An input device in particular for a vehicle comprising a first input wheel and the second input wheel

Abstract

An Input device (14), in particular input device (14) for a vehicle, in particular input device (14) for a steering wheel for a vehicle, a steering wheel and a vehicle are described. The input device (14) comprises a first input wheel (18) that can be rotated about a first axis of rotation (48), a second input wheel (20) that can be rotated about a second axis of rotation (108), a first rotary encoder (94) assigned to the first input wheel (18) that is designed to generate at least one first rotary signal as the first input wheel (18) rotates, and a second rotary encoder (128) assigned to the second input wheel (20) that is designed to generate at least one second rotary signal as the second input wheel (20) rotates. The first input wheel (18) has a receiving space (50) which has an opening (52) at one axial face of the first input wheel (18) with respect to the first axis of rotation (48) and the second input wheel (20) partially extends through the opening (52) into the receiving space (50) of the first input wheel (18).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] An input device in particular for a vehicle comprising a first input wheel and the second input wheel

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to an input device, in particular an input device for a vehicle, in particular an input device for a steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising a first input wheel that can be rotated about a first axis of rotation, a second input wheel that can be rotated about a second axis of rotation, a first rotary encoder assigned to the first input wheel that is designed to generate at least one first rotary signal as the first input wheel rotates, and a second rotary encoder assigned to the second input wheel that is designed to generate at least one second rotary signal as the second input wheel rotates.

[0005] Further, the present invention relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle with at least one input device.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one input device, in particular a vehicle with at least one steering wheel with at least one input device.

[0007] State of Technology

[0008] From the GB 2 329 695 A a multiple-axes signal input device of a mouse of the present invention comprises a mouse and a second two-dimensional coordinate input device is known. The second two-dimensional coordinate input device is installed on one side of the circuit board. The circuit board is installed with two front and rear adjacent supporting pieces so to pivotally connect an X aperture roller with a Y aperture roller. Each of the aperture rollers are projected from the respective slots of the upper cover so that the user may operate conveniently. The outer sides of the X aperture roller and the Y aperture roller are installed with an X1 transmitting element, a Y1 transmitting element, an X1 receiving element, and a Y1 receiving element respectively. The transmitting elements and the receiving elements are connected to the microprocessor formed by IC U1 . When the X aperture roller and Y aperture roller rotate, the microprocessor will convert the receiving signal into the X and Y coordinates of the second two-dimensional space according to the microprocessor program so as to further control the variation of the second two-dimensional space coordinates. It is an objective of the invention to provide an input device, a steering wheel and a vehicle of the type mentioned at the beginning, where the input device can be improved with respect to ergonomics and / or practicality in a vehicle.

[0009] Disclosure of Invention

[0010] The objective of the invention is solved in the input device in that the first input wheel has a receiving space which has an opening at one axial face of the first input wheel with respect to the first axis of rotation and the second input wheel partially extends through the opening into the receiving space of the first input wheel.

[0011] According to the invention, the first input wheel has a receiving space for the second input wheel. At least a part of the second input wheel extends into the receiving space of the first input wheel. In this way, the arrangement with the first input wheel and the second input wheel is very compact. Further, the first input wheel and the second input wheel are arranged very close together. This makes it easier, for example, to operate both input wheels with one finger. This improves the ergonomics of the input device.

[0012] Advantageously, the input device can be used in a vehicle. With the input device, functions of the vehicle can be controlled. Advantageously, by use of the input device functions of a display and / or a driver assistance system and / or a communication system a of a vehicle can be controlled.

[0013] Advantageously, the first input wheel and / or the second input wheel can be designed as scroll wheels. In this way, the input wheels can be used for scrolling across a display or the like.

[0014] Advantageously, the input device can be designed for horizontal scrolling and vertical scrolling across a display. One of the input wheels can be designed for horizontal scrolling and the other input wheel can be designed for vertical scrolling.

[0015] Advantageously, the input device can be used for a steering wheel for a vehicle. The input device can be arranged on the steering wheel in such a way that the first input wheel and the second input wheel can be operated with one finger of one hand without having to let go of the steering wheel. In this way, the practicality of the input device know we vehicle can be improved.

