Input apparatus for a motor vehicle having a divided haptically active operating surface, motor vehicle, and method for operating an input apparatus for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an input apparatus for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor device (28) for detecting touching of an operating surface (14) of the input apparatus that can be performed by a user of the input apparatus, and comprising a feedback device for outputting haptic feedback to the user as a result of the touching of the operating surface (14). The operating surface (14) has at least a first sub-region (20) and a second sub-region (22), wherein the sensor device (28) is designed to detect whether the touching occurs in only one of the sub-regions (20, 22) or in the at least two sub-regions (20, 22). The feedback device is designed to output the haptic feedback to the user selectively only in the first sub-region (20) or only in the second sub-region (22), depending on the detection of the touching. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an input apparatus of this type and to a method for operating the input apparatus.

Description

[0001] Input device for a motor vehicle with a split haptically active operating surface, motor vehicle and method for operating an input device for a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an input device for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor device for detecting a touch of a control surface of the input device by a user. A feedback device of the input device is configured to provide haptic feedback to the user as a result of the touching of the control surface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such input device and a method for operating the input device.

[0003] Motor vehicles may use an input device with a touch-sensitive control surface. If a user touches the control surface, for example to activate a function of the vehicle, haptic feedback can be provided. For instance, the entire control surface may vibrate, allowing the user to haptically perceive that their touch has been recognized as a valid input.

[0004] Such a control surface can be designed as a touchpad or touchscreen, which may be located, for example, on the center console of the vehicle. Alternatively, such an input surface can be the surface of a touchpad or touchscreen, which may be located, for example, in the area of ​​the instrument panel or dashboard of the vehicle. If such a touchpad or touchscreen is located in the area of ​​the center console, the control surface is more easily accessible to the user if the user, as a seated occupant of the vehicle, has moved the vehicle seat to a position in which the seat is relatively far away from the instrument panel or dashboard.

[0005] Especially when the control surface is relatively large, depending on the user's seating position in the vehicle, it can happen that the user touches a large area of ​​the control surface simultaneously, for example, with the palm and fingertips of one hand. If, in such a case, the entire control surface vibrates to provide haptic feedback to the user, this is unpleasant for the user or the operator. This is a disadvantage.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an input device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is improved with regard to the output of haptic feedback, as well as to provide a motor vehicle with such an input device and a corresponding method for operating the input device.

[0007] This problem is solved by an input device with the features of claim 1, a motor vehicle with the features of claim 14, and a method with the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] The input device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a sensor device for detecting a touch of the input device's control surface by a user. A feedback device of the input device is configured to provide haptic feedback to the user as a result of the touching of the control surface. The control surface has at least a first sub-area and a second sub-area, and the sensor device is configured to detect whether the touch occurs in only one of the sub-areas or in both sub-areas. Depending on whether the touch is detected, the feedback device is configured to selectively provide haptic feedback to the user either only in the first sub-area or only in the second sub-area.

[0009] By dividing the user interface into at least two sub-areas, each capable of providing independent haptic feedback, the user's haptic feedback can be tailored very precisely, depending on which sub-area a touch is interpreted as a valid input. User feedback can be provided by selectively providing haptic feedback only in the first sub-area or only in the second. This prevents user confusion that can arise when a user touches the interface extensively (e.g., with their entire hand) but only initiates input in one sub-area (e.g., with their fingers).

[0010] If, in such a situation, haptic feedback were instead provided across the entire control surface, for example in the form of a vibration, this would be unpleasant and confusing for the user. This is avoidable in the present case. Consequently, the input device has been improved with regard to the provision of haptic feedback.

[0011] By providing haptic feedback in only one of the sub-areas, local haptic feedback can be generated. This effectively prevents unpleasant vibrations in a part of the user's body that is touching the control surface but not actively interacting with the device.

[0012] This allows for the generation of haptically perceptible effects in at least two sub-areas of the control surface without providing haptic feedback across the entire surface. This significantly improves ease of use for the user or operator when operating the input device.

[0013] Particularly in the case of a comparatively large operating surface of the input device, this can have more than two sub-areas, whereby the feedback device is designed to output the haptic feedback to the user in only one of these sub-areas depending on the detection of the touch, even if a simultaneous touch is detected in at least two of the sub-areas.

[0014] The input device can include a control unit designed to actuate the feedback device, which, during operation of the input device, causes the feedback device to output haptic feedback in the respective area of ​​the operating surface. Signals from the sensor device can be fed to such a control unit for evaluation. Providing the control unit simplifies the operation of the input device, particularly with regard to the output of haptic feedback via the feedback device depending on whether the sensor device detects contact with the operating surface. By actuating the input device, whereby the user touches the operating surface of the input device, at least one function of the motor vehicle can be activated if the input device is installed in the motor vehicle.For example, it may be provided that by operating the input device in the motor vehicle at least one functional unit such as a heating device and / or a ventilation device and / or an air conditioning device and / or an infotainment system and / or a navigation system and / or a driver assistance system or the like can be activated or operated.

[0015] Preferably, the sensor device is designed to distinguish between touching the control surface with at least one fingertip of the user's hand and touching it with the palm of the user's hand. This allows for a specific response to each touch of the control surface with the at least one fingertip, as the feedback device provides haptic feedback. In contrast, the more extensive touch of the control surface with the palm of the hand can be recognized as a touch which, unlike touching the control surface with the at least one fingertip, is not considered an operating action. Consequently, haptic feedback can be specifically provided for operating actions recognized as valid by the user, with the operating actions considered valid preferably involving touching the control surface with the at least one fingertip of the user's hand.

