OPERATING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING FUNCTIONS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for controlling functions of a motor vehicle of the type specified in patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such an operating device according to patent claim 7.

[0002] Similar operating devices are used in modern motor vehicles to enable the user to control secondary vehicle functions in particular with particular ease. Secondary vehicle functions are vehicle functions that are not directly related to driving activities (steering, controlling the speed, selecting a gear, etc.). In modern motor vehicles, these operating devices usually have a graphical user interface, for example a screen in conjunction with a control element. Furthermore, such operating devices comprise at least one control element with which the user can make inputs. These operating devices are often equipped with a function that allows the user to assign a specific secondary vehicle function to a control element preferred by the user.

[0003] DE 10 2005 040125 A1 discloses an operating device with a rotary knob having a rotary element, wherein a number of mechanical detents are provided for operating the rotary knob, by means of which a user can tactilely feel the intermediate positions or positions from the plurality of positions.

[0004] US Patent No. 7,060,924 B1 discloses a keyboard in which a soft and a firm pressure can be applied to a key on the keyboard. The keyboard detects the soft pressure. The device responds to the soft pressure by generating a visual and / or audible representation of a function associated with the key. When the key is pressed firmly, the function is performed.

[0005] DE 10 2012 218 843 A1 discloses an operating system with a control unit, an input device having an operating element and an image capture device by means of which image material representing an approach of a body part of a user to the operating element can be captured and made available to the control unit.

[0006] EP 1 010 585 A2 describes an operating device, an actuator and an inhibiting element, by means of which a rotational sensation of a rotary actuator of the actuator, associated with a selected function, can be provided as haptic feedback.

[0007] A disadvantage of such operating devices, however, is that they are typically operated by the user in a protected environment, for example the passenger compartment of a passenger car. This means that a simple transfer of this technology to the field of single-track motor vehicles, in particular motorcycles, is not readily possible. This is because the typical user of a motorcycle protects themselves by wearing protective clothing, in particular thick gloves. This means that the user of the motorcycle may not necessarily be able to fully operate the usually very delicate operating elements of an operating device described above. For example, the user of the motorcycle may not be able to distinguish between a simple touch and an operation of a control element that has already begun.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an operating device for controlling functions of a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, which can be fully operated through protective clothing.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by an operating device having the features of patent claim 1. Furthermore, this object is also achieved by a method according to patent claim 7.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining patent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, an operating device for controlling functions of a motor vehicle is provided, comprising an operating element which can be displaced from a rest position beyond a first actuating position into a second actuating position, and comprising a control unit which is configured, depending on a function assigned to the operating element, to control a display device for displaying information associated with the function when the operating element is arranged in the first actuating position, and to trigger the function when the operating element is arranged in the second actuating position, wherein the operating device is configured to output tactile feedback in at least one of the positions of the operating element.

[0012] In other words, the operating device comprises a control unit which is connected on the one hand to the operating element and on the other hand to the display device. If the operating element is actuated into the first actuating position, for example by a user, in particular a driver, of the motor vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, i.e. deflected from the rest position into the first actuating position, the information assigned to the function can be output via the display device by means of the control unit. The information assigned to the function can, for example, provide a user with information about the function that the operating element is currently assigned to. If the operating element is deflected beyond the first actuating position into the second actuating position, the function that the operating element is currently assigned to can be triggered.This function can in particular be secondary vehicle functions that are not directly related to the driving activity.

[0013] The control unit is configured to control an actuator acting on the control element to output tactile feedback. This is advantageous because there is a spatial relationship between the control element and the tactile feedback, creating an intuitive connection for the driver of the motor vehicle between actuating the control element and the feedback. In other words, it may be self-explanatory for the driver that the tactile feedback is generated by the driver having actuated the control element.

[0014] According to the invention, it is further provided that the operating device provides feedback to the user so that the user can determine without doubt which operating position the control element is currently in. According to the invention, this feedback is tactile, so that the user of the motor vehicle can clearly interpret the feedback even while wearing protective gloves.

[0015] For example, this feedback can be output when the control element is arranged in the first actuation position. Alternatively or additionally, the feedback can be output via the control device when the control element is arranged in the second actuation position.

