ES2675276T3 - Control device, in particular the type of an electrical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Control device, in particular electric switch of the type of a joystick and / or cursor switch, with a mobile activation member (3), in which the activation member (3) collaborates with a means of displacement (8) such that the activation member (3) is movable in a displacement plane in at least one direction (4, 5) from a neutral position to a displacement position, in which the displacement position it is configured as a switching position, such that the activation member (3) acts with a switching effect in the switching position on a switching element for the generation of a switching signal, in which the displacement means (8) comprises a displacement component (19), in which the activation member (3) is arranged and / or with which the activation member (3) is operatively connected, and a guide support (10) , and in the q The displacement component (19) is movably housed by means of a ball bearing (9) in the guide support (10), characterized in that the guide support (10) is housed in two bearing positions ( 22) opposite in an inner support (11), such that the displacement component (19) is movable in a first direction (4) in front of the inner support (11), and because as a ball bearing (9) it is provided A linear guide of balls.

Description

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description

Control device, in particular the type of an electrical switch

The invention relates to a control device according to the preamble of claim 1 of the patent.

The electrical switches configured as the type of a joystick and / or cursor switch serve as control devices for data entry for an electrical device through a user. For example, such switches are used for car radios, navigation devices, on-board computers or also for the control of other functions in cars. In particular, an electrical switch of this type can also be used as a multifunction switch for control by function menu via a screen in the car.

A control device of this type known from EP 1 970 929 Al has a mobile housed activation organ. The activation organ collaborates with a means of displacement such that the activation organ is movable in a displacement plane in at least one direction from a neutral position to a displacement position associated with this direction through the user. The travel position is configured as a switching position, such that the activation member acts with a switching effect in the switching position on a switching element for the generation of a switching signal. The displacement means comprises a displacement component, in which the activation member is arranged and / or with which the activation member is operatively connected, and a guide support. The displacement component is movably housed in the guide support by means of a ball bearing. It has been found that in a control device of this type the movement means has a certain play, so that it lacks precision during the movement of movement for the user.

The invention has the problem of developing the control device in such a way that the precision for the movement of movement is increased. In particular, an input apparatus must be developed, through which it is possible to integrate a rotary and / or pressure and / or displacement function into a switch in the most free way of play possible. The input apparatus can be, for example, a central control unit (ZBE), in particular for a car. In this case, the following points must be taken into account in the particular design:

- Favorable solution

- Reduced number of components

- Decoupling of individual mechanisms

- High wear resistance of haptic elements

- Reduced construction size

This problem is solved in a control device of the type indicated at the beginning by the characteristic features of claim 1.

In the control device according to the invention, the guide support is arranged in an inner support. It is offered for greater stability to arrange the guide support in two bearing positions opposite each other in the inner support. In particular, the guide support can be configured as a guide pin, a guide bar, a guide pin or the like. The displacement component is thus arranged compactly on the inner support and is movable in one direction in front of the inner support. A linear ball guide is provided as a ball bearing. More advantageously, the user is thus offered precise and / or free operation of the control device and a reliable activation of the switch is also guaranteed. Other configurations of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

For the extension of the functionality of the control device, the activation member can be additionally movable in another plane of travel from the neutral position to another displaced position. More conveniently, for this purpose the displacement means may comprise another guide support. The inner support can be re-housed by means of a ball bearing movable in the other guide support, so that a precise adjustment is achieved as well as free play in the displaced position.

In a space-saving configuration, the other guide support may be arranged in an outer support. For the purpose of good stability, the other guide support can be housed in two bearing positions opposite each other in the outer support. In this way, the inner support and in particular, in particular with the displacement component, is movable in a second direction in front of the outer support. More preferably, the arrangement of the guide supports is such that the first as well as the second direction are essentially perpendicular to each other. In particular, then the activation organ can be mobile by way of a wind rose by the user.

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In a preferred configuration, which is characterized by a special simplicity as well as precision, the ball guide can comprise balls that are in a Ball cage, whereby a simple ball bearing assembly exists. The ball cage for the guide support can be arranged in a compact manner in the travel component and / or the ball cage for the other guide support can be arranged in the inner support.

With respect to the precision and / or stability of the guide, it is offered that, respectively, two guide supports as well as two other guide supports are arranged, respectively, parallel to each other. More preferably, then in a simple configuration, the displacement means has an inner support, respectively, with guide supports that are in a ball cage as well as an outer support, respectively, with other guide supports that are in a ball cage.

