Road vehicle with operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a road vehicle with an operating device (1) for operating functions, wherein the operating device (1) comprises at least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) which is arranged such that it can be displaced spatially in the road vehicle. The invention is characterized by two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) which can be displaced independently of one another along two guide tracks (3) running in parallel to one another and which are each connected to a dedicated actuator, wherein the respective actuator is configured to move the respective operating element (2.1, 2.2) along its guide track (3) in a manner which is dependent on an actuating signal received from a control unit.

Description

[0001] Road vehicle with operating device

[0002] The invention relates to a road vehicle of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] A wide variety of human-machine interfaces are known for user interaction with a vehicle. A vehicle may have physical buttons, switches, knobs, sliders, or the like, which can be used to operate vehicle functions such as adjusting the air conditioning, operating an infotainment system, activating a specific driving mode or gearshift mode, turning the vehicle's headlights on and off, and the like. Touch-sensitive display devices, also known as touch displays, are also increasingly being integrated into vehicles. This allows control actions to be transmitted via touch input. This makes it possible, for example, to conveniently program a navigation route into a navigation system. Furthermore, the integration of voice assistants into vehicles is known, allowing user interaction via voice dialogue.

[0004] The technology being integrated into vehicles is becoming increasingly complex. Powerful computing components and high-resolution displays are now being integrated into vehicles. This allows, for example, the front passenger or passengers in the rear to watch films or play video games while driving. Each passenger can be assigned an individual display. There are also vehicles in which a particularly large display is integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle or connected to it, stretching from the driver's side to the front passenger side. This is also known as a pillar-to-pillar arrangement. This allows the instrument cluster and head unit, as well as a passenger display, to be shown on different areas of the display.

[0005] To relax, vehicle occupants can also adjust their seats to a comfortable position while driving. For example, the entire vehicle seat can be moved backward and / or the backrest folded back. In the future, vehicles will also be capable of fully automated or even autonomous driving. This allows the driver to relinquish the driving task and thus consume media while driving, especially while sitting comfortably. Measures must therefore be taken to ensure that vehicle occupants can make inputs to operate vehicle functions regardless of their seating position.

[0006] DE 102005 014 939 A1 discloses a control element and an interface for a vehicle computer. The control element is designed like a computer mouse. Guides are provided to restrict the freedom of movement of the control element, for example, preventing it from falling off a surface. To improve accessibility, the control element can be moved in its position along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. For this purpose, locking means are provided, which can be actuated to manually move or fix the control element.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved road vehicle which enables individual user interaction for the vehicle occupants regardless of their respective seating position.

[0008] A generic road vehicle with an operating device for operating functions, wherein the operating device has at least one operating element which is arranged so as to be spatially displaceable in the road vehicle, is further developed according to the invention by two operating elements which can be displaced independently of one another along two guide tracks running parallel to one another and which are each connected to a separate actuator, wherein the respective actuator is designed to move the respective operating element along its guide track in dependence on an actuating signal received from a control unit.

[0009] The control elements can be used to register user inputs for operating the functions. The corresponding control elements can be moved along their respective guide tracks so that users can easily reach the control elements regardless of their seating position. The control elements can be moved independently of one another using actuators. This allows each user to set the appropriate position for the control element they have intended to use. The automatic movement of the respective control elements depending on the control signal received from the control unit allows the control element position to be automatically adjusted. This allows the respective control element to be moved within reach of each vehicle occupant, reliably ensuring that the respective vehicle occupant can actually reach the control element.

[0010] The road vehicle can be a car, truck, van, bus or similar.

[0011] All common actuators can be used to move the respective control elements. For example, one or more electric motors, designed as rotary drives or linear drives, can be provided, which directly or indirectly via a gear mechanism cause an adjustment movement of the respective control element along its guideway. Hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, or other drive means can also be used. Separate locking devices can be provided to stop the movement of the respective control element, or the actuator can simply be stopped.

