CN113002446A

CN113002446A - Shape-changeable operating unit and method for controlling vehicle functions

Info

Publication number: CN113002446A
Application number: CN202011509970.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·施林克; P·沙伊纳; T·索恩克; L·索尔夫朗克
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-06-22
Also published as: DE102019220383A1; FR3105493A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (100) for a vehicle, comprising at least one planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) and an actuator element (130), wherein the actuator element (130) is provided for changing its shape in response to the proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) in order to form at least one operating element, and wherein the operating unit (100) further comprises a sensor for detecting an operation of the at least one operating element. Furthermore, a method for controlling a vehicle using such an operating unit (100) is proposed.

Description

Shape-changeable operating unit and method for controlling vehicle functions

Technical Field

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

Background

In modern vehicles, planar sensors may be used as input interfaces for user interaction. For this purpose, for example, so-called smart textiles can be used which, in addition to the sensor function, can also fulfill further functions, for example vibration generation for outputting feedback to the user. Such a solution is known for example from US 2019/0135199 a 1.

Based on the increasing traffic flow, it is important to avoid distracting the driver of the vehicle as much as possible. It is particularly desirable for the driver to avoid the line of sight from the conditions occurring on the street as little as possible and for as short as possible.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the invention, an operating unit and a method for controlling a vehicle function are proposed, having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the subsequent description.

The operating unit according to the invention for a vehicle comprises at least one planar sensor and actuator element. The sensor is designed here in the form of a proximity, pressure or contact sensor. The actuator element is arranged to change its shape in response to the proximity, pressure or contact sensor in order to form at least one operating element. The operating unit furthermore comprises a sensor for detecting an actuation of the at least one operating element by a user, in particular a driver of the vehicle. The operating unit can thus be integrated in a component which is conventionally not provided as an interface for operation by a user. In other words, the invention proposes an operating unit that can be identified only when needed.

As described in the context of the disclosure, a change in the shape of the actuator element or the operating unit is understood to mean a change which is recognized by the user without additional aids. In particular, such shape changes involve forming contours that do not exist prior to the shape change, or eliminating contours. It is advantageously provided within the scope of the invention that the shape change varies by at least an order of magnitude in the range of 1mm, preferably 1mm to 50mm, in particular 1mm to 10 mm. Shape changes below 1mm and above 10mm are also technically possible and can be switched accordingly depending on the type and function of the operating unit to be constructed. Here, it is possible to form structural elements which are not bent, convex or concave when the shape is changed, and combinations thereof.

Advantageously, the actuator element comprises or (essentially) consists of a shape memory material and/or a pneumatic and/or hydraulic element. Thereby, the at least one operating element can be formed in a more inexpensive, space-saving and flexible manner.

Preferably, the planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor comprises a continuously formable substrate, for example glass or plastic, and capacitive and/or piezoelectric and/or resistive sensor elements. This enables a particularly uncomplicated and unobtrusive integration of the operating element into the vehicle interior equipment, for example into the interior space covering (including trunk covering), the armrest, the dashboard, the center console, the seat, the headrest or the roof. The use of a functionalized textile, i.e. a textile substrate with electrical conductors and/or electrode faces introduced/applied by means of weaving, embroidery, knitting, braiding or printing, to realize resistive and/or capacitive sensor structures offers further possibilities for sensors exhibiting a flat surface.

Advantageously, the operating unit further comprises a vibration generator and/or an optical display. The vibration generator may be provided to generate a vibration in response to the approach, contact or pressure detected by the sensor or in response to an operation. The optical display can be provided for optically modifying, for example illuminating and/or marking at least part of the operating unit. Thereby allowing feedback to the user. The operating element can display different operating options when an operation is detected by the sensor, for example, a vibration can be generated, or when a planar sensor reacts in order to facilitate the operation. For this purpose, for example, symbols or text can be displayed by means of an optical display, or the operating unit can be divided into differently colored or differently illuminated regions.

