DE102018126472A1 - Input device for a motor vehicle and method for controlling the input device - Google Patents

Abstract

In an input device (1) for a motor vehicle, the input device (1) having an actuating surface (2) with a capacitive sensor (3) for touch detection of the actuating surface (2), with a base plate (4) underneath the actuating surface (2) A first switching element (5) is provided, the actuating surface (2) being movably mounted relative to the base plate (4), so that when the actuating surface (2) is actuated, the first switching element (5) can be triggered to ensure that the operation can also be done by a non-electrical or non-capacitive actuating element (9). This is achieved in that at least one second switching element (7) is provided, which can be actuated via the actuating surface (2), and the switching elements (5, 7) and the actuating surface (2) are arranged such that when they interact, a defined one Switching sequence of the switching elements (5, 7) is followed. The invention also relates to a method for controlling an input device (1) for a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle with an input device (1) for motor vehicles.

Description

The present invention relates to an input device for a motor vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the input device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle with an input device for a motor vehicle.

A large number of electronic devices are provided in a vehicle, in particular in a motor vehicle, the operation of which must be made possible for the driver or another vehicle occupant. These facilities include, for example, a navigation system, a variety of driver assistance systems as well as communication and multimedia applications that, for. B. a telephone system and facilities for playing music and speech, such as a radio or a CD player.

In order to be able to operate the various devices in the vehicle, central user interfaces are often used in vehicles, which include one or more multifunction displays and operating elements with which the devices contained in the vehicle can be operated. For example, the display surface can be provided with a film or coating, the contact of which can be detected in a positionally resolved manner. Such display areas with a touch-sensitive surface are also referred to as a touchscreen. In the case of a touchscreen, the operation takes place in that the user z. B. touches the touchscreen with his fingertip. The position of the touch and possibly the movement during the touch is recorded, evaluated and assigned to an operating step. In order to support the user with the operation, virtual control elements are shown as graphic buttons on the display area. Operation is supported or guided by the information shown on the multifunction display. The operating system can also be used to select which information is to be displayed on the multifunction display.

The JP2008059912A relates to a switch device with a touch detection function, which has a touch detection electrode to detect when a finger touches an actuator.

Since a touch-sensitive surface usually has no haptic, a haptic element, for example a silicone mat or a microswitch, is positioned behind the touch-sensitive surface that generates the haptic. When a control element is actuated on the touch-sensitive surface, switching contacts on a circuit board are closed by the pressure of the user on the surface. In order to trigger a switching function stored behind the control element, both a valid touch signal and a closing of the switching contact are required.

A disadvantage of the known prior art is that when a non-electrical or non-capacitive object actuates the switch, the switch contact is closed, but there is no valid touch signal and the switching function is therefore not triggered. In particular with important capacitive switches provided on the user interface, for example with a switch for activating the hazard warning lights, it must be ensured that the switching function can also be activated by pressing with a non-electrical or non-capacitive object, e.g. Prostheses, gloves or pins is guaranteed.

Proceeding from the above-mentioned prior art, the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an input device for a motor vehicle in which the operation of a touch-sensitive surface of a touchscreen is also ensured by a non-electrical or non-capacitive object.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention, an input device for a motor vehicle is thus specified, the input device having an actuating surface with a capacitive sensor for touch detection of the actuating surface, a base plate having a first switching element being provided below the actuating surface, the actuating surface being movably mounted relative to the base plate, so that when the actuating surface is actuated, the first switching element can be triggered, characterized in that at least one second switching element is provided which can be actuated via the actuating surface and the switching elements and the actuating surface are arranged such that when they interact, a defined switching sequence of the switching elements is followed.

