DE102020000496A1 - System construction kit for a motor vehicle with portable functional modules that can be arranged in the motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular system (2) for a motor vehicle (1), with at least one portable functional module (3) and a vehicle-side holding unit (4), which is designed to detachably attach the portable functional module (3) in an intended installation position. In order to enable a simplified and more flexible configuration for the motor vehicle (1), it is provided that the portable functional module (3) has both a control interface for receiving control signals from a control unit (9) of the motor vehicle (1) and at least one operating unit , the vehicle-side holding unit (4) has a corresponding interface for the wired transmission of the control signals from the vehicle-side control unit (9) to the portable function module (3) and a main function of the function module (3) can be controlled by means of the vehicle-side control unit (9) when the Function module (3) on the vehicle-side holding unit it (4) is attached, and with the at least one operating unit can be controlled when the functional module (3) is not attached to the vehicle-side holding unit (4).

Description

The invention relates to a modular system for a motor vehicle with at least one portable functional module and a vehicle-side holding unit which is designed to detachably attach the portable functional module in an intended installation position.

Due to the rapidly changing electronics market, especially with regard to entertainment electronics, a static electronics interior in motor vehicles is at risk of quickly becoming obsolete. For example, new technologies, interfaces or functions cannot be easily retrofitted. In particular, there is currently no option after purchasing a vehicle to adapt it to your needs without affecting the design or generating high costs. This is in particular a problem with regard to the resalability or the resale value of motor vehicles, in particular fleet vehicles from fleet stocks. Such motor vehicles from fleet stocks in particular all have the same equipment or configuration, which is usually adapted to the fleet operator. Overall, the problem arises when reselling motor vehicles that a new owner of the motor vehicle cannot easily adapt it to his needs. On the one hand, these needs can differ from those of the previous owner. In addition, these may have changed due to technical developments.

From the DE 10 2004 045 522 A1 For example, a functional element for the detachable attachment and / or storage of objects, such as cups, cell phones, cards, pens, snacks or other small parts, on a component located in the vehicle interior, such as interior trim parts or shelves, is known.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a modular system construction kit for a motor vehicle which enables a simplified and more flexible configuration for a motor vehicle.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments are the subject matter of the subclaims.

In order to further develop a modular system according to the preamble of claim 1 to the effect that the above-mentioned object is achieved, the invention provides that the portable functional module has both a control interface for receiving control signals from a vehicle-side control unit of the motor vehicle and at least one operating unit which vehicle-side holding unit has a corresponding interface for the wired transmission of the control signals from the vehicle-side control unit to the portable function module and a main function of the function module can be controlled by means of the vehicle-side control unit if the function module is attached to the vehicle-side holding unit and can be controlled with the at least one operating unit if the functional module is not attached to the vehicle-side holding unit.

In other words, the main function of the functional module can be controlled either with the at least one operating unit or via the control interface by means of control signals from the vehicle-side control unit. In the intended installation position of the functional module on the vehicle-side holding unit, the control interface of the functional module and the corresponding interface of the vehicle-side holding unit are electrically connected to one another. A continuous electrical connection between the functional module and the vehicle-mounted control unit can be provided via this electrical connection. Thus, the control signals can be wired and received directly by the function module from the control unit of the motor vehicle. The control unit can include, for example, a computing unit, in particular a microprocessor, which outputs corresponding control signals. Alternatively, the vehicle-side control unit forwards the control signals from an operating device of the vehicle to the portable function module.

In particular, the function module has exactly one main function. The modular system can, however, also have several function modules, wherein the function modules can have at least partially different main functions from one another. The main function is that function which is the actual purpose of the portable function module. In addition to the main function, the function module can have ancillary functions, for example the charging of an electrical energy store of the function module, the output of signal tones in relation to the main function or the like. The secondary functions serve in particular to provide the main function.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawing (s). The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as those mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in Features and combinations of features shown on their own in the single figure can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The only figure shows a motor vehicle 1 with a modular system 2 . The motor vehicle 1 is designed in particular as a passenger car, truck or bus. The motor vehicle 1 can for example have an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive.