[0016] To distinguish between the smaller-area contact of the operating surface with at least one fingertip and the larger-area contact of the operating surface with the palm of the hand, the sensor device can have a corresponding plurality of respective sensor elements, which can in particular be designed as capacitive sensor electrodes. By providing the operating surface with a plurality of such sensor elements of the sensor device, preferably arranged in a grid pattern, it is very easy to deduce from the size and shape of the contact area whether the user is touching the operating surface with at least one fingertip, with the palm of the hand, or with the palm of the hand.

[0017] The sensor device can include an evaluation unit that detects changes in the capacitance of respective pairs of sensor elements or sensor electrodes, wherein the change in the capacitance of a respective electrode pair is based on the approach of the finger to the electrode pair. Such an evaluation, based on detecting a change in mutual or reciprocal capacitance, is particularly well suited to detecting the position of, for example, a finger or similar body part of the user on the operating surface with high spatial resolution.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit of the sensor device can detect the change in capacitance of a single electrode or sensor electrode relative to a reference potential, whereby the change in capacitance results from the approach of a body part, such as a finger, to the individual electrode. This evaluation of the intrinsic capacitance of the respective sensor element or sensor electrode advantageously allows for a high depth resolution. Accordingly, the change in capacitance can be reliably detected even when the finger is still some distance from the sensor element or sensor electrode. This is particularly advantageous when the device is to detect contact between the user's hand and the operating surface, especially when the user is wearing a glove on the hand performing the operation.Preferably, the evaluation device of the sensor device is designed to detect both changes in the mutual or reciprocal capacitance of the sensor electrodes and intrinsic capacitance of the sensor electrodes.

[0019] Both the detection of mutual or reciprocal capacitance and the detection of intrinsic capacitance are advantageously well suited to distinguishing between touching the operating surface with at least one fingertip of the user's hand and touching the operating surface with the palm of the user's hand. Therefore, it is advantageous to design the sensor elements of the sensor device as capacitive sensor elements or sensor electrodes. This is particularly true if the sensor device has a corresponding number of such capacitive sensor elements, which are distributed across the operating surface, especially in a grid pattern.

[0020] Preferably, the feedback device is designed to provide haptic feedback to the user only in the second sub-area when the device detects that the first sub-area is touched by the palm of the user's hand and at least one fingertip is simultaneously touching the second sub-area. Therefore, if the operating surface is large enough to accommodate both the palm of the hand and at least one fingertip simultaneously, it is advantageous to avoid providing haptic feedback in the sub-area where the palm of the hand is in contact with the surface. This prevents the disruptive or confusing output of haptic feedback, such as vibration, in the area of ​​the palm of the hand.

[0021] Providing the input device with a comparatively large operating surface, which offers enough space for the user's entire hand to rest on it – thus allowing the simultaneous placement of the palm and fingertips – is particularly advantageous when the user needs to be able to reach the operating surface even when the vehicle seat in which the user is located is in a comfortable seating position. In particular, the vehicle seat in this comfortable position can be located relatively far away from the vehicle's instrument panel.

[0022] Particularly when the control surface of the input device is located on a center console and / or armrest of the vehicle, the large surface area allows the user to reach at least one section of the control surface even when the vehicle seat is in a comfortable seating position. However, this also means that when the vehicle seat is moved closer to the instrument panel or dashboard, the user may simultaneously touch one section with the palm of their hand and the other with at least one fingertip. In this situation, it is particularly advantageous if no haptic feedback is provided in the area of ​​the palm of the user's hand.

[0023] Preferably, the feedback device is designed to provide haptic feedback to the user only in the first sub-area when the user detects touching only the first sub-area with at least one fingertip. This prevents unnecessary haptic feedback from being provided across the entire operating surface when the user only touches the first sub-area with their fingers or fingertips. This is advantageous for highly targeted use of the feedback device. Preferably, the input device includes a force sensor that detects the actuating force applied when touching the operating surface. The feedback device is designed to provide haptic feedback to the user when a threshold value of the actuating force is exceeded.This ensures very reliably that only touches applied with an actuation force exceeding the threshold are considered valid touches and trigger haptic feedback. In particular, this prevents unnecessary haptic feedback and makes operating the input device especially intuitive for the user.

[0024] Preferably, a control unit of the input device, intended for controlling the feedback device, is configured to process a signal indicating the position of a vehicle seat along an adjustment path of the vehicle seat. In this configuration, the input device is accessible to the user, who is the seat occupant, in a specific installation position within the vehicle. Furthermore, the feedback device is configured to selectively output haptic feedback to the user, depending on the position of the vehicle seat along the adjustment path, either only in the first or only in the second part of the adjustment path.

[0025] Taking the position of the vehicle seat along its adjustment range into account increases the plausibility of deciding which part of the control surface should provide haptic feedback. If the vehicle seat is in a position along the adjustment range where only one of the control areas is easily accessible to the user, then providing haptic feedback in at least one other area is superfluous or impractical.

[0026] If, on the other hand, the vehicle seat is moved along its adjustment path to a position where the user can easily and comfortably touch all parts of the control surface, it makes sense to limit the haptic feedback to that area where at least one of the user's fingertips, usable for performing at least one operating action, is located. Therefore, taking into account the position of the vehicle seat along its adjustment path or travel path, which in the vehicle preferably runs parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, is conducive to improved haptic feedback.

[0027] Preferably, the feedback device comprises a first plate element corresponding to the first sub-area and a second plate element corresponding to the second sub-area, with the plate elements arranged below the operating surface. The feedback device includes a plurality of actuators configured to cause the respective plate element to vibrate in order to provide haptic feedback. By providing the plate elements, it can be ensured particularly easily that the entire sub-area vibrates when haptic feedback is provided. This facilitates a simple design of the input device and, at the same time, makes it easy for the user to perceive the haptic feedback.

