DE102019129797A1 - Roof control device, roof control system, use of a roof control device and vehicle with a roof control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an overhead control device (100) for a vehicle (300), an overhead control system (200), a use of an overhead control device (100) or an overhead control system (200) and a vehicle (300), the overhead control device (100) for operation at least one component of the vehicle is designed and set up and has at least one capacitive operating element that can be actuated by an operating input in the form of an approach and / or touch and / or gesture, which has a stationary, essentially rigid and immovable, three-dimensional, approximate and / or has a touch- and / or gesture-sensitive input body (106) with a defined detection area and is designed and set up for this purpose, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle (300), a horizontal approach of a capacitively active input means (108) to the input body (106) ) and / or a horizontal touch of the input body (106 ) with a capacitively active input means (108) and / or a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means (108) in the detection area of the control element relative to the input element (106) and to recognize it as an operator input.

Description

The present invention relates to an overhead control device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, preferably for a passenger car or a truck, the overhead control device being designed and set up to be attached to the roof in the interior of a vehicle and designed to operate at least one component of the vehicle is, in particular for operating an interior lighting and / or an air conditioning system and / or a sliding roof and / or an emergency call assistant, and has at least one capacitive control element that can be actuated by an operator input in the form of an approach and / or touch and / or gesture.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a roof control system with an operating device and at least one component that can be operated and / or actuated and / or controlled by means of the operating device, in particular with at least one interior lighting component that can be operated and / or operated and / or controlled by means of the operating device, Air conditioning component and / or sunroof component and / or an emergency assistance device.

The present invention also relates to a use of an overhead control device and / or an overhead control system in a vehicle, in particular in a motor vehicle, preferably in a passenger car or truck, for operating and / or actuating at least one component of the vehicle.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle with an overhead control device.

Generic operating devices are known in principle from the prior art, for example from US Pat WO 2019/076598 A2 or the DE 11 2015 002 578 T5 .

In addition, overhead control devices, overhead control systems and corresponding vehicles with an overhead control device or an overhead control system are known in principle. Overhead control devices usually have movably mounted control elements or control elements with a movably mounted input body and in particular require special input options in order to be ergonomically comfortable to operate, since operation is usually done overhead and not from above.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an alternative overhead control device, in particular an improved overhead control device, preferably a roof control device that is less susceptible to wear, but in particular nevertheless enables ergonomically pleasant operation, an alternative roof control system, in particular an improved roof control system, and an alternative vehicle, in particular to provide an improved vehicle.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an overhead control device, an overhead control system and a vehicle having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

• - bei Annäherung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels an den Eingabekörper und/oder
• - bei Berührung des Eingabekörpers und/oder
• - bei einer Bewegung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels relativ zum Eingabekörper, jeweils im Detektionsbereich des Eingabekörpers wenigstens ein Sensorsignal zu erzeugen, wobei die Dachbedienvorrichtung, insbesondere das Bedienelement, dabei dazu ausgebildet und eingerichtet ist, bezogen auf einen funktionsgemäßen Einbauzustand in einem Fahrzeug,

• - eine horizontale Annäherung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels an den Eingabekörper und/oder
• - eine horizontale Berührung des Eingabekörpers mit einem kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittel und/oder
• - eine horizontale Bewegung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels im Detektionsbereich des Bedienelements relativ zum Eingabekörper

zu erfassen und als Bedieneingabe zu erkennen.An overhead control device according to the present invention is designed in particular for a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car or a truck, in particular for fastening in the interior of a vehicle on the roof, the overhead control device being designed and set up to operate at least one component of the vehicle, in particular to operate interior lighting and / or an air conditioning system and / or a sliding roof and / or an emergency call assistant, and at least one capacitive control element that can be actuated by an operator input in the form of an approach and / or touch and / or gesture. The operating element has a stationary, essentially rigid and immovable mounted, three-dimensional, proximity and / or touch and / or gesture sensitive input body with a defined detection area and is designed and set up to

• - When a capacitively active input means approaches the input body and / or
• - when touching the input body and / or
• - when a capacitively active input means moves relative to the input body, at least one sensor signal is generated in the detection area of the input body, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, being designed and set up for this, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle,

• - A horizontal approach of a capacitively effective input means to the input body and / or
• - A horizontal contact of the input body with a capacitively effective input means and / or
• a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means in the detection area of the operating element relative to the input body

to be recorded and recognized as an operator input.

An overhead control device according to the invention enables, in particular if it is designed at least also for contactless operation through a horizontal approach and / or at least also gesture-based operation through a horizontal input movement, the provision of a particularly long-lasting, in particular wear-resistant overhead control device, which has a visually appealing appearance for a very long time , since the user interfaces are hardly or only to a lesser extent mechanically rubbed off by repeated touching or are worn out by the ingress of moisture. Due to the reduced moisture entry and the reduced wear and tear, stable detection accuracy can be achieved over a long period of time. In particular, the functionality of the overhead control device according to the invention can be maintained over the longest possible period, which makes it possible to achieve a long service life.

By designing a roof control device according to the invention in the roof area of a vehicle interior, as is known from the roof control devices known from the prior art, the roof control device can also be achieved in the usual way.

The horizontal actuation of an overhead control device according to the invention enables particularly advantageous, ergonomic operation of various components of a vehicle, such as a sunroof, an emergency call assistant or interior lighting, in particular light sources integrated on or in the headliner. A roof control device according to the invention makes it possible in particular to provide an ergonomically operable roof control device which, with only a very small space requirement, provides a wide variety of operating inputs, in particular a large number of easy-to-learn operating inputs, operating sequences or operating patterns, for triggering a desired change in the status of a vehicle component (e.g. opening or closing a sliding roof) enables. As a result, simple and ergonomically comfortable operation of the overhead control device can be achieved, even while driving, which in particular enables operation in which a driver does not have to take his eyes off the road. With a corresponding configuration of an overhead control device according to the invention, impairment of driving safety by operating the overhead control device according to the invention while driving can thus in particular be avoided.

In addition to the above-mentioned possibility of using a roof control device according to the invention in motor vehicles such as passenger cars or trucks, a roof control device according to the present invention can basically be used in wheeled utility vehicles of any kind, for example in agricultural vehicles, agricultural machinery or construction machinery, and also in vehicles used in public passenger transport, such as for example buses. In principle, however, the field of application of the overhead control device according to the invention is not limited to the aforementioned vehicles. In some cases, the configuration for arrangement in an aircraft cockpit can also be advantageous. Due to the possibility of being able to implement many operating functions in a small space, an operating device according to the invention can be particularly advantageous here under certain circumstances. Use in rail-bound vehicles is also fundamentally conceivable.

As already mentioned, a roof operating device according to the invention is designed in particular to be fastened in the interior of a vehicle in the area of the roof, that is to say in that area of the vehicle roof facing the vehicle occupant cabin. The fastening can take place with all means (fastening means) suitable for fastening. Adhesive connections, screw connections, snap-in connections or form-fit connections may be mentioned as exemplary fastening means in this context. A roof control device according to the invention can be attached to parts of an interior roof cladding and / or to the vehicle roof itself, i.e. in the case of a sheet metal roof to the roof panel. A roof control device according to the invention can also, in particular at least partially, ie at least some parts of the roof control device, such as the rigid input body, be inserted or integrated into an interior roof cladding or a panel or the like of an interior cladding or, for example, integrally connected to an interior cladding or in one piece with it this must have been formed and, for example, have been manufactured together with this by injection molding or have been connected to it by plastic welding (provided that the corresponding components are each made of plastic, which is preferably the case).

According to the invention, the overhead control device is designed and set up to operate at least one component of the vehicle. As already mentioned, exemplary components are, for example, interior lighting and / or air conditioning and / or a sliding roof and / or an emergency call assistant of a vehicle. One or more of the components of the vehicle that can be operated by means of the overhead control device can also be another functional unit or component, for example a Ventilation system, a multimedia system and / or a navigation system or the like.

In this context, interior lighting can be a group of selected light sources in the vehicle interior, or else just a single light source. That is to say, an overhead control device according to the invention can be designed and set up to operate one or more light sources, which can be controlled individually or as a group. Depending on the configuration of an overhead control device according to the invention, in particular depending on the interconnection and operational assignment of the light sources to the overhead control device, one or more groups of light sources and / or individual or several individual light sources can be operated jointly and / or separately by means of an overhead control device according to the invention. The light sources can be light sources arranged in the area of the inner vehicle roof and / or light sources for ambient lighting and / or reading lights.

An "operation" of a vehicle component in the sense of the present invention is an operating input made with a capacitively active input means (e.g. a finger), in the present case, for example, a corresponding approach and / or touch and / or gesture, in particular in a horizontal direction, in relation to the Capacitive operating element belonging to the roof operating device, by which at least one sensor signal is generated, depending on which a reaction of a vehicle component can preferably be triggered, ie in particular an input which is also recognized as an operating input.

An operating input, in particular recognized, is preferably to be understood in the sense of a switching command, by means of which, in particular, a reaction of a vehicle component (as a result of the switching command) can be triggered. Corresponding data processing steps can be interposed between an operator input (i.e. a switching command) and a corresponding reaction of the vehicle component (as a result of a switching command), for example processing of the at least one sensor signal generated by the operator control input in the detection area of the input element, in particular a generation of one or more control signals for controlling and / or regulating, ie in particular for changing an actuating state, of a corresponding vehicle component as a function of the sensor signal (s) generated.

In the case of interior lighting as the vehicle component to be operated, this can be switched on or off, for example, by means of an operator input. That is to say, in the case of interior lighting as a vehicle component, at least one setting state that can be set via the operator input can be, for example, a switched-off (off mode) or a switched-on state (on mode). At least one setting state can alternatively or additionally also include an intensity level of the light intensity emitted by the interior lighting, whereby preferably different setting states are possible (e.g. on mode, off mode, various intensity levels, etc.). One or more control states can also be a defined dimming state or dimming range of the interior lighting.

In the case of an air conditioning system as the vehicle component to be operated, at least one setting state that can be set via the operator input can also be, for example, a switched-off or switched-on state and / or one or more different operating levels of the air conditioning system (e.g. an operating level that requires operation in full - or half load in relation to a maximum power of the air conditioning system or any intermediate level), whereby preferably several control states are also possible (for example on mode, off mode, various load levels, etc.).

In the case of a sliding roof as the vehicle component to be operated, at least one setting state that can be set via the operator input can be, for example, an open or closed state or an intermediate stage, for example a ventilation position in which the sliding roof is slightly tilted. Several setting states are particularly preferably possible: in particular a closed state, a fully open state, one or more ventilation positions in which the sunroof is slightly tilted, in particular about a horizontal line extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and also preferably various intermediate positions between the closed state and the fully open state, which are particularly preferably continuously adjustable.

