DE102016124415A1 - CONTROL UNIT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating unit (2) for a motor vehicle for manual operation of at least one function of the motor vehicle has a hand rest section (4) and at least one actuating element (6) which is designed for actuation by a hand (10) resting on the hand rest section (4) wherein the handrest portion (4) has a contoured or substantially conformed contour to a relaxed human hand (10) having at least one tactile finger positioning region (8i, 8ii) for blindly locating a position required to actuate the actuator.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to an operating unit for a motor vehicle, in particular for operating vehicle functions by manual actuation.

State of the art

Operating units for manual control of functions in motor vehicles, such as operation of window regulators, exterior mirrors, seat adjustments, adjustment of the room temperature, as well as devices for indirect operation via menu guides in displays are known.

The execution and selection of functions in the vehicle interior is conventionally via mechanical switches or toggle switches on the dashboard or at other accessible locations in the interior of the vehicle. The switches are recognizable as functional elements and can therefore disturb the visual appearance, and the necessary joints must be cleaned consuming. The mechanical switches can usually not be used for functional enhancements.

Alternatively, displays with touch function (touch function) are used, in which touching a screen area can trigger a function. This allows a smooth appearance and a situation-adapted occupancy of the screen areas, but has geometric constraints that still restrict the freedom of design and complicate an ergonomically optimized design. The use of displays with touch function also requires turning away from the road when operating.

Description of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved operating element for operating functions of a motor vehicle. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved operating element for operating functions of a motor vehicle, which increases the design freedom of the vehicle interior and allows intuitive operation.

The basic idea of the invention is based on the idea of using a tactile functional element instead of a mechanical switch, which can also be used as a handrest at the same time.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, a control unit for a motor vehicle for manual operation of at least one function of the motor vehicle is proposed, which has a Handablageabschnitt and at least one actuating element which is designed for actuation by a hand resting on the Handablageabschnitt hand, the Handablageabschnitt a to a relaxed human hand contoured or substantially conformed contour having at least one tactile finger positioning region for blind finding a required position for actuating the actuator.

As a function of a car, every function comes into consideration. Preferably, the function is a peripheral function outside of the drive train and the steering. As a relaxed human hand is understood in the context of the invention, a hand that is loosely curved, so neither stretched nor clenched. An embossed is a shape that corresponds to a negative of a positive form, in the present case, the positive form is the shape of the relaxed human hand. The shape can be determined based on a pattern shape or averaging several pattern shapes or by a mathematical or statistical model. A corresponding contour of the handrest portion will be spatially convex or substantially spatially convex. The described contour can also be described as a flatterer. A finger positioning region in the sense of the invention is an area intended for the application of a specific finger. Sensitivity may be given by general shapes such as cooling, troughs, ribs or the like, surface finish, material selection, touch pattern, thermal design or other means. The concept of the finger basically also includes the thumb here, but the finger positioning area can be designed for a specific selection of fingers of the hand, with or without a thumb, as far as the blind findability is guaranteed. Actuation by the hand may include actuation by a finger or by the palm of the hand or by the whole hand, whereby a finger may in turn also comprise the thumb.

With the described control a variety of control switches can be omitted on the dashboard. The control element can be placed anywhere in the armrest area. The hand automatically finds the required operating position.

If the contour of the hand rest section is spatially convex or substantially spatially convex, it can nestle particularly well with the hand.

In embodiments, at least one actuating element is on the handrest portion, preferably on the tactile Fingerpositionierungsbereich the same, arranged. Thus, the keying of the operating unit and the positioning of the hand can be linked to the operation by a finger, which can further improve the ergonomics and increase the speed and accuracy of the operation.

The at least one actuating element can also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the hand-laying section. Within the meaning of the invention, an area adjacent to the hand placement section, which can be reached by at least one finger of the hand gripping the hand placement section, for example by means of stripping, is understood to be the immediate vicinity of the hand placement section. Thus, a space around the handrail section can also be used for operations.