[0016] According to a favorable embodiment, the first input wheel can comprise a hollow body, in particular a hollow body of revolution as a semi-ellipsoid, a semi-hemisphere, a circular cylinder, a cone or the like, that surrounds the receiving space with the opening and / or the second input wheel can comprise a body of revolution, in particular a circular disk.

[0017] Advantageously, the first input wheel can comprise a hollow body. The receiving space can be realized in the hollow body. Advantageously, the hollow body can be a body of revolution. In this way, the first input wheel can be rotated through an angle of 360°.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the second input wheel can advantageously comprise a body of revolution, in particular a circular disk. In this way, the second input wheel can be rotated through an angle of 360°. A circular disk saves space.

[0019] According to another favorable embodiment, a first plane of rotation of the first input wheel can be perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, a second plane of rotation of the second input wheel can be perpendicular to the second axis of rotation, and the first plane of rotation can be not parallel to the second plane of rotation, in particular the first plane of rotation can be perpendicular to the second plane of rotation, and / or the first axis of rotation can be perpendicular to the second axis of rotation. In this way, the first input wheel and second input wheel can be rotated in different planes of rotation.

[0020] Advantageously, the first plane of rotation can be perpendicular to the second plane of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the first axis of rotation can advantageously be perpendicular to the second axis of rotation. In this way, the two input wheels can be rotated in orthogonal directions. So, the first input wheel and the second input wheel can be easily operated with a thump of one hand. Advantageously, one input wheel, in particular the first input wheel, can be rotated in a vertical direction and the other input wheel, in particular the second input wheel, can be rotated in a horizontal direction. In this way, one input wheel can be used for vertical scrolling across a display. The input wheel can be used for horizontal scrolling.

[0021] According to another favorable embodiment, the first input wheel and the second input wheel can be mounted on a common carrier. In this way, the two wheels can be moved together with the carrier. The entire assembly with the carrier and the two input wheels can be moved by pressing on one or both input wheels. The stability of the input device can also be improved.

[0022] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one of the two input wheels, in particular the first input wheel and the second input wheel, can be mounted on a carrier that can be movable mounted, in particular tilting-mounted, on a main body of the input device, in particular a main body of a housing of the input device. In this way, in addition to the two functions realized by the two rotating input wheels, a third function can be realized by the movable carrier.

[0023] Advantageously, by moving the carrier, a third function a switch can be actuated. A selection on a display can be confirmed by actuating the switch.

[0024] According to another favorable embodiment, the input device can comprise at least one switch associated with the carrier, which may be designed to be actuated when the carrier is moved, in particular when the carrier is tilted. In this way, by moving the carrier, the switch can be actuated to generate a switch signal. The at least one switch can be connected to an electrical circuit. In this way, and electrical switch signal can be generated.

[0025] According to another favorable embodiment, the carrier can be designed to move, in particular to be tilted, when at least one of the two input wheels, in particular one of the input wheels or both input wheels, is pressed. In this way, no additional actuating element is required to move the carrier.

[0026] Advantageously, the carrier can be moved by pressing one of the input wheels or both input wheels. This increases the actuating surface. It is not necessary to hit a specific point of the input wheels to move the carrier.

[0027] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one of the rotary encoders, in particular the first rotary encoder and / or the second rotary encoder, can be designed as an optical and / or magnetic and / or mechanical rotary encoder. In this way, the rotation of the respective input wheel can be detected more accurately.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one of the rotary encoders can be designed to generate electrical rotary signals. Electrical rotary signals can be further processed by use of electrical control units. Alternatively, Advantageously, at least one of the rotary encoders can be designed to generate optical rotary signals. Optical rotary signals can be transmitted by use of optical waveguides.

[0029] Advantageously, at least one of the rotary signals, in particular the first rotary signals and / or the second rotary signals can, be provided to a control unit. Advantageously, the control unit can be used to control functions, in particular functions of the vehicle, in particular to control a scrolling across a display or the like and / or to control a cursor on a display. In this way, the at least one rotary signal can be used to control functions.

