EP1212765B1 - Switch to be mounted on a design element in the passenger room of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch to be mounted on a design element in the passenger room of a motor vehicle. Said switch comprises a haptic element that functions as the mechanical operational and visual element, electrical and/or electronic switch elements that are mounted on a flexible conductor element and optionally further electrical and electronic components. The switch is further characterized in that the zone (20) of the flexible conductor element (2, 2a, 2b) which carries the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') and the allocated zone (operational element (11)) of the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') are configured such that the corresponding zones (11, 20) can be positioned and fixated in relation to one another and do not comprise means that establish a permanent electrical connection.

Description

The invention relates to a switch for arrangement on a design element in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The inventive Switch is characterized by a simple and safe assembly process and a very high degree of independence from the design of the haptic.

Under the haptic is an assembly of the switch understood that for manual operation of the switch having required mechanical controls. The Haptics can also serve as a visual element, e.g. by an appropriate design of the haptic the Function of the switch made visible to a user becomes.

From DE 197 38 656 A1 a switch is already known, its electrical or electronic switching elements and its associated controls the feel independently from each other on different parts of a vehicle door be positioned. They only come into active connection when the two parts have been joined together. adversely However, that is a very close tolerance of each other Parts to be connected, each of the switching element or Wear the haptic, must be guaranteed, otherwise is to be expected with a mispositioning.

DE 43 13 030 A1 and US 5,805,402 describe groups of switches based on flexible interconnects. she consist essentially of electrical switching elements, which may be preferably encapsulated, which a flexible Membrane keyboard or console held separate Controls are assigned. Even with this technical Solution requires the merger of electrical Switching elements and haptics a considerable effort and great care. In addition, such restrictive groups summarized switch block the design freedom considerably a, because the geometric arrangement of the individual switching elements the positioning of the controls of the haptic sets. In a variety of equipment variants, such as it is common in the automotive industry, is also a high variety of variants of the foil-bonded switching elements caused, unless you always go by the variant with the highest level of equipment and closes with under-equipment the corresponding switches not on. This however, it leads to an undesirably high consumption of resources.

Also US 4,045,650 relates to a sensor switch element for arrangement in a vehicle, in particular for arrangement on printed circuit boards. This switch element comprises a connection contact in the form of a flexible printed circuit board. Of the Connection of the flexible circuit board is such that the Printed circuit board in sandwich construction with a contact plate and further limiting elements is joined together and is inserted in an opening of the switch element.

The invention is based on the object, a switch for placement on a design element in the passenger compartment of a Motor vehicle, e.g. on the interior lining of a door, too create that cost-effectively and simply and easily can be mounted safely and to any desired design is adaptable.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of Patent claim 1 solved.

Accordingly, the areas of the flexible conductor that the Wear switching elements, and associated with these areas Areas or operating elements of the haptic designed in such a way that the respective areas can be positioned to each other and can be fixed and detached from each other. Furthermore these areas have no means of generating a permanent electrical line connection. So it will be no permanent electrical contact of the mutual Areas made.

The term "electrical" or "electronic" switching elements should also electromagnetic and electro-optical Include switching elements.

According to a variant of the invention, it is provided that the haptic with the switching elements not in electrically conductive Connection can be brought, d. H. the haptic has no electrically conductive components, with the switching elements electrically coupled.

According to another variant of the invention, the feel with the switching elements only by pressing a control element the haptic can be brought into electrically conductive connection, the electrical conductive connection only so long consists of how the switch in the by pressing the Control element generated switching state ("switch closed") located. In this variant of the invention, the Haptics no electrical components in the strict sense (such as e.g. a resistor, a transistor, etc.) but only a contact bridge in the form of a simple electrical Ladder, with an electrical connection can be produced between two switching elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the relevant areas of conductor and haptics as mechanical Formed connector, wherein a base body of the Haptics a receiving area, such. a plug opening having, with the the switching elements supporting area the flexible conductor can be brought into positive engagement is. For this purpose, the areas carrying the switching elements of the flexible conductor a mechanical reinforcement in the form a border frame, a back plate or a casting element enclosing the area in question on.

A casting element is suitable for use without contact Switching systems, such as magnetoresistive sensors or inductive and capacitive proximity sensors. It offers the sealing element in addition to a good protection against mechanical Damage also provides excellent protection chemical agents and of course moisture. This in turn guarantees high reliability and longevity the desk.