In embodiments, the at least one actuator comprises a touch-sensitive area or pushbutton or push-button on the hand-lay-out portion, preferably a tactile finger-positioning area thereof, or in the immediate vicinity of the hand-laying portion. By using, for example, an integrated 3D touch foil with capacitive, inductive, resistive, infrared or piezo sensors, the positioning of the fingers is clearly recognized. By swiping or tapping your finger, interactions can be performed, for example, via menu guidance (display) or direct activation of switches.

In embodiments, it is provided that the hand rest section is movable and the at least one actuation element has a switch or pushbutton, in particular microswitch or pushbutton, which is triggered by a movement of the hand rest section, or a sensor system for detecting a movement of the hand rest section.

If the operating unit has a fingerprint recognition device, it can also be used to authenticate access to control systems, communication system of the vehicle. Functions, accesses and presettings can be customized on the basis of the read fingerprint. A separate fingerprint reader can be omitted.

The operating unit preferably has a transmitting device for transmitting signals in accordance with actuations of the at least one actuating element. Thus, the operating unit can send actuating signals to a control device. The transmission may include wired or wireless transmissions.

Preferably, the operating unit has a receiving device for receiving signals and further at least one of a display device for displaying information in accordance with the received signals and a feedback device for the feedback of actuation and / or control operations by mechanical, optical or acoustic means. Thus, the control unit can receive signals from a control device to report back to the user in any conceivable form. Occupancies of the operating unit can also be defined on the basis of signals from the control device and changed according to the situation. The receiving may include wired or wireless transmissions.

If the display device is touch-sensitive and is part of the at least one actuating device, operating processes and (at least pictorial) display processes can also be combined in one area.

In embodiments, for the detection of the at least one tactile finger positioning region, there is additionally provided a rib structure for finger guidance or a tactile change of a surface structure of the hand rest section formed on the hand rest section.

If each finger exactly one actuator is provided, a particularly safe operation can be made possible, since the fingers remain in a single position.

In embodiments, actuating elements are provided on the front side adjacent to and / or integrated in the convex contour of the handrest section.

In embodiments, at least one actuating element is designed as an elongate actuating field. A size, in particular the longitudinal extent of the elongated actuating field can be dimensioned for adaptation to differently sized hands and / or fingers. Preferably, at least one actuating element configured as an elongate actuating field is provided per finger.

In this case, preferably at least two elongate actuating fields are arranged at an angle between their longitudinal orientations. A small angle between the longitudinal orientations, for example between 1 and 30 degrees, corresponds to the natural shape of a human hand grasping a convex shape and is therefore ergonomically advantageous.

Furthermore, at least one elongate actuating field can be designed in such a way that several are provided on the surface of the actuating field Operating areas are provided. Such an arrangement may also serve to serve multi-directional functions such as window lift on / off, left / right / front / rear mirror adjustment, radio frequency or presets, or climatic temperature up / down, scrolling or zooming in a screen of a multifunction display, and the like ,

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control device for a motor vehicle is proposed, wherein the control device is an operating unit as described above, a receiving unit for receiving signals from the operating unit, and at least one control unit for controlling at least one function of the motor vehicle by means of the receiving unit having received signals.

In embodiments, the control device comprises a display unit for reproducing information by optical or acoustic means in accordance with the signals received by the receiving unit and / or functions controlled thereby.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle is proposed with an operating unit as described above, wherein the operating unit is attached or integrated mounted on a center console, armrest, door trim or a seat.

In embodiments, the operating unit is displaceable relative to the center console, armrest, door trim or the seat, rotatable, adjustable in height or otherwise variable in position and / or orientation to adapt a position of the control unit to a position of the operator of the control unit.

list of figures

• 1 shows an exterior view of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 shows an exterior view of a control unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 shows an external view of a control unit according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
• 4 shows a sectional view of an operating unit according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.

It is understood that the figures are purely schematic. Although the figures are intended to illustrate the facts essential to the understanding of the invention, it is also possible to show elements which are not indispensable for carrying out the invention. In the figures, the same or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a schematic perspective external view of a control unit 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Without the invention being limited thereto, the operating unit is 2 This embodiment in the region of a center console of a motor vehicle in a position that is easily accessible for a driver, arranged.