In the case of an emergency call assistant as a vehicle component to be operated, at least one setting state that can be triggered via the operator input can be, in particular, an activation of an emergency call assistant (e.g. an activation of a vehicle-specific or vehicle-linked one - e.g. via a Bluetooth connection with a mobile device - Telecommunication connection with an external emergency call center).

In order to increase a number of possible operator inputs, a Overhead control device, in particular the capacitive control element, can also be designed and set up to recognize and evaluate one or more control logics, that is, a defined sequence of several defined control inputs, such as a repeated touch in one and the same input area or a defined sequence of touches in different Input areas or the like. This enables the components of a vehicle to be operated via the overhead control device or the associated capacitive control element also via one or more defined control logics, for example via a repeated approach of a capacitively active input means to the input body within a certain time interval, alternatively via a repeated short one Touching the input body or a defined movement pattern of the input means relative to the input body or the like. This means that a large number of operating options can be implemented with just one operating element in a very small space and thus in a particularly space-saving manner.

In a first possible variant of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device is designed and set up in such a way that the at least one capacitive control element can be actuated by an operating input in the form of a horizontal approach of a capacitively effective input means, the overhead control device in this case designed and set up for this purpose is, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle, a horizontal approach of a capacitively effective input means to the input body to be detected and recognized as an operator input.

In the context of the present invention, an “approach” is understood to mean a movement of a capacitively active input means (for example a finger of a human hand) onto the operating element, in particular in the direction of the fixed-position input element, in particular into the detection area of the operating element proper operating state of the overhead control device from the entry of the capacitively active input means into the detection area, at least one sensor signal is generated.

A “horizontal approach” is correspondingly a movement of a capacitively active input means at least partially in the horizontal direction, ie with a horizontal movement component, that is at least partially in a horizontal direction. Particularly good detection of an approach is possible if the approach is completely horizontal, ie in a horizontal plane.

A horizontal direction can in particular be the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the transverse direction of the vehicle or a direction running at an angle thereto in a horizontal plane and in a common plane with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the transverse direction of the vehicle. In contrast to this, a vertical direction is a direction running perpendicular to a horizontal plane, for example a direction running vertically from the vehicle floor in the direction of the vehicle roof.

When operated by approach, the capacitive operating element functions in the manner of a proximity sensor. The approach of a capacitively effective input means changes the electrical field in the vicinity of a sensor electrode associated with the capacitive operating element. This effect leads to a change in capacitance of a capacitor of the capacitive operating element formed from at least one sensor electrode and at least one further electrode or with the environment, the change in the electrical field being dependent on the distance between the capacitively active input means and the operating element. The change in capacitance can be detected by measurement and provided in the form of a sensor signal, which can then be further processed, in particular by way of signal processing, into a control signal for controlling and / or regulating a vehicle component.

Particularly preferably, an approach is only recognized as an effective operator input and a corresponding control signal, in particular a control signal that changes a setting state of a vehicle component, is only generated and / or output when a capacitively effective input means reaches or falls below a certain distance in relation to the capacitive operator control element. This distance is preferably defined in such a way that it is only reached after entering and not already when entering the detection area. This can significantly reduce the number of undesired, inadvertent operating errors. However, it is of course also conceivable to recognize an approach as an effective operator input immediately upon entry into the detection area of the capacitive operator control element.

Since a typical hand or finger movement when performing an approach movement does not usually run completely horizontally, but usually has a certain vertical movement component, an overhead control device according to the invention, which is designed and set up for this, is a horizontal approach of a capacitively active input means as an operator input to recognize, preferably designed and set up, when falling below a certain, in particular defined horizontal distance to the input body, an approach as an operator input recognize, particularly preferably regardless of whether the executed movement of the input means also contains a vertical movement component. This enables particularly simple operation through a horizontal approach of a capacitively effective input means, which can in particular be recognized quickly and reliably.

For a particularly advantageous use of a roof control device according to the invention for operating a sliding roof, a roof control device according to the invention can be designed and set up, for example, to initiate a sliding movement of the sliding roof from a direction of the rear of the vehicle in the direction of the front of the vehicle, ie in particular closing the sliding roof by a corresponding horizontal approach of a to trigger capacitively active input means (eg a finger) in the same direction from the direction of the rear of the vehicle in the direction of the front of the vehicle in the direction of the input body, the operating element preferably having a correspondingly designed detection area for this purpose. For this purpose, for example, a capacitive sensor element oriented in the direction of the rear of the vehicle can be integrated into the input body. Alternatively or additionally, a roof operating device according to the invention for operating a sliding roof can also be designed and configured to allow a sliding movement of the sliding roof from the direction of the front of the vehicle in the direction of the rear of the vehicle, i.e. in particular opening of the sliding roof by a corresponding horizontal approach of a capacitively active input means in the same direction to trigger from a direction of the front of the vehicle in the direction of the rear of the vehicle in the direction of the input body. For this purpose, for example, a capacitive sensor element oriented in the direction of the front of the vehicle can be integrated into the input body. Since in such an embodiment of a roof control device according to the invention, the direction of movement of the sliding roof coincides with an associated operating direction of movement of a capacitively active input means (e.g. finger) or, for operating the sliding roof, the capacitive input means must be moved analogously and in the same direction of movement in which the sliding roof is to be moved, a particularly advantageous and intuitively operated roof operating device can be provided, in particular for operating a sliding roof.

As also described above, an overhead control device according to the present invention, in particular the at least one capacitive control element, can be actuated in a second possible variant as an alternative or in addition to an operation through a horizontal approach by an operator input in the form of a horizontal touch, the overhead control device in In this case, it is designed and set up, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle, to detect horizontal contact of the input body with a capacitively active input means and to recognize it as an operator input.

In the context of the present invention, a “touch” is to be understood as meaning that a capacitively active input means (e.g. a finger) is in direct contact with a surface of the input body for a certain period of time. This can be done, for example, by a short tap or a touch contact lasting several seconds. A touch can also be a given stroke pattern, i.e. a so-called "slide", or a touch sequence (tap sequence), but the decisive factor is the direct contact of the capacitively active input means with the input body.

A "horizontal touch" in the sense of the present invention is a touch in which the touched surface of the input body, based on a functional state of use of an overhead control device according to the invention, has a normal vector which has at least one horizontal component, with a horizontal contact in particular by a horizontal one Approach to the input body, ie until it is touched, can be brought about.

The three-dimensional input body of an overhead control device according to the present invention can for example have a surface facing the front of the vehicle, in particular extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle and / or a surface facing the rear of the vehicle, in particular extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The surfaces can be oriented vertically or inclined at a certain angle to a vertical plane running in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the angle preferably not being more than 60 °, in particular not more than 45 °, preferably not more than 30 °. As an alternative or in addition, the input body can also have one or more corresponding, in particular a left-hand and a right-hand vertical surface facing a vehicle side wall or inclined to a vertical plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the angle preferably not more than 60 °, in particular not more than 45 ° °, preferably not more than 30 °. A “horizontal touch” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, touching such a surface of the input body, but not touching a surface facing the vehicle floor and parallel to a horizontal plane extending surface of the input body (since its normal vector has no horizontal component, but only a vertical component). Furthermore, a horizontal touch can also be understood as a touch of the input body. Surfaces that are vertical or inclined at a defined angle to a vertical plane and essentially, in particular exactly in the transverse direction of the vehicle, can be touched particularly easily and ergonomically horizontally, in particular by a driver of a vehicle when the overhead control device is approximately in the middle of the vehicle from below on the roof is arranged.

As also described above, an overhead control device according to the present invention, in particular the at least one capacitive control element, can in a third possible variant alternatively or in addition to an operation by a horizontal approach and / or by a horizontal contact by a horizontal movement, ie a horizontal movement Gesture, in which case the overhead control device is designed and set up, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle, to detect a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means in the detection area of the control element relative to the input body and to recognize it as an operator input.

In connection with the present invention, a “gesture” is to be understood as a defined movement or a movement pattern of a capacitively active input means (e.g. a finger or a hand) relative to the input body. A movement in the sense of a gesture can be contactless (in this case the input device is moved a certain distance from the input body) or contact-based (in the latter case the input device is moved over a surface in a defined swiping and / or tapping movement or an associated movement pattern of the input body).

A “horizontal movement” or a “horizontal gesture” in the sense of the present invention is in particular a gesture whose associated movement has at least one horizontal component, in particular takes place completely in a horizontal direction. A horizontal movement or horizontal gesture can be, for example, a contactless movement or a stroking movement over a surface of the input body. The horizontal movement can be carried out unidirectionally, bidirectionally or multi-directionally (for example in the case of circular movements or the like) in relation to a horizontal plane. For detection, a plurality of capacitive sensor elements arranged at different positions can be provided in the input body, which generate a sensor signal when the capacitively active input means is temporarily located in the area of a sensor element and recognize a horizontal movement or a gesture based on the sensor signals generated at different locations can. The sensor signals in the individual sensor elements can be generated on the basis of capacitive proximity detection, but the sensor elements can also be designed as pressure sensors or movement sensors.

In the context of the invention, a capacitively active input means is understood to mean in particular an input means which is capacitively active, ie which can cause a change in capacitance of an associated sensor capacitance of a capacitive operating element, such as a hand, part of a hand (e.g. a finger) or a combination several fingers or a corresponding input means such as a capacitive input pen or glove or the like.

The input body of an overhead control device according to the present invention has a defined detection area, a “detection area” being understood to mean that area (regardless of whether this is outside the input body or is located in the surface of the input body) in which a capacitive change can be detected by approaching and / or touching and / or executing a gesture and at least one associated sensor signal can be generated or is generated in a functional state of use of the overhead control device during operation.

The detection area can be composed of several sub-areas that can be formed by or assigned to individual sensor elements. The detection area can coincide with a surface of the input body (or the housing) and / or extend beyond the input body into the surroundings of the input body.

If an overhead control device according to the invention is designed and set up for detecting a horizontal approach, ie for proximity-based operation, the detection area of the control element extends particularly preferably up to a certain distance from a surface of the input body or the capacitive control element into the environment, in particular in at least a horizontal direction. A detection area that extends sufficiently far into the surroundings can easily eliminate the need for an immediate Contact with the input body for operation can be avoided with the advantages described above.

A roof control device according to the invention is designed and set up for detecting horizontal contact, ie for touch-based control, whereby a sensor signal can be generated in the detection area of the control element by touching the surface of the input body, preferably with a capacitive input device, or in a functional state of use of the roof control device is generated during operation, the detection area extends at least over part of the surface of the input body, in particular in each case at least over part of a surface provided for operation, ie over part of a user interface, the detection area particularly preferably extending over at least one input area, especially in each case completely. A particularly simple operability can be achieved if the detection area coincides with the surface of the input body, i.e. extends in particular over the entire input body.