[0016] The operating device described herein can also be advantageously used in a motor vehicle designed as a passenger car or commercial vehicle, since even in these vehicles, circumstances can arise in which a conventional operating device can only be fully operated under difficult conditions. For example, vibrations can be transmitted to the user of the motor vehicle via the vehicle, particularly during particularly bumpy driving, such as off-road driving or when the road surface is in particularly poor condition. It should also be noted that users of motor vehicles may be required to wear gloves and / or other protective clothing while driving, for example for reasons of occupational health and safety or due to illness.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, an actuating portion of the control element rests against a stop step in the first actuating position, thereby generating tactile feedback. This is advantageous because there is a particularly spatial connection between actuation of the control element and the tactile feedback. Thus, it is clearly clear to a user of the motor vehicle that the feedback the user has received is directly related to the control element. This minimizes distraction for the user, resulting in increased safety.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the actuating portion of the control element rests against an end stop in the second actuating position, which generates tactile feedback. This also makes it clear to the vehicle user when they have moved the actuating element to the second actuating position.

[0019] It has also proven advantageous if the control unit is configured to control an actuator acting on a component different from the operating device to output tactile feedback. This means that the tactile feedback does not necessarily have to be spatially related to the operating element. For example, an existing actuator can be used, which can be configured to provide the user of the motor vehicle with information or (warning) signals from a driver assistance system, for example by means of vibration. For example, the feedback can be provided on a pedal assembly, on a seat, on a handlebar, or at another location where the user is in direct physical contact with the motor vehicle.

[0020] When using actively controlled actuators, it is advantageous that a perceptible signal from the respective actuators, possibly already present, such as a vibration signal, is already designed to be clearly perceptible through a glove or other parts of protective clothing. Another advantage is that the control device can be integrated into the vehicle with very little effort.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control unit is configured to control the actuator or actuators to output a tactile feedback signal in at least one of the positions of the operating element. In other words, the respective actuator can be controlled by means of the control unit when the operating element is arranged in the first actuation position. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator can be controlled via the control unit when the operating element is arranged in the second actuation position. In particular, the control unit can be configured to output different signals in each case, so that a first tactile feedback signal can be output by means of the respective actuator when the operating element is arranged in the first actuation position and a second tactile feedback signal can be output when the operating element is arranged in the second actuation position.The first and second tactile feedback can be different from each other. This is particularly advantageous because it makes it clear to the user whether they have activated the control element in the first or second actuation position.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the operating device is protected against moisture penetration, at least in certain areas. This is particularly useful with regard to the intended use of the operating device on a motor vehicle designed as a motorcycle. A motorcycle does not require a passenger compartment that is even partially enclosed, which leaves both the user of the motorcycle and the operating device and its operating elements unprotected from weather and environmental influences.

[0023] The present invention further provides a method for operating an operating device as described herein, in which the display device for displaying the information associated with the function is controlled by means of the control unit depending on the function assigned to the operating element when the operating element is arranged in the first actuating position. A further part of the method is that the function is triggered by means of the control unit depending on the function assigned to the operating element when the operating element is arranged in the second actuating position. Furthermore, in the method, a tactilely perceptible feedback is output by means of the operating device in at least one of the positions of the operating element.

[0024] In other words, the method comprises a first step in which, as soon as the operating element is arranged in the first actuating position, the display device is controlled by means of the control unit in such a way that the information providing information and / or further details on the function currently assigned to the operating element is shown on the display device. In a second step, i.e. when the operating element is arranged in the second actuating position, the function currently assigned to the operating element is triggered by means of the control unit. This method further provides for tactile feedback, for example a vibration, to be output when the operating element is arranged in one of the actuating positions.In particular, it is conceivable that a tactile feedback is output by means of the operating device when the operating element is arranged in the first and in the second position.

[0025] In an advantageous development of the method for operating the operating device, a different function can be assigned to the operating element by means of the control unit if the operating element is held in the second actuation position for a predetermined minimum period and, during this time, an element representing the other function is optically marked by the display device. For example, a user of the motor vehicle can assign a function to the corresponding operating element by first displaying the corresponding entry, i.e., the element representing the function, on the display device and focusing on it. For example, the element representing the function can be framed, have a particularly high-contrast background, a (mouse) pointer can rest on or point to it, etc.The user can then move the control element into the second actuation position and hold it there, for example by pressing and then holding it down, whereby the actuated control element is assigned precisely the function whose corresponding entry is currently selected on the display device, i.e. which is focused on at least one of the measures just described. This is advantageous in that a user is able to link preferred vehicle functions, which can be shown using the display device, with a particularly quickly accessible control element. The particularly preferred vehicle functions can be vehicle functions that the user or driver activates particularly frequently. This reduces the time required to call up the desired function, in particular, so that the driver is only distracted to a very small extent from primary driving activities and / or traffic events.