In particular, through the invention a regulator of rotation and / or pressure and / or displacement is created with Ball cages for housing and / or guidance in the horizontal direction.

In the same way, a means of rotation for the activation member can be provided for extending the functionality of the switch, so that the activation member is rotatable with respect to the displacement component. In this case, the activation organ can collaborate during the rotation through the user with a switching element for the generation of a switching signal. In view of the ease of running of the rotary movement, it is possible to offer that the turning means comprise a ball bearing for the rotating housing in the displacement component.

Moreover, for a further expanded functionality, another means of movement can be provided for the activation member, such that the activation member is linearly mobile at least one path from a zero position to an approximately perpendicular activation position. to the displacement plane with respect to the displacement component. The activation position can be reconfigured as a switching position that has a switching element for generating a switching signal, so that the activation element also allows a kind of input activation "Enter" to the user.

In a compact configuration, the other means of movement can comprise a guide piece arranged in a displaceable manner in the movement component. More conveniently, the ball bearing for the turning means can be arranged in the guide piece. To increase ergonomics for the user, a spring sheet can be in operative connection with the activation member as well as with a slide in the guide piece for the generation of a haptic for rotating movement.

In another advantageous configuration, the switching element for generating a switching signal, in which the switching signal is generated especially in the respective switching position of the activation member, is constituted by an optical barrier, a contact element electric of the type of a short stroke key or a switching mat dome, by a sensor or the like. The haptic for the movement of displacement can be generated in a simple way by means of a magnetic system. If necessary, a controllable haptic can also be provided by means of an electric motor, an electromagnet or the like.

The advantages achieved with the invention consist especially in that through the realization of the displacement means with ball bearing and, in particular, especially with ball cages, a free Game and / or low friction housing for the organ is created of activation of the control device. Like other advantages, we must still mention:

- Improved adaptation of the haptic

- Good decoupling of all functional directions

- Type of compact construction

- Reduced construction size (especially in the Z-direction, that is, at the height of the control device).

An exemplary embodiment of the invention with different developments and configurations is depicted in the drawings and is described in detail below.

Figure 1 shows an electric switch that can be activated through displacement, pressure and rotation of the type of a multifunctional switch or a control device that serves as a central control unit in the car in perspective view.

Figure 2 shows the control device of Figure 1 in top plan view, in which the upper side of the housing is shown open.

Figure 3 shows a section along line 3-3 (South-North offset axis) in Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a section along line 4-4 (East-West offset axis) in Figure 2.

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Figure 5 shows a section along line 5-5 (displacement mechanics) in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows an enlarged fragment of Figure 5 for detailed configuration of the movement mechanics of the control device, and

Figure 7 shows a section as in Figure 3 according to another configuration.

Figure 1 shows a control device 1, which is configured as an electrical switch of the type of a joystick and / or cursor switch. The switch 1 has a housing 2, from which an activation element 3 is projected for control by the user. The activation member 3 is housed mobile in the housing 2. And in particular the activation member 3 can be activated by movement according to the arrows 4 in the South-North direction as well as the arrows 5 in the East-direction. West of the type of a wind rose, as can also be recognized with the help of Figure 2. In addition, the activation organ 3 can be manipulated through rotation according to the double arrow 6. Finally, the organ Activation 3 is mobile through pressure according to arrow 7, as shown in Figure 3.

Switch 1 serves, for example, in the car for the control of a navigation system. The respective inputs for the navigation system can be made by the user through movement or corresponding activation of the activation organ 3. As can also be deduced from Figure 1, the control device 1 can still have other elements of activation 21 found in the housing 2 for electrical switches for direct selection of various other functions. For example, with the help of the activation element 21 you can select the representation of a particular menu for the navigation system on a screen in the car.

As seen with the aid of Fig. 3, the activation member 3 collaborates with a displacement means 8, such that the activation member 3 is movable in a displacement plane in at least one direction 4 from a neutral position to a displaced position. The shifted position is configured as a switching position, such that the activation member 3 in the switching position acts with a switching effect on a switching element not shown in detail, to thereby generate a corresponding switching signal. for the displaced position.

