Operating device for a motor vehicle, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (1) for a motor vehicle, having an operating region (2) and a plurality of operating elements (3-8) which are or can be placed in the operating region (2) and can be actuated by a vehicle occupant and the actuation of which by the vehicle occupant allows functions (10-15) of the motor vehicle to be controlled one-to-one, wherein the operating device (1) can be operated in different operating states (16-18), each of which is assigned to a particular state (19-21) of the motor vehicle, wherein in the first operating state (16), a first group (22), which contains one or more operating elements (3 to 8), is placed in the operating region (2), and in the second operating state (17), a second group (23), which differs from the first group (22) and contains one or more operating elements (3-8), is placed in the operating region (2).

Description

[0001] 24-3338 PIF

[0002] 1

[0003] Operating device for a motor vehicle and procedures

[0004] The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an operating device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0005] DE 102016124125 B4 discloses an interior trim part of a motor vehicle, comprising a molded part made of glass or a glass-like material, arranged on the side of the interior trim part facing the interior of the motor vehicle, a thin-film display device, arranged behind or integrated into the molded part from the perspective of the interior of the motor vehicle, and a second display device for displaying a camera image, arranged behind the thin-film display device.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create an operating device for a motor vehicle and a method for operating an operating device for a motor vehicle, so that the comfort of the motor vehicle can be particularly increased.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by an operating device for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating an operating device for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is, for example, a car, in particular a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. Preferably, the motor vehicle, especially in its fully manufactured state, has the operating device. Accordingly, the operating device is in particular a vehicle-internal or vehicle-integrated operating device. In particular, the operating device can be arranged or is arranged in an interior space of the motor vehicle. Under the interior space, which is referred to as the vehicle interior, 24-3338 PIF

[0009] 2

[0010] In particular, a passenger compartment or passenger cell is understood to be a passenger compartment or passenger cell.

[0011] The operating device comprises at least one operating area and several operating elements that can be arranged or are arranged within the operating area and that can be operated or actuated by a vehicle occupant, particularly within the operating area. By actuating each of these elements, the vehicle occupant can control or operate a specific function of the motor vehicle. In other words, it is intended that the respective operating element can be operated or is operated by the vehicle occupant, thereby enabling or carrying out the respective function of the motor vehicle.

[0012] In particular, each control element is assigned one of the functions. The function is, for example, a function of a component of the vehicle. Controlling the respective function includes, for example, starting the function, stopping the function, and / or adjusting the function. For example, it is intended that the interior of the vehicle or its cargo area can be adjusted by controlling the respective function.

[0013] To significantly enhance the comfort of the motor vehicle, the invention provides that the operating device can be operated, or is operated, in different operating states, each corresponding to a specific state of the motor vehicle. In a first state, the operating device can be operated, or is operated, and in a second state, the operating device can be operated, or is operated, in a different operating state. This means that the operating device can be operated, or is operated, in the first operating state when the motor vehicle is in the first state, and that the operating device can be operated, or is operated, in the second operating state when the motor vehicle is in the second state. These states are, in particular, distinct from one another.In other words, the control device is in the first operating state when the motor vehicle is in the first state, and the control device is in the second operating state when the motor vehicle is in the second state. 24-3338 PIF.

[0014] 3

[0015] Furthermore, in a first embodiment of the operating device, for example, it is provided that in the first operating state, a first grouping, containing one or more of the operating elements, is arranged in the operating area, and in the second operating state, a second grouping, different from the first grouping and containing one or more of the operating elements, is arranged in the operating area. In other words, it is provided that in the first operating state, the first grouping, i.e., the respective operating element of the first grouping, can be actuated or is actuated by the vehicle occupant, and that in the second operating state, the second grouping, i.e., the respective operating element of the second grouping, can be actuated or is actuated by the vehicle occupant.This allows the vehicle occupant to control the respective function assigned to each control element in the first operating state, and to control the respective function assigned to each control element in the second operating state. In the first operating state, the second group is not positioned within the operating area. This means that in the first operating state, the second group, and specifically the respective control element within it, is not located within the operating area. In other words, the vehicle occupant does not activate the second group, i.e., the respective control element within it, in the first operating state.In other words, in the first operating state, only the first grouping is located within the operating area. Furthermore, in the second operating state, the first grouping is not located within the operating area. This means that in the second operating state, the first grouping is not located within the operating area. In other words, in the second operating state, the vehicle occupants do not operate the first grouping, specifically the respective control element contained within the first grouping. Again, in the second operating state, only the second grouping is located within the operating area.The first and second groupings differ, for example, at least in that at least one of the controls is contained exclusively in one of these two groupings. The term "grouping" refers specifically to a particular group, where this particular group may be, for example, one or more of the controls.24-3338 PIF.

