An operating member

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating member (1) comprising a support (3), an actuation part (2) mounted on the support (3) by means of mounting means (11) for moving relative to the support (3) along an actuation direction (R) by manual actuation against a return force, while performing an actuation movement from a rest position to a depressed position, and defining an actuation surface (10), detection means (9) for detecting at least one position of the actuation part (2), for example the depressed position, wherein the mounting means (11) have a guide mechanism (4) for parallel guiding of the actuation part (2), the guide mechanism (4) having at least one pair of coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6'), which are pivotably mounted on the support (3) on the one hand by means of a first pivot joint (13, 14) defining at least one first pivot axis (S1) and on the other hand by means of a second pivot joint (18) defining at least one second pivot axis (S2) on the actuation part (2) in order to cause a pivoting movement of the rods (5, 6; 5', 6') in each case by the actuation movement, wherein the guide mechanism (4) further comprises at least one connecting rod (7, 7') in order to couple the pivoting movements of the coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6'), wherein the connecting rod (7, 7') is fixed to the rods (5, 6; 5', 6') in a hinged manner in each case by means of a first flexible joint (16), while defining a joint axis (G).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operating member having an actuating element having an actuating surface for an operator to perform an operational input. The actuating element is mounted on a support so as to be movable along an actuation direction, for example, perpendicular to the actuating surface. Particularly in the case of operating members where the maximum dimension of their actuating surface is many times larger than the maximum travel distance (hereinafter referred to as travel distance), additional means are typically required to ensure so-called parallel guidance of the actuating element. This is understood to mean that the actuating element undergoes at least the expected fundamental translational displacement during actuation, and therefore, for example, the actuating surface, where possible, displaces while maintaining its orientation in space. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that mechanisms comprising multiple joint scissor mechanisms or wires can stabilize the movement of actuated components with relatively wide actuation surfaces in the aforementioned sense. Due to the necessary multi-component structure, these designs, especially in the joint designs used, inevitably result in some "free-spinning," at least in parallel guidance. This tactile perception is affected when the actuated component is actuated, particularly when the travel distance is relatively short. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this background, there is a need for a solution for an operating member having a movably mounted actuating component and an improved guide mechanism for parallel guidance of the actuating component, wherein the guide mechanism is improved in a way that reduces backlash, specifically, on the one hand, minimizing the lateral compensating movement of the actuating component, which is considered disadvantageous in terms of tactile feedback, thereby avoiding overload on the gap-proof joint.

[0004] This invention relates to an operating component. The term "operating component" should be interpreted broadly as a means of performing operational inputs in a human-machine interface via movable actuating parts.

[0005] The operating member according to the invention includes a support. The term "support" should be interpreted broadly and may refer to a single or multiple components. For example, a support is a component that is part of a support structure or is directly or indirectly attached to, for example, a component of a motor vehicle. For example, a support is configured as a housing. For example, a support is formed of plastic, metal, or a metal alloy (such as ZAMAK), or a combination thereof.

[0006] According to the invention, an actuating component is also provided, having an actuating surface generally facing the operator for the operator to perform an operational input. The actuating operational input is understood as the operator's actuation, particularly simultaneous contact exceeding contact, during which the operator applies an actuating force perpendicularly to the actuating surface to cause partial or complete displacement of the actuating component, which follows the actuating force and resists a restoring force from a rest position to a depressed position. In this case, the depressed position is understood as the maximum possible final position of the actuating component, wherein the maximum travel distance of the actuating component resulting from the displacement from the rest position to the depressed position is hereinafter simply referred to as the travel distance.

[0007] According to the invention, a detection device is also provided for detecting at least one position (e.g., a depressed position) of an actuating component. For example, when a depressed position is reached or detected, an electronic switch or functional state of the vehicle component changes. For example, the detection device includes a force sensor disposed and / or acting between a support and an actuating component to detect displacement of the actuating component, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the actuating surface. The term "force sensor" should be interpreted broadly: in a simple configuration, it is an electromechanical switch that changes its switching state according to the position of the actuating component. In one configuration, it is a non-contact force sensor, such as a force sensor that detects actuating force capacitively, optically, and / or inductively. In another configuration, the force sensor is designed to detect actuating force based on mechanical effects acting on a component of the force sensor (e.g., a resistive or piezoelectric force sensor). Preferably, the force sensor is configured to detect relative displacement between the actuating component and the support, for example, by capacitively determining a change in the measuring capacitance between an electrode fixed to the actuating component and an electrode fixed to the support. Most commonly, such a force sensor allows for continuous position detection.

