WO2009024231A1

WO2009024231A1 - Rotary switch with haptic marking

Info

Publication number: WO2009024231A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/006013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Volker Entenmann; Marcus Kauer; Klaus Oehler; Kathrin Reinecke
Original assignee: Daimler Ag
Priority date: 2007-08-20
Filing date: 2008-07-23
Publication date: 2009-02-26
Also published as: DE102007039318A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary switch (1) for operating at least one electrical device, particularly in a motor vehicle, having a rotary actuator (2) that may be moved in a rotary fashion between at least three switch positions (4), wherein the rotary actuator (2) must be rotated out of the current switch position (4) against a torque (M) in order to switch between adjacent switch positions (4) until a switching torque (M1) has been overcome, from which the rotary actuator (2) independently rotates into the next switch position (4), wherein one of the switch positions (4) has a haptic marking, wherein the switching torque (M2) that must be overcome in order to attain said switch position (4) is greater than the switching torque (M-1) that must be overcome in order to attain one of the other switch positions (4). In addition, in order to improve the rotary switch (1) and realize the haptic marking, a gradient (G2) determining the amount of increase in the torque (M) with the rotational angle (α) until the increased switching torque (M2) is attained is selected to be greater than in the case of the other switch positions (4).

Description

Rotary switch with haptic marking

The invention relates to a rotary switch for operating at least one electrical device in a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Rotary switches can be used in a variety of applications, such as in vehicles, home appliances, home entertainment, to turn on and off various functions, such as light functions in a vehicle, and to set parameter values, such as volume or temperature become. Frequently, the individual functions or settings are assigned discrete switch positions, the so-called latching points of the switch. In order to move the rotary switch between adjacent switching positions, ie from one detent point to the next, the user has to apply a certain force or a certain torque. As a result, the user experiences a kinaesthetic perception through receptors in the joints, muscles and tendons, which leads to a perceived feel of the rotary switch. Technically, this haptic of the rotary switch can be described by a torque-angle diagram. For the haptic perception crucial parameters are the angular distance between adjacent detent points, a switching torque at which the switching between adjacent detent points is possible, and a torque gradient representing the torque increase as a function of the angle of rotation when turning the rotary switch.

Are the locking points of a rotary switch or the associated functions or settings equal, then the haptic of all locking points is expediently the same. However, cases are conceivable in which individual latching points of a rotary switch are assigned functions or settings that differ in terms of their importance. different from the other functions or settings of the rotary switch. This may be, for example, a particularly important, a security-related or a rarely used function or attitude. In order to ensure increased operating safety, those detent points, which are assigned special functions or settings, should be separated from the remaining detent points by a so-called haptic marking. This means that when the user moves from a normal to a special resting point, the haptic perception that differs from the haptic perception created when two normal rest points pass.

From DE 42 05 875 A1 a rotary switch with such a haptic mark is known. This comprises a manually rotatably actuated turntable which is rotatably adjustable about at least three different rotational angle positions designed as snap-in switching positions about a rotation axis. In this case, the turntable must be rotated to switch between adjacent switching positions from the respective switching position against an amount increasing with the rotational angle torque until a predetermined switching torque is overcome. From this switching torque, the turntable then automatically turns to the next switching position. At least one of the switch positions has a haptic marking, such that at least in one direction of rotation to be overcome to achieve this particular switching position switching torque is greater than the switching torque to overcome to achieve the other or the normal switching positions. At the same time, in the known rotary switch, the rotational angle distance in the direction of rotation, in which the haptic marking is effective, is greater between the normal switching position and the particular switching position than between two normal switching positions. When shifting the user recognizes that a special switching position is achieved by the overall larger switching torque and by the overall increased rotation angle. he notices the haptic mark. However, he notices this comparatively late, namely when he has already operated the turntable with an unexpectedly high torque and an unexpectedly large angle of rotation. This may result in the known rotary switch may cause incorrect operation. In the known rotary switch, the gradient is the same for all switch positions.

The present invention is concerned with the problem of providing an improved embodiment for a rotary switch of the type mentioned in the introduction, which special characterized in that this allows increased ease of use for the rotary switch and increased operating safety.

