User input device having a rotatable input element for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a user input device (3) for a vehicle (1), having an input element (6) which is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (4), a detection element (7) which is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation (5), and a sensor (11) which is designed to generate a sensor signal depending on a rotational position of the detection element (7). The user input device (3) has a transmission which is designed to convert a rotation of the input element (6) into a rotation of the detection element (7). The first axis of rotation (4) and the second axis of rotation (5) are oriented obliquely to one another.

Description

[0001] User input device with rotatable input element for a vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a user input device for a vehicle, wherein the user input device comprises a rotatably mounted input element, a rotatably mounted detection element, and a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal depending on the rotational position of the detection element. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for detecting user input.

[0003] In known user input devices of this type, the input element and the detection element are, for example, rotatable about the same axis of rotation, and the sensor is arranged radially spaced from this axis. To bridge this radial distance, the input element and the detection element can be mounted to rotate about different, parallel axes of rotation, and appropriate gears can be used to couple the two axes of rotation or the corresponding shafts. However, due to limited installation space, only gears of a certain size can be used, meaning that only a limited radial distance to the sensor can be bridged. Alternatively, the number of gears can be increased, but this increases the complexity of the gearbox and its manufacturing costs.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative way of overcoming the radial distance to the sensor which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] This problem is solved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea of ​​orienting a first axis of rotation, about which the input element can be rotated, obliquely to a second axis of rotation, about which the detection element can be rotated.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a user input device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for example for use in the interior of the vehicle, is provided. The user input device comprises an input element rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation and a detection element rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation. The user input device has a sensor which is configured and arranged, in particular with respect to the detection element, to generate a sensor signal depending on the rotational position of the detection element. The user input device has a transmission which is configured to convert a rotation of the input element, in particular about the first axis of rotation, into a rotation of the detection element, in particular about the second axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are oriented obliquely to each other.

[0008] Since the first and second axes of rotation are oriented relative to each other, they are neither parallel nor perpendicular. For example, the first and second axes of rotation may intersect, forming an angle other than 90°. However, it is also possible that the first and second axes of rotation do not intersect but instead correspond to skew lines. In both cases, the second axis of rotation intersects the normal plane of the first axis of rotation—that is, the plane to which the first axis is perpendicular—and forms an angle other than 90° with it.

[0009] The rotational position of the detection element corresponds, for example, to a rotational angle relative to a zero position. However, the sensor signal does not necessarily have to represent an absolute value for the rotational angle. In other words, the sensor signal may change when the rotational position or angle of the detection element changes, without the absolute value for the rotational angle being derivable from the sensor signal. It is also not essential that the relationship between the rotational position and the value of the sensor signal be unambiguous. In any case, the sensor signal, its temporal evolution, or a change in the sensor signal can indicate that the input element has been actuated or rotated, and thus that user input has occurred by rotating the input element around its primary axis.The rotation of the input element is converted by the gearbox into a rotation of the detection element, which is then detected as a sensor signal. A subsequent function of the vehicle, implemented, for example, in a control unit or other data processing device, can then be controlled based on the sensor signal, the detection of user input, or the rotation of the input element. By orienting the first and second axes of rotation at an angle to each other, the input element can be positioned no further away from the sensor than would be possible if the first and second axes were parallel or identical.In other words, given a certain distance between the input element and the sensor, this distance can be overcome by orienting the first and second axes of rotation obliquely to each other, allowing the detection element to be positioned close to the sensor. This is particularly advantageous when there is no way to adapt the sensor, especially its arrangement and / or shape, to the position of the input element, or when such adaptation is not desired.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment, the transmission has a gear ratio of 1.

[0011] A rotation of the input element by an angle <p um die erste Drehachse wird durch das Getriebe in eine Drehung des Detektionselements um denselben Winkel <p um die zweite Drehachse gewandelt. Dadurch kann zum einen das Getriebe besonders einfach und platzsparend ausgestaltet werden und zum anderen ist keine Umrechnung der Drehung des Detektionselements in eine Drehung des Eingabeelements erforderlich.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment, the transmission has a first gear attached to the input element and a second gear attached to the detection element. The first and second gears are arranged to mesh with each other.

[0013] In particular, the axis of rotation of the first gear is the same as the first axis of rotation, and an axis of rotation of the second gear is the same as the second axis of rotation.

