about the longitudinal axis.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the operating element is arranged on or at the transmission element so as to be fixed or displaceable in at least one direction. The term “fixed” is to be understood to mean that the operating element cannot be displaced relative to the transmission element. In this embodiment, the operating element and the transmission element can also be formed as a single piece. Alternatively, the operating element is arranged so as to be displaceable in at least one direction. In this embodiment, for example, the operating element can be displaced towards the transmission element in order to provide a first degree of freedom for the operating element. If the operating element is moved in a different direction, the transmission element moves accordingly, depending on its mounting.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, a push-button switch is arranged between the operating element and the transmission element. The push-button enables the pressing of the operating element. A corresponding haptic device is built into the push-button itself, which, however, can be implemented in a compact manner since it only has to operate one degree of freedom. Furthermore, these are standard components that are inexpensive and function reliably.

[0013] For better understanding, reference is made below to a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0014] The x-axis of the coordinate system extends along the longitudinal axis of the aforementioned opening, the y-axis perpendicular to the operating surface of the operating element and the z-direction perpendicular to it.

[0015] In the aforementioned embodiment, the operating element is arranged on the transmission element so that it can move along the y-axis, for example, indirectly via the push button. The arrangement of the operating element is also designed such that no relative movement along the x- and z-directions is possible. To achieve this, the transmission element is expediently mounted accordingly. The connection of the operating element to the transmission element advantageously requires very little installation space.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission element has an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring is mounted and / or arranged to be movable in the circumferential direction, according to one embodiment on a base body of the operating device, which preferably also forms the opening, and wherein the outer ring is pivotably or movably arranged on the inner ring transversely to the circumferential direction, in particular along the aforementioned x-axis. In this embodiment, the operating element is expediently arranged indirectly via the push button on the transmission element, so that five functions can be realized via the operating element in this embodiment, in particular pressing, moving to the left and right (x-axis), and moving in the circumferential direction (z-axis). The aforementioned embodiment, comprising the inner ring and the outer ring, enables particularly robust and space-saving mounting.The outer ring is preferably arranged on the inner ring according to a cardanic bearing, for example via two appropriately designed, in particular oppositely arranged, bearing points. Appropriately designed balls or the like can be provided at the bearing points, for example. According to a preferred embodiment, the haptic device is arranged opposite the control element. This is particularly advantageous because a lot of installation space is typically available on this side, facing away from the driver. As already mentioned, the haptic device preferably comprises one or more haptic elements. Haptic elements are understood to be those components or elements which are designed to generate the forces etc. necessary to produce the haptic effect. As already mentioned, passive haptic elements, such as magnetic elements, friction elements, spring elements or the like, are preferably used in the present case.The spatial separation of the haptic device from the control element also advantageously enables the use of active elements, which may require more installation space but can simultaneously offer several degrees of freedom in their effect. Active elements include, for example, electrically operated actuators or similar devices.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the haptic device comprises a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element is arranged on the transmission element and wherein the second magnetic element is arranged on an auxiliary element which is rotatably or pivotably mounted in a bearing point. The transmission element preferably comprises the aforementioned outer ring and the inner ring. The haptic device is preferably arranged opposite the operating element, and the auxiliary element is preferably positioned on the outer ring. For the auxiliary element, haptic feedback to the operating element is possible both indirectly via the transmission element and preferably a travel limitation for limiting the displaceability of the operating element or the transmission element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the transmission element and / or the bearing point has one or more stop surfaces, whereby the rotational and / or pivoting movement of the auxiliary element is limited. The stop surfaces are designed and positioned such that a movement of the auxiliary element can be limited by them. Relative to the aforementioned coordinate system, the auxiliary element is rotatably mounted in the bearing point about both the x-axis and the z-axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing point is a sleeve-like element in which a spherical element of the auxiliary element is rotatably mounted. A particularly advantageous feature of this configuration is that the auxiliary element can process several degrees of freedom of the operating element. The haptic device can therefore advantageously be reduced to very few components.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating device comprises at least one stationary sensor for position detection. Particularly preferably, the sensor is designed and positioned to interact with the first magnetic element, so that the actuation of the operating element can be detected and transmitted appropriately. Advantageously, the first magnetic element is therefore used not only as part of the haptic device, but also for position detection. This not only saves installation space but also costs.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one additional switch element or button or the like is arranged offset in the circumferential direction relative to the control element. This is made possible, among other things, by the fact that the haptic device is separated from the control element, thus providing sufficient installation space in the circumferential direction relative to the control element.

