Method and device for waking up a vehicle component

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (101, 122) for waking up a vehicle component (110) of a vehicle (100). The device (101, 122) is designed to detect a wake-up signal via a light supply line (132) of the vehicle component (110) while the vehicle component (110) is in an energy-reduced state in which the function supply line (131) of the vehicle component (110) is disconnected from the energy supply (102) by a switching element (121). The device (101, 122) is also designed to cause, in response to the detection, the switching element (121) to couple the function supply line (131) to the energy supply (102) in order to transfer the vehicle component (110) into the woken-up state.

Description

[0001] 24-1292

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Method and device for waking up a vehicle component

[0004] The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device designed to wake up a component of a (motor) vehicle.

[0005] A vehicle can be divided into a variety of different zones, each containing one or more vehicle components. Each zone can be selectively disconnected from the vehicle's power supply by means of a switching element (in particular, an electronic fuse or eFuse), especially to reduce the vehicle's energy consumption. For example, a zone for one or more occupant positions can be disconnected from the power supply when it is detected that those positions are unoccupied.

[0006] It can happen that a vehicle zone containing one or more vehicle components has been disconnected from the power supply, yet a vehicle user still needs to be able to use a vehicle component from that zone if required. 24-1292

[0007] - 2 -

[0008] This document addresses the technical challenge of enabling an efficient and reliable wake-up of a vehicle component in a vehicle zone that has been disconnected from the power supply.

[0009] The problem is solved by each of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, inter alia, in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a claim dependent on an independent claim, without the features of the independent claim itself or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent claim, can constitute a separate invention independent of the combination of all features of the independent claim, which can be made the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can constitute an invention independent of the features of the independent claims.

[0010] According to one aspect, a device for waking up a vehicle component of a (motor) vehicle is described. The vehicle component can be configured to provide one or more functions of the vehicle (e.g., a cooling function, a heating function, a power window function, a navigation function, an infotainment function, etc.). For this purpose, the vehicle component can include a control unit that is supplied with electrical energy via a function supply line from a power supply (e.g., from an electrical energy storage device) of the vehicle's electrical system. The vehicle component can have an interface to which the function supply line can be connected to power the control unit. The vehicle component can control one or more electrical consumers (e.g.,the control unit or as part of the control unit) which are supplied with electrical energy from the vehicle's power supply via the functional supply line. 24-1292.

[0011] - 3 -

[0012] The functional power supply line can be connected to or disconnected from the power supply by means of a switching element (in particular, an electronic fuse or eFuse). The device can be configured to control the (possibly semiconductor-based) switching element to switch it into a conductive or non-conductive state. The conductive switching element connects the functional power supply line to the power supply, while the non-conductive switching element disconnects it.

[0013] The functional component can be part of a vehicle zone. The switching element can be part of a zone module designed to connect or disconnect one or more vehicle components of the zone from the power supply.

[0014] The vehicle component includes (at least) one control element for operating the vehicle component. Furthermore, the vehicle component includes a lighting element (e.g., with one or more LEDs) for illuminating the control element. The lighting element may be configured to emit light for ambient lighting of the control element. The lighting element may be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply via a lighting supply line. The vehicle component may have an interface for connecting the lighting supply line.

[0015] The vehicle component can be operated in normal operation (i.e., in a woken-up state) with the function supply line connected to the power supply, so that the vehicle component (especially the control unit) is supplied with electrical power from the power supply. 24-1292

[0016] - 4 -

[0017] The lighting element can be powered via the lighting supply line (independently of the functional supply line). The lighting supply line can be limited to supplying electrical power to one or more lighting elements of the vehicle component. In particular, the vehicle component is preferably designed such that the control unit and / or the operating element cannot be powered via the lighting supply line.

[0018] The device can be configured, in particular, to ensure that, in the awakened state of the vehicle component, an operating voltage level is present at the lighting supply line that is high enough to cause light to be emitted by the lighting element based on the electrical energy supplied via the lighting supply line. Furthermore, the device can be configured to ensure that, in the awakened state of the vehicle component, a pulse-width modulated lighting supply signal is present at the lighting supply line, so that the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting element is determined by setting the pulse width of the lighting supply signal.

