EP2856485B1 - Operating device, particularly of an electrical switch type - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an operating device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Electric switches formed in the manner of a joystick and / or cursor switch serve as operating devices for inputting data for an electrical appliance by a user. For example, such switches are used for car radios, navigation devices, on-board computers or for controlling other functions in motor vehicles. In particular, such an electrical switch can also be used as a multi-function switch for menu control of functions via a display in the motor vehicle.

Such, from the EP 1 970 929 A1 known operating device has a movably mounted actuator. The actuating member cooperates with a displacement means in such a way that the actuating member is displaceable by the user in a displacement plane in at least one direction from a neutral position into a sliding position assigned to this direction. The sliding position is formed as a switching position, such that the actuating member in the switching position acts on a switching element for generating a switching signal switching. The displacement means comprises a sliding member, on which the actuating member is arranged and / or with which the actuating member is in operative connection, and a guide support. The sliding member is displaceably mounted on the guide carrier by means of a ball bearing. It has been found in such an operating device that the displacement means has a certain amount of play, so that it lacks precision in the sliding movement for the user.

• Günstige Lösung.
• Geringe Anzahl von Bauteilen.
• Entkopplung der einzelnen Mechanismen.
• Hohe Verschleißfestigkeit der Haptikgebenden Elemente.
• Geringe Baugröße.

The invention has for its object to further develop the operating device such that the precision for the sliding movement is increased. In particular, a should Input device can be developed by which it is possible to integrate a rotary and / or push and / or shift function in a switch as possible without play. The input device may be, for example, a central operating unit (ZBE), in particular for a motor vehicle. In particular, the following points should be considered constructively:

• Cheap solution.
• Low number of components.
• Decoupling of the individual mechanisms.
• High wear resistance of haptic-giving elements.
• Small size.

This object is achieved in a generic operating device by the characterizing features of claim 1.

In the operating device according to the invention, the guide carrier is arranged on an inner support. It is advisable for the sake of stability to arrange the guide carrier mounted on two opposite bearing points in the inner support. In particular, the guide carrier may be configured in the manner of a guide pin, a guide rod, a guide pin or the like. The sliding member is thus arranged in a compact manner on the inner support and displaceable in a first direction relative to the inner support. As a ball bearing a linear ball guide is provided. Advantageously, the user is thus offered a precise and / or play-free operation of the operating device and it is also a reliable operation of the switch guaranteed. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

To extend the functionality of the operating device, the actuating member may additionally be displaceable in a further displacement plane from the neutral position into a further sliding position. Conveniently, for this purpose, the displacement means comprise a further guide carrier. The inner support can in turn be mounted displaceably by means of a ball bearing on the other guide support, so that a precise and play-free adjustment is achieved in the further sliding position.

In space-saving configuration, the further guide carrier can be arranged on an outer support. For the purpose of good stability, the further guide carrier may be mounted on two opposite bearing points in the outer carrier. As a result, the inner carrier, in particular together with the sliding member, in a second direction relative to the outer carrier displaceable. Preferably, the arrangement of the guide carrier is such that the first and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. In particular, then the actuator in the manner of a wind rose can be moved by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, which is characterized by particular simplicity as well as precision, the ball guide may comprise balls located in a ball cage, whereby a simple assembly of the ball bearing is given. The ball cage for the guide carrier can be arranged in a compact manner on the sliding member and / or the ball cage for the further guide carrier on the inner support.

With regard to the precision and / or stability of the guide, it is advisable that two guide carriers and two further guide carriers are each arranged parallel to one another. Preferably, then in a simple embodiment, the displacement means on an inner support with each located in a ball cage guide carriers and an outer support with each located in a ball cage further guide carrier.

In particular, the invention provides a rotary and / or push and / or sliding plate with ball cages for storage and / or guidance in the horizontal direction.

Also, to extend the functionality of the switch, a rotating means may be provided for the actuator, so that the actuator is rotatable with respect to the sliding member. The actuator can rotate through the Users interact with a switching element to generate a switching signal. For ease of rotation, it may be appropriate that the rotating means comprises a ball bearing for rotatable mounting on the sliding member.

Furthermore, a further displacement means for the actuator may be provided for a further extended functionality, such that the actuator is linearly movable by at least a distance from a zero position to an actuating position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with respect to the sliding member. The actuating position can in turn be designed as a switching element having a switching position for generating a switching signal, so that the actuator further allows a kind of "Enter" operation for the user.