[0026] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if, in the method, the control unit controls an actuator to output tactile feedback as soon as the other function has been assigned to the control element. In other words, the control unit controls the actuator so that it outputs the tactile feedback as confirmation as soon as the other function has been assigned to the control element. This is particularly advantageous because it clearly confirms to the motor vehicle user that a new function has been assigned to the control element, making it clear to the user that they can release the corresponding control element again.

[0027] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0028] Advantageous embodiments of the operating device according to the invention for controlling functions of a motor vehicle are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention for operating this operating device, wherein the means of the operating device are used to carry out the method steps.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of an operating device for controlling the function of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 an operating element of the operating device, which in the first actuation position ( Fig. 2a ) and in the second operating position ( Fig. 2b ) is arranged; and Fig. 3 steps of a method for operating the operating device.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an operating device 1 for controlling functions of a motor vehicle designed as a motorcycle. A motorcycle is a single-track motor vehicle on which a user sits astride, similar to a bicycle. Since a motorcycle, which can also be called a motorbike or motorcycle, lacks a passenger cell, the user and the motorcycle's operating elements are not separated from the environment. Furthermore, when riding the motorcycle, the user is naturally exposed to the elements in addition to the wind, which is why the motorcycle user usually protects themselves with special protective clothing, which can also include a pair of gloves. Furthermore, the direct physical contact between the rider of the motorcycle and the motorcycle means that vibrations from the motorcycle are transmitted directly to the rider.Accordingly, special requirements are placed on the operating devices of motorcycles, which are described in more detail below.

[0031] Accordingly, in Fig. 1 The operating device 1 is shown, which has a control unit 2 and a control element 3 connected thereto. The control element 3 can assume three positions. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the operating element 3 is arranged in the rest position. This means that an actuating portion 4 of the operating element 3 is not actuated and is in the starting position. If the actuating portion 4 is actuated, for example pressed by the driver, the operating element 3 can be moved into a first actuating position. If actuation ends at this point, the operating element is designed to automatically return to the actuating position. For example, although not explained in more detail, the operating element can have a spring element which can be tensioned by displacing the actuating portion 4 within the operating element 3. Accordingly, the actuating portion 4 can be displaced, in particular automatically, into the rest position when the spring element is relaxed.

[0032] The operating element 3 is connected to the control device or control unit 2 wirelessly and / or by wire. Furthermore, the operating device 1 is connected to a display device 5, whereby this connection can also be implemented wirelessly and / or by wire. In particular, the display device 5 can be connected to the control unit 2 of the operating device 1. Furthermore, the operating device 1 can have at least one actuator 6, which can be connected to the control unit 2. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device 1 can be connected to at least one external actuator 7; for example, the external actuator 7 can be connected to the control unit 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating device 1 is connected to the motorcycle. This means that the operating device 1 is connected to at least part of the vehicle electronics 8 of the motorcycle, i.e., the motorcycle itself, whereby the operating device 1 is capable of controlling, in particular, secondary vehicle functions of the motorcycle via the control unit 2. In particular, the operating device 1 is configured to control, in particular trigger, a secondary vehicle function via the control unit 2 depending on an actuating position of the operating element 3.

[0034] As already described, the display device 5 is connected to the operating device 1 in such a way that information can be output on the display device 5 by means of the control unit 2. If the operating element 3 is deflected from the rest position and moved into the first actuation position, information related to a vehicle function can be output on the display device 5 as a function thereof. In particular, this information can be related to the vehicle function currently assigned to the operating element 3. For example, the operating element 3 can be assigned to call up the on-board computer. This means that if the user of the motorcycle places the operating element 3 in the first actuation position, the information that the operating element 3 is linked to the function of the on-board computer is output on the display device 5 via the control unit 2, for example.When the control element 3 is moved beyond the first actuation position into the second actuation position, the function currently assigned to the control element 3 is triggered. To return to the above example, the on-board computer can be called up, for example, when the control element 3 is moved into the second actuation position.

