Patent Publication Number: US-2023140082-A1

Title: Operator control device for a vehicle, steering wheel, dashboard, center console or armrest for a vehicle with an operator control device, vehicle with an operator control device and method for operating an operator control device

Description:
The present approach relates to an operator control apparatus for a vehicle, a steering wheel, dashboard, a center console or armrest for a vehicle having an operator control apparatus, a vehicle having an operator control apparatus and a method for operating an operator control apparatus. 
     DE 10 2015 110 633 A1 describes a haptic operator control device and a method for operating vehicles. 
     Against this background, the present approach provides an improved operator control apparatus for a vehicle, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a center console or armrest for a vehicle having an improved operator control apparatus, a vehicle having an improved operator control apparatus and a method for operating an improved operator control apparatus according to the main claims. Advantageous configurations emerge from the subclaims and the description below. 
     The advantages that can be achieved using the approach presented are that intuitive operator control is made possible for an operator control apparatus, multiple palpable rotation characteristics being different for a user on the basis of the operator control. 
     An operator control apparatus for a vehicle comprises a rotatable base body, an electronics unit and a rotation unit. The rotatable base body comprises a first operator control section for adjusting at least one first vehicle function of the vehicle, which first vehicle function is associated or associable with the first operator control section, and a second operator control section for adjusting at least one second vehicle function of the vehicle, which second vehicle function is associated or associable with the second operator control section. The electronics unit is designed to provide a first touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the first operator control section or approach toward the first operator control section, and to provide a second touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the second operator control section or approach toward the second operator control section. The rotation unit is designed to allow a rotary movement of the base body, wherein the rotation unit is designed to respond to the first touch signal by adjusting a first rotation characteristic of the rotary movement and to respond to the second touch signal by adjusting a second rotation characteristic of the rotary movement, which is different than the first rotation characteristic. 
     The vehicle can be a road vehicle, for example an automobile. The operator control apparatus can accordingly also be used in connection with other vehicles, devices or machines. A vehicle function can be a functionality that is adjustable or controllable by a user by using the operator control apparatus. By way of example, a vehicle function can represent a basic functionality of the vehicle, such as gear shifting, or a functionality of an assistance system of the vehicle, such as cruise control. The first vehicle function can be different than the second vehicle function, the rotation characteristics differing when the two different functions are adjusted. As such, a rotation characteristic that is beneficial for adjusting a specific driving function may be associated or associable. The first vehicle function may also be identical to the second vehicle function, however, with only the rotation characteristics differing during adjustment, depending on the operator control section at which rotation takes place. Such an operator control apparatus allows one or more different driving functions to be adjusted, a user of the operator control apparatus experiencing different haptic feedback depending on which driving function is adjusted or where the operator control apparatus is rotated. A rotation characteristic can relate to a rotation resistance, an unlocked rotation angle or a notching palpable to a user during a rotary movement, for example. The first rotation characteristic can produce a greater or lesser resistance perceptible to the user than the second rotation characteristic during the rotary movement, for example. 
     The base body may be in cylindrical and additionally or alternatively hollow and additionally or alternatively tiltable form. If the base body is of hollow configuration, other components of the operator control apparatus may be accommodated in the base body in a space-saving manner. A tiltable base body allows additional functions, such as operating a turn indicator, depending on the tilt position. According to one embodiment, the first operator control section and the second operator control section may be rigidly connected to one another. This allows a simple one-piece part for the base body, for example in the form of a straight tube. The first operator control section and the second operator control section may be arranged directly beside one another or behind one another, for example in alignment relative to a center axis of the base body. The base body can comprise one or more visual markings in order to visually distinguish between the operator control sections. 
     The rotation unit can comprise an electrical actuator, in particular an MRF unit, in order to produce the first and additionally or alternatively the second rotation characteristic. Different rotation characteristics can be produced quickly and easily using a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) of the MRF unit. 
