WO2019141578A1

WO2019141578A1 - Operator control device

Info

Publication number: WO2019141578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/050544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sophie Richter; Moritz Anton; Martin Schmid; Teo Babic
Original assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2018-01-17
Filing date: 2019-01-10
Publication date: 2019-07-25
Also published as: DE102018200735A1

Abstract

Operator control device (10), comprising: • at least one rolling body (20) which is arranged such that it can move on a sensor surface (30); • wherein the sensor surface (30) is designed to detect the position of the rolling body (20) on the sensor surface (30); • an elastic covering layer (40) which is arranged in a flat manner in such a way that it exerts a holding force on the rolling body (20) in order to maintain the position of the rolling body (20) at least on a subregion of the sensor surface (30).

Description

CONTROL DEVICE

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an operating device.

Background of the invention

In the prior art control devices are known which prescribe a certain range of motion firmly, such as sliders ("Slider"). In these, the operation is done for example via sliding body along a bar. For example, we measure the position of the slider visually, the position of the regulator in a magnetic field or resistances along different voltage paths.

However, various embodiments of prior art sliders require redesigns. In addition, the structure of known sliders is complex. Furthermore, the visual appearance is disturbed by sliders, for example in a vehicle interior.

The object of the invention is to provide a precise and non-complex operating device that can be used in a variety of ways. In addition, it should fit well, for example in an interior, preferably in a vehicle interior.

Summary of the invention

According to the invention this object is achieved by an operating device, comprising: at least one rolling body which is movably arranged on a sensor surface; wherein the sensor surface is adapted to detect the position of the rolling body on the sensor surface; an elastic cover layer, which is arranged flat in such a way that it exerts a holding force on the rolling body in order to hold the position of the rolling body at least on a partial area of the sensor surface.

Due to the precisely defined contact between the rolling body and the sensor surface an extremely precise operation is possible in the operating device according to the invention. The cover layer is stretched at least in the region of the sensor surface by the rolling body and thus exerts a holding force on the rolling body. As a result, the position of the rolling body can be held in a simple manner on at least one subregion of the sensor surface. By overcoming the holding force with an external displacement force which is greater than the holding force, the rolling body can be moved in a simple manner on the sensor surface. The changed position of the rolling body can then in a simple way as Control signal for controlling a device, preferably a device used in a vehicle. In addition, different embodiments of a slide control can be realized in a simple manner by varying the shape of the sensor surface. Thus, a variety of embodiments can be realized with almost the same structure as conventional methods. In addition, the operating device according to the invention is based on a low-complexity mechanism. Furthermore, the control device according to the invention can be very good design and seamless, integrate, for example, in the interior of a vehicle, since the cover layer covers the sensor surface and the rolling body. A user can thus not directly access the sensor surface. In addition, the cover layer may be opaque, so that the sensor surface and the hollow body are not visible to the user.

The sensor surface can be designed as a capacitive field. The rolling body is then formed of a conductive material, preferably metal. The sensor surface can also be designed as a pressure sensor, preferably as an isolated pressure sensor.

In one embodiment, the operating device further comprises at least one guide wall for limiting the movement of the rolling body. As a result, a control panel can be defined in a simple manner, which preferably corresponds to the sensor area. For example, the guide wall preferably encloses the sensor surface. The guide wall can have corners or any curves. As a result, various embodiments of the operating device according to the invention with basically the same structure of sensor surface, rolling body and cover layer can be realized.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic cover layer is formed, for example, as a textile layer, silicone layer and / or artificial leather layer. In addition, the elastic cover layer may also have an elastic structure whose haptic properties change as a result of stretching.

In a preferred embodiment, the operating device further comprises a frame device with a cover surface. Preferably, the frame means encloses the sensor surface. The frame means may also comprise the above-described guide wall. In this case, at least parts of the cover layer are arranged parallel to the cover surface.

In one embodiment, the sensor surface is arranged parallel to the top surface. As a result, the required displacement force for displacing the rolling body on the sensor surface is substantially uniform.

In another embodiment, the sensor surface is arranged inclined to the top surface. This allows the required displacement force to move the rolling body on the Sensor surface can be varied. In other words, the running resistance of the rolling body is reinforced. Thus, additional haptic feedback is provided to the user.

In one embodiment, the sensor surface on a detent pattern, which is adapted to make the movement of the rolling body via locking points. Thus, additional haptic feedback is provided to the user.

In one embodiment, the operating device further comprises a recess for receiving the rolling body, which is arranged adjacent to the sensor surface, wherein in the recess, a lifting device for raising or lowering of the rolling body is arranged. As a result, the rolling body can be sunk and the cover layer is then not stretched by the rolling body. Thus, only a flat cover layer is visible to the user in the area of the sensor surface. At the request of the user then the rolling body can be raised again, whereby the cover layer stretches in the region of the sensor surface.

