DE102019216421A1 - Key layout - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a key arrangement (100) for a vehicle (1), comprising: a carrier element (10) for supporting a lever kinematics (30), a key cap (20) for absorbing an actuating force (K), and the lever kinematics (30) for moveable mounting of the keycap (20) relative to the carrier element (10), a switching element (40) being arranged between the keycap (20) and the carrier element (10). To this end, the invention provides that the switching element (40) is designed to detect the actuation force (K), to generate haptic feedback (F) and to generate an acoustic signal (S).

Description

The invention relates to a key arrangement for a vehicle according to the preamble of the independent device claim. The invention also relates to a system with at least two corresponding key arrangements according to the independent system claim. In addition, the invention relates to a steering wheel with at least one corresponding button arrangement and / or a corresponding system according to the subsidiary device claim and a vehicle with at least one corresponding button arrangement and / or a corresponding system and / or a corresponding steering wheel according to the further subsidiary device claim.

Key arrangements for vehicles are known in principle. Modern key arrangements are increasingly being assigned a tactile functionality, mostly through additional actuators. Such a key arrangement is, for example, from a font EP 1 965 291 A1 known. The known key arrangements often have a complicated structure and require a lot of space. At the same time, the functionality of such key arrangements is limited.

The object of the invention is thus to provide an improved key arrangement for a vehicle. In particular, it is the object of the invention to provide an improved key arrangement which has a simple structure, which takes up little installation space, which is easy to assemble and which has extended functionality. Furthermore, the object of the invention is an improved system with at least two corresponding button arrangements, an improved steering wheel with at least one corresponding button arrangement and / or a corresponding system and an improved vehicle with at least one corresponding button arrangement and / or a corresponding system and / or a corresponding one Provide steering wheel.

The object according to the invention is achieved by a key arrangement for a vehicle with the features of the independent device claim, in particular from the characterizing part. In addition, the object of the invention is achieved by a system with at least two corresponding button arrangements according to the independent system claim, an improved steering wheel with at least one corresponding button arrangement and / or a corresponding system according to the independent device claim as well as an improved vehicle with at least one corresponding button arrangement and / or one corresponding system and / or a corresponding steering wheel solved according to the further independent device claim. Preferred developments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. Features that are disclosed for the individual aspects of the invention can be combined with one another in such a way that, with regard to the disclosure, reference is or can always be made to the invention aspects of the invention.

The invention provides a key arrangement for a vehicle, having a carrier element for supporting a lever kinematics, a keycap for absorbing an actuation force, and the lever kinematics for movably mounting the keycap relative to the carrier element, wherein a switching element (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of extension of the keycap and / or seen of the carrier element) is arranged between the key cap and the carrier element. For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that the switching element for detecting the actuation force (including a manual force caused by touching the keycap, and / or acoustic vibrations of the keycap, triggered by contactless voice commands), for generating haptic feedback and for generating an acoustic Signal is executed.

A key arrangement within the meaning of the invention can in particular be designed as a multifunction key for an interior of a vehicle. According to the invention, the key arrangement can be arranged anywhere in the vehicle where switching elements absorb an operating force from a user in order to trigger certain signals, start or end functions, operate elements and / or control devices, etc. The key arrangement in the sense of the invention can be arranged on a steering wheel, for example.

The key arrangement can have a carrier element that is stationary with respect to the vehicle or a movable key cap. In the context of the invention, the movable key cap preferably acts indirectly on the switching element. The actuating force that is absorbed on the key cap is advantageously introduced into the switching element via lever kinematics. Thus, the actuation force between the key cap and the switching element can be scaled, i. H. with a specific, deliberately set leverage effect. As a result, the stroke can also be deliberately adjusted when the key cap is moved. In this way, a desired feel can be set on the key arrangement.

A piezo element, a capacitive element or an inductive element, for example, is conceivable as a switching element in the sense of the invention.

The key arrangement in the sense of the invention can be supported directly on a circuit board. The printed circuit board can advantageously be structurally integrated in the carrier element.

The idea of the invention is that the operative connection between the key cap and the switching element is used in both directions via the lever kinematics in order to be able to provide different functions by a single connected switching element as a multifunctional element.

