CN116435129A

CN116435129A - Operating element for an operating device

Info

Publication number: CN116435129A
Application number: CN202310006087.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·迈尔林
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2022-01-04
Filing date: 2023-01-04
Publication date: 2023-07-14
Also published as: DE102022200015A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element (10) for an operating device, comprising a detection unit based on the interaction of a Hall sensor (22) with at least one magnet (24), and to the use of such an operating element (10). The detection unit detects actuation of the actuating element (10) as a function of the actuation speed, the actuation duration and/or the distance between the Hall sensor (22) and the at least one magnet (24), and the actuating element (10) provides corresponding haptic feedback. The resetting device (40) resets the operating element (10) into its initial position. The operating element (10) according to the invention can be used in rotary pressure regulators, push buttons and/or sliding regulators.

Description

Operating element for an operating device

Technical Field

The invention relates to an operating element for an operating device, and to the use of such an operating element, comprising a detection unit, which is based on the interaction of a hall sensor with at least one magnet. The detection unit detects actuation of the actuating element as a function of the actuation speed, the actuation duration and/or the distance between the hall sensor and the at least one magnet, and the actuating element provides corresponding haptic feedback. The resetting device resets the operating element into its initial position. The operating element according to the invention can be used in rotary push-button regulators, push-buttons and/or slip regulators.

Background

In vehicles, the number of functions available or to be controlled is increasing in operating electrical instruments and equipment and in controlling building functions. In order to make the control design steerable and to reduce the number of switches, buttons, etc., developments are increasingly being made towards multifunctional switches in which a plurality of functions can be controlled with only one operating unit. A known example is a rotary push regulator of a vehicle, wherein by means of a rotary, push and tilt rotary regulator, menus can be selected in different levels and controlled within these functions. This integration of the functions into one operating device also saves space and costs.

In order to make the operation of such a multifunctional operating device intuitive for the user, haptic feedback is provided. This may be done, for example, by means of electronic haptic feedback providing means, such as piezo-electric elements, silicone muscles, unbalanced motors or coils, spring mechanisms and/or acoustic vibration discs (Knackscheibe), and signals to the user how and if possible how to manipulate the operating device by means of different haptic impressions at the surface of the operating device.

A disadvantage of the known solution is that the solution can only function to a limited extent. In particular, only a limited constructional height or only a limited force compensation can be provided. Although the height compensation can be adjusted by means of a lever mechanism, the necessary or permissible forces in this case vary. Furthermore, the technical solutions mentioned are subject to wear, so that they have only a limited service life.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an operating device or at least one operating element which obviates the disadvantages of the prior art. The operating element should therefore be able to be used as little or as little as possible and preferably allow flexible use.

The object of the invention is achieved by the operating element according to the invention and the use according to the invention. Other preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining embodiments.

The operating element according to the invention is provided for an operating device and is formed with: a detection device having a hall sensor and at least one magnet, which interact in the actuating direction of the actuating element, and which detects the actuation of the actuating element as a function of the actuating speed, the actuating duration and/or the distance between the at least one magnet and the hall sensor; means for providing haptic feedback corresponding to the detected manipulation; and a resetting device for resetting the operating element into an initial position of the operating element.

The operating element according to the invention may thus be part of or form part of any type of operating device. Here, it is understood that the operating device is a device with which a user can control a functional unit, such as a heating device or a music playing device, for example, in order to adjust the internal temperature in a vehicle or the volume of the music played, as well as an indoor air conditioner in a building. The proposed operating element is here optionally the only operating element or one of a plurality of operating elements of the operating device which can be used for such control.

In order to be able to transmit inputs via the operating elements to the functional units to be controlled, a control device is provided, which evaluates the actuation of the operating element or elements of the operating device and converts them into corresponding control signals. The operating device can be arranged in itself or co-act with the operating device.

The operating element may be configured as a button or knob (push button), a sliding actuator, a rotary switch or a rotary pressure regulator. The actuating elements for actuating the actuating elements each have a fixed element and an element that is movable relative to the fixed element in the actuating direction and counter to the actuating direction. The operating element also has detection means and means for providing tactile feedback.