[0014] The first gear, for example, is fixed to the input element, meaning it is not connected to any other gear. The first gear can be attached directly to the input element or via a shaft or a shaft, through the center of which the first axis of rotation passes. The rotation of the input element by an angle <p um die erste Drehachse führt also durch Mitdrehen des ersten Zahnrads direkt zu einer Drehung des ersten Zahnrads um denselben Winkel <p um die erste Drehachse. Dadurch kann das Getriebe besonders einfach und platzsparend ausgestaltet werden. Das zweite Zahnrad ist beispielsweise unbeweglich an dem Detektionselement angebracht, also insbesondere ohne ein weiteres Zahnrad. Das zweite Zahnrad kann direkt an dem Eingabeelement befestigt sein oder über einen Stutzen oder eine Welle, durch deren Zentrum insbesondere die zweite Drehachse verläuft.The rotation of the second gear by an angle <p um die zweite Drehachse führt also durch Mitdrehen des Detektionselements direkt zu einer Drehung des Detektionselements um denselben Winkel <p um die zweite Drehachse.

[0015] The fact that the first gear and the second gear are arranged in an interlocking manner can be understood to mean that they mesh directly with each other, i.e., in particular without another gear between the first gear and the second gear.

[0016] For example, the gearbox contains no gear other than the first gear and the second gear.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the first gear and the second gear are designed as bevel gears.

[0018] This method makes the gearbox particularly easy to implement. Since the first and second axes of rotation are oriented at an angle to each other, this also applies to the first and second gears. Specifically, the axes of rotation of the first and second gears are neither perpendicular to each other nor parallel.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the number of teeth of the first gear is equal to the number of teeth of the second gear, or the diameter of the first gear is equal to the diameter of the second gear.

[0020] In this way, a translation ratio of 1 can be achieved particularly easily.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment, the first gear is attached to an axial end face of the input element, in particular centrally to the axial end face. The axial end face corresponds in particular to an end, for example an end surface, of the input element in the direction of the first axis of rotation.

[0022] For example, the input element is designed as a roller, specifically with a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical base shape. The surface of the input element therefore includes, in particular, a lateral surface and two parallel, especially circular, base surfaces. The axial end face of the input element then corresponds to one of the base surfaces. In particular, the first gear can be attached to one of the base surfaces.

[0023] This allows for a particularly convenient user input option, as well as easy integration of the input element into a component of the vehicle and a defined rotational position of the input element.

[0024] The first gear can be attached directly to the input element or via a first shaft through whose center the first axis of rotation runs.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the transmission has a second shaft that connects the detection element to the second gear, in particular rigidly, and whose longitudinal axis corresponds to the second axis of rotation. In other words, the second axis of rotation passes through the center of the second shaft.

[0026] This allows for simple power transmission and easily bridges the gap between the first gear or input element and the sensor.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the sensor has a first part and a second part spaced apart from the first part. The detection element is partially arranged between the first part and the second part, or the detection element is partially arranged between the first part and the second part depending on its rotational position.

[0028] The sensor can, for example, be fork-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped. The first and second parts of the sensor can also be referred to as the first and second arms of the sensor. These parts can be shaped as plates or rods, particularly parallel plates or rods. When the detection element rotates around its second axis, a portion of the detection element passes between the first and second parts of the sensor and can therefore be detected. Depending on the dimensions of the sensor and the detection element, it is also possible that, depending on the rotational position of the detection element, no part of it may be temporarily located between the sensor parts.

[0029] In such sensor configurations, the inclined orientation of the first and second axes of rotation relative to each other, as provided for in the invention, is particularly advantageous. In particular, the detection element can project from one side into a space between the two parts of the sensor, and its movement can be detected there, for example, optically, magnetically, or inductively. Such a sensor can also be used, in particular, when, unlike in the user input device according to the invention, the detection element and the input element rotate about the same axis of rotation or about parallel axes of rotation. Starting from such an arrangement, the second axis of rotation can, for example, be tilted in the direction of the sensor, thus bridging the gap between the input element and the sensor.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the sensor is a magnetic field sensor, for example a Hall sensor.

[0031] This prevents the sensor's function from being impaired by dust or other contaminants, etc. The detection element can, for example, be magnetically coded, be a magnetically coded disc, or influence a magnetic field differently depending on the detection element's rotational position. The magnetic field sensor can generate the sensor signal based on the magnetic coding or based on the detection element's influence on the magnetic field.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor, in particular an active optical sensor.