[0019] The functional component can primarily be supplied with electrical energy via a functional power supply line. Additionally, one or more lighting elements (e.g., LEDs) of the functional component (for providing ambient lighting) can be supplied with electrical energy via a separate lighting power supply line. Furthermore, the intensity of the emitted light (especially the ambient lighting) can be adjusted via the lighting power supply line.

[0020] The functional component can also be operated in a reduced-energy state (e.g., in a sleep state). In this reduced-energy state, the functional power supply line may be disconnected from the power supply by the switching element. As a consequence, the 24-1292

[0021] - 5 -

[0022] The control unit and / or the operating element of the functional component are no longer supplied with electrical energy (not even via the lighting supply line). This significantly reduces the energy consumption of the functional component. Conversely, without a power supply, it is typically not possible for a vehicle user to wake up the functional component by operating the control element (and put it into the awakened state).

[0023] As described in this document, the light supply line of the functional component can be used to wake up the functional component in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0024] The device is designed to detect a wake-up signal via the lighting supply line while the vehicle component is in a reduced-energy state. The wake-up signal could, for example, be generated by actuating the control element of the functional component. The wake-up signal could, for example, consist of a voltage pulse on the lighting supply line.

[0025] The device can be configured to ensure that, in the energy-reduced state of the vehicle component, a standby voltage level (e.g., 5V) is present at the lighting supply line, which is so low that no light is emitted by the lighting element. For this purpose, the standby voltage level can be lower than the operating voltage level (e.g., 9V). Alternatively, the standby voltage level can be high enough to generate a voltage pulse as a wake-up signal at the lighting supply line. The voltage pulse can be generated, for example, by a pull-down circuit that briefly grounds the lighting supply line. The pull-down circuit can be activated by pressing the control element. 24-1292

[0026] - 6 -

[0027] The device is further configured, in response to detection, to cause the switching element to couple the function supply line with the power supply in order to bring the vehicle component into the awakened state.

[0028] According to another aspect, a vehicle component for a (motor) vehicle is described. The vehicle component comprises a control unit that is designed to be supplied with electrical energy from the vehicle's electrical system via a functional supply line. The vehicle component may have an interface for connecting the functional supply line.

[0029] The vehicle component further comprises a control element for operation by a user, as well as a lighting element (e.g., an LED) for illuminating the control element, wherein the lighting element is configured to be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply via the lighting supply line. For this purpose, the vehicle component may have an interface for connecting the lighting supply line.

[0030] The vehicle component can be configured to generate a wake-up signal on the lighting supply line while the vehicle component is in the reduced-energy state, in which the functional supply line is disconnected from the power supply (of the vehicle's electrical system). The vehicle component can, in particular, be configured to generate the wake-up signal on the lighting supply line in response to (especially by) an actuation of the control element. The vehicle component can, for example, include a transmitter module (e.g., in the form of a pull-down circuit) configured to generate a voltage pulse as a wake-up signal on the lighting supply line. 24-1292

[0031] - 7 -

[0032] The vehicle component can include a storage unit for storing data. This storage unit can, for example, be a read-only memory (RAM) module. Furthermore, the vehicle component can have an electrically conductive connecting line designed to supply the storage unit with electrical power from the lighting supply line while the vehicle component is in a reduced-power state. This connecting line can, for example, run between the lighting supply line interface and the storage unit. The storage unit can be powered using the standby voltage level, thus providing a particularly efficient suspend-to-RAM power supply.

[0033] According to another aspect, an electrical system for a (motor) vehicle is described. The electrical system comprises at least one vehicle component designed as described in this document. The system further includes a functional power supply line, a switching element (in particular an electronic fuse), a lighting power supply line, and an electrical power supply (e.g., with an (electrochemical) energy storage device). The system also includes a (control) device designed as described in this document.

[0034] According to another aspect, a (road) motor vehicle (in particular a passenger car or a truck or a bus or a motorcycle) is described that includes the vehicle component and / or the on-board network described in this document.

[0035] According to one aspect, a method for waking up a vehicle component of a (motor) vehicle is described. The vehicle component may include a control unit that is supplied with electrical energy from a power supply via a functional supply line. The functional supply line can typically be disconnected from or connected to the power supply by means of a switching element. 24-1292

[0036] - 8 - will be. The vehicle component may further comprise a control element for operating the vehicle component with a light element for illuminating the control element, wherein the light element is supplied with electrical energy from the power supply via a light supply line.

