DE102019220383A1 - Shape-changing control unit and method for controlling vehicle functions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (100) for a vehicle which has at least one planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) and an actuator element (130), the actuator element (130) being designed to change its shape when the approach - to change pressure or touch sensors (120) in order to form at least one operating element, and wherein the operating unit (100) furthermore has sensors for detecting an operation of the at least one operating element. A method for controlling a vehicle using such an operating unit (100) is also proposed.

Description

The present invention relates to an operating unit and a method for controlling vehicle functions.

State of the art

In modern vehicles, flat sensors can be used as input interfaces for user interactions. For example, so-called smart textiles can be used for this purpose, which in addition to the sensor function can also fulfill other functions, such as generating vibrations for outputting feedback to the user. Such a solution is, for example, from US 2019/0135199 A1 known.

Due to the increasing volume of traffic, it is important to avoid distractions for the driver of a vehicle as much as possible. In particular, it is desirable that the driver avert his gaze from what is happening on the road as rarely and as briefly as possible.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the invention, an operating unit and a method for controlling vehicle functions with the features of the independent claims are proposed. Advantageous refinements are the subject matter of the subclaims and the description below.

An operating unit according to the invention for a vehicle comprises at least one flat sensor and an actuator element. The sensor is designed in the form of a proximity, pressure or contact sensor. The actuator element is designed to change its shape when the proximity, pressure or touch sensor responds in order to form at least one operating element. The operating unit also includes sensors for detecting operation of the at least one operating element by a user, in particular a driver of the vehicle. As a result, the operating unit can be integrated into components that are not conventionally provided as interfaces for operation by a user. In other words, the invention proposes an operating unit which can only be recognized as such when required.

The change in the shape of the actuator element or the operating unit, as described in the context of this disclosure, is understood as a change that can be recognized by the user without additional aids. In particular, such a change in shape relates to the formation of contour lines which did not exist before the change in shape, or to the elimination of contour lines. In the context of the invention it is advantageously provided that changes in a shape move in the order of magnitude of at least 1 mm, preferably in the range from 1 mm to 50 mm, in particular in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm. Changes in shape of less than 1 mm and over 10 mm are also technically feasible and can be implemented accordingly, depending on the type and function of the operating unit to be developed. The change in shape can result in non-curved, convex or concave structural elements and combinations thereof.

The actuator element advantageously comprises shape memory materials and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic elements or consists (essentially) thereof. This enables the formation of the at least one operating element in a cost-effective, space-saving and flexible manner.

The planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor preferably comprises a permanently malleable substrate, for example glass or plastic, and capacitive and / or piezoelectric and / or resistive sensor elements. This enables a particularly uncomplicated and inconspicuous integration of the control element in a vehicle interior, for example in the interior trim (including trunk trim), armrests, dashboard, center console, seats, headrests or the headliner of the vehicle. The use of functionalized textiles, i.e. textile substrates with electrical conductors and / or electrode surfaces applied by means of weaving, embroidery, knitting or printing, offers a further possibility for displaying the flat sensor system for the realization of resistive and / or capacitive sensor structures.

The operating unit advantageously also comprises a vibration generator and / or an optical display. The vibration generator can be set up to generate vibrations as a function of the approach, contact or pressure detected by the sensor, or the operation. The optical display can be set up to optically change at least parts of the operating unit, e.g. to illuminate and / or label them. This enables feedback to the user. For example, a vibration can be generated when an operation has been detected by the sensor system, or the operating element can display various operating options when the flat sensor responds in order to facilitate operation. For this purpose, symbols or text, for example, can be displayed through the optical display, or the operating unit can be divided into differently colored or differently illuminated areas.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for controlling functions of a device, for example a vehicle, is proposed, the functions being controlled on the basis of commands from a user. The commands are recorded by an operating unit as described here and below. As a result, the operating unit described can be used to control a number of functions, so that a large number of other operating elements is advantageously superfluous. For example, in the case of a vehicle, the interior of the vehicle, in particular the dashboard or the center console, can be designed more clearly. This makes it possible, depending on the situation and context (e.g. accepting / rejecting a call can only be selected when a call comes), to control vehicle functions faster and more accurately, so that a distraction potential, which is problematic for safety reasons, is reduced.