As can be seen, in addition, in FIG. 3, the displacement means 8 comprises a displacement component 19 and a guide support 10. In the displacement module 19 the activation member 3 is arranged. In this case, the organ of activation 3 is in operative connection with the displacement component 19 through other components, to further enable the displacement movement yet other functionalities. For example, in another functionality it may be the rotation of the activation organ 3, as explained in detail still below. The displacement component 19 is movably housed by means of a ball bearing 9 in the guide support 10.

The guide support 10 is arranged in an inner support 11, as can be recognized with the help of Figure 5. And in particular the guide support 10 is housed in two opposite bearing positions 22 in the inner support 11. For a precise guide, two guide supports 10 are arranged parallel to each other in the inner support 11. The displacement component 19 is therefore movable, by means of the ball bearing 9 on the guide support 10 in a first direction 4, and specifically in the North-South direction in front of the inner support 11.

The displacement means 8 comprises another guide support 10 ', as can be seen in Fig. 4. The inner support 11 is movably housed by means of a ball bearing 9 in the other guide support 10'. According to FIG. 5, the other guide support 10 'is arranged, in turn, in an outer support 12 and in particular the other guide support 10' is again housed in two bearing positions 22 'opposite each other. on the outer support 12. For a precise guide, in the same way two guide supports 10 'are arranged parallel to each other on the outer support 12. In this way, the inner support 11 is movable in common with the displacement component 19 in a second direction 5 and in particular in the east-west direction, in front of the outer support 12, so that, consequently, the activation member 3 is movable in another plane of displacement from the neutral position to another displacement position. The first direction 4 corresponding to north-south as well as the second direction 5, which corresponds to east-west are essentially perpendicular to each other of the type of a wind rose.

As can be deduced, in addition, from Figure 5, as a ball bearing 9, a linear ball guide is provided in the guide supports 10, 10 '. The ball guide comprises according to figure 3 or figure 4 balls 9 which are in a ball cage 23. The ball cage 23 for the guide support 10 is arranged in this case in the displacement component 19 and the cage of balls 23 for the other guide support 10 'is arranged in the inner support 11.

According to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, a turning means 13 is provided for the activation member 3, such that the activation member 3 is rotatable in relation to the displacement component 19. In this way, the control member activation 3 can be rotatable at least at an angle from a starting position to at least one rotating position, so that the rotating position is again configured as a switching position having a switching element. In this case, the activation organ 3 is rotatable of

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unlimited form, so that during the rotation of the activation member 3 in direction 6 corresponding signals of the type of switching signals of a rotation generator are generated. For the generation of the rotation signal, an optical barrier 24 is located on a printed circuit board 25 arranged inside the activation member 3 in a guide piece 18, as can be seen in Figure 3, so that with the optical barrier 24 there is a toothed crown 26 that is located in the turning means 13. The turning means 13 further comprises a ball bearing 14 for the rotating housing in the displacement component 19.

Finally, yet another means of movement 15 is provided for the activation member 3, such that the activation member 3 is linearly mobile at least one path from a zero position to an activation position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with with respect to the displacement component 19 through pressure in direction 7. As can be recognized with the aid of Figure 3, the activation position is configured in the same way as a switching position having a switching element 27 for the generation of a switching signal. This switching signal can be used, for example, as the 'Enter' input signal.

The other displacement means 15 comprises the guide piece 18 movably arranged in the displacement component 19. The ball bearing 14 for the turning means 13 is again arranged in the guide piece 18. During the directional pressure 7 on the activation member 3 thus moves, in turn, at the same time the turning means 13. At the same time the switching element 27 is activated, which is located on the printed circuit board 25 through the collaboration with the displacement component 19. The switching element 27 is configured as a short stroke key and thus activates the haptic for the user. Finally, there is still a spring sheet 28 with the activation member 3 and, in particular, with the rotating bearing 13, as well as with a slide 29 in the guide piece 18 for the generation of a haptic for the rotating movement in connection operational

The switching element for the rotary movement is constituted, as already mentioned, by an optical barrier 24. The switching elements for the movement of movement in the East-West direction as well as in the South-North direction are constituted of the likewise by a short stroke key 27. Obviously, the switching elements for generating the switching signal in the switching position may, however, optionally consist of an optical barrier, an electrical contact element of the type of a short stroke key or a switching mat dome, or by a sensor or the like.

