Abstract:
A motor vehicle is provided with a steering wheel, in the spoke of which an operating device, in particular a modular multi-function operation device, for arrangement in a spoke of a motor vehicle steering wheel, that includes, but is not limited to an operating element that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, in particular a turn-push operating element for operation with turning and/or pushing, which is coupled to at least one sensor for generating a control signal. The axis of rotation is obliquely mounted with an angular contact bearing, so that the operating device is oriented projecting in radial direction and in axial direction and the axis of rotation is variable with respect to the inclined mounting with the angular contact bearing, so that a rocking function is realized. In addition, a method is provided for operating instruments of a motor vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2012 023 671.9, filed Dec. 4, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The technical field relates to an operating device, in particular a modular multi-function operating device, for arrangement in a spoke of a motor vehicle steering wheel, in particular a sport type steering wheel for a motor vehicle a motor vehicle with at least one steering wheel, and a method for operating instruments of a motor vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Multi-function operating units for activating motor vehicle instruments are generally known. Such operating units are employed for the control of navigation devices, radios, telephone systems and the like. The operating units are employed in different locations in the motor vehicle, preferably so that a user can reach these ergonomically or easily without being excessively distracted from the road traffic. 
         [0004]    From DE 103 46 112 a multi-function operating device for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel having at least one spoke is known. The multi-function operating device comprises a display and an input device for selecting menu items displayable on the display and wherein the input device is arranged on the at least one spoke. From DE 103 38 098 B4 a steering wheel having a steering wheel rim and a switching device for the manual actuating of switching functions on controllable motor vehicle devices such as communication and/or information devices is known, by which the switching device switching functions are selectable and confirmable. The switching device is arranged radially within the steering wheel rim near the inner circumferential surface of the steering wheel rim and comprises a rotary knob that is rotatable about an axis of rotation for selecting the switching function, which for confirming the switching function, is moveable against a spring force. The axis of rotation extends approximately radially to the steering wheel rim and the rotary knob is axially moveable to the axis of rotation for confirming the switching function. 
         [0005]    It is at least one object to create an improved operating device, an improved steering wheel, a motor vehicle and a method thereto, which make possible the use of a larger operating element with the same or smaller installation space. In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    An operating device, in particular a modular multi-function operating device, is provided for arrangement in a spoke of a motor vehicle steering wheel, comprising at least one turn-push operating element that is rotatable about an axis of rotation for operation by means of turning and/or pushing, which is coupled to at least one sensor for generating a control signal it is provided that the axis of rotation is obliquely mounted with an angular contact bearing, so that the operating device in radial direction and in axial direction is outstandingly oriented and the axis of rotation with respect to the oblique mounting is variable with the angular contact bearing, so that a rocking function is realized. 
         [0007]    The turn-push operating element is oriented so that it is moveable about the axis of rotation in circumferential direction. With its part circumference, the operating element projects out of a housing that is provided for operation. Accordingly, the operating element is designed as a rocker. Here, the axis of rotation preferably runs transversely to a rocking axis of the angular contact bearing, in particular perpendicularly thereto, i.e., the rocking axis and the axis of rotation do not intersect one another. By exerting a force on the part circumference, the operating element is variable with respect to its inclination. Thus, the operating element is designed as a rocker-rotary switch. It is rotatable about the axis of rotation and the axis of rotation itself is rockable about the rocking axis. Through the inclined position the larger operating element, in particular with a larger diameter is usable with the same installation space. The surroundings of the operating element are constructed less deep. Thus, the operating element can also be installed in spokes of a sport type steering wheel that is narrower in construction. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment it is provided that the angular contact bearing comprises a spring-preloaded lever for the inclined mounting of the turn-push operating element. The lever is mounted in an articulated manner so that it can be pivoted for changing an inclined position of the operating element. A rocking axis or in the following pivot axis of the lever is preferably designed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the operating element, preferably both in unactuated as well as in actuated orientation. Here, the axis of rotation and the pivot axis are designed eccentrically to one another, i.e., the axis of rotation does not run through the pivot axis. 
