Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH

Germany

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2024 March 3
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IPC Class
B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs 54
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer 42
B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments 34
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means 26
H03K 17/96 - Touch switches 21
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NICE Class
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments 21
11 - Environmental control apparatus 13
07 - Machines and machine tools 7
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Registered / In Force 160
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1.

DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2023074241
Publication Number 2024/061610
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-05
Publication Date 2024-03-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Siekkinen, Tuomas
  • Kemppinen, Pasi
  • Puolimatka, Ville-Veikko
  • Välimäki, Pyry
  • Sinkkonen, Santeri

Abstract

The display device (18) for a vehicle comprises a display (26) with a display area (40) which is backlit by scattered light, whereby the information becomes visible. However, in those regions in which one or more manual operating elements (22) are arranged on the display area (40), the backlighting of the display (26) is effected with focused light which is scattered on the front side (42) of each operating element (22) upon emergence from a display region (24). As a result, the information in the display region (50) of the display area (40) located behind the operating element (22) can be made visible without impairments on the front side (42) of the operating element (22) or of each operating element (22).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

2.

DISPLAY DEVICE WITH AN IR CAMERA FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2023075779
Publication Number 2024/061891
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-19
Publication Date 2024-03-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Siekkinen, Tuomas
  • Kankkunen, Hanna

Abstract

The display device (10) with an IR camera for a vehicle is provided with a display (18) having a front side with a display area (24) and a back side, and a backlighting unit (26) having backlighting light sources (38) and having a light guide (28) which comprises a light emergence side (30), a back side (32) distant therefrom and a circumferential edge side (34) connecting the front side to the back side (32), the backlighting light sources (38) radiating visible light into at least a portion of the edge side (34). There are no optical light-diffusion elements in the intermediate space between the back side of the display (18) and the light emergence side (30) of the light guide (28). The display device (10) is also provided with a reflection film arranged on the back side of the light guide (28) or opposite thereto and serving to reflect backlighting light (36) and transmit IR light, the reflection film having a back side facing away from the light guide (28), and IR light sources (46) and an IR photodiode array (48), all of which are arranged facing the back side of the reflection film. IR light from the IR light sources (46) passes through the reflection film, the light guide (28) and the display (18) and reaches a region in front of the display area (24) and IR light from the IR light sources (46) reflected at an object potentially situated in this region passes through the display (18), the light guide (28) and the reflection film and reaches the IR photodiode array (48).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
  • G02F 1/13357 - Illuminating devices

3.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2023074257
Publication Number 2024/052312
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-05
Publication Date 2024-03-14
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Wolf, Robin
  • Välimäki, Pyry
  • Kemppinen, Pasi
  • Bandlow, Bastian

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle, comprising a housing (26) having a front side (28) with a recess (30) extending between two opposing supporting edge sections (34) on the front side (28) of the housing (26), and comprising an elastic and/or directly or indirectly elastically mounted control panel (24) having two opposing supporting ends (23) for resting on the two supporting edge sections (34), where the control panel (24) is secured to the housing (26), and covering the recess (30). The control panel (24) has a contact sensor system (70) and an underside (42) facing the recess (30) and an upper side facing away from the recess (30) and having an operating surface (40) with multiple operating fields (20) for manually actuating the control panel (24) in order to input commands via pressure against the control panel (24) occurring in the operating fields (20) with minimal pressing force. The operating device is also provided with an actuation sensor (46) for detecting a deflection of the control panel (24) during the manual actuation thereof, and a motion transmission element (50) for transmitting the motion of the control panel (24) in its deflection to the actuation sensor (46). The operating device also comprises an actuator (74) for active haptic feedback.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • H03K 17/94 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
  • H01H 1/00 - Contacts
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches

4.

DISPLAY DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE, FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION, HAVING SWITCHABLE SHARING AND PRIVATE MODES

      
Application Number EP2023064742
Publication Number 2023/232969
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-06-01
Publication Date 2023-12-07
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Sanchez Castillo, Alberto
  • Wiehemeier, Lars

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device, in particular for a vehicle, for displaying information, comprising an electronic display (10) with a front face, which has a display surface, and a rear face facing away from the front face, and comprising a backlighting unit (12) for backlighting the display (10), said backlighting unit having a light output face arranged so as to face the rear face of the display (10). The display device additionally has an optoelectronic panel (16) which is arranged between the display (10) and the backlighting unit (12), wherein the optoelectronic panel (16) has a plurality of areas which can be operated independently of one another and in which light coming from the backlighting unit (12) can be relayed to display (10) regions, which are flush with said areas, in a bundled manner in order to make the information displayed on the display surface visible during an operation in a private mode and to display (10) regions, which are flush with said areas, in a scattered manner in order to make the information displayed on the display surface visible during an operation in a sharing mode. The display device lastly also comprises an electronic actuation unit (26) for actuating both the optoelectronic panel (16) for operating regions in the private mode or in the sharing mode as well as the display and the backlighting unit (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

5.

DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 18018917
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-08-05
First Publication Date 2023-09-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Siekkinen, Tuomas
  • Bergmann, Remi

Abstract

The device for displaying information, in particular for a vehicle, is provided with a display unit having a plurality of pixels and having a front side forming the display surface for displaying information and a rear side facing away from the front side. Furthermore, the device comprises a backlighting unit for emitting backlight towards the rear side of the display unit for backlighting the same, and an adjustable transreflective layer between the backlighting unit and the display unit. The adjustable transreflective layer has an array of segments, each of which is controllable by means of an electric control signal to adjust the degree of transmission and/or reflection and is thus dimmable. The contrast of information shown on the display surface can be adjusted by dimming, as a result of controlling the segments, those pixels of the display unit which are arranged in alignment with the segment or segments concerned and are assigned to the same.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G09G 3/34 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
  • G02F 1/137 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
  • F21V 8/00 - Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems
  • G02F 1/1347 - Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
  • G02F 1/13357 - Illuminating devices

6.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 17928555
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-04-19
First Publication Date 2023-09-07
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Fust, Winfried

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle includes an operating element having an operating surface movable in an actuating direction from a rest position into a function-triggering position and from the function-triggering position back to the rest position by means of depressing. A parallel guiding device ensures that the operating surface moves in parallel. The parallel guiding device is provided with at least one pair of engaging first and second levers which are mounted in an articulated manner with play on support elements being in turn connected to the operating element. The support elements are axially guided on a carrier element. The levers are pivotably mounted on bearing blocks, substantially free of play, so that the operating element behaves substantially free of play in directions transverse to the depressing movement. The parallel guiding device is designed in compliance with tolerances that are comparatively easy to realize in terms of manufacture.

IPC Classes  ?

7.

EXTENDABLE AND RETRACTABLE DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 18018111
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-09-23
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Landgräber, Björn

Abstract

The extendable and retractable display device is provided with a flexible display foil which is stiffened by a flexible display foil carrier. The display foil and the display foil carrier can be moved into a housing and back out of this housing by being bent. This is implemented by means of at least one actuator, the lower end of which is supported in the housing and the upper end of which is connected to the upper end of the display foil carrier. The housing comprises a guiding means for deflecting the display foil and the display foil carrier when retracting and extending the display.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H05K 5/02 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus - Details

8.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2022082423
Publication Number 2023/089099
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-11-18
Publication Date 2023-05-25
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Karliczek, Markus

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle, which is provided with a capacitively operating touch panel (16) having an upper face with a touch-sensitive surface, an operating unit which has a movable operating element (22), which can be grasped manually and has an electrically conductive surface, and a plate-shaped holding element which is provided with an upper face and a lower face (54) facing away from the upper face and on which the operating element (22) is movably arranged and which for its part is arranged on the touch-sensitive surface of the upper face of the touch panel (16). The operating element (22) has at least one slide which is electrically connected to the electrically conductive surface of the operating element and slides along a sensing path (40) of the upper face of the holding element when the operating element (22) is moved. The holding element has first sections (50) and second sections (52) following each other in alternation along the sensing path (40). The upper and the lower face (54) of the holding element are electrically connected to each other in each of the first sections (50) and electrically insulated from each other in each of the second sections (52).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

9.

DISPLAY DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE, WITH SWITCHABLE SHARING AND PRIVATE MODES

      
Application Number EP2022077785
Publication Number 2023/057553
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-06
Publication Date 2023-04-13
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Sánchez Castillo, Alberto
  • Hofman, Willem

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device comprising an LCD display with a plurality of pixels and a special split electrode design, by means of which it is possible, using IPS technology, to influence the amplitude and homogeneity of the electric field propagating inside a pixel. This allows each pixel to be switched from a sharing mode with maximum luminescence and symmetric viewing angle range into a private mode with reduced luminescence and asymmetric viewing angle range and back again, and vice versa into the sharing mode.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F 1/1343 - Electrodes
  • G02F 1/1362 - Active matrix addressed cells

10.

DISPLAY DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE, FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION, WITH ASYMMETRICAL BACKLIGHTING

      
Application Number EP2022077782
Publication Number 2023/057551
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-06
Publication Date 2023-04-13
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Sánchez Castillo, Alberto
  • Ebbert, Gregor

Abstract

The display device, which is suitable in particular for a vehicle, is provided with: - a display (12), which has a front side with a display surface for displaying information such as a graphical representation, alphanumeric characters or characters in general, and a rear side facing away from the front side; and - a backlighting unit (20) for backlighting the display (12). The backlighting unit (20) comprises a light guide plate (22), which has: - a light exit side facing the rear side of the display (12); - a rear side facing away from the light exit side; - an edge side, which connects the light exit side and the rear side and has a plurality of side portions; and - a plurality of light sources (24), which are disposed along at least one of the side portions and introduce light into the light guide plate (22) through said side portion. The light guide plate (22) has a light outcoupling structure for reducing the intensity and/or the proportion of light exiting from the light exit side of the light guide plate (22) into a predefined viewing solid angle range, which lies laterally above the display surface of the display (12) and which has an optical axis, in order to reduce the visibility of information on the display surface of the display (12) when the display surface is observed from the viewing solid angle range.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F21V 8/00 - Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems

11.

OPERATING DEVICE INTENDED TO BE INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 17921246
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-04-26
First Publication Date 2023-04-06
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Nagel, Dirk
  • Stallein, Matthias

Abstract

The operating device (10,10′) intended to be installed in a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) and an operating element (14,14′) which is movably mounted in and/or on the housing (12) and can be manually transferred from a rest position to a function-triggering position. Furthermore, the operating device (10, 10′) is provided with a switch (22) which is adapted to be actuated by the operating element (14, 14′) when it is manually transferred to the function-triggering position, a holding-force generation unit (26, 26′) for generating a holding force with which the operating element (14, 14′) is held in its rest position, and a control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding-force generation unit for the purpose of setting the holding force.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H05K 5/00 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
  • H01F 7/20 - Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets without armatures

12.

Display device having integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system

      
Application Number 17760687
Grant Number 11953770
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-21
First Publication Date 2022-12-08
Grant Date 2024-04-09
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Sanchez Castillo, Alberto
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Hofman, Willem
  • Wu, Jeah-Sheng
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device having an integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system (76) for detecting an object present within an observation space in front of the display device, such as a hand or a finger of a hand of a person. The display device is provided with a display unit (11) which has a front side (60) having an information-displaying display surface (62) and having an edge region (64), which adjoins said display surface and is not used for the display of information, and a rear side. The display device also has a proximity sensor system (76) having at least one transmitter (78) for emitting sensor radiation towards the observation space and having at least one receiver (74) for receiving sensor radiation reflected from the observation space. Said proximity sensor system (76) is arranged at least partially in the edge region (64) of the front side (60) of the display unit (11) in which at least one receiver of the proximity sensor system (76) is arranged in thin-film technology. The at least one transmitter (78) of the proximity sensor system (76) can be integrated either below the display unit (11) or therein.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G02F 1/1333 - Constructional arrangements
  • G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
  • G02F 1/1362 - Active matrix addressed cells
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

13.

Operating device for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17762555
Grant Number 11756753
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-29
First Publication Date 2022-10-27
Grant Date 2023-09-12
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kleine-Hollenhorst, Holger
  • Arens, Michael

Abstract

The operating device for a vehicle is provided with a housing having a front wall. At least one operating element is arranged on the front wall and can be manually actuated starting from a rest position for the purpose of entering a command or activating a function. The operating element is associated with a switch having a switching member on which the operating key acts during manual operation. Furthermore, a support element is arranged in the housing at a distance from the operating element, on which support element the switch associated with the operating element is arranged, the support element having a bending bar with an upper side facing the operating element and a lower side facing away from the upper side, and the switch being arranged on the bending bar. Finally, the operating device is provided with an adjustment member acting on the bending bar for adjusting the bending position of the bending bar relative to the operating element in its resting position and for maintaining and thus stabilizing the bending bar in its adjusted bending position when the operating element acts on the switching member. The adjustment member comprises a threaded sleeve with an internal thread and a self-tapping adjustment screw with a threaded shaft, wherein the internal thread of the threaded sleeve and the external thread of the threaded shaft of the self-tapping adjustment screw have the same or substantially the same pitch.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01H 13/14 - Operating parts, e.g. push-button
  • H01H 13/04 - Cases; Covers
  • H01H 13/70 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

14.

