阅读说明：本技术 用于车辆的方向盘的操作装置 (Operating device for steering wheel of vehicle ) 是由 卢茨·埃克施泰因 扬·巴芬迪克 于 2018-05-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于车辆的方向盘(11)的操作装置(10),该操作装置包括至少一个第一操作元件(1),该第一操作元件借助在各自的施力点(19a、19b)进行的操纵动作能以有选择的方式围绕第一旋转轴线(2)和第二旋转轴线(3)转动,用以控制调节系统,其中,操作元件(1)还能从初始位置转动到至少一个调设级中,其中,第一旋转轴线(2)与操作元件(1)的纵向轴线(12)同轴,并且第二旋转轴线(3)基本上横向于第一旋转轴线(2)延伸,其中,在围绕第二旋转轴线(3)操纵操作元件(1)时,施力点(19a)具有关于第二旋转轴线(3)的杠杆力臂(20),并且其中,在围绕第一旋转轴线(2)操纵操作元件(1)时,施力点(19b)基本上不具有关于第二旋转轴线(3)的杠杆力臂(20),以免同时围绕第一和第二旋转轴线(2、3)操纵操作元件(1)。本发明还涉及具有这样操作装置的用于车辆的方向盘(11)。(The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a steering wheel (11) of a vehicle, comprising at least one first operating element (1) which can be rotated about a first axis of rotation (2) and a second axis of rotation (3) in a selective manner by means of an actuating motion at a respective force application point (19a, 19b) for controlling an adjustment system, wherein the operating element (1) can also be rotated from an initial position into at least one adjustment stage, wherein the first axis of rotation (2) is coaxial with a longitudinal axis (12) of the operating element (1) and the second axis of rotation (3) extends substantially transversely to the first axis of rotation (2), wherein the force application point (19a) has a lever arm (20) with respect to the second axis of rotation (3) when the operating element (1) is actuated about the second axis of rotation (3), and wherein the force application point (19b) has substantially no lever arm (20) with respect to the second axis of rotation (3) when the operating element (1) is actuated about the first axis of rotation (2) in order to prevent the operating element (1) from being actuated about the first and second axis of rotation (2, 3) simultaneously. The invention also relates to a steering wheel (11) for a vehicle having such an operating device.)

1. Operating device (10) for a steering wheel (11) of a vehicle, comprising an operating element (1) which can be rotated in a selective manner about a first axis of rotation (2) or a second axis of rotation (3) by means of an actuating movement at an application point (19) for controlling at least one adjusting system, wherein,

-the operating element (1) can be rotated from an initial position into at least one setting step,

-the first axis of rotation (2) extends coaxially with a longitudinal axis (12) of the operating element (1), and the second axis of rotation (3) extends substantially transversely to the first axis of rotation (2),

-the force application point (19) has a lever arm (20) about the second axis of rotation (3) when the operating element (1) is actuated about the second axis of rotation (3), and

-said point of application (19) having substantially no lever arm (20) with respect to said second axis of rotation (3) when said operating element (1) is manoeuvred about said first axis of rotation (2) so as to avoid manoeuvring said operating element (1) about both first and second axis of rotation (2, 3).

2. Operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (1) has a substantially cylindrical section (14) and a substantially conical section (15), wherein the cylindrical section (14) is provided for rotating the operating element (1) about the first axis of rotation (2) and the conical section (15) is provided for rotating the operating element (1) about the second axis of rotation (3).

3. Operating device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that a web (4) for rotating the operating element (1) about the first axis of rotation (2) is formed on the circumference of the cylindrical section (14).

4. Operating device (10) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that an operating surface (6) for rotating the operating element (1) about the second axis of rotation (3) is formed on the circumference of the conical section (15), wherein the operating surface (6) has a groove (7) for tactile perception.

5. Operating device (10) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the webs (4) of the cylindrical section (14) are connected to the operating surface (6) of the conical section (15).

6. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (1) has at least two setting steps in each direction of movement (5, 8, 9).

7. Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (1) can be automatically reset into an initial position after a manipulation action.

8. Operating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating device (10) further comprises a ring element (16) for controlling a further adjusting system.

9. Operating device (10) according to claim 8, characterised in that said annular element (16) comprises at least one push button (17a) for controlling an adjustment system.

10. Operating device (10) according to claim 8, characterised in that the ring-shaped element (16) comprises at least four push buttons (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) for controlling an adjusting system.

11. Operating device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the ring element (16) comprises a touch input element for controlling an adjusting system.

12. Operating device (10) according to claim 10, characterised in that the push buttons (17) have different sizes.

13. Steering wheel (11) for a vehicle, comprising an operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an operation device for a steering wheel of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle having such an operating device.

Background

For example, DE 102008056974 a1 discloses a steering wheel for a motor vehicle, which has an operating element for controlling at least one longitudinal dynamic control system of the motor vehicle. These operating elements comprise an adjusting element for changing the set speed value for at least one longitudinal dynamic adjustment system. The actuating element can be actuated in two opposite actuating directions in order to predetermine the direction of change of the set speed value by the actuating direction and can be actuated in each of the two actuating directions in at least two steps in terms of the degree of actuation. The degree of change of the set speed value is predetermined by the degree of manipulation.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to improve an operating device of the type mentioned and to increase the operational safety and operational comfort. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 13. Preferred embodiments are seen in the dependent claims.

The actuating device according to the invention for a steering wheel of a vehicle comprises an actuating element which can be rotated in a selective manner about a first or a second axis of rotation by means of an actuating movement at an application point for controlling at least one adjusting system. The operating element can also be rotated from an initial position into at least one setting stage, wherein the first axis of rotation extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the operating element and the second axis of rotation extends substantially transversely to the first axis of rotation. When the actuating element is actuated about the second axis of rotation, the force application point has a lever arm about the second axis of rotation. The force application point has substantially no lever arm about the second axis of rotation when the actuating element is actuated about the first axis of rotation, in order to prevent the actuating element from being actuated about the first and second axis of rotation simultaneously.

The operating device is preferably at least partially accommodated in the steering wheel and is used to control at least one adjusting system, wherein a plurality of adjusting systems can also be controlled using the operating device. A regulating system is preferably understood to be an assistance and comfort system of the vehicle, which is provided to simplify the driving experience and/or to feel comfort for the vehicle driver. In particular, the driver is supported by the assistance and comfort system while driving the vehicle. Such an assistance and comfort system may be, for example, a cruise control or a distance control system which can be activated, deactivated and/or controlled by means of an operating device. Furthermore, by means of the operating device, the audio system can also be controlled for playback of audio data, for example, or list entries can be browsed or picked up in a selection menu.

In particular, the operating element of the operating device is provided for issuing control commands for at least one of the regulating systems. The actuating element is understood to be a combined rotary/push actuating element. The operating element preferably has two operating functions. Thus, on the one hand, one or more control commands can be implemented to the regulating system by a rotational movement of the operating element about the first axis of rotation. On the other hand, one or more control commands can be additionally implemented to the control system by a rotational or tilting movement of the operating element about the second axis of rotation. Depending on the design of the actuating element, the actuating element can be rotated either about the first or about the second axis of rotation. Thus, simultaneous manipulation is prevented.

When the actuating element is actuated about the first axis of rotation, the actuating element can be rotated as a result of the actuating force being introduced into the force application point in the first movement direction and the second movement direction. Alternatively or additionally to this, the actuating element can be tilted by introducing an actuating force into the force application point in the first movement direction and the second movement direction. The actuating force is introduced into the operating element by the driver or operator of the vehicle. The force application point is understood to be a point on the operating element at which the operator actuates the operating element by means of an actuating force. In this case, the actuation of the actuating element can take place at any point of the actuating element. The actuating element can preferably be actuated in the region of the web.

