Device and method for operating at least one function of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for operating at least one function (19) of a vehicle, comprising a display unit (11) for showing functions (19) to be selected by a passenger and a bridge-shaped control unit (13) extending in a first direction (30) for operating functions of the vehicle. The control unit (13) has operating elements (16) and is movably arranged in a second direction (31) relative to the display unit (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for operating at least one function of a vehicle and to a vehicle comprising a corresponding device according to the independent claims.

[0002] In the prior art, devices and methods for operating at least one function of a vehicle are generally known.

[0003] For example, EP 2 839 995 A1 describes a control device for operation in a vehicle, in which a first and a second operating device are provided in the form of a plate-shaped body.

[0004] EP 3 040 229 B1 relates to a display device for displaying and operating functions in a vehicle, while US 9,746,951 B2 describes a touch-sensitive vehicle display device.

[0005] Problems with the current state of the art include the fact that, depending on the seating position, the functions cannot be operated ergonomically, and the large number of control elements in a vehicle due to the multitude of functions to be controlled. Mechanical control elements typically require a direct function assignment. Overall, access to the control level in the current state of the art is confusing, inflexible, and uncomfortable. Haptic orientation and feedback are also lacking.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of improving a device and a method for operating at least one function of a vehicle in such a way that operation can always be carried out safely and conveniently. Furthermore, clear and purpose-oriented operation should be enabled. In particular, both variable and unambiguous function assignment should be ensured, while feedback should also be integrated.

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a device for operating at least one function of a vehicle, which device comprises a display unit for displaying functions to be selected by a passenger.

[0008] The device further comprises a bridge-shaped operating unit for operating functions of the vehicle. The operating unit has operating elements, wherein the operating unit can span the display unit in a first direction. The operating unit is designed to be movable relative to the display unit in a second direction. The second direction can preferably be perpendicular to the first direction. The operating unit extends in the first direction. In particular, the operating unit extends in its longitudinal direction in the first direction, while its width direction can extend in the second direction.

[0009] The display unit can in particular be a display that is at least partially touch-sensitive. The bridge-shaped operating unit preferably completely encompasses the display unit in the first direction. For example, it can extend continuously from a first edge region in the first direction to a second edge region in the second direction. The operating unit can comprise a carrier on which the operating elements can be arranged. The carrier can encompass the two edge regions in the first direction and slide on the surface of the display unit, for example via a sliding element on the underside. The display unit can above all comprise a surface made of glass and / or plastic, which can be designed to be touch-sensitive at least in sections. The bridge-shaped operating element can be arranged directly above the displaying surface.

[0010] The control unit can be moved in a second direction relative to the display unit. Above all, each control element of the control unit can be assigned a display element of the display unit to indicate a function. The number of display elements displayed for the functions thus preferably corresponds to the number of control elements. The display elements serve to indicate the function assigned to the corresponding control element to the passenger. The display element can indicate the function as a symbol, preferably an icon, and / or as an abbreviation.

[0011] The passenger can, in particular, be the vehicle driver. For clarity, each display element can be positioned in close proximity to the associated control element. For example, the associated display element can be positioned above the corresponding control element. This makes it clear to the passenger at a glance which control element they are using to operate the function indicated by a display element.

[0012] The display element can be designed to change the position of the display elements for the functions in accordance with the movement of the control unit. If the control unit is moved in a second direction, the display elements assigned to the control elements and thus to the functions move synchronously, so that the display elements remain in the same relative position to the control elements. This means that operations can still be easily accessed from any passenger position, e.g., even from a relaxed, rearward-facing seating position. The constant relative position between the display element and the control element ensures that the passenger can always recognize the assignment of the display elements and control elements at a glance.

[0013] Preferably, each control element can be designed as a physical control element. This is, in particular, a mechanical control element, for example, a button, a roller, a toggle switch, and / or a rotary switch.

[0014] Adjacent control elements are preferably arranged at a constant distance from one another on the control unit. At least two, preferably at least three, most preferably at least four, and / or at most ten, preferably at most eight, most preferably at most six control elements can be provided. In one embodiment, there are exactly five control elements. A search light can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of each control element for easy location.

[0015] Preferably, each control element can be operated in a plurality of locking positions, with each locking position being assigned a fixed adjustment value for the function to be adjusted. The function to be adjusted is the function assigned to the control element via the display element.

