EP1850359B1 - Reconfigurable, reshapeable pushbutton and operating panel with such a pushbutton, in particular for application in a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a key having a central region and an edge region surrounding the central region, wherein the key can be actuated as a pushbutton in an active state and the central region of the key protrudes from a surface plane defined by the edge region, the key being in an inactive state can not be actuated as a pushbutton and the central region of the key extends substantially in the surface plane defined by the edge region. The invention also relates to a control panel for a vehicle having at least one such key.

Modern cars have an increasing number of comfort features, such as Audio systems, navigation systems, telecommunication devices, air conditioning control systems, electric seat adjusters, power windows and electric mirror adjustments. The increasing number of vehicle occupant features of a car has generally resulted in an increasing number of buttons, switches, and other controls on the dashboard, center console, and door brackets. A disadvantage of these complex panels is that users are often overwhelmed by the large number of keys. As a result, users have difficulty finding the keys or switches they are looking for. Another disadvantage of conventional keys, which are usually formed as a rigid, projecting from a surface of the vehicle interior keys, results from the fact that not all functions controlled by these keys are usually used by the user at the same time. Thus, the user is forced more information than necessary. Another disadvantage of conventional keys is that in low-cost vehicles, non-functional keys or dummy keys are often incorporated as a pre-installed feature for future applications.

There are already efforts to mitigate the problems that arise from a large number of buttons, switches and controls. One solution is a touch screen in the dashboard or the front console of the vehicle. A user generally selects a desired function by searching for the function in a menu tree on the touch screen.
A disadvantage of touch screens that use a menu tree is that users easily lose track of the complicated maze of selection menus. Although a touch screen reduces the number of buttons, it does not usually simplify the operation of the vehicle. Another disadvantage of touch screens is that they do not convey the sense of touch associated with pressing a key. This is important for the perception of information and also serves as an inherent feedback mechanism.

From the WO 2005/015376 A1 a control panel is known, which is designed in the form of a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen). In this case, several embodiments of the control panel are proposed. It is thus described that the control panel can be moved in regions perpendicular to the control panel surface and has a substructure which cooperates with the control panel. The regional movement of the control panel can be accomplished by mechanical elements of the substructure, which may be formed like a switch. It is also proposed to divide the control panel according to the elements of the substructure in a sectional manner or to cover the elements of the substructure with a continuous, flexible cover. In this case, individual elements of the substructure can be blocked to facilitate operation of the control panel.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a key which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, in particular the disadvantages resulting from a control panel with a large number of keys. Another object is to provide a control panel with at least one such key. The button and the corresponding control panel should be inexpensive, space-saving, user-friendly and the operation less confusing.

The above object is solved by the features of claim 1 and claim 9.

Such a reconfigurable, shape-changing key, which may be active or inactive, allows the user to present only the keys that he needs. This reduces the complexity of traditional keyboards and improves usability. The key according to the present invention makes it possible to provide keys to a need and not by default.

In the present invention, at least the central portion of the key comprises a shape memory material having bistability, wherein in the active state of the key, the shape memory material forms a protrusion on the surface plane defined by the edge region, and in the inactive state of the key, the shape memory material is a flat substantially forms in the plane defined by the edge region surface plane extending layer.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the shape memory material comprises a shape memory polymer and / or a shape memory alloy.

According to a further feature of the present invention, a continuous layer of a shape memory polymer forms the central area of the button as well as the edge area of the button. The use of a continuous layer simplifies manufacture and results in cost savings.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the shape memory material is a wire mesh made of a shape memory alloy embedded in a stretchable material. A NiTi alloy can be used as a shape memory alloy.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the wire mesh made of the shape memory alloy has an ohmic resistance and can be heated by means of an electrical current flowing through the wire mesh, wherein the wire mesh made of the shape memory alloy can be brought into its memory shape by heating to a certain transformation temperature. An advantage of this embodiment is that no additional heating device is needed to heat the shape memory alloy.

According to another feature of the present invention, the shape memory material is a thin film made of a shape memory alloy which forms a layered structure together with a stretchable material. For example, the thin film made of the shape memory alloy may be embedded in a stretchable material or attached to a stretchable material.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the shape memory material is a shape memory polymer which can be shaped into its shape of memory by heating to a certain transformation temperature.

According to another feature of the present invention, an internal heating mechanism is integrated into the shape memory polymer. An ohmic resistance can be used, for example, to generate heat.