The haptic for the movement of movement is generated by means of a switching element 16 of the type of a short stroke key or of a switching mat dome, as can be seen in Figure 6. If desired, the elements of switching 16 can, however, also be used for the generation of the switching signal for the displacement movement, so that other switching elements can be dispensed with. The haptic for the movement of movement can also be generated by means of a magnetic system 17, as can be seen in detail in Figure 7.

In the switch 1 according to the invention the application of a solution for four directions of travel 4, 5 is created, that is, for two functional planes, respectively, through two guide supports 10, 10 'arranged parallel with bearing of balls 9 for each direction of travel 4, 5. The mode of operation of the electric switch 1 is explained in detail below.

Operating mode for scrolling movement:

in accordance with Figure 3 and Figure 4, the movement of movement through the activation member 3, designated below also as a rotary knob 3, is started. The rotary knob 3 sits on the rotating bearing 13, which is connected by means of a ball bearing 14 with the guide piece 18. Through the guide piece 18, the movement movement is then transmitted to the movement component 19, then also referred to as input shaft 19.

The input shaft 19 is housed by means of two guide pins 10, 10 and two ball cages 23 in the inner support 11, as can be deduced from Figure 5. Through this bearing system a housing results Free of play, but also very low friction of displacement mechanics. In a functional plane, the input shaft 19 now moves over the guide pins 10, 10 and, specifically, here for the North or South direction, and activates the switching signal through an optical barrier system. In order for a collision-free movement to occur, the input shaft 19 according to Fig. 6 has sufficient clearance 30 through corresponding recesses in the inner support 11 and relies exclusively on the switching elements 16. The haptic is generated through a switching element 16 and, in particular, here through a switching mat dome or a short stroke key, as can be seen in Figure 6. During the movement of the input shaft 19, the input shaft is introduced. then press the switching element 16 and form the haptic for the displacement movement. However, alternatively a magnetic system 17 can also be used for the generation of the haptic, which is shown in Figure 7. The switching element 16 for this direction of travel is housed according to Figures 4 and 6 in the holder. interior 11 and is activated through the input shaft 19.

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If the rotary knob 3 is now articulated in the East-West direction, then through the guide pins 10 in the inner support 11, in which the input shaft 19 is housed over the Ball cages 23 (for this direction , The guide pins 10 are fixedly housed in the input shaft 19) the force is transmitted on the inner support 11, as seen with the help of figures 3, 4 and 5. Next, the entire unit is now moved of pressure-rotation-displacement in the East or West direction (see also figure 6). According to Fig. 5, the inner support 11 is housed in the same way on two guide pins 10 'arranged parallel and Ball cages 23 in the outer support 12 and this is housed again in the socket 20. If articulated the rotary knob 3 in the East-West direction, then the inner support 11 moves, by virtue of the fixed housing in the East-West direction of the guide pins 10 in the input shaft 19 on the guide pins 10 ', so that the entire pressure-rotation-displacement unit moves in the east or west direction (see also figure 6). The signal is detected in the same way through a system of optical barriers. The haptic is also generated here by means of a switching element 16 and, in particular, here a switching mat dome or a short stroke key, housed in the socket 20, as can be recognized with the help of Figure 3 or figure 6. To ensure a collision-free function, according to figure 6, sufficient clearance 30 'is provided for the mobile pressure-rotation-displacement unit including the inner support 11 in the socket 20. The inner support 11 relies exclusively on the switching elements 16, as can be recognized with the help of Figure 6.

As already mentioned, in figure 6 the free space 30 for the displacement of the input tree 19 in the North-South direction can be seen as well as the free space 30 'for the displacement of the input tree 19 in the West direction -This.

The rotating unit and the unit, which fulfill the function of pressure, settle according to figure 3 and figure 4 on the input shaft 19, whereby they are disengaged from the displacement mechanics. Rotating mechanics as well as pressure mechanics share the movement of displacement. The switching as well as the haptic generation of the pressure mechanics are carried out by means of a short stroke key 27 connected with a printed circuit board 25 on the rotary knob 3, as can be deduced from Figure 3. and of Figure 4. The switching signal for the rotating unit is generated in accordance with Figure 3 by means of an optical barrier 24 on the printed circuit board 25 on the rotating button 3. The generation of the unit's haptic Rotating is generated in accordance with Figure 3 and Figure 4 through a spring sheet 28, connected with the rotating bearing 13, and with a slide 29 configured in the guide piece 18.

Through the arrangement of the guide elements 10, 10 'guided in parallel, which are all at a height, a very small construction space can be used for the switch 1.

