Road vehicles equipped with operating devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a road vehicle equipped with an operating device (1) for operating a function, wherein the operating device (1) has at least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) that is locally displaceable on the road vehicle. The present invention is characterized in that two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are provided along two guide rails (3) that extend parallel to each other, and the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are connected to their respective actuators, and each actuator is configured to move the respective operating element (2.1, 2.2) along the guide rail (3) of the operating element (2.1, 2.2) in response to a setting signal received from a control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a road vehicle as more particularly defined by the preamble of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] For the interaction between the user and the vehicle, various human-machine interfaces are known. That is, the vehicle can have physical buttons, input devices, switches, control dials, sliders, etc. that can be used when operating vehicle functions such as setting the air conditioner, operating the infotainment system, activating a specific driving mode or shift mode, turning on / off the vehicle headlights, and the like. In addition, the incorporation of a touch-sensitive display device, also referred to as a touch display, into the vehicle is also progressing. Thereby, an operation action can also be transmitted by touch input. Thereby, for example, programming of a navigation route into a navigation system can be made comfortable. Furthermore, it is also known to incorporate a voice assistant into the vehicle that enables user interaction by voice dialogue.

[0003] The technology incorporated into vehicles is becoming increasingly complex. That is, today, high-performance computing components as well as high-resolution displays are incorporated into vehicles. Thereby, for example, a passenger in the passenger seat or a rear seat can watch a movie or play a video game while driving. At that time, an individual display device may be assigned to each passenger. Also known are vehicles in which a very large display reaching from the driver's side to the passenger seat side is incorporated into or connected to the instrument panel of the vehicle. This is also referred to as a pillar-to-pillar arrangement. In this case, the display of the combined instrument and head unit, as well as the passenger display, is realized in various regions of the display unit.

[0004] For relaxation, the vehicle occupants can move their seats to a comfortable position while driving.

[0005] To this end, for example, the entire vehicle seat can be moved backward and / or the backrest can be reclined. In the future, vehicles will be able to drive fully autonomously or even autonomously. This will free the vehicle driver from driving tasks and thus allow them to consume media while driving, especially in a comfortable seating position. Accordingly, measures will need to be taken to ensure that vehicle occupants can make inputs to operate vehicle functions, regardless of their seating position.

[0006] Patent Document 1 provides known operating elements and interfaces for vehicle computers. The operating elements are configured like computer mice. Guides are provided to limit the degrees of freedom of movement of the operating elements, and these guides prevent, for example, the operating elements from falling from their supports. To improve accessibility to the operating elements, their position can be displaced in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. For this purpose, latching means are provided that can be operated to manually displace or fix the operating elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102005014939 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that this invention is based on is to provide an improved road vehicle that enables individualized user interaction with vehicle occupants, regardless of their seating position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, a standard road vehicle equipped with an operating device for operating a function, having at least one operating element locally displaceable in the road vehicle, is further developed by two operating elements that are independently displaceable along two guide rails extending parallel to each other, the operating elements being connected to their own actuators, each actuator being configured to move its respective operating element along its guide rail in response to a setting signal received from a control unit.

[0010] The operating elements can be used to register user inputs for operating functions. Since the corresponding operating elements can be displaced along their respective guide rails, users can comfortably access the operating elements regardless of their seating position at any given time. Actuators allow the operating elements to be displaced independently of each other. Therefore, each user can set the operating elements provided for their use in a position suitable for them. The automatic movement of each operating element in response to the setting signal received from the control unit enables automatic tracking of the operating element positions. This ensures that each operating element can be moved within reach of each vehicle occupant, guaranteeing that each occupant can access the operating elements.

[0011] Road vehicles may include passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses, etc.

[0012] Any common actuator can be used as the actuator for moving each operating element. For example, one or more electric motors may be provided, configured as rotary or linear drive units, which directly or indirectly via a transmission device move each operating element along a guide rail. Hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, or other drive means are also possible for the drive unit. Separate latching means may be provided to stop the movement of each operating element, or the actuator may simply be stopped.