[0016] 4

[0017] This includes. Furthermore, the respective grouping can be understood to refer in particular to a specific arrangement of control elements.

[0018] Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the control device, which differs from the first, the control elements are arranged in the control area in both the first and second operating states. Thus, for example, the first and second groups are arranged in the control area in both the first and second operating states. In other words, all control elements are located in the control area in both the first and second operating states. At least one of the control elements is marked differently in the first and second operating states.In other words, at least one of the controls is marked in a specific way (e.g., a first way) in one of the operating states, and in the other operating state, this control is either unmarked or marked in a second way that differs from the first. The marking includes, for example, a symbol, a label, and / or a color, particularly an illuminant color. Thus, by marking the control, the symbol, label, and / or color of the control, especially its illumination, can change in the operating states.

[0019] The invention is based in particular on the following insights and considerations: Control surfaces for performing various functions of the motor vehicle are typically designed to be particularly small due to space constraints, which is why they can also be referred to as "small control surfaces." Programmable surfaces, in particular, have limited space in the vehicle, meaning that the vehicle occupant must first navigate through numerous submenus to control the function. In the prior art, to control the function, the vehicle occupant must, for example, first "navigate" to the appropriate setting, thereby navigating through numerous menu paths. This can negatively impact the comfort of the vehicle, as the vehicle occupant has to search for a considerable amount of time.

[0020] In contrast, the operating device according to the invention allows the vehicle occupant to be shown, depending on the, in particular current, state of the motor vehicle, the different groupings, and thus in particular different operating elements, for different functions of the 24-3338 PIF.

[0021] 5

[0022] The vehicle's control system provides, and in particular displays, the relevant functions for the current state of the vehicle. The control device can display to the vehicle occupant the grouping that is most suitable for the current state of the vehicle, thus allowing the controls to be automatically configured, and in particular redesigned, to reflect the current state of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle occupant to control the functions most relevant to the current state of the vehicle in a particularly space-saving manner, and in a particularly clear and concise way.This allows vehicle occupants to view controls for functions necessary for entering the vehicle, for example, in a dedicated menu grouped by function, in a clear and organized manner. This enables occupants to enter the vehicle more comfortably and / or quickly, and to adjust the interior settings. Alternatively or additionally, the controls can be marked differently depending on the vehicle's operating state, for example, by changing symbols and / or colors. The controls are thus designed to display the controls according to a selective display.This allows the vehicle occupants to visually identify those controls that are particularly relevant in the current state of the vehicle. Overall, it is evident that the operating device according to the invention enables an intuitive and clear structure for essential elements or functions that correspond to the current state of the vehicle.

[0023] To further enhance the comfort of the motor vehicle, particularly ease of use, a further embodiment, for example in the first embodiment, provides that the operating area is designed as a touchscreen display and the controls are designed as virtual controls, which can be displayed to the vehicle occupant, particularly in the respective operating state, on the touchscreen display, especially visually. In other words, it is provided that, particularly in the respective operating state, the respective grouping can be displayed to the vehicle occupant on the touchscreen display. Accordingly, the respective grouping is designed as a respective virtual grouping. Under 24-3338 PIF

[0024] 6

[0025] A touchscreen display is understood to be, in particular, a touch-sensitive screen, which can also be referred to as a touchscreen or sensor screen. The operating area is thus designed, in addition to its operating function, as an optical output device, i.e., in this case, a screen. Accordingly, the operating device is, for example, a control and display device. Displaying refers specifically to an optical representation on the screen, which is particularly perceptible to the vehicle occupant. The touchscreen display allows the different groupings to be varied in their operating states, particularly in a very simple manner, and thus displays different information to the vehicle occupant depending on the current state of the vehicle.The display is particularly clear for the vehicle occupant, as only the most relevant controls for the current state or operating condition are shown, while the remaining controls are hidden. The touchscreen display thus allows direct access to the respective function, meaning the execution of the function, replacing physical switches. Each control is therefore a virtual interface, such as a virtual programmable interface.

[0026] In the second embodiment, the respective control element is designed, for example, as a physical control element, i.e., for example, as a push button, in particular a push button. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the respective control element can be understood to be, in particular, a respective button surface. In the first and second operating states, the control elements or push buttons therefore remain in the same position in the second embodiment, whereby active and inactive functions can be indicated to the vehicle occupant, for example, by marking at least one of the control elements. Thus, these are, for example, push buttons that are or can be equipped with changing labels, changing symbols, and / or changing colors.In the second embodiment, the operating device can thus, for example, enable a "hardkey operation" in which, depending on the availability of the function in the current state of the vehicle, the respective operating element can be illuminated in a searchlight, in which, for example, the current illumination color of the respective operating element can be varied. 24-3338 PIF.

