Long life input device for operating a device

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device (10) for an operating device of a motor vehicle, comprising an actuating element (12) with a first receptacle (14), a base plate (16) with a second receptacle (18), a coupling element (20) with a first coupling part (22) and a second coupling part (24), wherein the first coupling part (22) is supported in the first receptacle (14) and the second coupling part (24) is supported in the second receptacle (18) in such a way that the actuating element (12) can be moved relative to the base plate (16) along an actuating axis (H) via the coupling element (20) when a pressure is exerted on the actuating element (12), wherein the first receptacle (14) and the second receptacle (18) are embodied in such a way that the first coupling part (22) and the second coupling part (24) can perform a rotational and / or translational movement in the respective receptacle (14, 18), characterized in that the first coupling part (22) and the second coupling part (24) are supported without play in the respective receptacle along the actuating axis (H). The invention also relates to an operating device with the above-mentioned input device (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for operating a device, wherein the input device is designed for long-term use, and wherein the actuation of the input device by the user along the actuation axis is considered to be a pleasant and high-quality touch.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an operating device having the above-described input device. Background Technology

[0003] The support and guidance of input devices, especially keys, are typically achieved through mechanical elements, such as connecting elements, also known as stabilizers, to allow the actuating elements of the input device to move in a uniform manner or substantially parallel to the substrate (stroke motion).

[0004] By way of example, U.S. Patent Application US 2014 / 0190810A1 discloses an input device for operating a device, particularly for a keyboard, which in particular is a key. In that document, Figures 8A and 8B disclose an embodiment of an input device with a magnetic return mechanism. The input device includes a keycap, a base, and a magnetic return mechanism. The magnetic return mechanism includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component. The keycap and the base are movably connected to each other by a connecting element (also called a stabilizer bar). To make the dual nature of the stabilizer bar easier to understand, the keycap shown in transparent form in Figure 8A illustrates the use of the stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar includes protrusions that slidably engage in a recess in the keycap. The hook engagement of the protrusions in the recess allows translational movement. Furthermore, the stabilizer bar includes protrusions received by a recess in the base, which establish a pivotable connection between the base and the stabilizer bar. However, this pivotable connection causes problems. Therefore, the available free pivot space of the stabilizer bar may, for example, cause the bar to tilt, and if the key is further actuated, there is a risk of breakage due to load, resulting in an adversely shorter lifespan for the input device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, based on the above-mentioned prior art, the basic objective of this invention is to provide an input device and an operating device having the input device, which have a long service life, contain low-cost components, and are able to provide users with high-value tactile feedback.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous improvements of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] Therefore, the input device for the operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to the present invention includes:

[0008] An actuating element having a first receiving portion,

[0009] The substrate having the second receiving portion

[0010] A connecting element having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion is supported in a first receiving portion, and the second connecting portion is supported in a second receiving portion.

[0011] As a result, when pressure is applied to the actuating element, the actuating element can move relative to the substrate along the actuation axis via the connecting element, wherein the first and second receiving portions are configured such that rotational and / or translational movements of the first and second connecting portions within their respective receiving portions are feasible.

[0012] Its features are,

[0013] The first connecting part and the second connecting part are supported without gaps in their respective receiving parts along the actuation axis.

[0014] The first and second receiving portions are preferably configured such that a rotational movement of one connecting portion and a translational movement of the other connecting portion can be performed in the respective receiving portions.

[0015] Operating devices having the above-mentioned input devices also conform to the present invention.

[0016] Therefore, the basic concept of this invention is an input device having an actuating element movable relative to a substrate. The actuating element is movably connected to the substrate via a connecting element. At the heart of this invention is that the connecting element can translate on one side and rotate on the other side relative to both the actuating element and the substrate. The interface between the connecting element and the corresponding coupled mechanism (i.e., the actuating element and the substrate, respectively) has a gapless design, independent of temperature and the number of mechanical components. In this mechanism, a fixed static support is provided on one side in the stroke direction along the actuation axis to ensure that no loss, tilting, or similar condition is felt or introduced during actuation due to element yielding, thus increasing component life. Since the frictional force acts on a very small diameter, the resulting frictional torque is negligible, and the preload can be precisely defined. The input device can be manufactured at low cost, where the user can perceive high-quality actuation. Furthermore, the tolerance chain of the actuation stroke is reduced.