The detection device is formed with a hall sensor and at least one magnet. In the case of an operating element configured as a button to be pressed or as a sliding actuator, usually one magnet is sufficient. However, depending on the specific design, additional magnets may be provided for the detection device. In the case of a rotary switch, a plurality of magnets should be provided in order to be able to recognize the rotational position of the rotary switch. Alternatively, the plurality of magnets can be arranged in different arrangement patterns, wherein the arrangement patterns form a code for the position of the operating element. This applies in particular in the case of rotatable operating elements.

The hall sensor and the at least one magnet cooperate in the actuating direction. In the case of a sliding control, the actuating direction corresponds to the direction in which the sliding element is to be moved. The same applies to the keys, where the actuation direction corresponds to the direction of pressure during actuation. In the case of a rotary switch, the steering direction is the rotation of the rotary switch.

The hall sensor is arranged in the operating element in such a way that, as soon as the at least one magnet approaches in the actuating direction or is moved away by a subsequent reset, it detects the approach of the at least one magnet in the form of the influence of its field strength. Preferably, the at least one magnet is arranged here on an element of the actuating element which is to be moved in the actuating direction when actuated, and the hall sensor is arranged on a fixed element of the actuating element.

The detection of the proximity of the at least one magnet is regarded here as the interaction of the hall sensor with the at least one magnet. In this case, it is also checked at what speed the at least one magnet approaches the hall sensor (actuating speed), how long the at least one magnet influences the field strength of the hall sensor (actuating duration), and/or at what distance the at least one magnet is positioned from the hall sensor.

These detected information characterizes the type and extent of actuation of the operating element and is transmitted to the already mentioned control device, which correlates it with the function to be controlled and converts it into control signals to influence it.

The rapid approach of the at least one magnet may thus mean, for example, a selection in a selection menu or an adjustment of the function to be controlled in one unit. In the case of a temperature regulation, i.e. an upward or downward adjustment of 1 degree. Maintaining the push button results in the at least one magnet remaining in a position relative to the hall sensor, and adjustment or influencing of the selection parameter can likewise be effected as a function of the dwell time. By way of example, reference is made to the adjustment of the volume of music being played, wherein a hold-down of the operating element may mean a continuous upward or downward adjustment. Likewise, an adjustment of the light color can also be effected if an actuating element is provided for this purpose.

Furthermore, the combination of the actuation speed, the actuation duration and/or the distance between the at least one magnet and the hall sensor can be defined in its entirety as an operating sequence. In this case, the operating frequency of the operating element can also be included in the operating sequence. For example, the operation sequence may include a manipulation of holding a long press twice and then a manipulation of holding a short press twice. The operating sequence may also comprise a speed sequence, i.e. with a section of the operating element that is operated quickly first and then with a slow operation in the second section (or vice versa), for example in the case of a sufficiently long stroke of the operating element.

In order for the user to obtain feedback about the manipulation of the operating element, a device for providing haptic feedback is provided. A known feedback mechanism may be used here, as is known from the prior art. Mention may be made, as examples, of piezoelectric elements, silicone muscles, unbalanced motors, coils, spring mechanisms and/or acoustic diaphragms. They are manipulated by detecting manipulation of the operating element and provide corresponding tactile feedback. Such haptic feedback may be, for example, a short vibration that accounts for the completion of the maneuver.

Finally, the operating element has a resetting device which, when the operating action is completed, moves the operating element back into its initial position, so that the operating element can be actuated again. The return means may be formed or act, for example, with a return spring, a magnet acting as the opposite pole, compressed air or with other suitable means.

With the operating element thus constructed, the manipulation of the operating element can be detected with little wear and in real time. It is optionally possible to change or set which function should be controlled or adjusted with the operating element. The operating element can also be coupled to the control device in such a way that the first actuating or actuating sequence selects the function to be controlled and the second actuating or actuating sequence influences or adjusts the selected function.