This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the general idea of also changing the torque gradient for realizing the haptic marking. For this purpose, the invention proposes to make the gradient, which is effective for the transfer of the turntable from a normal shift position to the particular shift position, greater than the gradient that acts when transferring the turntable between two normal shift positions. In this way, the user immediately feels when leaving the normal switching position in the direction of the special switching position that there is an increased rotational resistance. This means that the haptic marking is felt much earlier. Accordingly, the operating safety of the rotary switch according to the invention can be increased. The risk of incorrect operation can be reduced.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the increased gradient associated with the haptic mark is selected to allow for the rotational actuation of the turntable a predetermined angle of rotation greater than 0 ° before the increased shift torque is achieved. This means that the gradient is chosen so that the turntable must be moved and can be moved to overcome the increased switching torque to reach the particular switching position. As a result, the user is intuitively signaled that another switching position follows, so that he can continue to rotate despite increased torque when he wants to set the special switching position. In principle, however, an embodiment is conceivable in which the gradient is virtually infinite, ie in order to convert the turntable from the normal switching position in the adjacent special switching position, the increased switching torque must be overcome immediately to cause any rotation of the turntable to can. In this infinite gradient, the haptic marking acts as an end stop. Although such a haptic marking is clearly recognizable to the user, it can also lead to confusion, since it can be interpreted as an end stop. In another advantageous embodiment can now be provided, in addition to the rotational angular distance in the at least one rotational direction in which the haptic marking is effective, between the normal switching position, from which the turntable in the haptic marked special switching position is adjustable in rotation, and this particular switching position greater is as between two other or normal switch positions. It has been found that a kinesthetically optimized haptic marking can be realized by the increased gradient in conjunction with the increased switching torque and in combination with the increased rotational angle distance, which is characterized by a special balance between operating safety and ease of use. Due to the increased gradient, the user immediately recognizes that he or she controls a special switching position. The increased switching torque gives him in conjunction with the increased angular distance sufficient thinking time to evaluate the haptic marking and decide accordingly whether the turntable is actually to be transferred to the particular switching position or not. In addition, optionally, a finite gradient additionally reduces the risk of confusion with an end stop.

Other important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated figure description with reference to the drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below are applicable not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

Show, in each case schematically,

Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of an inventive

Rotary switches,

2 shows a simplified side view of the rotary switch according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a rotation angle-torque diagram of a first embodiment of the

Fig. 4 is a rotation angle-torque diagram of a second embodiment of the rotary switch.

According to Fig. 1, a rotary switch 1 comprises a manually rotatable rotary actuator 2. The rotary actuator 2 is switchable about an axis of rotation 3 between at least three switching positions 4. The switching positions 4 are realized in Fig. 1 by black dots and are assigned to different rotational angle positions of the turntable 2. Furthermore, the switching positions 4 are designed as latching points. Such a locking point is comparable to a stable neutral position of a spring, out of the turntable must be rotated against resistance and in the turntable 2 can automatically fall back with small deflections.

In the example shown, the rotary switch 1 is used in a vehicle for controlling different lighting functions. The rotary switch 1 is accordingly designed as a vehicle light rotary switch. The individual switching positions 4 are assigned to different light functions of the vehicle. For example, the following switching positions 4 are indicated here: The switching position PL corresponds to the function "parking light left", the switching position PR corresponds to the light function "parking light right", the switching position O corresponds to the light function "All lights off or off ', the switch position A corresponds to the light function "Automatic" (the automatic function works in conjunction with a light sensor), the shift position SL corresponds to the "Standlicht" light function and the shift position AL corresponds to the "Abblendlicht" light function A, A and A, SL, and SL and AL, on the other hand, respectively provide a first rotational angular distance 5 which is constant, in contrast to this a second rotational angular distance 6 is provided between the shift positions PR and O which is greater than the first rotational angular distance 5.

According to Fig. 2, the turntable 2 can be coupled via a shaft 7 with a torque generator 8. The torque generator 8 realizes a torque against which the turntable 2 has to be rotated in order to be able to switch the turntable 2 between two adjacent switching positions 4. At the same time, the torque mean generator 8 an associated gradient, ie the dependence of the torque on the angle of rotation. In principle, such a torque generator 8 can be realized purely mechanically, for example in the manner of a spring detent mechanism. However, the embodiment shown here is preferred, in which the torque generator 8 is formed by an electromotive actuator which communicates with a suitable controller 9. In the example, the torque generator 8 is also equipped with a position sensor 10, which is also coupled to the controller 9. As a result, the controller 9 knows the current rotational position of the turntable 2 and can accordingly generate via a suitable control of the torque generator 8, the torque dependent on the rotational angle or the gradient dependent on the rotational angle. In Fig. 2 is denoted by 11 interspersed by the shaft 7 wall in which in a conventional manner optical signal transmitter can be arranged, which indicate 4 corresponding information with the individual switching positions.

