Operating equipment and operating methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating device (1) for a road-driving vehicle (2) for controlling functional components (3) disposed on the road-driving vehicle (2), comprising: at least one functional component (3) disposed on the road-driving vehicle (2) for providing vehicle functions; and a display operating device (4) disposed on the road-driving vehicle (2) for controlling the functional component (3), wherein the display operating device (4) includes a display device (5) for providing visually identifiable functional operating elements (6). Importantly for the present invention, in order to activate the vehicle functions, the corresponding functional operating elements (6) are connected to and operable to control the functional components. The display operating device (4) further includes an unlocking mechanism (7) by means of which the display device (5) can be operated back and forth between a locked position for locking the operation of the functional operating elements (6) and an effective position for allowing the operation of the functional operating elements (6). The display operating device (4) also has a key (8) corresponding to the unlocking mechanism (7), which, when cooperating with the unlocking mechanism (7), operates the display device (5) to the effective position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operating device for road vehicles / road motor vehicles. This invention also relates to a method of operating the operating device. Background Technology

[0002] Operating devices for highway vehicles are well-known and commonly used to control functional components within each highway vehicle according to user-defined conditions. Over time, efforts have been made to optimize existing operating devices for highway vehicles, especially to meet the increasing comfort requirements of the user.

[0003] DE 202 12 143U1 and DE 103 24 918A1 disclose a control device and a control device for a motor vehicle adjustment mechanism, respectively. In particular, a control device for inputting control signals to manually control the adjustment mechanism is described, wherein the adjustment member of the adjustment mechanism can be adjusted according to an adjustment stroke or adjusted to an adjustment position by means of a drive device controlled by the control device. The control surface of the control device is designed for inputting a control stroke and / or a control position on the control surface, wherein the control stroke is associated with an adjustment stroke, or the control position is associated with an adjustment position.

[0004] Additionally, EP 3 248 858 A1 discloses a technical device for controlling the parking function of a truck with a driver's cab, wherein the driver's cab includes operating equipment with operating elements for controlling the parking function of the truck. The operating elements in the driver's cab are arranged to be accessible from outside the driver's cab. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved or at least different implementation of the device for operating it. A further objective of this invention is to provide a method for operating the device.

[0006] In this invention, the task is accomplished, in particular, by means of an operating device for a road-driving vehicle.

[0007] The basic concept of this invention is to mount a display operating device on a road-driving vehicle. This display operating device is equipped with an unlocking mechanism, allowing it to be selectively operated from a locked position to an activated position using a key corresponding to the unlocking mechanism. In the activated position, the display operating device provides functional operating elements for operation on the user side, thereby selectively activating vehicle functions provided by the functional components of the road-driving vehicle.

[0008] This regulation stipulates that operating equipment for controlling functional components mounted on a road-going vehicle, especially an electric road-going vehicle, is equipped with at least one functional component mounted on the road-going vehicle for providing a vehicle function, particularly door locks, door openers, window regulators, sliding roof actuators, hood actuators, tailgate actuators, radio modules, tailgate actuators, central locking, and / or camera devices. The road-going vehicle also has a display operating device for controlling one of these functional components, wherein the display operating device includes a display device, particularly a touch control area or display screen. This display device is used to provide visually identifiable functional operating elements, particularly functional operating symbols or vehicle icons.

[0009] Importantly, in order to activate a vehicle function, a functional actuator is connected to a functional component, preferably via a cable or wirelessly. To control the functional component, i.e., to activate the vehicle function, these functional actuators are designed to be operable. The display operating device is also specified to have an unlocking mechanism, by which the display device can be operated back and forth between a locked position where the operation of the functional actuator is locked and an active position where the operation of the functional actuator is permitted. The unlocking mechanism is operated by a key component of the operating device corresponding to the unlocking mechanism, thereby operating the display device to the active position when the key component cooperates with the unlocking mechanism. This has the advantage that the display device can be activated simply and relatively comfortably at the user's side. Furthermore, this operating device has the advantage that it can be used to replace other controls, such as corresponding controls on the tailgate.

[0010] Preferably, the display and operating device is mounted on the B-pillar of a road-going vehicle. This advantageously positions the display and operating device in an area of ​​the road-going vehicle that is also manually accessible to the user. Furthermore, it is preferable to mount the display and operating device on the door side panel of the B-pillar of the road-going vehicle, thereby ensuring advantageous accessibility. It is also preferable to mount the display and operating device on the door side panel of the B-pillar of the road-going vehicle, wherein the B-pillar is designed as a black panel. Therefore, the display device itself can be aesthetically advantageously and cost-effectively designed. Finally, it is conceivable that the display and operating device is preferably mounted on the side rail of the road-going vehicle. The display and operating device can also be mounted on doors, roof frames, the glass of the road-going vehicle, or similarly designed operating devices, thus allowing for flexible use of current display and operating devices.

