Operating device for a motor vehicle having a pressable operating wheel and haptic actuator, motor vehicle, and method for actuating an operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a motor vehicle, having an operating wheel (14) which is mounted on a support part (18) of the operating device (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (16). By pressure being applied to the operating wheel (14) in the direction of a vertical axis (22) of the operating wheel (14), the support part (18) is translationally movable relative to a bearing means (48) of the operating device (10). The vertical axis (22) is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (16). By pressure being applied against a side (28, 30) of the operating wheel (14) containing the axis of rotation (16), the operating wheel (14) can be caused to tilt about a longitudinal axis (26) of the operating device (10). The longitudinal axis (26) intersects a plane spanned by the axis of rotation (16) and the vertical axis (22). The operating device (10) has an actuator (36) which is designed for outputting haptic feedback when the operating wheel (14) is actuated by the application of pressure thereto. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle and to a method for operating the operating device (10).

Description

[0001] Operating device for a motor vehicle with a pushable operating wheel and haptic actuator, motor vehicle and method for actuating an operating device

[0002] The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, having an operating wheel which is mounted on a support part of the operating device so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis. By pressing on the operating wheel in the direction of a vertical axis of the operating wheel, the support part can be moved translationally relative to a bearing device of the operating device. The vertical axis is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis. By pressing against a side of the operating wheel containing the rotational axis, the operating wheel can be tilted about a longitudinal axis of the operating device. The longitudinal axis intersects a plane spanned by the rotational axis and the vertical axis. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having at least one such operating device and a method for actuating the operating device.

[0003] CN 216250516 U describes a control wheel assembly in which a control wheel or scroll wheel is mounted in a steering wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatably mounted on a support member. Furthermore, the scroll wheel can be pressed and tilted left and right.

[0004] A disadvantage here is the fact that it is not always easy for an operator to understand whether an operation of the control wheel by the operator has actually been recognized as an operating request.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device of the type mentioned at the outset which enables particularly intuitive operation of the operating wheel, and to provide a motor vehicle with at least one such operating device and a corresponding method for operating the operating device.

[0006] This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of patent claim 1, a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 14, and a method having the features of patent claim 15. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims and in the following description.

[0007] The operating device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises an operating wheel which is mounted on a support part of the operating device so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis. By pressing on the operating wheel in the direction of a vertical axis of the operating wheel, the support part can be moved translationally relative to a bearing device of the operating device. The vertical axis is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis. By pressing against a side of the operating wheel containing the rotational axis, the operating wheel can be tilted about a longitudinal axis of the operating device, wherein the longitudinal axis intersects a plane spanned by the rotational axis and the vertical axis. The operating device has an actuator, wherein the actuator is designed to output haptic feedback when the operating wheel is actuated by pressing.

[0008] Consequently, an operator who operates the control wheel by pressing it can haptically perceive the feedback provided by the actuator. Accordingly, the operator's pressing of the control wheel is very easy to understand. Therefore, the control device enables particularly intuitive operation of the control wheel.

[0009] Actuations of the control wheel, such as pressing the control wheel in the direction of the vertical axis or pressing against one of the sides of the control wheel that contains the rotation axis or on which the rotation axis lies, can thus be performed virtually blindly by the operator, i.e., without having to check by looking at the control device whether the button has been pressed sufficiently. This is because pressing the control wheel triggers the output of haptic feedback from the actuator. And the feedback, for example in the form of a vibration and / or a shock, is haptically perceptible to the operator.

[0010] This facilitates the operation of the control wheel by pressing it from above, i.e., in the direction of the vertical axis of the control wheel, or from at least one side of the control wheel that contains the rotation axis or within which the rotation axis is located. Providing haptic feedback therefore promotes intuitive operation of the control wheel.

