Device for operating vehicle functions

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for operating a function in a vehicle, having a control panel (1) arranged to be locally movable in the vehicle. The device according to the invention is unique in that a drive for moving the control panel (1) is provided, said drive being connected to a controller (2), where said controller (2) is further connected to a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive adjustment element (3), where said controller (2) is configured to activate the drive in the event of proximity or touch of the adjustment element (3), and to move the control panel (1) in the event of proximity or touch of the adjustment element (3). And moving the control panel (1) in a similar manner in the event of a change in the position of the approach or touch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for operating a function in a vehicle of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] For operating vehicle functions, vehicles have the most diverse input devices, such as rotary controllers, slide controllers, buttons, keys, touch-sensitive displays, etc. Depending on the geometry of the vehicle, the body size and the seat position of the user, individual input devices may be accessed very well or not very well.

[0003] In particular, during automated and autonomous driving, the vehicle driver is no longer required to continuously record traffic events and control the vehicle. This also allows the vehicle driver to adopt a more comfortable seat position, such as a lying position. In such a seat position, input devices mounted on the dashboard, such as the central display of the head unit, or input devices mounted on the front of the door, such as buttons for power windows or for performing seat adjustments, are usually no longer accessible. As a result, operating actions can no longer be performed via these input devices. It is therefore necessary to provide a device to solve this problem.

[0004] DE 10 2005 014 939 A1 discloses an operating element and an interface for a vehicle computer. The operating element is designed in the manner of a computer mouse. In this case, guide rails are provided for limiting the freedom of movement of the operating element, by means of which, for example, the operating element is prevented from falling off a base. In order to increase the accessibility of the operating element, the operating element can be displaced in its position in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For this purpose, a locking device is provided, which can be actuated to manually move the operating element.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2013 202 932 A1 discloses a door panel with a longitudinally movable carrier, including a receiving device for a mobile terminal. The carrier can be moved by muscle power. The carrier can also include a display. The display can be designed as a touch screen for operating vehicle functions, such as an air conditioning system.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 103 24 918 A1 discloses a control device and an operating device for a control device of an adjusting device of a motor vehicle. The disclosure describes a touch-sensitive operating surface for detecting an operation. The adjusting device can be operated via the operating surface. As an adjusting device, for example, a window lifter and / or a movable exterior mirror can be operated. In this case, the operating distance and the adjustment distance or the operating position and the adjustment position are related to each other. The operating surface is integrated in the front area of ​​the door, facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2016 212 813 A1 discloses a vehicle with an operating and display device and a method for operating such a vehicle. In this case, the display device can form part of a side window of the vehicle. The position of a vehicle occupant is determined by means of a recognition device, and the display content of the display device is displayed at the position of the vehicle occupant relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The display content on the display device can be moved by touching a light strip integrated in the door below the side window.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2020 209 072 A1 discloses a vehicle door having a multifunctional operating element. The operating element comprises a first operable part for operating a first vehicle function (eg a window actuation function) and can be manually moved relative to the vehicle door to operate a second vehicle function (eg a door actuation function).

[0009] Furthermore, DE 10 2020 005 333 A1 discloses a method for generating tactile feedback on a touch-sensitive operating surface. The coefficient of friction between the finger and the operating surface is adjusted depending on the position.

[0010] In addition, DE 10 2018 222 869 A1 discloses an operating system for a vehicle and a method for operating the operating system. The operating system includes a seat position detection unit, an operating unit and a control unit. The operating unit has a first and a second detection area. The control unit controls the operating unit so as to provide the first or the second detection area according to the seat position of the user.

[0011] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 019 125 A1 discloses a control of a device that is dependent on the inclination of a seat. The publication describes the automatic tilting of a display integrated in an armrest of a vehicle seat as a function of the inclination of the seat backrest.

[0012] In addition, CN 1 12 498 189 A discloses a vehicle seat linkage control system, which describes the linkage between the vehicle seat position and the operating element position.