         [0009]    In a further embodiment it is provided that on the lever a pressure sensor is arranged, which senses a changing of an inclination. The pressure sensor is designed in any way. A plurality of pressure sensors can be provided. Yet a further embodiment provides that the turn-push operating element is coupled to a rotation sensor. By way of the latter, the rotations of the operating element about the axis of rotation can be sensed and converted into corresponding control signals, for example for selecting menu items. Confirming the selection is possible for example by way of tilting the operating element about the pivot axis. 
         [0010]    In addition it is provided in an embodiment that the rotation sensor is coupled to a pressure sensor. In an embodiment, the two sensors are embodied in a unit. In another embodiment, the two sensors are embodied as separate sensors. 
         [0011]    Yet a further embodiment provides that the operating device comprises a housing, in which the turn-push operating element is obliquely arranged in such a manner that a part of the turn-push operating element obliquely projects out of the housing. The housing comprises a slot out of which the operating element projects. The operating element is preferably designed as a rotary wheel. Here, the rotary wheel lies flat in the housing inclined by an inclination. The axis of rotation includes an angle, in particular an acute angle preferably in the range of approximately &lt;90° , further preferably approximately &lt;80° and most preferably approximately &lt;75° with a normal of a bottom of the housing. The pivot axis runs approximately parallel to the bottom, in particular transversely to the axis of rotation. Here, the pivot axis is preferably designed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. 
         [0012]    A further embodiment provides that the housing comprises a slid that can be folded open, which together with the housing defines an outlet opening or the slot for the turn-push operating element, so that the latter obliquely projects out of the outlet opening. The lid is hinged to the housing, so that it permits an access to the operating element which is designed as a wheel when folded open. The operating element is fitted onto the rotation sensor in the middle so that the operating element can be easily pulled off and refitted in the direction of the axis of rotation. In this way, easy replace ability is ensured. The rotation sensor comprises a pin or the like for receiving the operating element. 
         [0013]    In yet a further embodiment it is provided that at least the turn-push operating element is designed as a direct and/or indirect illumination unit. In an embodiment, the operating element is designed as a self-illuminating operating element. In another embodiment, the operating element is provided as an illuminated operating element. Accordingly, illuminants are provided for the operating element. The illuminants are integrated into or separate from the operating element, for example arranged in the housing. Here, the illuminants are designed in such a manner that these make possible different colorations of the operating element. 
         [0014]    Here, the illuminants are activated accordingly. Thus, for example when using the operating element for selecting different options of a menu, the operating element is illuminated red with a non-selectable yet displayed option and illuminated green with a possible selection. When selecting by tilting the operating element, flashing or coloration occurs for example. In an embodiment, the operating element is embodied at least partially transparent. A corresponding activation and power supply is provided. 
         [0015]    In addition, it is provided in a further embodiment that the operating device is coupled to a control unit. By way of the operating device and the correspondingly generated signals, further instruments such as navigation systems, hands-free sets, telephone systems, sound systems and the like are controllable via the control device, to which the signals are passed on or by which the signals are received. The coupling to the control unit is preferably embodied bi-directionally. Here, the operating unit, in an embodiment, receives for example light signals from the control unit so that a corresponding illumination of the operating element or of the entire operating device takes place. The operating device for example sends the signals of the sensors generated out of the movement of the operating element to the control unit. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the operating device comprises further operating elements in addition to the operating element designed as a wheel, for example as switches, in particular operating elements designed as rocker switches or toggle switches. These are likewise accommodated in or on the housing. In an embodiment, the operating elements are coupled to one another. In another embodiment, the operating elements are separate from one another. Preferably, all operating elements are coupled to the control device. 
         [0017]    A steering wheel, in particular a sport type steering wheel for a motor vehicle, is provided with at least one spoke projecting from a central coupling member it is provided that the spoke comprises a mounting in which the operating device can be housed or is accommodated in a mounted state. The spoke comprises a recess in which the operating device can be at least partially housed. In particular, the steering wheel is a sport type steering wheel with shallow spokes which require a narrow design of an operating device. A bottom of the recess and a surface of the spoke, which surrounds the recess, are substantially parallel or are parallel. 
