DE202017105444U1 - Vehicle control unit and vehicle information system - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle control unit (10) for steering a motor vehicle, which comprises an autonomous driving function, with at least one lighting unit (14) having a display surface (22) through which light rays exit.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle control unit for steering a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle information system for a motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle usually comprises a steering wheel which is coupled to a steering column and via which a driver can steer the motor vehicle accordingly by actuating the steering wheel. Previously, steering wheels had a substantially round shape, where the name steering wheel comes from. However, modern motor vehicles also have steering wheels, which have a different shape, such as a polygonal shape. In addition, in modern motor vehicles, the steering wheels need not necessarily be coupled to the steering column, as they transmit, for example, electronically the control commands. In this respect, different types of vehicle control units can be used to steer the motor vehicle.

In modern vehicles, it is also known that via the steering wheel corresponding information on vehicle functions can be accessed by paddles or the like are arranged on the steering wheel, which can operate the driver during operation of the motor vehicle in a simple manner. The vehicle functions controlled via the operating elements are subsequently displayed to the driver via a display device which has a corresponding display area. The display device may be an instrument cluster that displays vehicle-relevant information in addition to the speed and the speed. It is also known that such information is displayed on a separate screen in the center console or on the dashboard.

In particular, in motor vehicles that include an autonomous driving function, it is necessary that the corresponding information is displayed as large as possible, which is why the display devices are provided on the center console or on the dashboard to provide the largest possible display area, as there is enough room for the large display areas of the screens used is present. So that the driver can quickly recognize the information while driving, the display devices are usually facing the driver.

However, it has been found to be disadvantageous that a non-negligible glare can arise through the display devices that occur especially at night.

In addition, the driver's gaze must constantly travel back and forth between the road surface and the display surface of the display device to detect the displayed information. However, the driver must constantly refocus his eyes, resulting in eye fatigue. Ultimately, this affects safety because the driver fatigues faster.

The object of the invention is to provide appropriate information to the driver glare-free and fatigue-free.

The object is achieved by a motor vehicle control unit for steering a motor vehicle, which comprises an autonomous driving function, with at least one lighting unit, which has a display surface, exit via the light beams.

The basic idea of the invention is that a corresponding display area is integrated in the motor vehicle control unit, ie in the steering wheel. This ensures that the driver's gaze does not have to switch back and forth between the road surface and a display device on the dashboard or in the center console, causing the eyes to tire accordingly. The information can thus be transmitted via the display surface accordingly to the driver. About the light unit, in particular the display area, the information can be visually displayed accordingly.

The information is, in particular, a state of autonomous driving function. Accordingly, the information may be driving control instructions and / or driving situation indications, for example the indication that the driver is to take over control of the vehicle in autonomous driving operation again. This information is usually output only in a safety-relevant state of the motor vehicle, for example in the case of an imminent failure of the autonomous driving function, which is why the corresponding notice must be issued over a large area so that the driver perceives the hint in any case. Consequently, the state of the autonomous driving function may also be the status of driver responsibility.

One aspect provides that the lighting unit is arranged on the vehicle control unit in such a way that a driver only perceives the light beams emerging from the display surface in his indirect field of view, in particular without the driver being illuminated. This ensures that a dazzling effect is avoided, which disturbed the driver could be. The safety when driving the motor vehicle is therefore increased. At the same time fatigue is prevented because the driver perceives the information indirectly, since it detects them in its indirect field of view. Consequently, the driver does not have to look away from the road to obtain the visual information.

A further aspect provides that the display surface is arranged inclined to the hub of the vehicle control unit on the control unit. In this respect, the glare is further reduced, since the display surface is directed to the center of the steering wheel or the vehicle control unit. In this respect, the lighting unit does not directly illuminate the passenger compartment, and in particular the driver does not directly, whereby the corresponding glare is avoided.

