ITUB20160367A1 - STEERING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AS WELL AS THE PROCEDURE FOR DRIVING A STEERING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Description

The invention relates to a steering device for a motor vehicle, as well as a method for operating a steering device.

The German publication document DE 10 2009 038 333 A1 shows a steering wheel for a motor vehicle, which comprises a first touchpad integrated in the steering wheel for entering commands and, advantageously, a second touchpad, integrated in the steering wheel and separated at spatial level from the first touchpad, for entering commands. The first and second touchpads are expected to be fixed relative to the steering wheel. For example, the first touchpad is integrated into a first radius of the steering wheel, while the second touchpad is integrated into a second radius of the steering wheel. In this case, the disadvantage is that the touchpads can be operated by the driver only with a certain grip position, in which said position can be very uncomfortable depending on the steering angle of the steering wheel.

The aim of the invention is to create a steering device for a motor vehicle, as well as a method for operating said steering device, in which the aforementioned disadvantages do not appear. Said task is accomplished with the objects of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims.

The object is accomplished in particular by creating a steering device for a motor vehicle, which has a steering element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation. The steering device also has at least one touch-sensitive display element at least in zones, which in turn has at least one tactile zone that can be activated for entry. The steering device is distinguished by the fact that the at least one activable tactile zone can be moved on the display element according to a steering angle of the steering element around the axis of rotation. Alternatively or as an integration, it is envisaged that the at least one activable tactile zone can be moved on the display element according to a grip position of the driver of the motor vehicle. There are advantages over the state of the art. As a result of the displacement possibility of the activatable touch zone it is possible, for example, in almost any situation, preferably in any situation, regardless of a specific steering angle of the steering element and / or regardless of a specific grip position of the driver, arranging the at least one touch zone in such a way that the driver has optimal access to it. In particular, it is possible to arrange the at least one touch zone that can always be activated in the driver's grip zone, in particular under a driver's finger, so that the touch zone can be operated simply and safely in almost any situation or preferably in any situation.

In a preferred embodiment of the steering device, the steering element is made as a steering wheel. This represents a particularly simple and common embodiment for a steering element.

The display element is preferably made sensitive to touch at least for the entire surface, in which it can be made in particular as a touchscreen, preferably as a TFT display. In a particularly preferred way, the display element is made totally sensitive to touch. In this case, the display element can be used in a particularly flexible and versatile way, giving the driver a very high level of operating comfort.

The display element is preferably configured for entering and / or issuing commands and / or information from the driver and / or the driver of the motor vehicle. An input takes place in particular by touching the at least one activatable touch zone, in which an output takes place by displaying information on the display element, which is preferably designed as a display, in particular as a touchscreen and particularly as a preferred as TFT display.

The display element is in particular configured for the display of the tactile area. In particular, the limits of the tactile zone are shown, for example in the form of lines or other suitable markings. This has the advantage that the driver can recognize at any time where the at least one activated tactile zone is located. This minimizes the possibility of incorrect commands of the display element, ensuring safe operation of the motor vehicle.

The fact that at least one tactile zone can be activated for an input means in particular that the tactile zone is connected in a sensitive way to the touch, thus evaluating a contact of the display element in the tactile zone. In particular, if the display element is completely sensitive to touch, i.e. everywhere, at least one zone is defined in particular, in which the touches of the display element are actually evaluated while the touches of the display element are not evaluated in other areas. The tactile area that can be activated is an area in which a touch of the display element is evaluated. An activation of only certain, limited zones of the display element for the touch evaluation has the advantage that a defined control of the motor vehicle and in particular the entry of commands can occur, in which random touches of the touch element viewing outside an activated touch zone have no undesirable consequences. The tactile area that can be activated is preferably realized as a locally limited control area, in which the display element, within certain limits, is not only sensitive to touches but in which touches of the display element are also evaluated.

The driver's "grip position" means in particular the way of gripping the steering element and in particular a position of the driver's hand on the steering element. The grip position essentially indicates a relative position of a driver's hand with respect to the steering element.