Operating unit for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17608900
Grant Number 11691513
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-11
First Publication Date 2022-09-15
Grant Date 2023-07-04
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Stallein, Matthias
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Bandlow, Bastian

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, provided with an operating element (12) having an operating interface (14) with multiple symbol fields (16), to which are assigned operating functions that can be triggered with the actuation of the operating element (12). The operating element (12) is arranged on a support structure (18) such that it can be pressed down in a resettable manner and by means of an actuation object, in particular by means of the finger of a hand. The operating unit (10) is also provided with a mechanical switch (22) which can be actuated when pressing down the operating element (12), a controllable press-down force threshold switching device (34) for switching the force to be overcome to press down the operating element (12) between a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller in comparison to the first threshold value, an actuation sensor system (30) for detecting whether, when the operating element (12) is actuated, the actuation object contacts same within one of the symbol fields (16) of the operating interface (14), and an evaluation and control unit (32) which receives signals from the actuation sensor system (30) or, inter alia, from the actuation sensor system (30), and which only causes the press-down force threshold switching device (34) or, inter alia, the press-down force threshold switching device (34) to switch from the first threshold value to the second threshold value by changing its control, when the actuation object within one of the symbol fields is in contact with the operating interface (14) within one of the symbol fields (16) with an actuation of the operating element (12). An electromagnet or permanent holding electromagnet (40) is used as the press-down force threshold switching device (34).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

15.

HapSens

      
Application Number 018754503
Status Registered
Filing Date 2022-08-31
Registration Date 2023-01-17
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (Germany)
NICE Classes  ?
  • 07 - Machines and machine tools
  • 09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
  • 11 - Environmental control apparatus

Goods & Services

Mechanical apparatus for controlling and regulating operating quantities for engine cooling circuits. Electronic indicator displays; Electronic card readers; Electronic navigational and positioning apparatus and instruments; Electronic cruise control apparatus; Electronic visual display units; Electronic data processing equipment; Touch sensitive electronic screens; Cards bearing electronically recorded data; Navigation apparatus for vehicles [on-board computers]; Software; Keyboards; Display screens; Mobile data apparatus; Haptic communications apparatus; Tactile screens [electronic]; Commutators; Touch sensitive control panels; Multi-function touch buttons; Sensors; Electronic apparatus (included in class 9), apparatus for the control and regulating of air-conditioning installations for motor vehicles; Electronic apparatus for visualising climate parameters and operating air-conditioning installations; Electronic apparatus for controlling and regulating operating quantities for engine cooling circuits; Performance regulators for air-conditioning blowers, cooling fans and auxiliary heating apparatus for motor vehicles; Sensors for the electronic detection/measuring of operational and environmental quantities in motor vehicle interiors or motor vehicles, namely heat radiation sensors, air speed sensors, temperature sensors and humidity sensors. Electric auxiliary heating apparatus for interiors and engine cooling circuits in motor vehicles; Electronic (parts of air-conditioning installations) and/or mechanical apparatus for the control and regulation of air-conditioning installations for motor vehicles, and actuators, fittings and heat exchangers therefor; Mechanical apparatus (being parts of air-conditioning installations) for visualising climate parameters and operating air-conditioning installations.

16.

Display device for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17613313
Grant Number 11966253
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-27
First Publication Date 2022-07-21
Grant Date 2024-04-23
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hagen, Andreas
  • Fust, Winfried

Abstract

The display device (12) for a vehicle is provided with a display (18) having a display surface (20) on a front side and having a rear side facing away from the latter and a cover screen (14) arranged in front of the display surface (20). Furthermore, the display device (12) has a decorative frame (16) which is connected to the edge of the cover screen (14) and protrudes on all sides over the edge of the display (18), and a rear-side housing shell (17) which has a rear wall (36) with an edge web (38) rising from the latter. The rear wall (36) of the housing shell (17) is arranged at a distance from the rear side of the display (18), wherein the edge web (38) of the housing shell (17) is connected to the decorative frame (16) by means of an adhesive.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 35/50 - Instruments characterised by their means of attachment to or integration in the vehicle (B60K 35/231 takes precedence)
  • B60K 35/22 - Display screens

17.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 17612408
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-05-25
First Publication Date 2022-07-14
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hagen, Andreas
  • Treuguth, Udo

Abstract

The operating unit (10) for a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) with a front panel (14), which has a recess (16), a display (24) arranged in the housing (12) and having a display area (26), and a fastening device (36) for fastening the display (24) in the housing (12). The fastening device (36) has a holding part (28) for the display (24), which is arranged in the housing (12) so as to be pivotable between a preassembly position and an installation position. The housing (12) also has at least one bearing axle (40). The holding part (28) has at least one bearing shell assembly (32) having at least two gripping-around protrusions (48, 50) for mounting on the bearing axle (40). The bearing axle (40) has a circumferential area along the longitudinal extent and in at least one mounting portion (57) with an outer contour which deviates from a shape complementary to the bearing shell area (52) of the gripping-around protrusions (48, 50) of the at least one bearing shell assembly (32). The bearing axle (40) is also arranged in the housing (12) so as to be oriented in such a way that the at least one bearing shell assembly (32) can be mounted on the bearing axle (40) in the preassembly position of the holding part (28) and, starting from the preassembly position, is pivotable into the installation position. The installation position of the holding part (28) is defined by bearing parts (60, 34) of the housing (12) and holding part (28) abutting on each other. The fastening device also has at least one fastening element (58) for fixing the holding part (28) in its installation position in and/or on the housing (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60H 1/00 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof

18.

Operating device for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17284575
Grant Number 11669188
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-31
First Publication Date 2022-06-23
Grant Date 2023-06-06
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Kemppinen, Pasi

Abstract

The operating device for a vehicle is provided with a housing having a front face with a receiving opening being delimited by an opening edge, and having a rear wall, and with an operating element being arranged in the receiving opening at a distance from the opening edge thereof and having an operating surface, said operating element having a front face provided with the operating surface, a rear face, and a delimiting edge region. The operating device further comprises a holding element having a bottom wall and support parts which protrude from the bottom wall and end below the delimiting edge region of the operating element and are mechanically coupled to the operating element in the delimiting edge region. The bottom wall of the holding element has a central region which is spaced from the support parts and within which the bottom wall of the holding element is supported against the rear wall of the housing. A manual actuation of the operating element is detected by multiple actuation sensors which are arranged between the bottom wall of the holding element and the rear wall of the housing within the surrounding region that surrounds the central region of the bottom wall of the holding element and is arranged at a distance from the rear wall of the housing. An evaluation unit receives the signals from the actuation sensors and evaluates said signals for the purpose of detecting a manual actuation of the operating element performed with a predefinable minimum pressing force.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • F21V 8/00 - Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems

19.

Operating unit for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17435871
Grant Number 11888372
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-13
First Publication Date 2022-05-12
Grant Date 2024-01-30
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Kemppinen, Pasi

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle is provided with a housing and an operating element elastically mounted in and/or on the housing, wherein the elastically mounted operating element forms a spring-mass system having a construction-related resonance frequency. The operating unit is further provided with an actuator for pulse-shaped mechanical excitation of the operating element, and a control unit for controlling the actuator when manually actuating the operating element. The resonance frequency is, due to construction, above the highest cut-off frequency that can typically still be detected by receptors for haptic feedback and/or for tactile sensation of a person. The frequency spectrum of the mechanical pulse at the resonance frequency and/or at one of the harmonics of the resonance frequency has no frequency components in that the power density spectrum above the cut-off frequency is energy-free or substantially energy-free.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 35/00 - Generators with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating coil system, magnet, armature or other part of the magnetic circuit
  • G06F 3/039 - Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

20.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A PULL-TYPE SOLENOID

      
Application Number EP2021079049
Publication Number 2022/084374
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-20
Publication Date 2022-04-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Bandlow, Bastian
  • Stallein, Matthias

Abstract

The device for controlling a pull-type solenoid (10) with a potentially varying air gap width (h) comprises the brief application of a voltage (U) to the exciter coil (16). The duration for which the voltage is applied is dependent on the potentially varying air gap width (h) of the pull-type solenoid (10). This has been ascertained in a measurement phase by analysis of the decay behavior of a briefly applied measurement voltage. This analysis in turn is performed on the basis of the time constant tau of the decay behavior of the measurement voltage. The value of the time constant tau is defined inter alia by the air gap width (h), such that it is thus possible to determine said air gap width (h) and to accordingly select the control signal that leads to the defined haptic profile of an operator control element (22) of a vehicle operator control unit.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings

21.

Operating device for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17426772
Grant Number 11740700
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-01-30
First Publication Date 2022-03-31
Grant Date 2023-08-29
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Kemppinen, Pasi

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle comprises a housing with an operating element on the front side, wherein the operating element has a display with a display surface and a cover plate, which defines an operating surface of the operating element, and has at least one projection region projecting laterally over the display, and is elastically laterally moveably mounted on and/or in the housing. An actuator is arranged below the cover plate, said actuator having a drive and a control element driven by the drive. The operating unit is also provided with an elastic actuation arm which protrudes from the cover plate and which is mechanically acted upon by the control element of the actuator at a force application point of the actuation arm. The actuation arm has a displacement portion, reaching between the cover plate and the force application point, for laterally shifting the cover plate, and is extended from the displacement portion thereof beyond the force application point, as well as being provided with an extension portion, within which the actuation arm is elastically and mechanically fixed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/965 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch

22.

EXTENDABLE AND RETRACTABLE DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2021076135
Publication Number 2022/063866
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-09-23
Publication Date 2022-03-31
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Landgräber, Björn

Abstract

The invention relates to an extendable and retractable display device which is provided with a flexible display film (18) which is reinforced by a flexible display film support (24). The display film (18) and the display film support (24) can be moved into a housing (12) and back out of this housing (12) by being bent. This is implemented by means of at least one actuator (36), the lower end (48) of which is supported in the housing (12) and the upper end of which is connected to the upper end of the display film support (24). The housing (12) has a guide means (52) for deflecting the display film (18) and the display film support (24) when retracting and extending the display (16).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/04 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard
  • B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
  • B60R 11/00 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for

23.

DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE TEMPERATURE IN THE INTERIOR OF A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 17274634
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-07-31
First Publication Date 2022-02-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Kleine-Hollenhorst, Holger

Abstract

The device for measuring the temperature in the interior of a vehicle is provided with a plug-in housing for plugging into a receiving means on the rear side of a cover element adjacent to the interior, wherein the receiving means comprises a receiving space and the cover element comprises a through-going opening inside the receiving space and the plug-in housing comprises a plug-in end for plugging into the receiving means. Further, the device comprises a locking means for lockingly connecting the plug-in housing to the receiving means when the plug-in end of the plug-in housing is plugged into the receiving space. The device comprises an interior temperature sensor arranged at and/or in the plug-in end of the plug-in housing, wherein the interior temperature sensor projects beyond the plug-in end of the plug-in housing. The device is provided with a biasing means for biasing the plug-in housing away from the cover element for assuming a defined plug-in position of the plug-in housing when the plug-in end of the plug-in housing, when locked with the receiving means, is plugged into the receiving space of the latter and the interior temperature sensor is arranged in the through-going opening of the cover element.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01K 1/14 - Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations

24.

DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2021071893
Publication Number 2022/029239
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-05
Publication Date 2022-02-10
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Siekkinen, Tuomas
  • Bergmann, Remi

Abstract

The device (10) for displaying information, in particular for a vehicle, is furnished with a display unit (12), which has a plurality of pixels and which has a front side (16), which forms the display surface (18) for displaying information, and a rear side (22), which faces away from the front side (16). The device further has a back-lighting unit (20) for emitting backlight toward the rear side (22) of the display unit (12) for back-lighting same and an adjustable transflective layer (24) between the back-lighting unit (20) and the display unit (12). The adjustable transflective layer (24) has an array of segments (28), each of which is controllable by means of an electrical control signal to adjust the degree of transmission and/or reflection and thus dimmable. The contrast of information shown on the display surface (18) can be adjusted by dimming, as a result of controlling the segments, those pixels of the display unit (12) which are arranged in alignment with the segment or segments (28) concerned and are assigned to same.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G09G 3/34 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source
  • G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
  • G09G 3/38 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using electrochromic devices
  • G09G 3/19 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of a single character by selection from a plurality of characters, or by composing the character by combination of individual elements, e.g. segments by control of light from an independent source using electrochromic devices

25.

Method and device for controlling an armature solenoid

      
Application Number 17294734
Grant Number 11961665
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-21
First Publication Date 2022-01-20
Grant Date 2024-04-16
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GmbH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Bandlow, Bastian

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for controlling armature solenoid provided with a DC voltage source (14), at least one buffer capacitor (18), which is connected in parallel to the DC voltage source (14) and has a known capacitance (C), and a first switch (28), which is arranged between the DC voltage source (14) and the buffer capacitor (18). The exciter coil (16) and a second switch (30) arranged in series therewith are connected in parallel to the buffer capacitor (18). A control and evaluation unit (22), when the buffer capacitor (18) is charged, opens the first switch (28) and closes the second switch (30) in order to determine, on the basis of the measurement voltage (20), the frequency of the resonant circuit having the capacitance (C) of the buffer capacitor (18) and the inductance (L) of the armature solenoid (12). The inductance (L) of the armature solenoid (12) is determined on the basis of the frequency, and the air gap width (h) of the armature solenoid (12) is determined on the basis of the inductance. The PWM control signal with which the armature solenoid (12) is operable in order to generate a predefined force to be applied by the armature solenoid (12) is applied to the second switch (30) on the basis of a look-up table or a mathematical modelling of the electromagnetic behavior of the armature solenoid (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/10 - Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants
  • H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings
  • B60K 35/25 - using haptic output

26.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2021060117
Publication Number 2021/254676
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-19
Publication Date 2021-12-23
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Fust, Winfried

Abstract

The operating unit (10) for a vehicle comprises an operating element (20) having an operating surface (18), which operating element can be moved in an actuation direction (56) from an idle position into a function-triggering position by means of depressing and can be transferred from the function-triggering position back into the idle position. By means of a parallel guiding device (68), it is ensured that the operating surface (18) moves in parallel. The parallel guiding device (68) is provided with at least one pair of first and second levers (64, 66), which engage with each other and are jointedly mounted, with play, on support elements (44), which in turn are connected to the operating element (20). The support elements (44) are axially guided on a carrier element (52). The levers (64, 66) are pivotably mounted, essentially without play, on bearing blocks (72, 74), so that the operating element (20) acts essentially without play in directions transverse to the depression movement. The parallel guiding device (68) is designed so as to adhere to tolerances which are relatively easy to achieve in terms of manufacture.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H01H 3/12 - Push-buttons

27.