     According to one embodiment, the electronics unit may be arranged in the base body and additionally or alternatively comprise a touch sensor system and additionally or alternatively an approach sensor system designed to sense the manual touch of the first operator control section or manual approach toward the first operator control section in order to provide the first touch signal, and additionally or alternatively to sense the manual touch of the second operator control section or manual approach toward the second operator control section in order to provide the second touch signal. This ensures practical and functional utilization of installation space. The touch and additionally or alternatively approach sensor systems may be part of a touch- and additionally or alternatively approach-sensitive film. 
     It is furthermore advantageous if the operator control apparatus comprises an association device designed to respond to an association signal by associating a fourth vehicle function with the first operator control section instead of the first vehicle function and additionally or alternatively by associating a fifth vehicle function with the second operator control section instead of the second vehicle function. This allows one and the same operator control apparatus to be used to quickly and easily adjust further vehicle functions. The association signal can be generated by a user as a result of selection of a vehicle function in a selection menu. The association signal can also be generated by the rotary movement on the first or second operator control section designed for operator control of the selection menu, however. 
     The rotation unit may be designed to use the association signal and the first touch signal to adjust a fourth rotation characteristic of the rotary movement and additionally or alternatively to use the association signal and the second touch signal to adjust a fifth rotation characteristic of the rotary movement. The fourth rotation characteristic can be different than the first and additionally or alternatively the fifth rotation characteristic. Similarly, the fifth rotation characteristic can be different than the second and additionally or alternatively the fourth rotation characteristic. It is thus also possible to adjust suitable further rotation characteristics for the further driving functions. 
     The rotation unit can comprise a rotation sensor designed to sense the rotary movement and to provide a rotation signal. The operator control apparatus can also comprise a control device designed to use the rotation signal and the first touch signal to output a first control signal for actuating at least the vehicle function associated with the first operator control section or to use the rotation signal and the second touch signal to output a second control signal for actuating at least the vehicle function associated with the second operator control section, wherein the vehicle functions can comprise at least one gear, driving experience level, comfort level, infotainment setting, lights setting or menu setting. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment, the base body can comprise at least one third operator control section for adjusting at least one third vehicle function of the vehicle, which third vehicle function is associated or associable with the third operator control section, wherein the electronics unit may be designed to provide a third touch signal that represents a manual touch of the third operator control section or approach toward the third operator control section, wherein the rotation device is designed to respond to the third touch signal by adjusting a third rotation characteristic of the rotary movement, which is different than the first rotation characteristic and additionally or alternatively the second rotation characteristic. The operator control apparatus can thus be used to adjust three driving functions. 
     A steering wheel, a dashboard, a center console or an armrest for a vehicle comprises an operator control apparatus that is formed in one of the variants described above. The aforementioned vehicle components are suitable for accommodating an operator control apparatus that is meant to be able to be used intuitively, for example during a journey with the vehicle. 
     A vehicle comprises an operator control apparatus that is formed in one of the variants described above. The operator control apparatus means that arbitrary vehicle functions can be adjusted intuitively by a user in such a vehicle. 
     A method for operating an operator control apparatus comprises the following steps: 
     reading in a first touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the first operator control section or approach toward the first operator control section of the operator control apparatus, or a second touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the second operator control section or approach toward the second operator control section of the operator control apparatus; and 
     adjusting the first rotation characteristic using the first touch signal or the second rotation characteristic, which is different than the first rotation characteristic, using the second touch signal. 
     This method may be implemented for example in software or hardware or in a hybrid form comprising software and hardware, for example in a control unit. 
    
    
     
       Exemplary embodiments of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained more thoroughly in the description below. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with an operator control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2  to  9    each show a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    shows a cross-sectional representation of an operator control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  11  to  12    each show a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG.  13    shows a flowchart for a method for operating an operator control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     In the description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the present approach below, identical or similar reference signs are used for the elements that are shown in the various figures and that have a similar effect, a repeat description of these elements being dispensed with. 