[0011] In particular, the operating device may be equipped with a display device for providing visually identifiable functional operations. This display device is preferably composed of a touch control area, a touch display, or a touch display control area, which allows for comfortable operation, such as manual operation, from the user's perspective.

[0012] Functional operating components can be constituted by luminous functional operating components, preferably by luminous functional operating symbols, and even more preferably by car icons. This has the effect that the functional operating components can be visually perceived better than non-luminous functional operating components. A functional operating symbol preferably forms a functional operating component. Preferably, a functional operating symbol is an aesthetically pleasing shape design that is tailored to its corresponding functional component.

[0013] Preferably, the functional operating element also displays the operating status of the corresponding functional component.

[0014] In addition, to activate vehicle functions, the function operating components can be operated manually, preferably by hand. This has the advantage of not requiring additional control components.

[0015] The display device and functional operating components can be mounted on the frame of a road-going vehicle and can be accessed manually and visually from outside the vehicle's interior. This allows the user to comfortably access the display device and functional operating components, enabling relatively simple and quick activation of vehicle functions.

[0016] To conserve energy, for example, the display device can provide a function operation symbol for a predetermined or settable activation period of 10, 20, 30, 60, or 120 seconds in the activation position, and automatically switch back to the locked position after the activation period expires. Thus, the display device does not require a function operation symbol and consumes no energy. However, a preferred design is an intelligent display device that provides a function operation symbol for a predetermined or settable activation period of 10, 20, 30, 60, or 120 seconds in the activation position, and automatically switches back to the locked position after the activation period expires, provided that no operation of the function operation symbol is performed during the activation period. If operation of the function operation symbol is performed during the activation period, a new predetermined or settable activation period begins. This saves energy and improves user convenience.

[0017] The functional components of the operating device can be designed according to different desired vehicle functions, and are therefore practically optional. However, it is preferred that at least one functional component constitutes a door lock providing door locking functionality. Additionally or alternatively, a functional component can constitute a door opener providing door opening / closing functionality. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, a functional component can constitute a window regulator providing window opening / closing mechanism functionality. Also additionally or alternatively, a functional component can constitute a sliding roof drive providing sliding roof opening / closing mechanism functionality. Also additionally or alternatively, a functional component can constitute a hood drive providing hood opening / closing mechanism functionality. It is also conceivable that a functional component can be additionally or alternatively constituted as a tailgate drive providing tailgate opening / closing mechanism functionality. Also additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be constituted as a radio module providing communication functionality. It is also conceivable that a functional component can be additionally or alternatively constituted as a tailgate drive providing tailgate opening / closing mechanism functionality. Additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be constituted by a central locking system that provides central locking functionality for the vehicle. Finally, one can conceive of additionally or alternatively constituting a functional component by a camera device that provides vehicle monitoring or video functionality.

[0018] As part of other included concepts, the present invention discloses an operating device, and more particularly a method of operating the operating device according to the above description. It includes an operating device for a road-driving vehicle, for controlling functional components mounted on the road-driving vehicle, and functional components mounted on the road-driving vehicle for providing vehicle functions. It also includes a display operating device mounted on the road-driving vehicle for controlling the functional components, and a display device constituted by the display operating device for providing visually identifiable functional operating elements. It further includes an unlocking mechanism constituted by the display operating device, which allows the display device to operate back and forth between a locked position for locking the operation of the functional operating element and an active position for allowing the operation of the functional operating element, and a key component constituted by the operating device and corresponding to and matching the unlocking mechanism. The method now specifies the following main steps:

[0019] 1) To move the display device from the locked position to the active position, the key and the unlocking mechanism of the display device are engaged.

[0020] 2) The display device provides functional operation for a predetermined or settable activation period, preferably for a duration of up to 60 seconds.

[0021] 3) When no functional operation is performed during the activation period, the display device will automatically move from its activation position to the locked position after the activation period ends, or

[0022] 4) When the functional operation is activated within the activation period, the display device remains in the activation position for another predetermined or settable new activation period, preferably up to 60 seconds.

[0023] The key is preferably implemented in the form of an electric radio key, especially a radio remote control, or a keyless start system or polling system. Polling is achieved, in particular, by periodically checking the key's access rights.

[0024] Preferably, the operating device may have an operation evaluation logic unit, which is preferably housed within or above the display operating device. The operation evaluation logic unit can control the provision of functional operating elements via the display operating device, and more particularly, provide functional operating elements expected by the user. For example, a central locking / unlocking function may be provided first when approaching a vehicle traveling on the road. Furthermore, the functional operating elements can be provided on demand; for example, when the sliding roof of a vehicle traveling on the road is opened, a function for operating the sliding roof drive mechanism may be provided. Additionally, the operation evaluation logic unit may include learning logic that prioritizes the provision of functional operating elements based on their frequency of operation. For example, frequent operation of the tailgate function may result in the automatic provision of the tailgate function on the display device.