The fact that the at least one activatable touch zone can be moved on the display element means in particular that the activatable touch zone can be shifted relative to the display element, in particular relative to a coordinate system on the display element . If the driver, for example, grabs the steering wheel by moving his right hand from a 9 o'clock position to a 12 o'clock position, the activated touch zone moves accordingly on the display element, and with respect to the relevant coordinate system, too. it from the 9 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock position. With a shift according to the steering angle, the activable touch zone is shifted according to the steering angle, i.e. with respect to a display element that moves with the steering element or on a fixed display element relative to the steering element. In the latter case, for example, it is possible that the tactile area that can be activated follows the steering movement and therefore typically also a driver's hand on the otherwise fixed display element. In the event that the display element moves together with the steering element, it is possible that the touch zone is moved in an opposite way to the steering movement, in particular to compensate for the steering movement so that the touch zone remains finally essentially fixed in position, preferably precisely fixed in position with respect to a coordinate system on the motor vehicle. This enables a reproducible configuration of the touch zone for the driver, in particular always in the same way.

As a result, the driver's touch zone can always be placed in the right position and in the right place.

It is preferred that a plurality of activable tactile areas be arranged distributed on the display element and / or that the steering device has a plurality of display elements with respectively at least one activable tactile zone of the type described here. In both cases, for example, it is possible to associate a first tactile zone with the driver's left hand, associating a second tactile zone with the driver's right hand. The tactile areas can be moved on the display element or on the display elements according to the steering angle and / or according to a position of the driver's hands.

It is possible that the display element is realized as a touchpad, in which it preferably has rudimentary display devices, in particular to indicate the limits of an activated tactile zone. It is also possible to create the display element as a touchscreen, therefore as a touch-sensitive monitor, which allows versatile and complex display possibilities to display the activated tactile zones and / or complex information for the driver.

An example of embodiment of the steering device is preferred, which is distinguished by the fact that the display element is rotatably mounted with the steering element. This is advantageous because the display element in this case is associated in a particularly simple way with the steering element and in particular can be placed on a striking plate of the steering element or be integrated into it. In this case, a steering angle shift of the activatable touch zone serves in particular to compensate for the current steering angle, in particular when the driver changes the position of his hands during cornering to keep his hands even when cornering. on the steering element in an otherwise typical position in the straight path. Alternatively, it is possible that the display element is fixed with respect to the steering element. This is advantageous with regard to the contact of the display element, in which rotation transducers must not be used. In this case it is particularly preferred that the tactile zone which can be activated follows the steering limit switch in order to always remain disposed in the zone of a steering hand of the driver.

An example of embodiment of the steering device is preferred, which is distinguished by the fact that the display element is made transparent at least in sections. It is possible in a preferred way that the display element is made totally transparent. A sectorial or total transparency of the display element has the advantage that, through the display element, the control instruments, for example arranged on a dashboard of the motor vehicle, remain visible to the driver of the vehicle. It is preferably envisaged that a main function of the display element for the recognition of inputs by the driver by touching the display element takes place in at least one tactile zone. However, the display element preferably has at least rudimentary display devices, in particular for marking the at least one activatable tactile zone and being able to indicate in particular the relative limits. It is therefore also possible to show the driver additionally or alternatively context information, in particular a current function of the activatable touch zone.

An example of embodiment of the steering device is preferred, which is distinguished by the fact that the display element extends around the rotation axis of about 360 °, preferably exactly 360 °, seen in the perimeter direction. The complete circle in this case includes 360 °. The display element extends in particular around the hub of the steering element, in particular the steering wheel, by about 360 °, preferably by exactly 360 °. According to a first embodiment it is possible that the display element is made in an annular shape, in which in particular it surrounds an internal area of the steering element, for example a shock plate. In this case, for example, it is possible that an airbag is arranged in the area of the steering element hub, in which the display element extends annularly around the airbag. According to another embodiment, it is envisaged that the display element is made in the shape of a circular disc, in which in this case the center, unlike the annular embodiment, has no recess but is rather realized as a passing circular disk. In this way it can extend into the area of the steering element hub and be provided in particular in place of a steering element impact plate or be mounted on the impact plate. Said embodiment is possible in particular when a front airbag of the motor vehicle, in which the steering device is used, is not arranged in the steering wheel but in another point, for example in a region of the roof of the motor vehicle.

In a particularly preferred way, the display element which extends about 360 °, preferably exactly 360 °, around the axis of rotation is made sensitive to touch at every point, in particular as a whole as a touch screen or TFT display.

Alternatively, it is possible that the display element is made sensitive to touch only in certain areas distributed on the display element. Preferably, areas are selected in which the hands of the driver of the vehicle are typically arranged. It is thus possible to save costs and at the same time provide the driver of the vehicle with ample comfort with extensive options for controlling the display element.

