EP1715401A1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The switch has an operating body (3) that cooperates with rotating and swiveling units over a torsional coupler (7) in such a manner that the units and their masses are decoupled from one another. A rotating-swiveling-actuator is flexibly or rigidly coupled with the units over the coupler for an associated switching unit. A handle is arranged on a side of an axle of the operating body, where the side is turned away to coupler.

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. 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 US-A-4,459,440 known and has a movable in a pivot plane mounted actuator which is adjustable in at least two directions. The actuator is movable from a neutral position in a respective direction associated switching position by the user. In the switching position, the actuator acts on a switching element switching.

The known switch can thus be operated by pivoting. However, this switch lacks further actuation possibilities, so that its functionality is insufficient for some applications.

An electrical switch with extended functionality is out of the DE 296 04 717 U1 known. This switch has a cooperating with Verschwenkmitteln actuator so that the actuator in two mutually perpendicular Pivoting planes in each case in two directions from a neutral position in pivoting positions is pivotable. The actuator can further cooperate with displacement means, so that the actuator is linearly movable by a distance from a zero position in a displacement position. Next, the actuator can still cooperate with rotating means such that the actuator is rotated by certain angle from an initial position in rotational positions. The pivoting position, the displacement position and optionally the rotational position can according to the US-A-4,459,440 each be designed as a switching position, in which the actuating member acts on a switching element switching.

In the DE 296 04 717 U1 No details are given for the formation of the pivoting, the shifting and the rotating means. In particular, there is no indication as to how the functionality of pivoting and, where appropriate, shifting and optionally turning by means of a single actuator can be realized. Furthermore, the known switch gives no indication of the realization of ergonomic requirements, in particular those that are desirable for use in motor vehicles. Finally, it is also not clear whether this switch is suitable for use in a motor vehicle with tight installation spaces.

The invention has the object of developing the pivoting and optionally the rotating means and optionally the displacement means. Preferably, these should be designed such that the ergonomics is increased for the switch provided with high functionality, the switch should, however, in particular with a small space to make do.

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

When electrical switch according to the invention, the rotating means and the pivoting means cooperates via a torque coupling with the actuating member. This interaction is such that the rotating means and the pivoting means, in particular their masses, are decoupled from each other. Advantageously, must thereby during pivoting the components for the rotational movement and vice versa during rotation, the components for the pivoting movement are not moved, which improves the usability of the switch for the user. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The actuator of the electrical switch may have an axis. A handle is arranged on the side of the axle facing away from the torque coupling. In a compact embodiment, the axis is at the torque coupling side facing a universal joint in conjunction. Further, the actuator may comprise a rotary-pivot actuator, wherein the rotary-pivot actuator extends from the handle to the torque coupling and surrounds the axis. The rotary-pivoting actuator is suitably on the one hand with the handle and on the other hand with the torque coupling in combination.

In a particularly ergonomic embodiment of the rotary-pivot actuator is largely rigidly coupled via the torque coupling with the rotating means, which is configured for example as a rotary ring, for the associated switching element. The rotary-pivoting actuator is elastically deflectable coupled via the torque coupling with the pivoting means for the associated switching element. As already mentioned, the pivoting means may comprise the universal joint, so that a pivoting in four mutually perpendicular directions in the manner of a wind rose is possible. The Drch pivoting actuator acts on pivoting the axle to actuate the pivoting means.

In a simple and cost-effective manner, the torque coupling may consist of a leaf spring-like configured disc. This washer for the torque coupling has an outer ring and an inner ring.
Conveniently, the inner ring is secured by means of webs on the outer ring, in such a way that the inner ring of the plane of the disc is pivotable and the outer ring in the plane of the disc is rotatable.

The torque coupling in the manner of a disc can be produced in a simple manner as a stamped part, for example made of spring steel. There are recesses are introduced into the disk so that webs to connect the outer and inner ring stop. Furthermore, openings on the outer and on the inner ring for attachment of the rotary-pivoting actuator on the inner ring and the rotating means may be arranged on the outer ring.