[0030] According to another favorable embodiment, the first input wheel can be connected to a first rotary damping device, in particular a rotary damping device comprising an arrangement with at least one detent surface and a spring-loaded engaging element such as a pin or an adjustable damping device such as a magnetorheological fluid module, and / or the second input wheel can be connected to a second rotary damping device, in particular a rotary damping device comprising an arrangement with at least one detent surface and a spring-loaded engaging element such as a pin or an adjustable damping device such as a magnetorheological fluid module. In this way, the respective input wheel can be controlled more accurate. So, the feel when turning the wheel with one finger can be improved.

[0031] According to another favorable embodiment, the surface of at least one of the input wheels can have a ribbed texture or corrugated texture and / or the surface of at least one of the input wheels can have a smooth texture.

[0032] A ribbed texture or corrugated texture can improve the grip of the at least one input wheel. Smooth texture is less sensitive for dirt.

[0033] According to another favorable embodiment, the input device can comprise a housing that can have at least one wheel opening for the input wheels. This allows the main part of the input device to be protected in the housing. The input device is so less sensitive for dirt. The input wheels can protrude through the at least one wheel opening and be operated from the outside.

[0034] According to another favorable embodiment, at least one ramp section can adjoin the at least one wheel opening. In this way, a finger of an operator can be guided over the ramp to the input wheels.

[0035] Advantageously the contour of the at least one ramp and the surfaces of the at least one input wheel can merge into another at least when the respective input wheel is pressed. In this way, the offset of the at least one input wheel for moving the carrier can be limited.

[0036] Advantageously, at least a step between the housing, in particular the at least one ramp, and the surface of the at least one input wheel can be realized when the at least one input wheel is not pressed. In this way, it is easier to feel the at least one input wheel with one finger.

[0037] Further, the objective of the invention is solved in the steering wheel in that, the at least one input device is an input device according to the invention.

[0038] According to the invention, the steering wheel comprises at least one input device that can easily be operated using one finger of a hand without letting go the steering wheel. In this way, the steering wheel can be improved with respect to ergonomics and practicality in a vehicle. Furthermore, the objective of the invention is solved in the vehicle in that the at least one input device is an input device according to the invention. In this way, operating comfort, ergonomics and safety during weekly operation can be improved.

[0039] Otherwise, the features and advantages shown in connection with the input device according to the invention, the steering wheel according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention and their respective advantageous configurations shall apply mutatis mutandis to each other and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with each other, whereby further advantageous effects can occur which go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0040] Brief Description of Drawings

[0041] The present invention together with the above-mentioned and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, but not restricted to the embodiments, wherein is shown schematically

[0042] Figure 1 a vehicle with a steering wheel comprising an input device;

[0043] Figure 2 a top view of an input device according to a first embodiment that is mounted in the steering wheel of Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 3 a first perspective view of the input device of Figure 2;

[0045] Figure 4 a second perspective view of the input device of Figures 2 and 3;

[0046] Figure 5 an exploded view of the input device of Figures 2 to 4;

[0047] Figure 6 a top view of the input device of Figures 2 to 5;

[0048] Figure 7 a side view of the input device of Figures 2 to 6;

[0049] Figure 8 a longitudinal section of the input device of Figures 2 to 7;

[0050] Figure 9 a cross-section of the input device of figures total 8;

[0051] Figure 10 a perspective view of an input device according to a second embodiment that can be mounted in the steering wheel of Figure 1 ;

[0052] Figure 11 a top view of the input device of Figure 10;

[0053] Figure 12 a side view of the input device of Figures 10 and 11 ;

[0054] Figure 13 a longitudinal section of the input device of Figures 10 to 12;

[0055] Figure 14 a top view of an input device according to 1 / 3 embodiment that can be mounted in the steering wheel of Figure 1 . In the drawings, equal or similar elements are referred to by equal reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0056] Embodiment(s) of Invention

[0057] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 comprising a steering wheel 12. The steering wheel 12 has an input device 14. The input device 14 is designed to control a display 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a top view of the input device 14 according to a first embodiment from the driver's perspective.

[0059] The input device 14 has a first input wheel 18 and a second input wheel 20. The first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20 are designed as so-called scroll wheels. The first input wheel 18 is designed to scroll vertically across the display 16. The second input wheel 20 is designed to scroll horizontally across the display 16.

