DE102021208729A1 - Reduced control panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element (10) for operating a number of vehicle functions in a motor vehicle, a steering wheel (22) and a corresponding method. Provision is made for an operating element (10) to be positioned symmetrically left/right, ergonomically easy to reach, on a steering wheel spoke (22). is arranged. An operating area (12) is formed overall as a parallelogram-shaped trough so that it can be clearly identified by touch. Operating points/tactile points (14) are located in each of the corners within this trough, which can also be clearly felt at these points due to a deepening of the trough, so that a clear spatial assignment is possible without a visual check. In the middle of the operating area (12) there is a trough running vertically at the angle of the parallelogram, which is about the width of a finger and is designed as a touch-sensitive slider area (26). This area is used to set various parameters such as volume, quantitative values for driver assistance functions or to scroll through the lists displayed and make the appropriate selection.

Description

The invention relates to an operating element for operating a number of vehicle functions in a motor vehicle, a steering wheel and a corresponding method.

Modern motor vehicles have a large number of technical devices. In particular, an infotainment system, an air conditioning system, a navigation system or driver assistance systems, such as a cruise control system, can be installed. This large number of facilities leads to sometimes overloaded and confusing operating areas. The limited space available for ergonomically easy-to-reach operating areas leads to a narrow and heaped arrangement of the operating elements. Due to the small space for clear identification, there is a small, hard-to-recognize button label. The operation of the technical equipment is complicated, error-prone and harbors a high potential for distraction for the driver. In addition, the large number of operating elements leads to a low level of operating comfort.

It is known to reduce the number of controls by grouping them in function groups. Furthermore, functions can be grouped spatially, for example by arrangement on a plurality of steering wheel spokes. In addition, it is known to outsource functions, for example, to additional steering column arms.

The disclosure document DE 10 2005 012 715 A1 relates to a control device for a means of passenger transport, in particular with a first operating unit with a plurality of actuating elements, with the first operating unit being assigned a first technical device of the means of passenger transport which can be controlled by means of various control commands, the actuating elements can be actuated manually to issue control commands and at least one first actuating element for incremental changes as well as a separate second actuating element for decrementally changing a variable to be set or an actuating element combined in the form of a scroll wheel is provided and a separate third actuating element is arranged between the first and the second actuating element or a first additional actuating element for issuing the control command that is activated by the first and/or the second actuating element or the combined actuating element set as target value g should live. The disadvantage here is that the operating unit is permanently assigned to a first technical device. As a result, only the first technical device can be operated, but the overview in the cockpit cannot be increased.

The disclosure document DE 10 2010 010 446 A1 relates to a display and operating system of a motor vehicle, with several display devices combined to form an instrument cluster, with several operating devices assigned to a steering wheel and with further display devices and/or operating devices positioned laterally next to the instrument cluster, in particular in the area or as an extension of a center console, with the The steering wheel includes an outer left control device exclusively for driver interaction with an outer left display device of the instrument cluster, and that the steering wheel includes an outer right control device exclusively for driver interaction with an outer right display device of the instrument cluster. The disadvantage here is that both the right operating device and the left operating device must be used for operation. Consequently, both hands must be used for full operation. This makes operation complicated and not very convenient.

The disclosure document DE 10 2009 023 887 A1 relates to a control device for a motor vehicle with a display and a control element spatially separated from the display, the control element comprising a groove for operating a continuous function of the motor vehicle shown by the display by stroking along the groove. The disadvantage here is that the operating device is only suitable for operating a continuous vehicle function. Thus, only a fraction of the functions present in the vehicle can be controlled with the operating device.

The invention is now based on the object of creating an operating element which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, an operating element is to be created with which intuitive operation of the vehicle functions is possible, with an overview in the cockpit of a vehicle preferably being increased.