[0013] The operating element can be supported in various ways, for example, it can be supported and displaced by a guide rail or guide track configured as a linear drive unit below or to the side of the central console or on the central console. In this case, the rotating part is displaceably supported on the guide rail. Here, in one embodiment, the rotating part is connected to the operating element in a non-displaceable manner, and the guide rail is connected to the central console in a non-displaceable manner. In particular, in one other embodiment, the guide rail is connected to the operating element in a non-displaceable manner, and the rotating part is connected to the central console in a non-displaceable manner, so that the guide rail is not visible to the user. When the guide rail is located to the side or below the central console, the operating element configured as an L-shaped element surrounds the top and sides of the central console, or the operating element configured as a U-shaped element surrounds the top, sides and bottom of the central console. Here, the rotating part itself is connected to an actuator, which controls the operating element longitudinally, i.e., stops or displaces, in response to setting signals from a control unit connected to or incorporated into a seat control device and / or operating device.

[0014] To determine the axial position of an operating element or rotating part, the vehicle has, in particular, a linear potentiometer or ridiculometer integrated into the guide rail.

[0015] In one advantageous development of road vehicles, the control unit is configured to stop the actuator that moves a moving operating element when it detects an input of an operating action via the moving operating element. This allows each operating element to be precisely positioned relative to the user in a simple and reliable manner. In other words, each operating element moves until the user can access it. The user's access to each operating element is confirmed by the detection of the operating action. The axial position of each operating element may be complementarily fixed using latching means.

[0016] To input an operation, the operating element may have various means such as physical buttons, switches, rotary push-button controllers, control dials, and sliders.

[0017] According to one other advantageous embodiment of a road vehicle, at least one operating element has a contact-sensitive surface, in particular a contact-sensitive display device. Using a contact-sensitive surface can improve the aesthetic appearance of the operating element. Furthermore, for many users today, operating a contact-sensitive surface is intuitive, which improves usability. Here, semantic content corresponding to each vehicle function is applied to the contact-sensitive surface, which may be printed, for example. For example, each meaning may be suggested by text and / or pictograms.

[0018] Particularly preferably, each operating element has or is formed by a touch-sensitive display device. That is, it may not only accept operation via touch input but also display situation-appropriate information. In particular, the aforementioned text and / or pictograms may be modified according to the vehicle functions currently in use or available.

[0019] Generally, a standard display may be integrated into each of the control elements.

[0020] Such (touch-sensitive) display devices may, in particular, be configured as a so-called Shy-Tech-Display, which displays content only in the relevant circumstances and remains dark at other times. Therefore, the user does not immediately recognize that the corresponding display unit is integrated into the operating element, thus creating a "surprise effect."

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the present invention further allows the operating elements to be manually and / or physically and / or logically coupled by actuators, where, -In coupling mode, the two operating elements are located in the same axial position along their respective guide rails. -When physically coupled, the two operating elements are mechanically connected to each other, and / or -When logically coupled, the two operating elements are configured to operate the same vehicle function.

[0022] By coupling two operating elements, more intuitive operation of vehicle functions is achieved for the user. Particularly preferably, when two operating elements move to the same axial position, they are coupled to each other. This can be done manually, for example, by each user manually displacing each operating element along a guide rail. Coupling occurs automatically as soon as the displaced operating element reaches the axial position of the other operating element, or after inputting a separate coupling input.

[0023] To perform the aforementioned coupling, each operating element may be displaced by an actuator. For this purpose, each vehicle occupant can input a coupling request, for example, by voice input or by operating a corresponding operating element in the vehicle interior. As will be further mentioned below, a gesture may be performed by the user, and this gesture may be interpreted by the vehicle as a request to couple the operating elements.

[0024] Also, even if two operating elements do not exist at the same axial position, it is possible to logically couple these two operating elements.

[0025] The mechanical connection of two operating elements when physically coupled has the advantage that when only one of the two operating elements is displaced by hand, the two operating elements can be displaced together. In this case, the logical coupling of the two operating elements continues to be automatically maintained.