By a suitable shaping with the flexible one Ladder connected reinforcement as well as the matching Receiving opening of the haptic is producing a Plug connection permitted only in the intended position. The molding of the reinforcement, be it by gluing a Plate at the bottom of the conductor or by spraying a frame in the edge region of the conductor or by a Potting the end of the conductor, can with high Precision and efficiency of vending machines are taken.

The mechanical reinforcements can also latching elements for Securing the insertion position with regard to the feel as well Means for sealing the plug-in area against moisture exhibit. In the manufacture of such components can a 2-component plastic injection technique can be used, to meet the softer of the two plastics requirements to better match a seal.

Another embodiment of the invention provides that the switch-carrying areas of the flexible conductor and form the assigned area of the haptic as a clamping connection, wherein a base body of the haptic a receiving area and a connectable with this fixing such that the area carrying the switching elements of the flexible conductor between the receiving area the haptic and the fixing can be clamped. This can be done, for example, by a fixing element, that over a film hinge of a plastic one Basic body of the haptic with the base body in one piece connected is. After the corresponding area of the flexible Conductor fed to the receiving area of the base body has been, the fixing element against the receiving area be pivoted until its location on locking elements secured and thus the head with the switching elements with respect the position of the controls is fixed.

A development of this embodiment provides the use a separate clamping plate before as a fixing. In In this case, the clamping plate with positive locking elements (e.g., pins) which mating snap-in openings (preferably at the edge) associated with the flexible conductor are. These interlocking elements can in their arrangement so be chosen that only the exact positioning between clamping plate and conductor is possible. Subsequently is the clamping plate by means of a snap connection on Base body of the haptic fixed.

As switching elements basically all types for Application come for the assembly of flexible interconnects suitable. These can be used, for example, as electrical Be formed contact surfaces, which one with a Operating element of the haptic connected electrical contact bridge is assigned when pressing the operating element closes the circuit. In addition to the already mentioned inductive and capacitive proximity switches as well as the magnetoresistive Components (e.g., Hall element), each of which a connected to a control of the haptic Permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic metal plate is assigned, but are also encapsulated switching elements in the form of SMD switches or safety mats. About that In addition, transponder readers are suitable as switching elements.

Which type of switch will be selected by the specialist depends significantly from the technical requirements of the case from.

At this point it should be pointed out that even non-electric Principles for applications can come. For example can be provided on the flexible conductor Switching elements as passive or active optical elements be formed, on the part of the controls of the Haptic means of reflection for the purpose of manufacture an optical link or means for interruption assigned to an optical transmission path are. The further processing of the switching signal takes place with the interposition of an opto-electrical converter.

In addition to the switching elements, if necessary, further components arranged as e.g. an optical element for switch illumination, a microcontroller, resistors, diodes or similar.

The invention uses the principle of the connector to in simple and secure way an active connection between the switching elements and the controls of the feel without at the same time susceptible to interference (permanently acting) to use electrical line connections. This succeeds in a complete subordination of the design the areas of the flexible elements carrying the switching elements Ladder under the design of the haptic at the same time Reduction of the switch-side variant variety. That is, by means of the technical solution according to the invention Can be used with only one harness variant (theoretically) any number of geometric arrangements of the controls the haptic connect.

Figur 1

flexibler Leiter mit einer als Platte ausgebildeten Verstärkung auf der Rückseite sowie gekapselten Schaltelementen auf der Vorderseite und Haptik mit Bedienelementen vor dem Zusammenstekken zum Schalter;

Figur 2

wie Figur 1, jedoch mit elektrischen Kontaktflächen als Schaltelement;

Figur 3

flexibler Leiter zur klemmenden Befestigung am Basiskörper der Haptik mittels einer am Basiskörper schwenkbar gelagerten und mit diesem verriegelbaren Klemmplatte;

Figur 4

analog Figur 3, jedoch mit einer separaten Klemmplatte;

Figur 5

Schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters mit einem Näherungsschalter oder dergleichen, wobei der Steckbereich durch ein Vergußelement gebildet ist;

Figur 6

schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters mit Schaltelementen in Form gekapselter Taster und einem als Vergußelement ausgebildeten Steckbereich, wobei das Vergußelement im Bereich der Taster Aussparungen aufweist;

Figur 7

schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters mit einer an der Unterseite angeklebten Verstärkungsplatte zur Bildung des Steckbereichs;

Figur 8

schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters mit einem von einem randseitigen Rahmen gebildeten Steckbereich;

Figur 9

schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters mit einer an der Unterseite angeformten Platte und einem den Steckbereich abschließenden Dichtungselement, sowie mit Rastelementen zur Fixierung der Steckposition in der Haptik;

