Actuating device and method for operating an actuating device

Abstract

Actuating device (1) for use in a road vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3) arranged on the road vehicle (2), - with at least one functional component (3) arranged on a road vehicle (2) for providing a vehicle function, - with a display control device (4) arranged on the road vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3), - wherein the display actuation device (4) comprises display means (5) for providing visually detectable functional actuation elements (6), wherein the display means (5) provide at least one single functional actuation element (6), - wherein, for the activation of a vehicle function, a function actuation element (6) is connected to a function component (3) and can be actuated for the purpose of controlling it, - wherein the display actuation device (4) further comprises a release device (7) by means of which the display means (5) can be actuated back and forth between a locking position which blocks the actuation of the function actuation elements (6) and an active position which releases the actuation of the function actuation elements (6), - wherein the display actuation device (4) is arranged on a door-side cover of a B-pillar (9) of the road vehicle (2), wherein the B-pillar (9) is designed as a black panel (23), characterized in that - that the actuating device (1) further comprises a key element (8) that cooperates with the release device (7) and is implemented as a radio key, which is matched to the release device (7) and can cooperate with the release device (7), and which, when cooperating with the release device (7), actuates the indicator means (5) into the active position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for a road vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for operating an actuating device.

[0002] Actuating devices for road vehicles have been known for a long time and typically serve to control functional components located within the respective road vehicle according to user specifications. In line with current trends, efforts are being made to optimize these known actuating devices for road vehicles, particularly to meet increasing user comfort demands.

[0003] From DE 202 12 143 U1 and DE 103 24 918 A1, a control device and an operating device for an adjustment mechanism of a motor vehicle are each known. Among other things, an operating device for inputting control signals for manually controlling the adjustment mechanism is described in each case, wherein an adjustment element of the adjustment mechanism can be adjusted by a certain distance or to a certain position by means of a drive controlled by the control device. The operating surface of the operating device is designed for inputting an operating distance and / or an operating position on the operating surface, wherein the operating distance is correlated to the adjustment distance or the operating position is correlated to the adjustment position.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 3 248 858 A1 discloses a technique for controlling the stationary functions of a user vehicle with a driver's cab, wherein the driver's cab comprises a control device with operating elements for controlling the stationary functions of the commercial vehicle. The operating elements on the driver's cab are arranged to be accessible from outside the driver's cab.

[0005] Actuating devices of the type mentioned above are also known from documents DE 10 2018 128 539 A1, DE 10 2013 004 612 A1, DE 10 2013 009 168 A1, DE 10 2015 109 006 A1, DE 10 2006 019 730 A1, US 2017 / 0 018 129 A1, DE 10 2016 224 260 A1, US 2005 / 0 090 946 A1 and DE 10 2018 117 477 A1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of an actuating device. The object of the invention is further to provide a method for operating an actuating device.

[0007] In the present invention, this problem is solved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to arrange a display actuation device of an actuating device on a road vehicle, wherein the display actuation device is equipped with a release device and can be selectively actuated from a locked position to an active position by means of a key element cooperating with the release device. In the active position, the display actuation device offers user-side functional actuation elements for actuation, by means of which vehicle functions provided by functional components of the road vehicle can be selectively activated.

[0009] It is provided that an actuating device for a road vehicle, in particular an electrically powered road vehicle, is equipped with at least one functional component arranged on the road vehicle, in particular a door lock, a door opener, a window regulator, a sunroof drive, a hood drive, a trunk lid drive, a radio module, a loading flap drive, a central locking system and / or a camera system, for providing a vehicle function. Furthermore, a display actuating device for controlling one of the functional components is arranged on the road vehicle, wherein the display actuating device comprises display means, in particular a touch control panel or a display.The display devices serve to provide visually perceptible functional operating elements, in particular functional operating symbols or automotive pictograms.

