WO2009015733A1

WO2009015733A1 - Operating device for functions in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2009015733A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/004969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Ganz; Jochen Sendler; Ralph Tille
Original assignee: Daimler Ag
Priority date: 2007-07-28
Filing date: 2008-06-20
Publication date: 2009-02-05
Also published as: DE102007035564A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for operating a plurality of functions in a vehicle. Said operating device comprises a multiple rotary operating element (2) which has a plurality of rotary actuators (4, 5) that are coaxially nested and that can be rotationally actuated about a common rotational axis (6), said rotary actuators being associated with different functions of the vehicle. The invention is characterized in that every rotary actuator (4, 5) has a radially inner, rotationally actuated rotary element (7, 8) and a radially outer non-rotatable annular display element (9, 10) for optically displaying the operation information (17) associated with the respective rotary element (7, 8), the annular display element (9, 10) coaxially enclosing the pertaining rotary element (7, 8).

Description

Operating device for functions in a vehicle

The present invention relates to an operating device for operating a plurality of different functions in a vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Modern vehicles, especially those for road use, have a variety of electronic devices that can be operated by the driver or by one of the other vehicle occupants. The increasing complexity of the devices makes it necessary to make the operation by intuitive training and / or arrangement of the controls as intuitive as it must be ensured that the driver is distracted as little as possible from the current traffic.

In this context, it is known from DE 199 36 257 Al to provide for operating different functions in a vehicle an operating device which is equipped with a multi-rotary control element. The multiple rotary control element has a plurality of coaxially rotatably arranged about a common axis of rotation rotatably arranged on each of which different functions of the vehicle are assigned. In the case of the known multiple rotary control element is a central, provided with a circular cross-section rotary actuator coaxially within a first, with a ring transverse arranged rotary actuator arranged, which in turn is located coaxially within a second, likewise provided with a ring cross-section turntable. The two annular outer turntables can be lowered when not in use. The operating device further comprises a multi-rotary control associated central display for visual display of the turntables associated with operating information.

Against this background, the present invention addresses the problem of providing for an operating device of the type mentioned an improved embodiment, which allows the most intuitive and comfort-oriented operation of a variety of different functions in a vehicle.

This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject-matter of the independent claim.

The control device for operating a plurality of functions in a vehicle comprises a multiple rotary control element having a plurality of coaxially rotatable about a common axis of rotation arranged rotatably arranged turntable, which are respectively assigned to different functions of the vehicle. According to the invention, each turntable is assigned its own, ie separate, display for outputting associated operating information within the multiple turn control element, as a result of which a connection between the output operating information and the associated turntable can be produced intuitively for the user. Each turntable has a radially inwardly drehbetatigbaren rotary body and a radially outer rotatable Displaykorper, the Displaykorper the associated rotary body coaxially um- closes and is designed for optical representation of the respective rotary body associated control information.

Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Advantageously, at least one of the turntable between a use and a non-use position in the axial direction is adjustable. In the extended position of use of the rotary body of the relevant turntable protrudes in the axial direction on the associated Displaykorper and can be operated easily in this state by hand. In the retracted non-use position of the rotary body is sunk within the Displaykorpers, in particular close the frontal surfaces of the rotary body and display body flush with each other. In this way, unwanted Storkonturen within the vehicle interior can be avoided if the turntable is not needed.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the display body of a first turntable, which is arranged coaxially within a second turntable, together with the rotary body of the second turntable in the axial direction is adjustable. In this case, the display body of the second turntable telescopically follow the rotary body of the first turntable when extending, so that the axial distance between the two turntables is maintained.

The ease of use can be further improved if an actuator is provided for the power-driven extension and retraction of the at least one rotationally adjustable body in the axial direction. In this case, each of the rotary actuators of the multiple rotary control element can be assigned a separate, independently actuatable actuator. For extending and retracting the at least one rotatable body which can be adjusted in the axial direction, an operating element can be provided which cooperates in a suitable manner with the actuator. According to an advantageous embodiment, this operating element may be formed by a proximity sensor, which senses a hand approaching a user and, when the hand enters a predetermined triggering area, transfers the multiple rotary control element into the position of use by extending the rotary body. If the user's hand leaves the release area, the multiple rotary control element is returned to the non-use position by retracting the rotary body.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description, wherein corresponding reference numerals refer to identical or at least functionally identical components. Showing:

1 to 4 simplified reproduced frontal views of a multiple rotary control element of an operating device according to the invention in different operating conditions,

5 to 8 simplified reproduced longitudinal sections of the multiple rotary control element according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4,

9 shows a simplified longitudinal section of the multiple rotary control element according to FIG. 3 or FIG. 7 with peripheral control components provided for its operation. Fig. 1 to Fig. 9 show an operating device 1 with a multi-rotary control element 2 for operating a variety of different functions in a vehicle, wherein the multi-rotary control element 2 is installed in a console 3 of the vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a conventional motor vehicle for road use.