In a first preferred embodiment of the operating element, the means for providing haptic feedback are formed with a magnetic core and a coil for magnetizing the magnetic core and a further magnet. The tactile feedback should be provided electromagnetically.

For this purpose, a magnetic core and a coil for magnetizing the magnetic core as well as a further magnet are provided, which, however, does not interact with the hall sensor of the detection device. The magnetic core and the coil are preferably arranged at a fixed element of the operating element, and the further magnet is arranged at an element of the operating element which moves in the actuating direction when actuated. However, the reverse arrangement should not be explicitly excluded.

If the core is now magnetized by the coil, reversal of the magnetic field can be induced by a rapid voltage transition and thus haptic feedback from or in the form of a sound jockey disk, vibration or the like can be simulated.

By means of this embodiment of the actuating element according to the invention, an actuating element is provided which is virtually free of wear. The type and degree of haptic feedback may be set individually depending on the manipulation of the coil, so that different feedback types and/or feedback strengths may be provided depending on the function and manipulation to be controlled.

Preferably, the device for providing haptic feedback may have a servomotor arranged for moving the magnetic core in and against the actuating direction of the actuating element. The actuating motor is thus in engagement with the magnetic core in such a way that it can move the magnetic core in and against the actuating direction of the actuating element. The coils are designed and arranged in such a way that the magnetization of the core is always ensured.

The magnetic core is moved by the movement of the magnetic core towards or away from the further magnet. The position of the further magnet can be influenced due to the magnetic forces acting. When the magnetic core is brought into proximity and the magnetic field is oriented accordingly, the magnetic core is repelled. If the movable element is designed with sufficient play (beweguengsspierraum) in the direction of movement, the movable element is repelled from the magnetic core by the further magnet and the available movement path of the movable element of the actuating element increases. The movable element of the actuating element is thus displaced counter to the actuating direction, i.e. the button stroke increases in the case of a button. In the event of magnetization reversal, the travel or movement path of the movable element of the actuating element can be reduced.

However, if the movable element has no movement margin to provide a greater movement path, the effect of the movement of the magnetic core can also be used to provide a higher counter pressure when the operating element is actuated.

In a further embodiment of the actuating element according to the invention, the actuating element has an actuating device (stelleinrich) for providing a defined movement path of the actuating element. The actuating device is to be understood as a separate, independent actuating device, which is provided to provide a defined movement path, in contrast to the previous embodiments. Such an actuating device can be preferably designed with an actuating screw and a servomotor. The movable element of the actuating element is moved by means of the actuating device in the actuating direction or counter to the actuating direction relative to the position of the fixed element in order to reduce or increase the available movement path. As already mentioned in the foregoing by way of example, the movement path corresponds to the travel of the key.

A defined movement path for actuating the actuating element can thus be provided. This may be advantageous in order to adjust the operational behaviour and the perception of the operational behaviour by the user. For a short selection of functions, a short movement path is thus sufficient to convey to the user that the operating element has been actuated. With other functions or alternatively due to individual user preferences, a larger movement path may be desirable.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that at least two actuation reference points are formed in the actuation direction as a function of the available movement path, the actuation speed, the actuation duration of the actuating element and/or the distance between the magnet and the hall sensor in the actuation direction of the actuating element. The object of this embodiment is to achieve functional adjustment, selection of functions and/or triggering or adjustment of haptic feedback at different positions also in the actuating direction of the actuating element. Thus, multiple functions of the operating element can be provided in the actuating direction.

To achieve this, at least two manipulation reference points of the operating element should be provided. This should be a predefined relative position between the hall sensor of the detection device and the at least one magnet, which is reached when the reaction is triggered. If the detection device detects that such a relative position, i.e. such a control reference point, is reached, this then enables a corresponding action, for example a selection of a function, an adjustment of a function parameter or a triggering or adjustment of a haptic feedback, by means of the control device. In this way, upon reaching the first actuation reference point, the haptic feedback can be realized in the form of a short, light vibration, and in the event that the actuating element is continuously actuated and thus reaches the second actuation reference point, a stronger vibration can be provided in order to confirm the actuation or signal that the actuating element is, for example, stopped in its maximum position.