According to an independent claim of the present invention, at least the central portion of the key has a compliant mechanism with two stable states, wherein the central portion of the key in the active state forms a protrusion on the surface plane defined by the edge region and the central portion of the key in the inactive state State is substantially flat and is located substantially at the same height as the edge region. The protrusion preferably has a hemispherical or domed surface. According to the invention, the compliant mechanism includes unitary, flexible or stretchable structures, which structure may deform in three spatial directions and, in response to an input operation, transmit a force or make a movement. An advantage of a compliant mechanism is that there are no joints. The assembly time is therefore reduced or eliminated altogether and the costs are reduced accordingly. Another advantage of a compliant mechanism without joints is that there is no wear and no play.

In view of the above object, there is further provided a control panel for a vehicle having at least one key according to the present invention. An advantage of such a control panel is that the reconfigurable, shape-changeable key feels like a conventional key in the active state and functions like a conventional key, whereas the key in the inactive state seems to disappear.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the control panel is provided on a console of the vehicle, a door trim part, a steering wheel and / or a dashboard.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the key can be activated and deactivated by means of a control unit connected to the key.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the control panel has further keys connected to the control unit, and the keys can be activated and deactivated for controlling an electronic subsystem of the vehicle by means of the control unit. For example, the control unit may activate the keys that are used to operate the audio system when the vehicle occupant wants to change the setting of the audio system.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the keys for controlling a vehicle subsystem, such as e.g. an audio system, a navigation system, a Kiimatisierungssteuerungssystems and / or a communication system.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the control unit is designed so that the key can be activated by voice control.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the control panel further keys, each with an active and an inactive state, and the control panel is operable in a plurality of modes, wherein in a respective operating mode, a respective subset of the keys is activated, and wherein the modes by means of a can be selected with the control device connected selection device. The selector may be, for example, a central thumbwheel or dial near or on the steering wheel that allows the user to sequentially select the various modes of operation of the vehicle console. The modes of operation may be, for example, the following: (a) all buttons off, (b) audio control buttons on, (c) radio, music and / or video control buttons on, (d) navigation controls on, (e) vehicle climate control buttons on, (f) driver assistance (eg Cruise control) on, (g) infotainment functions on, (h) all buttons on.

According to a further feature of the present invention, a display is provided in addition to the key on which a function of the key in the active state can be displayed.

• Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Fahrzeugkonsole gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Fahrzeugkonsole mit einer Konsolenbedienoberfläche gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 3 zeigt schematisch eine Schnittansicht einer Ausführungsform einer formveränderlichen Taste gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 4 zeigt schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht einer wandelbaren Oberfläche, die eine formveränderliche Taste gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung bildet;
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Tastenanordnung mit formveränderlichen Tasten gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 6 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht der in Fig. 5 dargestellten Tastenanordnung;
• Fig. 7 zeigt schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 dargestellten Tastenanordnung;
• Fig. 8 zeigt schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Baumusters eines Entwurf einer Ausführungsform einer wandelbaren Struktur, die für eine formveränderliche Taste gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung verwendet werden kann; und
• Fig. 9 ist eine schematische Seitenansicht der in Fig. 8 gezeigten wandelbaren Struktur.

The structure and the method for operating the present invention as well as other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of individual embodiments in combination with the drawings.

• Fig. 1 schematically shows a plan view of a vehicle console according to the prior art;
• Fig. 2 schematically shows a plan view of a vehicle console with a console user interface according to the present invention;
• Fig. 3 shows schematically a sectional view of an embodiment of a variable-shape key according to the present invention;
• Fig. 4 Fig. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of a convertible surface forming a shape changeable key according to the present invention;
• Fig. 5 FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a key-change type key array according to the present invention; FIG.
• Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the in Fig. 5 illustrated button arrangement;
• Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrated button arrangement;
• Fig. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a model of a design of an embodiment of a convertible structure that can be used for a shape-changing key according to the present invention; and
• Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of in Fig. 8 shown convertible structure.

In detail shows Fig. 1 a vehicle console 10 with a Konsonsbedienoberfläche 12 according to the prior art. The vehicle console 10 includes pushbuttons, rotary knobs, rotary wheels, and rocker switches for controlling various functions. The vehicle console 10 is used for operating the audio system, the air conditioning control system, the navigation system and, depending on the particular vehicle, for operating other vehicle systems.

