DE102022104695A1 - Control system for a motor vehicle device - Google Patents

Abstract

The proposed solution relates to an operating system (1) for a device (2A-2E) of a motor vehicle (3), with a sensor field (10A; 10B) which can be actuated along a sensor path (100A; 100B), and an evaluation unit (11) which is coupled to the sensor array (10A; 10B) in order to detect actuations of the sensor array (10A; 10B) and which is designed to indicate a first position (P1) of an actuation of the sensor array (10A; 10B) on the sensor path ( 100A; 100B), to detect a change in actuation of the sensor array (10A; 10B) from the first position (P1) to a second position (P2) on the sensor path (100A; 100B), and in response to detecting the change of the actuation by means of signaling to bring about an adjustment of an adjustment part (20A-20C) of the device (2A-2E) for as long as the actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B) is detected by the evaluation unit (11).

Description

The proposed solution relates to an operating system for a device of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, a device and a motor vehicle with such an operating system, a corresponding method and a storage medium on which corresponding instructions are stored.

Operating systems are used to adjust a wide variety of adjustment parts.

In the DE 10 2019 129 513 A1 describes a vehicle seat assembly with a switch. When the switch is flipped, a motorized system is activated to cause a recliner in the form of a seat back to move from an upright position to a stowed position. Although this allows an adjustment between two predefined positions, it does not allow an adjustment part to be adjusted into a freely selectable position.

The DE 10 2012 203 877 A1 relates to a sensor arrangement that communicates with a controller, the sensor arrangement having a first area and a second area, the sensor arrangement being configured to detect an input with a sequential activation of the first area and the second area, the sensor arrangement receiving the input communicated to the controller and wherein the controller causes an actuator to move an adjustment member in the form of a headrest. However, a sensor arrangement of this type requires very precise touches and is therefore difficult to operate. In particular, precise adjustment of the headrest to a desired position is difficult.

The task is to enable an easy-to-use operating system.

This object is solved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, an operating system for a device of a motor vehicle is provided. The operating system includes a sensor field and an evaluation unit. The sensor field can be actuated along a sensor path. The evaluation unit is coupled to the sensor field in order to detect actuations of the sensor field. Furthermore, the evaluation unit is designed to detect a first position of an actuation of the sensor field on the sensor path, to detect a change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to a second position on the sensor path, and in response to the detection of the change in the actuation using Signaling to cause an adjustment of an adjustment part of the device as long as the actuation of the sensor field is detected by the evaluation unit.

As a result, a person can effect an adjustment of the adjustment part in a particularly intuitive manner, since when the sensor field is actuated, neither the exact location of the first position of the actuation nor a particular accuracy of the movement from the first position to the second position is important. Rather, it is possible to trigger the adjustment by a simple and not necessarily precise actuation and subsequent movement, the exact adjustment position being selected by holding the second position for a correspondingly long time. Such an operation is particularly easy, while driving and even in the dark or without looking and still possible precisely. The device may be an in-vehicle device such as a vehicle seat. The sensor path can be straight.

The detection of the change in actuation of the sensor panel from the first position to the second position may be based on one or more predefined conditions. The evaluation unit is optionally designed to detect that a threshold value is exceeded at least in the first position and/or in the second position as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to the second position. In this case, the threshold value can correspond to a proximity to the sensor field, a touching of the sensor field, a pressure acting on the sensor field and/or a force acting on the sensor field. In this way, unintentional incorrect operations can be avoided. In one variant, the evaluation unit is thus designed to detect that a threshold value is exceeded at the first position and at the second position as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to the second position. This allows particularly convenient operation. In another variant, the evaluation unit is designed to detect that a threshold value is exceeded continuously from the first position to the second position as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to the second position, i.e. at the first position , the second position and every position in between. This allows a particularly interference-resistant operation. Furthermore, the evaluation unit can be designed to determine that a first threshold value is exceeded at the first position and at the second position and that a second threshold value is also continuously exceeded between the first position and the second position as conditions for the detection the change in actuation of the sensor array from the first position to the second position. In this case, the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value, for example.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit can be designed to specify a minimum distance, in particular to detect that the distance from the second position to the first position exceeds a preset minimum distance as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to the second position. This also makes it possible, in particular in combination with the threshold value described above, to avoid incorrect actuations.