For the sake of illustration, however, the respective points of application for actuating the actuating element about the first axis of rotation and the respective points of application for actuating the actuating element about the second axis of rotation are used as examples in the following. The first axis of rotation of the operating element is preferably oriented horizontally. The longitudinal axis is the axis of the central division of the operating element. In other words, the longitudinal axis describes a central axis of the actuating element, about which the actuating element can be rotated. The first and second directions of movement of the operating element preferably extend vertically upwards or downwards for setting the operating element into at least one setting step. Preferably, the operating element has at least two setting steps in each direction of movement. Of course, the operating element can also have three setting stages or four or more setting stages. Each regulation stage may have different functions for controlling the respective regulation system.

The operating element of the operating device can also be rotated about the second axis of rotation in a third direction of movement, wherein the third direction of movement is preferably perpendicular to the orientation of the operating element. Alternatively or additionally to this, the operating element can be tilted in the third direction of movement. In other words, the second axis of rotation is arranged here such that the movement element is tilted about the second axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is preferably vertically oriented. The second axis of rotation is therefore preferably oriented orthogonally to the first axis of rotation. By actuating the operating element in the third direction of movement, for example, a switch or a push button is actuated in order to activate or deactivate an adjustment system, for example a cruise control or a distance adjustment system.

Just like the first direction of movement and the second direction of movement, the third direction of movement can be shaped in a plurality of stages. In other words, the operating element can have two or more setting steps for the third direction of movement. In this case, the operating element can be designed such that it has a sensible resistance for overcoming the respective setting step in the third direction of movement. If a snap-lock switch is used for the third direction of movement, the operating element can be locked in the activated, pressed position.

By means of this configuration of the operating device and the arrangement of the two axes of rotation relative to one another, it is possible to actuate the operating element individually in three different directions of movement without inadvertent simultaneous actuation of the operating element in the other two directions of movement. This enables a combination of functions within the operating element and increases the operational safety and operational comfort of the operating device.

In a preferred embodiment, the cruise control of the vehicle is operated using an operating device. Thus, for example, in a first setting stage of the operating element in the first or second direction of movement, the set speed of the vehicle can be increased or decreased by, for example, 1 km/h. In a second adjustment level of the first direction of movement or the second direction of movement, the set speed can be increased or decreased by, for example, 5 km/h. In the third tuning stage, the set speed may be increased or decreased by, for example, 10 km/h. By actuating the operating element in the third direction of movement, for example, the cruise control can be activated or deactivated.

Alternatively, the adjustment system may comprise a distance adjustment system. In this case, the distance to the vehicle in front can be adjusted, for example, in steps by actuating the actuating element about the first axis of rotation, wherein the distance can be increased or decreased in meters in one step, five steps or ten steps, depending on the setting level of the actuating element. In this case, the distance adjustment system can be activated or deactivated, for example, by actuating the actuating element in the third movement direction.

Furthermore, the regulation system may be a driving-independent regulation system, such as an on-board computer or an audio system that may be used to control the vehicle. In this case, for example, when the actuating element is actuated in the first or second direction of movement, the list entries can be browsed and when the actuating element is actuated about the second axis of rotation, the list entries can be selected or deselected. Likewise, single or multiple list entries may be viewed simultaneously, depending on the level of tuning.

Each setting step of the actuating element for each direction of movement preferably has a stop resistance which must be overcome in order to reach the next setting step. Once the operator changes to the next setting level, tactile feedback is provided to the operator via the resistance. This improves the operational safety of the operating device and reduces or avoids malfunctions, since the operator is subjected to a direct tactile feedback of the selected setting level by touching. Thus, the operation of the operating device is more intuitive and comfortable for the operator.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the operating element can be automatically reset into the initial position after the actuating movement. For this purpose, the actuating element is spring-loaded, for example, wherein after the actuation has ended, the actuating element is moved back into the initial position by the spring force.