[0013] Furthermore, CN 1 10 853 187 A discloses a method and a device for unlocking a vehicle door, as well as a storage medium and a vehicle.

[0014] In addition, CN 1 03 526 991A discloses a vehicle door lock control system and an operating method thereof. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for operating functions in a vehicle which can be implemented reliably in a particularly comfortable manner in various situations.

[0016] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for operating a function in a vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments are given in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the invention, a universal device for operating functions in a vehicle is provided, the universal device having a control panel arranged to be locally movable in the vehicle, the unique feature of which is that a drive is provided for moving the control panel, the drive is connected to a controller, wherein the controller is also connected to a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive adjusting element, wherein the controller is configured to activate the drive in the event of approaching or touching the adjusting element and in the event of a change in the position of the approach or touch, to move the control panel in a similar manner, i.e. in a manner corresponding to the change in position. In this case, the adjusting element is designed to be remote from the control panel and is arranged in the vehicle so that it can be reached from any seat position simply by raising the user's arm.

[0018] By means of the device according to the invention, a user can operate functions in a vehicle in a particularly comfortable manner, regardless of the respective relative orientation of the user with respect to the control panel. Thus, the user can flexibly adjust the position of the control panel in the vehicle by means of the adjusting element to suit his situation-specific preferences. The adjustment is automatically performed by the actuator, so that there is no need to manually move the control panel. Only the adjusting element has to be actuated. The use of touch-sensitive or proximity-sensitive adjusting elements ensures a particularly comfortable user experience. The input by actuating the adjusting element is processed by a controller and used to operate the drive.

[0019] The control unit, referred to as the controller, is configured to manipulate output means, such as a drive for moving a control panel. In this case, the control unit is a hardware device having a processor, which is preferably designed as an integrated circuit and performs calculation operations with the aid of data and / or programs stored, for example, in a ROM (read-only memory), a RAM (random access memory) and / or a flash ROM memory. As required, the data output by the regulating element is buffered in a memory of the control device and called and processed by the processor via an internal bus system. The processor outputs the output data for moving the control panel calculated by the regulating element to the drive via the output circuit of the control device.

[0020] By simulating the movement of the operating panel by changing the position of the initial touch or approach of the operating element called the adjusting element, a particularly intuitive movement is ensured. In other words, the change in the approach position is understood as the travel distance of the operating device (e.g., finger) that is recognized as approaching or touching. The change of position is achieved by moving the operating device from the first position to another position after detecting the approach or touch, that is, without interrupting the approach or touch. In this case, moving in a similar manner includes a movement that completely corresponds to the position change and / or is proportional to the position change, thereby reflecting the sensitivity of the adjusting element to a certain extent. When the position of the finger approaching or touching the adjusting element changes, the control panel moves precisely according to the position change. In the case of proportional movement, the control panel is moved in a manner that the position change is multiplied by a proportional factor that is less than or greater than or equal to 1. Therefore, the position change of the touch or approach of the adjusting element corresponds to the direction of the movement sequence or the control panel movement. In this way, it is possible to reliably and comfortably prevent the operating panel from accidentally moving in the wrong direction, which can easily occur when, for example, a button or switch is used as the adjusting element.

[0021] In order to make the adjusting element touch-sensitive or approach-sensitive, one or more sensors, for example capacitive touch sensors, so-called surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor systems and / or force sensor systems, for example based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMMS), can be integrated in the adjusting element. This enables the precise recognition of the position of the user's finger used for operation. In addition, in this way, a distinction can also be made between a local, limited touch or approach of the adjusting element (for example with the help of a finger) and a large-area touch or approach (for example with the help of the entire hand).

[0022] The controller includes or is designed as a control device, which is a hardware device with a processor, which is preferably designed as an integrated circuit and performs calculation operations with the help of data and / or programs stored in ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory) and / or flash ROM memory, for example. The data output by the touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive adjustment element is buffered in the memory of the control device as required and called and processed by the processor via the internal bus system. The output data for moving the control panel determined by the processor is output to the drive via the output circuit of the control device.