[0017] The input device may have a return mechanism implemented according to the prior art to return the input device to its initial position, thereby enabling it to be repeatedly actuated.

[0018] If necessary, the connecting element can be designed as a previously known stabilizer bar.

[0019] "Flexibly supported" refers to a structure in which at least one component can have a flexible construction, resulting in a flexible, i.e., elastic restoring force. More precisely, "flexibly supported" means that a first connecting portion is arranged in a first receiving portion in such a way that a second connecting portion is arranged in a second receiving portion, such that elastic devices on the first and second receiving portions provide support for translation and rotation. Therefore, the first connecting portion is subjected to stress in the first receiving portion in such a way that the second connecting portion is subjected to stress in the second receiving portion, and this stress secures the respective connecting portion within its respective receiving portion.

[0020] The first receiving portion can be integrally or integrally connected to the actuating element. The second receiving portion can be integrally or integrally connected to the substrate. Here, "integrally" means that the individual receiving portions are connected together during the connection process in a separate production step. "Integrally" means that the corresponding receiving portions are produced as a single component along with the actuating element or substrate in a common production step.

[0021] Specifically, for example, one could envision an actuating element as a keycap, and a substrate designed to transmit signals to a circuit board. However, as an alternative, one could also envision, for example, an element designated as the substrate as a keycap, and an actuating element designed to transmit signals to a circuit board. Thus, in principle, it is possible to change which side the translation or rotation occurs on.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0023] The first and / or second receiving portions are implemented to be elastic in at least one or more sections, and the first and / or second connecting portions are supported in the first corresponding receiving portion of the flexible support by an interference fit, such that translational movement of the corresponding connecting portion in the corresponding receiving portion transverse to the actuation axis is feasible.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0025] The first and / or second receiving portions are implemented to be elastic in at least one or more sections, and the first and / or second connecting portions are supported in the respective receiving portions by an interference fit, such that rotational movement of the respective connecting portions in the respective receiving portions is feasible.

[0026] For the purposes of this invention, an interference fit refers to a cross-section of the first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion, particularly along the actuation axis, being larger than the size of the receiving area of ​​the first receiving portion and / or the second receiving portion along the actuation axis. Therefore, the first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion are clamped along the actuation axis, resulting in a gapless support along the actuation axis. Consequently, overlap or preloading exists to achieve a clearance ≤0 in these areas and reduce the tolerance chain.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0028] The first and / or second receiving portions are designed as support brackets, in which the corresponding connecting portions are supported. The support brackets may be formed from one or more elongated elements forming the first and / or second receiving portions. As they comprise multiple elongated elements, these elements are connected to each other at an angle. If only one elongated element is involved, such as a first longitudinal body, it may, for example, protrude from the actuating element and / or the substrate at an angle. In this embodiment, reliable support for the first connecting portion along the actuation axis is achieved by clamping the first connecting portion between the two longitudinal bodies. This allows for a low-cost and reliable implementation.

[0029] Based on an advantageous embodiment of the above embodiments, it is envisioned that:

[0030] The support brackets of the first and / or second receiving portions are L-shaped, with the first support bracket portion protruding from the actuating element or substrate and the second support bracket portion extending parallel to the actuating element or substrate, thereby forming a receiving space between the actuating element or substrate and the corresponding support bracket. Therefore, by clamping the second connecting portion between the two longitudinal bodies, reliable support for the second connecting portion along the actuation axis is achieved. This enables a low-cost and reliable implementation.