For this purpose, the movement path of the actuating element should optionally be sufficiently large or can be set sufficiently large, so that the detection device can detect a plurality of defined relative positions between the hall sensor and the at least one magnet, as a function of the detection accuracy. The control reference point is then defined in terms of a length ratio according to the available movement path, for example as a third point of the available movement path.

Alternatively or additionally, the provision of the at least two steering reference points can be defined in the form of an absolute distance between the hall sensor of the detection device and the at least one magnet.

The steering speed and/or steering duration may also be related to the provision of the steering reference point. It can be provided that several of these actuating reference points are provided if the actuating element is actuated sufficiently slowly, whereas actuating reference points are not provided if the actuating speed is high. Similarly, in the case of a higher actuation duration of the actuating element, several of these actuation reference points are provided, whereas in the case of a short actuation duration no actuation reference point is provided. The short-term actuation may correspond to a selection of a menu or sub-menu, while the longer-term actuation corresponds to an adjustment of a functional parameter.

The actuating element can also be expanded in such a way that the resetting device can be set with respect to its resetting force and/or the actuating element can be moved by means of the resetting device from the actuating position into the rest position and vice versa. The resetting device is provided primarily for resetting the operating element into its initial position, i.e. the position in which the operating element was located before being actuated. According to a further embodiment, the resetting force of the resetting device should be settable.

In embodiments with a restoring spring, the spring force of the restoring spring can be set, for example, by influencing the spring tension by means of a slider or a servomotor or by influencing the spring length. The speed of the resetting can be influenced by an adjusted resetting force of the resetting device. At the same time, however, a perceptible resistance to the user can also be provided in this way when actuating the actuating element, so that the user has to actuate the actuating element with a defined effort. Accidental manipulation in the event of an inadvertent touch can thus be prevented. The increased steering resistance may also be a personal preference of the user.

Alternatively or additionally, a movement from the operating position of the operating element into the rest position of the operating element can be achieved by means of a resetting device. The operating position corresponds here to the initial position when the operating element is actuated. The rest position is the position of the operating element in which the operating element remains when the operating element is not in use or is not to be used. This may be, in particular, a submerged position in which the surface of the operating element is aligned substantially flush with the surrounding surface.

The resetting device should now be designed such that it can move the actuating element between the two positions. This can also be achieved in particular by setting a reset force. This applies above all when the operating element is additionally covered in an alternative embodiment by means of a flexible surface covering, for example a textile material, which also covers the surrounding surface and thus leads to visual uniformity. If the actuating element is in its rest position, it is immersed and the flexible surface covering covers the actuating element and the surrounding surface uniformly and without projections. This behavior is also called deformation. If the actuating element is to be moved into its operating position, the restoring force of the restoring spring can be increased, for example, so that the reaction force of the flexible surface covering is compensated for and the actuating element protrudes horizontally from the surface and is visible and thus also becomes operable.

A similar effect can also be produced by a device for providing haptic feedback, which in its design has a magnetic core, a coil and a further magnet, which interacts with the servo motor, or by a suitable embodiment of the actuator for providing a defined movement path.

The operating element may additionally have a touch-sensitive surface, a damper device, a display device and/or a flexible surface covering.

The touch-sensitive surface is a surface that detects a touch by a user. This can be achieved by means of a coating or film ("touch film") and a coupling to the control device. In this way, a further plane for manipulation may be provided. For example, it may be provided that the operating element is provided for controlling a plurality of functions, which can be switched or converted by swiping over the touch-sensitive surface, touching (only) with light pressure or short-time tapping. The adjustment of the functional parameters of the selected position thereby then takes place as explained above by actuating the actuating element and detecting the interaction of the hall sensor and the at least one magnet. Further possible outcomes of the selected function to be controlled may also be a change in the type and extent of haptic feedback.

