EP3234974B1 - Operator control device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car - Google Patents

Operator control device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3234974B1
EP3234974B1 EP15804673.0A EP15804673A EP3234974B1 EP 3234974 B1 EP3234974 B1 EP 3234974B1 EP 15804673 A EP15804673 A EP 15804673A EP 3234974 B1 EP3234974 B1 EP 3234974B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
button
movement
return element
control device
operator control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15804673.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3234974A1 (en
Inventor
Michael Wachinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Audi AG
Original Assignee
Audi AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Audi AG filed Critical Audi AG
Publication of EP3234974A1 publication Critical patent/EP3234974A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3234974B1 publication Critical patent/EP3234974B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/10—Bases; Stationary contacts mounted thereon
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/20—Driving mechanisms
    • H01H13/22—Driving mechanisms acting with snap action
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/52—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
    • H01H13/85—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/002—Materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/006—Only mechanical function
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/036—Return force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/036—Return force
    • H01H2221/044—Elastic part on actuator or casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/022—Collapsable dome
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/03—Hardness
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/032—Operating force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/032—Operating force
    • H01H2227/034—Regulation of operating force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/026—Car
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2235/00—Springs
    • H01H2235/008—Rubber spring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2237/00—Mechanism between key and laykey
    • H01H2237/006—Guided plunger or ball
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2237/00—Mechanism between key and laykey
    • H01H2237/008—Plunger guided by flexible arms