[0060] The input device 14 is arranged in a steering wheel spoke 28 of the steering wheel 12, for example. The input device 14 is located in the steering wheel 12 so that the driver can reach the first input wheel 18 and second input wheel 20 with one finger without releasing the steering wheel 12.

[0061] The input device 14 further comprises a housing 22. The housing 22 has a main body 24 and a cover 26. The main body 24 is shown in Figure 3, for example. The cover 26 is shown in Figure 2.

[0062] The cover 26 has a T-shaped wheel opening 30 for the first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20. The first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20 protrude through the wheel opening 30.

[0063] Further, cover 26 comprises three ramp sections 32, 34 and 36. The ramp sections 32 and 34 are arranged on opposite sides of the second input wheel 20. The third ramp sections 36 is arranged next to the first input wheel 18.

[0064] Figures 3 to 9 show the input device 14 from different perspectives.

[0065] The first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20 are mounted on a common carrier 38. The carrier 38 is swivel-mounted on the main body 24. By pressing one or both of the input wheels 18 and 20, the carrier 38 can be moved inside the housing 22 together with the input first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20.

[0066] If the first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20 are not pressed, one step remains between the ramp sections 32, 34 and 36 of the cover 26 and the adjacent input wheel 18 or 20. This makes it easier to feel the input wheels 18 and 20 with the fingers.

[0067] If one or both of the input wheels 18 and 20 is pressed, both input wheels 18 and 20 are moved into the housing 20. The contours of the ramp sections 32, 34 and 36 and the surfaces of the input wheels 18 and 20 merge into another. In this way, the movement of the carrier 38 with the first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20 can be limited.

[0068] The carrier 38 is attached to the main body 24 of the housing 26 by use of a pivot bearing 14. An elastic element, not shown, pushes the carrier 38 away from the base of the main body for 24. When one or both of the input wheels 18 and 20 is pressed, the carrier 38 is moved toward the base of the main body 24 and the elastic element is electrically strained.

[0069] Further, the input device 14 comprises a switch, not shown, that is arranged between the carrier 38 and the main body 24. The switch engages in a receptacle 42 on the underside of the carrier 38. When the carrier 38 is moved, it actuates the switch. The switch is used, for example, to confirm a selection previously made with the first input wheel 18 and the second input wheel 20 on the display 16.

[0070] The input device 14 has the function to make a setting while the display 16 by vertical scrolling with the first input wheel 18, horizontal scrolling with the second input wheel 20 and confirming with the push function using the switch. The first input wheel 18 comprises a first wheel body 44 and a first magnetic gear 46. The first magnetic gear 46 and the first wheel body 44 are coaxial with a first axis of rotation 48.The first input wheel 18 are rotatable about the first axis of rotation 48.

[0071] The first wheel body 44 is a hollow body. The first wheel body 44 is a body of revolution, for example. The first wheel body 44 for example is a hollow semi-ellipsoid. The first wheel body 44 surrounds a receiving space 50 for the second input wheel 20. The receiving space 50 has an opening 52 on an axial face of the first input wheel 18 in relation to the first axis of rotation 48.

[0072] The first magnetic gear 46 is attached to the first wheel body 44 on the opposite side of the opening 52. The radial outer surface of the first magnetic gear 46 is designed as a detent surface 54.

[0073] A diameter of the first magnetic gear 46 is smaller than the smallest diameter of the first wheel body 44. The first wheel body 44 has its smallest diameter on the side next to the first magnetic gear 46. The first wheel body 44 has its largest diameter on the side with the opening 52.

[0074] Further, the first input wheel 18 comprises an axle feedthrough 56 for an axle, which is not shown. The axle feedthrough 56 extends coaxially to the first axis of rotation 48 from the base of the first wheel body 44 through the first magnetic gear 46.

[0075] Moreover, the first wheel body 44 comprises a bearing area 58. A bearing body 60 of the carrier 38 is engaged in the bearing area 58. The bearing body 60 is shown in Figures 5 and 8, for example. The bearing area 58 is on the radial inner surface of the first wheel body 44. The bearing area 58 extends from the opening 52 toward the front of the first input wheel 18 on the side with the first magnetic gear 46. The bearing area 58 ends with a step 62 on the side opposite the opening 52. The step 62 serves as a limitation for the bearing body 60.