It is also possible that the display element does not extend approximately 360 ° or 360 ° around the axis of rotation, but rather that it is formed by a plurality of partial display elements in turn distributed around the axis of rotation. . In this way, the partial display elements are preferably made as a whole sensitive to the touch. It is thus possible that the at least one activatable touch zone can be moved from a partial display element to another partial display element or can jump from one to the other. The partial display elements are preferably arranged in areas in which a hand of the driver of the vehicle is typically positioned. In particular, with the distribution of the partial display elements and / or the touch-sensitive areas of the display element, it is possible to consider a positioning of the left hand on one side and the right hand on the other of the driver of the vehicle, in such a way as to make two-hand operation of the display element possible.

An example of embodiment of the steering device is also preferred, which is distinguished by a detection device configured to detect the steering angle. With the aid of the detection device it is in particular possible to easily detect the steering angle. The detection device is preferably chosen from the group formed by the steering angle sensor, position sensor and camera device. With the aid of a steering angle sensor it is directly possible to quickly and easily detect the steering angle of the steering element. Even with a position sensor it is possible to determine a rotation of the steering element around the rotation axis and consequently understand the steering angle. Finally, with a camera device it is possible to directly observe the steering angle, in which the camera device preferably presents an image evaluation device configured to determine the steering angle based on an image of the steering element. As a result, the steering angle is dynamically determined in the form of continuous image recognition, particularly in real time.

Alternatively or as an addition, the steering device preferably has a detection device configured to detect the driver's grip position. Thanks to the detection device it is possible to quickly and easily detect the driver's grip position. In a particularly preferred way, the detection device is selected from the group formed by capacitive sensor and camera device. The capacitive sensor is preferably integrated into an external grip section, in particular a steering wheel rim, connected to the hub via at least one circle, in which, thanks to the capacitive sensor, the position of the vehicle driver's hand with respect to a control element can be determined. steering by means of a local variation of the sensor capacity with the approach of the driver's hand.

A driver's grip position can be detected particularly precisely, easily, quickly and in particular in real time also with a camera device, in which the camera is configured to acquire images of the steering wheel with the driver's hands placed on the steering wheel, in which the camera device has an image evaluation device, on the basis of which the driver's grip position with respect to the steering element can be determined.

The advantage of a steering angle sensor is given by the fact that it is already typically implemented in motor vehicles, so that no additional sensors are required. Camera devices for observing the driver are also becoming increasingly popular, so that it is possible to use devices already present on vehicles without the need for additional sensors but with possibly an additional evaluation logic.

The task is also accomplished with a motor vehicle created with a steering device according to one of the embodiments described above. In this way, the advantages already illustrated with reference to the steering device are realized with respect to the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is particularly preferably designed as a passenger car. However, it is also possible that the vehicle is designed as a truck, commercial vehicle or other suitable way.

Finally, the task is also accomplished by creating a procedure for the operation of a steering device according to one of the embodiments described above which has the following steps: a steering angle of the steering element is detected. Alternatively or as a supplement, a driver's grip position on the steering element is detected. At least one touch area that can be activated on the display element of the steering device is activated and / or moved according to the detected steering angle and / or according to the detected grip position of the driver. The advantages already described with reference to the steering device are thus achieved.

In one embodiment of the method it is possible that the display element or at least the tactile area that can be activated are overall deactivated if the driver's hands are not placed on the steering element. In particular, an involuntary command of the display element is avoided. It is also possible to activate at least one tactile zone that can be activated when the driver's hands approach the steering element or a handle thereof. The at least one activatable tactile zone can therefore be activated in particular exactly on the display element in which the grip of a driver's hand is recognized. If the driver changes grip, the at least one activable touch zone is preferably moved with the driver's hand. It is possible that the display element is used as part of the procedure as a typical touchpad, used in particular to control applications displayed on another monitor, for example on a vehicle central console. It is therefore possible that only rudimentary information is displayed on the display element itself, in particular the limits of the active touch zone or functions of the active touch zone, such as volume adjustment, entry possibilities and other options. Alternatively, it is possible that the display element is used as a monitor, in particular as a touchscreen, in which the applications that can be controlled via the activatable touch zone are directly displayed on the display element.