• - vier Tastern zum Eingeben einer Bedieneingabe;
• - einer Analyseeinheit zum Ermitteln der Bedieneingabe und einer Fahrzeugeinheit, für die die Bedieneingabe bestimmt ist, und zum Generieren eines Steuerbefehls für die ermittelte Fahrzeugeinheit;
• - einer Schnittstelle zum Übermitteln des Steuerbefehls an die Fahrzeugeinheit, für die die Bedieneingabe bestimmt ist,

wobei das Bedienelement eine Struktur aufweist, um ein Ertasten der Taster und intuitives Bedienen der mehreren Fahrzeugfunktionen zu ermöglichen.This task is solved by a control element for operating several vehicle functions in a motor vehicle with:

• - four buttons for entering an operator input;
• - an analysis unit for determining the operator input and a vehicle unit for which the operator input is intended, and for generating a control command for the vehicle unit determined;
• - an interface for transmitting the control command to the vehicle unit for which the operator input is intended,

wherein the operating element has a structure to enable the buttons to be felt and the multiple vehicle functions to be operated intuitively.

The above object is also achieved by a steering wheel for a motor vehicle with an operating element as defined above, the operating element being arranged symmetrically on the left and/or right on a steering wheel spoke of the steering wheel.

• - Ermitteln der Bedieneingabe;
• - Ermitteln einer Fahrzeugeinheit, für die die Bedieneingabe bestimmt ist;
• - Generieren eines Steuerbefehles für die ermittelte Fahrzeugeinheit und
• - Übermitteln des Steuerbefehls an eine Fahrzeugeinheit.

In addition, the above object is achieved by a method for operating multiple vehicle functions in a motor vehicle, preferably by means of an operating element or a steering wheel as defined above, comprising the steps:

• - Determine the operator input;
• - determining an in-vehicle unit for which the operator input is intended;
• - Generating a control command for the determined vehicle unit and
• - Transmitting the control command to a vehicle unit.

A control element with four buttons for entering an operator input can be used to create a clear control element with a wide range of functions, which can preferably be used with existing systems and units installed in the motor vehicle. An analysis unit can be used to determine reliably and quickly which of the systems and units the operator input is intended for. It goes without saying that the analysis unit can also display a corresponding menu on a display device in order to support the selection of the system and/or the unit. An interface allows for a cost-effective control element that can preferably be used with existing output devices, systems and units. An interface can be wired and/or wireless and preferably support one or more communication protocols.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control element is designed in the shape of a parallelogram and comprises the structure of a trough. As a result, a driver can clearly haptically recognize the operating element, preferably without having to take his eyes off the road.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the four buttons are each arranged within a recess in the trough in the corners of the parallelogram. This allows a large distance to be created between the buttons. The risk of incorrect operation is reduced. Furthermore, arranging the buttons in the corners allows them to be felt quickly.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the operating element has a horizontal separating element, which is preferably arranged centrally in the operating element. In this way, a passive tactile control element can be created that allows the buttons to be better assigned and differentiated.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control element has a trough running vertically at an angle of the parallelogram, which is preferably the width of a human finger, is designed as a touch-sensitive slider area and particularly preferably the horizontal separating element is divided into a first section and a second section divides. As a result, a functionality of the control element can be expanded. In particular, a variable, such as temperature of the air conditioning system or volume, can be set precisely. This slider area can also be used to set quantitative values for driver assistance functions or to scroll through the lists displayed and make the appropriate selection.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a surface of the control element is touch-sensitive and the control element is designed to determine a position of a finger touching the control element. This allows a variable and multifunctional control element to be created. A variety of controls can be carried out with the control element thanks to a touch-sensitive surface.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control element is designed to output haptic, acoustic and/or visual feedback. A visual feedback can in particular include illuminating the button and/or the slider area. It is also conceivable to provide feedback through vibration, as is known from smartphones.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the analysis unit determines a position of a finger touching the operating element and the control command causes the determined position to be displayed in a display area of a display device, with the analysis unit preferably being designed to detect a pressure on a button and/or or the slider area and generate a control command that causes an input confirmation when the pressure is greater than or equal to a predefined threshold. A threshold value-based pressure comparison can be used to counteract incorrect operation in a technically simple manner. A representation of the specific position in a display area of a display device increases the ease of use. Furthermore, the vehicle functions can be operated intuitively and quickly.