[0012] The control elements can be mounted in various ways. For example, they can be mounted and displaceable in a guide track or guide rail, preferably designed as a linear drive, arranged below, on the side of, or on the center console. A slider is displaceably mounted in the guide track. In one embodiment, the slider is either immovably connected to the control element, and the guide track is immovably connected to the center console. Preferably, in another embodiment, the guide track is immovably connected to the control element, and the slider is immovably connected to the center console, so that the guide track is not visually visible to the user.If the guide track is arranged to the side or even below the center console, the control element designed as an L-element encompasses the top and side surfaces, or the control element designed as a U-element encompasses the top, sides, and bottom surfaces of the center console. The slider, in turn, is connected to the actuator, which controls the control element in the longitudinal direction, i.e. stops or moves it, depending on the control signal from the control unit, which is preferably connected to or integrated into the seat control unit and / or an operating device. To determine the axial position of the control elements or the sliders, the vehicle preferably has linear potentiometers or lidar sensors integrated into the guide track.

[0013] An advantageous development of the road vehicle provides that the control unit is configured to stop the actuator for moving the control element when the control unit detects the input of an operating action via the moving control element. This allows the respective control element to be easily and reliably positioned correctly relative to the user. Thus, the respective control element is moved until the user can reach the control element. Whether the user can reach the respective control element is determined by detecting the operating action. The respective axial position of the control element can also be fixed using locking means.

[0014] The control element can use a variety of means to input operating actions, such as physical buttons, switches, rotary push buttons, dials, sliders, and the like.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle, at least one control element has a touch-sensitive surface, in particular a touch-sensitive display device. A touch-sensitive surface can improve the aesthetic appearance of the control element. Furthermore, operating touch-sensitive surfaces is now intuitive for many users, which improves usability. The meanings underlying the respective vehicle function can be applied to the touch-sensitive surface, for example, printed on it. For example, a respective meaning can be illustrated by text and / or pictograms.

[0016] Particularly preferably, a respective control element comprises or is formed by a touch-sensitive display device. This allows not only control actions to be received via touch input, but also situation-specific information to be displayed. In particular, said text and / or icons can be changed depending on a respective currently used or available vehicle function. In general, a regular display can also be integrated into a respective control element.

[0017] Such a (touch-sensitive) display device can particularly preferably be designed as a so-called shy-tech display, which displays content only in a relevant situation and remains dark otherwise. Thus, the user is not immediately aware that a corresponding display is integrated into the control element, creating a "wow" effect.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the invention further provides that the operating elements can be physically and / or logically coupled manually and / or by actuators, wherein:

[0019] - the two control elements are in a coupled mode at the same axial position along the respective guideway;

[0020] - the two control elements are mechanically connected to each other in a physical coupling; and / or

[0021] - the two control elements are set up to operate the same vehicle function in a logical coupling.

[0022] Coupling the two control elements enables even more intuitive operation of the vehicle's functions for the user. The two control elements are particularly preferably coupled when they are moved to the same axial position. This can be done manually, for example, by a user manually moving the respective control element along the guideway. As soon as the moved control element reaches the axial position of the other control element, the coupling occurs automatically or after entering a separate coupling input.

[0023] The respective control elements can also be moved by actuators to initiate the aforementioned pairing. To do so, a vehicle occupant can issue a pairing request, for example, via voice command or by operating a corresponding control element in the vehicle interior. As will be mentioned later, a user can also perform a gesture, which can be interpreted by the vehicle as a request to pair the control elements.

[0024] A logical coupling of the two control elements is also possible without the controls being in the same axial position. The mechanical connection of the two control elements in a physical coupling has the advantage that both control elements can be moved together if only one of the control elements is moved manually. The logical coupling of the two control elements is then automatically maintained.

[0025] The fact that the two control elements are located at the same axial position can be determined in various ways. For example, the position of the respective actuator can be read. For example, a rotational position of an electric motor or a linear position of a linear drive can be read and assigned to an axial position. Electrical contacts can also be provided at different axial positions, with a different electrical contact being closed in each axial position, allowing the axial position to be determined. All common position determination methods are possible, including light barriers, magnetic switches, and the like.

