EP1652201B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic switch, especially in the form of a joystick or cursor switch has an activation element (2) that interacts with rotating means (4). Rotation of the activation element causes it to switch a switching element (11) so that a controllable electrical outer rotor motor (7) interacts with the activation element so that a haptic effect is generated by the rotary motion of the activation element. At least a part of the rotating means are provided by the outer rotor (9) of the motor.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

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

Such an electrical switch is from the DE 296 04 717 U1 known. This switch has a pivotable or sliding actuator, so that the actuator is movable in two mutually perpendicular directions. The actuator is further configured to be rotatable. Finally, the actuator can still be operated by pressing.

In the DE 296 04 717 U1 are to form the means for pivoting or moving and twisting no further details. In particular, there are no indications as to how the functionality of twisting and sliding by means of a single actuator can be realized. Finally, too not further evident, whether this switch is suitable for use in a motor vehicle with tight installation spaces.

Next is from the DE 100 21 895 A1 a trained in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch electrical switch with an actuator. The actuator cooperates with rotating means in such a way that the actuating member is rotatable and acting in rotation on a switching element switching. The switch is provided with an actuator, so that a variable feel for the rotational movement of the actuator can be generated. As an actuator designed as an internal rotor motor electric motor is used.

The invention has for its object to provide means by which the rotation and / or displacement of the single actuator is made possible, the actuator should have a perceivable by the user and possibly variable feel, and wherein these means should be designed such that the provided with high functionality switch with a small space manages.

This object is achieved in a generic electrical switch by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The electrical switch according to the invention realizes a rotating, pushing and sliding plate, which offers a variable feel for turning and pushing, depending on the selected function. Such a switch can be advantageously used as an input means for the (MM1) man-machine interface of a controller.

In a first embodiment of the electric switch according to the invention, the actuating member cooperates with rotating means such that the actuating member is rotatable and thereby acting on a switching element switching. With the actuating member is a controllable electric external rotor motor in operative connection, wherein at least a part of the rotating means consists of the external rotor of the external rotor motor. With the help of the external rotor motor a variable feel for the rotational movement of the actuator is generated. The external rotor motor has over the known Internal rotor motor has the advantage that it has a high torque and a higher mass moment of inertia with the same size and / or construction weight.

In a second embodiment of the electric switch according to the invention the actuating member cooperates with displacement means such that the actuating member is displaceable in a displacement plane in at least one direction and thereby acts on a switching element switching. With the actuator is a magnet in operative connection. With the help of the magnet, a haptic for the sliding movement of the actuator is generated.

In a third embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention, on the one hand, the actuating member cooperates with rotating means such that the actuating member is rotatable, and on the other hand, the actuator cooperates with displacement means such that the actuator is displaceable in a displacement plane in at least one direction. In this case, the actuator acts during rotation and when shifting to a switching element switching. With the aid of a cross slide, the displacement and the rotational movement are transmitted from the actuator to the displacement and rotation means, wherein the axis of rotation of the rotation means is approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane of the displacement means.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

To implement a type of "enter" function as confirmation of an input, the actuator is linearly movable by at least one distance from a zero position to a shift position by pressing, preferably approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane. In this case, the actuating member in the switching position acts on a switching element switching, whereby the switching signal generated by the switching element can be evaluated as an input confirmation. In a cost-effective manner, the switching element may consist of a switching mat.

In a compact design, the active connection between the magnet and the actuator can be generated by means of a ball lever. The ball lever has a ball in the manner of a ball joint as a pivot bearing. The desired, adjustable power transmission is effected by the ratio of the length of the two outgoing from the ball lever arms. The ball lever has an actuator attached to the end of a lever arm and a free end on the other lever arm. At the free end a permanent magnet is fixed, which cooperates with the magnet. If the magnet is designed as a controllable electro-adhesion magnet, then the feel can be changed as desired by its corresponding activation.

The small size of the electrical switch is further supported by the stator of the external rotor motor is disposed on a fixed, internal hollow shaft. The external rotor is by means of sliding bearing on the hollow shaft and / or by means of a ball raceway on a support member fixed to the hollow shaft of the external rotor motor rotatably mounted. The ball seat for the ball joint of the ball lever is arranged on the inner hollow shaft of the external rotor motor. Finally, the magnet is located in the inner hollow shaft of the external rotor motor.