[0023] As already mentioned above, the adjusting element is designed to be remote from the control panel. In this case, "remote" means that the adjusting element is designed in two parts relative to the control panel and is arranged in the vehicle at a certain distance from the control panel. With the help of the adjusting element, the control panel can be moved in translation so that the user can easily access the control panel again. Accordingly, the adjusting element should be easily accessible in the corresponding seat position of the user so that the control panel can also be guided towards the user. In the case of control panel and adjusting element being spatially separated from each other and arranged spaced apart, this can reliably ensure a wide range of different vehicle configurations.

[0024] In this case, the adjustment element is arranged in the vehicle such that it is easily accessible in a seat configuration in which a user cannot normally reach the control panel comfortably, for example during normal driving operation.

[0025] An advantageous development of the device provides that the drive is designed as a linear drive for moving the control panel in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Normally, the vehicle driver will be able to comfortably reach operating elements installed in the front area of ​​the vehicle, for example operating elements installed on or in the dashboard, or operating elements installed in the front area of ​​the door, from a typical seating position. In this case, "comfortable" means in particular that the vehicle driver can reach the corresponding operating elements simply by raising his arms, so that, for example, there is no need to additionally bend forward or sideways from his seat. However, when assuming a supine position, the vehicle driver lies backwards from the dashboard in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In this seat configuration, it is also necessary to move the control panel backwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Linear drives represent a particularly robust, reliable and economical solution for translatory movement of control panels.

[0026] Another advantageous embodiment of the device also provides that the controller is configured to adjust the relationship between the change of the approach or touch of the adjusting element and the adjustment path of the control panel based on a preset value. In other words, the sensitivity of the adjusting element can be set. The degree to which the control panel moves in translation according to the change of the position of the fixed approach or touch of the adjusting element can be defined by the sensitivity. In the case of low sensitivity, when the position changes by, for example, 5 cm, the control panel moves only 2 cm or 4 cm, and in the case of high sensitivity, the control panel moves, for example, 8 cm or 12 cm.

[0027] To set the sensitivity, various selection options can be preset, such as (level-based) high, medium and low sensitivity. Stepless variation of the sensitivity can also be achieved via a slide controller.

[0028] Various user settings can be stored in the vehicle, for example in a submenu of the infotainment system. User settings can be assigned to user profiles. For example, a user can be identified by biometric features such as iris scanning, fingerprint scanning, voice analysis, facial scanning, etc. A user can also be identified by logging in with a username and password, or by identifying a carried object, such as a specific transponder, a car key or a mobile terminal, such as the user's smartphone, which can be identified by its unique Bluetooth ID or Mac address. Sensitivities can be stored and assigned to the corresponding user profiles.

[0029] The sensitivity setting that may be preferred by the user may also be derived from the vehicle based on other user settings made and / or observed user behavior during driving operations. To this end, an artificial intelligence may be executed on the control device of the vehicle, which serves to evaluate the user settings or the user behavior. For example, if the user has also selected a high sensitivity for other vehicle functions, the artificial intelligence may also select a high sensitivity for moving the control panel. However, this user preference may also be derived from other variables, such as from the driving style of the vehicle driver. For example, if the vehicle driver tends to be inclined towards a sporty driving behavior, a high sensitivity may be selected, and in the case of a more defensive driving mode, a low sensitivity may be selected.