The multiple rotary control element 2 has a plurality of turntable. Beispielsgemaß a total of two turntables 4 and 5 are provided. The turntables 4 and 5 are each arranged coaxially rotatable with each other about a common axis of rotation 6. The turntables 4 and 5 are assigned here different functions of the vehicle.

Each turntable 4 or 5 has a reference to the axis of rotation 6 radially inner rotary body 7 and 8 and a relative to the axis of rotation 6 radially outer Displaykorper 9 and 10 respectively. While the rotary bodies 7 and 8 are independently rotatable about the axis of rotation 6, the display bodies 9 and 10 are arranged rotatably relative to the axis of rotation 6 and the console 3 of the vehicle. In particular, the display bodies 9 and 10 are suitably connected in a non-rotatable manner to a housing, not shown, of the multiple rotary control element 2, the housing itself being mounted inside the console 3. The Displaykorper 9 or 10, which is provided for the visual representation of the rotary body 7 and 8 associated control information is annular and surrounds the rotary body 7 and 8 coaxially.

In the case of the turntables 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 9, the multiple rotary control element 2 consists of a radially outer or outer rotary plate 5 and a radially inner or inner rotary plate 4 at least the outer rotary body 8 is annular. In contrast, the inner rotary body 7 may have a circular cross section or - as in the present case - also be annular.

The inner rotary body 7 coaxially surrounds a central core 11, which is arranged rotationally fixed with respect to the axis of rotation 6 and has a circular cross section. The central core 11 is equipped with at least one display on the front side. In the present case, a total of three displays are provided, namely a central display 12, which exemplarily reproduces a general reference to an automatic function AUTO, an upper display 13, which displays a corresponding indication ON when the automatic function is switched on, and a lower display 14, which is switched off Automatic function displays a corresponding note OFF.

At least one of the two display bodies 9 or 10 can be deactivated with regard to the representation of the operating information. Fig. 1 and 5 show an operating state in which both Displaykorper 9 and 10 are disabled. In FIG. 5, this operating state of the inner display body 9 or of the outer display body 10 is illustrated by empty display surfaces 15 and 16, respectively.

In the case of the operating state shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the inner display body 9 is activated, while the outer display body 10 is deactivated. This operating state is indicated in FIG. 2 by circular symbols 17, which represent a scale associated with the inner rotary actuator 4. Here, in FIG. 6, the activated inner display body 9 is illustrated by a filled display surface 16. The outer display body 10 is arranged stationary in the axial direction, wherein the frontal surface is flush with the console 3.

According to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, both display bodies 9 and 10 are activated, so that according to FIG. 3 both display bodies 9 and 10 display operating information 17. It should be noted that the operating information shown is merely exemplary in character and may be of any kind.

The displays 15 and 16 of the display body 9 and 10 are implemented in so-called black-panel technology, are embedded in the transparent symbols in an opaque display environment and backlit for visualization by means of light-emitting diodes or the like. Such a display technology is especially advantageous if the display body 9 and 10 are to be used for displaying static operating information. However, it is also conceivable deviating embodiment, in which at least one of the display body 9 and 10 is formed such that it allows a representation of dynamically changing operating information. In this case, the illustrated operating information can vary as a function of the function currently operable by means of the respective rotary body 7 or 8. In particular, the turntables 4 and 5 may be associated with menu-driven operating concepts different functions, each resulting from the context of a currently selected menu item. The display of the operating information takes place here by means of an LCD or OLED display.

In the case of the operating state shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, only the outer display body 10 is active. fourth, while the inner Displaykorper 9 is disabled. Accordingly, a display of operating information 17 is carried out exclusively on the outer display 16.

In addition, at least one of the two turntable 4 or 5 between a use and a non-use position in the axial direction, that is adjustable parallel to the axis of rotation 6. In the extended position of use of the rotary body projects 7 and 8 in the axial direction on the associated Displaykorper 9 and 10, respectively. In contrast, the rotary body 7 and 8 is sunk in the retracted non-use position in the associated Displaykorper 9 and 10 respectively. In the latter case, the frontal surfaces of rotary bodies 7 and 8 and display elements 9 and 10 lie in one plane and terminate flush with one another.