If an overhead control device according to the invention is designed and set up for detecting a horizontal movement or a horizontal gesture, that is to say for gesture-based operation, a sensor signal can be generated or generated by a horizontal movement or gesture with a capacitively active input means relative to the input body in the detection area of the control element. is generated in a functional state of use of the overhead control device during operation, the detection area of the control element extends particularly preferably up to a certain distance from a surface of the input body or the capacitive control element away into the environment, in particular in at least one horizontal direction and particularly preferably below the Operating element and parallel to this, ie in particular parallel to an underside of the operating element or the input body, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle.

For simple, gesture-based operation, a boundary of the detection area is preferably sufficiently spaced from the surface of the input body in order to be able to generate a sensor signal with a capacitive input device, in particular by means of a contactless gesture or a contactless movement, i.e. without touching the input body. The detection area can also be limited to the surface of the input body or parts thereof, especially if no contact-free, gesture-based operation is desired, for example to avoid incorrect operation due to accidental hand movements just below the overhead control device or the input body, but still gesture-based operation , for example by a stroking or wiping movement, should be made possible. In this case, too, a plurality of capacitive sensor elements can be provided which, when the input means is swiped over the surface of the input body, each generate sensor signals and recognize a gesture. In the case of gesture-based operation, both capacitive sensor elements based on proximity sensors and sensor elements based on touch sensors can also be used in the input body. Alternatively or additionally, one or more pressure and / or force sensor elements can be provided for realizing gesture-based operation (as well as for detecting touch-based operation).

The detection area can in particular be composed of different partial detection areas of a plurality of sensor elements. The use of several sensor elements, each with a single partial detection area or with several detection areas, enables a particularly simple spatial resolution and thus a particularly simple detection of a gesture-based operation. The arrangement of the sensor elements can preferably be selected such that one or more movement paths for a gesture to be carried out are predetermined by the arrangement of the sensor elements.

According to the invention, the operating element has a stationary, essentially rigidly and immovably mounted three-dimensional input body. This makes it possible to provide a particularly wear-resistant overhead control device with a long service life, since moving parts, which are generally susceptible to wear, can be dispensed with, in particular a moving input body.

The term “stationary” is to be understood at this point to mean that the input body is designed to be arranged in a fixed position, in particular in the interior on the vehicle roof, in particular from below on the roof or on the headliner, in a vehicle. The fixed-position arrangement can take place via suitable fastening means by way of mounting on the vehicle roof or on one or more corresponding cladding parts or the like, or by integration into a corresponding component provided for fastening in this area, which then for the fixed-position arrangement of the input body on the vehicle roof can be attached.

An “essentially rigid and immovable mounting of the input body” is to be understood as a mounting of the input body within the overhead control device which allows almost no movement of the input body during operation. That is to say, the input body is not mounted such that it can be tilted, such as a tilting control element, or, for example, a rotary control element, is mounted so that it can rotate, but rather is virtually immovable. In particular, the input body is mounted so rigidly and immovably that it is not displaced, ie does not move, even when a pressure is actuated, ie when a pressure force is applied during operation. In particular, the input body is mounted so rigidly and immovably that neither the action of forces acting while driving (e.g. transverse forces, acceleration forces, braking forces) nor during operation (at least with normal operating forces) does not result in any movement, rotation or displacement of the input body , in particular no compression or expansion of the associated input body.

The input body of a roof control device according to the present invention is designed three-dimensionally, with reference to a functional installation state in a vehicle, preferably starting from an inner surface of the vehicle roof facing the passenger compartment downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle floor and in the vehicle longitudinal and transverse directions extends. That is to say, the input body of an overhead control device according to the invention is preferably not just a flat input surface.

The three-dimensional “input body” can be a hollow body, similar to a housing (preferably made of plastic), in which one or more capacitive sensor element (s) can be arranged or into which one or more capacitive sensor element (s) can be integrated. Associated electronics, circuit electronics, a circuit board and / or a microcontroller and / or one or more further components can also be integrated in such an input body, preferably invisible from the outside. Alternatively, the input body can also be made solid and, for example, a plastic injection-molded body, with one or more of the aforementioned components preferably being integrated into the input body, for example by overmolding. A combination of the two variants described above is also conceivable, i.e. an input body with a hollow geometry, for example one or more of the components described above being integrated in one or more of the walls of the input body, for example by overmolding.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-described inventive features of the overhead control device, it can be provided that the overhead control device, in particular the control element, is designed and set up to also output the at least one sensor signal (or a plurality of sensor signals), in particular to an evaluation and control unit / or control device. The evaluation and control device can be part of the overhead control device as such or part of an on-board computer of the vehicle, or it can also be part of a further device, for example a control device for controlling a corresponding vehicle component that can be operated by means of an overhead control device according to the invention.

To this end, the capacitive sensor element (s) associated with the capacitive operating element or operating body can be coupled with an evaluation and control device for signaling purposes, with the signaling connection being able to be wired or wireless. In some cases, an overhead control device according to the invention can also be designed and set up to carry out preprocessing or evaluation of the sensor signals received, for example via a microcontroller unit. Via preprocessing and also local integration of the evaluation and control device in the overhead control device, the signal processing and thus the operation of the vehicle components can, if necessary, be accelerated.

By outputting the sensor signal (s) to an evaluation and control device and an evaluation carried out there, complex movement patterns can also be evaluated and recognized. Furthermore, an evaluation and control device can contain a database in which gestures, movement patterns (also of a complex type) can be stored. The assignment of complex movement patterns to operate certain components of a vehicle can also serve as a safety feature. For example, it may be undesirable for underage vehicle occupants or children to activate an emergency call assistant in the vehicle or open a sunroof with a simple movement, touch or approach.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the input body of the control element has at least one proximity and / or touch and / or gesture-sensitive user interface, each with at least one input area, preferably at least two user interfaces, in particular at least three user interfaces. In one embodiment of the Input body with a single user interface can be provided that it is exclusively proximity-sensitive, exclusively touch-sensitive or exclusively gesture-sensitive. One user interface can also be designed to be approach-sensitive and touch-sensitive, but not gesture-sensitive. Furthermore, the one user interface can be designed to be approach-sensitive and gesture-sensitive, but not to be touch-sensitive. Finally, one user interface can also be designed to be touch-sensitive and gesture-sensitive, but not to be proximity-sensitive. The provision of two or three user interfaces makes it possible to provide selected user interfaces for operating a specific component of a vehicle, so that on the one hand multifunctional operation of several vehicle components with one and the same overhead control device is possible, but on the other hand also intuitive operation through a suitable and particularly advantageous operator assignment the components to the individual and in particular to different user interfaces is made possible.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, an input body with at least two control surfaces can be designed such that preferably two control surfaces each with in particular at least one input area are opposite one another. This immediately results in at least two opposite input areas. The user interfaces can, for example, be arranged one behind the other in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e. a front user interface has a smaller distance from the front of the vehicle than a rear user interface, with both user interfaces preferably being part of a common input element.

In the case of an operator input based on a touch and the presence of two such operator interfaces or input areas arranged one behind the other and opposite one another, the front operator interface or input area (in the case of a touch-sensitive configuration) can make a first specific change (operation) as a result of an operator input based on touch Be assigned to the actuating state of a vehicle component, for example the opening of a sliding roof or the movement of a vehicle headliner in the direction of the rear of the vehicle, in particular in the direction of contact. Conversely, a second specific change (operation) of a setting state of a vehicle component can be assigned to the rear user interface or the rear input area (in the case of a touch-sensitive design) as a result of an operator input based on a touch, in particular also in the direction of contact or in a direction opposite to the first direction of contact , for example closing a sunroof or a vehicle headliner in the direction of the front of the vehicle. Such an assignment enables intuitive and convenient control as well as an impression of the touch to be carried out for a desired change in the state of a vehicle component, for example the assignment of a touch-based operating input to a specific user interface, for example to open or close a sunroof or a vehicle headliner.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the input body can have at least three user interfaces, particularly preferably two user interfaces lying opposite one another and a third user interface being arranged between the two opposing user interfaces, and in particular adjoining them. With such a configuration, in addition to the functions of the two opposite user interfaces described above, the additional user interface enables the operation of a further vehicle component if it is assigned to the additional user interface. The multifunctionality of the overhead control device can thereby be increased in a simple manner, in particular while maintaining a compact design of the input body.

The three user interfaces can be spatially separated from one another by an angled arrangement so that the risk of incorrect operation (e.g. as a result of slipping when touching or swiping over the user interfaces) can be reduced.

In principle, each of the three user interfaces can have an input area, so that three separate input areas can be provided by the three user interfaces. An overhead control device according to the invention is particularly preferably designed and set up in such a way that basically different vehicle components and / or different functions of one or more components can be operated with the three user interfaces or input areas (with appropriate assignment and signaling coupling).

A particularly advantageous overhead control device can be provided if, in particular, the two opposing user interfaces are assigned to one and the same component of a vehicle, but each of the opposing user interfaces can be used to bring about a different change in the status of the assigned vehicle component (e.g. opening or Closing a sunroof or switching on and off interior lighting), in particular opposing states.

With regard to the opposing user interfaces of an arrangement made up of the three user interfaces described above, an assignment to one or more components can be set up in such a way that, for example, a locally limited vehicle component (e.g. a vehicle-front interior lighting in the area of the front seats) can be operated with the vehicle-front user interface , and with the user interface in the back of the vehicle, another locally limited vehicle component (for example, interior lighting in the vehicle in the area of the front seats or a trunk). Switching on and off can take place, for example, by repeatedly approaching or touching. Correspondingly, several different operating inputs can be made at the same time with one and the same overhead control device.

Regardless of the assignment of the two opposite user interfaces with regard to the operability of one or more vehicle components, the third user interface can have one or more additional input areas and in particular be designed and set up for a gesture or movement (in particular a horizontal movement) of a capacitively effective To capture input means relative to the input body or the third user interface and to recognize it as an operator input. This also increases the multifunctionality of the overhead control device and enables several vehicle components to be controlled with one and the same overhead control device.