[0030] In particular, the sensitivity can be variable during operation of the adjusting element. For example, if the user moves his finger along the adjusting element at high speed, a high sensitivity is selected for the control panel and thus a long adjustment path. On the other hand, if the user moves his finger along the adjusting element slowly, the control panel moves correspondingly slower or shorter. This function can be likened to the so-called "mouse acceleration" of a computer mouse, for example.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment of the device, the adjusting element has an illumination device, wherein the controller is configured to illuminate the adjusting element in a different manner in the case of intentional actuation by detected proximity or touch and preferably in combination with a change of position than in the case of a standby state. This can particularly improve user comfort. The adjusting element can have a directly identifiable or hidden lighting element. Direct lighting can be carried out by a directly identifiable lighting element, while indirect lighting can be carried out by a hidden arranged lighting element. The lighting element can emit white light or colored light. Continuous light or dynamically variable light can be generated. With the help of such lighting, the adjusting element can be easily located in the vehicle interior, especially in poor light conditions, such as in the dark. The lighting can be changed according to different boundary conditions. For example, if the adjusting element is touched, the light pattern generated by one or more lighting elements can be adjusted. For example, the reproduced color can be changed, for example from white to blue, and / or the continuous light can be set to flash at a specific frequency. The change in color and / or brightness is preferably implemented in a progressive manner, in particular in an animated manner. For example, if the user moves his finger along the adjusting element, the adjusting element can light up in the area of ​​the touch or approach surface. During the movement of the finger along the adjusting element, the area touched by the finger and thus illuminated then follows the finger in a similar manner along the adjusting element during the movement.

[0032] Another advantageous embodiment of the device also provides that the control panel has an illumination device, wherein the controller is configured to activate the illumination device of the control panel and / or change the type of illumination at least when the actuation of the adjustment element is detected. This also further improves user comfort. For example, this function allows the user of the device according to the invention to more easily locate the control panel in the vehicle. Thus, for example, a plurality of different control panels can also be moved by means of the same adjustment element, whereby the illumination of the control panel that can be moved translationally by receiving a user input via the adjustment element is precisely changed. If the user touches or approaches the adjustment element, the backlight of the control panel can be activated, for example, or a white backlight control panel can be changed to a colored backlight, for example red, green or blue. In the case of multiple control panels, for example, the illumination of the control panel to be moved is activated, or the adjustment element is lit in a specific color (for example blue), and the control panel to be moved is lit in a similar manner, i.e. also in blue. Then, the control panel that is not expected to be moved remains dark or glows in a different color, for example white or yellow.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device, the regulating element has a force sensor for detecting the touch force in the event of a touch, wherein the controller is configured to recognize an actuation as an actuation only if the touch force is above a predetermined threshold value. This function avoids erroneous operation. Thus, in normal driving operation, the user may accidentally touch the regulating element. As a result, the control panel may move in an undesirable manner. However, if a certain force is required to move the control panel, the controller is in a state of ignoring such undesirable erroneous touches. For example, one or more MIMS sensors can be integrated into the regulating element in order to detect the corresponding touch force.

[0034] Another advantageous embodiment of the device also provides that the adjusting element has an actuator, in particular a piezoelectric actuator, wherein the controller is configured to excite the actuator to vibrate so as to generate a tactile feedback by changing the friction between the touch point and the finger touching the adjusting element in the case of actuation by touch. As a result, the user comfort in the operation of the device according to the invention can also be further improved. Thus, for example, when a user is driving a vehicle, he may be distracted by driving events. The tactile feedback can then tell the user that he has actually touched the adjusting element with his finger, which means that he no longer needs to take his eyes off the road and can still move the control panel. By using piezoelectric actuators, instead of, for example, vibrating substances, a particularly natural sense of touch can be achieved. To this end, individual piezoelectric actuators, for example, arranged in a grid or array, can be distributed along the adjusting element.

[0035] Preferably, the controller is also configured to change friction in a manner that simulates a guide element, a grid and / or a stop. The adjustment element can be designed as, for example, a touch-sensitive sliding controller. Then, by tactile feedback, it can be communicated which track of the adjustment element the finger should move along in order to move the control panel. To this end, for example, a continuous guide element along the movement path can convey this information in a tactile manner. The guide element can also be interrupted, in particular at regular intervals, in order to convey a grid effect. In particular, the distance between the individual grid elements is designed according to the adjustment sensitivity of the adjustment element. For example, if a high sensitivity is selected, these individual grid points are closer to each other, i.e., the intervals are shorter. Correspondingly, in the case of low sensitivity, the individual grid elements are spaced farther apart from each other. When the front end and / or rear end of the sliding controller (i.e., the adjustment element) is touched, tactile feedback can also be output, preferably particularly strong tactile feedback, in order to indicate the stop to the user. This indicates to the user that the corresponding end of the sliding controller has been reached.

