Switching unit

Abstract

The approach presented here provides a switching unit (100) having a selector lever (110) with a handle (200) and a deflection element (220), the selector lever (110) being fastened movably to a housing (130) by means of a shaft (120) and the shaft (120) being arranged between the handle (200) and the deflection element (220). The switching unit (100) further comprises at least one actuating element (225), which is movably arranged on the shaft (120) and has at least one region (300a) comprising a magnetic or magnetisable material, the actuating element (225) being designed and arranged to be deflected by the deflection element (220). Lastly, the switching unit (100) comprises a magnet (235), which is arranged adjacently on the side of the shaft (120) facing the deflection element (220) and which is designed to magnetically couple to the region (300a).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] switching unit

[0004] The approach presented here creates a switching unit according to the main claim.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Often, grinding noises occur when operating switching units, which can be annoying to the user. In such cases, a certain amount of friction is also usually felt when operating such a switching unit, which also leaves a disturbing impression and thus impairs user comfort. In the long term, such technical effects lead to increased play in the switching unit in the neutral position, which can also cause technical malfunctions when the switching unit is intended to switch certain switch positions or switching states. Overall, the haptic quality of such a switching unit is therefore often not optimal for the user.

[0007] revelation

[0008] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to create an improved switching unit.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the main claim.

[0010] The approach presented here creates a switching unit with the following features:

[0011] CONFIRMATION COPY a selector lever with a handle and a deflection element, wherein the selector lever is movably attached to a housing by means of an axis and the axis is arranged between the handle and the deflection element; at least one actuating element which is movably arranged on the axis and has at least one region comprising a magnetic or magnetizable material, preferably a ferromagnetic material, preferably in the form of a metal element, wherein the actuating element is designed and arranged such that it can be deflected by the deflection element; and a magnet which is arranged adjacent to the side of the axis facing the deflection element and which is designed to magnetically couple to the region.

[0012] In this case, a selector lever can be understood as an element that is grasped by a user by a handle and deflected accordingly. A deflection element can be understood as a mechanical component that, when the selector lever is actuated, mechanically deflects another element, here specifically the actuating element, from a rest position and thus actuates the switching unit. A region can be understood as a metal element that is, for example, embedded or cast into the actuating element and comprises a ferromagnetic material so that it can magnetically couple with the magnet. The magnet can be a permanent magnet, for example, although it is also conceivable for the magnet to be designed as an electromagnet.

[0013] The approach presented here is based on the finding that by using an actuating element with a specific area, for example, a metal element, in conjunction with a magnet, user comfort can be significantly improved. This eliminates the need for mechanical friction contacts for a specific haptic function; instead, this haptic function can be achieved through the magnetic effect. This advantageously ensures that the switching unit not only has an improved haptic function but also a significantly improved service life. For example, wear caused by friction between different components can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated.

[0014] An embodiment of the approach proposed here is advantageous in which the

[0015] Metal element as an area on one side of the

[0016] actuating element and / or wherein the metal element is arranged laterally at one end of the actuating element and / or wherein the metal element is designed as an iron plate, in particular a rectangular and / or square metal plate and / or wherein the actuating element is made at least partially from a plastic material. Such an embodiment offers the advantage, on the one hand, of being able to utilize the greatest possible leverage effect by arranging the metal element at an outer end of the actuating element and thus being able to generate strong haptic forces. At the same time, by embedding or designing the metal element or the actuating element, a switching unit designed in this way can be manufactured in a technically simple and cost-effective manner.

[0017] An embodiment of the approach proposed here has a very small installation space requirement, in which the deflection element is arranged between the magnet and the axis and / or in which the region is preferably arranged as a metal element in a rest position of the switching unit in a plane with the magnet and / or laterally to the magnet.

[0018] For special haptic user comfort, in a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the deflection element can have at least one damping element designed to dampen mechanical contact between the deflection element and the actuating element. For example, the at least one damping element can be formed by a ring, for example made of a rubber material, and / or arranged around the deflection element. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to prevent hard impacts between the deflection element and the actuating element when these two elements come into contact thanks to the damping element.

