DE102011018378A1 - Device for positioning element e.g. headrest in vehicle, has proximity sensor which detects approach of body of vehicle user contact, and control unit recognizes specific pattern as positioning command approach - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a command generator which is arranged in vehicle interior for generating a position command. A control unit (12) interconnected with the command generator, performs positioning of the element based upon the receipt of the positioning command. The command generator has proximity sensors (13A,13B) which detect the approach of body of vehicle user contact. The control unit recognizes the specific pattern as a positioning command approach.

Description

The invention relates to a device for positioning an element in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. This element on the one hand refers to a motor-adjustable mechanical component in a vehicle, in particular a seat or seat part, an (inside or outside) mirror, a headrest, a movable screen o. Ä. Such an element is hereinafter also as " mechanical element ". On the other hand, with element but also a screen display, d. H. referred to at a certain point of a motor vehicle-internal screen information. Such an element is hereinafter - for the purpose of distinguishing from the mechanical elements mentioned above - also referred to as a "virtual" element.

In the case of a mechanical element, "positioning" refers to the process (i.e., shifting and / or tilting or turning) of the element to a certain position. In particular, the element is moved in one of two end positions of a predetermined adjustment path or in an intermediate position arranged between these end positions. In the case of a virtual element, "positioning" means, in particular, shifting the information (also referred to as "scrolling") on the screen and enlarging / reducing ("zooming") the displayed information relative to the screen area.

The positioning of (both mechanical and virtual) elements in a motor vehicle is usually controlled by electromechanical switches, e.g. As toggle switch, bistable pushbutton or button triggered by the actuation of a positioning command is issued to a control unit. Disadvantageously, such electromechanical switches are comparatively susceptible to wear. In addition, such components are externally rigid units with non-negligible intrinsic volume, the space constrained only at certain points in the vehicle, eg. B. in the door panel, in the dashboard or in the area of the center console can be accommodated. Given arrangement options are often suboptimal in terms of ergonomic and intuitive user comfort.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for positioning an element in a vehicle that is user-friendly, flexible and improved in terms of susceptibility to wear.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the device comprises a arranged in a motor vehicle interior or to be arranged command generator for generating a positioning command. The device further comprises a control unit, to which the positioning command is supplied, and which causes the corresponding positioning of the element on the basis of the positioning command. According to the invention, the command generator is formed by a proximity sensor which is designed to contactlessly detect the approach of a body part of a vehicle user. The control unit is configured to recognize a specific approach pattern detected by the proximity sensor as a positioning command.

According to the invention, therefore, the proximity sensor is used to register a positioning request of the vehicle user. For this purpose, the vehicle user approaches the proximity sensor with a body part, in particular with his or her hand or a finger, whereby a change occurs in a detection signal transmitted by the proximity sensor to the control unit. It is provided that the approach movement of the vehicle user to the proximity sensor takes place in a characteristic manner, whereby in the detection signal, a likewise characteristic waveform is generated, which is recognizable by reference to the control unit for the approach pattern. In order to detect the approach pattern, the control unit in particular examines a time sequence, a duration and / or a pulse strength of signal pulses in the transmitted detection signal.

The use of the proximity sensor as a command allows already due to the fact a significant ease of operation that the vehicle user does not have to touch the sensor for commanding directly, but only has to approximate the sensor. Positioning commands can thus be given particularly easily and quickly. The non-contact control option is especially for the driver of a motor vehicle of great advantage, especially since the driver is fixed while driving on the traffic, and thus many subordinate control functions more or less blindly or at least incidentally must operate.

The detection according to the invention of a specific approach pattern as a positioning command makes it possible to distinguish a real positioning request of the vehicle user with a high degree of safety from another, random approach event. The positioning of the element is therefore only triggered when the vehicle user really intends this, but not when the vehicle user unintentionally approaches the sensor.

Further advantages of the invention are that a proximity sensor, in contrast to the switches usually used has no mechanically movable component, whereby the device can be extremely low wear and compact realized. In particular, due to the latter property of trained as proximity sensor command generator can also be arranged comparatively easily at locations in the motor vehicle interior, can not be arranged on the usual command generator or only with great design effort. In particular, the use of proximity sensors as a command generator in a particularly simple way, positioning commands - in the sense of a particularly intuitive command - to signal directly to the object to be positioned. For example, the adjustment of a seat part can be triggered when the vehicle user strokes his hand over the corresponding seat part.