The evaluation unit can also be designed to detect when a preset minimum speed of the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to the second position is exceeded as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to the second position, in particular to prevent incorrect actuations .

The evaluation unit can be designed to end the adjustment of an adjustment part of the device as soon as the evaluation unit detects a change in the actuation away from the second position. By ending the actuation, the adjustment can be completed intuitively, for example as soon as the adjustment part has reached the desired position.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit can be designed to signal an adjustment speed of the adjustment as a function of a detected actuating force and/or a detected distance from the first position to the second position. This allows needs-based yet intuitive adjustment.

The evaluation unit is optionally designed to signal a direction of the adjustment as a function of a detected direction from the first position to the second position. Opposite directions can thus bring about opposite adjustments of the adjustment part. This enables intuitive adjustment in several directions with just one sensor field.

The sensor field can have a surface that is structured along the sensor path. As a result, a person can haptically recognize in a particularly simple manner whether the distance from the first position is sufficient to initiate an adjustment. Alternatively or additionally, a structuring of the surface can be provided along an edge of the sensor field. As a result, a person can feel the sensor field easily and without looking. In general, the sensor field can include a haptic element (as a detection means), which can be linear. The haptic element can be formed, for example, by a seam or an applied strip of elastomer.

The sensor array can be designed to detect the positions of the actuation along sensor paths aligned perpendicularly to one another. Such a two-dimensional sensor field enables more complex adjustments, but can still be simple in design and operation.

According to one development, the evaluation unit is designed to adjust one of a plurality of adjustment parts, which adjustment part is assigned to the corresponding alignment, as a function of the alignment of the actuated sensor path by means of signaling. Alternatively or additionally, the same adjustment part is adjusted in different directions depending on the actuated sensor path.

The sensor field can be flexible. This allows adaptation to a curved surface and thus particularly good integration.

Optionally, the sensor field includes capacitive sensors and/or resistive sensors. A particularly robust measurement is possible as a result.

Optionally, the operating system includes several sensor fields, e.g. for a different adjustment part and/or for different adjustment directions of one or more adjustment parts.

According to one aspect, a device for a motor vehicle is specified. The device comprises an adjustable adjustment part and an operating system according to any embodiment described herein. The device can also include a drive unit, controlled by the signaling of the evaluation unit of the operating system, for adjusting the adjustment part.

The device is designed, for example, in the form of a vehicle seat, a center console, a dashboard, an armrest, a window regulator or a steering wheel. With such devices, a simple and intuitive adjustment is particularly important.

The device can include a plurality of adjustment parts that can each be adjusted independently of one another by means of the operating system. As a result, several adjustment parts can be operated intuitively.

Optionally, the device includes a cover that covers the sensor field. this makes possible seamless integration of the operating system into the device.

According to one aspect, a motor vehicle is specified, comprising the operating system according to any configuration described herein and/or the device according to any configuration described herein.

According to one aspect, a method for adjusting an adjustment part of a device is specified. The method includes detecting a first position of an actuation of a sensor field that can be actuated on a sensor path along the sensor path; detecting a change in location of actuation of the sensor array from the first position to a second position on the sensor path; and, in response to detecting the change in actuation from the first position to the second position, causing displacement of the displacement portion of the device for as long as actuation of the sensor array is sensed. Optionally, the method includes further steps corresponding to the mode of operation of the evaluation unit described above.

According to one aspect, a storage medium is provided on which instructions are stored which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to execute the method described above. In particular, the instructions can cause the at least one processor to detect a first position of an actuation of a sensor field that can be actuated on a sensor path along the sensor path, to recognize a change in the actuation of the sensor field from the first position to a second position on the sensor path, and to react upon detection of the change in actuation from the first position to the second position, by means of signaling, to bring about an adjustment of an adjustment part of a device for as long as the actuation of the sensor field is detected by the processor. Optionally, the storage medium also includes instructions for the functioning of the evaluation unit as described above.