The operating unit 2 has a handrail section 4 , an actuator 6, and a plurality of finger positioning portions 8i, 8ii. The operating unit 2 is with a resting on her right hand 10 an operator with multiple fingers 12i-12v shown. For purposes of illustration and explanation, the thumb 12i is also considered a finger. The handrail section 4 as a whole is along a longitudinal degree of freedom 14 movable. Movements according to the longitudinal degree of freedom 14 are detected by a sensor (not shown in detail), which can also be understood as a further actuating element.

The handrail section 4 has a generally convex contour, which on the relaxed resting hand 10 nestled. The finger positioning regions 6i, 6ii are formed to be held by the hand 10 or the fingers 12i, 12ii are tactile. This allows the right position of the hand 10 with respect to the handrail section 4 or with respect to the actuating element 6a be found blind. A first finger positioning region 8i for the thumb 12i, which may also be referred to from the thumb rest region, is in this embodiment a local convex partial contour in the overall convex contour of the hand placement section 4 incorporated. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration of the finger positioning portion 8i; rather, the Fingerpositionierungsbereich 8 also be implemented by other means.

A first actuating element 6 is a contact-sensitive area in the surface of the hand rest area 4 integrated and also serves as a second finger positioning area 8ii for the index finger 12ii of the hand 10 , The finger positioning area 8ii here is due to a smoother finish than the rest of the palm rest area 4 palpable. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration of the finger positioning portion 8ii; Rather, the Fingerpositionierungsbereich 8 can also be realized by other means, such as mechanical sensing elements such as elevations or depressions. The first actuator 6 may also be constructed differently, such as a hidden button; in this case, the tactility of the second finger positioning region 8ii may be given, for example, by the compliance of a skin of the hand rest 4 above the stylus.

By way of the first actuating element 6, touches of the index finger 12ii can be sensed / detected and converted into sensor signals. Likewise, movements of the handrest portion 4 as a whole are along the longitudinal degree of freedom 14 Sensible / detectable by the further actuator (not shown in detail) and convertible into sensor signals. The sensor signals are accessible via a not shown I / O interface with a transmitting device. The interface can be integrated via wire or wirelessly into a control system of the motor vehicle.

2 shows a schematic perspective external view of a control unit 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Without the invention being limited thereto, the operating unit is 2 this embodiment in the area of an armrest of a left side door of a motor vehicle in a position which is easily accessible for a left-hand occupant arranged. The operating unit 2 This embodiment is a variant of the operating unit 2 of the previous embodiment, so that the features thereof can be taken as given also in the present embodiment, as far as nothing else is described below or it is obvious from the context obviously impossible to recognize.

As in the previous embodiment, the operating unit 2 of this embodiment has a generally convex hand-laying portion 4 on. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the operating unit 2 This embodiment can not be moved as a whole, although in a modification, such mobility can be provided as a whole. The handrail section 4 has a central area in this embodiment 20 which has omnidirectionally convex global curvature and that of a curvature reversal line 22 in a brim-shaped edge section 24 goes over, the curvature in the circumferential direction is convex and concave in the radial direction, wherein the radial direction is a direction toward the edge. The brim-shaped edge section 24 is a smooth transition to a surrounding structure, given here to the surrounding surface of the armrest of the door panel. It is understood that a globally convex topography may also have local concave dents in order to become obvious 10 better fitting or to define Fingerpositionierungsbereiche, or for other technical or aesthetic reasons.

In this embodiment, the operating unit 2 three actuators 6a, 6b, 6c provided for the thumb, index and middle fingers of the left hand of the driver and as respective finger positioning portions 8i, 8ii, 8iii in the surface of the handrest portion 4 are formed. The actuators 6a, 6b, 6c are formed in this embodiment as elongated actuation fields. In this case, the first actuator 6a for the thumb extends along the curvature reversal line 22 and the second actuator 6b and the third actuator 6c extend from the central region 20 to the edge area 24 , How out 2 can be seen traces of the second actuating element 6 to a slight angle, which the course of the fingers at loosely on the Handablageabschnitt 4 resting hand 10 is modeled.