[0026] To determine that the two control elements are arranged at the same axial position, the exact axial position does not necessarily have to be determined. For example, both control elements can have corresponding electrical contacts, light barriers, magnetic switches, or the like on a side facing the other control element, which are closed or actuated when the two control elements are moved to the same axial position. A mechanical connection for physically coupling the control elements can be automatically established, for example, by engaging them using separate locking devices or magnets.

[0027] By logically coupling the control elements, the respective vehicle occupants are able to operate the common vehicle function. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the invention, at least one control element has a permanent or switchable surface structure for applying a haptic effect to a user. The surface structure can be simple elevations or roughened areas. This enables a user to determine the position of buttons or control surfaces without having to look at the control element. Furthermore, operation by visually impaired or blind people is thus possible. Particularly preferably, the surface structure can thus also be designed as Braille.

[0028] A respective control element can have not only a permanent surface structure, but also a switchable surface structure. The switchable surface structure can be switched between a retracted and an extended state. Display devices with retractable and extendable highlighting are generally known. Such a function can also be integrated into the road vehicle according to the invention or the control device. If a respective control element comprises, for example, a touch-sensitive display device, the surface structure can be switched depending on the image content displayed on the touch-sensitive display device.

[0029] For example, if only information is displayed, the surface structure remains retracted. If control surfaces are displayed instead, a corresponding surface structure can be highlighted, analogous to the contact surface. A switchable surface structure can also be provided in an area of ​​a control element that is different from a display device.

[0030] Actuators can also be built into a respective control element which exert a force on the control element when a user input is registered, so that the user can perceive a vibration or knock caused by this as a signal that a corresponding operating action has been registered by the control element.

[0031] A further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the invention further provides that the operating device is arranged between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat, and the two guideways run substantially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, so that operating inputs from a driver can be detected by means of the operating element arranged closer to the driver's seat, and operating inputs from a passenger can be detected by means of the operating element arranged closer to the passenger's seat. This enables reliable and intuitive operation for the driver and passenger of the road vehicle. The driver and passenger can make operating inputs to control the vehicle's functions individually and independently of one another, as well as regardless of their respective seating positions.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle, the operating device is configured to change a seat position by moving a control element along its guide track and / or to receive a control signal for moving a control element along its guide track from a seat control unit. In other words, the position of a respective control element in its guide track is linked to a respective seat position. Thus, a user can move the control element assigned to them along the guide track, whereby the axial position of the control element is transmitted as a control signal to the seat control unit, which then automatically changes a seat position.Any seat position can be adjusted, such as the translational forward or backward movement of the entire vehicle seat, the uprighting or reclining of a seat back, the raising or lowering of an armrest or leg rest, and the like. Particularly preferred is the entire seat configuration being changed from an upright sitting position to a comfortable reclining position by sliding the respective control element backward along its guide track.

[0033] Similarly, when adjusting a seat, the control element can automatically track the seat position. The seat control unit transmits a control signal to the control unit, which in turn activates an actuator to move the control element along the guideway. This allows each user to change their seat position in a proven way, for example, by manually operating the corresponding adjustment devices on the vehicle seat or by pressing corresponding buttons or controls to automatically change the seat position.

[0034] By adjusting each control element together with the seat, the user no longer needs to move the control element along the guide rail, reliably ensuring that the user can reach the control element in the respective sitting position. This eliminates the need for the user to bend over, for example, to bring the control element closer to them.

[0035] A further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the invention further provides that the control unit for outputting the actuating signal is configured to evaluate sensor data from at least one sensor integrated into the operating device and / or at least one sensor arranged in the road vehicle and detecting the vehicle interior, and to output the actuating signal as a function of a user's hand positioned above the operating device in the vehicle interior. This enables even more comfortable and reliable movement of the respective operating element along its respective guide path. A wide variety of sensors are suitable for detecting depth information, such as cameras, radar sensors, laser scanners, ultrasonic sensors, and the like. This allows not only the positions of objects or limbs of people in the vehicle to be detected, but also movements.This allows users to "call" the respective control element to themselves by holding their hand over the guideway. The control unit then detects the position of the hand in relation to the control device from the sensor data and can move the respective control element along the guideway to the position of the user's hand.

