DE102018213589A1 - Functional device for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), with a steering device (3), with a display unit (7), and with a position change unit (6) with which a position of the display unit (7) relative to the steering device ( 3) can be changed in a defined manner, and with the position change unit (6) a first position (8) can be set, in which the display unit (7) is arranged at a distance from a steering wheel (5) of the steering device (3).

Description

The invention relates to a functional device for a motor vehicle, with a steering device, with a display unit, and with a position change unit, with which a position of the display unit can be changed relative to the steering device in a defined manner, and wherein a first position can be set with the position change unit, in which the display unit is arranged at a distance from a steering wheel of the steering device.

From the CH 711 640 A2 A steering device for a land vehicle, a watercraft, an amphibious vehicle or an aircraft with a front lying in the direction of travel or flight is known. The steering device has a steering wheel which can be rotated about a steering axis and which consists of at least two steering wheel segments and / or steering wheel levers. At least one steering wheel segment or at least one steering wheel lever can be folded over from a first position, in which the steering wheel segment and / or the steering wheel lever forms the steering wheel, towards the front. It can also be moved into a second position in which the steering wheel segment and / or the steering wheel lever is essentially parallel to the steering axis.

From the DE 20 2015 103 992 U1 a vehicle display device is known. It has a display device which can be rotated about at least one horizontal axis of rotation and has a plurality of display surfaces which are angled relative to one another and a cover for covering the display device openly on the driver's side. The display device can assume several rotational positions, in each of which at least one display area is visible to the driver. The cover has a stretched fabric and the display device is held by at least one swivel arm. The cover can be taken along when the display device moves.

Positional disadvantages result from the prior art, so that an instrument cluster is only partially accessible and can only be used to a limited extent.

The object of the present invention is to provide a functional device for a motor vehicle in which the usability of a display unit of the functional device in the area of a steering wheel is improved. Accordingly, it is also an object to create a motor vehicle with such a functional device.

One aspect of the invention relates to a functional device for a motor vehicle, with a steering device, with a display unit, and with a position change unit with which a position of the display unit relative to the steering device can be changed in a defined manner, and wherein a first position can be set with the position change unit, in which the display unit is arranged at a distance from a steering wheel of the steering device. The position change unit can be used to set a second position of the display unit, which is different from the first position, in which a screen of the display unit is at least partially overlapping with a surface area delimited by the steering wheel when the steering wheel is viewed from the front and the screen is arranged on the front to the steering wheel of the steering device.

With such a configuration, a display unit can be arranged as required and, in particular in the second position, can be arranged particularly exposed for viewing and operation. This also has advantages in terms of accessibility and safe positioning. This also increases usability.

Due to the changeable position of the screen of the display unit, a vehicle user can use the screen as an interactive display, in particular when the motor vehicle is traveling autonomously. The screen is thus positioned much closer to the vehicle user and is easier for the vehicle user to reach and operate.

For example, the screen of the display unit can be arranged in the first position when the steering wheel of the steering device is viewed from the front above the steering wheel and offset to the rear compared to the steering wheel, in particular in the direction of a dashboard. In the first position, for example, the screen can be positioned in a position of a conventional instrument cluster.

Since, in particular, the screen of the display unit can be moved between the first and the second position with the position change unit, it should be ensured that a display surface of the screen always points towards a viewer or a vehicle driver. This can be done, for example, with a rotating device of the display unit. The screen is in particular attached to the rotating device and when the screen changes between the first and the second position, the screen can be adjusted with the rotating device. The screen can be rotated or rotated in any direction, for example.

The screen can be a plate-like part. This makes it very flat and space-saving, especially in the second position to the steering wheel. The The screen can preferably have a front which is designed as an electronic display surface. Additionally or instead of this, the screen can have a rear side, which is in particular designed as an electronic display surface. This design allows the screen to be used on both sides for display. This is particularly advantageous if the screen is rotated relative to an observer when it changes from the first position to the second position or vice versa, and thus when viewed from the front. If the screen is arranged in the first position with the first display surface and thus the front facing the observer and in the second position with the second display surface and thus the rear facing the observer, a display can be perceived in both positions. In particular, however, only the display area of the screen is always active, which is arranged at the front of the viewer and thus faces the viewer.

In particular, the screen arranged to the steering wheel can be viewed from the front of the functional device; in particular, the front should be understood to mean that preferably a vehicle driver, who is located on the driver's seat, has a direction of view to a front protective window, in particular a front windscreen, of the motor vehicle and thus from the driver's seat considered looks at the functional device.

