WO2004080752A1

WO2004080752A1 - Control device for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2004080752A1
Application number: PCT/DE2004/000519
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Hugenschmidt; Thomas Ulbrich; Christian Waitz; Volker Hunkert; Jürgen Kraetzl
Original assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag
Priority date: 2003-03-14
Filing date: 2004-03-15
Publication date: 2004-09-23
Also published as: DE112004000886D2

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (20) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one surface (37) which is covered with a cover layer (38) made of a covering material. Said device comprises at least one control element (22) which influences the adjustment of at least one adjusting parameter of the vehicle during actuation. According to the invention, the control element (22) is at least partially covered by a cover layer (38) and a symbol is placed on the cover layer (5) in order to indicate the presence and/or function of the control device (20) and/or the control element (22).

Description

Control device for a motor vehicle

State of the art

The present invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Such an operating device is used, for example, for the adjustment of seats or mirrors. Conventional vehicle seats are adjusted to a desired seating position using mechanical actuators. With many vehicle seats, the seat position can be changed and varied using electrical actuators. For this purpose, a series of servomotors are actuated by means of suitable operating elements, which ensure a longitudinal adjustment of the seat in the vehicle, a change in the backrest angle, a seat height or other seat parameters. Known actuating devices include buttons or switches that can be attached, for example, within a center console of the vehicle or in a door trim. The actuating device can optionally also be arranged in the form of rocker switches or the like on the seat itself. These rocker switches can set the corresponding components in motion by means of various movements of the ergonomically shaped switch buttons. To install the switches in the seat, various additional components are necessary, such as, for example, carriers, protective and / or facing strips and additional cable connections to enable the actuator to be controlled to be separated from the associated switch. This consumes installation space and limits the freedom of design.

A vehicle seat with pressure sensors distributed over the seat is known from DE 199 61 874. These are arranged under the seat cover and record the direction in which the seat is pressed. A controller uses this to calculate the appropriate displacement and adjustment of the seat. However, this operating mechanism is unusual and the sensors are not visible, which can lead to problems during setting and incorrect operation. Other control elements of a vehicle are usually arranged in the area of a center console, where they are sometimes difficult to reach. In principle, for ergonomic reasons, it can be sensible or desirable to mount the most varied types of switches and operating devices at such installation locations in the vehicle where they can be optimally reached by the driver.

There is therefore a need for an alternative operating device for a motor vehicle which is relatively simple in construction, can be used as universally as possible and is user-friendly.

This object is achieved with the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Features of advantageous developments of the invention result from the dependent claims.

Subject of the invention

An operating device according to one of claims 1 to 13, 22 or 29 enables the operating device to be integrated into almost any interior component and at the same time an exact localization of a concealed operating device by a user. In addition, the functional evaluation options of the generated switching signals can be designed in a variety of ways and the system can be produced inexpensively.

The operating device can, for example, be integrated in the components to be adjusted, even if they have a partially flexible character. This applies, for example, to all types of upholstered furniture in or outside a vehicle. The operating device according to the invention is basically suitable for installation in any type of flexible or partially flexible upholstered furniture and components of a vehicle interior device, such as parts of an interior lining. The electrical components can be designed so small and flexible that z. B. a change in the mechanical properties of a soft cushion by integrating the control elements from the see are not noticeable. The control device can be placed within the upholstery or cladding element according to ergonomic criteria, without having to consider whether a switch console can be installed in an elastic part or not.

Basically, a plurality of operating elements, such as touch-sensitive areas, buttons and / or electrical switches, can be arranged in the trim element or in the upholstery, which together form an operating device or two or more operating devices. The operating device can optionally also be arranged in a door trim or in another part of the vehicle interior. The operating device can optionally be arranged on a side surface of the seat cushion or also on the edge of a seat surface, for example in a seat cheek, where the passenger can easily reach it by hand. The control element can optionally also be arranged in a door trim or in another part of the vehicle interior.

An operating device according to claim 10 enables a quick setting of several manipulated variables simultaneously.

