DE102018202372A1 - Operating device with a knob and motor vehicle and method for operating the operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) with a knob (15), which is configured rotatably with respect to an adjacent surrounding surface (17), wherein the knob (15) has a touch sensor (18) which is adapted to at least one of a outer peripheral surface (16) of the knob (15) in a sliding movement (30) along sliding fingers (27) of a user (25) to detect a current touch position (20), and wherein a control device (S) is adapted to the touch position (20) and / or to adjust a parameter value (12) based on a time profile of the touch position (20). The invention provides that the knob (15) has an electrical feedback device (21) which is adapted to generate on the lateral surface (16) an electric field (23), which comprises a skin (28) of the at least one finger ( 27) electrostatically charges and thus to the lateral surface (16) pulls, resulting in the at least one finger (27) during the sliding movement (30) results in the effect of the electro-adhesion and / or the electrical vibration.

Description

The invention relates to an operating device with a cylindrical knob, which can be operated as a turntable, but in this case is arranged rotationally fixed with respect to an adjacent surrounding area. The invention also includes a method for operating the operating device. Finally, the invention also includes a motor vehicle with the operating device according to the invention.

An operating device of the type mentioned is from the DE 10 2007 017 205 A1 known. It is described that an operating unit of a vehicle component may have a cylindrical knob which is arranged rotationally fixed with respect to an adjacent surrounding area. If a user manipulates this knob like a turntable by grasping with his fingers around the surface of the knob and turning his hand, his fingers slide along the surface of the shell. Although the knob does not rotate with it, the user is given the tactile impression of detents of a rotary knob by a mechanical knocking from the inside periodically beating against the knob and thus generates clicks or clicks and noticeable on the skin of the finger impulses. A disadvantage of this operating device, however, is that mechanically moving parts are needed that can wear out and are prone to errors.

From the DE 10 2009 002 625 A1 It is known that a household appliance such as a washing machine may have a cylindrical knob having sensor electrodes by means of which capacitive sliding movement of a finger sliding along the knob can be detected.

From the DE 10 2014 115 284 A1 a domestic appliance is known in which a movement pattern of a finger can be detected on a cylindrical operating element in order to control an operating menu in dependence on the detected movement pattern.

The invention has for its object to further develop an operating device of the type mentioned in that they can be operated mechanically wear.

The object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

By the invention, an operating device is provided with a knob, which is configured rotatably with respect to an adjacent surrounding area. The operating device may be configured by the knob as a turntable, but the turntable is rotationally fixed with respect to the adjacent surrounding area. Instead, this knob of the turntable has a touch sensor system and / or proximity sensor, which is set up to detect a current contact position in at least one finger of a user sliding along an outer lateral surface of the knob with a sliding movement. In other words, therefore, a user with at least one finger on the lateral surface of the knob slide along and thus so even perform a rotary motion, as he would perform even with a turntable, but without the knob rotates with. A control device of the operating device is set up to set a parameter value to be set by means of the knob on the basis of the touch position and / or on the basis of a chronological progression of the touch position. In other words, based on the touch position and / or on the basis of a chronological course of the contact position, the knob is assigned a virtual rotary position that corresponds to a parameter value. For example, as a parameter value, a volume for a media playback and / or a temperature for an air conditioning device can be set. The course of the touch position is a time signal which describes the value of the touch position at different times. The touch position may be indicated, for example, as a position on the lateral surface or as a rotation angle. The adjustment based on a time profile of the touch position has the advantage that a relative adjustment of the parameter value results, ie that the parameter value is changed by the sliding movement independently of an initial absolute contact position of the at least one finger. The setting as a function of the touch position itself (as not of its time profile), however, can be used to change the parameter value absolutely, that is, depending on the respective touch position to set one of these permanently assigned parameter value.