Specifically, when viewing the steering wheel from the front, the screen of the display unit can at least partially, and in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, in particular at least 90%, in particular completely, overlap the area of the screen with that through the steering wheel, in particular one At least in regions, the circumferential handle bar, limited surface area can be arranged. The handlebar is the area of the steering wheel that a driver usually grips to turn the steering wheel. The handle bar is, in particular, a strand-like grip ring which is circumferential at least in regions, in particular is designed, for example, as a U-shaped ring section or as a completely closed ring.

In particular, the screen of the display unit can be arranged in the second position on the front side to the steering wheel of the steering device and, when looking at a projection onto the steering wheel, completely within the area of the steering wheel, which is delimited in particular by a handlebar of the steering wheel. This can above all ensure that the screen does not protrude on the sides of the steering wheel of the steering device or protrude outwards. In particular, this can protect the screen from damage, for example. An impact on the screen can be avoided as well as a mechanically unstable arrangement of the screen.

The display unit with the screen can be designed, for example, as an instrument cluster display, an electronic display or as a touch-sensitive screen.

It is preferably provided that a mechanical pivot arm of the position change unit, on which the screen is arranged, is pivotably arranged on a steering column of the steering device. With the mechanical swivel arm of the position change unit, in particular the screen of the display device can be swiveled or moved either to the first position or to the second position. This enables a mechanically stable attachment, in particular of the screen. The one-piece swivel arm also creates a mechanically resilient construction. Which can easily absorb the lever and weight forces when swiveling without any twisting or other instability.

In particular, the mechanical swivel arm can be attached to the steering column of the steering device. The mechanical swivel arm can be pivoted, for example, with a bearing on the steering column. The bearing ensures that the mechanical swivel arm can move continuously between the first and the second position. In particular, a pivoting movement about an axis of rotation can take place.
In an advantageous embodiment, the bearing is designed with discrete locking steps. This means that at least the first position and the second position are each designed as latching positions. This means that the respective position can also be reached and held exactly. This also gives haptic feedback to the user who makes the adjustment when it is carried out manually. An adjustment can also be done electronically by a motor.

The pivot arm is preferably connected to the steering column at one end and the screen, in particular pivotably, is arranged thereon at the other end. The swivel arm is preferably designed as a double support, so that the two supports are each arranged on one side of the steering column and the screen is arranged between the supports.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that a mechanical swivel arm of the position change unit on which the screen is arranged, is V-shaped. This geometric design is advantageous in that when the screen is swiveled, the screen can be positioned in front of the steering wheel in a particularly simple manner from above, without the swivel arm hitting the steering wheel at an early stage during this movement, as can be the case with a linear design ,

In an exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the steering wheel has an at least partially encircling handlebar, against which the screen rests in the second position, in particular at the front. In particular, the handlebar can be designed as an edge or a delimitation of the steering wheel or an encircling at least in regions. The handlebar, in particular in a radial form, can partially, in particular completely, surround the steering wheel interior, such as a spoke. The direct contact with a specific sub-element of the steering wheel ensures that the screen is properly seated. As a result, a total of components is achieved which is larger in its mass and thus vibrations which occur during the operation of the motor vehicle can be damped better, so that the perceptibility of the information displayed is improved. In particular, the screen rests with edge regions on the handle bar, so that the handle bar forms a frame-like border. As a result, the screen is also arranged in a more protected manner at its edge regions, so that a shock protection is also formed.

For example, mechanical or magnetic fastening elements can be attached to the steering wheel of the steering device in order to be able to position the screen firmly.

The handlebar of the steering wheel can be designed such that the screen of the display unit is arranged flush against the steering wheel. This further improves the advantages mentioned above.

The steering wheel can be designed, for example, as a conventional steering wheel, which has a rounded or annular shape of a handlebar, or as a futuristic steering wheel (such as in aircraft, for example), in which the handlebar is U-shaped and has two handlebar brackets.

In particular, the screen of the display unit can have a rounded, rectangular or trapezoidal shape, for example. The screen can also have a slightly curved shape.

A handle bar is preferably of strand-like or hose-like design.