[0037] The method involves detecting a wake-up signal on the lighting supply line while the vehicle component is in a reduced-energy state, in which the functional supply line is disconnected from the power supply by the switching element. Furthermore, in response to the detection, the method involves causing the switching element to couple the functional supply line to the power supply in order to bring the vehicle component into the awake state.

[0038] It should be noted that the aspects described in connection with the device, in particular the claims described in connection with the device, are also applicable to the method as corresponding process features.

[0039] According to another aspect, the use of a light supply line, which is designed to provide electrical power to a lighting element of a vehicle component, for transmitting a wake-up signal to wake up the vehicle component is described.

[0040] According to another aspect, a software (SW) program is described. The SW program can be configured to run on a processor (e.g., on a vehicle's control unit) and thereby execute the procedure described in this document. 24-1292

[0041] - 9 -

[0042] Another aspect describes a storage medium. This storage medium can include a software program configured to run on a processor and thereby execute the procedure described in this document.

[0043] It should be noted that the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other methods, devices, and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspect of the methods, devices, and systems described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. Features listed in parentheses are to be understood as optional features.

[0044] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments.

[0045] Figure aa shows a section of an exemplary vehicle electrical system;

[0046] Figure 1b shows an exemplary vehicle component and an exemplary zone module of an on-board network;

[0047] Figure 2a shows an example of an on-board electrical system with an alarm function;

[0048] Figure 2b shows an exemplary vehicle electrical system with a power supply for a storage unit of a vehicle component; and

[0049] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary procedure for waking up a vehicle component.

[0050] As stated at the outset, this document deals with the efficient and reliable awakening of a vehicle component disconnected from the power supply. In this context, Fig. 1a shows an exemplary vehicle 100 with an electrical system 150. The electrical system 150 typically comprises a variety of different vehicle components 110, each of which is supplied with electrical energy for the operation of the respective vehicle component 110 by a power supply 102 of the electrical system 150. The power supply 102 may include an electrical (in particular electrochemical) energy storage device.

[0051] The vehicle components 110 can be grouped in different zones of the vehicle 100, with each zone potentially containing one or more vehicle components 110. The one or more vehicle components 110 of a zone can be electrically connected to the power supply 102 via a zone module 120 of the zone. The zone module 120 of a zone can be configured to selectively disconnect the zone, in particular the one or more vehicle components 101 of the zone, from or connect it to the power supply 102. The zone module 120 can be controlled by a control device 101 of the vehicle 100 or the vehicle electrical system 150, so that the control device 101 is configured to cause the zone module 120 to connect or disconnect the one or more vehicle components 101 of the zone from the power supply 102.

[0052] Fig. 1b shows further details of the electrical system 150, in particular a vehicle component 110 and a zone module 120 of the electrical system 150. A vehicle component 110 can include a control unit 111 configured to provide one or more functions of the vehicle component 110. Examples of such functions are: a comfort function (e.g., seat heating, climate control), a door and / or window function (e.g., power windows), a navigation function, etc. The vehicle component 110 can (optionally as part of the control unit 110) include a memory unit 114 configured to store data for providing the one or more functions of the vehicle component 110. The memory unit 114 can, for example, comprise a RAM module. 24-1292

[0053] - 11 -

[0054] The vehicle component 110 typically has one or more operating elements 112 that can be actuated by a user to control the vehicle component 110 (e.g., to activate or deactivate it). Each of the one or more operating elements 112 can be connected to the control unit 111 via a control line 113. An operating element 112 can comprise a push button, a switch, a slider, and / or a rotary knob. The vehicle component 110 can also comprise one or more lighting elements 115 that provide ambient lighting for the one or more operating elements 112.

[0055] The vehicle component 110 can be connected (electrically conductive) to the zone module 120 and / or to the electrical power supply 102 via a functional supply line 131. In particular, the control unit 111 and / or the storage unit 114 and / or the operating element 112 of the vehicle component 110 can be supplied with electrical energy for the operation of the vehicle component 110 (possibly exclusively) via the functional supply line 131.

[0056] Alternatively, the supply of electrical energy to the one or more lighting elements 115 can be effected via a dedicated lighting supply line 132 of the electrical system 150. The electrical current supplied via the lighting supply line 132 can, for example, be provided in a pulse-width modulated (PWM) manner, whereby the brightness of the light emitted by the one or more lighting elements 115 can be changed by altering the pulse width.