The basic idea of the present invention is therefore to achieve redundant actuation detection of the input device in an input device for a motor vehicle by triggering a second switching element. In the case of touch-sensitive actuation surfaces, a specific switching function cannot be triggered if the actuation device is equipped with a non-capacitive object, for example with a prosthesis or a Pin is pressed. The switching function is nevertheless triggered by the redundant actuation detection by means of a second switching element. This is particularly important for safety-related functions.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the switching elements are arranged such that when the actuating surface is actuated, the switching sequence first triggers the first switching element, followed by the stroke-delayed or force-dependent triggering of the second switching element. The entire actuation surface is movably supported relative to the base plate. If the actuating surface is actuated by pressing, the entire actuating surface moves in the direction of the base plate. This triggers a first switching element. By pressing more deeply, the actuating surface is pressed further in the direction of the base plate and a second switching element is triggered. The switching elements can be triggered with a stroke delay or force-dependent.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first pressure element is provided between the first switching element and the actuating surface, which triggers the first switching element when the actuating surface is actuated. A simple triggering of the switching element when the actuating surface is actuated can be achieved by means of a pressure element. The force is transmitted through the actuating element to the pressure element via the actuating surface. The force is further transmitted to the switching element and the switching element is thereby triggered. It is particularly advantageous if the pressure element is arranged below a point on the actuating surface at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface. This ensures that when the actuating surface is actuated, the force is also transmitted to the switching element by the pressure element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second switching element is a metal switching element or a carbon switching element. In the case of carbon switching elements, the mating contact is applied to a printed circuit board and has a carbon layer. Carbon switching elements thus have the advantage that the previously expensive and complex procedure, namely the refinement of a mating contact by silvering or gold plating, is replaced by the fact that a carbon layer is applied to a printed circuit board.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second pressure element is provided, so that the second switching element is triggered when the actuating surface is actuated. The second switching element can also be triggered by a pressure element. It is particularly advantageous if the pressure element is arranged below a point on the actuating surface at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface. This ensures that when the actuating surface is actuated, the force is also transmitted to the switching element by the pressure element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second pressure element is identical to the first pressure element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the switching mechanism of the second switching element is made stiffer. If the second pressure element is identical to the first, in particular if the second pressure element has the same length as the first pressure element, it is advantageous that the switching mechanism of the second switching element is made more difficult. This causes the second switching element to be triggered later than the first switching element when the actuating surface is actuated.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second switching element is triggered by means of force detection. By triggering by means of force detection, a defined switching sequence for switching the switching elements can be specified. For example, the required force from which the second switching element is triggered can be set.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second pressure element is shorter than the first pressure element. A shortened second pressure element has the advantage that the switching elements can be configured identically. The shortened pressure element triggers the second switching element after the first switching element when the actuating surface is actuated.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuation surface is flexible. Because the actuating surface is flexible, the actuating surface can bend under a certain force. Due to the bending of the actuating surface with a certain force, the second switching element is triggered with a delay.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a notch is provided on the underside of the actuating surface, the notch being arranged below a point on the actuating surface at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface. A notch on the underside of the actuation surface can the actuating surface can be designed flexibly in a simple manner at a specific point, which is assigned, for example, a switching function. It is advantageous if the notch encloses the point that is assigned to a specific switching function.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an evaluation unit is provided for outputting a switching signal.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the evaluation unit is designed to output a switching signal as soon as the capacitive sensor and the first switching element output an activation signal when actuated. If a certain switching function on the actuating surface is actuated by means of a capacitive object, for example a finger, and the actuating surface is moved in the direction of the base plate with a certain force, so that the first switching element is triggered, a switching signal is output by the evaluation unit, whereby the corresponding switching function is switched .

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the evaluation unit is designed to output a switching signal as soon as the first switching element and the second switching element output an activation signal independently of the capacitive sensor. If the actuating surface is actuated by a non-capacitive object, for example by a prosthesis, a switching signal for triggering a specific switching function is output as soon as the first and the second switching element are triggered. With the triggering of a first switching element together with the triggering of a second switching element, a certain switching function is triggered. The triggering of the switching function is then independent of a touch signal which would have triggered a capacitive object.

According to the invention, a method for controlling an input device for a motor vehicle is also specified, comprising the steps: pressing a user interface with an actuating element at one point on the user interface at which a switching function is assigned to the user interface, triggering a first switching element, pressing the user interface more deeply with an actuating element a point on the user interface at which a switching function is assigned to the user interface, stroke-delayed or force-dependent triggering of a second switching element, triggering of a switching function by means of a switching signal.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step of pressing the actuating surface in a force-dependent manner takes place with a first force F1 and pressing the actuation surface more deeply with a second force F2 , the force F2 bigger than the force F1 is.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the force-dependent pressing of the actuating surface contains a force at a point on the actuating surface at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface F2 a deflection of the operating surface.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the triggering of a switching function by means of a switching signal includes an output of a switching signal by means of an evaluation unit.

According to the invention, a vehicle with an input device for motor vehicles is also specified.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing using preferred embodiments. The features shown can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination. Features of various exemplary embodiments can be transferred from one exemplary embodiment to another.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer Eingabevorrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 2 eine weitere schematische Ansicht der Eingabevorrichtung gemäß 1,
• 3 eine weitere schematische Ansicht der Eingabevorrichtung gemäß 1,

It shows

• 1 1 shows a schematic view of an input device for a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 2nd another schematic view of the input device according to 1 ,
• 3rd another schematic view of the input device according to 1 ,

The 1 shows a schematic view of an input device 1 for a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. An input device 1 is a device for receiving signals, by touching or contacting an actuator 9 , such as a user's finger, with an operating surface 2nd and determining a position of the touch. The actuation surface 2nd a corresponding switching function is assigned at this position, which is executed when touched. For example, this can be the triggering of the hazard warning lights in a motor vehicle.

