Method for operating a window operation and / or display device in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a window operation and / or display device in a motor vehicle. Here, the opening state of at least one window is detected and at least one light-emitting device for illuminating at least one operating switch of the window operation device and / or a display device is actuated in dependence on the detected opening state such that an optical status display and / or warning display is generated for the driver of the motor vehicle about the opening state of the window. In addition to the opening state of the at least one window, the opening state of at least one driver door and the switch state of an ignition device are detected. In dependence on the detected opening state and the detected switch state of the ignition device, the light-emitting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch and / or the display device is actuated such that an optical status display and / or warning display is generated for the driver in a plurality of display stages or warning stages about the opening state of the window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a window operating and / or display device in a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Such a method is known from DE 10 2015 015 782 A1. Specifically, a control device and a control system for electrically operated windows are disclosed. The control device comprises a plurality of window selection buttons for respectively operating one of a plurality of windows. Each window selection button comprises a display element. The controller is designed to illuminate the display element in a targeted manner based on data regarding the window position. As a result, the system should be able to warn the driver in certain situations that a window is open in order to avoid theft or weather damage. The display element of each window selection button first indicates which window is selected. Another display element shows the status of the specific window. For example, a permanently lit red light can indicate that the corresponding window is locked and can only be adjusted by the driver. When the vehicle's transmission selector lever is in the parking or neutral position, a flashing red light indicates that the window is not completely closed.

[0003] DE 11 2005 002 151 T5 describes a switch device for a window lifter having a plurality of illuminated operating switches for operating the window lifter. Depending on the state of the window, the operating switches can be illuminated with different colors of light. Depending on the final position reached by the window, only those operating switches are illuminated by which the window can still be adjusted.

[0004] Finally, US Pat. No. 5,187,381A discloses a switch device for opening and closing a door window of a motor vehicle. The switch device includes a display unit that indicates whether the window can be adjusted using the switch. Additionally, the switch checks the vehicle's ignition status and the door's open state. If the vehicle's ignition is off and the driver's door is open, the operating switch illuminates green to indicate that the window can still be adjusted using the operating switch. If it is also detected that the door window is open, the operating switch illuminates red. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a window operating and / or display device in a motor vehicle, which method is easy to carry out and by which the vehicle driver is fully informed of the opening state of the window in an easily understandable manner.

[0006] In this context, a window is not to be understood only as meaning a door window of a motor vehicle, but rather as any window of a motor vehicle, for example sliding and upright roof windows, roof wind deflector windows and tailgate windows.

[0007] The present invention is based on a method for operating a window operating and / or display device in a motor vehicle, in which the opening state of at least one window is detected. At least one lighting device for illuminating at least one operating switch of the window operating device and / or the display device are actuated as a function of the detected opening state in such a way that a visual status display and / or warning display regarding the opening state of the window is generated for the driver of the motor vehicle.

[0008] The method according to the present invention now provides for detecting the opening state of at least one driver's door and the switching state of the motor vehicle's ignition in addition to the opening state of the at least one window. Based on the detected opening state and the detected switching state of the ignition, the lighting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch and / or the display device are controlled such that a visual status display and / or warning display regarding the opening state of the window is generated for the driver in a plurality of display or warning levels, wherein a first or lowest display or warning level is generated when the at least one window is completely closed. A last or highest display or warning level is generated when the at least one window is not completely closed, the ignition is off, and the driver's door is open.

[0009] The term “not completely closed” here also includes a state in which the window is completely open.

[0010] Furthermore, it should be pointed out that the term "ignition" is intended to include not only the conventional ignition present in the case of internal combustion engines (which can usually be switched on and off by means of an ignition key or a start button), but also the circuit present in electric vehicles for preparing the electric vehicle for driving (establishing an electrical connection between the traction battery and the high-voltage network of the electric vehicle, usually by actuating the start button or, for example, also by moving the gear selector lever from its park position into a drive position).

[0011] In this way, the driver is informed of the important states of the vehicle's windows. In particular, the most important window opening states (all windows closed: no risk; window open when attempting to exit the vehicle: significantly increased risk of theft or rain damage) are thus included in the method.

[0012] In a first embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a second display level or warning level is generated if the at least one window is not completely closed and the ignition is on.

[0013] By this method of designing, the driver is informed of a possible source of danger that may arise from the open window.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a third display level or warning level is generated when the at least one window is not completely closed, the ignition is switched off, and the driver's door is closed.

