Control unit and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (4) for manual translational actuation, comprising a stationary console (6) and a manually translationally actuated button (7), which is arranged translationally adjustable on the console (6) and relative to the console (6) between an unactuated initial position (AS) and an actuated end position (ES) in a direction of movement (8). An advantageous haptic experience results when the button (7) has a mobile permanent magnet (9) firmly connected to the button (7), which in the initial position (AS) interacts with a magnetic component (10) of the console (6) to magnetically hold the button (7) in the initial position (AS).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for manual translational actuation, preferably for use in a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle equipped with at least one such operating device.

[0002] In the cockpit of a motor vehicle, in addition to rotary levers and buttons, there are also translationally operated pushbuttons that must be pressed down by the user (male / female / diverse). For comfortable tactile feedback, a force-displacement characteristic has become established, in which the actuation force for manually adjusting the pushbutton increases exclusively, preferably linearly, from an initial position to reaching an end position.

[0003] From EP 0 164 388 B1, an operating device with a non-linear force-displacement characteristic is known, in which a push button interacts with a ferromagnetic base part that has stop surfaces for end positions of the push button within a stationary console.

[0004] From DE 1 665 733 B, an operating device is known in which a push button has a shaft, wherein a ring-shaped permanent magnet is arranged in a stationary console. The magnet surrounds the shaft and is translationally adjustable relative to both the shaft and the console. The console is made of a magnetic material and defines a stop for the push button's initial position, against which the permanent magnet rests. The permanent magnet is radially polarized. When the push button is actuated, it is pressed into the console against a return spring. From a predetermined travel distance, a collar on the push button's shaft engages the permanent magnet, causing the actuating force to initially increase abruptly. After the permanent magnet is released from the stop, it pulls the push button into its end position from a predetermined position, into which it then retracts by spring action.

[0005] From DE 1 295 051 B, an operating device is known which has a permanent magnet system for forming a snap-action switch.

[0006] From DE 1 232 241 C a low-noise detent device for electrical momentary switches is known, which operates with permanent magnets.

[0007] Another operating device is known from DE 1 190 088 C.

[0008] The present invention deals with the problem of providing an improved or at least a different embodiment for an operating device of the aforementioned type or for a motor vehicle equipped therewith, which is characterized in particular by an appealing haptic feel.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on the general concept of equipping the push button with at least one permanent magnet that is fixedly connected to the push button and can be adjusted uniformly with the push button relative to a stationary console. The respective permanent magnet of the push button can therefore also be referred to as a mobile permanent magnet. The stationary console, on the other hand, is equipped with at least one magnetic component that, in an initial position of the push button, magnetically holds the push button in place. Subsequently, to move the push button from the initial position, the magnetic holding force must be manually overcome. After overcoming this magnetic force, the push button moves relative to the console, so that the distance between the mobile permanent magnet and the stationary magnetic component of the console increases, and the magnetic holding force decreases accordingly.This creates a force-displacement characteristic in which the force required to adjust the button decreases from the initial position towards the final position. Many users perceive this type of haptic feedback as dynamic, sporty, and sometimes even aggressive, and consider it particularly advantageous, especially for users of high-performance vehicles, preferably sports cars.

[0011] Specifically, the invention proposes an operating device for manual translational actuation, comprising a stationary console and a manually actuated push button. The push button is arranged on the console and is adjustable in one direction of movement between an unactuated initial position and an actuated end position. The push button has at least one movable permanent magnet fixed to it, which, in the initial position, interacts with at least one magnetic component of the console to magnetically hold the push button in this position. To move the push button from the initial position, the magnetic force must be manually overcome.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the console may be made of a non-magnetic material, and the magnetic component of the console may be formed by at least one magnetic body made of a magnetic material, which is firmly connected to the console. The magnetic body may, in particular, be ring-shaped. Instead of a single magnetic body, several magnetic bodies may also be arranged distributed around the circumference of the button.

[0013] In this context, a magnetic body is a ferromagnetic body that is magnetically attracted. A non-magnetic body or material, on the other hand, is not ferromagnetic and therefore not magnetically attracted, at least not significantly. The magnetic body in question is thus preferably ferromagnetic and can, in particular, consist of iron.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the console can have at least one permanent magnet fixed to the console and thus stationary, which, in the end position, interacts with the respective mobile permanent magnet of the push button to magnetically repel the push button in the opposite direction of movement. This design magnetically decelerates the push button as it approaches its end position when pressed. In this way, a sudden impact and deceleration of the push button upon reaching its end position can be avoided. In particular, this can also reduce or eliminate any associated noise that might be perceived as disruptive.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, only one stationary permanent magnet, shaped in a ring form, may be provided. Alternatively, several stationary permanent magnets may be provided, distributed around the circumference of the button and arranged on or in the console.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, only one mobile permanent magnet, shaped in a ring form, may be provided. Alternatively, several mobile permanent magnets may be provided, distributed around the circumference of the button, either on or within the button.

