Control device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with a control device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device (10) comprises at least one movable control element (12) and a display device with a flexible screen (14), wherein the control element (12) is configured to be moved between a rest position and at least one operating position for the purpose of operating a vehicle component by a user, wherein the movement of the at least one movable control element (12) results in a change in the surface contour of a surface (13) of the operating device (10). The flexible screen (14) is arranged at least partially along the surface (13) of the operating device (10) and is configured to be deformed during the movement of the at least one movable control element (12) in accordance with the change in the surface contour of the surface (13) of the operating device (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle having such an operating device. The operating device has at least one movable operating element and a display device with a flexible screen, wherein the operating element is designed to be moved by a user between a rest position and at least one operating position for operating a vehicle component. The movement of the operating element leads to a change in the surface contour of a surface of the operating device. In other words, the external shape of the operating device changes as a result of the operation of the operating element.

[0002] Operating devices for motor vehicle components are well known. These can, for example, have one or more operating elements. Examples of such operating devices include window lifters or window lifter blocks with a plurality of individual window lifter switches, assemblies with multiple individual operating elements for adjusting the seat position of a motor vehicle seat, or operating elements for opening and closing a trunk lid or a sunroof of the motor vehicle. Further examples relate, for example, to operating devices or assemblies in the area of ​​a motor vehicle's steering wheel, such as push-button or toggle switches for adjusting an infotainment system, a navigation system, or other driver assistance systems, such as cruise control or an automatic distance control system.

[0003] DE 11 2009 005 391 T5 discloses an operating device for a driver's seat of a motor vehicle in the form of a seatback locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking handle to which a flexible instruction display screen is attached. Instructions for operating the seatback locking mechanism can be displayed using the screen. The space available for the display on the screen is disadvantageously limited by the size of the locking handle. This disadvantageously restricts the display options.

[0004] US 2019 / 0135199 A1 discloses, among other things, a control panel for operating a window lift function of a motor vehicle. Operation is achieved via touch operation on a touch-sensitive surface. There are therefore no movable control elements, only touch-sensitive user interfaces. This creates a risk of unintentional or unnoticed operation, since no switch is moved and no haptic feedback is provided.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for a motor vehicle which is improved compared to the known embodiments.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] The invention provides an operating device of the type described above for a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device has at least one movable operating element and a display device with a flexible screen. The flexible screen can be designed as an OLED screen (OLED - organic light emitting diode) or as electronic paper. The screen preferably has a thickness of less than one millimeter, in particular 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters, and a low flexural rigidity, so that it bends even under a slight load. For example, the flexural rigidity can be substantially the same as that of a commercially available sheet of writing paper (80 g / m 2 ) so that the screen can be easily bent with a finger.

[0008] The operating element or at least a movable portion of the operating element is designed to be moved between a rest position and at least one operating position by a user for operating a vehicle component, wherein the movement of the at least one movable operating element or its movable portion leads to a change in a surface contour of a surface of the operating device, as is the case, for example, when operating a toggle switch or a push button or a pull-push lever such as a mechanical window lifter. During the movement, at least the movable portion of the operating element is moved out of a reference plane of the operating device. In other words, when the movable portion of the operating element is moved, an immovable portion of the operating element remains in the reference plane of the operating device. In the rest position, both portions of the operating element can lie in the reference plane.

[0009] According to the invention, the flexible screen is arranged at least in sections along the surface of the operating device and is designed to be deformed during the movement of the at least one movable operating element or its movable portion in accordance with the change in the surface contour of the surface of the operating device. The flexible screen can, for example, be adhesively bonded to the surface of the operating device. In other words, the flexible screen covers the surface of the operating device in such a way that not only a movable portion of the operating element is covered, but also immovable regions or portions of the operating device or operating element adjacent to the movable portion. If the movable portion is moved relative to the immovable regions to adjust the operating position, it can move out of the reference plane, while the immovable region remains in the reference plane.In other words, the surface contour of the operating device changes. According to the invention, the flexible screen is deformed accordingly.

[0010] The operating element preferably comprises a plurality of movable parts that can be moved relative to one another and / or relative to the stationary areas during operation of the vehicle component or to adjust the operating position. The flexible screen can be arranged on the operating device in such a way that it at least partially covers the plurality of movable parts and / or the stationary areas and is deformed upon movement of the movable parts.

[0011] The invention offers the advantage of providing a larger display area compared to prior art solutions. The flexible screen also allows a changing user interface to be displayed on the control element, whereas conventional control elements, such as window regulators, can only display fixed symbols. The movement required to adjust the operating position nevertheless ensures a haptic experience of the control action.