According to one embodiment, a translucent body is provided, which is associated with the display surface, in particular wherein the display surface is covered by the translucent body, in particular wherein the translucent body comprises a plurality of translucent areas. The translucent body can influence the appearance of the lighting unit by changing at least one property of the emitted light beams. For example, the translucent body is colored and / or coated, whereby the color and / or the intensity of the emitted light can be changed or can. The plurality of translucent regions are designed differently, for example, so that differently colored or coated translucent regions are present, as a result of which the appearance of the luminous unit changes in regions.

Another aspect provides a light scattering device, which is associated with the lighting unit, in particular wherein the light scattering device covers the display surface of the lighting unit. The glare effect of the lighting unit can be further reduced via the light scattering device, since the light emitted by the lighting unit is scattered, as a result of which the driver does not perceive this as focusing light.

The light scattering device can be arranged between the lighting unit and the translucent body.

In general, the light scattering device and / or the translucent body can be shiny, matted, translucently coated, partially opaque coated, covered with a translucent decorative element and / or partially covered with an opaque decorative element. This makes it possible to form correspondingly different lighting sections on the lighting unit.

According to a further aspect, the lighting unit comprises at least one light-emitting diode, in particular wherein the light-emitting diode comprises an integrated control, preferably wherein a bus system is provided, via which the at least one light-emitting diode responds. The at least one light-emitting diode may be a single-color or multicolor LED.

If the lighting unit comprises a plurality of LEDs, a combination of single-color or multi-colored LEDs can be provided. With the several LEDs, an LED bus system can be set up, which reduces the wiring effort accordingly.

The multiple LEDs can also be controlled in groups, in particular via the LED bus system.

The at least one LED can be directly mounted on a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is a rigid or flexible printed circuit board. This also reduces the cabling effort accordingly. If the circuit board is flexible, the circuit board and, consequently, the lighting unit can be easily adapted to the shape of the vehicle control unit at its installation location. This is particularly advantageous when multiple LEDs are arranged on the flexible circuit board, which is dimensioned correspondingly larger.

Furthermore, the at least one LED may comprise an integrated control, whereby corresponding control patterns of the at least one LED are already stored in an integrated manner. The LED with integrated control can then still control parameters are transmitted by a higher-level control, for example, by a control unit of the motor vehicle with which the light unit is coupled.

The vehicle control unit may have an operating area, which is actuated by the driver for manual control of the motor vehicle. The operating area corresponds to the steering wheel rim of a steering wheel. The motor vehicle control unit usually also includes, in addition to the operating area, a front cover directed towards the driver, which is destroyed in the event of an accident by an inflating airbag. The operating area is encompassed by the driver while driving the motor vehicle, in particular when steering the motor vehicle.

According to one aspect, the lighting unit comprises a plurality of lighting sections, which are arranged in segments on the operating area, in particular wherein the lighting sections are independent can be controlled from each other. In this respect, it is possible for a plurality of mutually separate lighting sections to be arranged on the motor vehicle control unit. The multiple light sections may each indicate different information from different vehicle components or sensors. In this respect, each lighting section is assigned a specific vehicle state or its status. Accordingly, it is necessary that the individual lighting sections can be controlled independently of one another in order to be able to display a change in a specific vehicle state or status accordingly.

For example, a lighting section comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which are multicolored, in particular in each case multicolored. As a result, color areas such as red, orange and green can be displayed to visually clarify certain states or functions. Also, corresponding running lights can be displayed via the plurality of LEDs of a light section. Also, an approach to an obstacle, a target point or generally an object can be visually displayed on the number of appropriately controlled LEDs, in particular where this is additionally reinforced by a different color. As a result, an even greater gradation of the display in a light section is possible.

According to one exemplary embodiment, four lighting sections may be provided, which are arranged at the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions of the motor vehicle control unit, wherein the respective lighting sections are assigned to different vehicle functions.

For example, the luminous portion is provided at the 12 o'clock position for displaying a navigation function, so that the approach to a waypoint at which a change in direction occurs visually represents the number of luminous LEDs and / or their coloration (green, orange, red) leaves. The driver detects this displayed information in its indirect field of view, without turning his eyes off the road.