An embodiment of the method is preferred, which is distinguished by the fact that, on the display element, information for the driver is displayed according to the context in at least one display area. It is thus possible to indicate to the driver, on the display element, in at least one display area, information that is important or advantageous to him depending on the context. The information shown is preferably dependent on a driving situation or driving context. For example, it is possible to indicate to the driver an address book, when he wants to interrupt a phone call or when he starts a call. Depending on the traffic situation, the driver can also be informed of speed limits, the current speed, a current rpm or other essential information.

Alternatively or as an integration, as part of the procedure, context-dependent functions are preferably activated for at least one activatable tactile zone. It is therefore possible that the tactile zone may vary, according to the context, its function. It is always possible to indicate to the driver, in the activated touch zone, the operating elements that are important or useful for the current context. For example, it is possible that the touch zone takes over the control function of a windshield wiper when a rain sensor recognizes that it is about to start raining. It is also possible that the tactile zone takes on telephone control functions, for example for answering or interrupting the call or changing the volume, when the driver wishes to make a phone call or initiate a conversation.

It is also possible that a so-called home button is shown in the at least one touch area that can be activated, i.e. a home button with the function of returning to a menu or to a top screen, a so-called home screen. Thanks to the home button, the driver can return to the main menu at any time in order to be able to call up the lower menu items later.

An embodiment of the process is also preferred which is distinguished by the fact that the display areas on the display element are translated and / or moved according to the steering angle. A display area is then translated with respect to the angle of rotation so that the information shown in the display area is always visible in an upright manner to the driver, regardless of the steering angle. This increases the readability of the information displayed. For example, a speedometer represented virtually on the display element in a display area can always be represented erect regardless of the steering angle of the steering element. A rotation together with the steering angle is also possible.

Alternatively or as a supplement, the display areas on the display element can be moved according to the steering angle. For example, it is possible to display a certain display area always in an upper central area of the steering element regardless of a current steering angle. In this way, important and / or relevant information for safety can always be shown in order to always be at the center of the driver's attention. In a particularly preferred way, the display areas on the display element are rotated and moved according to the steering angle so that a display area can always be arranged erect regardless of the steering angle in an upper central area. A detection of the steering angle and a rotation and / or displacement of a said display area preferably takes place in real time. The driver therefore has no delays and particularly preferably no jolt in the display when cornering. Important information remains in an upright position in a preferred way regardless of the steering angle and always remains in the same position.

Of course, it is also possible that a display area is rotated and / or moved in the same direction as the steering angle, in particular due to the fact that the rotating display element is rotated together with the steering element, in which there is no any displacement or no active rotation of a display zone or due to the fact that the display zones are moved and rotated in a manner corresponding to the steering angle, in the same direction, on a fixed display element relative to the steering element. This allows a particularly intuitive representation for the driver who, with the eye, can follow a rotation movement of the steering element. In the same way, a consistent choice with the fingers, especially the thumbs, in the tactile zones is guaranteed in a particularly simple way.

An embodiment of the method is also preferred which is distinguished by the fact that, to the driver, information is shown on the display element as a function of predetermined priorities, associated with the information and / or with the different display areas. It is particularly possible to dynamically show always relevant information in the right place. Less important information can instead be hidden and be displayed in less prominent points on the display element.

In particular, it is possible that different display areas show a different predetermined priority. In particular, it is possible that a main display area is arranged in an upper central area, with the steering element not rotated, therefore with the position of the steering element for forward travel. Said main display area shows, for example, if no special function has been chosen and there is no critical situation relevant to safety or if no warning is to be shown, a virtual speedometer application, in which other important information can also be included for the driver. It is also possible that in the upper left and right area of the display element, in particular adjacent to the main display area, there are secondary and possibly tertiary display areas.

It is possible that certain applications for the display element can be loaded, for example from a collection of applications such as "App-Store". These applications are preferably run on a processor that also drives the display element.

Applications, in particular with regard to relevance for safety or relevance for vehicle operation, can have different priorities and be represented according to priorities in different display areas of the display element.

In the main display area, functions and / or contents currently selected by the driver are preferably also displayed. Typical functions are the previously mentioned home screen, a navigation application and / or road maps, images from a video camera, for example for parking, an entertainment center, in particular for the selection of sound sources or music, a command for the telephone, in particular the control of a videophone and other functions.

It is also possible to assign a priority to each function. The priorities can then be used to decide which functions should be shown and in which area of the display element if multiple functions are active. If, for example, a function with a higher priority is activated, it occupies the display area, in particular the main display area, of a function arranged there with a lower priority. In particular, if a safety-relevant function or a message function is activated, it preferably occupies the main display area. For example, applications or indications that are currently less relevant may be moved to a secondary or tertiary display area. Alternatively, a newly displayed higher priority function may replace a lower priority function.