[0026] The fact that two operating elements exist at the same axial position can be confirmed in various ways. For example, the position of each actuator may be read out. For example, the rotational position of an electric motor or the linear position of a linear drive may be read out and assigned to the axial position. Also, electrical contacts may be provided at various axial positions. In this case, at each axial position, different electrical contacts are closed, and thereby, the axial position can be estimated. Any common position determination method, such as using a light barrier, a magnetic switch, etc., is conceivable.

[0027] To determine that two operating elements are located in the same axial position, it is not essential to specify the exact axial position. For example, the two operating elements may each have corresponding electrical contacts, light barriers, magnetic switches, etc., on the side facing the other operating element, which are closed or operated when the two operating elements move to the same axial position. In this case, a mechanical connection may be established to physically couple the operating elements, for example, by locking using a separate latching mechanism or by using magnets.

[0028] By logically coupling the operating elements, each vehicle occupant can operate common vehicle functions.

[0029] According to one other advantageous embodiment of a road vehicle according to the present invention, at least one operating element has a permanent or switchable surface structure for providing tactile feedback to the user. The surface structure may be a simple raised or roughened area. This allows the user to understand the position of the switch surface or operating surface without having to look at the operating element. Furthermore, this enables operation by visually impaired or blind persons. Therefore, the surface structure may be configured as Braille, which is particularly preferable.

[0030] Each operating element may have not only a permanent surface structure but also a switchable surface structure, where the switchable surface structure can be switched between a retracted state and a protruding state. In other words, display devices with retractable and protruding highlighting are generally known. Such functionality can also be incorporated into road vehicles or operating devices according to the present invention. For example, if each operating element includes a contact-sensitive display device, the surface structure can be switched in response to the image content shown via the contact-sensitive display device. For example, if only information is shown, the surface structure remains retracted. Instead, when an operating surface is shown, the appropriate surface structure corresponding to the contact of each operating surface can be highlighted. The switchable surface structure may be provided in an area of ​​the operating element different from the display device.

[0031] In this case, actuators that apply force to the operating element when user input is detected can be incorporated into each operating element, and the user can perceive the resulting vibration or knocking as a signal indicating that the corresponding operating action has been received by the operating element.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the present invention, the operating device is further positioned between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and two guide rails extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, with an operating element positioned closer to the driver's seat to detect driver input, and an operating element positioned closer to the passenger seat to detect passenger input. This enables reliable and intuitive operation for the driver and passenger of the road vehicle. The driver and passenger can individually make operating inputs to control vehicle functions independently of each other and regardless of their respective seating positions.

[0033] According to one other advantageous embodiment of a road vehicle, the operating device is configured to perform a change in seat position by displacing an operating element along a guide rail and / or to receive a setting signal from a seat control device for moving the operating element along the guide rail. In other words, the position of each operating element on the guide rail is linked to the respective seat position. That is, the user can displace the operating element assigned to them along the guide rail, thereby transmitting the axial position of the operating element as a setting signal to the seat control device, and subsequently the seat position is automatically changed. In this case, any seat posture can be adapted, such as displacement of the entire vehicle seat forward or backward by translational motion, raising or reclining of the backrest, raising or lowering of the armrests or footrests, etc. Particularly preferred is that when each operating element is displaced backward along the guide rail, the overall seat configuration is changed from an upright seat position to a comfortable reclined position.

[0034] Similarly, when adjusting the seat position, the operating elements can be automatically made to follow the seat position. This is achieved by the seat control device transmitting a setting signal to a control unit, which then controls an actuator to displace the operating elements along a guide rail. In other words, each user can change their seat position in the manner described above, for example, by manually operating the corresponding adjustment means on the vehicle seat, or by operating the corresponding button or controller for automatically changing the seat position.

[0035] Because each control element is positioned in conjunction with the seat, the user no longer needs to move the control element along a guide rail, ensuring that the user can access the control element regardless of their seating position. In other words, the user no longer needs to, for example, lean forward to pull each control element closer to them.