[0031] Based on an advantageous embodiment of the above embodiments, it is envisioned that:

[0032] The support brackets of the first and second receptacles are arranged at intervals along the actuation axis, wherein the open end of the first receptacle, designed as an L-shaped support bracket, points towards the second receptacle, and wherein the open end of the second receptacle, designed as an L-shaped support bracket, points towards the first receptacle. This means that the openings and corresponding L-shaped profiles of the first and second receptacles are aligned and offset relative to each other in parallel. It has been found that this allows for advantageous and economical force flow in the components and thus allows for a long service life of the input device.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the above-described embodiments, it is conceivable that the support bracket has such a flat dimension that its main longitudinal axis is longer than its material thickness. This means that the support bracket has a flat structure, thus requiring very little material and installation space.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0035] The first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion have an arched, particularly circular, cross-section. "Arched" can also mean elliptical. "Circular" means that the diameter is always the same.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0037] The first and / or second receiving portions have arched receiving surfaces for supporting the first and / or second connecting portions. This increases the reliability of the connecting portion support and also increases the reliability of the input device.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0039] The first longitudinal body of the first and / or second receiving portion has elastic material properties. This reduces the risk of material damage due to accidental deformation of the component.

[0040] In particular, the first longitudinal body of the first and / or second receiving portion can be designed as a support bracket.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0042] The input device has a reset element to return it to its original position after actuation. Therefore, the input device can be reused without requiring manual reset by the user.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment of the flexible and elastic first longitudinal body of the first receiving portion, it is envisioned that:

[0044] The first longitudinal body, located away from the actuating element, has a flexible and elastic design, giving it flexible and elastic material properties, and / or a spring device acting on the first connecting portion is arranged on the first longitudinal body. In the case of the spring device, this serves as a component of the first longitudinal body. Both possibilities are based on the principle of elastic materials and also allow for simple assembly and a low-cost, yet reliable, design of the first receiving portion.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0046] The second receiving portion is designed as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion or substrate has a second longitudinal body, and the first longitudinal body, located away from the substrate, has a flexible and elastic design. The flexible and elastic design of the first longitudinal body allows for simple assembly and simultaneously allows for a low-cost and reliable design of the second receiving portion. The flexible and elastic construction of the first longitudinal body can be achieved in various ways.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment of the flexible and elastic first longitudinal body of the second receiving portion, it is envisioned that:

[0048] The first longitudinal body, located away from the substrate, has a flexible and elastic design, giving it elastic material properties, and / or a spring device acting on the second connecting portion is arranged on the first longitudinal body. Both possibilities are based on the principle of elastic materials and also allow for simple assembly and a low-cost, reliable design of the second receiving portion.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0050] The first receiving portion is designed as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the first receiving portion or actuating element has a second longitudinal body, wherein the second longitudinal body closer to the actuating element has a surface coating that secures the first connecting portion. The second longitudinal body closer to the actuating element should be understood as the longitudinal body that is closer to the actuating element of the two longitudinal bodies. Therefore, the first longitudinal body is the longitudinal body further away from the actuating element. The surface coating of the second longitudinal body allows for simple assembly and simultaneously enables a low-cost and reliable design of the first receiving portion.

[0051] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0052] The second receiving portion is designed as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion or substrate has a second longitudinal body, and the second longitudinal body closer to the substrate has a surface coating that secures the second connecting portion. The second longitudinal body closer to the substrate should be understood as the longitudinal body that is more closely closer to the substrate than the first longitudinal body. Therefore, the first longitudinal body is the longitudinal body furthest from the substrate. The surface coating of the second longitudinal body allows for simple assembly and simultaneously allows for a lower cost and more reliable design of the second receiving portion.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0054] The cross-section of the first and / or second connecting portions of the connecting element is arched, and in particular circular. It has been found that this produces a perceptible high-quality tactile sensation in the user of the actuating element.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that:

[0056] The main expansion plane of the actuator and the main expansion plane of the substrate are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The parallelism mentioned above allows for simple assembly, while also enabling lower cost and more reliable design of the input device.

[0057] All constructs related to parallelism can perform their functions even with slight differences from parallelism. However, the longest-lived result can be obtained through perfect parallelism. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The described features may individually or in combination represent one aspect of the invention. Features of different exemplary embodiments may be transferred from one exemplary embodiment to another.

[0059] In the attached diagram:

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an input device having a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 The data with load data is shown. Figure 1 The first accommodating part; and

[0062] Figure 3 The data with load data is shown. Figure 1 The second accommodating part. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 An input device 10 for operating equipment of a motor vehicle is shown, comprising:

[0064] The actuating element 12 having the first receiving portion 14,

[0065] The substrate 16 having the second receiving portion 18,

[0066] The connecting element 20 has a first connecting portion 22 and a second connecting portion 24, wherein the first connecting portion 22 is supported in a first receiving portion 14 and the second connecting portion 24 is supported in a second receiving portion 18.

