Devices for operating vehicle functions

Abstract

To provide an improved device for operating functions in a vehicle that can be reliably reached in a particularly comfortable way in various situations. The present invention relates to a device for operating functions in a vehicle, which includes an operating panel (1) that is movably arranged within the vehicle. The device according to the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a drive device for moving the operating panel (1), the drive device being connected to a control unit (2), which is further connected to a touch-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive adjusting element (3), and the control unit (2) is configured to activate the drive device when the adjusting element (3) approaches or touches the adjusting element (3) and to move the operating panel (1) accordingly when the position of the proximity or contact changes.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for operating functions in a vehicle of the type defined in detail in the preamble of claim 1. [[Background Art]]

[0002] For operating vehicle functions, vehicles are provided with various input means such as rotary controllers, sliding controllers, buttons, keys, and touch-sensitive displays. Depending on the geometry of the vehicle, the body dimensions of the user, and the seat position (Sitzposition), individual input means may be easily reachable by a hand or the like, or may not be very easily reachable.

[0003] Particularly as a result of automatic and autonomous driving, continuous monitoring of traffic events and control of the vehicle by the driver become unnecessary. This also allows the driver to adopt a more comfortable seat position, such as a reclined position (liegende Position). In such a seat position, input means such as the center display of a head unit normally mounted on a dashboard, and buttons mounted on the front portion of a vehicle door for power window lifters or seat adjustment, become unreachable. Accordingly, operation actions via these input means also cannot be performed. Therefore, it becomes necessary to provide means for solving this problem.

[0004] From the following Patent Document 1, an operating element and an interface for a vehicle computer are known. The operating element is designed like a computer mouse. In this case, guides are provided for limiting the degree of freedom of movement of the operating element, and these guides prevent, for example, the operating element from falling off a support. To make the operating element more easily reachable, the position of the operating element can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For this purpose, lock means that can be operated to manually move the operating element are provided.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a door trim having a longitudinally movable carrier equipped with a housing for mobile terminal equipment. The carrier can be moved by physical force. In addition, the carrier may include a display. The display can be configured as a touchscreen for operating vehicle functions, such as air conditioning equipment.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a control device for an automobile adjustment device and an operating device for the control device. This document describes a contact-sensing operating surface for detecting operating actions. The adjustment device can be controlled via the operating surface. For example, a window lifter and / or a movable outer mirror can be controlled as an adjustment device. In this case, there is a correlation between the operating distance and the adjustment distance, or between the operating position and the adjustment position. The operating surface is incorporated into the front area of ​​the vehicle door facing the passenger compartment.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a vehicle equipped with an operating and display device, and a method for operating such a vehicle. In this case, the display device can form part of the vehicle's side window. The position of the vehicle occupant is determined using a recognition device, and the display content of the display device is shown at the vehicle occupant's position relative to the vehicle's vertical axis. The display content on the display device can be moved by touching a light strip incorporated into the vehicle door below the side window.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses a vehicle door equipped with a multi-functional operating element. The operating element comprises a first operable component for operating a first vehicle function, such as a window operating function, and can be manually moved relative to the vehicle door for operating a second vehicle function, such as a door operating function.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 6 discloses a method for generating tactile feedback on a contact-sensing operating surface. In this case, the coefficient of friction between the finger and the operating surface is adapted according to the location.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 7 discloses a vehicle operating system and a method for operating the operating system. The operating system comprises a seat position detection unit, an operating unit, and a control unit. The control unit has first and second detection areas. The control unit controls the operating unit to provide either the first detection area or the second detection area according to the user's seat position.

[0011] Furthermore, Patent Document 8 discloses a device control method that corresponds to the tilt of the seat. This document describes how a display integrated into the armrest of a vehicle seat can be automatically tilted in accordance with the tilt of the seatback.

[0012] Furthermore, Patent Document 9 discloses a vehicle seat link control system. This system describes linking the vehicle seat position to the position of an operating element.