If this is desired, the operating device can be designed in such a way that two logically very similar operating functions are triggered simultaneously without additional external markings being applied. In the case of an electrical seat adjustment, for example, in which the seat cushion is separately height-adjustable at the front and rear, the operating device could be designed in such a way that both the individual adjustment functions are called up by pressing the corresponding symbols, but pressing between the symbols, however, a simultaneous execution both functions. This results in a higher overall functionality, without the need for greater marking effort and without this being perceived as disruptive by the user. B. pressing two buttons simultaneously. A device according to claim 11 is functional and safe to use even under different environmental conditions such as desert, winter, dust.

A device according to claim 12 allows more complex command inputs via the operating device. If this is desired, by using electrical pressure sensors or the like, the operating device can also be designed in such a way that analog output variables are generated when actuated. First of all, it is possible to further process the size of the pressure or the deformation applied by the operator. Furthermore, operating devices can be represented, which use the signals at the pressure sensors to calculate the position of the contact on the cushion element and use them to parameterize the operating function.

A device according to claim 13 enables compact subsystems with an integration z. B. in a vehicle seat.

An operating device with the features of claims 14 to 21 detects the elastic deformations of the sensor surface / cover layer and obtains electrical signals therefrom, for example for controlling actuators. The contactless operating device can basically be encapsulated or operated open. The shape can be freely selected within wide limits and can be adapted to the respective installation location. A particular advantage lies in the very flat design of the operating device, which, in conjunction with the flexible structure that can be deformed within wide limits, offers a wide range of possible uses. Waterproof encapsulation of the sensors enables the manufacture of washable cushions or covers. The control device according to the invention can be produced very inexpensively and efficiently. Another advantage is that it can be integrated into existing production processes and designs. A vehicle seat that has already been produced in series can, for example, be easily expanded by an operating device according to the invention without the need for complex changes in the structural design of the seat. Because the switches required are very small, there are no stiffeners in the upholstery. This makes the whole arrangement very stretchy. In addition, the switches / sensors are not perceptible in the upholstery.

An operating device according to claim 23 enables different, complex command inputs via a small number of operating elements.

The control device according to the invention with the features of claims 24 to 28 provides that a series of switches are arranged on the seat, which are electrically connected to one another via a common ribbon cable with several branches and are coupled to a cable harness of the vehicle via a common plug connection. As a result, a control module for a series of seat adjustment switches is formed, which can be integrated directly in the seat or in its cover. Here, all switches and control elements are integrated in the seat without the need for complex installation measures, since they can be attached to flexible and soft components and do not require a separate frame or the like. A particular advantage arises from the fact that the seat adjustment module can be integrated in the manufacture of the seat, since no additional components such as protective strips, support modules for switches or additional plugs are necessary for a possible separation from the seat. Crunching the seat bolsters when the seat is occupied is not a problem, since the overall module is very flexible.

The cable module comprises at least one ribbon cable with a row of individual connections, which has a central plug connection, from which several separate branches can lead to individual switches. It can be provided, for example, that two switches are spatially arranged on an imaginary line, so that this results in a certain operating system for the seat adjustment. The switches are preferably mounted on the branches in such a way that a pair is in each case connected by a common ground line and two by a separate one is supplied. This saves wires, while maintaining full flexibility.

The flexible ribbon cable with the integrated switches is preferably applied to the back of a flexible spacing module, for example a soft foam plate or the like, so that the switches disappear into openings in the spacing module. This creates a smooth surface under the seat cover. For fixing, an adhesive film can be attached behind the ribbon cable module, which is also flexible, but ensures permanent positioning of the switches in the openings provided. This finished overall module can then be positioned and fixed exactly on the inside of the seat cover, so that the switches are located exactly under the haptically and / or optically marked controls, e.g. B. knobs come to rest on the reference side. These operating elements can be designed in such a way that they come to rest at haptically recognizable points on a simulated contour of the element to be set, for example the back of the seat. For example, a switch can be provided on a back of a backrest symbol in order to tilt the backrest backwards. Accordingly, a second switch can be provided on the front of the backrest symbol in order to tilt the backrest forward.

The touch-sensitive surfaces, buttons and / or electrical switches of the control element can optionally protrude through corresponding recesses in the seat cover or in the upholstery. However, they can also be covered by the seat cover or the upholstery and made visually and / or haptically recognizable. Haptic recognizability can be given, for example, by a suitable surface structuring. Optical recognition can be provided, for example, by a corresponding symbol marking on the seat.