If the electrical switch should also be actuated by displacement, the actuating member may comprise a displaceable push button, wherein the push button is movable from a zero position to a displacement position. In this case, the push button acts in the displacement position on a switching element switching. For ease of use, it makes sense that the push button is arranged substantially centrally in the handle.

Conventionally, the switch has a housing, wherein the actuator protrudes from the housing at the upper part. As a switching element are various design, for example as an electrical switch, as an optical switching element in the manner of a forked light barrier, in which a movable aperture engages, as a magnetic switching element, which cooperates with a Hall sensor, o. The like. Where the electric switch, the forked light barrier, the Hall sensor o. The like. For ease of assembly half is arranged on a circuit board. The printed circuit board is arranged in the housing, preferably in the lower part of the housing, in order to utilize the space available there. In addition, then the circuit board can be used to arrange there an electronics for the evaluation and optionally further processing of the switching signals.

In order to provide the user with a tactile feedback in the operation of the switch, the actuator can cooperate with a haptic generating element for pivoting and / or turning and / or moving. In a cost effective and simple way, there is the haptic for the displacement generating element of a snap disk. The haptic-generating element for pivoting can in space-saving manner from a backdrop at one the universal joint consist receiving bearing shell, in which engages an approach to the axis under the pressing force by a spring. The haptic for turning and optionally locking positions for the rotation generating element can be made to increase the functionality of a magnetic means which is arranged on the rotating means, as well as a cooperating with the magnetic means sprocket which is fixedly arranged in the housing.

It lends itself to further that the magnetic means consists of an electromagnet with a solid core, whereby a variably controllable feel can be generated. Conveniently, the sprocket has radially projecting teeth. A variable haptic and / or changeable detents for the rotational movement of the actuator are then generated in a simple manner by appropriate angular arrangement and / or energization of the coils of the magnetic means and by corresponding angular arrangement of the teeth on the sprocket.

• Entkopplung der Massen beim Schieben,
• Trennung der Funktionselemente,
• geringe Baugröße,
• Verschleißfreiheit der haptikgebenden Elemente, und
• geringe bewegliche Masse.

In summary, it should be emphasized that, especially in the present invention, a rotary pressing and sliding actuator is to be realized, which has decoupled the various functional directions and masses. Here are the following points to consider:

• Decoupling of the masses when pushing,
• Separation of functional elements,
• small size,
• Wear resistance of the haptic-giving elements, and
• low moving mass.

To decouple the masses a torque clutch is selected. This offers the advantage that the components for the rotational movement do not have to be moved. Thus, the moving mass is lower. As a haptic element for the rotational movement of a magnet with an iron cage is chosen, which offers the advantage that it is wear-free over its lifetime Another advantage is that it generates no noise For the Schiebehaptik a spring-sleeve link system is selected which differs in the execution of conventional systems. Important in the execution is the bearings play free of play. This is achieved by a bearing compensation by means of a spring. Due to the modular design, the concept is open for an extension of the functionality. For example, the arrangement of coils and stops further additional functions can be installed.

The flip-up switch has a haptic base with a guide, a sleeve with four lateral guide pins and a spring. The function is as follows. The sleeve moves on the backdrop of the haptic socket. Due to the spring tension, the sleeve is pressed onto the backdrop. The formation of the backdrop, the arrangement of the guide pins on the sleeve and the spring pressure allow a tilting movement of the sleeve in only four fixed directions. Furthermore, this ensures the desired feel when tilting the sleeve and its return to the starting position. Advantageously, the leadership of the tilting movement of the sleeve in four certain directions (right, left, front, back) is guaranteed and achieved the feel and recovery by the shape of the backdrop and compressive force of the spring.