[0013] Furthermore, Patent Document 10 discloses a method and apparatus for unlocking a vehicle door, as well as a storage medium and a vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, Patent Document 11 below discloses a vehicle door lock control system and its operating method. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2005 014 939 Specification A1 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 10, 2013 202 932, Specification A1 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 103 24 918 Specification A1 [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 10, 2016, 212 813, Specification A1 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Application Publication No. 10, 2020 209 072, Specification A1 [Patent Document 6] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2020 005 333 Specification A1 [Patent Document 7] German Patent Application Publication No. 10, 2018 222 869, Specification A1 [Patent Document 8] German Patent Application Publication No. 10, 2014 019 125, Specification A1 [Patent Document 9] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 12498189 Specification A [Patent Document 10] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 1 10 853 187 Specification A [Patent Document 11] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 1 03 526 991 Specification A [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for operating a vehicle function that can be reliably reached in a particularly comfortable manner in a variety of situations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a device for operating a function in a vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and variations will become apparent from claims dependent on this claim.

[0018] According to the present invention, a standard apparatus for operating functions in a vehicle, comprising an operation panel arranged to be movable within the vehicle, is improved in that a drive device for moving the operation panel is provided, the drive device is connected to a control unit, the control unit is further connected to a contact-sensing and / or proximity-sensing (contact-sensitive and / or proximity-sensitive) adjustment element, and the control unit is configured to activate the drive device when the adjustment element is approached or contacted, and to move the operation panel correspondingly (analogously), i.e., in accordance with a change in the position of the approach or contact. In this case, the adjustment element is configured separately (disposed apart) from the operation panel, and is arranged in the vehicle such that a user can reach the adjustment element from any seat position only by raising an arm.

[0019] The use of the apparatus according to the present invention enables a user to particularly comfortably operate functions in the vehicle regardless of the user's relative orientation with respect to the operation panel. Accordingly, the user can flexibly adjust the position of the operation panel in the vehicle via the adjustment element to match preferences for a specific situation. Since the adjustment is automatically performed by an actuator, there is no need to manually move the operation panel, and it is only required that the adjustment element be operated. The use of a contact-sensing or proximity-sensing adjustment element provides a particularly comfortable user experience. In this case, an input performed via the adjustment element is processed by the control unit and used to control the drive device.

[0020] A control device called a control unit (Steuerung) is configured to control output means such as a driving device for moving an operation panel. In this case, the control device is a hardware device comprising a processor, which executes operations using data and / or programs stored in a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or FlashROM, and is preferably designed as an integrated circuit. The data output by the adjustment element is temporarily stored in the storage device of the control device as needed, called by the processor via an internal bus system, and processed. Output data for moving the operation panel calculated by the processor based on the adjustment element is output to the driving device via an output circuit of the control device.

[0021] By changing the position of initial contact or approach to an operation element for correspondingly moving the operation panel, said operation element being called an adjustment element, a particularly intuitive movement of the operation panel is ensured. In other words, the change in approach position can be understood as the path traveled by an operation means such as a finger that has been recognized as approaching or contacting the element. The position change is brought about by the operation means being moved to another position without interruption after approach or contact is recognized at the first position, that is, without interrupting the approach or contact. In this case, the corresponding movement includes a movement that fully corresponds to and / or is scaled relative to the position change, whereby the sensitivity of the adjustment element is reproduced in a sense. When the position of the finger approaching or contacting the adjustment element changes, the operation panel moves in exact correspondence with this position change. If the movement is scaled, the operation panel moves by an amount equal to the position change multiplied by a scaling factor of less than or equal to 1 or greater than 1. Therefore, the position change of contact or approach to the adjustment element corresponds to the movement process or direction in which the operation panel is moved. This reliably and comfortably prevents, for example, the accidental movement of the operation panel in the wrong direction, which can easily occur when a button or a switch is used as the adjustment element.