Advantageously, in the method, an approach, contact or pressure is detected by means of the sensor and a signal that includes information about the detection by the sensor is output. The actuator element is controlled as a function of the signal, so that the shape of the operating unit changes. This makes it easier for a user, in particular a driver of the vehicle, to operate the operating unit without having to look, which in turn has a positive effect on safety in road traffic.

In particular, the devices to be controlled can include one or more from the group consisting of a multimedia system, a navigation aid, a window opener, an air conditioning system, a seat control, a driver assistance system, a safety device, a communication means and an ergonomics adjustment device. This makes it possible to use the operating unit to control a large number of different functions, which reduces the complexity of the interior of the vehicle and thus improves clarity.

In particular, it can also be provided that certain functions can alternatively or additionally be controlled by operating the sensor. For example, the flat sensor can be used as an input interface for text if a vehicle function requires it. For this, it can advantageously be provided that a virtual keyboard is displayed on the operating unit by means of the optical display. Alternatively or in addition, the control element can be designed as a multi-touch input surface in order to be able to recognize and process handwriting. In this way, further physical control elements of a conventional vehicle interior can be saved.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention emerge from the description and the accompanying drawing.

The invention is shown schematically in the drawing using exemplary embodiments and is described below with reference to the drawing.

Figure list

• 1 shows schematically an advantageous embodiment of an operating unit according to the invention in an exploded view.
• 2 shows schematically a further advantageous embodiment of an operating unit according to the invention in an exploded view.
• 3 shows an advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention on the basis of a flow chart.

Embodiments of the invention

In the 1 Operating unit shown schematically and designated as a whole by 100 comprises a cover layer 110 , a sensor 120 , an actuator element 130 as well as a functional layer 140 .

The top layer 110 includes a shape-changing surface 112 that is above the actuator element 130 is arranged. The top layer 110 can for example be made of leather, textile materials, metal mesh or elastic plastic or have one or more of these materials.

In the example shown, the actuator element is 130 designed as a pneumatic element. In a basic position of the actuator element 130 is the actuator element 130 retracted so that the shape-changing surface 112 the top layer 110 essentially in one plane with the rest of the top layer 110 lies. Thus the actuator element 130 not recognizable from the outside in the basic position.

The pneumatic element is in an activated state 130 extended so that the shape-changing surface 112 over the rest of the top layer 110 raises. This becomes the actuator element 130 externally perceptible and a user of the control unit 100 can the actuator element 130 recognize optically and tactilely or haptically. Thus, an operation of the control unit 100 made possible by the user without looking, which has an advantageous effect on driving safety, as explained above. For example, there can be a difference in relief between the shape-changing surface 112 and the rest of the top layer 110 between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example 4 mm.

Is the actuator element 130 For example, provided as a hydraulic element or in the form of an actuator that includes shape memory materials, the situation is essentially the same as described here with regard to a pneumatic element.

The sensor 120 is designed as a proximity, touch or pressure sensor and in particular records inputs from a user. For example, the sensor is 120 in the form of a proximity sensor 120 provided with capacitive sensor elements. In this case the proximity sensor speaks 120 when a user contacts the sensor 120 approximates. As a rule, the approach is achieved by moving a hand of the user in the direction of the control unit 100 happen. If the hand comes into a detection area of the sensor during this movement 120 on, the approach is detected, for example by detecting a change in an electrical field, and the sensor 120 speaks to. The detection range of the sensor 120 extends in the example shown also to the area above the cover layer 110 so that the approach even before touching the top layer 110 is detected by the hand of the user.

Is the sensor 120 in the form of a pressure or touch sensor (for example, as a resistive sensor element), the detection range of the sensor is limited 120 on the surface of the sensor 120 or the top layer 110 so that the sensor 120 only responds when the hand touches the top layer or exerts a force on the top layer.

