DE102015006575B4 - Operating element for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a toggle switch element (2) which can be tilted about two tilting axes (3, 4), and a base element (5) on which the toggle switch element (2) is tiltably mounted, the two tilting axes (3, 4) parallel to each other to provide an improved control element (1) with a tiltable toggle switch element (2).

Description

The invention relates to an operating element for a motor vehicle, with a toggle switch element tiltable about two tilting axes and with a base element on which the toggle switch element is tiltably mounted.

In motor vehicles, a variety of different controls are used. In addition to controls with sliders are also controls with tiltable about a tilt axis switch rockers and controls with tiltable about two tilt axes levers, such as the known flashing and windscreen wiper unit controls known.

For example, the US 2014/0292661 A1 an input device on a steering wheel, which may comprise both a slider and a rocker switch.

The US 2003/0070437 A1 discloses a touch-sensitive display on which virtual slides are used to set an air conditioning or ventilation of the motor vehicle.

The DE 10 2006 043 619 A1 finally discloses an operating unit for a vehicle component, which comprises a rocker switch with a capacitive sensor.

The DE 37 19 793 A1 discloses a rocker button which actuates two contact bellows of a contact mat depending on its tilting position. The rocker button is mounted with bearing pins attached to the key ends in bearing cuts in the walls of the device. The journals are aligned in two tilt axes, of which always the farthest removed from the actuating point tilting axis is effective and so at most a non-disturbing offset of the actuated contact bellows is caused.

The DE 2 259 052 A discloses an electric key switch with a mounted in a base actuator, which operates two separate contact bridges by means of two separate plunger and mounted in two spaced-apart bearing blocks in spacious camps in height mounted movable.

The US 8 207 463 B2 discloses a mini-switch, which can trigger two different switching elements via a pivot point.

The DE 10 2009 013 440 A1 discloses a device for switching or triggering functions with a touch-sensitive surface in the nature of a touch screen or a tactile touchpad and with a mechanical switching element, which is actuated by moving the touch-sensitive surface, such as a press.

The EP 2 869 170 A2 discloses a touch-sensitive display having a plurality of sections which also take the form of a bar display with an electrostatic capacitance detection section for detecting a body part such as a finger.

The object is to provide an improved control element with a tiltable toggle switch element, which in particular achieves an increased service life and facilitates ease of operation.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims of the description and the figure.

The invention relates to an operating element for a motor vehicle, with a toggle switch element which can be tilted or tilted about two tilt axes and with a base element on which the toggle switch element is tiltably mounted. To provide an improved control element, the two tilt axes are parallel to each other. Thus, the toggle switch element tilts depending on the nature of an associated operating action, for example, a pressure on different areas of the toggle switch element, either about the first or about the second tilt axis. This has the advantage that at the same time a more favorable lever ratio is achieved at the toggle switch element for different operations, so that the mechanical load of the toggle switch element and the base member is reduced in the region of the tilt axes. This increases the life of the associated components. Moreover, due to the more favorable lever ratio for the different operations only a small operating force is required, which facilitates operability and also contributes to an increased life.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that for the storage of the toggle switch element, the toggle switch element and the base element have respective mutually associated bearing elements. In this case, a play of the respective mutually associated bearing elements to each other in a plane perpendicular to the tilt axes in a first direction is smaller than in a direction perpendicular to the first direction extending second direction. Both directions are thus perpendicular to the tilt axes. In this case, in particular the first direction is the main extension direction of the toggle switch element. So it may be the first direction be oriented perpendicular to the tilting axes in the plane in which the tilting axes, and the second direction perpendicular to the plane in which the tilting axes extend, are oriented. This has the advantage that in a mechanically simple manner an alternate tilting of the toggle switch element is made possible in each case by one of the two tilt axes. This also increases the service life of the operating element and achieves a flexible area of use for the operating element with easier operation.

In another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the toggle switch element is held by at least one spring element (preferably two spring elements) in a support system on respective bearing elements of the base element arranged in or on the tilt axis. In this case, the spring element preferably exerts a force perpendicular to the plane in which the tilt axes extend. This has the advantage that, on the one hand, a force required for operating the toggle switch element can be adjusted via the choice of the spring element. On the other hand, even in combination with the features of the last paragraph can be prevented that a game in the corresponding bearing elements to a wobbling or slipping of the toggle switch element or an erroneous triggering an operating function, which is assigned to the operating element, can be prevented. This is especially true for a rest position in which the toggle switch element is tilted about none of the tilt axes. This in turn facilitates the operability.