For applications in motor vehicles, it is particularly suitable that the switching elements detecting the rotation and / or the displacement and / or the pressing are Hall sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, electrical switches, switching mats, or the like. These work error-prone and very reliable.

The generation of the haptic means of the electric external rotor motor has the advantage that the windings for the stator are inside and the permanent magnets are guided outside the rotor. On the rotor and in the inner, designed as a hollow shaft motor shaft, the mechanism is guided for the sliding movement. As a result, the masses are decoupled during the sliding and rotating movement. For the sliding movement, a permanent magnet with a coil is arranged, which generates an active shift feel depending on the path.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that the switch despite high functionality has only a small size and therefore requires only a small footprint. Thus, the switch for tight spaces, as they are given in particular on the steering wheel or in the dashboard, the center console, the armrest o. The like. In the vehicle are suitable. Furthermore, the switch is error-prone and has a long service life due to its freedom from wear. The switch according to the invention can thus be used advantageously in harsh environmental conditions, for example in motor vehicles. In addition, the switch has a good and changeable feel, which can be both active and passive represent. In addition, the switch has low moving masses due to the favorable principle of action and its feel or actuation force can be influenced and controlled by means of simple control technology. Despite high functionality of the switch is easy to use, with incorrect operation are largely excluded. In addition, the switch is inexpensive to manufacture.

• kein Verschleiß,
• einstellbar,
• gute Zwangsführung (Führung in 2 Ebenen),
• Minimierung der Bauteileanzahl (lediglich ein Magnet für vierfache Haptik),
• kein Energieverbrauch (Vorteil im "Stand-By"- Modus),
• keine Geräuschentwicklung,
• Erzeugung von änderbarer Haptik in der Schiebebewegung,
• die Masse des Motors wird von der Schiebebewegung entkoppelt und
• aktivhaptische Rückmeldung (beim Erreichen eines bestimmten Menüfeldes kann ein mechanischer Impuls in das Betätigungsorgan eingeleitet werden; dadurch bekommt der Anwender eine haptische Bestätigung).

The use of a permanent magnet with electro-magnet and translation in the bearing for haptic extraction still has the following advantages:

• No wear,
• adjustable,
• good restraint (guided tour in 2 levels),
• Minimization of the number of components (only one magnet for fourfold haptics),
• no energy consumption (advantage in stand-by mode),
• no noise,
• Generation of changeable haptics in the sliding movement,
• the mass of the engine is decoupled from the sliding movement and
• active-haptic feedback (when a certain menu field is reached, a mechanical impulse can be introduced into the actuator, giving the user a haptic confirmation).

• Momente sind einstellbar durch unterschiedliche Bestromung des Motors,
• hohes Massenträgheitsmoment, dadurch wird das Aufschwingen in der Ruhelage minimiert,
• in die Hohlwelle können weitere Funktionselemente verbaut werden,
• hohes Drehmoment,
• kein Verschleiß,
• aktivhaptische Rückmeldung (beim Erreichen eines bestimmten Menüfeldes kann ein mechanischer Impuls in das Betätigungsorgan eingeleitet werden; dadurch bekommt der Anwender eine haptische Bestätigung),
• höhere Momente bei gleicher Energie möglich und
• Reduzierung der Bauteile, denn das Magnetfeld kann zur Auflösung der Winkelposition und Kommutierung genutzt werden.

The generation of the changeable haptic in the rotational movement by an external rotor motor with a hollow shaft has the following further advantages:

• Moments are adjustable by different energization of the motor,
• high mass moment of inertia, this minimizes the swinging up in the rest position,
• in the hollow shaft further functional elements can be installed,
• high torque,
• No wear,
• active-haptic feedback (when a certain menu field is reached, a mechanical impulse can be introduced into the actuator, giving the user a haptic confirmation),
• higher moments possible with the same energy and
• Reduction of components, because the magnetic field can be used to resolve the angular position and commutation.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischer Schalter in teilweise aufgeschnittener perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2

den Schalter wie in Fig. 1, wobei Einzelteile weggelassen sind,

Fig. 3

den Schalter wie in Fig. 2, wobei weitere Einzelteile weggelassen sind,

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte Ansicht im Bereich des Betätigungsorgans aus Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

einen Längsschnitt durch den Bereich des Betätigungsorgans aus Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des dem Betätigungsorgan abgewandten Bereichs aus Fig. 3 und

Fig. 7

den Bereich aus Fig. 6, wobei Einzelteile weggelassen sind.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an electrical switch in a partially cutaway perspective view,

Fig. 2

the switch as in Fig. 1 , with items omitted,

Fig. 3

the switch as in Fig. 2 , where other items are omitted,

Fig. 4

an enlarged view in the region of the actuator from Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5

a longitudinal section through the region of the actuator Fig. 4 .