[0008] According to the invention, mounting devices are provided to achieve the aforementioned mobility of the actuating member relative to the support. According to the invention, these mounting devices include a guiding mechanism for parallel guiding of the actuating member. Parallel guiding is understood to mean that the actuating member undergoes substantially translational displacement during actuation, and therefore, for example, the actuating surface, where possible, displaces while maintaining its orientation in space. The word "substantially" should also include displacement that does not occur in a strictly translational manner; however, such displacement is intentional.

[0009] The guiding mechanism includes at least one pair of coupling rods, mounted on a support on one side for pivotability about at least one associated first pivot axis, and on an actuating member on the other side for pivotability about at least one associated second pivot axis, so that in each case, a pivoting movement of the rods is caused by an actuating motion. In this case, the first pivot axis is defined by a first pivot joint, and the second pivot axis is defined by a second pivot joint. According to the invention, the guiding mechanism also includes connecting rods to connect the pivoting movements of the pair of rods, wherein the connecting rods are respectively hinged at their outer ends to one of the rods in the pair, in each case by means of a first flexible joint, while defining a joint axis. The connecting rod is understood as a connection between the pair of rods, capable of withstanding tensile and compressive loads, and used to transmit rotational motion in both directions, in each case, from one rod to the corresponding other rod. The connecting rods may extend substantially linearly between the first flexible joints, but may extend at an angle between the first flexible joints to save construction space.

[0010] According to the invention, the paired rods of the guide mechanism are configured to move synchronously about a first pivot axis when performing an actuation movement from a rest position to a depressed position, thereby ensuring that the pivot range of each rod in the pair about the first pivot axis is substantially the same at any position between the rest position and the depressed position. According to the invention, the pivot range of each rod in the pair about the first pivot axis is no greater than 10°, preferably no greater than 5°. Due to the limited pivot range, on the one hand, the buckling load of the first flexible joint about its joint axis is minimized, but the load perpendicular to the actuation direction is also minimized, thus minimizing the lateral displacement (hereinafter also referred to as horizontal displacement) of the actuating component.

[0011] Flexible joints are not "proper" joints in the sense of kinematic pairs, but rather based on the principles of elastostatics (elasticity). The function of the joint is achieved through a region of the component that has reduced bending stiffness compared to its rigid adjacent region, allowing it to bend about an imaginary pivot. Here, this region of reduced bending stiffness is located in the transition region between the rod and the connecting rod, support, or actuating component. For example, the reduction in bending stiffness is achieved by a localized reduction in cross-section, hence the term "membrane hinge." Flexible joints can be compared to conventional rotary joints with a limited range of rotation, but with the advantage of no backlash and a return action. The location and orientation of the associated joint axis are defined, for example, by the location and spatial distribution of the lowest bending stiffness in the corresponding pivot joint region. For example, in each case, a flexible joint is a result of material weakening provided in the transition region between the corresponding rod and the associated connecting rod, support, or actuating component. For example, it is a contraction relative to the cross-section of the connecting rod. Due to its location, the weakened portion of material provides a locally significant elastic compliance in the transition region defining the flexible joint, thus providing flexibility.