[0035] The operating device 1 is further designed to output tactile feedback to the user of the motorcycle, for example via the operating element 3 itself and / or via one or more actuators 6 or via one or more actuators 7, when the operating element 3 is arranged in the first and / or second actuation position. This means that the user of the motorcycle, in particular the rider, can feel, even under adverse conditions, whether they have arranged the operating element 3 in the first and / or second actuation position. In particular, this enables the rider of the motorcycle to feel, through their protective clothing, in which actuation position the operating element 3 is currently arranged. Thus, it is already clear to the rider of the motorcycle when the operating element 3 is actuated whether information is being output on the display device 5 or whether the function assigned to the operating element 3 is being triggered.In other words, the rider of the motorcycle can decide precisely whether he merely wants to receive information about the corresponding function or whether he ultimately wants to trigger this function.

[0036] The Fig. 2a und 2b each show a schematic representation of the principle of the operating element 3 of the operating device 1, which in the first actuating position ( Fig. 2a ) and in the second operating position ( Fig. 2b ) is arranged. Starting from the rest position of the control element 3, as shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the actuating portion 4 of the operating element 3 can be deflected by a first actuating force 9, for example against a spring element (not shown in detail). In order to generate a tactilely perceptible feedback, the operating element 3 can have a stop step 10 which can be overcome reversibly. For example, the stop step 10 can be formed by at least one spring-elastic element, against which the actuating portion 4 of the operating element 3 impacts as soon as it has been moved into the first actuating position. This impact of the actuating portion 4 on the stop step forms the tactilely perceptible feedback for the user of the motorcycle, which indicates to him that the operating element 3 is arranged in the first actuating position.

[0037] If, starting from the first operating position as shown in Fig. 2a If, as shown, a second actuating force 11 is applied to the actuating portion 4 of the operating element 3, the latter can be displaced into the second actuating position, for example by overpressing the stop step 10, i.e. the elastic spring element. If the stop step 10 is overpressed, the actuating portion 4, at maximum deflection, rests against an end stop 12, which can be formed, for example, by a base of the operating element 3. For the rider of the motorcycle, it is clear at the latest when the actuating portion 4 strikes the end stop 12, i.e. the base, of the operating element 3, that the operating element is arranged in the second actuating position. Furthermore, the tactile feedback for the user of the motorcycle can also be designed such that a comparatively greater force is required to overpress the stop step 10 than to actuate the operating element into the first actuating position.

[0038] Referring again to Fig. 1 It is shown there that the tactile feedback can also be generated by means of the actuator 6. The actuator 6 can be in mechanical contact with the control element 3, which in the Fig. 1 is represented by a dashed line. This means that the control unit 2 can be configured to examine an actuation of the operating element 3 to determine whether it is arranged in the first or second actuation position. Depending on the result, the control unit 2 can control the actuator 6 so that the actuator transmits the tactile feedback, for example a vibration, to the user of the motorcycle via the operating element 3. In particular, the control unit 2 can be configured to control the actuator 6 such that a first tactile feedback is output when the operating element 3 is arranged in the first actuation position, and that a second tactile feedback is output via the actuator 6 to the operating element 3 when the operating element 3 is arranged in the second actuation position. In this case, the first and second tactile feedback can be different from one another.

[0039] It is also in Fig. 1 It is shown that the operating device 1 and in particular the control unit 2 can be configured to output the tactile feedback described above alternatively or additionally via the actuator 7. In this case, the actuator 7 can be in mechanical contact with a component of the motorcycle which is different from the operating device. For example, the actuator 7 can be in mechanical contact with a handlebar of the motorcycle, with a pedal assembly of the motorcycle or with a seat of the motorcycle, etc. Accordingly, the tactile feedback can be felt by the rider of the motorcycle, for example on the handlebars, on the pedal assembly and / or on the seat, as soon as the operating element 3 is arranged in the first or second actuation position.

[0040] Fig. 3shows steps of a method for operating the operating device described above. In a first step S1, the operating element 3 is deflected into the first actuating position. As a result, the control unit 2 causes the display device 5 to output the information associated with the function. In a second step S2, the operating element 3 is deflected into the second actuating position, for example by means of the second actuating force 11, so that the vehicle function linked to the operating element 3 is triggered by the control unit 2. In this case, the first actuating force can be lower than the second actuating force.

[0041] Simultaneously with the first step S1 and / or simultaneously with the second step S2, tactile feedback is output by means of the control unit 2 by controlling the actuator 6 and / or the actuator 7. The actuator 6 is mechanically connected to the control element 3, so that the tactile feedback is output via the control element 3. The actuator 7 is mechanically connected to a part of the motorcycle that is different from the control device, so that the tactile feedback is output at this point. For example, the tactile feedback can be output on a handlebar, on a pedal system and / or on a seat, etc. of the motorcycle.

