Vehicle interface device and motor vehicle with a vehicle interface device

Abstract

Vehicle interface device (10) comprising a mobile operating interface (12), at least a receiving device (16) that can be arranged in a motor vehicle (26), a coupling device (18) and a motor device (20); wherein at least one control element (14) for controlling a vehicle function is arranged on the operating interface (12); wherein the operating interface (12) can be coupled and uncoupled from the receiving device (16) by means of the coupling device (18); wherein the receiving device (16) has a predetermined adjustment range (x) along which the operating interface (12) coupled by the coupling device (18) can be moved; and wherein in the coupled state the operating interface (12) can only be moved along the adjustment path (x) by means of the motor device (20), wherein the coupling device (18) is designed to automatically carry out the coupling with the operating interface (12) arranged on the receiving device (16) when a driving signal is present and to maintain it for the duration of a driving operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle interface device and a motor vehicle with such a vehicle interface device.

[0002] Vehicle user interfaces can include buttons, rotary knobs, or rotary / push controls, and are typically integrated into a center console, instrument panel, or door, usually for a specific application. A user associates a particular location within the vehicle interior with a specific function, such as volume control, infotainment system operation, and / or mirror adjustment.

[0003] The layout of the user interface is fixed once during the vehicle's manufacturing process and cannot be changed. Therefore, it is not customizable and consequently independent of user preferences. While ergonomic positioning of these controls may be considered, in some cases this positioning may not be suitable for certain users.

[0004] From DE 60 2004 012 313 T2, a console for use in a vehicle is known, wherein the console comprises a base that can be coupled to the vehicle, a vehicle transmission control module that is coupled to the base and movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the base, and a storage container supported on the base. The storage container is concealed by the vehicle transmission control module and inaccessible to a user when the transmission control module is in the first position, and the storage container is accessible to the user when the vehicle transmission control module is in the second position, wherein the vehicle transmission control module is configured such that it can be used by the user to control a vehicle transmission in both the first and second positions.

[0005] From US patent 2018 / 0 154 774 A1, a vehicle control device in a vehicle and a method for controlling a vehicle are known. The vehicle control device comprises a display unit, a detachable interface device that is detachably connected to the display unit, and a processor that controls the display unit or the detachable interface device according to a predetermined scheme when the detachable interface device is connected to or detached from the display unit.

[0006] From DE 10 2019 213 846 A1, a motor vehicle is known comprising at least one seat, a control device for controlling at least one function of the motor vehicle and an operating device with at least one operating device for user operation of the control device, wherein the at least one operating device is mounted on a bearing device which is designed to change the position of the operating device depending on a seat position.

[0007] From DE 10 2021 201 924 A1, a user control system for controlling a vehicle is known, comprising a control unit with a control surface; and an operating element configured to receive control commands from a user and to wirelessly exchange control data with the control device in order to control the vehicle according to the control commands, wherein the operating element is configured to be detachably attached to the control surface via a contact surface, wherein the operating element has a user-operated actuator configured to vary a holding force of the operating element on the control surface according to a user input such that the operating element is fixedly positioned on the control surface in a first configuration of the actuator, is slidably attached to the control surface in a second configuration of the actuator, and is detachable from the control surface in a third configuration of the actuator.

[0008] Furthermore, a holding device for holding a mobile device for use in a dashboard is known from DE 10 2020 203 090 A1 and a driver assistance device in a motor vehicle is known from US 9 216 743 B2.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a customizable user interface for a motor vehicle.

[0010] This problem is solved by the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea that one or more movable operating interfaces allow a user to reposition these interfaces as needed. In particular, it can be provided that these operating interfaces can either be freely adjusted by the user while the vehicle is stationary, or that they are adjusted automatically, for example electrically, based on a user setting, with the automatic adjustment being the preferred method during driving.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle interface device comprising a mobile operating interface, at least one receiving device that can be arranged in a motor vehicle, a coupling device and a motor device, wherein at least one control element for controlling a vehicle function is arranged on the operating interface, wherein the operating interface can be coupled and uncoupled with the receiving device by means of the coupling device, wherein the receiving device has a predetermined adjustment path along which the operating interface coupled by the coupling device can be moved and wherein, in the coupled state, the operating interface can only be moved along the adjustment path by means of the motor device.

[0013] In other words, a user interface can be provided that includes at least one control element for controlling a vehicle function, and the user interface can be mobile, meaning that it is freely removable and / or positionable. The user interface can, for example, include a touch surface and / or one or more buttons and / or a rotary / push-button control and / or a combination of the control elements described above.