[0022] To design the adjustment element for contact or proximity sensing, one or more sensors can be incorporated into the adjustment element, such as capacitive contact sensors, so-called surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, and / or force sensor systems based on, for example, microelectronic machine systems (MEMMS). This enables precise position recognition of the user's finger used for operation. Furthermore, this makes it possible to distinguish, for example, a locally limited contact or approach by a finger to the adjustment element from, for example, a large-area contact by the entire hand.

[0023] The control unit includes, or is designed as, a control device which is a hardware device having a processor, preferably designed as an integrated circuit, that performs calculations using data and / or programs stored in a memory device, such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or FlashROM. Data output by the contact and / or proximity sensing adjustment element is temporarily stored in the memory device of the control device as needed, retrieved and processed by the processor via an internal bus system. Output data for moving the operation panel, determined by the processor, is output to the drive unit via the output circuit of the control device.

[0024] As already explained, the adjustment elements are positioned separately from the control panel. In this context, separation means that the adjustment elements are designed as a two-part system (zweiteilig) with the control panel and are positioned at a certain distance from the control panel within the vehicle. The adjustment elements can be used to translate the control panel so that the user can easily reach it again. Therefore, the adjustment elements must be comfortably accessible from each of the user's seat positions so that the control panel can be brought closer to the user. This can be reliably ensured for a wide variety of vehicle configurations by separating and positioning the control panel and adjustment elements at a distance from each other.

[0025] In that case, the adjustment elements are positioned in the vehicle so that they can be comfortably reached by the user even if the control panel is typically inaccessible to the user during normal driving, i.e., during normal driving.

[0026] An advantageous development of this device envisions that the drive system is configured as a linear drive system for moving the control panel longitudinally, substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel. Typically, the driver can comfortably reach control elements mounted in the front area of ​​the vehicle, such as those on the dashboard or in the front area of ​​the vehicle doors, from a typical seat position. In this context, comfort means, in particular, that the driver can reach the corresponding control element simply by raising their arm, and therefore, for example, not have to bend forward or sideways from the seat. However, when the driver is in a reclining position, they are moving away from the dashboard in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In such a seat configuration, the control panel also needs to be moved backward in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In this case, a linear drive system is a particularly robust, reliable, and cost-effective solution for translating the control panel.

[0027] Another advantageous embodiment of this device further intends that the control unit is configured to adapt the relationship between changes in approach to or contact with the adjustment element and the amount of adjustment movement (adjustment path) of the control panel based on a set value. In other words, the sensitivity of the adjustment element can be set. The sensitivity can define how much the control panel is translated in response to a fixed change in the position of approach to or contact with the adjustment element. If the sensitivity is low, for example, a change in position of 5 cm will cause the control panel to move only 2 cm or 4 cm, while if the sensitivity is high, for example, it will move 8 cm or 12 cm.

[0028] To set the sensitivity, you can specify several options, such as high, medium, and low sensitivity (based on steps). You can also continuously adjust the sensitivity using a slide controller.

[0029] Various user settings can be saved in the vehicle, for example, in the infotainment system's submenu. In this case, user settings can be assigned to user profiles. Users can be recognized using biometric features such as iris scanning, fingerprint scanning, voice analysis, and facial scanning. Users can also be recognized through registration with a username and password, or by recognizing a carried object, such as a specific transponder, vehicle key, or a mobile device like the user's smartphone identifiable by a unique Bluetooth ID or MAC address. Sensitivity settings can be saved and assigned to each user profile.

[0030] Sensitivity settings that a user might prefer can be derived from the vehicle and / or from user behavior observed during driving, based on other user settings that have been made. For this purpose, artificial intelligence can be run on the vehicle's control devices and used to evaluate user settings or user behavior. If a user has selected high sensitivity for other vehicle functions, for example, the AI ​​may also select high sensitivity for the movement of the control panel. However, this user preference can also be derived from other criteria, such as the driver's driving style. For example, a driver who tends to drive sportily may select high sensitivity, while a driver with a more cautious driving style may select low sensitivity.