[0036] For configuring the haptic feedback, a piezoelectric actuator and a controller for the piezoelectric actuator, such as is provided by the company Hap2U, can particularly preferably be used.

[0037] A further advantageous embodiment of the device also provides that the controller is configured to preset the position of the control panel and the settings of the vehicle seat to which the control panel is assigned, based on the stored or determined body dimensions of the person using the vehicle seat. This further increases user comfort. Thus, when the person is seated, the control panel is aligned according to the body dimensions, so that it is possible to omit the control panel from being moved again. However, it is still movable by means of the adjusting element for fine-tuning or supplementary adjustment to the changed seat position. The body dimensions can be entered manually or can also be measured by vehicle interior sensors (e.g. pressure sensors integrated in the vehicle seat) and / or by an interior camera. The measured dimensions can be assigned to a user profile, whereby a re-detection of the body dimensions can be omitted. In this case, not only the overall body dimensions can be recorded in detail, but also the lengths of the individual limbs in order to enable a more precise alignment.

[0038] As previously mentioned, the corresponding user profile may be selected or activated by detecting a biometric feature, manual selection or recognizing the presence of a specific mobile terminal in the vehicle.

[0039] Preferably, in the case of a vehicle seat, the controller is configured to move its assigned control panel in accordance with the adjustment. In other words, when the seat configuration is changed, the control panel can also be moved accordingly. For example, if the corresponding vehicle seat is moved rearwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and / or the backrest is tilted into a more inclined position, the control panel is also moved rearwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Thus, when adjusting the seat position, it is no longer necessary to move the control panel via the adjustment element, but fine adjustments are still possible.

[0040] A further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention also provides that the control unit is further configured to determine movement data of a reference area of ​​the backrest of the vehicle seat when the vehicle seat is adjusted, wherein the control panel is moved in a manner similar to the movement of the reference area. This function enables a particularly reliable automatic pre-movement of the control panel. When the backrest of the vehicle seat is folded forwards or backwards, the area accessible to the extension arm and thus the area available for providing the control panel is correspondingly moved forwards or backwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0041] Thus, the reference area may correspond to the backrest of the vehicle seat at a specific geodesic height Preferably, the section is at the height of the outstretched arm of the respective user. This height can also be measured by means of a sensor system inside the vehicle.

[0042] Preferably, the control panel is arranged in a vehicle door, wherein the reference area corresponds to an area of ​​the backrest of the vehicle seat which is located at the height of the control panel. Thus, when the vehicle seat is adjusted, the reference area moves up and down along the backrest. However, the height of the reference area is constant relative to the vehicle vertical axis. Since the user operates the control panel with his extended arm, this can also be used directly to determine the position of the reference area along the backrest of the vehicle seat.

[0043] Another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention also provides that the adjustment element is arranged in the area of ​​the door handle of the vehicle door, in particular in a decorative element placed in the area of ​​the door handle. The area of ​​the door handle of the vehicle door is particularly easily accessible to a user in the vehicle. Thus, in particular, the adjustment element can be clearly assigned to the vehicle seat. For example, if the adjustment elements of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat are integrated in the center console, confusion could result and, for example, the front passenger could accidentally actuate the adjustment element of the driver's seat. In addition, the door area is accessible both in a seat configuration that is adjusted forwards relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and in a seat configuration that is adjusted backwards.