In the Fig. 1 The prior art console control interface 12 shown includes a large center display 14 and two smaller liquid crystal displays 16. Selection buttons 18 are provided adjacent the central display 14, along the left and right sides of the central display 14, respectively. Other selection keys 20 are provided adjacent the central display 14 along the lower edge of the central display 14. The selection keys 18, 20 are rigid, permanently installed selection keys.

Above the central display 14 is a slot 11 for receiving audio data, video data or other digital data. Push buttons on both sides of the slot 11 are used to control the disk operation. On both sides of the central display 14 are rotary knobs 17, which can be used in a conventional manner for setting a radio receiver, but which can also be used to set other functions of the vehicle.

The rotary wheels 19 are provided for adjusting the temperature of a Sitzheizsystems. Below the rotary wheels 19 are liquid crystal displays 16 which indicate a temperature for the air conditioning control system. In addition to the liquid crystal displays 16, there are rocker switches 21 that can be used to set the speed of a fan for the climate control system. In the middle of the vehicle console 10 is a push-button to turn on the hazard warning lights. In the Fig. 1 shown Prior art vehicle console 10 has a variety of control buttons, switches, and buttons. The large number of controls degrades the ease of use for the average user who may be using only a portion of the available controls.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a top view of a vehicle console 10 with a console user interface 12 according to the present invention. The console user interface 12 includes a large center display 14 and two smaller liquid crystal displays 16. In the Fig. 2 shown embodiment of the vehicle console 10, some of the selection keys are permanent selection keys, just like those in Fig. 1 shown selection buttons from the prior art. Advantageously, those selection keys that are frequently used, such as the basic functions of the audio system and the basic functions of the climate control system, are implemented as permanent selection keys. Unlike the in Fig. 1 Prior art console control interface 12, according to the present invention, includes reconfigurable, shape-changeable keys that replace most of the rigid, prior art selection buttons on the console control interface. The selection keys 22, 24 are designed as reconfigurable keys that can be controlled so that the keys can change their shape from a protruding shape, such as a hemispherical shape, to a flat shape. The location of these shape-changing buttons on the vehicle console 10 is indicated by dashed lines. In the in Fig. 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, five reconfigurable contour keys 22 are provided along the left side of the display 14 and five other shape changeable keys 22 are along the right side of the display 14. Other shape-changing keys 24 are provided along the lower edge of the central display 14.

The shape-changing keys 22, 24 are connected via connecting lines 27 to a control unit 26. The variable-shape keys 22, 24 are selectively activated or deactivated by the control unit 26. A selector 28 is connected to the control unit 26. The selector 28 allows a user to select among a number of modes of operation of the vehicle console. For example, the user may select an operating mode that activates the control buttons for the audio system or the control buttons for the navigation system.

The selector 28 may be, for example, a control knob, a knob, or a thumbwheel that allows the user to sequentially select the various modes of the vehicle console 10.

As if from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the variable-shape keys allow existing vehicle consoles 10 or keypads to be modified to reduce the complexity of these consoles by replacing fixed, prior art keys with shape-changing keys in accordance with the present invention. Replacing conventional soft-key buttons not only simplifies the operation of the console-user interface in accordance with the present invention, but also makes the console-user interface look less cluttered and more elegant and aesthetically pleasing. Another advantage of the shape-changing keys according to the present invention over touch screens is that the tactility of a conventional key is maintained.

Deformable keys 22, 24 according to the present invention may be constructed in various ways. Fig. 3 Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing two alternative key states of the shape changeable key 30 according to the present invention. In a first state, the active state, the shape-changing key 30 is dome-shaped and functions as a pushbutton. The dome 32 projects beyond the console surface 34 and provides the tactile feel of a conventional button. In a second state, the shape changeable key 30 is substantially flat and flush with the console surface 34, so that the key 30 appears to disappear. The second state of the button is in Fig. 3 shown with dashed lines. If the shape changeable key 30 is in the first state and protrudes beyond the console surface 34, then the key 30 functions as a pushbutton and performs the switching function of a conventional key when the key 30 is pressed. If the shape changeable key 30 is in the second state, then the key 30 is inoperative and does not perform a switching function. The shape-changing characteristics of the key 30 can be achieved by, for example, embedding a shape memory alloy wire mesh or a shape memory alloy thin film into a stretchable material. The embedded wire mesh or embedded thin film made of the alloy is schematically shown by the dashed line 36. Alternatively, the shape changing properties can be created by molding the key from a shape memory polymer.

The shape-changing properties can also be achieved with a compliant mechanism, referred to in the English term compliant mechanism.