In a further embodiment, the operating device further comprises a first rolling body and a second rolling body. Preferably, the diameter of the sensor surface to the cover layer of the second rolling body is greater than the diameter of the sensor surface to the cover layer of the first rolling body. Thus, two different devices, preferably devices of a vehicle depending on the position of the rolling body on the sensor surface can be controlled in a simple manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating device is configured to control a device of a vehicle. This can be controlled in a simple manner, a device of the vehicle depending on the position of the rolling body on the sensor surface. Such a device may relate, for example, the adjustment of the sitting position, an adjustment variable such as light, volume, air supply, heat supply by heating, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating device is configured to generate a control signal for controlling a device of the vehicle according to the position of the rolling body on the sensor surface. This can be controlled in a simple manner, a device of the vehicle depending on the position of the rolling body on the sensor surface. Such a device may relate, for example, the adjustment of the sitting position, an adjustment variable such as light, volume, air supply, heat supply by heating, etc.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the operating device is designed as a slide controller for plus and minus an adjustment variable (light, volume, air supply, heat supply by heating etc.), or as a trackpad. In a further preferred embodiment, a vehicle comprises an operating device according to the invention.

figure description

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the figures. Showing:

Figures 1 to 5 are schematic embodiments of an operating device in a side view,

Figures 6 to 8 are schematic embodiments of a cover layer in a perspective view and in a side view;

Figures 9 and 10 are schematic embodiments of a rolling body in a perspective view;

Figures 1 1 to 14 schematic embodiments of a sensor surface in a perspective view;

Figures 15 to 17 are schematic embodiments of an operating device in a plan view; and

Figures 18 and 19 a schematic embodiment of an operating device with and without cover layer in a plan view.

Detailed description

FIG. 1 shows an operating device 10 according to the invention. The operating device 10 comprises a sensor surface 30. On the sensor surface 30, a rolling body 20 is movably arranged. The sensor surface 30 is configured to detect the position of the rolling body 20 on the sensor surface 30. The sensor surface 30 may be formed as a capacitive field. The rolling body 20 is then formed of a conductive material, preferably metal. The sensor surface 30 can also be designed as a pressure sensor, preferably as an isolated pressure sensor.

An elastic covering layer 40 is arranged in a planar manner in such a way that it exerts a holding force on the rolling body 20 in order to hold the position of the rolling body 20 at least on a rapid region of the sensor surface 30. The rolling body 20 is arranged between the sensor surface 30 and the cover layer 40. The cover layer 40 thus covers the sensor surface 30 and the rolling body 20 in a planar manner. The cover layer 40 is preferably stretched or stretched in order to to exert a holding force on the rolling body 20. Thus, the position of the rolling body 20 can be held on the sensor surface 30.

The elastic cover layer may be formed, for example, as a textile layer, silicone layer and / or artificial leather layer. In Figures 6 and 7, the elongation of the cover layer 40 is illustrated by an underlying rolling body 20. In addition, the elastic cover layer 40 may also have an elastic structure 42, the haptic properties of which change by stretching. This is illustrated in FIG.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rolling body 20 may be formed, for example, as a spherical body or as a cylinder.

The rolling body 20 can be moved on the sensor surface 30 with an external displacement force greater than the holding force. For example, the operating device 10 is configured such that a user can move the rolling body 20 with a finger.

The changed position of the rolling body 20 on the sensor surface 30 can then be used as a control signal for controlling a device, preferably a device in a vehicle.

The operating device 10 in FIG. 1 also comprises at least one guide wall 50 for limiting the movement of the rolling body 20. A guide wall 50 in the sense of the invention may comprise a single wall surface which is formed, for example, of four contiguous partial walls (cf. FIGS. 11, 13, 13). 14 and 19). In addition, a guide wall 50 in the context of the invention may also be formed only by a single wall surface (not shown). In addition, guide walls 50a and 50b may be separated from one another in the sense of the invention (see FIG. 12). However, embodiments are also conceivable which have no guide wall 50 (not shown).

The guide wall 50 may be part of a frame device 60. The frame means 60 comprises a cover surface 62. Thus, the alignment of the cover layer 40 can be facilitated. The frame device 60 preferably encloses the sensor surface 30.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show similar embodiments to FIG. 1:

While in FIG. 1 the sensor surface 30 is arranged parallel to the cover surface 62, in FIG. 2 the sensor surface 30 is arranged inclined to the cover surface 62.