[0016] Each control element can be infinitely movable in two opposite directions. Furthermore, each control element can allow infinite adjustment possibilities in two directions. In the latter case, this represents a perceived endless chain of adjustment possibilities, while the former alternative creates a real endless chain of adjustment possibilities. The control element is designed to provide haptic feedback when operated. Furthermore, the control element can be designed to provide acoustic feedback. Feedback is thus directly integrated into the control elements.

[0017] The display device is particularly designed to display a multitude of functions, whereby each control element can be assigned a function based on the passenger's request. Assigning a function to a control element is preferably done by dragging a function displayed by the display device and dropping it in close proximity to the control element. In other words, the function can be assigned via "drag and drop." The functions to be controlled can thus be selected according to personal preference and assigned to the control elements. This can be done in an easy, simple, and intuitive manner.

[0018] The display unit can be configured to display functional groups of operable functions. This display is also performed via display elements. The display unit is configured to change the position of the display elements of the functional groups in response to a movement of the operating unit. The display elements of the functional groups thus also remain in the same position relative to the operating element. The functions grouped in a functional group can be individually configured. The functions displayed via the display elements change when a different functional group is selected.

[0019] An example of a functional group is the climate functions. Individual functions that fall under this group include temperature, seat heating, and ventilation.

[0020] Overall, a novel concept and design for the operation and display in a vehicle is created. Furthermore, a combination of physical, haptic controls for interaction is created, along with a significantly improved display, as well as the configurability and flexibility of the display unit.

[0021] Specifically, the device is located in the vehicle's center console. This creates a reduced, uncluttered appearance of the display area and thus of the entire center console, ensuring safe, haptically pleasant operation using the controls. Furthermore, the haptic feedback and the direct assignment of adjustment values ​​to click-stop positions enable virtually blind operation with minimal eye movement. The ability to move the control unit and the associated movement of the display elements allows a relaxed seating position to be maintained, particularly during automated driving, for example.

[0022] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a device as described above.

[0023] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating at least one function of a vehicle, which comprises displaying functions to be selected by a passenger using at least one display unit. The method can be carried out using a device described above. In particular, the method comprises assigning one function to each operating element. Furthermore, each function and thus each operating element can be assigned a display element. Each display element of a function can be displayed in a position in the immediate vicinity of the assigned operating element. Furthermore, function groups can also be displayed, likewise using display elements.When the control unit is moved in a second direction, the method can include a corresponding change in the position of the display elements of the functions and / or the display elements of the function groups in accordance with the movement of the control unit, so that each display element continues to be displayed at a position in the immediate vicinity of the associated control element. A movement of the control unit means a change in position in a second direction.

[0024] They show in a purely schematic representation: Fig. 1: a device for operating at least one function of a vehicle; and Fig. 2 and Fig. 3: the device of Fig. 1 with two different positions of the control unit; Fig. 4: a method for operating at least one function of a vehicle.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for operating at least one function 19 of a vehicle, wherein the device 10 comprises a display unit 11, which can be designed at least in sections as a touch-sensitive display 12.

[0026] Furthermore, the device 10 comprises an operating unit 13. The operating unit 13 extends in a first direction 30 and comprises a bridge-shaped support 15, which in Fig. 1 has five operating elements 16. Each operating element 16 is designed as a mechanical operating part 17. The carrier 15 encompasses the display unit 11 from a first edge region 11a to an opposite second edge region 11b of the display unit 11 in the first direction 30. The operating unit 13 is displaceable in the second direction 31.

[0027] Five display elements 14 are shown on the display unit 11, which indicate controllable functions 19 of the vehicle. Each control element 16 is assigned a display element 14. The display elements 14 are arranged directly above the assigned control elements 16.

[0028] Display elements 14 for function groups 18 of operable functions 19 can be displayed. Selecting a corresponding function group can change the displayed display elements 14, as functions from the selected function group are displayed. The display elements 14 of the function groups 18 are arranged directly above the display elements 14 of the functions 19.

[0029] The display unit 11 is designed to change the position of the display elements 14 of the functions according to the movement of the control unit 13. The display elements 14 of the functions thus move synchronously with the movement of the control unit. Furthermore, the position of the display elements 14 of the function groups can be changed synchronously.

