Operating device, especially for a motor vehicle

Abstract

An operating device (1), in particular for a device of a motor vehicle, comprises an operating element (2) which can be linearly moved by an operator for operation and is guided by means of a guide device (3), wherein a transmission device (9) is provided which can be connected or is connected to the operating element (2), the transmission device having a transmission element (8) which can be pivoted about a rotation axis (10) and is connected to the operating element (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device, in particular for an apparatus of a motor vehicle, which comprises an operating element which is linearly movable for operation by an operator and which is guided by means of a guide device. Background Art

[0002] In principle, operating devices with operating elements that can be moved by an operator for operation are known from the prior art. With the aid of such operating elements, the operator can interact with the device, for example, to set the device. In particular, such devices can also be arranged in a motor vehicle, so that the operator can, for example, set or select different operating states of the motor vehicle or individual components of the motor vehicle by means of the operating elements.

[0003] It is also known in such operating devices that a defined haptic or different setting possibilities or movement possibilities of the operating element can be achieved by different movements or positions of the operating element. On the one hand, such operating elements are subject to the requirement that the operating element can be positioned precisely and without play in or along a guide. Furthermore, the haptic has a significant influence on the operator's operating experience when operating the operating element, in particular when the operating element moves along the guide.

[0004] In linearly displaceable or linearly movable operating elements, only a linear guide is often provided, along which the operating element is moved, for example by engaging in a guide slot provided by the guide device. Such linear or displacement movements partially fail to meet the user's requirements for a defined tactile feel or precise positioning possibilities. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved operating device, in particular for an appliance of a motor vehicle, in which the haptics and the positioning accuracy are in particular improved.

[0006] This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of the invention. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of preferred embodiments.

[0007] As described above, the present invention relates to an operating device, in particular for a device of a motor vehicle. The operating device has an operating element that can be linearly moved by an operator for operation, wherein the linear movement is achieved by guiding the operating element with the aid of a guide device. In other words, the operating device provides a guide device in which or with the aid of which the operating element can be linearly guided, in such a way that the operator linearly moves the operating element to operate the operating device, for example, grabs the operating element and displaces it along a movement trajectory predetermined by the guide device.

[0008] The invention is based on the following recognition: namely, a transmission device that can be connected or is connected to an operating element is provided, which transmission device has a transmission element that can be pivoted about an axis of rotation and is connected to the operating element. Therefore, it is generally proposed that the linear movement performed by the operating element and guided by means of a guide device (as described above) is transmitted by means of the transmission element. It is achieved in this way that the haptics of the operating element and the precision in the positioning are not only determined by the guide device (the operating element is guided by means of or in the guide device), but the operating element is connected to the transmission element that is pivotally mounted about the axis of rotation, so that the movement of the operating element is correspondingly converted into a pivoting movement.

[0009] In other words, there is not only a linear movement of the operating element, in which the operating element is displaced, for example, in a guide, but the operating element is coupled to a transmission element of a transmission, so that the linearly displaced operating element is coupled to a movement of the transmission element, in particular a pivoting movement about the axis of rotation. This achieves a defined haptic, since ultimately not only a linear displacement of the operating element is performed, but the movement of the operating element is decisively co-determined by the movement of the transmission element. This also makes it possible to achieve improved precision in the positioning of the operating element due to the pivotable mounting of the transmission element, since in addition to guiding the operating element in the guide there is also a coupling of the operating element to the transmission element, which ultimately allows for more precise positioning.

[0010] Overall, this improves the operator's feeling when operating the operating element, in particular the tactile sensation when the operating element makes a linear movement, for example when the operating element is displaced in a guide-like device, so that the user obtains an improved operating feeling when operating the operating element or when operating the operating device as a whole. In addition, the user can set a defined switching state or operating state of the operating device more accurately, because the positioning accuracy of the operating element is finally improved.

[0011] The transmission element of the transmission device of the operating device can be designed, for example, as a lever element that can be pivoted about the rotation axis, which extends between the operating element and the rotation axis. Therefore, as described above, the lever element combines the movement of the operating element with the movement of the lever element about the rotation axis. Therefore, the rotation axis or the rotation point determines the trajectory on which the operating element finally moves. Here, the connection point between the operating element and the lever element performs a circular movement about the rotation axis, which is converted into a linear movement of the operating element guided by the guide device through the connection between the operating element and the lever element.

[0012] In other words, the operating element is linearly moved (e.g. displaced) by means of a guide, in particular in the guide, wherein the operating element simultaneously performs a pivoting movement of the lever element about the axis of rotation by means of a transmission, i.e. by means of a transmission element. Here, the transmission element, in particular a lever element pivotable about the axis of rotation, imparts a circular movement to the linear movement, wherein the points at which the lever element is coupled to the operating element describe a circular path. Here, the operating element itself also describes a linear movement, but it is pivotably supported by the transmission.