[0014] Furthermore, a coupling device is provided that can couple or connect the user interface to a corresponding receiving device. Coupling and decoupling can be reversible and non-destructive, so that the user interface is mobile in the decoupled state and permanently connected to the receiving device in the coupled state. The coupling device can be located in the user interface and / or the receiving device, thus providing a temporary connection between the user interface and the receiving device. The coupling device can establish the connection mechanically, for example, by interlocking connecting elements, or it can establish an electromagnetic connection, for example, by means of an electromagnet that is energized.

[0015] The mounting device, which can be installed in a motor vehicle, can, in addition to accommodating the user interface, also provide connections for power and data transmission to and from the connected user interface. Furthermore, the mounting device can have an adjustment path, the distance of which is defined, for example, by a guide element, in particular a rail and / or a guide cable or guide strip. This means that the user interface connected to the mounting device can be moved along a path of the adjustment path. The adjustment path can be linear or curved, and in particular also vertical.

[0016] Once the user interface is coupled to the receiving device via the coupling device, it can be provided that the user interface can be moved along the adjustment path by means of a motor. This means that the motor can be designed to move the user interface using motor power, preferably in response to a control signal. The motor can, for example, comprise an electric motor that generates movement along the adjustment path of the receiving device. It is particularly preferred that, in the coupled state, the user interface is fixed in the position where a user has manually placed it, with any subsequent movement only possible via the motor. This means that no manual movement of the coupled user interface is possible in the coupled state.For example, during driving, the position of the operating interface in the coupled state can only be changed by user input and / or an automatically generated control signal. In particular, the motor unit can be equipped with a locking function that prevents manual movement of the coupled operating interface. Preferably, the coupling device can also have a locking mechanism that, especially when the vehicle is in motion, closes the coupling device and thus prevents uncoupling during driving. This ensures that the operating interface can only be disconnected when the vehicle is stationary, for example, in a parked position.

[0017] The invention offers the advantage that a user can position the user interface with the controls for the vehicle functions in their optimal position and adjust it during driving, for example, when changing the seat position or switching between manual and autonomous driving modes, using the motor unit. Furthermore, safety is increased because the user interface, when coupled, can only be adjusted by means of the motor unit. This prevents distractions while driving and / or prevents the user interface from moving freely within the vehicle interior if a force is applied to the vehicle interface device and / or the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, the coupling device is designed to automatically establish a connection with the operating interface located on the receiving device when a driving signal is present and to maintain this connection for the duration of driving. In particular, if the vehicle interface device is located in the motor vehicle, a driving signal can be generated when the vehicle is in motion. If the operating interface is located on the receiving device, the coupling device can be automatically connected, for example, by means of electromagnetic coupling, so that the operating interface is fixed during driving. This prevents it from being displaced by force and / or thrown around the motor vehicle.This coupling can preferably be maintained permanently during driving, so that manual repositioning can only be carried out when the vehicle is stationary. However, it can still be provided that repositioning using the motor unit is also possible while the vehicle is driving.

[0019] The invention also includes embodiments that offer additional advantages.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the coupling device is designed for mechanically connecting the user interface to the receiving device. For example, the coupling device can be in the form of a clamp that can be connected to or engage with a corresponding counterpart. The receiving device can, for instance, have a rail profile into which the coupling device can be inserted or suspended. Preferably, the user interface can thus be coupled at any position along the adjustment path. Particularly preferably, the coupling device can also have locking mechanisms, for example, in the form of a bayonet fitting, to create a secure connection.In particular, a locking mechanism can also be provided, which closes the connection between the coupling device and the receiving device and only opens it again when an opening control signal is present, which may be the case, for example, in a parked position. This design offers the advantage of providing a cost-effective coupling device.

[0021] Another embodiment provides that the coupling device is designed for electromagnetic coupling of the operating interface with the receiving device. In other words, magnetic coupling can be provided by, for example, one or more electromagnets which, when energized with an electric current, generate a magnetic field and thus couple the operating device with the receiving device. Here, the coupling device preferably comprises a magnetic element on the operating interface and a corresponding electromagnetic element on the receiving device to provide the coupling. It is particularly preferred that the operating interface can be positioned and coupled at any point along the adjustment path by means of the coupling device, provided that a corresponding electromagnetic coupling element is located along the entire length of the adjustment path.This design offers the advantage that a switchable coupling device can be provided.