On the one hand, an actuating force based on the key cap can be introduced into the switching element via the lever kinematics, where it can be detected and measured. The detected actuation force can be used to trigger a signal (e.g. to receive an input command), to switch a function on or off (e.g. to play music), to operate an element (e.g. a volume control) and / or to control devices (e.g. a music system or a navigation system, etc.). Since the lever kinematics can enable sensitive recording and measurement of the actuation force, the strength of an input command (e.g. to set a desired volume) can be directly applied to the switching element via the stroke when the keycap is moved 40 can be entered.

From the advantage according to the invention that the lever kinematics can enable sensitive recording and measurement of the actuation force, a further advantageous function can be made possible within the scope of the key arrangement according to the invention. The key arrangement can thus serve as a microphone in order to be able to detect not only manual actuation force but also acoustic vibrations.

On the other hand, a force can be introduced into the keycap as feedback from the switching element via the lever kinematics in order to transmit certain haptic feedback to a user there (e.g. as a simple confirmation that an input command has been received). Since the lever kinematics in interaction with the switching element can enable an adjustable or scaled stroke during the movement of the keycap, the strength of the haptic feedback can be set via the stroke during the movement of the keycap. Depending on the stroke when moving the keycap, different information can be transmitted to the user. The information can relate, for example, to a recommendation to brake, stop and / or accelerate the vehicle.

From the advantage according to the invention that the lever kinematics can enable an adjustable or scaled movement of the keycap in interaction with the switching element, a further advantageous function can be made possible within the scope of the key arrangement according to the invention. The key arrangement can thus serve as a loudspeaker in order to be able to output not only haptic but also acoustic signals. Consequently, it is conceivable that the key arrangement according to the invention can serve as a loudspeaker, for example as an emergency loudspeaker. A stereo sound system can advantageously be provided with the aid of a plurality of key arrangements within the meaning of the invention.

With the aid of the invention, an improved key arrangement is thus made available which is simply constructed, which takes up little installation space, which is easy to assemble and which has an extended functionality.

Furthermore, the invention can provide within the scope of a key arrangement that the switching element is designed as a single cohesive multifunctional element. Thus, the structure of the key arrangement can be simplified. In addition, additional functional elements, such as. B. loudspeakers and / or microphones are omitted in the vehicle.

Advantageously, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the switching element can be designed as a piezo element. A piezo element is a simple, inexpensive component which can be easily controlled and which can convert a mechanical movement into electrical signals and vice versa. For this purpose, current or voltage can be used as a control variable.

In addition, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the switching element can be designed as a capacitive element. A capacitive element can enable sensitive control of the switching element in a simple manner.

In addition, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the switching element can be designed as an inductive element. An inductive element can enable high-resolution, particularly sensitive control of the switching element.

Furthermore, the invention can provide in the context of a key arrangement that the switching element (viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of extension of the keycap and / or the carrier element) is arranged between the keycap and the lever kinematics, or that the switching element (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of extension of the Keycap and / or des Support element seen) is arranged between the lever kinematics and the support element. In this way, indirect actuation of the switching element via the lever kinematics can be made possible. In the former case it is possible that the switching element can be attached to the key cap and to the lever kinematics. In the latter case, it is possible that the switching element can be attached to the carrier element and to the lever kinematics.

Furthermore, the invention can provide within the scope of a key arrangement that the switching element is integrated within the lever kinematics. The leverage effect can thus be used to the fullest extent in order to be able to introduce more actuating force when acting on the switching element. The actuation force can thus be recorded with an extended bandwidth.

Furthermore, the invention can provide in the context of a key arrangement that the lever kinematics has a first lever and a second lever. In this way, stable movement of the key top can be ensured.

Furthermore, the invention can provide in the context of a key arrangement that the switching element is arranged between the first lever and the second lever. This enables the switching element to be fastened within the lever kinematics, as a result of which the entire distance between the keycap and the carrier element can be used to enable the keycap to move relative to the carrier element. In this way, the actuating force that is absorbed in the switching element can also be detected with an expanded bandwidth.