The command generator can basically be designed as an optical proximity sensor or ultrasonic proximity sensor. Preferably, however, the proximity sensor is designed as a capacitive proximity sensor. As such, the command generator expediently comprises a, in particular planar, sensor electrode, by means of which an electric field is radiated into the surrounding space in the manner typical for capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensor uses the effect that the electric field is influenced by the body tissue of an approaching vehicle user, which leads to a change in the measurable (electrical) capacity at the sensor electrode.

• • entweder um ein „mechanisches Element”, nämlich insbesondere
• – um einen (motorisch verstellbaren) Fahrzeugsitz oder ein Teil eines solchen,
• – um eine Kopfstütze, insbesondere um eine Klappkopfstütze eines Beifahrersitzes oder eines Mittelsitzes einer Kraftfahrzeugrückbank,
• – um einen (motorisch verstellbaren) Außen- oder Innenspiegel,
• – einen ein- und ausklappbaren Getränkehalter,
• – um ein Teil einer Belüftungseinrichtung oder Klimaanlage, insbesondere einen verstellbaren Luftauslass,
• – um eine ein- und ausfahrbare Anhängerkupplung,
• – um die Verdeckklappe eines Ablagefachs, insbesondere eines Handschuhfachs oder
• – um einen automatisch zwischen einer verborgenen Parkstellung und einer im Kraftfahrzeuginnenraum exponierten Arbeitsstellung verfahrbaren Bildschirm,
• • oder um ein „virtuelles Element”, insbesondere ein Text- oder Graphik-Element einer Bildschirmanzeige im Kraftfahrzeug, z. B. um ein Anzeige-Element einer Benutzeroberfläche eines Bordcomputers.

The element to be adjusted according to the invention is as mentioned above

• • either a "mechanical element", namely in particular
• - a (motorized) vehicle seat or a part thereof,
• A headrest, in particular a folding headrest of a passenger seat or a center seat of a motor vehicle rear bench,
• - a (motor-adjustable) outside or inside mirror,
• - a foldable and foldable cup holder,
• - a part of a ventilation device or air conditioning, in particular an adjustable air outlet,
• - an extendable and retractable towbar,
• - To the top flap of a storage compartment, in particular a glove box or
• A screen which can be moved automatically between a hidden parking position and an operating position exposed in the motor vehicle interior,
• • or to a "virtual element", in particular a text or graphic element of a screen display in the motor vehicle, z. B. a display element of a user interface of a trip computer.

In order to be able to determine the direction of an approximation of the body part of a vehicle user, and thus to be able to differentiate actual positioning commands even more from random approach events, the device in a preferred embodiment comprises at least two proximity sensors, the individual proximity sensors having at least partially different detection spaces. Alternatively, a single proximity sensor is provided, which has a detection space with mutually delimited detection space regions. In this case, the detection space is the space in which an approach of a body part alters the detection signal generated by the proximity sensor beyond a threshold value, so that an approach is actually detected.

In a preferred embodiment, the individual detection areas or detection area areas are lined up substantially in a straight line, whereby in particular a rectilinear sweep of the row of sensors can be recognized as an approach pattern and assigned to a positioning command. Additionally or alternatively, the detection spaces or detection space regions may also be arranged essentially on a circular path or a circular arc. In the sense of the most intuitive operation possible, the geometric arrangement of the detection spaces or space areas is adapted to the path of the element to be adjusted. For example, a linear arrangement of the detection spaces or regions in the case of linearly displaceable elements and a curved arrangement of the detection areas or spaces in the case of tiltable and rotatable elements is preferred.

In an advantageous development of the device, the control unit is set up to recognize at least two different approach patterns as different positioning commands, and to trigger correspondingly different positioning of one or more elements. In a comparatively simple implementation, the device comprises two different proximity sensors with spatially separated detection areas as commanding device, wherein when approaching the one proximity sensor, the element is brought into a first position, in particular into a first end position, while when approaching the other proximity sensor Element in a second position, in particular a second end position is brought.