Fig. 4 Fig. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of a convertible surface 40 forming a shape changeable key according to the present invention. The convertible surface 40 has two stable states. In the first state or in the active state, the convertible surface 40 has a protrusion 42, which forms a key 42. The button or protrusion 42 can be pressed as a conventional button by pressing. The protrusion 42 of the convertible surface 40 corresponds to the in Fig. 3 shown dome 32. In the second state or the inactive state, which would be in Fig. 4 shown convertible surface substantially flat. The protrusion 42 would disappear and thus the key.

Fig. 5 FIG. 12 shows a schematic plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a button assembly 50 with contoured keys 52, 54, 56. The two circular keys 52, 56 are, for example, 13 mm in diameter and the elongated key 54 is disposed between the two circular keys 52, 56 is, for example, may have a length of 23 mm. The distance between the keys 52, 54, 56 may be 15 mm, for example. In the Fig. 5 shown button assembly 50 may form part of a vehicle console, a dashboard or other vehicle interior trim panel or may also form part of a steering wheel.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the in Fig. 5 The button 52, 54, 56 are designed so that they protrude, for example, 3 mm from the surface 58. The keys 52, 54, 56 are shown in their active state, ie, the keys project above the surface 58 and function as pushbuttons. In the inactive state, the shape of the keys 52, 54, 56 is changed so that the surface 58 of the key assembly 50 is substantially flat and without any protrusions in the area where the keys are located. Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown button arrangement.

A keypad that has buttons like the ones in the FIGS. 5 to 7 are shown, preferably has the following features. A key group may have substantially hemispherical keys with a base circle diameter of about 15 mm and a height of about 3 mm. Other key shapes such as triangular, square and oval shapes can be made in the same way as round buttons. All keys have two states as described above, with the keys in one of the states forming a flat surface that is level with the surrounding console. In the other state, the key would then have a hemispherical or other protruding shape than the final key shape. The keys are stable in both states, ie the key states are stable states and there is no power consumption, except when switching between the two states.

Each of the variable buttons can be activated individually. Alternatively, key groups may be activated according to their operation. For example, a group of buttons for audio functions can be activated together.

The activation of the variable-shape keys can be carried out, for example, by means of a voice control, by means of a central push-button or thumbwheel, with the various modes for the button console can be selected sequentially and which is located close to or on the steering wheel, by means of a control or Excitation via a heating resistor or external thermal excitation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the user may scroll through multiple modes for the console with the shape-changing keys. For example, the user may select the following modes: (a) all buttons off, (b) audio buttons on, (c) radio / music / video control buttons on, (d) navigation buttons on, (e) vehicle climate control buttons on, (f) driver assistance (eg speed control related functions), (g) Infotainment functions on, (h) all keys on.

When a shape changeable key is turned on, i. is activated, the key is preferably designed so that when pressed an audible click is generated. In the active state, the shape-changing keys according to the present invention operate like normal keys in cars, for example, the volume is raised upon pressing a "volume-up key". In addition, if there is insufficient room for a large key panel, a small key group may be provided, each key having different functions depending on the mode in which the key is used.

The nature and feel of the shape-changeable keys is preferably chosen so that the keys are hard enough not to sag excessively, but soft enough are to be able to perform the function of a pushbutton and to be pressed as a key. The outer material or covering layer for the shape-changing keys is generally a stretchable material such as a rubber material, silicone or similar materials, which are also used for conventional keys.

Embodiments of the variable-shape keys that require energy to switch from one stable state to another state are preferably connected to the battery supply voltage of the vehicle. The response time of the shape-changing keys, i. The time taken to transition from a flat surface to a final hemispherical shape or other protruding shape may be about one second, with the time period for the reverse direction toward the flat state being similar.

Fig. 8 Fig. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of a model of a design of an embodiment of a convertible structure 80 for use in a shape-changeable key according to the present invention. The convertible structure 80 uses a compliant mechanism. The structure 80 has a circular support structure 82. Four elongate leaves 84 are supported on the circular support structure 82. The four elongated blades 84 are formed to have two stable states. The bistability of the compliant mechanism is preferably ensured by a latching mechanism that locks the compliant mechanism in a respective stable condition. In a first state, the four elongated blades 84 extend inwardly and upwardly from the circular support structure 82 to form a dome-shaped structure. In order to provide a shape changeable key having a soft, continuous, same surface texture, the convertible structure 80 may be overcoated with a cover layer 86, as shown in FIG Fig. 9 is indicated schematically by a dashed line. In a second state, the four elongated blades 84 extend inwardly toward the center from the circular support structure 82 such that the four elongated blades are substantially level with the circular support structure 82. If the convertible structure is covered with a cover layer, the second state results in a flat, ie substantially planar, surface for the convertible structure.

