Control device

• US 6,348,772 B1
• Filed: 12/14/1999
• Issued: 02/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG (Continental AG)
• Inventors: May, Norbert
• Primary Examiner(s): Nappi, Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): San Martin, Edgardo
• Application Number:
  US09/461,547
• Time in Patent Office: 798 Days
• Field of Search: 318/430, 318/446, 318/466, 318/489, 318/552, 200/4, 200/52.R, 200/521, 200/564, 200/310, 200/313, 200/314, 200/316, 200/336, 200/341, 250/465.1, 362/394, 187/395
• US Class Current: 318/430
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/02 Controlling members for hand actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/10 Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles G05G1/085 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/008 with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/039 Selective or different modes of illumination
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/06 Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/181 using a programmable display, e.g. LED or LCD

Abstract

In a control device (1) having an actuator (2) which can be activated manually, an arresting element (8) is used to provide haptic feedback for a rotating sensation which is associated with the selected function. This rotating sensation, for example individual latching steps, is represented visually by means of display (9) which is arranged on a rotary actuating element (3) of the actuator (2). As a result, the user is quickly provided with an overview of the avaliable, position of the actuator (2) which it is possible to set.

Claims

1. A control device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator which is activatable manually, and an arresting element exerting a force on the actuator as a function of input control signals, the control device being defined by a display (9, 15) for representing information as a function of the input control signals for exerting the force on the actuator (2, 13), wherein the display (9, 15) has a row of illuminable elements with sections which are drivable individually, wherein

the actuator (2, 13) has a rotary actuating element (3, 12), wherein

the display (9, 15) is positioned on a circumference of the rotary actuating element (3, 12).

2. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (9, 15) has a plurality of LEDs (11, 16).

3. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (9, 15) is arranged on the actuator (2, 13).

4. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (9, 15) is arranged on an end face (10, 14) of the actuator.

5. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (9, 15) at the same time represents position of the actuator (2, 13).

6. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (9, 15) is for representing a selected function.

7. The control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (9, 15) has an LCD (17).

8. A control device for a motor vehicle, comprising a rotatable actuator which is activatable manually, an arresting element exerting a force on the rotatable actuator as a function of input control signals, a display (9, 15) for representing information as a function of the input control signals for exerting the force on the rotatable actuator (2, 13), wherein the control device inputs data into electronic devices, different functions being selectable from at least one of said electronic devices, wherein the display (9, 15) is arranged on the rotatable actuator, wherein the display (9, 15) representing a selected function of the electronic devices, wherein the display (9, 15) is arranged on an end face (10, 14) of the rotatable actuator and said display rotates together with the rotatable actuator, wherein the control device has reading means for reading a display rotation angle which is a function of the input control signals.

9. The control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the display (9, 15) is positioned on a circumference of the rotary actuating element (3, 12).

10. The control device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the display (9, 15) represents position of the actuator (2, 13).

11. The control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device (1) has a display (9, 15) for representing a selected function.

12. The control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the display (9, 15) has an LCD (17).