DE102015006633B4 - Control device for operating a comfort system of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Control device (12) for operating a comfort system (22) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control device (12) has at least two operating elements (14) and is set up to provide a first operating mode (14) to a first of the operating elements (14) directly after commissioning. A) to assign a second operating mode (B) of the comfort system (22) to the comfort system (22) and a second of the control elements (14), and wherein the first and second of the control elements (14) are set up to be operated by a user (32). to receive an operating action, the first and second of the operating elements (14) each being designed as an operating element (14) in order to be assigned different functions in the same operating mode (A, B) or in different operating modes (A, B), and wherein a control device (18) of the control device (12) is set up to: - activate the operating mode (A, B) assigned to the receiving control element (14) in the comfort system (22) depending on the control element (14) that receives the operating action - to assign a function of the comfort system (22) assigned to the activated operating mode (A, B) to the first and second of the control elements (14), the first and second of the control elements (14) having different functions (1, 2, 3 , 4) can be assigned, - to assign a function for switching the comfort system (22) on and/or off to the first of the control elements (14) in a first operating mode (A), - to the second of the control elements (14) in a second operating mode ( B) to assign a function for specifying a time program, and - within an operating mode (A, B) for the first and / or the second of the control elements (14) to provide a function (2) that allows a direct change to the other operating mode (A, B) allows.

Description

The invention relates to a control device for operating a comfort system of a motor vehicle, the control device having at least two operating elements.

In automobiles, comfort systems, such as air conditioning or an auxiliary heater, and their operation represent an important focus. An auxiliary heater control has so far been located in an air conditioning control panel, i.e. in a central control unit in the center console. The central operating unit is designed, for example, as a multi media interface (“MMI”) or as an infotainment system for operating the combination of car radio, navigation system, hands-free system, driver assistance systems and other functions. Functional feedback can be output via a display device, for example a screen (“display”) in the climate control panel.

From the DE 11 2012 004 769 T5 , the US 2014/163771 A1 and the DE 10 2012 216 919 A1 a method for operating a comfort system is known in which an infotainment system can be controlled by a mobile phone.

The DE 197 35 977 A1 describes an operating and control unit for both a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning system, as well as a seat heating and/or seat ventilation system.

If the motor vehicle has been left by a user, the programming can be changed using the remote control, but operation is very complex because the user has to operate the complex menu of the infotainment system. An auxiliary heater as an exemplary comfort system, which informs the user about activation due to the possible formation of toxic gases, can provide feedback to the user when he or she leaves the motor vehicle. However, it is difficult for this feedback to reach the user if he or she has already exited with the remote control, so this creates a further disadvantage.

One object underlying the invention is to improve the operability of the comfort system.

The object is achieved by the method according to the invention and the control device according to the invention as well as by a motor vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are given by the subclaims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a control device for the comfort system that is more accessible to the user due to its design as a component that is independent of the infotainment system. For this purpose, the control device is set up in such a way that a basic mode for operating the comfort system is provided immediately after switching on, i.e. immediately after the control device is put into operation. In other words, the control unit is only set up to operate one comfort system. Visibility from outside the vehicle about the current state of the comfort system can be made possible by arranging it in an area that is clearly visible from the outside.

The control device according to the invention is used to operate a comfort system of a motor vehicle, i.e. a system of the motor vehicle that has comfort electronics, which includes all electrical and electronic components and assemblies in motor vehicles that increase the comfort of the occupants or the general safety of the vehicle. These include, for example, central locking, an auxiliary heater, heated seats or an electric window regulator. In other words, a comfort system is a system of the motor vehicle that does not influence the driving dynamics.

The control device has at least two operating elements, for example two buttons, each with a touch-sensitive surface, and is set up to assign a first operating mode of the comfort system to a first of the operating elements and a second operating mode of the comfort system to a second of the operating elements immediately after commissioning. The first control element can be assigned, for example, a mode for direct operation of the comfort system, and the second control element, for example, a mode for setting a timer device of the comfort system, a so-called “timer”.

One or both of the operating elements are set up to receive an operating action from a user.

A control device of the control device, for example a microcontroller or a microchip, is set up to activate the operating mode assigned to the receiving control element in the comfort system depending on the control element that receives the operating action.

