Operating element with actuating part and electromagnetic actuator and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating element comprising: a mounting portion; an actuating member supported at the mounting portion in such a way that it is rotatable about a rotation axis by means of a support member, for rotational adjustment by an operator; wherein the support member is further configured to support the actuating member in a restricted axial direction, preferably with a reset mechanism; a detection device for detecting at least the rotational adjustment of the actuating member; an electromagnetic actuator acting between the mounting portion and the actuating member and generating tactile feedback; a control unit electrically connected to the electromagnetic actuator, configured to apply an electrical control signal to the electromagnetic actuator to cause deflection of the actuating member in the axial direction as tactile feedback; wherein the electromagnetic actuator has at least one permanent magnet fixed at the actuating member and an annular coil fixed at the mounting portion; and wherein the annular coil is arranged concentrically with an air gap and engages with the air gap via an opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention designs an operating element having an actuating component capable of rotational movement and an electromagnetic actuator for generating tactile feedback, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Such an operating element is also called a rotary adjuster. Currently, numerous operating functions are required in motor vehicles, and one trend is to utilize a single rotary adjuster to perform these functions, allowing for parameter setting or selection between different options corresponding to each selected function. In most operating situations, a rotary adjuster that generates tactile feedback when setting parameters and selecting preset possibilities is preferred, thereby providing the operator with confirmation of their input. In its simplest form, a clicking sound is generally achieved through a mechanical profile and associated spring element. That is, a mechanical preload keeps the spring against the profile, and the spring slides up and down when the rotary adjuster is actuated. This sliding motion is unfavorably associated with friction and is subject to wear, and may also cause undesirable frictional noise. It is also known to use piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuators to achieve impact or vibration excitation of the actuating component, making the rotary adjuster versatile in various operating situations, as such impact and vibration excitation can be arbitrarily triggered as active tactile feedback by the associated control unit. However, in rotary regulators, there is a lack of space when integrating the actuator into the actuation component, which is necessary for designing haptic feedback to be clearly perceptible at the actuation component. On the other hand, rotary supports are often gapped, which raises questions about the reproducibility of haptic feedback occurring at the actuation component. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the basic objective of the present invention is to provide an operating element, particularly for motor vehicles, having an actuating component and an electromagnetic actuator capable of rotational motion support, wherein the operating element has high integration density and improved tactile feedback, and the unique feature of the feedback is, in particular, improved reproducibility. This objective is achieved by the operating element according to claim 1 and the uses described in the co-main claims. Advantageous design options can be found in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features individually detailed in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically meaningful manner and demonstrate other design options of the invention. The description, in particular, is appended with the drawings to characterize and describe the invention in detail.

[0004] This invention relates to an operating element, particularly for use in motor vehicles. The operating element has a mounting portion. The mounting portion is made, for example, of a plastic (such as thermoplastic), metal, or a metal alloy, or a combination thereof. The term "mounting portion" should be interpreted broadly and can have a design solely for securing the operating element. However, it can also have a design for protecting individual components (e.g., electronic components) of the operating element. The mounting portion is, for example, partially formed as a substantially closed housing.

[0005] The operating element according to the invention also has an actuating member rotatably supported at the mounting portion about a rotation axis, such that the operating element according to the invention can also be referred to as a rotation adjuster. The support member is not only configured to rotatably hold the actuating member about the rotation axis, but also allows the actuating member to be restricted to offset in the axial direction due to the support member. "Restricted offset movement" is understood to mean a translational degree of freedom with a maximum stroke of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and most preferably less than 0.5 mm applied on both sides. The reset facilitated by the reset force is preferably configured for the possibility of axial offset movement, wherein the free, i.e., uncontacted actuating member is reset to the termination position.

[0006] The actuating component is, for example, at least partially made of plastic (such as thermoplastic), particularly by injection molding. The axis of rotation is orthogonally oriented, for example, to the surface of the passenger compartment liner facing the operator's operating surface or visible surface. The embodiment also includes a actuator preferably designed as a dial, i.e., operated with a single finger, and the axis of rotation is, for example, located in or parallel to the operating surface facing the operator. The operating surface is, for example, defined by an instrument panel or steering wheel, and the actuating element is integrated into the operating surface.

