DE102017006469B3 - Operating device for adjusting a motor vehicle component and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (26) for adjusting a motor vehicle component, with at least one actuating element (34, 40, 60), which is movable from a starting position into at least one functional position. The operating device comprises at least one pressure sensor (36, 42, 58), by means of which a pressure exerted by the at least one actuating element (34, 40, 60) in the at least one functional position can be detected. The operating device is designed to cause the adjustment of the motor vehicle component when a threshold value of the pressure is exceeded. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such operating device (26).

Description

The invention relates to an operating device for adjusting a motor vehicle component. At least one actuating element of the operating device can be moved from a starting position into at least one functional position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such operating device.

The DE 10 2015 014 878 A1 describes an operating device for adjusting a seat of a motor vehicle, which comprises a rotatably mounted on a base body of the operating device about an axis of rotation and along a longitudinal axis movable switch cap and capacitive force sensors. By means of the force sensors, a displacement of the switch cap can be detected. The seat is adjustable in dependence on the detected operating force of the switch cap.

The EP 1 125 794 B1 describes an exterior rearview mirror for a motor vehicle, which has a drive. A relative movement between a drive housing of the drive and a mirror base along a pivot axis of the outer rearview mirror can be recognized by means of a microswitch.

Another operating device in the form of a power window switch with micro-switches, as it is currently used in motor vehicles, should be with reference to 1 be explained.

In 1 is a power window switch 10 shown partially cut. The power window switch 10 includes a cap 12 with a recessed grip 14 in which a user inserts a finger around the cap 12 to pull up to close the window. Here is the recessed grip 14 having front portion of the cap 12 towards an in 1 illustrated arrow 16 moved, the cap 12 So tilted up. A push on the part of the cap 12 in which the recessed grip 14 on the other hand causes the opening of the window. By pulling the cap 12 upwards, ie in the direction of the arrow 16 , becomes a first actuating tappet 18 pressed down. Will the plunger 18 pressed sufficiently far down, so is a first microswitch 20 actuated. This causes the window to close.

Will, however, on the area of the cap 12 in which the recessed grip 14 is exerted downward pressure, so instead of the first actuating tappet 18 a second actuating tappet 22 pressed down. Will the second actuating tappet 22 pressed sufficiently far down, so pressed this second actuating plunger 22 another microswitch 24 , This causes the opening of the window.

In the transverse direction of the power window switch 10 , So perpendicular to the plane, two more, not shown here actuating tappets are arranged, which in turn are associated with respective micro-switch. Moving these actuating tappets downwards causes the other microswitches to be actuated. The further microswitches ensure that after the single microswitch has been actuated, the window is automatically further adjusted (ie opened or closed) until the window has reached its "open" position or its "closed" position.

The provision of such micro-switches 20 . 24 in an operating device such as the power window switch 10 is relatively expensive. Furthermore, it is associated with a high cost to individually build up a solution with a sensory force detection depending on the requirements of the respective operating device for a respective operating device. Such individual solutions, which are not modular, are therefore associated with a high development effort in terms of time and cost. In fact, in order to achieve a good feel of the operating device, several (for example 2 to 5) optimization loops often have to be run through during development. This results in high direct costs for the operating device.

Object of the present invention is to design a control device of the type mentioned particularly low expenditure and to provide a motor vehicle with at least one such operating device.

This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 4. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The operating device according to the invention is used to adjust a motor vehicle component and comprises at least one actuating element, which is movable from a starting position into at least one functional position. However, the mobility of the at least one actuating element is particularly minimal and may be in the micrometer range. The least one actuator can therefore also be referred to as quasi-rigid or pseudo-rigid. The operating device comprises at least one pressure sensor, by means of which a pressure exerted by the at least one actuating element in the at least one functional position can be detected. The operating device is adapted to a Exceeding a first or second threshold of the pressure to cause the adjustment of the motor vehicle component. In the operating device thus a sensory pressure detection or sensory force detection is integrated by the at least one pressure sensor is provided in the operating device.

It is very easy to realize different switching stages when adjusting the motor vehicle component, without the need for several microswitches are provided. Consequently, the operating device is designed particularly low expenditure.