[0044] Preferably, the adjusting element has a shape that is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein a change in the approach or touch position can be determined at any point along the adjusting element. Due to the elongated shape, the adjusting element can be designed particularly advantageously as a sliding controller. The elongated shape thus ensures a relatively long adjustment path. In addition, the adjusting element is therefore particularly easy to reach from a variety of seat configurations. In order to obtain a control command for moving the control panel, the position of the adjusting element initially touched or approached is irrelevant. Only the change in position is relevant for the determination of the control command. For example, the operation of the adjusting element can start from the first fifth until the adjusting element has reached half of its length, or also from the last third of the adjusting element until its rear end has been reached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention for operating a vehicle function also become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0046] In the attached picture:

[0047] Figure 1 Four schematic diagrams showing the device according to the invention integrated into a vehicle door at different points in time in an operating sequence;

[0048] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through an adjusting element of a device according to the invention;

[0049] FIG3 shows three schematic plan views of the adjustment element during output of different tactile feedbacks; and

[0050] Figure 4 Schematic side views of a vehicle seat with an associated control panel are shown in various seat configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 A view of the interior of the vehicle from the perspective of a vehicle door 13 (in this case the front passenger) is shown. A control panel 1 and an adjustment element 3 integrated in a door handle 14 of the vehicle door 13 can be seen for translational movement of the control panel 1 in a longitudinal direction L extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The user inputs recorded by the adjustment element 3 are processed by a controller 2 to derive control commands for actuating an actuator (not shown in greater detail) for moving the control panel 1. The controller 2 is connected to the actuator, the adjustment element 3 and other vehicle components such as a control device or a central onboard computer via a data line 17, such as a CAN bus, in this case.

[0052] Figure 1 a) shows the control panel 1 and the adjusting element 3 in an idle state or standby mode, respectively. Therefore, lighting elements are particularly integrated into the control panel 1 and the adjusting element 3 to produce direct and / or indirect lighting. For example, in standby mode, the control panel 1 and the adjusting element 3 emit a blue continuous lighting. The light atmosphere generated in this way is preferably adapted to other lighting output in the vehicle, such as so-called ambient lighting. With the help of the light pattern 16 generated in this way, the control panel 1 and the adjusting element 3 can be positioned particularly easily in the vehicle interior.

[0053] User input may be received via the control panel 1 to operate various vehicle functions. Figure 1 As shown, buttons are integrated into the control panel 1, with which the seat configuration can be changed. As a result, for example, Figure 4 The corresponding vehicle seat 10 shown in more detail in the drawing can be moved forwards or backwards in the longitudinal direction L, its backrest 12 can be erected or tilted backwards, or the entire vehicle seat 10 can be moved translationally in the direction of a vehicle vertical axis (not shown in more detail).

[0054] If the vehicle seat 10 and / or the backrest 12 is now changed to a rearwardly moved seat configuration, the user sitting on the vehicle seat 10 may no longer be able to reach the control panel 1. However, by actuating the adjustment element 3, the control panel 1 can be moved rearwardly in the longitudinal direction L towards the user so that the user can again comfortably reach the control panel 1. The corresponding operating process is as follows Figure 1 b) Figure 1 c) and Figure 1 d).

[0055] exist Figure 1 In b), the user touches the adjustment element 3 with his finger 6 at any desired position. The adjustment element 3 is preferably designed to be elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which enables the user to comfortably reach at least one area of ​​the adjustment element 3 regardless of his seat position. Figure 1 b) In the embodiment shown, a finger 6 touches the adjusting element 3 at the touch point 5. According to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the lighting of the control panel 1 and the adjusting element 3 can then be adjusted. Thus, a light pattern 16 is output in the form of direct lighting by means of a lighting element arranged in the adjusting element 3 in the region of the touch point 5. This signals to the user that the adjusting element 3 detects the user's touch.

[0056] To detect touch, the adjustment element 3 can have various sensor elements, such as Figure 2 A capacitive touch sensor and / or a surface acoustic wave sensor 15 is shown.

[0057] The adjusting element 3 may be touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive. To this end, the adjusting element 3 may have a sensor, such as a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser scanner, a camera, etc. In this case, the controller 2 may detect the actuation of the adjusting element 3 even if only the finger 6 is detected approaching the adjusting element 3.