[0017] Advantageously, the stationary permanent magnet can be axially polarized with respect to the direction of movement of the push button. This results in a particularly efficient alignment of the magnetic field for the respective stationary permanent magnet.

[0018] In another embodiment, the respective mobile permanent magnet can be axially polarized with respect to the direction of movement of the button. This ensures a particularly favorable orientation of the magnetic field for the mobile permanent magnet.

[0019] A particularly advantageous configuration is one in which the respective mobile and stationary permanent magnets are axially polarized in opposite directions with respect to the direction of movement of the button. In this way, when the button is pressed to move it to its end position, the two permanent magnets move towards each other with repelling magnetic fields. As the distance decreases, the magnetic repulsion force increases, which progressively slows down the button's movement in its final phase.

[0020] In the present context, a “configuration” is synonymous with a “design” and / or “setup”, so that the phrase “configured so that” is synonymous with the phrase “designed and / or set up so that”.

[0021] Advantageously, the button and the console can be configured so that they touch axially in the area of ​​the permanent magnets in the end position with respect to the direction of movement of the button. In particular, an end stop can be formed on the console in this way, against which the button rests in the end position.

[0022] Alternatively, the button and the console can be configured such that an axial gap is formed between the area of ​​the stationary permanent magnet and the area of ​​the movable permanent magnet with respect to the direction of movement of the button. In other words, the button and the console can be configured so that they do not touch axially in the area of ​​the permanent magnets with respect to the direction of movement of the button when in the end position. To create this axial gap, the console can, in particular, be designed to form an axial end stop against which the button rests when in the end position. This end stop can then be positioned such that, in the end position, the button and the console do not touch in the area of ​​the permanent magnets, but rather form the aforementioned axial gap.

[0023] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the button is configured as a monostable button, where the initial position is a stable position, while the final position is an unstable position from which the unactuated button automatically returns to its initial position. In other words, the unactuated button always automatically returns to its initial position and is only temporarily moved to the final position when actuated.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective magnetic component and the respective permanent magnet, i.e. the mobile permanent magnet and, if present, also the stationary permanent magnet, are coordinated in such a way that the button can be adjusted from the initial position to the final position by means of a manually generated pressure force acting in the direction of movement, and that the button moved to the final position is automatically returned to the initial position by the magnetic forces of the respective permanent magnet when the pressure force is removed.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the operating device can include a reset mechanism that, upon manual actuation of the push button in its end position, drives the push button towards its initial position and / or returns the push button to its initial position. Such a reset mechanism can, for example, be equipped with at least one mechanical spring that only becomes active upon a further actuation of the push button, which has already been moved to its end position. Such a reset mechanism can also be equipped with a damping function, in particular a damper, to dampen the magnetic attraction acting near the initial position between the mobile permanent magnet and the stationary magnetic component when the push button is returned to its initial position.

[0026] A motor vehicle according to the invention has a cockpit equipped with at least one operating device of the type described above. The console is attached to or in a control panel of the cockpit in such a way that the button is accessible for manual translational actuation.

[0027] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0028] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0030] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 A highly simplified schematic representation of an operating device with a push button in an initial position, Fig. 2 a view as in Fig. 1, however with the button in an end position, Fig. 3 a view as in Fig. 1, however, in another embodiment with the button in the initial position, Fig. 4 a view like in Fig. 2, however, in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 with the button in the end position.

[0031] According to the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 comprise a motor vehicle 1, only partially depicted here, comprising a cockpit 2 which has a control panel 3, for example on a dashboard or center console not shown in detail here. The control panel 3 is equipped with an operating device 4 configured for manual translational operation. The following is indicated in the Fig. 1 to 4 a hand symbol 5 such a manual translational actuation. The operating device 4 has a stationary console 6 and a manually translationally actuated push button 7. The console 6 is arranged in or on the control panel 3 such that the push button 7 is accessible for manual translational actuation.

[0032] For this purpose, button 7 on console 6 is located between one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown unactuated initial position AS and one in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 shown actuated end position ES in a direction of movement 8, which leads into the Fig. The components 1 to 4, indicated by an arrow, are arranged to be translationally adjustable relative to the console 6. The push button 7 has at least one movable permanent magnet 9, which is fixedly connected to the push button 7. The respective permanent magnet 9 is located inside, i.e., within a body of the push button 7. In particular, the movable permanent magnet 9 can be overmolded with the material of the push button 7. In the examples shown, only a single movable permanent magnet 9 is provided.