In order to generate a haptic or tactile feedback signal for the at least one finger on the knob, it is provided according to the invention that the knob has an electrical feedback device which is set up to generate an electric field on the lateral surface which forms a skin of the at least one Fingers electrostatically charges and thus pulls to the lateral surface, resulting in the at least one finger due to the sliding movement or during the sliding movement of the effect of the electro-adhesion and / or the effect of the electric vibration. The tightening of the skin due to the electrostatic attraction, as caused by the electric field, increases the frictional force between the skin on the one hand and the outer surface of the knob on the other hand. This attraction is also known as electroadhesion. If the friction force is increased during a sliding movement, it feels like a vibration on the skin, which is why this effect is called electrical vibration. The effect is described in the scientific publication of E. Mallinckrodt, AL Hughes, W. Sleator, Jr., "Perception by the Skin of Electrically Induced Vibrations" (Science 04 Sep 1953: Vol. 118, Issue 3062, pages 277-278, DOI: 10.1126 / science.118.3062.277 ) , The adjustment of the electric field can be done by adjusting an electrical voltage through which the electric field is generated. The electric field is in this case preferably an alternating field, as it can be generated by means of an AC voltage or a time-varying DC voltage. The at least one finger is then attracted by a force alternating with the alternating frequency or switching frequency of the electrical voltage. This reinforces the said effect. An alternating frequency or switching frequency can be greater than 2 Hz. It should be less than 10 kHz to cause a noticeable vibration. But it can also be provided a DC voltage.

The invention provides the advantage that the feedback device is operated purely electrically and thus does not have to have any mechanical moving parts. Thus, the feedback device is mechanically free of wear.

The invention also includes embodiments that provide additional benefits.

According to one embodiment, the control device is set up to switch and / or modulate the electric field as a function of the contact position and / or the time profile of the contact position during the sliding movement of the finger. In other words, during the sliding movement, the electric field due to the sliding movement is changed by performing it in accordance with the touch position and / or the course of the touch position. As a result, a varying effect of the electrical vibration is imparted to the lateral surface during the sliding movement. This results in the advantage that a course or a progression of the setting of the parameter value is signaled by means of the feedback device.

One embodiment provides that the switching and / or modulating of the electric field is predetermined by a modulation pattern for virtual clicks of the knob. As a result, a rattling or vibration of the knob can be taught, as it would also arise if the knob rotatably mounted and shake the knob when turning latches. Thus, a virtual turntable feel of a turntable rotary actuator is emulated in an advantageous manner.

One embodiment provides that the control device is set up to modulate or adjust the electric field as a function of a speed of the sliding movement during the sliding movement of the finger. Depending on how fast the at least one finger slides along the lateral surface, this results in a different electric field and thus another tactile and / or haptic feedback on the lateral surface. The adjustment of the electric field as a function of the speed of the sliding movement can be used, for example, to make the effect of the electric vibration weaker or stronger the faster the sliding movement is.

One embodiment provides that different, predetermined modulation patterns for the modulation are predetermined by a respective operating mode of the operating device. In other words, in the operating device, the effect of the electric vibration can be predetermined as a function of a current operating mode. For example, operating modes may differ in which parameter value is set by the operating device. For example, there may be an operating mode for a temperature setting and a volume setting. Depending on which operating mode is activated, a different modulation pattern for the modulation can be specified. For example, for a temperature setting, the magnitude of the effect of the electro-vibration may differ from the intensity in a volume-adjustment mode. This has the advantage that the operating mode can be disengaged or signaled on the modulation pattern.

An embodiment provides that the feedback device for generating the electric field has an electrically conductive layer which is arranged along the lateral surface, in particular along the complete circumference of the knob, and the feedback device is adapted to generate an electrical voltage in order to generate the electric field to create the layer. In this case, the electrical voltage can be generated with respect to a predetermined reference potential, for example a ground potential. An electrically conductive layer which completely surrounds the circumference of the lateral surface thus requires only a single electrical layer in order to produce the effect of the electrical vibration on the entire lateral surface. The layer also gives the advantage that no moving parts have to be provided in the operating device. The adjustment of the electric field can be done by adjusting the electrical voltage, which is the strength of the Effects of electric vibration determined. The layer can be realized, for example, by means of a foil or a piece of pipe. A material of the layer may include copper or silver or aluminum or a metal alloy or carbon fibers.

An embodiment provides that the lateral surface is formed by an electrically insulating material. In other words, the surface of the lateral surface of the knob is electrically insulating. As a result, the effect of the electric vibration is intensified in an advantageous manner compared to an electrically conductive surface. The said electrically conductive layer may be below it than inside the knob. The lateral surface is the outer surface along which the at least one finger must slide in accordance with the regulations in order to set or adjust a parameter value by means of the knob. If the knob is a cylindrical body or a cylindrical shape, then the lateral surface of the lateral surface corresponds to the cylindrical shape, in contrast to the end face of the cylindrical shape.