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such operating devices for vehicles in particular motor vehicles such as passenger cars, are already well known from the general state of the art and in particular from the production of standard vehicles.
  • Such an operating device comprises a base element and at least one switching element which is held, for example, on the base element. The switching element can be moved relative to the base element while closing at least one electrical contact from a first position into at least one second position.
  • the operating device further comprises at least one button which is movable in a direction of movement between a rest position and at least one actuating position relative to the base element.
  • the switching element from the first position to the second position is movable by the button is moved from its rest position to its operating position.
  • the switching element is movable by means of the switch, so that the electrical contact via the switching element and the button can be closed.
  • the operating device further comprises at least one restoring element which is supported on the base element and on the pushbutton and which is elastically deformable by moving the pushbutton from the rest position into the actuating position.
  • the push-button can be moved out of the actuation position into the rest position with at least partial relaxation of the restoring element.
  • the restoring element is elastically deformed in the actuation position of the probe and thereby tensioned or charged, so that the button located in the actuation position by means of the return element supported on the button with a force, in particular a spring force is applied.
  • the switching element is, for example, another button, which can move back from the second position back to the first position when the first button is moved from the operating position to the rest position.
  • the button for example, a surface of the operating device is formed, wherein a person, for example, an occupant and in particular the driver of the vehicle, the surface touches to move the button from the rest position in the operating position.
  • the person acts on the button, for example via one of their fingers with a force by means of which the button is moved against the force of the return element in the operating position.
  • the button In the rest position, the button is for example spaced from the switching element. On its way from the rest position to the operating position of the button, before it reaches its operating position, in support system with the switching element, so that then the switching element is moved together with the button in its operating position. As a result, the switching element is finally moved from its first position to its second position.
  • the probe is used in particular to provide a particularly large, touchable by the person surface, so that a simple and comfortable operation of the operating device can be realized.
  • Object of the present invention is therefore to develop an operating device of the type mentioned in such a way that a precise and particularly advantageous operation of the operating device can be realized.
  • the operating device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle such as a passenger car, comprises a base element and at least one switching element which is movable relative to the base element closing at least one electrical contact from a first position to at least a second position.
  • the operating device further comprises at least one movable in a direction of movement between a rest position and at least one actuating position relative to the base element button, via which the switching element from the first position to the second position is movable by moving the button from the rest position into the operating position.
  • the operating device comprises at least one supported on the base member and the button and by moving the button from the rest position into the actuating position elastically deformable return element by means of which at least partially relaxing the restoring element of the button from the operating position is movable into the rest position.
  • the return element is formed of silicone.
  • a silicone is in particular a polysiloxane or a polyorganosiloxane and refers to a group of synthetic polymers in which silicon atoms are linked via oxygen atoms.
  • This force curve for example, by a person who moves the button from the rest position in the actuating position and thereby elastically deformed the restoring element, are perceived as particularly pleasant and high quality, so that a particularly advantageous and precise operation of the operating device can be realized.
  • the restoring element formed from silicone opposite restoring elements formed from metallic materials realize a particularly advantageous operation of the operating device.
  • the button travels a distance during its movement from the rest position into the actuating position along the direction of movement
  • the restoring element is designed such that a force for moving the button from the rest position into the operating position at least in one Part and preferably increases linearly at least in a major part of the route with increasing movement of the probe in the direction of the operating position.
  • the restoring element With increasing distance, that is, with increasing movement of the button from the rest position in the direction of the actuating position, the restoring element is increasingly deformed, so that the force increases or must increase.
  • the restoring element is preferably designed such that the force to be exerted on the pushbutton for moving the pushbutton from the rest position into the actuation position increases or increases linearly, at least in part of the distance and preferably at least in a predominant part of the distance.
  • the restoring element has a cross section formed along the direction of movement.
  • the cross section along the direction of movement and along an extension of the return element is not constant, but varies.
  • the invention is characterized in that the restoring element is formed frustoconically, at least in a partial region. It has been found that such a frusto-conical configuration the restoring element allows the representation of a particularly advantageous course of force, so that the force curve can be at least a part of the route, for example, at least substantially linear design.
  • the restoring element has on a button facing the end face at least one recess. It can be provided that the button is at least partially disposed in the recess.
  • the recess tapers along the direction of movement in a direction away from the probe along the direction of movement.
  • the recess has a bottom and a side wall adjoining the bottom, wherein the bottom and the side wall are formed by the preferably integrally formed restoring element.
  • a wall region of the restoring element adjoins the side wall, wherein the wall region extends obliquely to the direction of movement.
  • a protruding in the direction of the button projection of the return element is arranged in the recess. Perpendicular to the direction of movement, for example, the projection is spaced from a wall region of the return element adjoining the recess.
  • the invention also includes a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle and preferably a passenger car, with at least one operating device according to the invention.
  • a vehicle in particular a motor vehicle and preferably a passenger car, with at least one operating device according to the invention.
  • Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the operating device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a generally designated 10 operating device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle and preferably a passenger car.
  • the operating device 10 comprises a base element 12, which is for example a printed circuit board.
  • the printed circuit board can be fastened to a further base element in the form of a housing part of a housing of the operating device 10, wherein the housing in Fig. 1 not shown.
  • the base element 12 may be the housing part itself.
  • the operating device 10 comprises a switching element 14, which in the present case is designed as a micro-switch.
  • the micro-switch (switching element 14) is for example part of a generally designated 16 switching unit, which has a housing 18.
  • the switching unit 16 is held by the housing 18 on the base member 12, wherein the switching element 14 along a direction of movement relative to the housing 18 is translationally movable.
  • the direction of movement of the switching element 14 is in Fig. 1 illustrated by a double arrow 20.
  • the switching element 14 is between an in Fig. 1 shown first position and at least one second position relative to the base member 12 and relative to the housing 18 along the direction of movement movable.
  • the switching element 14 If the switching element 14 is moved from the first position to the second position, it is characterized by means of the switching element 14 at least one in Fig. 1 unrecognizable electrical contact closed. As a result of the closing of this electrical contact, for example, at least one function of the vehicle is effected. This function may be, for example, starting or activating or switching off or deactivating a drive unit of the vehicle. In other words, the operating device 10 is used, for example, to activate and deactivate the drive unit designed, for example, as an internal combustion engine.
  • the operating device 10 further comprises a pushbutton 22 which is translationally movable relative to the base element 12 along the direction of movement.
  • the button 22 is between an in Fig. 1 shown rest position and at least one in Fig. 1 Not shown actuating position in the direction of movement relative to the base member 12 movable.
  • the switching element 14 is movable from the first position to the second position via the push button 22 by moving the button 22 from the rest position into the actuating position, so that the switching element 14 by switching the button 22 from the first position to the second position is movable.
  • the electrical contact via the button 22 can be closed.
  • the operating device 10 further comprises a restoring element 24 which is supported on the base element 12 and on the pushbutton 22 and which is elastically deformable or elastically deformed by moving the pushbutton 22 from the rest position into the actuating position.
  • a restoring element 24 which is supported on the base element 12 and on the pushbutton 22 and which is elastically deformable or elastically deformed by moving the pushbutton 22 from the rest position into the actuating position.
  • the button 22 has a surface 26 which is touched for actuating, that is, for moving the button 22 from the rest position in the operating position of a person, for example via a finger 28 of her hand 30.
  • the person exerts on its finger 28 along the direction of movement of the base member 12 acting force on the surface 26 and thus on the button 22, so that the person with her finger 28 presses the button 22.
  • Characterized the button 22 is moved relative to the base member 12 along the direction of movement to the base member 12, whereby the return element 24 is deformed and compressed in the present case. Namely, the return element 24 is arranged between the base element 12 and the pushbutton 22.
  • the return element 24 By deforming the return element 24 this is elastically deformed in the operating position of the probe 22 and thus tense, so that the tensioned return element 24 in the operating position of the button 22 another force, in particular a spring force on the button 22 exerts. This additional force counteracts the force exerted by the person with his finger 28 on the button 22.
  • the button 22 By means of the force exerted on the button 22 by the person, the button 22 can be held against the further force in the actuating position, for example. If the person lets go of the button 22, ie the person exerts no more force on the button 22, the return element 24 can at least partially relax, so that the button 22 by means of the further force, that is by means of the return element 24, from the Actuation position back to the rest position along the direction of movement is moved.
  • the rest position is also referred to as a zero position, wherein the return element 24 provides a reset function, in the context of acting as a control button 22 is moved back to the zero position.
  • This stroke is a distance or a path that covers or the push button 22, for example, in its movement from the rest position in the operating position.
  • the restoring element 24 With increasing distance starting from the rest position, that is, with increasing movement of the probe 22 from the rest position in the direction of the actuation position, the restoring element 24 is increasingly deformed and in the present case compressed or compressed.
  • the movement of the button 22 opposite and caused by the restoring element 24 further force increases with increasing distance, so that the force exerted by the person on the button 22 force must increase with increasing distance to move the button 22 completely in the operating position can ,
  • Fig. 1 shows a force-displacement diagram, on the abscissa 32, the distance covered by the probe 22 is applied, this route is also referred to as a path.
  • the force exerted by the person on the button 22 force is plotted.
  • a curve 36 illustrates the force exerted by the person on the button 22 during the movement of the probe 22 from the rest position into the operating position.
  • the button 22 is used to realize a particularly simple operation of the operating device 10, since by means of the button 22, for example, the surface 26 can be made particularly large.
  • the switching unit 16 can be kept particularly small in terms of their dimensions, so that, for example, the size and weight of electrical contacting elements can be kept low.
  • the return element 24 is formed of silicone.
  • the return element 24 is designed such that - as can be seen from the course 36 - the force for moving the button 22 from the rest position into the actuating position at least in one part, in particular at least in a predominant part, the distance increases linearly with increasing movement of the button 22 in the direction of the actuating position.
  • the return element 24 designed as a silicone element together with the electrical switching element 14 ensures an at least approximately linear force progression or increase in force of the pushbutton 22 designed as a long-stroke control element up to an electrical switching point at which the electrical contact is finally closed, for example as a microkey formed switching element 14 and the return element 24th
  • Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the operating device 10, in particular of the return element 24.
  • the return element 24 has a varying along the direction of movement cross-section, wherein the return element 24 is formed in this case frusto-conical.
  • the return element 24 can also be configured in other ways.
  • Fig. 2 shows a fragmentary sectional view of a second embodiment of the operating device 10, in particular of the return element 24.
  • the return element 24 has on its the button 22 facing end face 38 a recess 40 in which the button 22 is partially received.
  • the recess 40 has a bottom 42 and a side wall 44, which are formed by the preferably integrally formed return element 24.
  • the recess 40 in the second embodiment extends at least substantially straight and is formed, for example, in the form of a straight circular cylinder.
  • Fig. 3 shows in a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the return element 24.
  • the return element 24 on its end face 38, the recess 40, which, however, now in the direction of movement of the in Fig. 3 not shown button 22 tapers away.
  • the side wall 44 is not straight as in the second embodiment or parallel to the direction of movement, but obliquely to the direction of movement.
  • Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment, which basically corresponds to the third embodiment, with the difference that adjoins the side wall 44, a wall portion 46 of the return element 24, wherein the wall portion 46 extends obliquely to the direction of movement.
  • an end face 48 formed by the wall region 46 extends obliquely to the direction of movement.
  • Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the return element 24.
  • a projection 50 is disposed in the recess 40, wherein the recess 40, the projection 50, for example, at least substantially annular surrounds.
  • the projection 50 is spaced from the wall portion 46.
  • the end face 48 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement, as in the second, the third and the first embodiment.
  • the projection 50 may be frustoconical in shape and has an extension extending in the direction of movement, in particular length, which is greater than a depth of the recess 40 extending in the direction of movement, so that the projection 50 protrudes from the recess in the fifth embodiment. Thus, the projection 50 projects beyond the end face 48.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Bedienvorrichtung für ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere einen Personenkraftwagen, gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1. Derartige Bedienvorrichtungen für Fahrzeuge, insbesondere Kraftwagen wie beispielsweise Personenkraftwagen, sind aus dem allgemeinen Stand der Technik sowie insbesondere aus dem Serienfahrzeugbau bereits hinlänglich bekannt. Eine solche Bedienvorrichtung umfasst ein Basiselement sowie wenigstens ein Schaltelement, das beispielsweise an dem Basiselement gehalten ist. Das Schaltelement ist unter Schließen zumindest eines elektrischen Kontakts aus einer ersten Stellung in wenigstens eine zweite Stellung relativ zu dem Basiselement bewegbar. Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst ferner wenigstens einen Taster, welcher in eine Bewegungsrichtung zwischen einer Ruhelage und wenigstens einer Betätigungslage relativ zu dem Basis-element bewegbar ist. Über den Taster ist das Schaltelement aus der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung bewegbar, indem der Taster aus seiner Ruhelage in seine Betätigungslage bewegt wird. Mit anderen Worten ist das Schaltelement unter Vermittlung des Tasters bewegbar, sodass der elektrische Kontakt über das Schaltelement und den Taster geschlossen werden kann. Eine Bedienvorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1 wird in US-A-5389757 offenbart.The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such operating devices for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles such as passenger cars, are already well known from the general state of the art and in particular from the production of standard vehicles. Such an operating device comprises a base element and at least one switching element which is held, for example, on the base element. The switching element can be moved relative to the base element while closing at least one electrical contact from a first position into at least one second position. The operating device further comprises at least one button which is movable in a direction of movement between a rest position and at least one actuating position relative to the base element. About the button, the switching element from the first position to the second position is movable by the button is moved from its rest position to its operating position. In other words, the switching element is movable by means of the switch, so that the electrical contact via the switching element and the button can be closed. An operating device according to the preamble of claim 1 is in US-A-5389757 disclosed.

Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst ferner zumindest ein an dem Basiselement und an dem Taster abgestütztes Rückstellelement, welches durch Bewegen des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage elastisch verformbar ist. Mittels des Rückstellelements ist unter zumindest teilweisem Entspannen des Rückstellelements der Taster aus der Betätigungslage in die Ruhelage bewegbar. Mit anderen Worten ist das Rückstellelement in der Betätigungslage des Tasters elastisch verformt und dadurch gespannt beziehungsweise aufgeladen, sodass der sich in der Betätigungslage befindende Taster mittels des an dem Taster abgestützten Rückstellelements mit einer Kraft, insbesondere einer Federkraft, beaufschlagt wird. Mittels dieser Kraft wird der Taster aus der Betätigungslage zurück in die Ruhelage bewegt, wobei sich das Rückstellelement zumindest teilweise entspannt, das heißt zurückverformt. Das Schaltelement ist beispielsweise ein weiterer Taster, welcher sich aus der zweiten Stellung zurück in die erste Stellung zurückbewegen kann, wenn der erste Taster aus der Betätigungslage in die Ruhelage bewegt wird.The operating device further comprises at least one restoring element which is supported on the base element and on the pushbutton and which is elastically deformable by moving the pushbutton from the rest position into the actuating position. By means of the restoring element, the push-button can be moved out of the actuation position into the rest position with at least partial relaxation of the restoring element. In other words, the restoring element is elastically deformed in the actuation position of the probe and thereby tensioned or charged, so that the button located in the actuation position by means of the return element supported on the button with a force, in particular a spring force is applied. By means of this force, the button is moved from the operating position back to the rest position, wherein the restoring element is at least partially relaxed, that is, deformed back. The switching element is, for example, another button, which can move back from the second position back to the first position when the first button is moved from the operating position to the rest position.

Durch den Taster ist beispielsweise eine Oberfläche der Bedienvorrichtung gebildet, wobei eine Person, beispielsweise ein Insasse und insbesondere der Fahrer des Fahrzeugs, die Oberfläche berührt, um den Taster aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage zu bewegen. Hierzu beaufschlagt die Person beispielsweise über einen ihrer Finger den Taster mit einer Kraft, mittels welcher der Taster gegen die Kraft des Rückstellelements in die Betätigungslage bewegt wird.By the button, for example, a surface of the operating device is formed, wherein a person, for example, an occupant and in particular the driver of the vehicle, the surface touches to move the button from the rest position in the operating position. For this purpose, the person acts on the button, for example via one of their fingers with a force by means of which the button is moved against the force of the return element in the operating position.

In der Ruhelage ist der Taster beispielsweise von dem Schaltelement beabstandet. Auf seinem Weg aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage kommt der Taster, bevor er seine Betätigungslage erreicht, in Stützanlage mit dem Schaltelement, sodass dann das Schaltelement zusammen mit dem Taster in dessen Betätigungslage bewegt wird. Hierdurch wird schließlich das Schaltelement aus seiner ersten Stellung in seine zweite Stellung bewegt. Der Taster kommt insbesondere zum Einsatz, um eine besonders große, von der Person berührbare Oberfläche bereitzustellen, sodass sich eine einfache und komfortable Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisieren lässt.In the rest position, the button is for example spaced from the switching element. On its way from the rest position to the operating position of the button, before it reaches its operating position, in support system with the switching element, so that then the switching element is moved together with the button in its operating position. As a result, the switching element is finally moved from its first position to its second position. The probe is used in particular to provide a particularly large, touchable by the person surface, so that a simple and comfortable operation of the operating device can be realized.

Es hat sich jedoch gezeigt, dass es zu einem ungünstigen Kraftverlauf bei der Bewegung des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage kommen kann, insbesondere dann, wenn der Taster einen langen Hub zwischen der Ruhelage und der Betätigungslage ausführt und/oder ein großer Abstand zwischen dem Taster und dem Schaltelement in der Ruhelage des Tasters vorliegt. Dieser ungünstige Kraftverlauf kann zu einer unpräzisen und insbesondere unangenehmen Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung führen.However, it has been shown that it can lead to an unfavorable force curve in the movement of the probe from the rest position in the operating position, especially when the button performs a long stroke between the rest position and the operating position and / or a large distance between the Button and the switching element in the rest position of the button is present. This unfavorable force curve can lead to an imprecise and especially unpleasant operation of the operating device.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, eine Bedienvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art derart weiterzuentwickeln, dass eine präzise und besonders vorteilhafte Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisierbar ist.Object of the present invention is therefore to develop an operating device of the type mentioned in such a way that a precise and particularly advantageous operation of the operating device can be realized.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Bedienvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen mit zweckmäßigen Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den übrigen Ansprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Bedienvorrichtung für ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere einen Kraftwagen wie beispielsweise einen Personenkraftwagen, umfasst ein Basiselement sowie wenigstens ein Schaltelement, welches unter Schließen zumindest eines elektrischen Kontakts aus einer ersten Stellung in wenigstens eine zweite Stellung relativ zu dem Basiselement bewegbar ist. Die Bedienvorrichtung umfasst ferner wenigstens einen in eine Bewegungsrichtung zwischen einer Ruhelage und wenigstens einer Betätigungslage relativ zu dem Basiselement bewegbaren Taster, über welchen durch Bewegen des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage das Schaltelement aus der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung bewegbar ist.The operating device according to the invention for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle such as a passenger car, comprises a base element and at least one switching element which is movable relative to the base element closing at least one electrical contact from a first position to at least a second position. The operating device further comprises at least one movable in a direction of movement between a rest position and at least one actuating position relative to the base element button, via which the switching element from the first position to the second position is movable by moving the button from the rest position into the operating position.

Ferner umfasst die Bedienvorrichtung zumindest ein an dem Basiselement und dem Taster abgestütztes und durch Bewegen des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage elastisch verformbares Rückstellelement, mittels welchem unter zumindest teilweisem Entspannen des Rückstellelements der Taster aus der Betätigungslage in die Ruhelage bewegbar ist.Further, the operating device comprises at least one supported on the base member and the button and by moving the button from the rest position into the actuating position elastically deformable return element by means of which at least partially relaxing the restoring element of the button from the operating position is movable into the rest position.