In an aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a function of a device, e.g. a vehicle, is presented, wherein the function is controlled based on a user instruction. The instruction is detected by the operating unit, as described here and later on. The described operating unit can thus be used to control a plurality of functions, so that advantageously a plurality of further operating elements become superfluous. In a vehicle, the vehicle interior, in particular the dashboard or center console, can thus be designed more clearly, for example. It is thereby possible to control the vehicle functions more quickly and more accurately, situation-and context-dependent (for example, only when a call is selected to be accepted/rejected), so that the potential for distraction, which is problematic for safety reasons, is reduced.

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

The devices to be controlled may comprise, inter alia, one or more of a multimedia system, a navigation aid, a window opener, an air conditioning installation, a seat controller, a driving aid system, a safety device, a communication device and an ergonomically suitable device. It is thereby possible for the operating element to be used for controlling a plurality of different functions, which reduces the complexity of the vehicle interior and thus facilitates an overview.

In particular, it may also be provided that, alternatively or additionally, a specific function may be controlled by operating a sensor. Thus, when the vehicle function requires this, the planar sensor can be used, for example, as an input interface for text. For this purpose, it can be provided that a virtual keyboard is displayed on the operating unit by means of an optical display. Alternatively or additionally, the operating element can be designed as a multi-touch input surface in order to recognize and process notes. Thus, additional physical operating elements of the conventional vehicle interior space can be omitted.

Further advantages and design aspects of the invention result from the description and the drawings.

Drawings

The invention is shown schematically in the drawings by way of example and will be described later with reference to the drawings. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows schematically in an exploded view an advantageous embodiment of an operating unit according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows schematically in an exploded view a further advantageous embodiment of an operating unit according to the invention; and is

Fig. 3 shows an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention by means of a flow chart.

Detailed Description

The operating unit, which is schematically shown in fig. 1 and generally designated 100, comprises a cover layer 110, a sensor 120, an actuator element 130 and a functional layer 140.

Cover layer 110 includes a reconfigurable surface 112 disposed over actuator element 130. The cover layer 110 may be made of, or have one or more of, leather, a textile material, a metal fabric, or a resilient plastic, for example.

In the example shown, the actuator element 130 is configured as a pneumatic element. The actuator element 130 is moved into the basic position of the actuator element 130, so that the shapeable surface 112 of the cover layer 110 is located substantially in the plane with the remaining cover layer 110. Actuator element 130 is therefore not visible from the outside in the basic position.

In the activated state, the pneumatic element 130 is moved out, so that the shapeable surface 112 projects beyond the remaining cover layer 110. Thereby, the actuator element 130 is perceptible from the outside, and the user of the operating unit 110 can visually and tactually or tactually identify the actuator element 130. Thus, the user can operate the operating unit 100 without seeing it, which has a favorable effect on driving safety, as explained above. For example, the undulation difference between the shapeable face 112 and the remaining cap layer 110 may be between 1mm and 10mm, such as 4 mm.

If the actuator element 130 is provided, for example, as a hydraulic element or in the form of an actuator comprising a shape memory material, it behaves substantially the same as in the case described herein with reference to the pneumatic element.

The sensor 120 is configured as a proximity sensor, a contact sensor, or a pressure sensor, and detects, inter alia, an input of a user. For example, the sensor 120 is provided with a capacitive sensor element in the form of a proximity sensor 120. In this case, when the user approaches the sensor 120, the proximity sensor 120 reacts. In general, the approach occurs by movement of the user's hand in the direction of the operation unit 100. If the hand enters the detection area of the sensor 120 in this movement, an approach is detected, for example by detecting a change in the electric field, and the sensor 120 reacts. The detection area of the sensor 120 also extends in the example shown to the area above the cover layer 100, so that proximity has been detected before the cover layer 110 is touched by the user's hand.

If the sensor 120 is configured in the form of a pressure sensor or a contact sensor (e.g., as a resistive sensor element), the detection area of the sensor 120 is limited to the surface of the sensor 120 or the cover layer 110, so that the sensor 120 reacts only when a hand contacts the cover layer, or a force is applied to the cover layer.