Such a multifunction switch can be used for car radios, for navigation systems and / or for control devices, displays or the like in cars. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and represented. Instead, it also includes all technical developments within the framework of the invention defined through the patent claims. In addition to applications in cars, such a multifunction switch can also be used advantageously as an input medium for computers, machine tools, household appliances or the like. Lastly, the invention can not only be used in the described multifunction switches, but also in those switches, in which the activation element is configured only to be movable.

List of reference signs

1: Control device / switch (electric)

2: Housing

3: Activation organ / rotary knob

4, 5: Date (displacement) / direction / direction of travel

6: Double date (rotation) / address

7: Arrow (pressure) / direction

8: Travel medium

9: Ball / Ball Bearing

10: Guide support / guide pin / guide element

10 ': (other) guide support / guide pin / guide element

11: Inside support

12: External support

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13: Rotating means / rotating bearing

14: Ball bearing

15: (other) means of displacement

16: Switching element (for haptic)

17: Magnetic system (for haptic)

18: Guide piece

19: Travel component / input shaft

20: Socket

21: Activation Element

22, 22 ': Bearing post (for guide support)

23: Ball Cage

24: Optical barrier / switching element

25: Printed circuit board

26: Crown gear

27: Switching element / short stroke button / short stroke button

28: Spring foil

29: Sliding

30, 30 ': Free space

Claims (13)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 claims 1. - Control device, in particular electric switch of the type of a joystick and / or cursor switch, with a mobile activation element (3), in which the activation element (3) collaborates with a displacement means (8) such that the activation member (3) is movable in a displacement plane in at least one direction (4, 5) from a neutral position to a displacement position, in which the travel position is configured as a switching position, such that the activation member (3) acts with a switching effect in the switching position on a switching element for generating a switching signal, in which the displacement means (8) comprises a displacement component (19), in which the activation member (3) is arranged and / or with which the activation member (3) is operatively connected, and a guide support (10), and in that the displacement component (19) is movably housed by means of a ball bearing (9) in the guide support (10), characterized in that the guide support (10) is housed in two bearing positions (22) opposite in an inner support (1l), such that the displacement component (19) is movable in a first direction (4) in front of the inner support (1l), and because as a ball bearing (9) it is provided a linear guide of balls. 2. - Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation member (3) is movable in another plane of displacement from the neutral position to another position of displacement and because the displacement means (8) comprises another guide support (10 '), the inner support (11) being housed in a movable way by means of a ball bearing (9) in the other guide support (10'). 3. - Control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the other guide support (10 ') is housed in two bearing positions (22') opposite each other in an outer support (12), of such that the inner support (11) is movable together with the displacement component (19) in a second direction (5) in front of the outer support (l2). 4. - Control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first as well as the second direction (4, 5) are essentially perpendicular to each other. 5. - Control device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ball guide comprises balls (9) that are in a ball cage (23), such that the ball cage (23) for the guide support (10) it is arranged in the displacement component (19), and because the ball cage (23) for the other guide support (10 ') is arranged in the inner support (11). 6. - Control device according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a turning means (13) is provided for the activation member (3), such that the activation member (3) is rotatable with in relation to the displacement component (19), and in that the activation member (3) collaborates during the rotation with a switching element (24) for the generation of a switching signal. 7. - Control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotating means (13) comprises a ball bearing (14) for the rotating housing in the displacement component (19). 8. - Control device according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that another means of movement (15) is provided for the activation member (3), such that the activation member (3) is linearly mobile at least one path from a zero position to an activation position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with respect to the displacement component (19), and because the activation position is configured as a switching position, which has a switching element (27), for the generation of a switching signal. 9. - Control device according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the other means of movement (15) comprises a guide piece (18) arranged displaceable in the movement component (19). 10. - Control device according to claim 9, characterized in that the ball bearing (14) for the rotating means (13) is arranged in the guide piece (18). 11. - Control device according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that a spring sheet (28) is in operative connection with the activation member (3) as well as with a slide (29) in the guide piece (18) for the generation of a haptic for rotating movement. 12. - Control device according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the switching element for generating a switching signal is constituted by an optical barrier (24), an electrical contact element, a travel key short (27), a dome of switching mat or by a sensor. 13. - Control device according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the haptic movement movement is generated by means of a switching element (16), a short stroke key, of a mat of dome switching or by means of a magnetic system (17).