[0027] 7

[0028] To further enhance the comfort of the vehicle, a further embodiment provides that, for example in the first embodiment, the first group of controls contains the same number of operating elements as the second group. In other words, the groupings comprise the same number of operating elements. This allows the vehicle occupants to see the same number of control options in each operating state, and thus, in particular, in each state of the vehicle. This enables the display of the operating elements, and therefore the display of the control options, to be particularly space-saving.Therefore, the control device can automatically determine, in each state, which controls are most relevant to the vehicle occupant in that particular state of the vehicle. Because the first and second numbers are the same, it is ensured that the control area is not cluttered with many elements, but rather remains particularly clear and easy to understand for the vehicle occupant.

[0029] To further enhance vehicle comfort, a further embodiment provides that the controls in the operating area during the first operating state are arranged in the same position as those in the second operating state. In other words, the same defined number of controls are arranged in the same position in the operating area in each operating state. Thus, different controls, for example, in the form of individual buttons, can be displayed in the operating area, particularly on the touchscreen display, such that in each operating state, only the defined number of controls, for example, two, three, or four, are visible to the vehicle occupant, and specifically, in the same position.This allows the vehicle occupant to identify the controls particularly well, as they can be arranged in a very clear manner.

[0030] To further enhance the comfort of the motor vehicle, a further embodiment provides for the motor vehicle to be driven in at least one of the states, for example, in a first state. In other words, at least one of the states, for example, the first state, is a driving state of the motor vehicle. 24-3338 PIF

[0031] 8

[0032] This means that, at least in this one state, the vehicle is not stationary. This embodiment is based in particular on the understanding that the current relevance of the respective function depends on whether the vehicle is currently moving or stationary. For example, it is particularly relevant for the vehicle occupant while the vehicle is moving to adjust interior lighting, play media such as music and / or videos, adjust the interior climate control, shade the interior, for example with blinds, and / or make a telephone call.

[0033] To further enhance the comfort of the vehicle, a further embodiment provides for the vehicle to be stationary in at least one of the states, for example, in the second state. This means that in at least one of the states, for example, the second state, the vehicle is not moving. This state could be, for example, a situation involving entry and / or exit and / or loading and / or unloading. This embodiment is based in particular on the understanding that the current relevance of the respective functions for the vehicle occupant can depend, in particular, on whether the vehicle is moving or stationary.For example, when entering and / or exiting the vehicle, it is particularly relevant for occupants to adjust seat settings, interior lighting, such as folding down a row of seats, positioning vehicle components like overhead screens to facilitate entry and exit, automatically opening or closing side doors, and / or adjusting seat heating, for example, via a preheating function. Furthermore, when loading and / or unloading the vehicle, for example, the trunk, it can be particularly relevant to adjust the lighting in the cargo area, open or close the trunk, or switch off or lower the volume of media such as the radio, for example, to avoid disturbing people in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0034] In a further embodiment, it is provided that in at least one of the states, for example the second state, a wing element of the motor vehicle, movable between a closed position and at least one open position, for example pivotable about a pivot axis, is in the open position. For example, the wing element has at least one mounting area by which the wing element can be moved, for example pivoted, at least between the closed position and the open position on at least one separate 24-3338 PIF

[0035] 9

[0036] The component of the motor vehicle formed by the wing element, such as a body component, can be attached or is attached.

[0037] For example, the wing element is designed as a side door. Thus, in the closed position, for instance, a door opening intended for the side door, which is formed, for example, by a side frame of the vehicle body, is completely closed off by the side door. In the open position, the door opening is at least partially, and in particular predominantly or completely, uncovered by the side door, allowing, for example, at least one person to enter the interior from the surroundings via the open door opening and / or to enter the surroundings from the interior via the door opening. In particular, in the closed position, access from the surroundings to the interior via the door opening and / or from the interior to the surroundings via the door opening is prevented.This means that in the closed position, the person cannot, for example, exit the interior through the door opening and / or enter the interior through the door opening.

[0038] Alternatively, the wing element can be designed as a tailgate. Thus, in the closed position, the rear cargo area, particularly the trunk, of the vehicle is preferably completely closed by the tailgate. In the open position, the cargo area, i.e., a cargo opening, is at least partially exposed by the tailgate, allowing at least one object to be placed in or removed from the cargo area. In the closed position, the cargo opening is closed, particularly by the tailgate, so that placing an object in or from the cargo area is not possible.This embodiment is based in particular on the understanding that when the wing element is in the open position, i.e., for example, when the side door or tailgate is open, different functions are particularly relevant for the vehicle occupant than while the vehicle is in motion. This allows the vehicle occupant to be shown precisely those functions that are particularly relevant when getting in or out of the vehicle and / or when loading or unloading the cargo area.