[0031] In particular, the sensitivity of the adjustment element can be designed to change during operation. For example, if the user moves their finger quickly along the adjustment element, high sensitivity and therefore a longer adjustment path to the control panel will be selected. Conversely, if the user moves their finger slowly along the adjustment element, the control panel will move slowly or not move very far in response. This function can be likened to the so-called "mouse acceleration" of a computer mouse.

[0032] In a more advantageous embodiment of this device, the adjustment element has illumination, and the control unit is configured to illuminate differently in the case of operation intended in relation to a change in position, preferably due to the recognition of approach or contact, and when the adjustment element is in a standby state. This can significantly improve user comfort. The adjustment element may have directly recognizable or hidden light-emitting elements. Direct illumination can be created by directly recognizable light-emitting elements, and indirect illumination can be created by hidden light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements may emit white light or colored light. They may also generate continuous light or dynamically changing light. Such illumination makes it easy to locate the adjustment element in the vehicle interior, especially in poor lighting conditions such as darkness. The illumination can be varied according to various boundary conditions. For example, when the adjustment element is touched, the generated light pattern can be adapted by one or more light-emitting elements. For example, the displayed color can be changed, for example, from white to blue, and / or continuous light can be set to flash at a specific frequency. The change in color and / or brightness is performed gradually, especially animatedly. For example, when a user moves their finger along the adjustment element, the adjustment element can be illuminated in the area of ​​the contact surface or approach surface. In that case, as the finger moves along the adjustment element, the area that the finger touches along the adjustment element, and therefore illuminated, follows the finger accordingly during this movement.

[0033] Another advantageous embodiment of the device further intends that the control panel has illumination, and the control unit is configured to activate the illumination of the control panel and / or change the type of illumination when the operation of the adjustment element is recognized. This can also further improve user comfort. This function makes it easier for the user of the device according to the present invention to locate the control panel in a vehicle. For example, multiple different control panels can be moved by the same adjustment element, in which case the illumination of the translationally movable control panel is changed by receiving user input through the adjustment element. When the user touches or approaches this adjustment element, for example, the backlight of the control panel can be activated, or a control panel with a white backlight can be illuminated with a colored backlight, such as red, green, or blue. If there are multiple control panels, for example, the illumination of the control panel for movement is activated, or the adjustment element lights up in a specific color, such as blue, and the control panel for movement is illuminated accordingly, i.e., also in blue. In this case, the control panel that is not for movement remains dark or lights up in a different color, such as white or yellow.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment of the device, the adjustment element has a force sensor for detecting contact force in the event of contact, and the control unit is configured to recognize contact as activated only when the contact force exceeds a predetermined threshold. This function helps to avoid operational errors. That is, a user may accidentally touch the adjustment element during normal driving. This may cause the control panel to move unintentionally. However, if a certain amount of force is required to move the control panel, the control unit can ignore such unintentional accidental contact. For example, one or more MIMS sensors can be incorporated into the adjustment element to detect each contact force.

[0035] Another advantageous embodiment of the device further intends that the adjustment element has an actuator, particularly a piezoelectric actuator, and the control unit is configured to vibrate the actuator to generate tactile feedback by changing the friction between the contact point and the finger in contact with the adjustment element in the case of contact operation. This also further improves user comfort in operating the device according to the present invention. A user may be distracted, for example, by driving events while driving a vehicle. In such cases, tactile feedback can inform the user that their finger is actually touching the adjustment element, thereby preventing the user from taking their eyes off the road and still being able to move the control panel. Unlike, for example, a vibrating mass body, using a piezoelectric actuator can achieve a particularly natural tactile feel. For this purpose, individual piezoelectric actuators can be arranged along the adjustment element, for example, in a grid or field configuration.