[0011] The operating device preferably comprises a control device for controlling the actuator, wherein the control device is designed to detect the actuation of the control wheel, which can be effected by pressing, by evaluating a signal from at least one sensor of the operating device. By providing the control device, threshold values ​​of the signal can be implemented very easily. When exceeded, the control device causes the actuator to output the haptic feedback. This allows for great variability with regard to the output of the haptic feedback by the actuator. This is advantageous.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the control device is preferably configured to cause the actuator to output different haptic feedback signals depending on the pressure applied to the control wheel or against one of the sides of the control wheel. This allows an operator who presses on the control wheel from above or against one of the sides of the control wheel to easily understand the success of these respective actuations of the control wheel. This promotes intuitive operation of the control wheel.

[0013] In particular, by adapting or modifying the control device's software, a specific actuator behavior with regard to the output of haptic feedback can be specified. This makes it very easy to implement very specific adaptations of the actuator's behavior to suit the desired specifications.

[0014] Preferably, an actuating force applied by an operator during pressing can be detected by means of the at least one sensor, wherein the control device is designed to cause the haptic feedback to be output by the actuator as a function of the actuating force. This makes it very easy to implement adaptation of the active haptic feedback. This is because the control device can be used to specify at which actuating force detected by the at least one sensor the haptic feedback is to be output by the actuator. Furthermore, depending on the application, different threshold values ​​of the actuating force can be specified at which the control device causes the haptic feedback to be output by the actuator. A multi-stage output of respective haptic feedback as a result of the detection of the pressing can also be effected by the control device.

[0015] Additionally and alternatively, the control device can be configured to cause the actuator to output different haptic feedback signals depending on the actuation force. In particular, this can trigger different actuator responses depending on whether the actuation force exceeds and / or subsequently falls below respective threshold values. This is advantageous with regard to intuitive and easily understandable operation of the control wheel.

[0016] Furthermore, this makes it very easy to configure the haptic behavior of the control wheel, simulating the haptics of a mechanical switch. The control device allows for the desired relationship between the distance traveled when pressing the button and the actuation force applied during the pressing, as well as the associated haptic feedback. This allows for a great deal of flexibility in the output of haptic feedback by the actuator.

[0017] Preferably, the support part comprises a pin element that can be moved toward a sensor of the operating device by pressing the control wheel in the direction of the vertical axis, wherein the sensor is configured to output the signal. Pressing the control wheel in the direction of the vertical axis can thus ensure that the pin element of the support part is moved closer to the sensor, which then outputs the signal. Such a movement of the pin element of the support part can be detected particularly easily and reliably by the sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the pin element extends through a recess or through-opening formed in a base part of the bearing device. The recess or through-opening provides excellent and precise guidance for the pin element when the pin element is moved toward the sensor of the operating device due to pressure on the operating wheel in the direction of the vertical axis of the operating wheel. This contributes to reliable detection of pressure on the operating wheel in the direction of the vertical axis by the sensor.

[0019] The pin element can be designed to deform a sensor element of the sensor upon pressing the control wheel in the direction of the vertical axis, whereby the deformation of the sensor element can cause the signal to be output. Such an actuation can be detected particularly easily by measurement.

[0020] For example, the sensor element can be part of a capacitive sensor whose capacitive properties change due to the deformation of the sensor element, especially the metallic one. The change in the capacitive properties of the capacitive sensor, which can be caused by the sensor element approaching a measuring electrode of the sensor, allows for very precise and reliable detection of pressure on the control wheel.

[0021] The deformation of the sensor element can be achieved, in particular, by means of a damping part arranged on the pin element. By providing such an elastic damping part, damage to the sensor element during deformation can be particularly easily and reliably prevented. Furthermore, the provision of the damping part makes it particularly easy to compensate for tolerances during the manufacturing of the components of the operating device and / or during assembly of the operating device.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can be designed as an optical sensor, wherein the signal can be output upon the pin element approaching the optical sensor. Such an optical sensor can have a transmitter for emitting light and a receiver for receiving reflected light in order to detect the approach of the pin element to the optical sensor. Advantageously, the use of the optical sensor makes it possible to very reliably detect the approach of the pin element to the sensor.

[0023] Preferably, the bearing device comprises a first actuating element, which can be moved toward a sensor of the operating device, designed as a first tilt detection sensor, by pressing against a first side of the operating wheel containing the rotation axis. The bearing device comprises a second actuating element, which can be moved toward a second sensor of the operating device, designed as a tilt detection sensor, by pressing against a second side of the operating wheel containing the rotation axis. The respective tilt detection sensor is designed to output the signal. This allows each actuation performed by pressing on the respective side of the operating wheel to be detected very easily and reliably.