In an interior of the car 1 are on-board holding units 4th arranged. Corresponding vehicle-side holding units 4th can for example on a dashboard 8th , on a center console 10 , on a steering wheel, in an area around a speedometer display of the motor vehicle 1 , on an inner door paneling of a door, in particular the driver's door or passenger's door, on a roof lining or at any other point inside the motor vehicle 1 be arranged. In particular, the vehicle-side holding units 4th concealed or inconspicuous in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 be arranged so that they fit seamlessly into the interior design of the vehicle 1 integrate.

The vehicle-side holding units 4th are designed to be portable function modules 3 of the modular system 2 to be removably fastened in an intended installation position. It is provided in particular that different portable functional modules 3 are identical or standardized with regard to their installation dimensions and / or their intended installation position. With the modular system 2 is overall a slight adaptation of the interior of the vehicle 1 realizable to changed customer requirements. Because because the functional modules 3 removable on the holding units 4th can be fastened, they can easily be exchanged and adapted to the wishes of the respective vehicle user, in particular by the user himself.

The functional modules 3 can have different main functions. In particular, each functional module 3 exactly one main function. For example, the function modules 3 provide different main functions among each other. In other words, the modular system 2 Function modules 3 the same and / or different main function can be arranged and combined at will.

To provide the, in particular exactly one, main function of a respective function module 3 can the respective function module 3 a media receiver 7th , a speaker 5 , a fragrance dispenser 6th , a camera, preferably a 360-degree camera or a so-called action camera, a projector or a storage medium. Accordingly, the main function can be the reception and provision of media content, the reproduction of sounds and / or music, and the refreshment of the air in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 , the recording of images and / or video sequences, the projecting of image content and / or optical signals, the provision of storage space, for example for a computer unit of the motor vehicle 1 or another of the functional modules 3 , or in any other functionality. The media recipient 7th can be set up as an MP3 player, DAB receiver, radio receiver and to receive media from the Internet, for example. Other possible main functions are the provision of new radio technologies by means of a corresponding radio device of the function module 3 and the execution of a portable functional module 3 as a so-called "personal body".

The functional modules 3 can each have at least one control unit. The operating unit can include, for example, one or more buttons, a touchpad, a touch-sensitive screen, a microphone for voice input, an optical sensor for gesture recognition or any other operating element. Such a functional module is provided by means of the at least one operating unit 3 directly controllable by a user. In other words, a corresponding operating unit can be designed to detect an operating action by the user, which is carried out in particular on the operating unit itself. The corresponding function module 3 is also set up to control the respective main function on the basis of the operating action recorded in this way. For example, the corresponding operating unit generates an operating signal that is dependent on the operating action or that characterizes the operating action, which is then used or evaluated to control the main function. A respective function module is created through the respective control unit 3 on its own, especially without the car 1 or without functional units of the modular system on the motor vehicle side 2 , controllable, operable and therefore usable.

The functional modules 3 are designed to be portable and thus from the interior of the vehicle 1 removable. By the respective at least one operating unit of a respective function module 3 is also the operability of the corresponding function module 3 ensured. It is also advantageous if each of the functional modules 3 has a respective electrical energy store, for example a rechargeable battery or a battery. The respective electrical energy store can be designed to be the respective portable functional module 3 to be supplied with electrical energy. In particular, the energy supply is provided for providing the main function. In other words, the electrical energy store is a respective function module 3 trained to use the respective functional module 3 to be supplied with electrical energy to provide the main function. Thus, for example, there are respective secondary functions of the function modules 3 in charging the electrical energy store, providing its stored energy for the main function or monitoring the electrical energy store. Further secondary functions can consist of recording the operating action on the operating unit and / or generating the operating signal that is dependent on it. In other words, the secondary functions serve to provide the main function, whereas the main function serves the actual purpose of the respective functional module 3 represents.

The functional modules 3 have a respective control interface. This control interface is designed to establish a wired connection with a corresponding interface of a respective vehicle-side holding unit 4th manufacture when the functional module 3 as intended on a respective holding unit 4th is attached. In particular, it is provided that the control interface and the corresponding interfaces of all function modules 3 of the modular system 2 as well as all holding units 4th of the modular system 2 are mechanically and electrically compatible with each other, so in particular can establish such a wired connection. A respective function module can be used for this control interface 3 with a control unit 9 of the motor vehicle are contacted or can be contacted. A respective function module 3 is designed to receive respective control signals via this control interface from the vehicle-side control unit 9 to recieve. The main function of the function module can be controlled by means of these control signals. In other words, the function modules are 3 designed for this purpose, the main function of which is dependent on the actuation of the at least one operating unit and also dependent on the control unit on the vehicle 9 control received control signals. In particular, only one of the two control options is enabled at any given time.