• 1 ein Bediensystem für eine Vorrichtung mit einem eindimensionalen Sensorfeld und einer Auswerteeinheit;
• 2 ein Sensorfeld des Bediensystems gemäß 1, wobei ein auf das Sensorfeld an verschiedenen Positionen entlang einer Sensorstrecke des Sensorfeldes ausgeübter Druck im Zeitverlauf veranschaulich ist;
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Steuerung zur Verstellung eines Verstellteils basierend auf Betätigungen des Sensorfeldes des Bediensystems gemäß 1;
• 4 ein zweidimensionales Sensorfeld für das Bediensystem gemäß 1;
• 5 mehrere an die Auswerteeinheit des Bediensystems gemäß 1 angeschlossene Sensorfelder;
• 6 ein Kraftfahrzeug mit mehreren Vorrichtungen und dem Bediensystem gemäß 1; und
• 7 ein gewölbtes Sensorfeld.

The idea on which the invention is based is to be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:

• 1 an operating system for a device with a one-dimensional sensor field and an evaluation unit;
• 2 according to a sensor field of the operating system 1 12, wherein a pressure applied to the sensor array at various positions along a sensor path of the sensor array is illustrated over time;
• 3 a flow chart of a control for adjusting an adjustment part based on actuations of the sensor field of the operating system according to FIG 1 ;
• 4 according to a two-dimensional sensor field for the operating system 1 ;
• 5 several to the evaluation unit of the operating system 1 connected sensor fields;
• 6 according to a motor vehicle with several devices and the operating system 1 ; and
• 7 a curved sensor field.

1 shows an operating system 1 for operating an adjustable device. The operating system 1 comprises a sensor field 10A and an evaluation unit 11. The sensor field 10A is connected to the evaluation unit 11. In the present case, the sensor field 10A is electrically connected to the evaluation unit 11 .

The sensor panel 10A can be operated by a person. As a result of an actuation, the sensor field 10A generates signals, and the evaluation unit 11 is designed to detect these signals. In general, the sensor panel 10A can be proximity-sensitive, touch-sensitive and/or pressure-sensitive. For this purpose, the sensor field 10A can detect an actuation inductively, resistively and/or capacitively. The sensor field 10A can also be referred to as a slider, in particular as a jog slider.

In the example shown, the sensor field 10A has a plurality of individual sensor elements 101 arranged in a row. Each of the sensor elements 101 generally comprises an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor and/or a capacitive sensor, for example. In the example shown, the sensor field 10A comprises capacitive and resistive sensors, so that the sensor field 10A can detect both an approach, e.g. of a finger F of a person, and a pressure P, e.g.

A sole detection of pressure or force is possible with a particularly simple structure. Depending on the location of the respective application, however, unintentional actuation can occur, e.g. by unintentionally leaning on, touching, wiping over or the like.

Therefore, the sensor field 10A is designed to measure an approach (optionally including a touch, ie an approach down to zero) and at the same time also a pressure or To determine the force value (e.g. by deformation of the elastic sensor; e.g. capacitive or resistive). Various combinations of sensor elements are conceivable for this. The (eg capacitive) approach detection can prevent the force detection from being unintentionally triggered by objects. An additional capacitive approach detection can be added with relatively little effort.

Additional actions are also conceivable thanks to the capacitive sensors. For example, the evaluation unit 11 activates lighting and/or a message (e.g. on a central display) as a result of the approach detection. Furthermore, as a result of the approach detection, the evaluation unit 11 can display the adjustable device and/or adjustment direction or adjustment plane with the corresponding sensor field, e.g. by lighting or the information and/or by activating a vibration or (slight) predetermined adjustment of the device. For example, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to cause a drive unit, in particular a motor, to execute a predetermined movement pattern, e.g. forwards-backward or according to a predetermined rhythm as a result of the approach detection (the motor can thus be controlled to generate a melodic sound, e.g. a piece of music.

The operating system 1 can be designed to be particularly robust by combining the two measurement results, that is to say the approach detection and the pressure or force detection.

