阅读说明：本技术 用于车辆部件的操作设备以及用于产生反馈的方法 (Operating device for a vehicle component and method for generating feedback ) 是由 沃尔克·施特格曼 弗拉迪米尔·梅内 诺贝特·施陶特 海因茨-约尔格·勒弗林豪森 克劳斯·魏甘 于 2018-05-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于车辆部件的操作设备,包括操作区域(12)以及机械地与其耦联的电动机(34),所述电动机具有不平衡质量。探测器(20)能够检测用户对操作区域(12)的接触。为了基于用户对操作区域的接触精确地设定电动机的转动圈数,设有传感器(46)。经由该传感器确定转子的转动圈数。(An operating device for a vehicle component comprises an operating region (12) and an electric motor (34) mechanically coupled thereto, which has an unbalanced mass. The probe (20) is capable of detecting user contact with the operating area (12). In order to accurately set the number of revolutions of the motor based on the user's contact with the operating area, a sensor (46) is provided. The number of turns of the rotor is determined via the sensor.)

1. An operating device for a vehicle component, having: an operating area (12); an electric motor (30) mechanically coupled to the operating region (12), the electric motor having an unbalanced mass (38); a probe (20) for determining user contact with the operating area (12); a sensor (46) for determining rotation of a rotor (34) of the motor (30); and a control unit (36) which is connected to the electric motor (30), the detector (20) and the sensor (46), wherein the control unit (36) is designed such that, upon detection of a contact to the operating region (12), it actuates the electric motor (30) and initiates a rotor rotation in order to generate a haptic feedback at the operating region (12), and wherein the control unit (36) is further designed such that, after a predetermined number of revolutions has been detected, it stops the electric motor (30).

2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (46) is a proximity sensor, which is oriented towards a component to be rotated by the motor (30) such that the proximity sensor detects the rotation of the component.

3. Operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the proximity sensor is fixedly arranged in relation to a radially outer position of the unbalance mass (38).

4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the unbalance mass (38) is constructed as a separate component and is fixed on the rotor (34).

5. Operating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the unbalance mass (38) has an outer circumference with sections (42, 44) at different distances from the rotor axis.

6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (46) is constructed such that it can detect a full rotation of the rotor (34).

7. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (36) actuates the electric motor (30) such that, upon detection of a contact to the operating region (12), the rotor (34) executes at least two full revolutions, in particular less than ten full revolutions, in particular less than five full revolutions.

8. Method for generating haptic feedback when operating an operating device of a vehicle component, in particular an operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the following steps are provided:

a) detecting a contact to the operating region (12),

b) energizing an electric motor (30) mechanically coupled to the operating region (12) to rotate a rotor (34) and an unbalanced mass (38) to generate a tactile feedback on the operating region (12),

c) determining the number of complete revolutions of the rotor (34), an

d) -varying the energization of the electric motor (30) according to the number of complete revolutions that have been performed by the rotor (34) of the electric motor (30).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the electric motor (30) is energized such that the rotor (34) performs at least two full revolutions, in particular a maximum of ten full revolutions, more in particular a maximum of five full revolutions.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the electric motor (30) is stopped in step d) by energizing in the opposite direction.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle component and to a method for generating haptic feedback when operating an operating device for a vehicle component.

Background

Modern operating systems are increasingly being designed in vehicles as electromechanical switch modules with pushbuttons that can be moved in a perceptible manner, but as touch-sensitive systems which activate vehicle functions as a function of contact. The touched region of the operating region is no longer moved when in contact with the operator's finger, so that no tactile feedback is given to a successful operation. These operating devices are similar to those of a touch panel in a mobile phone or a notebook computer. Such an operating region is usually provided with a plurality of sections (switch surfaces) which are combined over the operating region for the purpose of operating different functions and which correspond functionally to a plurality of previously known electromechanical switches. The outer side of the operating region is defined by a plate-like component, which usually has symbols integrated into different regions.

So-called unbalanced motors are generally accepted in order to be able to provide tactile feedback when operation has been successful. Such unbalanced motors comprise an electric motor having an unbalanced mass, i.e. either a rotor having an unbalanced mass or an unbalanced mass independently coupled to the rotor. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the operating area and ensures a vibration of the operating area, more precisely of the plate, as soon as the detector detects a user contact with the operating area. Such a detector can be, for example, a force sensor, a resistive or capacitive sensor, or the like. The invention is not limited to a particular type of detector.

After a certain period of time, the motor is switched off again, so that the vibration of the plate-shaped component is stopped.

A system for generating haptic feedback of an operating surface is known from US 2014/0139450 a1, wherein a piezoelectric actuator generates pulses.

DE 102014018355 a1 shows a touch panel in a vehicle, which has sensors for detecting the tactile impulses of an operator under the glass pane.

US 2004/0075360 a1 discloses such an electric switch, in particular a piezoelectric switch, which uses an unbalanced motor for this purpose, which is capable of providing tactile feedback to the operator.

US 2014/0104209 a1 describes a touchpad with tactile feedback, wherein a cam moves a mechanical transmission mechanism towards the surface of the touchpad and excites vibration.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a higher-quality operating device compared to the prior art and, furthermore, to provide an improved method for generating haptic feedback.

The object is achieved on the one hand by an operating device for a vehicle component having an operating region, an electric motor mechanically coupled to the operating region and having an unbalanced mass, a detector for determining contact of a user with the operating region, a sensor for determining rotation of a rotor of the electric motor, and a control unit which is connected to the electric motor, the detector and the sensor, wherein the control unit is designed such that, upon detection of contact with the operating region, it actuates the electric motor and initiates rotation of the rotor in order to generate a haptic feedback at the operating region, and wherein the control unit is further designed such that, after a predetermined number of revolutions has been detected, it stops the electric motor.