The control element of an overhead control device according to the invention can particularly preferably be designed and set up to detect a contactless horizontal movement of a capacitively effective input means in the area of this third control surface (for example by providing several capacitive sensor elements in the area of the third control surface). Alternatively or additionally, the operating element can also be designed and set up such that a horizontal movement can be detected in the area of the third operating surface when the operating surface is touched, that is to say, in particular, a sliding of a capacitively effective input means along the operating surface. The possibility of also recording a contactless operator input, however, has the advantage that wear and tear on the operator interface (s) can be avoided.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the invention, for example, the third user interface of a previously described control element can be used to make an operator input to bring about a change in state (e.g. opening, closing) of a sunroof or vehicle headliner as a vehicle component to be operated. A sliding gesture in which the capacitively active input means is moved from back to front, for example, can be used as a command to close the sunroof or vehicle headliner, and a sliding gesture in which the capacitively active input means is moved from front to back can be used as a command apply to an opening process of the sunroof or headliner. If the direction of the sliding gesture corresponds to the direction of movement that is to be effected in a vehicle component (e.g. the sunroof or vehicle headliner), a particularly advantageous and intuitive and simple operation can be made possible and the operation and user-friendliness for a vehicle occupant using the overhead control device due to a increased intuitiveness.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the overhead control device or the control element is designed and set up so that a laterally executed gesture or movement (i.e. a gesture in the transverse direction of the vehicle) of a capacitively active input means relative to the input body or the third user interface (be it a contactless gesture or a gesture touching the user interface) and to recognize it as an operator input. It is conceivable that a gesture carried out at the side can bring about the assumption of a partially open state and / or, for example, a retraction and / or extension of an insect protection roller blind and / or a UV protection roller blind or the like. In principle, however, any other possible operating function can also be assigned to lateral operation.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, is designed and can be installed in a vehicle in such a way that in a functional installation state of the overhead control device in a vehicle there is at least one control surface, preferably several or all control surfaces , at least partially, preferably over its entire extent, extends in the vehicle transverse direction.

One or more user interfaces can each extend only over part of the width in the transverse direction of the vehicle or over essentially the entire width of the vehicle roof in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the former case, depending on the intended arrangement and configuration headroom for the vehicle occupants is not impaired. In the latter case, one or more user interfaces can be arranged, for example, between the A-pillars of a car and conveniently operated both by the driver and by a passenger of the motor vehicle. However, even a partial extension of the user interface in relation to the vehicle width can enable comfortable operation by the driver and front passenger of a car, even with a corresponding design and arrangement in the vehicle. A roof operating device can also be designed for arrangement in the area of the vehicle rear seats and extend over part of the vehicle width or essentially the entire vehicle width on the roof in the interior. This allows comfortable use of the overhead control device by vehicle occupants who use the rear seats, in particular from any seat.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, is designed and can be installed in a vehicle in such a way that, in a functional installation state of the overhead control device in a vehicle, at least one user interface is at least partially, preferably via its entire extent, extends at a defined angle to a horizontal plane, in particular at an angle to a horizontal plane on the underside of the roof, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle, preferably at an angle of more than or equal to 60 °, 75 °, 90 °, 105 ° or 135 ° and less than or equal to 135 °, 105 °, 90 °, 75 ° or 60 °, in particular all angles within these limits being possible. By means of such an arrangement of one or more user interfaces, horizontal operation can be made possible in a particularly simple and ergonomic manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of a roof operating device according to the present invention, in particular the operating element, in particular the input body, with three operating surfaces, two of which are opposite each other and a third operating surface is arranged between the two operating surfaces and at least partially adjoins the opposite operating surfaces, The opposing user interfaces are preferably arranged, preferably over their entire extent, at an, in particular, the same angle to a horizontal plane and in particular each extend at a defined angle to a horizontal plane, in particular at an angle to a horizontal plane on the underside of the roof to a functional installation state in a vehicle, preferably at an angle of more than or equal to 60 °, 75 °, 90 °, 105 ° or 135 ° and less than or equal to 135 °, 105 °, 90 °, 75 ° or 60 °. The third user interface, which is arranged between the two user interfaces inclined to a horizontal plane, preferably runs horizontally. By means of such an arrangement of the user interfaces, operating errors can be reduced or even almost completely avoided, since in this way the user interfaces and thus the input areas assigned to them can be clearly delimited from one another. The probability of addressing a user interface other than the desired one with a capacitively active input means can be reduced by the spatially separated position or inclination to one another. Such an angled arrangement of the user interfaces can also increase the ease of use with simultaneous multifunctionality with regard to the operation of different vehicle components.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, is designed and can be installed in a vehicle in such a way that, in a functional installation state of the overhead control device in a vehicle, at least one user interface is at least partially, preferably via its entire extent, extending parallel to a horizontal plane.

Such an alignment or arrangement of at least one user interface, in particular, gestures or movements of a capacitively active input means - be it contactless or touch-mediated gestures / movements - from a seated position in the vehicle (be it the driver or front passenger position) in relation to the parallel to a horizontal plane can be exercised in a comfortable manner. If the capacitive input means is a finger or a hand, this avoids finding the user interface that is unwieldy and that endangers driving safety when driving. The extension of at least one user interface parallel to a horizontal plane accordingly enables comfortable touch operator input (or contactless operator input) of a movement pattern or the execution of a horizontal gesture. If the control element is designed with three control surfaces, it is particularly advantageous if one control surfaces arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the middle between the two other (preferably at an angle to a horizontal plane) is configured parallel to the horizontal plane.

In this case, user interfaces that are adjacent to one another and extend in the same direction can have the same length, in particular at their borders, and / or flush at their borders complete with each other. This can create a visually appealing effect. Adjacent user interfaces can, however, also have different lengths.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, at least one proximity and / or touch and / or gesture sensitive control surface of the control element is an at least partially flat surface, in particular a completely flat surface, ie a flat surface over its entire extent . A flat or planar user interface offers advantages in particular when executing an operator input on the basis of a given unidirectional, bidirectional or complex sequence of movements or gestures of a capacitively effective input means (e.g. fingers) relative to the operator interface. This applies in particular to touch-based stroking movements over the user interface, because unevenness in the user interface can impair the capacitive signal transmission to the capacitive sensor elements. In addition to optimized signal generation and transmission, flat surfaces can also create an appealing visual effect in the vehicle interior. A planar user interface also increases the user-friendliness or the user-friendliness of the overhead control device compared to a user interface provided with unevenness. By designing at least one user interface as a completely flat surface, complex stroking and / or wiping patterns as necessary operating input for operating or controlling a vehicle component (e.g. for opening or closing a sunroof) can also be implemented in a simple and ergonomically advantageous manner and with a pleasant operating feeling. Such a configuration can at the same time provide a safety feature for an overhead control device according to the invention, because complex stroking patterns, movement patterns or gestures are generally difficult to implement by children. A planar user interface in combination with a suitable, in particular complicated, swipe pattern can therefore be understood as a type of safety device or child safety device for the overhead control device. Flat user interfaces can also be cleaned in a relatively simple manner.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one operating surface can also be an at least partially concave or convexly curved surface, for example a concave curved surface, in particular an at least partially trough-shaped surface, the shape and size of which is ergonomically adapted to operation with a finger as a capacitively effective input means especially touching it with a fingertip. A trough-shaped surface including ergonomic adaptation to the shape of a finger or a fingertip can increase the ease of use when operating the control element. A trough-like design can specifically specify the (optimal) contact area required for generating a sensor signal for a user. There is no need to search for the sensitive area, which in turn increases safety when driving. Furthermore, instead of a simple trough, a trough-shaped guide channel can be provided in the user interface. The user can guide his finger along such a guide channel to execute a swiping movement.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of a roof operating device according to the present invention, the input body of the operating element has a shape similar to a trapezoidal prism or a trapezoidal prism-shaped shape, the input body in particular being a trapezoidal prism. A shape similar to a trapezoidal prism or a trapezoidal prism-shaped shape of the input body enables several user interfaces to be formed on the input body at the same time. At the same time, such a shape ensures that an input body is formed with sufficient stability. A particular advantage of such a shape is that the user interfaces can be directed in different directions, as a result of which various operating functions can be set up in a simple manner that can be actuated by horizontal operation.

The input body is particularly preferably a straight trapezoidal prism with a rectangular base and top surface and two or four opposing trapezoidal side surfaces, wherein the opposing side surfaces can be arranged parallel to one another or inclined to one another.

Particularly preferably, the roof control device is designed such that the trapezoidal prism can be arranged with its base facing the inside of a vehicle roof and with its top surface opposite the base facing the vehicle interior, i.e. facing downwards. The base area is preferably larger than the top area and one or more side areas are preferably each inclined correspondingly to a horizontal plane, in particular inclined inward. A particularly attractive input body can thereby be provided.

Two of the opposite side surfaces of the trapezoidal input body can preferably be aligned in the vehicle transverse direction, ie extend in the vehicle transverse direction and face each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, so that a front surface and a rear surface of the trapezoidal prism-shaped input body are aligned in the direction of the front of the vehicle or the rear of the vehicle, these preferably each being at least partially designed as a user interface and each particularly preferably having at least one input area. The two other side walls can in particular face the vehicle side walls and extend at least partially or completely in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and be opposite in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Correspondingly, with such a configuration, the overhead control device can be operated from different directions. Such an input body enables horizontal operation in a particularly simple manner, both by means of a horizontal approach and also by means of a horizontal touch and also by means of one or more horizontal gestures. If the trapezoidal input body comprises a plastic housing or is designed as a plastic body, production, in particular one-piece production using the injection molding process, can be simplified, especially if the side surfaces are inclined, because they then act like draft angles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the input body can be designed in such a way that the base area (base) in a functional installation state in the vehicle has a greater length and / or width extension (e.g. in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or in the transverse direction of the vehicle) than one opposite the base area Top surface, which is particularly preferably (also) at least partially designed as a user interface. A length and / or width of the base area facing the vehicle roof (i.e. the side facing upwards towards the vehicle) of the input body can therefore preferably be greater than a length and / or width of the top surface of the input body facing the vehicle interior. In comparison to the top surface facing the vehicle interior, the base area can have a greater length or width both in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The length-related and width-related shorter top surface is preferably directed towards the bottom of the vehicle, that is, it faces the vehicle interior. As a result, the stability of the input body can be increased in the functional installed state of the roof control device in the area of the vehicle roof, in particular if the input body is attached to the roof with the larger base area, which has the largest contact surface. A larger contact area leads, on the one hand, to a better distribution of forces in the case of forces acting on the input body and, on the other hand, to an enlarged fastening surface (e.g. adhesive surface).

The described trapezoidal prism-shaped input body preferably has a right-angled base and / or top surface, in particular with a symmetrical base and / or top surface. A symmetrical design of the base and / or top surface gives the input body a certain basic stability, while such a shape is generally perceived by vehicle occupants as being visually appealing. Such a rectangular base and / or top surface can be rectangular or square. Especially for the input of complex gesture patterns or movement patterns (this can also mean touch-sensitive swipe and / or wipe patterns), a right-angled top surface can be advantageous, in particular also a rectangular or square top surface, which in particular is oriented towards the bottom of the vehicle, preferably extending in a horizontal plane Can form user interface, since it provides a particularly large input area and, for example, allows an arrangement of different input areas for actuating different functions or for defining one or more movement paths in one or more corners.