[0067] Here, when pressure is applied to the actuating element 12, the actuating element 12 can move relative to the substrate 16 along the actuation axis H via the connecting element 20, wherein the first receiving portion 14 and the second receiving portion 18 are configured such that rotational and / or translational movement of the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 24 within the respective receiving portions 14, 18 is feasible. The key point is that the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 24 are supported without clearance in the respective receiving portions along the actuation axis H. The arrow FΣ (FSUMME) indicates actuation acting on the actuating element 10 with a total force. For example, this could correspond to a user pressing a key.

[0068] The translational direction of the movement of the first connecting part 22 is in Figure 1The middle part is symbolically represented by a straight double arrow.

[0069] The rotational direction of the second connecting part 24 is in Figure 1 The middle part is symbolically represented by a curved double arrow.

[0070] Specifically, it is conceivable that, for translational movement, the first connecting portion 22 is arranged in an interference fit within the first receiving portion 14 of the flexible support. Further, it is conceivable that, for rotational movement, the second connecting portion 24 is arranged in an interference fit within the second receiving portion 18 of the flexible support. For the purposes of this invention, an interference fit means that the cross-section of the first connecting portion 22 and / or the cross-section of the second connecting portion 24, particularly along the actuation axis H, is larger than the size of the receiving area of ​​the first connecting portion 14 and / or the second connecting portion 18 along the actuation axis H. Therefore, the first connecting portion 22 and / or the second connecting portion 24 are clamped along the actuation axis H, thus providing a gapless support along the actuation axis H.

[0071] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in a and 2b, the first receiving portion 14 is envisioned as a support bracket with a first longitudinal body 26, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the first receiving portion 14 or the actuating element 12 has a second longitudinal body 28, wherein the two longitudinal bodies 26, 28 extend substantially parallel to the principal plane of extent B of the actuating element 12, such that during the stroke movement of the actuating element 12 along the stroke axis H, the first connecting portion 22 is movable to perform a translational movement parallel to the principal plane of extent B of the actuating element 12. Here, "substantially parallel" means, in particular, that the respective principal extension axes of the first longitudinal bodies 26, 28 deviate from the principal plane of extent B of the actuating element 12 by less than or equal to 10 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 5 degrees. The respective principal extension axes of the two longitudinal bodies 26, 28 are preferably precisely parallel to the principal plane of extent B of the actuating element 12.

[0072] like Figure 1 , 3As shown in a and 3b, the second receiving portion 18 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 30, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion 18 or the substrate 16 has a second longitudinal body 32, wherein the two longitudinal bodies 30, 32 extend substantially parallel to the main extension plane G of the substrate 16, such that the second connecting portion 24 is rotatably movable during the stroke of the actuating element 12 along the actuation axis H. Here, "substantially parallel" means that the respective main extension axes of the longitudinal bodies 30, 32 deviate from the main extension plane G of the substrate 16 by less than or equal to 10 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 5 degrees. The respective main extension axes of the longitudinal bodies 30, 32 are preferably precisely parallel to the main extension plane G of the substrate 16.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, a first receiving portion 14, which is designed as a support bracket and preferably at least L-shaped, and a second receiving portion 18, which is designed as a support bracket and preferably at least L-shaped, are axially spaced along the actuation axis H. The opening end of the first receiving portion 14, which is preferably L-shaped, points towards the second receiving portion 18, and the opening end of the second receiving portion 18, which is preferably L-shaped, points towards the first receiving portion 14.

[0074] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in a and 2b, the first receiving portion 14 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 26, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the first receiving portion 14 or the actuating element 12 has a second longitudinal body 28, wherein the first longitudinal body 26, away from the actuating element 12, is chamfered along the first connecting portion 22 on its edge 34 at its end pointing toward the opening end of the preferably L-shaped bracket.