[0012] In one embodiment, both the first and second pivot joints are configured as journal bearings, axle bearings, or shaft bearings. However, it is preferred that, in addition to the hinged connection between the connecting rod and the paired rods (which is configured as a flexible joint), at least one of the pivot joints of each rod in the pair consisting of the first and second pivot joints is configured as the other second flexible joint of each rod. Therefore, the mechanical backlash of mechanically parallel guidance is again minimized compared to conventional solutions. "Freewheeling" is avoided multiple times. Most preferably, for each rod in the pair, only the first pivot joint is configured as the second flexible joint, while the second pivot joint of each rod is configured, for example, as a rotary joint, such as a pivot hinge or rotary joint.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting device has a component fixed to the actuating member or support, and in each case, the component is integrally connected to the corresponding rod via a first or second pivot joint configured as a second flexible joint.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting device is made wholly or partially of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), for example, at least a rod, a connecting rod, and components associated with the actuating or supporting member.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting device includes a molded component manufactured in a thermoforming process, and more preferably forms at least a pair of rods and associated connecting rods, the connecting rods including associated flexible joints, and, if necessary, components for securing to a support or actuating component. For example, the molded component is manufactured in an injection molding step using molding tools.

[0016] Preferably, the relative distance between the first and second pivot axes of each pair of rods is no greater than 1.5 cm, for example 0.5 cm, so as to minimize the lateral displacement of the actuating component during the actuation movement from the rest position to the pressed position, and vice versa.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, in order to save construction space and minimize the displacement of the actuating component during movement from the rest position to the depressed position, in the rest position, the depressed position, or an intermediate position (preferably the rest position), the first and second pivot axes of each pair of rods are all located in a common plane or a parallel plane. The latter means that the first and second pivot axes of one rod in the pair are located in a first plane, while the first and second pivot axes of the other rod in the same pair are located in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0018] Furthermore, a reset device is provided, for example, for resetting the actuating component to a rest position. For example, the reset device includes at least one spring acting between the support and the actuating component in a reset manner. It should not be excluded that the reset force is supported by the elastic deformation of all flexible joints, i.e., by the pivoting support of the connecting rod relative to the respective rod, among other things. Preferably, the first flexible joint and / or the second flexible joint of each rod in a pair is configured to generate a reset force that causes a reset to a rest position through elastic deformation. Preferably, the first flexible joint of each rod in a pair is not elastically biased at least in the rest position, thereby minimizing the risk of mechanical overload on the first flexible joint.

[0019] In order to ensure that the connecting rod and the associated first flexible joint are subjected to substantially (if possible) only compressive and tensile loads in the rest position, according to a preferred embodiment, a shortest connecting line of the connecting joint axis of the pair of rods (defined by the first flexible joint) is provided in the rest position, in each case, intersecting orthogonally with the plane spanned by the first pivot axis and the connecting joint axis of one of the paired rods and the plane spanned by the first pivot axis and the connecting joint axis of the other rod of the same pair.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pairs of rods are connected to each other by a connecting rod such that their pivoting motion about a first pivot axis is in the same direction or points in the same direction in every case. However, preferably, the pivoting motion of the pairs of rods is in opposite directions. If one of the two rods in a pair rotates clockwise about its first pivot axis, for example, when the actuating element is actuated or reset, the remaining rods in the pair rotate counterclockwise about their first pivot axis. Therefore, the construction space occupied by the guiding mechanism can be reduced. In particular, this leads to the possibility of arranging the second pivot axis, which defines the bearing arrangement of the actuating element, further outward relative to the first pivot axis in a direction perpendicular to the actuation direction of each rod. This improves the stability of the parallel guidance of the actuating element and minimizes or suppresses tilting motion of the actuating element.

[0021] In particular, in embodiments where the second flexible joint is omitted, a pivot joint of the first or second pivot joint provides a clearance in a direction perpendicular to the actuation direction between the joint partners. However, due to the flexibility of the second flexible joint used as the first or second pivot joint, the horizontal clearance in the remaining joints (which are configured as rotary joints rather than flexible joints, i.e., clearance orthogonal to the actuation direction) can be omitted, because the flexible joint, due to its greater flexibility, can be formed in the first or second pivot joint to avoid jamming of the actuating components caused by possible tolerance deviations.

[0022] Preferably, the first and second pivot axes of each rod, as well as the joint axis, are formed as angled rods. For example, the shafts are arranged to extend parallel to each other, and their connecting line in a plane orthogonal to the shafts includes an acute angle in each case.