[0036] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to vary friction so that guide elements, grid sections (rasterung), and / or stoppers are simulated. The adjustment element can be configured, for example, as a touch-sensitive slide controller. In this case, tactile feedback can provide the user with a trajectory for moving their finger along the adjustment element to move the operating panel. For this purpose, for example, guide elements extending along the movement path can be tactilely provided. To provide a grid section, these guide elements can also be interrupted, particularly at regular intervals. In particular, the distance between individual grid elements is designed according to the sensitivity of the adjustment element set. For example, if a high sensitivity is selected, these individual grid points will be closer to each other, i.e., the spacing will be narrower. Correspondingly, with a low sensitivity, the individual grid elements will be further apart from each other. When the front and / or rear ends of the slide controller, i.e., the adjustment element, are reached, tactile feedback, preferably particularly strong tactile feedback, can also be output to indicate the stoppers described above to the user. This allows the user to be informed that they have reached each end of the slide controller.

[0037] To design haptic feedback, it is particularly preferable to use a piezoelectric actuator system and a control system for this piezoelectric actuator system, such as those sold by Hap2U.

[0038] Another advantageous embodiment of this device is intended to further configure the control unit to pre-set the position of the control panel and the settings of the vehicle seat to which the control panel is assigned, based on the user's stored or detected body size. This can further improve user comfort. When a person sits down, the control panel is positioned according to the body dimensions, thereby potentially eliminating the need for further movement of the control panel. However, movement by adjustment elements is still possible for fine-tuning or to follow a changed seat position. Body size can be manually entered or measured by vehicle interior sensors, such as pressure sensors integrated into the vehicle seat, and / or by an interior camera. The measured dimensions can be assigned to a user profile, thereby eliminating the need for further detection of body dimensions. In this case, not only the overall body size but also the lengths of individual limbs can be detected in detail and further subdivided, thus enabling more accurate positioning.

[0039] As already mentioned, the selection or activation of each user profile can be performed by manually selecting or recognizing the presence of a specific mobile device in the vehicle by detecting biometric characteristics.

[0040] Preferably, the control unit is configured to move the control panel assigned to a vehicle seat in accordance with that adjustment. In other words, the control panel can be moved along with the seat configuration when the seat configuration is changed. For example, when each vehicle seat is moved backward in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis and / or the backrest is tilted to a more reclined position, the control panel also moves backward along the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Therefore, when adjusting the seat position, it is no longer necessary to move the control panel due to the adjustment element, although fine adjustments can still be made.

[0041] Another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that, when adjusting the vehicle seat, the control unit further determines movement data of a reference area of ​​the vehicle seat backrest, and the control panel moves in accordance with the movement of the reference area. This function ensures particularly reliable automatic forward movement of the control panel. When the vehicle seat backrest is tilted forward or backward, the area that can be reached by extending one's arm, and therefore the area considered for the control panel, moves forward or backward in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0042] Therefore, the reference area can correspond to a horizontally extending segment of the vehicle seat backrest at a specific geodetic height. Preferably, this segment is at the height where each user's outstretched arm is located. This height can also be measured using a vehicle interior sensor system.

[0043] Preferably, the control panel is located on the vehicle door, and the reference area corresponds to the area of ​​the vehicle seat backrest located at the height of the control panel. Therefore, when adjusting the vehicle seat, the reference area moves up and down along the backrest. However, the height of the reference area is constant with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis. Since the user extends their arm to operate the control panel, the control panel can also be used to directly locate the position of the reference area along the vehicle seat backrest.