The sensor elements of the sensor 120 can be designed here, for example, as a grid-like arrangement of point-shaped sensors, as an intersecting arrangement of line-shaped sensors, or as area sensors. It is also possible to provide for the use of smart textiles as sensor elements. Thus, in a first layer of the smart textile, the electrically conductive fibres may for example extend parallel to each other in a first direction, and in a second layer of the smart textile, the electrically conductive fibres may extend parallel to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Advantageously, the first and second layers are arranged spaced apart from each other, and the intermediate layer may be arranged between the first and second layers. The intermediate layer is, for example, elastic and is designed in such a way that it changes its electrical conductivity depending on its density or its thickness. If the intermediate layer is pressed together at a location, the resistance of the layer changes at that location. If an electrical potential is applied to the fibres of the first layer relative to the fibres of the second layer, a drop in the electrical potential between the fibres of the first and second layers can be achieved, for example, at the point where the intermediate layers are pressed together. The location of the compressive stress of the smart textile can thus be known by measuring the electrical potential of the single fibers of the first layer relative to the single fibers of the second layer. In addition or alternatively to this resistive sensor principle, capacitive sensors can also be constructed with the aid of so-called "smart textiles", by generating a planar area (electrode surface) that can conduct electricity, and thus in short a plate capacitor can be constructed, the electric field and the capacitance of which change when approaching the body (hand). The change can be detected and evaluated as a sensor signal.

The sensor 120 may thus be provided as a separate layer, or integrated into the cover layer 110. It is furthermore possible to design the sensor 120 such that the cover layer 110 is not required and can therefore be completely eliminated.

Once the sensor 120 reacts, the actuator element 130 is activated. As a result, the operating unit 100 is deformed, since the actuator element 130 presses the shapeable surface 112 outward. The shapeable surface 112 is thus transformed by the activation of the actuator element 130 into an actuating element that is perceptible from the outside, for example by a user of the actuating unit 100.

The actuator element 130 is equipped here with a sensor, which is provided for detecting an input by a user.

In the embodiment shown, the functional layer 140 of the operating unit 100 is equipped with illumination and vibration functions. The cover layer 110 is at least partially transparent or translucent, as is the case with the sensor 120. The illumination function is achieved in particular by providing a grid of light sources, an illumination surface and/or one or more point-shaped light sources. Thus, for example, symbols representing different vehicle functions may be displayed. The lighting function can be continuously active, so that, for example, it is displayed during the entire driving operation which vehicle functions can be controlled using the operating unit 100. However, it can also be provided that the illumination function is activated as a function of the detection by the sensor 120, so that the operating unit 100 is illuminated, marked or otherwise optically changed only in the event of deliberate operation. In a further embodiment, the functional layer can also be located above the sensor layer 120.

In some embodiments, it can also be provided that the illumination function is designed such that the light spot follows the detected contact, approach or pressure, for example, accordingly. For example, a light spot may appear at a location of detected contact or proximity, or the illuminated surface may increase in proportion to the detected pressure. In certain embodiments, the intensity of the illumination may also be varied based on the detected proximity, contact, or detected pressure.

In the example shown, the user may select a vehicle function to be controlled by squeezing or touching a symbol, such that actuator element 130 subsequently controls the selected vehicle function. For this purpose, the selection is detected by a position-resolved detection of the sensor 120 and transmitted to the control unit. In certain embodiments, it may also be provided that a different number of actuator elements 130 are activated depending on the selected vehicle function, so that, for example, a plurality of actuating elements are formed in the shapeable surface 112.

The vibration function can be achieved, for example, by providing the motor with an eccentric flywheel mass. The vibration function is provided, for example, to provide feedback to the user of the operating unit about the success of the input. In some embodiments, it is therefore provided that, in the event of a contact being detected, a short vibration signal lasting less than one second, for example 0.1 second, is output via the functional layer 140. In the case where it is detected that the operation element formed by the actuator element 130 and the shape-changeable surface 112 is operated, it is set to output a vibration signal longer so that the user can recognize whether an input is detected and which input is detected. A longer vibration signal may last, for example, between 0.3 and 1 second, for example 0.5 second. Therefore, the operation without visual contact is facilitated.