[0022] Another embodiment provides that the receiving device has a guide element that defines the adjustment range, and the coupling device comprises the motor unit, whereby the coupled user interface can be moved along the guide element by means of the motor unit. In other words, the receiving device provided in the vehicle can include a guide element, for example, a rail and / or a guide cable. The motor unit can then move the coupled user interface along this guide element. For example, an electric motor with an endless screw can be provided as the motor unit, which moves the user interface along the guide element. Alternatively or additionally, rollers and / or gears, which can be driven by the motor unit, can also be provided to move the user interface along the guide element.

[0023] Another embodiment provides that the receiving device includes the motor unit and a conveying device, wherein the motor unit is configured to drive the conveying device, and the user interface is coupled to the conveying device in the coupled state. In other words, a conveying device or conveyor system can be provided, which can be permanently installed in the vehicle, wherein the motor unit can move the conveying device, and the user interface can be coupled to the movable conveying device via the coupling device to move the user interface. The conveying device can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt, a conveyor cable, a conveyor chain, and / or a screw conveyor, which can be driven by the motor unit.It is particularly advantageous if fixing elements are provided at predetermined intervals on the conveyor device to prevent the coupled operating interface from slipping on the conveyor device.

[0024] Another embodiment provides that the user interface includes a battery unit that can be recharged when the user interface is in a coupled state. In particular, the battery unit can be inductively charged when the user interface is in the coupled state. Thus, in the disconnected state, the user interface can be used as a remote control that draws its power from the battery unit, while in the coupled state, power can be supplied via a connection to the receiving device, which can be connected to the vehicle. The battery unit preferably includes at least one or more rechargeable accumulators in which electrical energy can be stored. This embodiment offers the advantage of enabling flexible use of the user interface.

[0025] Another configuration provides that the user interface includes a communication unit designed to wirelessly receive and / or transmit data signals. In other words, vehicle functions can be controlled wirelessly via a communication unit of the user interface. The transmitted data signals can include, in particular, control commands for controlling the vehicle function. Alternatively or additionally, data can also be received, for example, vehicle data, which can be displayed, in particular, on a screen of the user interface. The communication unit can, for example, include a Bluetooth module, in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy module, a WLAN module, and / or an ultra-wideband module. Thus, the user interface can control vehicle functions and / or receive information from the vehicle in a decoupled state.Preferably, it can be provided that in the coupled state communication also takes place wirelessly via the communication unit and / or a connection to a vehicle bus can be provided via a plug, via which the communication is provided in a wired manner.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle interface device according to one of the preceding embodiments. Preferably, at least two receiving devices can be provided in the motor vehicle, wherein the operating interface is interchangeable between the two receiving devices in the decoupled state. That is, a first receiving device can, for example, be arranged in a center console of the motor vehicle, and a second receiving device can be arranged in a vehicle door, wherein the operating interface can be selectively coupled to either the first or the second receiving device. It is particularly preferred that a vehicle function, which can be controlled by means of the operating element of the operating interface, is predefined or changed depending on the receiving device on which the operating interface is arranged.This means that a control element of the user interface on the first receiving device can, for example, control a different vehicle function than the same control element coupled to the second receiving device. Furthermore, the vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages and variations as the vehicle interface device described above.

[0027] Another embodiment of the vehicle provides that the vehicle interface device is further designed to detect a change in the user's position during driving and to control the motor unit to automatically move the user interface to a position adapted to the changed user position. In other words, it can be provided that a user's position is monitored while the vehicle is in operation. For example, a seat setting, in particular a seat backrest setting, which can be adjusted automatically, can be related to a user interface position, whereby if the seat setting changes, the user interface position is adjusted accordingly by the motor unit.Alternatively or additionally, further monitoring devices can be provided, for example cameras that can detect a user's position in order to control the motor for automatically moving the user interface. This has the advantage that the user interface position can be automatically optimized for the user's position.

[0028] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor unit configured to control the vehicle interface device according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor unit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor.

[0029] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the vehicle interface 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0032] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle interface device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a vehicle interface device; Fig. 3 a vehicle interface device according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 a vehicle interface device according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0033] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0034] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic side view of a vehicle interface device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The vehicle interface device 10 comprises an operating interface 12 with one or more control elements 14 for controlling a vehicle function of a motor vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, the vehicle interface device 10 has a receiving device 16 that can be arranged or installed in a motor vehicle. The operating interface 12 can be reversibly and non-destructively coupled to the receiving device 16 via a coupling device 18, whereby in a decoupled state the operating interface 12 can be freely removed and, for example, manually positioned at another location on the receiving device 16 or on another receiving device.