       FIG.  1    shows a schematic representation of a vehicle  100  with an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Merely by way of illustration, the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment is arranged on a steering wheel  110  of the vehicle  100 . According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is arranged or arrangeable on a dashboard, a center console or an armrest of the vehicle  100 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel  110  also has a further operator control apparatus  107 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatuses  105 ,  107  are in cylindrical or bar-shaped form and each extend away from a central area of the steering wheel  110 , in opposite directions. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatuses  105 ,  107  allow a driver of the vehicle  100  to adjust vehicle functions of the vehicle  100 . The vehicle functions adjustable using the operator control apparatuses  105 ,  107  may be firmly predefined or variable in this case. The operator control apparatuses  105 ,  107  can be used as a substitute for or in addition to conventional switching elements in the vehicle  100 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be the operator control apparatus  105  described in  FIG.  1   . 
     The operator control apparatus  105  comprises a rotatable base body  200 , an electronics unit  205  and a rotation unit  210 . The rotatable base body  200  comprises a first operator control section  215  for adjusting at least one first vehicle function of the vehicle, which first vehicle function is associated or associable with the first operator control section  215 , and a second operator control section  220  for adjusting at least one second vehicle function of the vehicle, which second vehicle function is associated or associable with the second operator control section  220 . The electronics unit  205  is designed to provide a first touch signal  225 , which represents a manual touch of the first operator control section  215  or approach toward the first operator control section  215 , and to provide a second touch signal  230 , which represents a manual touch of the second operator control section  220  or approach toward the second operator control section  220 . To detect a corresponding touch or approach, a suitable sensor system, for example a capacitive sensor system, which may be part of the electronics unit  205  or may be coupled to the electronics unit  205 , is used according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     The rotation unit  210  is designed to allow a rotary movement A of the base body  200 . The rotation unit  210  is therefore a bearing for the base body  200  or a shaft or axle coupled to the base body  200 . The rotation unit  210  is designed to respond to the first touch signal  225  by adjusting a first rotation characteristic  235  of the rotary movement A and to respond to the second touch signal  230  by adjusting a second rotation characteristic  240  of the rotary movement A, which is different than the first rotation characteristic  235 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the electronics unit  205  provides the first touch signal  225 , because a user of the operator control apparatus  105  approaches or touches the first operator control section  215  with his finger  245 . The rotation unit  210  reads in the first touch signal  225  and responds to the first touch signal  225  by adjusting the first rotation characteristic  235  of the rotary movement A of the base body  200 . According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the electronics unit  205  provides the second touch signal  230  when the user of the operator control apparatus  105  approaches or touches the second operator control section  220  with his finger  245 . According to the alternative exemplary embodiment, the rotation unit  210  then reads in the second touch signal  230  and responds to the second touch signal  230  by adjusting the second rotation characteristic  240  of the rotary movement A of the base body  200 , which is different than the first rotation characteristic  235 . 
     The base body  200  is in cylindrical and/or hollow form according to this exemplary embodiment. At least part of the electronics unit  205  is arranged so as to be accommodated in the base body  200  according to this exemplary embodiment. Further, the electronics unit  205  according to this exemplary embodiment has a touch sensor system and/or an approach sensor system designed to sense the manual touch of the first operator control section  215  or manual approach toward the first operator control section  215  and to respond thereto by providing the first touch signal  225 , and/or to sense the manual touch of the second operator control section  220  or manual approach toward the second operator control section  220  and to respond thereto by providing the second touch signal  230 . 
     The first operator control section  215  and the second operator control section  220  are rigidly connected to one another and/or arranged beside one another, that is to say adjacent to one another, according to this exemplary embodiment. The operator control sections  215 ,  220  are therefore subregions of one and the same base body  200 . If the first operator control section  215  carries out the rotary movement A, the second operator control section  220  accordingly rotates as well, and vice versa. The two operator control sections  215 ,  220  are shown merely by way of illustration: three or more operator control sections can also be realized, which can be embodied as further subregions of the base body  200 . According to different exemplary embodiments, a spatial split of the operator control sections  215 ,  220  on the base body  200  is firmly predefined or variable. By way of example, a dividing line between the operator control sections  215 ,  220  may be movable. To this end, the dividing line can be displayed using a light-emitting device. 