3 and 4 each show a rotation angle-torque diagram, which can be realized by means of the rotary switch 1. The ordinate contains the torque M, while the abscissa carries the rotation angle α. FIG. 4 shows a diagram which fits the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in which the rotational angle spacing 6 lying between the switching positions PR and O is greater than the rotational angular distance 5 prevailing between the other switching positions. 3 shows the diagram for a variant in which there is always the same (first) rotational angle spacing 5 between adjacent switching positions 4.

The diagrams of FIGS. 3 and 4 thus indicate the relationship between a rotational adjustment of the respective turntable 2 and the torque M acting thereon. This torque curve is designated by 12 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The individual switching positions 4 are characterized in the respective diagram by zero crossings of the curve 12, that is, by the intersections of the curve 12 with the zero line of the ordinate, so that in principle the torque M in the respective switching position 4 has the value 0. The increase of the torque M as a function of the angle of rotation α takes place here with a predetermined gradient Gi, which is represented in the course 12 by the respective gradient.

If now the turntable 2 is to be transferred from one of the switching positions 4 in an adjacent switching position 4, the turntable 2 from the respective switching position 4 are rotated against a torque M, the amount increases with the rotation angle α. For example, the turntable 2 should be transferred from the switching position A in the switching position O. As can be seen, the torque M increases linearly with increasing rotational angle α until it reaches a first switching torque M ₁ . This first shift torque M ₁ corresponds to a labile rotational position of the turntable 2. From this rotary position or when overcoming this first shift torque M ₁ of the turntable 2 rotates automatically into the next following switching position, in this case in the switch position O. This results in the function of the latching points for the switch positions 4.

Switching in the one direction of rotation, for example from right to left or counterclockwise, can be haptically identical between the switching positions AL, SL, A and O and between the switching positions PR and PL. Likewise, in the other direction of rotation, that is from left to right or clockwise, the switching between the switching positions PL and PR and between the switching positions O, A, SL and AL can be realized haptically equal. In addition, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the transfer of the switching position PR in the switching position O haptic be identical to those mentioned above. Accordingly, the switching positions mentioned in combination with the respective direction of rotation are normal, haptically not marked in a special way rotary movements or switching positions. This is achieved in that in each case the same rotational angular distances 5, same switching torques M ₁ and equal gradients G _{1 are} realized.

The torques M and the gradients G are positive or negative in the diagrams depending on the direction of rotation. In this case, the first switching torques Mi and the first gradients G ₁ are the same in magnitude for different directions of rotation.

When the rotary switch 1, at least in one direction of rotation, here from right to left or counterclockwise, at least one of the switching positions, here the switching position PR, provided with a haptic mark. This is characterized by a second switching torque M ₂ which is greater in magnitude than the first switching torque M ₁ . In addition, according to the invention, the haptic marking is characterized by a second gradient G ₂ , which is greater than the first gradient G ₁ . In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rotational angular distance between the shift positions O and PR is greater than between the other shift positions 4. The haptic marking is felt by the user in that he must spend a fast-growing and overall larger torque when operating the turntable 2 for switching between the switching positions O and PR, to effect a switching operation can. As a result, the user intuitively recognizes that there is a different switching operation than between the other, normal switching positions 4. This attracts the attention of the user, which increases the operating safety of the rotary switch 1 accordingly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the larger second gradient G ₂ is chosen to be so large that its value is virtually infinite. This means that for a rotational adjustment of the turntable 2 from the switching position O in the switching position PR immediately increased second switching torque M ₂ must be overcome in order to turn the turntable 2 at all. This results in a haptic sensation corresponding to an end stop. The end stops are symbolized in FIGS. 3 and 4 by rectangular bars 13. Such a haptic mark is recognized by the user in each case, but is not necessarily highly comfortable. In contrast, Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment in which the increased second gradient G _{2 is} finite, that is, has a finite value. As a result, the second gradient G ₂ allows a rotational adjustment of the turntable 2 from the switching position O out in the direction of the marked special switching position PR by a predetermined angle of rotation, which in any case is greater than 0 °. Only when the user has adjusted the turntable 2 by the aforementioned predetermined angle of rotation, he reaches the second switching torque M ₂ , whereby the turntable 2 then automatically reaches the particular switching position. This relationship is indicated in Fig. 4 by a further beam 14 which is supported by a symbolized spring 15. This is intended to indicate that although here an increased rotational resistance is realized, but gives way resiliently.