The actuating elements 6a, 6b, 6c of this exemplary embodiment are each designed as multi-range (here: dual-range) actuating elements. In this case, different functions (here about a distal region and a proximal region) of the actuating element are assigned different functions, such as opposite directions of an actuator or the like. Without limiting the generality of the actuators 6a, 6b, 6c of this Ausführungsbeipiels each assigned to a freely assignable function, a right window and a left window. The respective functions are by function markings 26 at the edge 24 the control unit 2 specified. The freely assignable function is by a control device of the vehicle via the not shown I / O interface, which is provided for this purpose with a receiving device assignable.

3 shows a schematic perspective external view of a control unit 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Without the invention being limited thereto, the operating unit is 2 This embodiment in the area of an armrest of a center console or a right side door of a motor vehicle in a position that is easily accessible for the right hand of a driver or occupant arranged. The operating unit 2 This embodiment is a variant of the operating units 2 of the previous embodiments, so that the features thereof can be taken as given in the present embodiment as well, unless otherwise stated below described or it is obviously out of context apparent as impossible.

The basic form of the operating unit 2 with central area 20 , brim-shaped edge area 24 and elongated fields of operation corresponds to that of the previous embodiment. In the present embodiment, however, five actuators 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e are provided, each actuator corresponding to a finger positioning region 8i, 8ii, 8iii, 8iv, 8v. Thus, for every finger of a hand 10 an actuator available.

The border area 24 is extended in this embodiment, the end face, and in this area is a display section 30 educated. The display section 30 may display various data received from a controller, such as weather data or the like, via the I / O interface, not shown.

In one embodiment, the display section 30 be touch-sensitive and serve as another actuator. In this case, areas of the display section 30 be controlled so that they show symbols or other representations according to the underlying functions.

4 shows a sectional view of a control unit 2 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The operating unit 2 This embodiment is a concretization and development of in 1 shown embodiment with respect to the mobility of the control unit 2 as a whole, but is in terms of the design of the surface of the hand rest section 4 completely undefined and therefore each of the in 2 and 3 have shown shapes and features. Thus, the features of all the foregoing embodiments may also be taken as given in the present embodiment as far as nothing else is described below, or obviously it is obviously impossible to recognize in the context.

As shown in 4 is the hand placement section 4 above a pad 40 which is a depression 41 has arranged. The handrail section 4 has a bowl-shaped basic shape and a bottom-projecting pin 42 on. The pin 42 protrudes into the depression 41 the underlay 40 into and is there by means of a damping element 43 and a spring 44 stored so that the handrail section 4 in three degrees of freedom, namely a degree of longitudinal freedom 14 , a vertical degree of freedom 45 and a rotational degree of freedom 46 is movably mounted. The damping element 43 may be, for example, a silicone damper. A microswitch 47 is as a vertical actuator 6v within the recess 41 provided to movements along the vertical degree of freedom 45 and a through a sensor cathode foil 48 and a sensor anode foil 49 formed sensor is as a horizontal actuator 6h provided to movements along the longitudinal degree of freedom 14 and the rotational degree of freedom 46 capture.

The invention is applicable to a variety of controls within a vehicle. With the control unit according to the invention, all control units within the vehicle interior, with which functions such as operations of window regulators, exterior mirrors, electronic gear changes, seat adjustments or menu-driven actuation systems for more complex functions can be performed with submenus, are covered.

The invention is realized by the geometric design of a portion of an armrest, center console or the like as a multifunctional control unit (MFB) in the manner of a flatterer. The control unit can be designed either as a separate component or only by the geometric design. The geometrical design, which may be similar to a computer mouse, allows the occupant to position accurately his hand on the control panel. The control panel is equipped with an electronic sensor system and can be integrated directly into the curved support surfaces of the handheld storage section as well as into adjacent areas. Due to the special geometrical shape, the positions of the sensory switches can be found intuitively without eye contact already when placing the hand on the hand placement section. Here, but not necessarily, the position of the sensory switches can be made tangible by additional haptic elements.