The sensor array 10A defines a sensor path 100A along which the sensor array 10A is operable. In the present case, the individual sensors 101 are arranged along the sensor path 100A. In the example shown, the sensor section 100A is straight, but this is not necessarily the case. The signals of the sensor field 10A detected by the evaluation unit 11 carry information about a location of the actuation along the sensor path 100A. The sensor field 10A thus allows a one-dimensional determination of the location of an actuation.

As in 1 illustrated, the sensor field detects the location X on the sensor section 100A and the strength of a pressure P exerted on the sensor field 10A. The location of the actuation is determined, for example, by the evaluation unit 11 by determining the position of the maximum pressure along the sensor section 100A.

The sensor field 10A is elongate and has a main extension direction. In the present case, the sensor field 10A is rectangular with a long side extending along the main extension direction and a short side. In the present case, the sensor field 10A is flat, but curved configurations, for example, are also conceivable. Furthermore, the sensor array 10A can be flexible. For this purpose, e.g. the sensors 101 are mounted on a flexible carrier.

In the 1 Schematically drawn hand with finger F is not true to scale. For example, the short side of the sensor field measures 3 cm or less, eg between 0.5 and 2 cm. The long side of the sensor field 10A measures less than 15 cm, for example between 5 and 10 cm. Also the in 1 The sensors 101 illustrated are exemplary only, and the sensor array 10A may include significantly more or fewer sensors 101 . Continuous detection along the sensor section 100A is also possible. The sensor array 10A can thus be configured to detect an actuation at any point along the sensor path 100A.

The sensor field 10A has a surface along which the person operating the operating system can move their finger F. The surface is provided with an (optional) surface structure 102 . The surface structure 102 can be felt haptically. If the person runs their finger F along the sensor path 100A over the surface of the sensor element 10A, then the person can feel the surface structure 102. This makes it possible for the operator to feel a distance covered with the finger F along the sensor section 100A. Furthermore, a palpable structure is formed at the edge of the sensor field 10A, presently in the form of a seam running around the sensor field 10A.

The evaluation unit 11 includes a storage medium 110 on which processor-readable instructions are stored, and a processor 111. The evaluation unit also includes an interface 112.

The evaluation unit 11 is operatively connected to an external device via the interface 112, in the present case to a drive unit 21 of this device. The evaluation unit 11 provides signals via the interface 112 based on the detected signals of the sensor field 10A. The drive unit 21 is controlled by the signals provided via the interface 112 . The signals provided via the interface 112 indicate whether the drive unit 21 should be activated and, optionally, at what speed. The drive unit 21 is set up to adjust an adjustment part. The evaluation unit 11 is thus designed to bring about an adjustment of the adjustment part by means of signaling. The drive unit 21 in the present case comprises a motor.

In order to avoid long feed lines, the evaluation unit 11 can be mounted directly on the sensor field 10A (for example on its rear side). For example, the evaluation unit 11 is designed in the form of a flexible circuit carrier or as a (conventional) printed circuit board. Optionally, the evaluation unit 11 is connected directly to the sensor field 10A, for example by means of a plug, solder or crimp contact, or alternatively with (preferably short) lines in the same or an adjacent installation space. For example, the sensor field 10A can be attached to a side surface of a headrest, while the evaluation unit 11 is arranged inside, for example in the center of the headrest.

Based 2 the functioning of the actuation and the control of the drive unit 21 will now be explained.

As already explained above, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to detect a position of an actuation of the sensor field 10A on the sensor path 100A. Specifically, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to detect a (in particular initial) first position P1 of an actuation of the sensor field 10A on the sensor path 100A, e.g. as the position at which a new actuation from a previously non-actuated state is first detected.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to recognize a change in the actuation of the sensor field 10A, starting from the first position P1 towards a second position P2 on the sensor path 100A. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 11 in the present example continuously or periodically detects the location X of the actuation as the position of the maximum pressure (alternatively or additionally the maximum approach) along the sensor section 100A. In the example shown, the person sweeps the finger F along the sensor path 100A over the sensor field 10A, so that a changed position of the actuation is detected over time. As in 2 1, the actuation occurs at a later point in time at a second position P2, which is different from the first position P1.

In the present case, but optionally, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to evaluate the change in the actuation of the sensor field 10A as an intended input if a number of conditions are met (or at least one condition is met in more general examples).