It is provided that the first tilting axis is arranged in the main extension direction of the toggle switch element in a first end region and the second tilting axis in a second end region opposite the first end region in the main extension direction. This has the advantage that when the first end region is tilted about the second tilting axis and when the second end region is tilted about the first tilting axis respectively, particularly favorable leverage ratios are achieved which reduce the mechanical load on the tilting element and thus increase and prolong the life of the tilting element reduce required operating force for tilting the respective end regions. Also, a particularly easy operation of the control element is achieved. Moreover, when the first or second end region is tilted about the second or first tilting axis, the respective other end region is moved only in a very small dimension compared to the first or second end region. Thus, for example, a slight escape of the raised rocker side of the toggle switch element can be achieved when the other rocker side is pressed in from a surrounding panel. This allows cleaning and aesthetic benefits to be achieved.

The toggle switch element, viewed in the main extension direction, has a first sensor element for detecting a first operator action in the first end region and, in the main extension direction, a second sensor element for detecting a second operator control element in the second end region. In this case, the sensor elements are arranged in particular between the toggle switch element and the base element. This can be given, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction. This achieves the advantage that upon tilting of the toggle switch element about the first or second tilting axis by the second or first sensor element, the corresponding second or first operating action, for example pressing on the second or first end region of the toggle switch element, is registered. Due to the respectively favorable lever ratios, tangential forces on the sensor element are reduced here, which again contributes to an increased service life.

It can be provided that the sensor elements each comprise a mechanical micro-probe and / or a capacitive sensor unit. This has the advantage that the corresponding operator actions can be detected with particularly great precision.

The toggle switch element has in a central region between the two end regions on a top side remote from the base element a touch-sensitive display field for detecting at least one further operator action. In this case, the touch-sensitive display panel is associated in particular with a capacitive sensor element, which is preferably arranged on an underside of the toggle switch element facing the base element. This has the advantage that on the one hand widens the scope of the control element and the ease of use is facilitated, in which also other standing with the first and second operator action in a meaning context operating actions on the toggle switch element can be operated. In a context of meaning are, for example, operator actions which change in different ways identical parameters of a function assigned to the operating element. Moreover, an operator can receive a direct feedback about a setting of a function assigned to the operating element via the display panel.

It is also particularly advantageous here that the toggle switch element is held with a very uniform force distribution in the rest position, since the central region is located between the two axes of rotation. Just by the presence of two mutually parallel tilt axes, between which the central area with the touch-sensitive display panel is thus an erroneous tilting of the toggle switch element is prevented by one of the two tilt axes in the operation of the display panel. Even so, in turn, an improved control element is achieved which provides easier and more intuitive operation for an operator.

The use of at least one capacitive sensor element for detecting a further operating action assigned to the touch-sensitive display field is advantageous here, since forces acting on the toggle switch element can thus be minimized, so that, for example, the first and the second operating action, which are assigned to the respective end regions of the toggle switch, and the at least one further operating action, which is assigned to the central area of the toggle switch element, are not spatially separated from one another spatially, but also haptically in a force space, since, for example, forces of different magnitudes are required for the respective operation. An attachment of the capacitive sensor element to a base element facing the bottom of the toggle switch element is particularly advantageous for evaluating the sensor element, since the sensor element is particularly easy to be coupled to an evaluation of the base element.

The display panel can also have a lighting. Thus, even with unfavorable operations, for example at night, the display is particularly easy by an operator read and / or recognizable.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it may be provided here that the display field comprises a bargraph or bar display. In particular, the bar graph may have five bars here. Especially a bar display brings here the advantage that an operator quickly and easily receives information about a function associated with the operating element or a state of a component associated with the operating element. By touching the respective bars of the bar graph, a parameter value assigned to the bar or a setting assigned to the bar can also be directly selected here. For example, such a percentage value of a parameter, for example, an opening degree of a window or a personal fan, can be selected directly. A bar display with exactly five bars, which preferably represent 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of a function assigned to the operating element, has proven to be particularly advantageous here.

It is particularly advantageous here if the first and the second operating action are in a context of meaning with the further operating actions. By way of example, the first and the second operator action may represent (in particular stepwise) increasing or decreasing a parameter value of a function assigned to the operator control and the bars of the bar display respectively directly predetermining parameter values, for example the already mentioned 0%, 25%, 50%, 75 %, and 100%. This creates a particularly user-friendly and easy-to-use control element. Since a service life of the operating element can also be reduced by direct selection, this also contributes to an increased service life of the operating element.