The respective setting stage of the operating element can be actuated briefly or held for any desired length of time. A short actuation means the moment in which the control commands for the regulating system are implemented. For example, in cruise control, the travel speed of the vehicle is increased or decreased by 1km/h, 5km/h or 10km/h, depending on the setting level, when the operating element is briefly actuated. Furthermore, the respective setting stage can be actuated for any length of time. This means that, in the respective regulating stage, the corresponding control commands are applied to the regulating system for a relatively long period of time or are repeated for a defined time interval until the end of the actuating movement. For example, in cruise control, the travel speed is increased or decreased in one step, five steps or ten steps depending on the setting level until the end of the actuating movement and the operating element is automatically reset to the initial position. The actuating element is thus designed as a rocker which is pivoted in one direction by the actuating movement and, after the end of the actuating movement, is pivoted back in the opposite direction into the starting position.

Preferably, the operating element has a substantially cylindrical section and a substantially conical section, wherein the cylindrical section is provided for actuating the operating element about the first axis of rotation and the conical section is provided for actuating the operating element about the second axis of rotation. The two sections are preferably configured axially adjacent to one another. The actuating of the operating element in the first or second direction of movement takes place via the cylindrical section, wherein the operating element is rotated about the first axis of rotation in this case. The actuation of the actuating element in the third direction of movement is performed by means of a conical section, wherein the actuating element is tilted about the second axis of rotation.

The invention is based on the technical teaching that a web for rotating the operating element about the first axis of rotation is formed on the circumference of the cylindrical section. Furthermore, an actuating surface for tilting and/or rotating the actuating element about the second axis of rotation is preferably formed on the circumference of the conical section, wherein the actuating surface has a groove for tactile perception. The cylindrical section or web extends over approximately one-half to two-thirds of the horizontal length of the actuating element, starting from the end face of the actuating element closer to the second axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is preferably arranged substantially between a quarter and a third of the longitudinal axis of the actuating element. Preferably, the second axis of rotation may form a perpendicular bisector relative to the web or to the cylindrical section and thus extend substantially orthogonally to the first axis of rotation. However, the second axis of rotation can be formed at an angle to the first axis of rotation, depending on the design of the actuating element. The webs serve to facilitate selective actuation of the operating element in the first and second movement directions. The webs prevent the actuating element from springing back during actuation of the actuating element.

Preferably, the webs of the cylindrical section are connected to the operating surface of the conical section. The web widens in the transition region in a triangular manner towards the actuating surface until the end face of the actuating element. Alternatively or additionally, the web can be flattened in the region of the triangular operating surface. Preferably, a recess or depression is formed on the outer region of the control surface in order to additionally prevent incorrect operation of the control element. This allows the recess to be touched by tactile perception and thus the actuating element to be actuated in the third direction of movement without having to look directly at the actuating device. The connection between the web and the operating surface is also used, for example, to intuitively guide the fingers of the operator that can be used to operate the operating device.

Although the operating device is arranged in the peripheral field of view of the operator or driver, no direct observation of the operating device is necessary, depending on the design of the operating system. Intuitive operation of the operating device is thus possible by tactile recognition of the geometry of the operating element.

The force application point is preferably arranged axially centrally on the web when the actuating element is actuated about the first axis of rotation. In other words, the actuation of the actuating element in the first or second movement direction takes place substantially over half the length of the web and in the vertical direction. The point of application of force when actuating the actuating element in the third direction of movement is preferably arranged in the center of the actuating surface, wherein the actuation of the actuating element in the third direction of movement takes place substantially perpendicularly to the actuating surface. The distance from the force application point (i.e. the point at which the force acts into the actuating element) to the second axis of rotation is defined as the lever arm. The greater the lever arm, that is to say the further away from the second axis of rotation, the easier it is to actuate the operating element in the third direction of movement. The closer the force application point of the operator for actuating the operating element in the third direction of movement is to the second axis of rotation, the greater the difficulty for the operator to actuate the operating element in the third direction of movement, with small force differences. This is particularly advantageous for avoiding incorrect operation of the operating element.

