阅读说明：本技术 用于通过按压和/或旋转操作元件来输入信息的装置 (Device for inputting information by pressing and/or rotating an operating element ) 是由 M·屈纳 M·维泰洛 于 2019-06-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于输入信息的装置(1),其中该装置具有操作元件(2)、传输元件(3)、用于为该操作元件(2)供应能量的能量传输装置(4)、以及控制器(5),其中该装置(1)具有用于检测围绕该操作元件(2)的旋转轴线的旋转运动的角度编码器(2’)以及用于检测该操作元件(2)的按压运动的触摸编码器(2”),其中该传输元件(3)是用于将数据从该角度编码器(2’)和/或从该触摸编码器(2”)传输至该控制器(5)的装置,其特征在于,该能量传输装置(4)适用于无线地传输能量。此外,本发明还涉及一种用于操作该装置的方法。(The invention relates to a device (1) for inputting information, wherein the device has an operating element (2), a transmission element (3), an energy transmission device (4) for supplying energy to the operating element (2), and a controller (5), wherein the device (1) has an angle encoder (2 ') for detecting a rotational movement about a rotational axis of the operating element (2) and a touch encoder (2 ") for detecting a pressing movement of the operating element (2), wherein the transmission element (3) is a device for transmitting data from the angle encoder (2') and/or from the touch encoder (2") to the controller (5), characterized in that the energy transmission device (4) is adapted to transmit energy wirelessly. The invention further relates to a method for operating the device.)

1. A device (1) for inputting information, wherein the device has an operating element (2), a transmission element (3), an energy transmission device (4) for supplying energy to the operating element (2), and a controller (5), wherein the device (1) has an angle encoder (2 ') for detecting a rotational movement about a rotational axis of the operating element (2) and a touch encoder (2 ") for detecting a pressing movement of the operating element (2), wherein the transmission element (3) is a device for transmitting data from the angle encoder (2') and/or from the touch encoder (2") to the controller (5),

characterized in that the energy transmission device (4) is adapted to transmit energy wirelessly.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the energy transmission device (4) is configured for inductively transmitting energy.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (2) is embodied in the form of a knob, wherein the knob has a touch face (20) along a main extension plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein the knob has side edges (21) substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane.

4. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angular encoder (2') is integrated in the operating element (2).

5. The device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the angle encoder (2') is arranged in an area between the touch face (20) and the side edge (21).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the touch encoder (2 ") is arranged in an area between the touch face (20) and the side edge (21).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (2) is arranged on a capacitive pressure sensor of the device.

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the capacitive pressure sensor is a touch display.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission element (3) is an element for wireless transmission of information.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the device (1) has an illumination device (6) for illuminating the knob.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the lighting device (6) is integrated in the knob.

12. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy transmission device (4) is configured for supplying energy to the angle encoder (2') and/or the touch encoder (2 ") and/or the transmission element (3) and/or the illumination device (6).

13. Method for operating a device (1) for inputting information according to one of the preceding claims, wherein rotation information caused by a rotating operating element (2) is detected by an angle encoder (2'), wherein touch information caused by a pressing movement on the operating element (2) is detected by a touch encoder (2 "), wherein the rotation information and the touch information are transmitted by a transmission element (3) to a controller (5).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the rotation information and the touch information are wirelessly transmitted to the controller (5) by the transmission element (3).

15. The method according to one of claims 13 to 14, wherein energy is transmitted inductively by the energy transmission device (4).

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the operating element (2) is illuminated by an illumination device (6).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for inputting information by pressing and/or rotating an operating element, in particular a rotary/press-on actuator.

Background

Such devices are known in principle from the prior art, in particular from the field of vehicle operation. The rotary-push regulator allows easy input of information. For example, the air temperature and the air flow rate of the vehicle air conditioning system, the location name for navigation with a navigation system, or a radio station for playback with a car radio can be set. The combination of pressing and rotation is advantageous in that by pressing a value can be selected for the parameter to be set and by rotating the selected value can be confirmed.

The rotary-to-press regulator is configured in a conventional manner to transmit the pressing or rotation to the mechanical elements of the touch encoder or angle encoder via a shaft. From there, the signal is transmitted via the electrical rail to a controller, for example a controller of an air conditioning system.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the space required by the shaft is relatively large and the positioning is inflexible.

Another possibility for designing rotary push-button regulators consists in positioning these rotary push-button regulators as push buttons on the touch display and wiping them by touching contact elements on the display when the rotary push-button regulators are moved rotationally. A disadvantage of this prior art is that the solution of transferring energy to the push button for operating the electrical device in the push button can be very cumbersome and limited.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for inputting information which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art, but is flexible with regard to energy supply and locatability.

This object is achieved by a device for inputting information, wherein the device has an operating element, a transmission element, an energy transmission device for supplying energy to the operating element, and a controller, wherein the device has an angle encoder for detecting a rotational movement about an axis of rotation of the operating element and a touch encoder for detecting a pressing movement of the operating element, wherein the transmission element is a device for transmitting data from the angle encoder and/or the touch encoder to the controller, characterized in that the energy transmission device is adapted to transmit energy wirelessly.

The device according to the invention allows the rotary/pressure regulator to be supplied with energy wirelessly. This eliminates the need for power cables, which limit the locatability of the device, for example in the vehicle cab, and the choice of materials for the bottom of the device.

Advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention can be derived from the description of the alternative embodiments and with reference to the figures.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the energy transmission device is configured for inductively transmitting energy. This allows an efficient and cost-effective supply of energy to the operating element.