[0012] The invention also includes embodiments which provide additional advantages.

[0013] One embodiment provides that the display device is designed to display a current operating state of the vehicle component on the flexible screen. In other words, the display device is designed to first detect the current operating state. To detect the operating state, the display device can operate a data connection to a control unit of the operating device and receive the information on the current operating state via the data connection. If the vehicle component is, for example, a window of the motor vehicle, the current operating state can describe how far the window is currently open or closed. In this case, the information on the current operating state can be displayed on the screen, for example, as a percentage value.Alternatively or additionally, the current operating status can be displayed or represented using different colors across the screen. Alternatively or additionally, the display can be modeled on a fill level, so that, for example, opening a window by 10 percent can be visualized by displaying a container that is 90 percent full. This has the advantage that the user can intuitively grasp the current operating status by looking at the screen without being able to directly see the vehicle component being operated. This can be advantageous if the window mentioned as an example is a rear seat window of the vehicle that is not in the direct field of vision of the driver. This can advantageously increase driving safety.

[0014] A further embodiment provides that the display device is designed to display a current authorization status for operating the vehicle component on the flexible screen. In other words, the screen of the display device can display whether the vehicle component or parts of the vehicle component are enabled or disabled for operation. Alternatively or additionally, the screen can display whether the vehicle component or parts thereof may only be operated to a limited extent. According to a specific example, the vehicle component can be a window arrangement of the motor vehicle, for example consisting of four side windows and a sunroof. The four side windows and the sunroof therefore form parts of the window arrangement. The screen can now display whether individual windows or even the sunroof are at least partially disabled for operation.This can be advantageous if the lock is a child safety lock for the rear windows. These can be fully or partially locked, meaning they can only be opened and / or closed to a certain extent. Alternatively or additionally, the sunroof, for example, can be locked when it rains. This can be set based on a signal from the vehicle's rain sensor.

[0015] A further embodiment provides that the flexible screen has a touch-sensitive operating surface, wherein the operating device is designed to be operated at least partially by the user touching the touch-sensitive operating surface, in particular by at least one of the user's fingers. In other words, operation can be performed not only by moving the operating element, but alternatively or additionally by touching the touch-sensitive operating surface. This advantageously results in further operating options that can be implemented in a space-saving manner.

[0016] A further development provides that operation by touching the touch-sensitive operating surface only occurs when the user touches the operating surface with their finger for a predetermined operating time. In other words, operation does not occur immediately upon touch, but only when the user keeps their finger on the operating surface for the predetermined operating time. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the user must assume a predetermined finger and / or hand position when touching in order to trigger the operation. The aforementioned variants can prevent unwanted touch operation, for example, if the touch-sensitive operating surface is touched inadvertently.

[0017] The touch-sensitive operating surface preferably comprises capacitive proximity sensors and / or pressure sensors and is designed to detect a sliding of the finger along the operating surface and / or a pressing of the finger on the operating surface as an operating action. In other words, the screen can be designed as a touchscreen.

[0018] A further development provides that the operating device is designed to recognize a degree of operation based on the touch, wherein the degree of operation describes the extent to which the vehicle component is operated or may be operated when the at least one movable operating element is moved. In other words, a presetting can be made through the touch that determines how the operating action, i.e. the movement of the operating element, affects the vehicle component. For example, by sliding a user's finger along the touch-sensitive screen, the opening width of a window of the motor vehicle can be preset without the window having already moved. If the operating element is then moved, for example a window lifter is operated, the window is opened or closed according to the presetting.For example, the default setting can state that the window may only be opened 70 percent. The default setting can also describe a blocking of operation. For example, the default setting can state that the rear windows of the vehicle may not be opened. Operating the window regulators assigned to the rear windows will then have no effect.

[0019] A further development provides that the touch-sensitive operating surface has at least one operating section, wherein the at least one operating section is assigned to the operation of a predetermined part of the vehicle component, wherein the operating device is designed to activate and / or deactivate the operation for the part of the vehicle component assigned to the operating section upon touching the at least one operating section. In other words, the touch-sensitive operating surface can be divided into several operating sections, wherein each of the operating sections is assigned to a predetermined part of the vehicle component. An example of a vehicle component with several parts is the window arrangement already described, which can comprise several windows of the motor vehicle. For example, the operating surface can therefore have a separate operating section for each of the windows.If the user taps their finger in the area of ​​a first control section assigned to the driver's window, the tap activates or deactivates the operation of the driver's window. The same applies to the other control sections assigned to the remaining windows of the vehicle. With multiple control sections, several parts of the vehicle component can be activated or deactivated simultaneously.