[0019] In order to be able to realize different switching states with a common switching unit, according to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, at least one further actuating element can be provided, which is movably arranged on the axis and has at least one further region comprising a magnetic or magnetizable material, preferably a ferromagnetic material, preferably in the form of a metal element. In this case, the further actuating element can be designed and arranged such that it can be deflected by the deflection element, in particular wherein the further actuating element is arranged on a side of the axis opposite the actuating element.Furthermore, an embodiment of the approach proposed here is conceivable in which at least one additional actuating element is provided, which is movably arranged on the axis and has at least one additional region comprising a magnetic or magnetizable material, preferably ferromagnetic material, preferably in the form of a metal element. The additional actuating element is designed and arranged such that it can be deflected by the deflection element, in particular the additional actuating element is arranged adjacent to the actuating element and / or on the same side of the axis. Such an embodiment also offers the advantage of being able to switch multiple switching states by means of the switching unit, with such a switching unit requiring very little installation space.

[0020] A switching unit design in which the actuating element can be actuated independently of the other actuating element and / or the additional actuating element is very flexible. By flexibly enabling the movement of the individual actuating elements, the switching unit thus enables the actuation of switching elements with multiple degrees of freedom.

[0021] Another conceivable embodiment of the approach proposed here is one in which the deflection element has at least two laterally offset sections, in particular with each section aligned parallel to the axis. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to produce a switching unit with very little installation space requirement due to the simple design of the deflection element in several sections, while still being able to activate or switch different switching states very flexibly.

[0022] To minimize blockages during the actuation of the actuating element or individual actuating elements, according to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the deflection element can be arranged between two laterally offset legs of the selector lever. This ensures that the deflection element is moved essentially parallel to the axis.

[0023] An embodiment of the approach proposed here, in which a switching element arranged on the actuating element and / or on the selector lever is provided for actuating a switch, is particularly simple and reliable, particularly where the switching element is arranged at an end of the actuating element opposite the axis. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling reliable activation or switching of a desired switching state by the switching element, whereby the corresponding switching state can also be selected or set reliably and unambiguously by providing the largest possible movement path of the switching element arranged on the actuating element.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment of the approach presented here is one in which the switching unit has a pushbutton element, in particular for activating a parking lock, which is held in a rest position by the magnet and / or a magnetic element. This advantageously makes it possible to create a very pleasant and low-wear switching feel for the operator of the switching unit when operating the pushbutton element. With such an embodiment, the magnet can also be used for another functionality, so that installation space can be saved thanks to the additional usage option. A further advantage of the pushbutton element presented here is that it eliminates the need for cost-intensive switch mats and microswitches used in conventional switching elements, which are arranged below conventional pushbutton elements.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment is one in which the pushbutton element is magnetically coupled to the magnet by means of a lever element, in particular wherein the lever element comprises at least partially a magnetic or magnetizable material. Such an embodiment allows the pushbutton element to be placed at almost any position in the switching unit due to the design of the lever element, while still allowing the advantages of the magnetic coupling in terms of pleasant haptics and favorable wear behavior to be utilized.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the pushbutton element can also be designed to push the lever element away from the magnet when pressed down, and / or wherein the pushbutton element is designed to release movement of the lever element against the magnet when the lever element is released. For example, the pushbutton element can be designed, in particular, to move the lever element by means of a foot, and / or wherein the pushbutton element is designed to press onto the lever element at a contact point between an axis and the magnet. Such an embodiment allows for a simple reset of the pushbutton element after actuation, thereby enabling efficient switching by the pushbutton element of the switching unit. An exemplary embodiment of the switching unit proposed here is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. They show:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the switching unit;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the switching unit shown in Figure 1, without the housing shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through an embodiment of the switching unit;

[0030] Figures 4A-E each show a cross-sectional view through the lower part of the switching unit as shown in Figures 1 to 3;

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a switching unit;

[0032] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a switching unit with such a pushbutton element;

[0033] Figure 6B is a perspective sectional view of the switching unit shown in Figure 6A;

[0034] Figure 7 A is a sectional view of the switching unit shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the rest position of the pushbutton element being shown in the illustration; and

[0035] Figure 7B is a sectional view of the switching unit shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the view now showing the deflected position of the pushbutton element.