[0036] In another advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the present invention, the control unit for outputting a setting signal is further configured to evaluate sensor data from at least one sensor incorporated into the operating device and / or at least one sensor positioned in the road vehicle to detect the passenger compartment, and to output a setting signal in accordance with the user's hand positioned above the operating device in the passenger compartment. This enables more comfortable and reliable movement of each operating element along its respective guide rail. A wide range of sensors can be used to detect depth information, such as cameras, radar sensors, laser scanners, ultrasonic sensors, etc. Thus, not only the position of objects or human limbs inside the vehicle, but also their movement can be identified. This allows the user to "call" each operating element, so to speak, by waving their hand above the guide rail. In other words, the control unit can identify the position of the hand relative to the operating device in the sensor data, and each operating element can follow the position of the user's hand along the guide rail.

[0037] To prevent each operating element from being displaced incorrectly along its respective guide rail, the control unit may require the user to perform a specific hand gesture before it can control the actuator that displaces the operating element. For example, the user may move their hand in a circular motion or wave their hand to move the operating element toward their hand.

[0038] According to one other advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the present invention, an operating element assigned to the driver is configured to operate the instrument cluster and / or the head unit, and an operating element assigned to the passenger is configured to operate the passenger display and / or the head unit. Thus, the driver and passenger can operate individual and common vehicle functions via the operating elements assigned to them. This enables more reliable and intuitive operation of vehicle functions. In particular, in this case, all operable vehicle functions depend on the axial position of each operating element. That is, if the operating element assigned to a particular vehicle occupant is in a first axial position, it is possible to operate different vehicle functions than those in a second axial position. Additionally or alternatively, the display of information on the corresponding display device in the vehicle may be adapted according to the axial position of the operating element.

[0039] For example, if two operating elements are located in the same axial position, the driver and the front passenger can operate the head unit together. However, if the two operating elements are located in different axial positions, the driver can operate the vehicle functions provided to them individually, and the front passenger can operate the vehicle functions provided to them individually.

[0040] In particular, the display of information on display devices within road vehicles is adapted according to the axial position of each control element. When the user displaces their control element, the display content changes accordingly.

[0041] Furthermore, in one advantageous development of the road vehicle according to the present invention, the operating device is configured to couple two operating elements in the following cases: -When two operating elements move to the same axial position along their respective guide rails, especially when the two operating elements are located in the rear half of the guide rail with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, -When it is detected that a user has performed a predetermined gesture or operated a coupling means in the vehicle compartment, and / or -When the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger seat display are used as an integrated playback element, especially when the driver's seat and passenger seat are in a rearward position. That is the case.

[0042] Therefore, various possibilities can be considered for coupling or uncoupling the operating elements. If the two operating elements move to the same axial position, the operating elements can be physically and / or logically coupled. If the two operating elements move to different axial positions, similarly, physical and / or logical coupling can be terminated. Here, preferably, physical and / or logical coupling occurs only in the rear half of the guide rail. Even when the driver and front passenger are in the forward seating position, they are highly likely to want to use various vehicle functions. For example, the driver may concentrate on their driving task, and the front passenger may surf the internet or watch a movie. In the forward seating position, the two operating elements are similarly located in the forward position within the guide rail. In this case, physical and / or logical coupling of the operating elements would not be desired. However, if the two operating elements move to the rear half of the guide rail, the driver and front passenger are highly likely to want to concentrate on the same task, such as watching a movie together. In this case, it is advantageous to physically and / or logically couple the two operating elements.

[0043] As mentioned above, when two operating elements move to the same axial position, physical and / or logical coupling of the operating elements may occur automatically. However, it is also possible to logically couple operating elements when they are in different axial positions, or to perform physical and / or logical coupling of operating elements at the same axial position only after detecting a corresponding user request. For this purpose, the aforementioned gesture or the operation of one or more coupling means is used. That is, a special button, switch, touch element, etc., may be provided, and after their operation, the vehicle detects a request to couple the operating elements. The corresponding coupling means may be located at any position in the vehicle, for example, it may be incorporated into the dashboard, the transmission tunnel, or the operating device itself.

[0044] Similarly, output of coupling requests from users via voice input is also conceivable.

