Method and device for adjusting comfort parameters and motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for adjusting comfort parameters in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a display cluster positioned in the driver's field of vision, on which a driving parameter scale (10, 12) representing a driving parameter is displayed with visual highlighting of the current driving parameter value; and - several control units (28) arranged in the driver's reach area, each assigned to a different comfort parameter, wherein a comfort parameter is selected as the comfort parameter to be adjusted by actuating the assigned control unit, and a comfort parameter scale (22) representing the selected comfort parameter is displayed on the display cluster with visual highlighting of the current comfort parameter value, and the current comfort parameter value is changed by actuating the control unit (28).and wherein, when the comfort parameter is selected, the displayed driving parameter scale (12) is reduced in size compared to its display when the comfort parameter is not selected, and the comfort parameter scale (22) is displayed in the resulting display space parallel to the reduced driving parameter scale (12), characterized in that the control unit is designed as a touchpad (28) and the comfort parameter value of the selected comfort parameter is changed by a linear movement of a control means touching a sensor field (28a, 28b, 28c) of the touchpad (28), wherein a projection with a first access surface (28a), a second access surface (28b) opposite it, and a third access surface (28c) arranged in the edge area between the first and second access surfaces projects outwards in the center console area (26), wherein each access surface is designed as a control unit assigned to a comfort parameter and designed as a touchpad.

Description

The invention relates to a method for adjusting comfort parameters in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a display cluster positioned in the driver's field of vision, on which a driving parameter scale representing a driving parameter is displayed with optical highlighting of the respective current driving parameter value, and - several control units arranged in the driver's reach area, each assigned to different comfort parameters.wherein a comfort parameter is selected as the comfort parameter to be set by pressing the associated control unit, and a comfort parameter scale representing the selected comfort parameter is displayed on the display cluster with visual highlighting of the current comfort parameter value, and the current comfort parameter value is changed by pressing the control unit, and wherein when the comfort parameter is selected, the displayed driving parameter scale is reduced compared to its display when the comfort parameter is not selected, and the comfort parameter scale is displayed in the resulting display space parallel to the reduced driving parameter scale. The invention further relates to a device for adjusting comfort parameters in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising: a control unit; a display cluster positioned in the driver's field of vision and coupled to the control unit, on which a driving parameter scale representing a driving parameter can be displayed with visual highlighting of the current driving parameter value; and several control units arranged in the driver's reach area, each assigned to different comfort parameters and coupled to the control unit.wherein a comfort parameter can be selected as a comfort parameter to be set by pressing the associated control unit, and a comfort parameter scale representing the selected comfort parameter can be displayed on the display cluster with visual highlighting of the current comfort parameter value, and the current comfort parameter value can be changed by pressing the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured, when the comfort parameter is selected, to reduce the size of the displayed driving parameter scale compared to its display when no comfort parameter is selected, and to display the comfort parameter scale in the resulting display space parallel to the reduced driving parameter scale. The invention ultimately relates to a motor vehicle aligned with such a device. Such methods, devices and motor vehicles are known from US 2002 / 0085043A1. A system known from DE 10 2008 052 442 A1 relates to the setting of climate comfort parameters, i.e., in particular the setting of operating parameters of an air conditioning system for climate control of the interior of a motor vehicle. However, within the scope of this description, the term "comfort parameter" is to be interpreted broadly and is to include, in particular, acoustic parameters, i.e., operating parameters of an audio or, more generally, an infotainment system in the motor vehicle, lighting parameters, seat adjustment parameters, etc. As is common in motor vehicles, the familiar system features a display cluster in the driver's field of vision, specifically behind the steering wheel in the position formerly known as the dashboard. Important driving parameters are displayed there, primarily the vehicle speed and typically also the engine speed. Echoing the look of earlier analog instruments, a scale representing the possible value range of the respective driving parameter is usually displayed, with the current parameter visually highlighted. This can be achieved, for example, by a (real or simulated) pointer, a bar graph, position-changing illumination, or other means. The scale is often displayed in a ring or ring segment shape, but can also be linear.In the known system, an information screen is positioned between the two main driving parameter scales, namely the speedometer and the engine speedometer. This screen displays information on comfort parameters, particularly as an aid to setting them. Using voice control, the driver selects a comfort parameter to be adjusted, for which a linear bar scale is then displayed on the screen. A touchpad is located in the center console area. By using standard touchpad gestures, specifically tapping and swiping, the driver can change the current value of the selected comfort parameter. The changed value is then visually highlighted on the scale displayed on the screen.The disadvantages here are the resulting