[0023] Preferably, each of the pairs is configured to be identical in at least the relative spacing between the second pivot axis and the first pivot axis, and the relative spacing between the associated joint axis and the first pivot axis.

[0024] Preferably, in addition to the first pair of rods, the guiding mechanism also has a second pair of rods connected by a connecting rod. For example, from the operator's perspective, the first pair of rods with associated connecting rods is disposed below the actuating member in the long side region of the actuating surface, and from the operator's perspective, the second pair of rods with associated connecting rods is also disposed below the actuating member in the opposite long side region of the actuating surface.

[0025] According to a preferred configuration, and in order to synchronously couple the paired rods, at least one rod of the first pair is non-rotatably connected to the rods of the second pair, and / or the connecting rod of the first pair is non-rotatably connected to the connecting rod of the second pair. This is achieved, for example, by non-rotatably connecting the webs of the respective rods or connecting rods.

[0026] Preferably, the actuating component has a travel distance of less than 0.5 cm, preferably less than 0.3 cm, which is defined by the actuating motion from the rest position to the pressed position.

[0027] Preferably, the actuating surface has a range corresponding to at least ten times the travel distance.

[0028] Preferably, the actuating component has a touchpad and / or a touchscreen. For example, the touchpad or touchscreen is used for spatially resolved touch detection.

[0029] In one configuration of the operating member according to the invention, an actuator is also provided for exciting vibration and / or movement of the actuating component, thereby generating active tactile feedback. This actuator is disposed between the support and the actuating component. The actuator is an active actuator, i.e., an actuator that can be triggered by a control signal provided by an electronic control system; and, due to the application of a pulse, such as an impact, or vibration applied to an adjacently arranged component, i.e., the actuating component, it can excite movement or vibration in the latter, which can be tactilely perceived by the operator through a finger resting on the actuating surface. For example, this tactile perception serves as a confirmation signal for an executed touch or actuation, or as tactile confirmation of an evaluation unit performing the allocation of switching or control functions. Preferably, the actuator is an inertial-based, motor-based actuator, such as a motor whose mass is eccentrically mounted on its rotating drive shaft relative to its center of gravity, or a magnetic coil actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator, or a linear broadband actuator, such as a voice coil actuator or a linear resonant actuator. Preferably, the actuator is specifically fixed to the actuating component in an active manner or by a material-to-material connection (e.g., by threading or gluing). Electromagnetic actuators that act in an attractive or repulsive manner between the support and the actuating component can also be provided.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the operating component in one of the above embodiments in a motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will be further explained with reference to the following figures. These figures are to be understood as examples only, and each figure represents only a preferred embodiment. In the figures:

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the operating component 1 according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a perspective exploded view, where no actuating components are present.

[0034] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The vertical cross-section of the embodiment shown;

[0035] Figure 4 A side view of the mounting device 11 is shown, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 As shown, it is manufactured as a molded part. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 An embodiment of the operating component 1 according to the present invention is shown. It is used to perform operation input in a human-machine interface via a movable actuating component 2.

[0037] The operating member 1 according to the invention includes a support member 3. The term "support member" refers to a component that is part of a support structure or is directly or indirectly fixed to, for example, a motor vehicle component (e.g., a motor vehicle steering wheel). For example, the support member 3 is formed of plastic, metal or metal alloy (such as ZAMAK), or a combination thereof.

[0038] Furthermore, an actuating component 2 is provided, having an actuating surface 10 facing operator B for operator B to perform an operational input. The actuation operational input is understood as an actuation by operator B, specifically simultaneous contact exceeding contact, during which operator B applies an actuating force perpendicular to the actuating surface 10, causing the actuating component 2 to displace over the restoring force and follow the displacement of the actuating force. In this case, the depressed position is understood as the maximum possible final position of the actuating component 2, wherein, by… Figure 1 The maximum travel distance of the actuator 2 caused by the displacement from the stationary position to the pressed position is called the travel distance, and it is less than 0.3 cm.

[0039] A detection device 9 is also provided for detecting at least one position (e.g., a depressed position) of the actuating component 2. Here, this is a capacitive force sensor. The latter is configured to capacitively detect the relative displacement between the actuating component 2 and the support 3 by determining the change in the measuring capacitance between the electrode fixed to the actuating component 2 and the electrode fixed to the support 3.