OPERATING DEVICE INTENDED TO BE INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2021060839
Publication Number 2021/219550
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-26
Publication Date 2021-11-04
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Nagel, Dirk
  • Stallein, Matthias

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10, 10') intended to be installed in a vehicle, which is provided with a housing (12) and with an operating element (14, 14'), which is movably mounted in and/or on the housing (12) and can be manually transferred from a rest position to a function-triggering position. Furthermore, the operating device (10, 10') is provided with a switch (22), which can be actuated by the operating element (14, 14') when the operating element is manually transferred to the function-triggering position; with a holding-force generation unit (26, 26') for generating a holding force, by means of which the operating element (14, 14') is held in its rest position; and with a control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding-force generation unit in order to set the holding force.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01H 9/18 - Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H01H 13/85 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features

28.

VEHICLE OPERATING UNIT WITH TACTILE FEEDBACK

      
Application Number 17272386
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-09-04
First Publication Date 2021-10-21
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kemppinen, Pasi
  • Kirsch, Stefan

Abstract

The operating unit comprises an operating element which is adapted to be mechanically excited by means of a piezo driver. The piezo driver comprises a piezo actuator made from a piezoelectric material. The longitudinal extension ends of the piezo actuator have mechanically coupled thereto a conversion gear for converting a length change of the piezo actuator occurring in the effective direction of the piezo actuator into a movement of an element, which is coupled to the conversion gear and to be moved, at an angle not equal to 0 degree relative to the longitudinal extension of the piezo actuator. The conversion gear comprises a first bracket which is of an elastic configuration and/or comprises an elastic material and which, in the area of the longitudinal extension ends of the piezo actuator, is mechanically coupled to the latter. The first bracket is provided with a first and a second end portion, where the first bracket is respectively mechanically coupled to the piezo actuator, and between the two end portions, is provided with an oblique first inclined portion and an oblique second inclined portion which is shorter as compared to the first inclined portion. These portions of the bracket extend like the sides of a triangle with an imaginary connecting line extending between the end portions of the bracket as a basis and are elastically connected to each other.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • H01L 41/053 - Mounts, supports, enclosures or casings
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

29.

Operating unit for a device, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 16330555
Grant Number 11314331
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-08-23
First Publication Date 2021-09-16
Grant Date 2022-04-26
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Pankratz, Harri

Abstract

The operating unit for a device, in particular for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (10) that has a control panel (12) and is provided for attaching in an apparatus, in particular a vehicle dashboard or vehicle center console, the control panel (12) being elastically mounted on the housing (10). Furthermore provided is an actuator (16) for mechanically exciting exclusively the control panel (12) when use of the control panel (12) is detected, the control panel forming the front side of a touch-sensitive touch panel (13). Finally, the operating unit also comprises a vibration compensation mass (20) that is mechanically excitable by the or by an actuator (16) when use of the control panel (12) is detected and is elastically mounted in and/or on the housing (10) and is movable to essentially compensate for a movement of the housing (10) when activating the actuator (16) that can mechanically excite the control panel (12). The operating unit has a backlit display (17) that has a display unit (32) and a backlight unit (34) separate therefrom. The backlight unit (34) or the display unit (32) can operate individually or together as vibration compensation masses (20).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

30.

Operating device for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17053252
Grant Number 11604532
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-07
First Publication Date 2021-08-05
Grant Date 2023-03-14
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trapp, Ralph
  • Steinkamp, Michael

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle, comprising a display with a touch-sensor system for inputting a command and additionally a retaining device which retains the display. The retaining device has a base face and a free area which is defined by support elements protruding from the base face. The operating device is additionally provided with at least one actuation sensor for detecting a bend of the display upon being manually actuated and an analysis unit which is connected to the touch sensor system and the at least one actuation sensor for analyzing the signals of the touch sensor system and the at least one actuation sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

31.

DISPLAY DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number 17046894
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-04-11
First Publication Date 2021-06-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Siekkinen, Tuomas
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger
  • Sanchez Castillo, Alberto

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (210) which is provided with a display (212) and a backlighting unit (218) arranged behind the display (212). The backlighting unit (218) comprises a light guide plate (222) which has an upper light guide plate element (222a) and a lower light guide plate element (222b). Backlight (230) of light sources (220) is fed laterally into the upper light guide plate element (222a), which is emitted from the light emission side (228) of the light guide plate (222) after deflection and scattering within the light guide plate element (222a). Sensor radiation is fed into the lower light guide plate element (222b) by means of proximity sensor system transmitter elements (236), wherein said sensor radiation is likewise emitted from the light emission side (228) of the light guide plate (222) after reflection and scattering. Both light guide plate elements (222a, 222b) are optimized for the wavelengths of the radiation which is fed into the latter. The lateral arrangement of the proximity sensor system transmitter elements (236) and the light sources (220) results in a space-saving arrangement. After reflection on an object located in front of the display (212), the sensor radiation reaches the proximity sensor system receiver elements (238).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments

32.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2020077225
Publication Number 2021/063944
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-29
Publication Date 2021-04-08
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kleine-Hollenhorst, Holger
  • Arens, Michael

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising a housing (12). A front wall (14) of the housing is equipped with at least one operating element (18) which can be manually actuated starting from a rest state. Furthermore, a bending bar (40) is arranged in the housing (12) at a distance to the operating element (18), wherein a switch (32) paired with the operating element (18) is arranged on the bending bar. Finally, the operating device (10) is provided with an adjustment element (46) which acts on the bending bar (40) for adjusting and stabilizing the bending position of the bending bar (40) relative to the operating element (18) in the rest position. The adjustment element (46) has a threaded sleeve (54) with an internal thread (56) and a self-tapping adjustment screw (48) with a threaded shaft (50), and the internal thread (56) of the threaded sleeve (54) and the external thread (52) of the threaded shaft (50) of the self-tapping adjustment screw (48) have the same or substantially the same pitch.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H01H 13/10 - Bases; Stationary contacts mounted thereon

33.

DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED, OPTICALLY OPERATING PROXIMITY SENSOR SYSTEM

      
Application Number EP2020076308
Publication Number 2021/058436
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-21
Publication Date 2021-04-01
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Sanchez Castillo, Alberto
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Hofman, Willem
  • Wu, Jeah-Sheng
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device having an integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system (76) for detecting an object present within an observation space in front of the display device, such as a hand or a finger of a hand of a person. The display device is provided with a display unit (11) which has a front side (60) having an information-displaying display surface (62) and having an edge region (64), which adjoins said display surface and is not used for the display of information, and a rear side. The display device also has a proximity sensor system (76) having at least one transmitter (78) for emitting sensor radiation towards the observation space and having at least one receiver (74) for receiving sensor radiation reflected from the observation space. Said proximity sensor system (76) is arranged at least partially in the edge region (64) of the front side (60) of the display unit (11) in which at least one receiver of the proximity sensor system (76) is arranged in thin-film technology. The at least one transmitter (78) of the proximity sensor system (76) can be integrated either below the display unit (11) or therein.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F 3/042 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
  • H01L 27/32 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including components using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part with components specially adapted for light emission, e.g. flat-panel displays using organic light-emitting diodes
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments

34.

Operating unit for a device, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 17092544
Grant Number 11458843
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-11-09
First Publication Date 2021-02-25
Grant Date 2022-10-04
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (USA)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Bandlow, Bastian
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (10) which has an operating element (12), such as a display for example, and is designed to be secured in a device, in particular in a vehicle dashboard. The operating element (12) is elastically mounted on the housing (10). An actuator (16) is additionally provided for mechanically exciting the operating element (12) when an operation of the operating element (12) has been detected. Finally, the operating unit also has a vibration compensating mass (20) which can be mechanically excited by the actuator or by one actuator (16) when an operation of the operating element (12) has been detected and/or which is mounted on the housing (10) and can be moved in order to substantially compensate for forces acting on the housing (10) when the operating element (12) is moved.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F 3/0354 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/02 - Arrangement of instruments

35.

Control device for a vehicle

      
Application Number 17046092
Grant Number 11225146
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-04
First Publication Date 2021-02-04
Grant Date 2022-01-18
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Lamminger, Egbert

Abstract

The operating device (10) for a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) having a front wall (14). On the front wall (14) there is at least one operating element (18) which can be operated manually starting from an initial position for the purpose of inputting a command or activating a function. The operating element (18) has associated therewith a switch (32) having a switching member (36) upon which the operating key acts when manually operated. A supporting element (24) is also situated in the housing (12) at a distance from the operating element (18), on which supporting element (24) the switch (32) associated with the operating element (18) is situated, wherein the supporting element (24) has a flexible bar (40) having an upper surface (42) facing the operating element (18) and a lower surface (44) facing away from the upper surface (42), and the switch (32) is situated on the flexible bar. Finally, the operating device (10) is provided with an adjustment member (46) which acts upon the flexible bar (40) to adjust the bending position of the flexible bar (40) relative to the operating element (18) in the initial position thereof and to maintain and thus stabilize the flexible bar (40) in the adjusted bending position thereof when the operating element (18) acts upon the switching member (36).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches

36.

DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2020064729
Publication Number 2020/239851
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-27
Publication Date 2020-12-03
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hagen, Andreas
  • Fust, Winfried

Abstract

The display device (12) for a vehicle is provided with a display (18) having a display surface (20) on a front side and having a rear side facing away from the latter and a cover screen (14) arranged in front of the display surface (20). Furthermore, the display device (12) has a decorative frame (16) which is connected to the edge of the cover screen (14) and protrudes on all sides over the edge of the display (18), and a rear-side housing shell (17) which has a rear wall (36) with an edge web (38) rising from the latter. The rear wall (36) of the housing shell (17) is arranged at a distance from the rear side of the display (18), wherein the edge web (38) of the housing shell (17) is connected to the decorative frame (16) by means of an adhesive.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements

37.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2020064442
Publication Number 2020/239695
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-25
Publication Date 2020-12-03
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hagen, Andreas
  • Treuguth, Udo

Abstract

The operating unit (10) for a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) with a front panel (14), which has a cut-out (16), a display (24) arranged in the housing (12) and having a display surface (26), and a fastening device (36) for fastening the display (24) in the housing (12). The fastening device (36) has a retainer (28) for the display (24), which is arranged in the housing (12) so as to be pivotable between a pre-assembly position and an installed position. The housing (12) also has at least one bearing axle (40). The retainer (28) has at least one bearing shell arrangement (32) having at least two gripping protrusions (48, 50) for fitting on the bearing axle (40). The bearing axle (40), has a peripheral surface along the longitudinal extent and in at least one fitting portion (57) with an outer contour which deviates from a shape complementary to the bearing shell surface (52) of the gripping protrusions (48, 50) of the at least one bearing shell arrangement (32). The bearing axle (40) is also arranged in the housing (12) so as to be oriented in such a way that the at least one bearing shell arrangement (32) can be fitted on the bearing axle (40) in the pre-assembly position of the holding part (28) and, starting from the pre-assembly position, is pivotable into the installed position. The installed position of the holding part (28) is defined by bearing parts (60, 34) of the housing (12) and holding part (28) bearing against one another. The fastening device also has at least one fastening element (58) for fixing the holding part (28) in its installed position in and/or on the housing (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/04 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard
  • E05C 17/02 - Devices for holding wings open; Devices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wing; Braking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means
  • E05D 11/10 - Devices for preventing movement between relatively-movable hinge parts
  • B65D 43/24 - Devices for retaining in open position

38.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2020063065
Publication Number 2020/234025
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-11
Publication Date 2020-11-26
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Stallein, Matthias
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Bandlow, Bastian

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, provided with an operating element (12) having an operating surface (14) with multiple symbol fields (16), which are assigned operating functions that can be triggered with the actuation of the operating element (12). The operating element (12) is arranged on a support structure (18) such that it can be pressed down in a returnable manner and by means of an actuation object, in particular by means of the finger of a hand. The operating unit (10) is also provided with a mechanical switch (22) which can be actuated when pressing down the operating element (12), a controllable press-down force threshold switching device (34) for switching the force to be overcome to press down the operating element (12) between a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller in comparison to the first threshold value, an actuation sensor system (30) for detecting whether, when the operating element (12) is actuated, the actuation object contacts same within one of the symbol fields (16) of the operating surface (14), and an evaluation and control unit (32) which receives signals from the actuation sensor system (30) or, inter alia, from the actuation sensor system (30), and which only causes the press-down force threshold switching device (34) or, inter alia, the press-down force threshold switching device (34) to switch from the first threshold value to the second threshold value by changing its control, when the actuation object within one of the symbol fields is in contact with the operating surface (14) within one of the symbol fields (16) with an actuation of the operating element (12). An electromagnet or permanent electromagnetic clamp (40) is used as the press-down force threshold switching device (34).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01H 13/85 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • H03K 17/965 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

39.