[0075] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown in a and 3b, the second receiving portion 18 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 30, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion 18 or the base plate 16 has a second longitudinal body 32, wherein each of the first longitudinal body 30 and the second longitudinal body 32 has a protrusion 36, 38 at its end pointing toward the opening end of the preferably L-shaped bracket, such that the protrusions 36, 38 secure the second connecting member 24 to prevent it from dislodging from the second receiving portion 18.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure a, the longitudinal main bodies 30 and 32 and their protrusions 36 and 38 are arranged alternately along the main extension axis of the second connecting portion 24.

[0077] Protrusions 36 and 38 can be formed by chamfering, for example.

[0078] like Figure 1 ,2 As shown in a and 2b, the first receiving portion 14 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 26, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the first receiving portion 14 or the actuating element 12 has a second longitudinal body 28, wherein the first longitudinal body 26, located away from the actuating element 12, has a flexibly resilient design. Specifically, the first longitudinal body 26, located away from the actuating element 12, is envisioned to have such a flexibly resilient design that the first longitudinal body 26 possesses flexible material properties, and / or a spring device 40 acting on the first connecting portion 22 is arranged on the first longitudinal body 26. Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a spring device 40 that operates with spring force F1.

[0079] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown in a and 3b, the second receiving portion 18 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 30, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion 18 or the substrate 16 has a second longitudinal body 32, and wherein the first longitudinal body 30, remote from the substrate 16, has a flexible and elastic design. Specifically, the first longitudinal body 30, remote from the substrate 16, is envisioned to have such a flexible and elastic design that the first longitudinal body 30 has flexible and elastic material properties, and / or a spring device 42 acting on the second connecting portion 24 is arranged on the first longitudinal body 30. Figure 1 The spring device 42, which is acted upon by spring force F2, is illustrated schematically by way of example.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the first receiving portion 14 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 26, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the first receiving portion 14 or the actuating element 12 has a second longitudinal body 28, wherein the second longitudinal body 28 near the actuating element 12 has a surface coating 44 for fixing the first connecting portion 22. Specifically, according to Figure 1 The second receiving portion 18 is envisioned as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body 30, preferably at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion 18 or the substrate 16 has a second longitudinal body 32, wherein the second longitudinal body 32 near the substrate 16 has a surface coating 46 for fixing the second connecting portion 24. The second longitudinal body 28 near the actuating element 12 is understood to refer to the longitudinal body closer to the actuating element 12 of the two longitudinal bodies 26, 28. Therefore, the first longitudinal body 26 is the longitudinal body 26 away from the actuating element 12. The second longitudinal body 32 near the substrate 16 is understood to refer to the longitudinal body even closer to the substrate 16 of the two longitudinal bodies 30, 32. Therefore, the first longitudinal body 30 is the longitudinal body 30 away from the substrate 16.

[0081] like Figure 1, 2 As shown in a, 2b, 3a and 3b, it can be envisioned that the cross-section of the first connecting portion 22 and / or the second connecting portion 24 of the connecting element 20 is round, especially circular.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, it is envisioned that the main extension plane B of the actuator 12 and the main extension plane G of the substrate 16 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. "Substantially parallel" specifically means that the main extension plane B of the actuator 12 and the main extension plane G of the substrate 16 do not contact each other. However, it is possible for the main extension plane B of the actuator 12 and the main extension plane G of the substrate 16 to form an angle of less than or equal to 10 degrees relative to each other.

[0083] The phrase "the first receiving portion 14 or the second receiving portion 18 is at least designed as a support bracket, preferably at least L-shaped" means that it preferably exists. Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows at least an L-shape, where other termination elements may optionally be connected to the open end of the L-shape to provide a U-shape or an O-shape. The terms "L-shape," "U-shape," and "O-shape" should not be strictly interpreted as letters. Rather, the use of the letters provides a general explanation of the technical teachings.

[0084] Figure 2 b discloses a first receiving portion 14 having different load fields during the actuation of the input device 10, wherein an increase in the number indicates an increase in load.

[0085] Figure 2 c discloses a force-deformation diagram for the first receiving portion 14. More precisely, the y-axis represents the reaction force in Newtons. The x-axis represents the deformation of the first receiving portion 14 in millimeters. It can be seen that the measurements are close to linear, so it can be assumed that no unexpected loads will occur during the operation of the input device 10, thus the input device 10 is designed for the longest possible lifespan.