Furthermore, the at least one pressure sensor can be modularly integrated or implemented as a particularly small electronic component into different operating devices. Due to this modular design, in which a standardized interface is provided by the at least one pressure sensor, there are manifold possible uses of the pressure sensor in different operating devices. It can therefore achieve a cost savings due to a production of at least one pressure sensor in large numbers. Also needs to be provided for providing the at least one pressure sensor only a one-time development effort. This also reduces the effort in providing the operating device.

By applying the pressure to the at least one pressure sensor can be provided in a particularly reliable manner electrically processable signals. Such a signal can in turn be supplied to a control device of the operating device, which effects the adjustment of the motor vehicle component by activating a corresponding drive. Such a drive may in particular be designed as an electric motor or comprise an electric motor.

The operating device has an actuating element, which can be moved from the starting position selectively into a first functional position or into a second functional position. By moving the actuating element into the first functional position, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in a first direction is effected. By moving the actuating element into the second functional position, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in a second direction different from the first direction can be effected. In other words, the pressure sensor may be formed as a two-way sensor, which detects both the movement of the actuating element in the first functional position and the movement of the actuating element in the second functional position. In this way, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component can be effected in different directions with very little effort.

The at least one pressure sensor is designed as a capacitive pressure sensor. In this case, the application of pressure to the pressure sensor causes displacement or deformation of a capacitor plate of the capacitive pressure sensor. This changes the distance from this capacitor plate to another capacitor plate of the pressure sensor. The associated change in capacity is electrically simple and reliable detectable.

By moving the actuating element into the first functional position or into the second functional position, a first capacitor plate of the capacitive pressure sensor can be pivoted about a pivot axis. Such pivoting or tilting of the first capacitor plate causes the distance to a stationary, second capacitor plate in a first edge region of the capacitor plate to increase and decrease in the opposite edge region of the capacitor plate. The measurement signal generated in this case is particularly well evaluated, so that even very small changes in pressure can be reliably and reliably detected.

For this purpose, the second capacitor plate of the capacitive pressure sensor is provided by a printed circuit board with corresponding conductor tracks of electrically conductive material. If the first capacitor plate is pivoted by a force about the pivot axis, then a distance of a first edge region of the first capacitor plate is reduced by conductor tracks. In contrast, the distance of a second, opposite edge region of the first capacitor plate from opposite interconnects increases. These changes in distance provide for a change in capacitance of the pressure sensor, which is electrically measurable.

When the first threshold value of the pressure is exceeded, the operating device is designed to effect the adjustment of the motor vehicle component as long as the at least one actuating element is moved into the at least one functional position. In particular, such a manual adjustment of the motor vehicle component can be effected, namely by a user actuates the at least one actuating element and in this case holds in the functional position. Such operation of the operating device is particularly intuitive for the user, so that the user, who may in particular be a driver of the motor vehicle, can devote his attention well to the traffic situation. This increases the driving safety of the motor vehicle equipped with the at least one operating device.

The operating device is further adapted, when the second threshold value of the pressure is exceeded, which is greater than the first threshold value, to effect the adjustment of the motor vehicle component even when the at least one actuating element is again in the starting position. It is therefore sufficient that the at least one actuating element has been moved once into the functional position with a pressure which is greater than the second threshold value. If the user then takes his hand or his finger from the operating device and thus moves the at least one actuating element back to the starting position, so the adjustment of the motor vehicle component is still maintained. It can therefore be automatically moved further, the motor vehicle component. Again, this allows the user to focus his attention on the traffic. In addition, this type of operation for the user is particularly comfortable.

A first actuating element of an operating device not belonging to the invention may be assigned a first pressure sensor and a second actuating element a second pressure sensor. By moving the first actuating element into the at least one functional position, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in a first direction can be effected. By moving the second actuating element into the at least one functional position, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in a second direction different from the first direction can be effected. In this way, by applying the respective pressure sensor with pressure, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in the desired direction can be effected without need for the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in the respective direction respective microswitch need to be provided. This makes the versatile adjustment of the motor vehicle component particularly reliable and reliable.

The operating device may also each have an actuating element for each adjustment movement of the motor vehicle component in two mutually different directions, in particular two opposite directions. Thus, for example, a first pressure sensor designed as a two-way sensor can be used to detect desired adjustment movements in two first directions, such as the method of a vehicle seat forwards or backwards. Another actuator may be assigned to a second designed as a two-way sensor pressure sensor whose signals are evaluated for about a tilt adjustment, for example, a backrest of the vehicle seat of the control device.