[0057] The zone module 120 shown in Fig. 1b comprises a switching element 121 (in particular an electronic fuse) which is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the functional supply line 131 of the vehicle component 110 from the power supply 102. It can be detected, for example, by the control device 101 that the zone, in particular the - 12 -

[0058] Vehicle component 110 in the zone is to be switched to an energy-reduced state (e.g., because the vehicle 100 has been parked in a parking space). In response, the switching element 121 can be caused by the control device 101 to disconnect the functional supply line 131 from the power supply 102. As a result, the control unit 111 (and possibly the storage unit 112) and / or the operating element 112 of the vehicle component 110 are no longer supplied with electrical energy, so that the energy consumption of the vehicle 100 can be reduced.

[0059] The lighting supply line 132 is not decoupled from the power supply 102 of the vehicle electrical system 150, even in the energy-reduced state of the vehicle component 110. On the other hand, the voltage level on the lighting supply line 132 can be changed, in particular reduced, to ensure that, in the energy-reduced state, no light or only light with reduced intensity is emitted by the one or more lighting elements 115 of the vehicle component 110. For this purpose, the vehicle electrical system 150 (in particular the zone module 120) can have a control unit 122 configured to adjust the lighting supply signal provided at and / or via the lighting supply line 132. The lighting supply signal can

[0060] • During normal operation (i.e., in an awake state), the vehicle component 110 will emit a PWM signal with a specific operating voltage level; the pulse width of the PWM signal can be used to adjust the intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting elements 115; and / or

[0061] • in the energy-reduced state of the vehicle component 110, a constant signal with a specific standby voltage level, wherein the standby voltage level is typically lower than the operating voltage level; the standby voltage level may be so low that no light is emitted by the one or more lighting elements 115; on the other hand, the standby voltage level - 13 - may be sufficiently high to generate a voltage pulse as a wake-up signal on the light supply line 132 by means of a (short-term) interruption of the standby voltage level.

[0062] As already explained above, this document describes one or more measures that enable a user of the vehicle 100 to wake up a vehicle component 110 that is in the energy-reduced state in an efficient and reliable manner (and thereby bring it into normal operation (i.e., into the awakened state) so that the one or more functions of the vehicle component 110 can be used by the user.

[0063] The lighting supply line 132 can be used for the efficient and reliable wake-up of the vehicle component 110. In particular, the vehicle component 110 can be enabled to generate a wake-up signal on the lighting supply line 132 even in the energy-reduced state, especially in response to the actuation of a control element 112 of the vehicle component 100. The wake-up signal can be detected by the control unit 122 (of the zone module 120), and in response (e.g., by the control device 101 of the vehicle electrical system 150), the vehicle component 110 can be switched from the energy-reduced state to normal operation (i.e., to the woken-up state). In this context, the switching element 121 can, in particular, be caused to connect the function supply line 131 to the power supply 102 of the vehicle electrical system 150.Furthermore, the control unit 122 can cause one or more lighting elements 115 of the vehicle component 110 to be operated in order to emit light. For this purpose, a PWM signal can be applied to the lighting supply line 132.

[0064] In the example shown in Fig. 2a, a control element 112 of the vehicle component 110 has a transmitter module 201 which is configured in 24-1292

[0065] - 14 -

[0066] The control unit 122 is designed to generate a wake-up signal on the light supply line 132 in response to the activation of the control element 112 (especially when the control element 112 is activated). The transmitter module 201 can, for example, include a pull-down circuit configured to pulse the voltage level of the light supply line from the standby voltage level to a reduced voltage level (e.g., ground) in order to generate a wake-up signal in the form of a voltage pulse. Furthermore, the control unit 122 can include a receiver module 202 configured to detect the wake-up signal (especially the voltage pulse).

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the lighting supply line 132 can be used to supply the storage unit 114 of the vehicle component 110 with electrical energy even in the energy-reduced state. For this purpose, the vehicle component 110 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 2b) can have an (electrically conductive) connecting line 211 between the lighting supply line 132 (in particular between the interface for the lighting supply line 132) and the storage unit 114. By supplying electrical energy to the storage unit 114 during the energy-reduced state, an accelerated start-up of the vehicle component 110 (from the energy-reduced state to normal operation) can be achieved (especially in the case of a vehicle component 110 that uses a relatively large amount of data, such as a navigation system).