• Einfache Bedienbarkeit,
• Drehen präzise, leichtgängig, diskrete Drehhaptik mit hochwertiger Lagerung,
• Schieben / Kippen in 2 Ebenen,
• Verringerung der Schiebekräfte, ungefähr bei 5 N Druckpunkt,
• Sicherheit gegen Fehlbetätigung durch Trennung der Funktionsbereiche,
• Geringe bewegliche Masse,
• Kleiner Bedienknopfdurchmesser von in etwa 35 mm,
• Entkopplung der Betätigungselemente,
• Aktive Haptik für begrenzte Funktionsbereiche (Jog Shuttle für Menüwahl),
• Selbsterklärend durch Anordnungen und Design (Funktionsbereiche sind selbstredend und einfach erkennbar dargestellt),
• Beleuchtung der aktiven Funktionsbereiche möglich,
• Eingabe von alpha-numerischen Zeichen möglich,
• Integration von kapazitivem Sensor für Tasten mit Hilfefunktion,
• Modularer Aufbau für Ausbaustufen,
• Ausbaustufe mit "freiem Schieben" möglich,
• Wertigkeitelemente für Bedienknopfdesignvarianten,
• Entkopplung der Betätigungselemente.

Furthermore, the following is guaranteed:

• Easy to use,
• Turning precise, smooth, discreet turning feel with high-quality storage,
• Pushing / tilting in 2 levels,
• Reduction of the pushing forces, approximately at 5 N pressure point,
• Safety against incorrect operation by separation of functional areas,
• Low moving mass,
• Small control knob diameter of about 35 mm,
• Decoupling of the actuators,
• Active haptics for limited functional areas (jog shuttle for menu selection),
• Self-explanatory through arrangements and design (functional areas are obviously and easily recognizable),
• Illumination of active functional areas possible,
• Input of alphanumeric characters possible,
• Integration of capacitive sensor for buttons with help function,
• Modular construction for expansion stages,
• Expansion stage with "free sliding" possible,
• Valence elements for control button design variants,
• Decoupling of the actuators.

For the Enter function a decoupling is given by the separate Enter key. A safety mat is located directly on the button.

For turning a decoupling is given by a separate actuator and the torque coupling. In addition, a magnetic detent with high-quality storage is possible.

For tipping a decoupling is given by a fixed ring and the torque coupling. The haptic is generated by means of a plunger with spring and link, with a bearing compensation is ensured by the spring.

The torque coupling allows deflection in the X and Y directions without entrainment of the rotating components. A precise haptic and ease of operation of the actuators and a decoupling of the masses and the individual components is given. Furthermore, the bearing clearance is minimized and given a high-quality bearings. The fact that the rotating component is arranged on the outside, an optional extension of the functional scope is possible.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that the switch manages despite high functionality with little space. Thus, the switch for tight spaces, as given 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. 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 feel, for example, the switch has eight preferred directions for the actuator with low actuation paths and haptic feedback, which contributes to the increase in ergonomics. Despite high functionality, the switch is simple, for example, with the fingers of one hand to operate, with incorrect operations are largely excluded. In addition, the switch is inexpensive to manufacture.

• Günstiges Wirkprinzip,
• Verschleißfreiheit,
• Kompakte Bauweise,
• Entkoppelte Massen beim Schieben, und
• Geräuschreduzierte Anordnung.

Further advantages can be seen in it:

• Favorable mode of action,
• Freedom from wear,
• Compact design,
• Decoupled masses when pushing, and
• Noise reduced arrangement.

Fig. 1

perspektivisch einen durch Schwenken, Drücken und Drehen betätigbaren elektrischen Schalter in der Art eines Multifunktionsschalters, der teilweise aufgeschnitten ist,

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt durch den elektrischen Schalter aus Fig. 1, wobei das Gehäuse weggelassen ist,

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Detailansicht des Drehmittels aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

die Drehmomentkupplung als Einzelteil, und

Fig. 5

die Drehmomentkupplung aus Fig. 4, wobei der Innenring verschwenkt ist.