The execution of the various functions is controlled by a microcontroller, which can output additional information via an optional display.

The invention encompasses the combination of a hand-laying section, which is designed in the manner of a flatterer, with a touchpad or an arrangement of sensory switches. The touchpad replaces the usual mechanical switches, while the hand-placement section allows intuitive operation and finding of sensory switches without the need for eye contact. The hand rest section can additionally fulfill other functions, eg as a door handle, design element or simply as a hand rest. To avoid incorrect operation can be provided that the sensors of the control unit function-related inputs only after actuation of an unlock switch or input of an unlock code or a predetermined sequence of operations (for example, a double pressure on an actuator or simultaneous pressure on two actuators or the like) are released.

1. 1) Ein Handschmeichler wird als geometrisches Feature mit einer computermausähnlichen Form als Handauflage beispielsweise in einer Armauflage einer Türverkleidung integriert.
2. 2) Die Integration erfolgt entweder direkt als geometrische Anformung innerhalb der Armauflage oder durch die Fixierung eines zusätzlichen Bauteils auf der Armauflage.
3. 3) Die Umgebung des Handschmeichlers oder die Oberfläche des Handschmeichlers selbst wird mit einer bedienerfreundlichen Anordnung von sensorischen Schaltern oder mit einem Touchpad ausgestattet. Aus der Kombination des Handschmeichlers mit der spezifischen Anordnung der sensorischen Schalter entsteht ein neues gesamtheitliches Bedienelement, das ein intuitives Bedienen von Fensterhebern, Außenspiegeln oder anderer gewünschter Funktionen, die über einen Mikrocontroller gesteuert werden können, ermöglicht.
4. 4) Die Oberflächen des Handschmeichlers können aus Kunststoff, Glas oder kaschierten Dekoren bestehen, die Oberflächen für die Sensorschalter können aus Glas, Kunststoff oder ebenfalls aus kaschierten Dekoren bestehen.

The following further elements can be understood as constituents or partial aspects of the invention:

1. 1) A flatterer is integrated as a geometric feature with a computer mouse-like shape as a hand rest, for example, in an armrest of a door trim.
2. 2) The integration takes place either directly as a geometric formation within the armrest or by the fixation of an additional component on the armrest.
3. 3) The environment of the flatterer or the surface of the flatterer itself is equipped with a user-friendly arrangement of sensory switches or with a touchpad. The combination of the hand-piece with the specific arrangement of the sensory switches creates a new holistic control element that enables intuitive operation of window regulators, exterior mirrors or other desired functions that can be controlled via a microcontroller.
4. 4) The surfaces of the Handschmeichlers can be made of plastic, glass or laminated decors, the surfaces for the sensor switch can be made of glass, plastic or also of laminated decors.

The flattener may include additional haptic features to facilitate position finding in the operation of the sensory switches, such as those shown in FIGS. molded-on rib structures for finger guidance or tangible changes in the surface structures.