For example, a respective function module 3 only by means of control signals from the vehicle's control unit 9 controllable while the respective function module 3 in the intended installation position in one of the holding units 4th is located. Alternatively, it can be provided that an operation of the main function by means of the at least one operating unit is only possible during a respective function module 3 not on a holding unit on the vehicle side 4th is arranged. It is also possible that certain secondary functions, for example the charging and monitoring of the electrical energy store of a respective function module 3 is enabled via the control interface. In other words, it can be provided that electrical energy is drawn from the motor vehicle via the control interface 1 is received, with which the electrical energy store of a functional module 3 can be charged and / or the energy supply for providing the respective main function can be guaranteed.

Due to the portable design of the functional modules 3 , whose self-sufficient energy supply through the respective electrical energy storage device and the respective operating unit is a single use of a respective functional module 3 enables. In other words, a respective functional module 3 from the interior of the car 1 removed and in a different location outside of the vehicle 1 to be used. After such use, the functional module can be provided, for example 3 again on a holding unit 4th to be arranged to charge the electrical energy storage and the main function within the motor vehicle 1 to provide.

The on-board control unit 9 can for example have a vehicle-side operating device and / or a computing unit, in particular a microprocessor. For example, the control signals are used to control a respective function module 3 generated when executing a program code by the computing unit. In other words, it is provided that the control of the respective portable function module 3 by one in the car 1 stored program code occurs while the respective function module 3 in an intended installation position on a vehicle-side holding unit 4th is attached. Alternatively or additionally, the control can be carried out in accordance with one of the operating devices of the motor vehicle 1 recorded operator action of the user. In other words, the vehicle-side control unit 9 generate the control signal at least partially in accordance with the operator's action.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the modular system 2 a storage unit 11 includes, in which all available function modules 3 are stored. In other words, the storage unit includes 11 a database of all available function modules 3 . In particular, information is stored in the database which controls the respective main function of a function module 3 by the on-board control unit 9 enable. With the emergence of new functional modules 3 can do this in a simple way in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 be integrated by keeping the relevant information in the storage unit 11 updated. In other words, the database can be in the storage unit 11 new function modules 3 will be added as soon as they hit the market.

Overall, the embodiment shows how the interior of the motor vehicle is 1 can be redesigned again and again. In particular, electronic functionalities of the vehicle 1 by installing the appropriate function modules 3 expanded and / or adapted to the needs of a customer. In the event that functional modules 3 obsolete, for example with regard to their main functionality or their media or technological standards, a respective obsolete function module 3 through a new function module 3 be replaced. By arranging such functional modules 3 as part of a modular system 2 on a correspondingly designed holding unit 4th crash safety and theft protection is also guaranteed. For different main functions of the function modules 3 Co-branding or partnering with corresponding premium providers who are technologically leaders in the relevant field is an option.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102004045522 A1 [0003]

Claims (4)

System construction kit (2) for a motor vehicle (1), with - at least one portable functional module (3), and - a vehicle-side holding unit (4), which is designed to detachably attach the portable functional module (3) in an intended installation position, thereby characterized in that - the portable functional module (3) has both a control interface for receiving control signals from a control unit (9) of the vehicle (1) on the vehicle and at least one operating unit, - the holding unit (4) on the vehicle has a corresponding interface for the wired transmission of the Has control signals from the vehicle-side control unit (9) to the portable functional module (3), and - a main function of the functional module (3) can be controlled by means of the vehicle-side control unit (9) when the functional module (3) is attached to the vehicle-side holding unit (4) is, and can be controlled with the at least one control unit when the function module (3) is not attached to the vehicle-side holding unit (4). Modular system (2) Claim 1 , characterized in that the functional module (3) comprises a camera, a loudspeaker (5), a fragrance dispenser (6), a projector or a storage medium for providing the main function. Modular system (2) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the modular system (2) has a plurality of vehicle-side holding units (4), on each of which functional modules (3) with similar and / or different main functions can be arranged. System construction kit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system construction kit (2) comprises several function modules (3) each with exactly one main function that is different from one another.

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