It is preferably provided that the handlebar has a receiving recess on the front, in which the screen is arranged directly in the second position, in particular with an edge area, so that an at least partially circumferential frame for the screen is formed by the handlebar. The screen of the display unit can, in particular, be at least partially embedded or sunk in the receiving recess, so that the screen is flush with the steering wheel of the steering device. The handlebar can preferably form a frame on at least three, in particular on all, side edges of the screen. As a result, the screen can be enclosed by the handle bar, so that a frame is formed on the screen. By embedding the screen in the receiving device, the screen can be protected particularly advantageously against vibrations or shocks in the second position and can thus be arranged in a stable and flush manner on the steering wheel. This forms a particularly advantageous shock protection.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that the screen in the second position is arranged adjacent to the handlebar, and in particular is held fixed to the handlebar by at least one non-destructive, in particular mechanical or magnetic, holding element. For example, a guide rail system can be attached to the handle bar, in which the screen can be inserted and fixed. If, in particular, the screen is moved to the second position, the guide rail system can ensure that the screen is immediately fixed to the steering wheel. As a result, the positional stability of the screen can be ensured while the motor vehicle is traveling, in particular when vibrations occur. A further embodiment can have a council connection with a locking element and a counter-locking element as holding elements.

For example, the handlebar of the steering wheel can be equipped with at least magnets, so that the screen can be fixed and held flush by a magnetic force on the steering wheel. The magnets can be attached behind a panel on the handlebar.

In an exemplary embodiment it is provided that the screen is at least partially semitransparent and / or the screen is at least partially touch-sensitive and the screen is at least partially in the second position as a touch-sensitive screen. In particular, the screen in the first position can also be designed as a touch-sensitive screen, wherein touch functionality of the screen can be restricted. For example, an automatic change or release of the touch functionality and / or the degree of touch functionality of the screen can be carried out depending on the first or the second position. The screen can be in the first position during a manual drive in particular. It would therefore be advantageous if the touch functionality in particular is only released to a limited extent. Thus, a vehicle driver cannot be distracted or impaired by too extensive a touch functionality.

For example, the touch functionality of the screen in the second position can also be operated via control buttons on the steering wheel or via an operating element in the center console or by voice input.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a functional device according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The functional device can be designed, for example, with a display unit which comprises at least one screen. The screen of the display unit can preferably be moved with a position change unit of the functional device. The position change unit can in particular be arranged on a steering device or on a steering column of the steering device.

The motor vehicle can in particular be designed as a partially autonomous or fully autonomous motor vehicle.

It is preferably provided that a position setting of the screen is dependent on a driving mode of the motor vehicle. The position of the screen of the display unit can be adjusted in particular with the mechanical swivel arm of the position changing unit. For example, the screen can be positioned in an environment of the steering wheel of the steering device depending on a predefined or automatically occurring driving mode or driving mode. It is particularly advantageous that a vehicle user does not have to make any settings via the position of the screen, but that the position setting can preferably be carried out automatically. This can be done by operating a control element that activates a servomotor. Activation can also be activated by a gesture or a voice signal. Likewise, when changing the driving mode, in particular between a manual driving mode and a fully autonomous driving mode, the position can be changed automatically, without user initiation.

It is preferably provided that the first position is set in a manual driving mode of the motor vehicle and the second position is adjustable in a fully autonomous driving mode of the motor vehicle. If, in particular, the screen of the display unit is in the first position during a manual drive of the motor vehicle, then the second position can be blocked or blocked, for example. The screen can only be moved to the second position when the manual drive is ended and the autonomous drive mode is activated. If, in particular, the screen is in the second position during an autonomous drive, the first position can be blocked or not released. In autonomous driving, the screen can be used as an interactive display by a vehicle user. This can also result in ergonomic advantages for the vehicle user. In particular, the screen can be used for multimedia applications, email traffic, etc. in the autonomous driving mode.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Kraftfahrzeug und einer Funktionsvorrichtung;
• 2 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Funktionsvorrichtung; und
• 3 eine Seitenansicht einer Funktionsvorrichtung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with the aid of schematic figures. This shows:

• 1 an embodiment with a motor vehicle and a functional device;
• 2 an embodiment of a functional device; and
• 3 a side view of a functional device.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be regarded individually or in a combination other than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

Overall, the 1 an exemplary motor vehicle 1 with a functional device 2 , The functional device 2 has in particular a steering device 3 on which is a steering column 4 and a steering wheel 5 having. On the steering column 4 the steering device 3 can, for example, a position change unit 6 be arranged. With the position change unit 6 can in particular a position setting of a display unit 7 the functional device 2 relative to the steering device 3 to be changed. In particular, a, preferably plate-like, screen can be used 10 the display unit 7 either in a first position 8th or at a different second position 9 be positioned. The second position 9 is closer to a vehicle user sitting in a vehicle seat than the first position.

The steering wheel 5 which in particular has a steering wheel foot 18 on. Especially with the steering wheel foot 18 the steering wheel is rotatable with the steering column 4 connected. Between the steering wheel foot 18 and the steering column 4 can, for example, an intermediate area 19 be trained. The intermediate area 19 serves the steering wheel 5 relative to the steering column 4 is rotatable. The intermediate area 19 also represents the interface between the steering wheel 5 and steering column 4 represents.

