阅读说明：本技术 用于机动车辆的多功能操作元件 (Multifunctional operating element for a motor vehicle ) 是由 B·斯密特 E·格罗伊利希 A·达尼 于 2019-08-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于机动车辆特别是用于方向盘单元的多功能操作元件,方向盘单元包括具有承载元件的壳体,承载元件上布置输入部件,输入部件具有触敏操作表面,触敏操作表面具有操作区,承载元件通过复位元件相对壳体被可移动地支承,输入部件,第一接触传感器设置用于在使用者和/或物体沿着输入部件的操作方向接触和/或接近时产生第一接触信号,至少第一接触传感器分别布置在壳体中和/或壳体上,和/或输入部件,第一力传感器设置用于根据在输入部件的操作方向上作用的力产生力信号,至少第一力传感器分别布置在壳体中和/或壳体上,多功能操作元件包括用于选择在机动车辆上的功能的机械旋转调节器,壳体内设置与旋转调节器连接的力传递杆。(The invention relates to a multifunctional operating element for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit, comprising a housing with a carrier element on which an input part is arranged, which has a touch-sensitive operating surface with an operating region, which carrier element is movably supported relative to the housing by means of a restoring element, an input part, a first contact sensor being provided for generating a first contact signal when a user and/or an object comes into contact and/or approaches in an operating direction of the input part, at least the first contact sensor being arranged in and/or on the housing, respectively, and/or the input part, a first force sensor being provided for generating a force signal as a function of a force acting in the operating direction of the input part, at least the first force sensor being arranged in and/or on the housing, respectively, the multifunctional operating element comprises a mechanical rotary actuator for selecting a function on the motor vehicle, a force transmission rod being arranged in the housing and connected to the rotary actuator.)

1. A multifunctional operating element (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit, comprising a housing (2) with a carrier element (3) on which an input member is arranged, which has a touch-sensitive operating surface (4) with at least one operating zone (11-15), in particular a touch pad or a touch display, is arranged, wherein the carrier element (3) is movably supported relative to the housing (2) by means of at least one restoring element,

wherein the input component, in particular the touch-sensitive operating surface (4), is provided with at least one first contact sensor which is provided for generating a first contact signal when a user (40) and/or an object is in contact with and/or approaches along an operating direction of the input component, wherein at least the first contact sensor is arranged in the housing (2) and/or on the housing (2) respectively,

and/or the input component, in particular the touch-sensitive operating surface (4), is provided with at least one first force sensor, which is provided for generating a force signal as a function of a force acting in an operating direction of the input component, wherein at least the first force sensor is arranged in the housing (2) and/or on the housing (2) respectively,

wherein the multifunctional operating element (1) comprises at least one mechanical rotary actuator (8) for selecting a function on the motor vehicle,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a force transmission rod (16) connected with the rotary regulator (8) is arranged in the shell (2),

wherein, for detecting a pressure operation of the rotary adjuster (8), the force transmission lever (16) activates a second force sensor (17) which generates a second force signal during the pressure operation of the rotary adjuster (8).

2. Multifunction operating element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one second contact sensor (20) is provided for the rotary actuator (8), which second contact sensor is provided for generating a second contact signal when a user (40) and/or an object is in contact and/or in proximity, wherein the second contact sensor (20) is arranged in the housing (2) and/or on the rotary actuator (8) and/or on the carrier element (3).

3. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical rotation regulator (8) is connected with a shaft (50) supported on the housing (2), wherein the shaft (50) is designed as a force transmission rod (16).

4. Multifunction operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the force transmission rod (16) of the rotary adjuster (8) is designed as a rocker arm (18) and is connected with the rotary adjuster (8).

5. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the force sensors of the input part and/or of the rotary actuator (8) is designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a photosensitive sensor, or as a capacitive sensor, in particular as a capacitive force sensor membrane, or as an inductive sensor or as a MEMS or as a strain gauge.

6. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the input means and/or the contact sensors of the rotary actuator (8) is designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a light-sensitive sensor, or as a capacitive sensor or as an inductive sensor.

7. Multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotary adjuster (8) is formed from plastic and the shaft (50) is formed from an electrically conductive material, wherein the shaft (50) forms an electrode (21, 23,24, 25, 26) of the capacitive sensor, in particular of a capacitive contact sensor.

8. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rotary actuator (8) is formed from plastic or from electrically conductive plastic and is provided with at least one electrode (21, 23,24, 25), preferably two electrodes (21, 23,24, 25, 26), of a capacitive sensor, in particular a capacitive contact sensor, which electrodes are arranged in the housing (2) and/or on the carrier element (3) and/or on a membrane, preferably on a capacitive membrane, and form a capacitive sensor, in particular a capacitive contact sensor, to the left and/or to the right alongside the rotary actuator (8) and/or below the rotary actuator (8).

9. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotary adjuster (8) is formed from an electrically conductive plastic or the rotary adjuster (8) is metallized and electrodes (21, 23,24, 25, 26) form the capacitive sensor, in particular the capacitive touch sensor.

10. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the touch-sensitive operating surface (4) is designed as a closed, in particular continuous and preferably flat surface, wherein the closed surface comprises a recess or opening (19) for arranging a rotary adjuster (8).

11. Multifunction operating element (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each input part (11-15) is provided with a force sensor and/or with a contact sensor, respectively.

12. Multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the input means and/or the rotary adjuster (8) are provided with a preferably electromagnetic actuator unit (9) which is arranged within the housing (2) and is provided for providing feedback to the input means and/or the rotary adjuster (8) depending on an actuator signal.

13. Multifunction operating element (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mechanical rotary adjuster (8) is designed as a knurling wheel (10) or as a rotary disk (7).

14. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least the first contact sensor and preferably the second contact sensor (20) of the input means are designed as a membrane, in particular as a capacitive force sensor membrane or as a capacitive membrane.

15. Multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the membrane is arranged on the housing (2) such that it completely surrounds the rotary adjuster (8).

16. Multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the second contact sensor (20) arranged on the film is arranged in the region of the rotary actuator (8) such that upon approaching and/or contacting the rotary actuator (8) the second contact sensor (20) generates a contact signal.

17. The multifunctional operating element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the rotary adjuster (8) is connected with the touch-sensitive operating surface (4) such that the rotary adjuster (8) moves together in synchronism with the touch-sensitive operating surface (4) during pressure operation.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a multifunctional operating element for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit, comprising a housing with a carrier element on which an input part is arranged, which has a touch-sensitive operating surface with at least one operating field, in particular a touch pad or a touch display, wherein the carrier element is mounted movably relative to the housing by means of at least one restoring element, wherein the input part, in particular the touch-sensitive operating surface, is provided with at least one first contact sensor which is provided for generating a first contact signal when a user and/or an object comes into contact and/or approaches in an operating direction of the input part, wherein at least the first contact sensor is arranged in and/or on the housing, respectively, and/or the input component, in particular the touch-sensitive operating surface, is provided with at least one first force sensor which is provided for generating a force signal as a function of a force acting in an operating direction of the input component, wherein at least the first force sensor is arranged in and/or on the housing, respectively, wherein the multifunctional operating element comprises at least one mechanical rotary actuator for selecting a function on the motor vehicle.

Background

From the prior art, a multifunctional operating element for a multifunctional steering wheel of a motor vehicle is known, which comprises a housing and a carrier element. The operating element arranged on the carrier element in the housing has at least one input component with a touch-sensitive surface, for example a touch pad or a touch screen. Furthermore, the operating element comprises a rotary actuator, which is surrounded by the touch-sensitive operating surface. During a pressure operation of the rotary adjuster, the rotary adjuster is moved into the housing relative to the touch-sensitive surface to activate a force sensor arranged in the housing, which force sensor, after its activation, generates a force signal, which then triggers a function in the motor vehicle, for example. In order to realize such a multifunctional operating element, an increased installation space must be provided on the multifunctional steering wheel in order to ensure the movement of the rotary actuator relative to the touch-sensitive operating surface.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional operating element which has a compact and simple structure and reliably detects the operation of the multifunctional operating element.

This object is achieved by patent claim 1, in particular by the characterizing part of claim 1. In this case, provision is made for a force transmission lever connected to the rotary adjuster to be provided in the housing, wherein, to detect a pressure actuation of the rotary adjuster, the force transmission lever activates a second force sensor which generates a second force signal during the pressure actuation of the rotary adjuster.