It is furthermore advantageous if the operating device comprises means for generating a haptic feedback to a user operating the at least one actuating element as a function of exceeding the first or second threshold value of the pressure. Thus, the user can be communicated in a particularly reliable manner that the threshold value of the pressure has been exceeded and thus virtually a switching stage has been achieved when the operating device is actuated. This improves the operability of the operating device.

The operating device can be designed as a window regulator switch, so that the adjustable motor vehicle component is a window pane of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the operating device may be designed as a sunroof switch, so that the motor vehicle component to be adjusted is a sunroof of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the operating device can be designed as a seat adjustment switch, so that the adjustable motor vehicle component is a vehicle seat or a component of the vehicle seat, such as a seat cushion or a backrest of the vehicle seat.

However, other motor vehicle components can be adjusted by means of the operating device described above. By using identically constructed pressure sensors in different operating devices, the advantages associated with the modularization of the pressure sensor can be utilized to a particularly large extent.

The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one operating device according to the invention. The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the operating device according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

The invention therefore also includes developments of the motor vehicle having features as they have already been described in connection with the developments of the operating device. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the motor vehicle are not described here again.

• 1 eine Bedienvorrichtung in Form eines Fensterheberschalters gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 eine Bedienvorrichtung in Form eines Fensterheberschalters eines Kraftfahrzeugs, bei welchem mittels zweier Drucksensoren der von jeweiligen Betätigungsstößeln des Fensterheberschalters ausgeübte Druck erfasst wird, um das Verstellen der Fensterscheibe des Kraftfahrzeugs zu bewirken;
• 3 schematisch einen der Drucksensoren, welcher in dem Fensterheberschalter gemäß 2 angeordnet ist;
• 4 einen Schnitt entlang der Linie IV-IV in 3;
• 5 einen weiteren Drucksensor, welcher anstelle der beiden Drucksensoren in dem Fensterheberschalter gemäß 2 zum Einsatz kommen kann, wobei der in 5 gezeigte Drucksensor als Zwei-Wege-Sensor ausgebildet ist; und
• 6 eine Schnittdarstellung entlang einer Linie VI-VI in 5.

In the following an embodiment of the invention is described. This shows:

• 1 an operating device in the form of a power window switch according to the prior art;
• 2 an operating device in the form of a power window switch of a motor vehicle, wherein by means of two pressure sensors of the pressure exerted by respective actuating tappets of the power window switch pressure is detected to to effect the adjustment of the window of the motor vehicle;
• 3 schematically one of the pressure sensors, which in the power window switch according to 2 is arranged;
• 4 a section along the line IV-IV in 3 ;
• 5 a further pressure sensor, which instead of the two pressure sensors in the power window switch according to 2 can be used, with the in 5 shown pressure sensor is designed as a two-way sensor; and
• 6 a sectional view along a line VI-VI in 5 ,

The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also each independently further develop the invention and thus also individually or in a different combination than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference numerals.

To explain the in 1 shown power window switch 10 Reference is made to the statements in the introductory part of the present description.

In 2 is partially cut and schematized a particularly low-cost window regulator switch 26 as an example of an operating device for adjusting a motor vehicle component, namely the window pane of a motor vehicle. The power window switch 26 includes a cap 28 with a recessed grip 30 , A user brings his finger into the grip 30 a, so can the cap 28 pulled up in their front area and tilted accordingly. The movement of the front portion of the cap 28 up is in 2 through an arrow 32 illustrated. By this tilting or pivoting movement of the cap 28 becomes a first actuating tappet 34 from an in 2 shown starting position moves to a functional position, in which the actuating plunger 34 Pressure on a pressure sensor 36 exercises. The mobility of the actuating tappet 34 is minimal in the present case and is in particular in the range of a few micrometers.

The in 2 from the arrangement with respect to the actuating tappet 34 her illustrated and otherwise only schematically shown pressure sensor 36 is in 3 shown in a likewise schematic perspective view. A force, which is the depressing actuating tappet 34 on the pressure sensor 36 is exercising in 3 by another arrow 38 illustrated.