[0033] This allows the rotational position of the detection element to be detected quickly and with minimal space requirements. By definition, an active optical sensor has a light source for emitting light or light pulses. The light source can be a light-emitting diode (LED) or laser, for example, an infrared LED or infrared laser. Furthermore, by definition, an active optical sensor has at least one optical detector to capture the emitted light or parts thereof. The active optical sensor system is specifically designed to generate, process, or output one or more sensor signals based on the detected components of the light.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the sensor is designed as a light barrier.

[0035] In other words, the sensor has a light source designed to emit light, and a detector designed to detect the emitted light when it is not blocked by the detection element.

[0036] In particular, the light source is located on the first part of the sensor and the detector on the second part of the sensor, or vice versa.

[0037] The detection element has, for example, at least one first region that allows light to pass through unhindered or substantially unhindered, and at least one second region that completely or largely blocks the light. Depending on the rotational position of the detection element, either a first region or a second region is located between the light source and the detector. The sensor signal is generated by the detector, in particular depending on the detected light, so that the sensor signal indicates whether the first region or the second region is located between the light source and the detector.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, the sensor has a light source configured to emit light and a detector configured to detect components of the emitted light reflected by the detection element and to generate the sensor signal depending on the detected components.

[0039] The detection element has, for example, at least one first region that allows light to pass through unhindered or substantially unhindered, and at least one second region that completely or largely blocks the light. Depending on the rotational position of the detection element, either a first region or a second region is located between the light source and the detector. The sensor signal is generated by the detector, in particular depending on the detected light, so that the sensor signal indicates whether the first region or the second region is located between the light source and the detector.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, the detection element has a wing element extending radially to the second axis of rotation.

[0041] The wing element forms, in particular, a first area that blocks the light. This allows the rotational position of the detection element to be easily detected.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the detection element has at least two wing elements extending radially around the second axis of rotation, in particular wing elements extending in a star shape around the second axis of rotation, wherein a free space is provided between successive wing elements of the at least two wing elements.

[0043] The wing elements each form, in particular, the first areas that block the light. The gaps, in particular, form the second areas that allow the light to pass through. This allows the rotational position of the detection element to be detected more precisely. For example, the at least two wing elements each contain at least three, at least four, or at least five wing elements. This allows the rotational position of the detection element to be detected even more precisely.

[0044] The wing elements can, for example, all be designed identically and / or evenly distributed around the second axis of rotation. This makes the sensor signal easier to interpret.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment, the wing element or the at least two wing elements each form a non-zero angle with a plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation. Therefore, the at least two wing elements do not lie in a common plane.

[0046] This allows the orientation of the wing elements to be better adapted to the area between the two parts of the sensor, so that the wing elements form a smaller angle with the two parts of the sensor and / or a larger proportion of the wing elements can extend between the two parts of the sensor. This increases the reliability of the measurement. For example, the angle can be in the range 0°, 45°, 5°, 35°, 0°, 30°, or 5°, 25°.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation intersect and enclose an angle which is in the range [5°, 85°] or in the range [10°, 80°] or in the range [10°, 45°] or in the range [5°, 45°] or in the range [15°, 40°].

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation do not intersect. The first axis of rotation forms an angle with a normal plane of the second axis of rotation that lies in the range [5°, 85°], or in the range [10°, 80°], or in the range [45°, 80°], or in the range [45°, 85°], or in the range [50°, 75°], or in the range [5°, 45°].

[0049] According to at least one embodiment, the user input device has a carrier plate, for example a circuit board or printed circuit board, wherein the sensor is mounted on a surface of the carrier plate.

[0050] In particular, the surface is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and consequently the second axis of rotation intersects the surface.

[0051] According to at least one embodiment, the user input device has a frame which is mounted on the surface of the carrier plate. The input element is rotatably mounted on the frame about the first axis of rotation.

[0052] The frame and the sensor are therefore mounted on the same surface of the carrier plate. Consequently, both the input element and the detection element are also arranged on the same side of the carrier plate as the sensor. In such embodiments, the orientation of the first and second axes of rotation oblique to each other, as provided for in the invention, is particularly advantageous, for example, compared to an orientation of the first and second axes of rotation perpendicular to each other, since the oblique orientation increases the flexibility in positioning the sensor with respect to the input element, the frame, the detection element, and / or the gearbox. According to at least one embodiment, the input element is movably mounted on the frame in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the carrier plate.

[0053] The input element can therefore be operated by the user either by rotating it around the first axis of rotation or by pressing it perpendicular to the surface of the carrier plate. This improves the utilization of the available installation space.