One condition is exceeding a threshold value for the intensity of the actuation at the first position P1 and at the second position P2 (or at these positions and at all positions in between). Specifically, the evaluation unit 11 compares the signals of the sensor field 10A, which correspond to the pressure exerted at the first position P1 and at the second position P2 (and/or corresponding signals for a finger F approaching the sensor field 10A), each with a threshold value. If the threshold value is exceeded in each case, the evaluation unit 11 evaluates the actuation at both positions P1, P2 as intended.

Another (likewise optional) condition is exceeding a preset minimum distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2, e.g. a value between 2 and 5 cm, in particular 3 cm.

Yet another (also optional) condition is exceeding a preset minimum rate of change in actuation of the sensor pad 10A from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

If the evaluation unit 11 has detected an actuation that is evaluated as an intended input, it is also configured to cause an adjustment of the adjustment part of the device in response to this recognition by means of a signal, and to do so for as long as the actuation (optional but not mandatory on the second position P2) is maintained and thus the sustained actuation of the sensor field 10A is detected by the evaluation unit 11. As long as the evaluation unit 11 therefore detects the actuation of the sensor field 10A (in particular continuously at the second position P2), the evaluation unit 11 thus signals the activation of the drive unit 21 via the interface 112. The adjustment of the adjustment part is controlled by the evaluation unit 11 in particular in such a way that that the drive unit 21 is operated at a constant speed and/or a constant voltage.

It is worth mentioning that the adjustment of the adjustment part controlled by the operating system 1 is independent of the absolute position of the first position P1 and the second position P2 on the sensor field 10A. It is therefore irrelevant whether the operator starts a little further to the left or right of the sensor field 10A, for example. This makes operation particularly easy.

Accordingly, it is provided here that the evaluation unit 11 is designed to end the adjustment of the adjustment part of the device as soon as the evaluation unit 11 detects the end of the actuation. If the person therefore removes their finger F from the sensor field 10A, the evaluation unit 11 no longer signals activation of the drive unit 21. Optionally signals they the drive unit 21 specifically a termination of the activation. Alternatively, it is provided, for example, that the evaluation unit 11 is designed to end the adjustment of the adjustment part of the device as soon as the evaluation unit 11 detects a change in the actuation away from the second position P2. This can optionally be detected as a new actuation where the location of the previously second position P2 is used as the first position P1 of the new actuation. This enables, for example, a direct correction adjustment (eg in a different direction or at a different speed).

Furthermore, the evaluation unit 11 is designed to signal an adjustment speed of the adjustment to the drive unit 21 as a function of a detected actuating force, a detected speed or a detected distance from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

Since the actuation is detected in a spatially resolved manner, the evaluation unit 11 can also detect the direction of the actuation from the first position P1 to the second position P2 and signal the drive unit 21 in the corresponding direction. If the evaluation unit 11 detects, for example, the first position P1 closer to a first end of the sensor section 100A than the second position P2 (and accordingly the second position P2 closer to the opposite second end than the first position P1), then it signals an adjustment of the adjustment part to a first direction. If, on the other hand, it detects the second position P2 closer to the first end than the first position P1 (and correspondingly the first position P1 closer to the opposite second end than the second position P2), then it signals an adjustment of the adjustment part in a second direction, which e.g first direction is opposite.

The evaluation unit 11 is designed for the functionality explained above in that corresponding instructions for the processor 111 are stored on the storage medium 110 . Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the evaluation unit 11 to include appropriately configured electronics. The evaluation unit 11 can include an appropriately configured FPGA.

3 illustrates the control and a corresponding control method using a flow chart. The control is started by an initialization (eg by activating the evaluation unit 11) and/or by some other adjustment. Initially, the evaluation unit 11 is in an initial state (block S1). In the initial state, the evaluation unit 11 detects the signals provided by the sensor array 10A. As soon as an actuation of the sensor field 10A is detected, the evaluation unit 11 switches to block S2.

In block S2, the evaluation unit 11 checks whether the actuation of the sensor field 10A at a first position P1 exceeds at least one threshold value of an approach, a touch or a force (or a pressure). If this is not the case (N), then an accidental actuation can be assumed and the evaluation unit 11 then switches back to the initial state (block S1). Otherwise (Y), the evaluation unit 11 switches to block S3.