Functions which include critical warning messages for the driver or safety-relevant information are preferably given a top priority.

The main display area, as well as the secondary and tertiary display areas, can be spatially separated from each other or treated as overlapping areas. For example, it is possible that the main display area occupies the entire upper part of the display element, in which the secondary and tertiary areas are used as overlays in the partial left and right areas of the display element.

If the driver selects a special function, the speedometer application and other important information are preferably moved to the secondary and / or tertiary display areas while the function selected by the driver is shown in the main display area. Obviously, said function is preferably shifted from essential safety signals or particularly critical warnings that require immediate attention.

It is possible that the main display area, with a rotation of the steering wheel due to the displacement of the display areas according to the steering angle, is moved to a secondary or tertiary display area or is superimposed on it. The same effect can also result from changing the driver's grip, therefore with the variation of the grip position. In this case the functions shown in the main display area are shown as overlaps with respect to those of the secondary or tertiary areas or the latter are moved, so as to disturb as little as possible, in the marginal areas of the display element, possibly also in a lower area of the display element.

If a critical driving situation arises, which requires immediate attention, an essential relevant warning message is preferably shown in the main display area. All other less relevant content can be totally hidden to allow the driver to concentrate fully on the critical signal or indication of danger. It is possible that the home button described above receives a very high priority or is of the highest priority so that it is always displayed on the display element - in the main display area or in a secondary or tertiary display area. However, it is possible that the home button can also be replaced by essential information directly relevant to safety.

In general, it is also possible to provide that certain information with low priority will not be displayed if it should cover other information that is differently more important, currently shown, with higher priority. It can be expected to keep a contact functionality associated with lower priority functions, even if it is not currently displayed.

Alternatively, it is possible that information and / or functions with lower priority are translated or moved to less prominent display elements, so as not to compromise the main display area.

Finally, an embodiment of the procedure is preferred which is distinguished by the fact that the display element is used to recognize single gestures or multiple gestures. In particular, two-hand tactile inputs are possible for distributed functions or complex commands.

In a particularly preferred way, the display element distinguishes between single gestures and multiple gestures. Single gestures are typically performed with the driver's right or left hand and are preferably interpreted as simple movements or directions, e.g. up, down, left, right, diagonal. These gestures can be used for example to move a selection cursor. Multiple tactile gestures are based on two-hand inputs or at least two-finger input. In a particularly preferred way, two separate activatable tactile zones are used for the evaluation of multiple tactile gestures, which are evaluated jointly, in particular a first tactile zone that can be activated for the driver's left hand and a second tactile zone that can be activated for the right hand. of the driver. These multiple touch gestures are used for advanced operations, for example for a scroll or movement of contents, in particular documents, maps, images or for zooming, for example to enlarge or reduce contents or views.

The display element also distinguishes in a preferred way between entries with the left hand and entries with the right hand, in which the tactile entries are preferably associated, with respect to the grip position of the respective hand as follows:

a "movement to the left" is preferably recognized, with a tangential movement with respect to the steering element, as follows: for the left hand as a movement towards an outer limit of the steering element and for the right hand as a movement towards a center of the steering element. A "movement to the right" is preferably recognized, with a tangential movement with respect to the steering element, as follows: for the right hand as a movement towards an outer limit of the steering element and for the left hand as a movement towards a center of the steering element. An "upward movement" is preferably recognized, with a tangential movement to the steering element, as follows: for the left hand as a vertical upward movement when the left hand is placed between the 7 o'clock position and the 11 o'clock position on the steering element, a movement to the left if the left hand is placed between 5 and 7 o'clock and a movement to the right when the left hand is placed between 11 and 13 o'clock. the right hand the upward movement is recognized with a vertical upward movement if the hand is placed between 1 and 5 o'clock, with movement to the left if the hand is placed between 11 and 13 o'clock , and with movement to the right if the hand is placed between 5 and 7 o'clock.

A "downward movement" is recognized, with tangential movement with respect to the steering element, as follows: for the left hand as a vertical downward movement if the hand is placed between 7 and 11 o'clock, as a movement to the right if the hand is placed between 5 and 7 o'clock, and as a movement to the left if the hand is placed between 11 and 13 o'clock. For the right hand, the downward movement is recognized as a vertical movement towards the bass if the hand is placed between 1 and 5 o'clock, as a movement to the right if the right hand is placed between 11 and 13 and as a movement to the left if the hand is placed between 5 and 7.