[0054] For example, the user input device may have an additional sensor which, depending on the position or change in position of the input element in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the carrier plate, can generate another sensor signal.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention, a user input device for a vehicle is provided. The user input device comprises a vehicle component for installation in the interior of the vehicle and a user input device according to the invention, wherein the user input device is installed in or on the vehicle component.

[0056] The vehicle component could be, for example, a steering wheel for the vehicle, a trim component for the vehicle, or something similar.

[0057] In this context, a steering wheel can be understood to mean, in particular, a control device for steering a vehicle. This control device is directly operable by a person operating the vehicle, i.e., in particular the driver. The control device can be a steering wheel in the traditional sense or another suitable control device that fulfills the same function, such as a joystick.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for detecting user input, particularly in a vehicle, is described. In this method, a rotation of an input element is converted into a rotation of a detection element, particularly by means of a transmission. The input element is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation, and the detection element is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation, which is oriented obliquely to the first axis of rotation. Depending on the rotational position of the detection element, a sensor signal is generated, particularly by means of a sensor, and the user input is detected based on this sensor signal. The method according to the invention can be carried out, in particular, using a user input device according to the invention.

[0059] Detecting user input based on the sensor signal can be carried out, for example, by means of an evaluation circuit, in particular the user input device, or by means of a data processing system, in particular the user input device or the vehicle.

[0060] The terms "data processing system" and "at least one data processing device" may be used interchangeably within the scope of this disclosure. In this disclosure, a data processing device may, for example, be understood as a device with processing circuits for processing data. A data processing device can thus perform arithmetic operations to process data. Indexed access to a data structure, such as a lookup table (LUT) or a database, may also be considered an arithmetic operation. Similarly, data processing that is partially or fully implemented in hardware may also be considered an arithmetic operation.

[0061] A data processing device may, in particular, comprise one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoCs). A data processing device may also comprise one or more processors, for example, one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The data processing device may also comprise a physical or virtual cluster of computers or other devices of the aforementioned type.A data processing device may also include one or more hardware and / or software interfaces, for example for receiving and / or providing data.

[0062] A data processing device may also include one or more storage devices. A storage device may be implemented as volatile memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM), or as non-volatile data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or flash EEPROM, ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM).

[0063] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention follow directly from the various configurations of the user input device according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, individual features and corresponding explanations as well as advantages relating to the various configurations of the user input device according to the invention can be transferred analogously to corresponding configurations of the method according to the invention. In particular, the user input device according to the invention is configured to carry out a method according to the invention. In particular, the user input device according to the invention carries out the method according to the invention.

[0064] Further features of the invention are evident from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or illustrated in the figures, may be encompassed by the invention not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations. In particular, embodiments and combinations of features that do not include all the features of an originally formulated claim may also be encompassed by the invention. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features mentioned in the claims may also include the invention.

[0065] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and corresponding schematic drawings. Identical or functionally equivalent elements in the drawings may be provided with the same reference numerals. The description of identical or functionally equivalent elements is not necessarily repeated with respect to the different figures.

[0066] The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle with an exemplary embodiment of a user input device according to the invention;

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a user input device according to the invention;

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a user input device according to the invention;

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a user input device according to the invention;

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a schematic detail view of the user input device from Fig. 4 in perspective view; and

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a further schematic detail of the user input device from Fig. 4.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle, for example a car, with an exemplary embodiment of a user input device 2, 3 according to the invention.

[0073] The user input device 2, 3 comprises a vehicle component 2, which is represented as a steering wheel, and a user input device 3 according to the invention, which is installed in or on the vehicle component 2, for example in a spoke or a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a user input device 3 according to the invention, as it can be used, for example, in the user input device 2, 3 from Fig. 1.

[0075] The user input device 3 comprises an input element 6 rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation 4, a detection element 7 rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation 5, and a sensor 11. The first axis of rotation 4 and the second axis of rotation 5 are oriented obliquely to each other, i.e., neither parallel nor perpendicular to each other. If the first axis of rotation 4 and the second axis of rotation 5 lie in the same plane, for example in the drawing plane of Fig. 2, the first axis of rotation 4 and the second axis of rotation 5 intersect at an angle α, which lies in the range 0°, 90°, for example in the range 5°, 45°.

[0076] The input element 6 can, for example, be designed as a cylinder accessible to a user, in particular the driver, of the vehicle 1 for entering user input. The cylinder is, in particular, essentially cylindrical, i.e., it has a lateral surface that extends tangentially around the first axis of rotation 4, as well as two circular bases that represent the end faces of the input element 6. However, it is also possible for the input element 6 to have a different geometric shape; for example, it can also be designed as a sphere, an ellipsoid, or the like.