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of in Fig. 8 The four elongated blades 84 are supported on the circular support structure 82 and extend inwardly towards a center where they meet. Fig. 9 shows the convertible structure 80 in its first state. The four elongated blades 84 extend upward and form a dome-shaped structure that serves as a push button. The convertible structure 80 is coated with a cover layer 86, which is indicated only schematically by a dashed line 86. If the convertible structure 80 were incorporated into a vehicle console, the cover layer 86 would form the surface of the console. In the second state, the four elongated sheets extend at substantially the same level as the circular support structure 82. The cover layer 86 then forms a flat surface, as if no key were present at that location on the console.

Moldable keys in accordance with the present invention may be constructed in various ways and may be based, for example, on a three-dimensional shape that is convertible in the mold by means of a compliant mechanism, such as that shown in FIG FIGS. 8 and 9 shown mechanism. Such mechanisms are typically one-piece, pliable or stretchable structures, which structure may deform in three spatial directions and, in response to an input operation, transmit a force or make a movement. In the present case, as described above with respect to FIGS. 3 to 9 described, a transformation from a flat surface to a uniform hemispherical or dome-shaped surface, which looks like a button. Since there are no joints in such a mechanism, the assembly time is reduced or completely eliminated. Another advantage is that there is no wear and tear and that the compliant mechanism is inexpensive and easy to maintain. Its composition includes the use of structural optimization algorithms as well as the proper selection and combination of rigid and ductile materials to achieve the desired effect. The compliance is uniformly distributed throughout the structure, allowing a smooth transition from the flat surface to the dome-shaped surface. A bistability, ie the presence of two stable states, can be integrated as a natural, inherent property into the structure of the compliant mechanism. Thus, energy is needed only when switching between the two key states and the compliant mechanism is therefore efficient. Resilient structures also enable a scalable solution that is adaptable to small and large buttons.

The shape-changing keys can, as already mentioned above, also be produced from a shape memory polymer. When subjected to thermal stimulation, these shape-change polymers can exhibit a drastic transition from a rigid polymer to a very elastic state and back to a rigid state. Unless the polymer is hindered, it will return to elastic State back to its memory form. For example, the polymer will return to a dome-shaped structure as in FIG Fig. 3 is shown. The shape memory polymer (SMP), while handled, can be cooled and therefore returned to a rigid state while retaining the resulting shape indefinitely. The device therefore exhibits inherent bistability and can easily transition from a flat surface to a dome-shaped structure. The temperature for the transition can be controlled depending on the constituents of the shape memory polymer (SMP) and the manufacturing method used for the shape memory polymer. The transition between the stable states can be made within a period of a few seconds. The heating and / or cooling of the shape memory polymer is preferably performed with an internal heating mechanism in the shape memory polymer to reduce the size of the system.

Another way to produce shapable keys results from the use of a wire mesh made of a shape memory alloy. In particular, a composite system of a stretchable material and a wire mesh of a shape memory alloy is used. Wires made of a shape memory alloy, such as wires made of a NiTi alloy, can transform very quickly into a so-called memory shape when heated to a controllable transformation temperature. A reverse bias mechanism can be used to return the wire mesh from the dome shape representing the memory shape to the flat state. Heat can be supplied by means of an (ohmic) resistance through the conductive alloy wires. Button-like structures of the desired nature can be readily formed by forming a wire mesh of NiTi wires and embedding the wire mesh in a stretchable material, such as a metal mesh. Silicone, to be created. The wire mesh made of the shape memory alloy provides the required bistability for the shape-changing key.

Another way of producing shape-changeable keys is to use a layered structure formed with a shape memory alloy thin film and a stretchable material. At this time, the thin film formed of the shape memory alloy may be embedded in the stretchable material, or the thin film may be attached to the layer made of the stretchable material.

When NiTi thin films are heated above their transition temperature and are restricted in their motion, they develop tremendous voltages that use them can be transmitted forces and movements. By embedding the NiTi thin film in a ductile material, such as silicone, and creating certain constraints, a shape-stable structure having two stable states is created, ie, a dome-shaped surface and a flat surface are created.