[0024] The actuating element is preferably designed to deform a sensor element of the tilt detection sensor associated with the respective actuating element upon pressure against the side of the operating wheel. The deformation of the sensor element triggers the output of the signal. Such an actuation can advantageously be very easily detected by measurement. The sensor element, in particular a metallic one, can be associated with a capacitive sensor whose capacitive properties change due to the deformation of the sensor element. This can be caused by the sensor element approaching a measuring electrode of the capacitive sensor. Consequently, very precise and reliable detection of the actuation of the operating wheel in the form of pressure against the operating wheel from one of its sides can be achieved.

[0025] It has been shown to be further advantageous if the actuating element comprises a damping part, whereby the deformation of the sensor element can be effected by means of the damping part of the actuating element. If the actuating element has the elastic damping part, damage to the sensor element during deformation can be easily and reliably prevented. Furthermore, tolerances that may be caused by the manufacturing of the respective components of the operating device and / or by the assembly or installation of the operating device can be easily compensated in this way.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the tilt detection sensor can be designed as an optical sensor, whereby the signal can be output when the actuating element approaches the optical sensor. This is based on the knowledge that the tilting of the control wheel around the longitudinal axis of the operating device causes the respective actuating element to approach the respective tilt detection sensor. This can be detected particularly easily and reliably if the tilt detection sensor is designed as an optical sensor.

[0027] The respective tilt detection sensor in the form of an optical sensor preferably has a transmitter for emitting light and a receiver for receiving reflected light. This allows the approach of the actuating element to the tilt detection sensor to be detected very reliably. This is advantageous.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one sensor is arranged on a circuit board of the operating device, wherein the circuit board is stationary relative to a housing of the operating device. By arranging the at least one sensor on the circuit board, the signals generated by the sensors during operation of the circuit board can be very easily further processed or fed to the control device. This is advantageous.

[0029] Preferably, the bearing device is movable relative to the housing, at least when the control wheel is tilted about the longitudinal axis of the control device. This allows corresponding movements of the bearing device to be detected very easily by means of the at least one sensor.

[0030] Preferably, the bearing device is mounted on the housing via at least one elastic bearing element. This ensures the mobility of the bearing device relative to the housing. It also allows for the compensation of tolerances that may occur during the manufacturing of the components of the operating device and / or during assembly or installation of the operating device.

[0031] Furthermore, the elastic bearing element can exert a restoring force. After the control wheel has been tilted around the longitudinal axis of the control device, this restoring force ensures that the bearing device, and thus also the control wheel, returns to an upright starting position as soon as the operator no longer presses against one of the sides of the control wheel, which contains the rotation axis. This is advantageous.

[0032] Preferably, the actuator is arranged on the support part. This allows the actuator to be easily used to provide haptic feedback to the operator both when the control wheel is pressed in the direction of its vertical axis and when it is pressed against one of the sides of the control wheel.

[0033] In particular, the actuator can be integrated into the support part. This provides both good protection for the actuator and a very direct transmission of haptic feedback, such as vibrations and / or shocks, to the support part. This makes this feedback very easily perceptible to the operator pressing on the control wheel or against one of the sides of the control wheel.

[0034] It has also proven advantageous if the storage device has a receiving space in which a portion of the carrier part is accommodated. This ensures process-reliable and stable storage of the carrier part.

[0035] It has also been shown to be advantageous if the control device has means for varying the rolling resistance when the control wheel is rotated about the rotation axis. This allows the haptic feedback when turning the control wheel to be very easily adjusted. This increases the comfort of operating the control device.

[0036] For example, the means can comprise a magnetorheological material, for example in the form of a fluid and / or a powder, and a coil by means of which a magnetic field can be generated. By generating the magnetic field, the flowability of the magnetorheological material, in particular of the magnetorheological fluid, can be changed. In particular, this can ensure that the rotation of the control wheel about the rotation axis is made more difficult or even stopped. Furthermore, by generating magnetic fields of varying strength, desired haptic feedback can be generated when the control wheel is rotated about the rotation axis. This is advantageous with regard to the intuitive operation of the control wheel.