[0086] Figure 3 b discloses a second accommodating portion 18 having a different load field during the actuation of the input device 10, wherein an increase in the number indicates an increase in load.

[0087] Figure 3 c discloses a force-deformation diagram for the second receiving portion 18. More precisely, the y-axis represents the reaction force in Newtons. The x-axis represents the deformation of the second receiving portion 18 in millimeters. It can be seen that the measurements are close to linear, so it can be assumed that no unexpected loads will occur during the operation of the input device 10, thus the input device 10 is designed as a long-lived design as possible.

[0088] In particular, Figure 1 The diagram schematically discloses that the first and / or second receiving portions 14, 18 are implemented as being elastic in at least one or some sections, and the first and / or second connecting portions 22, 24 are supported in the respective receiving portions 14, 24 by an interference fit, such that translational movement of the respective connecting portions 22, 24 transverse to the actuation axis in the respective receiving portions 14, 24 is feasible.

[0089] according to Figure 1 Preferably, the first and / or second receiving portions 14, 18 are implemented to be elastic in at least one or some sections, and the first and / or second connecting portions 22, 24 are supported in the respective receiving portions 14, 18 by an interference fit, such that rotational movement of the respective connecting portions 22, 24 in the respective receiving portions is feasible.

[0090] according to Figure 2 a and 3a, preferably, the first and / or second receiving portions 14, 18 are designed as support brackets 6, 30, and the corresponding connecting portions 22, 24 are supported in the support brackets.

[0091] For example, especially in Figure 1 As seen in the diagram, the support brackets of the first and / or second receiving portions 14, 18 are specifically designed in an L-shape, with the first support bracket portion protruding from the actuating element 12 or the substrate 16 and the second support bracket portion extending parallel to the actuating element 12 or the substrate 16, thereby forming a receiving space between the actuating element 12 or the substrate 16 and the corresponding support bracket.

[0092] according to Figure 1 The first connecting portion 22 and / or the second connecting portion 24 preferably have an arched, in particular circular, cross-section.

[0093] As an example, the first receiving portion 14 and / or the second receiving portion 18 may have rounded receiving surfaces for supporting the first connecting portion 22 and / or the second connecting portion 24.

[0094] Alternatively, the first longitudinal body 26, 30 of the first and / or second receiving portions 14, 18 is particularly characterized by elastic material properties.

[0095] Although not shown, the input device 10 preferably has a reset element for returning the input device 10 to its original position after actuation.

[0096] Figure Labels

[0097] 10 Input Devices

[0098] 12 Actuating elements

[0099] 14 First Reception Section

[0100] 16 substrate

[0101] 18 Second Reception Section

[0102] 20 Connecting elements

[0103] 22 First connecting part

[0104] 24 Second connecting part

[0105] 26 The first longitudinal main body of the first receiving section

[0106] 28 The second longitudinal main body of the first receiving section

[0107] 30 The first longitudinal main body of the second receiving section

[0108] 32 The second longitudinal main body of the second receiving section

[0109] 34 The edge of the second longitudinal main body

[0110] 36 The protruding part of the first longitudinal main body

[0111] 38. The protrusion of the second longitudinal main body

[0112] 40 Spring device on the second longitudinal body

[0113] 42 Spring device on the second longitudinal body

[0114] 44 Surface coating on the first longitudinal body

[0115] 46 Surface coating on the first longitudinal body

[0116] B. Main extension plane of the actuating element

[0117] G substrate main expansion plane

[0118] H is the actuation axis for the stroke movement of the actuating element relative to the substrate.

[0119] FΣ F SUMME, the total force acting on the actuating element.

[0120] F1 Spring force on the second longitudinal body

[0121] F2 Spring force on the second longitudinal body

[0122] x Deformation amount (mm)

[0123] y represents the reaction force (Newton).

