DE102006028227A1 - Actuator e.g. electronic gear selection switch, for motor vehicle, has handle and rotating unit working together, where break force acting on handle in rotatable position is produced by magnetic strength - Google Patents

Abstract

The actuator has a movable handle (2) and a rotating unit (3) that work together in such a manner that the handle is rotatable in a rotating level in a direction from a neutral position to a rotatable position. The rotatable position is formed as an indexed position in such a manner that break force acts on the handle in the rotatable position. The break force is produced by a magnetic strength. An independent claim is also included for an electrical and/or electronic switch e.g. joystick or cursor switch such as electronic gear selection switch for a motor vehicle, with an actuator.

Description

The The invention relates to an actuator according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Actuators, as formed in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch electrical and / or electronic switches are used to enter Data for an electrical device by a user. For example, such switches for car radios, Navigation devices, On-board computer or also for the manual control of other functions in Used motor vehicles. In particular, such an actuator can be also as electronic gear selector switch for a controlled by shift by wire Use gearbox in the vehicle.

One such is designed as an electrical switch actuator from US-A-4,459,440. This switch has a with Verschwenkmitteln cooperating, manually movable by the user Handle, so that the Handle in two mutually perpendicular pivoting planes each in two directions from a neutral position in pivot positions is pivotable. The pivoting position can, but what in this document not mentioned further is, be designed as a detent position, such that a latching force acting in the pivoting position on the handle, whereby the handle is held in the pivot position.

In US-A-4 459 440 are thus for forming a detent position no closer Information provided. Furthermore, the known switch gives no indication on the realization of ergonomic requirements with regard to on the locking force, in particular those desirable for use in motor vehicles are. After all is also not clear if this switch is used is suitable in a motor vehicle with tight installation spaces.

Of the Invention is the object of the actuator in terms to develop the detent, in particular by the handle can be fixed without current in a defined position. preferably, should the detent be designed such that the ergonomics for the provided with high functionality Actuator is increased, but the actuator in particular, however to get along with a small space.

These Task is in a generic actuator by the characterizing Characteristics of claim 1 solved.

At the actuator according to the invention the locking force is generated by a magnetic force. advantageously, receives thereby a high, possibly variable latching force at low Energy demand. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject the dependent claims.

In structurally simple way can be the magnetic force through the interaction of a magnetizable adhesive body generate with a permanent magnet. The detent force is then in the detent position by the magnetic force between the permanent magnet and the adhesive body causes. The adhesive body stands with the permanent magnet in such a cooperation that the adhesive body in the neutral position of the handle substantially outside the area of action of the permanent magnet is located, wherein a slight at best Magnetic force acts on the handle. In the pivot position, however is the detention body essentially within the effective range of the permanent magnet located, wherein the magnetic force as a detent force on the handle acts. During pivoting, the handle moves the adhesive body in such a way, that the adhesive body in and / or outside the action range of the permanent magnet can be brought. If desired while the magnetic force over a located between the permanent magnet and the adhesive body air gap Act.

A compact design of the actuator is achieved in that the pivoting means consists of a rotating body movable in several directions. The handle is movably supported by means of the rotary body by the handle is arranged approximately radially projecting on the rotary body. The rotary body can again stored in the manner of a ball joint in a bearing shell be. Next can be on the rotary body one of the handle about opposing be arranged in approximately radially projecting approach, in a Scenery is led, such an exact movement for to ensure the handle. To the ergonomics for To increase the user can, by means of the scenery a haptic for the manual Movement of the handle be generated. With the handle acts for this, too arranged on protruding approach return spring for return in the neutral position together.

For further compactification, a pin, in particular with a round cross-section, is attached to the rotary body. The pin passes through a recess in the bearing shell and engages, for example by means of a tapered end, into a bore on the adhesive body. The adhesive body is linearly guided in a groove. The bore is provided with a chamfer, a radius o. The like., Wherein the chamfer, the radius o. The like. Is greater than the maximum pivoting or pivoting angle of the rotary body, thereby excluding any obstruction of the pivoting is sen.

to solution the detent in the swivel position offers an electromagnet which includes a coil and an armature. The electromagnet acts together with the permanent magnet such that a solution to the adhesive body Countermagnetic field can be generated. By energizing the electromagnet dissolves the connection and the actuator can by means of the return spring be brought back to its original position. Consequently, it is more efficient Way only to solve the latching a short-term energy needs necessary. Conveniently, is in a compact design of the permanent magnet on the electromagnet arranged.

is a big Locking force desired, so the permanent magnet may consist of a neodymium boron rare earth magnet. The adhesive body is in the manner of a carrier made of plastic and takes a magnetic flux guide of magnetizable Metal on. The carrier is guided in the groove low backlash. For noise reduction for the Striking the adhesive body on the permanent magnet and / or for the reset in the neutral position acts a damping element with the handle together. The damping element is for example attached to the protruding approach.