[0028] The actuators can, for example, be designed as piezoelectric elements, which are deformable when an electrical voltage is applied and are thus able to vibrate the respective plate element. In particular, the actuators can be distributed across the surface of the respective plate element, with different numbers of actuators being provided for each plate element depending on its size. Both of these approaches are advantageous in order to induce vibration of the entire plate element by operating the actuators.

[0029] Preferably, the actuators are arranged on the top side of a printed circuit board of the input device, with the top side of the circuit board facing the respective underside of the board elements. Arranging the actuators on the circuit board makes it particularly easy to supply them with electrical power.

[0030] Preferably, the input device includes an adjustment mechanism designed to change the distance between the circuit board and the operating surface and / or the orientation of the circuit board relative to the operating surface. This allows for easy compensation of manufacturing tolerances in the input device. Furthermore, it prevents the formation of gaps between the circuit board elements and the operating surface. This is advantageous for providing particularly effective haptic feedback to the user touching the operating surface via the circuit board elements. In particular, the adjustment mechanism ensures that the circuit board and the circuit board elements are subjected to a certain mechanical preload in relation to the operating surface. This is advantageous for the high functionality of the input device, especially with regard to the operation of the feedback mechanism.

[0031] Preferably, the adjustment device is fixed to a support part of the input device. This makes the adjustment device essentially stationary, and the support part provides a robust abutment for the adjustment device.

[0032] Preferably, the adjustment device comprises a plurality of adjustment elements designed to change the distance of the printed circuit board (PCB) from the operating surface and / or the orientation of the PCB relative to the operating surface. This allows for high-resolution local adjustment of the PCB's distance from the operating surface and / or its orientation relative to the operating surface. In particular, this effectively compensates for manufacturing tolerances of input device components during assembly.

[0033] For example, the adjustment elements can be designed as adjusting screws. This allows for very precise and easy adjustment, especially fine-tuning, of the circuit board relative to the operating surface by turning the adjusting screws along their axial direction as desired, either extending them out of a base body of the adjustment device or pushing them further into the base body.

[0034] Preferably, the input device has at least one lighting device, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one light source. The lighting device is configured to illuminate a contour line around the operating surface for the user looking at the operating surface by activating the at least one light source. This facilitates the operation of the input device when the user enters information on the operating surface. The light emitted along the contour line makes it very easy for the user to visually perceive the operating surface.

[0035] Preferably, the lighting device comprises a light guide arranged below the operating surface, into which light emitted by the at least one light source can be coupled. The light guide is designed to couple light along the contour line. Such a lighting device design is particularly advantageous for making the operating surface visible along the contour line when the at least one light source is in operation.

[0036] The contour line does not need to be a continuous or unbroken line. It is equally possible to design the contour line as a broken line or one composed of multiple segments. Both approaches contribute to a clear and easily recognizable outline of the control surface.

[0037] Preferably, the operating surface is formed on the upper side of a cover layer of the input device, with a covering device arranged on the outer side of an elastic base body of the input device. If an overlap area is formed between the cover layer and the covering device, this advantageously results in a particularly attractive, closed appearance of the cover of the input device encompassing both the cover layer and the covering device for the viewer looking at the input device. Furthermore, this facilitates easy maintenance of the input device, for example, by wiping or dusting the cover.

[0038] The surface layer and / or the casing can, for example, be made of leather. This is advantageous in terms of the input device's attractive appearance. Furthermore, the tactile properties of a leather surface layer are pleasant for the user. In addition, this allows the control surface to be integrated particularly discreetly and unobtrusively into the vehicle's interior.

[0039] It has proven further advantageous to arrange a second cover layer in a space formed between the top layer and the casing, with a gap between this second and third cover layer. Providing this gap between the first and third cover layers makes it particularly easy for the user to discern the outline or contour of the operating surface. This facilitates easy location of the operating surface for the user. This is especially true if the gap is backlit by a lighting element of the input device. For an attractive and uniform appearance of the input device, it is advantageous if the second cover layer is made of leather. This is particularly true if the top layer or first cover layer and the casing are also made of leather.

[0040] An end section of the outer cover layer can be arranged to overlap with an end section of the outer casing. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the finished appearance of the input device's covering, encompassing both the cover layers and the casing, as seen from the viewer's perspective. Furthermore, such an overlap facilitates easy maintenance of the covering, such as wiping it down or similar tasks.

[0041] Preferably, a fold is formed at a free end of at least one of the cover layers and / or the casing, at which an edge area of ​​the cover layer and / or the casing is folded over. This avoids the formation of disruptive edges in the area of ​​the free end of the cover layer and / or the casing. This is advantageous with regard to the unimpeded operation of the input device. In particular, it largely prevents the user from catching on such an edge when operating the input device, which involves touching the control surface. Furthermore, avoiding edges is advantageous with regard to the care or cleaning of the input device's cover.

[0042] It has also proven advantageous if the edge area has a thickness that decreases towards a narrow side of the cover layer and / or the wrapping device. This prevents the formation of a disruptive bulge in the fold area, even when the cover layer or wrapping device is folded over at the fold. This is beneficial.