[0036] To prevent the respective control element from being accidentally moved along its respective guideway, it can also be provided that the user must perform a specific hand gesture before the control unit activates the actuator to move the control element. For example, the user can perform a circular or waving movement with their hand to move the control element toward their hand.

[0037] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the invention, the control element assigned to the driver is configured to operate the instrument cluster and / or the head unit, and the control element assigned to the front passenger is configured to operate a passenger display and / or the head unit. Thus, the driver and front passenger are each able to operate individual vehicle functions as well as shared vehicle functions using the control elements assigned to the respective persons. This enables even more reliable and intuitive operation of the vehicle functions. In particular, the entirety of the operable vehicle functions depends on the axial position of the respective control element. Therefore, if the control element assigned to a specific vehicle occupant is in a first axial position, it is possible to operate different vehicle functions than in a second axial position.Additionally or alternatively, the presentation of information on corresponding display devices in the vehicle can also be adapted depending on the axial position of the control elements.

[0038] For example, if both controls are in the same axial position, the driver and front passenger can operate the head unit together. However, if the two controls are in different axial positions, the driver can operate the vehicle functions available to him individually, and the front passenger can operate the vehicle functions available to him individually.

[0039] In particular, the presentation of information on the display devices in the road vehicle is adjusted depending on the axial position of the respective control elements. If a user moves their control element, the presentation of the display content changes accordingly.

[0040] An advantageous development of the road vehicle according to the invention further provides that the operating device is designed to couple the two operating elements when:

[0041] - the two control elements are moved along their respective guideways to the same axial position, in particular if the two control elements are both located in the rear half of the guideways with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;

[0042] - the execution of a specified gesture by a user in the vehicle interior or the actuation of a coupling device is detected; and / or

[0043] - the instrument cluster, the head unit and the passenger display are used as a single, integrated display element, particularly when the driver's seat and the passenger seat are in a reclined position.

[0044] This means that there are a wide variety of options for coupling or decoupling the controls. If the two controls are moved to the same axial position, they can be physically and / or logically coupled. If the two controls are then moved to different axial positions, the physical and / or logical coupling can be terminated in the same way. Physical and / or logical coupling preferably only takes place in the rear half of the guide tracks. If the driver and front passenger are in a front seating position, it is highly likely that the driver and front passenger will still want to use different vehicle functions. For example, the driver can concentrate on a driving task while the front passenger surf the internet or watch a film. In the front seating position, both controls are then also in a front position within the guide tracks.In this case, physically and / or logically linking the controls would be undesirable. However, if both controls are moved to the rear half of the guideways, the driver and passenger are likely to want to engage in the same task, such as watching a movie together. In this case, it is advantageous to physically and / or logically link the two controls.

[0045] As already mentioned, the physical and / or logical coupling of the control elements can occur automatically when both control elements are moved to the same axial position. However, it is also possible to logically couple the control elements when they are located at different axial positions, or to only perform the physical and / or logical coupling of the control elements in the same axial position after detecting a corresponding user request. This is achieved by the aforementioned gesture, or by actuating the coupling means(s). Special buttons, switches, touch elements, or the like can be provided, after actuation of which a request to pair the control elements is detected by the vehicle. The corresponding coupling means can be arranged anywhere in the vehicle, for example, integrated into the dashboard, a transmission tunnel, or even in the control device itself.

[0046] It is also possible for a user to issue a pairing request via voice input.

[0047] The linking of the controls can also be configured depending on how the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger display are used. For example, the controls can be linked automatically if the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger display are used as a single display element. It is also possible for the controls to only be linked if the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger display are used as a single display element. The reverse approach is also possible, meaning the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger display can be switched to single display element mode if the two controls are physically and / or logically linked.