The actuator according to the invention is particularly suitable as an actuator for one electrical and / or electronic switch, in particular in the manner of a joystick or Cursor switch is configured. For example, such an electrical Switch as a gear selector switch for to use a motor vehicle.

at Such an electrical switch is the pivoting position of the Actuator designed as a switching position, such that the actuator as an actuator in the switching position on a switching element, sensor element, signal element o. Like. Actuating acts to generate a switching signal. Conveniently, can in such a gear selector switch, the sensor element of at least a magnetized code plate and at least one associated Hall sensor exist. The code plate is so to the actuator hinged that the tilting or pivoting movement of the actuator in a linear movement of the Code plate is converted. This linear movement of the code plate is then through the relevant Hall sensors detected. For one Gear selector switch suffice then seven sensors in the x-direction and five sensors in the y-direction, to manually select all Gears too allow. Such a switch offers despite simple design a high functionality, where the elements for the signal acquisition does not absorb any abusive forces.

In summary is a particularly advantageous embodiment for the actuator to see therein that the Handle mounted by a movable in several directions rotary body is. On the rotary body a pin with a round cross-section is attached. This one attacks the bore of a linear guided Adhesive body. The hole is with a chamfer that is larger than the angle of rotation, or provided with a corresponding radius. By rotation of the rotating body becomes the adhesive body pushed onto a permanent magnet, the system is de-energized liable. Solved by energization the connection, the handle can with a return spring be brought back to their original position.

through one or more damping elements takes place a noise reduction when striking the two components.

A such training realizes the following boundary conditions. On the one hand is achieved by brief energization of the unit, the detent. To the another is a low-noise Fixation of the handle in a rotation axis. Finally, one is Movement of other axes of rotation still possible.

The particular advantages of the invention are that this Actuator despite high functionality with a small footprint gets along. Thus, the actuator for tight spaces, as in the dashboard, the center console, the armrest o. The like. Given in the vehicle are suitable. Furthermore, the actuator is error-prone and has a long life. The actuator according to the invention can be thus advantageous in harsh environmental conditions, for example in motor vehicles. In addition, the actuator has a good feel on. Despite high functionality, the actuator is simple to operate, with incorrect operations are largely excluded. Finally is the actuator also cost manufacture.

• – Es ist eine geräuscharme Verriegelung und/oder Fixierung des Stellglieds ermöglicht.
• – Es handelt sich um eine verschleißfreie Konstruktion.
• – Die Haltekraft entsteht erst unmittelbar vor Erreichen der gewünschten Schaltposition.
• – Die Rückstellung durch Bestromung der Spule sowie Aufhebung des magnetischen Feldes kann beliebig oft vorgenommen werden.
• – Es ist keine Dauerbestromung des Systems notwendig.
• – Eine Bewegung des Stellgliedes in den anderen Drehachsen ist möglich.
• – Es ist die Erzeugung einer veränderbaren Fixierkraft bzw. Resthaltekraft ermöglicht.

Further advantages can be seen in the following:

• - It is a low-noise locking and / or fixation of the actuator allows.
• - It is a wear-free construction.
• - The holding force arises only immediately before reaching the desired switching position.
• - The provision by energizing the coil and cancellation of the magnetic field can be made as often as desired.
• - No continuous power supply of the system is necessary.
• - A movement of the actuator in the other axes of rotation is possible.
• - It's the creation of a changeable fixer force or residual holding force allows.

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

1 an actuator, wherein the handle is in a neutral position,

2 the actuator, wherein the handle is in pivoting position,

3 schematically the handle with the locking element,

4 the actuator in side view and top view,

5 the actuator in perspective view with enlarged detail,

6 the actuator in perspective view with enlarged detail detail,

7 the actuator in perspective view with enlarged further detail detail,

8th the actuator in a further perspective view,

9 an electrical switch, which is an actuator as in 1 has, and

10 schematically the actuator for controlling modules.