[0043] Preferably, the input device is integrated into an armrest for the vehicle. This facilitates very simple and comfortable operation of the input device's control surface by the user. The user can rest their forearm on the armrest and easily reach the control surface with their hand or fingers to make inputs. Particularly when the armrest is fixed in position relative to the vehicle seat, dividing the control surface into at least two sections is advantageous, as haptic feedback can be provided independently in each section via the feedback device. Depending on the position of the vehicle seat relative to the fixed armrest, the user can easily reach at least one of the control surface sections when resting their forearm on the armrest.The armrest can be located, for example, in the area of ​​a center console of the vehicle or in some other way to the side of the vehicle seat.

[0044] Preferably, the armrest, when installed in the vehicle, has a front end and a rear end. The rear end is positioned closer to the front of the armrest than the front end. This makes the rear end particularly easy for the user to reach when they have moved the vehicle seat, from which they are operating the input device, forward, i.e., towards the front of the armrest. Conversely, the rear end remains easily accessible even when the user has moved the vehicle seat back along its adjustment path, for example, to achieve a particularly comfortable seating position.Therefore, the arrangement of the sub-areas next to each other along a longitudinal direction of the armrest, which extends from the rear end of the armrest to the front end, is advantageous with regard to the preferred installation position of the armrest in the motor vehicle.

[0045] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one input device according to the invention. This input device is located in the motor vehicle in an installation position where the user can reach the control surface. This allows the user to conveniently use the input device to make inputs on the control surface. Furthermore, since the input device is improved with regard to the output of haptic feedback, the user advantageously receives haptically perceptible feedback when an input made on the control surface is recognized as a valid input. This is advantageous.

[0046] In the inventive method for operating an input device for a motor vehicle, a sensor device of the input device detects when a user touches a control surface of the input device. A feedback device of the input device provides haptic feedback to the user as a result of the touch. The control surface has at least a first sub-area and a second sub-area. The sensor device detects whether the touch occurs in only one of the sub-areas or in both sub-areas. Depending on whether the touch is detected, the feedback device selectively provides haptic feedback to the user only in the first sub-area or only in the second sub-area.This method effectively avoids the unpleasant effect of haptic feedback across the entire control surface, such as vibration. Therefore, it represents an improvement in the delivery of haptic feedback.

[0047] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the input 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.

[0048] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments through separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features that do not exhibit all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered disclosed.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features, in particular those set out above, are to be considered disclosed which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the cross-references of the claims.

[0049] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the figure description. These include:

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an input device for a motor vehicle, which is integrated into an armrest of the motor vehicle, wherein the input device has a large operating surface in a front end region of the armrest; Fig. 2 schematically shows the detection of the touching of a first part of the operating surface with the fingertips of a user's hand of the input device, wherein a detailed enlargement shows an arrangement of capacitive sensor elements of a sensor device of the input device, and wherein the touching of the first part of the operating surface by the fingertips of the user can be detected by means of the sensor device;

[0051] Fig. 3 schematically shows a situation in which the user of the input device touches a first part of the operating surface with the palm of his hand and at the same time the fingertips touch the second part of the operating surface;

[0052] Fig. 4 shows the armrest in a perspective view of an underside of the armrest;

[0053] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of components of the armrest and the input device;

[0054] Fig. 6 schematically shows a detection device of the input device, which includes a sensor device for detecting the touching of the operating surface and a force sensor for detecting an actuating force applied by the user when touching;

[0055] Fig. 7 shows the detection device according to Fig. 6 in a partially cutaway further perspective view;

[0056] Fig. 8 schematically shows components of a feedback device for the input device, wherein the feedback device is designed to output haptic feedback in the respective sub-areas of the operating surface;

[0057] Fig. 9 shows a partial sectional view of the feedback device in the area of ​​section line IX-IX in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 schematically shows two plate elements of the feedback device, which can be set into vibration independently of each other;

[0058] Fig. 11 schematically shows a circuit board of the feedback device, which has a plurality of actuators designed as piezo elements, and in which a plurality of light sources are also arranged on the circuit board;

[0059] Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of the top side of a plate-shaped adjustment device for adjusting the position of the printed circuit board according to Fig. 11 relative to the operating surface of the input device;

[0060] Fig. 13 shows the adjustment device according to Fig. 12 in a view of a bottom side;

[0061] Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the input device according to Fig. 1 in the area of ​​the operating surface;

[0062] Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the leather-made trim parts of the input device according to Fig. 14 and the armrest according to Fig. 1;

[0063] Fig. 16 shows a sectional view along line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15; and

[0064] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0065] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an input device 10 for a (not shown) motor vehicle. The input device 10 can, for example, be integrated into an armrest 12. The armrest 12 can be arranged next to a (not shown) vehicle seat of the motor vehicle, so that a user, in the form of a passenger seated in the vehicle, can easily reach and operate a control surface 14 of the input device 10.

[0066] For inputting functions via the input device 10, the input device 10 has the operating surface 14, which can be designed as a touchpad or a touchscreen. When the input device 10, integrated into the armrest 12, is arranged next to the (not shown) vehicle seat of the motor vehicle and is thus in an installation position within the vehicle, a front end 16 of the armrest 12 is closer to the front of the vehicle than a rear end 17 of the armrest 12. Accordingly, in its installation position within the vehicle, the armrest 12 extends essentially in the direction of a longitudinal axis x of the vehicle. The longitudinal axis x, the transverse axis y, and the vertical axis z are illustrated in Fig. 1 by a coordinate system.

[0067] The control surface 14 is located near the front end 16 of the armrest 12. When the user or seat occupant rests their forearm on the armrest 12, they can easily reach the input or control surface 14 with their hand. This applies both when the armrest 12 is fixed next to the vehicle seat, which can move in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis x, and when the armrest 12 is fixed in the area of ​​a (not shown) center console of the vehicle.