Furthermore, the invention can provide within the scope of a button arrangement that the first lever and the second lever are each mounted on the carrier element in a rocker-like manner by a bearing axis. The leverage of the lever kinematics can be adjusted by positioning the bearing axis.

In addition, the invention can provide in the context of a key arrangement that the bearing axis can be fastened in different positions on the carrier element in order to set a stroke when the keycap moves relative to the carrier element via the lever kinematics. In this way, a desired feel can be easily and conveniently set on the keycap.

In addition, within the framework of a key arrangement, the invention can provide that the first lever and the second lever are connected to one another in an articulated manner by a connecting point. In this way, a symmetrical movement of the two levers can be made possible. This advantageously leads to stable movement of the keycap.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the switching element can be arranged on the connecting point. As a result, the storage of the switching element and the synchronization of the movement of the levers can be simplified.

In addition, within the framework of a key arrangement, the invention can provide that the first lever and the second lever are each supported in an articulated manner at an outer end, in particular by a hinge joint, on the key cap. Thus, the movement of the key cap can be diverted into the movement of the lever kinematics in reverse. A hinge joint is simple and inexpensive and can enable a detachable connection between the lever kinematics and the key cap, for example for the purpose of maintenance or replacement of the switching element and / or setting the leverage with the aid of the lever kinematics.

Furthermore, the invention can provide in the context of a key arrangement that the key cap is designed as an acoustic amplifier. Thus, there can be obtained an advantage that the key arrangement can serve as a speaker.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the switching element can be designed as a microphone. The functionality of the key arrangement can therefore be expanded.

In addition, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the switching element can be designed as a loudspeaker, in particular as an emergency loudspeaker. The functionality of the key arrangement can thus be improved even further.

In addition, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the key cap can have a display, for example a touch display. Thus, the advantage can be achieved that the key arrangement can serve not only as a loudspeaker and / or as a microphone, but also as a display unit for generating visual signals and / or for displaying information and images. In this way, the functionality of the key arrangement can be improved even further.

In addition, the object according to the invention is achieved by a system with at least two key arrangements, which can be designed as described above, the key arrangements being arranged at a distance from one another. A stereo sound system can thus be provided with the aid of the system according to the invention. In addition, the system according to the invention can be used to achieve the advantages described above in Relationship with the key arrangement according to the invention have been described.

Furthermore, the object according to the invention is achieved by a steering wheel with at least one button arrangement that can be designed as described above and / or with a system that can be designed as described above. With the aid of the steering wheel according to the invention, the same advantages are achieved that were described above in connection with the key arrangement according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle with at least one button arrangement that can be designed as described above and / or with a system that can be designed as described above and / or a steering wheel that can be designed as described above. With the aid of the vehicle according to the invention, the same advantages are achieved that were described above in connection with the key arrangement according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Tastenanordnung gemäß einer möglichen Ausführungsform,
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Tastenanordnung gemäß einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform,
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Tastenanordnung gemäß einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform,
• 4 ein Lenkrad im Sinne der Erfindung, und
• 5 ein Fahrzeug im Sinne der Erfindung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Show it:

• 1 a schematic sectional view of a key arrangement according to the invention according to a possible embodiment,
• 2 a schematic sectional view of a key arrangement according to the invention according to a further possible embodiment,
• 3 a schematic sectional view of a key arrangement according to the invention according to a further possible embodiment,
• 4th a steering wheel within the meaning of the invention, and
• 5 a vehicle within the meaning of the invention.

The 1 to 3 show a key arrangement according to the invention 100 . The key arrangement 100 according to the 1 to 3 has the following elements: a carrier element 10 to support a lever kinematics 30th , a keycap 20th for absorbing an actuation force K , with the lever kinematics 30th for moveable storage of the keycap 20th relative to the carrier element 10 is executed.

In a direction perpendicular to the plane of extension of the keycap 20th and / or the carrier element 10 seen along which the section through the key arrangement 100 according to the 1 to 3 shown is a switching element 40 between the keycap 20th and the carrier element 10 arranged.