Operating unit for a vehicle

      
Application Number 16966556
Grant Number 11320908
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-21
First Publication Date 2020-11-19
Grant Date 2022-05-03
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kemppinen, Pasi
  • Teikari, Vesa

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, comprising a touchscreen, an actuator for mechanically exciting the touchscreen upon detection of a valid manual actuation of the touchscreen when an operating command is input, and a counterweight. The actuator is designed as a drive unit with a stator and a translator which move in opposite directions either away from each other or towards each other, namely into an end position, starting from a rest position when the drive unit is actuated and which move back into the rest position from the end position after the actuation has ended, in particular in an automatic manner. The stator is coupled to the touchscreen, and the translator is coupled to the counterweight or vice versa.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

40.

CONTROL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2020053726
Publication Number 2020/182405
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-13
Publication Date 2020-09-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Kemppinen, Pasi

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit for a vehicle, which is provided with a casing and a control element, which control element is resiliently mounted in and/or on the casing, wherein the resiliently mounted control element forms a spring/mass system having a resonance frequency dependent on the design thereof. The control unit is further provided with an actuator for pulsed mechanical excitation of the control element and an actuating unit for actuating the actuator upon manual operation of the control element. Due to the design, the resonance frequency is above the highest limit frequency typically still perceptible by the receptors for haptic feedback and/or for tactile perception of a person. The frequency spectrum of the mechanical pulse has no frequency components at the resonance frequency or at one of the harmonics of the resonance frequency, the power spectral density above the limit frequency being energy-free, or substantially energy-free.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

41.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2020052347
Publication Number 2020/157231
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-01-30
Publication Date 2020-08-06
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Kemppinen, Pasi

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle comprises a housing (12) with an operating element (18) on the front side (14), wherein the operating element (18) has a display (36) with a display surface (40) and a covering panel (38), which defines an operating surface of the operating element (18), and has at least one projection region (76) projecting laterally over the display (36), and is elastically laterally moveably mounted on and/or in the housing (12). An actuator (64) is arranged below the covering panel (38), said actuator having a drive and a control element driven by the drive. The operating unit is also provided with an elastic actuation arm (68) which protrudes from the covering panel (38) and which is mechanically acted upon by the control element of the actuator (64) at an impact point (7) of the actuation arm (68). The actuation arm (68) has a shifting section (72), reaching between the covering panel (38) and the impact point (70), for laterally shifting the covering panel (38), and is extended from the shifting section (72) thereof beyond the impact point (70), as well as being provided with an extension section (78), within which the actuation arm (68) is elastically and mechanically fixed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H01H 3/12 - Push-buttons

42.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A PULL-TYPE SOLENOID

      
Application Number EP2019082140
Publication Number 2020/104614
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-21
Publication Date 2020-05-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Bandlow, Bastian

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for controlling a pull-type solenoid provided with a DC voltage source (14), at least one buffer capacitor (18), which is connected in parallel to the DC voltage source (14) and has a known capacitance (C), and a first switch (28), which is arranged between the DC voltage source (14) and the buffer capacitor (18). The exciter coil (16) and a second switch (30) arranged in series therewith are connected in parallel to the buffer capacitor (18). A control and evaluation unit (22), when the buffer capacitor (18) is charged, opens the first switch (28) and closes the second switch (30) in order to determine, on the basis of the measurement voltage (20), the frequency of the resonant circuit having the capacitance (C) of the buffer capacitor (18) and the inductance (L) of the pull-type solenoid (12). The inductance (L) of the pull-type solenoid (12) is determined on the basis of the frequency, and the air gap width (h) of the pull-type solenoid (12) is determined on the basis of the inductance. The PWM control signal with which the pull-type solenoid (12) is operable in order to generate a predefined force to be applied by the pull-type solenoid (12) is applied to the second switch (30) on the basis of a look-up table or a mathematical modelling of the electromagnetic behaviour of the pull-type solenoid (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings
  • B60K 37/04 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard
  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants

43.

Display device having integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system

      
Application Number 16629416
Grant Number 11281037
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-12
First Publication Date 2020-05-14
Grant Date 2022-03-22
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Tarnowski, Tomasz

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device having an integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system (30) for detecting an object present within an observation space in front of the display device, such as a hand a finger of a hand of a person. The display device is provided with a display unit (22), which has a front side having an information-displaying display surface (20) and having an edge region (18), which adjoins said display surface and is not used for the display of information, and a rear side. The display device also has a proximity sensor system (30) having at least one transmitter (32) for emitting sensor radiation toward the observation space and having at least one receiver (34) for receiving sensor radiation reflected from the observation space. The proximity sensor system (30) is arranged in the edge region (18) of the front side or the at least one transmitter (32) is arranged on the rear side of the display unit (22) or facing the rear side of the display unit (22) or in the display unit (22) and the at least one receiver (34) is arranged on the front side of the display unit (22) in the edge region (18) adjoining the display surface (20).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G02F 1/1333 - Constructional arrangements
  • G06F 3/042 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means

44.

Operator control unit for a device

      
Application Number 16629387
Grant Number 11016571
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-10
First Publication Date 2020-05-07
Grant Date 2021-05-25
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Trapp, Ralph

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).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60L 53/14 - Conductive energy transfer
  • B60L 53/31 - Charging columns specially adapted for electric vehicles
  • B60L 53/18 - Cables specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60L 11/18 - using power supplied from primary cells, secondary cells, or fuel cells
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • H02G 11/00 - Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
  • H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
  • H02G 3/04 - Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs

45.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2019070595
Publication Number 2020/078600
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-31
Publication Date 2020-04-23
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Kemppinen, Pasi

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising a housing (12) that has a front face (14) with a receiving opening (16), which is delimited by an opening edge, and a rear wall (22) and comprising an operating element (18), which is arranged in the receiving opening (16) at a distance from the opening edge thereof and which has an operating surface (20), said operating element having a front face provided with the operating surface (20), a rear face, and a bordering edge region (34). Furthermore, the operating device (10) has a holding element (26) which has a base wall (28) and support parts (30) which protrude from the base wall and which end below the bordering edge region (34) of the operating element (18) and are mechanically coupled to same in the bordering edge region (34). The base wall (28) of the holding element (26) has a central region which is arranged at a distance from the support parts (30) and within which the base wall (28) of the holding element (26) is supported against the rear wall of the housing (12). A manual actuation of the operating element (18) is detected by multiple actuation sensors (60) which are arranged between the base wall (28) of the holding element (26) and the rear wall of the housing (12) within the surrounding region that surrounds the central region of the base wall (28) of the holding element (26) and is arranged at a distance from the rear wall of the housing (12). An analysis unit (62) receives the signals from the actuation sensors (60) and analyzes same for the purpose of detecting a manual actuation of the operating element (18) with a specifiable minimum pressing force.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 37/00 - Dashboards
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • H01H 3/00 - Mechanisms for operating contacts

46.

DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE TEMPERATURE IN THE INTERIOR OF A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2019070591
Publication Number 2020/052857
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-31
Publication Date 2020-03-19
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Kleine-Hollenhorst, Holger

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for measuring the temperature in the interior of a vehicle, said device comprising a plug-in housing (12) for plugging into a receiving unit (20) on the rear side of a covering element (22) bordering the interior, wherein the receiving unit (20) comprises a receiving space (28), the covering element (22) comprises a through-opening inside the receiving space (28), and the plug-in housing (12) comprises a plug-in eng (16) for plugging into the receiving unit (20). The device (10) also comprises a locking mechanism for lockingly connecting the plug-in housing (12) to the receiving unit (20) when the plug-in end (16) of the plug-in housing (12) is plugged into the receiving space (28) thereof. The device (10) comprises an interior temperature sensor (36) arranged on and/or in the plug-in end (16) of the plug-in housing (12), wherein the interior temperature sensor (36) projects beyond the plug-in end (16) of the plug-in housing (12). The device (10) is provided with a prestressing mechanism (18) for prestressing the plug-in housing (12) in the direction facing away from the covering element (22) such that the plug-in housing (12) occupies a defined plug-in position when the plug-in end (16) of the plug-in housing (12), during interlocking with the receiving unit (20), plugs into the receiving space (28) thereof, and the interior temperature sensor (36) is arranged in the through-opening of the covering element (22).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01K 1/14 - Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations

47.

VEHICLE OPERATING UNIT WITH TACTILE FEEDBACK

      
Application Number EP2019073550
Publication Number 2020/049028
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-04
Publication Date 2020-03-12
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pasi, Kemppinen
  • Kirsch, Stefan

Abstract

The operating unit (10) comprises an operating element (12) which can be mechanically induced by means of a piezo drive (14). The piezo drive (14) comprises a piezo actuator (24) which consists of a piezoelectric material. A translating gear (32) is mechanically coupled to the extreme ends (26) of the piezo actuator (24) to translate a change in length of the piezo actuator (24) in an effective direction (30) of the piezo actuator (24) into a movement of an element coupled to the translating gear (32) and to be moved, which movement is directed at an angle of not equal to 0 degree to the length of the piezo actuator (24). The translating gear (32) has a first bracket (34) which is elastic and/or contains elastic material and which is mechanically coupled to the piezo actuator (24) in the region of the extreme ends (26) of same. The first bracket (34) has a first and a second end portion (36, 38) where each first bracket (34) is mechanically coupled to the piezo actuator (24), and has a slanted first portion (40) extending between the two end portions (36, 38), and a slanted second portion (42) which is shorter than the first slanted portion (40). These portions of the first bracket (34) run like the edges of a triangle with an imaginary connecting line extending between the end portions (36, 38) of the bracket (34) as the base and are elastically interconnected.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 41/053 - Mounts, supports, enclosures or casings
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H02N 2/04 - Constructional details

48.

PIEZO DRIVE, IN PARTICULAR AS AN AUTOMATIC ACTUATING ELEMENT FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2019070684
Publication Number 2020/030507
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-31
Publication Date 2020-02-13
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Dicke, Volker

Abstract

The piezo drive is provided with a piezo actuator (22) which can be reversibly expanded with respect to its longitudinal extent and has two ends (32, 34) which are averted from one another and also has two lateral sides which are averted from one another. A conversion transmission (70) is coupled to the piezo actuator (22) for converting an expansion and a subsequent contraction of the piezo actuator (22) into in each case a movement which is directed at an angle which is not equal to 0 degrees, in particular of 90° in relation to the longitudinal extent of the piezo actuator (22). The conversion transmission (70) has an elastic clip (26) which has two receiving limbs (28, 30), which are situated opposite one another and are at a distance from one another, and a connecting limb (46, 48) which extends between said receiving limbs and has at least one section (50, 52) which is directed away from the piezo actuator (22) with respect to the position of said piezo actuator or a section (50, 52) which is bent in the direction of said piezo actuator. The piezo actuator (22) is, at its two ends (32, 34), received by the receiving limbs (28, 30) so as to bear against them and the connecting limb (46, 48) of the clip (26) is arranged to the side of one of the two lateral sides of the piezo actuator (22).

IPC Classes  ?

49.

Display and operating device for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 16594152
Grant Number 10960763
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-10-07
First Publication Date 2020-01-30
Grant Date 2021-03-30
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The invention relates to a display and operating device (10) for at least one vehicle component, in particular a radio, a CD and/or DVD player or similar audio and/or video player, a navigation device, an infotainment device, a heating, ventilating or aid condition control unit, or a human-machine interface, which is provided with a mechanical control element (18) for setting an operational parameter of at least one first vehicle component and a touch screen (12) for outputting information, and control keys (14) and/or other operational parameters for the first vehicle component and/or at least one second vehicle component. The touch screen (12) comprises a recess (16) and the mechanical operating element (18) is arranged in the recess (16) of the touch screen (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • F16H 59/02 - Selector apparatus
  • F16H 63/42 - Ratio indicator devices

50.

Operating unit for a vehicle component, in particular human-machine interface for a vehicle

      
Application Number 16485482
Grant Number 10866644
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-02-16
First Publication Date 2020-01-23
Grant Date 2020-12-15
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Kessler, Jan Henning
  • Langener, Sascha

Abstract

The operating unit (10) for a vehicle component is provided with a housing (14) having a frame (16) and a display (62) having a transparent cover pane (18) with an edge (22). A plurality of actuators (24) for introducing flexural waves into the cover pane (18) is arranged along the edge (22) of the cover pane (18). A contact surface (34) is assigned to each actuator (24) on the cover pane (18), by means of which contact surface the actuator (24) acts on the cover pane (18) in order to introduce flexural waves into the cover pane (18). The flexural waves introduced into the cover pane (18) by the actuators (24) are superposed in the cover pane (18) and give the cover pane (18) a tactilely sensible, locally resolved surface structure. The contact surfaces (34) are each arranged at a distance from the frame (16) of the housing (14), and consequently the introduction of flexural waves into the cover pane (18) and/or the propagation of flexural waves in the cover pane (18) is damped for wavelengths or frequencies resulting from the magnitude of the distance. The distance is selected in such a way that flexural waves having frequencies in the audible frequency range are damped.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves

51.

