Control device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), in particular for a motor vehicle (1), in particular for operating a function of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the operating device (3) comprises a housing (15) and a plurality of LEDs arranged side by side in the housing (15), wherein the housing (15) is movable relative to the plurality of LEDs, wherein a fiber optic (11) fixed to or firmly connected with the housing (15) is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, and wherein a computing device (300) is provided for determining whether light from at least one first LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or emitted into at least one second LED of the plurality of LEDs as a result of an operating action.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular for operating a function, in particular of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of LEDs, e.g., arranged next to one another in a matrix-like manner, wherein a computing device is provided for determining whether light from at least a first LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or radiated into at least a second LED of the plurality of LEDs due to an operating action. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an operating device and to a method for operating an operating device.

[0002] From DE 201 80 024 U1 and the corresponding WO 01 / 54109 A1, a touch control with haptic feedback for inputting signals into a computer and outputting forces to a user of the touch control is also known for haptic feedback, wherein the touch control has a touch input device having an approximately planar touch surface which is operated in such a way that it inputs a position signal into a processor of the computer based on a position on the touch surface which a user touches, wherein the position signal represents the position in two dimensions.The touch control according to WO 01 / 54109 A1 also has at least one actuator connected to the touch input device, wherein the actuator outputs a force to the touch input device to provide a haptic sensation to the user touching the touch surface, wherein the actuator outputs the force directly to the touch input device based on force information output by the processor. Furthermore, DE 197 31 285 A1 discloses an operating element for a device with multiple selectable menus, functions, and / or function values. The operating element has a surface that can be sensed by the operator and via which the selection can be heard through a local movement or touch of the surface. The surface can be changed in shape according to the selected and / or selectable menu, function, and / or function value.To achieve the object of improving an input device with a touchscreen, it being desirable to create an input device that is particularly well suited for motor vehicles, EP 1 764 674 B1 and DE 10 2006 047 893 A1 teach an input device for a motor vehicle, wherein the input device comprises a housing, a display arranged in the housing for the optical representation of information, a touchscreen arranged above the display for the input of commands by touching an operating surface of the touchscreen and an actuator for moving the touchscreen or the housing in at least one direction, wherein the housing is movable relative to the display.

[0003] DE 10 2010 021 032 A1 relates to a display device for a motor vehicle, which comprises a digital display element with an image surface for digitally displaying information relating to the motor vehicle. A plurality of optical fibers are attached to the image surface of the display element.

[0004] DE 10 2006 012 147 A1 relates to an input device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a touchscreen.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an alternative operation of a motor vehicle.

[0006] The above object is achieved by an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a function of the motor vehicle, according to claim 1, wherein the operating device comprises a housing and a plurality of (in particular substantially, in particular matrix-like, in particular) adjacently arranged (in particular matrix-like) LEDs arranged in the housing, in particular encapsulated, wherein the housing is movable relative to the plurality of adjacently arranged LEDs, wherein a fiber optic system fixed to the housing or firmly connected to the housing is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, and wherein a computing device (in particular arranged in the housing, in particular encapsulated) is provided for determining whether light from at least a first LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or radiated into at least a second LED of the plurality of LEDs as a result of an operating action.In particular, it is provided that the display can be fixed to a reference body, such as a steering wheel or a dashboard.

[0007] The first LED is thus an LED in light emission mode, and the second LED is an LED in light detection mode. These two modes can be switched between quickly, at a speed such that the switch is invisible to the human eye. Similar to the teachings disclosed in US 9 207 851 B1 or US 2006 / 0086896 A1, the LEDs switch between light emission mode and light detection mode at such a high frequency that this switch is imperceptible to the human eye. In the simplest case, the mode / state of the LED changes in such a way that it is determined whether light from the second LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected into and / or radiated into the first LED of the plurality of LEDs.Then, in turn, the first LED of the plurality of LEDs is used to radiate light into a fiber of the fiber optics, and the second LED of the plurality of LEDs is used to check whether this light beam is reflected and radiated through a fiber (the fiber and / or one or more adjacent fibers) of the fiber optics into the second LED. However, it can also be provided that different LEDs are alternated, so that, for example, a third LED or another LED of the plurality of LEDs subsequently radiates light in the direction of the first LED or the second LED.

