WO2013178357A1

WO2013178357A1 - Operating device, particularly of an electrical switch type

Info

Publication number: WO2013178357A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/001583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Haller; Markus Kramer; Bernd Wetzel
Original assignee: Marquardt Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-05-30
Filing date: 2013-05-29
Publication date: 2013-12-05
Also published as: DE102013008972A1; EP2856485A1; ES2675276T3; EP2856485B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical switch (1), particularly of a joystick and/or cursor switch type, comprising an actuating member (3). The actuating member (3) cooperates with a displacing means (8) in such a manner that the actuating member (3) can be displaced in at least one direction on a displacement plane from a neutral position into a shifted position. The shifted position is designed as a switching position, in such a manner that the actuating member (3) acts on a switching element in the switching position in order to generate a switching signal. The displacing means (8) comprises a shifting component (19), to which the actuating member (3) is operatively connected, and a guide support (10), wherein the shifting component (19) is mounted in a displaceable manner by means of a ball bearing (9) on the guide carrier (10).

Description

Operating device, in particular in the manner of an electrical switch

The invention relates to an operating device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

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

Such an operating device has a movably mounted actuating member. The actuator cooperates with a displacement means such that the

Actuating member in a displacement plane in at least one direction from a neutral position in a direction of this associated shift position by the user is displaceable. The sliding position is formed as a switching position, such that the actuating member in the switching position on a switching element for generating a

Switching signal acts switching. It has been found in such an operating device that the displacement means has a certain amount of play, so that it

Precision in the sliding movement for the user is lacking.

The invention is based on the object, the operating device such

to further develop that the precision for the sliding movement is increased.

In particular, an input device is to be developed, by which it is possible to play as a rotation and / or pushing and / or sliding function in a switch as possible integrate. The input device may be, for example, a central operating unit (ZBE), in particular for a motor vehicle. In particular, the following points should be considered constructively:

- Cheap solution.

- Low number of components.

- Decoupling of the individual mechanisms.

- High wear resistance of the haptic-giving elements.

- Small size.

This object is achieved in a generic operating device by the

characterizing features of claim 1 solved.

In the operating device according to the invention, the displacement means comprises a

Sliding member on which the actuator is arranged and / or with the

Actuator is in operative connection, and a guide carrier. The sliding member is displaceably mounted on the guide carrier by means of a ball bearing. In particular, the guide carrier in the manner of a guide pin, a guide rod, a

Guide pin o. The like. Be configured. Advantageously, the user is thus offered a precise and / or play-free operation of the operating device and it is also a reliable operation of the switch guaranteed. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a further embodiment, the guide carrier can be arranged on an inner support. In particular, for reasons of stability, it is advisable to arrange the guide carrier mounted on two opposing bearing points in the inner support. The sliding member is thus arranged in a compact manner on the inner support and displaceable in a first direction relative to the inner support.

To extend the functionality of the operating device, the actuating member may additionally be displaceable in a further displacement plane from the neutral position into a further sliding position. Conveniently, for this purpose, the displacement means comprise a further guide carrier. The inner support can in turn by means of a Ball bearing be slidably mounted on the other guide support, so that a precise and play-free adjustment is achieved in the further sliding position.

In space-saving configuration, the further guide carrier can be arranged on an outer support. For the purpose of good stability, the further guide carrier may be mounted on two opposite bearing points in the outer carrier. As a result, the inner carrier, in particular together with the sliding member, in a second direction relative to the outer carrier displaceable. Preferably, the arrangement of the guide carrier is such that the first and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. In particular, then the actuator in the manner of a wind rose can be moved by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, which is characterized by particular simplicity and precision, can be provided as a ball bearing linear ball guide. The ball guide may include located in a ball cage balls, which is a simple assembly of the ball bearing is given. The ball cage for the guide carrier can be arranged in a compact manner on the sliding member and / or the ball cage for the further guide carrier on the inner support.

With regard to the precision and / or stability of the guide, it is advisable that two guide carriers and two further guide carriers are each arranged parallel to one another. Preferably, then, in a simple embodiment, the displacement means has an inner support with each located in a ball cage

Guide carriers and an outer carrier with each located in a ball cage further guide carriers.