[0037] The operating elements 14 of the user interface can, for example, include buttons, switches, in particular rotary / push switches, and / or touch-sensitive display elements, by means of which, for example, exterior mirrors, an infotainment system, seat settings, climate settings, and other vehicle functions can be adjusted or controlled. To transmit a control command to the vehicle even in a decoupled state, the user interface can preferably include a communication unit 22 and a battery unit 24. The communication unit 22 can be configured to wirelessly transmit data signals, in particular control commands, for controlling the corresponding vehicle functions, and the battery unit 24 can provide an electrical energy storage device that supplies the operating elements 14 and / or the communication unit 22 with electrical energy.Particularly preferably, the battery unit 24 is charged when coupled with the receiving device 16 via the coupling device 18. For this purpose, a cable connection can be established in the coupled state, in particular via plugs, or the battery unit can be charged inductively.

[0038] The coupling device 18 can be configured to provide a mechanical or electromagnetic connection between the operating interface 12 and the receiving device 16, which, in the coupled state, fixes the operating interface 12 to the receiving device 16 and, in a decoupled state, releases the connection non-destructively. For example, the coupling device 18 can mechanically grip and / or engage a mechanical guide element of the receiving device 16. Alternatively, the coupling device 18 can incorporate one or more electromagnets that provide coupling via a magnetic connection.

[0039] In addition to providing a fixing point for the operating interface 12, the mounting device 16 can also provide an adjustment path x via the coupling device 18, along which the coupled operating interface 12 can be moved. The adjustment path x can run linearly in a plane or describe a curved path that runs in or out of a plane. For example, the adjustment path x can also provide a change in height in a vertical direction of a motor vehicle and a change in position in a longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the motor vehicle.

[0040] To adjust the position of the coupled operating interface 12 on the receiving device 16, the vehicle interface device 10 can include a motor unit 20 that can move the coupled operating interface 12 along the adjustment path x by means of a motor. For example, an electric motor can be provided to perform the movement. Particularly preferably, the motor unit 20 can be designed to move the coupled operating interface 12 only by means of motor force and to preclude manual movement. Thus, after coupling the operating interface 12 to the receiving device 16, adjustment can only be carried out with the aid of the motor unit 20, thereby preventing unintentional displacement or slippage of the coupled operating interface 12.The motor unit can be controlled, for example, by a control element 14 of the operating interface 12 via user command and / or autonomously depending on a user position.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 26 with such a vehicle interface device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the receiving device 16 can, for example, be arranged in a center console of the motor vehicle 26, with an adjustment range extending to an instrument panel. In this embodiment, the receiving device 16 can comprise a conveying device 28, for example, a conveyor belt, which is guided over the motor device 20, which can be designed as one or more rollers driven by an electrical drive. The conveyor belt of the conveying device 28 can, for example, be guided over rails of the receiving device 16 and, over the length of the adjustment range, enable coupling of the operating interface 12 by means of the coupling device 18.After coupling the operating interface 12 with the receiving device 16, one of several operating interface positions can be controlled by the motor device 20, wherein in this figure, for example, the operating interface positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 are shown, which can either be predefined or the operating interface position can be variably set along the adjustment path of the receiving device 16.

[0042] Particularly preferably, it can be provided that a user position is detected during operation of the motor vehicle 26 and the position of the operating interface 12 is automatically adjusted relative to the user position. For example, the setting of a vehicle seat 30 can be detected to determine the user position. When the vehicle seat 30 is adjusted forward (shown with dashed lines) or backward, in particular by changing the backrest setting (also shown with dashed lines), the motor unit 20 can be automatically controlled by the conveying device 28 such that the coupled operating interface 12 is adjusted to the changed user position or the changed position of the vehicle seat 30. For example, the operating interface can be initially located in position P5 when the vehicle seat 30 is in its initial position.If the vehicle seat 30 is adjusted forwards, the operating interface 12 can, for example, be automatically moved to one of the positions P1 to P4, and if the user position is reversed, the operating interface can, for example, be moved to position P6.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary cross-section of a frontal view (left) and a side view (right) of the vehicle interface device 10. In this example, the coupling device 18 can be designed as an electromagnet, which has one element on the operating interface 12 and another element on the receiving device 16. The receiving device 16 can in turn have a conveying device 28, for example a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain, which includes links that prevent lateral slippage of the coupled operating interface 12. In this example, these fixing elements are shown as spheres; however, wider chain links or additional fixing elements with the same effect can also be provided.When using an electromagnetic coupling device 18, it is preferably provided that it is checked whether a driving signal is present if the operating interface 12 is arranged on the receiving device 16, and if so, the electromagnetic coupling is automatically started during driving operation. This prevents the operating interface 12 from moving freely within the vehicle interior during driving, especially under strong forces that can occur during acceleration or braking.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of the coupling device 18. In this embodiment, a mechanical coupling with a conveying device 28 of the receiving device 16 can be provided. For this purpose, the coupling device can be designed in the form of a clamp, in particular with a spring element, which can be opened by laterally compressing the spring and placed onto the conveying device 28. By releasing the spring element, the clamps can then, for example, grip a guide cable of the conveying device 28 and thus be coupled. Particularly preferably, an additional locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided which prevents manual release of the coupling device 18 during travel. For example, an electronic lock can be provided which prevents release when travel is detected.This has the advantage that a user cannot be distracted by manually releasing the coupling device 18 during a journey.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 5 shows another exemplary vehicle interface device 10. In this example, the receiving device 16 can have a guide element 32, for example a guide cable and / or a guide rail along which the coupling device 18 can move. Coupling with the operating interface 12 can be provided, for example, mechanically or, as shown here, electromagnetically. To move the coupled operating interface 12, the motor device 20 can be provided on the coupling device 18, for example an electric motor with an endless loop, which can move the coupled operating interface 12 along the guide element 32.