[0068] In contrast, if an input surface such as a touchpad or touchscreen is located on the dashboard or instrument panel of a vehicle, operating it can be difficult for the occupant if the vehicle seat is adjusted to a position relatively far from the instrument panel. However, such a seat position is very comfortable for the occupant because it provides ample legroom.

[0069] Particularly in view of the trend towards autonomous or at least partially automated driving of motor vehicles, it is therefore advantageous if the control surface 14, in the installation position of the input device 10 in the motor vehicle, is located at a point that is easily accessible to the user or passenger both when the passenger has moved the vehicle seat far forward and when the passenger has moved the vehicle seat back to a comfortable position along its adjustment range. Therefore, it is advantageous if (as shown in Fig. 1) the input device 10 is integrated into the armrest 12. When the motor vehicle is driving autonomously or at least partially automatically, the passenger, particularly the driver, can assume a comfortable seating position in which the vehicle seat is moved particularly far back along the longitudinal axis x of the vehicle, i.e., towards the rear of the vehicle.If the driver subsequently wishes to resume control of the vehicle (not shown) via a steering wheel or similar steering mechanism, it may be provided that the vehicle seat is moved forward again (automatically or upon a corresponding operating command from the user).

[0070] Particularly in a vehicle designed for autonomous or partially automated driving, it is therefore advantageous if the operating surface 14 has a comparatively large length in the longitudinal direction of the input device 10, which, in the installation position of the input device 10 in the vehicle, is preferably parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis x. This ensures that the operating surface 14 is easily accessible in a multitude of possible positions of the vehicle seat along its adjustment range. The input device 10 integrated into the armrest 12, shown in Fig. 1, takes this into account.

[0071] When the user of the input device 10 makes an input at the control surface 14, haptic or haptically perceptible feedback is provided to the user, for example in the form of a vibration. For this purpose, the input device 10 has a feedback device 18, which is shown schematically in the exploded view of the armrest 12 and the input device 10 in Fig. 5, and which is more clearly visible in the detailed view in Fig. 8.

[0072] The present design avoids the situation where haptic feedback is always emitted across the entire control surface 14 whenever a user input is detected at any point on the control surface 14. This is based on the understanding that it is unpleasant for the user if haptic feedback, such as a vibration that can be felt by the user, is always emitted across the entire control surface 14.

[0073] For this purpose, the control surface 14 is divided or partitioned into at least two sub-areas 20, 22, which can be individually vibrated. The advantages associated with this will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 schematically shows the division of the control surface 14 into the first sub-area 20 and the second sub-area 22. Here, the second sub-area 22 is closer to the front end 16 of the armrest 12 than the first sub-area 20.

[0074] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a situation in which the user of the input device 10 has moved the vehicle seat relatively far to the rear along the vehicle's longitudinal axis x, i.e., towards the rear of the vehicle. Accordingly, the user's fingertips 24, whose contact with the control surface 14 is schematically shown in the first section 20, can only easily reach the first section 20. For clarity, only a few of the fingertips 24 of the user's hand (not shown in detail) resting on the control surface 14 in the first section 20 are labeled in Figure 2. Figure 2 also indicates one of the user's fingers 26.

[0075] A sensor device 28 of the input device 10 is shown on the one hand in the exploded view of the armrest 12 in Fig. 5 and on the other hand in Fig. 6, whereby the sensor device 28 is more clearly visible in Fig. 6 than in Fig. 5. The sensor device 28 can comprise a plurality of sensor elements 30, as shown schematically in an enlarged detail view of the sensor device 28 in Fig. 2.

[0076] The sensor elements 30, which are preferably arranged in a grid or lattice pattern, can in particular be designed as capacitive sensor electrodes, by means of which the touching of the operating surface 14 by the user can be detected.

[0077] In particular, the sensor elements 30 are preferably distributed locally over the entire operating surface 14 such that the position and size of the touched areas of the input surface or operating surface 14 can be detected by means of the sensor device 28.

[0078] Accordingly, the sensor device 28 is preferably designed to distinguish between touching the operating surface 14 with at least one fingertip 24 of the user's hand and touching the operating surface 14 with the palm of the hand 32 (see Fig. 3) or the palm of the user's hand. In other words, the sensor device 28, which preferably uses capacitive sensors, is designed to distinguish between touching the operating surface 14 with at least one fingertip 24 of the user's hand and touching the operating surface 14 with the palm of the hand 32 (see Fig. 3).

[0079] The sensor elements 30 are capable of detecting the size and shape of the respective touched areas on the operating surface 14.

[0080] If it turns out that the user only touches the first sub-area 20 of the operating surface 14 with their fingertips 24, as shown in Fig. 2, then the feedback device 18 (see Fig. 8) only needs to provide haptic feedback to the user in the first sub-area 20. For example, only the first sub-area 20 can vibrate, while no haptic feedback is provided to the user in the second sub-area 22 of the operating surface 14.

[0081] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a situation in which the user touches the first sub-area 20 of the control surface 14 with the palm of their hand 32 and simultaneously touches the control surface 14 in the second sub-area 22 with at least one fingertip 24. In this case, it would be unpleasant for the user if the feedback device 18 were to provide haptic feedback, for example in the form of a vibration, in both the first sub-area 20 and the second sub-area 22.

[0082] Accordingly, the feedback device 18 is preferably designed to output haptic feedback to the user only in the second part 22 of the operating surface 14 when it detects that the first sub-area 20 is touched by the user's palm 32 and simultaneously the second sub-area 22 by the user's fingertips 24. In contrast, no haptic feedback occurs in the first sub-area 20 in the situation illustrated in Fig. 3. If the haptic feedback consists of a vibration of the respective sub-area 20, 22 of the operating surface 14, then accordingly no vibration occurs in the first sub-area 20 in this situation.