[0007] According to the present invention, a detection device is provided, which is used to detect at least the rotational adjustment of the actuating component. The detection device includes, for example, a positioner fixed to the actuating component and / or moving synchronously with the actuating component during rotational adjustment, and a sensor fixed to the mounting portion and cooperating with the positioner; together, they form the detection device and are used to detect at least one rotational adjustment of the actuating component. The detection device is preferably a non-contact detection device, such as a detection device that cooperates optically or capacitively with the positioner and sensor. The positioner is, for example, rotated and synchronously driven by the actuating component via a gear transmission mechanism.

[0008] According to the present invention, an electromagnetic actuator that generates tactile feedback is provided between the mounting portion and the actuating component.

[0009] According to the present invention, a control unit electrically connected to the electromagnetic actuator is provided. The control unit is configured to apply an electrical control signal to the electromagnetic actuator to cause the actuating component to deflect in the axial direction, thereby providing tactile feedback to an operator who contacts the actuating component.

[0010] The electromagnetic actuator has at least one permanent magnet fixed to the actuating member and an annular coil fixed to the mounting portion. The annular coil is preferably formed as an air gap, i.e., without a soft magnetic core. According to the invention, the actuating member forms an air gap that is annularly arranged around the axis of rotation, extending axially, and open on one side, preferably away from the operator's opening. The air gap is traversed radially by a magnetic field generated by the at least one permanent magnet. Here, according to the invention, the annular coil is arranged concentrically with the air gap and is arranged such that the annular coil engages with the air gap via the opening. For example, due to the reaction force of the Lorentz force acting on the coil through which current flows, applying a current, referred to as a control signal, to the coil provides deflection of the actuating member in the axial direction, i.e., preferably towards or away from the operator. The control signal is preferably a pulse signal. With the design according to the invention, the operating element can be made relatively compact. By using the deflection of the actuating component as tactile feedback, this tactile feedback is perceived very directly by the operator and does not excite the environment of the operating element or adjacent operating elements. This improves the quality of tactile feedback, especially compared to systems that are set on solid sound conduction due to remote excitation.

[0011] Preferably, at least one soft magnetic material for guiding the magnetic field is disposed adjacent to or adjacent to the permanent magnet, also referred to as a flux conductor.

[0012] Preferably, the actuation component is defined by its external dimensions into a volume in which the permanent magnet and the soft magnet are arranged, thereby achieving a high integration density.

[0013] Preferably, at least one soft magnet is formed in the shape of a pot.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of soft magnets are provided.

[0015] Preferably, at least one wall portion is formed from one of the soft magnets, the wall portion defining the air gap in the radial direction and forming one of the two magnetic poles.

[0016] Preferably, the permanent magnet itself forms a radially inner wall portion of the air gap, the wall portion serving as a corresponding other magnetic pole.

[0017] Preferably, the pole orientation of the permanent magnet corresponds to the axial direction or alternatively to the radial direction.

[0018] According to a preferred design, the air gap is formed such that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field passing through the air gap has a maximum value in a region near the opening of the air gap (e.g., at the lower end region away from the operator), and the magnetic flux density decreases from this region as the depth of the air gap increases (e.g., upwards).

[0019] Preferably, the insertion depth of the coil is selected such that all deflections of the actuating component in the axial direction ensure the coil protrusion in the direction away from the opening for the region with the maximum magnetic flux density, thereby ensuring uniformity of tactile feedback in the axial direction over the possible adjustment stroke of the actuating component.

[0020] Preferably, the actuating component can also move from a rest position to a pressed position in the axial direction away from the operator; this is referred to as a push-press function. Here, the detection device is configured to detect the pressing adjustment of the actuating component. This function is provided without affecting the haptic feedback effect.

[0021] Preferably, the operating element further includes a support leg member, the actuating member being rotatably supported at the support leg member, wherein the support leg member is axially offset and supported at the mounting portion. The support member, for example, has a sliding bearing or ball bearing for rotatably holding the actuating member, the sliding bearing or ball bearing being wholly or partially arranged in the volume defined by the actuating member, and the support member further has a sliding bearing for offsetly holding the support leg member at the mounting portion.