[0020] Preferably, the operating device comprises only one switch, which is covered by the flexible screen. The switch can be used to operate any part of the vehicle component, which can be preselected by activating it by touch in the associated operating section of the screen. This provides the advantage of a multifunctional control element that can be used for different parts of the vehicle component.

[0021] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an operating device.

[0022] A further development of the motor vehicle provides that the operating device comprises a window lifter for opening and closing at least one window of the motor vehicle and / or an operating element for operating a sunroof of the motor vehicle and / or an operating element for operating a tailgate of the motor vehicle. In other words, the operating device can be designed to operate windows, a sunroof, and / or a tailgate of the motor vehicle.

[0023] The operating device is preferably arranged in the area of ​​a side door and / or in the area of ​​a center console of the motor vehicle.

[0024] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the operating device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0025] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0026] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an operating device with an operating element having a flexible screen; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a control element with a flexible screen that displays a current operating state; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an operating action on a screen of a control element as a preselection and a subsequent operation of the control element; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement of operating elements of an operating device; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an operating element; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of an operating element; and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of an operating element.

[0028] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0029] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an operating device 10 with an operating element 12 having a flexible screen 14 along its surface 13. The flexible screen 14 is applied or coated onto the operating element 12.

[0031] It can be designed as a touch-sensitive OLED screen or touchscreen. In the example shown, the operating element 12 has a movable portion 18 and a stationary portion 22, wherein the movable portion 18 can be bent relative to the stationary portion 22 along a hinge 20 during an operating action. This deforms the surface 13 of the operating element 12. In the example shown, the screen 14 covers the movable portion 18 and the stationary portion 22. Preferably, the flexible screen 14 is laminated to the operating element 12 or adhered to the operating element 12 with an elastic adhesive in such a way that the adhesive layer can absorb a laminar tension that arises when the operating element 12 or its movable portion 18 is moved with the flexible screen 14.

[0032] In the example shown, the control element 12 is operated by a user lifting the front movable portion 18 of the control element 12 with their finger 16. This operation causes the movable portion 18 of the control element 12 to bend relative to the immovable portion 22 in the area of ​​the hinge 20, with the screen 14 also being bent accordingly in the area of ​​the hinge 20. Bending the movable portion 18 in the opposite direction, i.e., downward, can cause a window of the motor vehicle to lower.

[0033] In Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the operating element 12 is a window lifter for a motor vehicle. This has two operating surfaces 23.1 and 23.2, wherein the operating surface 23.1 can be assigned to a front window of the motor vehicle and extend beyond the hinge in the direction of the operating surface 23.2. The operating surface 23.2 can be assigned to a rear window of the motor vehicle. In the present example, only the operating surface 23.1 is selected (shown without hatching). This means that when operated by the user's finger 16, only the front window is moved. If both operating surfaces 23.1, 23.2 were selected, both windows would be moved by the operation.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows, with reference to the components already identified and described, a further embodiment of an operating device 10 with an operating element 12 coated with the described screen 13. Here, the operating element 12 also has two operating surfaces 23.1 and 23.2, wherein the operating surface 23.1 can be assigned to a front window of the motor vehicle and the operating surface 23.2 can be assigned to a rear window of the motor vehicle. On each of the operating surfaces 23.1, 23.2, the operating state of the two windows can be indicated, for example, by a colored marking. The colored marking is in Fig. 2 is indicated by hatching. In this case, the hatching extends over 80 percent of each control panel 23.1 and 23.2. Thus, both windows are 80 percent closed.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows, with reference to the information provided in connection with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 designated and described components in the upper area of ​​the Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an operating action on a screen 13 of a control element 12 as a preselection and in the lower area of ​​the Fig. 3 a subsequent operation of the control element 12 by a finger 16 of the user.

[0036] By sliding his finger 16 along, as indicated by the arrows in the upper part of the Fig. 3, the user can preselect how far a particular window should be opened or closed when operating the control element 12. If the user then lifts the movable part 18 of the control element 12 with his finger 16, as shown in the lower part of the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the windows are operated according to the preselected position. For example, the front window is opened 80 percent and the rear window is closed completely at the same time. A brief movement of the control element 12 or the switch moves both windows to these positions, and there's no need to move the switch for long periods until the desired position is reached, as is the case with conventional window regulators.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows, with reference to the components already designated and described in connection with the previously described figures, a schematic representation of an exemplary arrangement of two operating elements 12 of an operating device 10. According to the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, each of the two control elements 12 shown has two control surfaces 23.1, 23.2, so that a total of four windows can be operated with the two control elements 12, for example.