     The rotation unit  210  comprises an electrical actuator  248 , in particular an MRF unit, in order to produce the first rotation characteristic  235  and/or the second rotation characteristic  240 , according to this exemplary embodiment. According to one exemplary embodiment, the touch signals  225 ,  230  are control signals for actuating the actuator  248 . According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the rotation unit  210  is designed to use the touch signals  225 ,  230  to provide control signals for actuating the actuator  248 . The actuator  248  is designed to influence the rotary movement A of the base body  200 , for example to decelerate it, to limit it or to apply a pattern of movement to it that conveys for example the feel of a notching to the user. By way of example, the actuator  248  is designed to respond to the first touch signal  225  by exerting a first force on the base body  200 , for example a first deceleration force on a shaft of the base body  200  that is supported by the rotation unit  210 , and to respond to the second touch signal  225  by exerting a second force on the base body  200 , for example a second deceleration force on the shaft of the base body  200  that is supported by the rotation unit  210 , the first force and the second force being different than one another in terms of magnitude, for example. 
     The rotation unit  210  additionally comprises a rotation sensor  250  designed to sense the rotary movement A and to provide a rotation signal, according to this exemplary embodiment. The operator control apparatus  105  also comprises a control device  255  designed to use the rotation signal and the first touch signal  225  to output a first control signal  260  for actuating at least the vehicle function associated with the first operator control section  215  and/or to use the rotation signal and the second touch signal  230  to output a second control signal  265  for actuating at least the vehicle function associated with the second operator control section  220 , wherein the vehicle functions comprise at least one gear, driving experience level, comfort level, infotainment setting, lights setting or menu setting. 
     The operator control apparatus  105  presented here realizes a haptic operator control element having variable haptics, which operator control element can be used to allow intuitive operator control of multiple different functions, in particular driving, comfort and infotainment functions in the vehicle. 
     The haptic operator control apparatus  105  consists of the base body  200 , the rotation unit  210  and the electronics unit  205 . An axle of the rotation unit  210  is coupled directly or via a transmission to the electrical actuator, according to this exemplary embodiment an MRF actuator. The actuator can be used to produce different latching angles, latching forces and/or end stops for the rotation characteristics  235 ,  240 . Furthermore, the axle of the rotation unit  210  is embodied as a hollow shaft according to this exemplary embodiment, with the result that, according to this exemplary embodiment, the inside of the hollow shaft incorporates a fixed support on which the flexible or rigid electronics unit  205  is mounted with a touch and/or approach sensor system and/or with light components. The touch and/or approach sensor system is a capacitive sensor system according to this exemplary embodiment. The base body  200  is characterized in that it is divided in the axial direction by at least two or more functional sections, in the form of the first operator control section  215  and the second operator control section  220  here. According to this exemplary embodiment, a surface of the base body  200  is closed or else divided into individual visible subareas by partial screening, for example. According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control sections  215 ,  220  are emphasized or are delimited from one another in a tactile manner, for example by one or more cambers, and/or visually, for example by one or more strips of light and/or painted symbols, in order to allow intuitive control. Each operator control section  215 ,  220  of the base body  200  may be or is able to be assigned to a unique function that is allocated in a fixed manner or in a user-specific manner beforehand. Alternatively, it is also possible for the section functions to be designed to be dynamic, e.g. menu-dependent, however. To this end, the operator control apparatus  105  according to one exemplary embodiment has an association device designed to respond to an association signal by associating a fourth vehicle function with the first operator control section  215  instead of the first vehicle function and/or by associating a fifth vehicle function with the second operator control section  220  instead of the second vehicle function. According to one exemplary embodiment, the rotation unit  210  is designed to use the association signal and the first touch signal  225  to adjust a fourth rotation characteristic of the rotary movement A and/or to use the association signal and the second touch signal  220  to adjust a fifth rotation characteristic of the rotary movement A. Each function and/or each operator control section  215 ,  220  of the base body  200  has individual haptics. The respective operator control section  215 ,  220  is sensed by means of the touch and/or approach sensor system of the integrated electronics unit  205 . Manual actuation of the haptic operator control apparatus  105  therefore results first in the operator control section  215 ,  220  on which the hand or the finger  245  is situated being detected and then in the haptics allocated to the operator control section  215 ,  220  and/or to the section function being adjusted. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  presented here comprises an extension with further interaction options such as e.g. tilt, push, slide and/or touch, e,g, swipe gestures, and/or tap. According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  presented here comprises an extension with other operator control devices, e.g. mechanical pushbutton switches and/or levers. According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  presented here comprises an extension with display apparatuses, e.g, a display and/or symbol lights. According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  presented here comprises a combination with other display apparatuses, e.g. a driver display, a center console display, “CID” for short, and/or a head-up display unit, “HUD” for short. According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  presented here comprises a combination with sound input apparatuses and/or sound output apparatuses, e.g. audible confirmation of interactions, voice inputs and/or voice output as confirmation or preselection. According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  presented here comprises a combination with other input apparatuses such as keys, levers and/or touch pads. 