[0044] Another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention further intends that the adjustment element be positioned in the area of ​​the door handle of a vehicle door, particularly in the decorative element located therein. The area of ​​the door handle of a vehicle door is particularly easily accessible to the user within the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to uniquely assign the adjustment element to the vehicle seat, in particular. For example, if the adjustment elements for the driver's seat and the passenger seat are incorporated into the center console, confusion is likely to occur, and for example, the passenger may mistakenly operate the adjustment element for the driver's seat. Furthermore, the area of ​​the vehicle door is accessible in both seat configurations set forward and rearward with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0045] Preferably, the adjustment element has a shape that extends long in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, allowing for detection of changes in the position of approach or contact at any point along the adjustment element. The elongated shape of the adjustment element makes it particularly advantageous to design as a slide controller. The elongated shape ensures a relatively long adjustment path. Furthermore, this adjustment element is particularly easily accessible from various seat configurations. In this case, it is irrelevant at what position the adjustment element first makes contact with or approaches the adjustment element in order to derive a control command to move the control panel. Only the change in position matters in determining the control command. For example, operation of the adjustment element can be started at the front one-fifth of its length and continued until half of the adjustment element is reached, or it can be started at the last one-third of the adjustment element and continued until the rear end is reached.

[0046] Another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention for operating vehicle functions will also be apparent from exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail below with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] These are four schematic diagrams of the device according to the present invention, incorporated into a vehicle door, at different points in the operation process. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adjustment element of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] These are schematic plans of three adjustment elements that output different haptic feedback. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of a vehicle seat with related control panels in various seat configurations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Figure 1 shows the interior of a vehicle, with the passenger-side vehicle door 13 visible. In Figure 1, the control panel 1 and an adjustment element 3, integrated into the door handle 14 of the vehicle door 13, are visible, which is used to translate the control panel 1 in the longitudinal direction L, extending in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. User input recorded via the adjustment element 3 is processed by a control unit 2, which derives control commands to control an actuator (not shown) for moving the control panel 1. In this case, the control unit 2 is connected to the actuator, the adjustment element 3, and other vehicle components such as a control device or a central onboard computer via data lines 17 such as a CAN bus.

[0049] Figure 1a) shows the control panel 1 and adjustment element 3 in a stationary or standby mode. In particular, light-emitting elements are incorporated into the control panel 1 and adjustment element 3 to generate direct and / or indirect lighting. In standby mode, for example, continuous blue light is emitted from the control panel 1 and adjustment element 3. Preferably, the light atmosphere thus generated is compatible with other lighting output in the vehicle, such as so-called ambient lighting. The light pattern 16 thus generated makes it particularly easy to locate the control panel 1 and adjustment element 3 in the vehicle interior.

[0050] To operate various vehicle functions, user input can be obtained via the control panel 1. For example, as shown in Figure 1, buttons that can change the seat configuration are incorporated into the control panel 1. This allows, for example, the corresponding vehicle seat 10, shown in detail in Figure 4, to be moved forward or backward in the longitudinal direction L, its backrest 12 to be raised or reclined backward, or the entire vehicle seat 10 to be translated in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis (not shown in detail).

[0051] Next, if the vehicle seat 10 and / or backrest 12 are changed to a seat configuration in which they are reclined, the user sitting in the vehicle seat 10 may, in some cases, be unable to reach the control panel 1. However, by operating the adjustment element 3, the control panel 1 can be moved backward toward the user in the longitudinal direction L, thereby allowing the user to comfortably reach the control panel 1 again. The corresponding operating processes are shown in Figures 1b), 1c), and 1d).

[0052] In Figure 1b), the user touches the adjustment element 3 with their finger 6 at any position. Preferably, the adjustment element 3 is designed to extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle so that the user can comfortably reach at least one area of ​​the adjustment element 3 regardless of their seat position. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1b), the finger 6 touches the adjustment element 3 at the contact point 5. According to one embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the illumination of the operation panel 1 and the adjustment element 3 can be matched. Thus, a light pattern 16 is emitted in the area of ​​the contact point 5 as if it were direct illumination via a light-emitting element located on the adjustment element 3. This informs the user that the adjustment element 3 has detected contact by the user.