On the other hand, the illumination section at the 6 o'clock position can serve for the visual display of warning signals, for example deviations from the maximum permitted driving speed. A green LED indicates, for example, to the driver that the speed of the motor vehicle is below the permitted maximum speed, whereby an exceeding of the number of illuminated LEDs and their coloration is displayed accordingly.

The illuminated sections at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions can be used to visualize a blind spot assistant. If another motor vehicle is located on the left or right of the motor vehicle, this is displayed accordingly to the vehicle driver via these lighting sections. In this case, the LEDs of these light areas can be controlled as running lights, as the driver perceives the change of the emitted light due to the running light in the indirect field of view particularly well. If the adjacent motor vehicle is completely in a blind spot, then the frequency of the running light, the intensity or the color can be controlled accordingly differently.

These light patterns, ie the running light, can already be stored in the integrated control of the LEDs, wherein the color, frequency and / or intensity is transmitted via the LED bus system as a parameter by the control unit to the LEDs.

In particular, the plurality of luminous portions together form the display surface, the plurality of luminous portions each comprising a display surface portion. In this respect, each lighting section has a separately formed display surface section which can be controlled individually. This allows a variety of information to be provided to the driver, in particular glare and fatigue-free.

According to one embodiment, the lighting unit is a screen, in particular a, preferably organic, light-emitting diodes comprehensive screen, in particular wherein the screen is a touch-sensitive screen. The display surface of the screen can be used to display large-area information, so that the driver in particular safety-relevant information is displayed over a large area. The screen can also be arranged on the vehicle control unit such that its display surface is in the indirect field of view of the driver, so that the driver is not directly illuminated. The touch-sensitive screen is a so-called touch screen. The touch-sensitive screen can also have a feedback function, for example in the form of a force feedback via vibration. Inputs can be made via the touch-sensitive screen, which are acknowledged via a corresponding feedback (vibration). Accordingly, the screen is a so-called force or multi-force touchscreen or force-feedback touchscreen.

According to one aspect, the screen is arranged in the region of the hub of the motor vehicle control unit. Accordingly, the display area of the screen is below the driver's direct field of view, but in the driver's indirect field of view, whereby this information ( at least indirectly), without directing his gaze to the display area of the screen. This effectively prevents the driver from being dazzled by the display surface of the screen. At the same time this ensures that the eye or the eyes of the driver will not tire if he directs his view of the road (which is in the distance) on the screen arranged in the vicinity.

The screen may be disposed on the front cover of the vehicle control unit in an immovable manner. Accordingly, the screen is fixedly attached to the vehicle control unit.

According to one embodiment, the screen covers substantially the entire front surface of the front cover, so that there is a correspondingly large display area. This information can be displayed over a large area.

Furthermore, the menus can be made correspondingly clearer, since several sub-menus can be displayed simultaneously, so that the depth of the respective menus can be reduced.

In particular, the screen is embedded on the front of the vehicle control unit embedded in the vehicle control unit, ie in the front cover. The screen may be embedded so that it does not directly illuminate the driver, since the display surface is in the indirect field of vision of the driver.

The screen may be surrounded by a trim panel and / or a decorative element, which is formed for example as a lamination, in particular as an aluminum and / or chrome lamination. The trim panel or the decorative element can be materially connected to the front cover.

The screen is, for example, a flexible OLED screen, which accordingly can be adapted to the shape of the front cover. In this respect, a "3D touch" technology can be implemented on the curved screen, provided it is touch-sensitive.

Alternatively, the screen may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED screen, or an OLED screen that is rigid.

In another aspect, the light unit is an electroluminescent tube. Information about the motor vehicle can also be displayed via the electroluminescent tube. For example, the electroluminescent tube extends on the inside of the actuation range of the vehicle control unit, wherein the electroluminescent tube can be used to indicate the state of the autonomous driving function. For example, the circulating electroluminescent tube glows green if the motor vehicle is in an autonomous driving state, ie the autonomous driving function is switched on and active. If the autonomous driving function is switched off, the electroluminescent tube does not glow or in a different color, in particular a set color, which corresponds to the vehicle ambience.