Figur 10

schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters mit einem Klemmbereich, der Perforationen zur exakten Positionierung der Schaltelemente bezüglich der Haptik aufweist;

Figur 11

schematische Darstellung eines flexiblen Leiters, der sich in drei Arme mit endseitigen Steckbereichen für verschiedene Funktionseinheiten aufgliedert.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments and the figures. Show it:

FIG. 1

flexible conductor with a reinforcement formed as a plate on the back and encapsulated switching elements on the front and haptics with controls before Zusammenstekken the switch;

FIG. 2

like Figure 1, but with electrical contact surfaces as a switching element;

FIG. 3

flexible conductor for clamping attachment to the base body of the haptic by means of a base body pivotally mounted and lockable with this clamping plate;

FIG. 4

analogous to FIG. 3, but with a separate clamping plate;

FIG. 5

Schematic representation of a flexible conductor with a proximity switch or the like, wherein the plug-in area is formed by a potting element;

FIG. 6

schematic representation of a flexible conductor with switching elements in the form of encapsulated push-button and designed as a potting plug-in region, wherein the potting element has recesses in the region of the button;

FIG. 7

schematic representation of a flexible conductor with a glued to the underside reinforcing plate to form the plug-in area;

FIG. 8

schematic representation of a flexible conductor with a plug-in area formed by a peripheral frame;

FIG. 9

schematic representation of a flexible conductor with an integrally formed on the bottom plate and a plug-in area sealing element, and with locking elements for fixing the insertion position in the haptic;

FIG. 10

schematic representation of a flexible conductor with a clamping portion having perforations for the exact positioning of the switching elements with respect to the haptic;

FIG. 11

schematic representation of a flexible conductor, which is divided into three arms with end plug-in areas for different functional units.

The arrangement of electrical and electronic components 3a, 3b, 21, 22, 23, 24 on flexible printed circuit boards or Ladder 2, 2a, 2b, 2c takes place by means of automatic production facilities, the most diverse needs regarding the components to be assembled are adaptable. So it is also conceivable that in the same production line the plug-in areas 20 or clamping areas according to the invention 20 'are formed. Subsequently, the respective stand Areas immediately for connection to an adapted Haptic available.

FIG. 1 shows a flexible conductor 2 with conductor tracks 200, to the two encapsulated switching elements 21, 21 '(according to Type of a stylus) and an optical element 3a (e.g. LED) are connected to the switch lighting. On the back of the conductor 2 is a reinforcement 123 in Form of a plate glued and stabilized so the the Switching elements 21, 21 'carrying connector portion 20, the a slot-shaped plug-in area 12 of the base body 10 the haptic 11 is assigned. With the reinforcement 123 can in analogy to Figure 9 also locking and sealing elements be connected, for a secure fixation of the Connector area 20 in the haptic and for a seal to provide moisture.

After insertion of the connector area 20 in the receiving area 12 of the base body 10 of the haptic 1 is the active compound between the switching elements 21, 21 'and the operating element 11 produced. Will put pressure on your finger one of the areas marked with arrows ((or ()) of the operating element 11, this area tilts into Direction of the corresponding switching element 21 or 21 ' actuates the probe element 21a, resulting in a switching signal leads. After cancellation of the operating pressure that works Operating element 11 automatically in its initial position back, whereby the switching signal is interrupted.

The embodiment of Figure 2 corresponds essentially that of Figure 1. Only the switching elements 22, 22 ' are designed as electrical contact surfaces, which each one (not shown) contact bridge of the Inside the control element 11 is assigned. A switching signal Thus, by shorting the adjacent and slightly spaced contact surfaces 22 and 22 'generates. When using this embodiment in humid and, if necessary, highly polluted environment with dirt particles, e.g. in the wet room of a motor vehicle door, should definitely a seal at the edge of the receiving area 12 of the haptic 1 done. These are not just the already in the description to figure 1 mentioned means available, it There is also the possibility of integrating a seal (e.g., by 2-component injection molding) into the base body 10 of the Haptic 1, since formed as contact surfaces switching elements 22 compared to the encapsulated switching elements 21 (see Figure 1) cause virtually no thickness, the insertion of the plug region 20 into the base body 10 could hinder.

The variant of the invention of Figure 3 used instead of a pluggable connection of conductor 2 and haptic a clamp connection. Accordingly, on the base body 10 of the haptic 1 'about a film hinge 12b designed as a clamping plate Fixing element 12 'hinged, which after positioning the Clamping region 20 of the flexible conductor 20 with respect to the Receiving area 120 of the haptic 1 'on the locking elements 10a, 12a on the base body 10 can be fixed. It happens for clamping attachment of the conductor 2 to the haptic 1 '. For correct positioning of the conductor 2 could Film hinge 12b can be used as a stop.