[0037] The motor vehicle according to the invention has at least one

[0038] Operating device. At least one function of the motor vehicle can be activated by actuating the at least one operating device. For example, the operating device can be integrated into a steering handle of the motor vehicle, in particular designed as a steering wheel, and / or into an operating unit arranged in the area of ​​an instrument panel and / or in the area of ​​a center console of the motor vehicle.

[0039] By using the at least one operating device in the motor vehicle, desired functions of the motor vehicle can be activated or controlled very easily. For example, by operating the control wheel, menu entries and / or vehicle information can be called up and / or sub-items in respective menus can be selected or activated. Additionally or alternatively, by operating the operating device in the motor vehicle, a heating device and / or a ventilation device and / or an air conditioning device and / or an infotainment system and / or a navigation system or similar functional units of the motor vehicle can be activated and / or operated. Consequently, the operating device in the motor vehicle can be used particularly effectively and intuitively.

[0040] In the method according to the invention for operating an operating device for a motor vehicle, an operating wheel of the operating device is mounted on a support part of the operating device so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis. By pressing the operating wheel in the direction of a vertical axis of the operating wheel, the support part can be moved translationally relative to a bearing device of the operating device. The vertical axis is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis. By pressing against a side of the operating wheel containing the rotational axis, the operating wheel can be tilted about a longitudinal axis of the operating device, wherein the longitudinal axis intersects a plane spanned by the rotational axis and the vertical axis. The operating device has an actuator which outputs haptic feedback when the operating wheel is actuated by pressing. This allows the operator to operate the operating wheel particularly intuitively by pressing it.

[0041] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the operating device according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention and to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0042] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations 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 produced by separate feature combinations from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and feature combinations 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.

[0043] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. These show:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an operating device for a motor vehicle, in which an operating wheel is rotatable about an axis of rotation and can be moved translationally in the direction of a vertical axis of the operating device and can be tilted laterally to the left and to the right, wherein the operating device comprises an actuator which, when actuated, outputs haptic feedback in the form of pressing against one of the sides of the operating wheel or from above onto the operating wheel;

[0045] Fig. 2 shows sensor elements arranged schematically on a circuit board, wherein the sensor elements are associated with respective capacitive sensors which are designed to detect the actuation of the operating wheel in the form of pressing;

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a variant of the operating device in which optical sensors are provided to detect the pressing of the operating wheel from above and from the side, i.e. to detect the tilting of the operating wheel; and

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a highly schematic side view of the control device arranged in the motor vehicle. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows an operating device 10 such as can be used in a motor vehicle 12 (see Fig. 4) to activate functions in the motor vehicle 12. The operating device 10 comprises an operating wheel 14, which is mounted on a support part 18 of the operating device 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis 16.

[0049] Directions of rotation in which the control wheel 14 or scroll wheel can be rotated about the rotation axis 16 are indicated in Fig. 1 by a double arrow 20. Accordingly, the control wheel 14 can be actuated in a first manner, in which the control wheel 14 is rotated in a first direction about the rotation axis 16. Furthermore, the control wheel 14 can be actuated in a second manner, in which the control wheel 14 is rotated about the rotation axis 16 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present case, by pressing the operating wheel 14 in the direction of a vertical axis 22 of the operating wheel 14, i.e., from above, the support part 18 can be moved translationally downward in Fig. 1. A corresponding third type of actuation of the operating wheel 14, which occurs when the operating wheel 14 is pressed downward in the direction of the vertical axis 22, is illustrated in Fig. 1 by a further arrow 24. The vertical axis 22 of the operating wheel 14, which coincides with a vertical direction of the operating device 10, is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 16 according to Fig. 1.

[0051] Furthermore, the control wheel 14 can be tilted about a longitudinal axis 26 of the control device 10. The longitudinal axis 26 intersects a plane spanned by the rotational axis 16 and the vertical axis 22. In particular, the longitudinal axis 26 intersects this plane perpendicularly.