In particular, the invention provides a rotary and / or pushing and / or sliding plate with ball cages for storage and / or guidance in the horizontal direction.

Also, to extend the functionality of the switch, a rotating means may be provided for the actuator, so that the actuator with respect to the

Sliding member is rotatable. The actuator can rotate through the Users interact with a switching element to generate a switching signal. For ease of rotation, it may be appropriate that the rotating means comprises a ball bearing for rotatable mounting on the sliding member.

Furthermore, a further displacement means for the actuator may be provided for a further extended functionality, such that the actuator is linearly movable by at least a distance from a zero position to an actuating position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with respect to the sliding member. The

Operating position can in turn be designed as a switching element having a switching position for generating a switching signal, so that the actuator further allows a kind of "Enter" operation for the user.

In a compact embodiment, the further displacement means a displaceable on

Include sliding part arranged guide part. Appropriately, the

Be arranged ball bearing for the rotating means on the guide part. The increased ergonomics for the user can be a leaf spring with the actuator and a backdrop on the guide part to create a feel for the rotational movement in

Active compound stand.

In a cost-effective further embodiment, the switching element for the generation of a switching signal, wherein the switching signal is generated in particular in the respective switching position of the actuating member, from a light barrier, an electrical

Contact element in the manner of a Kurzhubtaste or a Schaltmattendoms, from a sensor o. The like. Exist. The feel for the sliding movement can be in a simple manner by means of a switching element in the manner of a short-stroke or a

Create switching mat dome. The haptic for the displacement movement can also be generated by means of a magnet system. Optionally, a controllable feel by means of an electric motor, an electromagnet o. The like. Be provided.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that by the design of the displacement means with ball bearings, in particular with Ball cages, a backlash-free and / or low-friction bearing for the actuator of the operating device is created. Other advantages include:

- Better matching of the haptic.

- Good decoupling of all functional directions.

- Compact design.

- Small size (especially in the Z direction, ie at the height of the operating device).

An embodiment of the invention with various developments and

Embodiments is illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

1 shows an actuatable by pushing, pushing and turning electrical switch

in the manner of a multi-function switch or serving as a central control unit in the motor vehicle operating device in perspective view,

2 shows the operating device from FIG. 1 in plan view, wherein the upper side of the housing is shown opened,

3 shows a section along the line 3-3 (sliding axis south-north) in Fig. 2,

4 shows a section along the line 4-4 (sliding axis east-west) in Fig. 2,

5 shows a section along the line 5-5 (sliding mechanism) in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail of Fig. 5 for further embodiment of the

Sliding mechanism of the operating device and

Fig. 7 is a section as in Fig. 3 according to another embodiment.

In Fig. 1, an operating device 1, which is designed as an electrical switch in the manner of a joystick and / or cursor switch, can be seen. The switch 1 has a housing 2 from which an actuator 3 for operation by the user protrudes. The Actuator 3 is movably mounted in the housing 2. Namely, the actuator 3 by moving in accordance with the arrows 4 in the south-north direction and the arrows 5 in the east-west direction in the manner of a wind rose actuated, as can be seen also with reference to FIG. Further, the actuator 3 can be operated by rotating according to the double arrow 6. Finally, the actuator 3 is still movable by pressing the arrow 7, as shown in Fig. 3.

The switch 1 is used for example in the motor vehicle to operate a

Navigation system. The respective inputs for the navigation system can be made by the user by appropriate movement or actuation of the actuator 3. As can further be seen from FIG. 1, the operating device 1 can also have further actuating elements 21 located in the housing 2 for electrical switches for the direct selection of various other functions. For example, with the aid of the actuating element 21, the representation of a specific menu for the navigation system can be selected on a screen in the motor vehicle.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, the actuating member 3 cooperates with a displacement means 8 such that the actuating member 3 is displaceable in a displacement plane in at least one direction 4 from a neutral position into a sliding position. The sliding position is formed as a switching position, such that the actuating member 3 in the switching position on a switching element not further shown switching acting, so as to generate a corresponding switching signal for the shift position.