[0076] Furthermore, the radial outer surface of the first wheel body 44 has a ribbed texture 64. The bearing body 60 is part of the carrier 38. The bearing body 60 is one piece with the carrier 38. The bearing body 60 comprises an axle bearing 66. The axle of the first input wheel 18, which is not shown, is held in the axle bearing 66. The axle bearing 66 is coaxial to the first axis of rotation 48. The opening of the axle bearing 66 is on the axial side of the bearing body 60 facing the base of the receiving space 50 of the first wheel body 44.

[0077] The axle bearing 66 is surrounded by several support sections 68. The radial outer surfaces of the support sections 68 span a virtual conical plane that is coaxial to the first axis of rotation 48. The diameter of the plane tapers towards the base of the receiving space 50 of the first input wheel 18. The part of the bearing body 60 with the support sections 68 is arranged in the area of the receiving space 50 between the step 62 and the base of the receiving space 50. The support sections 68 have no contact with the radially inner surface of the first wheel body 44.

[0078] A circumferential shoulder 70 is adjacent to the support sections 68. The shoulder 70 projects radially beyond the support sections 68 relative to the first axis of rotation 48. Several protrusions 72 are distributed on the radially outer side of the shoulder 70. The protrusions 72 are in contact with the radially inner side of the bearing area 58 of the bearing body 60. The front of the shoulder 70 is in contact with the step 62 of the bearing body 60. When turning the first input wheel 18 about the first axis of rotation 48, the first input wheel 18 is supported against the shoulder 70 of the bearing body 60.

[0079] Opposite the side with the support sections 68, the bearing body 60 has a cylindrical section 74 with a notch 76. The notch 76 is depicted in Figures 5, 6 and 9, for example. A base 78 of the notch 76 is rounded concave when viewed from the second input wheel 20. The radius of curvature of the base 78 is slightly larger than the radial outer radius of the second input wheel 20.

[0080] The second input wheel 20 partially extends into the notch 76. The notch 76 extends through the opening 52 of the receiving space 50 of the first wheel body 44 into the receiving space 50. A part of the second input wheel 20 that extends into the notch 76 partially extends through the opening 52 into the receiving space 50 of the first input wheel 18. A radial outer diameter of the second input wheel 20 is approximately the same size as the maximum radial outer diameter of the first input wheel 18. The maximum radial outer diameter of the first input wheel 18 is on the side of the opening 52.

[0081] The carrier 38 consists of a first carrier part 80 and a second carrier part 82. The second carrier part 82 of the carrier 38 is attached to the first carrier part 80.

[0082] The bearing body 60 is realized in one piece with a first carrier part 80. The second carrier part 82 comprises a flange with an axle bearing 84. The axle bearing 84 is coaxial to the first axis of rotation 48.

[0083] The first input wheel 18 is arranged between the bearing body 60 of the first carrier part 80 and flange with the axle bearing 84 of the second carrier part 82. The axle of the first input wheel 18, which is not shown, extends from the axle bearing 84 through the axle feedthrough 56 of the first input wheel 18 into the axle bearing 66 of the bearing body 60.

[0084] Further, the second carrier part 82 comprises a receptacle 86 for a spring-loaded pin 88 and a magnetic pickup 90, as shown in Figure 8. The receptacle 86 has an opening on the side facing the first magnetic gear 46 of the first input wheel 18. The spring-loaded pin 88 interferes with the detent surface 54 of the first magnetic gear 46. The spring- loaded pin 88 and the detent surface 54 of the first magnetic gear 46 form a first rotary damping device 92 for the first input wheel 18. When rotating the first input wheel 18, the first rotary damping device 92 creates a grid-like feel.

[0085] The magnetic pickup 90 and the first magnetic gear 46 create a first rotary encoder 94. When the first input wheel 18 rotates, the first magnetic gear 46 interacts with the magnetic pickup 90 and the magnetic pickup 90 generates a first rotary signal. The first rotary signal is an electrical signal, for example. The first rotary signal is sent to a control unit of the display 16. The magnetic pickup 90 can be connected to the control unit of the display 16 by wire or radio, for example.