The damper device in the operating element should be provided for reducing sound and/or impact when the operating element is manipulated so that the user does not feel unpleasant impact when the user brings the operating element to a stop or simply manipulates it hard, or the manipulation of the operating element can occur quietly.

The display device should realize: it is not necessary to provide permanent or even static marks on the operating element, which are contradictory to the flexible use of the operating element. Instead, the display means should display the function to be controlled and optionally the function parameters to be controlled, respectively. Devices known per se can be used for display devices.

The flexible surface covering has been described previously in connection with the adjustment of the operating element by means of the resetting device. The flexible surface covering may be a textile material, a flexible plastic or the like, which covers or conceals the operating element and thus influences the appearance and the tactile perception of the operating element in use. The flexible surface covering can extend only over the actuating element or can also extend over its periphery, so that, as already explained above, the actuating element is visible and graspable only when the actuating element is moved into its actuating position and the reaction force of the flexible surface covering is overcome.

According to one embodiment of the actuating element according to the invention, the actuating element has an additional magnet which is arranged and oriented in such a way that it influences the direction of movement of the actuating element. The additional magnet corresponds neither to the at least one magnet of the detection device nor to the further magnet, which together with the magnetic core and the coil magnetizing the magnetic core provides a tactile feedback. These additional magnets serve only for orienting and guiding the operating element during its movement, so that no further guiding elements, such as guiding ribs, are required and a low-friction or friction-free guiding of the operating element can be achieved. The influence of the direction of movement of the operating element is thus influenced and in particular limited.

The flexibility of the operating element according to the invention is particularly considered when the strength, type and/or duration of the feedback and/or the available movement path of the operating element can be set. As already explained, the adaptation is made according to the specific design of the device for providing the haptic feedback, for example to the selected function or to the functional parameters to be controlled.

In addition, in this embodiment, the type, intensity and/or duration of the haptic feedback and/or the available movement path of the actuating element should be set individually and/or in dependence on the individual case.

For the sake of clarity, it should be assumed that the operating element is provided in a vehicle for use by a plurality of persons. Individual-dependent adjustment of the type, intensity and/or duration of the haptic feedback and/or the available movement path of the operating element may provide each user with haptic feedback and/or movement path that the user prefers, for example in order to provide weaker feedback than others in the case of more sensitive persons. Personal preferences may also be met, for example, if one user prefers vibration as tactile feedback and another user prefers the feel of the acoustic keyboard or prefers a higher key stroke than a short key stroke.

The personal preferences and preferences can be set via the display and input devices of the vehicle which are usual in current vehicles and then be realized by means of the control device when the operating element is actuated. Which user is using the motor vehicle and thus very likely also the operating element can be identified by known solutions for identifying the motor vehicle user, for example for identifying by means of a transponder in the vehicle key, or by monitoring the interior of the vehicle.

In addition to personal preferences, environmental conditions may also make haptic feedback of different types, strengths and/or durations and/or available movement paths desirable. Taking the above-mentioned operating element in a vehicle as an example, a smaller haptic feedback with a short duration is sufficient for the user to perceive it when driving on an extended road. A short movement path of the actuating element will also be sufficient, since in the case of good roads, a sensitive actuation of the actuating element is very probable. When driving over rough terrain or rough roads, it may be desirable to: the haptic feedback is applied more strongly and longer and if possible also in a different type, for example by means of vibrations instead of mimicking an acoustic shock disc. A longer movement path of the operating element can also be helpful if precise manipulation of the operating element is not possible in the case of rough roads. Which environmental conditions are present can be detected as a function of the sensor device of the vehicle itself (as is usual nowadays) and are thus set by predefined regulations for the type, intensity and/or duration of the feedback.

The operating element according to the invention should preferably be used in a vehicle, at a computing unit or for a computing unit and/or for building control.

In a vehicle, operating elements can be provided, for example for controlling music or sound, interior lighting, ambient lighting and lighting scenes, for controlling interior climate (temperature and/or blowing intensity), seat heating, steering wheel heating, etc., wherein the operating elements can each be provided for one of these functions or can be provided as operating elements with a multi-level actuation level for several or all of the proposed functions by means of a display device, actuation reference points, etc.