As an alternative to the design of the input body described above with a rectangular base and / or top surface, the input body can also have a trapezoidal base and / or top surface, in particular with an isosceles and thus symmetrical base and / or top surface. In this case, too, the advantages described above, which are associated with a symmetry of shape, are given. A combination is also conceivable, i.e. for example a rectangular base area and a trapezoidal top area or vice versa. A trapezoidal top surface facing the vehicle interior in the installed position of the overhead control device can in particular be designed in such a way that, in a functional installation state, it shows the vehicle occupants a preferred direction for a movement-based or gesture-based operating input, for example by tapering towards the rear of the vehicle. This can improve user-friendliness.

The base and top surface can also be hexagonal instead of rectangular or trapezoidal and be connected to one another by, for example, six side surfaces. The side surfaces can be arranged orthogonally or inclined to the base surface and top surface. The top surface and / or one or more side surfaces can also be designed, at least in part, as user interfaces, which enables the surfaces of the input body to be assigned with operating functions in a variety of ways. Correspondingly, with a In such an embodiment, for example, seven different vehicle components can be operated with such an input body or a corresponding overhead control device.

In a further, in particular alternative, possible configuration of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the input body can, however, also be a straight prism with a congruent base and top surface. In this context, “congruent” design means that both surfaces have the same shape and size. As a result, in contrast to more complex geometries, the input body can be manufactured in a relatively simple manner, which is associated with cost advantages in manufacturing.

At least the top surface and / or one side surface of the input body of an operating device according to the invention is preferably at least partially designed as an operating surface and has at least one input area.

Regardless of the shape of the input body, its associated surfaces (in particular the surfaces designed as user interfaces) can be planar, i.e. they preferably have no curvatures. In particular, for the input of more complex stroking patterns or gestures via the user interfaces, a flat design of the user interfaces can be associated with advantages. The embedding or arrangement of capacitive sensor elements in relation to flat surfaces of the input body can thus be simplified in comparison to curved surfaces. An input body (in the form of a trapezoidal prism) with straight (flat) surfaces can also be manufactured more easily than a trapezoidal prism with curved surfaces.

A roof operating device according to the invention, in particular the three-dimensional input body of the operating element, can in particular be designed in such a way that, in a functional installation position in a motor vehicle, the base and the top surface of the input body run parallel to one another. As a result, the stability of the input body and thus of the overhead control device can be increased directly. Furthermore, such an input body can be produced in a particularly simple manner.

Alternatively, the base surface and the top surface can also be arranged inclined to one another. For example, the base area can be aligned parallel to the vehicle roof, while the top area (this can provide a user interface) extends at an angle to the base area. With a corresponding configuration, such a tendency can increase the user-friendliness or the comfort when executing an operator input because, for example, starting from a driver's seated position, it is easier to swipe with a capacitively active input means such as a driver's finger along an inclined surface to accomplish, as a stroke over a surface aligned parallel to the vehicle roof. This avoids an unnecessary loss of attention on the part of the driver when executing an operator input while driving, and increases driving safety.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that with an inclined alignment of the top surface to the base surface, the input body is designed in particular such that those side surfaces (side edges) of the input body which connect shorter base sides of the base surface and the top surface to one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle are shorter are than those side surfaces (side edges) of the input body which connect the longer base sides of the base surface and the top surface with one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle. With such a configuration, an inclined arrangement of the top surface (in relation to the base surface) and an inclined arrangement of the side surfaces can be realized. Both the top surface and the side surfaces can also serve as user interfaces. Such a geometry can - as already explained above - be advantageous for the ease of use of the overhead control device and for safety while driving. Inclined side surfaces in their function as user interfaces can also lead to increased driving safety with a corresponding assignment to the operation of a vehicle component, because inclined surfaces can generally be found more easily with an overhead operator input with a finger while driving and assigned to a specific operating function by the driver than Surfaces running parallel to the vehicle roof or surfaces perpendicular to it.

With the above-described configurations of an input body or the assignment of user interfaces, particularly logical or intuitive assignments of vehicle components that can be operated via the respective user interfaces can be made, for example by using a sunroof or a vehicle headliner via the front and rear side surfaces, which are also designed as user interfaces can be operated, for example in such a way that the front user interface acts capacitively when it approaches or touches a Input means a movement of the sunroof or vehicle headliner in the direction towards the rear of the vehicle (e.g. an opening movement) can be triggered and / or, conversely, when the rear user interface is approached or touched with a capacitively active input device, a movement of the sunroof or vehicle headliner in the direction towards the front of the vehicle (e.g. a closing movement). Of course, a reverse assignment of the front and rear user interfaces with respect to an opening or closing movement of a sliding roof or vehicle headliner is also conceivable.

Alternatively or additionally, an overhead control device according to the invention can also be designed and set up in such a way that, for example, a front interior lighting of the vehicle can be operated with the front control surface, in particular can be switched on, for example by approaching or touching the front control surface with a capacitively active input means, and accordingly by a touching or approaching the front interior lighting can be switched off. The same can apply to rear vehicle interior lighting (in the area of the rear seats and / or the trunk) with regard to a rear user interface.

In addition, an overhead control device according to the invention can also be designed and set up in such a way that a sunroof or a vehicle headliner can be operated or a movement of the sunroof / vehicle headliner can be triggered via the top surface of the input body as a further control surface and by a touching swiping movement or a touchless swiping gesture . For example, a swiping movement or swiping gesture of a capacitively active input means (e.g. a finger) from the rear of the vehicle towards the front of the vehicle can be associated with a movement of the sunroof or vehicle headliner from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle, in particular such that the direction of movement of the capacitively active input means is advantageously associated with the direction of movement the vehicle component (sunroof / vehicle headliner) is correlated. Correspondingly, a swiping movement or swiping gesture from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle can be associated with a movement of a sunroof / vehicle headliner from the front of the vehicle in the direction of the rear of the vehicle. Such a movement assignment is intuitive and easy to learn by a driver of the vehicle or other vehicle occupants, which increases driving safety due to the simple practical implementation.

In a further embodiment, the operation of an emergency call assistant can alternatively or additionally, for example, also be assigned to the user interface provided by the cover surface, for example in connection with a contactless or touch-based input of a swiping gesture or swiping movement in the form of a specific swiping pattern. In order to avoid unnecessary activations of an emergency assistant, a more complex pattern can be provided.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the front and rear user interfaces (which can be used to operate a sunroof / vehicle headliner, for example) can only be activated by inputting a swipe pattern in the lower user interface provided by the top surface, i.e. acting as a child safety device, similar to a lock as it is known from smartphones.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the overhead control device can have at least two oppositely arranged control surfaces, each of which extends at least partially, preferably over its entire extent, at a defined angle to a horizontal plane, preferably in the transverse direction of the vehicle, each of the two oppositely arranged user interfaces is assigned at least one input area, wherein one of the user interfaces is a user interface, based on an installation state in a vehicle, preferably a front user interface and the other is a rear user interface. Such a configuration allows, on the one hand, convenient operation of the user interfaces from a direction from the front and rear of the vehicle and, on the other hand, an intuitive assignment of operating commands for certain vehicle components.

In this context, it is particularly advantageous if a horizontal operating movement (e.g. approach, a touch from a horizontal direction or a horizontally executed gesture) can be detected in a first horizontal direction with one of these two oppositely arranged operating surfaces and a further horizontal operating movement in a second , opposite direction with the opposite user interface. For example, an approach of a capacitively effective input means (e.g. finger) from a direction from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle can be detected from the front user interface, conversely an approach of a capacitively effective input means (e.g. finger) from a direction from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle from the rear user interface. The same applies in particular to a touch from the named directions or a horizontal movement (be it a non-contact gesture, e.g. a swipe gesture, or a gesture that touches the user interface). With such a configuration, an intuitive and simple control of vehicle components is possible.

It is particularly advantageous if, in particular, an operator input (approach, touch, gesture or movement) made to the front of the vehicle can be recognized by means of the rear operator interface, as well as an operator input made to the rear of the vehicle (approach, touch, gesture or movement) by means of the front operator interface . As already explained above, this leads to particularly user-friendly handling of the overhead control device, in particular because in such a configuration the direction of movement for an operator input can match a direction of movement of a vehicle component to be operated (e.g. a sliding roof). For example, it can be provided that a sliding roof can be moved from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle (e.g. to close) in the area of the rear user interface via an operator input (approach, touch, gesture or movement) exerted from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle. Similarly, provision can be made to move a sunroof from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle via an operator input (approach, touch, gesture or movement) in the area of the front operator interface from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle (e.g. to open it). Alternatively or additionally, a movement of a vehicle component carried out to the right or left can be correlated in a direction-related manner with an operating input carried out horizontally to the right or left. An operator input made to the right or left can also be an approach, touch, gesture or movement. This can be exercised in particular in relation to a side surface of the input body facing the left or right side of the vehicle. In principle, however, it is also possible for an operator input carried out to the right or left to be detected by the front, rear or lower operator interface.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that a user interface, in particular a user interface which, in a functional installation state of the overhead control device in a vehicle, extends at least partially, preferably completely over its entire extent, parallel to the horizontal plane, is characterized in that it has at least two input areas which are arranged in such a way that at least one horizontal operating movement can be recognized. If a capacitively active input means is in the vicinity of or in contact with a first input area, this can be detected by a capacitive sensor element arranged in this area; accordingly, it can preferably be recognized that the capacitively active input means is in the direction of another in a second input area Input surface positioned sensor element is or has been moved and a corresponding, second sensor signal are generated. From a synopsis of the signals, a motion control of the input means can be derived and a corresponding control of a vehicle component can be initiated. By providing two input areas one behind the other (with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle), a movement of an input means from front to back or from back to front can be identified; if two input directions are provided next to each other (with respect to the vehicle transverse direction), a movement of an input means from the left can be identified to the right or right to left can be identified. Even more complex movement patterns can be identified in this way, in particular through a suitable arrangement of more than two input areas per user interface. For example, a matrix of input areas formed from sensor elements is conceivable distributed over the user interface, whereby the recognition of complex input schemes can be recognized.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, furthermore has at least one pressure sensor device for detecting a pressure-actuating force applied to the control element, with at least one pressure sensor device preferably being assigned to each control surface , especially every input area of a user interface.

The detection of a pressure actuation force can be used, for example, to avoid incorrect operator input recognition, because in the case of contactless recognition (be it an approach of a capacitively active input means in the direction of a user interface or an input area located there or the execution of a contactless gesture) there is a risk that an undesired sensor signal for operating a vehicle component is generated as a result of an unintentional movement of an input means (eg finger) in the vicinity of the user interface and, as a result, a corresponding control signal in particular is unintentionally generated. This can be avoided by the need for an actively applied pressure actuation force, in particular if a minimum pressure actuation force has to be exceeded in order to trigger an operating function.