Um nun eine besonders präzise und vorteilhafte Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung zu realisieren, ist es erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass das Rückstellelement aus Silikon gebildet ist. Unter einem solchen Silikon ist insbesondere ein Polysiloxan oder ein Polyorganosiloxan zu verstehen und bezeichnet eine Gruppe synthetischer Polymere, bei denen Siliziumatome über Sauerstoffatome verknüpft sind. Durch das aus Silikon gebildete Rückstellelement kann ein besonders vorteilhaftes Verformungsverhalten des Rückstellelements realisiert werden, sodass sich bei der Bewegung des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage und beim damit einhergehenden elastischen Verformen des Rückstellelements ein besonders vorteilhafter Kraftverlauf realisieren lässt. Dieser Kraftverlauf kann beispielsweise von einer Person, welche den Taster aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage bewegt und dabei das Rückstellelement elastisch verformt, als besonders angenehm und hochwertig empfunden werden, sodass eine besonders vorteilhafte und präzise Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisiert werden kann. Insbesondere lässt sich mittels des aus Silikon gebildeten Rückstellelements gegenüber aus metallischen Werkstoffen gebildeten Rückstellelementen eine besonders vorteilhafte Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisieren.In order to realize a particularly precise and advantageous operation of the operating device, it is inventively provided that the return element is formed of silicone. Such a silicone is in particular a polysiloxane or a polyorganosiloxane and refers to a group of synthetic polymers in which silicon atoms are linked via oxygen atoms. By virtue of the restoring element formed from silicone, a particularly advantageous deformation behavior of the restoring element can be realized so that a particularly advantageous course of force can be achieved during the movement of the feeler from the rest position into the actuation position and during the associated elastic deformation of the restoring element. This force curve, for example, by a person who moves the button from the rest position in the actuating position and thereby elastically deformed the restoring element, are perceived as particularly pleasant and high quality, so that a particularly advantageous and precise operation of the operating device can be realized. In particular, by means of the restoring element formed from silicone opposite restoring elements formed from metallic materials realize a particularly advantageous operation of the operating device.

Als besonders vorteilhaft hat es sich gezeigt, wenn der Taster bei dessen Bewegung aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage entlang der Bewegungsrichtung eine Strecke zurücklegt, wobei das Rückstellelement derart ausgebildet ist, dass eine Kraft zum Bewegen des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage zumindest in einem Teil und vorzugsweise zumindest in einem überwiegenden Teil der Strecke mit zunehmender Bewegung des Tasters in Richtung der Betätigungslage linear zunimmt. Mit anderen Worten, um den Taster aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage zu bewegen und dabei das Rückstellelement elastisch zu verformen, wird von einer Person beispielsweise über einen ihrer Finger eine Kraft auf den Taster ausgeübt. Mittels dieser Kraft wird der Taster über die genannte Strecke aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage bewegt. Mit zunehmender Strecke, das heißt mit zunehmender Bewegung des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in Richtung der Betätigungslage wird das Rückstellelement zunehmend verformt, sodass auch die Kraft zunimmt beziehungsweise zunehmen muss. Dabei ist das Rückstellelement vorzugsweise derart ausgestaltet, dass die auf den Taster auszuübende Kraft zum Bewegen des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage zumindest in einem Teil der Strecke und vorzugsweise zumindest in einem überwiegenden Teil der Strecke linear zunimmt beziehungsweise zunehmen muss. Hierdurch kann eine besonders präzise, angenehme und hochwertige Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisiert werden.To be particularly advantageous, it has been shown when the button travels a distance during its movement from the rest position into the actuating position along the direction of movement, wherein the restoring element is designed such that a force for moving the button from the rest position into the operating position at least in one Part and preferably increases linearly at least in a major part of the route with increasing movement of the probe in the direction of the operating position. In other words, to move the button from the rest position in the operating position and thereby elastically deform the return element, a force is exerted by a person, for example via one of her fingers on the button. By means of this force, the button is moved over the said distance from the rest position into the actuating position. With increasing distance, that is, with increasing movement of the button from the rest position in the direction of the actuating position, the restoring element is increasingly deformed, so that the force increases or must increase. In this case, the restoring element is preferably designed such that the force to be exerted on the pushbutton for moving the pushbutton from the rest position into the actuation position increases or increases linearly, at least in part of the distance and preferably at least in a predominant part of the distance. As a result, a particularly precise, pleasant and high-quality operation of the operating device can be realized.

Bei einer weiteren besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist es vorgesehen, dass das Rückstellelement einen entlang der Bewegungsrichtung variierend ausgebildeten Querschnitt aufweist. Mit anderen Worten ist der Querschnitt entlang der Bewegungsrichtung und entlang einer Erstreckung des Rückstellelements nicht konstant, sondern variiert. Dadurch kann das Verformungsverhalten des Rückstellelements besonders bedarfsgerecht eingestellt werden, sodass sich beispielsweise ein linearer Kraftverlauf realisieren lässt. Unter dem Kraftverlauf ist ein Verlauf der Kraft zum Bewegen des Tasters aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage über der Strecke zu verstehen.In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the restoring element has a cross section formed along the direction of movement. In other words, the cross section along the direction of movement and along an extension of the return element is not constant, but varies. As a result, the deformation behavior of the restoring element can be adjusted to meet requirements, so that, for example, a linear force curve can be realized. Under the force curve is a curve of the force to move the button from the rest position in the operating position over the route to understand.

Die Erfindung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass das Rückstellelement zumindest in einem Teilbereich kegelstumpfförmig ausgebildet ist. Es wurde gefunden, dass eine solche kegelstumpfförmige Ausgestaltung des Rückstellelements die Darstellung eines besonders vorteilhaften Kraftverlaufs ermöglicht, sodass der Kraftverlauf zumindest einen Teil der Strecke beispielsweise zumindest im Wesentlichen linear gestaltet werden kann.The invention is characterized in that the restoring element is formed frustoconically, at least in a partial region. It has been found that such a frusto-conical configuration the restoring element allows the representation of a particularly advantageous course of force, so that the force curve can be at least a part of the route, for example, at least substantially linear design.

Es ist bei der Erfindung vorgesehen, dass das Rückstellelement auf einer dem Taster zugewandten Stirnseite wenigstens eine Ausnehmung aufweist. Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Taster zumindest teilweise in der Ausnehmung angeordnet ist.It is provided in the invention that the restoring element has on a button facing the end face at least one recess. It can be provided that the button is at least partially disposed in the recess.

Bei der Erfindung zeigt es sich, dass sich die Ausnehmung entlang der Bewegungsrichtung in eine von dem Taster weg weisende Richtung entlang der Bewegungsrichtung verjüngt. Dadurch kann eine besonders präzise und hochwertige Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisiert werden.In the case of the invention, it turns out that the recess tapers along the direction of movement in a direction away from the probe along the direction of movement. As a result, a particularly precise and high-quality operation of the operating device can be realized.

Bei der Erfindung zeigt es sich, dass die Ausnehmung einen Boden und eine sich an den Boden anschließende Seitenwand aufweist, wobei der Boden und die Seitenwand durch das vorzugsweise einstückig ausgebildete Rückstellelement gebildet sind. An die Seitenwand schließt sich ein Wandungsbereich des Rückstellelements an, wobei sich der Wandungsbereich schräg zur Bewegungsrichtung erstreckt. Hierdurch kann das Verformungsverhalten des Rückstellelements besonders vorteilhaft eingestellt werden, sodass ein besonders vorteilhafter und angenehmer Kraftverlauf realisiert werden kann.
In besonders vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist in der Ausnehmung ein in Richtung des Tasters ragender Vorsprung des Rückstellelements angeordnet. Senkrecht zur Bewegungsrichtung ist beispielsweise der Vorsprung von einem sich an die Ausnehmung anschließenden Wandungsbereich des Rückstellelements beabstandet. Durch eine solche Gestaltung des Rückstellelements kann dessen Verformungsverhalten besonders bedarfsgerecht eingestellt werden, sodass beispielsweise ein zumindest im Wesentlichen linearer Kraftverlauf darstellbar ist.In the invention, it is found that the recess has a bottom and a side wall adjoining the bottom, wherein the bottom and the side wall are formed by the preferably integrally formed restoring element. A wall region of the restoring element adjoins the side wall, wherein the wall region extends obliquely to the direction of movement. In this way, the deformation behavior of the return element can be set particularly advantageous, so that a particularly advantageous and pleasant force curve can be realized.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a protruding in the direction of the button projection of the return element is arranged in the recess. Perpendicular to the direction of movement, for example, the projection is spaced from a wall region of the return element adjoining the recess. By such a design of the return element whose deformation behavior can be adjusted particularly needs, so that, for example, an at least substantially linear force curve can be displayed.