[0052] The tilting of the operating wheel 14 about the longitudinal axis 26 can be effected by pressing against one of the sides 28, 30 of the operating wheel 14, which contain the rotational axis 16 of the operating wheel 14. The pressing against the first, right-hand side 28 of the operating wheel 14 in Fig. 1 is illustrated in Fig. 1 by a further arrow 32. By tilting or pivoting the operating wheel 14 accordingly to the left about the longitudinal axis 26 of the operating device 10 in Fig. 1, a fourth type of actuation of the operating wheel 14 is provided. A further arrow 34 in Fig. 1 illustrates the pressing against the second side 30 of the operating wheel 14, which is opposite the first side 28. The pressure illustrated by the further arrow 34 against the second side 30 of the operating wheel 14, through which the rotational axis 16 passes, causes the operating wheel 14 to tilt or pivot about the longitudinal axis 26 to the right in Fig. 1.In the form of this pressing to tilt the operating wheel 14 to the right, a fifth type of actuation of the operating wheel 14 is provided.

[0053] The operating device 10 thus has five input options for actuating the operating wheel 14, namely pressing the operating wheel 14 downwards along the vertical axis 22, which is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the arrow 24, tilting or tipping about the longitudinal axis 26 to the right or to the left, which is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the arrow 32 and the arrow 34, and rotating the operating wheel 14 forwards and backwards, which is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the double arrow 20.

[0054] It can be provided that a haptic response is adaptable or changeable when the control wheel 14 is rotated about the rotation axis 16. For example, the control device 10 can have means (not shown in detail here) for this purpose for changing a rolling resistance when the control wheel 14 is rotated about the rotation axis 16.

[0055] In the present case, the operating device 10 has an actuator 36 which is designed to output a haptic or haptically detectable feedback as a result of an actuation of the operating wheel 14 which can be effected by pressing.

[0056] Accordingly, the actuator 36 can output the haptic feedback that is perceptible to the operator, for example, when the operating wheel 14 is pressed downward in the direction of the vertical axis 22. The actuator 36 can also output the haptic feedback if, as shown in Fig. 1, the operating wheel 14 is tilted to the left about the longitudinal axis 26 by pressing against the first side 28 of the operating wheel 14. Furthermore, the actuator 36 can output the haptic feedback if, as shown in Fig. 1, the operating wheel 14 is tilted to the right about the longitudinal axis 26 by pressing against the second side 30 of the operating wheel 14. Thus, when performing these operations in the form of pressing on the operating wheel 14 or against the operating wheel 14 from the respective side 28, 30, haptically perceptible feedback can be provided by the actuator 36.

[0057] It is particularly easy to adapt the haptic feedback to the respective desired requirements if, as shown in Fig. 1, the operating device 10 comprises a control device 38 which is designed to control the actuator 36 in order to cause the haptic feedback to be output by the actuator 36. The control device 38 is designed to detect the actuation of the operating wheel 14, which can be effected by pressing, by evaluating a signal from at least one sensor of the operating device 10.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, a first sensor 40 suitable for this purpose, which can be designed as a force sensor. According to Fig. 1, the support part 18 comprises a pin element 42, which can be moved toward the first sensor 40 by pressing the control wheel 14 in the direction of the vertical axis 22. The first sensor 40 is designed to output a signal indicating the approach of the pin element 42 to the first sensor 40. The signal from the first sensor 40 is transmitted to the control device 38.

[0059] According to Fig. 1, the pin element 42 can pass through a through-opening 44 formed in a base part 46 of a bearing device 48 of the operating device 10. By providing the through-opening 44 in the base part 46 of the bearing device 48, which is designed like a bottom part of the bearing device 48, the pin element 42 is guided with high process reliability and precision when the pin element 42 is moved toward the first sensor 40.

