DE102014009355A1 - An input device for a motor vehicle and method for detecting an operation of the input device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device for a motor vehicle, by means of which operating functions of the motor vehicle can be selected, wherein the input device has touch sensor surfaces arranged in parallel for each operating function, which must be touched simultaneously to select the respective operating function, the input device having functional troughs for selecting operating functions groove-like connecting portions are connected to each other, and wherein at least two capacitive touch sensor surfaces are arranged on the functional troughs and on the connecting portions. Also described is a method of detecting an operation of the input device. The guidance of a finger along trough-like recesses and channel-like connecting sections allows actuation of the input device without any special visual attention. The switching security is ensured by at least twice existing, recessed sensors and by a required movement along a certain operating path. Optionally additionally provided safety buttons also force a precise finger movement.

Description

The invention relates to an input device for a motor vehicle, by which at least one operating function of the motor vehicle is selectable, wherein the input device for each operating function has two parallel arranged touch sensor surfaces, which must be touched simultaneously to select an operating function. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an actuation of the input device.

An input device of the aforementioned type is known from German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2009 031 649 A1 known.

The German patent application DE 10 2011 089 980 A1 describes an operating element for a motor vehicle and a method for processing an actuation of the operating element. The operating element, which in particular forms a gear selector lever, has a plurality of, in particular, capacitive proximity sensors which have to be actuated to trigger a specific function in a predetermined time sequence. If the triggering incomplete or in a different chronological order, this is considered an undesirable operation, resulting in a termination of the initiated actuation function. This document describes in relatively detail a method principle, but it shows only a few details for the advantageous structure of an operating device.

When driving a motor vehicle, the attention of the driver is largely taken up by the traffic. The operation of controls is therefore usually without eye contact "by the way". Therefore, it is advantageous if operating elements are clearly recognizable haptically.

In the operation of planar capacitive controls that give little or no haptic feedback, there is the problem of possible operating errors in which unwanted functions are triggered. This is particularly problematic for controls that control safety-related functions. Thus, it is difficult or at least expensive to provide an input device with capacitive controls for controlling an automatic transmission, which meets the necessary safety requirements.

It set itself the task of creating a generic input device, in which an unintentional triggering of functions is largely excluded.

This object is achieved in that the input device for selecting operating functions has functional troughs which are interconnected via trough-like connecting sections, and in that at least two capacitive touch sensor surfaces are arranged on the functional troughs and on the connecting sections.

According to the invention, the input device has a user interface with functional elements, which consist of integrally formed depressions.

Each function to be triggered is associated with a functional recess in the form of a haptically recognizable concave section on the user interface. The functional troughs are connected to each other via likewise shaped channel-like connecting sections, through which a finger can be guided to an adjacent functional trough.

At least two touch sensor surfaces, which are preferably formed by short conductor track pieces, are arranged parallel to one another both on the functional cavities and on the connecting sections. The touch of a functional trough or of a connecting section is only detected as a valid operation by an evaluation electronics connected to the touch sensor surfaces if the mutually parallel touch sensor surfaces are simultaneously triggered. This requires a conscious application of a finger to a functional trough or a connecting section. In contrast, the contact of only a subset of the parallel touch sensor surfaces does not cause valid actuation, so that inadvertent or accidental touches can not trigger undesirable functions.

It is particularly advantageous to provide further capacitive sensor surfaces on or near the edges of the functional cavities for the purpose of forming safety buttons. The safety buttons partially surround the touch sensor surfaces and, unlike the touch sensor surfaces, must not be touched for a valid actuation of a function. The safety buttons therefore force a precise alignment of the finger in the center of a functional recess. It can be advantageously provided that the transmitter immediately terminates a currently initiated selection process when a safety button is touched.

The safety buttons also have the advantage that they can also respond to contamination of the functional recesses. Thus, for example, a liquid spilled onto a functional trough, which is the parallel contact sensor assigned to the functional trough, becomes In general, it is also possible to trigger the safety buttons arranged next to the touch sensors, thereby avoiding erroneous detection of the contamination as actuation.

In order to detect an actuation of the input device and to trigger functions, it can be advantageously provided that the selection of a function requires a continuous movement of a finger from a predetermined start functional depression to a target functional depression assigned to the function to be switched on. During this movement, all touch sensor surfaces on the way must be touched and any touches on the safety buttons that may be present must be avoided.

For better haptic orientation, simple symbols can be embossed into the functional troughs. Thus, the driver can feel without even looking, in which functional recess is just his finger.

The guidance of a finger along trough-like recesses and channel-like connecting sections allows actuation of the input device without any special visual attention. The switching security is ensured by at least twice existing, recessed sensors and by a required movement along a certain operating path. If necessary additionally provided safety buttons also force a precise finger movement. The requirement to accurately maintain an actuation path also ensures that inadvertent touches of the input device will not trigger undesirable actuation events.