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one switch element, at least one button or the like, is arranged (relative to the longitudinal axis) next to the operating element or in a row next to the operating element. Preferably, the second row of switches, i.e. the row next to the row in which the operating element is arranged, is raised compared to the first row. This improves ergonomics. Advantageously, the first row in which the operating element is arranged is extremely low or flat due to the arrangement of the haptic device, which is made possible by the fact that the second, raised row, although raised, is still relatively low and can therefore be easily reached, for example with the thumb.

[0022] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, comprising at least one operating device according to the invention. In the present case, a motorcycle refers in particular to single- or multi-track motorcycles, such as scooters, motorcycles, quads, trikes, LMW (leaning multi-wheel) vehicles, etc.

[0023] The control element is expediently operatively connected to a control device, which is, for example, part of an instrument cluster or the like. Functions can be selected and / or deactivated via the control element. Preferably, the control element has, for example, five actuation directions, such as pressing, sliding up and down, and sliding left and right with respect to the handlebar element.

[0024] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of an operating device with reference to the attached figures.

[0025] They show:

[0026] Fig. 1: two views of an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention;

[0027] Fig. 2: two embodiments of the operating device known from Fig. 1 in section;

[0028] Fig. 3: a detailed view of an embodiment of a haptic device;

[0029] Fig. 4: a schematic sketch of a handlebar and operating device.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows on the left an embodiment of an operating device 10, comprising an opening 12 and comprising a transmission element 30, which in this case has an inner ring 32 and an outer ring 34. An operating element 20, comprising an operating surface 22, is arranged or mounted on the transmission element 30 or in particular on the outer ring 34. In this embodiment, a push-button switch 24 is arranged between the operating element 20 and the transmission element 30. The operating element 20 can thus be displaced / pressed towards the transmission element 30 for actuation, in this case along the y-axis. The mounting of the operating element 20 is designed such that no relative movement is possible between the operating element 20 and the transmission element 30 along and against both the x-axis and the z-axis.The transmission element 30 is expediently mounted in such a way that the operating element 20 moves together with the transmission element or vice versa. Compare in particular to the right half of the image, in which a pivoting of the operating element 20 to the right, i.e., clockwise, is sketched. The bearing used for this purpose can be seen in Fig. 2. In the present case, in particular, the outer ring 34 is mounted / arranged so as to be movable on or at the inner ring 32. A haptic device 40 is arranged opposite the operating element 20. Reference numeral 50 denotes a sensor, such as a Hall sensor, which is designed and configured to detect or sense a position of the operating element 20 indirectly via the transmission element 30. Section AA is shown in Fig. 2, left half of the image.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the section AA, as sketched in Fig. 1, left half of the image. The operating element 20 and the operating surface 22 can be seen, which are arranged on the transmission element 30, comprising the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 34. It can be clearly seen that the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 34 are designed as circular rings which completely surround the opening 12. The inner ring 32 and the outer ring 34 are mounted to one another in the manner of a cardanic bearing, compare the bearing 36, comprising the two balls. This also enables the outer ring 34 to be rotated or pivoted, as sketched in Fig. 1, right half of the image. In the present embodiment, the inner ring 32 is arranged to be movable in the circumferential direction, whereby a movement of the operating element 20, as sketched in Fig. 2, right half of the image, is possible.Thus, the operating element 20 can be rotated or pivoted along the x- and z-axes, as well as pressed along the y-axis. Advantageously, the haptic device 40 is arranged offset from the operating element 20, allowing it to be positioned very close to the opening 12. The operating device 10 is arranged on a handlebar unit via the opening 12, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a haptic device 40, as sketched in Fig. 1. The haptic device 40 in this case comprises an auxiliary element 44, which has a spherical element 45 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing point 46 about the x-axis and about the z-axis. The auxiliary element 40 further comprises a second magnetic element 42, which interacts with a first magnetic element 41, which is embedded in the transmission element 30, in particular in its outer ring 34. The interaction of the magnetic elements 41 and 42 can provide haptic feedback when the operating element is actuated. The auxiliary element 44 can also advantageously be used to limit the movement of the transmission element 30; compare the stop surfaces 48 formed for this purpose on the transmission element 30 and on the bearing point 46, which can interact with the auxiliary element 44.For example, if the transmission element 30 or its outer ring 34 moves to the right in this case, the auxiliary element 44 is rotated clockwise about the z-axis. This movement continues until the auxiliary element 44 rests against the corresponding stop surfaces 48. The transmission element 30 can also move in such a way that the auxiliary element 40 is rotated about the x-axis; see also Fig. 1 for this. The first magnetic element 41 is expediently designed and arranged such that it can interact with a sensor 50, which serves, for example, for position detection. According to a preferred embodiment, this is a Hall sensor.