In block S3, the evaluation unit 11 checks whether the sensor field 10A was actuated at a second position P2, and whether the actuation at this second position (and optionally also at every position between the first position P1 and the second position P2) at least one threshold of approach, touch, or force (or pressure) is exceeded. The evaluation unit 11 also checks whether the distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2 exceeds a minimum distance and/or the change from the first position P1 to the second P2 exceeds a minimum speed (or falls short of a maximum time). If all of these conditions (or at least one or more of these conditions) are met (Y), then the evaluation unit 11 changes to block S4. Otherwise (N), the evaluation unit 11 evaluates the actuation as unintentional and returns to block S1.

In block S4, the evaluation unit determines the direction of actuation as already described above. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 11 can already determine the direction in block S3 and only use it for selection in block S4. If the determined direction corresponds to a first direction R1 (e.g. to the left), then the evaluation unit changes to block S5. If, on the other hand, the direction corresponds to a second direction R2 (e.g. to the right), which is opposite to the first direction, then the evaluation unit 11 switches to block S6.

In block S5, the evaluation unit 11 generally signals the device to be adjusted (optionally specifically as in 1 shown a corresponding drive unit 21) an adjustment of the adjustment part in a direction associated with the first direction. In this case, the evaluation unit 11 also signals an adjustment speed based on the actuating force (for example at the second position P2) and/or on the distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2. Then the evaluation unit 11 changes to block S7.

In block S7, the evaluation unit 11 checks whether the actuation at the second position P2 still is always held. If this is the case (Y), then the evaluation unit 11 returns to block S5 and/or carries out the test again in block S7 directly or after a waiting period. If the actuation at the second position is ended (eg the finger is removed from the sensor field 10A), then (N) the evaluation unit 11 returns to block S1.

Blocks S6 and S8 function in the same way as blocks S5 and S7, with only the opposite direction of adjustment being signaled.

4 illustrates a sensor field 10B, which the operating system 1 alternatively or in addition to in 1 shown sensor field 10A may include.

The sensor array 10B according to FIG 4 allows a two-dimensional spatial resolution. Thus, the sensor array 10B can be actuated along sensor paths 100A, 100B running perpendicular to one another. The sensor array 10B comprises, for example, a two-dimensional matrix of sensor elements 101. Thus, the sensor array 10B can be actuated along a multiplicity of paths parallel to the first sensor path 100A and along a multiplicity of paths parallel to the second sensor path 100B. Further, the sensor panel 10B can be operated obliquely along a path (in 4 eg from bottom left to top right), which has both a movement component along the first sensor section 100A and a movement component along the second sensor section 100B.

The evaluation unit 11 connected to the sensor array 10B can, based on whether the first position P1 and the second position P2 along the first sensor path 100A and/or along the second sensor path 100B meet the condition(s) described above, (in particular at the same time) adjust in more than two directions, in particular in two degrees of freedom, or adjust two adjustment parts (in particular simultaneously).

5 shows the connection of several sensor arrays 10A according to FIG 1 to the evaluation unit 11. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensor field(s) 10B could be connected to the evaluation unit 11 according to FIG 4 be connected. Each of the connected sensor fields 10A can be used to adjust one of several degrees of freedom and/or adjustment parts.

Alternatively or additionally, an adjustment part or a degree of freedom of an adjustment can be assigned to a sensor field by an additional input, e.g. via a switch or by means of voice control.

6 shows a section of a motor vehicle 3 with several adjustable devices 2A-2E. a device 2A is provided in the form of a vehicle seat. Device 2B is provided in the form of a center console, device 2C is provided in the form of an instrument panel, device 2D is provided in the form of an armrest, and device 2E is provided in the form of a steering wheel.

One or more sensor fields 10A, 10B and/or operating system(s) 1 can be mounted on all of these devices 2A-2E. Furthermore, adjustment parts that can be adjusted relative to another part of the respective device can be provided on all of these devices 2A-2E, which can be controlled by one of the operating systems 1. Examples of these adjusting parts 20A-20C are a vehicle seat backrest adjustable relative to a base of the vehicle seat, a vehicle seat headrest adjustable relative to the backrest and the vehicle seat base adjustable relative to a vehicle floor of the motor vehicle 3 .