Finally, it is possible that the display element or the processor connected to the display element is configured and used to learn general tactile gestures. Control gestures individually pre-determined by the driver can be learned.

The steering device is also configured to recognize usual command gestures, such as those used with tablets. For example, it is possible that the driver, with a normal two-finger gesture customary in tablets, can zoom in on a map shown on the display element.

The steering device on the one hand and the procedure on the other are described in a complementary way to each other. Characteristics of the steering device, which have been explicitly or implicitly described in connection with the method, are preferably single or mutually combined characteristics of a preferred embodiment of the steering device. Procedural steps which have been explicitly or implicitly described in connection with the steering device are preferably single or mutually combined procedural steps of a preferred embodiment of the method. The method is preferably distinguished by at least one procedural step, which is conditioned by at least one characteristic of the steering device. The steering device is preferably distinguished by at least one characteristic conditioned by at least one procedural step of a preferred embodiment of the method.

The invention is illustrated in detail below with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a steering device;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a steering device, e

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an operation of the second embodiment according to Figure 2.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment example of a steering device 1 for a motor vehicle, which has a steering element 3 rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 5 and realized in this case as steering wheel. The steering device 1 also has a display element 7 sensitive to touch at least in areas, in this case completely, that is, over an entire display surface. The display element 7 is in particular configured for entering commands by the driver of the motor vehicle and for issuing information to the driver. The display element 7 also has at least one tactile zone which can be activated for input, in the embodiment shown, in the operating mode shown, it has two tactile zones 9, 9 ', in which a first tactile zone 9 is associated with the hand driver's right 11 and a second tactile zone 9 'is associated with the driver's left hand 11'. The display element 7 can have, depending on the concrete example of embodiment of the steering device 1 and also as a function of a specific operating mode, in particular depending on the context, a greater or lesser number than two tactile zones 9 , 9 ', for example no tactile zone - in particular with the emission of critical danger indications or signals - or more than two tactile zones 9, 9', in particular when the driver has to control a plurality of functions, in which a different tactile zones 9, 9 'can be associated with different functions. As shown in Figure 1, the display element 7 is configured to show the tactile zones 9, 9 '. In particular, the edges of the tactile areas 9, 9 'are represented, so that the driver can recognize in which areas the display element 7 is active for entry by contact. The tactile areas 9, 9 'are therefore created as locally limited control areas. As already explained, the display element 7 is in principle sensitive to touch on the entire surface, in which it is however active only in the tactile areas 9, 9 'locally limited for entry by contact. This means that only in the tactile zones 9, 9 'is a contact of the display element 7 really evaluated in the sense of an input. It is thus ensured that an unintentional contact of the display element 7 outside the tactile zones 9, 9 'does not lead to unwanted entry.

The steering device 1 is distinguished by the fact that the at least one activatable tactile zone, in this case both tactile zones 9, 9 ', can be moved on the display element as a function of a steering angle of the steering element. steering 3 around the axis of rotation and / or as a function of a driver's grip position. If the steering element 3 is rotated around the axis of rotation 5 and / or the driver changes grip with at least one of the hands 11, 11 ', at least one of the tactile zones 9, 9' is moved according to the rotation of the steering element 3 and / or as a function of the variation of the grip position of at least one of the hands 11, 11 '. In particular, the at least one tactile area 9, 9 'is moved with respect to the display element 7, in particular with respect to a coordinate system on it. It can thus be ensured that the driver always has optimal and safe access to vehicle information and control elements, in which uninterrupted tactile operation is possible directly from the holding position of the steering wheel. In particular, the driver is notified dynamically relevant information always in the right place. The term "grip position" means a position of the hands 11, 11 'on the steering element 3.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the display element 7 is rotatably mounted in conjunction with the steering element 3. It is therefore fixed at all times relative to a coordinate system which is permanently connected to the steering element 3 With respect to a coordinate system on the vehicle, however, it is rotated together with the steering element 3 if the driver performs a steering movement. Alternatively, it is possible that the display element 7 is fixed with respect to the steering element 3, so as not to rotate jointly with it.