Exceeds the means of the actuating plunger 34 on the pressure sensor 36 If pressure exerted a threshold value, then the window regulator switch causes 26 the adjustment of the window of the motor vehicle. For example, by pulling on the cap 28 upwards, so by tilting or pivoting the cap 28 and thus moving the recessed grip 30 having area of the cap 28 in the direction of the arrow 32 , the closing of the window are effected. For this purpose, by means of a (not shown) control device or a control unit one of the pressure sensor 36 provided, evaluated electrical signal and output a corresponding control signal to a drive for adjusting the window.

In the present case is the power window switch 26 designed so that two switching stages when acting on the pressure sensor 36 realized with pressure. Exceeds the pressure sensor 36 pressure exerted a first threshold value of the pressure, so a first switching stage is reached, which causes the manual method or adjustment of the window pane. Thus, the window pane is adjusted only as long as the actuating tappet 34 on the pressure sensor 36 exerts a corresponding pressure above the first threshold.

In contrast, by means of the actuating plunger 34 a pressure on the pressure sensor 36 applied, which is greater than a second threshold, which is greater than the first threshold, the window pane is automatically moved. The adjustment of the window is thus continued, even if the actuating tappet 34 again in the 2 is shown starting position. The moving back of the actuating plunger 34 happens in the starting position when the user or the operator, the control device no longer touches or no longer on the cap 28 draws.

In an analogous way, by pressing on the recessed grip 30 having part of the cap 28 down another push rod 40 from the in 2 shown starting position (minimal) moves down, so be moved to a functional position. Here then exercises the second actuating plunger 40 Pressure on another pressure sensor 42 off, which analogous to the pressure sensor 36 is constructed. Also in the evaluation of the second pressure sensor 42 supplied electrical signals are preferably realized two switching stages.

Thus, the application of a pressure which is greater than a first threshold value, by means of the second actuating tappet 40 on the second pressure sensor 42 that the window will open manually as long as the user continues to use the cap 28 suppressed. This is done by the second actuating plunger 40 on the second pressure sensor 42 the pressure exerted above the first threshold.

Will be stronger on the cap 28 pressed, so exceeds the means of the second actuating plunger 40 on the second pressure sensor 42 pressure exerted a second threshold, which is greater than the first threshold, the window is automatically opened further, even if the user no longer pressure on the cap 28 exercises. Then there is also the second actuating tappet 40 again in the 2 shown starting position. By means of the two pressure sensors 36 . 42 Thus, the four microswitches can be replaced, which in the in 1 shown power window switch 10 are provided.

Out 4 it can be seen that the pressure sensor 36 in the present case is designed as a capacitive pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 36 in this case comprises a first capacitor plate 44 of an electrically conductive material and a second capacitor plate, which in the present case by a printed circuit board 46 with tracks 48 . 50 . 52 is provided of electrically conductive material. The supply of the pressure sensor 36 with electrical energy via connections 54 . 56 , what a 4 are shown schematically. Is through the on the first capacitor plate 44 acting force (arrow 38 in 3 ) the distance between the first capacitor plate 44 and the circuit board 46 decreases, so a capacity of the pressure sensor changes 36 , This capacity change is recorded and evaluated.

Based on 5 and 6 is another capacitive, modular pressure sensor 58 be described, which is designed as a two-way sensor. Here is an actuator 60 with a first capacitor plate 62 coupled (compare 6 ). Will the cap 28 pulled up in the area in which the recessed grip 30 located (compare 2 ), so acts on the actuator 60 a first force, which in 5 by a first arrow 64 is illustrated. Accordingly, the first capacitor plate 62 around a pivot axis 66 pivoted (compare 6 ).

A second capacitor plate of the capacitive pressure sensor 58 is according to 6 through a circuit board 68 with corresponding tracks 70 . 72 . 74 . 76 made of electrically conductive material. Also with the pressure sensor 58 according to 5 respectively 6 the electrical connection is made via electrical connections 78 . 80 , Will be the first capacitor plate 62 by the force, which by the arrow 64 in 5 is illustrated about the pivot axis 66 pivoted, so reduces the distance of a first edge region 82 the first capacitor plate 62 from the tracks 74 . 76 , In contrast, the distance of a second, opposite edge region increases 84 the first capacitor plate 62 from the opposite tracks 70 . 72 , These changes in distance provide for a change in capacitance of the pressure sensor 58 , which is electrically measurable. Accordingly, the switching command for adjusting the window pane is generated by the control unit.