The above-described embodiments of the shape-changeable keys and consoles having such keys are merely exemplary embodiments, and therefore other embodiments are within the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

vehicle console

11

floppy disk slot

12

Console user interface

14

Central display

16

liquid-crystal display

17

knob

18.20

selection keys

19

rotating wheel

21

Rocker

22, 24

shapable selection keys

26

control unit

27

interconnectors

28

selector

30

shapeable key

32

dome

34

console interface

36

Wire mesh or thin layer of a shape memory alloy

40

convertible surface

42

bulging

50

key arrangement

52, 54, 56

shapeable keys

58

surface

80

convertible structure

82

circular support structure

84

oblong leaf

86

topcoat

Claims (17)

1. Pushbutton having a central region and an edge region which surrounds the central region, wherein in an active state the pushbutton can be activated as a pushbutton key, and the central region of the pushbutton protrudes from a surface plane which is defined by the edge region, wherein in an inactive state the pushbutton cannot be activated as a pushbutton key, and the central region (32; 84) of the pushbutton (30; 80) extends essentially in the surface plane defined by the edge region (34; 82), characterized in that at least the central region (32) of the pushbutton has a shape memory material with bistability, wherein in the active state of the pushbutton (30) the shape memory material forms a curvature on the surface plane which is defined by the edge region (34), and in the inactive state of the pushbutton the shape memory material forms a flat layer which extends essentially in the surface plane defined by the edge region (34).
2. Pushbutton according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shape memory material has a shape memory polymer and/or a shape memory alloy.
3. Pushbutton according to Claim 2, characterized in that a continuous layer made of a shape memory polymer forms the central region (32) of the pushbutton (30) and the edge region (34) of the pushbutton.
4. Pushbutton according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shape memory material is a wire mesh (36) which is manufactured from a shape memory alloy and is embedded in an extendable material.
5. Pushbutton according to Claim 4, characterized in that the wire mesh (36) which is manufactured from the shape memory alloy has an ohmic resistance and can be heated by means of an electric current which flows through the wire mesh, and in that the wire mesh (36) which is manufactured from the shape memory alloy can be placed in its remembered shape by heating to a specific conversion temperature.
6. Pushbutton according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shape memory material is a thin layer which is manufactured from a shape memory alloy and which forms a layer structure together with an extendable material.
7. Pushbutton according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shape memory material is a shape memory polymer which can be converted into its remembered shape by heating to a specific conversion temperature.
8. Pushbutton according to Claim 7, characterized in that an internal heating mechanism is integrated into the shape memory polymer.
9. Pushbutton according to the preamble of Claim 1, wherein at least the central region of the pushbutton has a resilient mechanism with two stable states, and in the active state the central region of the pushbutton forms a curvature on the surface plane defined by the edge region (82), and in the inactive state the central region of the pushbutton is essentially flat and is located essentially at the same level as the edge region (82), characterized in that the resilient mechanism contains single-piece flexible or extendable structures, wherein the structure can deform in three spatial directions, and can transmit a force or carry out a movement in response to an input activation.
10. Operating panel for a vehicle having a pushbutton according to at least one of the preceding claims.
11. Operating panel according to Claim 10, characterized in that the operating panel is provided on a console (12) of the vehicle, a door trim part, a steering wheel and/or a dashboard.
12. Operating panel according to Claim 10, characterized in that the pushbutton can be activated and deactivated by means of a control unit (26) which is connected to the pushbutton.
13. Operating panel according to Claim 12, characterized in that the operating panel has further pushbuttons which are connected to the control unit (26), and the pushbuttons can be activated and deactivated in order to control an electronic subsystem of the vehicle by means of the control unit.
14. Operating panel according to Claim 13 characterized in that the pushbuttons are provided for controlling an audio system, a navigation system, an air-conditioning control system and/or a communication system.
15. Operating panel according to Claim 12, characterized in that the control unit (26) is embodied in such a way that the pushbutton can be activated by means of voice control.
16. Operating panel according to Claim 12, characterized in that the operating panel has further pushbuttons each with an active and an inactive state, in that the operating panel can be operated in a plurality of operating modes, wherein in a respective operating mode a respective subset of the pushbuttons is activated, and in that the operating modes can be selected by means of a selection device which is connected to the control device.
17. Operating panel according to Claim 10, characterized in that in addition to the pushbutton a display is provided on which a function of the pushbutton can be displayed in the active state.

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