       FIG.  3    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be the operator control apparatus  105  described in  FIG.  1  or  2   . As described in  FIG.  1   , the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment is arranged on the steering wheel and is shown in a close-up view. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is in the form of a thumb barrel with variable function assignment for operation with one thumb. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the first operator control section  215  is arranged on a left-hand region of the thumb barrel, that is to say closer to the central region of the steering wheel than the second operator control section  220 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the first touch signal by adjusting the first rotation characteristic, which represents coarse haptics of the first operator control section  215 . According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the first operator control section  215 , that is to say making the rotary movement at the first operator control section  215 , allows a menu change to be made in a main menu as the first vehicle function. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the second operator control section  220  is arranged on a right-hand region of the thumb barrel. According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the second touch signal by adjusting the second rotation characteristic, which represents smooth haptics of the second operator control section  220 . According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the second operator control section  220 , that is to say making the rotary movement at the second operator control section  220 , allows “larger” and/or “smaller” scaling to be carried out in a menu-dependent manner and/or on the basis of a direction of rotation of the rotary movement as the second vehicle function. 
       FIG.  4    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be one of the operator control apparatuses  105  described on the basis of one of the preceding figures, with the difference that the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a third operator control section  400 . At least the base body  200  is optionally in tiltable form. As described in  FIG.  1   , the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment is arranged on the steering wheel, from which only one operator control apparatus  105  extends according to this exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the base body  200  comprises the third operator control section  400  for adjusting at least one third vehicle function of the vehicle, which third vehicle function is associated or associable with the third operator control section  400 , wherein the electronics unit is designed to provide a third touch signal that represents a manual touch of the third operator control section  400  or approach toward the third operator control section, wherein the rotation device is designed to respond to the third touch signal by adjusting a third rotation characteristic of the rotary movement, which is different than the first rotation characteristic and/or the second rotation characteristic. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is in the form of a tilting lever with fixed function assignment and/or variable function assignment. A close-up view of the operator control apparatus  105  described here is shown in  FIG.  5   . 
       FIG.  5    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be the operator control apparatus  105  described in  FIG.  4    in a close-up view. 
     According to a first exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is in the form of a tilting lever with fixed function assignment. According to this first exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the first touch signal by adjusting the first rotation characteristic, which represents coarse haptics of the first operator control section  215  with fixed notches. According to this first exemplary embodiment, operating the first operator control section  215  allows a gear selector switch having the gears P, R, N and D to be operated as the first vehicle function. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the second operator control section  220  is arranged on a central region of the thumb barrel. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the second touch signal by adjusting the second rotation characteristic, which represents coarse haptics of the second operator control section  220 . According to the first exemplary embodiment, operating the second operator control section  220  allows a driving experience switch having the levels “Eco”, “Comfort” and/or “Sport” to be operated as the second vehicle function. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the third operator control section  400  is arranged on a right-hand region of the thumb barrel. According to this first exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the third touch signal by adjusting the third rotation characteristic, which represents light haptics of the third operator control section  400 . According to this first exemplary embodiment, operating the third operator control section  400  allows a lighting change with the settings “Sidelights”, “Auto” “Daytime running lights” and/or “Fog” to be operated as the third vehicle function. 