Using a capacitive sensor 3rd signals from capacitive objects such as a finger from the actuation surface 2nd received and forwarded to a readout unit. In 1 is an input device 1 with an operating surface 2nd shown. Below the operating surface 2nd is a base plate 4th provided, the actuating surface 2nd and the base plate 4th are arranged movable relative to each other. On the base plate 4th are several switching elements 5 , 7 arranged. These switching elements 5 , 7 can serve on the one hand, the operating surface 2nd to give a feel that, for example, signals to the user that the operating surface 2nd was pressed. Furthermore, certain switching functions can be linked to the switching elements. For example, the actuation surface 2nd actuated, the switch contacts on the base plate 4th triggered. The switching elements 5 , 7 are by means of pressure elements 6 , 8th that between the actuation surface 2nd and the switching elements 5 , 7 are arranged, triggered. In a preferred embodiment, the printing elements 6 , 8th for example, fixed to the operating surface 2nd be connected.
Triggering the switching elements 5 , 7 can be delayed or force-dependent. When the switching elements are triggered with a delay 5 , 7 For example, it can be provided that the pressure elements 6 , 8th with which the switching elements 5 , 7 are triggered are of different lengths. A stroke deceleration is thereby achieved, causing the switching elements 5 , 7 are switched in a defined order.

For triggering a specific switching function, it can be provided, for example, that a valid touch signal from the actuating surface 2nd as well as triggering a first switching element 5 must be present. Will the actuation surface 2nd however, operated by a non-electrical or non-capacitive object, a valid touch signal is missing and the corresponding switching function is not carried out. In order to ensure a switching function, in 1 a second switching element 7 shown. The second switching element 7 is also on the base plate 4th attached and is by means of a second pressure element 8th triggered. This in 1 shown second pressure element 8th is shorter than the first pressure element 6 executed.

In 1 is shown that the operating surface 2nd is in the starting position and not by means of an actuating element 9 is operated. The first printing element 6 lies on the first switching element 5 but does not trigger this. Because the second printing element 8th shorter than the first pressure element 6 is executed is between the second pressure element 8th and the second switching element 7 A gap 14 available. There is thus a stroke-delayed triggering of the switching elements 5 , 7 instead of.

In 2nd becomes the preferred embodiment 1 when actuated by means of an actuating element 9 shown. The actuator 9 presses the actuation surface 2nd with a force F1 by the distance of the first switching path 13 towards the base plate 4th . The first printing element 6 releases the first switching element 5 out. Through the gap 14 between the second pressure element 8th and the second switching element 7 becomes the second switching element 7 not yet triggered. If there is a valid touch signal, a certain switching function could already be triggered by an evaluation unit issuing a switching signal as soon as the capacitive sensor 3rd as well as the first switching element 5 issue an activation signal when actuated. However, there is no valid touch signal, for example by actuating the actuation surface 2nd with a non-electrical or non-capacitive actuator 9 can perform a specific switching function by pressing the actuating surface more deeply and thus delayed the stroke 2nd to be triggered.

In 3rd is the input device according to 1 and 2nd shown, the actuator 9 the operating surface 2nd deeper with a force F2 presses. A certain switching function is triggered by the first switching element 5 and the second switching element 7 have a defined switching sequence, the second switching element 5 after the first switching element 7 is triggered. Triggering the switching elements 5 , 7 can in 3rd also by force-dependent triggering. It can be provided that the switching elements 5 , 7 triggered at a certain force. This can be advantageous if the pressure elements 6 , 8th are the same length and the switching sequence due to different force-dependent switching points of the switching elements 5 , 7 he follows.

In 3rd it can be seen that the first pressure element 6 already the first switching element 5 has triggered and on the first switching element 5 the actuation surface becomes due to the deeper pressing 2nd at this point towards the base plate 4th bent. In an advantageous embodiment, the actuation surface 2nd therefore executed flexibly, the actuating surface 2nd only with a certain force F2 is bent and the strength F2 bigger than the force F1 is. A flexibility of the operating surface 2nd can, for example, by a notch below the operating surface 2nd can be achieved, the notch being arranged below a point on the actuating surface at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface. It is advantageous if the notch encloses the point that is assigned to a specific switching function. It can also be provided that the actuating surface 2nd is made thinner at certain points, so flexibility of the operating surface 2nd to reach.