Fig. 6

an enlarged view of the actuator facing away from the area Fig. 3 and

Fig. 7

the area out Fig. 6 , with items omitted.

In Fig. 1 is an electrical switch 1 designed in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch. The switch 1 has an actuator 2 which is manually rotatable in two opposite directions of rotation 3 by a user. For this purpose, the actuator 2 cooperates with rotating means 4. The actuator 2 acts on rotation on a switching element 11 switching a. With the actuator 2 is a controllable electric external rotor motor 7 in operative connection, that a haptic for the rotational movement of the actuator 2 is generated. According to the control of the external rotor motor 7, the haptic is changeable. For example, the rotation of the actuator 2 can be difficult or smooth depending on the situation, in a ratchet-like manner or the like.

The external rotor motor 7 has an inner fixed stator 8 and an outer rotatable outer rotor 9. The stator 8 of the external rotor motor 7 is arranged on a fixed, internal hollow shaft 21, as shown in detail Fig. 3 evident. At least part of the rotating means 4 consists of the external rotor 9 of the external rotor motor 7. The further part of the rotating means 4 consists of a cross slide 10, which will be explained in more detail below. The actuator 2 is latched on the cross slide 10. The cross slide 10 is in turn arranged on the bottom of the pot-like external rotor 9, so that the rotational movement of the actuating member 2 is transmitted to the external rotor 9.

How further the Fig. 1 can be seen, the actuator 2 in a displacement plane in at least one direction of displacement 5 manually displaced by the user. In the present case, the actuating member 2 is displaceable in the manner of a wind rose in four displacement directions 5. For this purpose, the actuator 2 acts in Fig. 2 visible displacement means 6 together. The actuator 2 acts on switching to a switching element 12 switching a. With the actuator 2 is a magnet 13 in operative connection, that a feel for the sliding movement of the actuator 2 is generated.

How closer Fig. 4 The cross slide 10 in turn consists of a first slide member 28 on which the actuator 2 is clipped, and a second slide member 29. The first slide member 28 is by means of guides 30 on the second Slide 29 located cam 31 arranged in one of the displacement directions 5 movable. The second slide member 29 is in turn arranged on the bottom of the outer rotor 9 by means not shown further guides and cams in the other direction of displacement 5 movable. As a result, the two slide parts 28, 29 in two mutually perpendicular displacement directions 5 and opposite, so essentially wind rose like a crosswise, movable.

It is particularly preferred if the actuating member 2 is both twistable and displaceable. For this purpose, the actuating member 2 cooperates with the rotating means 4 and with the displacement means 6, which is also based on Fig. 1 can be seen. In this case, the axis of rotation 14 of the rotating means 4 is approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the arrows 5 shift plane of the displacement means 6. As already explained, the sliding and the rotary movement by means of a cross slide 10 from the actuator 2 on the displacement and rotation means 6, 4th transfer. The cross slide 10 thus causes a decoupling of the sliding and the rotational movement.

In addition, the actuator 2 is linearly movable by pressing at least one distance from a zero position into a switching position. This linear movement serves as an "Enter" operation and takes place approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the arrows 5 shift plane, ie approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 14. In this case, the actuator 2 acts in the switching position on a switching element 15 a switching. The switching element 15 may consist of a switching mat.

As in Fig. 5 can be seen, the operative connection between the magnet 13 and the actuator 2 by means of a ball lever 16 is generated. The ball lever 16 has a ball 17 in the manner of a ball joint as a pivot bearing. The ball seat 22 for the ball joint of the ball lever 16 is disposed on the inner hollow shaft 21 of the external rotor motor 7. The ball lever 16 has two outgoing from the ball 17 lever arms 18, 19. On a lever arm 18, the actuator 2 is attached. The other lever arm 19 is formed as a free end, wherein at the free end a cooperating with the magnet 13 permanent magnet 20 is attached. The aspect ratio of the two lever arms 18, 19 is chosen so that a force transmission for the sliding movement of the actuating member 2 is effected. The magnet 13 is located in the inner hollow shaft 21 of the external rotor motor 7 and is designed as a controllable electro-magnet, so that the feel for the sliding movement of the actuator 2 according to the electrical control of the electro-magnet 13 can be changed according to the situation.