lack of clarity in the display cluster and the loss of space due to the screen, which inevitably leads to a small display of the important driving parameter scales. From the aforementioned, generic patent US 2002 / 0 085 043 A1, it is known to vary the graphical composition of a display cluster depending on inputs to a processor. These variations can include adding a graphical user interface element, particularly for displaying a climate or audio parameter, and / or deleting or resizing, particularly reducing the size of, a graphical user interface element, especially for displaying speed or engine speed. The input to the processor can be a driver request to change temperature or audio settings, which the driver can express by manually operating the relevant components located on the steering wheel. A disadvantage is that settings representing a selection from a wide range of options, such as those found in, for example, a car's climate control system, are difficult to adjust.This is the case with temperature or volume settings, which can only be done with difficulty and / or time-consuming methods, e.g. by repeatedly pressing or holding a button or similar. German patent DE 10 2012 020 320 A1 discloses a method for controlling a combination instrument in three operating modes, in which either driving parameters are predominantly displayed, only comfort parameters, or both driving and comfort parameters are shown. From the driving mode, in which only driving parameters are displayed, the driver can switch to the combined mode, in which driving and comfort parameters are displayed, by activating a control on the steering wheel. There, the driver can select a comfort parameter to be changed, also by operating controls on the steering wheel. This selection then switches to the operating mode, in which only the selected comfort parameter is displayed with its available variation options, from which the desired option can be selected or adjusted by operating the controls on the steering wheel. The driver must then operate the controls on the steering wheel again to return to the initial driving mode. A similar menu navigation system is also known from US 5 847 704 A, in which the driver can select and adjust comfort parameters by operating non-specific controls, with the display of parameters depending on the respective inputs. DE 10 2004 038 916 A1 discloses the technical layer structure of a display surface, the appearance of which can be changed by inputting driver commands via controls on the steering wheel. The object of the present invention is to further develop generic methods, devices and motor vehicles in such a way as to improve their handling. This problem is solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the fact that the control unit is designed as a touchpad and the comfort parameter value of the selected comfort parameter is changed by a linear movement of a control means touching a sensor field of the touchpad, wherein a projection with a first access surface, a second access surface opposite it and a third access surface arranged in the edge area between the first and the second access surface projects outwards in the center console area, wherein each access surface is designed as a control unit assigned to a comfort parameter and designed as a touchpad. The problem is further solved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 4 by the fact that the operating unit is designed as a touchpad and the comfort parameter value of the selected comfort parameter is changed by a linear movement of an operating means touching a sensor field of the touchpad, wherein a projection with a first access surface, a second access surface opposite it and a third access surface arranged in the edge area between the first and the second access surface projects outwards in the center console area, wherein each access surface is designed as an operating unit assigned to a comfort parameter and designed as a touchpad. The problem is ultimately solved by a motor vehicle with a device according to the invention for adjusting comfort parameters. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The present invention essentially follows the well-known principle of sacrificing as little space as possible in the display cluster for the permanent display of non-driving-related comfort parameters, which in turn allows for a more prominent display of the relevant driving parameters, in particular speed and engine speed. The generally known concept of providing visual assistance for adjusting comfort parameters through appropriate display in the cluster is also retained, as this concept has proven effective in minimizing the driver's potential for distraction. Only when the driver signals that they wish to change comfort parameter settings is the display cluster temporarily modified, with the change to the driving parameter displays being extremely minor. The same design is maintained, with only a slight adjustment to the scale. Particularly in the preferred case of ring-shaped or semi-ring-shaped driving parameter scales, the reduction in size can be achieved while maintaining the scale's center point, thus preventing any driver irritation caused by changes in the display's position or design. Nevertheless, reducing the size of the driving parameter scale creates a gap on the display cluster. In the case of ring-shaped or semi-ring-shaped driving parameter scales, this gap is also a ring-shaped or semi-ring-shaped area positioned concentrically to the reduced driving parameter scale.In this newly gained space, a comfort parameter scale is then displayed parallel to the reduced driving parameter scale, representing the selected comfort parameter to be set. The design of the comfort parameter scale can be similar to or different from the design of the reduced-size driving parameter scale to prevent confusion. This allows the driver to monitor changes to the current comfort parameter value, made via the control unit, in a clearly visible position within the display cluster, while simultaneously keeping an eye on the important driving parameter displays in their usual location. Once the comfort parameter setting is complete, the original layout of the display cluster is restored, so the now-unnecessary comfort parameter scale disappears, and the temporarily reduced-size driving