As can also be seen in FIG. 3, the displacement means 8 comprises a sliding component 19 and a guide carrier 10. The actuating component 3 is arranged on the sliding component 19. In the present case, the actuating member 3 is in operative connection with the sliding component 19 via further components, in order to allow further functionalities in addition to the sliding movement. For example, a further functionality may be the turning of the actuating member 3, as will be explained in more detail below. The

Sliding member 19 is slidably mounted by means of a ball bearing 9 on the guide bracket 10. The guide carrier 10 is arranged on an inner support 11, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 5, and that the guide support 10 is mounted on two opposite bearing points 22 in the inner support 11. For precise guidance, there are two

Guide carrier 10 arranged parallel to each other on the inner support 11. The sliding member 19 is thus on the ball bearing 9 on the guide bracket 10 in a first direction 4, in the direction north-south, relative to the inner support 11 slidably.

The displacement means 8 comprises a further guide support 10 ', as can be seen in FIG. 4. The inner support 11 is slidably mounted by means of a ball bearing 9 on the other guide support 10 '. According to FIG. 5, the further guide carrier 10 'is in turn arranged on an outer carrier 12, and indeed the further guide carrier 10' is in turn mounted on two opposite bearing points 22 'in the outer carrier 12. The precise guide half are also two guide support 10 'arranged parallel to each other on the outer support 12. Thus, the inner support 11 is displaceable together with the sliding member 19 in a second direction 5, in the direction east-west, relative to the outer support 12, so that consequently the actuating member 3 is displaceable in a further displacement plane from the neutral position to a further sliding position ,

The first direction 4 corresponding to north-south and the second direction 5 corresponding east-west are substantially perpendicular to each other in the manner of a wind rose.

As can further be seen from FIG. 5, a linear ball guide is provided on the guide carriers 10, 10 'as a ball bearing 9. The ball guide comprises, according to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, balls 9 located in a ball cage 23. The ball cage 23 for the guide bracket 10 is arranged on the sliding component 19 and the ball cage 23 for the further guide bracket 10 'on the inner bracket 11.

According to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, a rotating means 13 is provided for the actuating member 3, such that the actuating member 3 is rotatable with respect to the sliding member 19. Thus, the actuator 3 can be rotated by at least one angle from an initial position in at least one rotational position, wherein the rotational position is in turn formed as a switch element having a switching position. This is the case

Actuator 3 unlimited rotation, wherein when turning the actuator 3 in Direction 6 corresponding signals are generated in the manner of switching signals of a rotary encoder. To generate the rotational signal is on a disposed in the interior of the actuator 3 to a guide member 18 printed circuit board 25 a photocell 24 is located, as shown in Fig. 3 can be seen, with the photocell 24 befindliches on the rotating means 13 sprocket 26 cooperates. The rotating means 13 further comprises a ball bearing 14 for rotatable mounting on the sliding member 19th

Finally, another displacement means 15 is provided for the actuator 3, such that the actuator 3 is linearly movable by at least a distance from a zero position to an actuating position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with respect to the sliding member 19 by pressing in the direction 7. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, the actuating position is also designed as a switch element 27 having a switching position for generating a switching signal. This

Switching signal can be used, for example, as an enter signal.

The further displacement means 15 comprises the guide member 18 which is displaceably arranged on the sliding component 19. The ball bearing 14 for the rotation means 13 is in turn arranged on the guide member 18. When pressing in the direction 7 on the actuator 3 thus the rotating means 13 is also moved with. At the same time located on the circuit board 25 switching element 27 is actuated by cooperation with the sliding member 19. The switching element 27 is designed as a Kurzhubtaste and thus simultaneously causes the feel for the user. Finally, there is a leaf spring 28 with the actuator 3, with the pivot bearing 13, and with a link 29 on the guide member 18 for generating a feel for the rotational movement in operative connection.

The switching element for the rotary motion consists, as already mentioned, of a

Photocell 24. The switching elements for the sliding movement in east-west as well as in south-north direction also consist of light barriers (not shown). The

Of course, the switching elements for the generation of the switching signal in the switching position, however, in any way from a photocell, an electrical contact element in the manner of a Kurzhubtaste or a switching mat, from a sensor o. The like. Exist , The haptic for the sliding movement is generated by means of a switching element 16 in the manner of a Kurzhubtaste or a Schaltmattendoms, as shown in Fig. 6 can be seen. If desired, however, the switching elements 16 can also be used for generating the switching signal for the displacement movement, so that it is possible to dispense with other switching elements. The haptic for the sliding movement can also by means of a

Magnet system 17 are generated, as can be seen in Fig. 7 in more detail.