[0030] In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is the device 10 of the Fig. 1, showing two different positions of the control unit. In Fig. 2 is the control element compared to the Fig. 3 below. It can be clearly seen how the position of the display elements 14 of the functions 19 and the position of the display elements 14 of the function groups 18 change according to the movement of the control unit 13 in Fig. 3 in the second direction 31. The display elements 14 remain in the same relative position to the control unit 13.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a method 100 for operating at least one function of a vehicle, wherein the method 100 comprises the display 101 of functions to be operated by a passenger using a display unit 11. As a next step, a function 19 can be assigned 103 to each control element 16 of the control unit 13. The corresponding display element 14 associated with the function is displayed 104 in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding control element. Upon movement of the control unit 13, the method 100 comprises a corresponding change 105 in the position of the display elements 14 of the functions 19 and / or a corresponding change 106 in the position of the display elements 14 of the function groups 18. List of reference symbols 10 Device 11 Display unit 11a first edge area 11b second edge area 12 displays 13 Control unit 14 Display element 15 carriers 16 Control element 17 Control panel 18 Functional group 19 Function 30 first direction 31 second direction 100 procedures 101 Display of functions to be selected by a passenger by means of a display unit 102 Display of function groups using a display unit 103 Assignment of one function to each control element 104 Display of display element in close proximity to control element 105 Change of the position of the display elements of the functions according to a movement of the control unit 106 Change of the position of the display elements of the function groups according to a movement of the control unit 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] EP 2 839 995 A1

[0003] EP 3 040 229 B1

[0004] US 9,746,951 B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for operating at least one function (19) of a vehicle, wherein the device (10) comprises a display unit (11) for displaying functions (19) to be selected by a passenger, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a bridge-shaped operating unit (13) extending in a first direction (30) for operating functions of the vehicle, wherein the operating unit (13) has operating elements (16), wherein the operating unit (13) is designed to be movable relative to the display unit (11) in a second direction (31). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the second direction (31) is perpendicular to the first direction (30). [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the display unit (11) is designed to display a display element (14) for each control element (16) for displaying a function assigned to the control element, wherein the display unit (11) is designed to change a position of the display elements (14) of the functions (19) according to a movement of the operating unit (13). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each operating element (16) is designed as a physical operating part (17). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each operating element (16) can be operated in a plurality of locking stages, wherein each locking step is assigned a fixed adjustment value of the function (19) to be adjusted. [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat each operating element (16) is endlessly movable in two opposite directions. [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each control element (16) allows endless adjustment possibilities in two opposite directions. [8] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each operating element (16) is designed to provide haptic feedback when it is operated. [9] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display device (11) is designed to display a plurality of functions (19), wherein each control element (16) can be assigned a function (19) according to the passenger's request. [10] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an assignment of a function to an operating element (16) is carried out by dragging the function and dropping it in the immediate vicinity of the operating element (16). [11] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display unit (11) is designed to display display elements (14) for functional groups (18) of operable functions (19), wherein the display unit (11) is designed to change a position of the display elements (14) for the functional groups (18) in accordance with a movement of the operating unit (13). [12] Vehicle comprising a device (10) according to one of claims 1 and 11. [13] Method (100) for operating at least one function of a vehicle, characterized by , that the method (100) comprises a display (101) of functions to be selected by a passenger by means of a display unit (11), characterized by , that the method (100) is carried out by means of a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (10) comprises a bridge-shaped operating unit (13) extending in a first direction (30), wherein the operating unit (13) has operating elements (16), and wherein the operating unit (13) is designed to be movable relative to the display unit (11) in a second direction (31). [14] Method (100) according to claim 13, characterized by , that for each control element (16) a display element (14) is displayed to display a function (19) assigned to the control element, wherein the method (100) comprises, upon movement of the operating unit (13) in the second direction (31), a change (105) of a position of the display elements (14) of the functions (19) corresponding to the movement of the operating unit (13). [15] Method (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by , that the method (100) comprises a display (102) of display elements (14) for functional groups, wherein the method (100) comprises, upon movement of the operating unit (13) in the second direction (31), a change (106) in the position of the display elements (14) of the functional groups in accordance with the movement of the operating unit (13).

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