In a compact embodiment, the further displacement means may comprise a guide member arranged displaceably on the sliding component. Conveniently, the ball bearing can be arranged for the rotating means on the guide part. The increased ergonomics for the user can be a leaf spring with the actuator and a gate on the guide part to produce a feel for the rotational movement in operative connection.

In a cost-effective further embodiment, the switching element for the generation of a switching signal, wherein the switching signal is generated in particular in the respective switching position of the actuator from a light barrier, an electrical contact element in the manner of a Kurzhubtaste or a Schaltmattendoms from a sensor o. The like. Exist , The haptic for the sliding movement can be generated in a simple manner by means of a switching element in the manner of a short-stroke key or a switching mat dome. The haptic for the displacement movement can also be generated by means of a magnet system. Optionally, a controllable feel by means of an electric motor, an electromagnet o. The like. Be provided.

• Bessere Abstimmung der Haptik.
• Gute Entkopplung aller Funktionsrichtungen.
• Kompakte Bauweise.
• Geringe Baugröße (speziell in Z-Richtung, also in der Höhe der Bedienvorrichtung).

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that by the design of the displacement means with ball bearings, in particular with Ball cages, a backlash-free and / or low-friction bearing for the actuator of the operating device is created. Other advantages include:

• Better matching of the feel.
• Good decoupling of all functional directions.
• Compact design.
• Small size (especially in the Z direction, ie at the height of the operating device).

Fig. 1

einen durch Schieben, Drücken und Drehen betätigbaren elektrischen Schalter in der Art eines Multifunktionsschalters bzw. eine als zentrale Bedieneinheit im Kraftfahrzeug dienende Bedienvorrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2

die Bedienvorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in Draufsicht, wobei die Oberseite des Gehäuses geöffnet dargestellt ist,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 3-3 (Schiebeachse Süd-Nord) in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 4-4 (Schiebeachse Ost-West) in Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 5-5 (Schiebemechanik) in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus Fig. 5 zur näheren Ausgestaltung der Schiebemechanik der Bedienvorrichtung und

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt wie in Fig. 3 gemäß einer anderen Ausgestaltung.

An embodiment of the invention with various developments and refinements is shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an actuatable by sliding, pushing and turning electrical switch in the manner of a multi-function switch or serving as a central control unit in the motor vehicle operating device in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

the operating device off Fig. 1 in plan view, wherein the top of the housing is shown open,

Fig. 3

a section along the line 3-3 (sliding axis south-north) in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

a section along the line 4-4 (sliding axis east-west) in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 5

a section along the line 5-5 (sliding mechanism) in Fig. 4 .

Fig. 6

an enlarged section Fig. 5 for further development of the sliding mechanism of the operating device and

Fig. 7

a cut like in Fig. 3 according to another embodiment.

In Fig. 1 is an operating device 1, which is designed as an electrical switch in the manner of a joystick and / or cursor switch to see. The switch 1 has a housing 2 from which an actuator 3 for operation by the user protrudes. The Actuator 3 is movably mounted in the housing 2. Namely, the actuator 3 by moving in accordance with the arrows 4 in south-north direction and the arrows 5 in the east-west direction in the manner of a wind rose actuated, as well as on the basis of Fig. 2 can be seen. Further, the actuator 3 can be operated by rotating according to the double arrow 6. Finally, the actuator 3 is still movable by pressing the arrow 7, as in Fig. 3 is shown.

The switch 1 is used for example in the motor vehicle for operating a navigation system. The respective inputs for the navigation system can be made by the user by appropriate movement or actuation of the actuator 3. How to continue the Fig. 1 extracts, the control device 1 may have further located in the housing 2 actuators 21 for electrical switches for direct selection of various other functions. For example, with the aid of the actuating element 21, the representation of a specific menu for the navigation system can be selected on a screen in the motor vehicle.

How to use the Fig. 3 sees, the actuator 3 cooperates with a displacement means 8 such that the actuating member 3 is displaceable in a displacement plane in at least one direction 4 from a neutral position into a sliding position. The sliding position is formed as a switching position, such that the actuating member 3 in the switching position on a switching element not further shown switching acting, so as to generate a corresponding switching signal for the shift position.

