Patent ID: 11016571

Abstract:
The operator control unit (10) for a device is provided with an operator control element (14) which has a touch-sensitive operator control surface (16). The operator control element (14) is, for the purpose of being automatically returned to its inoperative position after being deflected out of said inoperative position, elastically mounted in said inoperative position. The mechanical excitation of the operator control element (14) out of its inoperative position for the purpose of tactile feedback in response to operation of the operator control element (14) is performed by means of an actuator (24). A sensor (26) identifies the movement of the operator control element (14) and/or an acceleration and/or force acting on the operator control element (14). When a movement of the operator control element (14) and/or an acceleration and/or force acting on the operator control element (14) are/is identified without sensing contact with the operator control surface (16), the evaluation and actuation unit (22) actuates the actuator (24) to maintain the inoperative position of the operator control element (14) and/or to move the operator control element (14) back to its inoperative position and/or to stabilize the operator control element (14).