[0039] To further enhance the comfort of the vehicle, it is envisaged that at least one of the functions is a function for adjusting the interior or the cargo space of the vehicle. This adjustment24-3338 PIF

[0040] 10

[0041] Examples include visual adjustments, particularly lighting, climate control (heating and / or cooling), acoustic adjustments, and / or spatial adjustments, such as adjusting the seating and / or other components, like the screen located in the headliner. This allows the interior or cargo space to be personalized for the vehicle occupants, especially depending on the situation, thus significantly increasing comfort.

[0042] To further enhance the comfort of the vehicle, a further embodiment provides that at least one of the functions is for moving the vehicle's wing element, particularly automatically, for example, moving the wing element from the closed position to the open position and / or from the open position to the closed position. This allows the vehicle occupant to automatically control the wing element as needed.

[0043] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a control device, particularly according to the first aspect of the invention, for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the method can be understood to be, in particular, a method for operating the motor vehicle. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0044] The operating device has at least one operating area and several operating elements that can be arranged or are arranged in the operating area and can be operated or actuated by a vehicle occupant, in particular in the operating area, by whose respective actuation the vehicle occupant can control or is controlled a respective function of the motor vehicle.

[0045] To significantly enhance the comfort of the motor vehicle, the operating device is operated according to the invention in different operating states, each of which is assigned to a respective, in particular current, state of the motor vehicle, whereby in a first of the states the operating device is operated in a first of the operating states and in a second of the states the operating device is operated in a second of the operating states. It is provided that in the first operating state a first 24-3338 PIF

[0046] 11

[0047] A grouping containing one or more of the control elements is arranged or will be arranged in the operating area, and in the second operating state, a second grouping, different from the first grouping and containing one or more of the control elements, is arranged or will be arranged in the operating area, wherein in the first operating state the arrangement of the second grouping in the operating area is omitted, and in the second operating state the arrangement of the first grouping in the operating area is omitted. Alternatively, the control elements, in particular the groupings, are arranged in the operating area in both the first and second operating states, wherein at least one of the control elements is marked differently in the first and second operating states.

[0048] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0049] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show:

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an operating device according to the invention in a first embodiment in a first operating state; and

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an operating device according to the invention in a first embodiment in a second operating state; and

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an operating device according to the invention in a first embodiment in a third operating state; and24-3338 PIF

[0053] 12

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an operating device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first operating state; and

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an operating device according to the invention in a second embodiment in a second operating state; and

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an operating device according to the invention in a second embodiment in a third operating state.

[0057] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation, for example a schematic top view, of an operating device 1 for a motor vehicle. The operating device 1 is, for example, to be arranged or is arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, the operating device 1 has, for example, at least one mounting area, or it can be attached or is attached to a component of the motor vehicle located in the interior, that is, for example, to an interior component of the motor vehicle. For example, the operating device 1 is arranged in a rear area of ​​the interior. The rear area is understood to be, in particular, a rear area of ​​the interior in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A rear row of seats is, for example, arranged in this rear area. Alternatively, the operating device 1 is, for example, arranged in a front area of ​​the interior.This front area is located in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, particularly in front of the rear area or the back area.

[0059] The operating device 1 has at least one operating area 2. Several operating elements 3, 4, which can be operated by a vehicle occupant, can be arranged or are arranged in the operating area 2. As can be seen from the combined view of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, six such operating elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are provided in the exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the operating area 2, or the 24-3338 PIF, is present.

[0060] 13

[0061] Operating device 1 is designed to arrange the operating elements 3 to 8 in the operating area 2, in particular to display them.

[0062] Figures 1 to 3 show the operating device 1 according to a first embodiment, in which the operating area 2 is designed, for example, as a touchscreen display 9, and the operating elements 3 to 8 are designed as virtual operating elements 3 to 8, which can be displayed or are displayed to the vehicle occupant on the touchscreen display 9. Thus, the respective operating element 3 to 8 is, for example, a control element that is optically represented, i.e., displayed, on the touchscreen display 9, such as a virtual button, also referred to as a virtual button.

[0063] It is intended that by the respective activation of the respective control element 3 to 8 by the vehicle occupant, a respective function 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 of the motor vehicle can be controlled or is controlled, that is, for example, activated, deactivated and / or adapted or changed.