[0042] If, for example, the control unit 2 determines that the operating element 3 is held in the second actuation position for a predetermined minimum period, the control unit 2 assigns a different function to the operating element. In particular, the control unit 2 assigns to the operating element 3 the function that is currently visually marked by the display device but not triggered. In other words, the motorcycle rider navigates, using a control element (not described in detail) and with the aid of the display device 5, to the corresponding entry that triggers the function that the motorcycle user wishes to assign to the operating element 3.If the control element 3 is now actuated beyond the first actuation position into the second actuation position and held there for the specified minimum duration, the control unit 2 links the entry currently marked on the display device, for example, a function activation, with the control element 3. In other words, the control element 3 is programmable by a user of the motorcycle, in particular the rider. This means that the user assigns a desired function to the control element 3, so that simply actuating this control element 3 triggers the assigned function or a corresponding function is displayed on the display device 5.

[0043] Once the above-described assignment of another function to the control element 3 is complete, the actuator 6 and / or the actuator 7 can be controlled by the control unit, so that a tactile feedback is generated to signal to the user of the motorcycle that the assignment of the other function to the control element 3 was successful. In particular, the tactile feedback, as confirmation of the assignment of the other function to the control element, can be a further tactile feedback different from the previously described tactile feedback.

[0044] The above description also applies to an operating device which is used in a multi-track motor vehicle, for example in a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, etc. List of reference symbols

[0045] 1 Operating device 2 Control unit 3 Operating element 4 Actuating component 5 Display device 6 Actuator included in operating device 1 7 Actuator external to operating device 1 8 Vehicle electronics 9 Stop step 10 Spring-elastic element 11 Second actuating force 12 End stop S1 First process step S2 Second process step

Claims

1. Operator control device (1) for controlling functions of a motor vehicle, having an operator control element (3) which can be moved out of a position of rest, beyond a first activation position into a second activation position, wherein the operator control device (1) is configured to output feedback, which can be perceived in a tactile fashion, in at least the second activation position of the operator control element (3), and having a control unit (2) which is configured to trigger a function to which the operator control element (3) is assigned if the operator control element (3) is arranged in the second activation position, characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured to actuate, in accordance with the function, a display device (5) to display information associated with the function, if the operator control element (3) is arranged in the first activation position, wherein the operator control device (1) is configured to output feedback, which can be perceived in a tactile fashion, in the first activation position of the operator control element (3), wherein the control unit (2) is oriented to actuate an actuator, which acts on the operator control element, to output the feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion.

2. Operator control device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the first activation position an activation portion (4) of the operator control element (3) comes to rest against a stop step (10), as a result of which feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion is generated.

3. Operator control device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the second activation position an activation portion (4) of the operator control element (3) comes to rest against an end stop (12), as a result of which feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion is generated.

4. Operator control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured to actuate an actuator (7), which acts on a component which is different from the operator control device (1), to output feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion.

5. Operator control device (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured to actuate the actuator (6, 7) or the actuators (6, 7) to output feedback, which can be perceived in a tactile fashion, in at least one of the positions of the operator control element (3).

6. Operator control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator control device (1) is protected at least in certain areas against a penetration of moisture.

7. Method for operating an operator control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - in accordance with the function to which the operator control element (3) is assigned, the function is triggered by means of the control unit (2) if the operator control element (3) is arranged in the second activation position, - feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion is output in at least the second activation position of the operator control element (3) by means of the operator control device (1), characterized in that - in accordance with the function to which the operator control element (3) is assigned, the display device (5) is actuated, by means of the control unit (2), to display the information which is associated with the function if the operator control element (3) is arranged in the first activation position; - feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion is output in the first activation position of the operator control element (3) by means of the operator control device (1), wherein an actuator, which acts on the operator control element, is actuated by means of the control unit (2) to output the feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion.

8. Method for operating an operator control device (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that another function is allocated to the operator control element (3) by means of the control unit (2) if the operator control element (3) is held for a predefined minimum period in the second activation position, and during this time an element which represents the other function is marked visually by means of the display device (5).

9. Method for operating an operator control device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (6, 7) for outputting feedback which can be perceived in a tactile fashion is actuated by means of the control unit (2) as soon as the allocation of the other function to the operator control element (3) has taken place.