Figure 1 shows the display element 7 which extends in the example embodiment represented by 360 °, therefore in the complete circle, in the perimeter direction around the axis of rotation 5 and in particular around a hub 13 of the steering wheel. In this case, it is made in an annular shape, that is, in the shape of a circular disc which has a recess in the center for receiving the hub 13 or a striking plate of the steering element 3. It is possible that in the hub 13 or an airbag is integrated into the impact plate. Alternatively, it is possible that the display element 7 is made in the shape of a disc, in particular in the shape of a circular disc without a central recess, therefore continuously over the entire surface.

The steering device 1 has a detection device 15 represented only schematically for detecting the steering angle and / or the grip position. In particular, for the detection of a steering angle it is possible that the detection device 15 includes a position sensor integrated in the steering element 3 or a steering angle sensor. The detection device 15 may have, for detecting the driver's grip position, a capacitive sensor integrated in an outer steering ring 17 for detecting the grip position. In the example of embodiment shown here, the detection device 15 however has a camera device 19, configured to evaluate and detect, in particular by means of image recognition, the steering angle and / or the driver's grip position.

In the context of a preferred embodiment of a method for actuating the steering device 1, a steering angle of the steering element 3 and / or a grip position of the driver is detected, and at least one touch zone 9, 9 'which can be activated is activated and / or moved on the display element 7 as a function of the detected steering angle and / or as a function of the detected grip position of the driver.

It is thus possible that, in the context of the procedure, information for the driver is displayed on the display element 7, depending on the context, in at least one display area 21. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible that, for the 'at least one tactile zone 9, 9', context-dependent functions are activated. For example, the driver in Figure 1 with normal running operation is shown, in the display area 21, in the center and centrally a speedometer application, in which other operating parameters of the vehicle are displayed on the left and right of the speedometer application. In the tactile area 9, 9 'with a normal gear and without a specific selection by the driver, common applications for selection are preferably shown, in which the display is preferably configurable by the driver. In the example of implementation shown here, in the second touch zone 9 ’associated with the left hand 11’ a home button is displayed on the left and a selection button on the right for selecting a volume menu for a vehicle sound system. In the first tactile zone 9 associated with the right hand 11, a map or navigation application and a music application are displayed. If the driver selects a function, in the display area 21 the specific information relating to said function is preferably shown, in which the functionality of the tactile areas 9, 9 'varies accordingly. The function thus selected can be controlled by contact in the tactile areas 9, 9 '.

It is particularly possible that the information is shown to the driver on the display element 7 according to predetermined priorities associated with the information and / or different display areas 21. The information and / or functions of higher priority may overlap information and / or functions of lower priority or, in particular, high-priority display areas can be moved to other areas of the display element 7.

Preferably, within the procedure, display areas 21 are also rotated and / or moved as a function of the steering angle. For example, it is possible in this way to show the speedometer application, regardless of the steering angle, always in an upright position and particularly preferably in an upper, central area of the steering device 1.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second example of embodiment of a steering device 1 for a motor vehicle 23. Equal elements and with the same operation are indicated with the same numerical reference for which reference is made to the previous description. In said embodiment, the display element 7 is made at least in sections, in this case in particular completely transparent, so that a dashboard 25 arranged behind the display element 7 is visible through the display element 7. display element 7 is however configured to show limits, in particular boundary lines of the tactile zones 9, 9 '. It is also possible that the display element 7 is configured for the display of functions momentarily active in the tactile zones 9, 9 '. The tactile areas 9, 9 'can be moved on the display element 7 according to the steering angle and / or the driver's grip position.

This is clear with reference to Figure 3, which shows the second embodiment example according to Figure 2 of the steering device 1 in another operating state, in particular with another driver's grip position. The same elements and with the same functioning are indicated with the same numerical reference for which reference is made to the previous description. Based on the position of the hub 13 it is recognized that the steering element 3 in Figure 3 has not been rotated with respect to Figure 2 so the steering angle is the same. Driver 1, however, changed the handle with both hands 11, 11 ', for example to initiate a steering movement. The tactile zones 9, 9 'are then moved to the new grip position so that in turn the first tactile zone 9 can be controlled directly by the right hand 11, in particular with the thumb, and in which the second tactile zone 9' it can be controlled in the same way with the left hand 11 '. Preferably, the change in the driver's grip is recognized by means of the detection device 11, which has the camera device 19.

