DE10062687A1 - Steller in particular of a motor vehicle with a position-changeable brand - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the invention, the actuator (1, 6, 20, 21, 22) is designed to change a current setting of at least two assigned functions and has at least one position-changeable mark (3, 7, 10), the position of the mark (3, 7, 10) depends on the current setting of the respective functions.

Description

The invention relates to an actuator, in particular for a motor vehicle Change a current setting of an assigned function with at least one position-changeable mark, the position of the mark depends on the current setting of the function.

From DE 41 15 980 A1, a potentiometer knob is known, which is used for an show a current setting has a display device. To the show the current setting, this potentiometer knob is a fixed one Scale and an aperture that can be adjusted with the potentiometer knob net, depending on the setting the corresponding numerical value the scale appears.

With such a potentiometer knob, however, only one is used adjustable function adjustable and the corresponding current setting displayable.

The object of the invention is the further advantageous embodiment of a stel assigned to change a current setting of a function Neter display device.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the patent Proverb 1 solved.

The advantage of the invention is that the actuator for changing a current one position is suitable to change at least two assigned functions and the current setting of these functions by at least one position-changeable mark assigned to the actuator for display gen. The number of control elements and display devices are thus reduces what the overview for the operator easier. This actuator is with great advantage can therefore be used in a motor vehicle where space is available  for actuators especially in the area of the dashboard or the center console is low.

Preferably, the markers are assigned several brands, the of which the corresponding brand can be controlled according to the respective setting. So it can a particularly cheap and clear display of the current setting lungs can be effected. In particular, is associated with the actuator Scale a simple recognition of the respective setting of the function in Be pull to scale possible.

Alternatively, there are also several brands to identify the current one Controllable setting. It is therefore possible to dispense with an assigned scale be tested.

If the positioner and the brand (s) form a unit, then the space requirement is this is particularly low, which is particularly the case when used in Motor vehicle proves advantageous.

An easy operation and a space-saving arrangement results when the steeper is designed as a turntable and the brands are adjacent to each other beard and around at least a portion of the central axis of the turntable lers are arranged.

To keep the design effort and power consumption as low as possible it has proven to be advantageous if the brand (s) are taxable erable light elements, in particular as LEDs, or LCD display are formed.

Accordingly, in the subject matter of the present invention, the functions Setting or position, the positioner and the position of the brand with advantage decoupled.

Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing conditions in connection with the subclaims.

It shows:

Fig. 1 shows a first,

Fig. 2 shows a second and

3 shows a third embodiment dung. An actuator after OF INVENTION,

Fig. 4-7 the actuator according to FIG. 2 for explanation and

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a circuit arrangement for controlling the actuator of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 9 to 11,

Figure 9 is a fourth.,

Fig. 10 a fifth and

Fig. 11 shows a sixth variant of an actuator according to the invention and

Fig. 12 is a detail view of the actuator according to Fig. 11.

From Fig. 1, a first embodiment is an actuator according to the invention for changing a current setting of at least two higher-level functions to produce, which is designed as Taststeller 1. This push button 1 is assigned a display device 2 which has at least one position-changeable mark 3 . The position of the mark 3 on the display device 2 depends on the respective current setting of the function. Starting from a first current setting of the function shown in FIG. 1, the mark 3 appears in a corresponding position on the display device 2 . By pressing the buttons 4 , 5 , the setting of the function can be changed accordingly, a corresponding change in position of the mark 3 on the display device 2 also being effected at the same time. If another function is to be accessed, this can be effected, for example, by simultaneously pressing the buttons 4 , 5 , a control of a mark 3 on the display device 2 then corresponding to the current setting of this function. By pressing the buttons 4 , 5 , the setting of this function can also be changed and a corresponding position change of the mark 3 can be effected. In the context of the invention, however, the actuator can also be designed as a roller actuator, in particular as a roller-pressure actuator.

As a function to be changed, in particular in a motor vehicle, Example of a radio's volume setting, the height setting, the Bass setting, balance setting, etc. to mention. As part of the According to the invention, however, it is also possible to use functions of the air conditioning system for example to control temperature, fan and air distribution. Can also  Change the functions of the navigation system, the telephone, etc. accordingly changed and their current setting are displayed.