Schließlich hat es sich als besonders vorteilhaft gezeigt, wenn der Vorsprung aus der Ausnehmung herausragt, wodurch eine besonders vorteilhafte Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung realisiert werden kann.Finally, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the projection protrudes from the recess, whereby a particularly advantageous operation of the operating device can be realized.

Zur Erfindung gehört auch ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere ein Kraftwagen und vorzugsweise ein Personenkraftwagen, mit wenigstens einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung. Vorteile und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung sind als Vorteile und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeugs anzusehen und umgekehrt.The invention also includes a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle and preferably a passenger car, with at least one operating device according to the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the operating device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

Weitere Vorteile, Merkmale und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele sowie anhand der Zeichnung. Die vorstehend in der Beschreibung genannten Merkmale und Merkmalskombinationen sowie die nachfolgend in der Figurenbeschreibung genannten und/oder in den Figuren alleine gezeigten Merkmale und Merkmalskombinationen sind nicht nur in der jeweils angegebenen Kombination, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen oder in Alleinstellung verwendbar, ohne den Rahmen der Erfindung zu verlassen.Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Die Zeichnung zeigt in:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Bedienvorrichtung für ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere einen Personenkraftwagen, mitsamt zugehörigem Kraft-Weg-Diagramm, wobei die Bedienvorrichtung ein Rückstellelement gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform umfasst, das aus Silikon gebildet ist;
Fig. 2
ausschnittsweise eine schematische Schnittansicht der Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
Fig. 3
eine schematische Schnittansicht des Rückstellelements gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform;
Fig. 4
eine schematische Schnittansicht des Rückstellelements gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform; und
Fig. 5
eine schematische Schnittansicht des Rückstellelements gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform.
The drawing shows in:
Fig. 1
a schematic side view of an operating device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, together with associated force-displacement diagram, wherein the operating device comprises a restoring element according to a first embodiment, which is formed of silicone;
Fig. 2
a sectional view of a schematic sectional view of the operating device according to a second embodiment;
Fig. 3
a schematic sectional view of the return element according to a third embodiment;
Fig. 4
a schematic sectional view of the return element according to a fourth embodiment; and
Fig. 5
a schematic sectional view of the return element according to a fifth embodiment.

In den Fig. sind gleiche oder funktionsgleiche Elemente mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 zeigt in einer schematischen Seitenansicht eine im Ganzen mit 10 bezeichnete Bedienvorrichtung für ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere einen Kraftwagen und vorzugsweise einen Personenkraftwagen. Die Bedienvorrichtung 10 umfasst ein Basiselement 12, welches beispielsweise eine Leiterplatte ist. Die Leiterplatte kann an einem weiteren Basiselement in Form eines Gehäuseteils eines Gehäuses der Bedienvorrichtung 10 befestigt sein, wobei das Gehäuse in Fig. 1 nicht dargestellt ist. Alternativ kann es sich bei dem Basiselement 12 um das Gehäuseteil selbst handeln. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a generally designated 10 operating device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle and preferably a passenger car. The operating device 10 comprises a base element 12, which is for example a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can be fastened to a further base element in the form of a housing part of a housing of the operating device 10, wherein the housing in Fig. 1 not shown. Alternatively, the base element 12 may be the housing part itself.

Die Bedienvorrichtung 10 umfasst ein Schaltelement 14, welches vorliegend als Mikrotaster ausgebildet ist. Der Mikrotaster (Schaltelement 14) ist beispielsweise Bestandteil einer im Ganzen mit 16 bezeichneten Schalteinheit, welche ein Gehäuse 18 aufweist. Die Schalteinheit 16 ist über das Gehäuse 18 am Basiselement 12 gehalten, wobei das Schaltelement 14 entlang einer Bewegungsrichtung relativ zu dem Gehäuse 18 translatorisch bewegbar ist. Die Bewegungsrichtung des Schaltelements 14 ist in Fig. 1 durch einen Doppelpfeil 20 veranschaulicht. Das Schaltelement 14 ist zwischen einer in Fig. 1 gezeigten ersten Stellung und wenigstens einer zweiten Stellung relativ zu dem Basiselement 12 und relativ zu dem Gehäuse 18 entlang der Bewegungsrichtung bewegbar. Wird das Schaltelement 14 aus der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung bewegt, so wird dadurch mittels des Schaltelements 14 wenigstens ein in Fig. 1 nicht erkennbarer elektrischer Kontakt geschlossen. Infolge des Schließens dieses elektrischen Kontakts wird beispielsweise wenigstens eine Funktion des Fahrzeugs bewirkt. Bei dieser Funktion kann es sich beispielsweise um das Starten beziehungsweise Aktivieren oder das Abschalten beziehungsweise Deaktivieren eines Antriebsaggregats des Fahrzeugs handeln. Mit anderen Worten dient die Bedienvorrichtung 10 beispielsweise dazu, das beispielsweise als Verbrennungskraftmaschine ausgebildete Antriebsaggregat zu aktivieren und zu deaktivieren.The operating device 10 comprises a switching element 14, which in the present case is designed as a micro-switch. The micro-switch (switching element 14) is for example part of a generally designated 16 switching unit, which has a housing 18. The switching unit 16 is held by the housing 18 on the base member 12, wherein the switching element 14 along a direction of movement relative to the housing 18 is translationally movable. The direction of movement of the switching element 14 is in Fig. 1 illustrated by a double arrow 20. The switching element 14 is between an in Fig. 1 shown first position and at least one second position relative to the base member 12 and relative to the housing 18 along the direction of movement movable. If the switching element 14 is moved from the first position to the second position, it is characterized by means of the switching element 14 at least one in Fig. 1 unrecognizable electrical contact closed. As a result of the closing of this electrical contact, for example, at least one function of the vehicle is effected. This function may be, for example, starting or activating or switching off or deactivating a drive unit of the vehicle. In other words, the operating device 10 is used, for example, to activate and deactivate the drive unit designed, for example, as an internal combustion engine.

Die Bedienvorrichtung 10 umfasst ferner einen Taster 22, welcher entlang der Bewegungsrichtung relativ zu dem Basiselement 12 translatorisch bewegbar ist. Der Taster 22 ist dabei zwischen einer in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ruhelage und wenigstens einer in Fig. 1 nicht gezeigten Betätigungslage in die Bewegungsrichtung relativ zu dem Basiselement 12 bewegbar.The operating device 10 further comprises a pushbutton 22 which is translationally movable relative to the base element 12 along the direction of movement. The button 22 is between an in Fig. 1 shown rest position and at least one in Fig. 1 Not shown actuating position in the direction of movement relative to the base member 12 movable.

Aus Fig. 1 ist erkennbar, dass über den Taster 22 durch Bewegen des Tasters 22 aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage das Schaltelement 14 aus der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung bewegbar ist, sodass das Schaltelement 14 unter Vermittlung des Tasters 22 aus der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung bewegbar ist. Somit kann der elektrische Kontakt über den Taster 22 geschlossen werden.Out Fig. 1 It can be seen that the switching element 14 is movable from the first position to the second position via the push button 22 by moving the button 22 from the rest position into the actuating position, so that the switching element 14 by switching the button 22 from the first position to the second position is movable. Thus, the electrical contact via the button 22 can be closed.