Finally, it can be provided in a further embodiment that extends the sensor element of the display panel from the central region in the two end portions of the toggle switch element, so that the first and the second operating action, for example, tilting of the first and second end region to the second or first Tilting axis, can be detected by the sensor element of the display panel. This has the advantage that the number of components in the operating element is reduced. In particular, susceptible mechanical components such as mechanical micro-switches can be omitted. This again increases the longevity of the control.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a control element according to one of the preceding claims. In this case, the operating element can in particular serve the operation of a personal fan and / or the operation of a window and / or the setting of a temperature and / or the setting of a driving dynamics mode. Especially with the functions mentioned is a control element, which can be operated on the one hand due to a long service life without breaking and on the other hand a variety of qualitatively different operating actions allows, namely both a gradual variation of a parameter such as an opening degree, a temperature or driving dynamics setting, as also a direct choice of the parameter, particularly advantageous. This applies all the more if, in the proposed operating element, the operator is also provided with locally concentrated information about the parameter via the display device.

The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention. There are thus also versions of the Invention as embraced and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be generated by separate combinations of features from the described embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a schematic drawing. The single figure shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a control element for a motor vehicle.

In the single figure is a control 1 with a toggle switch element 2 which is about two tilt axes 3 . 4 is tiltable, shown. Also shown is a base member 5 at which the toggle switch element 2 tiltable is stored. The two tilt axes 3 . 4 are present in a z-direction parallel to each other. Here is the first tilt axis 3 in a first end area 6 of the toggle switch element 2 arranged and the second tilt axis 4 in a second end area 7 of the toggle switch element 2 , So that's the two end areas 6 . 7 in the present case, viewed in the main extension direction running in the x-direction at the opposite ends of the toggle switch element 2 arranged. Between the two end areas 6 . 7 is presently a central area 8th arranged.

In the example shown are on a surface 9 of the toggle switch element 2 which extends here in the zx plane and on the base element 5 opposite side of the toggle switch element 2 lies, two panels 10 . 11 marked. This is the first control panel 10 marked with a "-" and the second control panel 11 with a "+". This indicates to an operator that pressing (in the negative y-direction) of the first end region 6 of the toggle switch element 2 As a first operation in this example, reducing a parameter of the control 1 assigned function of a motor vehicle and pressing (in the negative y-direction) of the second end portion 7 of the toggle switch element 2 as a second operating action in the illustrated embodiment, an increase of the said parameter results. Also on the surface 9 arranged in the example shown is a touch-sensitive display panel 12 , This is present as a bar graph with five bars 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e executed. The bars 13a to 13e in the present case extend mainly in the z-direction and are in the central area 8th arranged parallel to each other in the x direction. The five bars 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e In this case, given values of the parameter represent the control element 1 assigned function. Thus, a whole value range from 0% to 100% of a maximum parameter value can be represented by the bars. Because the ad 12 can be sensitive to touch, in the example shown by an operator 14 for example a finger 15 the operator 14 , by touching a respective bar 13a to 13e or by traveling along the main extension direction in the x-direction on the touch-sensitive display panel 12 a direct selection of a specific parameter value can be achieved.

For evaluating a position of an operating extremity, in this case the finger 15 on the touch-sensitive display panel 12 is a capacitive sensor element in the example shown 16 on an underside running in the xy plane and facing the base element 17 of the toggle switch element 2 arranged. This sensor element 16 in the present case has a plurality of sensor units 18 on. The sensor units are here with an evaluation 19 coupled, in the example shown, a lighting 20 controls. This evaluation electronics 19 is in the example shown also with a first sensor element 21 for detecting the first operator action and with a second sensor element 22 coupled to detect the second operator action. The first and the second sensor element 21 . 22 are presently designed as a mechanical micro-probe. The two sensor elements 21 . 22 are in the example shown in a y-direction (perpendicular to the main extension direction) considered between a board 23 of the base element 5 and the bottom 17 of the toggle switch element 2 arranged. The sensor elements 21 . 22 are here below (in the negative y direction) the respective end regions 6 . 7 arranged.