• • Durch eine der Hand angepasste Formgebung der Trägerfläche findet die Hand automatisch die erforderliche Bedienposition.
• • Eindeutige Positionierhilfen der Finger (Kuhlen, Mulden, Rippen, unterschiedliche Oberflächenbeschaffenheit) ermöglichen eine Blindbedienung
• • Eine Bedienung für unterschiedliche Handgrößen bzw. Fingergrößen wird durch ein längliches Tasterfeld ermöglicht.
• • Durch Verwendung einer integrierten 3D-Touchfolie mit kapazitiven, induktiven, resistiven, Infrarot- oder Piezo-Sensoren wird die Positionierung der Finger eindeutig erkannt. Durch ein Wischen oder Tippen des Fingers können Interaktionen über Menüführung (Display) oder Direktansteuerung von Schaltern ausgeführt werden.
• • Der Bediener bekommt über eine haptische Rückmeldung (Hubmagnet, Piezo, Exciter, Unwuchtmotoren etc.) und/oder optische Bestätigung über Lichtszenarien eine Rückmeldung über die ausgeführte Interaktion, bzw. bekommt vom System die Aufforderung eine Interaktion auszuführen. Durch eine Entkopplung (z.B. über Gummipuffer, Gele oder Federn) der Bedieneinheit (Schalter) kann die Vibration ausgeführt werden und lokal auf die für die Funktion erforderlichen Bereiche begrenzt werden.
• • Die Bedieneinheit kann an der Türe, Mittelkonsole, Armauflage oder Sitz angebracht sein und kann bevorzugt auf die individuelle Position des Benutzers angepasst werden (z.B. durch Verschieben, Verdrehen, in der Höhe verstellbar). Diese Verstellmöglichkeit wird beispielsweise über Schienensysteme, Kugelführungen, Kipplager, Spindelführung etc. ermöglicht.
• • Als Oberflächenmaterialen können Echtglas-, Kunststoff-, Holz-, Leder-, Stein- Metalloberflächen verwendet werden.
• • Anwendungen der Schalterfunktion für: Fensterheber, Außenspiegel, Gangwahlschaltung (mit haptischer Aufforderung für Gangwechsel z.B. Sport-/Economy-Modus) Fahrzeugverriegelung, Türöffner, Menüsteuerung eines Displays, Tastatur für z.B. Emails (autonomes Fahren bzw. Beifahrer) etc.
• • Optional kann die Bedieneinheit beweglich als Ersatz für ein herkömmliches Mensch-Maschine-Interface (Dreh-Push-Schalter) eingesetzt werden. Dafür kann die Bedieneinheit als Ganzes Bewegungen ausführen (Linearführung, Kugelführung, Feder, Kipplager etc.) optional mit Rastpositionen. Durch die Relativbewegung der Bedieneinheit können mechanische oder elektronische Schalter betätigt werden die die Signale an den Mikrokontroller weitergeben.
• • Die Bedieneinheit kann entweder aufgesetzt oder in die Form integriert sein.
• • Beleuchtbare Symbolik, kleinere Displays, Lichtszenarien sorgen für zusätzliche Informationen und optische Rückmeldung der Interaktion.
• • Eine Fingerabdruckerkennung (z.B. Scanner hinter Glas) in der Bedieneinheit erkennt den Fahrer und startet beispielsweise das Fahrzeug.
• • Die Bedieneinheit ist optional beweglich gelagert, um so auch Cursorbewegungen (z, B. auf einem Bildschirm) auszuführen, bzw. zum Auslösen anderer Funktionen (z.B. Bestätigung und Abschluss eines Befehls durch Drücken bzw. translatorische oder rotatorische Bewegungen der MFB)
• • Das Ausgangssignal kann durch Kontaktschalter (z.B. Mikroschalter) kapazitive Schalter/Touch-Folien oder Piezo-Schalter ausgelöst werden. Diese Schalter werden alle durch Bewegen der Bedieneinheit ausgelöst.
• • Die Bewegung der Bedieneinheit wird beispielsweise durch die Änderung des elektrischen Feldes zwischen Anode und Kathode erkannt. Die Anode kann sich z.B. an der Unterseite der MFB befinden und die Kathode auf dem die MFB aufnehmenden Bauteil.
• • Bei Verwendung von Kontaktschaltern können diese sowohl an der Bedieneinheit als auch an dem aufnehmenden Bauteil angeordnet sein.
• • Die Bedieneinheit ist beweglich gelagert und verfährt nach dem Loslassen durch Federn, Gummipuffer, Silikonkissen/- dämpfer, wieder in die Ausgangslage.
• • Die Lagerung erfolgt beispielsweise über einen Zylinder oder Würfel an der Bedieneinheit der in einer Bohrung/Führungsschlitz/Kulissenführung aufgenommen wird.
• • Die Bedieneinheit kann in Fahrtrichtung variabel angeordnet werden (verschiebbar sein) um die Ergonomie zu verbessern (unterschiedliche Armlängen/Sitzpositionen).
• • Auf der Bedieneinheit kann im Bereich des Zeigefingers ein Touch-Feld sein, das eine ergonomisch leichte Bedienung ermöglicht.