Die Bedienvorrichtung 10 umfasst darüber hinaus ein an dem Basiselement 12 und an dem Taster 22 abgestütztes Rückstellelement 24, welches durch Bewegen des Tasters 22 aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage elastisch verformbar ist beziehungsweise elastisch verformt wird. Mittels des Rückstellelements 24 ist unter zumindest teilweisem Entspannen des Rückstellelements 24 der Taster 22 aus der Betätigungslage in die Ruhelage bewegbar.The operating device 10 further comprises a restoring element 24 which is supported on the base element 12 and on the pushbutton 22 and which is elastically deformable or elastically deformed by moving the pushbutton 22 from the rest position into the actuating position. By means of the restoring element 24, the button 22 can be moved out of the actuating position into the rest position with at least partial relaxation of the restoring element 24.

Der Taster 22 weist eine Oberfläche 26 auf, welche zum Betätigen, das heißt zum Bewegen des Tasters 22 aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage von einer Person beispielsweise über einen Finger 28 ihrer Hand 30 berührt wird. Die Person übt über ihren Finger 28 eine entlang der Bewegungsrichtung in Richtung des Basiselements 12 wirkende Kraft auf die Oberfläche 26 und somit auf den Taster 22 aus, sodass die Person mit ihrem Finger 28 den Taster 22 drückt. Dadurch wird der Taster 22 relativ zum Basiselement 12 entlang der Bewegungsrichtung auf das Basiselement 12 zu bewegt, wodurch das Rückstellelement 24 verformt und vorliegend komprimiert wird. Das Rückstellelement 24 ist nämlich zwischen dem Basiselement 12 und dem Taster 22 angeordnet.The button 22 has a surface 26 which is touched for actuating, that is, for moving the button 22 from the rest position in the operating position of a person, for example via a finger 28 of her hand 30. The person exerts on its finger 28 along the direction of movement of the base member 12 acting force on the surface 26 and thus on the button 22, so that the person with her finger 28 presses the button 22. Characterized the button 22 is moved relative to the base member 12 along the direction of movement to the base member 12, whereby the return element 24 is deformed and compressed in the present case. Namely, the return element 24 is arranged between the base element 12 and the pushbutton 22.

Durch das Verformen des Rückstellelements 24 ist dieses in der Betätigungslage des Tasters 22 elastisch verformt und somit gespannt, sodass das gespannte Rückstellelement 24 in der Betätigungslage des Tasters 22 eine weitere Kraft, insbesondere eine Federkraft, auf den Taster 22 ausübt. Diese weitere Kraft wirkt der Kraft entgegen, die die Person mit ihrem Finger 28 auf den Taster 22 ausübt. Mittels der auf den Taster 22 von der Person ausgeübten Kraft kann der Taster 22 beispielsweise entgegen der weiteren Kraft in der Betätigungslage gehalten werden. Lässt die Person den Taster 22 los, das heißt übt die Person keine Kraft mehr auf den Taster 22 aus, so kann sich das Rückstellelement 24 zumindest teilweise entspannen, sodass der Taster 22 mittels der weiteren Kraft, das heißt mittels des Rückstellelements 24, aus der Betätigungslage zurück in die Ruhelage entlang der Bewegungsrichtung bewegt wird. Die Ruhelage wird auch als Nulllage bezeichnet, wobei das Rückstellelement 24 eine Rückstellfunktion bereitstellt, in deren Rahmen der als Bedienelement fungierende Taster 22 in die Nulllage zurückbewegt wird.By deforming the return element 24 this is elastically deformed in the operating position of the probe 22 and thus tense, so that the tensioned return element 24 in the operating position of the button 22 another force, in particular a spring force on the button 22 exerts. This additional force counteracts the force exerted by the person with his finger 28 on the button 22. By means of the force exerted on the button 22 by the person, the button 22 can be held against the further force in the actuating position, for example. If the person lets go of the button 22, ie the person exerts no more force on the button 22, the return element 24 can at least partially relax, so that the button 22 by means of the further force, that is by means of the return element 24, from the Actuation position back to the rest position along the direction of movement is moved. The rest position is also referred to as a zero position, wherein the return element 24 provides a reset function, in the context of acting as a control button 22 is moved back to the zero position.

Bei der Bewegung des Tasters 22 zwischen der Ruhelage und der Betätigungslage führt der Taster 22 einen Hub aus. Dieser Hub ist eine Strecke oder ein Weg, die beziehungsweise den der Taster 22 beispielsweise bei seiner Bewegung aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage zurücklegt. Mit zunehmender Strecke ausgehend von der Ruhelage, das heißt mit zunehmendem Bewegen des Tasters 22 aus der Ruhelage in Richtung der Betätigungslage wird das Rückstellelement 24 zunehmend verformt und vorliegend gestaucht beziehungsweise zusammengedrückt. Dadurch nimmt die der Bewegung des Tasters 22 entgegenstehende und vom Rückstellelement 24 bewirkte weitere Kraft mit zunehmender Strecke zu, sodass auch die von der Person auf den Taster 22 ausgeübte Kraft mit zunehmender Strecke zunehmen muss, um den Taster 22 vollends in die Betätigungslage bewegen zu können.During the movement of the button 22 between the rest position and the operating position of the button 22 performs a stroke. This stroke is a distance or a path that covers or the push button 22, for example, in its movement from the rest position in the operating position. With increasing distance starting from the rest position, that is, with increasing movement of the probe 22 from the rest position in the direction of the actuation position, the restoring element 24 is increasingly deformed and in the present case compressed or compressed. As a result, the movement of the button 22 opposite and caused by the restoring element 24 further force increases with increasing distance, so that the force exerted by the person on the button 22 force must increase with increasing distance to move the button 22 completely in the operating position can ,

Fig. 1 zeigt ein Kraft-Weg-Diagramm, auf dessen Abszisse 32 die vom Taster 22 zurückgelegte Strecke aufgetragen wird, wobei diese Strecke auch als Weg bezeichnet wird. Auf der Ordinate 34 des Kraft-Weg-Diagramms ist die von der Person auf den Taster 22 ausgeübte Kraft aufgetragen. Ein Verlauf 36 veranschaulicht dabei die von der Person auf den Taster 22 ausgeübte Kraft während der Bewegung des Tasters 22 aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage. Fig. 1 shows a force-displacement diagram, on the abscissa 32, the distance covered by the probe 22 is applied, this route is also referred to as a path. On the ordinate 34 of the force-displacement diagram, the force exerted by the person on the button 22 force is plotted. A curve 36 illustrates the force exerted by the person on the button 22 during the movement of the probe 22 from the rest position into the operating position.

Der Taster 22 kommt zum Einsatz, um eine besonders einfache Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung 10 zu realisieren, da mittels des Tasters 22 beispielsweise die Oberfläche 26 besonders groß ausgestaltet werden kann. Gleichzeitig kann die Schalteinheit 16 hinsichtlich ihrer Dimensionen besonders klein gehalten werden, sodass beispielsweise auch die Größe und das Gewicht von elektrischen Kontaktierungselementen gering gehalten werden können.The button 22 is used to realize a particularly simple operation of the operating device 10, since by means of the button 22, for example, the surface 26 can be made particularly large. At the same time, the switching unit 16 can be kept particularly small in terms of their dimensions, so that, for example, the size and weight of electrical contacting elements can be kept low.