One or more adjustable devices of the motor vehicle 3, e.g. one or more window regulators, can be controlled by one or more sensor fields 10A, 10B, which can be arranged adjacent to or at a distance from the respective device. For example, sensor arrays for several window regulators of motor vehicle 3 can be arranged on a driver's door of motor vehicle 3 .

An example is in 6 a drive unit 21 controlled by the operating system 1 is shown, by means of which the base of the vehicle seat is (longitudinally adjustable) relative to the vehicle floor. In this way, a person operating the operating system 1 can adjust the vehicle seat in an intuitive manner and without necessarily having to look at it.

The sensor field 10A of the operating system 1 is mounted on a side bolster of the vehicle seat. In the present case, the sensor field 10A is covered by a cover 22 of the vehicle seat. The cover includes, for example, leather and/or a textile. This enables seamless integration. Furthermore, a structuring of the surface with haptic highlights can be achieved in this way. This can generally be achieved, for example, by means of a decorative seam, an intermediate fixed part or an embossing. Alternatively or additionally, an optical highlighting is conceivable. It is conceivable, for example, for the sensor field 10A to be illuminated (of the touchable front side) or transilluminated (from the rear) of the surface of the sensor field, for example over the entire surface or along an edge of the sensor field 10A.

As already mentioned, the operating system 1 can make a detection of the first position P1 and/or the second position P2 dependent on whether actuation is carried out both by distance sensors and by pressure sensors of the sensor field 10A; 10B is detected. A particularly robust detection can be achieved in this way.

Furthermore, an approach of the finger F to the sensor field can be detected and, optionally before it is touched, a signal can be output to the operator, e.g. a haptic and/or acoustic feedback, e.g. on the vehicle seat, by an indication on a display or a control of lighting.

It should also be noted that other ways of detecting actuations of the sensor field are also possible, e.g. by means of a camera, by means of radar, lidar, other interior sensors, generally by means of optical sensors, ultrasound or by means of acoustic surface waves.

7 FIG. 12 shows a sensor array 10A corresponding to the sensor array 10A of FIG 1 . The sensor array 10A according to FIG 7 is flexible. The sensor panel 10A is curved. The sensor field 10A can thus follow given contours during the integration (eg a lateral surface of a seat part or a headrest).

The sensor array 10A according to FIG 7 comprises foils arranged in several layers. Typically, a sensor sheet can only be bent (e.g. wrapped around a cylinder) in one dimension. If a curvature is required in several dimensions (e.g. a winding around a sphere), this can be achieved by a corresponding design of the sensor field 10A, for example by slits in the sensor field 10A, a meandering sensor field, parallel slice cuts in the sensor field, cuts like a world map or similar.

Alternatively (or additionally) the film material is elastically extensible in order to be able to follow a (slight) curvature in a second dimension.

The sensor field 10A can therefore be flexibly bendable and/or elastically stretchable. These properties are advantageous both for integration behind upholstery fabrics and for integration on/behind free-form plastic parts (e.g. lower seat trim parts). A cover surface of the sensor field optionally has tactile features (e.g. an embroidered seam in fabric/leather, tactile lines or points on plastic or the like). This allows particularly user-friendly designs.

It should also be mentioned that mechanical integration can be provided when the sensor field 10A is arranged behind a reference material in a recess in a foam material. This can prevent the sensor field 10A from becoming visible if this is not desired. The thickness of the sensor field can be between 0.5 and 2 mm, for example. Optionally, a film forming the sensor field can only have a sensory effect in one or more sections. For example, such a film is designed and arranged over the entire surface of a component. The film can be attached to the component, for example, by means of an adhesive bond or by clamping.

So that the sensor field 10A can detect a pressure or a force particularly precisely, the rear of the sensor field can be supported by a rigid carrier.