[0022] Preferably, the support member has an elastomeric element for resetting the actuating component to the rest position. For example, at least one schaltdom formed of an elastomeric element is provided, which causes the component to reset and optionally closes an electrical contact in the pressed position via a provided contact piece, thereby serving as an electromechanical component of the detection device for detecting the pressing adjustment.

[0023] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to generate the control signal depending on the rotational adjustment and / or pressing adjustment of the actuating component detected by the detection device (e.g., depending on the instantaneous position and / or adjustment speed).

[0024] The present invention also relates to the use of the operating element in one of the above embodiments in a motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention is described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings. The drawings are to be understood as merely exemplary and only constitute preferred embodiments. In the drawings: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the operating element 1; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Detailed diagram of the first embodiment shown; Figure 3 A detailed diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the operating element 1, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following uses Figure 1 The first embodiment of the operating element 1 (also referred to as a rotary adjuster) of the present invention is described. The operating element has an actuating member 2 (also referred to as a handle), which is supported at a mounting portion 3, which is partially formed as a housing, in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis D. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member 2 is designed as a wheel, that is, the rotation axis D is substantially orthogonal to an operating surface (not shown) facing the operator. Supports 5, 6, and 9 are not only formed to rotatably hold the actuating member 2 about the rotation axis D, but also, due to the supports 5, 6, and 9, the actuating member 2 can be offset in a restricted direction relative to the rotation axis D. "Can be offset in a restricted direction" is understood to mean a translational degree of freedom with a maximum stroke of less than 5 mm applied on both sides. For this purpose, the operating element 1 also has a foot member 4, at which the actuating member 2 is not only rotatably supported, but also, together with the foot member 4, rotatably supported at the mounting portion 3. For this purpose, supports 5, 6, and 9 have sliding bearings or ball bearings 5 ​​for rotatably supporting the actuating component 2. These sliding bearings or ball bearings are arranged within the volume defined by the actuating component 2. Supports 5, 6, and 9 also have sliding bearings 9 for offsetly holding the foot component 4 at the mounting portion 3. To allow the actuating component 2 to elastically return to its rest position, supports 5, 6, and 9 also have multiple elastomeric elements 9 in the form of two switching levers formed of elastomeric bodies. Through these elastomeric elements, the foot component 4 is supported by connecting rods at the mounting portion 3, or more precisely, at a circuit board fixed to the mounting portion 3. The maximum possible stroke here is less than 5 mm and a pushing function is provided via the actuating component 2. Preferably, a reset force is provided, which returns the free, uncontacted actuating component 2 to its terminated position.

[0027] A detection device 7 is also provided, which is used at least to detect the rotational and pressing adjustments of the actuating component 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device includes a positioner 7a (in the form of a multipole permanent magnet) fixed to the actuating component 2 and moving synchronously with the actuating component during rotational and pressing adjustments, and a sensor 7b (in the form of a 3D Hall sensor) fixed to the mounting portion 3 and cooperating with the positioner 7a. Together, they form the detection device 7 and are used to detect the rotational and pressing adjustments of the actuating component 2.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, an electromagnetic actuator 8 that generates tactile feedback is provided between the mounting part 3 and the actuating member 2. For electrical control of the actuator 8, a control unit 12 is provided, electrically connected to the electromagnetic actuator 8. The control unit is configured to apply an electrical control signal to the electromagnetic actuator 8 to cause the actuating member 2 to deflect in the axial direction, thereby providing tactile feedback to the operator who contacts the actuating member 2.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the electromagnetic actuator 8 has a permanent magnet 8a fixed to the actuating component 2 and an annular coil 8b fixed to the mounting portion 3. The annular coil is formed as an air gap, meaning it has no soft magnetic core. The actuating component 2 forms an air gap 10, which is annularly arranged around the rotation axis D, extending axially, away from the operator, and open on one side. The air gap 10 is traversed in the radial direction by the magnetic field B generated by the permanent magnet 8a. Here, the annular coil 8b is arranged concentrically with the air gap 10 and is arranged such that the annular coil 8b engages with the air gap 10 through the opening. Two soft magnetic bodies 8c for guiding the magnetic field are arranged adjacent to or adjacent to the permanent magnet 8a, and are also referred to as flux conductors. Here, the first soft magnetic body 8c is formed in a pot shape, while the second soft magnetic body 8c adjacent to the other pole of the permanent magnet 8a is formed in a disc shape. In the first embodiment, two opposing walls defining the air gap 10 in the radial direction are formed by one of these soft magnets 8c, and the pole orientation of the permanent magnet 8a corresponds to the axial direction. Here, the actuating member 2 is defined by its external dimensions into a volume in which the permanent magnet 8a and the soft magnet 8c are arranged, thereby achieving a high integration density.