The force application points for actuating the actuating element about the first and second axes of rotation preferably lie in a common plane. In other words, the actuating element can be rotated in the first or second movement direction when the actuating element is actuated about the first rotation axis, wherein no or only a negligible lever arm is used for actuating the actuating element about the second rotation axis in the third movement direction. In other words, no or only a negligible lever arm means that manipulation of the operating element about the second axis of rotation is prevented.

The actuating surface of the third movement direction is triangular and is of a flatter design than the conical section, so that a larger pressing surface is formed than the size of the actuating element, which prevents simultaneous actuation of the actuating element about the first axis of rotation when the actuating element is actuated about the second axis of rotation. Thus, either the actuation of the actuating element about the first or second direction of movement or the actuation of the actuating element in the third direction of movement is carried out.

According to a preferred embodiment, the operating device further comprises a ring element for controlling the further adjustment system. In this case, for example, the distance control system can be combined with a cruise control. It is furthermore conceivable to associate other above-mentioned regulating systems with each other, wherein all regulating systems are controlled by means of the operating device according to the invention. The ring element thus extends the operating device and is to be understood as a further operating element. Furthermore, the ring element can also be formed from a plurality of segments or be designed as a ring wheel or as a touch element and additionally comprise integrated push buttons. Here, the touch element is an input element configured in a touch panel manner. Alternatively, the ring element and the actuating element can also be arranged adjacent to one another or eccentrically.

Preferably, the annular element comprises at least one push button and preferably four push buttons for controlling the adjustment system. The buttons of the ring element may be arranged evenly or unevenly around the operating element. Furthermore, the buttons may also be used, for example, to browse list entries or to select such list entries. Furthermore, the buttons may be used for inputting control instructions or for activating or deactivating one or more regulating systems.

Furthermore, the buttons are preferably of different sizes. According to a preferred embodiment, the operating element is arranged in the center of the ring element, wherein the ring element has four push buttons. The four buttons preferably have two different sizes. Buttons having a large structure corresponding to the operating element are arranged vertically above and below the operating element. Correspondingly, on both horizontal sides of the operating element, there are arranged relatively small-structure buttons, four of which are in the form of a ring and the operating element is arranged in the center of this ring.

According to an alternative embodiment, the operating element can be configured as a roller which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis. In this case, the actuating element does not have webs in the first cylindrical section. In the region of the operating surface, instead of the conical section with the operating surface and the recess, a cylindrical second section is formed, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical second section differs from the diameter of the cylindrical first section. After the actuating movement, the operating element is not reset into the initial position, but can be rotated continuously in both directions for adjusting the setting stage.

Furthermore, the actuation in the third movement direction can be carried out in such a way that an adjustment stage is locked by actuating the actuating element and unlocked again only by further actuating the actuating element. This is suitable, for example, for enabling or disabling the regulating system.

The invention also relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising an operating device according to the invention. The actuating device is preferably arranged on a spoke of the steering wheel and is at least partially accommodated in the steering wheel.

In particular, the operating device according to the invention is used for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. Motor vehicles are understood to be vehicles for people or goods transport, depending on their type and their particular means of fixed connection to the vehicle. For example, a motor vehicle is understood to be a passenger vehicle or a load-carrying vehicle.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to three figures. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a simplified view of a steering wheel for a vehicle with an operating device according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an operating element of the operating device according to the invention according to fig. 1; and

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an operating device according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

Detailed Description

According to fig. 1, a steering wheel 11 for a vehicle (not shown in this figure) comprises an operating device 10 according to the invention with an operating element 1 according to a first embodiment. The actuating element 1 is accommodated in a spoke 18 of the steering wheel 11 and can be actuated by the driver of the vehicle. Alternatively, the operating device 10 may be arranged in another region of the steering wheel 11.