Sensory elements of the sensor 120 can be designed, for example, as a grid-shaped arrangement of point-shaped sensors, as a cross-wise arrangement of line-shaped sensors or as an area sensor. The use of smart textiles as sensor elements can also be provided. For example, in a first layer of a smart textile, electrically conductive fibers can run parallel to one another in a first direction and in a second layer of the smart textile, electrically conductive fibers can run parallel to one another in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first and the second layer are advantageously arranged at a distance from one another and an intermediate layer can be arranged between the first and the second layer. The intermediate layer is, for example, elastic and designed in such a way that it changes its conductivity as a function of its density or its thickness. If the intermediate layer is compressed at one point, the electrical resistance of the layer changes at this point. If an electrical potential is applied to the fibers of the first layer compared to the fibers of the second layer, a potential drop between the fibers of the first and the second layer can thereby occur, for example, at the point where the intermediate layer is compressed. The position of compressive stress on the smart textile can consequently be determined by measuring the potentials of the individual fibers of the first layer with respect to the individual fibers of the second layer.
In addition to or as an alternative to such a resistive sensor principle, so-called 'smart textiles' can also be used to build capacitive sensors, in which conductive flat areas (electrode surfaces) are generated and, in simple terms, plate capacitors can be built whose electrical field and capacitance change when they approach of a body (hand) changes. This change can be recorded and evaluated as a sensor signal.

The sensor 120 can thus be provided as a separate layer or in the top layer 110 to get integrated. It is also possible to use the sensor 120 design so that the top layer 110 is not required and can therefore be omitted entirely.

As soon as the sensor 120 responds, the actuator element 130 activated. This becomes the control unit 100 deformed because the actuator element 130 the shape-changing surface 112 pushes outwards. Thus becomes the shape-changing surface 112 by activating the actuator element 130 in from the outside, for example by the user of the control unit 100 , perceptible control element.

The actuator element 130 is equipped with a sensor system that is set up to record input from the user.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the functional layer is 140 the control unit 100 equipped with a lighting and a vibration function. The top layer 110 is here, as is the sensor 120 designed at least partially translucent or transparent. The lighting function is implemented in particular by providing a grid of light sources, a luminous area and / or one or more point light sources. For example, symbols that identify various vehicle functions can be displayed. The lighting function can be permanently active so that, for example, during the entire journey it is displayed which vehicle functions are being used with the operating unit 100 are controllable. However, it can also be provided that the lighting function is dependent on a detection by the sensor 120 is activated so that the control unit 100 is only illuminated, labeled or otherwise optically changed in the case of intended operation. In further refinements, the functional layer can also be above the sensor layer 120 lie.

In some configurations it can also be provided that the lighting function is designed in such a way that, for example, a point of light follows the detected touch, approach or pressure accordingly. For example, a point of light can appear at the location of the sensed touch or approach, or an illuminated area can enlarge in proportion to the sensed pressure. In certain configurations, the intensity of the lighting can also change as a function of the detected approach, touch or the detected pressure.

In the example shown, the user can select a vehicle function to be controlled by pressing or touching one of the symbols, so that the actuator element 130 then controls this selected vehicle function.

For this purpose, the selection is made by a spatially resolved detection of the sensor 120 recorded and transmitted to a control unit. In certain embodiments, it can also be provided that, depending on the selected vehicle function, a different number of actuator elements 130 is activated, so that, for example, several control elements within the shape-changing surface 112 are formed.

The vibration function can be implemented, for example, by providing a motor with an eccentric flywheel. It is provided, for example, to give the user of the operating unit feedback on the success of an input. In some embodiments, it is provided that, in the event of a detected touch, a short vibration signal lasting less than a second, for example 0.1 seconds, is transmitted over the functional layer 140 is issued. In the case of a detected operation by the actuator element 130 and the shape-changing surface 112 The operating element formed is intended to output a longer vibration signal so that the user can recognize whether and which input has been recorded. The longer vibration signal can last between 0.3 and 1 second, for example 0.5 seconds, for example. This facilitates operation without visual contact.

In summary, in the control unit 100 the sensor 120 For the selection of a vehicle function to be controlled and for the activation of the actuator element, the functional layer is provided as an optical display for informing the user about possible control options and as a vibration generator for success feedback to the user, while the actuator element detects inputs from the user to control the selected vehicle function and is tactile Provides orientation.