The control device is also set up to control at least one of the controls to assign a function of the comfort system assigned to the activated operating mode. At least one function is assigned to each of the operating modes, for example through a configuration of the comfort element, for example an on or off function or a function for operating the timer. Preferably, each control element can be assigned a function, so that the comfort system can be operated particularly efficiently and with particularly few intermediate steps. In other words, the controls are each designed as a control element that can be assigned different functions in different operating modes or in one and the same operating mode, so they are each designed, for example, as a so-called “soft key”.

The comfort system can therefore be operated very quickly, without the user first having to get into the motor vehicle and then operate a complex operating menu with submenus of an infotainment system. The control device according to the invention represents an exclusive device for operating a predetermined comfort system.

The control device is set up to assign a function for switching the comfort system on and/or off to the first of the control elements in a first operating mode. This allows the user to quickly and easily control the core functions of the comfort system, for example while driving or when getting out of the motor vehicle.

The control device is also set up to assign a function for specifying a time program to the second of the control elements in a second operating mode. A time program is an operating mode in which a time duration and/or a point in time and/or a period of time is or are specified at which and/or within which the comfort system is switched on or off by a timer device, a so-called “timer”. should.

Depending on receiving an operator action to change to another operating mode, a function of the other operating mode is assigned. In other words, a function is provided within an activated operating mode that enables a direct change to the other operating mode.

The control device according to the invention is particularly suitable for operating an auxiliary heater. By electronically decoupling or “separating” from the infotainment system, the control unit can also be physically attached to a location in the interior of the motor vehicle that is clearly visible from the outside and can be operated independently of the infotainment system being put into operation, i.e. even when the ignition is switched off.

In order to enable quick selection of such a time program, the control device can have a display device, i.e. a device for outputting information such as a screen. The control device can then be set up to assign a function for selecting a time program to at least one of the operating elements and/or the display device in a further operating mode, the display device being set up to display a display element that describes the time program. The display device can then be designed, for example, as a touch-sensitive screen.

According to a further embodiment, the control device can have a gesture recognition device, i.e. a device such as a microchip, which is set up to determine the operating mode and/or a function to be carried out of the comfort system based on an operating action carried out as a body gesture. Preferably, the control device can then also have the display device, and the display device and/or at least one of the operating elements can then be designed, for example, as a touch-sensitive surface. In an exemplary “expert mode” as an operating mode, operation can be made much easier.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the operating elements can be set up to receive the operating action or one of the operating actions from a user who is outside the motor vehicle. This can be achieved, for example, by designing the control element as a receiver for a remote control and using, for example, a mobile terminal with a transmitter. As a further example, this can alternatively be achieved by arranging the control unit in a trim part of the interior of the motor vehicle. The control element is therefore easily accessible from outside the motor vehicle.

The above object is also achieved by a method for operating the comfort system of the motor vehicle using one of the above-described embodiments of the control device according to the invention. Immediately after commissioning the control device, a function of the first operating mode for switching the comfort system on and/or off is assigned to the first of the control elements and a function for specifying a time program of the second operating mode of the comfort system is assigned the second of the controls. The method further includes the step of receiving the user's operating action through one of the operating elements, for example by receiving a pressure on the exemplary button or by detecting a body gesture as an operating gesture. The method according to the invention provides a consistent operating concept in the vehicle and realizes the advantages already mentioned above.

Depending on the operating element receiving the operating action, the operating mode assigned to the receiving operating element is activated, and depending on the activated operating mode, a function of the comfort system is assigned to at least one of the operating elements. Within an activated operating mode, a function is provided that enables a direct change to the other operating mode. This results in the advantages mentioned above.

The above object is also achieved by a motor vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle such as a passenger car, comprising a control device according to one of the embodiments described above. The advantages mentioned above also arise here.

Ideally, the control device can be arranged on or in a trim part of the interior of the motor vehicle, preferably in an area of a motor vehicle door and/or a dashboard and/or between a steering wheel and a motor vehicle door. This means that the control device is both clearly visible and easily accessible to a user who is outside the motor vehicle.

The user can operate the control unit from outside without needing a remote control. In addition, if the control device has a display device, the user can see it clearly from the outside and check a setting or perceive any feedback from the control device much better. The user therefore does not have to get back into the motor vehicle in order to operate the control unit or see a display. Particularly in the case where the comfort system has an auxiliary heater, it is therefore well ensured that the user, for example when locking the motor vehicle, perceives feedback from the control device, which informs him, for example, that the device is still switched on or a timer is activated. As a result, the user can be informed in a timely manner with a high degree of probability that any gases produced during the operation of the parking heater could be released into the environment while the user is away. The motor vehicle according to the invention therefore offers optimized ergonomics with regard to operability when the door is open, for example.