Also such between base element 5 and toggle switch element 2 arranged in the example shown, a first spring element 24 between the first end area 6 of the toggle switch element 2 and the base element 5 and a second spring element 25 between the second end region 7 of the toggle switch element 2 and the base element 5 , About these two spring elements 24 . 25 , which are designed as compression springs in the example shown, is the toggle switch element 2 here in support system on a first and a second present in (and not on) the tilt axis 3 . 4 arranged bearing element 26 . 27 of the base element 5 held.

For storage of the toggle switch element 2 have the toggle switch element 2 and the base element 5 respective mutually associated bearing elements 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 on. The two bearing elements 26 . 27 of the base element 5 are in the present case designed as bearing shafts and the two bearing elements 28 . 29 the toggle switch element 2 as bearing bushes. Here are the respective first bearing elements 26 . 28 in or at the first end region 6 of the toggle switch element 2 to find, and the second bearing elements 27 . 29 in or at the second end region 7 , The two bearing elements 28 . 29 the toggle switch element 2 have a game on it. This is a first game 30 in the y-direction, ie perpendicular to that of the tilt axes 3 . 4 spanned level, bigger than a second game 31 in this plane in the x-direction. This is the toggle switch element 2 opposite the bearing elements 26 . 27 displaceable in a y-direction and thus in each case about the two tilt axes 3 . 4 tiltable. In the x direction is the toggle switch element 2 however by the bearing elements 26 . 27 held and thus not movable.

Will now be in the area of the first panel 10 the first end region in the negative y-direction to the base element 5 pressed down, this is due to the enlarged first game 30 in the y-direction of the first bearing elements 26 . 28 allows. At the same time there is a tilting of the toggle switch element 2 around the second tilt axis 4 , Analogously, this is done by pressing (in the negative y-direction) on the second control panel 11 , The respective tilting accordingly has an actuation of the first and the second sensor element 21 . 22 with a triggering of the assigned functions by the transmitter 19 result. Is done by touching or tapping on the central area 8th For example, to directly select a parameter value, the toggle switch element remains 2 in the non-tilted rest position shown here. Because in the central area 8th the leverage ratios with respect to the tilt axes 3 . 4 would also be less favorable or present both spring elements 24 . 25 for moving the toggle switch element 2 would have to be compressed in the negative y-direction, is also in the central area 8th one in a comparison to the end areas 6 . 7 increased effort for moving the toggle switch element 2 required in negative y-direction. This prevents erroneous execution of the first two operations.

Claims (8)

Control element ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle, with - one to two tilting axes ( 3 . 4 ) tiltable toggle switch element ( 2 ), and - a basic element ( 5 ) on which the toggle switch element ( 2 ) is tiltably mounted, wherein - the two tilt axes ( 3 . 4 ) parallel to each other, - the first tilt axis ( 3 ) in the main extension direction of the toggle switch element ( 2 ) in a first end region ( 6 ) is arranged, - the second tilt axis ( 4 ) in a first end region ( 6 ) in the main extension direction opposite second end region ( 7 ), and - the toggle switch element ( 2 ) in the first end region ( 6 ) of the main extension direction a first sensor element ( 21 ) for detecting a first operating action and in the second end area ( 7 ) of the main extension direction a second sensor element ( 22 ) for detecting a second operating action, characterized in that the toggle switch element ( 2 ) in a central area ( 8th ) between the two end regions ( 6 . 7 ) on a base element ( 5 ) facing away from the top ( 9 ) a touch-sensitive display panel 12 ) for detecting at least one further operator action. Control element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that for the storage of the toggle switch element ( 2 ) the toggle switch element ( 2 ) and the base element ( 5 ) respective mutually associated bearing elements ( 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 ), where a game ( 30 . 31 ) of the respective associated bearing elements ( 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 ) perpendicular to the tilt axes ( 3 . 4 ) is smaller in a first direction than in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Control element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toggle switch element ( 2 ) by at least one spring element ( 24 . 25 ) in support system at respective in the tilt axis ( 3 . 4 ) arranged bearing elements ( 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 ) of the base element ( 5 ) is held. Control element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor elements ( 21 . 22 ) each comprise a mechanical micro-probe and / or a capacitive sensor unit. Control element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display panel ( 12 ) a capacitive sensor element ( 16 ) having. Control element ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the display panel ( 12 ) has a bar graph. Control element ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the capacitive sensor element ( 16 ) of the display field ( 12 ) in the two end regions ( 6 . 7 ) of the toggle switch element ( 2 ), so that the first and second operating actions are performed by the capacitive sensor element ( 16 ) are detectable. Motor vehicle having an operating element ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims.

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