[0010] Essential to the invention is that, for the activation of a vehicle function, a function actuation element is connected to a function component, expediently by means of a cable connection or wirelessly by means of a wireless connection. The function actuation elements are designed to be actuated in order to control the function components, i.e., to activate a vehicle function. Furthermore, it is provided that the display actuation device has a release device by means of which the display means can be moved back and forth between a locked position that prevents the actuation of the function actuation elements and an active position that releases the actuation of the function actuation elements.The release mechanism can be actuated by means of a key element of the actuator that cooperates with the release mechanism, so that when the key element interacts with the release mechanism, the display is activated. This has the advantage that the display can be activated easily and relatively conveniently by the user. Furthermore, the actuator has the advantage that it can replace other operating elements, for example, a corresponding control on the tailgate.

[0011] Advantageously, the display control device is arranged on a B-pillar of the road vehicle. This places the display control device in an area of ​​the road vehicle that is easily accessible to users, even manually. Furthermore, it is advantageously arranged on a door-side cover of a B-pillar of the road vehicle, which also ensures more convenient access to the display control device. According to the invention, the display control device is arranged on a door-side cover of a B-pillar of the road vehicle, wherein the B-pillar is designed as a black panel. This allows the display elements of the display control device to be designed in a visually advantageous and cost-effective manner. Finally, it is conceivable that the display control device is advantageously arranged on a sill edge of the road vehicle.The display actuation device can also be arranged on doors, roof frames, glazing of the road vehicle or an actuation device of a similar design, so that the present display actuation device or actuation device can be used flexibly.

[0012] In particular, the operating device can be equipped with display means for providing visually perceptible functional operating elements. The display means are preferably formed by a touch control panel or a touch display or a touch display control panel, which allows for convenient operation by the user, for example manually.

[0013] The operating elements can each be formed by illuminated operating elements and, expediently, by illuminated operating symbols, and furthermore, expediently by automotive pictograms. This has the effect that the operating elements are each more easily perceived visually than unilluminated operating elements. A operating symbol preferably constitutes one operating element. An operating symbol is expediently an aesthetically pleasing shape designed with regard to its associated functional component.

[0014] It is advantageous for a functional actuator to also display the operating status of the associated functional component.

[0015] Furthermore, to activate a vehicle function, a function control element can be operated manually, preferably by hand. This has the advantage that no additional controls are needed.

[0016] The display devices and functional controls can be arranged on a frame component of the road vehicle and be manually and visually accessible from outside the vehicle's cabin. This allows users relatively easy access to the display devices and functional controls, enabling relatively simple and quick activation of vehicle functions.

[0017] To save energy, for example, the display means can provide function activation symbols for a predetermined or configurable active period, expediently 10, 20, 30, 60, or 120 seconds, and automatically switch back to the locked position after the active period has elapsed, so that the display means are free of function activation symbols and do not require any energy. However, a more intelligent design of the display means is preferred, namely such that the display means can provide function activation elements for a predetermined or configurable active period, expediently 10, 20, 30, 60, or 120 seconds, and automatically switch back to the locked position after the active period has elapsed, provided that no function activation element has occurred within the active period.If, however, a functional actuator is activated within the active period, a new predefined or configurable active period is started. This saves energy and increases user-friendliness.

[0018] The functional components of the actuating device can be designed according to the desired vehicle function and can therefore be selected practically at will. However, it is preferred that at least one functional component is formed by a door lock, which provides a door locking vehicle function. Additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be formed by a door opener, which provides a door opener / closer vehicle function. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be formed by a window regulator, which provides a window opener / closer vehicle function. Finally, additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be formed by a sunroof drive, which provides a sunroof opener / closer vehicle function.Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be formed by a hood drive that provides a hood opener / closer vehicle function. It is also conceivable that a functional component can be formed additionally or alternatively by a trunk lid drive that provides a trunk lid opener / closer vehicle function. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be formed by a radio module and / or a communication vehicle function. It is also conceivable that a functional component can be formed additionally or alternatively by a tailgate drive that provides a tailgate opener / closer vehicle function. Finally, additionally or alternatively, a functional component can be formed by a central locking system that provides a central locking vehicle function.Finally, one can imagine that, additionally or alternatively, a functional component is formed by a camera system that provides a surveillance or video vehicle function.