[0008] A fiber optic within the meaning of this disclosure is in particular an optical component which consists of many parallel arranged transparent fibers, in particular glass fibers, as light guides (TIR), which are fused together, for example as a support plate, to form a mechanically homogeneous block. Transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean and / or include translucent. A transparent fiber within the meaning of this disclosure can have an opaque coating or can include or have an opaque cladding surface in order to avoid scattered light. An opaque cladding surface of a fiber can, for example, be black. A fiber optic within the meaning of this disclosure can also be designed as fiber optics or fused fiber optics. A fiber optic within the meaning of this disclosure can include a plurality of light guides which are arranged (essentially) perpendicularly ororthogonal to the side of the fiber optics facing the majority of LEDs or to the plane in which the majority of LEDs are arranged. A fiber optic within the meaning of this disclosure can be designed as a fiber bundle, as a fiber bundle with partial fiber bundles, or as a fiber plate. In one embodiment of the fiber optics within the meaning of this disclosure, light guides are used that are not fused together, but consist of loosely arranged, flexible individual fibers that are only geometrically strictly ordered and firmly enclosed on the input and output sides. The distance between the individual pixels is, for example, 4-10 µm. The fiber plate or fiber optic can be a one-piece component or a composite structural component. A light-conducting fiber within the meaning of this disclosure consists of or comprises, for example, PE, PMMA, or glass. Each individual fiber consists, for example,as in a light guide consisting of a core glass and an enveloping cladding glass with a low refractive index. Between these, for example, additional strands of black (absorbing) glass are arranged to retain stray scattered light. A fiber optic within the meaning of this disclosure can have magnification or reduction properties (taper). The cylindrical block (fiber optic) created after fusion is then heated and drawn again, tapers in the middle, and can be separated at the resulting waist. In this way, a taper, i.e., a fiber optic for a reduction or magnification deviating from the 1:1 scale, can be produced. A fiber optic within the meaning of this disclosure can be coated with a semitransparent layer.

[0009] A light-conducting fiber within the meaning of this disclosure has, in particular, a round, in particular circular, cross-section. However, it can also be provided that a light-conducting fiber within the meaning of this disclosure has a rectangular, square, or hexagonal cross-section.

[0010] A function of a motor vehicle within the meaning of this disclosure can be an infotainment system, a navigation system, a telephone or a telephone interface, a window lifter, operating elements for a side mirror, a sunroof, etc. An operating action within the meaning of this disclosure can, in particular, be touching, in particular with a finger, an operating surface of the fiber optic system provided for operation. An arrangement above the plurality of LEDs within the meaning of this disclosure means, in particular, that the fiber optic systems or the fibers of the fiber optic systems are configured such that the LEDs radiate light into the fibers of the fiber optic system.

[0011] An LED within the meaning of this disclosure can also be an LED with a color filter or an LED that includes a color filter. It is particularly intended that an LED within the meaning of this disclosure also includes an OLED. An LED within the meaning of this disclosure can also be a QDOT or a laser. It is particularly intended that the color white is formed using phosphor.

[0012] A computing device within the meaning of this disclosure can, for example, comprise circuits or evaluation circuits as disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,207,851 B1 and US Pat. No. 2006 / 0086896 A1. A computing device within the meaning of this disclosure comprises, for example, an interface to a vehicle bus, such as a CAN interface, or an interface to a display and operating control system.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fiber optic comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and a side facing away from the plurality of LEDs (the side facing a user of the operating device), wherein the side facing away from the plurality of LEDs and / or the side facing the plurality of LEDs comprises a curved region, a freeform, discontinuities, or kinks. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fiber optic is, at least in part, curved. The curvature can be convex and / or concave.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber optics is part of the housing.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber optic system or the housing can be moved relative to the display by means of an actuator, in particular only along a straight line. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber optic system or the housing can be moved parallel to the display and / or to (a control surface or a significant side of the control surface) the fiber optic system. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber optic system or the housing can be moved relative to the display with only one degree of freedom.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, a connecting element is provided for positively connecting the housing to the display such that the housing can only be moved relative to the display along a straight line. In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element comprises a rod or a guide element. The housing and the display are movable relative to each other, particularly along the rod, parallel to an operating surface of the touchscreen.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has at least one opening covered by a flexible sleeve. In particular, it is provided that the display has a fastening element guided through the opening for securing the display (in the motor vehicle).