[0038] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each show a combination control element 12, wherein four control fields 23 are combined on a single control element 12. In Fig. 6 shows additional display content 24 as an example, which may, for example, contain information about an activated child safety lock. The hatching indicates the currently selected control surfaces 23.

[0039] The combination control element 12 of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a particularly space-saving variant of the described operating device 10 can be realized.

[0040] Fig.7 shows a further operating option for the operating element 12. By swiping sideways in the direction of arrow 26, a further operating menu can be displayed on the screen 14. In other words, by swiping, a further operating menu can be called up which can be associated with the movement of a different flap of the motor vehicle, for example a tailgate and / or a fuel filler flap. For example, an operating menu for operating a window lifter or a window lifter arrangement of the motor vehicle can initially be displayed on the screen 14. A single swipe can result in the display of a further operating menu for operating the tailgate. A double swipe can result in the display of a further operating menu for operating the fuel filler flap. In this way, any number of operating menus for operating vehicle components can be displayed on the screen 14.

[0041] The invention thus provides a flexible display on a mechanical window regulator, which can, for example, be laminated onto the mechanical window regulator. Part of the display can be arranged on the lever or movable part of the window regulator, and another part can be connected to a stationary part of the window regulator.

[0042] According to one embodiment, such an OLED window regulator can be used to operate multiple windows simultaneously. The windows can be selected by touching the corresponding control surfaces. When the movable part of the mechanical window regulator is moved, only the selected window is moved. If both windows are selected, both windows are moved.

[0043] The OLED screen can also show how far the windows are open. You can set a preset using touch, and when you operate the lever, the windows will be positioned accordingly.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the OLED screen can be used to set how far the windows should be opened as a result of the operation.

[0045] The described implementations enable a space-saving operating device with which several windows can be opened and / or closed to different widths at the same time.

[0046] Overall, the examples show how a window regulator with a flexible OLED display can be provided. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 11 2009 005 391 T5

[0003] US 2019 / 0135199 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Operating device (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device (10) has at least one movable operating element (12) and a display device with a flexible screen (14), wherein the operating element (12) is designed to be moved between a rest position and at least one operating position for operating a vehicle component by a user, wherein the movement of the at least one movable operating element (12) leads to a change in a surface contour of a surface (13) of the operating device (10), characterized by that the flexible screen (14) is arranged at least in sections along the surface (13) of the operating device (10) and is designed to be deformed during the movement of the at least one movable operating element (12) in accordance with the change in the surface contour of the surface (13) of the operating device (10). [2] Operating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the display device is designed to display a current operating state of the vehicle component on the flexible screen (14). [3] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device is designed to display a current authorization status for operating the vehicle component on the flexible screen (14). [4] Operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible screen (13) has a touch-sensitive operating surface, wherein the operating device (10) is designed to be operated at least partially by means of a touch of the touch-sensitive operating surface by the user, in particular by at least one finger (16) of the user. [5] Operating device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the touch-sensitive operating surface comprises capacitive proximity sensors and / or pressure sensors and is designed to recognize a sliding of the finger (16) along the operating surface and / or a pressing of the finger (16) on the operating surface as an operating action. [6] Operating device (10) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the operating device (10) is designed to detect an operating degree based on the touch, wherein the operating degree describes the extent to which the vehicle component is operated during the movement of the at least one movable operating element (12). [7] Operating device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the touch-sensitive operating surface has at least one operating section (23), wherein the at least one operating section (23) is assigned to the operation of a predetermined part of the vehicle component, wherein the operating device (10) is designed to activate and / or deactivate the operation for the part of the vehicle component assigned to the operating section (23) upon touching the at least one operating section (23). [8] Motor vehicle with an operating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Motor vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the operating device (10) comprises a window lifter for opening and closing at least one window of the motor vehicle and / or an operating element (12) for operating a sliding roof of the motor vehicle and / or an operating element (12) for operating a tailgate of the motor vehicle and / or an operating element (12) for operating a fuel tank flap of the motor vehicle. [10] Motor vehicle according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the operating device (10) is arranged in the region of a side door and / or in the region of a center console of the motor vehicle.

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