[0077] Depending on the type of sensor 11, the detection element 7 can be designed, for example, as a disc, in particular as a slotted disc or magnetically coded disc, or as a vane wheel or propeller wheel or the like.

[0078] The user input device 3 has a gear unit which is set up to convert a rotation of the input element 6 into a rotation of the detection element 7, for example with a gear ratio of 1 .

[0079] The transmission can, for example, have a first gear 8 attached to the input element 6, in particular to an end face of the input element 6, and a second gear 10 attached to the detection element 7. The first gear 8 and the second gear 10 can, for example, be arranged to mesh directly with each other. The first gear 8 and the second gear 10 can, for example, be designed as bevel gears.

[0080] The first gear 8 can, for example, be directly attached to the input element 6, so that when the input element 6 rotates about the first axis of rotation 4, it also rotates about the first axis of rotation 4. The first gear 8 can also be attached to the input element 6 via a first shaft 9, with the first axis of rotation 4 passing centrally through the first shaft 9, so that when the input element 6 rotates about the first axis of rotation 4, the first shaft 9, and thus the first gear 8, also rotates about the first axis of rotation 4. The second gear 10 can, for example, be directly attached to the detection element 7, so that the detection element 7 and the second gear 10 rotate together about the second axis of rotation 5.The second gear 10 can also be attached to the detection element 7 via a second shaft 12, wherein the second axis of rotation 5 runs centrally through the second shaft 12, so that the second shaft 12, the detection element 7 and the second gear 10 rotate together around the second axis of rotation 5.

[0081] The sensor 11 is designed to generate a sensor signal based on the rotational position of the detection element 7 around the second axis of rotation 5, and thus based on the rotational position of the input element 6 around the first axis of rotation 4, on the basis of which the actuation of the input element 6 can be detected.

[0082] The sensor 11 can, for example, be configured as an optical sensor, in particular as a light barrier or other active optical sensor. The detection element 7 can then, for example, be configured as a slotted disc, a vane wheel, a propeller wheel, or the like. The sensor 11 can also be configured as a magnetic field sensor, in particular as a Hall sensor. The detection element 7 can then, for example, be configured as a magnetically coded disc.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a user input device 3 according to the invention, as it can be used, for example, in the user input device 2, 3 from Fig. 1.

[0084] The embodiment of Fig. 3 is based on that of Fig. 2. The sensor 11 is, in particular, an optical sensor, for example, a light barrier. The sensor 11 is U-shaped or fork-shaped and has a first part 11a and a second part 11b spaced apart from the first part 11a. The sensor 11 has, in particular, a light source, for example, an LED, arranged on the first part 11a, and an optical detector, for example, a photodiode, arranged on the second part 11b. The detection element 7 is designed as a slotted disk or as a vane. Depending on the rotational position of the detection element 7, light emitted by the light source can therefore be detected by the optical detector or not. Accordingly, the optical detector can generate the sensor signal depending on the rotational position.The sensor 11 is arranged on a surface of a carrier plate 16, for example a printed circuit board, and the input element 6, the transmission, in particular the gears 8, 10 and optionally the shafts 9, 12, as well as the detection element 7, are arranged on the same side of the carrier plate 16 as the sensor 11.

[0085] Figures 4 to 6 show a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a user input device 3 according to the invention, as it can be used, for example, in the user input device 2, 3 from Figure 1.

[0086] This embodiment is based on that of Fig. 3. The user input device 3 has a frame 13 which is mounted on the same surface of the carrier plate 16 as the sensor 11. The input element 6 is rotatably mounted on the frame 13, for example in a suspension 14, 15 of the frame 13. The frame 13 has, for example, a component 19 through which the second shaft 12 is rotatably guided.

[0087] The detection element 7 is designed here, for example, as a vane, meaning it has at least two vane elements 18 extending radially around the second axis of rotation 5. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, there are six vane elements 18 evenly distributed around the second axis of rotation 5. The vane elements 18 can, for example, be essentially strip-shaped or cuboid-shaped. The vane elements 18 can lie in a common plane, as with a disk. However, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, this is not necessarily the case. In particular, the engagement of the vane elements 18 in the intermediate area between parts 11a and 11b of the sensor 11 can be optimized by having the vane elements 18 form an angle other than 90° with the second axis of rotation 5.