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the average diameter of fibers in a group of adjacent light-conducting fibers differs from the average diameter of fibers in another group of adjacent light-conducting fibers. The average diameter in the aforementioned sense refers to the mean value of the diameters of one fiber in each case. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the averaged average diameter of a group of adjacent light-conducting fibers differs from the averaged average diameter of another group of adjacent light-conducting fibers. The averaged diameter refers to an average value across all fibers in the group, i.e. in the present case, to the average diameter averaged across all fibers.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the average diameter of a group of adjacent light-conducting fibers, relative to the thickness of the fiber optics, differs from the average diameter of another group of adjacent light-conducting fibers, relative to the thickness of the fiber optics. "Related to the thickness" means divided by the thickness of the fiber optics. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the averaged average diameter of a group of adjacent light-conducting fibers, relative to the thickness of the fiber optics, differs from the averaged average diameter of another group of adjacent light-conducting fibers, relative to the thickness of the fiber optics.

[0019] The diameters of the fibers can also be used in particular to optimize the operability of the operating device depending on the dimensions and / or the properties of the LEDs.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operation of an individual function of the motor vehicle is assigned to the fiber optic system and / or a group of adjacent light-conducting fibers. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a display function of the motor vehicle is assigned to the fiber optic system and / or a group of adjacent light-conducting fibers. A display function within the meaning of this disclosure relates in particular to the operation of functions that can be operated via a bus system. A display function within the meaning of this disclosure is in particular an infotainment system and / or a navigation system and / or a telephone. A display function within the meaning of this disclosure uses, for example, a bus interface of the computing device or a display or operating device. A display function within the meaning of this disclosure is in particular a function or a plurality of functions that depends on what is displayed.A display function within the meaning of this disclosure is, in particular, menu-guided operation. A display function within the meaning of this disclosure can also include a plurality of apps that can be operated or called up when displayed. A display function within the meaning of this disclosure can also be a display of information.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first LED has a first light emission spectrum, for example predominantly in the infrared range, and the second LED has a second light emission spectrum, wherein the first light emission spectrum differs from the second light emission spectrum.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating device has at least one third LED with a third light emission spectrum and optionally at least one fourth LED with a fourth light emission spectrum, wherein the at least first light emission spectrum differs from the at least third light emission spectrum and from the at least fourth light emission spectrum, wherein the at least second light emission spectrum differs from the at least third light emission spectrum and from the at least fourth light emission spectrum, wherein the at least third light emission spectrum differs from the at least fourth light emission spectrum, wherein the computing device is designed to determine whether light from the at least first LED is reflected and / or radiated into the at least second LED, the at least third and / or the at least fourth LED as a result of an operating action.

[0023] The majority of LEDs or some of the majority of LEDs can form a display or be part of a display. A display within the meaning of this disclosure is, in particular, a display or matrix display for the variable presentation of information. A display within the meaning of this disclosure can be, for example, a TFT. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the LEDs or a group of LEDs form a color display. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second group of LEDs forms a color display. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the LEDs of the majority of LEDs are designed as a color display (for displaying different colored image content).

[0024] The invention further relates to a method for operating an operating device according to claim 9, in particular for operating the aforementioned operating device, wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of LEDs, wherein a fiber optic is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, which fiber optic comprises adjacent light-conducting fibers, wherein a first LED of the plurality of LEDs radiates light into a first fiber of the adjacent light-conducting fibers, which light is reflected several times in the first fiber and exits from the surface of the fiber optic and / or the first fiber facing away from the first LED, wherein a finger of an operator touches or almost touches the fiber optic on the surface of the fiber optic facing away from the first LED for the purpose of operating the operating device, wherein light exiting from the surface of the fiber optic or the fiber facing away from the first LED,which is reflected (diffusely) by the finger and thereby radiated into the fiber of the fiber optics and / or into one or more directly or indirectly adjacent fibers of the fiber optics, is guided by this to a currently non-illuminated LED of the plurality of LEDs, so that the second LED provides a signal on the basis of which it is decided whether an operation of the operating device has been carried out.