In 1 and 2 is an actuator 1 with a manually movable by the user handle 2 shown. The actuator 1 , for example, as a gear selector switch according to 9 used in a motor vehicle, has pivoting means 3 , The handle 2 works with the pivoting means 3 together so that the handle 2 in a pivoting plane in at least one direction from an in 1 shown neutral position in an in 2 visible pivot position is pivotable. The pivot position is designed as a detent position, such that a latching force in the pivot position on the handle 2 acts. This is the handle 2 held in the pivoting position with the locking force as a holding force. The latching force is effected by a magnetic force, in turn, by a latching element 24 is generated.

The locking element 24 consists of an adhesive body 4 and a permanent magnet 5 as shown schematically in 3 is shown, so that the magnetic force in turn by the interaction of the magnetizable adhesive body 4 with the permanent magnet 5 is generated. As a result, the detent force in the detent position by the magnetic force between the permanent magnet 5 and the adhesive body 4 causes. Between the permanent magnet 5 and the adhesive body 4 There may be an air gap which is bridged by the magnetic force. How to compare by comparison 3 and the 4 sees, is the detention body 4 in the neutral position of the handle 2 from the permanent magnet 5 away. This is the detention body 4 with the permanent magnet 5 in such a way that the adhesive body 4 in the neutral position of the handle 2 outside the effective range of the permanent magnet 5 is located, so that there is a possibly slight magnetic force on the handle 2 acts. In the pivoting position, however, is the adhesive body 4 within the range of action of the permanent magnet 5 which, in turn, is out 3 it can be seen, wherein the magnetic force as a detent force on the handle 2 acts. The handle 2 moves the adhesive body during pivoting 4 in that the adhesive body 4 in and / or outside the effective range of the permanent magnet 5 can be brought.

The pivoting means 3 consists of a multi-directional rotating body 6 , with which the handle 2 by means of the rotary body 6 movably mounted, as can be seen from 8th recognizes. The rotary body 6 is in a bearing cup 7 stored in the manner of a ball joint. The approximately radially on the rotary body 6 protruding handle 2 is in a backdrop 8th led how to get in 6 sees. For example, the backdrop 8th be approximately H-shaped, H-shaped several times or configured in any other way when the actuator 1 is used as a gear selector switch in a motor vehicle. By means of appropriate design of the backdrop 8th Can also be a haptic for manual movement of the handle 2 be producible. For this purpose is on the rotary body 6 an approach 25 arranged, the handle 2 approximately opposite and approximately radially from the rotary body 6 projects. At the beginning 25 is a stylus 26 via a return spring 9 movably mounted, as in 10 can be seen, with the stylus 26 in the scenery 8th intervenes.

As in 7 can be seen, is for the articulation of the pivoting means 3 to the locking element 24 as means for generating the detent force on the rotary body 6 a pen 10 appropriate. The pencil 10 , which has a round cross section, passes through a recess 11 in the bearing shell 7 and engages by means of a tapered end 29 (please refer 10 ) in a hole 12 on the adhesive body 4 one. The adhesive body 4 is in a groove 13 on a bracket 14 linearly guided. The hole 12 is with a chamfer 15 , a radius o. The like. Provided, wherein the chamfer 15 , the radius o. Like. Larger than the maximum pivoting or pivoting angle of the rotating body 6 is how based on 5 can be seen.

As already mentioned, the handle points 2 one on the projecting approach 25 arranged return spring 9 which also serves to return to the neutral position. An in 3 shown electromagnet 16 that a coil 17 and an anchor 18 includes acts with the permanent magnet 5 together so that the solution of the adhesive body 4 a counter magnetic field can be generated. By energizing the electromagnet 16 thus releases the latching connection and the handle 2 can by means of the return spring 9 be brought back to their original position. In the present case is the permanent magnet 5 at the electromagnet 16 arranged. Of course, a reverse arrangement is possible by the permanent magnet on a support by means of the pivoting means 3 movable and the adhesive body is arranged stationarily on the electromagnet.

To generate a large latching force of the permanent magnet 5 consist of a neodymium boron rare earth magnet. The adhesive body 4 is in the nature of a carrier 20 formed of plastic or a plastic sheath, wherein the carrier 20 as a holder for receiving a magnetic flux guide 19 made of magnetizable metal. The carrier 20 is in the groove 13 with little play.