The external rotor 9 is at its bottom by means of a in Fig. 3 shown plain bearing 23 rotatably mounted on the hollow shaft 21. As in further Fig. 6 can be seen, is located on the side facing away from the bottom of the outer rotor 9 a fixed to the hollow shaft 21 carrier part 24. On support member 24 is a ball track 25 on which turn on the side facing away from the bottom of the outer rotor 9 fastener ring 26 rotatable is stored. Due to the only low rotational speeds with which the external rotor motor 7 is operated in the switch 1, such storage by means of a sliding bearing 23 and / or a ball track 25 is completely sufficient. By pressing the actuator 2 acts then the support member 24 with the bottom of the ball raceway 25 switching on the keypad 15, as well as on the basis of Fig. 7 is apparent.

The switching elements 11, 12 detecting the rotation and / or the displacement are Hall sensors. How closer Fig. 1 shows, an alternately magnetized ring 27 is mounted on the ring 26. This wreath 27 acts upon rotation of the outer rotor 9 by the actuator 2 with the Hall sensor 11 for signal generation together. In the same way, the Hall sensor 12 can be operated by the actuator 2 for signal generation in displacement of the corresponding magnetized and / or separate magnet having first carriage member 28. Of course, the switching elements 11, 12, 15 by other sensors, such as magnetoresistive sensors, electrical switches, mats o. The like. Be realized.

Based on the described construction of the switch 1, the following features and advantages will be particularly emphasized.

• hohes Massenträgheitsmoment der Anordnung, dadurch wird das Aufschwingen in der Ruhelage minimiert,
• in die Hohlwelle 21 können weitere Funktionselemente verbaut werden und
• hohes Drehmoment mit Hilfe der Anordnung erzeugbar.

The function and feel of the rotational movement is generated by an external rotor motor 7 with a hollow shaft 21. If the actuator 2 is rotated, a counter-torque is built up by the external rotor motor 7. The torque is transmitted by a cross slide 10. Depending on the angle of rotation, the counter torque becomes larger or smaller. This is felt on the actuator 2 as a detent. The arrangement by an external rotor motor 7 with hollow shaft 21 has the following advantages:

• high mass moment of inertia of the arrangement, thereby minimizing the swinging in the rest position,
• in the hollow shaft 21 further functional elements can be installed and
• high torque generated by means of the arrangement.

The function of the sliding movement in the manner of a two-level switch is provided with an active haptic. The function is initiated by the movement of the actuator 2. The actuator 2 ensures the operation in two levels. The actuator 2 is mounted on a cross slide 10, so that a linear movement is made possible. This arrangement allows a sliding movement without the external rotor motor 7 is moved. Thus, the mass of the external rotor motor 7 is decoupled from the sliding movement, which in turn brings advantages.

The actuator 2 deflects the ball lever 16. Is stored, the ball lever 16 in a convex half-shell, so that a pivoting movement is possible. The counter bearing is formed by the component ball seat 22. In the ball lever 16, a magnet 20 is inserted. An electro-magnet 13 forms the opposite pole. The magnet 20 centers the ball lever 16 and guarantees the return of the actuator 2 after actuation in one of the two levels. In order to deflect the actuator 2, the force of the magnet 20 must be overcome. The gap and the relative position of the ball lever 16 leads by the change to a changed magnetic flux. This means that the force is minimized when the ball lever 16 is outside the magnetic field. This creates a haptic for the sliding movement.

Due to the structure of the ball lever 16, a relatively small actuation travel on the actuator 2 can be realized. The ball lever 16 acts with a translation, so that a small actuating travel is translated into a large pivoting movement. By energizing the Elektrohaftmagneten 13 as a function of the position of the cross slide 10, the haptics can be changed. Thus, different haptic profiles can be mapped and it can also change the force. In addition, if desired, the actuator 2 remain in an end position.