By this measure, a multifunctional operating element with a compact and simple design can be provided, which requires less space than in the prior art, for example on a steering wheel unit. Since the force transmission rod is connected to the rotary adjuster and can form a structural unit, a rotary adjuster can be provided which has a compact and simple design structure in itself. Since the force sensor associated with the rotary actuator is arranged inside the housing, preferably laterally next to the rotary actuator, in order to ensure a compact and simple design of the multifunctional operating element, a force transmission rod is used which is connected or coupled to the rotary actuator in such a way that the second force sensor is activated almost simultaneously during the pressure operation of the rotary actuator, for example by detecting a contact between the force transmission rods and/or an approach of the force transmission rods to at least the second force sensor, in order to generate the second force signal.

According to the invention, a touch-sensitive input member is provided. The term "touch sensitive input means" should be interpreted broadly. In this case, it is generally a component of the input device which defines an input surface facing the operator, on which the contact of the input element or the operator's finger is detected by the sensor device, preferably in a spatially resolved manner. Preferably, the touch-sensitive input means is a touch panel, that is to say a display-less input means with spatially resolved detection of a contact on an input surface belonging to the input means, or a touch screen, that is to say an input means with spatially resolved detection of a contact on an input surface belonging to the input means, wherein in the latter case the input surface is furthermore provided with an electronic display, in particular an electronic pixel matrix display.

For example, the input surface is configured with one or more sensors for detecting contact and/or pressure on the input surface. For example, a plurality of electrodes arranged in a matrix and associated evaluation units for the spatially resolved detection of a contact and/or one or more force sensors for detecting a pressure generated by operation, for example one or more capacitive force sensors, are concerned.

According to a preferred embodiment of the multifunctional operating element, it can be provided that at least one second contact sensor for the rotary actuator is provided, which is provided for generating a second contact signal when a user and/or an object comes into contact and/or approaches, wherein the second contact sensor is arranged in the housing and/or on the rotary actuator and/or on the carrier element. The second touch sensor can be used as a redundant sensor for the second force sensor if the second force sensor fails for technical reasons. However, it is also conceivable that the second contact sensor and the second force sensor are provided as an activation pair for triggering a motor vehicle function. Therefore, when the second force signal is generated by the second force sensor and the second contact signal is generated by the second contact sensor, the operation to the rotation adjuster can be definitely detected. Only when both signals are generated will the corresponding motor vehicle function be triggered.

In general, motor vehicle functions, such as the operation of a navigation system and/or a radio system and/or an air conditioning system and/or a cruise control, can be triggered by rotating the actuator.

The design of the multifunctional operating element can be further simplified if the mechanical rotary actuator is connected to a shaft supported on the housing, wherein the shaft is designed as a force transmission rod. The shaft may activate at least the second force sensor if a force, in particular a pressure, is applied to the rotary adjuster, the second force sensor then generating a second force signal. For this purpose, the shaft may be brought into proximity with the force sensor, or contact may also be made between the shaft and the second force sensor.

If the force transmission lever of the rotary actuator is designed as a rocker and is connected to the rotary actuator, a reliable activation of the multifunctional operating element and a simple design can be provided. In this case, the rocker arm may be connected with the rotation adjuster. If a force is applied to the rotary adjuster, a force transmission takes place on the rocker arm, which may be designed, for example, to be pivotable about a rocker shaft. The rocker arm approaches and/or contacts the second force sensor, thereby subsequently generating a second force signal. After this, the rocker arm, which may preferably be designed as a rocker, is moved back into its rest position again. In this case, the rocker arm can be connected to a spring element which moves the rocker arm back into its rest position again.

If at least one of the force sensors of the input part and/or of the rotary actuator is designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a light-sensitive sensor, or as a capacitive sensor, in particular as a capacitive force sensor membrane, or as an inductive sensor, or as a MEMS, or as a strain gauge, the force applied to the input part and/or rotary actuator can be reliably detected. These force sensors can be easily installed in the housing and take up only a small amount of installation space, so that a compact design of the multifunctional control can be ensured. This also applies to a contact sensor associated with the input part and/or the rotary actuator, if at least one of the contact sensors of the input part and/or the rotary actuator is designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a light-sensitive sensor or as a capacitive sensor or as an inductive sensor. In this case, the force sensor can be in the force flow of the operating force if it is designed as a capacitive force sensor, MEMS or strain gauge.