     According to a second exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is in the form of a tilting lever with a fixed function assignment and a variable function assignment. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the first touch signal by adjusting the first rotation characteristic, which represents coarse haptics of the first operator control section  215  with fixed notches. According to this second exemplary embodiment, operating the first operator control section  215  allows a gear selector switch having the gears P, R, N and D to be operated as the first vehicle function. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the second touch signal by adjusting the second rotation characteristic, which represents coarse haptics of the second operator control section  220 . According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the second operator control section  220  allows a menu selection from a driving experience switch, “FES” for short, lights and/or a distance controller “Distance Control” to be made as the second vehicle function. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the third operator control section  400  comprises variable functions. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the third touch signal by adjusting the third rotation characteristic, which represents changing haptics of the third operator control section  400 . According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the third operator control section  400  allows scaling to be performed in the menus, for example scaling of the “FES”, in a menu-dependent manner as the third vehicle function. 
       FIG.  6    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be the operator control apparatus  105  with fixed function assignment described in  FIG.  5   . According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is additionally designed to respond to a tilt movement B of the thumb barrel by outputting a turn indicator signal, which activates a left turn indicator or a right turn indicator of the vehicle depending on the upward or downward tilt movement. 
       FIG.  7    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be one of the operator control apparatuses  105  described on the basis of one of the preceding figures, with the difference that the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment is in the form of a rotary control. 
     Merely by way of illustration, the rotary control according to this exemplary embodiment has three operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400 ; according to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the rotary control has just two of the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400  or more operator control sections. The operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400  are arranged in a manner stacked above one another according to this exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, haptics of the rotary control vary according to the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400 , also called regions, at which said rotary control is operated. If the rotary control is operated further up, that is to say by way of illustration at the first operator control section  215  here, it reproduces light haptics and permits scaling of the respective submenu. If the rotary control is operated further down, by way of illustration at the second operator control section  220  and/or the third operator control section  400  here, it reproduces coarse haptics and permits control of the menu. Such a rotary control is integrated or integrable in different regions, according to one exemplary embodiment in a center console, an armrest and/or a steering wheel for a vehicle. 
       FIG.  8    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be one of the operator control apparatuses  105  described on the basis of one of  FIGS.  1  to  6   , with the difference that the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment comprises further operator control sections  800 ,  805 ,  810 ,  815 ,  820 ,  825 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  comprises a fourth operator control section  800 , a fifth operator control section  805 , a sixth operator control section  810 , a seventh operator control section  815 , an eighth operator control section  820  and/or a ninth operator control section  825 , which are arranged beside one another adjoining the third operator control section  400 . The ninth operator control section  825  is arranged adjacent to the rotation device  210  according to this exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  realizes a barrel scheme, in which various functions are haptically separated from one another. According to this exemplary embodiment, the rotation device  210  comprises an MRF unit, which can also be referred to as an “MRF module”. The barrel scheme describes a physically continuous barrel that is divided by mechanical delimitation and can therefore reflect the various functions. According to one exemplary embodiment, the barrel scheme is integrable or integrated in a center console and/or a dashboard, for example for a vehicle. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, operating the first operator control section  215  allows a seat heating system to be adjusted. According to one exemplary embodiment, operating the second operator control section  220  allows a temperature to be adjusted. According to one exemplary embodiment, operating the third operator control section  400  allows an audio volume to be adjusted. According to one exemplary embodiment, operating the fourth operator control section  800  allows a seat setting to be adjusted. According to one exemplary embodiment, operating the fifth operator control section  805  allows a ventilation to be adjusted. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, a first end of the base body of the operator control apparatus  105  is accommodated in a manner supported by the rotation device  210 , and a second end opposite the first end is accommodated in a manner supported by a retaining element  830 . In this way, even long base bodies comprising a multiplicity of operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400 ,  800 ,  805 ,  810 ,  815 ,  820 ,  825  can be supported robustly. 