By pressing on the actuator 2, the enter function can be triggered. The associated feel is generated in a simple manner by means of the shift caliper 5.

Although it is preferred that the switch 1 can be actuated both by rotation and by displacement, the invention as described can also be realized on a switch which can be actuated either by rotation or by displacement. In addition, an enter function can be realized by pressing. Otherwise, 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. Thus, such a multi-function switch in addition to automotive applications as input means for computers, machine tools, household appliances o. The like. Use.

Reference numeral list:

1:

electrical switch

2:

actuator

3:

direction of rotation

4:

center of rotation

5:

Displacement direction / arrow

6:

displacement means

7:

External rotor motor

8th:

stator

9:

external rotor

10:

cross slide

11:

Switching element (for rotary motion) / Hall sensor

12:

Switching element (for displacement movement) / Hall sensor

13:

Magnet / Electrostap Magnet

14:

axis of rotation

15:

Switching element (for pressing) / switching mat

16:

ball lever

17:

Ball (on the ball lever)

18.19:

Lever arm (from ball lever)

20:

permanent magnet

21:

hollow shaft

22:

ball seat

23:

bearings

24:

support part

25:

Ball track

26:

ring

27:

wreath

28:

first sledge (from cross slide)

29:

second slide part (from cross slide)

30:

Guided tour (on the first slide)

31:

Cam (on the second slide)

Claims (8)

1. Electric switch, in particular in the form of a joystick or cursor switch, with an actuating element (2), wherein the actuating element (2) interacts with rotation means (4) such that the actuating element (2) can be rotated, and wherein the actuating element (2) has a switching effect on a switching element (11) during rotation, and with a variable haptic for the rotary movement of the actuating element (2), characterised in that a controllable electric external-rotor motor (7) is operatively connected haptically to the actuating element (2), wherein the external-rotor motor (7) has an inner fixed stator (8) and an external movable external-rotor (9), and wherein at least a part of the rotation means (4) consists of the external rotor (9) of the external-rotor motor (7), so that the rotary moment of the actuating element (2) is transmitted to the external rotor (9).
2. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (2) cooperates with displacement means (6) such that the actuating element (2) can be displaced in a displacement plane in at least one direction, in that the actuating element (2) acts in a switching manner on displacement on a switching element (12), and in that a magnet (13, 20) is in active connection with the actuating element (2), such that a haptic is produced for the displacement movement of the actuating element (2).
3. Electric switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the rotary axis (14) of the rotary means (4) is approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane of the displacement means (6), and in that the displacement and the rotary movement is transferred by means of a cross slide (10) from the actuating element (2) to the displacement and rotary means (6, 4).
4. Electric switch according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterised in that the actuating element (2) can be moved linearly into a switching position by pressing, in particular perpendicular to the displacement plane by at least one interval from a zero position into a switching position, such that the actuating element (2) in the switching position has a switching effect on a switching element (15), and in that preferably the switching element (15) consists of a switching mat.
5. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the operative connection between the magnets (13, 20) and the actuating element (2) is produced by means of a ball lever (16), in that preferably the ball lever (16) has a ball (17) in the form of a ball joint as a pivot bearing, wherein in particular the length ratio of the two lever arms (18, 19) coming from the ball (17) effects a translation of force, so that also preferably the ball lever (16) has one end secured to the actuating element (2) on the one lever arm (18) and one free end on the other lever arm (19), in that also preferably a permanent magnet (20) is secured to the free end, which cooperates with magnet (13) and in that also preferably the magnet (13) is designed as a controllable electric holding magnet, in particular for changing the haptic.
6. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the switching elements (11, 12) detecting the rotation and/or displacement and/or pressing are Hall sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, electric switches, switching mats or the like.
7. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the stator (8) of the external-rotor motor (7) is arranged on a fixed, interior hollow shaft (21), in that preferably the external rotor (9) is rotatably mounted by means of slide bearings (23) on the hollow shaft (21) and/or by means of a ball track (25) on a carrier part (24) of the external-rotor motor (7) secured to the hollow shaft (21).
8. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the ball mount (22) for the ball joint of the ball lever (16) is arranged on the inner hollow shaft (21) of the external-rotor motor (7) and in that preferably the magnet (13) is located in the inner hollow shaft (21) of the external-rotor motor (7).

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