[0033] The console 6 has at least one magnetic component 10 made of a magnetically attractive material. The magnetic component 10 is positioned in or on the console 6 such that, in the initial position AS, it interacts with the movable permanent magnet 9 to magnetically hold the push button 7 in the initial position AS. In other words, the push button 7 is held magnetically in the initial position AS by the magnetic holding force that the movable permanent magnet 9 generates on the magnetic component 10, and thus on the console 6, in the initial position AS. In the examples shown, only a single magnetic component 10 is provided.

[0034] To adjust button 7 from the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown initial position AS into the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the end position ES shown in Figure 4, the button 7 must be manually actuated, thereby moving it translationally relative to the console 6. To move the button 7 out of its initial position AS, the manual actuation force must first overcome the magnetic holding force between the mobile permanent magnet 9 and the magnetic component 10. Subsequently, the actuation force required to move the button 7 decreases abruptly. Fig. 2 and Fig. In each case, the end position ES is reached. For this purpose, the console 6 can form an end stop 11 against which the push button 7 comes into contact in the end position ES.

[0035] In the embodiments shown here, the console 6 is made of a non-magnetic material, such as plastic. In contrast, the magnetic component 10 of the console 6 is formed by a magnetic body 12, which consists of a magnetic material, such as iron. The magnetic body 12 is firmly connected to the console 6. In the examples shown, the magnetic body 12 is located inside the console 6. For this purpose, it can be overmolded with the material of the console 6. A configuration in which the magnetic body 12 is ring-shaped is particularly advantageous.

[0036] The in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The embodiment shown in section 4 differs from the one described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the console 6 is distinguished at least by the fact that it has at least one stationary permanent magnet 13 which is fixedly connected to the console 6. The respective stationary permanent magnet 13 is arranged on the console 6 such that, in the end position ES, it interacts with the mobile permanent magnet 9 of the push button 7, such that the two permanent magnets 9 and 13 magnetically repel each other. In other words, the magnetic forces acting between the permanent magnets 9 and 13 in the region of the end position ES oppose the direction of movement 8. In the example shown, only a single stationary permanent magnet 13 is provided.

[0037] Advantageously, the stationary permanent magnet 13 can be designed in a ring shape and be axially polarized with respect to the direction of movement 8 of the push button 7. In the examples of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The polarization of the stationary permanent magnet 13 is chosen such that a magnetic south pole of the stationary permanent magnet 13 faces the button 7 or the mobile permanent magnet 9, while a magnetic north pole of the stationary permanent magnet 13 faces away from the button 7 or the mobile permanent magnet 9. The stationary permanent magnet 13 can be located inside the console 6. For example, the stationary permanent magnet 13 can be overmolded with the material of the console 6.

[0038] In both embodiments shown here, the mobile permanent magnet 9 is preferably ring-shaped and axially polarized with respect to the direction of movement 8 of the push button 7. In the examples shown, the mobile permanent magnet 9 is polarized such that a magnetic north pole of the mobile permanent magnet 9 faces the magnetic component 10 or the magnetic body 12, while a magnetic south pole of the mobile permanent magnet 9 faces away from the magnetic component 10 or the magnetic body 12.

[0039] During the Fig. 3 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the axial polarizations of the two permanent magnets 9, 13 are aligned such that the two south poles or the two north poles face each other. Accordingly, in the example of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The magnetic south pole of the mobile permanent magnet 9 faces the stationary permanent magnet 13, while the magnetic north pole of the mobile permanent magnet 9 faces away from the stationary permanent magnet 13. In other words, the two permanent magnets are axially oppositely polarized with respect to the direction of movement 8.

[0040] In principle, an embodiment is possible in which the button 7 and the console 6 are coordinated in such a way that they align themselves in the end position in the ES according to Fig. 4 in the area of ​​the permanent magnets 9, 13 axially contact the push button 7 with respect to the direction of movement 8. This allows an end stop 14 to be formed on the console 6 in the area of ​​the permanent magnets 9, 13, against which the push button 7 rests in the end position ES. In this case, the above, for example, can then be used. Fig. 1 and Fig. The end stop 11 mentioned in section 2, which is formed outside the permanent magnets 9, 13, can be omitted.