       FIG.  9    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be one of the operator control apparatuses  105  described on the basis of one of  FIG.  1  to  6  or  8   . According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  comprises a support  900  for the electronics unit  205 , a vehicle connector  905 , a film  910  for a touch and/or approach sensor system, a base body support  915 , an actuator bracket  920  and an actuator controller  925 . 
     The support  900  is coupled to the electronics unit  205  and extends into the base body  200 , the support  900  according to this exemplary embodiment protruding from the base body on an end of the base body  200  that is opposite the rotation unit  210 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the electronics unit  205  accommodated in the base body  200  also protrudes at the end. According to this exemplary embodiment, the vehicle connector  905  is arranged outside the base body  200  on the electronics unit  205 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the film  910  is in transparent and/or touch- and/or approach-sensitive form. At least part of the film  910  extends inside the base body  200  around the electronics unit  205  and/or the support  900 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the rotation unit  219  comprises the electrical actuator, which is designed to produce the variable haptics of the base body. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the actuator bracket  920  and electrically coupled to the actuator controller  925 . 
       FIG.  10    shows a cross-sectional representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be the operator control apparatus  105  described in  FIG.  9   , which is shown in section along a sectional axis A-A. According to this exemplary embodiment, the film  910  connected to the electronics unit  205  extends into an interspace  1000  between a support outer wall of the support  900 , which wall is circular in cross section, and a base body inner wall of the base body  200 , which wall is circular in cross section. The film  910  encompasses at least half of the support  900  in the interspace  1000  according to this exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG.  11    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be one of the operator control apparatuses  105  described on the basis of one of  FIGS.  1  to  6  or  8  to  10   . As described in  FIG.  1   , the operator control apparatus  105  according to this exemplary embodiment is arranged on the steering wheel in double implementation in the form of thumb barrels. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is designed to output a display signal to a display apparatus  1100  of the vehicle, the display apparatus  1100  being designed to respond to the display signal by displaying at least one or all of the vehicle functions adjustable by means of the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  1105 ,  1110 . According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  outputs the display signal during operation of the operator control apparatus  105 . According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  outputs the display signal during operation of the operator control apparatus  105 , said display signal being designed to bring about a display of all of the vehicle functions associated with the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  1105 ,  1110  on the display apparatus  1100 . 
     According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the first touch signal by outputting a first display signal, which is designed to bring about a first display  1115  of the vehicle function associated with the first operator control section  115  on the display apparatus  1100 , and/or responds to the second touch signal by outputting a second display signal, which is designed to bring about a second display  1120  of the vehicle function associated with the second operator control section  220  on the display apparatus  1100 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the further operator control apparatus  105  comprises at least one further first operator control section  1105  and a further second operator control section  1110 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the further operator control apparatus  105  is shaped and designed in accordance with the operator control apparatus  105 . According to one exemplary embodiment, further vehicle functions that are adjustable by operating the further first operator control section  1105  and/or the further second operator control section  1110  are different than the vehicle functions that are adjustable by means of the operator control apparatus  105 . According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to a further first touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the further first operator control section  1105  or approach toward the further first operator control section  1105 , by outputting a further first display signal designed to bring about a further first display  1125  of the further vehicle function associated with the further first operator control section  1105  on the display apparatus  1100 . According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to a further second touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the further second operator control section  1110  or approach toward the further second operator control section  1110 , by outputting a further second display signal designed to bring about a further second display  1130  of the further vehicle function associated with the further second operator control section  1110  on the display apparatus  1100 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the first display  1115  and the second display  1120  and/or the further first display  1125  and the further second display  1130  are displayed in sections of the display apparatus  1100  that correspond to an arrangement of the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  1105 ,  1110  on the steering wheel. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus  1100  is in the form of a driver display and/or is part of the operator control apparatus  105 . 