A further aspect provides that the lighting unit comprises a lighting control, in particular wherein the lighting control is set up to generate vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns and to control the lighting unit accordingly. Accordingly, the vehicle control unit may be configured to include its own controller.

The vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns can be single-channel or multi-channel light patterns in which, for example, the light color, intensity, frequency and / or sequence are controlled. This can be done via single or multi-colored bulbs, in particular via corresponding LEDs or OLEDs.

In general, the lighting unit can comprise a plurality of lighting means which can be controlled in groups or segments, for example via a correspondingly designed bus system.

The at least one lighting unit can be used to optically display information in addition to information on the autonomous driving function. The other information may include, but is not limited to, situational awareness, navigation advice, turn by turn indicators, blind spot indicators, display of visible and invisible traffic lights, display of traffic controls, speed limits, congestion or traffic information, weather information, driver vital information, infotainment information , Volume control, air conditioning settings, warnings, driving mode and / or other vehicle functions act.

Furthermore, the information presented may be vehicle functions such as automatic parking of the motor vehicle, parking space detection or dimensioning, fuel gauge, battery charge status of the hybrid or electric motor vehicle, battery status of the vehicle battery, oil and / or water temperature.

It is also possible to display emails, messages, web pages via a browser or other applications via the display surface of the lighting unit, in particular if the lighting unit is a screen.

In general, the at least one lighting unit, which comprises, for example, a plurality of lighting sections, may be arranged (fully) circumferentially on the motor vehicle control unit or at least in sections, in particular in sections.

It is also possible for the lighting unit to be embedded in the motor vehicle control unit, in particular in the front cover or in the operating area of the motor vehicle control unit.

The at least one LED, which comprises the lighting unit, for example, can also be wired directly, in particular with the lighting control.

The at least one lighting unit, in particular the lighting unit designed as a screen, can have an appearance when switched off, which is adapted to the surrounding area of the motor vehicle control unit. Accordingly, the lighting unit as such is not recognizable in the switched-off state. This can be ensured by means of a suitably designed light scattering device or a suitably designed translucent body which is associated with the display surface.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a motor vehicle information system, comprising a control unit and a motor vehicle control unit of the aforementioned type, wherein the motor vehicle control unit has a communication interface, via which the motor vehicle control unit is electrically connected to the control unit. Accordingly, the vehicle control unit communicates with the control unit of the motor vehicle, that is, the higher-level control. In this way, the data of the information to be displayed or corresponding control commands can be transmitted.

The communication interface can be a CAN or LIN communication interface. In particular, the communication connection formed between the motor vehicle control unit and the control unit is a unidirectional or bidirectional communication connection, so that data can also be exchanged, that is, data is also sent from the lighting unit to the control unit.

The lighting control of the motor vehicle control unit and the communication interface are in particular in electrical connection with each other, so that the lighting control drives the communication interface and / or receives data via the communication interface, in particular from the control unit.

A further aspect provides that the control unit is set up to generate vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns and to control the light unit accordingly via the communication interface, in particular wherein the communication takes place via repeatedly transmitted bit patterns. In this respect, it is possible for special basic patterns, such as running light patterns or stroboscopic effects, to be stored in the motor vehicle control unit, in particular the lighting control provided there, to which only parameters are specified by the control unit.

The parameters can be light color, light intensity, frequency and / or direction of the running light. As a result, the data stream of the communication can be reduced accordingly.

In the vehicle control unit, a vital sensor can be arranged, which detects vital information of the vehicle driver. Alternatively or additionally, such information can be provided by a separately formed sensor, for example a camera, by evaluation of steering movements or the like. Based on the collected data can be concluded on the fatigue of the driver. The corresponding information can be visually displayed to the driver.

In addition, the light color of the lighting unit can be chosen so that it counteracts fatigue of the driver. For this purpose, the at least one lighting unit emits, for example, light beams with a light color above 5000 K, in particular above 5500 K.