Will the actuator 60 with a force applied in 5 by another arrow 86 is illustrated, which is so by the first arrow 64 illustrated force is opposite, then the first capacitor plate 62 around the pivot axis 66 pivoted or tilted in the opposite direction. This is done by pressing the area of the cap 28 in which the recessed grip 30 located (compare 2 ), down, so by pivoting or tilting the cap 28 downward. For example, opening the window can be effected.

The actuator 60 So can from the in 5 shown starting position optionally be moved to a first functional position, in which the first edge region 82 the circuit board 68 closer than the second edge area 84 , Alternatively, the actuating element 60 be moved to a second functional position, in which the second edge region 84 the circuit board 68 closer than the first edge area 82 ,

Also in the embodiment of the pressure sensor 58 according to 5 respectively 6 are preferably realized two switching stages. Accordingly, when the on the actuator 60 applied pressure exceeds a first threshold, for example, causes the manual opening or closing of the window. If, however, the actuator 60 pressurized with a pressure which is greater than a second threshold value of the pressure, this preferably causes the automatic further opening or closing of the window until the window pane has reached its open position or closed position. For this purpose, then the actuator needs 60 no longer being held in the respective functional position. Rather, the window is opened or closed automatically, even if the actuator 60 again in the 5 is shown starting position.

In 2 is schematically another ram 88 shown, which under the pressure of a spring 90 stands. The pestle 88 and the spring 90 serve as means for generating a haptic feedback to the user, who the actuator 60 or the actuating tappet 34 . 40 moved by the user's cap 28 tilted. Thus, the user can be communicated that the respective threshold value of the pressure is exceeded, that is, the respective switching stage is reached. The from the other pestle 88 Haptic feedback generated by a corresponding formation of a contour on the underside of the cap 28 be set as desired.

The present example for use in the power window switch 26 described pressure sensors 36 . 42 . 58 can be used in an analogous manner in an operating device of the motor vehicle, which is designed for example as a sunroof switch or as Sitzverstellschalter.

Overall, the example shows how by the invention a modular force sensor or pressure sensor 36 . 42 . 58 can be used as a building block in a low-cost operating device for adjusting a motor vehicle component.

Claims (4)

Operating device for adjusting a motor vehicle component, with at least one actuating element (34, 40, 60), which is movable from a starting position into at least one functional position, wherein the operating device comprises at least one pressure sensor (36, 42, 58), by means of which one of the at least an actuating element (34, 40, 60) in which at least one functional position pressure exerted is erfassbär, wherein the operating device is adapted to effect upon exceeding a first or second threshold of pressure, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component, wherein the operating device is an actuating element (60 ), which is movable from the initial position either in a first functional position or in a second Funktiorisstellung, wherein by moving the actuating element (60) in the first functional position, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in a first direction is effected, and by moving the actu in the second functional position, the adjustment of the motor vehicle component in a second, different from the first direction direction is effected, and wherein the at least one pressure sensor (36, 42, 58) is designed as a capacitive pressure sensor, characterized in that by moving a first capacitor plate (62) of the capacitive pressure sensor about a pivot axis (66) is pivotable, wherein such pivoting or tilting of the first capacitor plate (62) leads to a Distance of a first edge region (82) of the first capacitor plate (62) of printed conductors (74, 76) of a printed circuit board (68) decreases and in contrast a distance of a second, opposite edge region (84) of the first capacitor plate (62) of opposite conductor tracks (70 , 72) of the printed circuit board (68) enlarged, wherein the operating device to do so is formed, when exceeding the first threshold value of the pressure to effect the adjustment of the motor vehicle component as long as the at least one actuating element (60) is moved into the at least one operating position, and wherein the operating device is adapted to, when the second threshold value is exceeded the pressure, which is greater than the first threshold, to effect the adjustment of the motor vehicle component, even if the at least one actuating element (60) is again in the starting position. Control device after Claim 1 characterized in that the operating means comprises means (88, 90) for generating haptic feedback to a user moving the at least one actuator (36) in response to exceeding the first or second threshold of pressure. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device is designed as a window switch (26) and / or as a sliding switch and / or a seat adjustment. Motor vehicle with at least one operating device according to one of the preceding claims.

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