As in 8th can be seen, the handle acts 2 with a damping element 21 together. The damping element 21 serves to reduce noise for striking the adhesive body 4 on the permanent magnet 5 and / or for returning the handle 2 in the neutral position. The damping element 21 is the projecting approach 25 arranged.

As already mentioned, the actuator 1 serve as a gear selector switch for a motor vehicle, so that the actuator 1 as an actuator in an in 9 shown electrical and / or electronic switch, in particular in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch, is arranged. For this purpose, the pivot position of the actuator 1 designed as a switching position, such that the actuating member 1 in the switching position on a switching element, sensor element 22 , Signal element o. The like. Actuating to generate a switching signal acts. The sensor element 22 consists of at least one magnetized code plate 23 and at least one not shown, associated Hall sensor, which is located on a circuit board 27 located. The code plate 23 is hinged to the actuator so that the tilting or pivoting movement of the actuator 1 in a linear movement of the code plate 23 is converted in relation to the Hall sensor. The linear movement of the code plate 23 due to the manual movement of the handle 2 is then detected by the Hall sensors. It then lends itself further, on the circuit board 27 the transmitter for the actuator 1 to arrange.

The actuator 1 is also suitable for controlling functionally and physically separate modules, in particular of four such modules, as based on 10 can be seen further.

As already explained, the actuator has 1 a manually movable by the user handle 2 as well as a pivoting means 3 , The handle 2 acts with the pivoting means 3 together so that the handle 2 is pivotable in a pivoting plane in at least one direction from a neutral position into a pivoting position. In the swivel position now affects the handle 2 on the in 10 schematically shown module 24 to execute an action. According to the embodiment now has the handle 2 at least two pivot positions, preferably four pivot positions. At the handle 2 is one of the respective pivot position associated transmission element 20 hinged so that the tilting or pivoting movement of the handle 2 essentially in a linear movement of the transmission element 20 according to the 5 is converted, what the pin 10 at the rotary body 6 into the hole 12 on the transmission element 20 engages and the transmission element 20 for example, in a groove 13 is guided. The plastic transmission element 20 then acts in the respective pivot position of the handle 2 on one module each 24 pressing one. Preferably, there are four modules 24 independently by means of four transmission elements 20 actuated.

The module may be, for example, the already mentioned switching element, sensor element 22 Signal element o. The like. According to 9 act, with the code plate 23 on the transmission element 20 is attached. Likewise, the module may be the mentioned magnetic detent element 24 according to the 3 act, so that the handle 2 can be locked in the pivot position, including the locking element 24 in the manner described on the transmission element 20 is attached. Another example is in 10 shown that the module is an integral with the transmission element 20 trained locking element 24 acts, so that the handle 2 can be locked in the pivoting position. Above all, it should be mentioned that several modules can be actuated in the respective pivoting position. For example, in 10 the pen on the right 10 with two rejuvenations 28 . 29 shown, so that there are two transmission elements 20 can be arranged. As a result, for example, a magnetic latching element 24 and additionally a sensor element 22 in the pen 10 assigned pivot position can be actuated.

Such an actuator 1 can be used for a gear selector 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 an actuator 1 in an advantageous manner as input means for computers, machine tools, household appliances o. The like. Be used.

1

Actuator / actuator

2

handle

3

Verschwenkmittel

4

adhesive body

5

permanent magnet

6

rotating body

7

bearing shell

8th

scenery

9

Return spring

10

pen

11

recess (in bowl)

12

drilling (in the detention body)

13

groove

14

bracket

15

chamfer

16

electromagnet

17

Kitchen sink

18

anchor

19

Magnetic flux guide

20

Support / transfer member

21

damping element

22

sensor element

23

code plate

24

Locking element / module / locking element

25

approach

26

feeler

27

circuit board

28 29

Rejuvenation (am Pin) / tapered The End

Claims (10)