An embodiment provides that the knob is designed as a bulge of a material, through which the surrounding surface is also formed. In other words, the knob is formed by molding the material of the surrounding surface as a raised structure protruding therefrom. This results in the advantage that the operating device can be designed gap-free, since the knob merges seamlessly into the surrounding area. Thus, no dirt can penetrate into the operating device. An embodiment provides that the knob is configured as a component that is different from the material of the surrounding area. As a result, a material of the knob can be selected independently of the material of the surrounding area in an advantageous manner. As a result, the material of the pommel may be selected, for example, such that it is resistant to acids which may be contained in the body fat of the skin of the at least one finger.

The invention also includes a motor vehicle having an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention. The use of the operating device in a motor vehicle has the advantage that the operating device can be designed to be vibration-proof due to the possibility of dispensing with mechanically moving parts and is thus robust or unaffected by vibrations during a drive of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck.

Finally, the invention also includes a method for operating a control device having a rotationally fixed knob, as already described. At least one finger of a user sliding along it is sensed on the outer lateral surface of the pommel by the touch sensor system and / or proximity sensor of the pommel and, during the sliding movement of the at least one finger, it detects a current contact position thereof. A control device of the operating device sets a parameter value to be set by the knob on the basis of the touch position and / or on the basis of a chronological progression of the touch position. In other words, the knob is assigned a virtual rotational position, which defines the current parameter value. An electric feedback device of the knob generates an electric field on the lateral surface which electrostatically charges a skin of the at least one finger and thus pulls it towards the lateral surface, whereby the effect of electro-adhesion and / or electro-vibration in the at least one finger during the sliding movement the manner described. The invention also includes further embodiments of the method according to the invention, which have features as they have already been described in connection with the embodiments of the operating device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding embodiments of the method according to the invention will not be described again here.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung;
• 2 einen Knauf der Bedienvorrichtung von 1 und Finger während einer Gleitbewegung entlang des Knaufs; und
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung der Bedienvorrichtung von 1 mit einer Veranschaulichung eines Modulationsmusters.

In the following an embodiment of the invention is described. This shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention;
• 2 a knob of the operating device of 1 and fingers during a sliding movement along the knob; and
• 3 a schematic representation of the operating device of 1 with an illustration of a modulation pattern.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention, which are to be considered independently of one another, which each further develop the invention independently of one another and thus also individually or in a different combination than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows an operating device 10 For example, in a motor vehicle 11 can be installed. The operating device 10 However, it can also be installed, for example, in a mobile terminal, for example a smartphone or a tablet PC. By means of a control device S of the operating device 10 can be a parameter value 12 of a parameter can be set by a user. By means of the control device S of the operating device 10 can also change the parameter value 12 different parameters are set alternately, in which case the currently set each parameter can be selected. For this purpose, the operating device 10 several different operating modes 13 have, wherein the operating mode 13 Defines from which parameter in each case the parameter value 12 currently being set.

The operating device 10 can, for example, with another component or another device 14 coupled to which the currently set parameter value 12 can be signaled. As a result, for example, in the device 14 by means of the operating device 10 the parameter value 12 a parameter volume and / or setpoint temperature and / or blower strength can be set. The operating device 10 can also work with several different devices 14 be coupled, in which case in each of the devices 14 one or more than one parameter value 12 can be adjusted.

For setting the parameter value 12 of the currently changeable or to be set parameter, the operating device 10 a knob 15 have, for example, a cylindrical basic shape with a lateral surface 16 can have. The knob 15 For example, it can be made of the same material as the surrounding area 17 or be made of a different material. The knob 15 can be made of glass or a plastic, for example. The lateral surface 16 is designed in particular electrically insulating. The surrounding area 17 may for example be part of a touch screen or a panel or a housing.

The knob 15 can look like a turntable. However, the knob is 15 provided that this with respect to an adjacent surrounding area 17 rotatably or fixed configured or arranged. The knob 15 so it can not be rotated. A turntable, however, would be rotatable with respect to the surrounding area 17 , Nevertheless, a user can use the knob 15 the knob 15 on the lateral surface 16 engage around and perform a rotary motion, thereby causing the user's finger 15 on the lateral surface 16 glide along.