parameter scale returns to its original, optimally legible size. According to the invention, the control unit is designed as a touchpad, and the comfort parameter value of the selected comfort parameter is changed by a linear movement of a control element, in particular a finger of the operator, which touches a sensor field of the touchpad. Furthermore, it is provided that different control units are assigned to different comfort parameters, and a comfort parameter is selected as the comfort parameter to be set by activating the assigned control unit. This avoids confusing menu structures that require a considerable amount of attention from the operator for correct navigation. This combination involves providing multiple touchpads or dividing a touchpad into several functional areas, each assigned to a comfort parameter. According to the invention, a projection in the center console area comprises a first access surface, a second access surface opposite it, and a third access surface located in the edge area between the first and second access surfaces. Each access surface is designed as a touchpad control unit assigned to a comfort parameter. This allows for the creation of an aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic structure, with different areas assigned to different comfort parameters. Of course, even with this design, multiple functions for each control unit are possible. For example, in a higher-level selection step, a pre-selection regarding the comfort setting, such as climate comfort or acoustic comfort, can be made, perhaps via voice control. Depending on this pre-selection, the individual control surfaces are assigned to different comfort parameters. With the pre-selection "Climate Comfort," the individual control units can be assigned to fan speed, temperature, and airflow direction, for example. With the pre-selection "Acoustic Comfort," the same control units can be assigned to volume, tone, and sound direction, for example. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the inventive driving parameter displays with no comfort parameter selected, Figure 2 shows the driving parameter displays of Figure 1 after selecting the target temperature as the comfort parameter to be set, Figure 3 shows the driving parameter displays of Figure 1 after selecting the ventilation direction as the comfort parameter to be set, Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an operating unit according to the invention as a multi-touchpad. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical or analogous elements. Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the design of a driving parameter display in a display cluster in a motor vehicle. The essential driving parameters, "engine speed" and "vehicle speed," are displayed on two circular scales 10 and 12. In the embodiment shown, these are the engine speed, within a range of 0 to 7,000 revolutions per minute, on the left scale 10, and the vehicle speed, between 0 and 280 km / h, on the right scale 12. The current values ​​are visually highlighted. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by marking the current driving parameter value with a pointer stub 14 or 16 and by intensifying the illumination of the corresponding numerical display (shown in Fig. 1 as the corresponding digit in bold, namely "3" for a current engine speed of 3,000 revolutions per minute and "90" for a current vehicle speed of 90 km / h).The space inside the driving parameter scales 10, 12 can be used for additional information, for example about travel parameters such as fuel consumption, distance traveled, driving time, etc., and / or infotainment information, such as a selected radio station. Since these optional information fields 18, 20 are not relevant to the present invention, they are labelled only with “INFO A” and “INFO B” respectively in Figures 1, 2 to 3. If a comfort parameter needs to be set or its value changed, the operator must select the corresponding comfort parameter. How this can be done in detail will be explained below using an example. When the target temperature in the vehicle interior is selected, the driving parameter display changes as shown in Fig. 2. The ring-shaped speed scale 12 is reduced in size while maintaining its center point, without substantially altering its design. The resulting radially outer, ring-shaped display space can then be used to display the selected comfort parameter or its current value.In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by generating a color or brightness contrast of a segment of the comfort parameter scale ring 22, the relative arc length of which (in relation to the entire comfort parameter scale 22) corresponds approximately to the ratio of the set value to the total range of adjustable values ​​of the selected comfort parameter, here temperature. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the set comfort parameter value, here 20°C, is displayed in plain text on the comfort parameter scale 22. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the ventilation direction is selected as an adjustable comfort parameter. Suggestive symbols appear on the comfort parameter scale 22, representing different directions and combinations of directions for activated ventilation elements of the air conditioning system. The currently selected direction / combination of directions (here, windshield airflow and footwell airflow) is visually highlighted by color or intensity contrast. Of course, it is also possible to use the engine speed scale 10 instead of the vehicle speed scale 12 in the manner described. It is also conceivable to use both scales simultaneously to display different comfort parameters. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments shown are purely exemplary and do not represent any limitations with regard to design, arrangement, or the technique of visual highlighting. Furthermore, additional information elements, such as a navigation screen, can be accommodated within the display cluster, which is not shown in detail. The displays shown in Figures 1, 2 to 3 do not represent controls for selected driving or comfort parameters. Rather, they merely inform the operator about the current values ​​of driving or comfort parameters. The parameter values ​​themselves must be changed elsewhere. For the comfort parameters, Figure 4 shows a possible, advantageous arrangement of a control unit. This is a tray-like structure, positioned to the side of the steering wheel 24 in the area of ​​the center console 26, which carries a multi-touchpad 28. The multi-touchpad 28 consists of an upwardly oriented first sensor surface 28a, a downwardly oriented second sensor surface 28b (not visible in Figure 4), and a third sensor surface 28c formed as an edge between the aforementioned sensor surfaces.Each of these sensor surfaces is assigned to a comfort parameter and connected to a control unit that can detect and interpret touches to sensor surfaces 28a to 28c. For example, touching a sensor surface 28a to 28c can mean selecting the assigned comfort parameter, which leads to a corresponding change in the display in the display cluster as shown in Figures 1, 2 to 3. A linear swipe across the sensor surfaces in the direction of the movement arrows 30a, c is interpreted by the control unit as a request to adjust the assigned comfort parameter, and the corresponding settings are automatically made on the physical instruments. Of course, the embodiments discussed in the detailed description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative examples of the present invention. In light of the disclosure herein, a wide range of variations is available to those skilled in the art. In particular, there are no limits to the design of the scales and the configuration of the controls. Alternative or additional technologies for selecting adjustable comfort parameters, such as voice control, are also conceivable. All comfort parameters commonly found in motor vehicles, as well as those yet unknown, are eligible for adjustment, for example, climate comfort parameters, acoustic comfort parameters, seat adjustment parameters, lighting comfort parameters, etc. Reference symbol list 10 Engine speed scale 12 Vehicle speed scale 14 Pointer stub 16 Pointer stub 18 Optional information field 20 Optional information field 22 Comfort parameter scale 24 Steering wheel 26 Center console 28 Multi-touchpad 28a Sensor areas of 28 28b Sensor areas of 28 28c Sensor areas of 28 30a, c Movement arrows

Claims

A method for adjusting comfort parameters in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a display cluster positioned in the driver's field of vision, on which a driving parameter scale (10, 12) representing a driving parameter is displayed with visual highlighting of the current driving parameter value; and - several control units (28) arranged in the driver's reach area, each assigned to a different comfort parameter, wherein a comfort parameter is selected as the comfort parameter to be adjusted by actuating the assigned control unit, and a comfort parameter scale (22) representing the selected comfort parameter is displayed on the display cluster with visual highlighting of the current comfort parameter value, and the current comfort parameter value is changed by actuating the control unit (28).and wherein, when the comfort parameter is selected, the displayed driving parameter scale (12) is reduced in size compared to its display when the comfort parameter is not selected, and the comfort parameter scale (22) is displayed in the resulting display space parallel to the reduced driving parameter scale (12), characterized in that the control unit is designed as a touchpad (28) and the comfort parameter value of the selected comfort parameter is changed by a linear movement of a control means touching a sensor field (28a, 28b, 28c) of the touchpad (28), wherein a projection with a first access surface (28a), a second access surface (28b) opposite it, and a third access surface (28c) arranged in the edge area between the first and second access surfaces projects outwards in the center console area (26), wherein each access surface is designed as a control unit assigned to a comfort parameter and designed as a touchpad. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving parameter scale and the comfort parameter scale (22) are represented in a ring or semi-ring shape. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comfort parameter is a parameter relating to climatic or acoustic comfort. Device for adjusting comfort parameters in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a control unit, - a display cluster positioned in the driver's field of vision and coupled to the control unit, on which a driving parameter scale (10, 12) representing a driving parameter can be displayed with visual highlighting of the current driving parameter value, and - several operating units (28) arranged in the driver's reach, each assigned to a different comfort parameter and coupled to the control unit, wherein a comfort parameter can be selected as the comfort parameter to be adjusted by actuating the assigned operating unit, and a comfort parameter scale (22) representing the selected comfort parameter can be displayed on the display cluster with visual highlighting of the current comfort parameter value, and the current comfort parameter value can be changed by actuating the operating unit (28), and wherein the control unit is configuredWhen the comfort parameter is selected, the displayed driving parameter scale is reduced compared to its display when the comfort parameter is not selected, and the comfort parameter scale (22) is displayed in the resulting display space parallel to the reduced driving parameter scale (12), characterized in that the control unit is designed as a touchpad (28) and the comfort parameter value of the selected comfort parameter is changed by a linear movement of a control means touching a sensor field (28a, 28b, 28c) of the touchpad (28), wherein a projection with a first access surface (28a), a second access surface (28b) opposite it, and a third access surface (28c) arranged in the edge area between the first and second access surfaces protrudes in the center console area (26), wherein each access surface is designed as a control unit assigned to a comfort parameter and designed as a touchpad. Motor vehicle with a device for adjusting comfort parameters in its interior according to claim 4. Motor vehicle with a device for adjusting comfort parameters in its interior, which is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 3.

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