[0041] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the push button 7 and the console 6 can be aligned such that, in the end position ES, they do not axially touch in the area of ​​the permanent magnets 9, 13 with respect to the direction of movement 8 of the push button 7. This creates an axial gap with respect to the direction of movement 8 of the push button 7 between the area of ​​the stationary permanent magnet 13 and in the area of ​​the movable permanent magnet 9, located at the position of the end stop 14. In this case, the console 6 can again be positioned according to the embodiment described above. Fig. 1 and Fig. The end stop 11, as described above, is positioned outside the permanent magnets 9, 13. This end stop 11 can be formed between an axial end face 16 of the button 7, which precedes it in the direction of movement 8, and a base 17 of the console 6, which is opposite the button 7.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous for the pushbutton 7 to be configured as a monostable pushbutton 7. The initial position AS then defines the only stable position of the pushbutton 7, while the final position ES is an unstable position from which the unpressed pushbutton 7 automatically returns to the initial position AS. This means that when the pushbutton 7 is released after being manually pressed to move it to the final position ES, it automatically returns to the initial position AS.For this purpose, the respective magnetic component 10 and the respective permanent magnet 9, 13 can be coordinated such that the push button 7 can be moved from the initial position AS to the final position ES by a manually generated pressure force acting in the direction of movement 9, and that the push button 7, once moved to the final position ES, automatically returns to the initial position AS when the pressure force is removed, driven by the magnetic forces of the respective permanent magnet 9, 13. In the variant of the . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The magnetic attraction of the respective mobile permanent magnet 9 interacts with the respective magnetic component 10. In the case of the Fig. 3 and Fig. In the variant shown in 4, the magnetic repulsion force also acts between the respective stationary permanent magnet 13 and the respective mobile permanent magnet 9.

[0043] According to the Fig.1 to 4 The operating device 4 can also optionally be equipped with a reset device 18, which is configured such that, upon manual actuation of the push button 7, which is set to the end position GS, it drives the push button 7 towards the initial position AS or returns the push button 7 to the initial position AS. The reset device 18 can include a return spring (not shown here) which is tensioned when the push button 7 is moved from the initial position AS to the end position ES. With a monostable push button 7, the return spring can initiate the reset movement after the push button 7 is released.

[0044] In another embodiment, the pushbutton 7 can be configured as a bistable pushbutton 7, where the initial position AS and the final position ES each represent a stable pushbutton position. In this case, the pushbutton 7, once in the final position ES, must be manually actuated again to return it to the initial position AS. Upon such re-actuation of the pushbutton 7 in the final position ES, the return spring can then relax, thereby driving or moving the pushbutton 7 back to the initial position AS. Such a return mechanism 18 can, in principle, function like a ballpoint pen mechanism as described, for example, in DE 70 15 045 U. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 164 388 B1

[0003] DE 1 665 733 B

[0004] DE 1 295 051 B

[0005] DE 1 232 241 C

[0006] DE 1 190 088 C

[0007] DE 70 15 045 U

[0044]

Claims

[1] Control device (4) for manual translational actuation, - with a stationary console (6), - with a manually actuated push button (7) which is arranged on the console (6) and relative to the console (6) between an unactuated initial position (AS) and an actuated end position (ES) in a direction of movement (8) in a translationally adjustable manner, - wherein the button (7) has at least one mobile permanent magnet (9) fixedly connected to the button (7), which in the initial position (AS) interacts with at least one magnetic component (10) of the console (6) to magnetically hold the button (7) in the initial position (AS). [2] Operating device (4) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the console (6) is made of a non-magnetic material, - that the respective magnetic component (10) of the console (6) is formed by a magnetic body (12) which is firmly connected to the console (6). [3] Operating device (4) according to claim 2, characterized by , - that only one magnetic component (10) is provided, which is formed by a single magnetic body (12) which is designed in a ring shape, or - that several magnetic components (10) are provided, each formed by a magnetic body (12) which are distributed in the circumferential direction of the button (7) on or in the console (6). [4] Control device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that the console (6) has at least one stationary permanent magnet (13) fixedly connected to the console (6), which in the end position (ES) interacts with the at least one mobile permanent magnet (9) of the push button (7) to magnetically repel the push button (7). [5] Operating device (4) according to claim 4, characterized by , - that only one stationary permanent magnet (13) is provided, which is designed in a ring shape, or - that several stationary permanent magnets (13) are provided, which are distributed in the circumferential direction of the button (7) on or in the console (6). [6] Control device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that only one mobile permanent magnet (9) is provided, which is designed in a ring shape, or - that several mobile permanent magnets (9) are provided, which are distributed in the circumferential direction of the button (7) on or in the button (6). [7] Control device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the button (7) is configured as a monostable button (7), wherein the initial position (AS) represents a stable button position, while the final position (ES) represents an unstable button position, from which the unactuated button (7) automatically returns to the initial position (AS). [8] Control device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the respective magnetic component (10) and the respective permanent magnet (9, 13) are coordinated in such a way that the push button (7) can be adjusted from the initial position (AS) to the final position (ES) by a pressure force acting in the direction of movement (9) and that the push button (7) adjusted to the final position (ES) is automatically adjusted to the initial position (AS) when the pressure force is removed by the magnetic forces of the respective permanent magnet (9, 13). [9] Control device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the operating device (4) has a reset device (18) which, when the button (7) is manually actuated in the end position (ES), drives the button (7) towards the initial position (AS) and / or returns it to the initial position (AS). [10] Motor vehicle (1) with a cockpit (2) which is equipped with at least one operating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the console (6) is arranged on or in a control panel (3) of the cockpit (2) such that the button (7) is accessible for manual translational actuation.

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