As in Fig. 3 can be further seen, the displacement means 8 comprises a sliding member 19 and a guide bracket 10. The sliding member 19, the actuator 3 is arranged. In the present case, the actuating member 3 is in operative connection with the sliding component 19 via further components, in order to allow further functionalities in addition to the sliding movement. For example, a further functionality may be the turning of the actuating member 3, as will be explained in more detail below. The sliding member 19 is displaceably mounted on the guide bracket 10 by means of a ball bearing 9.

The guide carrier 10 is arranged on an inner support 11, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 can be seen. In fact, the guide carrier 10 is mounted on two opposite bearing points 22 in the inner support 11. For precise guidance, two guide carriers 10 are arranged parallel to one another on the inner support 11. The sliding member 19 is thus on the ball bearing 9 on the guide bracket 10 in a first direction 4, in the direction north-south, relative to the inner support 11 slidably.

The displacement means 8 comprises a further guide support 10 ', as in FIG Fig. 4 you can see. The inner support 11 is slidably mounted by means of a ball bearing 9 on the other guide support 10 '. According to Fig. 5 If the further guide carrier 10 'is in turn arranged on an outer carrier 12, the further guide carrier 10' is in turn mounted on two opposite bearing points 22 'in the outer carrier 12. The precise guide half are also two guide support 10 'arranged parallel to each other on the outer support 12. As a result, the inner support 11 is displaceable together with the sliding member 19 in a second direction 5, in the direction east-west, relative to the outer support 12, so that consequently the actuating member 3 is displaceable in a further displacement plane from the neutral position to a further sliding position ,
The first direction 4 corresponding north-south and the second direction 5 corresponding east-west are substantially perpendicular to each other in the manner of a wind rose.

How to continue the Fig. 5 takes, is provided as a ball bearing 9, a linear ball guide on the guide beams 10, 10 '. The ball guide comprises according to Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 The ball cage 23 for the guide carrier 10 is arranged on the sliding member 19 and the ball cage 23 for the further guide bracket 10 'on the inner support 11.

According to Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 a rotating means 13 is provided for the actuating member 3, such that the actuating member 3 with respect to the sliding member 19 is rotatable. Thus, the actuator 3 can be rotated by at least one angle from an initial position in at least one rotational position, wherein the rotational position is in turn formed as a switch element having a switching position. In the present case, the actuator 3 is infinitely rotatable, wherein when turning the actuator 3 in Direction 6 corresponding signals are generated in the manner of switching signals of a rotary encoder. To generate the rotational signal is on a disposed in the interior of the actuator 3 to a guide member 18 printed circuit board 25 a photocell 24 is located, as in Fig. 3 can be seen, with the photocell 24 a rotatable means 13 located on the sprocket 26 cooperates. The rotating means 13 further comprises a ball bearing 14 for rotatable mounting on the sliding member 19th

Finally, another displacement means 15 is provided for the actuator 3, such that the actuator 3 is linearly movable by at least a distance from a zero position to an actuating position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with respect to the sliding member 19 by pressing in the direction 7. As based on Fig. 3 can be seen, the actuating position is also formed as a switching element 27 having a switching position for generating a switching signal. This switching signal can be used, for example, as an enter signal.

The further displacement means 15 comprises the guide member 18 which is displaceably arranged on the sliding component 19. The ball bearing 14 for the rotation means 13 is in turn arranged on the guide member 18. When pressing in the direction 7 on the actuator 3 thus the rotating means 13 is also moved with. At the same time located on the circuit board 25 switching element 27 is actuated by cooperation with the sliding member 19. The switching element 27 is designed as a Kurzhubtaste and thus simultaneously causes the feel for the user. Finally, there is a leaf spring 28 with the actuator 3, with the pivot bearing 13, and with a link 29 on the guide member 18 for generating a feel for the rotational movement in operative connection.

The switching element for the rotational movement consists, as already mentioned, of a light barrier 24. The switching elements for the sliding movement in east-west and south-north direction also consist of light barriers not shown. Of course, the switching elements for the generation of the switching signal in the switching position, however, in any way from a photocell, an electrical contact element in the manner of a Kurzhubtaste or a Schaltmattendom, from a sensor o. The like. consist.

The haptic for the sliding movement is generated by means of a switching element 16 in the manner of a Kurzhubtaste or a Schaltmattendoms, as in Fig. 6 you can see. If desired, however, the switching elements 16 can also be used for generating the switching signal for the displacement movement, so that it is possible to dispense with other switching elements. The feel for the sliding movement can also be generated by means of a magnet system 17, as in Fig. 7 can be seen closer.