[0025] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising the aforementioned operating device. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a land vehicle that can be used individually in road traffic. Motor vehicles within the meaning of the invention are, in particular, not limited to land vehicles with internal combustion engines. A motor vehicle within the meaning of this disclosure can also be understood to mean a motor-driven vehicle, for example, a vehicle for 3D mobility.

[0026] Further advantages and details are revealed in the following description of exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a motor vehicle in an interior view, Fig. 2 a schematic view of the motor vehicle according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a basic design of an operating device according to the invention in the form of an embodiment, Fig. 4 an embodiment of an operating device, Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of an operating device, Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of an operating device, Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of an operating device, Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of an operating device, Fig. 9 an exemplary plan view of the operating device according to Fig. 8, where a display function and individual functions are implemented, Fig. 10 another embodiment of a fiber optic and Fig. 11 another embodiment of a fiber optic system.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an interior view of a motor vehicle 1. Reference numeral 2 denotes a steering wheel, and reference numeral 3 denotes an HMI or an operating device configured as an HMI, which is controlled by an associated display and operating control 10. Reference numeral 4 denotes a door, and reference numeral 5 denotes an operating device in the center console of the motor vehicle 1. A display 12 formed from a plurality of LEDs, and the information displayed by it, can be influenced by means of the display and operating control 10. Non-safety-critical functions of the motor vehicle 1, such as the telephone interface 114 for the mobile phone MT, an automatic climate control system 115, a navigation system 116, an infotainment system 117, or other functions, can be controlled by means of the HMI 3.For this purpose, the telephone interface 114, the automatic climate control system 115, the navigation system 116, the infotainment system 117, and other non-safety-critical functions are connected to the display and operating control 10 of the HMI 3 via a bus system B1. Other non-safety-critical functions of the motor vehicle 1 may include a WLAN interface 118, a Bluetooth interface, or, for example, a USB interface 119. The motor vehicle 1 also includes safety-relevant functions such as an engine control 131, an ESP 132 or a transmission control 133. Reference numerals 134, 135, 136 denote further safety-relevant functions or modules of the motor vehicle 1. The safety-relevant modules of the motor vehicle 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136 are coupled by means of a bus system B2, which is coupled to the bus system B1 via a gateway 100.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows the basic design of the HMI 3 or an operating device 3 or 3A according to the invention. An LED 121 of the LED array configured as a display 12 emits light, which is reflected (multiple times) in a fiber 111 of the fiber optic 11 and exits from the side of the fiber optic 11 facing away from the LED array (display 12). If the finger F of an operator is located on the surface of the fiber optic 11 facing away from the LED arrangement for the purpose of operating the operating device 3, the light emerging from the surface is reflected (diffusely) into the fiber 111 of the fiber optic 11 and / or into one or more directly or indirectly adjacent fibers and is guided from this or these to a currently non-illuminating LED 122, by means of which a computing device 300 of the operating device 3 can decide that a (touching) operation of the corresponding operating element of the operating device 3 has been carried out.The computing device 300 of the operating device 3 or 3A communicates via the display and operating device 10 with the functions of the motor vehicle 1 that are to be operated or controlled (see above).

[0029] In addition, the computing device 300 controls actuators designated by reference numerals 13, 48 and 49. The computing device 300 and the display 12, as well as the actuators 13, 48 and 49, are encapsulated in a housing, as explained in more detail below. The computing device 300 controls the movement of the actuator 13 by outputting an actuator control signal. An embodiment of the actuator 13 can be found, for example, in EP 1 560 102 A1. Furthermore, piezo actuators or so-called voice coils can be used as the actuator 13. A suitable actuator can also be found in EP 1 677 180 A1. Fig. 3, wherein the actuator is designated by reference numeral 19 in EP 1 677 180 A1. The operating device 3 or 3A also comprises an interface 310 to the display and operating device 10.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the operating device 3 in a cross-sectional view. The operating device 3 comprises a housing 15, a display 12 arranged in the housing 15 for the optical display of information, a fiber optic 11 arranged above the display 12 and connected to the housing 15 for inputting commands by touching an operating surface of the fiber optic 11, and the actuator 13 for moving the housing 15 and thus the fiber optic 11 relative to the display 12 parallel to the display 12. The actuator 13 is in Fig. 4, but is arranged on a front side of the display 12. The operating device 3 comprises a computing device 300, by means of which different information can be displayed on the display 12 by outputting a corresponding display signal. Furthermore, the computing device 300 reads a position signal output by the fiber optic system 11, which indicates the position of a contact with the fiber optic system 11 or a corresponding approach to the fiber optic system.