Further preferred configurations of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

A slider area is a touch-sensitive area that can be operated in particular in the manner of a mouse wheel. Scrolling and/or setting a parameter is preferably possible with the slider area, in order to enable extensive content to be displayed and/or operated in a limited space.

Touch-sensitive means, in particular in connection with an input device, that a control command can already be generated and transmitted by touching the input device, so that a technical device can be controlled by touch or an assignment operator can be guided. The technical implementation of the command entry is, as it were, invisible to the user and thus creates the impression of direct control by touch, such as typing and/or swiping or the like.

Unless stated otherwise in the individual case, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can advantageously be combined with one another.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Bedienelements;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Bedienelements mit einer Fahrzeugeinheit;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einen Cockpits eines Kraftfahrzeugs;
• 4 eine schematische detaillierte Darstellung einer Variante eines Bedienelements;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Lenkrads mit einem Bedienelement und
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung der Schritte eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a control element;
• 2 a schematic representation of a control element with a vehicle unit;
• 3 a schematic representation of a cockpit of a motor vehicle;
• 4 a schematic detailed representation of a variant of a control element;
• 5 a schematic representation of a steering wheel with a control element and
• 6 a schematic representation of the steps of a method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of an operating element 10 for operating a plurality of vehicle functions in a motor vehicle. The operating element 10 comprises a surface 12 with four buttons 14, an analysis unit 16 and an interface 18.

The surface 12 is preferably arranged in a structure, in particular in a trough. Four buttons 14 for operating vehicle functions are arranged on the surface 12 . Furthermore, a slider area (not shown) can be provided vertically between the buttons 14 .

The surface 12 is preferably touch-sensitive, with the operating element 10 being able to determine a position of a finger on the surface 12 . The position of the finger can be made visible, for example, in a display area of a display and/or HUD (head-up display), specifically when the finger touches the surface—that is, before the actual operating process. The operation can be performed with one press, similar to pressing a mechanical button. The operating element 10 is preferably equipped with a force sensor system. Actuating the tactile points as well as sliding and pressing are therefore possible with a defined force in order to counteract accidental operation.

Furthermore, haptic feedback can be provided for the operating element 10 in order to enable perceptible feedback of the operating process and thus safely enable a driver to be able to carry out the operating steps clearly. It goes without saying that optical feedback in the form of illumination of the control element 10 and in particular of the button 14 can also be provided.

Analysis unit 16 is designed to determine the operator input and to assign it to a vehicle unit for which the operator input is intended. Analysis unit 16 can then generate a control command for the determined vehicle unit. The control command implements the control of the vehicle unit carried out by means of the operator input.

The interface 18 is designed to transmit the control command to the vehicle unit. For transmission, the interface 18 is preferably connected to a vehicle-internal transmission network. Furthermore, the interface 18 can also be designed for wireless communication or be connected to a proprietary transmission network, for example a wired transmission network.

2 shows a schematic representation of an operating element 10 with a vehicle unit 20.

The vehicle unit 20 can be, for example, an infotainment system, an air conditioning system, a driver assistance system or the like. In particular, the operating element 10 can be used to control all of the aforementioned systems and units.

The vehicle unit 20 is particularly preferably a display device, with the operating element 10 being designed to display a menu on the display device, through which a function can be selected and set using the button 14 . For example, a temperature can be shown on the display device, which can be set using the button 14 . The desired temperature is then transmitted to an air conditioning system in the motor vehicle.