The operator input into the overhead control device according to the invention can also consist of a push operation and a movement (e.g. swiping movement) or gesture, in this case the push operation can serve to activate the signal recognition, for example to bring the overhead control device out of sleep mode or standby Mode to an active mode offset. Alternatively, however, a pressure actuation can be assigned its own and thus in particular additional operating function. In this case, the overhead control device can be put into an active mode by applying a pressure force (for example by tapping), in which the detection of an approach, touch or gesture is then made possible. Such a design makes it possible to avoid unintentional operation of vehicle components, for example unintentional opening of a sliding roof, unintentional switching on of interior lighting or unintentional activation of an emergency call assistant. Such a configuration thus contributes directly to driving safety (for example, unintentional switching on of interior lighting can dazzle a vehicle driver while driving).

Particularly preferably, a pressure actuation can take place in a spatially resolved manner, with in particular several pressure sensor devices being arranged in the area of one or more user interfaces or input areas so that an assignment to individual input areas of a user interface is possible. In this way, pressure-based movement or swipe inputs can also be reliably recognized. A pressure-based input can also serve as a redundant input method for a purely capacitive input, in particular to increase the security when recognizing or operating the overhead control device.

As an alternative to the formation of one or more user interfaces with several pressure sensor devices, only one pressure sensor device can be provided per control element or user interface. In this way, for example, an accidental touch and / or approach can already be distinguished from a targeted operator approach or operator touch or operator movement.

The pressure sensor device (s) mentioned can be generally known strain gauges, or else one or more piezo sensors. The latter are characterized by a particularly high pressure sensitivity or sensitivity. Furthermore, the application of pressure can be detected via the deformation of the user interface (when pressure is applied e.g. with a finger) or via a force sensor, whereby the operating element should be immovable, but should be sufficiently deformable to operate the force sensor. The pressure sensor device can also be a capacitive pressure sensor or an inductive pressure sensor. In principle, all pressure sensors known from the prior art can be used as a pressure sensor device within the scope of the overhead control device proposed by the invention, as long as the sensors detect a pressure exerted on a user interface with an input means such as a finger with sufficient resolution for the intended purpose is.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, also has a feedback generating device which is designed and configured to generate acoustic, optical and / or haptic feedback, preferably as a function from a recognized operator input.

Such a feedback can indicate to a vehicle occupant or operator of the overhead control device whether an operator input was successfully recognized by the overhead operator or not, so a distinction can be made between a successful and / or incorrect operator input and, in particular, reported back to an operator. Different feedback signals can be provided for the operation of different vehicle components or the associated user interfaces (e.g. different tones, different light signals, different vibration sequences). Correspondingly, the feedback (be it acoustical, visual or haptic) can provide the operator with information as to whether or not he has to repeat the operator input. Acoustic feedback can be output in the form of a single tone, a tone sequence or a melody via a loudspeaker of the overhead control device or of the vehicle. Optical feedback can be understood as a flashing of a signal display (e.g. an LED), for example in different colors for successful recognition or a negative recognition of the operator input. This can be arranged in the area of the overhead control device or in the vehicle cockpit. However, haptic feedback is particularly preferably possible, for example a defined vibration or the like, which can be perceived by a driver both in the case of high ambient noises and without taking his eyes off the road.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of an overhead control device according to the present invention, the overhead control device, in particular the control element, furthermore has an evaluation and control device, which is designed and set up, in particular, to evaluate at least one sensor signal from a sensor device of the overhead control device, in particular the control element to check if a detected approach and / or touch and / or movement is an operator input.

In such an evaluation and control device, for example, the generated sensor signals can be processed by means of data processing. For example, the detected sensor signals can be compared with stored target signals or target patterns. If there is a deviation of the detected sensor signals from target signals that does not exceed a certain tolerance range, the evaluation and control device can recognize an operator input and trigger and / or regulate a vehicle component. The evaluation and control device can be part of a vehicle computer or a direct part of the overhead control device. For example, the evaluation and control device can be integrated directly into a housing of the overhead control device. It can have a self-sufficient energy supply or be electrically connected to the energy supply of the vehicle. The latter also applies in principle to the overhead control device as such. Furthermore, the evaluation and control device can comprise a data memory or a database in which target data or target movements, etc. can be stored. The evaluation and control unit can also include means to control individual vehicle components or to output and receive control commands in the direction of the components. For this purpose, the evaluation and control unit can have a transmit and receive interface.

In particular, the evaluation and control device can thus be set up, depending on the at least one sensor signal, in particular when an operator input has been recognized, a control signal for controlling and / or regulating at least one component, in particular for controlling and / or regulating interior lighting and / or an air conditioning system and / or a sliding roof to generate and in particular output. The same applies to the activation or control of an emergency call assistant. With the control signal, for example, an on or off process of interior lighting, a movement of a sliding roof or vehicle headliner in the sense of an opening or closing movement, an on or off process of an air conditioning system or an emergency call assistant can be initiated.

In summary, with regard to the overhead control device according to the invention, it can be stated that it can be set up and designed to detect and recognize different types of control inputs taken individually or in combination with one another. According to the present invention, this includes, in particular, horizontal approach movements of a capacitively active input means in relation to one or more user interfaces of an input body and / or horizontal touches, possibly certain touch sequences (successive taps) of the touch-based stroking patterns or stroking movements, and / or horizontal ones Gestures.

Compared to a simple proximity measurement, stroking patterns or stroking movements provide greater security with regard to an unintentional triggering of a control signal from a vehicle component connected to the overhead control device in terms of signaling. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a pressure force exerted on one or more user interfaces can also be detected and recognized by means of one or more suitable pressure sensor devices. A pressure actuation can further increase the security of the inadvertent activation of a vehicle component with the overhead control device.

In a particularly advantageous, preferred embodiment, linear movements or multidimensional movements can be recorded and recognized within the scope of the detection and detection of touch-mediated touch movements or also purely movement-based (non-contact) movements or gestures. Here, too, security aspects can play an essential role. The more complex the gesture, the higher the security level. This can be used, for example, in the form of a child safety device to prevent unintentional activation of vehicle components with the overhead control device by children as vehicle occupants. Rotation gestures can also in principle be recorded with the overhead control device, provided that it is configured accordingly, which is basically possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, an overhead control device according to the invention can be designed for recognizing horizontal turning gestures.

In particular, it is conceivable to set or regulate a certain level of a vehicle component using a turning gesture, for example to set the performance of an air conditioning system or the volume of an infotainment system.

Furthermore, an overhead control device according to the invention can be designed and set up to differentiate between operator input with a different number of fingers, so that, for example, different actuations or functions can be triggered by a movement (touching or non-contact) with two or three fingers. In this way, an unwanted triggering of an operator input can also be avoided or the multifunctionality will be further improved.

As explained at the beginning, the object according to the invention is furthermore provided by a roof control system according to the invention with an operating device and at least one component that can be operated and / or actuated and / or controlled by means of the operating device, in particular with at least one component that can be operated and / or actuated and / or controlled by means of the operating device. or controllable interior lighting component, air conditioning component and / or sliding roof component and / or an emergency assistance device solved. A roof control system according to the invention is characterized in that the control device is a roof control device designed according to the invention.

In principle, the component that can be operated and / or actuated and / or controlled by means of the operating device can be any controllable and / or regulatable component of a vehicle, as long as manual operation by means of an operating device by a vehicle occupant is desired.

As explained at the beginning, the object according to the invention is furthermore achieved by an inventive use of an overhead control device according to the invention and / or an overhead control system according to the invention in a vehicle, in particular in a motor vehicle, preferably in a passenger car or truck, for operating and / or actuating at least one component of the vehicle . A use according to the invention is characterized in that the roof operating device is used to operate and / or operate interior lighting and / or air conditioning and / or a sliding roof and / or an emergency call assistant.

• - durch eine horizontale Annäherung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels von fahrzeugvorne nach fahrzeughinten an den Eingabekörper und/oder
• - durch eine horizontale Berührung des Eingabekörpers einer, einer Fahrzeugfront zugewandten Bedienoberfläche mit einem kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittel und/oder
• - durch eine horizontale Bewegung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels im Detektionsbereich des Bedienelements von fahrzeugvorne nach fahrzeughinten relativ zum Eingabekörper das Schiebedach geöffnet werden kann oder wird, wobei insbesondere ferner
• - durch eine horizontale Annäherung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels von fahrzeughinten nach fahrzeugvorne an den Eingabekörper und/oder
• - durch eine horizontale Berührung des Eingabekörpers einer einem Fahrzeugheck zugewandten Bedienoberfläche mit einem kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittel und/oder
• - durch eine horizontale Bewegung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels im Detektionsbereich des Bedienelements von fahrzeughinten nach fahrzeugvorne relativ zum Eingabekörper

das Schiebedach geschlossen werden kann oder wird.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a use according to the present invention, the overhead control device is used to operate and / or actuate a sliding roof, preferably

• - by a horizontal approach of a capacitively effective input means from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle to the input body and / or
• - By horizontal contact of the input body of a user interface facing the front of the vehicle with a capacitively active input means and / or
• - By a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means in the detection area of the control element from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle relative to the input body, the sliding roof can or will be opened, in particular further
• - By a horizontal approach of a capacitively effective input means from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle to the input body and / or
• - By horizontal contact of the input body of a user interface facing the rear of the vehicle with a capacitively active input means and / or
• - by a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means in the detection area of the control element from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle relative to the input body

the sunroof can or will be closed.

It is particularly advantageous if the execution of the movement during the horizontal approach and / or the horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle correlates with a triggered movement of the sunroof from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. The same applies to touching a user interface facing the front of the vehicle with a capacitively active input means. Conversely, it is advantageous if the execution of the movement during the horizontal approach and / or the horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle correlates with a triggered movement of the sliding roof from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle. The same applies to touching a user interface facing the rear of the vehicle with a capacitively active input means. Such a configuration enables intuitive operation of a vehicle component, which can also be implemented in a simple manner while driving, without significantly neglecting the view or attention to the road traffic.