       FIG.  12    shows a schematic representation of an operator control apparatus  105  according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be the operator control apparatus  105  described in  FIG.  11   , with the difference that the steering wheel comprises just one operator control apparatus  105 , which is in the form of the tilting lever with three operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400  that is described in  FIGS.  4  to  6   . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  is designed to output the display signal to the display apparatus  1100  of the vehicle, the display apparatus  1100  being designed to respond to the display signal by displaying at least one or all of the vehicle functions adjustable by means of the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400 . According to one exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  outputs the display signal during operation of the operator control apparatus  105 , said display signal being designed to bring about a display of all of the vehicle functions associated with the operator control sections  215 ,  220 ,  400  on the display apparatus  1100 . 
     According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the operator control apparatus  105  responds to the first touch signal by outputting the first display signal, which is designed to bring about the first display  1115  of the vehicle function associated with the first operator control section  215  on the display apparatus  1100 , and/or responds to the second touch signal by outputting the second display signal, which is designed to bring about the second display  1120  of the vehicle function associated with the second operator control section  220  on the display apparatus  1100 , and/or responds to the third touch signal by outputting a third display signal, which is designed to bring about a third display  1200  of the vehicle function associated with the third operator control section  400  on the display apparatus  1100 . 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the first operator control section  215  allows an adjustment for an automatic cruise control, “ACC setting” for short, to be made. According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the second operator control section  220  allows a driving experience switch having at least the levels “Eco”, “Comfort” and “Sport” to be adjusted. According to this exemplary embodiment, operating the third operator control section  400  allows a gear selection from the gears “P”, “R”, “N” and/or “D” to be made. 
       FIG.  13    shows a flowchart for a method  1300  for operating an operator control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. This can be one of the operator control apparatuses  105  described on the basis of one of the preceding figures. 
     The method  1300  comprises a reading-in step  1305  and an adjusting step  1310 . In reading-in step  1305 , a first touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the first operator control section or approach toward the first operator control section of the operator control apparatus, or a second touch signal, which represents a manual touch of the second operator control section or approach toward the second operator control section of the operator control apparatus, is read in. In adjusting step  1310 , the first rotation characteristic is adjusted using the first touch signal or the second rotation characteristic, which is different than the first rotation characteristic, is adjusted using the second touch signal. 
     If an exemplary embodiment comprises an “and/or” conjunction between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read to mean that the exemplary embodiment comprises both the first feature and the second feature according to one embodiment and comprises either only the first feature or only the second feature according to another embodiment. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS 
     A rotary movement 
     B tilt movement 
       100  vehicle 
       105  operator control apparatus 
       107  further operator control apparatus 
       110  steering wheel 
       200  base body 
       205  electronics unit 
       210  rotation unit 
       215  first operator control section 
       220  second operator control section 
       225  first touch signal 
       230  second touch signal 
       235  first rotation characteristic 
       240  second rotation characteristic 
       245  finger 
       248  actuator 
       250  rotation sensor 
       255  control device 
       260  first control signal 
       265  second control signal 
       400  third operator control section 
       800  fourth operator control section 
       805  fifth operator control section 
       810  sixth operator control section 
       815  seventh operator control section 
       820  eighth operator control section 
       825  ninth operator control section 
       830  retaining element 
       900  support 
       905  vehicle connector 
       910  film 
       915  base body support 
       920  actuator bracket 
       925  actuator controller 
       1000  interspace 
       1100  display apparatus 
       1105  further first operator control section 
       1110  further second operator control section 
       1115  first display 
       1120  second display 
       1125  further first display 
       1130  further second display 
       1200  third display 
       1300  method for operating an operator control apparatus 
       1305  reading-in step 
       1310  adjusting step