[0086] The second carrier part 82 comprises a semicircular projection 96 on the side facing the first carrier part 80. The projection 96 rests on the inside of a corresponding semicircular support section 98 of the first carrier part 80. The second carrier part 82 has a mounting flange 100 on its radial outer side. The mounting flange 100 is attached to a corresponding mounting section 102 of the first carrier part 80.

[0087] The second input wheel 20 comprises a second wheel body 104 and a second magnetic gear 106. The second wheel body 104 is a body of revolution, for example a circular disk. The second wheel body 104 and the second magnetic gear 106 are coaxial to a second axis of rotation 108. The second axis of rotation 108 is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 48 of the first input wheel 18.

[0088] The outer edge of the second wheel body 104 is widened in axial direction with respect to the second axis of rotation 108. The radial outer surface of the second wheel body 104 has a ribbed texture 1 10.

[0089] The second magnetic gear 106 is located behind the second wheel body 104 in the axial direction with respect to the second axis of rotation 108. The second magnetic gear 106 is attached to the second wheel body 104 in one piece.

[0090] A two-sided open axle feedthrough 1 12 extends coaxially with the second axis of rotation 108 from the free end face of the second wheel body 104 to the free end face of the second magnetic gear 106. The radial outer surface of the second magnetic gear 106 is formed as a detent surface 1 14.

[0091] The second input wheel 20 is arranged between two flanges 1 16 of the first carrier part 80. Each of the flanges 1 16 has a respective axle bearing 1 18. The axle bearings 1 18 are through holes. The axle bearings 1 18 are coaxial with the second axis of rotation 108. A second axle, which is not shown, extends between the two axle bearings 1 18 through the axle feedthrough 1 12. The second input wheel 20 is rotatable relative to the first carrier part 80.

[0092] Further, the first carrier part 80 comprises a receptacle 120 for a spring-loaded pin 122 and a magnetic pickup 124, as shown in Figure 9. The receptacle 120 has an opening on the side facing the second magnetic gear 106 of the second input wheel 20. The spring- loaded pin 122 interferes with the detent surface 1 14 of the second magnetic gear 106. The spring-loaded pin 122 and the detent surface 114 of the second magnetic gear 106 form a second rotary damping device 126 for the second input wheel 20. When rotating the second input wheel 20, the second rotary damping device 126 creates a grid-like feel.

[0093] The magnetic pickup 124 and the second magnetic gear 106 create a second rotary encoder 128. When the second input wheel 20 rotates, the second magnetic gear 106 interacts with the magnetic pickup 124 and the magnetic pickup 124 generates a second rotary signal. The second rotary signal is an electrical signal, for example. The second rotary signal is sent to the control unit of the display 16.

[0094] A first plane of rotation 130 of the first input wheel 18 is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 48. A second plane of rotation 132 of the second input wheel 20 is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation 108. The first plane of rotation 130 extends perpendicular to the second plane of rotation 132.

[0095] Figures 10 to 13 show an input device 14 according to a second embodiment. Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment in Figures 2 to 9 are provided with the same reference signs. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that in the second embodiment, optical rotary encoders each are used as the first rotary encoder and the second rotary encoder 128. The second wheel body 104 is formed as a code wheel with several through holes 134. Further, the first rotary damping device and the second rotary damping device 126 each are formed as magnetorheological (MRF) fluid modules. There are no magnetic gears necessary. In the Figures 10 to 13, the parts of the first rotary damping device and the first rotary encoder are concealed and therefore not visible.

[0096] Further, the radial outer surface of the first wheel body 44 has a smooth texture 136. Furthermore, the radial outer surface of the second wheel body 104 has a smooth texture 138. Moreover, the input device 14 according to second embodiment comprises no bearing body. Besides, the carrier 38 is in one part.