[0040] Furthermore, mounting devices 11 are provided to enable the actuating member 2 to move relative to the support member 3 as described above. According to the invention, these mounting devices 11 include a guide mechanism 4 for parallel guiding of the actuating member 2. Parallel guiding is understood to mean that the actuating member 2 undergoes a substantially translational displacement during actuation, and therefore, the actuating surface 10 displaces, for example, along the actuation direction R, while maintaining its spatial orientation where possible. In this case, displacement of the actuating member 2 in a direction parallel to the actuating surface 10 (referred to herein as the horizontal direction) is not completely eliminated due to the pivoting movement of the guide mechanism that facilitates parallel guiding; however, like tilting of the actuating member, it is considered to be minimized or even avoided by the solution according to the invention.

[0041] The guiding mechanism 4 includes two pairs of coupling rods 5, 6 or 5', 6', wherein rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' are mounted on the support 3 on one side and on the actuating member 2 on the other, so as to be pivotable about an associated pivot axis S1 or S2, so that in each case, the actuating motion causes the pivoting motion of rods 5, 6 and 5', 6'. In this case, all rods 5, 6, 5', 6' are configured to move synchronously about the first pivot axis S1 when performing the actuating motion from the rest position to the pressed position. To minimize horizontal displacement, the pivoting range of the rotation angle of each rod 5, 6 and 5', 6' about the first pivot axis S1 is limited to 10°, preferably 5° according to the invention. Due to the perspective view and the resulting shading, Figure 1 The entire mounting device 11 is not shown. However, the structure of the second pair is identical to that of the first pair, as becomes clear from the detailed views in the further figures. The guide mechanism 4 also includes at least one connecting rod 7, 7' for pivoting movement of connecting rods 5, 6 and 5', 6'. In this case, connecting rods 7, 7' are hinged to rods 5, 6 and 5', 6', in each case via a first flexible joint 16, while defining the joint axis G. In this case, connecting rods 7, 7' provide a connection between a pair of rods 5, 6 and 5', 6'; if possible, this pair of rods can uniquely, but at least primarily, bear tensile and compressive loads, and is used to transmit rotational movement about the first pivot axis S1 from one rod 5, 5' to the corresponding other rod 6, 6' in the pair, wherein the rotational directions of the pair of rods 5, 6 or 5', 6' are opposite in each case in the embodiment shown here. Since connecting rods 7, 7' are connected to rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' via the first flexible joint 16, the mechanical clearance of the parallel guide is minimized. This avoids "idling." Furthermore, noiseless parallel guidance can be achieved. To save construction space, the first pivot axis S1 of the rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' of the guiding mechanism 4 (in the rest position of the actuating component 2) is arranged within a common imaginary plane E1, which is inclined to the actuating surface 10, from which... Figure 3 This is clearly visible in the text. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first pivot joints 13 and 14, whose rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' are rotatably mounted on the support 3, are configured as rotary joints and each has a pin 14 that extends into a corresponding pin receiving portion 13 of a bearing support formed on the support 3, thereby defining a first pivot axis S1. To enable the rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' to pivot relative to the actuating member 2, a second pivot joint 18 is provided, which in this case is configured as a second flexible joint. Alternatively, the second pivot joint 18 may also be configured as a rotary joint. In the latter embodiment, at least one of the first pivot joints 13 and 14 or the second pivot joint 18 must have a gap in a direction perpendicular to the actuation direction R between the joint partners.

[0042] The first pair of connecting rods 7 are non-rotatably connected to the second pair of connecting rods 7' via the web 12.