[0031] The housing 15 comprises four openings 20 and 21, each covered by a flexible sleeve 24 and 25, through which fastening elements 22 and 23 for fixing the display 12 to the dashboard of the motor vehicle 1 are guided. The housing 15 also comprises a further opening covered by a further flexible sleeve 31, through which a plug contact 30 for supplying power to the display 12 and for transmitting a display signal to the display 12 is guided. The plug contact 30 comprises or implements the Fig. 3 interface, designated by reference numeral 310, to the display and operating control 10. The flexible sleeves 24, 25, and 31 can, for example, consist of an elastomer or comprise an elastomer. In particular, it is provided that the flexibility of the sleeves 24, 25, and 31 is matched to the mass of the housing 15, including the fiber optics 11, such that the housing 15 (including the fiber optics 11), in conjunction with the sleeves 24, 25, and 31, has a mechanical natural frequency between 5 Hz and 150 Hz. In this case, the natural frequency is matched, in particular, to the actuator 13, or the actuator 13 is selected according to the natural frequency.

[0032] In the described embodiment, the operating device 3 comprises, as a connecting element, at least one fastening element 44 or 45 connected to the housing 15 for fixing a respective rod 40 or 41. In addition, each fastening element 44, 45 comprises at least one sliding element 42 or 43 connected to the display 12, each with at least one sliding bearing 46 or 47, by means of which the sliding element 42 or 43 is movable along the rod 40 or 41. It can also be provided that the sliding element 42 or 43 is (fixedly) connected to the housing 15 and the fastening element 44 or 45 is connected to the display 12. This design is particularly suitable for implementing haptic feedback, for example, for simulating the actuation of a button. The corresponding control signals for the actuator can be found, for example, in EP 1 677 180 A1 or DE 10 2006 047 893 A1.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows an operating device 3A as an alternative embodiment to the operating device 3. In a modification to the operating device 3, the operating device 3A has actuators 48 and 49, which are controlled by the computing device 300. The actuators 48 and 49 allow a displacement of the display 12 orthogonal to its plane. Thus, the distance between the display 12 and the fiber optics (fiber plate) 11 can also be changed by means of the actuators 48 and 49. By changing the distance between the display 12 and the fiber optics 11, the display can be directly influenced in the form of display sharpness. For example, the image may become blurred if the distance between the fiber optics 11 and the display 12 is changed.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an operating device 3B for alternative use of the operating device 3. In a modification of the operating device 3A, the fiber optic 11B is significantly thicker than the fiber optic 11. Due to the optional height of the fiber optic 11 or 11B, the display surface can be brought to a user interface with the highest quality, even if the actual display element, the display 12, is located anywhere from a few millimeters to several meters away from the surface of the display 12. The image quality remains at the same level as if the display 12 were used alone.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a modified operating device 3C. A fiber optic 11C is provided, which, instead of the fiber optic 11, has (distinctive) spatial structures on the operating surface, allowing the operator to orient themselves on the fiber optic 11C solely by touch. Thus, even in encapsulated systems, a visual display or operation on 3D surfaces can be realized without the need for additional touch sensors and the loss of display quality due to different distances between the surface and the display element.