[0036] ■Identical or similar elements are designated by identical or similar reference numerals in the following figures, whereby a repeated description has been omitted for reasons of clarity. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the switching unit 100. The switching unit comprises a selector lever 110, which is rotatably mounted on an axis 120 in a housing 130.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the switching unit 100 shown in Figure 1, but now without the housing shown in Figure 1. The selector lever 110 can again be seen, which now comprises a handle 200 in the upper area, which is connected to legs 210 and 215 via a segment 205 through which the axis 120 is guided. The legs 210 and 215 are arranged on a side of the axis 120 opposite the handle 200 and, as will be seen even more clearly in the following figures, are arranged laterally offset from one another. Also visible is a deflection element 220, which is arranged on the legs 210 and 215 (for example, by means of a screw connection) and is connected to them.

[0038] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows an actuating element 225, which is movably attached to the axis 220 and can be deflected, for example, to the left by the deflecting element 220 when a user pushes the selector lever 110 to the right on the handle 200. The actuating element 225 is made, for example, from a plastic material or comprises such a plastic material and / or comprises, on a side opposite the axis 120, a switching element 230, which is designed, for example, to close a contact (for example, in an interior of the housing 130 of Figure 1) and, in doing so, to set or activate a desired switching state of the switching unit 100.Alternatively, the switching element 230 can also interact as a magnetic contact with a Hall element (not shown in Figure 2) on the housing or a correspondingly arranged circuit board to set or activate the desired switching state of the switching unit 100. It is also conceivable that other physical principles could be used to set a desired switching state of the switching unit 100 by means of the switching element 230.

[0039] Also visible is the thickened region of the actuating element 225 at the end of the actuating element 225 opposite the axis 120. The metal element can be embedded or cast in this thicker region of the actuating element 225, which lies in the region of the switching element 230, as will be described in more detail below. At the very least, this metal element interacts with a magnet 235, which is arranged, for example, on a side of the deflection element 220 opposite the axis 120 (for example, on the housing), so that the position of the actuating element 220 in a rest position is essentially close to the magnet 235 or adjacent to this magnet 235.

[0040] In order to be able to realize the most flexible possible possibility for switching several switching states with the switching unit 100, according to the embodiment of the switching unit 100 shown in Figure 2, an additional actuating element 240 is provided, which is again arranged and constructed so as to be movable on the axis 120 and is advantageously arranged on the same side of the magnet 235 as the actuating element 225. The additional actuating element 240 also again comprises a switching element 130, which acts analogously to the switching element 230 of the actuating element 225.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through an embodiment of the switching unit 100. In the upper area, the handle 200 of the shaft lever 110 and the axis 120 can be seen. In the lower area, the section through the thicker part of the actuating lever 225 can be seen, with the metal element 300a now visible as an area that is embedded or cast into the end of the actuating element 225 opposite the axis 120. The metal element 300a can, for example, be rectangular or square. It can also be seen that this metal element 300a, which, for example, comprises or has a ferromagnetic material such as iron, is arranged laterally next to the magnet 235 and is attracted by this magnet 235. In this way, the actuating element 225 can be held very close to the magnet 235 and thus rests in a position that is very clearly recognizable to a user.

[0042] Additionally, Figure 3 shows a further actuating element 310, which is also movably attached to the axis 120 and, at the end opposite the axis 120, also has a (further) metal element 300b, which magnetically interacts with the magnet 135. In this way, the further actuating element 310, which is now arranged on a side of the deflection element 220 opposite the actuating element 225, is held close to the magnet 235 in a rest position of the switching unit 100 or the selector lever 110.