Alternatively, the commander is formed by a series of proximity sensors whose different detection spaces are lined up, wherein sweeping the row of sensors in a first direction is associated with a first positioning command, while sweeping the sensor row in the opposite direction is associated with a second positioning command.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the control unit is adapted to recognize on the basis of the approach pattern whether the positioning request originates from a driver (or from a driver side) or from a passenger (or from a passenger side), wherein it causes a positioning of different elements or a different positioning of an element depending on this knowledge. In particular, the control unit is set up to bring the element to be actuated into a stored preferred position of the respectively recognized vehicle user. Alternatively, the control unit is configured to selectively position an actuatable element (such as a window or ventilator) on the vehicle side of the detected vehicle user. For example, the vehicle window is moved on the driver side when the driver strokes with his hand over an associated proximity sensor while the vehicle window is moved on the passenger side when the passenger strokes by hand on the same proximity sensor.

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit is "learning" formed in that a repeatedly set position of the element is stored by the control unit, and automatically approached when the device is operated again.

In a further embodiment of the device, the proximity sensor or at least one of the proximity sensors comprises a comb-shaped or fork-shaped sensor electrode, or a sensor electrode, which consists of a plurality of mutually spaced and interconnected electrode strips. The sensor electrode in this case comprises in particular at least two, preferably a plurality of elongated, substantially parallel aligned electrode strips, which are interconnected with each other and with the control unit. A sensor electrode structured in this way has the advantage that it delivers detection signals that are easily distinguishable for different proximity directions. Thus, when sweeping this electrode in the row direction of the electrode strips or "comb teeth" as a result of the electrode structure, a wave-shaped course of the detection signal is generated, while the detection signal at an approach transverse to the row direction of the electrode strips or "comb teeth" just swells or swells. The use of such a sensor electrode thus makes it possible to detect different movement patterns with a single sensor electrode - and corresponding to a single evaluation circuit of the control device, which makes the device comparatively simple and inexpensive.

In an advantageous embodiment, the proximity sensor or at least one of the proximity sensors to a capacitive sensor electrode, which is formed by a metallic or chrome-plated panel of a vehicle interior trim. Additionally or alternatively, the proximity sensor or at least one of the proximity sensors is covered by a panel of a vehicle interior trim. These design options allow, on the one hand, an aesthetically pleasing design of the vehicle interior, in that at least some of the commanders arranged in the vehicle interior are not optically recognizable as such. In addition, the integration of proximity sensors in diaphragms allows commanders also to install at locations in the vehicle interior where conventional switches could not be arranged.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, a proximity sensor arranged in a mechanical element to be positioned is used both for detecting the position command and for positioning the element as a collision or anti-jamming sensor. For the additional function of the collision or anti-jamming protection, the control unit associated with the proximity sensor is adapted to detect the detection signal of the proximity sensor during the positioning of the element and to interrupt or reverse the positioning if the detection signal exceeds a predetermined limit. The limit value can be set constant here. Preferably, however, the control unit is alternatively given a varying limit depending on the position of the element.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:

1 a schematic side view of a headrest, and an associated device for positioning the same, wherein the device comprises a commutator formed by two capacitive proximity sensors,

2 in plan view of an upper side of the headrest and the positioning device according to 1 .

3 and 4 each a temporal course of characteristic of the proximity sensors according to 1 generated detection signals,

5 in illustration according to 1 the headrest with an alternatively configured positioning device, which comprises a capacitive proximity sensor with a comb-shaped sensor electrode as a command generator,

6 in illustration according to 2 the headrest and the positioning device according to 5 .

7 and 8th in illustration according to 3 respectively. 4 the time course of a characteristic of the proximity sensor according to 5 generated detection signal, and

9 a screen of an on-board computer with a first positioning device for screen adjustment and a second positioning device for positioning the screen display.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

1 shows in a roughly schematic, and in particular not true to scale representation of a part of a passenger seat 1 for a motor vehicle. The passenger seat 1 includes a partial (back) backrest 2 , as well as a headrest 3 ,

The headrest 3 includes a cushion body 4 for supporting a head of a vehicle user. The upholstery body 4 is by means of two mutually parallel mounting bracket 5 on the backrest 2 tiltable attached. The tilting function of the headrest 3 serves to improve the visibility of a vehicle user in the rear.