[0043] The reset force is primarily generated by an additional reset device (not shown), configured to reset the actuating component 2 to a rest position. This reset force is caused by the elastic deformation of the first flexible joint 16 and, if necessary, by the second pivot joint 18 configured as a second flexible joint. To minimize mechanical stress on the first flexible joint 16, not only is the pivot range of each rod 5, 6 and 5', 6' about the first pivot axis S1 limited to 10°, preferably 5°, but the guide mechanism 4 is designed such that the first flexible joint 16 of each rod 5, 6 and 5', 6' has no elastic bias in the rest position, i.e., is in a stress-free position in its uninstalled state. Figure 4 As shown, the pivot axes S1, S2 and the connecting shaft G of each of the links 5, 6 and 5', 6' each form an angled link, with the axis positioned at the corner of an imaginary triangle. The relative distance between the first pivot axis S1 and the second pivot axis S2 of each of the links 5, 6 and 5', 6' is no greater than 1.5 cm, for example, 0.5 cm. Furthermore, the links 5, 6 and 5', 6' are configured to have the same dimensions regarding the relative spacing between the second pivot axis S2 and the first pivot axis S1, and the relative spacing between the associated connecting shaft G and the first pivot axis S1, thereby ensuring that each of the links 5, 6 and 5', 6' has the same link ratio. The pairs of links 5, 6 and 5', 6' are interconnected by connecting rods 7, 7', such that their pivoting motion about the first pivot axis S1 rotates in opposite directions in each case. Furthermore, the second pivot axis S2 of the paired rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' is offset outward relative to the first pivot axis S1 in a direction perpendicular to the actuation direction R, thereby minimizing the tilt of the actuating component 2 due to the guidance at the outermost position.

[0044] To ensure that the connecting rods 7, 7' and the associated first flexible joint 16 are subjected to substantially (if possible) only compressive and tensile loads in the rest position, in the rest position, a shortest connecting line g is provided connecting the joint shafts G defined respectively by the first flexible joint 16. Plane E5 is spanned by the first pivot axis S1 of the pair of rods 5 and the nearest joint shaft G, and plane E4 is spanned by the first pivot axis S1 of the other rod 6 in the same pair and the nearest joint shaft G. To further minimize the displacement of the actuating member 2 during actuation in the horizontal direction, it is further specified that, in the rest position, the first pivot axis S1 and the second pivot axis S2 of each of the pairs of rods 5, 6 lie in mutually parallel planes E2, E3.

[0045] like Figure 4As shown, the mounting devices 11 are configured as molded parts manufactured by a thermoforming process in a molding tool. These mounting devices 11 include a plate-like member 15 for attaching to the actuating member 2 on its side opposite to the actuating surface 10, and a guide mechanism 4 consisting of rods 5, 6 and 5', 6'; connecting rods 7, 7'; a second pivot joint 18; pins 14 of the first pivot joints 13, 14; and a first flexible joint 16, all formed of a thermoplastic material. The flexible joint 16, in each case, results in material weakening in the transition region between the respective rods 5, 6 and 5', 6' and the connecting rods 7, 7', for example, being a contracted portion relative to the cross-section of the respective connecting rods 7, 7'. Due to its position, the weakened material portion provides a locally significant elastic compliance with the reset characteristics, thereby providing reset flexibility for the connecting rods 7, 7' in the region adjacent to the respective rods 5, 6 and 5', 6'. This also applies, with the necessary modifications, to the second pivot joint 18, which is configured as a second flexible joint and is respectively disposed between component 15 and associated rods 5, 6 and 5', 6'.

Claims

1. An operating member (1) comprising: - a support (3); - an actuation part (2) mounted on the support (3) by means of mounting means (11) to be moved in relation to the support (3) along an actuation direction (R) by manual actuation against a return force, while performing an actuation movement from a rest position to a depressed position, and defining an actuation surface (10); - detection means (9) for detecting at least one position of the actuation part (2); wherein the mounting means (11) have a guide mechanism (4) for parallel guiding of the actuation part (2), the guide mechanism (4) having at least one pair of coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6'), which are pivotably mounted on the support (3) on the one hand by a first pivot joint (13, 14) defining at least one first pivot axis (SI) and on the other hand by a second pivot joint (18) defining at least one second pivot axis (S2) on the actuation part (2), so as to in each case cause a pivoting movement of the coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6') by the actuation movement; wherein the guide mechanism (4) further comprises at least one connecting rod (7, 7') so as to the pivoting movement of the coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6'); wherein the connecting rod (7, 7') is fixed in an articulated manner to the coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6'), in each case by means of a first flexible joint (16), while defining a joint axis (G); wherein the coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6') are configured to move synchronously about the first pivot axis (SI) when performing the actuation movement from the rest position to the depressed position, and the pivoting range of each coupling rod (5, 6; 5', 6') about the first pivot axis (SI) is no more than 10°.