However, the operating element can also be used at or for a computing unit, for example a personal computer or a notebook computer, as is known from joysticks, computer mice or the like.

The operating element according to the invention may also be provided for controlling building and/or room parameters. In order to control parameters such as air temperature, lighting or shadows, and other technical parameters of rooms and buildings, in many buildings an input terminal is installed in each room, at which these parameters can be selected and influenced. The operating element according to the invention can also be used for this purpose.

The invention provides a low-wear detection device and thus also a low-wear operating element. The operating element can be provided for controlling the function, but can also be flexibly adjusted or used for controlling the operating levels of the multiple stages by coupling it to a control device and/or by means of a suitable menu design. In an alternative embodiment, the type, the duration and/or the intensity of the haptic feedback, the resistance during actuation and/or the available movement path can be adjusted.

The different embodiments of the invention mentioned in the present application can advantageously be combined with one another as long as they are not additionally implemented in the individual case.

Drawings

The invention is explained in the following in embodiments in accordance with the associated figures. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows an exemplary structure of an operating element according to the invention in a schematic cross-section; and is also provided with

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the operating element of fig. 1 and a possible application.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an operating element 10 as part of an operating device (not shown). The operating element is formed with a fixed element 12 and an element 14 movable relative to the fixed element and a guide rib 16. In this embodiment, the actuating element 10 is configured as a button or push button and the actuating direction 80 is indicated by a solid arrow. The movable element 14 is pressed in the direction of the fixed element 12 and is guided here by means of guide ribs 16.

The operating element 10 is formed with a detection device 20. The detection device comprises: a hall sensor 22, which in the exemplary embodiment is arranged at the fixed element 12; and a magnet 24, preferably a neodymium magnet, arranged at the movable element 14 of the operating element 10. If the magnet 24 is close to the hall sensor 22, this is detected in terms of the effect on its field strength. In this case, the distance, the actuating speed and the actuating duration of the actuating element 10 can be deduced.

The operating element 10 also has means 30 for providing tactile feedback. The means for providing tactile feedback is here formed with a magnetic core 36 and a coil 34 magnetizing it and a further magnet 32. The coil 34 energizes the magnetic core 36 so that the magnetic core attracts or repels the magnet 32. For example, vibrations may be provided as haptic feedback through rapid transitions between these states.

The device 30 for providing haptic feedback also has a servo motor 38 which can move the magnetic core in the actuating direction 80 and counter to the actuating direction. The available movement path 60 of the actuating element 10 (in particular of the movable element 14) can thus be set to a defined extent.

Finally, the actuating element 10 has a return device 40, which is embodied in the form of a return spring and serves to move the actuating element or its movable element 14 back into its initial position after actuation. If the return spring 40 is equipped with a slider or a servo motor or the like to influence its return force, the resistance force at the time of manipulating the operating element 10 can be influenced. Alternatively, this influence of the spring force of the return spring 40 can also be used to provide a defined movement path 60.

In order to make the operation feeling more comfortable to design and to suppress sound emission, a muffler and damper 56 is provided on the core 36. If the magnet 32 strikes there, the impact and the sound generated there will be attenuated.

Additionally, the operating element 10 has a touch-sensitive surface 50 via which the function to be controlled can be selected.

The operating element 10 of fig. 1 is intended for exemplary use in a vehicle. An application scenario can be derived from fig. 2. The operating element 10 in fig. 2a shows all the features of fig. 1 and furthermore shows a display device 54 and a flexible surface covering 52 made of textile material.

As can be seen from fig. 2b, the actuating device is formed with three actuating elements 10, as shown in fig. 2 a. The three actuating elements sink in the rest position and end flush with the surrounding surface. The textile surface covering 52 spans the entire area of the operating element 10, so that only a uniform surface is perceived. Each of the three operating elements 10 is configured with a display device 54 which displays the position of the operating element 10 (middle operating element 10) or the settings present there (right and left operating element 10) in the rest position. In this embodiment, the temperature in the vehicle interior space should be able to be influenced. The temperature for the driver and the co-driver can be set using the two external operating elements 10, with the intermediate operating element the blowing intensity should be set.