[0045] The coupling of the control elements may be configured depending on how the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger-side display are used. That is, automatic coupling of the control elements may occur when the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger-side display are used as an integrated playback element. Alternatively, it may be possible to enable general coupling of the control elements only when the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger-side display are used as an integrated playback element. Conversely, it may be possible to switch the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger-side display to integrated playback element mode when two control elements are physically and / or logically coupled to each other.

[0046] In particular, the seating positions of the driver and passenger seats are taken into consideration, so preferably, the switch to the integrated playback element mode occurs only when the two seats are in a retracted position or have been moved to that position.

[0047] According to one other advantageous configuration of a road vehicle according to the present invention, the operating device is configured to carry out the following: namely, -When two operating elements are coupled, the two independent displays output via the display devices incorporated into the operating elements transition to a single common display. -When two operating elements are coupled, the instrument cluster, head unit, and passenger-side display are switched to a mode as an integrated playback element, and / or -When operating elements are coupled, light-emitting means incorporated into the operating elements and / or operating devices that emit optical properties, particularly dynamic optical properties, are controlled. This will be implemented.

[0048] This enables more intuitive and reliable user interaction. For example, if the driver is in the front seat and the passenger is in the rear seat, the instrument cluster can display a tachometer and a rotation speed indicator. The passenger display can display an internet browser, for example. An operating screen for setting the vehicle's infotainment system and air conditioning system may be displayed via the operating element assigned to the driver. The passenger's operating element can be used to operate the internet browser. When the driver moves their operating element to the rear of the guide rail, the seat position can be automatically changed to a reclined position, for example, and a mode for watching a movie together can be started. In this case, the display content shown on the touch-sensitive display device of the operating element changes. That is, in this case, two separate touch-sensitive display devices function as one integrated display device. That is, for example, play, fast forward, rewind, and stop buttons are displayed. This allows the driver and passenger to control the media player comfortably and intuitively in common.

[0049] For example, various light-emitting means, such as individual LEDs or LED bands, may be incorporated into each operating element. When operating elements are coupled or uncoupled, this can be clearly indicated by the emission of specific optical characteristics. Thus, the user can quickly and easily understand which mode the operating elements are in. When operating elements are coupled, for example, the light-emitting means may emit a specific color for a short time or emit continuous light. When two operating elements are uncoupled, for example, they may emit red light. When operating elements are coupled, the light-emitting means may emit green light, for example. In this case, red and green light may be emitted continuously in their respective modes, or only immediately after coupling and immediately after uncoupling, otherwise, no light is emitted from the light-emitting means, or white light is emitted.

[0050] For example, when the operating element is viewed from above, the LED band may extend around the entire circumference of the operating element. A light pattern that moves along the periphery of the operating element can also be displayed during coupling or uncoupling. For example, when the operating elements are coupled, white light may circle around their periphery. To generate dynamic light characteristics, the brightness and / or color of one or more light-emitting means can be changed over time. This can also generate a light gradient.

[0051] The light characteristics emitted from the light-emitting means can be adapted to the ambient lighting of road vehicles, and the ambient lighting is similarly reproduced via the light-emitting means. Similarly, the light characteristics to be reproduced during coupling or uncoupling may be reproduced via the normal ambient lighting of road vehicles.

[0052] Another advantageous embodiment of the road vehicle according to the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below in more detail with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of an operating device incorporated into a road vehicle according to the present invention for operating its functions. [Figure 2] These are two schematic perspective views of the passenger compartment of a road vehicle according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows various possible positions of the operating elements included in the operating device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] Figure 1 shows a plan view of an operating device 1 included in a road vehicle according to the present invention. The operating device 1 includes two guide rails 3 that are parallel to each other, and operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are movably positioned on the two guide rails, respectively. Particularly preferred is that the operating device 1 is incorporated into a road vehicle such that the two guide rails 3 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and in particular between the driver's seat 5 and the passenger seat 6 as shown in Figure 2.

[0055] The operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are displaceable independently of each other along their respective guide rails 3. For this purpose, the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are each connected to actuators not shown in detail. The actuators are controlled according to setting signals received from a control unit not shown in detail. The control unit may be incorporated into the operating device 1 or it may be located outside the operating device 1 and incorporated into the road vehicle. For example, the control unit is a control device for a vehicle subsystem. That is, a dedicated control unit may be provided, or an existing control unit, such as a seat control device, may be used.