[0013] In this case, it can be provided in particular that the transmission element is connected to the guide device, in particular the guide element of the guide device and / or to the operating element by means of a connecting device. Thus, the connecting device can establish a connection between the operating element and the transmission element. Here, the operating element can be connected to the guide element of the guide device, for example, so that the transmission element can be connected to the guide element and thus an indirect connection can be established between the transmission element and the operating element connected to the guide element.

[0014] Of course, it is also possible to propose that the transmission element is directly connected to the operating element. In addition, it is possible to connect the transmission element to the guide element and the operating element. Of course, the transmission element can also be connected to the guide device in other ways. Here, the connecting element finally establishes a movable connection between the operating element and the transmission element, which allows the operating element to move linearly, that is, to implement a defined linear movement imposed by the guide device, and at the same time supports the operating element on the transmission device that implements a circular movement.

[0015] In other words, the transmission element and the operating element are coupled via a connection device, wherein the connection device allows a defined relative movement between the transmission element and the operating element, but when the operating element moves, the transmission element also moves, and vice versa.

[0016] For this purpose, the connecting device can in particular have a joint element, in particular a ball joint or an axle joint or a pivot joint, through which the transmission element is connected to the operating element and / or the guide device. This enables the operating element to ultimately move linearly, which is transmitted or converted into a pivoting movement of the transmission element by the joint element. Accordingly, the operating element is connected to the transmission element of the transmission device through the connecting device, wherein when the operating element moves along or with the aid of the guide device, movement also occurs in the joint element, which maintains the connection between the transmission element and the operating element and ultimately converts or transmits the linear movement into a circular movement, and vice versa. It is thus possible to pivot the transmission element and linearly guide the operating element, and thus achieve the advantages of the pivoting movement in terms of positioning accuracy and tactile feel when operating the operating element (in particular when implementing a linear movement).

[0017] For this purpose, the connection device has, for example, a compensating element, in particular a slider which is arranged in a sliding manner in a recess in a guide element of the guide device and / or in an operating element. The compensating element can move (for example slide) within the recess in the guide element and / or in the operating element and thus allows a relative movement between the operating element and the transmission element. In particular, the joint element of the connection device is arranged in or on the compensating element so that the relative movement is formed as a movement which is a combination of a pivoting of a transmission element (for example a shaft, a ball joint or a shaft at the top of a lever element) received in the joint element and a linear movement which simultaneously serves to compensate for different movement trajectories (in particular circular trajectories and linear trajectories).

[0018] In other words, during a linear movement of the operating element along or by means of the guide device, the transmission element is forced to perform a pivoting movement about the rotation axis by the coupling via the connecting device, wherein the compensation element is moved relative to the recess in the operating element and / or the guide element depending on the position or movement performed by the operating element. Here, a relative movement also occurs in the joint element, which, as described above, can be arranged in particular in the compensation element. The slide can in particular have a joint, for example a ball joint or a shaft connected to the transmission element.

[0019] When the transmission element moves about the axis of rotation, the joint element moves on a circular trajectory and thus rotates relative to the slider. As a result, a deviation occurs between the joint element moving on a circular trajectory and the slider moving linearly with the operating element. This deviation can be compensated by relative mobility, in particular in the Z direction of the slider inside the recess in the operating element and / or the guide element. Thus, the compensation element compensates for the deviation caused by the circular trajectory deviating from the linear trajectory, and the joint element can realize the relative movement between the transmission element and the operating element.

[0020] The guide device, in particular the guide element of the guide device, can be arranged in the region of the operating element, for example in direct contact with the operating element. The guide element can be, for example, a guide plate which is arranged firmly or releasably on the operating element. The operating element is, for example, a handle which an operator can grasp and move in order to operate the operating device. In this case, the transmission device can be releasably arranged on the operating element or the guide element. The guide element and the operating element which are in direct contact with each other can have a recess into which the transmission element or the compensation element on the transmission element engages.

[0021] Here, a connection device with a joint element and a compensation element is arranged at the top end of the transmission element, i.e. the free end that engages in the recess or is aligned in the direction of the recess. Thus, a slide is formed that engages in the recesses in the guide element and the operating element and is arranged relatively displaceably in the recess, wherein a rotation axis or a ball joint is arranged inside the slide, which connects the compensation element to the transmission element. This relatively close arrangement, in particular the direct arrangement of the guide element on the operating element, achieves a defined tactile feel and particularly good positioning accuracy.