• - durch eine vertikale Annäherung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels an die sich parallel zu einer Horizontalebene erstreckende Bedienoberfläche des Eingabekörpers und/oder
• - durch eine vertikale Berührung der sich parallel zu einer Horizontalebene erstreckenden Bedienoberfläche des Eingabekörpers mit einem kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittel und/oder
• - durch eine vertikale Bewegung eines kapazitiv wirksamen Eingabemittels im Detektionsbereich des Bedienelements orthogonal zu der sich parallel zu einer Horizontalebene erstreckenden Bedienoberfläche relativ zum Eingabekörper

das Schiebedach in eine Kippstellung zum Lüften gebracht werden und/oder aus einer Kippstellung zum Lüften heraus geschlossen werden.In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of a use according to the present invention, in which the overhead control device, in particular the control element, is designed in such a way and can be installed in a vehicle in this way, it can be provided that in a functional installed state of the overhead control device in a vehicle at least one User interface extends at least partially, preferably over its entire extent, parallel to a horizontal plane. Correspondingly, it can or will

• - By a vertical approach of a capacitively active input means to the user interface of the input body and / or extending parallel to a horizontal plane
• - by vertical contact of the user interface of the input body, which extends parallel to a horizontal plane, with a capacitively active input means and / or
• - by a vertical movement of a capacitively active input means in the detection area of the operating element orthogonally to the operating surface extending parallel to a horizontal plane relative to the input body

the sunroof can be brought into a tilted position for ventilation and / or closed from a tilted position for ventilation.

In such an embodiment, too, the direction of movement correlates advantageously with the direction of movement of a vehicle component when the capacitively active input means approaches the user interface of the input body extending parallel to a horizontal plane, or when executing a vertical contact or vertical movement Sunroof). This is because the sunroof is moved at least partially vertically out of the tilted position to move it into a tilted position for ventilation or into a closed position. This embodiment, too, in which the direction of movement of a vehicle component as well as the operator input takes place along a vertical direction, can be carried out intuitively and easily (even while driving). Accordingly, driving safety is not impaired by such an operation of the overhead control device.

As explained at the outset, the object according to the invention is also achieved by a vehicle according to the invention with an overhead control device. This is characterized in that the vehicle has an overhead control device according to the invention and / or an overhead control system according to the invention.

The advantageous refinements and embodiments presented with reference to the overhead control device according to the invention and their advantages also apply accordingly to an overhead control system according to the invention, an inventive method for using an overhead control device and / or an overhead control system and for a vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. All of the features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown on their own in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, provided that these combinations are feasible and especially technically useful.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Fahrzeug im Bereich eines Fahrzeugdaches mit einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Dachbediensystems mit einer an einer Dachunterseite im Innenraum des Fahrzeugs befestigten, erfindungsgemäßen Dachbedienvorrichtung,
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Dachbedienvorrichtung aus 1 sowie die Illustration einer Ausführung einer berührungsbasierten Bedieneingabe,
• 3 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachbedienvorrichtung in einem funktionsgemäßen Einbauzustand in einem Fahrzeug sowie die Illustration einer Ausführung einer berührungslosen Bedieneingabe,
• 4 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachbedienvorrichtung in einem funktionsgemäßen Einbauzustand in einem Fahrzeug sowie die Illustration einer Ausführung einer Bedieneingabe über eine Druckeinwirkung, und
• 5 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Dachbedienvorrichtung in einem funktionsgemäßen Einbauzustand in einem Fahrzeug sowie die Illustration einer Ausführung einer bewegungsbasierten bzw. gestenbasierten Bedieneingabe.

The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of a few preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, with functionally identical components being provided with the same reference numerals. It shows in a schematic representation:

• 1 a top view of a vehicle according to the invention in the area of a vehicle roof with a first embodiment of a roof control system according to the invention with a roof control device according to the invention fastened to a roof underside in the interior of the vehicle,
• 2 a schematic side view of the overhead control device according to the invention 1 as well as the illustration of an implementation of a touch-based operator input,
• 3 a schematic side view of a further embodiment of an overhead control device according to the invention in a functional installed state in a vehicle and the illustration of an embodiment of a contactless operator input,
• 4th a schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of an overhead control device according to the invention in a functional installed state in a vehicle and the illustration of an execution of an operating input via the action of pressure, and
• 5 a schematic side view of a further embodiment of an overhead control device according to the invention in a functional installation state in a vehicle and the illustration of an execution of a movement-based or gesture-based operating input.

1 shows a plan view of a vehicle according to the invention 300 in the area of a with the reference number 102 designated vehicle roof with a first embodiment of a roof control system according to the invention 200 with a first embodiment one on a roof underside of the roof 102 in the interior of the vehicle 300 attached, roof control device according to the invention 100 and one by means of the overhead control device according to the invention 100 vehicle component operable according to the invention 104 in the form of a sunroof 104 , which is opened in a manner known per se by means of an electric drive, not shown here, by way of a sliding movement to the rear of the vehicle and by means of a Sliding movement can be closed to the front of the vehicle, which is symbolized by the associated arrows in the middle of the sunroof. Furthermore, the sunroof 104 around a tilt axis D. be pivoted slightly in order to be brought into a ventilation position, as is also basically known from the prior art.

The sunroof 104 can be done by a corresponding operator input using the in the interior of the vehicle 300 at the bottom of the roof 102 arranged and designed according to the invention with roof control device 100 be opened, closed or tilted, according to the invention in particular by means of horizontal operator input, ie with operator input parallel to the roof 102 or a horizontal plane H what each by the thick, the respective fingers 108 associated arrows is symbolized.

The embodiment of the overhead control device according to the invention 100 or the associated roof control system 200 is explained below using the example of operating the sunroof 104 explained as an exemplary vehicle component. In principle, however, other vehicle components, such as in particular interior lighting, an emergency call assistance system and / or an air conditioning system, can also be operated by means of an overhead control device according to the invention, also by means of the overhead control device described below 100 . Accordingly, the following description is merely exemplary in nature, without restricting certain aspects of the invention to the design variants shown in the figures.

According to the invention, the overhead control device 100 at least one capacitive operating element that can be actuated by a horizontal operating input in the form of a horizontal approach and / or a horizontal touch and / or a horizontal gesture 103 on. The control element 103 has a stationary, ie fixed, arranged and essentially rigidly and immovably mounted, three-dimensional, proximity and / or touch and / or gesture sensitive input body 106 made of plastic with a defined detection area (cf. 2 to 5 ). The input body 106 is - as shown in the figures - in the roof area on the underside of the roof 102 arranged facing the passenger compartment.

The control element 103 is designed and set up for this purpose when a capacitively active input means approaches 108 such as a finger 108 a human hand to the input body 106 and / or when the input body is touched 106 and / or when the capacitively active input means moves 108 relative to the input body 106 , in each case within the detection range of the input body 106 to generate at least one sensor signal, which in this embodiment of an overhead control device according to the invention 100 for further processing to an evaluation and control device 101 can be output, the evaluation and control device 101 in this case also part of the overhead control device 100 and is designed and set up to generate and output a control signal for controlling the electric drive of the sliding roof from the at least one received sensor signal.

The overhead control device 100 , especially the control element 103 , is designed and set up according to the invention, based on the functional installation state in the vehicle 300 , a horizontal approximation of the capacitively effective input means 108 to the input body 106 and / or a horizontal touch of the input body 106 with the capacitively effective input means 108 and / or a horizontal movement of the capacitively active input means 108 in the detection area of the control element relative to the input body 106 to be recorded and to be recognized as an operator input, which is explained below with the aid of the 2 to 5 is explained in more detail, the 2 to 5 each side views of different embodiments of control elements 103 or input bodies 106 of different roof control devices according to the invention 100 and each show an execution of an associated operator input.

The possible configurations of an overhead control device according to the invention are not limited to the configurations and geometries or shapes shown in the figures. Further, diverse possible configurations are detailed above in the general description.

How out 2 can be seen, which is a schematic side view of the roof control device according to the invention 100 out 1 shows, the three-dimensionally formed input body extends 106 in this embodiment in the vehicle longitudinal direction L. , in the transverse direction of the vehicle Q and starting from the inner vehicle roof 102 in the direction of the interior of the vehicle, ie towards the bottom of the vehicle. The input body 106 is with a base 118 on the inside of the vehicle roof 102 attached. Opposite to the base 118 a top surface is arranged, which also serves as the user interface 114 is trained.

As described in detail in the general description, the input body 106 have different geometries, for example it can have the shape of a trapezoidal prism as in this example. Also other basic shapes, such as that of a straight prism, are fundamentally possible. The invention is based on the example of one in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle L. and in the transverse direction of the vehicle Q symmetrically structured input body 106 explained.

In addition to the user interface 114 shows the operating body shown 106 also a user interface facing the front of the vehicle 110 , as well as a user interface facing the rear of the vehicle 112 on. With the user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 is it - as in the 2 shown - to immediate components of the control body 106 , for example around the outer surfaces of the input body, which is made in the manner of a plastic housing, which are directed into the vehicle interior 106 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is the user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 around flat surfaces which can be arranged at a predetermined angle to one another, the user interfaces 110 and 112 doing it with an angle α from about 120 ° to the horizontal plane H or are arranged inclined to the vehicle roof towards the rear of the vehicle or the front of the vehicle.

Depending on the geometry of the input body 106 As in this example, this can also have one or more side surfaces designed as a user interface 120 have, which are preferably also inclined to the horizontal plane, but in this case preferably towards the inside of the vehicle.

Any of the user interfaces 110 , 112 and 114 preferably has at least one input area E1 , E2 or. E3 on, preferably for each input area E1 , E2 , E3 one capacitive sensor element (not shown here) in the respective associated user interface 110 , 112 , 114 is integrated. (Additional) sensor elements can also be inside the input body 106 be arranged or the sensor elements can alternatively be arranged inside. It is only important that the sensor element or elements correspond to the respective input area E1 , E2 , E3 in the area of the respective user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 are arranged. Several such sensor elements per input area can easily be used E1 , E2 , E3 or per user interface 110 , 112 , 114 be provided, in particular to detect complex movement patterns such as stroking movements or swiping gestures or the like.

The capacitive sensor elements each define different partial detection areas of the input body 106 which together cover the entire detection range of the input body 106 or the control element 103 form. A capacitively effective input means approaches 108 such as a finger 108 a human hand, the input body 106 and reaches the detection area of the control element 103 on (cf. 3 ) or if it touches one of the user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 (see. 2 ) if the roof control device is operating properly 100 or the roof control system 200 of the respective, the user interface 110 , 112 or. 114 or the respective input area E1 , E2 , E3 associated sensor element generates a signal and to the associated evaluation and control device 101 forwarded which, if a corresponding operator input is recognized, the sunroof 104 controls accordingly.

Like in the 2 shown, the control element 103 or the input body 106 the overhead control device 100 be designed to the effect that one or more, in particular each of the user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 Is designed to be touch-sensitive and by touching the user interfaces 110 , 112 . 114 in an input area E1 , E2 , E3 a sensor signal is generated and ultimately a component of the vehicle, for example a sunroof 104 can be operated according to the operator input.