The 1 shows an arrangement of the switching element 40 between the keycap 20th and the lever kinematics 30th . The switching element 40 on the keycap 20th or on one of the levers 31 , 32 the lever kinematics 30th attached.

The 2 shows an arrangement of the switching element 40 between the lever kinematics 30th and the carrier element 10 . The switching element 40 on one of the levers 31 , 32 the lever kinematics 30th or on the carrier element 10 attached.

In the 1 and 2 is the switching element 40 centered in relation to the lever kinematics 30th arranged. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the switching element 40 offset to one of the outer ends Ea the lever 31 , 32 the lever kinematics 30th can be arranged to leverage the switching element 40 to be able to adjust variably.

In addition, more than one switching element can be used 40 be provided, for example. Left and right with respect to one of the bearing axes A1 , A2 the lever 31 , 32 the lever kinematics 30th can be arranged to have multiple operating points on the keycap 20th to be able to realize.

The 3 shows an arrangement of the switching element 40 within the lever kinematics 30th . The switching element 40 between the levers 31 , 32 the lever kinematics 30th , for example on a connection thing A3 , be attached.

The invention provides that the switching element 40 for detecting the actuation force K (comprising a manual force caused by touching the keycap 20th , and / or acoustic vibrations of the keycap 20th triggered by contactless voice commands) to generate haptic feedback F. and for generating an acoustic signal S. and, if necessary, to record acoustic vibrations W. is executed.

A key arrangement 100 according to the 1 to 3 can in particular as a multifunction button, so-called MFL, for an interior of a vehicle 1 be formed, which is shown schematically in the 5 is shown. The key arrangement 100 according to the 1 to 3 can be anywhere in the vehicle 1 be arranged where by switching elements 40 an operating force K from a user is recorded in order to trigger certain signals, start or end functions, operate elements and / or control devices, etc.

The key arrangement 100 according to the 1 to 3 can, for example, on a steering wheel 120 be arranged as shown schematically in the 4th is shown.

Another advantage can be multiple button arrangements 100 according to the 1 to 3 a system 110 train which can serve as a stereo sound system.

As a switching element 40 For the purposes of the invention, for example, a piezo element, a capacitive element or an inductive element can be used.

The key arrangement 100 within the meaning of the invention can be done directly on a printed circuit board 11 be supported, the circuit board 11 for example directly in the carrier element 10 can be structurally integrated.

According to the invention, the operative connection between the keycap 20th and the switching element 40 via the lever kinematics 30th , ie indirectly, transferred. The operative connection is advantageously used in both directions in order to perform different functions through a single connected switching element 40 to be able to provide as a multifunctional element.

How to do it using arrows in the 1 to 3 is shown, an operating force K starting from the keycap 20th via the lever kinematics 30th in the switching element 40 be initiated. The operating force K can on the switching element 40 recorded and measured. About the stroke when moving the keycap 20th can the actuation force K different strengths can be translated directly into different input commands (e.g. to set a desired volume).

Because the lever kinematics 30th a sensitive recording and a measurement of the actuation force K can allow, can within the scope of the key arrangement according to the invention 100 Another advantageous function can be made possible, so that the key arrangement 100 Can serve as a microphone to not only have manual actuation force K but also acoustic vibrations W. to be able to grasp.

How to do it using arrows in the 1 to 3 is shown, a force can be used as a feedback from the switching element 40 via the lever kinematics 30th in the keycap 20th can be initiated to provide specific haptic feedback F. to be transmitted to a user (e.g. as a simple confirmation that an input command has been accepted). About the stroke when moving the keycap 20th can increase the strength of the haptic feedback F. to be influenced. Depending on the stroke when moving the keycap 20th different information can be transmitted to the user.

Because the lever kinematics 30th in interaction with the switching element 40 an adjustable or scaled movement of the keycap 20th can allow, can within the scope of the key arrangement according to the invention 100 Another advantageous function can be made possible, so that the key arrangement 100 Can serve as a loudspeaker to not only haptic but also acoustic signals S. to be able to output. The keycap 20th can serve as an acoustic amplifier. Consequently, the key arrangement according to the invention 100 as a loudspeaker, e.g. as an emergency loudspeaker.