Another embodiment from FIG. 2 of an actuator according to the invention for changing a current setting at least two associated functions forth, wherein the actuator as a turntable 6 is executed. A display device 2 according to FIG. 1 can be assigned to this rotary actuator 6 . However, in order to ensure a particularly compact structure, it is advantageous to assign this rotary actuator 6 display means 7 as brands which can be controlled as a function of the current setting of a function. From Fig. 2 it is apparent that in order to display the current setting only one display means 7 is driven, and a plurality of display means 7 are controlled in the embodiment according to FIG. 3. The current setting can thus be displayed in a simple and clear manner. This current setting can be changed by rotating the rotary control 6 about a central axis 8 , where in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 the display means 7 remains activated and the new current position in relation to an assigned scale 9 can be seen. If the turntable 6 is adjusted according to FIG. 3 about the central axis 8 , then, for example, in the case of an adjustment in the clockwise direction, control of further display means 7 or, in the case of an adjustment in the counterclockwise direction, a corresponding successive shutdown of the display means 7 .

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the actuator according to FIG. 3, the display elements 7 can be controlled independently of the position of the actuator 6 such that, regardless of the adjustment about the central axis 8, a first display element 7.1, for example, always on the Position "appears. It goes without saying that this display means 7.1 can also appear in the "eight or nine o'clock position". For the viewer, this results in a fixed representation of a display, so to speak, regardless of the position of the actuator.

For a more detailed explanation, reference is now made to FIGS. 4-7, the functional principle being explained using the example of the rotary actuator 6 according to FIG. 2. Based on FIG. 4, in a first function, the control of at least one display means 7 , for example the display means 7 assigned to the number 4 of the scale 9 , corresponds to the current setting. If the function corresponds, for example, to the volume of a radio, the display means 7 can be assigned to the scale value 7 by turning the rotary control 6 clockwise, and the volume can thus be increased. By turning the rotary control 6 counterclockwise, this display means 7 could be assigned to the scale value 2 , for example, whereby the volume would be reduced.

A separate switch (not shown) can be provided for switching over to another function assigned to the rotary actuator 6 . However, this circuit can also be particularly advantageously brought about by exerting pressure or tension on the rotary actuator 6 and actuating a switching element which switches to the other function. A display means 7 is then activated in accordance with the current setting of this further function. For example, the display element 7 ( FIG. 6) assigned to the scale value 5 is activated. By turning the rotary control 6 , the current setting of the further function can be changed accordingly and brought to display via this display element 7 . By further pulling or pushing the rotary control 6 can return to the first function or other assigned functions can be controlled and one of these functions corresponding current setting displayed and changed by turning the rotary control 6 about the central axis 8 .

From Fig. 8, a prinzipeller circuit structure is an actuator produced according to the invention, wherein the turntable 6 luminous elements example as light emitting diodes 10 or an LCD display, are associated directly, which are of an electronic control device 11, 11 a excitable. The electronic control device 11 , 11a is also assigned, for example, a memory 12 in which an electronic value corresponding to the current setting of a function is stored. If the function is called, one or more light-emitting diodes 10 are activated according to the value via the electronic control device 11 , 11 a. To set or change the current setting of a function, the rotary actuator 6 has, for example, a coded disk 13 , for example a perforated disk, which, in conjunction with a scanning device 14 , for example a light barrier, generates pulses which are fed to a counter 15 . When the rotary control 6 is turned clockwise, for example, a corresponding upward counting and when rotating counterclockwise a corresponding downward counting can be effected and a corresponding signal for changing the current setting of the function can be generated at an output 16 and in the memory 12 . For this purpose, the output 16 is assigned to a function controller 17 , via which the setting can be changed. To switch the functions, a switch 17 can be assigned to the rotary actuator 6, the signal of which controls a selective switch 18 assigned to the memory 12 . This signal can thus be used to call up the value corresponding to the current setting of the function in the memory 16 and to display it by driving the corresponding light emitting diode 10 or light emitting diodes 10 . The signal transmission from the electronic control device 11 , 11 a to the lighting elements can take place via an electrical line connection or preferably via inductive coupling or via sliding contacts 19 , since the rotary adjustment of the actuator is thus not limited.

From Fig. 9, a further variant is an actuator according to the invention produced, wherein the variable-position mark 3 are formed by a display means or a plurality of display means 7 in contrast to the previously described pivot plates 6, which is similar to a scale in the region of the peripheral edge of a further turntable 20 are arranged. Here, too, at least one mark 3 is activated as a function of the current setting of a respective function.