BHTC

      
Application Number 018178595
Status Registered
Filing Date 2020-01-10
Registration Date 2020-05-22
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (Germany)
NICE Classes  ? 09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments

Goods & Services

Interfaces for computers; Displays for vehicles; Display modules for mobile phones; Display serial interfaces [DSI]; head-up displays for vehicles; Measuring and control devices for air conditioning technology; Keypads for routing audio, video, and digital signals; Graphics cards; Temperature controllers apparatus for use in vehicle heating systems; Electronic driver display systems for vehicles; Vehicle navigation systems featuring interactive displays; Multi-function touch buttons; Motion sensing input devices; Touch pads [electronic]; Multimedia apparatus and instruments; Interfaces for computers; Temperature control apparatus for vehicles.

52.

Operating device for a motor vehicle

      
Application Number 16480611
Grant Number 10754451
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-12
First Publication Date 2019-12-26
Grant Date 2020-08-25
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fischer, Christoph
  • Schwab, Tobias

Abstract

The operating device for a vehicle comprises a capacitively operating touch panel having an upper face with a touch sensitive surface, and an operating unit having a movable operating element which can be grasped manually and has an electrically conductive surface and a plate shaped holding element, provided with an upper face and a lower face facing away from the upper face, on which the operating element is movably arranged and which for its part is arranged on the touch-sensitive surface of the upper face of the touch panel. The operating element comprises at least one wiper, electrically connected to the electrically conductive surface of the operating element, sliding along a sensing path of the upper face of the holding element when the operating element is moved. The holding element comprises alternately successively arranged first sections and second sections along the sensing path. The upper and lower face of the holding element are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner in each of the first sections and are electrically insulated from each other in each of the second sections.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
  • G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
  • G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means

53.

Operating unit for a device, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 16481703
Grant Number 11001147
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-30
First Publication Date 2019-12-26
Grant Date 2021-05-11
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Nagel, Dirk

Abstract

The operating unit comprises an actuator, which mechanically excites an operating element. The actuator comprises a support strip made of a resilient material. Piezo elements, which are connected to the support strip in a shear-resistant manner, are located on both outer surfaces of the support strip. As a result of the alternate arrangement of the piezo elements, the support strip assumes an undulating form when moving out of its inactivated state. One side of the support strip is mechanically connected to the operating element and the other side is mechanically connected to a counterbalance. The support strip itself is mechanically fixed in the housing. In its inactivated state, the operating element and the counterbalance are at a different distance from one another than in the undulating activated state, wherein they move in opposite directions and thus lead to a compensation of dynamic forces acting on the housing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches

54.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2019061720
Publication Number 2019/215177
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-07
Publication Date 2019-11-14
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trapp, Ralph
  • Steinkamp, Michael

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising a display (12) with a touch-sensor system (36) for inputting a command and additionally a retaining device (24) which retains the display (12). The retaining device (24) has a base face (25) and a free area (28) which is defined by support elements (22) protruding from the base face. The operating device (10) is additionally provided with at least one actuation sensor (32) for detecting a bend of the display (12) upon being manually actuated and an analysis unit (38) which is connected to the touch sensor system (36) and the at least one actuation sensor (32) for analyzing the signals of the touch sensor system (36) and the at least one actuation sensor (32).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

55.

DISPLAY DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2019059234
Publication Number 2019/197525
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-11
Publication Date 2019-10-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Siekkinen, Tuomas
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger
  • Sanchez Castillo, Alberto

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (210) which is provided with a display (212) and a backlight unit (218) arranged behind the display (212). The backlight unit (218) comprises a light guide plate (222) which has an upper light guide plate element (222a) and a lower light guide plate element (222b). Backlight light (230) of light sources (220) is fed laterally into the upper light guide plate element (222a), which exits from the light exit side (228) of the light guide plate (222) after deflection and scattering within the light guide plate element (222a). Sensor radiation is fed into the lower light guide plate element (222b) by means of proximity sensor transmitter elements (236), wherein said sensor radiation likewise exits from the light exit side (228) of the light guide plate (222) after reflection and scattering. Both light guide plate elements (222a, 222b) are optimized for the wavelengths of the radiation which is fed into the latter. The lateral arrangement of the proximity sensor transmitter elements (236) and the light sources (220) results in a space-saving arrangement. After reflection on an object located in front of the display (212), the sensor radiation reaches the proximity sensor receiving elements (238).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/042 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
  • H03K 17/94 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches

56.

CONTROL DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2019058540
Publication Number 2019/197273
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-04
Publication Date 2019-10-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Lamminger, Egbert

Abstract

The control device (10) for a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) having a front wall (14). On the front wall (14) there is at least one control element (18) which can be operated manually starting from a rest position for the purpose of inputting a command or activating a function. The control element (18) is assigned a switch (32) having a switching member (36) on which the operating key acts when manually operated. A support element (24) is also situated in the housing (12) at a distance from the control element (18), on which support element the switch (32) assigned to the control element (18) is situated, wherein the support element (24) has a flexible bar (40) having an upper face (42) facing the control element (18) and a lower face (44) facing away from the upper face (42), and the switch (32) is situated on the flexible bar. Finally, the control device (10) is provided with a setting member (46) which acts on the flexible bar (40) to set the bending position of the flexible bar (40) relative to the control element (18) in the rest position thereof and to maintain and thus stabilise the flexible bar (40) in the set bending position thereof when the control element (18) acts on the switching member (36).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • H01H 1/48 - Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding with provision for adjusting position of contact relative to its co-operating contact
  • H01H 3/12 - Push-buttons
  • H01H 1/34 - Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting with provision for adjusting position of contact relative to its co-operating contact

57.

Operating unit for a vehicle

      
Application Number 16315695
Grant Number 10635177
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-07-10
First Publication Date 2019-10-03
Grant Date 2020-04-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Pankratz, Harri

Abstract

An infotainment system having an operating element for a vehicle is disclosed. The operating element is mounted in a spring-elastic manner with springs on and/or in a housing along a vertical axis of movement. One or more sensors for detecting an actuating movement of the operating element can also be included. The operating unit can further have an actuator arranged in and/or on the housing for feedback movement of the operator control element. Torques acting at a center of mass of the operating element as a result of the return spring elements can cancel one another out, with the result that during the feedback movement of the operating element along the axis of effective movement of the drive element of the actuator said operating element does not additionally rotate or tilt.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/0338 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
  • B06B 1/04 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with electromagnetism

58.

Operating device for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 16346695
Grant Number 11097616
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-10-27
First Publication Date 2019-09-12
Grant Date 2021-08-24
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Masthoff, Klaus-Martin
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Stallein, Matthias

Abstract

The operating device for a vehicle component, in particular a human machine interface (HMI) for vehicles, is provided with a housing, comprising a front wall having a front face in particular with a display surface and a rear face facing away from the front face, and an operating element unit which is positioned and/or can be positioned on and/or in front of the front wall of the housing for manually triggering operating functions and/or for manually adjusting parameters of operating functions for a vehicle component. The operating element unit comprises at least one operating element, a display element and/or a display device, an evaluating and control unit assigned to the at least one operating element and to the display element or the display device, and an energy supply unit. In order to supply electric energy to the energy supply unit of the operating element unit, at least one first coil is arranged so as to face the rear face of the front wall, wherein at least one second coil, which is inductively coupled to the at least one first coil and is connected to the energy supply unit, is arranged in and/or on the operating element unit.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
  • G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
  • G06F 3/038 - Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • H01F 38/18 - Rotary transformers
  • H03K 17/00 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking
  • G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
  • B60Q 3/14 - Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting through the surface to be illuminated
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/02 - Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
  • G06F 3/0354 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • G05G 1/08 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels

59.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2019051369
Publication Number 2019/149557
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-21
Publication Date 2019-08-08
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kemppinen, Pasi
  • Teikari, Vesa

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit for a vehicle, comprising a touchscreen (12), an actuator (14) for mechanically exciting the touchscreen (12) upon detection of a valid manual actuation of the touchscreen (12) when an operating command is input, and a counterweight (16). The actuator (14) is designed as a drive unit with a stator (18) and a translator (20) which move in opposite directions either away from each other or towards each other, namely into an end position, starting from a rest position when the drive unit is actuated and which move back into the rest position from the end position after the actuation has ended, in particular in an automatic manner. The stator (18) is coupled to the touchscreen (12), and the translator (20) is coupled to the counterweight (16) or vice versa.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

60.

BHTC

      
Application Number 197619000
Status Registered
Filing Date 2019-07-02
Registration Date 2021-10-13
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (Germany)
NICE Classes  ? 09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments

Goods & Services

(1) Electronic display panels; electronic card readers; electronic navigation and positioning apparatus and instruments namely GPS transmitters, GPS receivers and network interface devices; electronic cruise controls for motor vehicles; electronic visual display units namely liquid crystal display screens; electronic data processing apparatus namely computers; touch sensitive electronic display screens; cards with electronically stored data namely electronic identification cards and encoded electronic chip cards for identifying particular users of computers and mobile phone; navigation apparatus for vehicles in the form of on-board computers; software for global positioning systems; computer keyboards; display units, namely LED displays; mobile data apparatus, namely mobile computers, mobile digital phones and mobile personal digital assistants.

61.

Operating unit for a device, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 16323864
Grant Number 10732716
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-07-10
First Publication Date 2019-05-30
Grant Date 2020-08-04
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Pankratz, Harri

Abstract

The operating unit for a device, particularly for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing that has an operating panel and is provided for attachment in an apparatus, particularly a vehicle dashboard or vehicle center console, the operating panel being elastically mounted on the housing. Further, an actuator for mechanically exciting the operating panel when use of the operating panel is detected is provided. Finally, the operating unit also has a vibration compensation mass that is mechanically excitable by the or by an actuator when use of the operating panel is detected and is elastically mounted in and/or on the housing and is movable to essentially compensate for a motion of the housing when the actuator mechanically exciting the operating panel is activated. The operating unit has a backlit display that has a display unit and a backlight unit separate therefrom. The backlight unit serves as a vibration compensation mass.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/00 - Dashboards

62.

DEVICE FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND INTERIOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR UNIT FOR SUCH AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

      
Application Number EP2018074574
Publication Number 2019/063287
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-09-12
Publication Date 2019-04-04
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trapp, Ralph
  • Nagel, Dirk
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger
  • Kuhlhoff, Bernd
  • Pankratz, Eduard

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for operating an air conditioning system (12) of a vehicle. The air conditioning system has a fan, a plurality of actuating motors for controlling flaps on and/or in air-conducting channels, a heating and/or a cooling unit, and a plurality of sensors (28, 30) for sensing measurement variables required for the operation of the heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system. The sensors (28, 30) include an interior temperature sensor (26). The device has an operating and control unit (32) for inputting a desired temperature and for outputting air conditioning control signals for the control of components of the air conditioning system. The device also has a processing unit (40), which is arranged outside of and/or separate from the operating and control unit (32) and to which measurement signals from the interior temperature sensor (26) and from at least some of the other sensors (28, 30) of the air conditioning system can be supplied and which processes said measurement signals further to form air conditioning control signals.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60H 1/00 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G01K 1/02 - Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers

63.

Operating unit for a device, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 16082806
Grant Number 10864821
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-03-20
First Publication Date 2019-03-21
Grant Date 2020-12-15
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Bandlow, Bastian
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (10) which has an operating element (12), such as a display for example, and is designed to be secured in a device, in particular in a vehicle dashboard. The operating element (12) is elastically mounted on the housing (10). An actuator (16) is additionally provided for mechanically exciting the operating element (12) when an operation of the operating element (12) has been detected. Finally, the operating unit also has a vibration compensating mass (20) which can be mechanically excited by the actuator or by one actuator (16) when an operation of the operating element (12) has been detected and/or which is mounted on the housing (10) and can be moved in order to substantially compensate for forces acting on the housing (10) when the operating element (12) is moved.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 37/02 - Arrangement of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/0354 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments

64.

Operating unit for vehicle

      
Application Number 15759910
Grant Number 10503260
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-09-12
First Publication Date 2019-02-14
Grant Date 2019-12-10
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Bandlow, Bastian
  • Stallein, Matthias
  • Heeper, Lars

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle is provided with a housing with a front face and an operating element which is arranged on the front face of the housing and has an operating surface. The operating element is mounted in a spring-elastic manner. Furthermore, at least one sensor is provided for detecting an actuation movement of the operating element. The operating unit additionally has at least one actuator for the feedback movement of the operating element in the case of an actuation movement of the operating element detected by the sensor as well as an analysis and control unit which is connected to the at least one sensor and to the actuator. The actuator is designed as an armature-type electromagnet with a first stator which has a first excitation coil, and an armature as a drive element. Furthermore, the armature is provided with a measuring coil to which a measuring voltage is applied when the magnetic flux generated by the first excitation coil flows through the armature. The first excitation coil and the measuring coil are connected to the analysis and control unit, and with the analysis and control unit it is possible to apply open-loop and/or closed-loop control to the force with which the armature of the actuator can move towards the first stator and/or the displacement movement of the armature out of its rest position and the return movement of the armature back into its rest position are adapted to be controlled and/or regulated.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
  • H01F 7/16 - Rectilinearly-movable armatures
  • G05G 1/02 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons
  • B60W 50/14 - Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention

65.

Operating unit for a vehicle

      
Application Number 16072764
Grant Number 10514764
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-01-24
First Publication Date 2019-01-31
Grant Date 2019-12-24
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Vogt, Frank
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Karliczek, Markus
  • Treuguth, Udo

Abstract

An operating unit for a vehicle, e.g., an infotainment system for controlling diverse vehicle components, can include a housing and an operating element mounted in a spring-elastic manner on and/or in the housing along a vertical axis of movement extending substantially orthogonally to the operating surface and along a lateral axis of movement extending substantially transversely to the vertical axis of movement. The operating unit can also include at least one sensor for detecting an actuating movement of the operating element in the direction of the vertical axis of movement and an actuator arranged in and/or on the housing for the feedback movement of the operating element at least also in the lateral axis of movement during a detected actuating movement of the operating element, and a spring frame for the spring-elastic mounting of the operating element.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

66.

DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE, MORE PARTICULARLY FOR A CONTROL UNIT FOR AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2018069424
Publication Number 2019/016223
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-17
Publication Date 2019-01-24
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Steinkamp, Michael
  • Hardes, Torsten
  • Sánchez Castillo, Alberto
  • Böhm, Nils

Abstract

Provided is a display device (12) for a vehicle, more particularly for a control unit for at least one vehicle component, comprising: a housing (10); a display (30) arranged for example, on the front (14) of the housing (10) which has a display side (38) with a display surface (40) and an edge region (42) at least partially surrounding the display surface (40); a transparent cover pane (16) arranged above the display side (38) of the display (30) for protecting the display side (38) of the display (30) from damage; and a holding element (28) for fixing the cover pane (16) in and/or to the housing (10). The holding element (28) has a supporting limb (26) which has an upper side (24) upon or above which the cover pane (16) rests or is arranged, and an underside (41) which faces away from the upper side (24). The supporting limb (26) of the holding element (28) projects over the edge of the display (30), with the underside (41) of the supporting limb (26) being positioned above the edge region (42) of the display side (38) of the display (30) and facing the edge region (42) of the display side of the display (30).

IPC Classes  ?

67.

DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED, OPTICALLY OPERATING PROXIMITY SENSOR SYSTEM

      
Application Number EP2018068951
Publication Number 2019/012046
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-12
Publication Date 2019-01-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schmidt, Rüdiger
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Tarnowski, Tomasz

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device having an integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system (30) for detecting an object present within an observation space in front of the display device, such as a hand or a finger of a hand of a person. The display device is provided with a display unit (22), which has a front side having an information-displaying display surface (20) and having an edge region (18), which adjoins said display surface and is not used for the display of information, and a rear side. The display device also has a proximity sensor system (30) having at least one transmitter (32) for emitting sensor radiation toward the observation space and having at least one receiver (34) for receiving sensor radiation reflected from the observation space. The proximity sensor system (30) is arranged in the edge region (18) of the front side or the at least one transmitter (32) is arranged on the rear side of the display unit (22) or facing the rear side of the display unit (22) or in the display unit (22) and the at least one receiver (34) is arranged on the front side of the display unit (22) in the edge region (18) adjoining the display surface (20).

IPC Classes  ?

68.

OPERATOR CONTROL UNIT FOR A DEVICE

      
Application Number EP2018068640
Publication Number 2019/011906
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-10
Publication Date 2019-01-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Trapp, Ralph

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).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

69.

Indictor apparatus for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 15776857
Grant Number 10343521
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-11-18
First Publication Date 2018-11-15
Grant Date 2019-07-09
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Beschnitt, Alexander

Abstract

The indicator apparatus (30) for a vehicle component, in particular for a human-human interface for the indicator and, where necessary, for entering operating parameters for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (12) comprising a front side (14) and a display unit (10), which is arranged on the front side (14) of the housing (12) and/or forms the front side (14) of the housing (12), for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle component and possibly symbols fields for entering commands and operating parameters for a vehicle component. The indicator apparatus (30) is furthermore provided with a deformable delay element (32), arranged in the housing (12) behind the display unit (10), for delaying acceleration movements that act on the display unit (10) in the direction of the interior of the housing (12) as a result of an object striking the display unit (10). The delay element (32) has a greater stiffness in a center region (34) that is in alignment with the region of the center of the display unit (10) than in a region (36, 38) of the delay element (32) that is in alignment with a region of the display unit (10) that adjoins the region of the center of the display unit (10) and extends in the direction of the edge of the display unit (10) and/or as far as the edge thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16F 7/12 - Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

70.

ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR FOR A MECHANICAL FEEDBACK UNIT

      
Application Number EP2018055885
Publication Number 2018/162704
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-03-09
Publication Date 2018-09-13
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Fust, Winfried

Abstract

The electromagnetic actuator (10) as actuator of a mechanical feedback unit of a control device for a vehicle component is provided with a stator (12) and a translator (24), which, whilst maintaining a distance from the stator (12), can be moved in translation along a movement axis (36) and which can be moved back and forth between a rest position and at least one end position and preferably one of two end positions, which, relative to the rest position, are arranged in opposite directions along the movement axis (36) starting from the rest position. The actuator (10) also has a guide assembly (40) for guiding the translator (24) in translation as said translator moves, wherein the guide assembly (40) has at least one leaf spring (38), which extends transversely to the movement axis (36) and which has a middle attachment portion (46) and a fixing portion (42) on either side of the attachment portion (46). Either the translator (24) is mechanically coupled to the attachment portion (46) of the leaf spring (38) and the fixing portions (42) thereof are mechanically coupled to the stator (12), or the stator (12) is mechanically coupled to the attachment portion (46) of the leaf spring (38) and the fixing portions (42) thereof are mechanically coupled to the translator (24).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H02K 1/00 - DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES - Details of the magnetic circuit
  • H02K 33/00 - Motors with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating magnet, armature or coil system
  • H02K 33/12 - Motors with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating magnet, armature or coil system with armatures moving in alternate directions by alternate energisation of two coil systems
  • H02K 1/06 - DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES - Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
  • H02K 1/12 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit
  • G06F 3/046 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by electromagnetic means
  • H01H 13/85 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features

71.

Operating unit for a vehicle

      
Application Number 15759926
Grant Number 10558276
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-09-06
First Publication Date 2018-09-06
Grant Date 2020-02-11
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Beschnitt, Alexander

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle is provided with a housing with a front face and an operating element arranged on the front face of the housing and having a center of gravity and an operating surface. Said operating element is mounted on and/or in the housing in a spring-elastic manner along a vertical axis of movement extending essentially orthogonally to the operating surface and along a lateral movement axis extending essentially transversely with respect thereto. At least one sensor for detecting an actuation movement of the operating element in the direction of the vertical movement axis is provided. Also, the operating unit comprises an actuator arranged in and/or on the housing for feedback movement of the operating element at least also in the lateral movement axis during a detected actuating movement of the operating element, wherein the actuator comprises an electromagnetically controllable drive element which is mechanically coupled to the operating element which can be moved back and forth along a movement axis. The center of gravity of the operating element lies on the movement axis of the drive element of the actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/0338 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

72.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT, IN PARTICULAR HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2018053927
Publication Number 2018/149988
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-02-16
Publication Date 2018-08-23
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Kessler, Jan Henning
  • Langener, Sascha

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (10) for a vehicle component, which operating unit has a housing (14) having a frame (16) and a display (62), which has a transparent cover pane (18) having an edge (22). A plurality of actuators (24) for introducing flexural waves into the cover pane (18) is arranged along the edge (22) of the cover pane (18). A contact surface (34) is associated with each actuator (24) on the cover pane (18), by means of which contact surface the actuator (24) acts on the cover pane in order to introduce flexural waves into the cover pane (18). The flexural waves introduced into the cover pane (18) by the actuators (24) are superposed in the cover pane (18) and give the cover pane (18) a tactilely sensible, locally resolved surface structure. The contact surfaces (34) are each arranged at a distance from the frame (16) of the housing (14), and consequently the introduction of flexural waves into the cover pane (18) and/or the propagation of flexural waves in the cover pane (18) is damped for wavelengths or frequencies resulting from the magnitude of the distance. The distance is selected in such a way that flexural waves having frequencies in the audible frequency range are damped.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/043 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using propagating acoustic waves

73.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2018052273
Publication Number 2018/141745
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-30
Publication Date 2018-08-09
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kirsch, Stefan
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Nagel, Dirk

Abstract

The operating unit comprises an actuator (24) which mechanically excites an operating element (14). The actuator (24) comprises a support strip (32) made of a resilient material. Piezo elements (34, 36), which are connected to the support strip (32) in a shear-resistant manner, are located on both outer surfaces (42, 46) thereof. As a result of the alternate arrangement of the piezo elements (34, 36), the support strip (32) assumes an undulating form (56) when moving out of its inactivated state. One side of the support strip (32) is mechanically connected to the operating element (14) and the other side is mechanically connected to a counterbalance (30). The support strip (32) itself is mechanically fixed in the housing (12). In its inactivated state, the operating element (14) and the counterbalance (30) are at a different distance from one another than in the undulating activated state, wherein they move in opposite directions and thus lead to a compensation of dynamic forces acting on the housing (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

74.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2018050727
Publication Number 2018/137944
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-12
Publication Date 2018-08-02
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fischer, Christoph
  • Schwab, Tobias

Abstract

The operating device for a vehicle is provided with a capacitively operating touch panel (16) which has an upper face (58) having a touch-sensitive surface, and with an operating unit (18, 18') which has a movable operating element (22, 22'), which can be grasped manually and has an electrically conductive surface, and a planar holding element (24) which is provided with an upper face and a lower face facing away from the upper face and on which the operating element (22, 22') is movably mounted and which for its part is arranged on the touch-sensitive surface of the upper face of the touch panel (16). The operating element (22, 22') has at least one slide (32) which is electrically connected to the electrically conductive surface of the operating element and slides along a sensing path (54) of the upper face of the holding element (24) when the operating element (22, 22') is moved. The holding element (24) has alternating first sections (50) and second sections (52) along the sensing path (54). The upper and lower faces of the holding element (24) are electrically connected to each other in each of the first sections (50) and electrically insulated from each other in each of the second sections (52).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
  • G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts

75.

OPERATOR CONTROL DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2017079014
Publication Number 2018/114138
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-11-13
Publication Date 2018-06-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Trapp, Ralph

Abstract

The operator control device for a vehicle component is provided with a manually activated touch-sensitive operator control unit (12) which has a touch-sensitive and/or pressure-sensitive operator control interface (14) and a touch-operated sensor system (26) arranged underneath the latter. In addition, the operator control device is provided with an evaluation unit (28) which is operatively connected to the sensor system (26) and has the purpose of receiving signals from the sensor system (26) and of evaluating the signals. Finally, the operator control device has a rotary actuator (18, 18', 18'') which comprises a mounting element (20) and a manually activated rotary element (22) which is rotatably arranged thereon. The mounting element (20) is arranged in a partial region of the operator control interface (14) of the touch-sensitive operator control unit (12) and has at least one rotary position-detection encoder element (30) which can be sensed by the sensor system (26) which is assigned to said partial region of the operator control interface (14), for making contact with and/or applying pressure to the operator control interface (14) at a position in said partial region. The evaluation unit (28) detects, on the basis of signals received by the sensor system (26), activation of the operator control interface (14) of the touch-sensitive operator control unit (12) by means of the at least one rotary position-detection encoder element (30) of the rotary actuator (18, 18', 18'').

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/039 - Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

76.

OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2017077653
Publication Number 2018/083039
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-10-27
Publication Date 2018-05-11
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Masthoff, Klaus-Martin
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Stallein, Matthias

Abstract

An operating device for a vehicle component, in particular a human-machine interface (HMI) for vehicles is provided with a housing (10), which has a front wall that has a front face in particular with a display surface and a rear face facing away from the front face, and an operating element unit (19, 19') which is positioned and/or can be positioned on and/or in front of the front wall of the housing (10) for manually triggering operating functions and/or for manually adjusting parameters of operating functions for a vehicle component. The operating element unit (19, 19') has at least one operating element (18, 60), a display element and/or a display device (40), an analysis and actuation unit (48) which is assigned to the at least one operating element (18, 60) and to the display element or the display device (40), and an energy supply unit (50). In order to supply electric energy to the operating element unit (19, 19') by means of the energy supply unit (50), at least one first coil (54) is arranged so as to face the rear face of the front wall, wherein at least one second coil (56) which is inductively coupled to the at least one first coil (54) and is connected to the energy supply unit (50) is arranged in and/or on the operating element unit (19, 19').

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05G 1/00 - Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/03 - Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F 3/039 - Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • H03K 17/00 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking
  • G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H01F 38/18 - Rotary transformers
  • B60R 16/027 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
  • G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
  • B60R 16/02 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric
  • G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
  • G06F 3/046 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by electromagnetic means
  • B60Q 3/64 - Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides for a single lighting device
  • B60Q 3/14 - Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting through the surface to be illuminated

77.