This in 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of an operating unit 200 includes like the control unit 100 a top layer 210 , a flat sensor 220 and an actuator element 230 . The functions of the functional layer 140 are in the control unit 200 divided into two independent components. So there is a lighting layer for lighting 240 provided and the vibration function is provided by a vibration layer 250 provided.

In the control unit 200 are all functional layers 220 , 240 , 250 and the top layer 210 above the actuator element 230 arranged. Therefore, the flat sensor 220 can be used both for the selection of a vehicle function to be controlled and for the detection of an input by the user on the operating element generated by the actuator element for controlling the selected vehicle function. The actuator element 230 therefore does not have to be equipped with additional sensors and can therefore be implemented more simply.

The other functions can also each also include the area that is controlled by the actuator element 230 is taken, so that a spatial limitation of these functions is not necessary.

The separation of the various functions in special layers enables, for example, the installation depth of different layers to be interchanged. For example, the lighting layer 240 closer to the top layer 210 be arranged, in particular also above the sensor 220 (not shown) in order to achieve better transmission of the from the lighting layer 240 generated light to outside of the top layer 210 to achieve. Another advantage of this separate provision of functions is that repairs or replacements are easier and more cost-effective to carry out. Otherwise, refer to the function of the control unit 200 refer to the above statements regarding the in 1 referenced embodiment shown.

An advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention for controlling a function of a device is shown in FIG 3 designated as 300 in total.

in one step S1 becomes an approach to or touch of an operating unit 100 , 200 as they already said in relation to the 1 and 2 has been described. On the basis of this detected approach or contact, in one step S2 an actuator element 130 , 230 controlled by the shape of the control unit 100 , 200 to change to form a control element.

In one step S3 becomes an operation of the in step S2 formed control element detected, whereupon in one step S4 a function of a device to be controlled depending on the in step S3 detected operation of the control element is controlled.

In a subsequent step S5 it is determined whether further operation of the control element is present or necessary or to be expected. If so, the process returns to step S3 back to record the further operation of the control element. There is another operation in the step S5 classified as not necessary or expected can be done in one step S6 the original shape of the control unit 100 , 200 be restored before proceeding to the step S1 returns to detect a further or renewed approach or contact.

To restore the original shape of the control unit 100 , 200 in the step S6 can in particular the actuator element 130 , 230 controlled so that it returns to its original state.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely 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

• US 2019/0135199 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Having operating unit (100) for a vehicle at least a flat proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) and an actuator element (130), wherein the actuator element (130) is set up to change its shape when the proximity, pressure or touch sensor (120) responds in order to form at least one operating element, and having Sensor system for detecting operation of the at least one operating element. Control unit (100) Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the actuator element (130) comprises shape memory materials and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic elements. Control unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) comprises a permanently malleable substrate and capacitive and / or piezoelectric and / or resistive sensor elements. Operating unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a vibration generator which is set up to generate vibrations as a function of the approach, contact or pressure detected by the sensor and / or of the operation. Control unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises an optical display which is set up to optically change at least parts of the device, in particular to illuminate and / or label them. Control unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover layer (210) which covers the planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) and the actuator element (130), the cover layer at least in a region that the actuator element (130) comprises one or more mechanically flexible materials, in particular selected from the group of textiles, leather, metal mesh and elastic plastic. Method for controlling functions of a device, for example a vehicle, the functions of the device being controlled on the basis of commands from a user, the commands being detected by an operating unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Procedure according to Claim 7 , whereby an approach, contact or pressure is detected by means of the sensor, a signal is output which includes information about the detection by the sensor, and the actuator element (130) is controlled as a function of the signal so that the shape the control unit (100) changed. Method according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th , wherein the device comprises one or more from the group of a multimedia system, a navigation aid, a window opener, an air conditioning system, a seat control, a driver assistance system, a safety device, a communication means and an ergonomic adjustment device. Method according to one of the Claims 7 to 9 , wherein the commands are detected by the sensor of the operating unit (100).

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