Another variant of an actuator according to the invention, which can be used, for example, for light control, is shown in FIG. 10. A plurality of position-changeable marks 3 are also provided in this light actuator 21 . If a mark 3 appears in a manual function / operating mode, for example in the "12 o'clock position", which is then assigned, for example, to the symbol of the low beam, this means that the low beam is switched on. An adjustment of the light adjuster 21 counterclockwise would result in this mark 3 being able to be assigned to a parking light symbol or the light-off position, which would result in the parking light being switched on or the light being switched off. With a clockwise adjustment, this mark 3 could be assigned to a "coming home position" in which the low beam remains on for a while before it is automatically switched off, or to the fog lamp symbol for switching on the fog light etc. By pushing or pulling this light actuator 21, it is possible, for example, to switch to an automatic function in which the light control takes place automatically as a function of the light conditions. If, for example, the low-beam headlights were switched on in the automatic function, then control of the marker 3, which is assigned to the low-beam headlight symbol, was also carried out. In this automatic function, the fog lamp function, the coming home position, the parking light position and the off position can of course also be identified by a corresponding label 3 . The driver of the vehicle thus has visual feedback via the light control. According to a variant, for example, instead of the marks 3 but the symbols correspondingly appear in the automatic function, it is possible for the driver to distinguish whether he has currently selected the automatic function or the manual function. A reversal is within the scope of another variant. Likewise, a different color coding can indicate the manual function or the automatic function.

A next variant of an actuator according to the invention is explained below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 using the example of a gear actuator 22 . The transmission can be, for example, an automatic transmission, an automated manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. From Fig. 11 shows that the transmission controller has a transmission actuator 22, which is designed for example as a joystick. According to this variant, the joystick is adjustable in the direction of the vehicle front or in the direction of the vehicle rear. An adjustment to the left or right would also be possible in order to effect further controls of the transmission, for example a change in gear ratio or the connection or disconnection of the all-wheel drive. In the upper area of the joystick there is a knob 23 on the upper side of which 24 markings 3 and / or symbols 25 are arranged, which can indicate gear functions. In a manual function of the transmission control, for example, the mark 3 located in the “11 o'clock position”, which is assigned to the “S symbol”, could be activated. In this sport function, the transmission is controlled according to a sport program. By turning the knob 23 clockwise, this mark 3 could be assigned to the "D symbol" and the transmission switched according to a normal program. A further rotation of the knob 23 could assign the mark 3 to the gear stages, the N symbol, the Eco symbol, the R symbol or the P symbol and the generally known transmission controls could be effected. In this variant, it is not necessary to adjust the joystick in the setting. However, it could also be sensible to leave the control of the transmission to the vehicle driver in such a way that he can use the joystick to shift the transmission in the setting in the manner of controlling a sequential transmission. Depending on the transmission control thus selected, a corresponding activation for the appearance of the symbol or the corresponding mark 3 then takes place. However, the switching could also be effected by pulling or pushing the knob 23 . If the transmission is operated in automatic mode, a corresponding activation of the symbol or a mark 3 assigned to the symbol can also be effected to identify the selected transmission function or the selected program. Depending on the selected function, either only the marks 3 and / or the symbols can appear or their different colors can signal to the driver which operating mode he has selected.

If an automatic function is assigned to the previously described actuators, in which a control device automatically controls the assigned function, then the control 3 or control 3 or symbols is also controlled automatically depending on the function selected by the control. For example, a corresponding function could also be activated via a switch arranged on the vehicle steering wheel and the corresponding mark 3 or mark 3 or the symbol could be brought to light.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Taststeller

2

display

3

brand

4

.

5

Keys

6

turntable

7

display means

8th

central axis

9

scale

10

LEDs

11

electronic control device

12

Storage

13

coded disc

14

scanning

15

counter

16

output

17

switch

18

selective switch

19

sliding contacts

20

more turntables

21

light plate

22

transmission actuator

23

knob

24

top

25

symbols

Claims (12)

1. actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) in particular of a motor vehicle for changing a current setting of at least two assigned functions,
with at least one position-changeable mark ( 3 , 7 , 10 , 25 ) assigned to the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ),
the position of the mark ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) depends on the current setting of the respective function. 2. Actuator according to claim 1,
wherein the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) is assigned several marks ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) and
the mark ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) corresponding to the current setting being controllable. 3. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of marks ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) can be controlled to identify the current setting. 4. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mark ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) on a display device ( 2 ) can be displayed. 5. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) and the brand / brands ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) form a unit. 6. Actuator according to claim 5, wherein the actuator is designed as a rotary actuator ( 6 ) and wherein the marks ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) are adjacent to one another and are arranged around at least a portion of the central axis ( 8 ) of the rotary actuator ( 6 ). 7. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the brand / brands ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) are designed as controllable lighting and / or LCD elements ( 10 ). 8. actuator according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) is assigned a scale and wherein the position-changeable mark ( 3 , 7 , 10 ) the current position of the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) in relation to the scale ( 9 ). 9. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mark / marks ( 3 ) in the region of the peripheral edge of the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) are arranged. 10. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) function symbols are assigned. 11. Actuator according to claim 10, wherein the function symbols as a brand / brands ( 3 ) can be controlled. 12. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the actuator ( 1 , 6 , 20 , 21 , 22 ) is designed as a gear actuator ( 22 ) and / or as a light actuator ( 21 ).