If the force sensor is outside the force flow of the operating force, it may be suitable to use optical or inductive force sensors, in particular distance sensors, since these sensors are affected to a small extent by tolerances when they are mounted in the housing.

In order to be able to provide as little installation space as possible, it can be provided that the rotary actuator is formed from plastic and the shaft is formed from an electrically conductive material, wherein the shaft forms an electrode of the capacitive sensor, in particular of a capacitive touch sensor. In this case, the capacitive touch sensor can be designed as a second touch sensor, which is assigned to the rotary actuator. Since the rotary adjuster itself is formed of plastic, the electric field of the capacitive sensor generated by the shaft formed of an electrically conductive material is not affected by the rotary adjuster, and thus contact and/or proximity of an object and/or a limb of a user can be reliably detected. Preferably, therefore, the second contact sensor is designed as a capacitive contact sensor.

If the rotary adjuster is formed from plastic or from electrically conductive plastic and is provided with at least one electrode, preferably two electrodes, of a capacitive sensor, in particular a capacitive contact sensor, which are arranged in the housing and/or on the carrier element and/or on a membrane, preferably on a capacitive membrane, and form a capacitive sensor, in particular a capacitive contact sensor, to the left and/or to the right alongside the rotary adjuster and/or below the rotary adjuster, contact and/or approach of an object and/or a limb of a user can likewise be reliably detected. Preferably, therefore, the second contact sensor is designed as a capacitive contact sensor.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the rotary actuator is formed from an electrically conductive plastic or that the rotary actuator is metallized and one electrode forms the capacitive sensor, in particular the capacitive touch sensor. Preferably, therefore, the second contact sensor is designed as a capacitive contact sensor, so that contact and/or approach of an object and/or a limb of the user can be reliably detected.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the multifunctional operating element, it can be provided that each input part is assigned in each case one force sensor and/or in each case one contact sensor. The operation of the rotary actuator and/or the input element can thus also be performed by means of a glove or a prosthesis.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the multifunctional operating element, it can be provided that the input part and/or the rotary actuator are provided with a preferably electromagnetic actuator unit, which is arranged inside the housing and which is provided for providing a feedback to the input part and/or the rotary actuator as a function of an actuator signal. Preferably, an actuator unit with active haptics is provided in the multifunctional operating element, wherein the actuator unit can stimulate the entire touch-sensitive operating surface to generate haptic feedback. In this case, the rotation adjuster may be supported in coupling with the operation surface so that stimulation can be applied to the rotation adjuster together.

Thus, according to the invention, the actuator unit may comprise an actuator to drive the input member and/or the rotary actuator in a moving manner to generate the haptic feedback. Preferably, the input member and/or the rotary adjuster are driven linearly. Preferably, the actuator is an electric or electromagnetic actuator. For example, the actuator unit has a coil whose electromagnetic field generated by the coil is designed and arranged to interact with the armature. According to the invention, the actuator has an axis of action describing an effective direction of action in order to cause a movement of the input member, for example a touch-sensitive display and/or a rotation actuator, to produce a tactile feedback in the direction of yaw.

The tactile feel of the multifunctional operating element can be further improved if the mechanical rotary actuator is designed as a knurling wheel or as a rotary disk. In this case, the knurling wheel and/or the rotating disk can be provided with a light barrier, in particular a light-sensitive sensor and/or a hall sensor, which is mounted in the housing of the multifunctional operating element to detect the position and/or rotation of the knurling wheel or the rotating disk.

The height of the multifunctional operating element can be reduced if at least the first contact sensor and preferably the second contact sensor of the input part are designed as films, in particular as capacitive force sensor films or as capacitive films. In this case, the membrane is preferably arranged over the entire surface of the input part and virtually up to the rotary adjuster. Since the membrane has a wall thickness of less than 1mm, the multifunctional operating element has a compact design which can be realized in a cost-effective manner. The film, in particular the capacitive force sensor film, has a maximum sensor resolution with a very high stiffness in the operating direction.