[0033] Fig. 4 schematically shows a handlebar unit 60 on which a handle 62 is arranged. It can be seen in particular that an operating device 10 arranged on the handlebar unit 60 is very low in height. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the haptic device 40 is arranged offset in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis L relative to the operating element 20. In the embodiment outlined here, the haptic device 40 is arranged approximately opposite the operating element 20. This allows the operating element 20 to be positioned very close to the handlebar unit 60. As a result, its operating surface 22 can be reached very easily, for example with the thumb.

[0034] List of reference symbols

[0035] 10 Control device

[0036] 12 Opening

[0037] 20 Control element

[0038] 22 Control panel

[0039] 24 push-button switches

[0040] 30 transmission element

[0041] 32 inner ring

[0042] 34 Outer ring

[0043] 36 Storage

[0044] 40 Haptic device

[0045] 41 first magnetic element

[0046] 42 second magnetic element

[0047] 44 Auxiliary element

[0048] 45 ball element

[0049] 46 storage location

[0050] 48 Stop surface

[0051] 50 Sensor, Hall sensor

[0052] 60 handlebar (unit)

[0053] 62 handle

[0054] D double arrow

[0055] L Longitudinal axis x x-axis y y-axis z z-axis

Claims

Claims 1. Operating device (10) for a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, comprising an opening (12) which extends along a longitudinal axis (L) for arranging the operating device (10) on a handlebar unit (60) of a motor vehicle, and comprising an operating element (20) which has an operating surface (22), wherein the operating element (20) is designed to be displaceable, and wherein the displaceability of the operating element (20) is provided at least partially by a transmission element (30) on or at which the operating element (20) is arranged or formed, wherein the transmission element (30) is operatively connected to a haptic device (40), and wherein the haptic device (40) and / or a bearing (36) of the transmission element (30) is arranged offset from the operating element (20) in the circumferential direction of the opening (12).

2. Operating device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission element (30) surrounds or surrounds the opening (12) at least in part, preferably completely.

3. Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission element (30) is mounted such that the operating element (20) can be displaced along and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis (L).

4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (20) is arranged on or at the transmission element (30) fixedly or displaceably in at least one direction.

5. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a push-button switch (24) is arranged between the operating element (20) and the transmission element (30).

6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission element (30) has an inner ring (32) and an outer ring (34), and wherein the inner ring (32) is mounted so as to be movable in the circumferential direction, and wherein the outer ring (34) is arranged on the inner ring (32) so as to be pivotable transversely to the circumferential direction.

7. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the haptic device (40) is arranged opposite the operating element (20).

8. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the haptic device (40) comprises at least one magnetic element and / or a spring element and / or a friction element.

9. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the haptic device (40) comprises a first magnetic element (41) and a second magnetic element (42), wherein the first magnetic element (41) is arranged on the transmission element (30), and wherein the second magnetic element (42) is arranged on an auxiliary element (44) which is rotatably and / or pivotably mounted in a bearing point (46).

10. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission element (30) and / or the bearing point (46) has one or more stop surfaces (48), whereby the rotational and / or pivoting movement of the auxiliary element (44) is limited.

11. Operating device according to one of claims 9 to 10, comprising at least one fixedly arranged sensor (50) for position detection, and wherein the sensor is designed and positioned to cooperate with the first magnetic element (42).

12. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one switch element which is arranged offset in the circumferential direction to the operating element (20).

13. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one switch element arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) next to the operating element (20).

14. Motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, comprising at least one operating device according to one of the preceding claims.

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