[0043] It can also be seen that the steering element 220 comprises at least one damping element 320, which is made, for example, from a plastic material or rubber and is arranged in a ring around the deflection element 220. This allows hard impacts or mechanical contact between the actuating element 225, the further actuating element 310, and / or the additional actuating element 240 to be avoided or at least reduced or dampened. The damping element 320 can be a single element or, for example, a covering over the entire length of the deflection element 220. It is also conceivable for the damping element 320 to have a shape other than a ring, for example, a small rectangular element.

[0044] Figures 4A to 4E each show a cross-sectional view through the lower part of the switching unit 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0045] Figure 4A shows the position of the individual components of the switching unit 100 in a rest position, i.e., when a user is not operating the selector lever. Figure 4A shows the two legs 110 and 215, respectively, and it can be seen that these two legs 210 and 215 are arranged laterally offset. Furthermore, Figure 4A shows the deflection element 220, which is fastened between the two legs 210 and 215, respectively, and in this case is screwed to the legs 210 and 215, respectively. It can also be seen that the deflection element 220 has individual sections 400, 410 and 420, respectively, which are adjacent to one another and are arranged laterally offset from one another. As a result, when the selector lever is actuated about the axis, this deflection element 220 can be moved upwards or downwards essentially parallel to the axis not shown in Figure 4A.downwards, so that the individual actuating elements 225, 240, 310, as well as the fourth actuating element 430 shown in Figure 4A (which is arranged on the same side as the further actuating element 310 with respect to the magnet 235 and is constructed analogously) are deflected accordingly depending on the degree of actuation of the selector lever. This allows different switching states to be activated or switched.

[0046] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view through the lower part of the switching unit 100 at a first degree of downward deflection of the deflection element 220. It can now be seen that the additional actuating element 240, due to contact with the partial section 420 of the deflection element 220 adjacent to the left leg 215, is deflected significantly further than the actuating element 225, which can be actuated by the partial section 400 of the deflection element 220 adjacent to the right leg 210. Due to the downward deflection of the deflection element 220, the additional actuating element 310 and the fourth actuating element 420 also remain in their respective rest positions adjacent to the magnet 235.

[0047] Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view through the lower part of the switching unit 100 at a second degree of downward deflection of the deflection element 220, whereby not only the additional actuating element 240 but also the actuating element 225 is now deflected from its respective rest position by the deflection element 220. This allows a second degree of actuation or switching state to be switched with the switching unit 100.

[0048] Figure 4D shows a cross-sectional view through the lower part of the switching unit 100 at a third degree of deflection of the deflection element 220, wherein it can now be seen that the further actuating element 310 is carried along or deflected by the first subsection 400 of the deflection element 220. Due to the lateral offset of the individual subsections of the deflection element 220, the fourth actuating element 430 is not yet deflected at this degree of deflection, but remains in its rest position in the region of the magnet 235.

[0049] Figure 4E shows a cross-sectional view through the lower part of the switching unit 100 at a fourth degree of design of the deflection element 220, wherein now, in addition to the further actuating element 310, which has been deflected even further upward, the fourth actuating element 430 (by the section 420 of the deflection element 220 adjacent to the left leg 215) is also deflected from its rest position next to the magnet 235. The actuating element 225 and the additional actuating element 240 are not moved from their rest position in contact with the magnet 235 by any part of the deflection element 220.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a switching unit 100. In contrast to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, a switching element 230 is now used to activate or select a switching state of the switching unit 100, which is arranged on a leg 215 of the selector lever 110. For example, such a switching element 230 can be designed in the form of a (permanent) magnet that interacts with a corresponding magnetic sensor (not shown in Figure 5) that is arranged on a circuit board 500 to the side of this leg 215. Such an arrangement of sensors also allows the positions of the selector lever 110 to be evaluated effectively and cost-effectively.