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

Fig. 1

in perspective, an actuatable by pivoting, pressing and turning electrical switch in the manner of a multi-function switch, which is partially cut,

Fig. 2

a section through the electrical switch of Figure 1, wherein the housing is omitted,

Fig. 3

an enlarged detail view of the rotating means of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

the torque coupling as a single part, and

Fig. 5

the torque coupling of Fig. 4, wherein the inner ring is pivoted.

In Fig. 1, a switch 1 with housing 2 and actuator 3 can be seen. With the actuator 3 pivoting 4 act as well as rotating means 5 together. In the switching positions of the actuator 3 switching elements 6 (see FIG. 2) are actuated. The actuating member 2 interacts with the rotating means 5 and with the pivoting means 4 via a torque coupling 7.

As is further apparent from Fig. 2, the actuating member 3 has an axis 8 and a handle 9. The pivoting means 4 comprises a universal joint 10. The actuator 3 comprises a rotary pivot actuator 11. Finally, there is a push button 17 on the actuator. 3

The torque coupling 7, which can be seen in more detail in Fig. 4, consists of an outer ring 12 and an inner ring 13. Webs 14 connect the outer ring 12 with the Inncring 13. The torque coupling 7 is made of a Blechschcibe as a stamped part by Ausnehinungen 15 to Formation of the webs 14 are introduced. As a result, the inner ring 13 can be deflected relative to the outer ring 12 out of the plane of the disk, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5. In Fig. 3 visible openings 16 are used for attachment of the rotating means 5 and the rotary-pivoting actuator 11 to the torque coupling. 7

In the housing 2 is a printed circuit board 18, as can be seen in Fig. 2, on which the switching elements 6 are arranged. The switching element 6 may be formed as a Hall sensor 19 or as a visible in Fig. 1 fork light barrier 20. Of course, the switching element 6 may also be a conventional electrical switch.

In the push button 17 snap discs 21 are arranged to produce its feel. The haptic for the pivoting movement is generated by a guide 23 located on a bearing block 23, in which a projection 24 engages the axis 8, which is apparent from Fig. 3 in more detail. The projection 24 is guided by means of the force of a schematically indicated in Fig. 2 spring 25 in the link 23. The haptic for the rotational movement is finally generated by a magnetic means 26, which is also seen in Fig. 3. The magnetic means 26 comprises a sprocket 27 and an electromagnet 28 having a fixed core 29. The solenoid 28 cooperates with teeth 30 on the ring gear 27, so that not only the feel but also locking positions for the rotational movement are adjustable.

Such a multi-function switch can be used for car radios and / or for control devices, displays o. The like. In motor vehicles. However, the invention is not on the described and illustrated embodiment limited. Rather, it also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. In addition to automotive applications, such a multi-function switch can also be advantageously used as input means for computers, machine tools, household appliances or the like.

Reference numeral list;

1:

electrical switch

2:

casing

3:

actuator

4:

Verschwenkmittel

5:

center of rotation

6:

switching element

7:

torque coupling

8th:

axis

9:

handle

10:

Universal joint

11:

Which can pivot rotary actuator

12:

outer ring

13:

inner ring

14:

web

15:

recess

16:

breakthrough

17:

push-button

18:

circuit board

19:

Hall sensor

20:

Light barrier

21:

snap disk

22:

bearing shell

23:

scenery

24:

approach

25:

feather

26:

magnetic medium

27:

sprocket

28:

electromagnet

29:

hard core

30:

tooth

Claims (9)

