DE102007042129B4 - Multiple operating element - Google Patents

Abstract

Multiple control element for controlling various functions of a motor vehicle with a plurality of actuating elements and the actuating elements associated electrical contactors, characterized in that at least three actuating elements (2a, 2b, 2c) and at least two contactors (4a, 4b) are provided, wherein a first actuating element (2a) with a first contactor (4a), a second actuating element (2b) with a second contactor (4b) and a third actuating element (2c) at the same time with two contactors (4a, 4b) cooperates, wherein each formed as a push button actuating elements (2a, 2b , 2c) are arranged in rows and / or columns.

Description

The The invention relates to a multiple control element for control various functions of a motor vehicle with multiple actuators and the actuators assigned contactors.

Especially In automotive engineering, multiple operating elements are known which may also be formed in a modular manner to various functions to drive the motor vehicle. For example, the actuators a multiple operating element for a ventilation or air conditioning combined into one module. It can under other the actuators in Form of push buttons, each with a contactor, formed be so that by applying the pushbutton a desired functionality is triggered, including the activation of a hazard warning system.

at various equipment variants of a motor vehicle has such Multiple control over a different number of actuators, resulting in the Series production increased logistical effort to provide different modules with a different number of actuators required.

From the DE 198 24 197 A1 , of the EP 1 063 131 A2 as well as the EP 1 544 023 A2 Such switch modules or operating devices for motor vehicles are known in which each actuator is associated with a specific functionality. This can be carried out for example via a central control unit.

From the DE 103 41 947 A1 is a switch box with multiple switches are known, which are connected to each other via a bus system. Thus, the cost of electrical wiring is significantly reduced.

The known multiple operating elements are disadvantageous in that they in the vehicle production with different equipment variants one size Require part diversity and, for example, lower quality Equipment not required actuators must be replaced by visually unappealing blind caps.

The DE 20 2006 001 717 U1 and the DE 30 05 210 A1 each disclose a multiple operating element with a pivotable actuating element, the electrical contacts are assigned in a number that falls below the number of switching positions.

It The object of the invention is a multiple operating element of the beginning to create the type mentioned, a rational production of the motor vehicle allows and less effort to control various functions requires.

According to the invention Task solved by that three actuators and two contactors are provided, wherein and a first actuating element with a first contactor, a second actuating element with a second Contactor and a third actuator at the same time interacts with both contactors, with the respective designed as a push button actuators arranged in rows and / or columns.

at Such a trained multiple operating element is at least a known actuator next to an already assigned first contactor a second Contactor associated, so by pressing this particular actuator both contactors are applied virtually simultaneously to for example, each to close an electrical circuit. The two other existing actuators only interact with a single contactor. Of course that will simultaneous application of the two contactors and the so connected closures of circuits or setting of other evaluable signals determined by means of an already existing in the motor vehicle control unit, whereupon a desired functionality is controlled. In a mechanical version of the actuators as well as the contactor, it is advantageous to the respective components sufficient to debounce, not by pressing a actuating element to trigger the application of a contactor, this actuator at all not assigned.

The Multiple control element is designed such that it, for example in a front panel of an actuating module with three recesses for the three actuators can be used, with two of the actuators only associated with a single contactor and the third actuator or the contactors are arranged such that through the Actuate this third actuator both Contactors are simultaneously applied to another function head for.

In same way be provided three contactors and four controls. Of course you can but also a higher one Number of actuators and contactors may be provided in the multiple control element.

The trained as a pushbutton Actu Transmission elements are ergonomically designed and can optionally be locked in its depressed position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuators are with symbols from which the user draws conclusions about the with the respective actuator to be controlled functionality can pull, for example, a triangle for a hazard warning lights in one Motor vehicle. Likewise the controls are illuminated directly or indirectly to them to recognize even at night.

Everyone Contactor is advantageously designed as an electrical switch, so by pressing the pushbutton closes an electrical circuit and over that control unit the corresponding function can be controlled. Such electrical Switches or pushbuttons are in automotive engineering, for example, as a microswitch, well known.

Conveniently, Each contactor is assigned a coupling element. The coupling elements can in a the operating element receiving Housing stored and be either part of the contactor or separate components. In particular, you can the coupling elements made of a material with damping properties be, so that unintentional contact with a contactor by pressing a actuating element is avoided.

It It is understood that the above and below to be explained features not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations are usable. The scope of the invention is only through the claims Are defined.

The The invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment with reference closer to the drawing explained. The only Fig. The drawing shows schematically an inventive multiple control element with three actuators, which contactors are assigned.

The three trained as push buttons actuators 2a . 2 B . 2c of the multiple control element 1 , whose direction of actuation by the double arrows 5 is indicated, are about two appropriately arranged coupling elements 3a . 3b with the two contactors 4a . 4b in operative connection such that by pressing the left first actuating element 2a only the first contactor 4a and by pressing the right second actuator 2c only the second contactor 4b and by pressing the middle third actuator 2c both contactors 4a . 4b be applied simultaneously. This can be determined by a control unit of a motor vehicle and from this the conclusion can be drawn, which function the respective pressed actuator 2a . 2 B . 2c is assigned and should be executed.

The corresponding embodiment of the actuators 2a . 2 B . 2c , the coupling elements 3a . 3b and the electrical contactor 4a . 4b for trouble-free signal transmission, the skilled person is possible.

1

Multiple operating element

2a, 2b, 2c

actuator

3a, 3b

coupling element

4a, 4b

contactor

5

double arrow

Claims (5)

Multiple control element for controlling various functions of a motor vehicle with a plurality of actuating elements and electrical contactors associated with the actuating elements, characterized in that at least three actuating elements ( 2a . 2 B . 2c ) and at least two contactors ( 4a . 4b ) are provided, wherein a first actuating element ( 2a ) with a first contactor ( 4a ), a second actuator ( 2 B ) with a second contactor ( 4b ) and a third actuator ( 2c ) simultaneously with both contactors ( 4a . 4b ) cooperates, wherein each formed as a push button actuators ( 2a . 2 B . 2c ) are arranged in rows and / or columns. Multiple operating element according to claim 1, characterized that four actuators and three contactors are provided. Multiple control element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the actuating elements provided with symbols and / or are illuminated. Multiple operating element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the contactors as electrical Switch are formed. Multiple operating element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each contactor is a coupling element assigned.