[0015] The term “display level or warning level” means that the opening state of the window is indicated to the driver with greater optical (and possibly also acoustic) intensity in a higher display level or warning level than in a lower display level or warning level.

[0016] In the present case, namely when the ignition is additionally turned off, the probability that the driver is also willing to leave the vehicle increases significantly. In this respect, the increase of the display level or warning level is meaningful.

[0017] if

[0018] According to another embodiment of the method, in a first display level or warning level, the at least one luminous means for illuminating the at least one operating switch of the window operating device is actuated such that light of a first color is emitted;

[0019] According to another embodiment, in a second display level or warning level, the at least one lighting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch of the window operating device is actuated such that light is emitted in a second color that is different from the first color;

[0020] In a further embodiment of the method, in a third display level or warning level, the at least one luminous means for illuminating the at least one operating switch of the window operating device is actuated in such a way that light is emitted in a third color that is different from the first color and the second color;

[0021] Finally, in a further embodiment of the inventive concept, in the last display stage or warning stage, the at least one luminous means for illuminating the at least one operating switch of the window operating device is actuated in such a way that light in a third color is emitted and is additionally caused to flash at a specific flashing frequency;

[0022] An increase in the intensity of the aforementioned display level or warning level can then be easily achieved.

[0023] In order to further enhance the "escalation" through the display or warning levels, it is further proposed that the first color of the light emitted by the at least one light emitting device in the lowest display or warning level is white. The second color of the light emitted by the at least one light emitting device in the second display or warning level is yellow, and the third color of the light emitted by the at least one light emitting device in the third and highest display or warning level is red.

[0024] Preferably, light emitting diodes, particularly preferably RGB light emitting diodes, can be used as light emitting devices. However, the use of other light emitting devices is also conceivable. For space reasons, the use of OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) may be suitable.

[0025] Finally, it may also be advantageous if, in the final display or warning stage, an acoustic warning notification is generated in addition to the optical status and / or warning display. The acoustic warning notification may be generated, for example, as a warning tone or voice message. In addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned color of the light emitted by the at least one lighting device, the optical status or warning notification may also include a suitable display on a display device present in the motor vehicle.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description with the aid of the drawings. This also makes other features and advantages of the present invention clear. The same figure numbers, even in different drawings, relate to the same, comparable or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable characteristics and advantages are implemented here, even if there is no repeated description or reference thereto. The drawings are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some drawings, proportions or distances may be shown exaggerated in order to be able to emphasize the features of the embodiments more clearly. When the term "and / or" is used in a list of two or more terms or objects, this may mean that any one of the listed terms or objects may be used alone. This may also mean that any combination of two or more listed terms or objects may be used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are schematically shown:

[0028] Figure 1 The interior of the motor vehicle is shown in the cockpit area;

[0029] Figure 2 A signal flow diagram is shown to illustrate the components involved in the method; and

[0030] Figure 3 3a to 3d show display levels or warning levels generated in the method according to the window position and the door position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] First reference Figure 1 .exist Figure 1 , motor vehicle K can be seen in the cockpit area of ​​the motor vehicle. The visible cockpit area of ​​motor vehicle K shows an armrest 1, a window operating device 2 and a door storage area 3 in the door interior trim of the driver's door. The window F of the driver's door is closed.

[0032] Furthermore, an input and display device 4 in the form of a touchscreen and a display device 5 in the form of an instrument cluster are shown.

[0033] The window operating device 2 is mainly used to operate doors and windows of a motor vehicle K. In the present embodiment, the motor vehicle K has four doors and thus also four windows.

[0034] With the help of Figure 2 A signal flow diagram is shown, by means of which the signal connections of the components involved in the method can be seen.

[0035] Thus, there is a control device 6 connected to a data bus C (for example a CAN bus). Also connected to the data bus C are an ignition device 7 of the motor vehicle K, a sensor 8 for monitoring the window position, a sensor 9 for monitoring the door position, and a drive motor (or controller) for moving the window.

[0036] A window operating device 2 having four operating switches 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d is also connected to the data bus C. The window operating device 2 will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] Finally, it can also be seen that the input and display device 4 , the display device 5 and also the acoustic output device 11 (for example a loudspeaker) are connected to the control device 6 in terms of signaling.

[0038] From now on, with Figure 3 a to 3d combination Figure 2 The method according to the invention will be explained in more detail.

[0039] Then in Figure 3 In a, a motor vehicle K can be seen from the outside, wherein all windows of the motor vehicle K, namely also the window F of the driver's door T and the roof window DF in the form of a sliding / standing roof (see Figure 3 d) is closed.