In the examples shown, only the switching position PR in the aforementioned direction of rotation, that is to say starting from the switching position O, is haptically marked by an increased switching torque M ₂ and by an increased gradient G ₂ . In the reverse direction of rotation, the same switching torque M ₁ and the same gradient G ₁ as in the other normal switching positions 4 are effective. Only in the variant of FIG. 4, another rotational angle distance 6 is effective, which is not noticed by the user, however, since the first switching torque M _{1 is achieved in} terms of amount at the same angle of rotation as in all other normal switching positions, from then the turntable 2 automatically jumps into the switching position O, so does not need to be actively rotated by the user.

The enlarged second angle of rotation distance 6 which is assigned to the haptically marked switching position PR can, according to preferred embodiments, be approximately 1.3 to approximately 2.0 times greater than the normal first rotational angle distance 5 which is assigned to the other, normal switching positions 4. In the example, the second rotational angular distance 4 is substantially twice as large as the first rotational angular distance 5. In the example of a vehicle light rotary switch shown, the normal or first rotational angular distance 5 between two normal switching positions 4 can be about 20 ° to about 30 °. Of course, this angular distance 5 also depends on the number of switching positions 4 to be switched.

The second shift torque M ₂ , which is assigned to the haptic-marked shift position PR, can be approximately 1.5 times to approximately 3.0 times greater than the first shift torque M _{1 associated with} the normal shift positions 4. In the examples shown, the second shift torque M _{2 is} more than twice as large as the first shift torque M ₁ . It is noteworthy at this point that the second switching torque M ₂ used in the variant shown in FIG. 4 is smaller than that in the variant shown in FIG. 3.

Furthermore, the second gradient G ₂ , which is assigned to the haptically marked shift position PR, can be approximately two to approximately six times greater than the first gradient G ₁ , which is assigned to the normal shift positions 4.

Claims

claims

1. Rotary switch for operating at least one electrical device, in particular in a motor vehicle,

with a rotationally actuatable turntable (2) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (3) between at least three different rotational angle positions assigned, designed as detent points switching positions (4),

- Wherein the turntable (2) for switching between adjacent switching positions (4) from the respective switching position (4) against a with the rotation angle (α) amount increasing torque (M) must be rotated until a predetermined switching torque (M ₁ ) is overcome from which the turntable (2) automatically turns into the next switching position (4),

- Wherein at least one of the switching positions (4) has a haptic marking, such that at least in one direction of rotation to reach this switching position (4) to be overcome switching torque (M ₂ ) is greater than the switching torque (Mi), to reach the other or one of the other switching positions (4) is to be overcome, characterized in that for the realization of the haptic marking also a the magnitude increase of the torque (M) with the rotation angle (α) determining gradient (G ₂ ) until reaching the increased switching torque ( M ₂ ) is greater than at the or the other switching positions (4).

2. Rotary switch according to claim 1, characterized

- That the haptic marking associated with the increased gradient (G ₂ ) is finite, and / or - That the haptic marking associated with increased gradient (G ₂ ) allows a predetermined angle of rotation greater than 0 ° until reaching the increased switching torque (M ₂ ).

3. Rotary switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotational angle spacing (6) in the at least one direction of rotation, in which the haptic marking is effective, between the switching position (4) from which the turntable (2) marked in the haptic Switch position (4) is adjustable in rotation, and the haptic marked switching position (4) is greater than between two other switching positions (4).

4. Rotary switch according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the haptic marked switching position (4) associated angular distance (6) is about 1, 3 to about 2 times greater than the rotational angle distance (5), the one or the other Switch positions (4) is assigned.

5. Rotary switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotational angle spacing (5) between two other switching positions (4) is about 20 ° to about 30 °.

6. Rotary switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the haptic marking associated switching torque (M ₂ ) is about 1, 5 to about 3 times greater than the switching torque (M ₁ ), the one or the other switching positions ( 4) is assigned.

7. Rotary switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the haptic marking associated gradient (G ₂ ) is about 2 to about 6 times greater than the gradient (G ₁ ), the one or the other switching positions (4) assigned.

8. Rotary switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that for the realization of the torque (M) and the gradient (G) with the turntable (2) coupled to the torque generator (8) is provided.

9. Rotary switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the torque generator (8) is an electromotive actuator.

10. Rotary switch according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotary switch (1) is designed as a vehicle light rotary switch whose switching positions (4) are assigned different light functions (PL, PR, O, A, SL, AL) of the vehicle.