The appearance of the multifunctional operating element can be improved if the film is arranged on the housing in such a way that it completely surrounds the rotary adjuster.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the multifunctional operating element, it can be provided that the second contact sensor arranged on the film is arranged in the region of the rotary actuator in such a way that it generates a contact signal when approaching and/or contacting the rotary actuator. Thus, the approach and/or contact of the object and/or the limb of the user can be reliably detected already before or simultaneously with the operation of the rotary adjuster. When the second contact signal is generated, the second force sensor is switched to the online mode, in particular switched on. The second force signal is generated if the second force sensor is activated by the force transmission lever, in particular by the rocker arm, within a predetermined time.

Preferably, provision can be made for the rotary actuator to be connected to the touch-sensitive operating surface in such a way that the rotary actuator moves synchronously with the touch-sensitive operating surface during the pressing operation. During the pressure operation of the rotary knob, not only the entire touch-sensitive surface of the input member but also the rotary knob is moved in one direction together. In this way, an additional reset element for the rotary adjuster can be advantageously dispensed with, since the reset element of the input part takes over the resetting of the rotary adjuster after its operation. The costs for producing the multifunctional operating element are therefore reduced and at the same time the multifunctional operating element has a simple and compact design.

Drawings

The invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail below with the aid of the drawings. It should be noted that the appended drawings illustrate particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Shown in the attached drawings:

figure 1a shows in a schematic front view a passive multifunctional operating element with a rotary adjuster designed as a rotary disk according to a first embodiment,

figure 1b shows in a schematic front view an active multifunctional operating element with a rotary adjuster designed as a rotary disk according to a second embodiment,

figure 2a shows in a schematic front view a passive multifunctional operating element with a rotary adjuster designed as a knurling wheel according to a third embodiment,

figure 2b shows in a schematic front view an active multifunctional operating element with a rotary adjuster designed as a knurling wheel according to a fourth embodiment,

figure 3 shows a multifunctional operating element with a rotary adjuster designed as a knurling wheel according to a fourth embodiment in a top view,

fig. 4a shows a multifunctional operating element with a rotary actuator designed as a knurling wheel according to a fourth embodiment in a top view, with a contact sensor device according to the first embodiment,

figure 4b shows in perspective view a knurling wheel for a contact sensor device according to the first embodiment,

fig. 5a shows a multifunctional operating element with a rotary actuator designed as a knurling wheel according to a fourth embodiment in a top view, with a contact sensor device according to the second embodiment,

figure 5b shows in front view a knurling wheel for a contact sensor device according to a second embodiment,

figure 5c shows in side view a knurling wheel for a contact sensor device according to a second embodiment,

fig. 6a shows a multifunctional operating element with a rotary actuator designed as a knurling wheel according to a fourth embodiment in a top view, with a contact sensor device according to a third embodiment,

fig. 6b shows in front view a knurling wheel for a contact sensor device according to a third embodiment, an

Fig. 6c shows a knurling wheel for a contact sensor device according to a third embodiment in a side view.

Detailed Description

The basic design of various embodiments of a multifunctional operating element 1 according to the invention is shown in fig. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2 b. Further details, which can be arranged or used individually or as a whole in all four embodiments, are shown and described in more detail in the following fig. 3-6 c.

Fig. 1a schematically shows a passive multifunction operating element 1 for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit or a center console of a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment. In this variant, the multifunction operating element 1 comprises a housing 2 with a carrier element 3 for arranging an input component, not shown in detail, with a touch-sensitive operating surface 4, which is designed, for example, as a touch pad or a touch display. The touch-sensitive operating surface 4 preferably comprises five operating zones which can be operated by the user. The carrier element 3 is mounted movably relative to the housing 2 by means of at least two restoring elements 5,6, which are designed as spring elements. The multifunctional operating element 1 comprises a mechanical rotary actuator 8 designed as a rotary disk 7 for selecting a function on the motor vehicle, which rotary actuator is arranged at least partially above the touch-sensitive operating surface 4.