The headband 5 protrude at a bottom 6 of the upholstery body 4 out and point at the bottom 7 an arcuate section 8th on which one in the back 2 in one by a double arrow 9 indicated direction is guided displaced. By moving the headband 5 can the headrest 3 from the in 1 shown erected position can be folded forward.

For automatic folding or unfolding is the headrest 3 a (positioning) device shown here in a first embodiment 10 assigned. The device 10 includes an electric servomotor 11 , a control unit 12 and two acting as a command sensor capacitive proximity sensors 13A and 13B ,

The one in the back 2 integrated servomotor 11 acts here by means of a (not explicitly shown) adjusting mechanism on the headband 5 so the headrest 3 by means of the servomotor 11 reversible between the erected position and the folded position is movable. For this purpose, he essentially uses an implied lever device 14 at the lower ends 7 the headband 5 at. The control unit 12 is essentially formed by a microcontroller with a control software implemented therein.

Each of the proximity sensors 13A . 13B each includes a sensor electrode 15A respectively. 15B , Each sensor electrode 15A . 15B is formed by a flat, elongated and in particular flexible metal foil.

To explain the orientation of the sensor electrodes 15A and 15B is in 1 a Cartesian coordinate system 20 shown. An X direction 21 of the coordinate system 20 is substantially perpendicular to a front surface 22 of the upholstery body 4 aligned. A Y direction 23 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom 6 of the upholstery body 4 , A Z direction 24 is substantially perpendicular to a side surface 25 ( 2 ) of the cushion body 4 and shows from the drawing plane the 1 out. The coordinate system 20 is stationary with respect to the headrest 3 and moves with it.

Both sensor electrodes 15A . 15B are approximately parallel to the Y direction in their respective longitudinal extent 23 aligned and in the X direction 21 spaced apart. 2 shows that the two sensor electrodes 15A . 15B inside the upholstery body 4 close to the side surface 25 are arranged. The two sensor electrodes are 15A and 15B with respect to the Z direction 24 arranged at the same height.

The two sensor electrodes 15A . 15B are each signal technology with the control unit 12 connected.

In operation, the sensor electrodes 15A . 15B applied an electrical voltage, under the effect of each of the proximity sensors 13A . 13B in one of the sensor electrodes 15A . 15B upstream detection area 30A respectively. 30B generates an electric field. That of the sensor electrodes 13A . 13B each generated electric field is in 2 through field lines 31 indicated. How out 2 recognizable, are the two detection areas 30A and 30B essentially the side surface 25 of the upholstery body 4 upstream in the Z direction. In the Y direction, the respective detection area extends 30A . 30B each over the entire length of the associated sensor electrode 13A respectively. 13B ,

One in the respective detection area 30A . 30B located body part, in particular a finger of a vehicle user, acts due to the electrical conductivity of the human body tissue and the grounding of the body tissue with a vehicle floor as a counter electrode to the sensor electrode 13A respectively. 13B , Each of the sensor electrodes 13A . 13B thus forms with the body part an (electric) capacitor whose capacitance varies with the distance of the body part to the respective sensor electrode 13A . 13B changes in a characteristic way.

To recognize that a vehicle user's headrest 3 folds down, captures the control unit 12 (Detection) signals SA and SB of the proximity sensors 13A . 13B containing information about the presence of a body part in the detection space 30A respectively. 30B include. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit detects 12 at the sensor electrodes 13A . 13B each voltage applied, as well as via the sensor electrodes 13A . 13B each flowing stream. The control unit calculates from these current and voltage values 12 a between the respective sensor electrode 13A respectively. 13B and mass formed capacity measure, which is either the capacity itself or a correlated with this measure. The calculated capacity measures are taken from the control unit 12 converted by comparison with a stored threshold in binary level signals, which assume the value "1" when in the detection space 30A . 30B of the respective proximity sensor 13A respectively. 13B is a body part of a vehicle user, and in the absence of such a body part take the value "0".

By temporarily moving a finger of the vehicle user into the detection space 30A respectively. 30B one of the proximity sensors 13A . 13B Thus, a signal pulse is generated in the respective signal SA or SB, whose pulse length correlates with the time duration in which the finger is in the respective detection space 30A respectively. 30B located.