         [0018]    Accordingly, the operating element inserted in the spoke obliquely protrudes over the surrounding surface of the spoke, preferably only with the lid that can be folded open and the projecting part of the operating element or of the operating elements. Here, the axis of rotation is preferably arranged in the direction perpendicularly to the surface of the spoke. The latter is oriented obliquely to the perpendicular or surface normal of the surface of the spoke and/or of the bottom. In this way, the operating element lies flat and inclined in the housing, so that only a minor depth is required in the spoke for accommodating the operating device. 
         [0019]    The direction of rotation of the operating element is preferentially along the surrounding surface of the spoke. Tilting takes place by exerting a force on the operating element in the direction of the surface normal of the spoke. Since only an outer edge or part circumference of the operating element projects out of the outlet opening and the center of the operating wheel is concealed by the housing, a rocker-like operating element is realized. This is realized through the offset of axis of rotation and pivot axis. Accordingly, the pivot mounting of the operating element is arranged eccentrically. Thus, an embodiment provides that in the assembled state the turn-push operating element is arranged obliquely to a surface of the spoke surrounding the operating device, so that the operating element protrudes over the surrounding surface in radial direction and in axial direction. 
         [0020]    A motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, is provided with at least one steering wheel, it is provided that the steering wheel is designed as described above and/or an operating device as described above. The operating device is arranged recessed in the spoke of the steering wheel for the greatest part. The lid of the housing obliquely projects away from the surface of the spoke. The vehicle is, for example, designed as a Sedan, Kombi vehicle, off-road vehicle, minibus, van, minivan, SUV or the like. 
         [0021]    In addition, a method is provided for operating instruments of a motor vehicle. It is provided that an operating device described above is provided on or at least partially in a steering wheel described above. Depending on control option at least one of the operating elements of the operating device is differently represented, in particular differently illuminated visually. At least one operating element, in particular the turn-push operating element, is illuminated in an embodiment, in particular illuminated in color and/or is self-illuminating. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is schematically in a cross-sectioned lateral view the construction of a steering wheel in detail; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is schematically in a perspective view a detail of the steering wheel with operating device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is schematically in a sectioned lateral view the mode of operation of the operating device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is schematically in a perspective view the detail according to  FIG. 2  with another embodiment of the operating device; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is schematically in a sectioned lateral view the proportions of the operating device in a first embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is schematically in a sectioned lateral view the second embodiment of the operating device according to  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is schematically in a perspective view the detail according to  FIG. 4  with an illuminated embodiment of the operating device; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is schematically in a perspective view different embodiments of an operating element of the operating device; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is schematically in a sectioned lateral view the inserting of the operating element; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is schematically in a sectioned lateral view the construction of an operating device in an actuated and unactuated state. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10  show in different views and different levels of detail different embodiments of an operating device  100  of a steering wheel  10  of a motor vehicle (not shown here).  FIG. 1  schematically shows the construction of the steering wheel  10  in a cross-sectioned lateral view. From a middle part or coupling part  11  of the steering wheel  10 , a spoke  12  radially and axially projects as far as to a surrounding steering rim  13 . Here, steering rim  13  and spoke  12  have a common inner structure  14 . 
         [0035]    The inner structure  14  in this case is designed as a common magnesium core. The spoke  12  is designed as a so-called deep dish style spoke, i.e., as a special type of spoke for a sport-type steering wheel, which are designed flat and in particular small in construction. In order for it to be possible to accommodate an operating device  100  in this spoke  12  the latter has to be of a correspondingly flat design. An embodiment of such an operating device  100  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  schematically shows a detail of the steering wheel  10  with operating device  100  in a perspective view. The operating device  100  is designed as a module which can be easily inserted in a mounting or recess  15  in the spoke  12  of the steering wheel  10 . The recess  15  in this case is matched to the operating device  100  so that said recess surrounds the operating device  100  preferably free of play. This means a form of the recess  15  is matched to the outer contour of the operating device  100 . 
         [0037]    The operating device  100  comprises a housing  110 , in which an operating element  120 , here in the form of a rotary wheel  121 , is arranged. The rotary wheel  121  obliquely projects out of the housing  110  on an end located radially outside. In a region projecting from the spoke  12 , the housing  110  runs obliquely relative to a surface of the spoke  12  in the adjacent region of the operating device  100 . Accordingly, the rotary wheel  121  also lies obliquely, i.e., slightly inclined to the surrounding surface of the spoke  12 . 