[0064] In particular, each of the control elements 3 to 8 is assigned one of the functions 10 to 15.For example, it is provided that by operating a first of the controls 3, the vehicle occupant can control or activate a first of the functions 10; by operating a second of the controls 4, the vehicle occupant can control or activate a second of the functions 11; by operating a third of the controls 5, the vehicle occupant can control or activate a third of the functions 12; by operating a fourth of the controls 6, the vehicle occupant can control or activate a fourth of the functions 13; by operating a fifth of the controls 7, the vehicle occupant can control or activate a fifth of the functions 14; and / or that by operating a sixth of the controls 8, the vehicle occupant can control or activate a sixth of the functions 15.

[0065] In order to significantly increase the comfort of the motor vehicle, especially for the vehicle occupants, the operating device 1, in particular the operating area 2, can be operated or is operated in different operating states 16, 17, that is to say, in particular in at least two different operating states 16, 17, in this case in at least three different operating states 16, 17, 18. The respective operating state 16, 17 is each assigned to a respective state 19, 20 of the motor vehicle, whereby in a first 24-3338 PIF

[0066] 14

[0067] In the states 19, the operating device 1 is operable or is operated in a first of the operating states 16, and in a second of the states 20, the operating device 1 is operable or is operated in a second of the operating states 17. Thus, the respective operating state 16, 17, 18 is, for example, each assigned to a respective state 19, 20, 21 of the motor vehicle, whereby, for example, in the first state 19, the operating device is operable or is operated in the first operating state 16, in the second state 20, the operating device 1 is operable or is operated in the second operating state 17, and in a third of the states 21, for example, the operating device 1 is operable or is operated in a third of the operating states 18. In Fig. 1, the operating device 1 is in the first operating state 16. In Fig.In Fig. 2, the operating device 1 is in the second operating state 17. In Fig. 3, the operating device 1 is in the third operating state 18.

[0068] In the first embodiment, in the first operating state 16, that is, in particular in the first state 19, a first grouping 22, which contains one or more of the control elements 3 to 8, is arranged in the operating area 2, and in the second operating state 17, that is, in particular in the second state 20, a second grouping 23, which is different from the first grouping 22 and contains one or more of the control elements 3 to 8, is arranged in the operating area 2. For example, in the third operating state 18, that is, in particular in the third state 21, a third grouping 24, which is different from the first and second groupings 22, 23 and contains one or more of the control elements 3 to 8, is arranged in the operating area 2. For example, the first grouping 22 contains the first and the second control element 3, 4. For example, the second grouping 23 contains the third and the fourth control element 5, 6.For example, the third grouping 24 contains the fifth and sixth control elements 7, 8. In the first embodiment, the arrangement of the respective control element 3 to 8 or the arrangement of the respective grouping 22 to 24 in the operating area 2 is understood to mean, in particular, that the touchscreen display 9 displays the respective control element 3 to 8 or the respective grouping 22 to 24 to the vehicle occupant, especially visually, so that the vehicle occupant can, in particular, visually perceive the respective control element 3 to 8 or the respective grouping 22 to 24, and thereby, for example, actuate or operate the respective displayed control element 3 to 8 or the respective displayed grouping 22 to 24. In the first 24-3338 PIF.

[0069] 15

[0070] In operating state 16, the arrangement of the second grouping 23, and in particular the arrangement of the third grouping 24, in the operating area 2 is omitted. In the second operating state 17, the arrangement of the first grouping 22, and in particular the arrangement of the third grouping 24, in the operating area 2 is omitted.

[0071] For example, in the third operating state 18, the first and second groupings 22, 23 are not arranged in the control area 2. By arranging the respective groupings 22 to 24 in the control area 2, the vehicle occupant can be shown, particularly visually, precisely those control elements 3 to 8 that are intended for controlling exactly those functions 10 to 15 which are particularly relevant to the vehicle occupant in the respective, especially current, state 19 to 21 of the vehicle, that is, which functions may be particularly important to the vehicle occupant in the respective state 19 to 21 because they are used frequently. The vehicle occupant can thus control the respective functions 10 to 15 with minimal effort and in a particularly clear manner in the respective state 19 to 21, thereby significantly improving the comfort of the vehicle.In particular, this eliminates the need for the vehicle occupant to search through menus, especially submenus, as the relevant functions 10 to 15, for example, can be displayed directly in control area 2.

[0072] For example, particularly in the first embodiment, it is provided that a first number of the control elements 3, 4 contained in the first grouping 22 is the same as a second number of the control elements 5, 6 contained in the second grouping 23. For example, a third number of the control elements 7, 8 contained in the third grouping 24 is the same as the first number and / or the second number. In order to make the control of the respective function 10 to 15 particularly clear for the vehicle occupant, for example, the control elements 3, 4 arranged in the operating area 2 in the first operating state 16 are arranged in the same position in the operating area 2 as the control elements 5, 6 arranged in the operating area 2 in the second operating state 17.Furthermore, for example, the operating elements 7, 8 arranged in the operating area 2 in the third operating state 18 are arranged in the same position in the operating area 2 as the operating elements 3, 4, 5, 6 arranged in the operating area 2 in the first operating state 16 and / or in the second operating state 17.