[0068] The light supply line 132 of the ambient lighting of a vehicle component 110 can thus be used to transmit a wake-up signal, in particular a wake-up pulse, in order to wake up the higher-level zone module 120, which can then energize the one or more connected vehicle components 110 (via the respective function supply line 131). The electronics, in particular the control unit 122, for the illumination of the one or more operating elements 112 is preferably designed such that the one or more wake-up signals do not result in a light emission 24-1292.

[0069] - 15 - which leads to one or more luminous elements 115 that are perceptible to a human.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply via the lighting supply line 132 can be used for suspend-to-RAM (STR) operation of a control unit 111 or a vehicle component 110 (requiring approximately 2-3 mA for this operation). The STR operation can be configured such that STR is possible for certain PWM values ​​of the lighting supply signal on the lighting supply line 132 (e.g., 10-20%), but the ambient lighting is only visible at higher PWM values.

[0071] For example, a door module 110 for one or more doors of the vehicle 100 can be switched off (i.e., put into a reduced-energy state) if the vehicle 100 is parked for a few minutes (e.g., 30 minutes), as it can be assumed that no one is inside the vehicle 100. The measures described in this document make it possible to disconnect the power supply of the door module 110 from the power supply 102 while still maintaining a searchlight and / or wake-up capability of the door module 110 (e.g., in case a person is inside the vehicle 100). This allows the person to still wake up the vehicle 100, in particular the door module 110, and put it back into normal operation using one or more controls 112 of the door module 110.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a (possibly computer-implemented) method 300 for waking up a vehicle component 110 of a (motor) vehicle 100. The vehicle component 110 can provide one or more functions of the vehicle 100. The vehicle component 110 comprises a control unit 111 (for providing the one or more functions), which is supplied with electrical energy from a power supply 102 (e.g., from an electrical energy storage device) via a function supply line 131. 24-1292

[0073] - 16 - is, wherein the functional supply line 131 can be disconnected from or connected to the power supply 102 by means of a switching element 121 (in particular by means of an electronic fuse).

[0074] The vehicle component 110 further comprises a control element 112 (e.g., a push button, a switch, or a rotary knob) for operating the vehicle component 110, wherein the vehicle component 110 also has a light element 115 for illuminating the control element 112. The light element 115 can be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply 102 via a lighting supply line 132 (which is separate from the function supply line 131).

[0075] The method 300 can be carried out by a control device 101, 122 of the vehicle 100.

[0076] Method 300 comprises detecting 301 a wake-up signal on the lighting supply line 132 while the vehicle component 110 is in the reduced-energy state, in which the functional supply line 131 is disconnected from the power supply 102 by the switching element 121. The lighting supply line 132 can thus be used to generate, transmit, and detect a wake-up signal in order to wake up the vehicle component 110 (which, apart from the lighting element 115, is disconnected from the power supply 102).

[0077] Furthermore, in response to the detection 301, the procedure 300 includes causing the switching element 121 to couple the function supply line 131 with the power supply 102 in order to bring the vehicle component 110 into the awakened state. 24-1292

[0078] - 17 -

[0079] The measures described in this document enable the efficient and reliable waking up of a vehicle component 110 of a vehicle 100. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed methods, devices, and systems by way of example.