[0058] During operation of the adjusting element 3 , the illumination output by the control panel 1 can remain constant or change. For example, a flashing light pattern 16 or a moving light pattern 16 , in particular a light pattern 16 moving in the direction of movement of the finger 6 , can be output.

[0059] Figure 1 c) shows the movement sequence of the finger 6 along the adjustment element 3. The finger 6 moves backwards along the longitudinal direction L, as indicated by the arrow. It can be seen that the direct illumination emitted at the touch point 5 also follows the movement of the finger 6. In addition, the control panel 1 moves with the finger 6 in a similar manner.

[0060] exist Figure 1 In d), the user removes the finger 6 from the adjusting element 3 and the control panel 1 has reached its desired position. The illumination of the control panel 1 and the adjusting element 3 is changed again to the illumination output in the standby mode, so as to output the corresponding light pattern 16 .

[0061] Figure 2An enlarged cross-sectional view of the adjusting element 3 is shown. In addition to the surface acoustic wave sensor 15, a plurality of piezoelectric actuators 4 can be seen which are arranged along the adjusting element 3. The piezoelectric actuators 4 preferably extend not only along the longitudinal extent of the adjusting element 3, but also laterally in the direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle (not shown in greater detail), i.e. orthogonally with respect to the blade plane in the figure. For this purpose, the piezoelectric actuators 4 can be arranged in a grid. Haptic feedback can be output by the piezoelectric actuators 4. This is preferably achieved similarly to the technology developed by the company Hap2U. Thus, instead of the entire adjusting element 3 vibrating, only the part or certain predetermined areas touched by the finger 6 at the touch point 5 vibrate. This is in particular in the embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 3 . The piezoelectric actuator 4 is represented by a darkly shaded piezoelectric actuator 4. The piezoelectric actuator 4 can vibrate upwards and downwards, laterally and in a direction orthogonal to the blade plane. As a result, in the area acted upon by the activated piezoelectric actuator 4, the friction between the finger 6 and the surface of the adjusting element 3 is purposefully changed, so that certain perceptible structures can be simulated on the surface of the adjusting element 3. This is illustrated in FIG. 3 .

[0062] therefore, Figure 3a ) shows a simulated guide element 7 parallel to the extension direction (here referred to as the longitudinal direction L) of the adjustment element 3. The user can feel the guide element 7 with his finger 6 and feel it like a groove or a protrusion. Therefore, the user can be guided in which direction to move his finger 6 along the surface of the adjustment element 3 in order to achieve the movement of the control panel 1.

[0063] Figure 3b ) shows a grid 8 simulated by tactile feedback. Preferably, the distance a between the individual grid elements is configured according to the adjustable sensitivity of the adjustment element 3. For relatively high sensitivity, a smaller distance a is selected, for relatively high sensitivity, a larger distance a is selected.

[0064] Figure 3c ) shows a plan view of the entire adjusting element 3. In each case, the tactile feedback simulates a stop 9 in the end region of the adjusting element 3. Compared to the individual grid elements of the grid 8, a particularly strong tactile feedback is preferably output here. This communicates to the user the fact that the corresponding end of the adjusting element 3 has been touched by the tactile feedback. Figure 3a ), Figure 3b )and Figure 3c )The simulated surface structures shown in can also be combined.

[0065] The control panel 1 can also be moved in the longitudinal direction L depending on the seat adjustment. For this purpose, different seat configurations can be stored for different user profiles. The preferred position of the control panel 1 along its respective movement path is then also stored in the respective user profile. If the vehicle seat 10 is moved forwards or backwards, or its backrest 12 is tilted forwards or backwards, the control panel 1 can be moved similarly. This reduces the expenditure for the user, since he no longer has to actuate the adjustment element 3 to move the control panel 1. However, the adjustment element 3 can also be used to fine-tune the position of the control panel 1.