The control device S can meanwhile from a sensor 18 the pommel 15 a sensor signal 19 receive, which at least one touch position 20 signals that a respective finger on the lateral surface 16 currently has. The sensors 18 For this purpose, it can be designed as a touch sensor and / or proximity sensor, which the touch position 20 For example, it can detect capacitively in a manner known per se.

Although the knob 15 can not move when turning the user's hand, the user can still tactile or haptic feedback on the outer surface 16 be provided during operation by the user. For this purpose, the operating device 10 a feedback device 21 having, by means of an electrically conductive layer 22 (Part of the feedback device 21 ) on the lateral surface 16 an electric field 23 can generate. Through the field 23 can be at one on the lateral surface 16 along sliding finger the effect of electro-adhesion or electro-vibration are generated. To generate the field 23 can through the feedback device 21 at the shift 22 an electrical voltage can be generated. The voltage can be less than 200 volts. The feedback device 21 can do this, for example, with an electrical system of the motor vehicle 11 or another power source. The feedback device 21 can for switching the voltage at least one switching element, such as a transistor having.

The control device S can by controlling the feedback device 21 by means of a control signal 24 the electric field 23 adjust or modulate or switch. This can in particular depending on a current touch position 20 and / or a speed of a sliding movement of at least one finger along the lateral surface 16 respectively. For this purpose, the control device S can have, for example, at least one microcontroller and / or at least one microprocessor. The control device S can be controlled, for example, by a program code which can be stored in a data memory of the control device S.

2 illustrates once again a top view of the knob 15 , A user 25 has in the in 2 illustrated situation with one hand 26 the knob 15 grabbed, so fingers 27 the lateral surface 16 touch. The field 23 the feedback device 21 This can cause a skin 28 the finger 27 penetrate and thereby statically charge the skin. For setting a parameter value 12 can the user 25 the hand 26 in a rotary motion 29 around the knob 15 turn so that the fingers 27 with the skin 28 on the lateral surface 16 a sliding movement 30 To run. The knob 15 remains unmoved. By the described electrostatic charging of the skin 28 due to the electric field 23 gets the skin 28 to the lateral surface 16 drawn, that is, it results in an electro-adhesion. As a result, the skin rubs on the lateral surface 16 , The electrical voltage at the layer 22 may be in particular an AC voltage. This results in rubbing a vibrating effect or just the effect of electrical vibration.

The alternating voltage can be applied at a predetermined alternating frequency and / or in dependence on the contact position 20 be set or switched or modulated. Also a modulation of the voltage as a function of the movement speed of the sliding movement 30 can be provided.

3 illustrates a resulting modulation pattern 31 as with the at least one finger 27 on the lateral surface 16 can be perceived. Illustrated are switching times for the electric field 23 that is, the electric field can be alternately turned on and off. At predetermined contact positions 32 can turn on the electric field 23 be provided. So if a finger 27 at one of the touch positions 32 is detected, the electric field 23 switched on. If, on the other hand, the finger is only in a predetermined contact position 32 recognized, so is the electric field 23 switched off or at least reduced in strength. This results during the sliding movement 30 a finger 27 along the lateral surface 16 an alternately strong effect of electroadhesion when the finger during the sliding movement 30 alternately a touch positions 32 and a touch positions 33 occupies. This conveys the user to the skin 28 of the finger 27 the impression of a virtual catch of the pommel 15 ,

Thus, the operating device uses 10 a possibility of haptic feedback by electro-vibration, in which the finger is attracted by the surface on the lateral surface. This increases the friction and slows down the fingers or fingers. The electrostatic principle works with a relative movement of the fingers to the lateral surface. This electrical vibration is applied to the cylindrical surface, that is, the lateral surface.

Electric vibration (change of friction as the fingers slide over the surface) creates a sense of mechanical feel. It is possible to switch on and off the electric vibration for the entire surface when motion is detected. This results in a homogeneous strength of the electrical vibration. But it can also, as in 3 shown a stripe pattern by alternately switching the electric field 23 mediated.

Despite a non-rotatable control element in the shape of the knob 15 Thus, a variable haptic can be generated. It can be done by adjusting the modulation pattern 31 the number of virtual locks depending on the operating mode 13 to be changed. The knob 15 can be gap-free with the surrounding area 17 be connected, whereby the ingress of dirt and moisture into the operating device 10 can be prevented. Fewer components are needed because no mechanical elements are needed to generate the feedback. The knob 15 can be shaped freely. He only has a lateral surface 16 along which the user can slide with at least one finger. It is not necessary to pivot the knob itself.