Furthermore, in the example shown, the surface 12 with the buttons 14 is arranged at a distance from the analysis unit 16 and the interface 18 and communicates with the analysis unit 16, for example by means of the interface 18. In particular, it is conceivable that the analysis unit 16 and the interface 18 as Part of an on-board computer and in particular are at least partially implemented as software, the surface 12 with the buttons 14 being a mechanical and/or electrical attachment. The control element 10 can consequently be created by a mechanical and/or electrical additional part in combination with a reprogramming of on-board electronics of a motor vehicle.

3 shows a schematic representation of a cockpit of a motor vehicle. A steering wheel 22 is arranged in the cockpit, which has a surface 12 of an operating element 10 both on the right side and on the left side. The surfaces 12 are each at a height at which the thumbs of a driver of the motor vehicle are preferably also located when driving the motor vehicle, so that the surfaces 12 and in particular the buttons 14 can be operated comfortably while driving. It goes without saying that an embodiment with only one surface 12 is also conceivable.

4 shows a schematic detailed representation of a variant of a control element 10. The control element 10 has a control area which is formed overall as a parallelogram-shaped trough. As a result, the operating area can be unequivocally recognized haptically by a driver. Inside this trough there are four buttons 14 in the corners in the form of operating points/tactile points, which can also be clearly felt at these points due to a deepening of the trough. Consequently, an unambiguous spatial assignment, in particular a touch, can take place without a visual check.

The operating element 10 also has a horizontal separating element 24 which separates the four touch points from one another in a tactile manner. In the example shown, the tactile points are marked with a contrasting graphic, which is preferably illuminated in the dark in order to provide visual feedback for the driver.

In the middle of the operating area there is a trough running vertically at the angle of the parallelogram, which is approximately the width of a finger and is designed as a touch-sensitive slider area 26 . This slider area 26 is used to set various parameters such as volume, quantitative values for driver assistance functions and/or to scroll through the lists displayed and make the appropriate selection. In the example shown, the slider area 26 divides the horizontal separating element 24 into a first section and a second section. Due to the interaction of the slider area 26 and the horizontal separating element 24, the four buttons 14 are structurally separated from one another and can each be felt directly and easily.

The surface 12 of the operating element 10 is touch-sensitive, so that the analysis unit 16 determines a position of a finger and preferably determines a control command that causes a corresponding display of the finger position in the display area of a display device. The finger position is particularly preferably already displayed when the finger touches the surface—ie before the actual operating process.

The operating process can particularly preferably be carried out with a press, for example in the manner of a button press, as with mechanical buttons. It goes without saying that the surface 12 is preferably equipped with a force sensor system for this purpose. Both the actuation of the touch points and the sliding can therefore be carried out from a defined force, so that accidental operation can be ruled out.

In addition, haptic feedback can be provided for the operating element 10 in order to enable perceptible feedback of the operating process and thus to be able to carry out operating steps safely and unambiguously. It goes without saying that acoustic feedback, in the form of a confirmation tone or the like, is also conceivable.

The control element 10 is advantageously designed as a capacitive button and slider element and serves as an input element for various functions that can be displayed and operated, particularly preferably in combination with a display element such as a display, head-up display, etc. The operating element 10 and consequently also a cockpit with such an operating element is very clear and reduced.

5 shows a schematic representation of a steering wheel 22, which has a surface 12 of a control element 10, in particular a control element 10, both on the right side and on the left side 4 , having. In contrast to the in 3 In the embodiment shown, the surface 12 of the control element 10 has a slider area 26, which can also advantageously be operated using a thumb of the driver while driving.

In 6 the steps of a method according to the invention for operating a plurality of vehicle functions in a motor vehicle are shown schematically, preferably by means of an operating element 10 or a steering wheel 22 as defined above.

In a first step S1, the operator input is determined. In this case, it is determined on the basis of the button 14 actuation, an actuation of the slider area and/or a determined finger position, which function a driver would like to control with which parameters. In particular, a corresponding output of a menu can take place on a display device of the motor vehicle.

