DE102015200177B4 - Control element for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Operating element (1) for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle (10) from a list of electronically stored operating modes, with a deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element (1) relative to a stationary part (1-2) of the operating element (1) along can be deflected with at least one degree of freedom, the operating element (1) being in a confirmation state when the deflectable part (1-1) is first deflected along the degree of freedom, and in a confirmation state when the deflectable part (1-1) is deflected a second time along the degree of freedom The marking state is located, with the deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element (1) in the position of the first deflection, which is associated with the confirmation state, entering into a latching connection with the stationary part (1-2) of the operating element (1), in the marking state a third deflection of the deflectable part (1-1) along the degree of freedom an operating mode can be marked from the list of electronically stored operating modes t and when changing from the marking state to the confirmation state, a signal corresponding to the last marked operating mode of the vehicle (10) can be generated to select this operating mode.

Description

The present invention relates to a control element for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle from a list of electronically stored operating modes, a deflectable part of the control element being deflectable relative to a stationary part of the control element along at least one degree of freedom. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a control element.

In modern vehicles, in particular in motor vehicles, a large number of electronic devices are provided which the driver or other vehicle occupants must be able to operate. A number of different modes of operation can often be selected to configure and control these devices. In the following, an “operating mode” is understood to be a combination of related settings that can be selected together and define the configuration of one or more devices of the vehicle.

For example, a hybrid powertrain, which includes an electric and a combustion engine to drive the vehicle, can have different operating modes: the driver can access the higher torque of the combustion engine in one operating mode, while in another the electric drive is activated and fuel consumption is reduced is. Driving dynamics and fuel consumption can be adapted to the situation by changing between the drive forms and combinations of the different drive forms.

Depending on the vehicle type and the vehicle's available devices, operating modes for very different devices can be selectable, for example for a driving program, the damping characteristics of the vehicle or functions of a driver assistance system. Such operating modes of the vehicle are often selected by the driver. In order to operate the vehicle conveniently and safely, it is important that the selection can be made quickly and intuitively and that the operator's attention is not tied up for an unnecessarily long time. Furthermore, the accidental selection of an incorrect operating mode should be avoided.

At the in the DE 10 2012 108 735 A1 described operating element for selecting a driving mode of a vehicle is on the steering wheel, a rotating element that can be deflected from a rest position in two directions by a limited angle. When deflected into one of the two end positions, a signal to change to the next or previous driving mode is issued, while in the rest position no change is possible. This operating concept has the disadvantage that the operating element has to be operated several times in order to select a driving mode other than the next or previous one. In this case, the change to the desired operating mode does not take place directly between any operating modes, but requires intermediate steps.

Alternatively, a pushbutton switch can be used, which when actuated, selects the operating modes in sequence. Each time the push button is pressed, the next element from an electronically stored list of operating modes is highlighted. The selected operating mode is adopted after a defined period of time, the so-called "debounce time". If no further input is made during this debounce time, the system changes to the operating mode last marked. This type of selection is referred to as "toggling".

A disadvantage of this method is that the debouncing time must be short enough so that operation is not unnecessarily delayed. On the other hand, the debounce time must be long enough so that a selection isn't accidentally committed if the user isn't quick enough to make the selection. However, adopting an incorrect operating mode can have longer-term undesirable consequences if, for example, switching between the operating modes of a hybrid drive takes time and the user cannot immediately correct the incorrect input during this time. The selection of an incorrect operating mode should therefore be avoided.

the JP 2011 - 232 946 A describes an input device that allows a user to smoothly perform a moving operation of a pointer on a display screen and a scrolling operation of a display content on a screen. For this purpose, the input device comprises a body part, a control button that is movable with respect to the body part, and a controller that switches between a first operating mode that changes a display position of the pointer on the display screen according to the position of the control button with respect to the body part, and a second Operating mode for scrolling the display content of the display can switch.

the US 2013/0 141 342 A1 describes a touch-sensitive, depressible switch with multiple actuation thresholds. When the switch is pressed to a first threshold, the touch sensor can go from a low-power, non-sensing state be switched to a detection state. When the touch of the switch meets a second threshold, the touch sensor can detect the touch context and the input can be provided based on the touch and the touch context. In this way, the touch-sensitive, depressible switch with multiple pressure thresholds can facilitate timely switching of the touch sensor to a sensing state.