Due to the lighting control, the integrated control and / or the control unit further new light patterns can also be implemented in a simple manner, for example by means of a software update. It is also possible to update or adapt correspondingly stored light patterns.

The aforementioned aspects can be combined with each other and complemented accordingly.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings show:

1 a perspective view of a motor vehicle control unit according to the invention according to a first embodiment,

2 a perspective view of a motor vehicle control unit according to the invention according to a second embodiment,

3 a perspective view of a motor vehicle control unit according to the invention according to a third embodiment, and

4 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle information system according to the invention.

In 1 is a vehicle control unit 10 shown, which is used for steering a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle with an autonomous driving function.

In the vehicle control unit 10 it is therefore a steering wheel, the shape of the vehicle control unit 10 polygon is.

The vehicle control unit 10 includes an operating area 12 , which can also be referred to as a steering wheel rim. In the embodiment shown, the operating area is 12 octagonal formed, the operating area 12 is formed symmetrically. Generally, the operating area 12 operated by the driver for manual control of the motor vehicle, so that the motor vehicle steers accordingly, as provided by the driver.

If the autonomous driving mode of the motor vehicle is activated, a manual actuation of the motor vehicle control unit 10 not necessary, since the motor vehicle steers automatically.

In addition, the vehicle control unit includes 10 a first light unit 14 acting as an electroluminescent tube 16 is formed, on an inside 18 of the operating area 12 is arranged. The electroluminescent tube 16 is essentially circumferential on the inside 18 arranged. The operating area 12 has only in its lower region, ie the 6 o'clock position, a recess on which the electroluminescent tube 16 is not provided accordingly.

In the embodiment shown, the vehicle control unit comprises 10 also a second light unit 14 acting as a screen 20 is trained. The screen 20 includes, for example, multiple (organic) light-emitting diodes. At the screen 20 in particular, it is a touch-sensitive screen, so the screen 20 can simultaneously act as an input unit.

Both the electroluminescent tube 16 as well as the screen 20 each comprise a display area 22 , which are each provided for display or visualization of information. On the display surface 22 Of the screen 20 can be a graphical user interface 24 are displayed, via which the driver can make inputs.

Like from the 1 As can be seen, both the electroluminescent tube 16 as well as the screen 20 each so on the vehicle control unit 10 arranged that the respective display area 22 to the hub 26 the vehicle control unit 10 is aligned with the axis of rotation D of the vehicle control unit 10 coincides.

In this respect, the display surfaces 22 the lighting units 14 , that is the electroluminescent tube 16 and the screen 20 , to the hub 26 inclined, causing a dazzling effect of the driver through the over the display surfaces 22 emitted light beams is avoided.

Generally goes from the 1 apparent that the display areas 22 such on the vehicle control unit 10 arranged that a driver to the corresponding on the display surfaces 22 emerging light rays only in its indirect field of view 28 perceives. This means that the driver is not directly illuminated, whereby the glare is reduced.

Furthermore, this ensures that the driver over the electroluminescent hose 16 or the screen 20 perceives displayed information without looking at the corresponding display area 22 to judge. This avoids that the driver has to direct his gaze from the roadway to a display and refocus, which would lead in the long run to the fatigue of the eye.

The electroluminescent tube 16 as well as the screen 20 can each display different information.

For example, can be over the screen 20 Infotainment information, whereas the electroluminescent tube 16 a state of an autonomous driving function of a motor vehicle can be represented by the electroluminescent tube 16 has a certain color.

Alternatively, the corresponding status via a light intensity, a frequency or a Light sequence can be displayed. In this respect, it is possible that the lighting unit 14 generates and radiates vehicle-specific dynamic lighting patterns.