Electric switch, in particular in the nature of a joystick or cursor switch with a movable actuating member (3), wherein the actuating member (3) cooperates with pivoting means (4) such that the actuating member (3) in at least one direction in a pivoting plane a neutral position in a pivot position is pivotable, wherein the actuating member (3) with rotating means (5) cooperates such that the actuating member (3) is rotatable from an initial position by at least one angle in a rotational position, and wherein the pivot position and the rotational position respectively Is formed as a switching position, such that the actuating member (3) in the switching position on a switching element (6), sensor element, signal element o. The like. Actuating acts, characterized in that the rotating means (5) and the pivoting means (4) via a torque coupling (7) cooperate with the actuating member (3), such that the rotating means (5) and the V schwenkmittel (4), in particular their masses, are decoupled from each other. Electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating member (3) has an axis (8) that preferably a handle (9) on the side of the axis (8) facing away from the torque coupling (7) is arranged, that further preferably Axis (8) on the torque coupling (7) facing side with a universal joint (10) is in communication that even more preferably, the actuating member (3) comprises a rotary-pivoting actuator (11), wherein in particular the rotary pivoting Actuator (11) from the handle (9) to the torque coupling (7) extends and possibly the axis (8) surrounds, and that even more preferably the rotary-pivot actuator (11) on the one hand to the handle (9) and on the other hand with the Torque coupling (7) is in communication. Electrical switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary-pivoting actuator (11) largely rigidly via the torque coupling (7) with the rotating means (5), which is designed in particular as a rotary ring, for the associated switching element (6). is coupled, that preferably the pivotable Dreh-Betbetiger (11) elastically deflectable via the torque coupling (7) with the pivoting means (4), the in particular, the universal joint (10) for pivoting in four mutually perpendicular directions in the manner of a compass rose, for the associated switching element (6) is coupled, and more preferably that the rotary-pivoting actuator (11) when pivoting on the axis ( 8) for actuating the pivoting means (4). Electrical switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the torque coupling (7) consists of a leaf spring-like designed disc, preferably that the torque coupling (7) has an outer ring (12) and an inner ring (13), and more preferably the inner ring (13) by means of webs (14) on the outer ring (12) is fixed, in particular such that the inner ring (13) from the plane of the disc pivotally and the outer ring (12) is rotatable in the plane of the disc. Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the torque coupling (7) is produced as a stamped part, in particular of spring steel, in that recesses (15) are preferably introduced into the disc in such a way that webs (14) for connecting the Outer and inner ring (12, 13) remain stationary, and that further preferably openings (16) on the outer and inner ring (12,13) for fixing the rotary-pivoting actuator (11) on the inner ring (13) and the rotating means (5 ) are arranged on the outer ring (12). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating member (3) comprises a displaceable push-button (17), that preferably the push-button (17) is movable from a zero position into a displaced position, in particular such that the push-button (17 ) in the displacement position on a switching element (6) acts switching, and further preferably that the push button (17) is arranged substantially centrally in the handle (9). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switch (1) has a housing (2), that preferably the actuating member (3) from the housing (2), in particular at the upper part of the housing (2), protrudes that further preferably the switching element (6) as an electrical switch, as an optical switching element in the manner of a fork light barrier (20), in which engages a movable diaphragm, as Magnetic switching element, which cooperates with a Hall sensor (19), o. The like. Is configured such that even further preferably the electrical switch, the forked light barrier (20), the Hall sensor (19) o. The like. On a printed circuit board (18) is arranged , And that again further preferably, the circuit board (18) in the housing (2), in particular in the lower part of the housing (2) is arranged. Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating member (3) cooperates with a haptic-generating element for pivoting and / or rotating and / or sliding, preferably that the haptic for the displacement-generating element of a Snap disc (21) is that further preferably the haptic generating element for pivoting from a link (23) on a the universal joint (10) receiving bearing shell (22) into which a projection (24) on the axis (8) , in particular under the pressing force by a spring (25) engages, and even more preferably that the haptic for turning and optionally locking positions for turning generating element of a magnetic means (26) which is arranged in particular on the rotating means (5) , And a with the magnetic means (26) cooperating sprocket (27), which is arranged in particular fixed in the housing (2) consists. Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the magnetic means (26) consists of an electromagnet (28) with a solid core (29), preferably that the ring gear (27) has radially projecting teeth (30), and that further preferably a variable haptic and / or variable detents for the rotational movement of the actuating member (3) by appropriate angular arrangement and / or energization of the coils of the magnetic means (26) and optionally by appropriate angular arrangement of the teeth (30) on the sprocket (27 ) are producible.

Images