The object of the present invention is to provide an operating element for simple and reliable selection of an operating mode.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an operating element having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of claim 9 . Advantageous refinements and developments result from the dependent claims.

In the control element according to the invention, the control element is in a confirmation state when the deflectable part is first deflected along the degree of freedom and in a marking state when the deflectable part is deflected a second time along the degree of freedom. In the marking state, an operating mode can be marked from the list of electronically stored operating modes by a third deflection of the deflectable part along the degree of freedom. When changing from the marking state to the confirmation state, a signal corresponding to the last marked operating mode of the vehicle can be generated to select this operating mode.

The operating element according to the invention is therefore actuated by the user deflecting the movable part in relation to the stationary part. A marking state and a confirmation state are defined by two different deflections of the movable part. In the marking state, a signal can be generated by a third deflection of the control element along the degree of freedom, through which an operating mode is marked as currently selectable. In particular, the respective next element of the list of electronically stored operating modes can be marked. The operating modes are continuously stored electronically in a list, with the last element of the list in particular being followed by the first again. An element of the list is stored in such a way that it is marked as selectable. When the operating element enters the confirmation state, a signal is generated which accepts the selected operating mode.

In contrast to the selection by the toggle described above, the selected operating mode is not automatically adopted after a debounce time with the control element according to the invention, but the control element must first be brought into a position corresponding to the confirmation state by deflection. Upon entry into the acknowledge state, a signal is generated which causes the vehicle to change to the last marked operating mode.

This advantageously prevents the adoption of an incorrect selection, since the user must actively confirm acceptance of the selected operating mode by correspondingly deflecting the deflectable part of the operating element. For example, if the user has to pay attention to what is happening on the road before completing the selection and the control element is therefore not actuated for a long time, the control element remains in the marking state until it is brought into the confirmation state.

In one embodiment of the control element according to the invention, the transition from the first deflection of the deflectable part to the second deflection of the deflectable part takes place in the same degree of freedom direction as the transition from the second deflection of the deflectable part to the third deflection of the deflectable part. As a result, operation can be carried out simply and intuitively: from the confirmation state, the control element is set to the marking state by deflection in one direction. An operating mode of the vehicle can then be marked by further deflection in the same direction. In order to confirm the selection and switch to the new operating mode, the user deflects the operating element in the opposite direction again so that the position of the confirmation state is reached.

In a further embodiment, the deflectable part of the operating element can be deflected relative to the stationary part by pivoting about an axis. The degree of freedom of the deflection is thus characterized by an angle, as is the case, for example, with a rocker or a toggle switch, but also in a rotary switch. Switches of this type are common in vehicles and do not require any special familiarization for the user, but are operated intuitively.

In another embodiment, the deflectable part of the operating element can be deflected by translation in one direction relative to the stationary part. In this case, the control element can be a lifting button, for example. Such buttons can be designed with a low height and fit into a flat user interface for example on the center console of a vehicle. Most users are already familiar with pushbuttons and they are easy to use.

Furthermore, the operating element can have a first sensor, by means of which the first and the second deflection can be detected. In particular, the two corresponding mechanical states of the operating element designed as a switch are differentiated by this first sensor and assigned to the confirmation or marking state. For example, this sensor can be a button that is actuated when the deflectable part is in a position corresponding to the second deflection, while it is not actuated for the first deflection. Conversely, the first deflection can also lead to actuation of the button, while the second deflection does not lead to actuation. The button can also be multi-stage and actuated in different ways by the two deflections of the deflectable part.

In a further embodiment, the operating element has a second sensor, by means of which the third deflection can be detected. This second sensor detects whether the operating element is in the confirmation state or not. Similar to the first sensor, this sensor distinguishes between at least two mechanical states of the operating element, depending on whether the deflectable part is in a position corresponding to the third deflection or not. If the third deflection is registered, the respective next operating mode from the electronic list is marked.