[0046] In another example, the operating interface 12 is provided with a coupling (coupling device 18). This can be, for example, magnetic and / or mechanical.

[0047] This coupling device 18 is intended to enable a fixed connection with the vehicle 26 as soon as the vehicle 26 leaves a parking position, so that the operating interface 12 is not thrown through the vehicle interior as a free-flying projectile in the event of acceleration, emergency braking, airbag deployment and accidents.

[0048] In this coupled state, the electrical movement of the operating interface 12 can be controlled by means of a rail (guide element 32) or a conveying system (conveyor device 28). Locking in the closed / coupled state is achieved, for example, magnetically, via a rail, or via an electric motor with a continuous screw.

[0049] The operating interface 12 can otherwise be movable in a decoupled state and be attached to different locations, for example on a vehicle door, in order to be able to adjust the mirrors while stationary.

[0050] Movement of the operating interface 12 can be user-triggered or situationally automated. In particular, a design with a conveyor device 28 can, for example, provide adjustment from an instrument panel to a second row of seats in the center console. Multiple receiving devices 16 can also be provided, especially on the center console and / or the vehicle doors.

[0051] Overall, the examples show how the invention can provide a movable user interface.

Claims

[1] Vehicle interface device (10) comprising a mobile operating interface (12), at least a receiving device (16) that can be arranged in a motor vehicle (26), a coupling device (18) and a motor device (20); wherein at least one control element (14) for controlling a vehicle function is arranged on the operating interface (12); wherein the operating interface (12) can be coupled and uncoupled from the receiving device (16) by means of the coupling device (18); wherein the receiving device (16) has a predetermined adjustment range (x) along which the operating interface (12) coupled by the coupling device (18) can be moved; and wherein in the coupled state the operating interface (12) can only be moved along the adjustment path (x) by means of the motor device (20), wherein the coupling device (18) is designed to automatically carry out the coupling with the operating interface (12) arranged on the receiving device (16) when a driving signal is present and to maintain it for the duration of a driving operation. [2] Vehicle interface device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device (18) is designed for mechanically coupling the operating interface (12) with the receiving device (16). [3] Vehicle interface device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device (18) is designed for electromagnetic coupling of the operating interface (12) with the receiving device (16). [4] Vehicle interface device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (16) has a guide element (32) by which the adjustment distance (x) is defined, and the coupling device (18) comprises the motor device (20), wherein the coupled operating interface (12) is movable along the guide element (32) by means of the motor device (20). [5] Vehicle interface device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving device (16) comprises the motor device (20) and a conveying device (28), wherein the motor device (20) is configured to drive the conveying device (28), wherein the operating interface (12) is coupled to the conveying device (28) in the coupled state. [6] Vehicle interface device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating interface (12) has a battery unit (24) which is rechargeable when the operating interface (12) is coupled. [7] Vehicle interface device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating interface (12) comprises a communication unit (22) configured to wirelessly receive and / or transmit data signals. [8] Motor vehicle (26) comprising a vehicle interface device (10) according to any of the preceding claims. [9] Motor vehicle (26) according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle interface device (10) is further configured to detect a change in a user position during driving operation and to control the motor device (20) to automatically move the operating interface (12) to an operating interface position adapted to the changed user position.

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