[0019] The invention further comprises a method for operating an actuating device, in particular an actuating device according to the preceding description. For this purpose, it comprises an actuating device for a road vehicle for controlling a functional component arranged on the road vehicle and a functional component arranged on a road vehicle for providing a vehicle function. It further comprises a display actuating device arranged on the road vehicle for controlling a functional component, and display means formed by the display actuating device that serve to provide visually detectable functional actuating elements.Furthermore, it comprises a release device formed by the display actuation unit, by means of which the display means can be actuated back and forth between a locked position that prevents the actuation of the functional actuation elements and an active position that releases the actuation of the functional actuation elements, and a key element formed by the actuation device that cooperates with and is adapted to the release device. The method now provides the following essential steps: 1) Actuating the indicator means of the indicator actuation device, which are in the locked position, into the active position of the indicator means by bringing the key element into a cooperating state with the release device of the indicator actuation device, 2) Providing functional actuation elements by means of the display means within a predetermined or foreseeable active period, preferably 60 seconds, 3) Automatic activation of the display devices in the active position to the blocked position of the display devices, after the end of the active period and if no functional actuation element was activated within the active period, or 4) Maintaining the activation of the display means for a further predetermined or foreseeable new active period, preferably 60 seconds, if a function actuation element has been actuated during the active period.

[0020] The key element can expediently be implemented as an electronic radio key, in particular as a radio remote control, or as a keyless entry system or as a polling system. Polling is implemented in particular by cyclically querying the access authorization of the key element.

[0021] Advantageously, the actuating device can include an actuation evaluation logic, preferably arranged in or on the display actuation unit. The actuation evaluation logic can control the provision of the functional actuation elements via the display actuation unit and, in particular, provide functional actuation elements that the user expects. For example, upon access to the vehicle, a functional actuation element for central locking / door opening can initially be provided. Furthermore, the functional actuation elements can be provided as needed; for example, if a sunroof of the vehicle is open, a functional actuation element for operating a sunroof drive is provided.Furthermore, the actuation evaluation logic can include a learning logic that prioritizes the provision of function actuators based on the frequency of their use. For example, regular actuation of the tailgate function actuator leads to its automatic provision on the display devices.

[0022] The display means can expediently show or provide one or more projected images from a camera system expediently mounted on the road vehicle, so that, for example, the interior, the underbody, the trunk, or the area around or behind the road vehicle can be visualized. If necessary, information projections, such as camera information, can also be provided.

[0023] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0024] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0026] Each of these shows, schematically: Fig. 1 in a highly simplified side view a preferred embodiment of a road vehicle which is equipped with an actuating device comprising a display actuating device and functional components, Fig. 2. In a section outlined with a dashed line, an enlarged detail is shown. Fig. 1.

[0027] The drawings show, in their entirety, an actuating device for a road vehicle 2, labelled with reference numeral 1, which serves to control functional components 3 arranged on the road vehicle 2. Examples of functional components 3 are door locks 14, door openers 15, window regulators, sunroof drives 16, hood drives 17, trunk lid drives 18, radio modules 19, loading flap drives, central locking systems 20, or camera systems 21.

[0028] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified side view of a preferred embodiment of a road vehicle 2 with functional components 3, wherein the road vehicle 2 is equipped with an actuating device 1 comprising a display actuating unit 4. The functional components 3 each provide a vehicle function for the vehicle user. The display actuating unit 4 is preferably arranged or fixed on a door-side cover of a B-pillar 9 of the road vehicle 2 or on a sill edge 10 of the road vehicle 2. The B-pillar 9 can be designed at least partially as a black panel 23.