In the case of the operating state shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, both turntables 4 and 5 are deactivated. The inner rotary body 7 is recessed in the associated Displaykorper 9. E- benso the outer rotary body 8 is sunk in the associated Displaykorper 10, the outer Displaykorper 10 is in turn sunk in the console 3 of the vehicle.

In the case of the operating state shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the inner rotary actuator 4 is activated, while the outer rotary actuator 5 is deactivated. Accordingly, the inner rotary body 7 protrudes in the axial direction over the inner Displaykorper 9. The inner rotating body 7 can be easily operated by hand in this case. The central body 11 is thereby transferred together with the inner rotary body 7 in the axial direction in the position of use.

In the operating state shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, both turntables 4 and 5 are activated, so that the inner Rotary body 7 protrudes in the axial direction over the associated display cooper 9. At the same time, the outer rotary body 8 projects beyond the associated display body 10 in the axial direction. Here, the inner Displaykorper 9 is adjusted together with the outer rotary body 8 in the axial direction. With the extension of the outer rotary body 8 in the position of use, the inner turntable 4 is guided telescopically in the axial direction, so that the total length of the operating device 1 relative to the console 3 increases by the Ausfahrlange the outer rotary body 8.

In the operating state shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, only the outer turntable 5 is activated, while the inner turntable 4 is deactivated. Accordingly, the outer rotary body 8 protrudes beyond the associated Displaykorper 10 in the axial direction. Although the outer rotary body 8 is also mitgefuhrt together with the inner turntable 4 in the axial direction in the position of use, but the inner rotary body 7 remains sunk in the associated Displaykorper 9 here. In this state, therefore, only the outer rotary body 8 is accessible for operation by hand.

According to FIG. 9, an actuator 18 or 19 may be provided which extends and retracts the rotationally adjustable bodies 7 and 8, which are adjustable in the axial direction, between the use and the non-use position. There may be provided a common actuator for both rotary bodies 7 and 8. Preferably, however, a separate actuator 18 and 19 is associated with each of the two rotary bodies 7 and 8, which allows an independent extension and retraction of the two rotary bodies 7 and 8. The actuators 18 and 19 are connected to an associated control device 20 via which the operating device 1 or the multiple rotary operating element 2 is connected to a bus 21, in particular Re is connected to a CAN bus of the vehicle, wherein the control device 20 via the bus 21 also with the individual displays 12 to 16 and provided for determining the current rotational position of the rotary body 7 and 8 position sensors 22 and 23 in connection.

According to the example, the control device 20 is connected to a control element 24, which is a component of the central body 11 and which allows, for example, on and off an automatic function of an air conditioning system of the vehicle. The operating element 24 may be a pressure-sensitive pushbutton. In addition, a further operating element 25 is provided, which is likewise integrated in the central body 11. This operating element 25 is a capacitive proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 25 has a predetermined triggering area 26, the invisible limit of which is indicated in FIG. 9 by a broken line. The proximity sensor 25 senses a hand entering the release area 26 by a user, whereupon at least one of the two rotary bodies 7 and 8 is extended into the use position. If the user's hand leaves the triggering area, this is detected by the proximity sensor 25, so that the at least one rotary body 7 or 8 is set back into the retracted non-use position.

Optionally, the control device 20 is designed in such a way that on its cause the turntables 4 and 5 are automatically transferred to the use or non-use position, in function of the means of the respective rotary body 7 or 8 currently operable function. By way of example, the turntables 4 and 5 are provided for operating the air conditioning system of the vehicle. In this case, the intensity of a blower stage can be adjusted by means of the inner turntable 4. len, while by means of the outer rotary actuator 5, the location of the air to be injected, as in the area of the windscreen, the footwell or the central interior, is selectable. The air conditioning system has an automatic function, in which the selection of the blower level and the location of the air to be blown in automatically. When the automatic function is switched on, the turntables 4 and 5 are therefore not required. Accordingly, they are deactivated by the control device 20 by retracting into the non-use position as soon as the automatic function is switched on. Whether the automatic function is currently switched on or not is displayed on the displays 12 to 14 of the central body 11. When the automatic function is switched off, the control device 20 automatically activates the two turntables 4 and 5, for which purpose they are extended into the position of use. As a result, the functions mentioned are manually operated. The switching on and off of the automatic function is carried out by pressing the arranged in the central body 11 control element 24th

Preferably, an association between retraction and extension of the rotary body 7 and 8 on the one hand and activating and deactivating the Displaykorper 9 and 10 on the other hand.

When the turntable 4 or 5 is extended, the display 15 or 16 of the associated Displaykorpers 9 or 10 is activated, while vice versa with retracted turntable 4 and 5, the display 15 or 16 of the associated Displaykorpers 9 and 10 is deactivated.