According to the 1 to 3 shows the lever kinematics 30th a first lever 31 and a second lever 32 on to make one stable movement of the keycap 20th to be able to ensure.

Like it 1 to 3 can continue to show the first lever 31 and the second lever 32 each by a bearing axis A1 , A2 rocker-like on the carrier element 10 be supported. The levers 31 , 32 thus form a kind of seesaw.

Via suitable rocking points or suitable positions of the bearing axes A1 , A2 on the carrier element 10 can increase the leverage through the lever kinematics 30th can be set variably.

As already mentioned above, the position of the switching element 40 with respect to the center of the lever kinematics 30th can be varied to the leverage through the lever kinematics 30th to be able to adjust even more precisely.

Advantageously, the lever kinematics 30th with the levers 31 , 32 and the bearing axes A1 , A2 be symmetrical to the movement of the lever kinematics 30th to synchronize and move the keycap 20th to stabilize thereby.

The first lever 31 and the second lever 32 can through a connection thing A3 be articulated together.

Furthermore, the 1 to 3 that the first lever 31 and the second lever 32 each at an outer end Ea articulated, in particular by a hinge joint E1 , E2 , on the keycap 20th are supported.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided that they are technically sensible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

List of reference symbols

1

vehicle

10

Support element

11

Circuit board

20th

Keycap

30th

Lever kinematics

31

first lever

32

second lever

40

Switching element

100

Key layout

110

system

120

steering wheel

A1

Bearing axis

A2

Bearing axis

A3

Connection axis

Ea

outer end

E1

Hinge joint

E2

Hinge joint

F.

haptic feedback

K

Actuation force

S.

acoustic signal

W.

Vibrations

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1965291 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

A key arrangement (100) for a vehicle (1), comprising: a carrier element (10) for supporting a lever kinematics (30), a keycap (20) for absorbing an actuating force (K), and the lever kinematics (30) for movably mounting the keycap (20) relative to the carrier element (10), wherein a switching element (40) is arranged between the key cap (20) and the carrier element (10), characterized in that the switching element (40) for detecting the actuating force (K) for generating a haptic feedback (F) and for generating an acoustic signal (S). Key arrangement (100) Claim 1 , characterized in that the switching element (40) is designed as a single cohesive multifunctional element, and / or that the switching element (40) is designed as a piezo element. Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the switching element (40) is arranged between the key cap (20) and the lever kinematics (30), or that the switching element (40) is arranged between the lever kinematics (30) and the carrier element (10). Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the switching element (40) is integrated within the lever kinematics (30). Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever kinematics (30) have a first lever (31) and a second lever (32). Key arrangement (100) according to the preceding Claim 5 , characterized in that the switching element (40) is arranged between the first lever (31) and the second lever (32). Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 5 or 6th , characterized in that the first lever (31) and the second lever (32) are each mounted in a rocker-like manner on the carrier element (10) by a bearing axis (A1, A2). Key arrangement (100) according to the preceding Claim 7 , characterized in that the bearing axis (A1, A2) can be fastened in different positions on the carrier element (10) in order to set a stroke when the keycap (20) moves relative to the carrier element (10) via the lever kinematics (30). Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 5 to 8th , characterized in that the first lever (31) and the second lever (32) are articulated to one another by a connecting pin (A3). Key arrangement (100) Claim 9 , characterized in that the switching element (40) is arranged on the connecting axis (A3). Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 5 to 10 , characterized in that the first lever (31) and the second lever (32) are each articulated at an outer end (Ea), in particular supported by a hinge joint (E1, E2) on the key cap (20). Key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key cap (20) is designed as an acoustic amplifier, and / or that the switching element (40) is designed as a microphone, and / or that the switching element (40) is designed as a loudspeaker, in particular as an emergency loudspeaker. System (110) with at least two key arrangements (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 12th , wherein the key arrangements (100) are arranged at a distance from one another. Steering wheel (120) with at least one button arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 12th and / or with a system according to the preceding Claim 13 . Vehicle (1) with at least one key arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 12th and / or with a system according to the preceding Claim 13 and / or a steering wheel (120) according to the preceding Claim 14 .

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