Created at the switch 1 according to the invention, the implementation of a solution for four sliding straightening 4, 5, that is for two functional levels, via two parallel guide carrier 10, 10 'with ball bearing 9 per sliding direction 4, 5. The operation of the electric switch 1 will be closer be explained.

Operation for the sliding movement:

According to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the sliding movement by the actuator 3, hereinafter also called rotary knob 3, initiated. The knob 3 sits on the

Drehlagerung 13, which is connected by means of a ball bearing 14 with the guide member 18. About the guide member 18, the sliding movement is then passed to the sliding member 19, hereinafter also called enter shaft 19, passed.

The Enterwelle 1 is mounted on two parallel guide pins 10, 10 and two ball cages 23 in the inner support 11, as shown in FIG. 5 can be seen. By this storage system results in a play-free but also very low-friction storage of the sliding mechanism. In a functional level, now the escape shaft 19 shifts over the guide pins 10, 10, in this case for the north or south direction, and triggers the switching signal via a light barrier system. So that a collision-free movement is given, the Enterwelle has 19 as shown in FIG. 6 enough space 30 by appropriate

Recesses on the inner support 11 and rests exclusively on the switching elements 16. The haptic is generated via a switching element 16, in this case via a switching mat dome or a short-stroke key, as can be seen in FIG. In the process of Enter wave 19 then the switching element 16 is pressed and forms the feel for the sliding movement. It However, alternatively, a magnet system 17 for haptic generation can be used, which is shown in Fig. 7. The switching element 16 for this sliding direction is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 mounted in the inner support 11 and is actuated via the discharge shaft 19.

If the knob 3 is now deflected in east-west direction, so is on the

Guide pins 10 in the inner support 11, on which the Enterwelle 19 is mounted on the ball cages 23 (for this direction, the guide pins 10 in the Enter wave (19 fixedly mounted), the force transmitted to the inner support 11, as described with reference to FIG. 3, 4 and 5. Subsequently, the entire push-turn-slide unit shifts in the east or west direction (see also Fig. 6) .From Fig. 5, the inner support 11 is also about two parallel guide pins 10th If the rotary knob 3 is deflected in the east-west direction, then the inner support 11 shifts due to the solid support of the guide pins 10 in the return shaft 19 in the east-west direction on the guide pins 10 ', so that the entire push-turn-slide unit is displaced in the east or west direction (see also Fig. 6) .The signal is also detected by a light barrier system is also here by means of a switching element 16, in this case a switching mat or a Kurzhubtaster, stored in the base 20 is generated, as can be seen from FIG. 3 or FIG. 6. In order to ensure a collision-free function, as shown in FIG. 6 for the movable push-turn-slide unit including inner support 11 in the base 20 sufficient clearance 30 'is provided. The inner support 11 is located exclusively on the

Switching elements 16, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 6.

As already mentioned, in FIG. 6 the free space 30 for moving the wake 19 in the north-south direction and the free space 30 'for moving the wake 19 in the west-east direction can be seen.

The rotatable unit and the unit, which fulfills the pushing function, sit on the take-off shaft 19 according to FIGS. 3 and 4, whereby they are decoupled from the sliding mechanism. The rotary and the push mechanism make the sliding movement with. The switching as well as the haptic generation of the push mechanism are realized via a short-stroke switch 27 connected to a printed circuit board 25 in the rotary knob 3, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 can be removed. The switching signal for the rotating unit is generated according to FIG. 3 by means of a light barrier 24 on the printed circuit board 25 in the rotary knob 3. The

Haptikerzeugung the rotating unit is generated according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 via a leaf spring 28, connected to the pivot bearing 13, and a link 29 formed on the guide member 18.

The arrangement of the parallel guided guide elements 10, 10 ', which are all at one level, a very small space for the switch 1 can be implemented.

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

Computer, machine tools, household appliances o. The like. Be used. Finally, the invention can be used not only in the multi-function switches described but also in such switches, in which the actuating member is configured only displaceable.