Fig. 1b schematically shows an active multifunction operating element 1 for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit or a center console of a motor vehicle, according to a second embodiment. In this variant, the multifunction operating element 1 comprises a housing 2 with a carrier element 3 for arranging an input component, not shown in detail, with a touch-sensitive operating surface 4, which is designed, for example, as a touch pad or a touch display. The touch-sensitive operating surface 4 preferably comprises five operating zones which can be operated by the user. The carrier element 3 is mounted movably relative to the housing 2 by means of at least two restoring elements 5,6, which are preferably designed as Z-shaped spring elements. The multifunctional operating element 1 comprises a mechanical rotary actuator 8 designed as a rotary disk 7 for selecting a function on a motor vehicle, which rotary actuator is arranged at least partially above the touch-sensitive operating surface 4. Furthermore, the active multifunctional operating element 1 has a preferably electromagnetic actuator unit 9, which is assigned to the input part and/or the rotary actuator 8. The actuator unit 9 is arranged inside the housing 2 and is provided for providing a haptic feedback to the input member and/or the rotary actuator 8 depending on the actuator signal when the rotary actuator 8 and/or the input member, in particular the operating area, is operated.

Fig. 2a schematically shows a passive multifunction operating element 1 according to a third embodiment for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit or a center console of a motor vehicle. The structure of the third embodiment has substantially the same design as the structure of the first embodiment, which is shown in fig. 1a, with the difference that the rotary adjuster 8 is designed here as a knurling wheel 10.

Fig. 2b schematically shows an active multifunction operating element 1 for a motor vehicle, in particular for a steering wheel unit or a center console of a motor vehicle, according to a fourth embodiment. The structure of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same design as the structure of the second embodiment, which is shown in fig. 1b, with the difference that the rotary adjuster 8 is designed here as a knurling wheel 10.

Fig. 3 shows a view from above of a multifunctional operating element according to a fourth embodiment with a rotary adjuster 8 designed as a knurling wheel 10. As already described above, the multifunctional operating element 1 can be arranged, for example, on or in a steering wheel unit of a motor vehicle, which is not illustrated in detail. The multifunction operating element 1 shown in fig. 3 comprises a housing 2 with a carrier element 3 for arranging an input component with a touch-sensitive operating surface 4, which can be designed, for example, as a touch pad or as a touch display. The touch-sensitive operating surface 4 preferably comprises five operating zones 11-15 which can be operated by a user. Each operating field 11-15 can be based on the triggering of different functions in the motor vehicle by a user operation, so that for example a radio system can be operated via operating field 11, a navigation system can be operated via operating field 12, an air conditioning system can be operated via operating field 13, a voice system can be operated via operating field 14 and a cruise control of the motor vehicle can be operated via operating field 15. The carrier element 3 is mounted movably relative to the housing 2 by means of at least two restoring elements 5,6, which are designed as Z-shaped spring elements. The multifunction operating element 1 here comprises a mechanical rotary actuator 8 designed as a knurled wheel 10 for selecting a function on the motor vehicle, which is arranged at least partially above the touch-sensitive operating surface 4. The input component, in particular each operating field 11-15, can be associated with at least one contact sensor, not shown in detail, which is provided to generate a first contact signal when contacted and/or approached by a user and/or an object in an operating direction of the input component, wherein the respective contact sensor is arranged in and/or on the housing and/or on the carrier element 3, respectively. The contact sensor can be designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a light-sensitive sensor or as a capacitive sensor or as an inductive sensor, respectively. The respective touch sensor of the operating regions 11 to 15 is in the present case designed as a membrane 30, in particular as a capacitive membrane 30 or alternatively as a capacitive force sensor membrane. In the present case, the membrane 30 is arranged on the housing 2 in such a way that the membrane 30 completely surrounds the rotary adjuster 8, wherein the membrane 30 is arranged at a distance from the rotary adjuster 8.

Additionally or alternatively, the input member, in particular the touch-sensitive operating surface 4 and preferably each operating field 11 to 15, may be configured with at least a first force sensor which is provided for generating a force signal as a function of a force acting in the operating direction of the input member, wherein the at least one force sensor is arranged in and/or on the housing, respectively. In this case, the at least one force sensor can be designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a photosensitive sensor, or as a capacitive sensor, in particular as a capacitive force sensor film, or as an inductive sensor, or as a MEMS, or as a strain gauge. The input elements, in particular each operating field 11 to 15, can be associated with a force sensor and/or a contact sensor.