Actuator, in particular for manual control of functions in a motor vehicle, with a movable handle ( 2 ) and with a pivoting means ( 3 ), whereby the handle ( 2 ) with the pivoting means ( 3 ) cooperates in such a way that the handle ( 2 ) is pivotable in a pivoting plane in at least one direction from a neutral position to a pivot position, and wherein the pivot position is formed as a detent position, such that a latching force in the pivot position on the handle ( 2 ), characterized in that the detent force is generated by a magnetic force. An actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic force by the interaction of a magnetizable adhesive body ( 4 ) with a permanent magnet ( 5 ) is generated by the latching force in the detent position by the magnetic force between the permanent magnet ( 5 ) and the adhesive body ( 4 ), optionally via a between the permanent magnet ( 5 ) and the adhesive body ( 4 ) located air gap, is effected. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adhesive body ( 4 ) with the permanent magnet ( 5 ) cooperates in such a way that the adhesive body ( 4 ) in the neutral position of the handle ( 2 ) substantially outside the range of action of the permanent magnet ( 5 ) is located, with a possibly slight magnetic force on the handle ( 2 ), as well as in the pivoting position substantially within the effective range of the permanent magnet ( 5 ) is located, wherein the magnetic force as a latching force on the handle ( 2 ), and that preferably the handle ( 2 ) during pivoting the adhesive body ( 4 ) so that the adhesive body ( 4 ) in and / or outside the effective range of the permanent magnet ( 5 ) can be brought. An actuator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the pivoting means ( 3 ) of a multi-directional rotating body ( 6 ) that preferably the rotary body ( 6 ), in particular in the manner of a ball joint, in a bearing shell ( 7 ) is mounted, that further preferably the handle ( 2 ) in approximately radially projecting on the rotary body ( 6 ) is arranged, that even more preferably one of the handle ( 2 ) approximately opposite, approximately radially projecting approach ( 25 ), in a setting ( 8th ), at the rotary body ( 6 ) is arranged, and that further preferably by means of the scenery ( 8th ) a feel for the manual movement of the handle ( 2 ) is producible. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that on the rotary body ( 6 ) a pen ( 10 ), in particular with a round cross-section, that preferably the pin ( 10 ) a recess in the bearing shell ( 7 ) passes through that further preferably the pin ( 10 ), in particular with a tapered end ( 28 . 29 ), into a hole ( 12 ) on the adhesive body ( 4 ) engages that even more preferably the adhesive body ( 4 ), in particular in a groove ( 13 ), is linearly guided, and that further preferably the bore ( 12 ) with a chamfer ( 15 ), a radius o. The like. Is provided, in particular the bevel ( 15 ), the radius o. The like. Greater than the maximum pivoting or pivoting angle of the rotary body ( 6 ) is trained. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the handle ( 2 ), in particular the projecting approach ( 25 ), return spring ( 9 ) to return to the neutral position that preferably an electromagnet ( 16 ), in particular a coil ( 17 ) and an anchor ( 18 ), with the permanent magnet ( 5 ) cooperates in such a way that to dissolve the adhesive body ( 4 ), a counter-magnetic field can be generated, and more preferably that the permanent magnet ( 5 ) on the electromagnet ( 16 ) is arranged. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 5 ) consists of a neodymium boron rare earth magnet, that preferably the adhesive body ( 4 ) in the manner of a carrier ( 20 ), in particular of plastic, for a holder for receiving a magnetic flux guide ( 19 ), in particular of magnetizable metal, is formed, and that further preferably the carrier ( 20 ) in the groove ( 13 ) is guided with low backlash. Actuator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the handle ( 2 ) with a damping element ( 21 ) for noise reduction for striking the adhesive body ( 4 ) on the permanent magnet ( 5 ) and / or for returning to the neutral position, wherein in particular the damping element ( 21 ) on the approach to be developed ( 25 ) is arranged. Electric and / or electronic switch, in particular in the form of a joystick or cursor switch, for example an electronic gear selector switch for a motor vehicle, having an actuator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims as an actuator. Switch according to Claim 9, characterized in that the pivoting position of the actuator ( 1 ) is designed as a switching position, such that the actuator ( 1 ) in the switching position to a switching element, sensor element ( 22 ), Signal element o. The like. Actuating to generate a switching signal acts that preferably the sensor element ( 22 ) of at least one magnetized code plate ( 23 ) and at least one associated Hall sensor, and even more preferably the code plate ( 23 ) in such a way to the actuator ( 1 ) is hinged, that the tilting or pivoting movement of the actuator ( 1 ) in a linear movement of the code plate ( 23 ) is converted with respect to the Hall sensor.