[0029] In any case, the display actuation device 4 has display means 5 which serve to provide visually perceptible function actuation elements 6. The function actuation elements 6 are preferably each formed by a function actuation symbol 13 which reflects the respective vehicle function of a function actuation element 6, see in particular. Fig. 2. The function operating symbols 13 can be implemented as automotive pictograms 24, see [reference]. Fig. 2. The display means 5 are exemplified by a touch display and / or control panel 12, although they could also be formed by a touch control panel 11. Advantageously, the function operating elements 6 or the function operating symbols 13 are designed to be illuminated, so that individual function operating elements 6 or function operating symbols 13 are easier to see than unilluminated function operating elements 6 or function operating symbols 13.

[0030] To activate one of the vehicle functions, the function actuation elements 6 are each designed to be actuated and are connected to one of the function components 3, according to Fig. 1. The connection is a wired cable connection, as indicated by dashed lines. This makes it possible to control the function components 3 or activate the corresponding vehicle function by actuating the function control elements 6 or the function control symbols 13. According to Fig. Figure 1 further indicates that the display actuation device 4 has a release device labeled with reference numeral 7. The release device 7 allows the display means 5 to be switched between a locked position and an active position. In the locked position, actuation of the function actuation elements 6 is blocked, i.e., not possible. In the active position, actuation of the function actuation elements 6 is enabled, i.e., possible. Preferably, after activation by means of a key element 8, the display means 5 remain in an active position for a predetermined or configurable active period, expediently 60 seconds, in order to make the function actuation elements 6 or the function actuation symbol 13 available for actuation. If no user actuation of a function actuation element 6 or symbol 13 occurs within the active period, the display means 5 remains in an active position.After the active period has elapsed, the indicators 5 automatically return to the locked position when a function actuation symbol 13 is activated. If a function actuation element 6 or a function actuation symbol 13 is activated during the active period, a new active period begins, which is expediently 60 seconds long.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the display actuation device 4 has the aforementioned key element 8, which is synchronized with the release device 7 and can interact with the release device 7 to activate the display means 5. For example, a user can approach the road vehicle 2 with a key element 8 in hand, enabling the release device 7 to interact with the key element 8. The key element 8 is implemented as a radio key, allowing it to interact with the release device 7 contactlessly via radio waves 25.

[0032] In the Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail shown in a section outlined with a dashed line. Fig.Figure 1 illustrates this. It can be seen that the display control unit 4 is arranged on a door-side cover of a B-pillar 9 of the road vehicle 2, which is partially implemented as a black panel 23, and has display means 5 that are implemented as a touch display and / or control panel 12 or as a touch control panel 11. Also visible are the function control elements 6, which in this case are designed as function control symbols 13, in particular as automotive pictograms 24. The display means 5 and the function control elements 6 are arranged, by way of example, on the outside of the B-pillar 9 in such a way that a user from outside the road vehicle 2 or from outside a vehicle cabin 22 of the road vehicle 2 can manually and visually access the display means 5 and the function control elements 6 in order to, for example, manually operate the function control elements 6 and the function control symbols 13.