Furthermore, the active multifunctional operating element 1, which is shown in fig. 3, has a preferably electromagnetic actuator unit 9, which is assigned to the input components, in particular to the operating fields 11 to 15 and/or to the rotary actuator 8. The actuator unit 9 is arranged inside the housing 2 and is provided for providing a tactile feedback to the input means, in particular the operating areas 11-15 and/or the rotary actuator 8, depending on the actuator signal, when the rotary actuator 8 and/or the operating areas 11-15 are operated by a user. The rotary adjuster 8 and the input member may also each be provided with its own actuator unit 9.

Furthermore, the multifunction operating element 1 has at least a mechanical rotary actuator 8 for selecting a function on the motor vehicle, which rotary actuator is arranged at least partially above the touch-sensitive operating surface 4 and inside the housing 2. The touch-sensitive operating surface 4 is designed as a closed, in particular continuous and preferably planar surface, wherein the closed surface comprises a recess or opening 19 for arranging the rotary adjuster 8.

The rotary actuator 8 comprises a force transmission lever 16, which force transmission lever 16 is connected to the rotary actuator 8, wherein the rotary actuator 8 is connected to the touch-sensitive operating surface 4 in such a way that the rotary actuator 8 moves synchronously with the touch-sensitive operating surface 4 during a pressing operation, wherein, in order to detect a pressing operation of the rotary actuator 8, the force transmission lever 16 activates a further force sensor 17, which generates a second force signal during the pressing operation of the rotary actuator 8. The force sensor 17 associated with the rotary actuator 8 can be an optical sensor, in particular a photosensitive sensor, or a capacitive sensor, in particular a capacitive force sensor membrane, or an inductive sensor, or a MEMS, or a strain gauge. In the present case, the force sensor 17 is designed as a capacitive sensor, in particular as a capacitive force sensor membrane.

The force transmission rod 16 of the rotary adjuster 8 is designed here as a rocker 18 and is connected directly to the rotary adjuster 8. If a force is applied to the rotary adjuster 8, a force transmission takes place to the rocker arm 18, which may be designed, for example, to be pivotable about a rocker shaft, which is not shown in detail. The rocker 18 approaches and/or touches the capacitive force sensor 17, so that subsequently a further force signal is generated with respect to the operation of the rotary adjuster 8. After this, the rocker arm 18, which may preferably be designed as a rocker, is moved back into its rest position again. In this case, the rocker 18 can be connected to a spring element which moves the rocker 18 back into its rest position again.

The mechanical rotary actuator 8 can be connected to a shaft supported on the housing 2, wherein the shaft can be designed as a force transmission lever 16.

Furthermore, the rotary actuator 8, in particular the rotary actuator 8 of the fourth embodiment, is provided with at least one contact sensor. The contact sensor can be used as a redundant sensor for the force sensor 17 when the force sensor 17 fails for technical reasons. However, it is also conceivable for the contact sensor and the force sensor 17 to be arranged as an activation pair for triggering a motor vehicle function. Therefore, when the force signal is generated by the force sensor 17 and the contact signal is generated by the contact sensor, the operation of the rotary adjuster 8 can be clearly recognized. Only when both signals are generated will the corresponding motor vehicle function be triggered.

In the following fig. 4a-4b, 5a-5c and 6a-6c, different embodiments are shown how at least one contact sensor can be arranged on and/or in the multifunctional operating element 1 according to one of the previously described embodiments of the multifunctional operating element 1, in particular according to a fourth embodiment. In this case, the at least one contact sensor can be designed as an optical sensor, in particular as a light-sensitive sensor, or as a capacitive sensor or as an inductive sensor. In the following embodiments, the contact sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor.