2. Operating member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one position comprises the depressed position.

3. Operating member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The pivoting range of each coupling rod (5, 6; 5', 6') about the first pivot axis (SI) is no more than 5°.

4. Operating member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the first pivot joint (13, 14) and the second pivot joint of each rod of the at least one pair of rods is configured as a second flexible joint.

5. Operating member (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The mounting means (11) have a part (15) fixed to the support (3) or to the actuation part (2), which in each case is integrally connected with the respective coupling rod (5, 6; 5', 6') through the first pivot joint (13, 14) configured as a second flexible joint or the second pivot joint (18) configured as a second flexible joint.

6. Operating member (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The first pivot joint (13, 14) of all coupling rods (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair is configured as a rotary joint, and the second pivot joint (18) of all coupling rods (5, 5; 5', 6') of the pair is configured as a second flexible joint.

7. Operating member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting means (11) comprise a one-piece molded part manufactured in a hot molding process.

8. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The relative distance between the first pivot axis (SI) and the second pivot axis (S2) of each coupling rod (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair is no more than 1.5 cm.

9. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that In the rest position or in the depressed position or in the intermediate position, the first pivot axis (S1) and the second pivot axis (S2) of each coupling lever (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair lie in the same plane or in parallel planes (E2, E3).

10. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The first flex joint (16) and / or the second flex joint of each coupling lever (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair are configured to generate a restoring force which, by elastic deformation, leads to a restoring to the rest position.

11. Operating member (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least in the rest position, the first flex joint (16) of each coupling lever (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair is not elastically biased.

12. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that In the rest position, the shortest connection line (g) of the joint axes (G) connecting the coupling levers (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair intersects in each case orthogonally with the plane (E4, E5) spanned by the first pivot axis (S1) of each coupling lever (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair and by the respective nearest joint axis (G).

13. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The coupling levers (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair are coupled to one another by a connecting lever (7, 7'), such that their directions of rotation of the pivoting movement about the first pivot axis (S1) are opposite.

14. Operating member (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The second pivot axis (S2) of the coupling levers (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair is arranged offset with respect to the first pivot axis (S1) in each case in a direction perpendicular to the actuation direction (R).

15. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that One of the first pivot joints (13, 14) or the second pivot joint (18) has a gap in a direction perpendicular to the actuation direction (R).

16. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The first pivot axis (S1) and the second pivot axis (S2) of each coupling lever (5, 6; 5', 6') form an angular lever with the joint axis (G) in each case.

17. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The coupling levers (5, 6; 5', 6') of the pair are configured such that the relative spacing between the second pivot axis (S2) and the first pivot axis (S1) and the relative spacing between the associated joint axis (G) and the first pivot axis (S1) are of the same size.

18. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The guide mechanism (4) has a second pair of coupling levers (5, 6; 5', 6'), which are connected by a further connecting lever (7').

19. Operating member (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that At least one lever (5, 6) of the first pair is non-rotatably connected to a lever (5', 6') of the second pair, and / or the connecting lever (7) of the first pair is non-rotatably connected to the connecting lever (7') of the second pair by a web (12).

20. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that The actuation component (2) passes through a stroke distance of less than 0.5 cm during the actuation movement from the rest position to the depressed position.

21. Operating member (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that The actuation component (2) passes through a stroke distance of less than 0.3 cm during the actuation movement from the rest position to the depressed position.

22. Operating member (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that The maximum extent of the actuation surface (10) corresponds to at least ten times the stroke distance.

23. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that The actuation component (2) has a touchpad and / or a touchscreen.

24. Operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that The detection device (9) has a capacitive detection force sensor.

25. Use of an operating member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 in a motor vehicle.

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