[0060] The first sensor 40 can comprise a sensor element 50, which can be designed, for example, as a metal plate that is slightly curved upwards, i.e., toward the pin element 42. The curvature of the sensor element 50 is not shown in detail in Fig. 1, but is clearly visible from the schematic view of the sensor element 50 in Fig. 2. The sensor element 50 can be part of a capacitive force sensor, which provides the first sensor 40. If pressure is applied to the sensor element 50 in the direction of the vertical axis 22, thereby deforming the sensor element 50, the capacitive properties of the capacitive force sensor in the form of the first sensor 40 change. The corresponding signal from the first sensor 40 can be evaluated by means of the control device 38.

[0061] According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first sensor 40 and the associated sensor element 50 can be arranged on a circuit board 52 of the operating device 10, which is stationary relative to a housing 54 of the operating device 10. Only individual housing parts of the housing 54 of the operating device 10 are schematically illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0062] A damper part 56, which can be made of an elastic material, for example, can be arranged at a front end of the pin element 42. The deformation of the sensor element 50 can be effected by means of this damper part 56 when the pin element 42 of the support part 18 is moved toward the first sensor 40 in the direction of the vertical axis 22.

[0063] In a manner analogous to that described for pressing the control wheel 14 along the vertical axis 22, the tilting of the control wheel 14 about the longitudinal axis 26 of the control device 10 can be detected by means of additional, for example capacitive force sensors of the control device 10. Fig. 1 schematically shows additional sensors provided for this purpose in the form of a first tilt detection sensor 58 and a second tilt detection sensor 60.

[0064] The tilt detection sensors 58, 60 may each have sensor elements 62, 64 configured as curved plates, in particular metal plates, whose shape is not shown in detail in Fig. 1. However, the curved shape of the sensor element 62, which is associated with the first tilt detection sensor 58, and of the sensor element 64, which is associated with the second tilt detection sensor 60, can be seen from the schematic representation in Fig. 2.

[0065] As described for the sensor element 50 of the first sensor 40, the sensor elements 62, 64 of the tilt detection sensors 58, 60 are also elastically deformable by moving respective actuating elements 66, 68 toward the respective tilt detection sensors 58, 60. For example, the first actuating element 66 can be moved toward the first tilt detection sensor 58 when pressure is applied against the first side 28 of the operating wheel 14. The first actuating element 66 and the second actuating element 68 are associated with the bearing device 48 or are parts of the bearing device 48, relative to which the carrier part 18 is movable when the operating wheel 14, and together with it the carrier part 18, are moved translationally along the vertical axis 22.

[0066] In a similar manner, the second actuating element 68 can be moved toward the second tilt detection sensor 60 when pressed against the second side 30 of the operating wheel 14. According to Fig. 1, the actuating elements 66, 68 can be designed as corner regions of a substantially box-shaped receiving space 70 of the bearing device 48. In this case, a lower portion of the support part 18 is received in the receiving space 70.

[0067] According to Fig. 1, the respective actuating element 66, 68 can comprise a respective damper part 72, 74, wherein the respective damper parts 72, 74 are preferably formed from an elastic material. By means of the first damper part 72, which is associated with the first actuating element 66, the sensor element 62 of the first tilt detection sensor 58 can be elastically deformed. In a similar manner, the second damper part 74, which is associated with the second actuating element 68, can be pressed against the sensor element 64 of the second tilt detection sensor 60 in order to elastically deform the sensor element 64 of the second tilt detection sensor 60.

[0068] The sensor elements 62, 64 of the tilt detection sensors 58, 60 shown schematically in Fig. 2 can be designed as components of the capacitive force sensors, which can output the respective signal to the control device 38.

[0069] The force sensors, which according to Fig. 1 are provided by the first sensor 40 and the two tilt detection sensors 58, 60, make it possible in particular to detect an actuating force applied by an operator when pressing on the operating wheel 14 along the vertical axis 22 or against one of the sides 28, 30 of the operating wheel 14. The control device 38 can be designed to cause the output of the haptic feedback by the actuator 36 depending on the actuating force. Additionally and alternatively, the control device 38 can be designed to cause different haptic feedbacks to be output by the actuator 36 depending on the detected actuating force. Furthermore, it is possible, depending on whether the operating wheel 14 is pressed from above, as shown in Fig.1 by the arrow 24, or whether the control wheel 14 is pressed from one of the sides 28, 30, as illustrated in Fig. 1 by the arrows 32, 34, to cause the output of different haptic feedback by the actuator 36. This can be initiated by the control device 38.