         [0038]    An axis of rotation  130  of the rotary wheel  121  in this case runs substantially in the direction of a surface normal of the surrounding surface of the spoke  12 , so that a turning operation of the rotary wheel  121  takes place approximately parallel to the surface or approximately in the direction towards the surrounding steering rim  13 . Here, the axis of rotation  130  is arranged obliquely. Operating by means of turning or rotating is effected by means of a finger  4  of a user in the direction of the arrow U. The operating element  120  is designed as a turn-push operating element  125 , as is shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 . This means that the operating element  120  is mounted in such a manner that in addition to a turning movement or turning operation U about the axis of rotation  130 , a pushing movement in another direction, transversely or perpendicularly to the axis of rotation  130  can also take place. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  schematically shows the mode of operation of the operating device  100  in a sectioned lateral view. Shown is the push actuation or push operation with the finger  4 . With the finger  4 , the operator exerts a pushing force F on the part of the rotary wheel  121  that projects out of the housing  110 . Through the pressure force F applied eccentrically to the axis of rotation  130 , the angle of the axis of rotation  130  with respect to the surface of the spoke  12  or a bottom  111  of the housing  110  changes, as is shown through the two axes of rotation  130 . 
         [0040]    The obliquely mounted axis of rotation  130  is tilted or performs a tilting movement. The gap or the outlet opening  150  formed through the housing  110 , which is formed in particular through the likewise obliquely running lid  112 , is correspondingly designed for this tilting movement of the axis of rotation  130  and thus of the rotary wheel  121 . The axis of rotation  130  in this case is substantially directed to the bottom  111  or approximately perpendicularly to the surface of the spoke  12 , wherein the axis of rotation  130  is formed obliquely to the bottom  111  or to the surface and includes an acute angle of inclination of approximately 75° with the bottom  111 . By exerting the pressure force F, the angle of inclination changes by a few degrees, for example by approximately 5° to approximately 10°. In addition to the operating element  120  designed as rotary wheel  121 , the operating device  100  can comprise further operating elements  120 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  schematically shows the detail according to  FIG. 2  in a perspective view with another embodiment of the operating device  100 . The shown operating device  100  comprises two further operating elements  120  in addition to the rotary wheel  121 . The further operating elements are designed as buttons  122 , here as push button switches, rocker switches or the like. Here, the buttons  122  are arranged projecting out of the lid  112 . Here, the buttons  122  at least partially penetrate the lid  112 . In an interior space formed by the housing  110 , the buttons  122  run next to the rotary wheel  121  arranged lying in an inclined position, so that the buttons  122  and the rotary wheel  121  do not collide. In this way, a space requirement is optimized. 
         [0042]    The movement of the buttons  122  is sensed via a pressure sensor that is provided. By way of the buttons  122 , further functions of connected devices such as navigation systems, radio, telephone, etc. can be controlled via corresponding connections or control devices. The position of the operating elements  120  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  schematically shows the proportions of the operating device  100  in a sectioned lateral view in a first embodiment. Here, the rotary wheel  121  lies flat in the housing  110  with the axis of rotation  130  that is inclined relative to the bottom  111 . The axis of rotation  130  includes the angle of inclination a with the bottom, which is in the range approximately &lt;90° and approximately &gt;45° . The housing  110  is suitably matched to the obliquely lying orientation of the rotary wheel  121 . 
         [0044]    To this end, the lid  112  obliquely projects from an end  113  of the housing  110  upwards away from the housing  110 . To this end, the lid is spaced from an opposite end axially in a height direction H and a width direction B, so that the outlet opening  150  or the gap is created, out of which the rotary wheel  121  projects. Through the inclined position of the rotary wheel  121 , a rotary wheel  121  with a diameter D, which is greater than the dimension in height direction H, is employable, as a result of which a simpler handling of the operating device  100  is realized. The embodiment is particularly advantageous especially through airbags or the like provided in the steering wheel  10  and in particular in the case of flat spokes  12 , as are encountered with sport type steering wheels. 