The central electrical connection interface, at which the ribbon cable opens with all of its cable cores, is preferably with a plug connection provided that a releasable electrical connection to the vehicle electrical system. This central interface can have further connecting lines, for example to sensors, to electrical heating elements of the vehicle seat and / or to ventilation devices which have electrical fan motors.

characters

The following description deals with options for designing the invention. The exemplary embodiments explained below relate primarily to the installation of an operating device according to the invention in a vehicle seat. However, this is in no way to be understood as restrictive. Rather, the operating device is suitable for installation or integration into the most varied of rigid or elastic surfaces of a vehicle interior. This can be, for example, a vehicle seat, a door trim, a headliner or the like. These explanations are only to be understood as examples and are made with reference to:

Fig. 1 A schematic side view of a vehicle seat. Fig. 2 A schematic representation of an operating device. Fig. 3 Cross section through a first operating element in a seat cover

Fig. 4 cross section through a second control element, which is on a fixed

5 cross-section of a third control element with magnetic layer. 6 cross-section of a fourth control element with dome. 7 cross-section through a further alternative embodiment of a control device with a matrix of control elements. 8 schematic top view of a flexible cable module with switches arranged thereon or buttons for controls Fig. 9 top view of the cable module of Fig. 9, arranged on a reference layer

10 is a schematic sectional view, arrangement of FIG. 10th Description of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat 10 with a seat back 12, a seat cushion 14 and a base 16. An operating device 20 is arranged in the front area of a side surface 18 of the seat cushion 14 and is not attached to the base 16 but to the seat cushion 14 itself.

The operating device 20 has a symbolic representation of the seat, which is shown by way of example in FIG. 2. Operating elements 22 are arranged thereon. The control elements 22 can be designed as sensor surfaces, switches, buttons or the like, which recognize an actuation of an control element 22 by the user and trigger an adjustment of seat parameters. In the present context, seating parameters mean, in particular, setting parameters for achieving a desired seating position. Further seat parameters can be, for example, setting values for a seat air conditioning, in particular a seat heating or ventilation.

In a simple embodiment, the operating device 20 can have only two operating elements 22, which are used, for example, for the longitudinal displacement of the entire vehicle seat 10 with the aid of a servo motor. Further control elements 22 can be used to adjust the height of the seat 10 with the aid of a further servo motor. In addition, the seat inclination, the backrest inclination, the position of lumbar supports and the position of further seat elements can optionally be adjusted by means of further control elements 22.

If the control elements 22 are at a certain depth in the seat cover and are not visible from the outside, symbolic representations 5 serve, for example, in the form of triangles in connection with the symbolic representation of the seat 8 for localizing the control elements 22. The symbolic representations 5 and 8 are preferably designed to be easily recognizable both visually and haptically. FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an embodiment of an operating device 20 according to the invention. This is integrated in a seat cover 39. This has a reference layer 38 and an under cushion 2 and is applied to the seat cushion 14. FIG. 4 shows only a single control element 22 of the control device 20 and is provided with a symbolic representation 5 of the corresponding function of the control element 22. The control element 22 has a sensor 4. This is connected to an evaluation unit via an electrical line 7. The sensor 4 and the electrical line 7 are located on a flexible carrier 11. The composite 13 comprising the sensor 4, line 7 and carrier 11 can be designed in such a way that, with high flexibility, good electrical encapsulation of the system, eg. B. is achieved by adhesive and lacquer layers.