The second sensor can include a pushbutton switch that interacts with the deflectable part. When the operating element is deflected, a force is exerted on the pushbutton switch in such a way that a switching process is triggered, which causes the next operating mode to be marked.

Furthermore, the first and the second sensor can be integrated into a single sensor, by means of which the three deflections can be distinguished. Such a sensor must therefore be able to distinguish at least three states. For example, a two-stage button could be used that is not actuated on the first deflection, performs a first switching process on the second deflection, through which the marking state is detected, and performs another switching process on the third deflection, through which an operating mode from the list is highlighted.

According to the invention, the deflectable part of the operating element enters into a latching connection with the stationary part of the operating element in the position of the first deflection, which is assigned to the confirmation state. The deflectable part is thus fixed in a position corresponding to the first deflection and thus has the two mechanically distinguishable states “engaged” and “disengaged”. In this case, an external force must be applied in order to deflect the deflectable part into the latched position and to release it from the latched position again. In this way, the user must actively apply a force to deflect the movable part from the position corresponding to the confirmation state and thereby activate the marking state. Conversely, a force must be applied in order to bring the operating element into the confirmation state. This prevents accidental incorrect operation of the control element. The amount of force required to engage and disengage can be adjusted through design measures.

In a further embodiment, the operating element comprises a spring element which exerts a force acting in the direction of the second deflection on the deflectable part of the operating element. This spring force must therefore be overcome for the transition from the second to the first deflection in order to bring the deflectable part from the marking to the confirmation state. This avoids accidentally confirming the currently selected operating mode. However, the force exerted by the spring element on the deflectable part is less than the force required to actuate the pushbutton switch of the second sensor. The deflectable part of the operating element must therefore be actively deflected by the user in order to mark the vehicle's next operating mode. By selecting a suitable spring element, the force required for the third deflection can be selected in such a way that although the operating element is not inadvertently actuated, it is also not necessary to use too much force to actuate it.

In one configuration, the operating element has a lighting element with at least two lighting states, the lighting element lighting up in the marking state in the first lighting state and in the confirmation state in the second lighting state. For example, a light-emitting diode can be present in the control element, which flashes in the marking state, while it lights up continuously in the confirmation state. Furthermore, the color of the lighting element can change. Various symbols can also be displayed on the control element. This advantageously signals to the user the mode in which the operating element is currently located. In this way, the user can easily and quickly make sure whether the control element is in the confirmation state or in the marking state, or whether the last selection was confirmed.

The vehicle according to the invention includes the control element according to the invention. In particular, it has an electric drive and an internal combustion engine for driving. In this case, one operating mode is assigned to an electric drive and another operating mode to a drive with the internal combustion engine. The control is used here to control the drive of a hybrid vehicle. The drive modes of the vehicle can include combinations of drives with electric and combustion engines, the various properties of which can be used in a way that is adapted to the driving situation. In this case, the use of the control element according to the invention avoids accidentally selecting an undesired drive mode because the control element was in a specific position for too long, for example, when it was selected.

In a further embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the operating modes are different driving dynamics settings of the vehicle. Depending on the driving situation, the user is thus able to accelerate faster or reduce fuel consumption, for example.

• 1 zeigt schematisch ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Bedienelements in einem Fahrzeug,
• 2 zeigt schematisch einen Kippschalter gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Bedienelements bei der dem Bestätigungszustand zugeordneten ersten Auslenkung,
• 3 zeigt schematisch den in der 2 dargestellten Kippschalter bei einer dem Markierungszustand entsprechenden zweiten Auslenkung,
• 4 zeigt schematisch den in 2 und 3 dargestellten Kippschalter bei einer dritten Auslenkung,
• 5 zeigt schematisch einen Hubschalter gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Bedienelements bei der dem Bestätigungszustand zugeordneten ersten Auslenkung,
• 6 zeigt schematisch den in der 5 dargestellten Hubschalter bei einer dem Markierungszustand entsprechenden zweiten Auslenkung und
• 7 zeigt schematisch den in 5 und 6 dargestellten Hubschalter bei einer dritten Auslenkung.