Um nun eine besonders präzise und vorteilhafte Bedienung der Bedienvorrichtung 10, insbesondere des Tasters 22, zu realisieren, ist das Rückstellelement 24 aus Silikon gebildet. Dabei ist das Rückstellelement 24 derart ausgebildet, dass - wie anhand des Verlaufs 36 erkennbar ist - die Kraft zum Bewegen des Tasters 22 aus der Ruhelage in die Betätigungslage zumindest in einem Teil, insbesondere zumindest in einem überwiegenden Teil, der Strecke mit zunehmender Bewegung des Tasters 22 in Richtung der Betätigungslage linear zunimmt. Mit anderen Worten ist - wie anhand des Verlaufs 36 erkennbar ist - ein zumindest nahezu linearer Kraftverlauf beim Betätigen des Tasters 22 darstellbar, wobei vorliegend der zumindest im Wesentlichen lineare Kraftverlauf derart realisiert ist, dass das Silikonelement ähnlich eines Schaltmattendoms ausgebildet ist. Anhand der Konstruktion beziehungsweise Geometrie des Rückstellelements 24 kann dessen Verformungsverhalten bedarfsgerecht eingestellt werden, sodass sich beispielsweise ein zumindest im Wesentlichen linearer Kraftverlauf realisieren lässt. Vorliegend gewährleistet das als Silikonelement ausgebildete Rückstellelement 24 zusammen mit dem elektrischen Schaltelement 14 einen zumindest annähernd linearen Kraftverlauf beziehungsweise Kraftanstieg des als Langhub-Bedienelement ausgebildeten Tasters 22 bis zu einem elektrischen Schaltpunkt, an welchem der elektrische Kontakt schließlich geschlossen wird, aus Zusammenspiel des beispielsweise als Mikrotaster ausgebildeten Schaltelements 14 und des Rückstellelements 24.In order to realize a particularly precise and advantageous operation of the operating device 10, in particular the button 22, the return element 24 is formed of silicone. In this case, the return element 24 is designed such that - as can be seen from the course 36 - the force for moving the button 22 from the rest position into the actuating position at least in one part, in particular at least in a predominant part, the distance increases linearly with increasing movement of the button 22 in the direction of the actuating position. In other words - as can be seen from the course 36 - an at least almost linear force curve when pressing the button 22 can be displayed, wherein in the present case the at least substantially linear force curve is realized such that the silicone element is formed similar to a Schaltmattendoms. Based on the construction or geometry of the return element 24, its deformation behavior can be adjusted as needed, so that, for example, an at least substantially linear force curve can be realized. In the present case, the return element 24 designed as a silicone element together with the electrical switching element 14 ensures an at least approximately linear force progression or increase in force of the pushbutton 22 designed as a long-stroke control element up to an electrical switching point at which the electrical contact is finally closed, for example as a microkey formed switching element 14 and the return element 24th

Fig. 1 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform der Bedienvorrichtung 10, insbesondere des Rückstellelements 24. Bei der ersten Ausführungsform weist das Rückstellelement 24 einen entlang der Bewegungsrichtung variierend ausgebildeten Querschnitt auf, wobei das Rückstellelement 24 vorliegend kegelstumpfförmig ausgebildet ist. Zuvor und im Folgenden sind konkrete, unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen des Rückstellelements 24 beschrieben. Es versteht sich, dass das Rückstellelement 24 auch auf andere Weise ausgestaltet sein kann. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the operating device 10, in particular of the return element 24. In the first embodiment, the return element 24 has a varying along the direction of movement cross-section, wherein the return element 24 is formed in this case frusto-conical. Previously and in the following concrete, different embodiments of the return element 24 are described. It is understood that the return element 24 can also be configured in other ways.

Fig. 2 zeigt in einer ausschnittsweisen Schnittansicht eine zweite Ausführungsform der Bedienvorrichtung 10, insbesondere des Rückstellelements 24. Das Rückstellelement 24 weist auf seiner dem Taster 22 zugewandten Stirnseite 38 eine Ausnehmung 40 auf, in welcher der Taster 22 teilweise aufgenommen ist. Die Ausnehmung 40 weist dabei einen Boden 42 und eine Seitenwand 44 auf, welche durch das vorzugsweise einstückig ausgebildete Rückstellelement 24 gebildet sind. Aus Fig. 2 ist erkennbar, dass die Ausnehmung 40 bei der zweiten Ausführungsform zumindest im Wesentlichen gerade verläuft und dabei beispielsweise in der Form eines geraden Kreiszylinders ausgebildet ist. Fig. 2 shows a fragmentary sectional view of a second embodiment of the operating device 10, in particular of the return element 24. The return element 24 has on its the button 22 facing end face 38 a recess 40 in which the button 22 is partially received. The recess 40 has a bottom 42 and a side wall 44, which are formed by the preferably integrally formed return element 24. Out Fig. 2 can be seen that the recess 40 in the second embodiment extends at least substantially straight and is formed, for example, in the form of a straight circular cylinder.

Fig. 3 zeigt in einer schematischen Schnittansicht eine dritte Ausführungsform des Rückstellelements 24. Auch bei der dritten Ausführungsform weist das Rückstellelement 24 auf seiner Stirnseite 38 die Ausnehmung 40 auf, welche sich nun jedoch in Bewegungsrichtung von dem in Fig. 3 nicht gezeigten Taster 22 weg verjüngt. Hierzu verläuft die Seitenwand 44 nicht wie bei der zweiten Ausführungsform gerade beziehungsweise parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung, sondern schräg zur Bewegungsrichtung.
Fig. 4 zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform, welche im Grunde der dritten Ausführungsform entspricht, mit dem Unterschied, dass sich an die Seitenwand 44 ein Wandungsbereich 46 des Rückstellelements 24 anschließt, wobei der Wandungsbereich 46 schräg zur Bewegungsrichtung verläuft. Somit verläuft eine durch den Wandungsbereich 46 gebildete Stirnfläche 48 schräg zur Bewegungsrichtung. Fig. 3 shows in a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the return element 24. Also in the third embodiment, the return element 24 on its end face 38, the recess 40, which, however, now in the direction of movement of the in Fig. 3 not shown button 22 tapers away. For this purpose, the side wall 44 is not straight as in the second embodiment or parallel to the direction of movement, but obliquely to the direction of movement.
Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment, which basically corresponds to the third embodiment, with the difference that adjoins the side wall 44, a wall portion 46 of the return element 24, wherein the wall portion 46 extends obliquely to the direction of movement. Thus, an end face 48 formed by the wall region 46 extends obliquely to the direction of movement.

Fig. 5 zeigt eine fünfte Ausführungsform des Rückstellelements 24. Bei der fünften Ausführungsform ist in der Ausnehmung 40 ein Vorsprung 50 angeordnet, wobei die Ausnehmung 40 den Vorsprung 50 beispielsweise zumindest im Wesentlichen ringförmig umgibt. Somit ist der Vorsprung 50 von dem Wandungsbereich 46 beabstandet. Bei der fünften Ausführungsform verläuft die Stirnfläche 48 wie bei der zweiten, der dritten und der ersten Ausführungsform zumindest im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Bewegungsrichtung. Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the return element 24. In the fifth embodiment, a projection 50 is disposed in the recess 40, wherein the recess 40, the projection 50, for example, at least substantially annular surrounds. Thus, the projection 50 is spaced from the wall portion 46. In the fifth embodiment, the end face 48 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement, as in the second, the third and the first embodiment.