The composite 13 is firmly connected by connecting elements 15 to the seat cover 39, which has a cover layer 38 and an upholstery 2. In the illustrated embodiment of the operating device 20, the voltage caused by the connecting elements 15 locally reduces the distance between the cover layer 64 and the operating element 22. This effect can be further enhanced by a corresponding local recess or the like in the underpads 2. The connecting elements 15 also connect the seat cover 39 and the composite 13 with a stiffening film 77. This fulfills several functions. By suitable selection of the mechanical properties of this stiffening film 77, the shape of the externally perceivable depression in the reference layer 38 is first determined, which facilitates haptic guidance of the operator to the control element. Since the seat cover 38 with an integrated operating direction 20 is applied to a seat cushion 14, the stiffening film 77 also essentially determines the mechanical behavior of the operating element 22 when actuated with. The stiffening film 77 can also be designed in such a way that all or part of all the operating elements 22 located in the operating device 20 are mechanically coupled when actuated in the desired manner and that the haptic properties of the operating device 20 are in a desired manner different from those of the original original, ie not equipped with an operating device 20, seat cover 39 on the seat cushion 14.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of an embodiment of an operating device 20 according to the invention, which is integrated in an upholstery or soft cladding element 2, which is applied to a fixed system carrier 82, for example a door interior cladding. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to that of FIG. 4. The small thickness and the high flexibility of the composite 13 formed allow the operating element 20 to be located at almost any point, ie. H. can also be integrated in the case of a strongly curved or also partially flexible system carrier 82 and in the case of thin upholstery 2. The composite 13 is preferably adhesively bonded to the carrier material.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a further possible embodiment of the operating device 20 according to the invention. Here, a carrier layer 58 has one or more magnetic field sensors 60, for example Hall sensors, attached thereon. The MF sensors 60 are embedded in a flexible, elastic intermediate layer 44, which is covered by a cover layer 64. The cover layer 64 preferably simultaneously forms the outwardly touch-sensitive reference layer 38 of the operating element 22. The cover layer 64 can be pressed in or elastically deformed. The distance to the MF sensors 60 on the carrier layer 58 changes in part. If the cover layer 64 is magnetic, this change in distance can be recognized as actuation of an operating element 22.

The carrier layer 58 can have a textile structure or can be designed, for example, as a carrier film. The intermediate layer 44 can in particular have an elastomer foam, which ensures that the cover layer 64 can be deformed elastically. The cover layer 64 arranged above the foam structure can in particular be designed as a magnetized metal foil. Optionally, the cover layer 64 can also be a film that has a number of permanent magnets attached or integrated therein. That through the Magnetized cover layer 64 formed magnetic field 66 is indicated by a number of arrows pointing upwards. By touching the upper magnetized film of the cover layer 64, an output signal can be generated at the MF sensors 60, which can correspond to a desired operation of the vehicle seat. The MF sensors 60 can, for example, have separate line connections or can optionally be connected via printed lines, which can be applied to the film-like structure of the carrier layer 58. Other foil lines are also suitable.

Due to the large number of MF sensors 60, the design of the operating device 20 according to FIG. 5 not only enables a conventional switch to be simulated, but also more complex actuating movements can be identified. For example. Scanning over the top layer 64 in a certain direction leads to a sequence of signals from various operating elements 22. B. within a certain predetermined time interval, an evaluation device can determine a direction of movement from this. This direction of movement can then be executed as an adjustment command for an actuator in the corresponding direction. With a desired longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat 10 in the vehicle, the cover layer 64 can be painted over, for example, in the horizontal direction. If the cover layer 64 is covered in a direction perpendicular to this, this can be interpreted, for example, as a request for a height adjustment of the vehicle seat 10.

Depending on the intended installation location of the operating device 20, the carrier layer 58 can be designed to be more or less elastic. A highly elastic structure is useful, for example, if the operating device 20 is integrated in the side surface 18 of the seat 10. A somewhat stiffer structure can be useful for installation in a door panel or in the headlining of the vehicle.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative variant of an operating element 22. Here, a single Hall sensor 60 is applied to a carrier layer 58. On the back Gerschicht 58 a hemispherical dome 68 is also attached, which is elastically pressed and deformable. A permanent magnet 70 is fastened to the inside of the calotte 68 above the Hall sensor 60. The magnet 70 can, for example, be cast into the calotte 68 or glued to it. By pressing in the calotte 68, the distance between the permanent magnet 70 and the Hall sensor 60 changes, from which the latter obtains a sensor signal. This is used to control an actuator or the like, for example to adjust a seat parameter.

A snap disk 72 is arranged within the calotte 68. It defines a maximum indentation of the spherical cap 68 and ensures its sufficient stability even with prolonged use. The snap disk 72 can of course be dispensed with if the calotte 68 itself is stiff enough. The snap disk 72 can preferably be at least partially connected to the dome 68 and / or with the carrier layer 58, in particular potted.

The carrier layer 58 can in turn have an elastic or partially elastic textile or film structure. The dome 68 can, for example, consist of an elastomeric plastic or a rubber-like material. The snap disk 72 is preferably made of a plastic material or metal.