[0040] The position of the window is detected by a sensor 8 , whose measurement signal is transmitted to the control device 6 via a data bus C. The position of the door is detected by a sensor 9 and is likewise transmitted to the control device 6 .

[0041] If with the help of Figure 3 As can also be seen in Figure 1, the window operating device 2 has two front operating switches 20a and 20b. Operating switch 20a is used to operate the window F of the driver's door T, while operating switch 20b is used to operate the window of the passenger door. Also visible are two rear operating switches 20c and 20d. Operating switch 20c is used to operate the rear window on the driver's side, while operating switch 20d is used to operate the rear window on the passenger side. In the exemplary embodiment, operating switches 20a to 20d are configured as combined push and pull switches. However, other configurations are contemplated.

[0042] By pressing the operating switches 20 a to 20 d , a downwardly directed closing movement of the window can be achieved, and by pulling the operating switches 20 a to 20 d upwardly, an upwardly directed opening movement of the window can be achieved.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be seen that the window operating device 2 has an operating switch 20e. The operating switch 20e is designed as a push switch and serves to prevent a possible adjustment of the door window by a passenger.

[0044] Finally, an operating switch 20 f can also be seen. This operating switch 20 f is used to operate the exterior mirrors of the motor vehicle K and does not require further explanation regarding its function.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the operating situation shown in a (all windows and also the driver's door T are closed), there is no risk that rainwater could enter the interior of the motor vehicle K through the at least partially open windows when leaving the motor vehicle K and could damage the vehicle. There is also no risk that theft of items from the motor vehicle K would be facilitated.

[0046] Based on the signals from sensors 8 and 9, the control device 6 controls the operating switches 20a to 20d of the window operating device 2 so that the corresponding one or more light-emitting devices for illuminating the operating switches 20a to 20d each emit light of a first color F1. In the present embodiment, the first color F1 is white. The first color F1 preferably corresponds to the normal illumination color for the operating switches 20a to 20d. As a result, the appearance of the window operating device 2 is completely inconspicuous to the driver. In other words, the driver is unconsciously given normal signals. If the switching state of the ignition device 7 changes, for example, if the ignition is turned off, this appearance does not change either. In other words, when the windows of the motor vehicle K are closed, it does not matter which signals are transmitted to the control device 6 via the ignition device 7 and also via the sensor 9 for the described appearance (first color F1).

[0047] exist Figure 3 b shows that the window F of the driver's door is not completely closed, that is, it is at least partially open (compare F'). This position is again detected by the sensor 8 for the window F and transmitted to the control device 6. In addition, the sensor 9 of the driver's door T detects that the driver's door T is closed. In addition, it is detected that the ignition device 7 is in the on state. Based on this signal state, the control device 6 now controls the operating switch 20a for the window F so that one or more light-emitting devices used to illuminate the operating switch 20a emit light in a second color F2. The second color F2 is different from the first color F1. In the present embodiment, the second color F2 is preferably yellow. In this way, the driver is informed that the window F is not completely closed and that this may cause damage to the motor vehicle K in some cases.

[0048] According to Figure 3 a, in which the first "lowest" display level or warning level can be seen, so Figure 3 A second "higher" display level or warning level is shown in b.

[0049] from Figure 3 In c, another, third and "even higher" display level or warning level can be seen. Here, the window F is also not completely closed (compare F'). In addition, the driver's door T is also closed here.

[0050] However, unlike the previous Figure 3 b On the contrary, the ignition device 7 is switched off in the present case. In other words, the probability that the driver will immediately open the driver's door T and want to leave the motor vehicle K increases significantly.

[0051] In response to the current signal state, the control device 6 now controls the operating switch 20a for the window F in such a way that the existing one or more lighting devices for illuminating the operating switch 20a emit light in a third color F3. The third color F3 is also different from the previously mentioned colors F1 and F2. In this embodiment, the color F3 is preferably red.

[0052] In this way, the driver is also given a more intuitive and stronger warning. This increases the probability that the driver will notice the still-open window F'. By then pulling the operating switch 20a upward by the driver, a signal is output to the control device 6, which in turn causes the control device 6 to control the drive motor 10 of the window F so that the window is completely closed in an upward closing movement.

[0053] Finally, with the help of Figure 3 d Illustrate the last "highest" display level or warning level. Figure 3 Such a "maximum" display level or warning level is generated when, in addition to the signal state of c, the opening of the driver's door T (compare T') is detected by the sensor 9.

[0054] In this case, despite all the warning levels previously generated, the driver has apparently not noticed that the window F of his driver's door T is not completely closed.