Display and operating device for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 15568401
Grant Number 10464422
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-05-06
First Publication Date 2018-04-12
Grant Date 2019-11-05
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The invention relates to a display and operating device (10) for at least one vehicle component, in particular a radio, a CD and/or DVD player or similar audio and/or video player, a navigation device, an infotainment device, a heating, ventilating or aid condition control unit, or a human-machine interface, which is provided with a mechanical control element (18) for setting an operational parameter of at least one first vehicle component and a touch screen (12) for outputting information, and control keys (14) and/or other operational parameters for the first vehicle component and/or at least one second vehicle component. The touch screen (12) comprises a recess (16) and the mechanical operating element (18) is arranged in the recess (16) of the touch screen (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • F16H 59/02 - Selector apparatus
  • F16H 63/42 - Ratio indicator devices

78.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2017071241
Publication Number 2018/046302
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-08-23
Publication Date 2018-03-15
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Pankratz, Harri

Abstract

The operating unit for a device, particularly for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (10) that has a control panel (12) and is provided for attaching in an apparatus, particularly a vehicle dashboard or vehicle centre console, the control panel (12) being elastically mounted on the housing (10). The operating device also comprises an actuator (16) for mechanically exciting the control panel (12) when use of the control panel (12) is detected, the control panel forming the front side of a touch-sensitive touch-panel (13). Finally, the operating unit also comprises a vibration compensation mass (20) that is mechanically excitable by the or by an actuator (16) when use of the control panel (12) is detected and is elastically mounted in and/or on the housing (10) and is movable to essentially compensate for a movement of the housing (10) when activating the actuator (16) which can mechanically excite the control panel (12) is activated. The operating unit has a backlit display (17) that has a display unit (32) and a backlight unit (34) separate therefrom. The backlight unit (34) or the display unit (32) can operate individually or together as vibration compensating masses (20).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

79.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2017067229
Publication Number 2018/028906
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-07-10
Publication Date 2018-02-15
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schwab, Tobias
  • Pankratz, Harri

Abstract

The operating unit for a device, particularly for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (10) that has a control panel (12) and is provided for attachment in an apparatus, particularly a vehicle dashboard or vehicle centre console, the control panel (12) being elastically mounted on the housing (10). Further, an actuator (16) for mechanically exciting the control panel (12) when use of the control panel (12) is detected is provided. Finally, the operating unit also has a vibration compensation mass (20) that is mechanically excitable by the or by an actuator (16) when use of the control panel (12) is detected and is elastically mounted in and/or on the housing (10) and is movable to essentially compensate for a motion of the housing (10) when the actuator (16) mechanically exciting the control panel (12) is activated. The operating unit has a backlit display that has a display unit (32) and a backlight unit (34) separate therefrom. The backlight unit (34) serves as a vibration compensation mass.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

80.

Operating unit for an electrical apparatus employing both tilt and pivot sensors

      
Application Number 15327669
Grant Number 10418992
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-08
First Publication Date 2018-02-01
Grant Date 2019-09-17
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Steinkamp, Michael

Abstract

An operating unit for an electrical apparatus is provided with a housing, an operating strip and a support element arranged in the housing. The operating strip is mounted on the support element about a tilt axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the operating strip. The support element is tiltable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operating strip. The support element is elastically prestressed, into a pivot position, which is detected by a pivot position sensor. Two tilt detection sensors detect a tilting of the operating strip about the tilt axis when it is actuated. The operating unit is provided with a controller for receiving signals and determining the operating field on which a finger is applied with an actuating force required for adopting the pivot position of the support element and triggering the function associated with the determined operating field.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/965 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • H01H 23/12 - Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
  • H03K 17/97 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a magnetic movable element
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • H01H 23/04 - Cases; Covers

81.

OPERATOR CONTROL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2017067283
Publication Number 2018/007646
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-07-10
Publication Date 2018-01-11
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Pankratz, Harri

Abstract

The invention relates to an operator control unit (10) for a vehicle, provided with a housing (26) with a front side and an operator control element (12) arranged on the front side of the housing (26), which has a centre of mass (40) and an operator control interface (14). The operator control element (12) is mounted in a spring-elastic manner by means of return springs (22, 24, 24') on and/or in the housing (26) along a vertical axis of movement (18) extending substantially orthogonally with respect to the operator control surface (14) and along a lateral axis of movement (20) extending substantially transversely with respect to the vertical axis of movement. The invention also relates to at least one sensor (28) for detecting an actuating movement of the operator control element (12) in the direction of the vertical axis of movement (18). Furthermore, the operator control unit (10) has an actuator (32), arranged in and/or on the housing (26), for feedback movement of the operator control element (12) at least also in the lateral axis (20) of movement when an actuation movement of the operator control element (12) is detected, wherein the actuator (32) has an electromagnetically activated drive element (34) which is mechanically coupled to the operator control element (12) and can be moved forward and backward along an axis (38) of effective movement. The torques acting at the centre of mass (40) of the operator control element (12) as a result of the return spring elements (22, 24, 24') cancel one another out, with the result that during the feedback movement of the operator control element (12) along the axis (38) of effective movement of the drive element (34) of the actuator (32) said operator control element (12) does not additionally rotate or tilt.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B06B 1/04 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with electromagnetism
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/0338 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks

82.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2017056555
Publication Number 2017/162586
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-03-20
Publication Date 2017-09-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Bandlow, Bastian
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The operating unit for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle component, is provided with a housing (10) which has an operating element (12), such as a display for example, and is designed to be secured in a device, in particular in a vehicle dashboard. The operating element (12) is elastically mounted on the housing (10). An actuator (16) is additionally provided for mechanically exciting the operating element (12) when an operation of the operating element (12) has been detected. Finally, the operating unit also has a vibration compensating mass (20) which can be mechanically excited by the actuator or by one actuator (16) when an operation of the operating element (12) has been detected and/or which is mounted on the housing (10) and can be moved in order to substantially compensate for forces acting on the housing (10) when the operating element (12) is moved.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

83.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2017051416
Publication Number 2017/129557
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-01-24
Publication Date 2017-08-03
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Vogt, Frank
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Karliczek, Markus
  • Treuguth, Udo

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (10) for a vehicle, provided with a housing (26) with a front side and an operating element (12) arranged on the front side of the housing (26), which has a centre of mass (40) and an operating surface (14). The operating element (12) is mounted in a spring-elastic manner on and/or in the housing (26) along a vertical axis of movement (18) extending substantially orthogonally to the operating surface (14) and along a lateral axis of movement (20) extending substantially transversely to the vertical axis of movement. The invention also relates to at least one sensor (28) for detecting an actuating movement of the operating element (12) in the direction of the vertical axis of movement (18). The operating unit also comprises an actuator (32) arranged in and/or on the housing (26) for the feedback movement of the operating element (12) at least also in the lateral axis of movement (20) during a detected actuating movement of the operating element (12), and a spring frame (70) for the spring-elastic mounting of the operating element (12). The spring frame (70) comprises two transverse frame sections (74) extending transversly to the lateral axis of movement (20), in each of which at least one leaf spring arm (76) is embodied. Each leaf spring arm (76) comprises a first end (78) connected to the spring frame (70) and a free second end (80). Each leaf spring arm (76) extends in a vertical plane and the lateral axis of movement (20) extends transversely to said vertical plane. Each leaf spring arm (76) is also spring-elastic in the vertical plane. The operating element (12) is fixed to the spring frame, outside the leaf spring arms (76) of the spring frame (70), and the free second ends (80) of the leaf spring arms (76) of the spring frame (70) are fixed to the housing (26).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H01H 13/50 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce

84.

Operating unit for an electrical apparatus, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 15327469
Grant Number 09979391
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-08
First Publication Date 2017-06-01
Grant Date 2018-05-22
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Steinkamp, Michael
  • Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (10) for an electrical apparatus, in particular a vehicle component such as, for example, a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation, which is provided with a housing (12) having a front wall (14), with an operating strip (18) that projects beyond the front wall (14), which has an elongated operating surface (20) with a plurality of adjacently arranged operating fields (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), and with a support element (32) for the operating strip (18), which is arranged in the housing (12). The operating strip (18) is connected to the support element (32) by means of connecting webs (48) which protrude in the respective areas between the operating panels (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the operating strip (18). Flexible webs (50), which protrude from the operating strip (18) for each operating field and are connected to the support element (32), are arranged between the connecting webs (48), namely in an elastic manner and more flexible than the connections of the operating strip (18) to the support element (32) via the connecting webs (48). At least one operating field actuation sensor (70, 72) for detecting a local bending of the operating strip (18), when a manual actuating force is exerted on a operating field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the operating strip (18), is arranged on the support element (32) for each flexible web (50). In addition, the operating unit (10) comprises an evaluation and operating unit (78) for receiving the signals of the operating panel actuating sensors (70, 72) and for determining, on the basis of said signals, the operating field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) on which, upon manual actuation of the operating strip (18), the finger of one hand is applied, and for triggering an apparatus function that is associated with the respective operating field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) corresponding to the determined operating field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60L 1/00 - Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of electrically-propelled vehicles
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • H01H 15/14 - Operating parts adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling swi
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60H 1/00 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices

85.

APPARATUS FOR FILTERING THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE FOR AN ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY, PARTICULARLY IN A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2016076969
Publication Number 2017/089119
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-11-08
Publication Date 2017-06-01
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Trapp, Ralph

Abstract

The apparatus for filtering the supply voltage for an electrical assembly, particularly in a vehicle component, is provided with at least one electrical or electronic SMD interference suppression component (14) that has an interference suppression function and/or that contributes to an interference suppression function, and a printed circuit board (22) that has two main sides (20, 24) and on which the SMD interference suppression component (14) is positionable as part of an electrical circuit. The interference suppression function to be performed by the SMD interference suppression component (14) is replaced by two SMD interference suppression component elements (16, 18) (of substantially the same design) that are electrically connected to one another. One SMD interference suppression component element (16, 18) is arranged on one main side (20, 24) of the printed circuit board (22) and the other SMD interference suppression component element (16, 18) is arranged on the other main side (20, 24) of the printed circuit board (22), specifically opposite and, when the printed circuit board (22) is viewed in the direction of one of the two main sides (20, 24), in alignment with one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H05K 1/18 - Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
  • H05K 1/02 - Printed circuits - Details
  • H01G 4/00 - Fixed capacitors; Processes of their manufacture

86.

INDICATOR APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2016078138
Publication Number 2017/085254
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-11-18
Publication Date 2017-05-26
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Beschnitt, Alexander

Abstract

The indicator apparatus (30) for a vehicle component is provided with a housing (12) comprising a front side (14) and a display unit (10), which is arranged on the front side (14) of the housing (12) or forms the front side (14) of the housing (12), for displaying operating parameters of a vehicle component and possibly symbol fields for entering commands and operating parameters for a vehicle component. Furthermore, the indicator apparatus (30) is provided with a deformable delay element (32), which is arranged in the housing (12) behind the display unit (10), for delaying acceleration movements, which act on the display unit (10), in the direction of the interior of the housing (12) as a result of an object striking the display unit (10). The delay element (32) has a greater stiffness in a central region (34) which is in alignment with the region of the centre of the display unit (10) than in a region (36, 38) of the delay element (32) which is in alignment with a region of the display unit (10) which adjoins the region of the centre (24) of the display unit (10) and extends in the direction of the edge of the display unit (10) and/or as far as the edge thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
  • B60R 21/045 - Padded linings for the vehicle interior associated with the instrument panel or dashboard
  • F16F 7/12 - Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members
  • G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

87.

Operating unit for an electrical apparatus

      
Application Number 15327452
Grant Number 10229795
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-10
First Publication Date 2017-05-25
Grant Date 2019-03-12
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Steinkamp, Michael

Abstract

The operating unit (10) for an electrical appliance, in particular a vehicle component such as a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system, is provided with an operating element (16) which can be pressed down in a direction of actuation (28), and a support element (24) which is mechanically coupled to the operating element (16) and on which the operating element (16) is elastically supported so as to be movable in the direction of actuation (28). The operating element (10) further comprises a sensor (30) for detecting the motion of the operating element (16) when the latter is pressed down, and/or for detecting a force applied to the operating element (16), an actuator (36) for moving the support element (24) and the operating element (16) coupled thereto, and an evaluation and drive unit (34) connected to the sensor (30) and to the actuator (36) for driving the actuator (36) when the sensor (30) detects the motion of the operating element (16) as a result of the latter being pressed down, and/or a force applied to the operating element (16). The support element (24) can be moved by the actuator (36) in at least one direction of movement (38) transverse to the direction of actuation (28) of the operating element (16).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01H 13/10 - Bases; Stationary contacts mounted thereon
  • G05G 1/02 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
  • B60H 1/00 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • H01H 13/14 - Operating parts, e.g. push-button
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs

88.

CONTROL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR A HEATING, VENTILATION AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

      
Application Number EP2016075565
Publication Number 2017/068189
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-10-24
Publication Date 2017-04-27
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Fust, Winfried

Abstract

A control unit for a vehicle component, in particular for a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system is provided with an actuating element (10) that can be manually actuated, a retaining device (16) for retaining the actuating element (10) and a mounting device (18) for elastically mounting the actuating element (10) on the retaining device (16). The mounting device (18) has at least one first pair (64) of leaf springs comprising two mutually spaced leaf springs (36) situated one above the other and running in parallel, their first ends lying one above the other being directly or indirectly connected to the actuating element (10) and their second ends lying one above the other being directly or indirectly connected to the retaining device (16). The mounting device (18) also has at least one second pair of leaf springs (36). Said at least one second pair (66) of leaf springs is oriented at an angle not equal to 0° to the at least one first pair (64) of leaf springs, in particular oriented at right angles to the at least one first pair (64) of leaf springs.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05G 1/02 - Controlling members for hand-actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons

89.