[0083] In Fig. 4, the armrest 12 is shown in a perspective view of its underside. Accordingly, the armrest 12 can have a cover 34 on its underside, for example made of plastic, which is also shown in the sectional view of the input device 10 in Fig. 14. Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows electronic modules 36 of the input device 10, which can project beyond the underside cover 34 in the vertical direction z of the armrest 12 (compare Fig. 1). Further components of the armrest 12 and the input device 10 will be explained with reference to Fig. 5. Firstly, Fig. 5 schematically shows further electronic modules 36 of the input device 10.At least one of the electronic modules 36 can provide a control unit 38 of the input device 10, which can preferably evaluate signals from the sensor device 28 and can in particular be designed to control the feedback device 18.

[0084] Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows a support part 40 of the input device 10, made, for example, of plastic, which provides a supporting structure for the armrest 12. The support part 40 can also be seen in the sectional view of the input device 10 in Fig. 14. Between the support part 40 and a cover 42 of the armrest 12 or the input device 10, preferably made of leather, a foam body 44 is arranged, as shown in Fig. 5. The elastic foam body 44 provides appropriate padding for the armrest 12, where this is comfortable or advantageous for using the armrest 12, for example, when resting the forearm. The foam body 44 can also be seen in the sectional view of the input device 10 in Fig. 14. This also applies to the cover 42 of the armrest 12 or the input device 10, with a possible construction of the cover 42 being shown in more detail in Figs. 15 to 17.

[0085] In the front part of the reference 42, in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis x, the operating surface 14 of the input device 10 is arranged. As shown in Fig. 4, the support part 40 and the foam body 44 each have recesses 46 in the area of ​​the operating surface 14, which facilitate the placement of the sensor device 28 and the feedback device 18 in the input device 10 below the operating surface 14.

[0086] According to Fig. 6, the sensor device 28 preferably comprises a capacitive detection film 48, by means of which the touching of the operating surface 14 can be detected. Furthermore, Fig. 6 shows a force sensor 50 of the input device 10, by means of which an actuating force applied by the user when touching the operating surface 14 can be detected. The force sensor 50 can be designed to detect the actuating force by means of capacitive force measurement. In particular, the force sensor 50 (as shown in Fig. 7) can be integrated into the sensor device 28, wherein the detection film 48 can be arranged on a top surface 52 of the force sensor 50, which is also designed as a flat surface or in the manner of a thicker film, facing the operating surface 14.

[0087] The force applied when touching the operating surface 14, detected by the force sensor 50, can be taken into account when outputting haptic feedback via the feedback device 18 (see Fig. 8). For example, it can be provided that haptic feedback is only output to the user if the force detected by the force sensor 50 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0088] In this case, the detection film 48 and the force sensor 50 cover the entire operating surface 14. This is particularly evident from the sectional view of the input device 10 in Fig. 14. Accordingly, the sensor device 28 can detect the user's touch across the entire operating surface 14. The force sensor 50 can detect the actuating force applied at the respective points. Due to the preferably high spatial resolution in the detection of the touch on the operating surface 14, it is particularly possible to identify where on the active surface, in the form of the operating surface 14, the user is operating the device with at least one fingertip 24.

[0089] As described in particular with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, this preferably allows a distinction to be made as to whether the operating surface 14 is being touched by at least one fingertip 24 and / or by the palm of the hand 32. Preferably, the feedback device 18 only excites or sets into vibration that part 20, 22 in which contact with the at least one fingertip 24 has been detected. By taking into account the actuating force, which can be detected by the force sensor 50, it can be determined in particular whether pressure has been exerted on the operating surface 14 with the at least one fingertip 24, as a result of which a touch signal is recognized as valid. And that part 20 in which, according to Fig.3. If only a touch of the operating surface 14 with the palm of the hand 32 is detected, it is preferably not set into vibration or stimulated to vibrate by means of the feedback device 18.

[0090] By evaluating the touch and detecting the applied actuation force, both the touch and the intended actuation of the control surface 14 can be reliably detected. Furthermore, by cleverly dividing the control surface 14 into haptic areas, for example, in the form of at least the first sub-area 20 and the second sub-area 22, haptic effects can be created or generated at defined points on the control surface 14. This advantageously prevents the entire control surface 14 from vibrating or being set into vibration at all times.

[0091] To determine which of the sub-areas 20, 22 should be specifically stimulated to vibrate, the position of the vehicle seat within reach of the armrest 12 can also be taken into account. For example, it can be provided that if the vehicle seat has been moved a predetermined distance forward from one of the rear ends of its adjustment range, only the second sub-area 22 will be set into vibration. Conversely, it can be provided that if the vehicle seat has been moved a shorter distance forward along its adjustment range, only the first sub-area 20 will be stimulated to vibrate.

[0092] A possible configuration of the feedback device 18 will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Accordingly, the feedback device 18 can comprise a first plate element 54 corresponding to the first sub-section 20 and a second plate element 56. The second plate element 56 corresponds to the second sub-section 22. The two plate elements 54 and 56, which are formed separately and face each other at one narrow side, are shown individually in perspective in Figure 10. Furthermore, it is particularly evident from a comparison of Figures 8 and 11 that each of the respective plate elements 54 and 56 is supported by a plurality of actuators 58, which can be designed, in particular, as piezoelectric elements.