The multifunctional operating unit of the present invention may also have the following properties or extensions:

• • By hand-shaped shaping of the support surface, the hand automatically finds the required operating position.
• • Clear positioning aids of the fingers (coolers, depressions, ribs, different surface conditions) enable blind operation
• • An operation for different hand sizes or finger sizes is made possible by an elongated button field.
• • The use of an integrated 3D touch foil with capacitive, inductive, resistive, infrared or piezo sensors clearly identifies the positioning of the fingers. By swiping or tapping the finger, interactions can be carried out via menu guidance (display) or direct activation of switches.
• • The operator receives a feedback about the executed interaction via haptic feedback (lifting magnet, piezo, exciter, unbalance motors etc.) and / or optical confirmation via light scenarios, or the system asks for an interaction. By decoupling (eg via rubber buffers, gels or springs) of the operating unit (switch), the vibration can be carried out and limited locally to the areas required for the function.
• • The control unit can be attached to the door, center console, armrest or seat and can preferably be adapted to the individual position of the user (eg by moving, twisting, height-adjustable). This adjustment is possible, for example, rail systems, ball bearings, tilt bearings, spindle guide, etc.
• • The surface materials used may be real glass, plastic, wood, leather, stone metal surfaces.
• • Applications of the switch function for: windows, mirrors, gear selection (with haptic request for gear changes eg Sport / Economy mode) vehicle locking, door opener, menu control of a display, keyboard for eg emails (autonomous driving or front passenger) etc.
• • Optionally, the operating unit can be used as a mobile replacement for a conventional man-machine interface (rotary push switch). For this, the operating unit as a whole can perform movements (linear guide, ball guide, spring, tilting bearing etc.) optionally with locking positions. By the relative movement of the control unit mechanical or electronic switches can be actuated pass the signals to the microcontroller.
• • The control unit can either be mounted or integrated into the mold.
• • Illuminated symbols, smaller displays, lighting scenarios provide additional information and visual feedback of the interaction.
• • A fingerprint recognition (eg scanner behind glass) in the control unit detects the driver and, for example, starts the vehicle.
• • The operating unit is optionally movably mounted so as to also execute cursor movements (eg on a screen) or to trigger other functions (eg confirmation and completion of a command by pressing or translatory or rotary movements of the MFB)
• • The output signal can be triggered by contact switches (eg microswitches), capacitive switches / touch foils or piezo switches. These switches are all triggered by moving the control unit.
• • The movement of the operating unit is detected, for example, by the change in the electric field between anode and cathode. For example, the anode may be located on the underside of the MFB and the cathode on the MFB receiving component.
• • When using contact switches, these can be arranged both on the operating unit and on the receiving component.
• • The operating unit is movably supported and moves back to its original position after being released by springs, rubber buffers, silicone pads / dampers.
• • The storage takes place, for example, via a cylinder or cube on the control unit, which is received in a hole / guide slot / slotted guide.
• • The operating unit can be variably arranged in the direction of travel (be displaceable) to improve the ergonomics (different arm lengths / seat positions).
• • On the control unit, there may be a touch panel in the area of the index finger that allows ergonomically easy operation.