[0070] Due to the described possibilities of using the control device 38, a respective haptic feedback to the actuations in the form of pressing can be very easily adapted to the respective desired specifications.

[0071] Unlike what is shown in Fig. 1, in an initial state or an initial position of the operating device 10, in which no pressure is exerted on the operating wheel 14 from above or from one of the sides 28, 30 against the operating wheel 14, the damper parts 56, 72, 74 can be detected by the respective sensors in the form of the first sensor 40 and the two tilt detection sensors 58, 60.

[0072] However, it is also possible that the damper parts 56, 72, 74 are already in contact with the sensor elements 50, 62, 64 (see Fig. 2) of the sensors in the form of the first sensor 40 and the two tilt detection sensors 58, 60 when the operating device 10 is in the basic state or initial state.

[0073] From Fig. 1, it is further apparent that the bearing device 48 can be mounted on the housing 54 of the operating device 10 by means of respective, preferably elastic, bearing elements 76. This ensures good mobility of the bearing device 48 relative to the housing 54.

[0074] The variant of the operating device 10 shown in Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to the variant of the operating device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, only differences to the operating device 10 according to Fig. 1 will be discussed below.

[0075] Accordingly, the first sensor, by means of which the approach of the pin element 42 to the circuit board 52 can be detected, can be designed as a first optical sensor 80. The first optical sensor 80 detects the approach of an end face 78 of the pin element 42 to the first optical sensor 80 when the operating wheel 14 is pressed from above or in the direction of the vertical axis 22.

[0076] The first optical sensor 80 is thus designed to detect a distance between the end face 78 of the pin element 42 and the first optical sensor 80. Accordingly, the first optical sensor 80 can be used as a force sensor.

[0077] In the variant of the operating device 10 shown in Fig. 3, the first optical sensor 80 is arranged on the circuit board 52 of the operating device 10, just like the first sensor 40 shown in Fig. 1.

[0078] In the variant of the operating device 10 shown in Fig. 3, the actuating elements 66, 68 provided by the bearing device 48 can be designed in the manner of projections or pins which protrude from the base part 46 of the bearing device 48 towards the circuit board 52.

[0079] As explained with reference to Fig. 1, the first actuating element 66 can be moved toward a further or second optical sensor 82 of the operating device 10 when pressed against the first side 28 of the operating wheel 14. In a similar manner, the second actuating element 68 can be moved toward a yet further or third optical sensor 84 of the operating device 10 when pressed against the second side 30 of the operating wheel 14. The optical sensors 82, 84 are designed, as explained for the first optical sensor 80, to detect a distance of the respective actuating element 66, 68 from the respective optical sensor 82, 84 and can accordingly be used as force sensors.

[0080] The second optical sensor 82 and the third optical sensor 84 are also arranged on the circuit board 52 of the operating device 10 as shown in Fig. 3.

Claims

Patent claims 1.Operating device (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising an operating wheel (14) which is mounted on a support part (18) of the operating device (10) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (16), wherein by pressing on the operating wheel (14) in the direction of a vertical axis (22) of the operating wheel (14), the support part (18) can be moved translationally relative to a bearing device (48) of the operating device (10), wherein the vertical axis (22) is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis (16), wherein by pressing against a side (28, 30) of the operating wheel (14) containing the rotational axis (16), a tilting of the operating wheel (14) about a longitudinal axis (26) of the operating device (10) can be effected, and wherein the longitudinal axis (26) intersects a plane spanned by the rotational axis (16) and the vertical axis (22), characterized in that the operating device (10) has an actuator (36) which is designed to output a haptic feedback when the operating wheel (14) is actuated by pressing.

2. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating device (10) comprises a control device (38) for controlling the actuator (36), wherein the control device (38) is designed to detect the actuation of the operating wheel (14) that can be brought about by pressing by evaluating a signal from at least one sensor (40, 58, 60, 80, 82, 84) of the operating device (10), and / or to cause the actuator (36) to output different haptic feedback signals as a function of the pressing on the operating wheel (14) or against one of the sides (28, 30) of the operating wheel (14).