With reference to the operation of the sliding roof described here as an example 104 can the overhead control device 100 for example be designed and set up in such a way that by horizontal contact with a finger 108 the user interface facing the front of the vehicle 110 a movement of the sunroof 104 is triggered towards the rear of the vehicle and thus in particular an opening of the sunroof 104 , and for example by horizontally touching the user interface facing the rear of the vehicle 112 a movement of the sunroof towards the front of the vehicle and thus in particular a closing of the sunroof 104 .

For a variety of controls, ie multifunctionality, the overhead control device 100 in addition, for example, as in this exemplary embodiment, it can also be designed and set up in such a way that by vertically touching the user interface 114 the sunroof can be moved into a tilting position and thus can be opened for ventilation or can be closed again from the tilting or ventilation position.

In addition, as in the case of the 2 and 5 pictured overhead control devices 100 , furthermore a feedback generating device 119 be provided, which is designed and set up, for example, by a vibration, for example parallel to the horizontal plane H or to the vehicle roof 102 , one To give haptic feedback, in particular to confirm a successful operator input or as an indication that an operator input was incorrect. Alternatively or additionally, the feedback generating device 119 also be designed and set up to output optical and / or acoustic feedback.

The control element is preferred for this purpose 103 or are the associated ones in the input body 106 integrated sensor elements designed in such a way that not only by touching the user interfaces 110 , 112 and 114 in the respective input areas E1 , E2 and E3 with a capacitive input means 108 one operation of the sunroof each time 104 triggered as in 2 shown, but also with a sufficient horizontal or vertical approximation as in 3 is exemplarily illustrated and therefore contactless. This can cause wear on the input body 106 can be significantly reduced. That is, the associated sensor elements of the control element are preferred 103 or the input body 106 each designed both as touch sensors and as proximity sensors, by means of which contactless operator input is possible.

The contactless operation is in 3 schematically illustrated, with a capacitively active input means when a predetermined distance is reached 108 in relation to the user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 a sensor signal is generated and output or forwarded to the evaluation and control unit. A major advantage of such a design is that the user interfaces 110 , 112 , 114 as already explained above, not through contact with the input means 108 how fingers get worn out. Movement patterns and non-contact gestures can also be non-contact when executing a corresponding movement with a corresponding and suitable arrangement of several sensor elements in the area of a user interface 110 , 112 , 114 recognized and assigned to the triggering of a control signal in relation to a vehicle component.

In 4th is a further, alternative embodiment of a roof control device according to the invention 100 according to the present invention with a further exemplary embodiment of an operating element 103 or an input body 106 shown, in which in addition to the touch-sensitive and proximity-sensitive sensor elements in the input body 106 also pressure sensor devices 116 are integrated, which each record a on the associated user interface 110 , 112 , 114 applied pressure operating force F _D enable. In the area of a user interface 110 , 112 , 114 can also easily have one or more pressure sensor devices 116 be provided. In this embodiment, however, each of the user interfaces is 110 , 112 , 114 only one pressure sensor device at a time 116 assigned.

Via a pressure sensor device 116 can the roof control device according to the invention 100 be activated, for example, to detect a touch, approach or gesture, that is to say, for example, are woken up from a sleep mode or standby mode or are reset to this following an operator input. In this way, for example, undesired operator inputs and a possible irritation of the driver that may occur as a result can be avoided in a simple manner, as a result of which safety when driving can be improved.

In 5 is an example and schematically shows the possibility of a gesture-based operator input, in this case a touch-based swiping movement over the operator interface 114 of the input body 106 as a gesture. In order to recognize such a gesture, are in the input body 106 in the area of the lower user interface 114 several sensor elements arranged, each with different input areas E2A and E2B are assigned, so that a spatially resolved detection of the touch of the user interface 114 is possible, which in connection with a temporal evaluation enables the detection of the stroking movement. As shown, in this way, for example, a swiping movement of an input means can be carried out 108 , for example in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle L. , are detected, which in the context of the present invention, for example, an opening movement or a closing movement of the sliding roof 104 can be assigned and can trigger this in particular.

List of reference symbols

100

roof control device according to the invention

200

roof control system according to the invention

300

vehicle according to the invention

101

Evaluation and control device

102

top, roof

103

capacitive control element

104

sunroof

106

Input body

108

Input means

110, 112, 114

user interface

112

user interface

114

user interface

116

Pressure sensor device

118

Floor space

119

Feedback generator

120

Side face

D.

Tilt axis

E1, E2, E2A,

Input area

E2B, E3 FD

Push actuation force

H

Horizontal plane

L.

Vehicle longitudinal direction

Q

Vehicle transverse direction

α

Inclination angle to the horizontal plane H

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely 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

• WO 2019/076598 A2 [0005]
• DE 112015002578 T5 [0005]

Claims (15)

Roof control device (100) for a vehicle (300), in particular for a motor vehicle (300), in particular for fastening in the interior of a vehicle (300) on the roof (102), wherein the overhead control device (100) is designed and set up to operate at least one component (104) of the vehicle (300) and has at least one capacitive control element (103) that can be actuated by an operator input in the form of an approach and / or touch and / or gesture, wherein the operating element (103) has a stationary, essentially rigid and immovable mounted, three-dimensional, proximity and / or touch and / or gesture-sensitive input body (106) with a defined detection area and is designed and set up for this purpose, - when a capacitively active input means (108) approaches the input body (106) and / or - When touching the input body (106) and / or - when a capacitively active input means (108) moves relative to the input body (106), at least one sensor signal is generated in each case in the detection area of the input body (106), wherein the overhead control device (100), in particular the control element (103), is designed and set up for this, based on a functional installation state in a vehicle (300), - A horizontal approach of a capacitively active input means (108) to the input body (106) and / or - A horizontal contact of the input body (106) with a capacitively active input means (108) and / or - A horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means (108) in the To capture the detection area of the operating element relative to the input body (106) and to recognize it as an operating input. Roof control device (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the input body (106) of the operator control element (103) has at least one proximity and / or touch and / or gesture sensitive operator interface (110, 112, 114) each with at least one input area (E1, E2, E2A, E2B, E3), preferably at least two user interfaces (110, 112, 114), in particular at least three user interfaces (110, 112, 114). Roof control device (100) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the overhead control device (100), in particular the control element (103), is designed and can be installed in a vehicle (103) in such a way that in a functional installation state of the overhead control device (100) in a vehicle there is at least one control surface (110 , 112, 114) extends at least partially, preferably over its entire extent, in the vehicle transverse direction (Q). Roof control device (100) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the overhead control device (100), in particular the control element (103), is designed and can be installed in a vehicle (300) in such a way that in a functional installation state of the overhead control device (100) in a vehicle there is at least one control surface (110 , 112, 114) extends at least partially, preferably over its entire extent, at a defined angle (α) to a horizontal plane (H). Roof control device (100) according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , characterized in that the overhead control device (100), in particular the control element (103), is designed and can be installed in a vehicle (300) in such a way that in a functional installed state of the overhead control device (100) in a vehicle (300) at least one User interface (110, 112, 114) extends at least partially, preferably over its entire extent, parallel to a horizontal plane (H). Roof control device (100) one of the Claims 2 to 5 , characterized in that at least one proximity and / or touch and / or gesture sensitive user interface (110, 112, 114) of the control element (103) is an at least partially flat surface, in particular a completely flat surface. Roof operating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input body (106) of the operating element (103) has a shape similar to a trapezoidal prism or a trapezoidal prism-shaped shape, in particular is a trapezoidal prism. Overhead control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overhead control device (100), in particular the control element (103), furthermore at least one pressure sensor device (116) for detecting a pressure-actuating force applied to the control element (103) ( F _D ), with each user interface (110, 112, 114) preferably being assigned at least one pressure sensor device (116), in particular each input area (E1, E2, E2A, E2B, E3) of a user interface (110, 112, 114) . Roof operating device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roof operating device (100), in particular the operating element (103), furthermore has a feedback generating device (119) which is designed and set up to generate acoustic, optical and / or haptic feedback, preferably as a function of a recognized operator input. Overhead control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overhead control device (100), in particular the control element (103), furthermore has an evaluation and control device (101) which is used to evaluate at least one sensor signal from a sensor device of the overhead control device (100 ), in particular of the operating element (103), is designed and set up, in particular for checking whether a detected approach and / or touch and / or movement is an operating input. Roof control system (200) with an operating device (100) and at least one component (104) that can be operated and / or actuated and / or controlled by means of the operating device (100), in particular with at least one component (104) that can be operated and / or controlled by means of the operating device (100) actuatable and / or controllable interior lighting component, air conditioning component and / or sliding roof component (104) and / or an emergency call assistance device, characterized in that the operating device (100) is one according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 trained roof control device (100) is. Use of an overhead control device (100) which, according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 is formed, and / or a roof control system (200) according to Claim 11 in a vehicle (300), in particular a motor vehicle (300), preferably in a passenger car (300) or truck, for operating and / or actuating at least one component (104) of the vehicle (300), characterized in that the overhead control device (100 ) is used to operate and / or actuate interior lighting and / or an air conditioning system and / or a sliding roof (104) and / or an emergency call assistant. Use after Claim 12 , characterized in that the overhead control device (100) is used to operate and / or actuate a sliding roof (104), preferably - by a horizontal approach of a capacitively active input means (108) from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle to the input body (106) and / or - by horizontally touching the input body (106) of a user interface (110) facing a vehicle front with a capacitively active input means (108) and / or - by a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means (108) in the detection area of the control element from the front of the vehicle The sunroof (104) can or will be opened at the rear of the vehicle relative to the input body (106), in particular furthermore - by a horizontal approach of a capacitively active input means (108) from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle to the input body (106) and / or - by a horizontal Touching the input body (106) of a driver User interface (112) facing the rear of the vehicle with a capacitively active input means (108) and / or - the sliding roof (104) can be closed by a horizontal movement of a capacitively active input means (108) in the detection area of the control element from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle relative to the input body (106) can or will. Use after Claim 12 or 13th , wherein the overhead control device (100) according to Claim 5 is formed, characterized in that - by a vertical approach of a capacitively active input means (108) to the parallel to a horizontal plane (H) extending user surface (114) of the input body (106) and / or - by vertical contact of the parallel to a horizontal plane (H) extending control surface (114) of the input body (106) with a capacitively active input means (108) and / or - by a vertical movement of a capacitively active input means (108) in the detection area of the control element orthogonal to the one parallel to a Horizontal plane (H) extending user interface (114) relative to the input body (106), the sliding roof (104) can or will be brought into a tilted position for ventilation and / or can or will be closed from a tilted position for ventilation. Vehicle with (300) an overhead control device (100), characterized in that the vehicle has an overhead control device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 and / or a roof control system Claim 11 having.

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