[0053] To detect contact, the adjustment element 3 may have various sensor elements, such as a capacitive contact sensor and / or a surface acoustic wave sensor 15 as shown in Figure 2.

[0054] The adjustment element 3 can be configured for contact sensing and / or proximity sensing. For this purpose, the adjustment element 3 may have sensors such as a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser scanner, or a camera. In this case, even if only the approach of a finger 6 to the adjustment element 3 is recognized, the operation of the adjustment element 3 can be detected by the control unit 2.

[0055] The lighting output by the control panel 1 can be kept constant or changed during operation of the adjustment element 3. For example, a flashing light pattern 16 or a moving light pattern 16, in particular a light pattern 16 that moves in the direction of movement of the finger 6, can be output.

[0056] Figure 1c) shows the progression of finger 6's movement along adjustment element 3. As indicated by the arrow, finger 6 is moved backward in the vertical direction L. It can be seen that the direct illumination output at contact point 5 follows the movement of finger 6. Furthermore, the control panel 1 moves along with finger 6 in accordance with its movement.

[0057] In Figure 1d), the user releases their finger 6 from the adjustment element 3, and the control panel 1 has reached its desired position. The illumination of the control panel 1 and the adjustment element 3 is changed back to the illumination output in standby mode, and the corresponding light pattern 16 is output.

[0058] Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the adjustment element 3. In addition to the surface acoustic wave sensor 15, a number of piezoelectric actuators 4 arranged along the adjustment element 3 can be recognized. In this case, the piezoelectric actuators 4 preferably extend not only along the longitudinal extent of the adjustment element 3, but also laterally, in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis (not shown in detail), i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the figure. For this purpose, the piezoelectric actuators 4 can be arranged in a grid. The piezoelectric actuators 4 can output tactile feedback. Preferably, this is done according to the technology developed by Hap2U. Thus, not the entire adjustment element 3, but only the part touched by the finger 6 at the contact point 5 or a specific predetermined area vibrates. This is shown in Figure 2 by the densely hatched piezoelectric actuators 4. In this case, the piezoelectric actuators 4 can vibrate vertically, horizontally, and perpendicular to the plane of the paper. This precisely changes the friction between the finger 6 and the surface of the adjustment element 3 in the area acted upon by the activated piezoelectric actuator 4, thereby making it appear as if the surface of the adjustment element 3 has a specific tactile structure. This is shown in Figure 3.

[0059] For example, Figure 3a) shows a dummy guide element 7 parallel to the extension direction of the adjustment element 3, in this case parallel to the longitudinal direction L mentioned above. The guide element 7 is perceptible to the user's finger 6 and feels like a groove or ridge. This allows the user to see in which direction their finger 6 can be moved along the surface of the adjustment element 3 to achieve movement of the control panel 1.

[0060] Figure 3b) shows the grid section 8 that is simulated by haptic feedback. The distance a between individual grid elements is preferably set according to the adjustable sensitivity of the adjustment element 3. A smaller distance a is selected when the sensitivity is relatively high, and a larger distance a is selected when the sensitivity is relatively high.

[0061] Figure 3c) shows an overall plan view of the adjustment element 3. At the end regions of the adjustment element 3, haptic feedback simulates the presence of a single stopper 9. Compared to the individual grid elements of the grid section 8, particularly strong haptic feedback is preferably output here. This allows the haptic feedback to inform the user that each end of the adjustment element 3 has been reached. The simulated surface structures shown in Figures 3a), 3b), and 3c) can also be combined.

[0062] The control panel 1 can also be moved vertically in the L direction according to the seat adjustment. For this purpose, different seat configurations for different user profiles can be stored. In this case, each user profile also stores its preferred location along its respective movement path for the control panel 1. When the vehicle seat 10 moves forward or backward, or when the vehicle seat backrest 12 is reclined forward or backward, the control panel 1 can be moved accordingly. This reduces user effort because it eliminates the need to activate the adjustment element 3 to move the control panel 1. However, the adjustment element 3 can still be used for fine-tuning the position of the control panel 1.