The activated tactile zones 9, 9 'are preferably configured for the recognition of elementary gestures, in which simple gestures include in particular an upward movement, in particular of the thumb, a downward movement, a movement to the left and a movement to the right. Diagonal movements can be understood as a combination of these elementary gestures. Based on the intersections of coordinates 27, 27 'represented in the tactile areas 9, 9' it is clear that the recognition in the tactile areas 9, 9 'is preferably adapted to the concrete position of the tactile areas 9, 9'. In particular, the intersections of coordinates 27, 27 'are rotated with the movement of the tactile zones 9, 9' in particular so that the driver can always intuitively perform the elementary gestures illustrated above. It follows in particular that a movement of the right hand 11, essentially oriented towards the left (Figure 3), in particular of the thumb, is understood as an upward movement and a relative movement oriented essentially towards the right is understood as a downward movement, an essentially upward movement of the right hand 11, in particular of the thumb, is interpreted in the position shown in Figure 3 of the tactile zone 9 as a movement to the right, in which a movement oriented essentially downward with respect to the hub 13 is interpreted what movement to the left. Said association relates in particular to a configuration of the first tactile zone 9 between the 11 o'clock position and a 13 o'clock position on the display element 7. The same applies, obviously referring to the right / left mirror symmetry, for the second tactile zone 9 ' and for the left hand 11 '.

The tactile zones 9, 9 'are also configured in a preferred way to distinguish between single tactile gestures and multiple tactile gestures. The single gestures are typically performed by only one of the hands 11, 11 'and may in particular correspond to the elementary gestures described above.

Multiple gestures are performed in particular with both hands 11, 11 'at the same time and preferably represent a combination formed by the elementary gestures described above. For example, it is possible that an upward movement of the left hand coupled with a downward movement of the right hand, or vice versa, is evaluated as a command to expand a view in the vertical direction. Similarly, it is possible that a downward movement of the left hand and an upward movement of the right hand, or vice versa, is evaluated as a command to reduce a display in the vertical direction. For a horizontal extension or reduction movement, relative combined gestures in the right / left direction are possible. The scroll movements can for example be entered through simultaneous movements and in the same direction as the hands 11, 110, for example through movements on both sides upwards, downwards or left / right always on both sides.

The following is also highlighted: if a particularly critical and particularly safety-relevant warning is displayed, it preferably moves all the displays and preferably also all the tactile areas 9, 9 'of the display element 7, so that on the display element 7 in a prominent position, in particular in the upper central area, only the safety-critical signaling is shown in commensurate size. This ensures that the driver can give their full attention to this safety-relevant and / or critical sign. Overall, with the help of the steering device 1 and thanks to the procedure, it is possible to have a dynamic representation, depending on the context, always suitable, correct and secure, of information, as well as the presentation of input possibilities for the driver.

Claims (10)

Claims 1. Steering device (1) for a motor vehicle (23), comprising - a steering element (3), mounted rotatably about a rotation axis (5), and comprising - at least one display element (7) sensitive to the touch at least in areas, in which - the display element (7) has at least one tactile area (9, 9 ') that can be activated for an entry, characterized by the fact that - the at least one touch zone (9, 9 ') which can be activated can be moved on the display element (7) as a function of a steering angle of the steering element (3) around the axis of rotation (5) and / or as a function of a grip position of the driver of the motor vehicle (23). 2. Steering device (1) characterized by the fact that the display element (7) is rotatably mounted with the steering element (3) or is arranged fixedly with respect to the steering element (3). 3. Steering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display element (3) is made transparent at least in sections. Steering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display element (7) extends approximately 360 °, preferably exactly 360 °, seen in the peripheral direction, around the axis of rotation (5). 5. Steering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detection device (15) configured for detecting the steering angle and / or the driver's grip position. Method for operating a steering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the following steps: - detection of a steering angle of the steering element (3) and / or of a grip position of the driver, and - activation and / or displacement of at least one tactile area (9, 9 ') which can be activated on the display element (7) according to the detected steering angle and / or according to the detected grip position of the driver. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that context-dependent information for the driver is displayed on the display element (7) in at least one display area (21) and / or context-dependent functions are activated for the at least one tactile zone (9, 9 '). 8. Process according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the at least one display area (21) is translated and / or moved on the display element (7) as a function of the steering angle. 9. Process according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the information is presented to the driver on the display element (7) according to predetermined priorities associated with the information and / or with different display areas. Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the steering device (1) recognizes single touch gestures and / or multiple touch gestures such as inputs.