Fig. 2c shows the operating element 10 in the use position. This may be triggered by the user 70 touching one of the operating elements 10 in a touch-sensitive surface area of the operating element. The restoring force of the restoring spring 40 is then increased, so that it presses the movable element 14 outwards and in the process overcomes the counter force of the textile surface covering 52, so that the movable element 14 is positioned slightly elevated relative to the surrounding surface. The movable element 14 is formed in such a way that only the edge region shown is raised above the surrounding surface.

At the same time, which operational possibilities are achievable at the respective operating element 10 is indicated in the operating region by colors, symbols and characters via the display device 54.

If the user taps on the same intermediate operating element 10, the function to be controlled with the operating element 10 can be changed, for example for controlling the ambient lighting in the vehicle. The display device 54 of the operating element 10 is then correspondingly adjusted and displays the respective parameters to be controlled, such as the light color and the light intensity.

If the operating element 10 is not used for a predefined time, it is moved back into the rest position according to fig. 2 b.

The actuation of the actuating element 10 can be carried out by continuous pressing of the respective actuating element 10 or by short-time tapping. Here, taking temperature control as an example, the temperature can be gradually increased or decreased by tapping the operation element 10 for temperature selection for a short time. In the case of continuous pressing, the temperature is continuously increased or decreased as long as the operating element 10 is held. Here, short and light vibration can be provided as tactile feedback. If the maximum or minimum temperature regulation is reached, a more intense vibration with a higher frequency may indicate that the maximum or minimum has been reached.

To improve the user experience, each user may associate the type, intensity, and duration of haptic feedback with their user profile. This may be achieved, for example, via a central display and input device of the vehicle. If a user is identified in the vehicle, his set preferences are invoked and the haptic feedback is set accordingly.

List of reference numerals:

10 operating element

12 fixed element

14 movable element

16 guide ribs

20 detecting device

22 hall sensor

24 magnet

30 means for providing haptic feedback

32 additional magnets

34 coil

36 magnetic core

38 servo motor

40 reset device

50 touch sensitive surface

52 flexible surface covering

54 display device

56 damper device

60 available movement path

70 user

Claims

1. An operating element (10) for an operating device, with:

-a detection device (20) having a hall sensor (22) and at least one magnet (24) which interact in the actuating direction of the actuating element (10), and which detects the actuation of the actuating element (10) as a function of the actuating speed, the actuating duration and/or the distance between the at least one magnet (24) and the hall sensor (22); and

means (30) for providing haptic feedback corresponding to the detected manipulation; and

-a resetting device (40) for resetting the operating element (10) into an initial position of the operating element.

2. Operating element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (30) for providing haptic feedback are formed with a magnetic core (36) and a coil (34) magnetizing the magnetic core and a further magnet (32).

3. Operating element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (30) for providing haptic feedback have a servomotor (38) arranged for moving the magnetic core (36) in and against the direction of manipulation of the operating element (10).

4. The operating element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10) has an actuating device for providing a defined movement path of the operating element (10).

5. The operating element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two operating reference points are formed in the operating direction as a function of the available movement path (60), the operating speed, the operating duration and/or the distance between the magnet (24) and the hall sensor (22) in the operating direction of the operating element (10).

6. Operating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resetting device (40) can be set with respect to its resetting force and/or the operating element (10) can be moved from an operating position into a rest position and vice versa by means of the resetting device (40).

7. The operating element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10) has a touch-sensitive surface (50), a damper device (56), a display device (54) and/or a flexible surface covering (52).

8. The operating element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (10) has an additional magnet which is arranged and oriented such that it influences the direction of movement of the operating element (10).

9. The operating element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strength, type and/or duration of feedback and/or available movement path (60) of the operating element (10) is settable.

10. Use of the operating element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in a vehicle, at a computing unit or for a computing unit and/or for building control.