The actuating element 1 of the actuating device 10 is provided according to fig. 2 for controlling the actuating system, wherein the actuating element 1 can be rotated about the first axis of rotation 2 and the second axis of rotation 3 in a selective manner by means of an actuating movement at the respective force application point 19a, 19 b. This means that the operating element 1 can be rotated either about the first axis of rotation 2 or about the second axis of rotation 3. The operating element 1 can also be rotated from the initial position into three respective setting stages. After the end of the actuating movement, the operating element 1 is automatically moved back into the initial position. The adjustment of the respective setting stage can be carried out, for example, against the spring pretension. The first axis of rotation 2 extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis 12 of the operating element 1, and the second axis of rotation 3 extends here orthogonally to the first axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis 12 or the first axis of rotation 2 thus corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the operating element 1, the second axis of rotation 3 being oriented axially parallel to the transverse axis 13 of the operating element 1. The transverse axis 13 divides the operating element 1 on the longitudinal side into two parts of the same width. The second force application point 19b has a lever arm 20 about the second axis of rotation 3 when the actuating element 1 is actuated about the second axis of rotation 3. While the first force application point 19a has no lever arm 20 with respect to the second axis of rotation 3 when the operating element 1 is actuated about the first axis of rotation 2, so that the operating element 1 is not actuated about the first axis of rotation 2 and the second axis of rotation 3 simultaneously. Thus, the operating element 1 is prevented from rotating simultaneously about the first and second axis of rotation 2, 3, wherein incorrect operation of the operating element 1 is precluded. The operating element 1 has a substantially cylindrical section 14 and a substantially conical section 15. The cylindrical section 14 is provided for rotating the operating element 1 about the first axis of rotation 2, while the conical section 15 is provided for rotating the operating element 1 about the second axis of rotation 3.

Furthermore, a web 4 for rotating the operating element 1 about the first axis of rotation 2 is formed on the circumference of the cylindrical section 14. The actuation of the operating element 1 about the first axis of rotation 2 in the first and second movement directions 8, 9 is achieved via the web 4, wherein the web 4 is provided by its shape for ensuring a safe actuation of the operating element 1 in the first and second movement directions 8, 9. For tactile recognition, the webs 4 are of triangular design, wherein the webs 4 converge in a radially tapering manner.

Furthermore, an actuating surface 6 for rotating the actuating element 1 about the second axis of rotation 3 is formed on the circumference of the conical section 15. The actuation of the actuating element 1 in the third direction of movement 5 is effected via the actuating surface 6. The control surface 6 is flat, wherein a recess 7 is formed on the control surface 6 for tactile perception. The shape of the operating face 6 ensures that the operating element 1 cannot be accidentally twisted about the first axis of rotation 2. For visual guidance, the web 4 of the cylindrical section 14 is connected to the actuating surface 6 of the conical section 15, wherein the actuating surface 6 converges in a triangular manner and opens into the web 4.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the operating device 10 according to the invention. According to the second embodiment, the operating device 10 additionally has a ring element 16 for controlling a further adjusting system, in contrast to the operating device 1 according to the first embodiment. The operating element 1 is arranged in the centre of the ring element 16. The ring element 16 here comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth push button 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d for controlling the adjustment system. Thereby, two or more adjustment systems can be associated with each other and controlled by the operating device 10. The four push buttons 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d are arranged next to one another and have different dimensions, wherein in this case two opposite push buttons 17a, 17c and 17b, 17d each have the same dimensions. Complementary to the operating element 1, the two opposite push buttons 17a, 17c arranged on the longitudinal sides of the operating element 1 are configured larger than the two opposite push buttons 17b, 17d arranged on the shorter transverse sides of the operating element 1.

The examples shown herein are chosen merely as examples. For example, the webs for haptic recognition may be formed in a non-triangular manner. For example, the four buttons may have the same size. Of course, there may be more than four buttons.

List of reference numerals

1 operating element

2 first axis of rotation

3 second axis of rotation

4 web

5 first direction of motion

6 operating surface

7 groove

8 second direction of motion

9 third direction of motion

10 operating device

11 steering wheel

12 longitudinal axis

13 transverse axis

14 cylindrical section

15 is a tapered section

16 annular element

17a first push button

17b second push button

17c third push button

17d fourth push button

18 spoke

19a first point of application of force

19b second point of application of force

20 lever arm of force