Der Vorsprung 50 kann kegelstumpfförmig ausgebildet sein und weist eine in Bewegungsrichtung verlaufende Erstreckung, insbesondere Länge, auf, welche größer als eine in Bewegungsrichtung verlaufende Tiefe der Ausnehmung 40 ist, sodass der Vorsprung 50 bei der fünften Ausführungsform aus der Ausnehmung herausragt. Somit überragt der Vorsprung 50 die Stirnfläche 48.The projection 50 may be frustoconical in shape and has an extension extending in the direction of movement, in particular length, which is greater than a depth of the recess 40 extending in the direction of movement, so that the projection 50 protrudes from the recess in the fifth embodiment. Thus, the projection 50 projects beyond the end face 48.

Claims (6)

  1. Operator control device (10) for a vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, having a base element (12), having at least one switching element (14), which at the closing of at least one electric contact is displaceable out of a first position into at least one second position relative to the base element (12), having at least one button (22) displaceable in a direction of movement (20) between a resting position and at least one actuating position relative to the base element (12), via which by moving the button (22) from the resting position into the actuating position the switching element (14) is displaceable out of the first position into the second position, and having at least one return element (24) supported at the base element (12) and at the button (22) and resiliently deformably by means of moving the button (22) out of the resting position into the actuating position, by means of which, when the return element (24) is at least partially relaxed, the button (22) is displaceable out of the actuating position into the resting position,
    characterised in that
    the return element (24) is formed of silicone, wherein the return element (24) at least in a partial region is formed frustoconically and on a face side (38) facing the button (22) has at least one recess (40) which tapers along the direction of movement in a direction pointing away from the button (22), and wherein the recess (40) has a floor (42) and a sidewall (44) adjoining the floor (42), at which sidewall adjoins a wall portion (46) of the return element (24) extending obliquely to the direction of movement (20), such that a face surface (48) formed by the wall portion (46) extends obliquely to the direction of movement.
  2. Operator control device (10) according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the button (22) at its displacement out of the resting position into the actuating position along the direction of movement (20) covers a distance, wherein return element (24) is formed such that a force to move the button (22) out of the resting position into the actuating position at least in a part of the distance increases linearly with increasing movement of the button (22) in the direction of the actuating position.
  3. Operator control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterised in that
    the return element (24) has a cross-section constructed so as to vary along the direction of movement (20).
  4. Operator control device (10) according to any of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    in the recess (40) is disposed a projection (50) of the return element (24) projecting in the direction of the button (22).
  5. Operator control device (10) according to claim 4,
    characterised in that
    the projection (50) protrudes out of the recess (40).
  6. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, having at least one operator control device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.
EP15804673.0A 2014-12-19 2015-11-27 Operator control device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car Active EP3234974B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102014019248.2A DE102014019248B4 (en) 2014-12-19 2014-12-19 Operating device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car
PCT/EP2015/002386 WO2016096087A1 (en) 2014-12-19 2015-11-27 Operator control device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3234974A1 EP3234974A1 (en) 2017-10-25
EP3234974B1 true EP3234974B1 (en) 2019-01-30

Family

ID=54782653

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15804673.0A Active EP3234974B1 (en) 2014-12-19 2015-11-27 Operator control device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US9812272B1 (en)
EP (1) EP3234974B1 (en)
CN (1) CN107077985B (en)
DE (1) DE102014019248B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2016096087A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014019248B4 (en) 2014-12-19 2017-05-11 Audi Ag Operating device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5624718A (en) * 1979-08-06 1981-03-09 Shinetsu Polymer Co Pushhbutton switch
JPS573317A (en) * 1980-06-09 1982-01-08 Shinetsu Polymer Co Pushbutton controlling member
US4341934A (en) 1980-11-21 1982-07-27 The Keyboard Company Actuator for keyboard switches
JPS5987720A (en) * 1982-11-11 1984-05-21 シャープ株式会社 Pushbutton switch
US4518833A (en) * 1983-07-18 1985-05-21 Gates Data Products, Inc. Conductive elastomeric ink composition
US4584444A (en) * 1984-09-21 1986-04-22 Topre Corporation Keyboard switch
US4604509A (en) 1985-02-01 1986-08-05 Honeywell Inc. Elastomeric push button return element for providing enhanced tactile feedback
JPS645327U (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-01-12
FR2659459B1 (en) 1990-03-08 1993-11-26 Sextant Avionique TOUCH EFFECT KEY AND KEYBOARD USING THE SAME.
DE9302229U1 (en) * 1993-02-16 1993-04-01 Silitek Corp., Taipeh/T'ai-Pei, Tw
CN2155617Y (en) * 1993-03-01 1994-02-09 旭丽股份有限公司 Key structure device
US5389757A (en) 1993-06-15 1995-02-14 Digital Equipment Corporation Elastomeric key switch actuator
EP0685860A1 (en) * 1994-06-03 1995-12-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Full travel, sealed, fully backlighted keyboard
JP3526775B2 (en) * 1999-03-11 2004-05-17 アルプス電気株式会社 Push switch
CN200993915Y (en) * 2006-12-05 2007-12-19 达方电子股份有限公司 Button structure
JP2011023114A (en) * 2009-07-13 2011-02-03 Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd Pressure-sensitive input device
DE102014019248B4 (en) 2014-12-19 2017-05-11 Audi Ag Operating device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3234974A1 (en) 2017-10-25
WO2016096087A1 (en) 2016-06-23
US20170316897A1 (en) 2017-11-02
DE102014019248A1 (en) 2016-06-23
US9812272B1 (en) 2017-11-07
DE102014019248B4 (en) 2017-05-11
CN107077985B (en) 2019-01-15
CN107077985A (en) 2017-08-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2896539B1 (en) System for simulating pedal force, in particular for a clutch actuation system
DE2260346A1 (en) PUSH BUTTON
DE102013110064B4 (en) Plug-in element for a button module
DE2224555A1 (en) Switching mechanism with snap action for switches and electrical signal generators
DE102014225569A1 (en) Control knob means
WO2016184728A1 (en) Switching device having a haptic feedback
DE102017002212B3 (en) Locking bolt for an electrical switch and electrical switch with such a locking bolt
EP3234974B1 (en) Operator control device for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car
DE102014219316A1 (en) Switch control and switch
DE102019117682A1 (en) GAS BAG MODULE FOR A VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL
DE102013001598B4 (en) Pedal device for a motor vehicle
DE102008058815B4 (en) keyboard
EP3707734B1 (en) Electromagnet and switch-operating element comprising such an electromagnet
EP2792415B1 (en) Sanitary shower with a shower head
DE202018101604U1 (en) Key module for a key of a keyboard
DE102013004381A1 (en) Input unit for a pressure- and rotary-actuated operating element
DE102017220806A1 (en) Device for operating a horn of a vehicle
DE2230784A1 (en) PRESSURE ACTUATED ELECTRIC SWITCH ARRANGEMENT
EP4037927B1 (en) Operating device for a vehicle
EP2135270B1 (en) Switch arrangement for a motor vehicle
DE102014110229B4 (en) Push button for an electrical device in a vehicle and push button unit with such a push button
DE102016003981A1 (en) Ignition lock
DE102008049008B4 (en) Electric button
EP2792414B1 (en) Shower head
DE102019111952A1 (en) Input device for a motor vehicle for recognizing a pressure input

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170719

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20181025

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1093918

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502015007846

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190430

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190530

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190430

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190530

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502015007846

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20191031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191127

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20191130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20151127

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 1093918

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20201127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190130

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230530

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231123

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231127

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231130

Year of fee payment: 9