[0093] Figure 11 shows the arrangement of the actuators 58 on a top surface 60 of a printed circuit board 62 of the input device 10. For clarity, only some of the actuators 58 are labeled with a reference numeral in Figure 11. Furthermore, it is particularly evident from Figure 11 that cushioning elements 64 or pads can be arranged between the actuators 58 and a respective underside of the plate elements 54, 56. The cushioning elements 64 can be made of a silicone material, for example, and advantageously compensate for tolerances when arranging the plate elements 54, 56 on top of the actuators 58, which are designed, for example, as piezoelectric elements. In this way, it can be ensured, in particular, that the movement impulse output by the respective actuator 58 is transmitted very reliably to the respective plate element 54, 56.

[0094] It is particularly evident from Figures 8 and 11 that a lighting device of the input device 10 can comprise a plurality of light sources 66. The light sources 66 can, in particular, be designed as light-emitting diodes and be mounted on the circuit board 62. The enlarged, partially cutaway view in Figure 9 also shows that the light sources 66 are preferably designed to couple light into a light guide 68 of the lighting device. The light guide 68 runs circumferentially around the operating surface 14, the size of which is essentially equal to the sum of the individual sizes of the circuit board elements 54, 56 (compare Figure 8).

[0095] The light coupled out of the light guide 68 can be emitted during operation of the light sources 66, particularly along a contour line 70 (see Fig. 1), which runs circumferentially around the operating surface 14. In this way, the outline of the haptically active operating surface 14 is particularly easy for the user to perceive. The light guide 68 is arranged in the input device 10, or within the armrest 12, below the contour line 70.

[0096] In particular, the sectional view of the input device 10 according to Fig. 14 shows how the circuit board 62, on which the light sources 66 are arranged, is positioned below the plate elements 54, 56, although only one of the plate elements 54, 56 is shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, the arrangement of the light guide 68 around the plate elements 54, 56 and the arrangement of the light guide 68 in the area of ​​the contour line 70 are clearly visible in Fig. 14. According to Fig. 14, the input device 10 can also have a stiffening plate 72 in the area of ​​the circuit board 62, on which the circuit board 62 is arranged. The provision of such a stiffening plate 72 is particularly advantageous when the input device 10, as shown in Fig. 14, comprises an adjustment device 74, which is shown in Fig. 12 in a view of its top side 76 and in Fig. 13 in a view of its bottom side 78.The plate-like adjusting device 74, as shown in Fig. 14, rests beneath the stiffening plate 72 and thus also beneath the circuit board 62. Furthermore, the adjusting device 74 is fixed to the support part 40 of the input device 10 and is therefore arranged in a stationary position.

[0097] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the adjusting device 74 has a plurality of adjusting elements, in this case designed as adjusting screws 80. The upper ends of each shaft of the adjusting screws 80 project beyond the top surface 76 of the adjusting device 74. When installed in the input device 10, these upper ends of the adjusting screws 80 rest against a lower surface of the stiffening plate 72 (see Figure 14). The adjusting screws 80 preferably allow for changes to the distance of the circuit board 62 from the operating surface 14 and to the orientation of the circuit board 62 relative to the operating surface 14.

[0098] This prevents, in particular, the existence of cavities between the operating surface 14 and the plate elements 54, 56, which could impede the transmission of haptic feedback to the user via the operating surface 14. Instead, the adjusting device 74 enables a very compact arrangement of the input device 10 components, which are positioned between the operating surface 14 and the circuit board 62 or the stiffening plate 72, or stacked on top of each other.

[0099] In particular, the adjusting screws 80 can be used to apply a certain mechanical preload to the circuit board 62 or the board elements 54, 56, whereby this preload manifests itself as pressure directed upwards towards the operating surface 14. Furthermore, any unwanted play within a stack of the components shown in Fig. 14 can be eliminated by adjusting the adjusting screws 80 accordingly. As shown in Fig. 14, an intermediate layer 82 can be arranged between a top surface of the sensor device 28 and the operating surface 14. This intermediate layer can be made, for example, of a preferably translucent material, such as a translucent silicone material. A ridge-like projection of the intermediate layer 82 can be arranged in the region of the contour line 70.This makes illuminating the contour line 70 from below particularly easy using the light coupled from the light guide 68. The sensor device 28 can be transparent at least in the area of ​​the light guide 68 or in the area of ​​the contour line 70, or at least have (not shown) openings to allow light transmission in the area of ​​these openings.

[0100] A possible design of the cover 42 of the input device 10 or the armrest 12 will be explained with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Accordingly, the operating surface 14 can be formed on an upper surface 86 of a cover layer 84 of the cover 42, which may be made of leather, for example. Furthermore, the cover 42 can include a casing 88, which in the input device 10 can be arranged on the outside of an elastic base body, in this case in the form of the foam body 44. The casing 88 enclosing the foam body 44 can, according to Figures 15 and 16, be made of leather, just like the cover layer 84, and accordingly comprise a first leather part 90 and a second leather part 92.

[0101] In the embodiment of the cover 42 shown in Fig. 16, a gap is formed between the cover layer 84 or first cover layer 84 and the casing assembly 88, which is largely occupied by a further cover layer 94 or second cover layer 94. A gap 96 is formed between the first cover layer 84 and the second cover layer 94, the course of which corresponds to the contour line 70. The light emitted by the optical fiber 68 during operation of the light sources 66 can be effectively coupled out into the surroundings through the gap 96 along the contour line 70. As can be seen, for example, in Fig. 14, the rib-like projection of the intermediate layer 82 can extend into this gap 96.