Claims

24-1292 - 18 - Claims 1) Device (101, 122) for waking up a vehicle component (110) of a vehicle (100); wherein the vehicle component (110) comprises a control unit (111) which is supplied with electrical energy from a power supply (102) via a function supply line (131); wherein the function supply line (131) can be disconnected from or connected to the power supply (102) by means of a switching element (121); wherein the vehicle component (110) has an operating element (112) for operating the vehicle component (110), with a light element (115) for illuminating the operating element (112); wherein the light element (115) is supplied with electrical energy from the power supply (102) via a light supply line (132); wherein the device (101, 122) is configured - to detect a wake-up signal via the light supply line (132) while the vehicle component (110) is in a reduced-energy state, in which the function supply line (131) is disconnected from the power supply (102) by the switching element (121); and - in response to the detection, to cause the switching element (121) to couple the function supply line (131) with the power supply (102) in order to bring the vehicle component (110) into an awakened state. 2) Device (101, 122) according to claim 1, wherein the device (101, 122) is configured to cause a standby voltage level to be present at the light supply line (132) in the energy-reduced state of the vehicle component (110), - which is so small that no light is emitted by the luminous element (115); and 24-1292 - 19 - - which is so high that a voltage pulse can be generated as a wake-up signal on the light supply line (132). 3) Device (101, 122) according to claim 2, wherein the device (101, 122) is configured to cause an operating voltage level to be present at the light supply line (132) in the awakened state of the vehicle component (110), - which is greater than the standby voltage level; and - which is so high that light is emitted from the luminaire (115) based on the electrical energy supplied via the light supply line (132). 4) Device (101, 122) according to claim 3, wherein the device (101, 122) is configured to cause a pulse-width modulated light supply signal to be present at the light supply line (132) in the awakened state of the vehicle component (110), so that the intensity of the light emitted by the luminous element (115) is determined by setting the pulse width of the light supply signal. 5) Vehicle component (110) for a vehicle (100); wherein - the vehicle component (110) includes a control unit (111) which is designed to be supplied with electrical energy from a power supply (102) of an electrical on-board network (150) of the vehicle (100) via a function supply line (131); - the vehicle component (110) includes a control element (112) for the operation of the vehicle component (110) by a user; - the vehicle component (110) includes a lighting element (115) for illuminating the control element (112); and 24-1292 - 20 - - the lighting element (115) is designed to be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply (102) via the light supply line (132); and - the vehicle component (110) is configured to generate a wake-up signal on the light supply line (132) while the vehicle component (110) is in an energy-reduced state in which the function supply line (131) is disconnected from the power supply (102). 6) Vehicle component (110) according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle component (110) is configured to generate the wake-up signal on the light supply line (132) in response to an actuation of the control element (112). 7) Vehicle component (110) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the vehicle component (110) comprises a transmitter module (201) configured to generate a voltage pulse as a wake-up signal on the light supply line (132). 8) Vehicle component (110) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein - the vehicle component (110) includes a storage unit (114) for storing data; - the storage unit (114) in particular includes a Read Only Memory, RAM, memory module; and - the vehicle component (110) has an electrically conductive connecting line (201) which is configured to supply the storage unit (114) with electrical energy from the light supply line (132) while the vehicle component (110) is in the energy-reduced state. 9) Vehicle component (110) for a vehicle (100); wherein 24-1292 - 21 - - the vehicle component (110) includes a control unit (111) which is designed to be supplied with electrical energy from a power supply (102) of an electrical on-board network (150) of the vehicle (100) via a function supply line (131); - the vehicle component (110) includes a control element (112) for the operation of the vehicle component (110) by a user; - the vehicle component (110) includes a lighting element (115) for illuminating the control element (112); - the lighting element (115) is designed to be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply (102) via the light supply line (132); - the vehicle component (110) includes a storage unit (114) for storing data; and - the vehicle component (110) has an electrically conductive connecting line (201) configured to supply the storage unit (114) with electrical energy from the light supply line (132) while the vehicle component (110) is in an energy-reduced state in which the function supply line (131) is disconnected from the power supply (102). 10) Electrical system (150) for a vehicle (100), wherein the electrical system (150) comprises - a vehicle component (110) designed according to one of claims 5 to 9; - a functional supply line (131), a switching element (121), a lighting supply line (132) and an electrical power supply (102); and - 22 - - a device (101, 122) designed according to one of claims 1 to 4. 11) Method (300) for waking up a vehicle component (110) of a vehicle (100); wherein the vehicle component (110) comprises a control unit (111) which is supplied with electrical energy from a power supply (102) via a function supply line (131); wherein the function supply line (131) can be disconnected from or connected to the power supply (102) by means of a switching element (121); wherein the vehicle component (110) has an operating element (112) for operating the vehicle component (110), with a light element (115) for illuminating the operating element (112); wherein the light element (115) is supplied with electrical energy from the power supply (102) via a light supply line (132); wherein the method (300) comprises, - Detecting (301) a wake-up signal on the light supply line (132) while the vehicle component (110) is in a reduced-energy state in which the function supply line (131) is disconnected from the power supply (102) by the switching element (121); and - in response to the detection (301), instigation (302) of the switching element (121) to couple the function supply line (131) with the power supply (102) in order to bring the vehicle component (110) into an awakened state.

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