In a second step S2, a vehicle unit for which the operator input is intended is determined. For example, the vehicle unit can be an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle when the driver sets a temperature with the operating element 10 . It goes without saying that the corresponding function can also be explicitly selected by the driver beforehand in a menu.

In a third step S3, a control command is generated for the determined vehicle unit.

In a fourth step S4, the control command is transmitted to the vehicle unit.

• - reduzierte, aufgeräumte Anmutung der Lenkradbedienteile,
• - symmetrische, übersichtliche, geometrisch klare Zuordnung der Bedienung,
• - durch seine geometrische Ausgestaltung eindeutige Auffindbarkeit der Funktionen - Blindbedienbarkeit,
• - durch die vergleichsweise geringe Anzahl von Tastern 14 ergonomisch komfortable Platzverhältnisse und Abstände.

The invention has been described in detail. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the invention can be used for any type of motor vehicle, in particular watercraft, aircraft, rail vehicles. A passenger car was only chosen as an example of a motor vehicle in order to illustrate the invention. In particular, at least one of the following advantages can be achieved with the disclosed teaching:

• - reduced, tidy appearance of the steering wheel controls,
• - symmetrical, clear, geometrically clear assignment of the controls,
• - due to its geometric design, the functions can be clearly found - blind operability,
• - Due to the comparatively small number of buttons 14 ergonomically comfortable space and distances.

Reference List

10

control element

12

Interface/operating area

14

button

16

analysis unit

18

interface

20

vehicle unit

22

steering wheel

24

separator

26

slider area

S1

first method step - determining the operator input

S2

second method step - determination of the vehicle unit

S3

third method step - generating the control command

S4

fourth method step - transmission of the control command

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited 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

• DE 102005012715 A1 [0004]
• DE 102010010446 A1 [0005]
• DE 102009023887 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Operating element (10) for operating a number of vehicle functions in a motor vehicle, having: - four buttons (14) for entering an operating input; - An analysis unit (16) for determining the operator input and a vehicle unit (20) for which the operator input is intended, and for generating a control command for the vehicle unit (20) determined; - an interface (18) for transmitting the control command to the vehicle unit (20) for which the operator input is intended, characterized in that the operator control element (10) has a structure to enable the buttons (14) to be felt and the plurality of intuitive controls to be operated enable vehicle functions. Control element (10) after claim 1 , wherein the operating element (10) is formed in the shape of a parallelogram and the structure comprises a trough. Operating element (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the four buttons (14) are each arranged within a depression in the trough in the corners of the parallelogram. Operating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (10) has a horizontal separating element (24) which is preferably arranged centrally in the operating element (10). Operating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (10) has a trough running vertically at an angle of the parallelogram, which preferably has the width of a human finger, is designed as a touch-sensitive slider area (26), and particularly preferably the horizontal one Separating element (24) divides into a first section and a second section. Operating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface (12) of the operating element (10) is touch-sensitive and the operating element (10) is designed to determine a position of a finger touching the operating element (10). Operating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (10) is designed to output haptic, acoustic and/or visual feedback. Operating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis unit (16) determines a position of a finger touching the operating element (10) and the control command causes the determined position to be displayed in a display area of a display device, the analysis unit (16) preferably doing this is designed to determine a pressure on a button (14) and / or the slider area (26) and to generate a control command that causes an input confirmation when the pressure is greater than or equal to a predefined threshold value. Steering wheel (22) for a motor vehicle with a control element (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the operating element (10) is arranged symmetrically on the left and/or right on a steering wheel spoke of the steering wheel (22). Method for operating several vehicle functions in a motor vehicle, preferably by means of an operating element (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th or a steering wheel (22). claim 9 , comprising the steps of: - determining (S1) the operator input; - determining (S2) a vehicle unit (20) for which the operator input is intended; - generating (S3) a control command for the determined vehicle unit (20) and - transmitting (S4) the control command to a vehicle unit (20).

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