In 3 is a typical course of the signals SA and SB of the two sensor electrodes 13A respectively. 13B against the time t, as it results when a vehicle user according to a first approach pattern with his finger in a - to the X direction 21 parallel - arrow direction 40 ( 1 ) on the side surface 25 of the upholstery body 4 along strokes. 4 shows analogous to the course of the signals SA and SB when the vehicle user according to a second approach pattern in the opposite direction of the arrow 41 ( 1 ) with your finger on the side surface 25 along strokes.

In this case, in exemplary embodiment, the first approach pattern should indicate a positioning command of the vehicle user, the headrest 3 to fold forward. The second approach pattern, on the other hand, indicates a positioning command of the vehicle user, the headrest 3 to raise from the folded position.

Like that 3 and 4 is removed, the two above-described approximation patterns result in a different time profile of the signals SA and SB. This is the result of a movement in the direction of the arrow 40 a signal pulse in the signal SA in time before a corresponding signal pulse in the signal SB, while the order of the signal pulses in the return movement in the arrow direction 41 is reversed.

The control unit 12 In terms of software technology, it is set up to use comparative evaluation of the signals SA and SB to recognize the two approximation patterns on the basis of stored criteria and to implement the positioning commands assigned to the approach patterns.

So checks the control unit 12 when it detects a signal pulse in the signal SA, whether within a predetermined time window, a signal pulse in the signal SB follows. If necessary, the control unit recognizes 12 this signal sequence as an indication of the first approach pattern and gives - according to the associated positioning command - to the servomotor 11 a control command XE, due to which this headrest 3 works forwards. Captures the control unit 12 conversely, first a signal pulse in the signal SB and then a signal pulse in the signal SA, it recognizes this as a second approach pattern or second positioning command and outputs accordingly to the servomotor 11 a control command XA, on the basis of which this the headrest 3 erects.

Proximity events that do not correspond to either the first or the second approximation pattern according to the timing of the signals SA and SB are performed by the control unit 12 without further reaction, in particular without activation of the servomotor 11 discarded.

5 shows the headrest 3 with the associated positioning device 10 in a second embodiment. This corresponds - unless otherwise described below - the first embodiment. However, the device includes 10 in the example according to 5 only a single proximity sensor 13 , which only a single sensor electrode 15 includes. 5 it can be seen that the sensor electrode 15 is formed by a comb-shaped or fork-shaped metal foil, which as "comb teeth" three elongated (electrode) strips 50A . 50B . 50C Includes, by a crossbar 51 are electrically connected to each other.

Analogous to the sensor electrodes 15A . 15B In the first embodiment, these elongated strips extend 50A - 50C parallel to the Y direction 23 and are in the X direction 21 spaced apart. 6 can be seen that by the distance of each strip 50A . 50B . 50C a common detection area 30 the sensor electrode 15 in three (detection) room areas 52A . 52B . 52C is divided, which is in the X direction 21 do not overlap or at least only weakly overlap.

In connection with the device 10 according to 5 it is provided that as the first approximation pattern one to the X direction 21 parallel finger movement of a vehicle user (in 5 indicated by an arrow direction 53 ) on the folding of the headrest 3 while the second approach pattern indicates one to the Y direction 23 parallel finger movement (arrow direction 54 in 5 ) indicates the positioning command, the headrest 3 raise.

In the 7 and 8th is the time course of a due to the first and second approximation pattern by the sensor electrode 15 generated (detection signal) signal S shown. Accordingly arises according to 7 when sweeping the sensor electrode 13 in the direction of the arrow 53 a sequence of three distinct, temporally short signal pulses, while sweeping the sensor electrode 13 in the direction of the arrow 54 according to 8th only a single, temporally comparatively long signal pulse arises.

Detects the control unit 12 in the signal S within a predetermined time window, three successive signal pulses, which preferably each do not exceed a predetermined time maximum pulse length, it recognizes this as the first approach pattern or first positioning command and gives the control command XE to the servomotor 11 out. In contrast, the control unit recognizes 12 the second approximation pattern when it detects a single signal pulse of greater pulse length. And in this case gives the control command XA to the servomotor 11 out.