In contrast, the switch of FIG. 4 uses separate fixing element 12 '', which preferably with positive locking elements (not shown) should be provided in the positioning holes of the flexible conductor can intervene (analogous to FIG. 10). After the subsequent Clipping the fixing element 12 "to the base body 1 "is a permanently correct positioning of the switching elements 22, 22 'with respect to the operating element 11 guaranteed.

When using a clamp connection between the area 20 'and the base body 10 is a mechanical reinforcement unnecessary.

FIG. 5 shows a mechanical reinforcement 121 in the form a potting element (e.g., based on an epoxy resin or a plastic) that completes the connector area encloses, embedded in it is an electronic contactless operating switch 23 (e.g., a Hall element), this is an approximation of the assigned area of the Operating element 11 or an associated part responds. In addition, an optical element for switch lighting intended.

In the embodiment of Figure 6 were in the potting 122 recesses in the area of the as a button (analog Figure 1) formed switching elements 24, 24 'leave, through which access and thus an operation can be ensured by the control element 11. ever if required, further electronic components 3b in Casting element included. To a wrong execution To avoid the plugging operation, the contours should be avoided the mechanical reinforcements 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and the receiving openings 12 of the base body 10 accordingly be coordinated with each other according to the key principle.

Figure 7 corresponds essentially to a combination of mechanical Reinforcement 123 of Figure 1 and the equipment of electronic components according to FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows a mechanical reinforcement in the form of a with the side edge of the conductor 2 connected frame 124, which are preferably molded, but also glued can.

The reinforcement shown in Figure 9 consists of a connected to the underside of the conductor plate 125, at the inner edge of a seal 125a with locking elements 125b is formed. In conjunction with a feel analogous to Figure 1 and matched locking elements of the base body can be a permanent and safe positioning of the Switching elements 22, 22 'with respect to the operating element 11 be guaranteed. The seal 125a becomes dirt and moisture from the electrical and electronic Components held.

An example of a flexible conductor 2 for a clamping Attachment to a haptic shows Figure 10. Accordingly, are in the clamping area 20 'of the conductor 2 perforations 126 incorporated, which locking pins (not shown) of a fixing 12 '' are assigned. The different pattern the perforation 126 guaranteed in the two edges an exact positioning of conductor 2 to the fixing 12 '' and thus also with respect to the operating element 11.

The schematic representation of Figure 11 one in three ladder arms 2a, 2b, 2c spliced conductor 2. The end-side Areas 4, 5, 6, 7 are different functions assigned. For a in a motor vehicle door on the Driver side inserted cable could, for example, the Area 4 are connected to a switch module, the for the operation of the front and rear windows, the Mirror and parental control is provided. The tank unlocking could be assigned to area 5 of conductor arm 2b be. Finally, the areas 6 and 7 with Indicator instruments for the lock and door lock state connect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

haptics

1'

haptics

1''

haptics

10

Basic body of the haptic

10a

locking element

11

Operating element, pushbutton

12

Recording area, plug-in area

12 '

fixing; Plate, integrated in basic body and swiveling

12 "

fixing; Plate, separately

12a

locking element

120

reception area

121

mold member

122

mold member

123

Reinforcement element, one-sided full surface

124

Reinforcement element, edge

125

Reinforcement element, one-sided full surface

125a

sealing element

125b

Locking element, clip element

126

Positioning means, recess, perforation

2

flexible conductor

2a

flexible conductor

2 B

flexible conductor

20

Area that carries switching elements; plug-in region

20 '

Area that carries switching elements; clamping range

21

switching element

21a

scanning element

22

switching element

23

switching element

24

switching element

200

conductor path

3a

optical element

3b

electronic component (arbitrary)

4

Area associated with haptics

5

Area associated with haptics

6

Area associated with haptics

7

Area associated with haptics

Claims (24)