The position setting, especially of the screen 10 the display unit 7 can be done depending on a driving mode. The position of the screen is set 10 in the first position 8th in a manual driving mode of the motor vehicle 1 , especially if a vehicle occupant is the motor vehicle 1 controls itself. The screen 10 can in particular in a partially autonomous, preferably fully autonomous driving mode of the motor vehicle 1 in the second position 9 be positioned.

For example, in the first position 8th the screen 10 the display device 7 when looking at the steering wheel from the front 5 the steering device 3 and thus when looking at the steering wheel 5 from a vehicle occupant sitting in the driver's seat above the steering wheel 5 and compared to the steering wheel 5 arranged to the rear. For example, the screen 10 in the first position 8th operated like an instrument cluster display. The direction of the front view is with the arrow P symbolizes.

In the second position 9 is especially the screen 10 the display unit 7 when looking at the steering wheel from the front 5 the steering device 3 at least in some areas, in particular completely, overlapping with one through the steering wheel 3 limited area. So when looking at the projection of the steering wheel in the direction of the arrow P the screen 10 at least in regions within the surface area of the steering wheel 5 , In particular, the screen 10 when viewing the functional device from the front 2 to the front of the steering wheel 5 the steering device 3 arranged.

To adjust the position of the screen 10 To be able to carry out, the position change unit 6 a mechanical swivel arm 11 on. On the mechanical swivel arm 11 especially the screen 10 the display unit 7 to be ordered. The mechanical swivel arm 11 can for example on the steering column 4 the steering device 3 be pivotally arranged. In particular, the mechanical swivel arm 11 the position change unit 6 be designed as a V-shaped element or component.

The steering wheel 5 the steering device 3 can preferably have a handle bar that runs at least in some areas 12 have, which is usually when driving the motor vehicle 1 is gripped by the driver. With the handlebar 12 For example, it can be a conventional circular and circumferentially closed strand element or a futuristic U-shaped steering handle, as shown in 2 is shown as an example. The screen 10 the display unit 7 can especially in the second position 9 on the front of the handlebar 12 issue. Especially the handlebar 12 be trained so that the screen 10 the display unit 7 flush with the steering wheel 5 the steering device 3 can be attached. In particular, the handlebars 12 the steering wheel 5 an open recess on the front 14 ( 2 ) exhibit. In the well 14 can the screen 10 at least in some areas in the handlebar 12 be sunk or embedded. This surrounds the handle bar 12 the screen 10 on the edge side and at least in regions, in particular over at least three edge regions or side edges of the four-sided screen 10 also frame-like. Through the intake well 14 can the screen 10 the display unit 7 also be positioned stably. The handlebar 12 can, as already mentioned, in particular an at least circumferential frame for the screen 10 the display unit 7 form.

It is conceivable that the screen 10 the display device 7 with a mechanical and / or magnetic holding element 17 (in 2 symbolically and in terms of position and number not conclusively understandable) on the handle bar 12 can be fixed on the front. For example, under a covering of the handlebar 12 a magnet can be attached so that the screen 10 flush with the handlebar 12 is applied. This may cause the screen to vibrate or move 10 the display unit 7 while the motor vehicle is traveling 1 be prevented.

For example, the motor vehicle 1 be designed as a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

The screen 10 can in particular be designed as an at least semi-transparent display and / or as a touch-sensitive screen and / or a double-sided display.

The 2 shows an embodiment of the functional device 2 , in the two possible positions for comparison 8th and 9 are shown. The preferred V shape of the swivel arm 11 can be seen here. The articulation of the swivel arm 11 to the steering column 4 is preferably such that in the first position a first V-leg 11a parallel to the steering column 4 is oriented and a second V-leg arranged at an angle to it 11b is oriented upwards, and thereby an axis of rotation RS the mechanical swivel arm is formed. By the screen 10 on the second V-leg 11b is arranged at the end, in particular is also pivotally arranged thereon, is the screen 10 opposite the steering wheel 5 staggered upwards so that it is fully visible even in the first position. The swivel arm 11 here is a double bracket, which is arranged with brackets on both sides of the steering column and thus the steering column 4 is arranged between the carrier, This is a mechanically stable connection to the steering column 4 and enables a spread-free pivoting. In particular, the shape of the swivel arm 11 the shape of the steering column 4 , which is V-shaped in the front area. This makes the swivel arm 11 in the second position 9 practically parallel, in particular parallel over its entire length, to the steering column 4 arranged. A particularly space-saving and stable arrangement is made possible because the swivel arm 11 through the steering column 4 positionally stabilized as an intermediate filler.