         [0045]    The rotary wheel  121  is coupled to a rotation sensor  124 . The rotation sensor  124  sits in the housing  110  approximately in the middle or centrally below the rotary wheel  121 . The rotation sensor  124  sensed the rotary movement of the rotary wheel  121  and generates corresponding control signals. Here, the rotation sensor  124  comprises a pin or the like, which is formed concentrically to the axis of rotation  130  or defines the latter. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  schematically shows the second embodiment of the operating device according to  FIG. 4  in a sectioned lateral view. Here, two buttons  122  are provided on the lid  112  in addition to the embodiment according to  FIG. 5 . In this case, because of the view only one button  122  is visible. The button  122  penetrates the lid  112  and projects into the interior space of the housing  110  so that the rotary wheel  121  is not negatively affected. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  schematically shows the detail according to  FIG. 4  in a perspective view with an illuminated embodiment of the operating device  100 . The illumination is symbolically represented by the arch L. The rotary wheel  121  in this case is illuminated and radiates light out of the outlet opening  150  towards the outside or the rotary wheel  121  itself illuminates. The illumination L in this case is dependent on control signals so that for different adjusting possibilities and/or different rotary wheel positions, different illuminations are possible. In order to realize these light effects, different embodiments on rotary wheels  121  are conceivable, such as shown for example in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0048]    In a perspective view,  FIG. 8  schematically shows different embodiments of an operating element  120  of the operating device  100  as rotary wheel  121 . Here, the rotary wheels  121  are formed of an at least partially transparent material. Here, the rotary wheels  121  can assume different forms, for example semi-spherical, ring-shaped or any other forms that are rotatable about an axis of rotation. Here, the surface has a texture  126 , trimmings  127  or even a reinforcement rim  128 . In this way, a rotary wheel  121  is individualizable as desired. Because of the exchangeable arrangement of the rotary wheel  121 , a subsequent replacement can be easily carried out. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  schematically shows the inserting of the operating element  120  in a sectioned lateral view. In order to realize easy replacing of the rotary wheel  121 , for example for individualizing or cleaning the operating device  100 , the lid  112  of the housing  110  can be folded open. To this end, the lid  112  is pivotably arranged on the one end  113  of the housing  110 , for example with a pivot joint  116  (see  FIG. 10 ). The rotary wheel  121  is fitted onto the rotation sensor  124  and can be easily pulled off the latter. Thus, the rotary wheel  121  can be easily removed and replaced. Following the replacement or cleaning, the lid  112  is folded closed again so that the rotary wheel  121  is concealed by the lid  112  for the greatest part. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  schematically shows the construction of an operating device  100  in an actuated and unactuated state in a sectioned lateral view. By exerting the pressure force F, the rotary wheel  121  or the axis of rotation  130  is tilted. The two positions of the axes of rotation  130  or of the rotary wheel  121  are shown accordingly. The rotary wheel  121  or generally the operating element  120  is suitably mounted for a tilting of the axis of rotation  130  via an angular contact bearing  140 . The angular contact bearing  140  comprises a rotary lever which is rotatably or pivotably mounted on the bottom  111  or shorter lever  141 . The latter is rotatably connected on a side or an end via a pivot joint  142 , which is connected for example to the bottom  112 . On the opposite side or end, the lever  141  is resiliently mounted on the bottom  111  with a spring  143 . Here, the spring  143  is preferably preloaded in order to push the rotary wheel  121  away from the bottom  111 . The spring  143  is designed as a coil compression spring  143   a , and is oriented approximately in the same direction as the axis of rotation  130 . 
         [0051]    A pressure sensor  123  is arranged on the lever  141  approximately in the middle. The pressure sensor  123  senses the change of the rotary wheel  121  brought about by the force F. The pressure sensor  123  is coupled to the rotation sensor  124 . Here, the rotation sensor  124  adjoins the pressure sensor  123  approximately in the direction of the axis of rotation  130 . The rotation sensor  124  comprises the pin  124   a , onto which the rotary wheel  121  is fitted and which at the same time defines the axis of rotation  130 . In addition, a further pressure sensor  123  of the buttons  122  is shown. 
         [0052]    The pressure sensor  123  is arranged in the region of the lid  112  and assigned to the respective touch button  122 . The touch buttons  122  themselves are designed as flat back buttons  122   a  for a back function, which make possible for example jumping back to a selection or option. The lid  112  is connected to the rest of the housing  110  via the pivot joint  116 . 
         [0053]    While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.