The at least one electroluminescent tube 16 comprehensive lighting unit 14 can also have several lighting sections 30 have, wherein a first luminous portion 30 through a first electroluminescent tube 16 and a second light section 30 through a first electroluminescent tube 16 are formed, each of the left inside 18 and the right inside 18 of the operating area 12 assigned. In this respect, about the first light unit 14 , so the two light sections 30 or the two electroluminescent tubes 16 displayed or displayed different information, in particular page-related information in relation to the motor vehicle such as turn, blind spot, navigation instructions or similar information.

Generally, the individual lighting sections 30 respective display area sections which together form the display area 22 form.

To generate these light patterns comprises the vehicle control unit 10 in particular a lighting control 32 , which in the vehicle control unit 10 can be integrated.

Generally, via the electroluminescent tube 16 , in particular the corresponding luminous section 30 or the display area 22 , an information of the motor vehicle are visualized, for example via a dynamic light pattern, the information a status or status of Situationshinweise, navigation instructions, turn-off instructions, turn signal indicators, blind spot information, display of visible and non-visible traffic lights, display of traffic monitoring, speed limits , Congestion or traffic information, weather information, vital information of the driver, infotainment information, volume control, air conditioning settings, warnings, driving mode and / or other vehicle functions may include. Furthermore, the information presented may be vehicle functions such as automatic parking of the motor vehicle, parking space detection or dimensioning, fuel gauge, battery charge status of the hybrid or electric motor vehicle, battery status of the vehicle battery, oil and / or water temperature.

Accordingly, the driver is supplied with information via his indirect field of view, it being ensured that the driver is neither dazzled nor fatigued when he perceives the corresponding information. This is because the lighting units 14 so at the vehicle control unit 10 are arranged that they neither directly illuminate the driver nor a change of sight of the driver is necessary to perceive the information.

On the display surface 22 the as a screen 20 trained light unit 14 You can display e-mails, messages, websites via a browser or other applications. Also, driving control instructions and / or driving situation notes can be displayed due to the autonomous driving function, for example, the indication that the driver should take over control of the vehicle located in autonomous driving again.

In 2 is a second embodiment of a motor vehicle control unit 10 shown, which differs from the first embodiment, inter alia, in that no electroluminescent tube is provided.

In the second embodiment, however, is a lighting unit 14 in the operating area 12 the vehicle control unit 10 provided, the plurality of light-emitting diodes 34 includes. In the case of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 34 they may be organic light emitting diodes which are single or multi-colored. For example, several single-color (O) LEDs are provided, each having different colors, so that a multi-colored lighting unit 14 results when the light emitting diodes 34 from the lighting control 32 be controlled accordingly. There may also be different monochrome light-emitting diodes 34 in the lighting unit 14 be provided on the corresponding control a different color representation of the information is achieved.

In the embodiment shown, the lighting unit 14 as a ring member at the 12 o'clock position of the operating portion 12 intended. About this light unit 14 can be the state of an autonomous driving function of the motor vehicle. If the corresponding light unit 14 for example, lights red, the autonomous driving function is not activated, so that a manual intervention on the part of the driver is necessary to steer the vehicle.

Furthermore, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the operating portion 12 , especially the recording of the screen 20 with the strut of the operating area running at the 6 o'clock position 12 is coupled, in particular there in the vehicle control unit 10 is embedded.

The screen 20 is here as in the first embodiment of a decorative panel or a decorative element 36 surround what's the edge of the screen 20 limited. The trim panel or the decorative element 36 can be an aluminum or chrome lamination, in particular cohesively with the vehicle control unit 10 are coupled.

The screen 20 is in an analogous manner to the first embodiment of such on the vehicle control unit 10 is arranged that the corresponding display area 22 to the hub 26 the vehicle control unit 10 is directed.

The light emitted by the diodes 34 formed light unit 14 in particular, a translucent body 38 comprising which of the corresponding display area 22 assigned. The translucent body 38 covers the display area 22 to at least one property of the light unit 14 to change emitted light, for example, the light color and / or the light intensity. For this, the translucent body 38 be appropriately colored or coated to change the characteristics of the light. The translucent body 38 can comprise a plurality of translucent areas, which are designed differently, so that, for example, differently colored or coated translucency areas are present.