[0073] For example, the motor vehicle is in at least one of states 19 to 21.

[0074] In the present case, the motor vehicle is moving at least in the first state 19. For example, 24-3338 PIF

[0075] 16

[0076] The motor vehicle is stationary in at least one of states 19 to 21, that is, for example, in at least one other of states 20, 21. In the present case, the motor vehicle is stationary in the second state 20 and in the third state 21.

[0077] For example, it is provided that in at least one of the states 19 to 21, in this case the second state 20, a side door of the motor vehicle, movable between a closed position and at least one open position, is in the open position. The closed position can therefore be referred to as the door closing position. Furthermore, the open position can be referred to as the door open position. Thus, for example, the second state 20 is an entry situation and / or an exit situation in which, for example, at least one person enters the motor vehicle, in particular the interior, and / or exits the motor vehicle, in particular the interior.

[0078] For example, in at least one of states 19 to 21, in this case the third state 21, a tailgate of the motor vehicle, movable between a closed position, in particular the tailgate closed position, and at least one open position, in particular the tailgate open position, is in the open position or tailgate open position. Accordingly, the third state 21 is, for example, a loading and / or unloading situation in which, for example, a rear cargo area of ​​the motor vehicle, such as a trunk, is being loaded and / or unloaded.

[0079] For example, in the first state 19 the side door is in the door closing position and / or the tailgate is in the tailgate closing position.

[0080] The first and / or the second function 10, 11 is, for example, selected from the group consisting of adjusting interior lighting, adjusting interior acoustics, adjusting seating, adjusting interior climate control, adjusting a telephone function, adjusting a remote control function, and adjusting the shading of at least one side window. Adjusting interior acoustics includes, for example, adjusting a sound system, such as adjusting music. Adjusting interior climate control includes, for example, heating and / or cooling the interior. Shading the side window includes, for example, darkening the side window, for example, by means of a cover such as a roller blind. Adjusting the seating includes, for example, adjusting 24-3338 PIF.

[0081] 17

[0082] Comfort functions of the seating system, such as a massage function and / or the ability to recline the seat into a resting position. Thus, the first state 19, in which the vehicle is in motion, is, for example, normal operation, in which the control device 1 provides the vehicle occupant with a full menu, which includes, in particular, the adjustment of light, sound, seats, climate control, remote control, and / or telephone functions. In particular, the first and second functions 10, 11 are different from each other; that is, they are distinct functions.

[0083] For example, the third and / or fourth function 12, 13 is selected from the group consisting of adjusting the seating arrangement, adjusting the interior lighting, moving the side door (i.e., opening and / or closing the side door), climate control of the interior and / or the seating arrangement, and moving an interior component, such as a screen located, for example, in the headliner. Adjusting the seating arrangement includes, for example, local seat settings, such as a basic seat position. Furthermore, adjusting the seating arrangement includes, for example, moving, in particular retracting or folding away, the seating arrangement, for example, at least one row of seats, in order to, for example, better stow objects in the interior. Thus, the seating arrangement can, for example, be folded up or down.Interior climate control includes, for example, preheating the interior, particularly the seating area, for instance, using seat heating. By moving the component, it can be positioned—that is, "tidied up"—so that it does not obstruct vehicle occupants when entering or exiting the vehicle. Thus, for example, a screen mounted on the headliner can be moved out of the way to allow for comfortable entry and exit. When the side door is opened, it moves from its closed position to its open position, often automatically. Similarly, when the side door is closed, it moves from its open position to its closed position, often automatically.Adjusting the interior lighting includes, for example, switching on the interior lights and / or increasing the interior lighting intensity so that vehicle occupants can see particularly well when entering or exiting the vehicle. In particular, the second 24-3338 PIF.

[0084] 18

[0085] and the third function 12, 13 are different from each other, that is, different functions from each other.

[0086] Functions 14 and 15, the fifth and sixth, are selected from the group consisting of moving, in particular opening and / or closing, the tailgate, cargo area lighting, and adjusting the interior acoustics. Adjusting the cargo area lighting, for example, allows the lighting intensity of the cargo area to be adjusted, in particular increased, to simplify loading and / or unloading. To close the tailgate, it is moved, for example, automatically from its open position to its closed position. To open the tailgate, it is moved, for example, automatically from its closed position to its open position.