Further advantageous embodiments and developments emerge from the dependent claims. In the following, the structure and operation of the input device according to the invention will be schematically illustrated and explained with reference to the drawing. Show it

1 the control surface of an input device,

2 and 3 Functional elements of the input device,

4 the control surface in an initial state,

5 to 9 different levels of activity,

10 an error condition of the input device,

11 an isometric view of the input device,

12 and 13 two alternative arrangements of functional elements.

The figures schematically show an inventively executed input device 1 , which forms a contactless gear selector switch for the automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The representation of the input device as a gear selector switch is to be understood as purely exemplary and of course does not exclude the use of an input device according to the invention for other applications.

As the 1 shows, the input device 1 a flat control surface 9 with four, in plan view circular functional troughs 3 on. The functional troughs 3 are named with the common abbreviations for the selector lever functions of an automatic transmission (P, R, N, D for park, reverse, neutral and drive) and form within the control surface 9 concave, trough-like depressions whose three-dimensional shape hinted in the 11 is recognizable. Individual functional troughs 3 are hereinafter referred to their respective function also referred to as P-, R-, N- or D-functional recess.

The concave functional troughs 3 are in one the control surface 9 the input device 1 molded plastic body or preferably introduced into a plastic film by deep drawing. The functional troughs 3 are also on trough-like connecting sections 5 connected with each other. The connecting sections 5 can, with regard to the depth of the groove-like impressions, either seamlessly to the respective adjacent functional troughs 3 connect or, by a height difference, each form a haptic perceptible stepped transition. The entirety of the functional troughs 3 and the connecting sections 5 is also summarized below as functional elements 4 designated.

The 2 shows on the back of the functional elements 4 in two parallel rows 2 arranged, working on a capacitive principle touch sensor surfaces 2a to 2n , The total of fourteen individual touch sensor surfaces 2a to 2n consist of mutually isolated arranged individual conductor track sections, which are each connected to a transmitter, not shown. It carries each functional recess 3 and each connection section 5 two each parallel juxtaposed touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2 B to 2m . 2n ,

According to the 3 are at two opposite edge portions of the functional recesses 3 two additional capacitive sensors arranged, the reasons to be explained here as safety buttons 6a to 6h are named. These security buttons 6a to 6h have the shape of circular arc sections and each form a clip around the touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2 B . 2e . 2f . 2i . 2y . 2n . 2m on the functional troughs 3 ,

A special feature of the safety buttons 6a to 6h clarifies the 10 , Leads to pollution 11 , such as a spilled liquid, for the parallel triggering of touch sensor surfaces 2e . 2f and security buttons 6c . 6d a functional recess, as here the R-functional recess, this is recognized as a fault condition and, for example, by a flashing light ring 7 signaled.

In the 11 becomes the spatial form of the input device 1 belonging functional elements 4 indicated. Shown are four functional troughs 3 through three channel-shaped connecting sections 5 connected to each other.

As already mentioned, the input device is 1 intended for use as a contactless gear selector switch in a motor vehicle. If the motor vehicle is in operation, one of the operating functions P, R, N, D that can be selected by the gear selector switch is usually activated. It is expedient to optically signal to the driver of the motor vehicle the respectively active operating function P, R, N, D, for example by a backlighting of the associated functional recess 3 or on the respective functional recess 3 arranged symbol by means of a functional lighting 10 , In the 4 By way of example, the operating function P is shown as active, with the functional lighting switched on 10 is indicated by a halo around the function symbol P.

Successfully performing a switch always requires conscious guidance of a finger along an actuation path between a starting functional well and a target functional well. The start-functional recess is preferably the functional trough of the currently active operating function P, R, N, D and by the backlighting of the associated function symbol by the functional lighting 10 recognizable. The target function trough is the functional trough to that operational function P, R, N, D which the driver intends to turn on.

A light ring 7 indicates each, up to which functional recess 3 the finger 8th in each case simultaneous contact of the respective parallel arranged touch sensor surfaces 2a to 2n , so far has been conducted. The activation of a switching function is carried out by a confirmation gesture, such as a brief persistence of the finger 8th in the target functional recess and / or then lifting the finger 8th from the touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2 B to 2m . 2n the target functional well. Only when this confirmation gesture was detected by the transmitter, this switches on the corresponding operating function P, R, N, D and also switches the function lighting 10 at the start function tray off and on the destination function tray. Becomes a safety button on any function well during the finger movement 6a to 6h touched, the transmitter aborts the switchover prematurely.

In the 5 to 9 by way of example, a switching operation from the operating function P to the operating function N is outlined in several operating phases.

According to the 5 the driver puts a finger to initiate the switching process 8th centered on the active P-well, so that both belong to the P-function well touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2 B but not the safety buttons around it 6a . 6b be touched. If the touches are detected by the transmitter as a valid operation, the transmitter switches a light ring surrounding the P-function well 7 one. The driver puts his finger against it 8th into one of the other functional troughs 3 , so the transmitter does not activate there any light ring and also initiates no switching.