Fig. 4a shows a multifunctional operating element 1 according to a fourth embodiment having a contact sensor 20, which is provided for rotating the actuator 8, wherein the contact sensor 20 is provided for generating a further contact signal when it is contacted and/or approached by an object, in particular the force transmission lever 16, wherein the contact sensor 20 is arranged in the housing 2 or on the housing 2 and/or is formed as an integral component of the membrane 30. The rotary actuator 8 is formed here from an electrically conductive plastic. Furthermore, an electrode 21 of a capacitive sensor, in particular of a capacitive touch sensor 20, is provided, which is shown in more detail in fig. 4b, which is arranged on the housing 2, in particular on the membrane 30, on the left and/or alternatively on the right, next to the rotary actuator 8. Alternatively, if the contact sensors 20 are arranged on both sides of the rotary adjuster 8, the approach and/or contact of the rotary adjuster 8 by the user can be detected particularly well, since the operator approaches from both sides and also from above or below. It can therefore be expedient for the rotary actuator 8 to be completely surrounded by one or more capacitive touch sensors 20. The electrode 21 forms a capacitive touch sensor 20 together with the rotary actuator 8, wherein the electrode 21 can be an integral part of the capacitive membrane 30. The electrode 21 and the rotary actuator 8 form an electric field of the capacitive touch sensor 20. When the hand 40 enters the electric field, the electric field is changed and the approach and/or contact to the rotation regulator 8 is detected.

Fig. 5a shows a multifunction operating element 1 according to a fourth embodiment, which has a contact sensor 20 provided for rotating the actuator 8, wherein the contact sensor 20 is provided for generating a further contact signal when contacted and/or approached by an object, in particular the force transmission lever 16, wherein the contact sensor 20 is arranged in the housing 2 or on the housing 2 and/or is formed as an integral component of the membrane 30. The rotary adjuster 8 is formed here from electrically non-conductive plastic. Furthermore, two electrodes 23,24 of the capacitive sensor, in particular two electrodes 23,24 of the capacitive touch sensor 20, are provided, which are shown in more detail in fig. 5b and 5c, which electrodes 23,24 are arranged on the housing, in particular on the membrane 30, next to the rotary adjuster 8 on the left and on the right, respectively. The electrodes 23,24 form the capacitive touch sensor 20 and may be an integral part of the capacitive membrane 30. The electrodes 23,24 form the electric field of the capacitive touch sensor 20. When the hand 40 enters the electric field, the electric field is changed and the approach and/or contact to the rotation regulator 8 is detected.

Fig. 6a shows a multifunction operating element 1 according to a fourth embodiment, which has a contact sensor 20 provided for rotating the actuator 8, wherein the contact sensor 20 is provided for generating a further contact signal when contacted and/or approached by an object, in particular the force transmission rod 16, wherein the contact sensor 20 is arranged in the housing 2 or on the housing 2 and/or can be formed as an integral component of the membrane 30. The electrode 26 of the capacitive touch sensor 20 may be formed as an integral part of the membrane 30 and may be arranged below the rotary adjuster 8. The rotary adjuster 8 is formed here from electrically non-conductive plastic. The shaft 50 shown in fig. 6b and 6c is formed from an electrically conductive material, wherein the shaft 50 forms an electrode 25 of a capacitive sensor, in particular of a capacitive touch sensor 20. The electrodes 25, 26 form the capacitive touch sensor 20, wherein the electrode 26 may be an integral part of the capacitive membrane 30. The electrodes 25, 26 form the electric field of the capacitive touch sensor 20. When the hand 40 enters the electric field, the electric field is changed and the approach and/or contact to the rotation regulator 8 is detected.

For all embodiments, it can be provided that the touch sensor 20, which is arranged at least partially on the film 30, is arranged in the region of the rotary actuator 8 in such a way that the touch sensor 20 generates a touch signal when approaching and/or touching the rotary actuator 8. Furthermore, it can be provided for all embodiments that the rotary adjuster 8 can be arranged at least partially below the touch-sensitive operating surface 4 or can be arranged in the plane of the touch-sensitive operating surface 4.

Furthermore, it may alternatively be provided for all embodiments that the rotary adjuster 8 is moved into the touch-sensitive operating surface 4 during a pressing operation.

Preferably, contact detection on the rotary adjuster 8 is required in order to achieve multi-functional operation. For this purpose, various functions on the rotary actuator 8 are activated by means of at least one contact sensor 20, which functions can then be activated by a pressing operation of the rotary actuator, in particular a push function (Pushfunktion) of the rotary actuator.