[0087] In particular, the fifth and sixth functions 14, 15 are different from each other, that is, they are different functions from each other.

[0088] For example, the motor vehicle, in particular the operating device 1, has at least one detection device for sensing, that is, in particular for detecting, the respective state 19 to 21. This allows the detection device to determine in which of the states 19 to 21 the motor vehicle is, in particular currently. This allows the operating device 1 to be operated in the respective operating state 16 to 18, in particular in a targeted manner, depending on the respective, in particular current, state 19 to 21. Thus, for example, the operating device 1 is operated in the first operating state 16 when the first state 19 is detected by the detection device. Furthermore, for example, the operating device 1 is operated in the second operating state 17 when the second state 20 is detected by the detection device.Furthermore, for example, the control device 1 is operated in the third operating state 18 when the third state 21 is detected by the sensing device. Thus, the sensing device for detecting the first state 19 can, for example, detect that the motor vehicle is moving, for example, by means of wheel speed sensors and / or by means of sensors of a drive system of the motor vehicle. To detect the second state 20, the sensing device can, for example, detect that the side door is in its open position. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing device for detecting the second state 20 can, for example, detect that at least one vehicle occupant is unbuckled or is unbuckling and / or that the motor vehicle has arrived at its destination, that is, has reached this destination. Unbuckling can refer to 24-3338 PIF.

[0089] 19

[0090] This can be understood as, in particular, the unbuckling of a seatbelt. Arriving at the intended destination is based primarily on a comparison with navigation data. For example, the third state 21 can be detected by the sensing device by recording the open position of the tailgate. Thus, sensors for the open or closed side door, for whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, and / or for occupant detection can be considered or used. Furthermore, the state of individual interior objects, such as whether a vehicle seat is in a loading position or in an entry position, can be used to detect the respective states 19 to 21 by the sensing device.

[0091] Accordingly, in a clearly defined situation, such as the so-called "wake-up" of the vehicle via the side door (i.e., by opening the side door), at least one of functions 10 to 15 can be selectively displayed directly to the vehicle occupant. "Wake-up" in this context refers specifically to the vehicle transitioning from a deactivated, particularly passive, state to an activated state, in which, for example, menus to be displayed via control device 1 are activated. This wake-up can occur when the side door is opened, thereby bringing the vehicle into the activated state, i.e., into a state ready for operation or driving. Waking up via the opening of the side door implies, for example, that the vehicle is presumably being entered by at least one person through the open side door.Alternatively, the person can be woken by the closing of the side door. This means that the side door was previously open and has now been closed, indicating that the person's entry has already been completed or has already taken place.

[0092] Figures 4 to 6 show the operating device 1 in a schematic representation according to a second embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, the operating elements 3 to 8, that is, in particular all operating elements 3 to 8, are arranged in the operating area 2 in the first and second operating states 16, 17, that is, in this case, in particular in the first, second, and third operating states 16, 17, 18. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the respective operating element 3 to 8 is designed, for example, as a switch, particularly a physical switch, such as a push button. However, in the second embodiment, it is provided that at least one of the operating elements 3 to 8 is configured differently in at least one of the operating states 16 to 18, in particular 24-3338 PIF.

[0093] 20

[0094] The first operating state 16 is marked, as in the other operating states 16 to 18. This is illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. In Figure 4, the operating device 1 is in the first operating state 16. In Figure 5, the operating device 1 is in the second operating state 17. In Figure 6, the operating device 1 is in the third operating state 18. In this embodiment, in the first operating state 16, that is, in particular the first state 19, the first and second operating elements 3, 4 are marked, in particular optically, whereas in the second and / or third operating states 17, 18, this marking is, for example, omitted or carried out in a different manner.For example, in the second operating state 16, that is, in particular in the second state 20, the third and fourth control elements 5, 6 are marked, in particular optically, wherein, for example, in the first and / or in the third operating state 16, 18, this marking is omitted or carried out in a different manner. For example, in the third operating state 18, that is, in particular in the third state 21, the fifth and sixth control elements 7, 8 are marked, in particular optically, wherein, for example, in the first and / or in the second operating state 16, 17, this marking is omitted or carried out in a different manner.

[0095] The term "marking" the respective control element 3 to 8 refers to the provision of a respective marking 25 to each control element 3 to 8. The respective marking 25 is, or comprises, for example, illumination, a label (e.g., in text form), and / or at least one symbol. Thus, each control element 3 to 8 is associated with at least one marking device by means of which the respective marking 25 can be effected or is effected. This marking device is, for example, designed as a display device, particularly an optical one, such as a display and / or an illumination device.