In FIG. 1, the required displacement force for displacing the rolling body 20 on the sensor surface 30 is substantially uniform. In Figure 2, the required displacement force for moving the rolling body is varied on the sensor surface. In other words, the Increased running resistance of the rolling body. Thus, the emergence of the rolling body 20 varies as well as the displacement force, since the elastic cover layer 40 is automatically stretched more in a further projecting rolling body 20. Thus, additional haptic feedback is provided to the user.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor surface 30 can also have a latching pattern with latching points 32. In such a locking point 32, the position of the rolling body 20 is better kept. Also, additional haptic feedback is provided to the user. In addition, a ratcheted control of a device, preferably a device of a vehicle is possible.

In FIG. 4, the operating device 10 comprises a recess 70 for receiving the rolling body, which is arranged adjacent to the sensor surface. In the recess, a lifting device for raising or lowering the rolling body is arranged (not shown). As a result, the rolling body can be sunk and the cover layer is then not stretched by the rolling body. Thus, only a flat cover layer is visible to the user in the area of the sensor surface. At the request of the user then the rolling body can be raised again, whereby the cover layer stretches in the region of the sensor surface.

In FIG. 5, the operating device 10 comprises a first rolling body 20a and a second rolling body 20b, wherein preferably the diameter from the sensor surface to the covering layer of the second rolling body 20b is greater than the diameter of the sensor surface to the covering layer of the first rolling body 20a. Thus, in a simple manner, for example, two different devices of a vehicle can be controlled depending on the position of the rolling body on the sensor surface.

Figures 1 1 to 14 show different embodiments of the sensor surface 30 in a perspective view. FIG. 11 shows a linear embodiment of the sensor surface 30. FIG. 12 shows a radial embodiment of the sensor surface 30. This has a first guide wall 50a and a second guide wall 50b. In Figure 13, an open space is used. This can be used as a trackpad. FIG. 14 shows a free form of the sensor surface 30.

Figures 15 and 16 show the linear embodiment of Figure 1 1 in a side view. FIG. 15 shows two linear operating devices 10. These can be arranged for example for adjusting a vehicle seat on this. FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of FIG. 13 in a plan view.

To illustrate, the linear embodiments of FIGS. 1, 15 and 16 are also shown in plan view in FIGS. 18 and 19. In FIG. 18, the view is for a User shown on the elastic cover layer 40, which is curved by the rolling body 20. For clarity, graphic elements such as plus, minus, arrows or other symbolism may be applied to the elastic cover layer 40. In Figure 19, the elastic cover layer 40 is omitted for illustration. It shows the sensor surface 30, the rolling body 20, the guide wall 50 and the top surface 62, which would otherwise not be visible to a user.

The operating device 10 according to the invention is particularly well suited for use in a vehicle. But there are also other uses conceivable, for example, as a switch on a wall. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 operating device

20 rolling bodies

30 sensor surface

32 resting point

40 elastic cover layer

42 stretch structure

50 guide wall

60 frame device

62 deck area

70 deepening

Claims

claims

1. operating device (10), comprising:

at least one rolling body (20) movably mounted on a sensor surface (30);

wherein the sensor surface (30) is adapted to detect the position of the rolling body (20) on the sensor surface (30);

an elastic cover layer (40) arranged in such a way that it exerts a holding force on the rolling body (20) in order to hold the position of the rolling body (20) at least on a partial area of the sensor surface (30).

Second operating device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one guide wall (50) for limiting the movement of the rolling body (20).

3. Operating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a frame means (60) having a top surface (62).

4. operating device (10) according to claim 3,

wherein the frame means (60) encloses the sensor surface (30).

5. Operating device (10) according to claim 3 or 4,

wherein the sensor surface (30) is arranged parallel to the cover surface (62).

6. operating device (10) according to claim 3 or 4,

wherein the sensor surface (30) is arranged inclined to the top surface (62).

7. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the sensor surface (30) has a latching pattern which is adapted to allow the movement of the rolling body (20) via latching points (32).

8. operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a recess (70) for receiving the rolling body (20) which is arranged adjacent to the sensor surface (30),

wherein in the recess (70) a lifting device for raising or lowering the rolling body (20) is arranged.

9. operating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first rolling body (20 a) and a second rolling body (20 b).

10. Operating device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of the sensor surface (30) to the elastic cover layer (40) of the second rolling body (20b) greater than the diameter of the sensor surface (30) to the elastic cover layer (40) of the first rolling body (20a).

11. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device is adapted to control a device of a vehicle.

12. A vehicle control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (10) is adapted to generate a control signal for controlling a device of the vehicle according to the position of the rolling body (20) on the sensor surface (30).

13. vehicle, comprising an operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.