[0066] Particularly preferably, the position of the control panel 1 is based on Figure 4 The illustrated vehicle seat 10 is adjusted based on the displacement data of the reference region 11 . Figure 4 The reference area 11 is shown in the figure as being located on the backrest 12. The reference area 11 is located on the backrest 12 in the vertical direction, i.e. parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle, and is arranged at the same ground height h as the control panel 1. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the height h is shown relative to the seat surface of the vehicle seat 10. However, the floor of the vehicle interior or the like may also be used as a reference.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the reference region 11 is always located at the same geodetic height h as the control panel 1. However, the reference region 11 is moved upwards or downwards along the backrest 12 depending on the inclination position of the backrest 12.

[0068] The height h of the control panel 1 is particularly suitable for determining the position of the reference area 11, because the user's arm or hand is located at this height h to actuate the control panel 1. The control panel 1 is then moved in the longitudinal direction L in a similar manner to the adjustment speed of the reference area 11, which makes it possible to maintain a constant distance between the control panel 1 and the reference area 11, thereby ensuring that the user can easily reach the control panel 1.

Claims

1. A device for operating a function in a vehicle, the device having a control panel (1) arranged to be movable locally in the vehicle, It is characterized in that A drive for moving the control panel (1) is provided, the drive being connected to a controller (2), wherein the controller (2) is also connected to a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive adjusting element (3), wherein the controller (2) is configured to activate the drive in the event of approach or touch of the adjusting element (3) and to move the control panel (1) in a similar manner in the event of a change in the position of the approach or touch, wherein the adjusting element (3) is designed to be away from the control panel (1) and is arranged in the vehicle so that the adjusting element (3) can be reached from any seat position simply by raising the user's arm.

2. The device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The drive is designed as a linear drive for moving the control panel (1) in a longitudinal direction (L) substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The controller (2) is configured to adjust the relationship between the change of approaching or touching the adjustment element (3) and the adjustment path of the control panel (1) based on a preset value.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The adjusting element (3) has an illumination device, wherein the controller (2) is configured to illuminate the adjusting element (3) in different ways when it is activated and when it is in the standby state.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The control panel (1) has a lighting device, wherein the controller (2) is configured to activate the lighting device of the control panel (1) and / or to change the type of lighting at least when actuation of the adjustment element (3) is detected.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The adjusting element (3) has a force sensor for detecting a touch force in the event of a touch, wherein the controller (2) is configured to recognize an actuation as an actuation only when the touch force is above a predetermined threshold value.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The adjusting element (3) has an actuator, in particular a piezoelectric actuator (4), wherein the controller (2) is configured to excite the actuator to vibrate in order to generate tactile feedback by changing the friction between the touch point (5) and a finger (6) touching the adjusting element (3) in the case of actuation by touch.

8. The device according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The controller (2) is also configured to vary the friction in a manner that simulates a guide element (7), a grid (8) and / or a stop (9).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that The controller (2) is configured to preset the position of the control panel (1) and the settings of the vehicle seat (10) to which the control panel (1) is assigned based on stored or determined body dimensions of a person using the vehicle seat (10).

10. The device according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The controller (2) is configured to, in case the vehicle seat (10) is adjusted, move the control panel (1) assigned to the vehicle seat according to the adjustment.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, It is characterized in that The controller (2) is also configured to determine movement data of a reference area (11) of a backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10) when adjusting the vehicle seat (10), wherein the control panel (1) moves in a manner similar to the movement of the reference area (11).

12. The device according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The control panel (1) is arranged in a vehicle door (13), wherein the reference area (11) corresponds to an area of ​​the backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10) which is located at a height (h) of the control panel (1).

13. The device according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The adjusting element (3) is arranged in the region of a door handle (14) of the vehicle door (13), in particular in a decorative element placed in the region of the door handle.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, It is characterized in that The adjusting element (3) has an elongated shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein a change in the approach or touch position can be determined at any point along the adjusting element (3).

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