[0036] Following this principle, Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of an operating device 3D, which comprises a fiber optic 11D having a flat central part and a beveled edge region. In this way, for example, a display or menu navigation can be realized, as is exemplified in Fig. 9. Individual functions 81, 82, 83, 84 and 85, 86, 87, 88 are assigned to the beveled edge area of ​​the 3D fiber optic system, so that they can be felt by the operator via the user interface of the 11D fiber optic system. A beveled area can also be provided orthogonally thereto, by means of which the individual functions 91, 92, 93 and 94 can also be felt by means of a beveled surface of the user interface. The flat area, on the other hand, is provided for a display function 99. It can also be provided that the user-side surface of the 11D fiber optic system is structured such that the individual functions 81, 82, 83, 84 and 85, 86, 87, 88 or corresponding other assignments can be felt by means of a bevel at this point. The haptic feedback by means of the actuator 13 then serves solely for the haptic confirmation of the execution of a function stored in the control element 81, 82, 83, 84 or 85, 86, 87, 88.In this sense, a hybrid haptic is implemented, i.e. a touch through a real structure and a confirmation of the function through a haptic feedback in the sense of a movement generated by an actuator.

[0037] By means of a further operating device corresponding to the operating devices 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D and not shown in detail, comprising a fiber optic 11E according to Fig. 10 or the modification using the fiber optic 11F, a menu navigation can also be implemented, as disclosed in EP 1 677 180 A1. For example, the beveled areas of the fiber optics 11E and 11D or the edge area of ​​the fiber optic 11F can be provided for softkeys, such as the softkeys 50 to 54 in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 of EP 1 677 180 A1, the softkeys 62 to 69 in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 of EP 1 677 180 A1, the softkeys 72 to 79 in the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 of EP 1 677 180 A1, the softkeys 82 to 85 in the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 of EP 1 677 180 A1 and the softkeys 92 to 99 in the Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 of EP 1 677 180 A1. A pop-up function can also be provided, as described in the Fig. 9, Fig. 11, Fig. 13, Fig. 15 and Fig. 17 of EP 1 677 180 A1. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that a pop-up menu, as provided in EP 1 677 180 A1, is triggered by a first touch, which begins in a control element not shown if a second touch occurs. Details can be found, for example, in EP 1 677 180 A1. A double-touch function can also be provided, as disclosed in column 3, lines 28 to 47 and in column 4, line 30 to column 5, line 1 of EP 0 773 496 A1. Additionally or alternatively, a double-touch function can also be triggered by quickly repeating a touch of a displayed control element.

[0038] Fig. Figure 10 shows the fiber optic assembly 11E for use in the aforementioned operating device 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, which comprises a group 11E1 of adjacent light-conducting fibers, a group 11E2 of adjacent light-conducting fibers, and a group 11E3 of adjacent light-conducting fibers. Group 11E1 touches group 11E2, and this group 11E2, in turn, touches group 11E3, so that the optical axes of groups 11E1, 11E2, and 11E3 are not parallel.

[0039] Fig. 11 shows the fiber optics 11E in Fig. 10 modified fiber optic 11F for use in an aforementioned operating device 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, which differs from the fiber optic 11E in that the side of the fiber optic 11F facing an operator, which comprises a group 11F1 of adjacent light-conducting fibers, a group 11F2 of adjacent light-conducting fibers, and a group 11F3 of adjacent light-conducting fibers, is convexly curved. Viewed three-dimensionally, the fiber optic 11F can, for example, form a spherical segment, an asphere, or a cylindrical segment, or be configured accordingly. In a configuration as a spherical segment or asphere, it can be provided, for example, that the individual functions are arranged around a display function and can, under certain circumstances, be rotated by a swiping motion.Instead of a round base surface of the fiber optic 11F in an asphere or spherical segment design, a hexagonal base surface can also be provided. This applies in particular to the use of the fiber optic 11F according to . Fig. 11 for the operating device 5 in the center console of the motor vehicle 1. In principle, the operating device 5 can be constructed similarly to the operating devices 3, 3A, 3B, 3C or 3D, wherein the display and operating control 50 corresponds to the display and operating control 10. The statements regarding the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 also apply mutatis mutandis to an implementation of the operating device 5 according to Fig. 1.

[0040] The display functions are used in particular to operate the infotainment system 117 and the telephone interface 114. Display functions can also include the operation of internet applications, which can be accessed via a WLAN interface with the WLAN interface 18. A display function can also include the operating screen for a navigation system 116. The individual functions can, for example, relate to switching an ESP on and off and switching a sport mode. This individual function is accessed via the bus system, a gateway, and another bus system. Other individual functions can be accessed directly, such as hazard warning lights.