In summary, in the operating unit 100, the sensor 120 is provided for selecting a vehicle function to be controlled and activating an actuator element, the functional layer is provided as an optical display for informing the user of possible control options and as a vibration generator for giving feedback to the user of success, while the actuator element detects the user's input (for controlling the selected vehicle function) and provides a tactile orientation.

Like the actuating unit 100, the exemplary embodiment of the actuating unit 200 shown schematically in fig. 2 comprises a cover layer 210, a planar sensor 220 and an actuator element 230. The function of the functional layer 140 is divided into two components in the operating unit 200, which are independent of one another. Thus, the illumination layer 240 is provided for illumination and the vibration function is provided by the vibration layer 250.

In the operating unit 200, all

functional layers

220, 240, 250 and cover layer 210 are arranged above the actuator element 230. Thus, the planar sensor 220 can be used not only for selecting a vehicle function to be controlled, but also for detecting a user input on an operating element generated by an actuator element (for controlling the selected vehicle function). The actuator element 230 therefore does not have to be equipped with an additional sensor and can therefore be implemented more simply.

The remaining functions may also each include the surface occupied by actuator element 230, so that no spatial restrictions need to be imposed on these functions.

The different functions are separated into respectively distinct layers. For example, it is possible to exchange different layers in the installation depth of the layers. Thus, the illumination layer 240 may be arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the cover layer 210, in particular also above the sensor 220 (not shown), in order to achieve a better transmission of the light generated by the illumination layer 240 to the outside of the cover layer 210. A further advantage of providing the function separately is that maintenance or replacement is simpler and cheaper to implement. Otherwise, reference is made to the discussion above regarding the embodiment shown in fig. 1 regarding the function of the operating unit 200.

An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling the functions of a device is denoted overall by 300 in fig. 3.

In step S1, an approach or contact to the

operating unit

100, 200 is detected, as already described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. Based on the detected approach or contact, the

actuator elements

130, 230 are controlled in step S2 for changing the shape of the operating

units

100, 200 so as to form operating elements.

In step S3, the operation of the operation element formed in step S2 is detected, and subsequently in step S4, the function of the device to be controlled is controlled in accordance with the operation of the operation element detected in step S3.

In a subsequent step S5, it is determined whether further operations on the operating element are present or required or desired. If this is the case, the method returns to step S3 to detect additional operation of the operating element. Before the method returns to step S1 in order to detect further or renewed approach or contact, if a further operation is classified as not required or not expected in step S5, the initial shape of the

operating unit

100, 200 may be re-established in step S6.

In order to reestablish the original shape of the

actuating element

100, 200 in step S6, the

actuator element

130, 230 can be controlled, in particular, so as to return it to its original state.

Claims

1. Operating unit (100) for a vehicle, having at least one planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) and an actuator element (130), wherein the actuator element (130) is provided for changing its shape in response to the proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) in order to form at least one operating element, and the operating unit has a sensor for detecting an operation of the at least one operating element.

2. Operating unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator element (130) comprises a shape memory material and/or a pneumatic and/or hydraulic element.

3. Operating unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) comprises a continuously formable substrate and a capacitive and/or piezoelectric and/or resistive sensor element.

4. Operating unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a vibration generator arranged for generating a swing upon approach, contact or pressure detected by the sensor and/or upon operation.

5. Operating unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an optical display provided for optically modifying, in particular illuminating and/or marking, at least part of the device.

6. Operating unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover layer (210) covering the planar proximity, pressure or contact sensor (120) and the actuator element (130), wherein the cover layer has one or more mechanically flexible materials, in particular selected from the group of textiles, leather, metal fabrics and elastic plastics, at least in the region comprising the actuator element (130).

7. Method for controlling a function of a device, such as a vehicle, wherein the function of the device is controlled based on an instruction of a user, wherein the instruction is detected by an operating unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the approach, contact or pressure is detected by means of a sensor and a signal comprising information about the detection by the sensor is output and the actuator element (130) is controlled in dependence on the signal such that the shape of the operating unit (100) is changed.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more of a multimedia system, a navigation assistance device, a windowing device, an air conditioning facility, a seat controller, a driving assistance system, a safety device, a communication device, and an ergonomically adapted device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the instruction is detected by a sensor of an operating unit (100).