[0056] Each of the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 may have various means for receiving user input. For example, a physical input device 11 such as a button, switch, or control dial may be placed on any surface of each of the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2. Any surface of each of the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 may include, or be formed by, a contact-sensitive display device 4, either entirely or partially. In this regard, the two operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 may be configured in the same way or differently. For example, the two operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 may have a contact-sensitive display device 4 on their upper surfaces. The physical input device 11 may be provided on both operating elements, or on only one of the operating elements 2.1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0057] The output of setting signals for controlling the actuators can be implemented in various ways. For example, the operating device 1 may include one or more sensors 9 that can identify the position of a hand above the operating device 1. Depending on the identified hand position, the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be displaced. In this regard, it is sufficient to detect the hand position alone or to detect the hand position in combination with a hand gesture performed by the user.

[0058] The corresponding sensor 9 may be configured outside the operating device 1, for example, as a vehicle interior camera.

[0059] For example, when a user places their hand above a specific position on each guide rail 3, the respective actuators are controlled to displace the respective operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 below the position of the user's hand.

[0060] In this case, the setting signal may be output from the control unit itself, or it may be received from an external source, for example, from a control device of a vehicle subsystem.

[0061] For example, setting buttons 12 may be provided for each guide rail 3, and these setting buttons 12 can be used to displace the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 along each guide rail 3. By operating the front setting button 12, the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be displaced forward, for example, and by operating the rear setting button 12, the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be displaced backward, for example. For example, a forward-facing or backward-facing arrow may be printed as a symbol on the setting button 12, or a pictogram of a vehicle seat in an upright or reclined position may be printed on it.

[0062] Furthermore, the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 can be physically and / or logically coupled to one another. This is possible, for example, by moving the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 to the same axial position along the guide rail 3. Additionally or alternatively, a separate coupling means 10 may be operated by a separate button, for example, as shown in Figure 1.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the passenger compartment of a road vehicle according to the present invention. In Figure 2a), the driver 7 of the road vehicle according to the present invention is in the forward seat position, and the passenger 8 is in the rear seat position. Here, the operating element 2.1 is positioned closer to the driver's seat 5, which enables the detection of operations performed by the driver 7. The operating element 2.2 is positioned closer to the passenger seat 6, which enables the passenger 8 to perform user input.

[0064] Since the driver 7 and the passenger 8 are in different seating positions, their respective operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are also displaced relative to each other along the guide rail 3. The driver 7 and the passenger 8 operate various vehicle functions independently of each other, which is indicated in Figures 2 and 3 by the different hatching of the vehicle display 13. In Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle display 13 is shown as an integrated display device extending from the driver's side to the passenger's side. However, multiple separate display devices may be provided. Preferably, the vehicle display 13 is divided into various display areas, with the driver 7 and the passenger 8 each assigned a separate display area. For example, one display area may be used to show the instrument cluster, another to show the functions of the head unit, and yet another to function as a passenger display.

[0065] In Figure 2b), both the driver 7 and the passenger 8 are in a reclined seating position. Operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are located in the same axial position on their guide rails 3. Since operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are at least logically coupled to each other, the driver 7 and the passenger 8 can jointly operate the same vehicle function, such as a media player for watching movies.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates various possible positions for the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2. In the left half of Figure 3, since the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are not coupled to each other, the driver 7 and the passenger 8 can each control different vehicle functions.

[0067] In the right half of Figure 3, operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 in coupling mode K are shown. As indicated by the hatching, in this case, the driver 7 and the passenger 8 can both control the same vehicle function.

[0068] In the top row of Figure 3, the two operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are located in the forward position. In the middle row of Figure 3, the two operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are located in the backward position.