Reference List

1

operating system

10A; 10B

sensor field

100A; 100B

sensor track

101

sensor element

102

surface texture

11

evaluation unit

110

storage medium

111

processor

112

interface

2A-2E

contraption

20A-20C

adjustment part

21

drive unit

22

Relation

3

motor vehicle

f

finger

P1

first position

p2

second position

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

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Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102019129513 A1 [0003]
• DE 102012203877 A1 [0004]

Claims (20)

Operating system (1) for a device (2A-2E) of a motor vehicle (3), with a sensor field (10A; 10B) which can be actuated along a sensor path (100A; 100B), and an evaluation unit (11) which is connected to the sensor field (10A; 10B) is coupled to detect actuations of the sensor field (10A; 10B), and is designed to - to detect a first position (P1) of an actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B) on the sensor path (100A; 100B), - to recognize a change in the actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B) from the first position (P1) to a second position (P2) on the sensor path (100A; 100B) and - in response to the detection of the change in actuation by means of signaling, to cause an adjustment part (20A-20C) of the device (2A-2E) to be adjusted for as long as the evaluation unit (11) detects the actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B). becomes. Operating system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to detect that a threshold value is exceeded at least in the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B) from from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the threshold value being a proximity to the sensor field (10A; 10B), a touching of the sensor field (10A; 10B), a pressure acting on the sensor field (10A; 10B) and /or corresponds to a force acting on the sensor field (10A; 10B). Operating system (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to detect that a preset minimum distance is exceeded by the distance from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) as a condition for detecting the change in the actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B ) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to detect that a preset minimum speed of actuation of the sensor field (10A; 10B) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) is exceeded as a condition for detecting the change in actuation of the sensor panel (10A; 10B) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to end the adjustment of the adjustment part (20A-20C) of the device (2A-2E) as soon as the evaluation unit (11) detects a change the actuation away from the second position (P2). Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to, depending on a detected actuating force and / or a detected distance from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). To signal adjustment speed of the adjustment. Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to signal a direction of adjustment depending on a detected direction from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor field (10A; 10B) has a structured surface along the sensor path (100A; 100B) and/or along an edge of the sensor field (10A; 10B). Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor field (10B) is designed to detect the positions of the actuation along mutually perpendicular sensor paths (100A; 100B). Operating system (1) according to claim 9 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to adjust an adjustment part (20A-20C) of a plurality of adjustment parts (20A-20C) assigned to the corresponding orientation, depending on the orientation of the actuated sensor path (100A; 100B) by means of signaling . Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor field (10A; 10B) is flexible. Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor field (10A; 10B) comprises capacitive sensors and resistive sensors. Operating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of sensor fields (10A; 10B). Device (2A-2E) for a motor vehicle (3), comprising an adjustable adjustment part (20A-20C), characterized by an operating system (1). one of the preceding claims and a drive unit (21) controlled by signals from the evaluation unit (11) of the operating system (1) for adjusting the adjustment part (20A-20C). device (2A-2E) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the device (2A-2E) is designed in the form of a vehicle seat, a center console, a dashboard, an armrest, a window lifter or a steering wheel. device (2A-2E) according to Claim 14 or 15 , characterized by a plurality of adjustment parts (20A-20C) which can each be adjusted independently of one another by means of the operating system (1). Device (2A-2E) according to any one of Claims 14 until 16 , characterized by a cover (22) covering the sensor field (10A; 10B). Motor vehicle (3), characterized by the operating system (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 13 and/or the device (2A-2E) according to one of Claims 14 until 17 . Method for adjusting an adjustment part (20A-20C) of a device (2A-2E), comprising: - detecting a first position (P1) of an actuation of a sensor field (10A; 10B) which can be actuated on a sensor path (100A; 100B) on the sensor path (100A; 100B); - detecting a change in actuation of the sensor array (10A; 10B) from the first position (P1) to a second position (P2) on the sensor path (100A; 100B); and - in response to the detection of the change in actuation from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), causing a displacement of the adjustment part (20A-20C) of the device (2A-2E) as long as the actuation of the sensor field ( 10A; 10B) is detected. Storage medium (110) on which instructions are stored which, when executed by at least one processor (111), cause the at least one processor (111) to carry out the method according to claim 19 to execute.

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