[0051] In summary, it should be noted that the approach proposed here presents a switching unit 100 which, through the interaction of mechanical and magnetic components, enables a haptic function that is very clearly recognizable by a user. The specific electrical or electronic switching option can be implemented at various positions within the switching unit 100, whereby it is always ensured that the switching unit or its components return to a corresponding rest position when not actuated. Thus, a monostable switching unit 100 is presented which can be used, for example, as a gear selector switch for a vehicle. A corresponding switching haptic of the monostable switch proposed here as an example as a switching unit 100 then occurs, for example, without play and / or via a permanent magnet.The power of the (permanent) magnet creates no frictional forces and therefore no grinding noises, less play, and the switching unit does not require grease for lubrication.

[0052] In addition, many switching elements also feature a pushbutton switch for engaging a parking lock, whereby this pushbutton switch is often also designed as a razor element. In this case, too, problems arise when the locking element slides over a detent or a locking lug. This can result in a grinding noise and a certain amount of friction, which impairs the haptic quality of the switch and sometimes even causes play in the switch in the neutral position. The approach presented here can also solve such a problem if the pushbutton switch is designed as a pushbutton element that is held in a rest position by the magnet or a magnetic element.

[0053] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of a switching unit 100 with such a pushbutton element 600, which is configured, for example, as a switch for a parking lock. This pushbutton element 600 can be arranged, for example, below or below the selector lever 110 and can be pressed into the housing 130, for example, for activation from a rest position shown in Figure 6A.

[0054] Figure 6B shows a perspective sectional view of the switching unit 100 shown in Figure 6A. From Figure 6B it can be seen that a lever element 610 is arranged below the pushbutton element 600, which is suspended or mounted on an axis 620 in a movable or rotatable manner.

[0055] Figure 7A shows a sectional view of the switching unit 100 shown in Figures 6A and 6B, wherein the illustration according to Figure 7A now shows the rest position of the pushbutton element 600. Here, the pushbutton element 600 is supported by means of a foot 700 on the lever element 610 in a region between the axis 620 and an end 710 opposite the axis 620, wherein the end 710 opposite the axis is arranged adjacent to the magnet 235. The lever element 610 comprises, for example, at least partially a magnetic or magnetizable material, so that the end 710 opposite the axis 620 is now attracted by the magnet 235. This holds the pushbutton element 600 in the rest position.

[0056] Figure 7B shows a sectional view of the switching unit 100 shown in Figures 6A and 6B, with the deflected position of the pushbutton element 600 now being depicted in the illustration according to Figure 7B. If an operator of the switching unit 100 exerts pressure in a downward direction 720 on the pushbutton element 600, the foot 700 deflects the lever element 610 downward and away from the magnet 235 and can activate a function such as the parking lock via a contact element not shown in the sub-figures of Figure 7. At the same time, the magnetic force of the magnet 235 can also provide the operator with haptic feedback about the depression of the pushbutton element 600, and a spring for returning the pushbutton element 600 to the rest position can be omitted, since such a return can be achieved through the effect of the magnetic force of the magnet 235.

[0057] Thus, with the force of the (for example permanent) magnet 235, no frictional forces and thus no grinding noises can arise, which also results in less play in the sensing element and no grease is required for the permanent function of the sensing element.

[0058] When the pushbutton element, which is designed, for example, as a P button (parking lock), performs a downward movement (corresponding to a stroke in the direction 720), the foot 700 attached to the P button 600 presses on the lever or lever element 610. The position of the foot 700 can vary; for example, the foot 700 can be positioned close to the axis 620, resulting in a changed (greater) force effect. In principle, the lever or lever element 610 can also be a component of the P button or the pushbutton element 600, i.e., according to the approach presented here, the foot 700 can also be omitted. The lever or lever element 610 can also be omitted. In this case, a structural design of the approach presented here provides, for example, that the foot 700 is guided directly to the (permanent) magnet 235 and can be magnetically coupled there. In other words, the image shown in Figures 6B, 7A andThe lever element 610 shown in Figure 7B is only one exemplary embodiment of the approach presented here. One advantage of the approach presented here is that the (permanent) magnet 235 of the switching unit 100 can also be used for positioning the pushbutton element 600 or the P key. Thus, very good switching haptics can be achieved using a monostable switch, which is held, for example, without play by a permanent magnet; a force distribution of the pushbutton element 600 or P key occurs via the same magnet 235, via which, for example, one or more of the actuating elements 225 are also magnetically held. However, it is also conceivable that a second magnet is used as a magnetic element specifically for the P key or the pushbutton element 600 in order to be held in a rest position, whereby this second magnet as a magnetic element is not shown in detail in the partial figures of Figures 6 and 7 for reasons of clarity.