CONTROL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2016070989
Publication Number 2017/045975
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-09-06
Publication Date 2017-03-23
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Beschnitt, Alexander

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit (10) for a vehicle, comprising a housing (26) with a front face on which a control element (12) having a centre of gravity (40) and a control surface (14) is arranged. Said control element (12) is mounted on and/or in the housing (26) in a spring-elastic manner along a vertical axis of movement (18) extending essentially perpendicular to the control surface (14) and along a lateral movement axis (20) extending essentially transversely with respect thereto. At least one sensor (28) for detecting an actuation movement of the control element (12) in the direction of the vertical movement axis (18) is provided. Also, the control element (10) comprises an actuator (32) arranged in and/or on the housing (26) for feedback movement of the control element (12) at least also in the lateral movement axis (20) during a detected actuating movement of the operating element (12). The actuator (32) comprises an electromagnetically controllable drive element (34) which is mechanically coupled to the control element (12) which can be moved back and forth along a movement axis (38). The centre of gravity (40) of the operating element (12) lies on the movement axis (38) of the drive element (34) of the actuator (32).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce

90.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2016071414
Publication Number 2017/046026
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-09-12
Publication Date 2017-03-23
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pankratz, Harri
  • Bandlow, Bastian
  • Stallein, Matthias
  • Heeper, Lars

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (10) for a vehicle, said unit being provided with a housing (26) with a front face and an operating element (12) which is arranged on the front face of the housing (26) and has an operating surface (14). The operating element (12) is mounted in a spring elastic manner. Furthermore, at least one sensor (28) is provided for detecting an actuation movement of the operating element (12). The operating unit (10) additionally has at least one actuator (32) for the feedback movement of the operating element (12) when an operating element (12) actuation movement is detected by the sensor (28). The operating unit also has an analysis and control unit (30) which is connected to the at least one sensor (28) and to the actuator (32). The actuator (32) is designed as an armature-type electromagnet with a first stator (48), which has a first excitation coil (52), and an armature (46) as a drive element (34). Furthermore, the armature (46) is provided with a measuring coil (56) to which a measurement voltage is applied when a magnetic flux generated by the first excitation coil (52) flows through the armature (46). The first excitation coil (52) and the measuring coil (56) are connected to the analysis and control unit (30), and with the analysis and control unit (30) it is possible to apply open-loop and/or closed-loop control to the force with which the armature (46) of the actuator (32) can move towards the first stator (48) and/or to the movement of the armature (46) out of the armature rest position and the return movement of the armature (46) back into the rest position.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G05G 5/03 - Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of the arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce

91.

DISPLAY AND OPERATING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2016060179
Publication Number 2016/177878
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-05-06
Publication Date 2016-11-10
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Vogt, Frank

Abstract

The invention relates to as display and operating device (10) for at least one vehicle component, in particular a radio, a CD and/or DVD player or similar audio and/or video player, a navigation device, an infotainment device, a heating, ventilating or air conditioning control unit, or a human-machine interface, which is provided with a mechanical control element (18) for setting an operational parameter of at least one first vehicle component and a touch screen (12) for outputting information, and control keys (14) and/or other operational parameters for the first vehicle component and/or for at least one second vehicle component. The touch screen (12) comprises a recess (16) and the mechanical operating element (18) is arranged in the recess (16) of the touch screen (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • F16H 59/02 - Selector apparatus

92.

Operating device for an electrical apparatus, in particular for a vehicle component

      
Application Number 15102693
Grant Number 09698775
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-09
First Publication Date 2016-10-27
Grant Date 2017-07-04
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Marquas, Karsten

Abstract

The operating device for an electrical apparatus or a system, in particular for a vehicle component, is provided with at least one elastically mounted operating element (12), a counter-element (14), relative to which the at least one operating element (12) is movable when actuated, thereby varying the distance, namely as seen in the movement direction, and at least one capacitor (38) which comprises a first carrier body (20) with a first capacitor electrode (34) and an elastically bendable second carrier body (22), designed as a bending bar, having a first end (26) and a second end (32) opposite said first end and having a second capacitor electrode (36) opposite the first capacitor electrode (34). Connected to the first and second capacitor electrode (34, 36) is an evaluation unit (42) for determining the capacitance and/or a change in the capacitance of the at least one capacitor (38) upon actuation of the at least one operating element (12).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • H03K 17/975 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a capacitive movable element

93.

OPERATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR A HEATING, VENTILATION, AND/OR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE

      
Application Number EP2016052792
Publication Number 2016/134970
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-02-10
Publication Date 2016-09-01
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Lomberg, Christian

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating unit (10) for a vehicle component, in particular for a heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising a housing (14) and a plurality of switching rockers (22), which are arranged in or on the housing (14) and which each have at least one bendable bending lever (53). Furthermore, the operating unit (10) has a flat or strip-shaped carrier element (26), which is common to the switching rockers (22) and which is composed of a resilient material, in particular metal, wherein the carrier element (26) is fastened within the housing (14) and has resilient bending beam segments (38), which are associated with the particular switching rockers and which form the bending levers (53) of the switching rockers (22). Each switching rocker (22) has a manually actuatable operating element (20), which is mechanically connected to the bending beam segment associated with the bending lever (53) of the switching rocker (22) in question. The operating elements (20) of the switching rockers (22) are arranged next to each other on an outer face of the housing (16). Each switching rocker (22) also has at least one switch actuation element (48), which is mechanically connected to the operating element (20) of the switching rocker (22) in question. The operating unit (10) has at least one switch (62) per switching rocker (22), which switch has a switching element (60) and can be actuated by the switch actuation element (48) of the switching rocker in question when the operating element (20) of the switching rocker (22) in question is manually actuated.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H01H 23/30 - Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre position and one or both end positions unstable
  • H01H 21/24 - Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to original position upon removal of operating force

94.

CONTROL UNIT FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2015065573
Publication Number 2016/012241
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-08
Publication Date 2016-01-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Steinkamp, Michael

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit (10) for an electrical apparatus, in particular for a vehicle component such as, for example, a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation, which is provided with a housing (12), a control strip (18) and a support element (32) for the control strip (18), which is arranged in the housing (12). The control strip (18) is mounted on the support element (32) about a tilting axis that extends transversely to the longitudinal extension of the control strip (18). The support element (32) is tiltable in at least one pivoting direction and about a pivot axis (34) that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the control strip (18) from a rest position, in which the support element (32) is elastically prestressed, into a pivot position, which is detected by a pivot position sensor (42, 44). Two tilt detection sensors (52, 54) detect a tilting of the control strip (18) about the tilting axis when the control strip (18) is actuated by manually pressing against a control panel (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the control strip (18). Finally, the control unit (10) is provided with an evaluation and control unit for receiving the signals of the pivot position sensor (42, 44) and the tilt detection sensors (52, 54) and for determining, on the basis of the signals emitted by the tilt detection sensors (52, 54), the control field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) on which, upon manual actuation of the control strip (18), the finger of one hand is applied with an actuating force required for adopting the pivot position of the support element (32) and for triggering the apparatus function that is associated with the determined control field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/965 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
  • H01H 23/30 - Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre position and one or both end positions unstable

95.

CONTROL UNIT FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT

      
Application Number EP2015065587
Publication Number 2016/012243
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-08
Publication Date 2016-01-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Beschnitt, Alexander
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Steinkamp, Michael
  • Vogt, Frank
  • Fischer, Christof
  • Böhm, Nils

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit (10) for an electrical apparatus, in particular a vehicle component such as, for example, a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation, which is provided with a housing (12) having a front wall (14), with a control strip (18) that projects beyond the front wall (14), which has an elongated control surface (20) with a plurality of adjacently arranged control fields (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), and with a support element (32) for the control strip (18), which is arranged in the housing (12). The control strip (18) is connected to the support element (32) by means of connecting webs (48) which protrude in the respective areas between the control panels (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the control strip (18). Flexible webs (50), which protrude from the control strip (18) for each operating field and are connected to the support element (32), are arranged between the connecting webs (48), namely in an elastic manner and more flexible than the connections of the control strip (18) to the support element (32) via the connecting webs (48). At least one control field actuation sensor (70, 72) for detecting a local bending of the control strip (18), when a manual actuating force is exerted on a control field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the control strip (18), is arranged on the support element (32) for each flexible web (50). In addition, the control unit (10) comprises an evaluation and control unit (78) for receiving the signals of the control panel actuating sensors (70, 72) and for determining, on the basis of said signals, the control field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) on which, upon manual actuation of the control strip (18), the finger of one hand is applied, and for triggering an apparatus function that is associated with the respective control field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) corresponding to the determined control field (22, 24, 26, 28, 30).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01H 23/30 - Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre position and one or both end positions unstable
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • H03K 17/96 - Touch switches
  • H03K 17/965 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch

96.

CONTROL UNIT FOR AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE

      
Application Number EP2015065843
Publication Number 2016/012277
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-10
Publication Date 2016-01-28
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fust, Winfried
  • Steinkamp, Michael

Abstract

The control unit (10) for an electrical appliance, in particular a vehicle component such as a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system, is provided with a control element (16) which can be pressed down in a direction of actuation (28), and a support element (24) which is mechanically coupled to the control element (16) and on which the control element (16) is elastically supported so as to be movable in the direction of actuation (28). The control element (10) further comprises a sensor (30) for detecting the motion of the control element (16) when the latter is pressed down, and/or for detecting a force applied to the control element (16), an actuator (36) for moving the support element (24) and the control element (16) coupled thereto, and an evaluation and drive unit (34) connected to the sensor (30) and to the actuator (36) for driving the actuator (36) when the sensor (30) detects the motion of the control element (16) as a result of the latter being pressed down, and/or a force applied to the control element (16). The support element (24) can be moved by the actuator (36) in at least one direction of movement (38) transverse to the direction of actuation (28) of the control element (16).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • H01H 13/85 - Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features

97.

Capacitive sensor for detecting the movement of an object

      
Application Number 14409547
Grant Number 09638587
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-06-12
First Publication Date 2015-11-26
Grant Date 2017-05-02
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Marquas, Karsten
  • Steinkamp, Michael
  • Schluter, Dirk

Abstract

A capacitive sensor for detecting the movement of an object, such as actuation of a key of an operating unit, includes first and second electrodes that are provided for connection or mechanical coupling to or arrangement on the object, the distance of which second electrode from the first electrode changes when the object moves. The electrodes form a first capacitor with a volume between the electrodes, the size of which changes when the object moves. An evaluation unit determines a change of capacitance between the two electrodes resulting from a change of their spacing and volume. A deformable, non-gaseous first dielectric is arranged between the electrodes and defines at least one gas volume that is filled by a gaseous second dielectric that can escape from the gas volume when the two electrodes approach one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01L 1/00 - Measuring force or stress, in general
  • G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
  • G01D 5/241 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by relative movement of capacitor electrodes
  • G06F 3/0338 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
  • H01G 5/013 - Dielectrics
  • H03K 17/975 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a capacitive movable element

98.

Operating device, in particular for a vehicle component, and method for the production thereof

      
Application Number 14442916
Grant Number 09869344
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-11-13
First Publication Date 2015-11-19
Grant Date 2018-01-16
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor
  • Lamminger, Egbert
  • Treuguth, Udo

Abstract

The operating device, in particular for a vehicle component, is provided with a rotary operating element (18), which can be rotated about a rotation axis (20) and is formed as a plastic injection-molded part, which is produced in a molding die (48) having a die separation plane (46), and with a bearing unit (12), on which the rotary operating element (18) is mounted such that it can rotate about the rotation axis (20). The bearing unit (12) has a first bearing element (14), which is formed as a plastic injection-molded part, which is produced in a molding die (28) having a die separation plane (34). The first bearing element (14) has a bearing surface (26), which extends in a radial plane to the rotation axis (20) and concentrically to same, and the rotary operating element (18) has a contact surface (36), which bears against the bearing surface (26) and likewise extends in a radial plane to the rotation axis (20) and concentrically to same. Either the bearing surface (26) of the first bearing element (14) or the contact surface (36) of the rotary operating element (18) is arranged outside the die separation plane (34; 46) of the injection-molding die (28; 48) for said relevant element (14; 18), and the other of the two surfaces (26; 36) is arranged in the die separation plane (34; 46) of the injection-molding die (28; 48) of said relevant element (14; 18).

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16C 43/02 - Assembling sliding-contact bearings
  • B60K 37/06 - Arrangement of fittings on dashboard of controls, e.g. control knobs
  • F16C 17/02 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for radial load only
  • B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C 45/26 - Moulds
  • B29L 31/04 - Bearings
  • B29L 19/00 - Buttons or semi-finished parts of buttons
  • H01H 3/10 - Means for securing to shaft of driving mechanism

99.

Capacitive sensor for detecting a relative movement of two adjacent bodies

      
Application Number 14443697
Grant Number 09464922
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-11-19
First Publication Date 2015-10-22
Grant Date 2016-10-11
Owner BEHR-HELLA THERMOCONTROL GMBH (Germany)
Inventor Marquas, Karsten

Abstract

A capacitive sensor for detecting relative movement of adjacent bodies includes a first electrode on a first electrode supporting body, and a second electrode opposite the first electrode on a second electrode supporting body. The second electrode supporting body is a resilient film element supported on the first electrode supporting body by spaced-apart support sections. A pressure body includes two pressure projections that rest, in the region between the support sections, against the side of the second electrode supporting body facing away from the second electrode and that press against the second electrode supporting body while bending it when there is a relative movement between the first electrode supporting body and the second pressure body. The second electrode is secured to the second electrode supporting body only in a securing section substantially in the center between pressure regions at which the pressure projections rest against the second electrode supporting body.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitance; Measuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance method; Measuring loss factor; Measuring dielectric constants
  • G01D 5/241 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by relative movement of capacitor electrodes
  • G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators

100.

BHTC

      
Application Number 1268896
Status Registered
Filing Date 2015-08-11
Registration Date 2015-08-11
Owner Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (Germany)
NICE Classes  ? 09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments

Goods & Services

Electronic display panels; electronic card readers; electronic navigation and positioning apparatus and instruments; electronic cruise control apparatus; electronic visual display units; electronic data processing apparatus; touch sensitive electronic display units; cards with electronically stored data; navigation apparatus for vehicles (on-board computers); software; keyboards; display units; mobile data apparatus.
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