By bending the operating surface 2nd becomes the second switching element 7 triggered. The evaluation unit is designed to output a switching signal as soon as the first switching element 5 and the second switching element 7 output an activation signal regardless of the capacitive sensor 3rd .

In one embodiment it can also be provided that the second pressure element 8th identical to the first pressure element 6 is executed. So that the second switching element 7 is triggered anyway, it can be provided that the switching mechanism of the second switching element 7 is stiffer and therefore only with a certain force F2 triggers. Both switching elements can also 5 , 7 be designed so that the switching elements are triggered 5 , 7 occurs only with a certain force, the forces for the switching elements 5 , 7 can be different. This results in a force-dependent triggering of the switching elements 5 , 7 reached.

Reference list

1

Input device

2nd

Actuating surface

3rd

capacitive sensor

4th

Base plate

5

first switching element

6

first pressure element

7

second switching element

8th

second pressure element

9

Actuator

10th

score

11

Starting position (without actuation of the actuation surface)

12th

First switching path (triggering the first switching element)

13

Second switching path (triggering the second switching element)

14

Distance second pressure element and second switching element in the starting position

15

Area assigned to a switching function on the operating surface

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• JP 2008059912 A [0004]

Claims (19)

Input device (1) for a motor vehicle, the input device (1) having an actuating surface (2) with a capacitive sensor (3) for touch detection of the actuating surface (2), a base plate (4) with a first one below the actuating surface (2) Switching element (5) is provided, the actuating surface (2) being movably mounted relative to the base plate (4), so that when the actuating surface (2) is actuated, the first switching element (5) can be triggered, characterized in that at least one second switching element ( 7) is provided, which can be actuated via the actuating surface (2) and the switching elements (5, 7) and the actuating surface (2) are arranged such that when they interact, a defined switching sequence of the switching elements (5, 7) is followed. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 1 characterized in that the switching elements (5, 7) are arranged such that when the actuating surface (2) is actuated, the switching sequence first triggers the first switching element (5), followed by the stroke-delayed or force-dependent triggering of the second switching element (7). Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first pressure element (6) is provided between the first switching element (5) and the actuating surface (2), which, when the actuating surface (2) is actuated, the first switching element ( 5) triggers. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second switching element (7) is a metal switching element or carbon switching element. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second pressure element (8) is provided, so that the second switching element (7) is triggered when the actuating surface (2) is actuated. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 5 characterized in that the second pressure element (8) is identical to the first pressure element (6). Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 6 characterized in that the switching mechanism of the second switching element (7) is stiff. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second switching element (7) is triggered by means of force detection. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 5 characterized in that the second pressure element (8) is shorter than the first pressure element (6). Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating surface (2) is flexible. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 10 characterized in that a notch (10) is provided on the underside of the actuating surface (2), the notch being arranged below a point (15) of the actuating surface (2) at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface (2). Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation unit is provided for outputting a switching signal. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 12 characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed to output a switching signal as soon as the capacitive sensor (3) and the first switching element (5) output an activation signal when actuated. Input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to Claim 12 characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed to output a switching signal as soon as the first switching element (5) and the second switching element (7) output an activation signal independently of the capacitive sensor (3). Method for controlling an input device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps: pressing an actuating surface (2) with an actuating element (9) at a point (15) of the actuating surface (2) at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface (2), Triggering a first switching element (5), pressing the actuating surface (2) more deeply with an actuating element (9) at a point (15) of the actuating surface (2) at which a switching function is assigned to the actuating surface (2), stroke-delayed or force-dependent triggering of a second Switching element (7), Triggering a switching function by means of a switching signal. Method for controlling an input device (1) for a motor vehicle Claim 15 characterized in that the step of pressing the actuating surface (2) in a force-dependent manner takes place with a first force F1 and pressing the actuating surface (2) more deeply takes place with a second force F2, the force F2 being greater than the force F1. Method for controlling an input device (1) for a motor vehicle Claim 16 characterized in that the force-dependent pressing of the actuating surface (2) at a point (15) of the actuating surface (2) at which a switching function is associated with the actuating surface (2) includes a bending of the actuating surface (2) with a force F2. Method for controlling an input device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the Claims 15 to 17th characterized in that the triggering of a switching function by means of a switching signal includes an output of a switching signal by means of an evaluation unit. Vehicle with an input device (1) for motor vehicles according to one of the Claims 1 to 12th .

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