• 1 eine schematische Skizze zu einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und zu einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs mir einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Bedieneinrichtung,
• 2 eine schematische Skizze zu einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,
• 3 eine schematische Skizze zu einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, und
• 4 eine schematische Skizze zu einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is explained in more detail using concrete exemplary embodiments using the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, however, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be viewed independently of one another, which also develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be viewed as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described. Functionally identical elements have the same reference numbers in the figures. It shows:

• 1 a schematic sketch of an embodiment of the method according to the invention and of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention with an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention,
• 2 a schematic sketch of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention,
• 3 a schematic sketch of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, and
• 4 a schematic sketch of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention.

The 1 illustrates the principle of the method according to the invention according to an embodiment and shows an embodiment of the motor vehicle 10 according to the invention with an embodiment of a control device 12 according to the invention. The control device 12 can be used, for example, as one of an infotainment system (in the 1 not shown) can be designed as an independent device. The control device 12 has at least two operating elements 14 and can, as in the example 1 shown, a display device 16, which can be designed, for example, as a screen or touchscreen (i.e. touch-sensitive screen). The at least two control elements 14 can each be designed as a so-called “soft key”, i.e. as a button that can be assigned a different function depending on the operating mode. This means that a menu provided by software can be replaced with complex submenus. Alternatively, one of the controls 14 or both controls Elements 14 can be designed as a touch-sensitive surface, for example as part of a touchscreen or a touchpad.

The control device 12 has a control device 18, which can have, for example, a microcontroller 20 of the control device 12 and a corresponding component of the comfort system 22 to be operated. In other words, the control device 18 can have both a component in the control device 12 and a component in the comfort system 22.

The comfort system can preferably have an auxiliary heater, according to the example of 1 can have a Mannanströmer 24. In the example mentioned, the comfort system 22 can have two operating modes A, B, i.e., for example, include software that can be designed to control the corresponding mechanical elements of the comfort system 22. Via a wired connection 26, for example, depending on a setting or an operating mode, air can then be flowed through the air flow valve 24 in the interior of the motor vehicle.

The control device 12 according to the invention can preferably be arranged on or in a trim part of the interior of the motor vehicle, for example in an area of a motor vehicle door and / or a dashboard and / or between a steering wheel and a motor vehicle door (see 1 ) and/or on a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle 10. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can also be arranged in a sun visor of the motor vehicle. In other words, the control device 12 is designed as an independent control panel that can be operated directly, i.e. without further steps and without complex menus with submenus. In other words, the control device 12 according to the invention is designed as a separate device, which can preferably have a highlighted positioning in the motor vehicle 10.

Immediately after commissioning, for example directly after supplying the control device 12 with power, the control device 18 assigns each of the control elements 14 an operating mode A, B (method step S1). In the present example, the one in the 1 Control element 14 shown on the left is operating mode A and that in the 1 Control element 14 shown on the right can be assigned an operating mode B. One of the control elements 14 then receives, for example, by placing a finger on a user (in the 1 not shown) the operating action. Advantageously, the control device can be designed to recognize a gesture, for example via a camera 28, which can transmit the corresponding signal, for example, to the microprocessor 20 of the control device 18 via a communication connection that is common to those skilled in the art. The microprocessor 20 can then be designed as a gesture recognition device 20, for example a software or a hardware component, which uses an algorithm known to those skilled in the art to recognize a gesture based on a camera image to determine a body part and/or a contour of the body part and based on the determined Body contour and / or the determined body part can determine whether the user is performing a gesture and / or which function to be performed can be assigned to the determined gesture by, for example, a pre-programmed protocol.

In the example of 1 For example, the user touches the left control element 14 with a finger. The operating mode A assigned to the left control element 14 is then activated by the control device (S3). In the basic mode described above, in which the operating elements 14 are each assigned to an operating mode A, B, the optional display device 16 can, for example, display a predetermined image or a predetermined display element. After activating the operating mode A selected by the user, it can be provided, for example, that the display device 16 can display information that can, for example, describe the operating mode A or that can describe further functions of the operating elements 14.

If operating mode A is activated, the control device 18 assigns at least one of the control elements 14, in the example the 1 both control elements 14, each a function of the comfort system 22 (S4).