[0055] Therefore, based on the current signal state, the operating switch 20 a or the lighting means for illumination is actuated in such a way that it emits light in the third color F3 , which additionally flashes at a specific flashing frequency BL.

[0056] In this way, the probability that the driver will now also notice the open window F is significantly increased.

[0057] In addition to or as an alternative to appropriate actuation of the operating switches 20a to 20d, it is also conceivable to achieve different display or warning levels by corresponding actuation of the input and display device 4 and / or the display device 5. For example, it is conceivable that an image of the motor vehicle K is generated for each display or warning level, and that, depending on the position of the window, the position of the driver's door T, and the switch state of the ignition 7, the corresponding window is displayed in a first neutral color (e.g., gray), a second color (e.g., yellow), a third color (e.g., red), or in a third color with a flashing frequency. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that a suitable text message for information or warning is generated on the display devices 4 and / or 5.

[0058] In order to further enhance the display level or warning level, it is also conceivable to additionally output the warning signal via the acoustic output device 11 (see Figure 2 ) outputs an acoustic output signal. The output signal can be a signal tone and / or a voice output.

[0059] Reference Signs List

[0060] 1 armrest

[0061] 2-window operating device

[0062] 3-door storage

[0063] 4 input and display devices, touch screen

[0064] 5 Display device, instrument cluster

[0065] 6 Control device

[0066] 7 Ignition device

[0067] 8 sensors (window position)

[0068] 9 sensors (door position)

[0069] 10 drive motor window

[0070] 11Acoustic output device, speaker

[0071] 20a-d operating switch window

[0072] 20e operation switch

[0073] 20f operation switch

[0074] BL flashing frequency

[0075] C data bus

[0076] DF roof window, sliding / vertical roof

[0077] F1-F3 color

[0078] F, F' window driver's door

[0079] T,T' driver's door

[0080] K motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for operating a window operating and / or display device (2, 4, 5) in a motor vehicle (K), wherein: The invention relates to a method for detecting the opening state of at least one window (F, DF) and actuating at least one luminous means and / or the display device (4, 5) for illuminating at least one operating switch (20a-20d) of the window operating device (2) at least in accordance with the detected opening state of the at least one window (F, DF) so that an optical status display and / or warning display regarding the opening state of the window (F, DF) is generated for the driver of the motor vehicle (K), characterized in that, in addition to the opening state of the at least one window (F, DF), the opening state of at least one driver's door (T) and the switching state of the ignition device (7) are detected, wherein, in accordance with the detected opening state of the at least one window (F, DF) The invention relates to a method for detecting an opening state of a window (F, DF), an opening state of the at least one driver's door (T) and a detected switching state of the ignition device (7), and controlling the light-emitting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch (2) and / or the display device (4, 5) so that an optical status display and / or a warning display about the opening state of the window (F, DF) is generated for the driver in multiple display levels or warning levels, wherein a first or lowest display level or warning level is generated when the at least one window (F, DF) is completely closed, and a last or highest display level or warning level is generated when the at least one window (F, DF) is not completely closed, the ignition device (7) is turned off, and the driver's door (T) is open.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that If the at least one window (F, DF) is not completely closed and the ignition (7) is on, a second display level or warning level is generated.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that A third display level or warning level is generated when the at least one window (F, DF) is not completely closed, the ignition (7) is switched off and the driver's door (T) is closed.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In the lowest display level or warning level, the at least one lighting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch (20a-20d) of the window operating device (2) is actuated such that light in a first color (F1) is emitted.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that In a second display or warning level, the at least one light emitting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch (20a-20d) of the window operating device (2) is actuated so as to emit light in a second color (F2) different from the first color (F1).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that In a third display level or warning level, the at least one light-emitting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch (20a-20d) of the window operating device (2) is operated so as to emit light in a third color (F3) different from the first color (F1) and the second color (F2).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that In the highest display level or warning level, the at least one light-emitting device for illuminating the at least one operating switch (20a-20d) of the window operating device (2) is controlled so that light in the third color (F3) is emitted and is additionally flashed at a specific flashing frequency (BL).

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that A first color (F1) of light emitted by the at least one light emitting device in the lowest display level or warning level is white, a second color (F2) of light emitted by the at least one light emitting device in the second display level or warning level is yellow, and a third color (R) of light emitted by the at least one light emitting device in the third and highest display level or warning level is red.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In the final display or warning stage, an acoustic warning message is generated in addition to the visual status display and / or warning display.

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