[0048] In particular, the seating position of the driver's seat and passenger seat is taken into account, so that switching to the mode as a connected display element preferably only occurs when both seats are in the retracted position or are moved into this position. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the invention, the operating device is configured to ensure that:

[0049] - when the two control elements are coupled, two independent displays output via display devices integrated into the control elements are converted into a common display;

[0050] - when the two control elements are linked, the instrument cluster, the head unit and the passenger display are switched to a mode as a connected playback element; and / or

[0051] - when the operating elements are coupled, lamps integrated into the operating element and / or the operating device are controlled to emit a light characteristic, in particular to emit a dynamic light characteristic.

[0052] This enables even more intuitive and reliable user interaction. If, for example, the driver is in a front seat position and the front passenger is in a rear seat position, a speedometer and tachometer can be shown in the instrument cluster. An internet browser can be shown on the passenger display, for example. The control element assigned to the driver can, for example, display control surfaces for adjusting an infotainment system and a ventilation system of the road vehicle. The front passenger control element can be used to operate the internet browser. If the driver now moves their control element backward in the guide track, the seat position can then, for example, be automatically changed to the retracted position and a mode for watching a film together can be started.

[0053] This changes the display content shown on the touch-sensitive displays of the controls. The two separate touch-sensitive displays then function as a single, connected display. For example, a play button, a fast-forward / rewind button, and a stop button are displayed. This allows the driver and front passenger to conveniently and intuitively control a media player together.

[0054] A wide variety of light sources can be integrated into the respective control elements, such as individual LEDs or LED strips. If the control elements are coupled or uncoupled, this can be made clear by the emission of certain light characteristics. This allows users to quickly and easily understand which mode the control elements are in. If the control elements are coupled, the light sources can, for example, light up briefly in a certain color or emit a continuous light. If the two control elements are uncoupled, they can, for example, light up red. If the control elements are coupled, the light sources can, for example, light up green. The red and green light can be continuous in the respective mode, or only immediately upon coupling and uncoupling, with no light or white light being emitted by the light sources otherwise.

[0055] For example, LED strips can run around the entire circumference of the control elements in a top-down view. When coupled or uncoupled, moving light patterns can be displayed along the edge of the control elements. For example, if the control elements are coupled, a white light can be guided all the way around the control elements. To create dynamic lighting characteristics, the brightness and / or color of individual or multiple light sources can be changed over time. This also allows for the creation of light gradients.

[0056] The light characteristics emitted by the lamps can also be adapted to the ambient lighting of the road vehicle, so that the ambient lighting is also reproduced via the lamps. Similarly, the light characteristics emitted during coupling or uncoupling can be reproduced via the regular ambient lighting of the road vehicle.

[0057] Further advantageous embodiments of the road vehicle according to the invention also emerge from the exemplary embodiments which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0058] Showing:

[0059] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an operating device integrated for operating functions in a road vehicle according to the invention;

[0060] Fig. 2 two schematic perspective views of an interior view of the road vehicle according to the invention; and

[0061] Fig. 3 various possible positions of the operating elements included in the operating device.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an operating device 1 included in a road vehicle according to the invention. The operating device 1 comprises two parallel guideways 3, in each of which an operating element 2.1 and an operating element 2.2 are movably arranged. Particularly preferably, the operating device 1 is integrated into the road vehicle such that the two guideways 3 run parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, in particular between a driver's seat 5 and a passenger seat 6 shown in Figure 2.

[0063] The two control elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be moved independently of one another along the respective guide track 3. For this purpose, each of the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 is connected to an actuator (not shown in detail). The actuator is controlled as a function of a control signal received from a control unit (not shown in detail). The control unit can be integrated into the control device 1 or can be designed externally and integrated into the road vehicle. For example, the control unit is the control unit of a vehicle subsystem. A dedicated control unit can therefore be provided, or an existing control unit can be used, such as a seat control unit.

[0064] A respective control element 2.1, 2.2 can have various means for receiving user input. For example, physical buttons 11, such as knobs, switches, rotary controls, or the like, can be arranged on any side of a respective control element 2.1, 2.2. Any side of the respective control element 2.1, 2.2 can also completely or partially comprise or be formed thereby a touch-sensitive display device 4. Both control elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be designed similarly or differently in this regard. For example, both control elements 2.1 and 2.2 can have a touch-sensitive display device 4 on the top. Physical buttons 11 can be provided on both or, as shown in Fig. 1, only on one of the control elements 2.1.