In the case of in 9 the embodiment shown is that of the positioning device 10 element to be adjusted a screen 60 , the output device of an on-board computer 61 of the motor vehicle is used. The screen 60 is here with the help of the device 10 automatically reversible in a console 63 retractable and from the console 63 extendable.

In the illustration is the screen 60 shown in its first end position in the extended (and thus exposed in the vehicle interior) state. In its second end position, ie in the retracted state, an upper edge closes 64 Of the screen 60 flush with the console 63 from.

The device 10 includes in the example according to 9 as a command generator again two capacitive proximity sensors 13A . 13B each with associated sensor electrodes 15A . 15B ,

In this embodiment, the two sensor electrodes 15A . 15B through chrome-plated panels 65A . 65B formed at the top 64 Of the screen 60 are arranged.

Analogous to the first embodiment of the device 10 detects the control unit 12 with a finger movement over the sensor electrodes 15A . 15B in the direction of the arrow 70 the first approach pattern. It assigns this approximation pattern to a first positioning command, the screen 60 extend. The control unit 12 accordingly gives the control command XA to the servomotor 11 due to which the servomotor 11 the screen 60 extends into the illustrated, exposed position. A finger movement in the opposite direction of the arrow 71 recognizes the control unit 12 as a second approach pattern or second positioning command and gives to the servomotor 11 the control command XE, due to which the screen 60 in the console 63 retracted parking position is retracted.

Notwithstanding the above-described embodiments of the device 10 detects the control unit 12 in the example according to 9 however during the extension of the screen 60 Furthermore, the signals SA, SB, where they to implement a collision protection, the extension of the screen 60 stops when it detects an approach exceeding a predetermined limit based on the signals SA or SB. Optionally, the control unit intervenes 12 this depends on a position of the screen 60 varying limit too. The current position of the screen 60 is doing in a conventional manner by means of a servomotor 11 associated Hall sensor detected.

Optional is the on-board computer 61 a second (positioning) device 80 assigned, which serves to display a screen 81 on the screen 60 to "scroll". Here is the screen image 81 the "virtual" element to be positioned. The second device 80 includes as a command transmitter three proximity sensors, which in turn each have a capacitive sensor electrode 83A . 83B respectively. 83C include. The sensor electrodes 83A . 83B . 83C are vertically spaced from each other at a side edge 84 Of the screen 60 arranged.

The sensor electrodes 83A . 83B . 83C are doing through a plastic panel 85 Of the screen 60 covered. The individual sensor electrodes 83A . 83B . 83C are in turn signal technology with a control unit formed essentially by a microcontroller 86 connected. The evaluation of the through the sensor electrodes 83A . 83B . 83C generated signals SA, SB, SC takes place substantially analogously to the first embodiment of the device 10 ,

The control unit 86 is signal technology with a graphic module 87 of the on-board computer 61 interconnected, which in particular software technology in a microprocessor of the onboard computer 61 is implemented. Detects the control unit 86 successive signal pulses in the signals SA, SB and SC, as indicated by a finger movement in the direction of the arrow 88 be generated, so it gives to the graphics module 87 the first control command XA, whereupon this on the screen 60 displayed screen image 81 downwards "scrolls". The displayed graphic is shifted upwards out of a display area. On a time-reversed sequence of pulses in the signals SC, SB and SA, as indicated by a finger movement in the direction of the arrow 89 caused, the control unit responds 86 by issuing the control command XE, here an upward "scrolling" of the screen display 81 causes. The displayed graphic is shifted downwards out of a display area.