Claims

Claims 1 . Switching unit (100) with the following features: - a selector lever (110) with a handle (200) and a deflection element (220), wherein the selector lever (110) is movably fastened to a housing (130) by means of an axis (120) and the axis (120) is arranged between the handle (200) and the deflection element (220); - at least one actuating element (225) which is movably arranged on the axis (120) and has at least one region (300a) comprising a magnetic or magnetizable material, preferably a ferromagnetic material, preferably in the form of a metal element, wherein the actuating element (225) is designed and arranged in such a way as to be deflected by the deflection element (220); and - a magnet (235) which is arranged adjacent to the side of the axis (120) facing the deflection element (220) and which is designed to magnetically couple to the region (300a).

2. Switching unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the region (300a) is arranged on a side of the actuating element (225) opposite the axis (120) and / or wherein the region (300a) is arranged laterally at one end of the actuating element (225) and / or wherein the region (300a) is designed as an iron plate, in particular a rectangular and / or square metal plate and / or wherein the actuating element (225) is at least partially made of a plastic material.

3. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (220) is arranged between the magnet (235) and the axis (120) and / or wherein the metal element (300a) is arranged in a plane with the magnet (235) and / or laterally or to the side of the magnet (235) in a rest position of the switching unit (100).

4. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (220) has at least one damping element (320) which is designed to dampen a mechanical contact between the deflection element (220) and the actuating element (225).

5. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one further actuating element (310) which is movably arranged on the axis (120) and has at least one further region (300b) comprising a magnetic or magnetizable material, preferably a ferromagnetic material, wherein the further actuating element (310) is designed and arranged in such a way as to be deflected by the deflection element (220), in particular wherein the further actuating element (310) is arranged on a side of the axis (120) opposite the actuating element (225).

6. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one additional actuating element (240) which is movably arranged on the axis (120) and has at least one additional region comprising a magnetic or magnetizable material, preferably a ferromagnetic material, preferably in the form of a metal element (300), wherein the additional actuating element (240) is designed and arranged such that it can be deflected by the deflection element (220), in particular wherein the additional actuating element (240) is arranged adjacent to the actuating element (225) or on the same side of the axis (120).

7. Switching unit (100) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the actuating element (225) can be actuated independently of the further actuating element (310) and / or the additional actuating element (240).

8. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (220) has at least two partial sections (400, 410, 420) laterally offset from one another, in particular wherein the partial sections (400, 410, 420) are each aligned parallel to the axis (120).

9. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the deflection element (220) is arranged between two laterally offset legs (210, 215) of the selector lever (110).

10. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a switching element arranged on the actuating element (225) and / or on the selector lever (110) (230) for actuating a switch, in particular wherein the switching element (230) is arranged at an end of the actuating element (225) opposite the axis (120). 1 1. Switching unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a pushbutton element (600), in particular for activating a parking lock, which is held in a rest position by the magnet (235) and / or a magnetic element.

12. Switching unit (100) according to claim 11, wherein the push button element (600) is magnetically coupled to the magnet (235) by means of a lever element (610), in particular wherein the lever element (610) at least partially comprises a magnetic or magnetizable material.

13. Switching unit (100) according to claim 12, wherein the push button element (600) is designed to push the lever element (610) away from the magnet (235) when pressed down and / or wherein the push button element (600) is designed to release a movement of the lever element (610) on the magnet (235) when the lever element (610) is released, in particular wherein the push button element (600) is designed to move the lever element (610) by means of a foot (700) and / or wherein the push button element (600) is designed to press on the lever element (610) at a contact point between an axis (620) and the magnet (235).