[0069] In the bottom row of Figure 3, the two operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 are located at different axial positions along the guide rail 3. In this case, the exact location of each operating element 2.1 and 2.2 is not important.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the movement of the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 by actuators is connected to a seat control device. That is, the seat positions of the driver's seat 5 and / or passenger seat 6 can be changed by manually displacing the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2. Additionally or alternatively, the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 can also be automatically adjusted according to the respective seat positions of the driver's seat 5 and passenger seat 6 by normal position adjustment of the seating position.

[0071] Furthermore, combinations are possible; for example, by positioning the user's hand above the guide rail 3, the respective operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 move below the user's hand, and the seating position is also changed accordingly.

[0072] With the road vehicle according to the present invention, the driver 7 and the passenger 8 can operate vehicle functions separately and also operate vehicle functions collectively. Comfortable and reliable access to the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 is guaranteed in all situations. The logical coupling of operating elements 2.1 and 2.2 allows for the display of information via the vehicle display 13 or via the display devices included in the operating elements 2.1 and 2.2, particularly the display devices configured as touch-sensitive display devices 4, and the use of vehicle functions to be set according to the situation.

Claims

1. A road vehicle equipped with an operating device (1) for operating a function, The operating device (1) has at least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) that is locally displaceable in the road vehicle, A road vehicle characterized in that two independently displaceable operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are provided along two mutually parallel guide rails (3), the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are connected to their respective actuators, and each actuator is configured to move the respective operating element (2.1, 2.2) along its guide rail (3) in response to a setting signal received from a control unit.

2. The control unit is configured to stop the actuators that move the operating elements (2.1, 2.2) when it detects an input of an operation via the moving operating elements (2.1, 2.2). A road vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. At least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) has a contact-sensitive surface, in particular a contact-sensitive display device (4). A road vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) can be physically and / or logically coupled manually and / or by actuators. - In coupling mode (K), the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are located in the same axial position along their respective guide rails (3). - If physically coupled, the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are mechanically interconnected, and / or - When logically coupled, the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are configured to operate the same vehicle function. A road vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. At least one operating element (2.1, 2.2) has a permanent or switchable surface structure for providing tactile feedback to the user. A road vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The operating device (1) is positioned between the driver's seat (5) and the passenger seat (6), and the two guide rails (3) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the operating element (2.1) positioned closer to the driver's seat (5) can be used to detect operating input by the driver (7), and the operating element (2.2) positioned closer to the passenger seat (6) can be used to detect operating input by the passenger seat occupant (8). A road vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The operating device (1) is configured to change the seat position by displacing the operating elements (2.1, 2.2) along the guide rail (3), and / or to receive setting signals from the seat control device for moving the operating elements (2.1, 2.2) along the guide rail (3). A road vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

8. The control unit for outputting the setting signal is configured to evaluate sensor data from at least one sensor (9) incorporated in the operating device (1) and / or at least one sensor (9) positioned on the road vehicle to detect the passenger compartment, and to output the setting signal in response to the user's hand positioned above the operating device (1) in the passenger compartment. A road vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

9. The operating element (2.1) assigned to the driver (7) is configured to operate the instrument cluster and / or the head unit, and the operating element (2.2) assigned to the passenger (8) is configured to operate the passenger display and / or the head unit. A road vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by the following:

10. The aforementioned operating device (1) is - When the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) move along their respective guide rails (3) to the same axial position, in particular when the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are located in the rear half of the guide rail (3) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, - When the user in the vehicle compartment is detected to have performed a predetermined gesture or operated the coupling means, and / or - When the instrument cluster, the head unit, and the passenger seat display are used as an integrated playback element, in particular when the driver's seat (5) and the passenger seat (6) are in a reclined position, The two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are configured to be coupled. A road vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by the above.

11. The aforementioned operating device (1) is - When the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are coupled, the two independent displays output via the display devices incorporated in the operating elements (2.1, 2.2) transition to a single common display. - When the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are coupled, the instrument cluster, the head unit, and the passenger seat display are switched to a mode as an integrated playback element, and / or - When the two operating elements (2.1, 2.2) are coupled, the light-emitting means incorporated into the operating elements (2.1, 2.2) and / or the operating device (1), which emit optical properties, particularly dynamic optical properties, are driven and controlled. It is configured to implement A road vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized by the above.

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