[0102] In one variant of the input device 10 (not shown here), it is possible to omit the second cover layer 94 and to form an overlap area between the cover device 88 and the first cover layer 84. In this case, the first cover layer 84 can, for example, have perforations in the area of ​​the contour line 70 if it is desirable to make the contour line 70, and thus the border of the operating surface 14, clearly visible through the cover 42, in particular by backlighting.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Input device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor device (28) for detecting a touch of a control surface (14) of the input device (10) by a user of the input device (10), and a feedback device (18) for providing haptic feedback to the user as a result of touching the control surface (14), characterized in that the control surface (14) has at least a first sub-area (20) and a second sub-area (22), wherein the sensor device (28) is configured to detect whether the touching takes place in only one of the sub-areas (20, 22) or in the at least two sub-areas (20, 22), and wherein the feedback device (18) is configured to selectively provide haptic feedback to the user only in the first sub-area (20) or only in the second sub-area (22), depending on whether the touching is detected.

2. Input device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor device (28) is designed to distinguish between touching the operating surface (14) with at least one fingertip (24) of a user's hand and touching the operating surface (14) with a palm (32) of the user's hand.

3. Input device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the feedback device (18) is designed to output haptic feedback to the user only in the second part (22) when the first part (20) is touched by the palm (32) of the user's hand and the second part (22) is touched by at least one fingertip (24) of the user's hand.

4. Input device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the feedback device (18) is designed to output haptic feedback to the user only in the first sub-area (20) when the touching of only the first sub-area (20) with at least one fingertip (24) of the user's hand is detected.

5. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) has a force sensor (50) by means of which an actuating force applied when touching the operating surface (14) can be detected, wherein the feedback device (18) is configured to output the haptic feedback to the user depending on whether a threshold value of the actuating force is exceeded.

6. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device (38) of the input device (10) provided for controlling the feedback device (18) is configured to process a signal which indicates a position of a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle along an adjustment path of the vehicle seat, wherein in an installation position of the input device (10) in the motor vehicle the input device (10) is accessible to the user designed as a seat occupant of the vehicle seat, and wherein the feedback device (18) is configured to output the haptic feedback to the user optionally only in the first sub-area (20) or only in the second sub-area (22), depending on the position of the vehicle seat along the adjustment path.

7. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feedback device (18) comprises a first plate element (54) corresponding to the first sub-area (20) and a second plate element (56) corresponding to the second sub-area (22), wherein the plate elements (54, 56) are arranged below the operating surface (14), and wherein the feedback device (18) comprises a plurality of actuators (58), which are designed to cause the respective plate element (54, 56) to vibrate in order to provide haptic feedback.

8. Input device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuators (58), in particular designed as piezoelectric elements, are arranged on a top side (60) of a circuit board (62) of the input device (10), wherein the top side (60) of the circuit board (62) faces a respective bottom side of the board elements (54, 56), and wherein the input device (10) has an adjustment device (74) which is designed to change a distance of the circuit board (62) from the operating surface (14) and / or an orientation of the circuit board (62) relative to the operating surface (14).

9. Input device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the adjusting device (74) is fixed on a carrier part (40) of the input device (10), wherein the adjusting device (74) has a plurality of adjusting elements, in particular designed as adjusting screws (80), which are designed to change the distance of the circuit board (62) from the operating surface (14) and / or the orientation of the circuit board (62) relative to the operating surface (14).

10. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) has a lighting device comprising at least one light source (66), wherein the lighting device is configured to make a contour line (70) circumferential around the operating surface (14) visible to the user looking at the operating surface (14) by operating the at least one light source (66), wherein the lighting device comprises a light guide (68) arranged below the operating surface (14), into which light emitted by the at least one light source (66) can be coupled, and wherein the light guide (68) is configured to couple light out along the contour line (70).

11. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating surface (14) is formed on a top side (86) of a cover layer (84) of the input device (10), in particular formed from leather, wherein a covering device (88) in particular formed from leather is arranged on an outside side of an elastic base body (44) of the input device (10), wherein a further cover layer (94) in particular formed from leather is arranged in a space formed between the cover layer (84) and the covering device (88), and wherein a gap (96) is formed between the cover layer (84) and the further cover layer (94) and / or an end section (98) of the further cover layer (94) is arranged overlapping with an end section of the covering device (88).

12. Input device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that a fold (102) is formed at a free end of at least one of the cover layers (84, 94) and / or the casing device (88), at which an edge area (104) of the cover layer (84, 94) and / or the casing device (88) is folded over, in particular having a thickness decreasing towards a narrow side of the cover layer (84, 94) and / or the casing device (88).

13. Input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (10) is integrated into an armrest (12) for the motor vehicle, wherein the armrest (12) in an installation position in the motor vehicle has a front end (16) and a rear end (18), and wherein the second part (22) is closer to the front end (16) of the armrest (12) than the first part (20).

14. Motor vehicle with at least one input device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one input device (10) is located in the motor vehicle in an installation position in which the operating surface (14) is accessible to the user.

15. Method for operating an input device (10) for a motor vehicle, in which a sensor device (28) of the input device (10) detects a touching of an operating surface by a user of the input device (10). (14) of the input device (10) is detected, and in which a feedback device (18) of the input device (10) provides haptic feedback to the user as a result of touching the operating surface (14), characterized in that the operating surface (14) has at least a first sub-area (20) and a second sub-area (22), wherein the sensor device (28) detects whether the touching takes place in only one of the sub-areas (20, 22) or in the at least two sub-areas (20, 22), and wherein the feedback device (18) optionally provides the haptic feedback to the user only in the first sub-area (20) or only in the second sub-area (22), depending on the detection of the touching.

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