In the example of 1 For example, operating mode A can have a first function 1 and a further function 2, so that, for example, function 1 can be assigned to the left control element 14 (S4) and the right control element 15 can be assigned function 2 of operating mode A. The further operating mode B, which was not selected by the user in the example described, can, for example, have the functions 3, 4, although in the present case these are not assigned to any of the control elements 14. However, it is possible that within an operating mode A, B a function of one of the control elements 14 can be provided, which can enable a direct change to the other operating mode A, B.

The method steps described so far can be carried out, for example, via respective wired or wireless communication connections take place. An existing electrical system of the motor vehicle 10 can be used. The control unit 12 can preferably use its own data bus, for example a CAN bus system. A power supply to the control unit 12 can then take place, for example, via the on-board system mentioned.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, one or both of the control elements 14 can be set up to receive a signal from a remote control 30, which can include, for example, a smartphone or another mobile device of the user. One or both of the control elements 14 can be designed as a receiver for this purpose, while the remote control 30 can have a corresponding transmitter.

In the exemplary embodiments of 2 and the 3 an example for carrying out an operating mode A, B is shown. Immediately after commissioning, i.e. in a basic mode, the left control element 14 can, for example, be assigned an operating mode A for operating a timer device, for example a so-called “timer”, while the right control element 14 can, for example, be assigned a direct mode for switching on and/or off of the comfort system 22 can be assigned.

The 2 shows an example of a first operating mode A, in which a user 32, whose finger is in the 2 is shown, for example by touching the in the 2 Control element 14 shown on the right can activate a direct mode for switching the comfort system 22 on and/or off. In the following, only the differences will be discussed.

By activating operating mode A (S3), function 1 can be assigned to the left operating element 14 (S4), for example, and function 2 can be assigned to the right operating element 14. If operating mode A describes, for example, the direct mode already mentioned above, then the display device 16 can, for example Display display element 34, for example a symbol for an already activated auxiliary heater.

After activation of operating mode A, the left control element 14 can, for example, be assigned a function for changing to operating mode B, so that the device, for example the programming of the left control element 14, can correspond to the functionality in the basic mode. The right control element 14 can, for example, be assigned different functions 1, 2, 3 within an operating mode, so that, for example, after actuating the right control element 14 in the activated state of the direct mode, function 1 of switching on the comfort system 22 is no longer activated, but, for example, another one Function 3 for switching off the comfort system 22 can be assigned. Within the control device 18 the 2 Two control devices 12 are shown schematically in order to illustrate the different devices with the respective specific key assignment.

The 3 illustrates a further operating mode B, which can be activated, for example, with the left control element 14 (S3). For reasons of clarity, in the 3 the control device and the comfort system 22 are no longer shown, but this already corresponds to the above 1 and to 2 The procedure described corresponds to that in the 3 , whereby only the differences will be discussed below.

After pressing the in the 3 Control element 14 shown on the left can, for example, continue to be assigned a previously assigned function to the left control element, for example that of activating a timer device 36. This can be designed as a timer device that is common to those skilled in the art and can be connected to the comfort system 22 wirelessly or by wire. Alternatively, the timer device 36 can also be a component of the control device 18 or the comfort system 22.

In the activated operating mode B, the left control element 14 can be assigned a different function 3, such as a function for setting a date or a time interval or a period of time. In the 3 For example, these functions are represented with a “+” and a “-” to illustrate, for example, reducing or increasing a period of time or changing a date or time. The display device 16 can, for example, display a date (“DD:MM:YYYY”) or a time (“00:00”). After setting the exemplary date with the exemplary time, the display device 16 can then display, for example, a current date and a current time or the set parameters. These set parameters can then be transmitted to the timer device 36, for example via a radio connection (S5). The method according to the invention in a further exemplary operating mode C can be carried out according to the same principle as already described above, so that in the 4 only the differences are shown and described below.

One of the control elements 14 can, for example, be assigned an operating mode C for selecting the already pre-programmed time interval. The assignment of the control elements 14 can, for example, be that of the exemplary embodiment 3 are equivalent to. In contrast, the control elements 14 can alternatively be used within, for example, a selection of several display elements 34 on the display device 16, each of which can describe a different pre-programmed time interval. By way of example, the display device 16 can display three different display elements 34, one of which can describe a time interval for putting the comfort system 22 into operation. The respective saved time program can, for example, provide for the comfort system 22 to be switched on on Mondays and Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m. (“Mon-Tue 6:00 a.m.”), Wednesdays to Sundays from 8:00 a.m. (“Wed-Sun 8:00 a.m.”) or only Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. (“Sat-Sun 3:00 p.m.”). If the user wants 10 (in the 4 not shown) select the desired time program, he can operate the control device 12, for example by a body gesture, for example by swiping from one of the control elements to the corresponding display element 34 (represented in the figure by the arrow S6). The display device 16 can then be designed, for example, as a touchscreen. It is also possible that the control elements 14 themselves are assigned a function that cannot be connected to the actual selection of the time program. After selecting the time program, the control device 18 can then generate a corresponding control signal and transmit it to the timer device 36. The comfort system 22 can then be controlled by the timer device 36 (S6).