The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 shows schematically an embodiment of the control element according to the invention in a vehicle,
• 2 shows schematically a toggle switch according to an embodiment of the control element according to the invention in the first deflection associated with the confirmation state,
• 3 shows schematically the in the 2 toggle switch shown in a second deflection corresponding to the marking state,
• 4 shows schematically the in 2 and 3 illustrated toggle switch at a third deflection,
• 5 shows schematically a stroke switch according to an embodiment of the control element according to the invention in the first deflection associated with the confirmation state,
• 6 shows schematically the in the 5 shown lift switch at a marking state corresponding second deflection and
• 7 shows schematically the in 5 and 6 illustrated stroke switch at a third deflection.

In reference to 1 an embodiment of the control element according to the invention in a vehicle is explained.

The operating element 1 is arranged in a vehicle 10 and is connected to a selection device 8 of the vehicle 10, through which an electronically stored list of operating modes is available and an element of the list can be selected. With the operating element 1, an element of this list, i.e. an operating mode, can first be marked and finally selected, as will be explained later in detail. The selection device 8 can include an output unit (not shown) by which, for example, the currently selected operating mode is displayed on a display or by means of an indicator light. If a specific operating mode has been selected, a corresponding signal is generated by the selection device 8 and transmitted to a control unit 9 . If necessary, the control unit 9 then initiates the change to the selected operating mode of the vehicle 10. For this purpose, it can be coupled, for example, to a data bus of the vehicle 10, via which various control devices, for example for engine control, are controlled.

The vehicle 10 has an electric drive and an internal combustion engine for driving. In this exemplary embodiment, one operating mode is assigned to an electric drive and another operating mode to a drive with the internal combustion engine. The operating element 1 is thus used to control the drive of a vehicle 10 with a hybrid drive. Alternatively or additionally, the operating modes could be different vehicle dynamics settings of the vehicle 10 .

Related to the 2 until 4 a toggle switch according to an exemplary embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention is explained, which has a confirmation state ( 2 ) and a mark state ( 3 ) and can be used to select the next operating mode ( 4 ).

The operating element 1 comprises a deflectable part 1-1 and a stationary part 1-2. The deflectable part 1 - 1 of the operating element 1 is pivotably mounted about a pivot bearing 3 . In the case of the first deflection of the deflectable part 1-1 associated with the confirmation state, as in 2 shown, a latching body 4 latched into a latching recess 5 of the stationary part 1-2. This The position of the deflectable part 1-1 relative to the stationary part 1-2 is referred to below as the first deflection. In this case, the operating element 1 is in the confirmation state. In order to deflect the operating element 1 out of the latching position, a force is therefore required, by which the latching body 4 is moved out of the latching recess 5 . A preloaded spring 6 exerts a force on the switch in the direction of arrow A, but the spring force is designed in such a way that the latching body 4 is not moved out of the latching recess 5 by the spring force alone, unless additional external force is applied.

If the deflectable part 1-1 of the operating element 1 is deflected by a sufficiently large force in such a way that the latching body 4 is moved out of the latching recess 5, it switches to the in 3 shown marker state. This position of the deflectable part 1-1 relative to the stationary part 1-2 is referred to below as the second deflection.

• Das Bedienelement 1 umfasst als Sensor einen Tastschalter, nämlich einen Bedienzustandstaster 2. Ein Tastschalter im Sinne dieser Beschreibung ist ein Schalter, bei dem bei einem Hub seines Schaltstößels ein Druckpunkt, eine Schaltbewegung und eine Rückstellspannung erzeugt werden. Ein solcher Tastschalter ist zum Beispiel in der EP 0 643 408 A1 beschrieben. Ferner können andere Taster, die beispielsweise Schichten von Folien umfassen, verwendet werden.