Reference numeral list:

1: Control device / (electric) switch

2: housing

3: actuator / knob

4,5: Arrow (Shift) / Direction / Direction of shift

6: double arrow (turning) / direction

7: Arrow (push) / direction

8: displacement means

^• 9: ball bearing / ball

10: Management carrier / guide pin / Fühnmgselement

10 ': (further) management carrier / guide pin / guide element

11: Interior carrier

12 · external support

13 turning / rotary bearing

14 ball bearings

15 (further) displacement means

16 switching element (for haptics)

17 magnet system (for haptics)

18 guide part

19 sliding member / Enter wave

20 sockets

21 actuator

22,22 ': depository (for executives)

23 ball cage

24 photocell / switching element

25 circuit board

26 sprocket

27 switching element / short-stroke button / short-stroke button

28 leaf spring

29 scenery

30,30 ': free space

Claims

Patent claim:

1. Operating device, in particular electrical switch in the manner of a joystick and / or cursor switch, with a movable actuator (3), wherein the

Actuating member (3) with a displacement means (8) cooperates such that the actuating member (3) in a sliding plane in at least one direction (4, 5) is displaceable from a neutral position to a sliding position, and wherein the sliding position is formed as a switching position in that the actuating member (3) in the

Switching position on a switching element for generating a switching signal switching acts, characterized in that the displacement means (8) a sliding member (19) on which the actuating member (3) is arranged and / or with which the actuating member (3) in

Active connection is, and a guide support (10), wherein the sliding member (19) by means of a ball bearing (9) on the guide support (10) is displaceably mounted.

2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Guide support (10) on an inner support (11) is arranged, in particular at two opposite bearing points (22) in the inner support (11) is mounted, such that the sliding member (19) in a first direction (4) relative to the inner support (11) is displaceable.

3. Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating member (3) is displaceable in a further displacement plane from the neutral position into a further sliding position, and that preferably the displacement means (8) comprises a further guide carrier (10 '), wherein the inner support (11) by means of a ball bearing (9) on the further guide support (10 ') is displaceably mounted.

4. Operating device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the further guide carrier (10 ') on an outer support (12) is arranged, in particular at two opposite bearing points (22') in the outer support (12) is mounted, such that the inner support (11), in particular together with the sliding member (19), in a second direction (5) relative to the outer support (12) is displaceable, and that Preferably, the first and the second direction (4, 5) are substantially perpendicular to each other, in particular in the manner of a wind rose stand.

5. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that as a ball bearing (9) is provided a linear ball guide that preferably the ball guide in a ball cage (23) located balls (9), that further preferably the ball cage (23 ) is arranged for the guide carrier (10) on the sliding member (19), and that still further preferably the ball cage (23) for the further guide carrier (10 ') on the inner support (11) is arranged.

6. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a rotating means (13) for the actuating member (3) is provided, such that the

Actuator (3) with respect to the sliding member (19) is rotatable, that preferably the actuating member (3) on rotation with a switching element (24) for generating a switching signal cooperates, and further preferably that the rotating means (13) is a ball bearing (14) for rotatable mounting on the sliding member (19).

7. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a further displacement means (15) for the actuating member (3) is provided, such that the actuating member (3) by at least a distance from a zero position into an actuating position approximately perpendicular to the displacement plane with respect to the sliding member (19) is linearly movable, and that preferably the actuating position as a switching element (27) having a switching position for generating a switching signal is formed.

8. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the further displacement means (15) slidably on the sliding member (19) arranged guide part (18), preferably that the ball bearing (14) for the rotating means (13) on the guide part (18) is arranged, and that further preferably a leaf spring (28) with the actuating member (3) and with a link (29) on the guide part (18) for generating a feel for the rotational movement is in operative connection.

9. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the switching element for generating a switching signal, in particular in the switching position, from a light barrier (24), an electrical contact element in the manner of a

Kurzhubtaste (27) or a Schaltmattendom, from a sensor o. The like. Is.

10. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the haptic for the sliding movement by means of a switching element (16) in the manner of a short-stroke key or a switching mat dome or by means of a magnet system (17) is generated.