[0030] The walls of the air gap 10 forming the magnetic poles are shaped such that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field B passing through the air gap 10 has a maximum value in the region near the opening of the air gap 10 (e.g., in the region away from the operator), and the magnetic flux density decreases from this region as the depth of the air gap 10 increases (upwards). The insertion depth of the coil 8b is selected such that all deflections of the actuating member 2 in the axial direction ensure that the coil extension 11 of the coil 8b in the direction away from the opening targets the region with the maximum magnetic flux density, thereby ensuring uniformity of tactile feedback in the axial direction over the adjustment stroke of the actuating member 2.

[0031] The reaction force of the Lorentz force acting on the coil 8b through which the current flows provides a current, known as a control signal, to the coil 8b, resulting in a deflection of the actuating element 2 in the axial direction, i.e., a deflection towards or away from the operator, depending on the direction of the current in the control signal. The control signal is, for example, a pulse signal. For instance, the control unit 12 generates the control signal based on the rotational and / or pressing adjustment of the actuating element 2 detected by the detection device 7 (e.g., depending on the instantaneous position and / or adjustment speed).

[0032] With the design according to the invention, the operating element 1 can be made relatively compact. By using the deflection of the actuating component 2 as tactile feedback, this tactile feedback is perceived very directly by the operator and does not excite the environment of the operating element 1 or adjacent operating elements, which improves the quality of tactile feedback in particular compared to systems that are set on solid sound conduction due to remote excitation.

[0033] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the operating element 1 according to the present invention is shown, the second embodiment differing from the first embodiment only in the construction of its electromagnetic actuator 8. For example... Figure 3As shown, the electromagnetic actuator 8 of the second embodiment also has a permanent magnet 8a fixed to the actuation member 2 and an annular coil 8b fixed to the mounting part 3. The annular coil is formed as an air gap, that is, without a soft magnetic core. The actuation member 2 also forms an air gap 10, which is annularly arranged around the rotation axis D, extending in the axial direction, away from the operator, and open on one side. In the second embodiment, the air gap 10 is also passed through in the radial direction by the magnetic field B generated by the permanent magnet 8a. Here, the annular coil 8b is also arranged concentrically with the air gap 10 and is arranged such that the annular coil 8b engages with the air gap 10 through the opening of the air gap. In the second embodiment, only one soft magnetic body 8c for guiding the magnetic field is provided adjacent to or adjacent to the permanent magnet 8a, and is also referred to as a magnetic flux conductor. Here, although the soft magnetic body 8c is formed in a pot shape, it has a central extension. In the first embodiment, the radially outer wall of one of the two opposing walls defining the air gap 10 in the radial direction is formed by a soft magnet 8c, while the radially inner wall of the air gap 10 is at least partially formed by a permanent magnet 8a. In the second embodiment, the pole orientation of the permanent magnet 8a corresponds to the radial direction. Here, the actuating member 2 is defined by its external dimensions into a volume within which the permanent magnet 8a and the soft magnet 8c are arranged, thereby achieving a high integration density.

[0034] Here, the walls of the air gap 10 forming the magnetic poles are also formed such that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field B passing through the air gap 10 has a maximum value in the region near the opening of the air gap 10 (e.g., in the lower region away from the operator), and the magnetic flux density decreases from this region as the depth of the air gap 10 increases (in this case, upwards). In the second embodiment, the insertion depth of the coil 8b is also selected such that for all deflections of the actuating member 2 in the axial direction, the coil extension 11 of the coil 8b in the direction away from the opening is directed towards the region with the maximum magnetic flux density, thereby ensuring uniformity of tactile feedback in the axial direction of the adjustment stroke of the actuating member 2.

