Input device on a sun-visor

• US 7,017,970 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2001
• Issued: 03/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Weinberger, Markus
• Primary Examiner(s): LYJAK, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US10/220,684
• Publication Number:
  US 20030151306A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,849 Days
• Field of Search: 296/97.5, 296/97.6, 296/97.9, 307/10, 307/10.1
• US Class Current: 296/97.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 3/0204 Sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/81 Fastening of instruments, e.g. to dashboard
• 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: B60K 35/50 Instruments characterised by their means of attachment to or integration in the vehicle B60K35/231 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0252 for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0258 for navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0005 Dashboard
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0035 Sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0047 using hidden fastening means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 around three axes, i.e. universally mounted

Abstract

An input device is proposed in a vehicle, the input device having a plurality of keys, being connected to a processing unit and being arranged in the sun visor of the vehicle. The input of text via the input device is simplified, the input device being available in the vehicle without space being necessary, for example, in the center console.

Claims

1. An input device in a vehicle in which a sun visor is disposed, comprising:

a plurality of keys including a subset of keys representing alphabetical letters, each key in the subset representing only a respective one of the alphabetical letters; and

a connection for connecting to a processing unit, wherein;

the input device is capable of being arranged on the sun visor,

the sun visor is capable of being coupled to a holding device connected to a body of the vehicle, and

for an input using the input device, the sun visor is capable of being completely moved away from the body of the vehicle by being uncoupled from the holding device.

2. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the input device is built into the sun visor.

3. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the input device is removable from the sun visor.

4. The input device as recited in claim 3, wherein:

the input device is able to be latched in the sun visor.

5. The input device as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a connection to a voltage supply that is independent of a vehicle electrical system.

6. The input device as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a connection to a storage battery that is chargeable by a charging current when the sun visor is retained in the holding device.

7. The input device as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a connection to a first transceiver unit, wherein;

the processing unit is connected to a second transceiver unit, and

data is transmittable wirelessly between the input device and the processing unit via the first transceiver unit and the second transceiver unit.

8. The input device as recited in claim 7,

wherein the data is transmitted according to one of a radio transmission and an infrared transmission.

9. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the connection to the processing unit includes connecting lines.

10. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the plurality of keys includes one of keys for letters of the alphabet and keys for whole numbers from zero to nine.

11. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the plurality of keys include membrane keys.

12. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

a display unit is arranged at least one of on the input device and on the sun visor.

13. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

by using the input device, data is able to be input into at least one of a driver information device, a navigation device, and into a service node situated outside of the vehicle via a wireless interface.

14. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the input device is able to be concealed by the sun visor by folding the sun visor against a vehicle roof.

22. The input device as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the input device is capable of controlling a computing device arranged outside of the sun visor and inside the vehicle.

15. A sun visor, comprising:

a body capable of receiving an input device that includes;

a plurality of keys including a subset of keys representing alphabetical letters, each key in the subset representing only a respective one of the alphabetical letters, and

a connection for connecting to a processing unit, wherein;

the input device is capable of being arranged on the sun visor,

the sun visor is capable of being coupled to a holding device connected to a body of a vehicle, and

for an input using the input device, the sun visor is capable of being completely moved away from the body of the vehicle by being uncoupled from the holding device.

16. A computer keyboard for mounting on a sun visor of a vehicle, comprising:

a plurality of keys corresponding to all of the letters of the alphabet and to the whole numbers from zero to nine, the plurality of keys including a subset of keys representing the letters of the alphabet, each key in the subset representing only a respective one of the letters of the alphabet; and

a connection for connecting to a processing unit, wherein;

the computer keyboard is capable of being arranged on the sun visor,

the sun visor is capable of being coupled to a holding device, and

for an input using the input device, the sun visor is removable from the holding device.

17. A sun visor, comprising:

a body capable of receiving a computer keyboard and including;

a coupling element integrally formed on the body and for removably coupling the body to the computer keyboard.

18. The sun visor as recited in claim 17, wherein:

the coupling element includes at least one detent hook.

19. The sun visor as recited in claim 17, wherein:

the body includes a contact via which power is capable of being delivered to the computer keyboard when connected to the body.

20. The sun visor as recited in claim 17, wherein:

the body includes an operating element for causing the coupling element to release the computer keyboard.

21. A computer keyboard for mounting on a sun visor of a vehicle, comprising:

a housing including a grip for permitting a user to grasp the housing in order to release the housing from the sun visor;

a plurality of keys arranged in the housing and corresponding to all of the letters of the alphabet and to the whole numbers from zero to nine; and

a connection arranged in the housing and for connecting to a processing unit, wherein;

the computer keyboard is capable of being arranged on the sun visor,

the sun visor is capable of being coupled to a holding device, and

for an input using the input device, the sun visor is removable from the holding device.