The described with reference to the illustrated embodiments features of the invention, for example, in connection with 4 described sensors, can also in other embodiments of the invention, for example in the in 1 . 2 or 3 shown, except where otherwise stated or for technical reasons forbids itself.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

operating unit

4

Palmrest section

6a-6e

Actuator (touch-sensitive area)

6h

Actuator (horizontal motion sensor)

6v

Actuator (vertical pressure sensor)

8i 8v

Finger positioning area (8i: for thumb)

10

hand

12i-12v

Fingers (12i: thumb)

14

longitudinal degree of freedom

20

midsection

22

Curvature reversal line

24

border area

26

function marking

30

display section

40

document

41

deepening

42

spigot

43

damping element

44

feather

45

vertical degree of freedom

46

rotational degree of freedom

47

microswitch

48

Sensor cathode foil (from 6h)

49

Sensor anode foil (from 6h)

Claims (20)

Operating unit (2) for a motor vehicle for manual operation of at least one function of the motor vehicle, comprising a handrest section (4) and at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) adapted to be actuated by one on the handrest section (4) a resting hand (10) is formed, wherein the handrest portion (4) to a relaxed human hand (10) snuggled or substantially conformed contour with at least one tactile finger positioning region (8i, 8ii; 8i-8iii; 8i-8v) for blind finding a required for the actuation of the actuating element position has. Control unit (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the contour of the Handablageabschnitts (4) is spatially convex or substantially spatially convex. Control unit (2) to Claim 1 characterized in that at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) is disposed on the hand-laying section (4), preferably on the tactile finger-positioning region (8i, 8ii; 8i-8iii; 8i-8v) thereof; is arranged. Control unit (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the hand-laying section (4). Control unit (2) to Claim 1 characterized in that the at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) comprises a touch-sensitive area (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e) or a pressure switch or push-button on the hand-laying section (4), preferably a tactile finger positioning region (8i, 8ii; 8i-8iii; 8i-8v) thereof, or in the immediate vicinity of the handrest portion (4). Control unit (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the handrest portion (4) is movable and the at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) a switch or push-button (47), in particular micro-switch or -taster, which by a movement of the Handablageabschnitts (4) is triggered, or a sensor (48, 49) for detecting a movement of the Handablageabschnitts (4). Control unit (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating unit (2) has a fingerprint recognition device. Control unit (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating unit (2) has a transmitting device for transmitting signals corresponding to actuations of the at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v). Control unit (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating unit (2) comprises a receiving device for receiving signals and further at least one of a display device (30) for displaying information in accordance with the received signals and a feedback device for the return of actuation and / or control operations by mechanical, optical or having acoustic means. Control unit (2) to Claim 9 , characterized in that the display device (30) is touch-sensitive and is part of the at least one actuating device. Control unit (2) to Claim 1 wherein for locating the at least one tactile finger positioning region (8i, 8ii; 8i-8iii; 8i-8v) there is additionally provided a rib structure for finger guidance formed on the hand rest section (4) or a tactile change of a surface structure of the hand rest section (4). Control unit (2) to Claim 1 wherein each finger exactly one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) is provided. Control unit (2) to Claim 1 wherein actuating elements are provided on the front side adjacent to and / or integrated in the convex contour of the hand rest section (4). Control unit (2) to Claim 1 wherein at least one actuating element (6; 6a-6c; 6a-6e; 6h, 6v) is designed as an elongate actuating field. Control unit (2) to Claim 14 wherein at least two elongate actuation fields are arranged at an angle between their longitudinal orientations. Control unit (2) to Claim 14 , wherein at least one elongated actuating field is designed such that a plurality of actuating regions are provided on the surface of the actuating field. Control device for a motor vehicle, wherein the control device comprises an operating unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, a receiving unit for receiving signals from the operating unit (2), and at least one control unit for controlling at least one function of the motor vehicle on the basis of signals received by the receiving unit having. Control device after Claim 17 , characterized in that the control device comprises a display unit for reproducing information by optical or acoustic means in accordance with the signals received by the receiving unit and / or functions controlled thereby. Motor vehicle with an operating unit (2) according to Claim 1 , wherein the operating unit (2) is mounted or integrated mounted on a center console, armrest, door trim or a seat. Motor vehicle after Claim 19 wherein the operating unit (2) relative to the center console, armrest, door trim or the seat slidably, rotatable, adjustable in height or otherwise in their position and / or orientation is variable to a position of the operating unit (2) to a position of the operator to adjust the operating unit (2).

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