[0097] Further, the carrier 38 has a receptacle 140 for an elastic element. The elastic element can be a compression spring, for example. A guide pin 142 is attached to the base of the housing 22. The guide pin 142 is coaxial with the receptacle 140. The guide pin 142 serves as a guide for the elastic element. Figure 14 shows an input device 14 according to a third embodiment. Those elements that are similar to those of the second embodiment in Figures 10 to 13 are provided with the same reference signs. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the first wheel body 44 is a rotary hollow body in form of a hollow circular cylinder.

Claims

Claims1 . Input device (14), in particular input device (14) for a vehicle (10), in particular input device (14) for a steering wheel (12) for a vehicle (10), comprising a first input wheel (18) that can be rotated about a first axis of rotation (48), a second input wheel (20) that can be rotated about a second axis of rotation (108), a first rotary encoder (94) assigned to the first input wheel (18) that is designed to generate at least one first rotary signal as the first input wheel (18) rotates, and a second rotary encoder (128) assigned to the second input wheel (20) that is designed to generate at least one second rotary signal as the second input wheel (20) rotates, characterized in that the first input wheel (18) has a receiving space (50) which has an opening (52) at one axial face of the first input wheel (18) with respect to the first axis of rotation (48) and the second input wheel (20) partially extends through the opening (52) into the receiving space (50) of the first input wheel (18).

2. Input device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first input wheel (18) comprises a hollow body (44), in particular a hollow body of revolution as a semi-ellipsoid, a semi-hemisphere, a circular cylinder, a cone or the like, that surrounds the receiving space (50) with the opening (52) and / or the second input wheel (20) comprises a body of revolution (104), in particular a circular disk.

3. Input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first plane of rotation (130) of the first input wheel (18) is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (48), a second plane of rotation (132) of the second input wheel (20) is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation (108), and the first plane of rotation (130) is not parallel to the second plane of rotation (132), in particular the first plane of rotation (130) is perpendicular to the second plane of rotation (132), and / or the first axis of rotation (48) is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation (108).

4. Input device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the first input wheel (18) and the second input wheel (20) are mounted on a common carrier(38).

5. Input device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one of the two input wheels (18, 20), in particular the first input wheel (18) and the second input wheel (20), are mounted on a carrier (38) that is movable mounted, in particular tilting-mounted, on a main body (24) of the input device (14), in particular a main body (24) of a housing (22) of the input device (14).

6. Input device according to claim 5, characterized in that the input device (14) comprises at least one switch associated with the carrier (38), which is designed to be actuated when the carrier (38) is moved, in particular when the carrier (38) is tilted.

7. Input device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the carrier (38) is designed to move, in particular to be tilted, when at least one of the two input wheels (18, 20), in particular one of the input wheels (18, 20) or both input wheels (18, 20), is pressed.

8. Input device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one of the rotary encoders (94, 128), in particular the first rotary encoder (94) and / or the second rotary encoder (128), is designed as an optical and / or magnetic and / or mechanical rotary encoder.

9. Input device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the first input wheel (18) is connected to a first rotary damping device (92), in particular a rotary damping device (92) comprising an arrangement with at least one detent surface (54) and a spring-loaded engaging element (88) such as a pin or an adjustable damping device such as a magnetorheological fluid module, and / or the second input wheel (20) is connected to a second rotary damping device (126), in particular a rotary damping device (126) comprising an arrangement with at least one detent surface (114) and a spring-loaded engaging element (122) such as a pin or an adjustable damping device such as a magnetorheological fluid module.

10. Input device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the surface of at least one of the input wheels (18, 20) has a ribbed texture (64, 1 10) orcorrugated texture and / or the surface of at least one of the input wheels (18, 20) has a smooth texture (136, 138).11 . Input device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the input device (14) comprises a housing (22) that has at least one wheel opening (30) for the input wheels (18, 20).

12. Input device according to claim 11 , characterized in that at least one ramp section (32, 34, 36) can adjoin the at least one wheel opening (30).

13. Steering wheel (12) for a vehicle (10) with at least one input device (14), characterized in that the at least one input device (14) is an input device according to one of the claims 1 to 12.

14. Vehicle (10) with at least one input device (14), in particular vehicle (10) with at least one steering wheel (12) with at least one input device (14), characterized in that the at least one input device (14) is an input device according to one of the claims 1 to

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