[0035] The reaction force of the Lorentz force acting on the coil 8b through which the current flows provides a current, known as a control signal, to the coil 8b, resulting in a deflection of the actuating element 2 in the axial direction, i.e., a deflection towards or away from the operator, depending on the direction of the current in the control signal. The control signal is, for example, a pulse signal. For instance, the control unit 12 generates the control signal based on the rotational and / or pressing adjustment of the actuating element 2 detected by the detection device 7 (e.g., depending on the instantaneous position and / or adjustment speed).

Claims

1. An operating element (1) comprising: Installation section (3); An actuating member (2) is rotatably supported at the mounting portion (3) by means of a support member (5, 6, 9) about a rotation axis (D), the actuating member being used for rotational adjustment by an operator; wherein the support member (5, 6, 9) is also configured to support the actuating member (2) in a restricted axial direction, preferably with a reset. Detection device (7), the detection device being used to detect at least rotational adjustment of the actuating component (2); An electromagnetic actuator (8) that generates tactile feedback and acts between the mounting part (3) and the actuating part (2); A control unit (12) electrically connected to the electromagnetic actuator (8) is configured to apply an electrical control signal to the electromagnetic actuator (8) so as to cause the actuating member (2) to deflect in the axial direction as tactile feedback; The electromagnetic actuator (8) has at least one permanent magnet (8a) fixed at the actuation component (2) and an annular coil (8b) fixed at the mounting part (3). The actuating component (2) forms an air gap (10) that is annularly surrounding the axis of rotation (D), extends axially, is open on one side, preferably away from the operator opening, and is traversed radially by a magnetic field (B) generated by the at least one permanent magnet (8a); and The annular coil (8b) is arranged concentrically with the air gap (10) and engages with the air gap via the opening.

2. The operating element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one soft magnet (8c) for guiding the magnetic field (B) is disposed adjacent to or adjacent to the permanent magnet (8a).

3. The operating element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuating component (2) defines a volume by its external dimensions, and the permanent magnet (8a) and the soft magnet (8c) are arranged within the volume.

4. The operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein at least one soft magnet (8c) is formed in a pot shape.

5. The operating element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 above, wherein a plurality of soft magnets (8c) are provided.

6. The operating element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5 above, wherein at least one wall is formed by one of the soft magnets (8c), the wall defining the air gap (10) in the radial direction and forming one of the two magnetic poles.

7. The operating element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the permanent magnet (8a) forms a radially inner wall portion of the air gap (10), the wall portion serving as a corresponding other magnetic pole.

8. The operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pole orientation of the permanent magnet (8a) corresponds to the axial direction.

9. The operating element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 above, wherein the pole orientation of the permanent magnet (8a) corresponds to the radial direction.

10. The operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall portion of the air gap (10) forming the magnetic pole is formed such that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field (B) passing through the air gap (10) has a maximum value in a region near the opening of the air gap (10), and the magnetic flux density decreases from this region as the depth of the air gap (10) increases.

11. The operating element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the depth of the coil (8b) into the air gap (10) is selected such that all axial deflections of the actuating member (2) ensure that the coil (8b) extends outward (11) in the direction away from the opening, for the region of maximum magnetic flux density.

12. The operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating member (2) is further movable from the rest position to the pressing position in an axial direction away from the operator, and the detection device (7) is configured to detect the pressing adjustment of the actuating member (2).

13. The operating element (1) according to the preceding claim further comprises a foot member (4), wherein the actuating member (2) is rotatably supported on the foot member (4) and the foot member (4) is offsetly supported on the mounting portion (3) in the axial direction.

14. The operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the support (5, 6, 9) has an element (9) formed of an elastomer for resetting the actuating member (2) to the rest position.

15. The operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (10) is further configured to generate the control signal based on the rotational adjustment and / or pressing adjustment of the actuating member (2) detected by the detection device (7).

16. Use of the operating element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in a motor vehicle.

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