Created at the switch 1 according to the invention, the implementation of a solution for four sliding alignments 4, 5, ie for two functional levels, via two parallel guide carrier 10, 10 'with ball bearing 9 per sliding direction 4,5. The operation of the electrical switch 1 will be explained in more detail below.

• Gemäß Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 wird die Schiebebewegung durch das Betätigungsorgan 3, nachfolgend auch Drehknopf 3 genannt, eingeleitet. Der Drehknopf 3 sitzt auf der Drehlagerung 13, welche mittels eines Kugellagers 14 mit dem Führungsteil 18 verbunden ist. Über das Führungsteil 18 wird die Schiebebewegung dann an das Schiebebauteil 19, nachfolgend auch Enterwelle 19 genannt, weitergegeben.

Operation for the sliding movement:

• According to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the sliding movement by the actuator 3, hereinafter also called rotary knob 3, initiated. The knob 3 is seated on the pivot bearing 13, which is connected by means of a ball bearing 14 with the guide member 18. About the guide member 18, the sliding movement is then passed to the sliding member 19, hereinafter also called enter shaft 19, passed.

The Enter wave 19 is mounted on two parallel guide pins 10, 10 and two ball cages 23 in the inner support 11, as the Fig. 5 can be seen. By this storage system results in a play-free but also very low-friction storage of the sliding mechanism. In a functional level, now the escape shaft 19 shifts over the guide pins 10, 10, in this case for the north or south direction, and triggers the switching signal via a light barrier system. So that a collision-free movement is given, the take-off shaft 19 has Fig. 6 sufficient clearance 30 through corresponding recesses on the inner support 11 and rests exclusively on the switching elements 16. The haptic is generated via a switching element 16, in this case via a switching mat dome or a short-stroke key, as in FIG Fig. 6 you can see. In the process of Enter wave 19 then the switching element 16 is pressed and forms the feel for the sliding movement. It However, alternatively, a magnet system 17 can be used for Haptikerzeugung, which in Fig. 7 is shown. The switching element 16 for this sliding direction is according to Fig. 4 and 6 stored in the inner support 11 and is actuated via the discharge shaft 19.

If the rotary knob 3 is now deflected in the east-west direction, the guide pins 10 in the inner support 11, on which the shooter shaft 19 is mounted via the ball cages 23, are used (for this direction, the guide pins 10 are fixedly mounted in the discharge shaft 19). that transmit force to the inner support 11, as you can see from Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 sees. As a result, the entire push-turn-slide unit shifts in the east or west direction (see also Fig. 6 ). According to Fig. 5 the inner support 11 is also mounted on two parallel guide pins 10 'and ball cages 23 in the outer support 12 and this in turn in the base 20. If the rotary knob 3 is deflected in the east-west direction, then the inner support 11 shifts due to the fixed in east-west direction storage of the guide pins 10 in the return shaft 19 on the guide pins 10 ', so that the entire push-turn sliding Unit is moved in east or west direction (see also Fig. 6 ). The signal is also detected by a light barrier system. The haptic is also generated here by means of a switching element 16, in this case a switching mat or a Kurzhubtaster stored in the base 20, as based on Fig. 3 or Fig. 6 can be seen. To ensure a collision-free function is according to Fig. 6 for the movable push-turn-slide unit including inner support 11 in the base 20 sufficient clearance 30 'is provided. The inner support 11 rests exclusively on the switching elements 16, as based on the Fig. 6 can be seen.

As already mentioned, is in Fig. 6 to see the free space 30 for moving the wake 19 in north-south direction and the free space 30 'for moving the wake 19 in west-east direction.

The rotatable unit and the unit that fulfills the push function are seated accordingly Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 on the take-off shaft 19, whereby they are decoupled from the sliding mechanism. The rotary and the push mechanism make the sliding movement with. The switching and the haptic generation of the push mechanism are realized via a Kurzhubtaster 27 connected to a circuit board 25 in the knob 3, as the Fig. 3 and the Fig. 4 can be removed. The switching signal for the rotating unit is according to Fig. 3 generated by means of a light barrier 24 on the circuit board 25 in the knob 3. The haptic generation of the rotating unit is according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 via a leaf spring 28, connected to the pivot bearing 13, and a trained on the guide member 18 link 29 generated.

The arrangement of the parallel guided guide elements 10, 10 ', which are all at one level, a very small space for the switch 1 can be implemented.