Optionally, it is provided that the device 10 the user control supported by optical and / or acoustic signals. For example, by means of the device 10 an acoustic signal is issued when the element to be adjusted has reached the end position. Furthermore, the contactless transmitted positioning command could also be detected by the device 10 be answered or acknowledged by means of an optical and / or acoustic signal. In the simplest case, the device outputs an optical and / or acoustic signal (in particular a beep) when it has recognized the positioning command. In the case of a plurality of positioning commands to be recognized, different signals are preferably output, which are each uniquely assigned to a positioning command to be recognized. Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the device 10 upon detection of the hand of the vehicle user outputs a varying depending on the hand position in terms of pitch or pulse frequency acoustic signal. In a further variant of the device 10 this includes a one-dimensional optical display (eg in the form of an LED chain or the like), via which, upon detection of the hand of the vehicle user, an optical signal varying in dependence on the hand position is output. This optical signal can be designed, for example, as a light bar of variable length or as a wandering light point, the bar length or the light point indicating the hand movement set element position - preferably in relation to the end points of the adjustment. The optical or acoustic signal can in this case represent the actual element position, in particular if the element is already positioned simultaneously with the triggering hand movement. Alternatively, the signal can be the element position to be set-in particular as a query of the device 10 - anticipate, wherein the actual positioning of the element only later - especially after positive acknowledgment by the vehicle user (eg, by the vehicle user leaves the hand for more than a predetermined period of time at the desired end position unmoved) - takes place.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

passenger seat

2

(Backrest

3

headrest

4

cushion body

5

headband

6

bottom

7

The End

8th

section

9

double arrow

10

(Positioning) device

11

servomotor

12

control unit

13, 13A, 13B

Proximity sensor

14

lever means

15, 15A, 15B

sensor electrode

20

Coordinate system

21

X-direction

22

front surface

23

Y-direction

24

Z-direction

25

side surface

30, 30A, 30B

detection space

31

field line

40

arrow

41

arrow

50A-C

electrode strips

51

crosspiece

52A-C

Detection space area

53

arrow

54

arrow

60

screen

61

board computer

63

console

64

edge

65A, 65B

cover

70

arrow

71

arrow

80

contraption

81

screen display

83A-C

sensor electrode

84

margin

85

Plastic bezel

86

control unit

87

graphics module

87

arrow

88

arrow

89

arrow

S; SA, SB, SC

signal

XA, XE

command

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) for positioning an element ( 3 . 60 . 81 ) in a motor vehicle, with a control unit arranged in the motor vehicle interior for generating a positioning command and with a control unit connected to the control unit ( 12 . 86 ), which is set up, upon receipt of the positioning command, the positioning of the element ( 3 . 60 . 81 ), the commander being controlled by a proximity sensor ( 13 . 13A . 13B ), which is adapted to detect the approach of a body part of a vehicle user without contact, and wherein the control unit ( 12 . 86 ) is adapted to recognize a particular approach pattern as a positioning command. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to claim 1, wherein the commander is controlled by a capacitive proximity sensor ( 13 . 13A . 13B ) is formed. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the element is an automatically adjustable vehicle seat ( 1 ), Vehicle seat part ( 2 . 3 ), Outside or inside mirror, cup holder, storage compartment, screen ( 60 ), an automatically adjustable ventilation device or a screen display ( 81 ). Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of proximity sensors ( 13A -C) with different detection areas ( 30A . 30B ) or a single proximity sensor ( 13 ) with mutually delimited detection space areas ( 52A -C) are provided. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit ( 12 . 86 ) is adapted to recognize at least two different approximation patterns as different positioning commands, and a correspondingly different positioning of the element ( 3 . 60 . 81 ) or several elements. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the proximity sensor ( 13 ) or at least one of the proximity sensors ( 13A . 13B ) a comb-shaped or from a plurality of mutually spaced and interconnected electrode strips ( 50A -C) existing sensor electrode ( 15 ) having. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the proximity sensor ( 13 ) or at least one of the proximity sensors ( 13A . 13B ) a sensor electrode ( 15 ), which by a metallic or chrome-plated aperture ( 65 ) is formed. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the proximity sensor ( 13 ) or at least one of the proximity sensors ( 13A . 13B ) through a diaphragm ( 85 ) of a vehicle interior trim is hidden. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the proximity sensor ( 13 ) or at least one of the proximity sensors ( 13 ) in the element ( 60 ) itself, and wherein the control unit ( 12 ) during the positioning of the element ( 60 ) an approach signal (SA, SB) of the proximity sensor ( 13 ) and to realize a collision protection, the positioning of the element ( 60 ) stops when the approach signal (SA, SB) exceeds a predetermined limit. Contraption ( 10 . 80 ) according to claim 9, wherein the control unit ( 12 ) during the positioning of the element ( 60 ) whose position is detected continuously, and wherein the control unit ( 12 ) varies the limit depending on the position.

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