[0022] Furthermore, the guide device can have at least two holding elements spaced apart from one another at a defined distance, in which a guide element, in particular a plate-shaped guide element, is guided. Ultimately, the two holding elements support a guide element, which, as described above, is coupled to the operating element. Due to the arrangement of the two holding elements at a defined distance, in particular as far apart from one another as possible, a particularly precise and tilt-free guidance of the guide element in the holding element is ensured, and thus an improved guidance of the operating element within the guide device is achieved.

[0023] As described above, the guide element can be designed as a plate on which an operating element (e.g. a handle) is arranged. Therefore, the sliding movement between the guide element and the retaining element can be implemented as a linear movement, which is generated by the operator operating the operating element. Here, as described above, the transmission element coupled to the operating element pivots and thus achieves the advantages of two movements, namely, a linear movement within or by means of the guide device and a circular movement or pivoting movement by means of the transmission device.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the operating device, it can be provided that the transmission device is connected to the latching device or has a latching device, which has a latching element that can move and contact at least one latching surface when the operating element moves. In other words, the latching connection can provide a latching surface and at least one latching element, wherein the latching element contacts the latching surface and moves along the latching surface when the operating element moves, especially when the transmission element moves.

[0025] Here, the latching surface can have one or more latching points, into which the latching element can be latched. Thus, a plurality of latching positions are predetermined, which are formed, for example, by means of level differences, in particular depressions in the latching surface. Thus, a certain operating position or operating state of the operating device can be achieved, in that the operator moves the operating element and thus brings the operating element into one of the latching positions. Thus, the operator simultaneously receives feedback about the achievement of the corresponding operating position. In addition, the transmission device and thus the operating element are fixed in the corresponding latching position by the latching device.

[0026] Thus, when the transmission element moves about the axis of rotation, the at least one latching element moves along the latching surface until the latching element enters the depression or the horizontal plane difference of the latching surface as a whole and can be locked therein. Therefore, in order to make the latching element move further out of the latching position, the latching element must move out of the horizontal plane difference in the latching surface and thus overcome the preload applied by the spring-preloaded pin, for example, so that tactile feedback can ultimately be provided to the operator. The latching surface can in particular be arranged fixed relative to the housing, wherein the latching element can be connected to the transmission element. Of course, an opposite arrangement can also be realized, in which the latching element is fixed relative to the housing and the transmission element has a latching surface that moves relative to the latching element.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided in the operating device that the latching device has at least two latching elements, in particular spring-prestressed latching pins facing the latching surface. The two latching elements can be arranged, for example, in a V-shaped arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis of the transmission element. By arranging the two latching elements, the latching and the tactile feedback for the operator are further improved. Furthermore, different contours and different latching positions can be formed, for example, by different depressions or level differences in the individual latching surfaces.

[0028] In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one operating device as described above, wherein the operating device is in particular designed as at least one operating device designed as a seat adjustment device or a gear selection device. Of course, all advantages, details and features described with respect to the operating device can be fully transferred to the motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention is explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic diagrams and show an operating device.

[0030] The single FIGURE shows an operating device 1, in particular for an apparatus of a motor vehicle (not shown), such as a seat adjustment apparatus or a gear selection apparatus. In principle, any arbitrary apparatus can be operated or actuated by means of the operating device 1. The operating device 1 can be arranged, for example, in a motor vehicle, or the motor vehicle can have an operating device 1, in particular for operating an apparatus of the motor vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The operating device 1 comprises an operating element 2, which can be operated, for example, by an operator in order to operate a device assigned to the operating device 1. For example, the operating element 2 shows a handle, with the help of which the operator can grasp the operating device 1 or interact with the operating device 1. The operating element 2 is guided by means of a guide device 3 so that the operating element 2 can perform a linear movement (shown by arrow 4). Here, the guide device 3 has a guide element 5, which in this embodiment is directly connected to the operating element 2 or directly or indirectly connected to the operating element. Of course, it is also possible to realize a spaced or indirect connection between the operating element 2 and the guide element 5. In this embodiment, the guide element 2 is designed as a plate and is guided in a retaining element 6. The retaining elements 6 are spaced apart from each other at a defined distance, which is sufficient for the operating element 2 to move over the entire required movement space and for the path that the operating element 2 must pass in the direction of the arrow 4.

[0032] In this embodiment, the guide element 5 and the operating element 2 have a recess 7, in which a transmission element 8 of a transmission 9 is received or at least partially engages in the recess or is aligned in the direction of the recess 7. In this embodiment, the transmission element 8 is designed as a lever element and can be pivoted about a rotation axis 10 (indicated by arrow 11). For example, the transmission 9 has a bearing surface 12, on which the transmission 9 can be in contact with the housing inner wall 13.