Furthermore, the lighting unit 14 passing through the light emitting diodes 34 is formed, a light scattering device 40 be assigned to the display area 22 covered appropriately to scatter the emitted light. As a result, a dazzling effect of the driver is noticeably reduced.

The light scattering device 40 can between the display area 22 and the translucent body 38 be arranged.

Also the screen 20 , in particular its display area 22 , can be a light scattering device 40 and / or a translucent body 38 be assigned, so that from the screen 20 emitted light is scattered or changed accordingly.

Both in the first and in the second embodiment can be provided in each case that the screen 20 on a front cover 42 the vehicle control unit 10 is immovable or positionally arranged, in particular in the front cover 42 is embedded. In that sense, the translucent body 38 or the light scattering device 40 be formed by one or more films that the display surface 22 Of the screen 20 cover. This results in a fitted or undisturbed surface on the front surface of the vehicle control unit 10 ,

In 3 is another embodiment of the vehicle control unit 10 shown the two multiple light units 14 includes.

The first light unit 14 also has several lighting sections 30 each by groups of light emitting diodes 34 are formed. In the embodiment shown, per lighting section 30 three light-emitting diodes each 34 shown forming a corresponding segment. In general, each segment can only have one light-emitting diode 34 or more generally, a plurality of light emitting diodes 34 include.

Next to the light sections 30 passing through light emitting diodes 34 formed is a first screen 20 as a light unit 14 provided, in essence, the screen 20 according to the first two embodiments.

There is also a second screen 20 as a light unit 14 provided in the operating area 12 the vehicle control unit 10 is arranged, namely in the range of the 12 o'clock position.

The respective lighting units 14 , In particular, the several light sections 30 the first light unit 14 , can via the lighting control 32 be controlled independently of each other.

The screen provided at the 12 o'clock position 20 can be used to display navigation functions, whereas the screen 20 in the area of the hub 26 is arranged to represent vehicle functions and / or the state of the autonomous driving function is used. In particular, the driver inputs via this screen 20 make.

The different light sections 30 , segment by segment on the operating area 12 are arranged, also different information sources can be assigned.

This means that the provided at the 9 o'clock position lighting section 30 for example, for displaying warnings, whereas the illuminated portion associated with the 3 o'clock position 30 is used to display distance information.

In particular, the segmented luminous sections 30 , each having a plurality of light-emitting diodes 34 can include a bus system 44 be assigned, via which the corresponding diodes 34 be addressed. The bus system 44 can therefore be designed as an LED bus system.

To simplify the wiring can be provided that the respective light-emitting diodes 34 include an integrated controller. Accordingly, the lighting control can be 32 train easier.

Generally, the screen can 20 be a flexible OLED screen so that it conforms to the shape of the bearing surface on the vehicle control unit 10 can be easily adjusted. This is particularly the case of the substantially round actuating area 12 significant. Furthermore, the screen can be 20 so to the front cover 42 even over an edge of the front cover 42 ,

The lighting control 32 the vehicle control unit 10 is in particular set up to generate or execute vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns. Accordingly controls the lighting control 32 the respective lighting components or lighting elements of the lighting unit (s) 14 accordingly, so the lighting sections 30 , the screens 20 and / or the electroluminescent tube 16 to visualize the respective statuses or states. The driver takes these in his indirect field of vision 28 true accordingly.

The several light sections 30 can also have multiple LEDs 34 be provided, which are arranged on a common circuit board, in particular on a flexible printed circuit board, wherein the plurality of LEDs 34 be controlled segment by segment to the different lighting sections 30 train.

In 4 is a vehicle information system 46 shown next to a vehicle control unit 10 , which may be formed according to one of the embodiments previously shown, a control device 48 which is part of the motor vehicle.

The control unit 48 communicates with the vehicle control unit 10 via a communication connection 50 which is, for example, a CAN or LIN communication connection.