While the variant according to FIG. 5 works without a fixed pressure point, an embodiment according to FIG. 6 offers the possibility of defining a fixed pressure point through a suitable material selection and / or design. A fixed pressure point is understood to mean that the control element 22 only generates a switching signal in a clearly defined switching position. Due to its simple and closed structure, this operating device 20 is robust against all types of environmental influences, so that it is particularly suitable for mobile applications. The spherical cap 68 is, for example, arranged directly under a curved surface of a cover or received in a corresponding recess in a cushion in order to form a flat reference surface.

Figure 7 illustrates a special application form of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 in which a plurality of magnetic field sensors 60 are arranged linearly or in a two-dimensional matrix at regular intervals on a carrier layer. The magnetic field sensors are kept at a distance from a magnetized cover layer 64 by an elastic intermediate layer 44.

Presses z. B. a finger 41 at position P1 on the magnetized cover layer 64, the associated magnetic field sensor 60 generates a signal which, depending on the version, can be understood as a digital signal or as an analog variable dependent on the distance between the cover layer and the magnetic field sensor.

If the finger 41 is now slid from position P1 to position P2 in such a way that the cover layer 64 remains pressed into the elastic intermediate layer 44 approximately the same at all times, the influence of the magnetic field of the cover layer 64 on the magnetic field sensor 60 'decreases continuously, during the Influence of the magnetic field on the magnetic field sensor 60 "increases continuously. This behavior can be continued analogously if the finger 41 is pushed further from position P2 to position P3.

Scanning over the top layer 64 along the at least linearly arranged magnetic field sensors 60 thus generates a signal sequence which allows both a direction of movement and a speed of movement to be recorded. The speed of movement can be determined from the change in time of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensors 60. In a two-dimensional matrix-like arrangement of magnetic field sensors, it is conceivable not only to record linear movement sequences, but also more complex two-dimensional figures.

The control device for an electrically adjustable vehicle seat is conceivable as an application of the described embodiment. For this, the at least linearly arranged sensor field could be attached directly under the cover of the seat. About the sensor field could, for. B. the degree of inclination of the backrest of an electrically adjustable vehicle seat. It would also be conceivable to adjust the horizontal and / or vertical sitting position. Since the seat adjustment is triggered by sweeping over the sensor surface and the direction and speed of the finger movement are evaluated, an exact positioning of the finger as described for. B. is necessary when triggered by a button, only required here to a limited extent. The finger movement only has to take place somewhere in the sensor area.

The advantage of magnetic field sensors compared to conventional rocker switches is that they are non-contact, i. H. without the reversible establishment of an electrically conductive contact. This avoids corrosion problems.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic structure of a cable module 26, in which a number of line sections 30 branch off from an electrical line 28, in the present case a multi-core ribbon cable, which lead to the intended installation positions of operating elements 22. The associated switches or sensors 4 are applied directly to the corresponding line sections 30 of the line 28 and each connect two individual lines in the actuated state, as a result of which a desired actuating movement of an actuating device (not shown) associated with the seat 10 is triggered.

Each of the line sections 30 branching off from the line 28 can have two switches or sensors 4, which can lie spatially on an imaginary line which, as in the exemplary embodiment shown, is almost horizontal. can run. The sensors 4 are attached to the branched line sections 30 such that a pair each has a common ground line and two supply lines that are separate from one another.

The line 28 shown by way of example in FIG. 8 ends at the bottom in a central electrical connection interface 32 in the form of a plug, here a flat plug 34. This establishes an electrically conductive connection to the vehicle electrical system, so that the switching signals of the sensors 4 can be transmitted to a control circuit which ensures control of the actuators and adjusting devices arranged in the seat 10. There is preferably only a single flat plug 34, which establishes all the electrical connections between the vehicle electrical system and the sensors, actuators, actuators, etc. present in the vehicle seat.