[0063] Particularly preferably, the position of the control panel 1 is adapted according to the movement data of the reference area 11 of the vehicle seat 10 shown in Figure 4. In this case, Figure 4 shows the position of the reference area 11 on the backrest 12. The reference area 11 is located at the same geodetic height h as the control panel 1, in the vertical direction on the backrest 12, i.e., parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the height h to the seat surface of the vehicle seat 10 is shown. However, the floor inside the vehicle interior can also serve as a reference.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 4, the reference area 11 is always at the same geodetic height h as the control panel 1. However, the reference area 11 moves up or down along the backrest 12 depending on the inclination position of the backrest 12.

[0065] Since the user's arm or hand is at a height h to operate the control panel 1, this height h is particularly suitable for determining the position of the reference area 11. In this case, the control panel 1 moves in accordance with the adjustment speed of the reference area 11 when viewed in the vertical direction L, which makes it possible to maintain a constant distance between the control panel 1 and the reference area 11, and thus ensures the user's comfortable access to the control panel 1.

Claims

1. A control panel (1) is positioned to be movable within the vehicle and is used to operate the functions of the vehicle. A drive device for moving the aforementioned control panel (1), The control unit (2) that controls the drive device, Adjustment element (3) for contact detection or proximity detection, Equipped with, The control unit (2) is configured to activate the drive device when it approaches or makes contact with the adjustment element (3), and when the position of the approach or contact changes, it moves the operation panel (1) accordingly. The adjustment element (3) is separated from the control panel (1) and positioned so that the user can reach it from any seat position simply by raising their arm. A device characterized by the following features.

2. The drive unit is configured as a linear drive unit for moving the operation panel (1) in a longitudinal direction (L) that is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

3. The control unit (2) is configured to adjust the relationship between the change in the approach or contact of the adjustment element (3) and the amount of adjustment movement of the operation panel (1) based on a set value. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

4. The adjustment element (3) has illumination, The control unit (2) is configured to light up the adjustment element (3) differently depending on whether it is in operation or standby mode. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

5. The aforementioned control panel (1) has illumination, The control unit (2) is configured to activate the illumination of the operation panel (1) and / or change the type of illumination when it recognizes that the adjustment element (3) has been activated. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

6. The adjustment element (3) has a force sensor for detecting contact force in the event of contact, The control unit (2) is configured to recognize the contact as activated when the contact force exceeds a predetermined threshold. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

7. The adjustment element (3) has a piezoelectric actuator (4), The control unit (2) is configured to vibrate the actuator in the event of contact operation, in order to generate tactile feedback by changing the friction between the contact point (5) and the finger (6) in contact with the adjustment element (3). The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

8. The control unit (2) is further configured to vary the friction so that the guide element (7), grid section (8), and / or stopper (9) are simulated. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that it is a device.

9. The control unit (2) is configured to pre-set the position of the operation panel (1) and the setting of the vehicle seat (10) to which the operation panel (1) is assigned, based on the stored or detected body size of the user of the vehicle seat (10). The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

10. The control unit (2) is configured to move the operation panel (1) assigned to the vehicle seat (10) in accordance with the adjustment when the vehicle seat (10) is adjusted. The apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The control unit (2) is further configured to determine the movement data of the reference area (11) of the backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10) when the vehicle seat (10) is adjusted. The control panel (1) moves in accordance with the movement of the reference area (11). The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it is as described above.

12. The aforementioned control panel (1) is located on the vehicle door (13), The reference area (11) corresponds to the area of ​​the backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10) located at the height (h) of the operation panel (1). The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized by the features described above.

13. The adjustment element (3) is located in the area of ​​the door handle (14) of the vehicle door (13). The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by the features described above.

14. The adjustment element (3) has a shape that extends long in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, and changes in the position of approach or contact can be detected at any point along the adjustment element (3). The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

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