At least one of the two turntables 4 and 5 is formed such that when Betatigen the rotary body 7 and 8 predetermined rotational positions, which are associated with the rotary body 7 and 8, tactile or tactile felt by the user. For example, the rotary body comprises 7 or 8 corresponding chinters formed on the Displaykorper 9 or 10 displayed detents. Preferably, the predetermined, haptic or tactile sensible rotational positions of the rotary body 7 or 8 are adjusted as a function of the current rotary actuator 7 or 8 currently assigned function. This means that, for example, the detents are modified in terms of their number and rotational position, depending on which function is currently operated by means of the respective turntable 7 and 8 respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, a sensor is provided, which is designed such that it allows a distinction whether the multiple rotary control element 2 is operated by the driver or the passenger. Such a sensor can be realized, for example, by means of the proximity sensor 25, for which purpose it detects from which direction the hand of the respective user approaches. The controller 20 then selects different functions specific to each user depending on whether the driver or the passenger operates the multi-turn control 2.

Claims

claims

1. operating device for operating a plurality of functions in a vehicle, with a multi-Drehbedien- element (2) having a plurality of coaxially with each other about a common axis of rotation (6) drehbetatigbar arranged rotary actuator (4, 5), the different functions of Vehicle are assigned, characterized in that each turntable (4, 5) has a radially inner drehbetatigbaren rotary body (7, 8) and a radially outer rotationally fixed, annular Displaykorper (9, 10) for visual representation of the respective rotary body (7, 8) associated operating information (17), wherein the annular display body (9, 10) coaxially surrounds the associated rotary body (7, 8).

2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the turntable (4, 5) in the axial direction between an extended position of use, in which its rotary body (7, 8) in the axial direction on the associated Displaykorper (9, 10) protrudes , And a retracted non-use position in which its rotating body (7, 8) in the associated Displaykorper (9, 10) is recessed, is adjustable.

3. Operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the Displaykorper (9) of a first rotary actuator (4) coaxially within a second rotary actuator (5) is arranged with adjustable in the axial direction rotary body (8), together with the rotary body (8 ) of the second turntable (5) is adjustable in the axial direction.

4. Operating device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that an actuator (18, 19) for extending and retracting the at least one adjustable in the axial direction rotary body (7, 8) is provided.

5. Operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that in the case of a plurality of axially adjustable rotary body (7, 8) for each turntable (4, 5), a separate actuator (18, 19) is provided.

6. Operating device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that an operating element (24, 25) is provided, in the ^¬ sen operation of at least one adjustable in the axial direction rotary body (7, 8) off and / or retracted.

7. Operating device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a control device (20) is provided, which in response to a function, which is operated by means of at least one adjustable in the axial direction rotary body (7, 8), the output and / or retracting the rotary body (7, 8) causes.

8. Operating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the operating element is formed by a proximity sensor (25) which senses a hand approaching by a user, wherein upon penetration of the hand in a predetermined triggering region (26) of the proximity sensor (25) at least one rotary body (7, 8) which can be adjusted in the axial direction is extended and, in particular, retracted once it leaves the predetermined triggering area (26).

9. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the radially inner rotary body (7) is annular and encloses a non-rotatable central body (11) having a display (12, 13, 14) and / or a control element ( 24, 25).

10. Operating device according to claim 9, characterized in that the central body (11) is adjustable together with the radially inner rotary body (7) in the axial direction.

11. Operating device according to claim 6 in combination with claim 9, characterized in that by means of the in the central body (11) arranged operating element (24, 25) the training and / or retraction of at least one axially adjustable rotary body (7, 8) veranlassbar is.

12. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the display body (9, 10) can be activated and deactivated with regard to the representation of the operating information.

13. Operating device according to claim 2 in combination with claim 12, characterized in that the display body (9, 10) automatically when the turntable (4, 5) is activated and / or automatically with retracted turntable (4, 5) is deactivated.

14. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one of the display body (9, 10) for displaying static operating information (17) and / or for display depending on the means of the respective rotary body (7, 8) currently operable function dynamically changing operating information (17) is formed.

15. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the turntable (4, 5) is designed such that the respective rotary body (7, 8) are associated with predetermined rotational positions haptic and / or tactile upon actuation are felt by the user.

16. Operating device according to claim 15, characterized in that the predetermined rotational positions as a function of the respective rotary actuator (4, 5) currently assigned function are modified.

17. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a sensor (25) is provided for distinguishing between the driver and passenger, wherein depending on the operation by the driver or by the passenger different functions are released for operation.