[0065] The output of the control signal for controlling the actuators can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, the operating device 1 can comprise one or more sensors 9 with which the position of a hand above the operating device 1 can be detected. The operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 can then be moved depending on the position of the detected hand. For this purpose, it may be sufficient to detect the position of the hand alone or in combination with a hand gesture performed by a user. Corresponding sensors 9 can also be implemented externally to the operating device 1, for example, as an interior camera of the road vehicle.

[0066] For example, a user holds his hand over a specific point of a respective guide track 3, so that the respective actuator is controlled to move the respective control element 2.1, 2.2 below the position of the user's hand.

[0067] The control signal can be output by the control unit itself or received externally, for example from a control unit of a vehicle subsystem.

[0068] For example, adjustment knobs 12 can also be provided for each guide track 3, with which the control elements 2.1, 2.2 can be moved along the respective guide tracks 3. By operating a front adjustment knob 12, for example, a control element 2.1, 2.2 can be moved forward, and by operating a rear adjustment knob 12, it can be moved backward. For example, an arrow pointing forward or backward can be printed on such an adjustment knob 12 as a symbol, or even a pictogram of a vehicle seat in an upright or lying position.

[0069] Furthermore, the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be physically and / or logically coupled to each other. This is possible, for example, by moving the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 to the same axial position along the guideways 3. Additionally or alternatively, a separate coupling means 10 can be actuated, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, by a separate button.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the interior of the road vehicle according to the invention. In Fig. 2a), a driver 7 of the road vehicle according to the invention is in a forward seating position, and a passenger 8 is in a retracted seating position. The control element 2.1 is arranged closer to the driver's seat 5, allowing the detection of control actions by the driver 7. The control element 2.2 is arranged closer to the passenger seat 6, thus allowing the passenger 8 to make user inputs.

[0071] Since the driver 7 and the front passenger 8 are in different seating positions, the respective control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are also shifted relative to one another along their guide tracks 3. The driver 7 and the front passenger 8 operate various vehicle functions independently of one another, which is indicated in Figs. 2 and 3 by different hatching of a vehicle display 13. In Figs. 2 and 3, the vehicle display 13 is represented by a continuous display device extending from the driver's side across the passenger side of the road vehicle. However, several separate individual display devices can also be provided. The vehicle display 13 is preferably divided into different display areas, with individual display areas being assigned to the driver 7 and the front passenger 8.For example, one display area is used to show an instrument cluster, one display area is used to show the functions of a head unit, and one display area functions as a passenger display.

[0072] In Fig. 2b), the driver 7 and the front passenger 8 are both in a retracted seating position. The control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are located at the same axial position in their guide track 3. The two control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are then at least logically linked, so that the driver 7 and the front passenger 8 can jointly operate the same vehicle function, for example, a media player for watching a movie.

[0073] Fig. 3 once again shows possible different positions of the control elements 2.1 and 2.2. In the left half of Fig. 3, the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are not coupled to each other, so that different vehicle functions can be controlled by the driver 7 and the passenger 8.

[0074] In the right half of Fig. 3, the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are shown in a coupled mode K. As indicated by the hatching, the driver 7 and the passenger 8 are then able to jointly control the same vehicle function.

[0075] In the top row of Fig. 3, both control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are in a forward position. In the middle row of Fig. 3, both control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are in a rearward position.

[0076] In the bottom row of Fig. 3, the two control elements 2.1 and 2.2 are located at different axial positions along their guide tracks 3. The exact location of the respective control elements 2.1 and 2.2 is irrelevant. Particularly preferably, the actuator movement of the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 is coupled to a seat control unit. Thus, by manually moving the control elements 2.1 and 2.2, the seat position of the driver's seat 5 and / or the front passenger seat 6 can be changed. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the control elements 2.1, 2.2 to automatically track the respective seat position of the driver's seat 5 and / or the front passenger seat 6 by regularly adjusting a seat position.