Such a multi-function switch can be used for car radios, for navigation systems and / or for control devices, displays o. The like. In motor vehicles. However, the invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment. Rather, it also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. In addition to automotive applications, such a multi-function switch can also be advantageously used as input means for computers, machine tools, household appliances or the like. Finally, the invention can be used not only in the multi-function switches described but also in such switches, in which the actuating member is configured only displaceable.

Reference numeral list:

1:

Control device / (electrical) switch

2:

casing

3:

Actuator / knob

4,5:

Arrow (move) / direction / sliding direction

6:

Double arrow (turning) / direction

7:

Arrow (push) / direction

8th:

displacement means

9:

Ball bearing / ball

10:

Guide carrier / guide pin / guide element

10 ':

(further) leadership / leadership / leadership

11:

internal support

12:

balconnet

13:

Turning means / rotary bearing

14:

ball-bearing

15:

(further) displacement means

16:

Switching element (for haptics)

17:

Magnet system (for haptics)

18:

guide part

19:

Sliding component / Enter wave

20:

base

21:

jig

22.22 ':

Depository (for executives)

23:

ball cage

24:

Photocell / switching element

25:

circuit board

26:

sprocket

27:

Switching element / short-stroke button / short-stroke button

28:

leaf spring

29:

scenery

30.30 ':

free space

Claims (13)

1. An operating device, in particular an electrical switch of a joystick or cursor-switch type, comprising a movable actuation member (3), wherein the actuation member (3) cooperates with a displacing means (8) in such a manner that the actuating member (3) can be displaced in at least one direction (4, 5) in a displacement plane, from a neutral position into a shifted position, wherein the shifted position is designed as a switching position, in such a manner that the actuating member (3) acts in a switching manner on a switching element in the switching position in order to generate a switching signal, wherein the displacing means (8) comprises a shifting component (19), on which the actuating member (3) is arranged and/or which is in operative connection with the actuating member (3), and a guide carrier (10), and wherein the shifting component (19) is mounted in a displaceable manner by means of a ball bearing (9) on the guide carrier (10), characterised in that the guide carrier (10) is mounted on two opposite lying mounting points (22) on an inner carrier (11), such that the shifting component (19) can be displaced in a first direction (4) with respect to the inner carrier (11), and in that a linear ball guide is provided as the ball bearing (9).
2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuation member (3) can be displaced in a further displacement plane from the neutral position into a further shifted position, and in that the displacing means (8) comprises a further guide carrier (10'), wherein the inner carrier (11) is displaceably mounted by means of a ball bearing (9) on the further guide carrier (10').
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the further guide carrier (10') is mounted on two opposite lying mounting points (22') on an outer carrier (12), such that the inner carrier (11) is displaceable together with the shifting component (19) in a second direction (5) with respect to the outer carrier (12).
4. The operating device according to claim 3, characterised in that the first and the second direction (4, 5) are substantially perpendicular to one another.
5. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the ball guide comprises balls (9) in a ball cage (23), in that the ball cage (23) for the guide carrier (10) is arranged on the shifting component (19), and in that the ball cage (23) for the further guide carrier (10') is arranged on the inner carrier (11).
6. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a rotation means (13) is provided for the actuation member (3), such that the actuation member (3) can be rotated with respect to the shifting component (19), and such that during rotation the actuation member (3) interacts with a switch element (24) to generate a switching signal.
7. The operating device according to claim 6, characterised in that the rotation means (13) comprises a ball bearing (14) for rotary mounting on the shifting component (19).
8. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a further displacing means (15) is provided for the actuation member (3), in such a way that the actuation member (3) is linearly displaceable relative to the shifting component (19) approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane, about at least one stretch from a zero position into an actuation position, and in that the actuation position is designed as a switching position comprising a switching element (27) for generating a switching signal.
9. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the further displacing means (15) comprise a guide part (18) displaceably arranged on the shifting component (19).
10. The operating device according to claim 9, characterised in that the ball bearing (14) is arranged on the guide part (18) for the rotation means (13).
11. The operating device according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that a leaf spring (28) is operatively connected to the actuation member (3) as well as to a link (29) on the guide part (18), in order to create a feel for the rotary movement.
12. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the switching element for the generation of a switching signal consists of a light barrier (24), an electrical contact element, a short-stroke button (27), a switching mat dome or a sensor.
13. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the feel for the shifting movement is generated by means of a switching element (16), a short-stroke button, a switching mat dome or by means of a magnet system (17).

Images