The above exemplary embodiments illustrate the principle of the present invention to provide a new operating and display concept based on a “dual concept”. It enables improved operation. It is preferably based on touch operation, i.e. on a touch-sensitive operating concept. Operation is direct and preferably via “soft keys”, i.e. preferably via at least one button that carries out different functions depending on an associated screen display. In an optional expert mode, operation can be carried out using gesture operation, for example. Operation can be carried out 1:1 with an identical operating concept and graphical implementation via a smartphone app.

The operating device according to the invention is preferably designed as an independent device and is preferably arranged in the instrument panel between the steering wheel and the inner door panel in an area that is clearly visible from the outside. This enables an improved view of the current status from the outside when the vehicle is abandoned.

The control unit is designed as an exclusive element for operating an auxiliary heater, for example, and enables optimized ergonomics in terms of visibility from the outside as well as very good operability when the door is open. The invention provides a consistent operating concept in the motor vehicle as well as for smartphone operation.

Claims (8)

Control device (12) for operating a comfort system (22) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control device (12) has at least two operating elements (14) and is set up to provide a first operating mode (14) to a first of the operating elements (14) directly after commissioning. A) to assign a second operating mode (B) of the comfort system (22) to the comfort system (22) and a second one of the control elements (14), and wherein the first and second of the control elements (14) are set up to receive an operating action from a user (32), wherein the first and second of the control elements (14) are each designed as a control element (14) in order to do so to be assigned different functions in one operating mode (A, B) or in different operating modes (A, B), and wherein a control device (18) of the control device (12) is set up to: - activating the operating mode (A, B) assigned to the receiving control element (14) in the comfort system (22) depending on the control element (14) receiving the operating action, - to assign a function of the comfort system (22) assigned to the activated operating mode (A, B) to the first and second of the control elements (14), the first and second of the control elements (14) having different functions (1, 2, 3, 4) can be verified, - to assign a function for switching the comfort system (22) on and/or off to the first of the control elements (14) in a first operating mode (A), - to assign a function for specifying a time program to the second of the control elements (14) in a second operating mode (B), and - within an operating mode (A, B) for the first and/or the second of the control elements (14) to provide a function (2) which enables a direct change to the other operating mode (A, B). Control unit (12). Claim 1 for operating a parking heater as a comfort system (22). Control device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a display device (16) and wherein the control device (18) is set up to assign a function for selecting a time program to the display device (16) in a further operating mode (C), the Display device (16) is set up to display a display element (34) that describes the time program. Control device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a gesture recognition device which is set up to determine the operating mode (A, B, C) and / or a function to be carried out of the comfort system (22) based on an operating action carried out as a body gesture. Control device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the operating elements (14) is set up to receive the operating action or one of the operating actions from a user (32) who is outside the motor vehicle (10). Method for operating a comfort system (22) of a motor vehicle (10) using a control device (12) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , comprising the steps: - immediately after commissioning, assigning a function of a first operating mode (A) for switching the comfort system (22) on and/or off to a first of the control elements (14, S1) and assigning a function for specifying a time program second operating mode (B) of the comfort system (22) a second of the operating elements (14, S1), - receiving an operating action from a user (32) by one of the operating elements (14, S2), - depending on the operating element (14) receiving the operating action Activating the operating mode (A, B) assigned to the receiving control element (14) in the comfort system (22), and - depending on the activated operating mode (A, B) assigning a function of the comfort system (22) to at least one of the control elements (14, S4), whereby within an operating mode (A, B) a function is provided for the first and/or the second of the operating elements (14) which enables a direct change to the respective other operating mode (A, B). Motor vehicle (10), comprising a control device (12) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 . Motor vehicle (10). Claim 7 , wherein the control device (12) is arranged on or in a trim part of the interior of the motor vehicle (10), preferably in an area of a motor vehicle door and / or a dashboard and / or between a steering wheel and a motor vehicle door.

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