3. Operating device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that by means of the at least one sensor (40, 58, 60, 80, 82, 84) a The actuating force applied by the operator when pressing can be detected, wherein the control device (38) is designed to cause the output of the haptic feedback by the actuator (36) and / or the output of different haptic feedbacks by the actuator (36) as a function of the actuating force.

4. Operating device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the carrier part (18) comprises a pin element (42) which can be moved towards a sensor (40, 80) of the operating device (10) by pressing on the operating wheel (14) in the direction of the vertical axis (22), wherein the sensor (40, 80) is designed to output the signal.

5. Operating device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pin element (42) passes through a recess or through a passage opening (44) which is formed in a base part (46) of the bearing device (48).

6. Operating device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the pin element (42) is designed to deform a sensor element (50) of the sensor (40) due to the pressing on the operating wheel (14) in the direction of the vertical axis (22), wherein the output of the signal can be effected by the deformation of the sensor element (50), which can be effected in particular by means of a damper part (56) arranged on the pin element (42).

7. Operating device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the sensor is designed as an optical sensor (80), wherein the output of the signal can be effected due to an approach of the pin element (42) to the optical sensor (80).

8. Operating device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the bearing device (48) comprises a first actuating element (66) which, by pressing against a first side (28) of the operating wheel (14) containing the rotational axis (16), can be moved towards a sensor of the operating device (10) designed as a first tilt detection sensor (58), wherein the bearing device (48) comprises a second actuating element (68) which, by pressing against a second side (30) of the operating wheel (14) containing the rotational axis (16), can be moved towards a sensor of the operating device (10) designed as a second tilt detection sensor (60), and wherein the respective tilt detection sensor (58, 60) is designed to output the signal.

9. Operating device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating element (66, 68), in particular comprising a damper part (72, 74), is designed to deform a sensor element (62, 64) of the tilt detection sensor (58, 60) assigned to the respective actuating element (66, 68) due to the pressure against the side (28, 30) of the operating wheel (14), wherein the output of the signal can be effected by the deformation of the sensor element (62, 64).

10. Operating device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the tilt detection sensor is designed as an optical sensor (82, 84), wherein the signal can be output due to the actuating element (66, 68) approaching the optical sensor (82, 84).

11. Operating device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the at least one sensor (40, 58, 60, 80, 82, 84) is arranged on a printed circuit board (52) of the operating device (10), wherein the printed circuit board (52) is stationary with respect to a housing (54) of the operating device (10), and wherein the bearing device (48), which is mounted on the housing (54) in particular via at least one elastic bearing element (76), is movable relative to the housing (54) at least when the operating wheel (14) is tilted about the longitudinal axis (26) of the operating device (10).

12. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (36) is arranged on the carrier part (18), in particular is integrated into the carrier part (18), and / or the bearing device (48) has a receiving space (70) in which a partial region of the carrier part (18) is received.

13. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (10) has means for changing a rolling resistance when the operating wheel (14) is rotated about the axis of rotation (16).

14. Motor vehicle (12) with at least one operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one function of the motor vehicle (12) can be activated by actuating the at least one operating device (10).

15. A method for actuating an operating device (10) for a motor vehicle (12), wherein an operating wheel (14) of the operating device (10) is mounted on a support part (18) of the operating device (10) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (16), wherein by pressing on the operating wheel (14) in the direction of a vertical axis (22) of the operating wheel (14), the support part (18) is movable in translation relative to a bearing device (48) of the operating device (10), wherein the vertical axis (22) is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis (16), wherein by pressing against a side (28, 30) of the operating wheel (14) containing the rotational axis (16), a tilting of the operating wheel (14) about a longitudinal axis (26) of the operating device (10) can be effected, and wherein the longitudinal axis (26) intersects a plane spanned by the rotational axis (16) and the vertical axis (22), characterized in that the operating device (10) has an actuator (36),which provides haptic feedback when the control wheel (14) is actuated by pressing it.

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