A switched on light ring 7 , is in the drawing in each case by a reinforced border of the associated functional recess 3 and a symbolically represented by the rim radially outgoing radiate. Accordingly, for example, in the 5 and 6 in each case the P-function trough as active functional trough 3 recognizable.

The driver now pulls his finger 8th from the P-functional recess through to the N-functional recess, wherein the successive actuation phases in the 5 to 9 are shown. The touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2c respectively. 2 B . 2d along their parallel rows 2 are consecutive, are only through very narrow separation columns 12 arranged isolated from each other. Such as from the 6 it can be seen that the successive end sections 2a . 2c respectively. 2 B . 2d even interlocked by having a V-shaped tip and a V-shaped recess train, which mesh. At one along the along the rows 2 guided movement are thereby always at least two of the touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2c respectively. 2 B . 2d actuated. At times, all four touch sensor surfaces can 2a . 2c respectively. 2 B . 2d be actuated at the same time, which does not represent a fault condition. One criterion for a correctly detected actuation is always that at least two touch sensor surfaces parallel to one another 2a . 2 B respectively. 2 B . 2d are actuated at the same time and there is no interruption of the operations.

Leaves thus the finger 8th the touch sensor surfaces 2a . 2 B the P-function well so it already has the touch sensor surfaces 2c . 2d of the first connection section 5 reached ( 6 ). The same applies to the transition from the touch sensor surfaces 2c . 2d to the touch sensor surfaces 2e . 2f , As the 7 shows, the finger has 8th so that reaches the R-functional recess, which by switching on a light ring 7 is signaled to this functional trough. The activation of a light ring 7 around the functional troughs thus follows the finger movement.

Next, with the further movement of the finger 8th the touch sensor surfaces 2g . 2h of the next connection section ( 8th ), until finally the finger 8th the N-function trough with the touch sensor surfaces 2i . 2y reached ( 9 ). Here can by a brief stay and then lifting the finger 8th the selection can be confirmed from the destination function trough. The input device 1 now shows the successful change of the operating function by a backlight 10 the N-functional recess visually. In addition, the changeover can be communicated to the driver haptically by vibrating the user interface.

As the 12 and 13 show the functional elements 4 not, as previously shown, be arranged in a linear chain. It is also possible the function troughs 3 via connecting sections 5 to connect to an arbitrarily shaped circuit diagram, which also about bends as in the 12 or also branches like in the 13 shown included.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

input device

2

Rows (of touch sensor surfaces)

2a to 2n

Touch sensor surfaces

3

function wells

4

functional elements

5

connecting sections

6a to 6h

safety buttons

7

Light ring (light element)

8th

finger

9

operating surface

10

Function lighting (backlighting)

11

pollution

12

separation columns

P, R, N, D

operating functions

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009031649 A1 [0002]
• DE 102011089980 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Input device for a motor vehicle, by means of which operating functions (P, R, N, D) of the motor vehicle can be selected, the input device ( 1 ) for each operating function (P, R, N, D) parallel arranged touch sensor surfaces ( 2a to 2n ), which must be touched simultaneously to select the respective operating function (P, R, N, D), characterized in that the input device ( 1 ) for selecting operating functions (P, R, N, D) function troughs ( 3 ), which have channel-like connecting sections ( 5 ) and that at the functional troughs ( 3 ) and at the connecting sections ( 5 ) at least two capacitive touch sensor surfaces ( 2a to 2n ) are arranged. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional troughs ( 3 ) and the connecting sections ( 5 ) as depressions in a control surface of the input device ( 1 ) are imprinted. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that at or adjacent edges of the functional troughs ( 3 ) further capacitive sensor surfaces for the formation of safety buttons ( 6a to 6h ) are arranged. Input device according to claim 3, characterized in that the safety buttons ( 6a to 6h ) have the shape of circular ring sections. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that a currently active operating function (P, R, N, D) by a functional lighting ( 10 ) is signaled. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the one recognized as valid touch a Funktionsmulde ( 3 ) by an activated light ring ( 7 ) around the functional recess ( 3 ) is signaled. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device haptically signals a successfully completed selection process by a vibration of the control surface. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional troughs ( 3 ) have embossable embossed symbols. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device ( 1 ) belongs to the control unit of an electronic gear selector. Method for detecting an actuation of the input device according to claim 1, characterized in that a valid selection of an operating function is a control surface ( 9 ) touching movement of a finger ( 8th ) from the functional recess ( 3 ) of the currently active operating function to a selected functional trough ( 3 ), with all intervening functional troughs ( 3 ) and connecting sections ( 5 ) triggering the there arranged touch sensor surfaces ( 2a to 2n ) with a finger ( 8th ) must be gone through. Method according to claims 3 and 10, characterized in that a touch of a safety button ( 6a to 6h ) aborts the currently executing selection process.

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