It is conceivable for the operating element to have one or more receiving coils. It is likewise conceivable for the energy transmission device to have a receiving-side section with one or more receiving coils and also to have a transmitting-side section with one or more transmitting coils. The receiving-side part is preferably arranged in the operating element. Further, the emitting side portion is preferably disposed in, on, or below an instrument panel of the vehicle. It is also conceivable for the transmitting side part to have means for influencing the electromagnetic field, wherein the means for influencing the electromagnetic field are preferably means for concentrating the electromagnetic field.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the operating element is embodied in the form of a rotary knob, wherein the rotary knob has a touch surface which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation along a main plane of extension, wherein the rotary knob has side edges which are substantially perpendicular to the main plane of extension.

This advantageously allows for human input of information. The side edges preferably have a structured surface. It is conceivable that the knob may be rotated stepwise around the rotation axis. It is thus conceivable that the knob is locked after each step of stepwise rotation.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the angular encoder is integrated in the operating element. This allows a compact design, in which no shaft projecting beyond the operating element is required for transmitting rotation on the angle encoder.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the angle encoder is arranged in the region between the touch surface and the side edge.

This allows a more compact and thus more flexible positioning design of the device.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the touch encoder is arranged in the region between the touch surface and the side edge. This advantageously allows the detection of the pressing movement to be integrated into the operating element. The result is a further reduction and a more compact construction.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the actuating element is arranged on a capacitive pressure sensor of the device. This allows for a simple implementation of the touch encoder. The capacitive pressure sensor is preferably a touch encoder. By pressing the operating element, the operating element approaches the capacitive pressure sensor, which detects a movement of the operating element.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the capacitive pressure sensor is a touch display. This allows the user of the device, in particular the operating state of the controller, to be informed directly on the device of the operating state of the device. At the same time, the operating state may help the user quickly and reliably find the correct device for inputting information, which may reduce road traffic disturbances when the device is installed in a vehicle.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the transmission element is an element for the wireless transmission of information. It may thus be advantageous to connect the operating element completely wirelessly to the controller. This allows a high degree of flexibility in positioning the actuating element. Furthermore, when the device is installed, for example in a vehicle, laborious work steps are dispensed with, in that no cables need to be pulled and connected.

It is conceivable for the transmission element to have a first wireless interface in the operating element and a second wireless interface at the control unit. It is conceivable to transmit data by radio between the first wireless interface and the second wireless interface. It is thus conceivable to transmit data by means of bluetooth, WLAN or NFC. However, it is also conceivable for the transmission element to have a first optical interface in the operating element and a second optical interface at the control unit. It is conceivable to transmit data optically between the first optical interface and the second optical interface.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the device has an illumination device for illuminating the rotary knob. It is contemplated that the lighting device may be controlled by a controller. It is thus conceivable that the controller may control the brightness and/or color of the lighting device. It is also conceivable for the touch surface and/or the side edges to have a display element, preferably a display, wherein it is particularly preferred for the display element to be controllable by the controller.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the energy transmission device is configured for supplying energy to the angle encoder and/or the touch encoder and/or the transmission element and/or the illumination device.

Another subject matter of the invention is a method for operating a device for inputting information according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein rotation information is detected by an operating element of the rotation angle encoder, wherein touch information is detected by a pressing movement on the operating element by the touch encoder, wherein the rotation information and the touch information are transmitted from the transmission element to the controller.

The method according to the invention allows operating a device to be flexibly positioned and space-saving.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the rotation information and the touch information are transmitted wirelessly from the transmission element to the controller. It is conceivable for the rotation information and the touch information to be transmitted by radio by means of bluetooth, NFC or WLAN. However, it is likewise conceivable to transmit this rotation information optically, as well as the touch information.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the energy is transmitted inductively by the energy transmission device. It is conceivable for this purpose for the energy to be transmitted by one or more transmitting coils to one or more receiving coils. It is furthermore conceivable that the electromagnetic field influenced by the means for influencing the electromagnetic field is preferably concentrated.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the operating element is illuminated by an illumination device. It is conceivable that the lighting device is controlled by a controller and thus the control instructions of the controller are transmitted to the lighting device via a transmission element.

Drawings

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the figures and the following description of preferred embodiments with the aid of the figures. The drawings herein illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the inventive concepts.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a cross section through a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, an apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The device has an operating element 2 embodied as a rotary knob having a side edge 21 and a touch surface 20. The side edges 21 have a structured surface, which simplifies handling. Furthermore, a display element 22 is arranged in the form of a display on the touch surface 20.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a cross section through a device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The section shown here is perpendicular to the view of the device 1 in fig. 1.

The device 1 has an operating element 2 and a control 5. The operating element 2 has a side edge 21 and a touch surface 20. The angle encoder 2' and the touch encoder 2 ″ are arranged inside the operating element 2. The angle encoder 2' detects the rotational movement of the operating element 2 with a rotational axis perpendicular to the touch surface 20. The touch encoder 2 ″ detects a pressing motion with a pressure parallel to the plane normal of the touch surface 20. The detected data are directed from the angle encoder 2' and the touch encoder 2 "to the transmission element 3. The transmission element 3 has a first wireless interface 3' and a second wireless interface 3 ". The detected data are transmitted from the first wireless interface 3' in the operating element 2 to the second wireless interface 3 ″ in the controller 5 by bluetooth. The energy supply of the operating element 2 takes place inductively via the energy transmission device 4. The energy transmission device 4 thus has a receiving coil 4' and a transmitting coil 4 ″ within the operating element 2. The angle encoder 2 ', the touch encoder 2 ", the first wireless interface 3 ' and the illumination means 6 from the interior illumination operating element 2 are energized by the receiving coil 4 '. In order to improve the energy transfer from the transmitter coil 4 ″ to the receiver coil 4 ', the transmitter-side part has means for influencing the electromagnetic field 7, which concentrates the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter coil 4 ″ in the direction of the receiver coil 4'.