Claims

1. An input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle, comprising: An actuating element (12) having a first receiving portion (14), The substrate (16) having the second receiving portion (18) A connecting element (20) has a first connecting portion (22) and a second connecting portion (24), wherein the first connecting portion (22) is supported in the first receiving portion (14), and the second connecting portion (24) is supported in the second receiving portion (18). When pressure is applied to the actuating element (12), the actuating element (12) is able to move relative to the substrate (16) along the actuation axis (H) via the connecting element (20), wherein the first receiving portion (14) and the second receiving portion (18) are configured such that translational movement of the first connecting portion (22) and rotational movement of the second connecting portion (24) are possible in the respective receiving portions (14, 18). Its features are, The first connecting portion (22) and the second connecting portion (24) are supported without gap in their respective receiving portions along the actuation axis (H). The first receiving portion (14) and the second receiving portion (18) are designed as support brackets (26, 30), and the corresponding connecting portions (22, 24) are supported in the support brackets. The support brackets of the first receiving portion (14) and the second receiving portion (18) are both L-shaped, wherein the first support bracket portion protrudes from the actuating element (12) or the substrate (16), and the second support bracket portion extends parallel to the actuating element (12) or the substrate (16), thereby forming a receiving space between the actuating element (12) or the substrate (16) and the corresponding support bracket.

2. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first receiving portion (14) and / or the second receiving portion (18) are implemented to be elastic in at least one or some sections, and the first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24) are supported in the respective receiving portions (14, 18) by an interference fit, such that the respective connecting portions (22, 24) can translate laterally in the respective receiving portions (14, 18) about the actuation axis.

3. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first receiving portion (14) and / or the second receiving portion (18) are implemented to be elastic in at least one or some sections, and the first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24) are supported in the respective receiving portions (14, 18) by an interference fit, such that the respective connecting portions (22, 24) can rotate in the respective receiving portions.

4. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support brackets of the first receiving portion (14) and the second receiving portion (18) are arranged at intervals along the actuation axis (H), wherein the opening end of the first receiving portion (14), which is designed as an L-shaped support bracket, points to the second receiving portion (18), and wherein the opening end of the second receiving portion (18), which is designed as an L-shaped support bracket, points to the first receiving portion (14).

5. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The support bracket has such flat dimensions that its main longitudinal axis is longer than its material thickness.

6. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24) have an arched cross-section.

7. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first receiving portion (14) and / or the second receiving portion (18) have an arched receiving surface for supporting the first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24).

8. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first longitudinal body (26, 30) of the first receiving portion (14) and / or the second receiving portion (18) has elastic material properties.

9. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input device (10) has a reset element for returning the input device (10) to its original position after actuation.

10. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first longitudinal body (26) away from the actuating element (12) has such a flexible and elastic design that the first longitudinal body (26) has flexible and elastic material properties, and / or a spring device (40) acting on the first connecting part (22) is arranged on the first longitudinal body (26).

11. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second receiving portion (18) is designed as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body (30), which is at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion (18) or the substrate (16) has a second longitudinal body (32), wherein the first longitudinal body (30) away from the substrate (16) has a flexible and elastic design.

12. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first longitudinal body (30) away from the substrate (16) has such a flexible and elastic design that the first longitudinal body (30) has flexible and elastic material properties, and / or a spring device (42) acting on the second connecting portion (24) is arranged on the first longitudinal body (30).

13. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first receiving portion (14) is designed as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body (26), which is at least L-shaped, wherein the first receiving portion (14) or the actuating element (12) has a second longitudinal body (28), wherein the second longitudinal body (28) near the actuating element (12) has a surface coating (44) for fixing the first connecting portion (22).

14. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second receiving portion (18) is designed as a support bracket having a first longitudinal body (30), which is at least L-shaped, wherein the second receiving portion (18) or the substrate (16) has a second longitudinal body (32), wherein the second longitudinal body (32) near the substrate (16) has a surface coating (46) for fixing the second connecting portion (24).

15. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24) of the connecting element (20) is arched.

16. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main extension plane (B) of the actuating element (12) and the main extension plane (G) of the substrate (16) are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

17. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 15, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24) of the connecting element (20) is circular.

18. The input device (10) for operating equipment of a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first connecting portion (22) and / or the second connecting portion (24) have a circular cross-section.

19. An operating device having at least one input device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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