An electronic unit, that is, the control device S, then detects the touch on the knob 15 and preferably also the speed of the rotary motion 29 based on the sliding movement 30 , Depending on this, the intensity of the electric field and thus the electric vibration corresponding to a stored in the electronic unit modulation pattern 31 or a stored value.

Electro vibration is also referred to as electrostatic vibration, electrostatic haptics or "eHaptics" and changes the friction characteristics of the finger to the surface. In this case, the physical effect of the electrostatic force is utilized, which changes the sliding properties of the finger. The electric vibration works without any moving parts. Thus, no actuator, motor or electroacoustic transducer is necessary.

Overall, the examples show how a virtual turntable feel can be provided on a non-rotating knob by the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007017205 A1 [0002]
• DE 102009002625 A1 [0003]
• DE 102014115284 A1 [0004]

Cited non-patent literature

• E. Mallinckrodt, AL Hughes, W. Sleator, Jr., "Perception by the Skin of Electrically Induced Vibrations" (Science 04 Sep 1953: Vol. 118, Issue 3062, pages 277-278, DOI: 10.1126 / science.118.3062.277 ) [0008]

Claims (10)

Operating device (10) with a knob (15) which is designed to be rotationally fixed with respect to an adjacent surrounding surface (17), wherein the knob (15) comprises a touch sensor (18) and / or proximity sensor (18), which is adapted from at least a finger (27) of a user (25) sliding along an outer lateral surface (16) of the knob (15) in a sliding movement (30) to detect a current contact position (20), and wherein a control device (S) of the operating device (10 ) is adapted to set a parameter value (12) to be set by means of the knob (15) on the basis of the touch position (20) and / or on the basis of a chronological progression of the contact position (20), characterized in that the knob (15) has an electrical feedback device ( 21), which is adapted to generate on the lateral surface (16) an electric field (23) which electrostatically charges a skin (28) of the at least one finger (27) and thus z Ur shell surface (16) pulls, resulting in the at least one finger (27) during the sliding movement (30) results in the effect of the electro-adhesion and / or the electrical vibration. Operating device (10) according to Claim 1 wherein the control device (S) is adapted to switch during the sliding movement (30) of the finger (27), the electric field (23) in dependence on the touch position (20) and / or the time course of the touch position (20) / or to modulate. Operating device (10) after Claim 2 wherein the switching and / or modulating is predetermined by a virtual pattern modulation pattern (31) of the knob (15). Operating device (10) after Claim 2 or 3 in that the control device (S) is set up to modulate or adjust the electric field (23) as a function of a speed of the sliding movement (30) during the sliding movement (30) of the at least one finger (27). Operating device (10) after Claim 2 to 4 , wherein different, predetermined modulation patterns (31) for the modulation by a respective operating mode (13) of the operating device (10) are predetermined. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feedback device (21) has an electrically conductive layer (22) which is arranged along the lateral surface (16) and the feedback device (21) is adapted to generate the electric field ( 23) to generate an electrical voltage on the layer (22). Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral surface (16) is formed by an electrically insulating material. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the knob (15) as a bulge of a material, through which the surrounding area (17) is formed, or as a different from the material of the surrounding area (17) component is configured. Motor vehicle (11) with an operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating a control device (10) having a rotationally fixed knob (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th in that at least one finger (27) of a user (25) sliding along it is sensed by a touch sensor system (18) and / or proximity sensor (18) of the pommel (15) on an outer lateral surface (16) of the pommel (15) a sliding movement (30) of the at least one finger (27) a current touch position (20) is detected and by a control device (S) of the operating device (10) based on the touch position (20) and / or based on a time course of the contact position (20 a parameter value (12) to be set by means of the pommel (15) is set, characterized in that an electrical feedback device (21) of the pommel (15) on the lateral surface (16) generates an electric field (23) which comprises a skin (28 ) of the at least one finger (27) charges electrostatically and thus pulls to the lateral surface (16), whereby at least one finger (27) during the sliding movement (39) the effect of electro-adhesion and / or the electrical vibration results.

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