In contrast to the prior art, in the operating device according to the invention, the number of revolutions of the rotor is determined via the sensor and the rotor is stopped when a preset number of revolutions is reached. The desired number of revolutions can thus be set precisely in a simple manner, in particular relatively few revolutions can be achieved. Environmental conditions or age-related fluctuations at the beginning of the motor start no longer cause a higher or lower number of revolutions during the preset switch-on time. The motor rotates precisely as often as previously set.

The sensor is in particular a proximity sensor which is oriented relative to the component which is rotated by the detector in such a way that it detects the rotation of the component. The component detected by the sensor can be the rotor itself or a separate unbalanced mass coupled to the rotor.

In the case of a proximity sensor associated with the unbalanced mass, the proximity sensor is, according to a preferred embodiment, arranged in a fixed position relative to the radially outer side of the unbalanced mass.

Preferably, the unbalanced mass has an outer circumference with sections at different distances from the rotor axis. The section furthest away from the rotor axis, i.e. the virtual rotor center axis, is then detected by the sensor during the encircling.

The sensor should be designed such that it can detect a complete revolution of the rotor. It is not mandatory that the sensor be constructed in the form of a rotation angle sensor that is able to detect the instantaneous position of the rotor.

The control unit of the electric motor is designed in such a way that it actuates the electric motor in the following manner: upon detection of contact to the operating area, the rotor performs at least two full revolutions. The number of turns is relatively small, yet sufficient to provide reliable feedback. In addition to this, excessive revolutions and the attendant excessive buzzing noise are often perceived as disturbing by the operator. Preferably, less than ten revolutions, in particular less than five revolutions, should be carried out, followed by the motor being stopped.

The object is also achieved by a method for generating haptic feedback when operating an operating device for a vehicle component, in particular an operating device according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

a) the contact of the operating area is detected,

b) energizing an electric motor mechanically coupled to the operating area, causing the rotor and the unbalanced mass to rotate, so as to generate tactile feedback on the operating area,

c) determining the number of complete revolutions of the rotor, an

d) The energization of the motor is varied according to the number of complete revolutions that have been performed by the rotor of the motor.

As mentioned above, the rotor itself can already have a section which acts as an unbalanced mass, or an unbalanced mass can be fastened to the rotor. Energizing the motor causes the rotor to stop.

The method according to the invention provides that the electric motor is preferably energized such that the rotor performs at least two full revolutions, in particular a maximum of ten full revolutions, more in particular a maximum of five full revolutions.

In step d) the motor can be stopped by energizing in the reverse direction.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings referred to below. Shown in the drawings are:

figure 1 shows a top view of one example of a handling device according to the invention,

figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an operating device according to the invention,

fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a unit consisting of a motor and a sensor for use in the operating device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an operating device 10 which is installed in a motor vehicle, in this case in the region of a steering wheel. It should be emphasized, however, that the configuration of the operating device, which will be explained below, can naturally also be implemented in other operating devices which are installed in the region of the dashboard, center console or at other locations of the vehicle interior.

Fig. 1 shows an operating region 12, which is delimited on the outside by a thin plate-like part 14. A plurality of switching symbols 16 are provided in the operating area 12. These switching symbols 16 can be embossed onto the plate-like element 14, which is in any case backlit. For this purpose, the plate-like element 14 is partially transparent or translucent.

The surface of the operating area is coherent and smooth, with no gaps between the switching symbols 16. More precisely, the plate-shaped part is a continuous, one-piece, substantially rigid body, in particular made of plastic. A switching surface is formed around the switching symbol 16, which switching surface replaces the classical switch.

In fig. 2 a schematic section through the operating device according to fig. 1 is shown. It can be seen that the plate-like element 14 is formed in the form of a cover, below which there is a detector 20, for example in the form of a capacitive sensor membrane, which can determine for each switching symbol 16 and the switching surface formed in this region: whether the operator touches the switch face.

A transparent or translucent section 22 in the plate-shaped part 12 for forming the switching symbol 16 is likewise shown in fig. 2. A light source 24 can also be present on the underside of the plate-shaped component 12.

The unit of plate-shaped part 12 and detector 20 rests on a frame 26, which is hollow on the inside and closed by a cover. In the cavity thus created and on the frame 26 is placed an electric motor 30 having a rotor 34. Which is a so-called unbalanced motor. Like the detector 20, the electric motor 30 is coupled to a control device 36, which is, for example, a circuit board.

Fig. 3 shows in schematic detail an electric motor unit having an electric motor 30 and its rotor 34. On the rotor 34 is placed an unbalanced mass 38 having an outer circumference 40 with at least one section 42 which is less far from the rotor axis a than a section 44 which is radially more external.

A sensor 46, which is likewise coupled to the control device 36, is located close to the unbalanced mass 38, so that it reacts when the section 44 is opposite it, as shown, for example, in fig. 3.

The number of rotations of the rotor 34 is detected via the sensor 46.

As soon as a touch on the operating region is detected in the region of the switch surface, the control device 36 ensures that the electric motor 30 is energized and the rotor 34 and the unbalanced mass 38 rotate. By means of the mechanical connection of the electric motor 30 to the plate-like element 14 via the frame 26, the element is brought into vibration in order to provide tactile feedback to the operator on the operating region 12.

As soon as more than two full revolutions, preferably less than ten full revolutions, in particular even less than five full revolutions, are detected, the control device 36 stops energizing the motor in the respective direction and energizes it in the opposite direction in order to stop it.

It is emphasized that the number of complete revolutions is stored in advance in the control device 36, so that the number of oscillations is precisely determined and also followed.