1. Switch to be mounted on a design element in the passenger room of a motor vehicle, with

   a haptic element (1, 1', 1'') which has at least one mechanical operating element (11) for the switch, and

   electric and/or electronic switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') which are mounted on a flexible conductor (2, 2a, 2b),

      wherein

   the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') acts on the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24', 24') when the operating element (11) is actuated,

   the zone (20, 20') of the flexible conductor (2, 2a, 2b) supporting the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') and an associated zone (11) of the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') are configured so that the corresponding zones (11, 20, 20') can be positioned and fixed relative to each other whilst no permanent electrical conductive connection is established between the flexible conductor (2, 2a, 2b) and the haptic element (1, 1', 1''),

   when positioning the zone (20, 20') of the flexible conductor (2, 2a, 2b) supporting the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24'), the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') can be inserted into a socket (12, 120) of the haptic element (1, 1', 1''') which is provided with the operating element (11),

   as the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') are inserted into the socket (12, 120) the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') enter into active connection with the operating element (11) so that a switch signal is triggered during actuation of the operating element (11) by means of the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24')

   characterised in that
      a base body (10) of the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') together with the operating element (11) receives the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') as they are inserted.
2. Switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') can only be brought into electrically conductive connection with the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') by actuating an operating element (11) of the haptic element (1, 1', 1'').
3. Switch according to claim 2, characterised in that the electrically conductive connection only exists for as long as the switch is located in the switching state established by actuating the operating element (11).
4. Switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') has no electrical structural elements apart from an electrical conductor.
5. Switch according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterised in that the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') has as a single electrically conductive component which can be coupled electrically with the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') a contact bridge with which an electrical connection can be established between two switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24').
6. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the relevant zones (11, 20, 20') of the conductor (2, 2a, 2b) and the haptic element (1) are formed as mechanical plug connectors wherein a base body (10) of the haptic element (1) has a socket zone (12) with which the zone (20, 20') of the flexible conductor (2) supporting the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22') can be brought into positive engagement.
7. Switch according to claim 6, characterised in that the zone of the flexible conductor (2) supporting the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') has a mechanical reinforcement (121, 122, 123, 124).
8. Switch according to claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the mechanical reinforcement is formed as a frame (124) around the edges, a plate (123, 125) at the back or a cast element (121, 122) which surrounds the relevant zone (20).
9. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical reinforcement has at least one detent element (125b) for securing the insert position in respect of the haptic element and/or means (125a) for sealing the plug zone against damp.
10. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the relevant zones (11, 20') of the conductor (2) and haptic element (1', 1'') are formed as clamp-fit connections wherein a base body (10) of the haptic element (1', 1'') has a socket zone (120) and a fixing element (12', 12'') connectable therewith so that the zone (20') of the flexible conductor (2) supporting the switch elements (22, 22') can be clamped between the socket zone (120) of the haptic element and the fixing element (12', 12'').
11. Switch according to claim 10, characterised in that the fixing element (12') is connected in one piece with the base body (10) through a film hinge (12b) of a plastics base body (10) of the haptic element (1').
12. Switch according to claim 9, characterised in that the fixing element (12'') is formed as a separate clamping plate.
13. Switch according to claim 10, characterised in that means are provided for positioning the zone of the flexible conductor supporting the switch elements relative to the base body of the haptic element.
14. Switch according to claim 13, characterised in that the positioning means are formed on the part of the flexible conductor (2) in the form of recesses (126) and on the part of the base member of the haptic element in the form of corresponding studs or the like.
15. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch elements (22, 22') provided on the flexible conductor (2) are formed as electrical contact faces which are allocated an electrical contact bridge which is connected to an operating element (11) of the haptic element (1) and which when the operating element (11) is actuated closes the electrical circuit.
16. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch elements (24, 24') provided on the flexible conductor (2) are provided in boxes, e.g. in the form of SMD switches or switch mats.
17. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch elements provided on the flexible conductor (2) are designed as magnetoresistive structural elements (e.g. Hall elements) which are each allocated a permanent magnet which is connected to an actuating element of the haptic element.
18. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch elements provided on the flexible conductor (2) are formed as inductive or capacitive close range approach switches.
19. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch elements provided on the flexible conductor (2) are formed as transponder readers.
20. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch elements provided on the flexible conductor (2) are formed as passive or active optical elements allocated on the part of the operating elements of the haptic element means for reflection for the purpose of establishing a visual transmission path or means for interrupting a visual transmission path.
21. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that further structural elements (3a, 3b) such as for example an optical element for illuminating the switch, a micro controller, resistances, diodes or the like, are mounted on the zone (20) of the flexible conductor (2) supporting the switch elements.
22. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the zone (20) supporting the switch elements is detachably connected to the haptic element (1, 1', 1'').
23. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switch has in addition to the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') also further electrical and/or electronic structural elements.
24. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the zone (11) of the haptic element (1, 1', 1'') associated with the switch elements (21, 21', 22, 22', 23, 24, 24') forms at the same time at least one operating element of the haptic element (1, 1', 1'').

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