[0033] A connection device 14 is provided between the operating element 2 or the guide element 5 and the transmission element 8, which connection device has a compensation element 15 and a joint element 16. The connection device 14 is ultimately provided for coupling the linear movement of the operating element 2 (arrow 4) exerted by the guide device 3 with the movement of the transmission element 8 about the rotation axis 10 (arrow 11).

[0034] Here, the joint element 16 (e.g. of a ball joint or a shaft joint) received in the compensation element 15 follows a circular path 17 shown in dashed lines. Thus, by the movement of the transmission element 8, the joint element 16 is moved partially along the circular path 17, thereby generating a relative movement between the joint element 16 and the compensation element 15. In other words, the joint element 16 rotates or pivots in the compensation element 15.

[0035] Here, the operating element 2 moves linearly (arrow 4), wherein the compensation element 15 also follows a circular trajectory 17 (shown by arrow 18) by virtue of the connection with the joint element 16 and compensates for the deviation of the movement, in particular the deviation of the linear movement from the circular movement. In other words, the compensation element 15 is provided to compensate for the offset between the transmission element 8 and the operating element 2. For this purpose, in the illustrated design, the compensation element 15 is designed as a slide block, which can slide in the recess 7, so that the connection between the operating element 2 and the joint element 16, and thus the transmission element 8, is realized by the compensation element 15.

[0036] This makes it possible to convert the movement of the operating element 2 , which is a linear movement for the user, into a pivoting movement or a circular movement via the transmission element 8 of the transmission 9 . This increases the accuracy of the positioning and enables a defined tactile feel for the operator.

[0037] Furthermore, the transmission device 9 has two latching devices 19, each of which has a latching element 20, i.e. a spring-prestressed pin which slides along the latching surface when the transmission element 8 is moved. Here, a horizontal plane difference 22 on the latching surface predetermines a defined position of the transmission element 8 and thus of the operating element 2. In other words, the operator can move the operating element 2 and thus the latching element 20 into the horizontal plane difference 22, i.e. the depression in the latching surface. This stabilizes the occupied state, so that the operating element 8 remains in the occupied position on the operator side without further movement of the operating element 2. In addition, the operator is provided with tactile feedback that a defined operating state has been achieved.

[0038] List of Reference Numerals

[0039] 1Operating equipment

[0040] 2 Operating elements

[0041] 3 Boot device

[0042] 4 Arrows

[0043] 5 Guiding elements

[0044] 6. Holding element

[0045] 7 Notch

[0046] 8 Transmission elements

[0047] 9 Transmission

[0048] 10 Rotation axis

[0049] 11 Arrows

[0050] 12 Bearing surface

[0051] 13Inner surface

[0052] 14Connection device

[0053] 15 Compensation components

[0054] 16 connector elements

[0055] 17Circular trajectory

[0056] 18 Arrow

[0057] 19 Locking device

[0058] 20 locking elements

[0059] 22 Horizontal difference

Claims

1. An operating device (1) for a device of a motor vehicle, comprising an operating element (2) which can be linearly moved by an operator for operation and which is guided by means of a guide device (3), characterized in that a transmission device (9) which can be connected or is connected to the operating element (2), the transmission device having a transmission element (8) which can be pivoted about a rotation axis (10), the transmission element being connected to the operating element (2); The transmission device (9) is connected to a locking device (19) or has a locking device (19), wherein the locking device has a locking element (20) which is movable and in contact with at least one locking surface when the operating element (2) moves.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The transmission element (8) is designed as a lever element which is pivotable about the rotation axis (10), and the lever element extends between the operating element (2) and the rotation axis (10).

3. The operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that The transmission element (8) is connected to the operating element (2) via a connecting device (14), and the connecting device (14) is also connected to the guide element (5) of the guide device (3).

4. The operating device according to claim 3, characterized in that The connecting device (14) has a connecting element (16), and the transmission element (8) is connected to the operating element (2) via the connecting element (16).

5. The operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that The joint element (16) comprises a ball joint or an axle joint or a pivot joint.

6. The operating device according to claim 3, characterized in that The connecting device (14) has a compensating element (15), which is a slide arranged in a sliding manner in a guide element (5) of the guide device (3) and / or in a recess (7) in the operating element (2).

7. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The guide element (5) of the guide device (3) is in direct contact with the operating element (2).

8. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The guide device (3) has at least two retaining elements (6) which are spaced apart from one another at a defined distance and in which the guide element (5) is guided.

9. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking device (19) has at least two locking elements (20).

10. The operating device according to claim 9, characterized in that The locking element (20) is a locking pin preloaded by a spring toward the locking surface. 11 . A motor vehicle comprising at least one operating device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one of the operating devices ( 1 ) being designed as a seat adjustment device or a gear selection device.

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