FIG. 9 shows the schematic structure of the cable module 26 attached to the side surface 18 of the seat cushion 14, in which the switches or sensors 4 are arranged below corresponding symbols 5 on the seat cover 39, so that by pressing or actuating the symbols 5 the sensors 4 of the Controls 22 are triggered. Optionally, the operating elements 22 can be part of the seat cover and can be emphasized haptically and / or optically by a surface structure that is different from the seat cover. The control elements 22 can, however, also each be designed as recesses 40 in the seat cover 39, through which the sensors 4 can be pressed.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration along the section line VV of FIG. 9, in which the line 28 is arranged on the inside of the upholstery and below the seat cover 39, so that a button or a touch-sensitive surface of the respective sensor 4 can be selected through the cutout 40 of the seat cover 39 may protrude therethrough or may be covered by a symbol 5 of the cover layer 38. An adhesive film 42 or the like, both in strip form and can also be provided over a large area in order to fix the line 28 on the inside of the seat cover 39. The adhesive film 42 is also flexible, but ensures permanent fixation and positioning of the control element 22 or the individual sensors 4 on the seat cover 39. The finished overall module can be placed exactly at the intended installation point on the inside of the seat cover, so that the switches or sensors 4 come to rest exactly under the haptically and / or optically recognizable "adjusting buttons" on the reference side. These symbols 5 of the operating elements 22, referred to as adjusting buttons, can be designed, for example, in such a way that they have a simulated contour of the replica at haptically recognizable points element (e.g. backrest).

A flexible intermediate layer 44 can be provided between the inside of the seat cover 39 and the cable module 26, for example in the form of a foam layer 46. A smooth surface is thereby created under the seat cover 39. It is also possible to design the carrier layer in the form of a foam layer. The cable module can also be sewn onto the cover or upholstery.

The control device 20 according to the invention has the advantage that it can already be integrated into the upholstery structure of the vehicle seat 10 during manufacture. For this purpose, no additional supporting devices are required, which require an additional support frame and which partially impair the deformability of the seat bolsters. The electrical connecting lines can optionally also be connected to an electric seat heater, so that a single connector for connecting all the electrical components of the vehicle seat to the vehicle electrical system can be present.

In all of the exemplary embodiments described, all other types of foil conductors can also be used instead of ribbon cables. A foil conductor is understood to mean an electrical line whose electrical conductor flat or flat conductors, such as. B. printed, flexible circuits or lines with flat copper.

The cable module can be arranged in the headlining, the door trim, the center armrest, the steering wheel and / or a seat cushion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

padding

Sensor / switch

Symbolic illustration

Electrical leads

Symbolic representation of the seat

vehicle seat

Flexible carrier

seatback

composite

seat cushion

fasteners

base

side surface

operating device

operating element

cable module

Electrical line

line section

Connection interface

tabs

module carrier

Covered area

reference layer

seat cover

recess

finger

adhesive film

Flexible intermediate layer

foam layer

backing

magnetic field sensor topcoat

magnetic field

dome

permanent magnet

magnetic layer

snap disk

guide means

Coupling surface

stiffening sheet

system support

Claims

claims

1. Operating device (20) for a motor vehicle, which has at least one surface (37) which is covered with a reference layer (38) made of a reference material, with at least one operating element (22), which actuates the setting of at least one setting parameter of the vehicle, characterized in that the control element (22) is at least partially covered by the reference layer (38) and that a symbol (5) is arranged on the reference layer (38) to indicate the presence and / or the function of the control device (20) and / or the control element (22).

2. Control device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the symbol (5) is at least partially arranged on the base of the control element (22) covered by the reference layer (38) in order to touch the control element (5) when touching the symbol (5). 22) to operate.

3. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference layer (38) is at least partially made of textile material and / or leather, that the operating element (22) is essentially flat, and that it can be flexibly crushed together with the reference layer (38).

4. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coated surface (37) and / or the operating device (20) on a cushion (14), a panel or one

Storage surface is arranged, which are provided on a door, a headliner, a vehicle body, a dashboard, a seat and / or an armrest, preferably on the side surface (18) of a seat cushion (14), on the center armrest, on a door panel or lengthways a window pane.

5. Control device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) of the adjustment of a vehicle seat (10), in particular the mechanical adjustment of the seat (10) to the body dimensions of a user, the setting of heating and / or air conditioning parameters and / or the setting of the operating state of a massage device provided in the seat, the setting of a side mirror, an electric window regulator, interior lighting and / or a sound / image reproduction device.

6. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the symbol (5) has a symbolic representation (8) of the subsystem to be operated, in particular the vehicle seat (10).

7. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the symbol (5) can be distinguished optically and / or haptically from its surroundings, in particular by using color contrasts and / or elevations and / or texture differences of the material surfaces, that the Symbol (5) has a raised edge and / or a recessed central surface, and / or is clipped, sewn, embroidered, riveted, glued, embossed and / or incorporated into the reference layer (38) on the reference layer (38).

8. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (22) has at least one haptically perceptible guide device (74) to guide a user to the symbol (5) and / or the control element (20) , preferably with at least one connecting element, such as rivets, clamps and / or seams, which connects the cover layer, an underpadding, the operating element (20), a stiffening film and / or the composite (13) formed therefrom.

9. Control device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the symbol (5), the control element (22) and / or the reference layer (38) has light-generating, reflecting, converting and / or light-conducting textiles ,

10. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of operating elements (22) are provided, in particular that by pressing on a coupling surface (76) located between two operating elements (22), both operating elements (22) simultaneously can be operated.

11. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (22) responds to pressure, temperature, electromagnetic fields and / or presence.

12. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a digital and / or analog output variable can be generated by one or more operating elements (22) or by the electrical interconnection of several operating elements (22).

13. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control element (22) is arranged on a carrier of an electrical heating element and / or other electrical components.

14. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (22) has at least one magnetic field sensor (60), preferably a Hall sensor.

15. Control device (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that the control element (22) has a partially elastically deformable cover layer (64) which is at least partially curved and / or at least partially flat.

16. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the magnetic field (66) is formed by means of a permanent magnet (70) which has the shape of a flat magnetic layer (71), in particular a magnetized film, and that the magnetic layer (71) is preferably perforated and / or slotted to make the magnetic layer (71) more elastic and stretchable, areas of the magnetic layer (71) located above the magnetic field sensor (60) not being perforated or slotted to a lesser extent ,

17. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that an elastic spacer layer (62) is arranged between the magnetic field sensor (60) and permanent magnet (70) and / or that the at least one magnetic field sensor (60) on an elastic or partially elastic carrier layer (58) is arranged.

18. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the operating element (22) comprises an insertable cap (68) with at least one permanent magnet (70), and that the cap (68) on the carrier layer (58 ) and is arranged above the magnetic field sensor (60).

19. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the operating element (22) comprises a press-in cap (68) with at least one magnetic field sensor (60), and that the cap (68) on the carrier layer (58 ) and above the permanent magnet (70).

20. Operating device (20) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the spherical cap (68) is stabilized and / or at least partially supported by means of a snap disc (72).

21. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the magnetic field sensor (60) is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and / or that the base area of the operating device (20) has a width and / or has a length of less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm and greater than 2 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm.

22. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (22) switches contact-free and / or is encapsulated in an airtight and / or vapor-tight manner.

23. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle parameter, the manipulated variable and / or the rate of change of the manipulated variable adaptation as a function of the position of actuated control elements (22) in the coated surface (37), depending on the chronological order of the signals, in

Depending on the speed of the signal sequence and / or as a function of the spatial arrangement and / or the actuation sequence of the actuated operating elements (22) is determined.

24. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cable module is provided for an electrical connection of the operating element, which has at least one electrical line (28), at least two switches or sensors (60) and at least one elastic, flat Module carrier (35) on which the line (28) and the sensors / switches (60) are arranged, and which is preferably arranged under the reference layer (38).

25. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central electrical connection interface (32) is provided for the operating element (22), and that this in particular further electrical connections between the electrical vehicle electrical system and the vehicle seat (10 ) or the cushion (14).

26. Operating device (20) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the line (28) forms an electrical connection between a plurality of operating elements (22) and the connection interface (32).

27. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the line (28) is a film line, in particular a laminated or extruded flat cable, and the module carrier (35) preferably essentially by the insulation of the film line, one Self-adhesive film, the seat cover (39), the reference layer (37) and / or is formed by a foam layer.

28. Operating device (20) according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the line (28) and / or the cable module (80) by means of an adhesive film (42) on the inside of the reference layer (38) and / or the cushion (14) is fixed and / or a flexible intermediate layer (44), in particular made of upholstery foam, is arranged between the line (28) and the inside of the upholstery cover (38).

29. Operating device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (22) is received in corresponding recesses (40) of the cushion (14).