[0041] The actuator 13 can also be used to enable mobility, in particular displacement in the plane of the display 12, by moving the display directly to the parts of the display 12 determined by the fiber optics 11.

[0042] The location of a touch is also determined in the encapsulated area, namely in the already encapsulated display. This creates a particularly robust display and control system with multi-touch capability and, if necessary, haptic feedback, particularly one that is also well-suited for outdoor use.

[0043] The invention also allows for adaptive adjustment of the fiber plate or fiber optics 11 to the necessary geometry of the existing LED matrix and the required functions. Adaptation to an uneven surface is also possible. Furthermore, the sensitivity of each area can be adjusted. It is also expedient to implement some areas of the fiber optics 11 or fiber plate without any function to ensure a closed surface. In particular, combining the different LEDs into a holistic display allows for cost advantages. Furthermore, the invention allows for flexible and novel approaches to the design of operating devices, whereby, in particular, the shape of the surface can be used to implement haptic orientation, allowing an operator to orient themselves on the operating device even without looking.In addition, operation can be realized by any object or a human hand wearing any protective equipment without requiring properties such as conductivity in capacitive touchscreen technologies.

Claims

[1] Operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), in particular for a motor vehicle (1), in particular for operating a function of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the operating device (3) comprises a housing (15) and a plurality of LEDs arranged next to one another in the housing (15), wherein the housing (15) is movable relative to the plurality of LEDs arranged next to one another, wherein a fiber optic system (11) fixed to the housing (15) or firmly connected to the housing (15) is arranged above the plurality of LEDs, and wherein a computing device (300) is provided for determining whether light from at least a first LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or radiated into at least a second LED of the plurality of LEDs as a result of an operating action. [2] Operating device (3C, 3D) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E) comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and a side facing away from the plurality of LEDs, wherein the side facing away from the plurality of LEDs is not planar. [3] Operating device according to claim 1, characterized by that the fiber optic (11F) comprises a side facing the plurality of LEDs and a side facing away from the plurality of LEDs, wherein the side facing away from the plurality of LEDs comprises a curved region. [4] Operating device (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) is movable towards and / or away from the plurality of LEDs. [5] Operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the majority of the LEDs or a part of the majority of the LEDs are arranged in a plane, wherein the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) is movable parallel to the plane. [6] Operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the computing device (300) is arranged in the housing (15). [7] Motor vehicle (1), characterized by that it comprises an operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the majority of the LEDs are fixed to the motor vehicle (1). [9] Method for operating an operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), in particular for operating an operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) comprises a plurality of LEDs, wherein the operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C), in particular for a motor vehicle (1), in particular for operating a function of the motor vehicle (1), comprises a housing (15) and a plurality of LEDs arranged next to one another in the housing (15), wherein the housing (15) is movable relative to the plurality of LEDs arranged next to one another, wherein a control element fixed to the housing (15) ora fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) fixedly connected to the housing (15) is arranged, and wherein a computing device (300) is provided for determining whether light from at least a first LED of the plurality of LEDs is reflected and / or radiated into at least a second LED of the plurality of LEDs as a result of an operating action, wherein a first LED (121) of the plurality of LEDs radiates light into a first fiber (111) of the adjacent light-conducting fibers, which light is reflected in the first fiber (111), in particular multiple times, and is emitted from the surface of the fiber optic (11) facing away from the first LED (121).11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) and / or the first fiber (111), wherein a finger (F) of an operator, for the purpose of operating the operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), touches or almost touches the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) on the surface of the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) facing away from the first LED (111), wherein light emerging from the surface of the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) facing away from the first LED (121) or the fiber (111), which is reflected (diffusely) by the finger (F) and thereby into the fiber (111) of the fiber optic (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F) and / or into one or more directly or indirectly adjacent fiber(s) of the fiber optics (11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F), is guided from there to a currently non-illuminated LED (122) of the plurality of LEDs, so that the second LED (122) supplies a signal on the basis of which it is decided whether an operation of the operating device (3) has been carried out. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by that the housing (15) is moved in the sense of a haptic feedback when it is decided that an operation of the operating device (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) has been carried out.

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