In particular, in the second position 9 Of the screen 10 the steering wheel 5 locked by the double bracket in rotation, so that the screen 10 can be in a stable position. This can especially the screen 10 can be used as a fixed and non-rotating touch display during an autonomous drive.

In particular, the handle bar 12 the steering wheel 5 the forwards and inwards to the steering column 4 open recess 14 have, which thus forms in particular a plateau or a pedestal. In this well 14 for example the screen 10 the display unit 7 to be ordered. Through an edge area 15 of the handlebar 12 the screen can also be fixed and supported.

For example, the screen 10 the display unit 7 in the second position 9 flush with a front 16 of the handlebar 12 be arranged adjacent.

It can be provided that the screen 10 only on one front 10a has an electronic display surface. In this embodiment, it is particularly provided that the screen on the swivel arm 11 pivotable, especially on an axis of rotation RA the display unit, is arranged so that both in the first position 8th as well as in the second position 9 the front 10a is facing the viewer and thus the driver. In an alternative version, the front can be added 10a also a back 10b Of the screen 10 be designed as a further electronic display area. Is the screen 10 not pivotable on the swivel arm 11 arranged or should not pivot the screen 10 done, although such would be possible is in the first position 8th the front 10a facing the driver and in the second position 9 the backside 10b facing the driver.

The screen 10 , especially a display area on the front 10a and / or on the back 10b , can be an OLED display or a TFT display.

The 3 shows an exemplary side view of the functional device 2 , The screen in particular is located 10 the display unit 7 in the first position 8th , then the first and the second V-leg 11a . 11b of the swivel arm 11 parallel to the steering column 4 arranged. This is the steering wheel foot 18 freely movable and the steering wheel 5 can be used for steering during a manual drive. In particular, is in the second position 9 Of the screen 10 the mechanical swivel arm 11 to the steering wheel 5 positioned there. As a result, in particular, due to the double bracket, on both sides of the steering column 4 and the steering wheel foot 18 , a first and a second V-leg 11a . 11b parallel along the steering column 4 , of the intermediate area 19 and the steering wheel foot 18 , This will make the steering wheel 5 fixed so that rotation is not possible, and the screen 10 is stably positioned in the autonomous driving mode. It can also be ensured that the steering wheel 5 is not moved unintentionally.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• CH 711640 A2 [0002]
• DE 202015103992 U1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Functional device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), - with a steering device (3), - with a display unit (7), and - with a position change unit (6) with which a position of the display unit (7) relative to the steering device (6 ) can be changed in a defined manner, - with the position change unit (6) being able to set a first position (8) in which the display unit (7) is arranged at a distance from a steering wheel (5) of the steering device (3), characterized in that with the Position change unit (6) a second position (9) of the display unit (7) which is different from the first position (8) can be set, in which a screen (10) of the display unit (7) overlaps at least in regions when the steering wheel (5) is viewed from the front a surface area delimited by the steering wheel (5) is arranged and the screen (10) is arranged on the front to the steering wheel (5) of the steering device (3). Functional device (2) after Claim 1 , characterized in that a mechanical swivel arm (11) of the position change unit (6), on which the screen (10) is arranged, is pivotably arranged on a steering column (4) of the steering device (3). Functional device (2) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that a mechanical swivel arm (11) of the position change unit (6), on which the screen (10) is arranged, is V-shaped. Functional device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering wheel (5) has an at least partially encircling handlebar (12) against which the screen (10) in the second position (9), in particular on the front, bears Functional device (2) after Claim 4 , characterized in that the handlebar (12) has a receiving recess (14) in which the screen (10) is arranged in the second position (9), in particular with an edge region (15), so that the handlebar (12 ) an at least partially circumferential frame for the screen (10) is formed. Functional device (2) after Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the screen (10) in the second position (9) is arranged flush with a front side (16) of the handlebar (12) against the handlebar (12), in particular by at least one mechanical or magnetic holding element (17) is held fixed on the handle bar (12). Functional device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (10) is at least partially semi-transparent and / or the screen (10) is at least partially touch-sensitive and the screen (10) at least in the second position (9 ) is designed at least in some areas as a touch-sensitive screen. Motor vehicle (1) with a functional device (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (1) after Claim 8 , characterized in that a position setting of the screen (10) is dependent on a driving mode of the motor vehicle (1). Motor vehicle (1) after Claim 9 , characterized in that the first position (8) is set in a manual driving mode of the motor vehicle (1) and the second position is adjustable in a fully autonomous driving mode of the motor vehicle (1).

Images