[0096] The respective marking 25 allows the vehicle occupant to be shown, for example in color, exactly those control elements 3 to 8 which are intended to control those functions 10 to 15 which are particularly relevant for the vehicle occupant in the respective state 19 to 21.

[0097] Overall, the examples show how a situation-based UL selection, such as a suitable direct display, can be implemented using operating device 1, especially when the side door is open or closed. UL is a 24-3338 PIF

[0098] 21

[0099] Abbreviation which stands for User Interface in English. This can be described as the user interface.

[0100] Numerals, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., are intended solely for differentiation and do not, in particular, indicate an order. That is, the corresponding numerals can be interchanged at will. -3338 PIF

[0101] Reference symbol list

[0102] Control device Operating area

[0103] first control element second control element third control element fourth control element fifth control element sixth control element Touch-screen display first function

[0104] second function

[0105] third function

[0106] fourth function

[0107] fifth function

[0108] sixth function

[0109] first operating state, second operating state, third operating state, first state

[0110] second state

[0111] third state

[0112] first grouping second grouping third grouping

[0113] mark

Claims

24-3338 PIF 23 Patent claims 1. Control device (1) for a motor vehicle, with an operating area (2) and with several control elements (3-8) that can be arranged or are arranged in the operating area (2) and that can be operated by a vehicle occupant, by the respective operation of which a respective function (10-15) of the motor vehicle can be controlled by the vehicle occupant, characterized by the fact that the operating device (1) can be operated in different operating states (16-18), each of which is assigned to a respective state (19-21) of the motor vehicle, whereby in a first of the states (19) the operating device (1) can be operated in a first of the operating states (16) and in a second of the states (20) the operating device (1) can be operated in a second of the operating states (17), wherein • in the first operating state (16) a first grouping (22) containing one or more of the control elements (3-8) is arranged in the operating area (2) and in the second operating state (17) a second grouping (23) different from the first grouping (22) and containing one or more of the control elements (3-8) is arranged in the operating area (2), wherein in the first operating state (16) the arrangement of the second grouping (23) in the operating area (2) is omitted and in the second operating state (17) the arrangement of the first grouping (22) in the operating area (2) is omitted, or • the control elements (3-8) are arranged in the operating area (2) in the first and second operating states (16, 17), wherein at least one of the control elements (3-8) is marked differently in the first and second operating states (16, 17).

2. Operating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The control area (2) is designed as a touchscreen display (9) and the controls (3-8) are designed as virtual controls (3-8) which can be displayed to the vehicle occupant on the touchscreen display (9). 24-3338 PIF 24 3. Operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a first number of controls (3, 4) contained in the first grouping (22) is equal to a second number of controls (5, 6) contained in the second grouping (23).

4. Operating device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the control elements (3, 4) arranged in the operating area (2) in the first operating state (16) are arranged in the same position in the operating area (2) as the control elements (5, 6) arranged in the operating area (2) in the second operating state (17).

5. Operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the motor vehicle is in at least one of the states (19).

6. Operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the motor vehicle is stationary in at least one of the states (20, 21).

7. Operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that in at least one of the states (20, 21) a wing element of the motor vehicle that can be moved between a closed position and at least one open position is in the open position.

8. Operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the functions (10-15) is a function for adapting an interior or cargo space of the motor vehicle.

9. Operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that 24-3338 PIF 25 at least one of the functions (10-15) is a function for moving a wing element of the motor vehicle.

10. Method for operating a control device (1) for a motor vehicle, in which the control device (1) has a control area (2) and several control elements (3-8) that can be arranged or are arranged in the control area (2) and that can be operated by a vehicle occupant, by the respective actuation of which the vehicle occupant controls a respective function (10-15) of the motor vehicle, characterized by the fact that the operating device (1) is operated in different operating states (16-18), each of which is assigned to a respective state (19-21) of the motor vehicle, whereby in a first of the states (19) the operating device (1) is operated in a first of the operating states (16) and in a second of the states (20) the operating device (1) is operated in a second of the operating states (17), wherein • in the first operating state (16) a first grouping (22) containing one or more of the control elements (3-8) is arranged in the operating area (2) and in the second operating state (17) a second grouping (23) different from the first grouping (22) and containing one or more of the control elements (3-8) is arranged in the operating area (2), wherein in the first operating state (16) the arrangement of the second grouping (23) in the operating area (2) is omitted and in the second operating state (17) the arrangement of the first grouping (22) in the operating area (2) is omitted, or • the control elements (3-8) are arranged in the operating area (2) in the first and second operating states (16, 17), wherein at least one of the control elements (3-8) is marked differently in the first and second operating states (16, 17).

Images