Claims

[1] Actuating device (1) for a road vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3) arranged on the road vehicle (2), - with at least one functional component (3) arranged on a road vehicle (2) for providing a vehicle function, - with a display control device (4) arranged on the road vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3), - wherein the display actuation device (4) comprises display means (5) for providing visually detectable functional actuation elements (6), wherein the display means (5) provide at least one single functional actuation element (6), - wherein, for the activation of a vehicle function, a function actuation element (6) is connected to a function component (3) and can be actuated for the purpose of controlling it, - wherein the display actuation device (4) further comprises a release device (7) by means of which the display means (5) can be actuated back and forth between a locking position which blocks the actuation of the function actuation elements (6) and an active position which releases the actuation of the function actuation elements (6), - wherein the display actuation device (4) is arranged on a door-side cover of a B-pillar (9) of the road vehicle (2), wherein the B-pillar (9) is designed as a black panel (23), characterized by , - that the actuating device (1) further comprises a key element (8) that cooperates with the release device (7) and is implemented as a radio key, which is matched to the release device (7) and can cooperate with the release device (7), and which, when cooperating with the release device (7), actuates the indicator means (5) into the active position. [2] Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the display actuation device (4) is arranged on a B-pillar (9) of the road vehicle (2), or - that the display actuation device (4) is arranged on a door-side cover of a B-pillar (9) of the road vehicle (2), or - that the display actuation device (4) is arranged on a curb edge (10) of the road vehicle (2). [3] Actuating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the display means (5) is formed by a touch control panel (11) or a touch display and / or control panel (12). [4] Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the functional actuation elements (6) are each formed by illuminating functional actuation symbols (13), preferably by automotive pictograms (24). [5] Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a functional actuation element (6) visualizes an operating status of the respective assigned functional component (3). [6] Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that to activate a vehicle function, a function actuation element (6) can be operated manually, preferably by hand. [7] Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display means (5) and the functional actuation elements (6) are arranged on a vehicle frame part of the road vehicle (2) and are manually and visually accessible from outside a motor vehicle cabin (22) enclosed by the road vehicle (2). [8] Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the display means (5) in the active position provides functional actuation elements (6) for a specified or specifiable active period, which is expediently 60 seconds long, and / or - that the display means (5) automatically switch to the locked position after the active period has expired if no actuation of a function actuation element (6) has occurred within the active period, and / or - that when a function actuation element (6) is activated within the active period, a new predetermined or predefinable active period, which is expediently 60 seconds long, is started. [9] Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one functional component (3) is provided by a - door lock (14) is formed which provides a door locking vehicle function, and / or by a - door opener (15) is formed which provides a door opener-door closer vehicle function, and / or by a - window regulator is formed, which provides a window opener / closer vehicle function, and / or by a - sunroof drive (16) which provides a sunroof opener / closer vehicle function, and / or by means of a - bonnet drive (17) is formed which provides a bonnet opener-bonnet closer vehicle function, and / or by a - tailgate drive (18) is formed which provides a tailgate opener / tailgate closer vehicle function, and / or by a - radio module (19) is formed which provides a communication vehicle function, and / or by a - loading flap drive is formed which provides a loading flap opener / closing flap vehicle function, and / or by a - Central locking (20) is formed, which provides a central locking vehicle function, and / or by a - Camera device (21) is formed which provides a surveillance or video vehicle function. [10] Method for operating an actuating device (1), expediently an actuating device (1) according to claims 1 to 9, comprising: - an actuating device (1) for a road vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3) arranged on the road vehicle (2), wherein the actuating device (1) comprises: - a functional component (3) arranged on a road vehicle (2) for providing a vehicle function, - a display control device (4) arranged on the road vehicle (2) for controlling a functional component (3), - Display means (5) formed by the display actuation device (4) which serve to provide visually detectable functional actuation elements (6), wherein the display means (5) provide at least one functional actuation element (6), - a release device (7) formed by the display actuation device (4), by means of which the display means (5) can be moved back and forth between a locking position which blocks the actuation of the function actuation elements (6) and an active position which releases the actuation of the function actuation elements (6), - a key element (8) cooperating with the release device (7), characterized by the steps: 1) Actuating the indicator means (5) of the indicator actuation device (4) which are in the locked position into the active position of the indicator means (5) by bringing the key element (8) into a cooperating state with the release device (7) of the indicator actuation device (4), 2) Providing functional actuation elements (6) by means of the display means (5) within a specified or foreseeable active period, preferably for a duration of 60 seconds, 3) Automatic actuation of the display means (5) from the active position to the blocked position if no functional actuation element (6) is actuated within the active period, or 4) Maintaining the activation of the display means (5) for a further specified or foreseeable new active period, preferably for a duration of 60 seconds, if at least one functional actuation element (6) is actuated during the active period.

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