Accordingly, the vehicle control unit 10 a corresponding communication interface 52 on, about the vehicle control unit 10 with the control unit 48 can communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally.

For example, it is provided that the control unit 48 generate vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns and send them to the light unit (s) 14 the vehicle control unit 10 transfers. In this case, corresponding bit patterns can be sent repeatedly, which of the at least one lighting unit 14 be implemented.

Alternatively it can be provided that basic pattern, for example, chase patterns or stroboscopic effects in the vehicle control unit 10 are deposited, wherein the control unit 48 only parameters to the vehicle control unit 10 transfers. The parameters can be the light color, the light intensity, the frequency and / or the direction of the running light.

The at least one lighting unit 14 For example, it is controlled in such a way that a melatonin production of the vehicle driver is inhibited by the at least one lighting unit 14 the light with a light color above 5500 K emits. Accordingly, the fatigue of the driver is prevented.

Generally speaking with the vehicle control unit 10 as well as the vehicle information system 44 ensures that driving safety is increased because the driver is beyond his indirect field of vision 28 is provided with sufficient information in a suitable size, so that he does not have to look away from the road to capture the information.

In addition, due to the corresponding inclination of the display area 22 , ensure that the driver of the light unit 14 not blinded.

The different aspects of the several embodiments may be combined and supplemented if desired.

Claims (15)

Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) for steering a motor vehicle, which comprises an autonomous driving function, with at least one lighting unit ( 14 ), which has a display area ( 22 ), over which light rays exit. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting unit ( 14 ) on the vehicle control unit ( 10 ) is arranged that a driver from the display area ( 22 ) emitted light rays only in its indirect field of view ( 28 ), in particular wherein the driver is not illuminated. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display area ( 22 ) to the hub ( 26 ) of the Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) inclined to the vehicle control unit ( 10 ) is arranged. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a translucent body ( 38 ) is provided, the the display surface ( 22 ), in particular wherein the display area ( 22 ) of the translucent body ( 38 ), in particular wherein the translucent body ( 38 ) comprises several translucent areas. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light scattering device ( 40 ) is provided, the lighting unit ( 14 ), in particular wherein the light scattering device ( 40 ) the display area ( 22 ) of the lighting unit ( 14 ) covered. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit ( 14 ) at least one light emitting diode ( 34 ), in particular wherein the light-emitting diode ( 34 ) comprises an integrated controller, preferably wherein a bus system ( 44 ) is provided, via which the at least one light-emitting diode ( 34 ) appeals. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor vehicle control unit ( 10 ) an operating area ( 12 ), which is actuated by the driver for manual control of the motor vehicle, in particular wherein the operating range ( 12 ) is formed by a steering wheel rim of a steering wheel. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit ( 14 ) several light sections ( 30 ) which is segmented on the actuating area ( 12 ), in particular wherein the luminous sections ( 30 ) are independently controllable. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of luminous portions together form the display surface, wherein the plurality of luminous portions each comprise a display surface portion. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit ( 14 ) a screen ( 20 ), in particular a, preferably organic, light emitting diodes comprehensive screen ( 20 ), especially where the screen ( 20 ) a touch-sensitive screen ( 20 ). Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to claim 10, that the screen ( 20 ) in the area of the hub ( 26 ) of the vehicle control unit ( 10 ) is arranged. Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit ( 14 ) an electroluminescent tube ( 16 ). Vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit ( 14 ) a lighting control ( 32 ), in particular wherein the lighting control ( 32 ) is configured to generate vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns and the lighting unit ( 14 ) accordingly. Motor vehicle information system ( 46 ) comprising a control device ( 48 ) and a motor vehicle control unit ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle control unit ( 10 ) a communication interface ( 52 ) via which the vehicle control unit ( 10 ) with the control unit ( 48 ) is electrically connected. Motor vehicle information system ( 46 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit ( 48 ) is configured to generate vehicle-specific dynamic light patterns and the lighting unit ( 14 ) according to the communication interface ( 52 ), in particular wherein the communication is made via repeatedly transmitted bit patterns.

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