[0025] Preferably, the display device can display or provide one or more projection imagers of a camera device preferably mounted on a road-driving vehicle, thus enabling visualization, for example, of the interior, ground, or trunk, or areas around or behind the road-driving vehicle. It is also possible to provide information projection, such as camera information, here as well.

[0026] Other important features and advantages of the invention are derived from the figures and the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Obviously, the features described above and explained below may be used not only in the respective combinations described, but also in other combinations or individually, without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the figures and explained in detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The attached figures illustrate the following schematically:

[0030] Figure 1A preferred embodiment of a road-driving vehicle is shown in a highly simplified side view, equipped with an operating device having display operating mechanisms and functional components.

[0031] Figure 2 The section enclosed by the dashed line is shown Figure 1 The magnified display shows the details. Detailed Implementation

[0032] These figures generally show the operating equipment for a road-going vehicle 2, marked with reference numeral 1, which controls functional components 3 mounted on the road-going vehicle 2. Functional components 3 include, for example, door locks 14, door openers 15, window regulators, sliding roof drive mechanisms 16, hood drive mechanisms 17, tailgate drive mechanisms 18, radio modules 19, rear bumper drive mechanisms, central locking systems 20, or camera devices 21.

[0033] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of a road-going vehicle 2 with functional components 3 is shown in a highly simplified side view, wherein the road-going vehicle 2 is equipped with an operating device 1 having a display and operating device 4. The functional components 3 provide vehicle functions to the vehicle user. The display and operating device 4 is preferably mounted or fixed to the door side panel of the B-pillar 9 of the road-going vehicle 2 or to the curb edge 10 of the road-going vehicle 2. The B-pillar 9 may be at least partially designed as a black panel 23.

[0034] The display operation device 4 includes at least a display device 5 for providing visually identifiable functional operation elements 6. The functional operation elements 6 are preferably each composed of functional operation symbols 13, which represent the respective vehicle functions of each functional operation element 6, particularly as shown in... Figure 2 Function operation symbol 13, for example, can be implemented in the form of a car icon 24, see... Figure 2 The display device 5 is, for example, composed of a touch display and / or a control area 12, although it may also be composed of a touch control area 11. Preferably, the function operation elements 6 or function operation symbols 13 are illuminated, so that people can see each function operation element 6 or function operation symbol 13 with the naked eye in a more convenient way than with unilluminated function operation elements 6 or function operation symbols 13.

[0035] To activate one of the vehicle functions, each function operator 6 is designed to be operable and connected to one of the function components 3, the connection being based on... Figure 1 It is a wired cable connection, indicated thereby by dashed lines. Therefore, it is possible to control the functional component 3 or activate the corresponding vehicle function by operating the functional operating element 6 or functional operating symbol 13. According to... Figure 1It is also indicated that the display operating device 4 has an unlocking mechanism marked with reference numeral 7. By means of the unlocking mechanism 7, the display device 5 can be operated back and forth between a locked position and an active position. In the locked position, operation of the function operating element 6 is locked, i.e., it cannot be performed. In the active position, operation of the function operating element 6 is permitted, i.e., it can be performed. Preferably, after activation by means of the key 8, the display device 5 remains in the active position for a predetermined or settable active period of preferably up to 60 seconds to provide the function operating element 6 or function operating symbol 13 for operation. If no operation of the function operating element 6 or function operating symbol 13 is performed on the user side during the active period, the display device 5 automatically switches back to the locked position after the active period expires. If operation of the function operating element 6 or function operating symbol 13 is performed during the active period, a new active period of preferably up to 60 seconds begins with that operation.

[0036] Figure 1 The display operating device 4 is also shown to include the aforementioned key 8, which is matched with and can cooperate with the unlocking mechanism 7 to operate the display device 5 to the active position. For example, a user can approach a car 2 traveling on a road while holding the key 8, thereby enabling the unlocking mechanism 7 to cooperate with the key 8. Here, the key 8 is implemented, for example, in the form of a radio key, so it can cooperate with the unlocking mechanism 7 non-contactly via radio waves 25.

[0037] exist Figure 2 The section shown in the dashed line is... Figure 1 The enlarged details show that the display and operation device 4 is located on the door side panel of the B-pillar 9, which is partially implemented as a black panel 23 in the road-driving vehicle 2, and has a display device 5, which is implemented as a touch display and / or control area 12 or a touch control area 11. Functional operation elements 6 are also visible, which are designed here as function operation symbols 13, especially car icons 24. The display device 5 or functional operation element 6 is located, for example, on the exterior of the B-pillar 9, so that the user can visually access the display device 5 or functional operation element 6 from outside the road-driving vehicle 2 or from outside the vehicle compartment 22 of the road-driving vehicle 2, so as to operate the functional operation element 6 or the function operation symbol 13 there, for example, manually.