[0088] In some embodiments, a cover 20 is provided as part of the user input device 3 or the user input assembly 2, 3, which in particular conceals the gears 8, 10. Due to the oblique orientation of the axes of rotation 4, 5 relative to each other, the distance between the second gear 10 and the sensor 11 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the carrier plate 16 can be overcome without the need for comparatively large gears 8, 10. The installation space of the user input device 3 is thus reduced. In some embodiments, the input element 6 is movably mounted on the frame 13 in a direction 21 perpendicular to the surface of the carrier plate 16. The input element 6 can therefore also be actuated by pushing in direction 21.

[0089] For example, the user input device can have an additional sensor that can generate another sensor signal depending on the position or change in position of the input element 6 in direction 21. The additional sensor can, for example, be integrated into a silicone mat 17 or the like, arranged on the carrier plate 16 between the carrier plate 16 and the input element 6.

Claims

Patent claims 1. User input device (3) for a vehicle (1), wherein the user input device (3) comprises an input element (6) rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (4), a detection element (7) rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation (5), and a sensor (11) configured to generate a sensor signal depending on a rotational position of the detection element (7); the user input device (3) comprises a transmission configured to convert a rotation of the input element (6) into a rotation of the detection element (7); and the first axis of rotation (4) and the second axis of rotation (5) are oriented obliquely to each other.

2. User input device (3) according to claim 1, wherein the transmission has a gear ratio of 1.

3. User input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission has a first gear (8) attached to the input element (6) and a second gear (10) attached to the detection element (7), wherein the first gear (8) and the second gear (10) are arranged to mesh.

4. User input device (3) according to claim 3, wherein the first gear (8) and the second gear (10) are designed as bevel gears.

5. User input device (3) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the first gear (8) is attached to an axial end face of the input element (6).

6. User input device (3) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the transmission has a shaft (12) which connects the detection element (7) to the second gear and whose longitudinal axis corresponds to the second axis of rotation.

7. User input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (11 ) has a first part (11 a) and a second part (11 b) spaced apart from the first part (11 a) and the detection element (7) is partially arranged between the first part (11 a) and the second part (11 b) or is partially arranged between the first part (11 a) and the second part (11 b) depending on the rotational position of the detection element (7).

8. User input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (11) is configured as an optical sensor or as a magnetic field sensor.

9. User input device (3) according to claim 8, wherein the sensor (11) is configured as a light barrier; or has a light source which is configured to emit light, and a detector which is configured to detect components of the emitted light reflected by the detection element (7) and to generate the sensor signal depending on the detected components.

10. User input device (3) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the detection element (7) has a wing element (18) extending radially to the second axis of rotation (5); or the detection element (7) has at least two wing elements (18) extending radially around the second axis of rotation (5), wherein a free space is provided between successive wing elements (18).

11. User input device (3) according to claim 10, wherein the wing elements (18) each enclose a non-zero angle with a plane that is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.

12. User input device (3) according to claim 11, wherein the angle is in the range [5°, 35°].

13. User input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis of rotation (4) and the second axis of rotation (5) intersect and enclose an angle which is in the range [5°, 45°]; or the first axis of rotation (4) and the second axis of rotation (5) do not intersect and the first axis of rotation (4) encloses an angle with a normal plane of the second axis of rotation (5) which is in the range [45°, 85°].

14. User input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a carrier plate (16), wherein the sensor (11) is mounted on a surface of the carrier plate (16).

15. User input device (3) according to claim 14, comprising a frame (13) which is mounted on the surface of the carrier plate (16) and wherein the input element (6) is rotatably mounted on the frame (13).

16. User input device (3) according to claim 15, wherein the input element (6) is movably attached to the frame (13) in a direction (21) perpendicular to the surface of the carrier plate (16).

17. User input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input element (6) is designed as a roller.

18. User input device for a vehicle comprising a vehicle component (2) for installation in an interior of the vehicle and a user input device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user input device (3) is installed in or on the vehicle component (2).

19. User input device according to claim 18, wherein the vehicle component (2) is designed as a steering wheel (2) or as a trim component.

20. Method for detecting user input, wherein a rotation of an input element (6) rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (4) is converted into a rotation of an input element about a second axis of rotation (5), which The sensor signal is oriented obliquely to the first axis of rotation (4), rotatably mounted detection element (7); a sensor signal is generated depending on a rotational position of the detection element (7); and the user input is detected depending on the sensor signal.

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