The confirmation state and the marking state are detected by the operating element 1 as follows:

• The operating element 1 comprises a pushbutton switch as a sensor, namely an operating state button 2. A pushbutton switch in the sense of this description is a switch in which a pressure point, a switching movement and a reset voltage are generated when its switch plunger is lifted. Such a pushbutton switch is, for example, in EP 0 643 408 A1 described. Furthermore, other buttons, for example comprising layers of foils, can be used.

In this example, the operating state button 2 is a pushbutton switch that is not actuated in the confirmation state. In the event of a deflection into the position corresponding to the marking state, the operating state button 2 is actuated and a switching process is triggered. A signal is thus generated and forwarded to the selection device 8 so that an operating mode can be selected.

Furthermore, the control element 1 includes a marking button 7, which is designed as a further pushbutton switch in this example and is not actuated in the confirmation state. As an alternative to the mechanical pushbutton switches described above, other suitable sensors for the deflection of the deflectable part 1-1 of the operating element 1 can also be used.

When the marking state is entered, a signal is generated and forwarded to the selection device 8, as a result of which operating modes can be marked from an electronically stored list. When the marking button 7 is actuated by further pivoting of the deflectable part 1-1 of the control element 1 into a third deflection, the next element from the list is marked as currently selectable. When the selection reaches the end of the list, the first list item is selected next.

The spring 6 exerts a force on the deflectable part 1-1 of the operating element 1, so that the operating state button 2 remains permanently in the actuated state as long as the operating element 1 is disengaged. In this way, the operating element 1 remains in the marking state until it is brought into the first deflection corresponding to the confirmation state. The operating status button 2 is designed in such a way that it can be “pressed down”. This means that the switch is actuated by deflecting the deflectable part 1-1 of the operating element 1, but allows further deflection when a greater force is applied. In this way, the deflection of the operating element 1 beyond a specific angle, namely the second deflection, is detected. At the same time, the force of the spring 6 is not sufficient to actuate the marking button 7 without the action of an external force.

As in 4 shown, the third deflection of the operating element 1 is actuated by an external force of the marking button 7 and the electronic selection process is triggered. When the marking button 7 is switched, the operating element 1 generates a signal, by means of which the selection unit 8 marks the next operating mode as currently selectable.

The operating status button 2 and the marking button 7 can also be combined in a single, two-stage button. Such a button is, for example, from US 2012/0 257 098 A1 known. A force acting on the button triggers a first switching process, and another, larger force triggers a second switching process. The two-stage button can, for example, be located at the position of the operating status button 2 or the marking button 7 in 1 be arranged. Instead, other sensors can also be used, which detect the deflection of the operating element 1 . If the locking body 4 is locked in the locking recess 5, no force acts on the two-stage button. After disengagement, the restoring force of the spring 6 deflects the operating element 1 in such a way that it triggers the first switching operation of the two-stage button, as a result of which the marking state is assumed. The restoring force of the spring 6 is not sufficient to trigger the second switching process. If the operating element 1 is further deflected by another external force, the second switching operation of the button will cause the Marking process, ie marking the next operating mode from the list as currently selectable, triggered.

If the operating element 1 is deflected from the marking state in such a way that it returns to the in 2 shown position and thus the confirmation state, the last selected operating mode is adopted. When the confirmation state is entered, a signal is generated in such a way that the selection unit 8 triggers the control unit 9 to switch to the new operating mode.

Related to the 5 until 7 a further exemplary embodiment of the control element 1 according to the invention is explained. It comprises a lifting button 11 as a deflectable part 1-1 and a housing as a stationary part 1-2. the inside 5 Stroke button 11 shown comprises a light-emitting diode 12 and a locking element 13, through which the stroke button 11 can engage in a downwardly deflected position. Furthermore, the deflection of the lift button 11 is detected by a lift sensor 14, which can distinguish between three states. As a stroke sensor 14, a two-stage button can be used, as described above and for example from US 2012/0 257 098 A1 is known.