[0077] A combination is also possible, so that, for example, a user positions his hand above the guide track 3 so that the respective control element 2.1, 2.2 is moved under the user's hand, whereby the sitting position changes analogously.

[0078] The road vehicle according to the invention allows separate and joint operation of vehicle functions for the driver 7 and the passenger 8. The accessibility of the control elements 2.1 and 2.2 is ensured conveniently and reliably in every situation. By logically coupling the control elements 2.1 and 2.2, the presentation of information and the use of vehicle functions via the vehicle display 13 or the display devices comprised by the control elements 2.1 and 2.2, in particular designed as touch-sensitive display devices 4, can be adjusted to suit the specific situation.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Patent claims 1. Road vehicle with an operating device (1) for operating functions, wherein the operating device (1) has at least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) which is arranged so as to be spatially displaceable in the road vehicle, characterized by two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) which are displaceable independently of one another along two guide tracks (3) running parallel to one another and which are each connected to a separate actuator, wherein the respective actuator is designed to move the respective operating element (2.1, 2.2) along its guide track (3) as a function of an actuating signal received from a control unit.

2. Road vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is designed to stop the actuator for moving the operating element (2.1, 2.2) when the control unit detects the input of an operating action via the moved operating element (2.1, 2.2).

3. Road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) has a touch-sensitive surface, in particular a touch-sensitive display device (4).

4. Road vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) can be physically and / or logically coupled manually and / or by actuators, wherein: the two control elements (2.1, 2.2) are located at the same axial position along the respective guideway (3) in a coupled mode (K); the two control elements (2.1, 2.2) are mechanically connected to one another in the case of a physical coupling; and / or the two control elements (2.1, 2.2) are configured to operate the same vehicle function in the case of a logical coupling.

5. Road vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) has a permanent or switchable surface structure for imparting a haptic effect to a user.

6. Road vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating device (1) is arranged between a driver's seat (5) and a passenger seat (6) and the two guide tracks (3) run substantially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, so that operating inputs from a driver (7) can be detected by means of the operating element (2.1) arranged closer to the driver's seat (5) and operating inputs from a passenger (8) can be detected by means of the operating element (2.2) arranged closer to the passenger seat (6).

7. Road vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the operating device (1) is designed to effect the change of a seat position by moving an operating element (2.1, 2.2) along its guide track (3) and / or to receive an actuating signal for moving an operating element (2.1, 2.2) along its guide track (3) from a seat control device.

8. Road vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit for outputting the actuating signal is designed to evaluate sensor data from at least one sensor (9) integrated in the operating device (1) and / or at least one sensor (9) arranged in the road vehicle and detecting the vehicle interior, and to generate the actuating signal as a function of a vehicle interior above the operating device (1).

9. Road vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the control element (2.1) assigned to the driver (7) is designed to operate the instrument cluster and / or the head unit and the control element (2.2) assigned to the front passenger (8) is designed to operate a front passenger display and / or the head unit.

10. Road vehicle according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the operating device (1) is designed to couple the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) when: - the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are moved along their respective guideways (3) to the same axial position, in particular when the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are both located in the rear half of the guideways (3) with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis; - the execution of a given gesture by a user in the vehicle interior or the actuation of a coupling means (10) is detected; and / or - the instrument cluster, the head unit and the passenger display are used as a coherent display element, in particular when the seating position of the driver's seat (5) and the passenger seat (6) are in a retracted position.

11. Road vehicle according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the operating device (1) is designed to cause: - when the two control elements (2.1, 2.2) are coupled, two Control elements (2.1, 2.2) integrated display devices output independent representation are converted into a common representation; - when the two control elements (2.1, 2.2) are coupled, the Instrument cluster, head unit and passenger display are switched to a mode as a connected playback element; and / or - when the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are coupled, lighting means integrated into the operating elements (2.1, 2.2) and / or the operating device (1) are controlled to emit a light characteristic, in particular to emit a dynamic light characteristic.

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