Claims

1. An operating device for a road-driving vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3) that provides vehicle functions and is mounted on the road-driving vehicle (2), said operating device comprising: -A display and operation device (4) installed on a road-driving vehicle (2) and configured to control functional components (3), -The display operation device (4) includes a display device (5) configured to provide a visually identifiable functional operation element (6), which is connected to the functional component and configured to activate the vehicle function when operated. - The display operating device (4) further includes: an unlocking mechanism (7) configured to allow the display device (5) to operate between a locked position that locks the operation of the visually identifiable functional operating element (6) and an active position that allows the operation of the visually identifiable functional operating element (6), wherein in the locked position, the display device does not have the visually identifiable functional operating element; and - Key component (8), which is configured to cooperate with the unlocking mechanism (7) to operate the display device (5) to the active position; The visually identifiable functional operation is an initially visually identifiable functional operation, wherein the display device is configured to provide one of the plurality of additional visually identifiable functional operation operations according to the operating frequency of each of the plurality of additional visually identifiable functional operation operations.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, -The display operation device (4) is mounted on the B-pillar (9) of the vehicle (2) traveling on the road, or -The display operation device (4) is mounted on the door side trim panel of the B-pillar (9) of the road-driving vehicle (2), or - The display operation device (4) is mounted on the door side trim panel of the B-pillar (9) of the road-driving vehicle (2), wherein the B-pillar (9) is designed as a black panel (23), or - The display operation device (4) is mounted on the side (10) of the road vehicle (2).

3. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device (5) consists of a touch control area (11).

4. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional operation component (6) is constituted by corresponding illuminated functional operation symbols (13).

5. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional operation component (6) is constituted by a car icon (24).

6. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional operation unit (6) visualizes the working status of its corresponding functional component (3).

7. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In order to activate the vehicle functions, the corresponding function operation parts can be manually operated by hand (6).

8. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device (5) and the functional operating element (6) are mounted on the frame portion of the road vehicle (2) and can be accessed manually and visually from the outside of the vehicle compartment (22) contained by the road vehicle (2).

9. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, -The display device (5) provides a functional operating element (6) at the activation position within a predetermined or settable activation period, and / or - When no operation of the functional component (6) occurs during the effective period, the display device (5) automatically switches to the locked position after the effective period ends, and / or - When the function operation component (6) is operated during the effective period, a new pre-defined or configurable effective period is initiated.

10. The operating device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The onset time is up to 60 seconds.

11. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the following functions: Component (3): - Consists of a door lock (14) that provides the function of locking the vehicle door, and / or - Consists of a door opener (15) that provides vehicle door opening / closing functionality, and / or - Consists of a window regulator that provides the function of opening / closing vehicle windows, and / or - Composed of a sliding roof drive unit (16) that provides the function of opening / closing the vehicle's sliding roof, and / or - Composed of an engine hood drive unit (17) that provides the function of opening / closing the vehicle engine hood, and / or - Composed of a tailgate drive unit (18) that provides the function of opening / closing the vehicle tailgate, and / or - Composed of a radio module (19) that provides vehicle communication functions, and / or - Composed of a rear tailgate drive unit that provides the function of opening / closing the vehicle's rear tailgate, and / or - Consists of a central locking system (20) that provides vehicle central locking functionality, and / or - It consists of a camera device (21) that provides vehicle monitoring or video functions.

12. A method of operating an operating device for a road-driving vehicle (2), the operating device being used to control functional components that provide vehicle functions and are mounted on the road-driving vehicle (2), the operating device including a display device (5) for displaying visually identifiable functional operating components (6), the method comprising: In response to the key of the display operating device (4) being placed in a cooperative state with the unlocking mechanism of the display operating device (4), the display device (5) is switched from a locked position that locks the operation of the visually identifiable functional operating element (6) to an active position that allows the operation of the visually identifiable functional operating element (6), wherein in the locked position, the display device does not have the visually identifiable functional operating element; After the display device is switched from the locked position to the active position, the visually identifiable functional operation element (6) is displayed by means of the display device (5) within a predetermined active period, and When no visually identifiable functional component (6) is operated within the pre-defined activation period, the display device (5) will automatically switch from the activation position to the locked position, or When the visually identifiable functional operating element (6) is operated during the pre-defined effective period, the effective position of the display device (5) is maintained during a pre-defined new effective period; The visually identifiable functional operation element is an initially visually identifiable functional operation element, wherein the display device provides one of the plurality of additional visually identifiable functional operation elements according to the operating frequency of each of the plurality of additional visually identifiable functional operation elements.

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