The lifting button 11 is from the in 5 shown position deflected by the external force F1 and snaps into place, as in 6 shown. The lifting button 11 changes from the confirmation state to the marking state. When the lift button is deflected by the external force F1, the lift sensor 14 triggers a first switching operation and generates a signal in such a way that the selection device 8 can select operating modes. The lifting button 11 is held in the position of the first deflection by means of the locking element 13, so that the marking state remains activated without the action of an external force.

By the action of a larger external force F2, the lift button 11 is moved into the in 7 deflected position shown, so that the stroke sensor 14 performs a second switching operation. During this switching process, a signal is generated in such a way that the selection device 8 marks the next operating mode as currently selectable.

Another external force F3 releases the lift button 11 from the latched position and returns it to the in position 5 shown position. The stroke sensor 14 is no longer actuated and the stroke button 11 changes to the confirmation state. When the lifting button 11 enters the confirmation state, a signal is generated in such a way that the selection unit 8 triggers the control unit 9 to switch to the new operating mode.

The currently active state of the operating element 1 is indicated by a light-emitting diode 12 in the push button 11 . In the embodiment shown, the LED 12 lights up in the marking state, while it is inactive in the acknowledgment state. Many variants are possible both for the arrangement of the lighting element and for the type of lighting status: different colors, flashing or different symbols are conceivable, for example. Furthermore, a lighting element can also be integrated in the toggle switch shown above, which displays the operating state of the operating element 1 .

It is pointed out that the embodiments described above are to be understood as merely examples. In particular, the operating element 1 can be snapped into place in various ways. For example, instead of a snap-in recess 5 or a locking element 13, the operating element 1 can snap in using magnetic forces. Instead of the two states described above, several states can also be implemented, for example by a switch that can be moved in several directions or along several degrees of freedom, by means of which several operating modes can be selected, for example.

Reference List

1

control element

1-1

Deflectable part

1-2

stationary part

2

operating status sensor

3

rotary bearing

4

snap body

5

snap indentation

6

Feather

7

marker button

8th

selector

9

control unit

10

vehicle

11

stroke button

12

led

13

locking element

14

stroke sensor

Claims (9)

Operating element (1) for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle (10) from a list of electronically stored operating modes, with a deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element element (1) relative to a stationary part (1-2) of the operating element (1) can be deflected along at least one degree of freedom, with the operating element (1) moving in a first deflection of the deflectable part (1-1) along the degree of freedom in one is in the confirmation state and is in a marking state when the deflectable part (1-1) is deflected a second time along the degree of freedom, the deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element (1) being in the position of the first deflection, which is assigned to the confirmation state, a latching connection is made with the stationary part (1-2) of the operating element (1), in the marking state an operating mode from the list of electronically stored operating modes can be marked by a third deflection of the deflectable part (1-1) along the degree of freedom and when changing from that Marking state in the confirmation state a signal corresponding to the last marked operating mode of the vehicle (10) to select this Operating mode can be generated. Control element (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the transition from the first deflection of the deflectable part (1-1) to the second deflection of the deflectable part (1-1) takes place in the same degree of freedom direction as the transition from the second deflection of the deflectable part (1-1) in the third deflection of the deflectable part (1-1). Control element (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element (1) can be deflected by pivoting about an axis (3) relative to the stationary part (1-2). Control element (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element (1) can be deflected by translation in one direction relative to the stationary part (1-2). Operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (1) has a first sensor (2) by which the first and the second deflection can be detected. Operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (1) has a second sensor (7) by which the third deflection can be detected. Operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (1) comprises a spring element (6) which exerts a force acting in the direction of the second deflection on the deflectable part (1-1) of the operating element (1). . Operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (1) has a luminous element (12) with at least two luminous states, the luminous element (12) being illuminated in the first luminous state in the marking state and in the second luminous state in the confirmation state. Vehicle (10) with an operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle (10) has an electric drive and an internal combustion engine for driving, the operating modes being different drive modes of the vehicle and one operating mode having an electric drive and another operating mode is associated with driving with the internal combustion engine.

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