Actuating device, motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation device for a motor vehicle, in particular for specifying a brake request and / or an acceleration request, having a first housing part and a second housing part, the first housing part being mounted on the second housing part so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal extent of the second housing part, the first housing part has an operating surface on the upper side facing away from the second housing part, or a cover with an operating surface is arranged on the upper side facing away from the second housing part. According to the invention, the housing part is at least partially cylindrical and has a closed sleeve wall; a first sliding element and a second sliding element are arranged between the housing parts. The first and second sliding elements each axially rest against at least one of the housing parts; at least one spring element, in particular a coil spring, is arranged between the sliding elements as a return spring, which spring element is preloaded axially, in particular coaxially with the housing part, in order to force the housing part into an unactuated zero position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, in particular for specifying a braking request and / or an acceleration request, the operating device comprising a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part is mounted on the second housing part so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part, and wherein the first housing part has an operating surface on an upper side facing away from the second housing part, or wherein a cover having an operating surface is arranged on the upper side facing away from the second housing part. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such an operating device. Background Art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to detect the actuation of a driver-operable control device for a motor vehicle by means of a sensor assigned to the control device. If the driver actuates the control device, a braking request or acceleration request, in particular, is detected based on this. For example, a brake system with an electromechanical brake booster is known, which, together with vehicle assistance systems, in particular the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), forms a redundant "brake-by-wire" system, in which there is no mechanical connection from the control device to the brake system. For example, upon actuation of the control device, a braking request is forwarded to an electromechanical actuator, which builds up pressure in the brake system.

[0003] Similarly, known are operating devices for drive units of motor vehicles, particularly those having an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor. These operating devices are part of a "drive-by-wire" system that is not mechanically connected to the drive unit. For example, an acceleration request is detected based on an operation of the operating device and forwarded to the drive unit. Since there is no mechanical coupling between the operating device and the brake system and / or the drive unit, such operating devices can have no travel or at least only a small travel of a few millimeters. Various measurement methods are known for detecting the operation.

[0004] For example, a universal operating device is known from the applicant's as yet unpublished application DE 10 2022 212 470.7, which comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part is mounted on the second housing part in a manner that allows it to be moved within the height extension of the second housing part, wherein the first housing part has an operating surface on an upper side facing away from the second housing part, or wherein a cover with an operating surface is arranged on the upper side, wherein a sensor assembly is arranged in the second housing part, which sensor assembly is used to detect an operation of the operating device, in particular to detect an operating force applied to the operating surface, and wherein a partition is constructed or arranged in the second housing part, which partition forms a chamber together with the second housing part in order to surround at least one component of the sensor assembly in a medium-tight manner.

[0005] A sensor assembly matching this is known from the applicant's equally unpublished application DE 10 2022 212 450.2, which has a force transmission element, in particular, which is assigned or can be assigned to an operating surface of an operating device, and which serves to transmit an operating force applied to the operating device, in particular to the operating surface. The sensor assembly also has a measuring head arranged in a circuit board, wherein the measuring head has a measuring membrane, and wherein the measuring membrane has a force sensing element at one end and is assigned to the force transmission element at the other end. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The actuating device according to the present invention, having the features of claim 1, is characterized in that the first and second housing parts are at least partially cylindrical and have a closed outer wall; a first sliding element and a second sliding element are arranged between the housing parts; the first sliding element and the second sliding element each rest axially against at least one of the housing parts; and at least one spring element, in particular a coil spring, is arranged between the sliding elements as a return spring, which is axially preloaded, in particular coaxially with the housing parts, to urge the housing parts into an unactuated zero position. In this regard, the sliding element advantageously performs a dual function. On the one hand, the sliding element ensures low-friction movement of the housing parts relative to each other, and on the other hand, it securely holds the spring element in place. In this regard, unlike the applicant's aforementioned actuating device, the actuating device according to the present invention specifically has two sliding elements with a spring element arranged between them. The structural design of the housing parts also differs: while in the prior art the housing parts have a more rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section, according to the present invention, they are at least partially cylindrical, in particular with a circular cross-section. In particular, at least one of the housing parts has different inner and / or outer diameters in regions respectively assigned to different sliding elements, so that overall a particularly advantageous stepped guidance is achieved by the sliding elements.

[0007] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, one of the sliding elements, in particular the first sliding element, is movable relative to the second housing part along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part, and / or one of the sliding elements, in particular the second sliding element, is fixedly arranged on the second housing part, and the first housing part is movable relative to the sliding element along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part. In this regard, each sliding element is preferably arranged to be fixedly arranged relative to exactly one housing part, i.e., to move together with exactly one housing part. This design and arrangement of the sliding elements advantageously ensures that the housing parts can move relative to each other with low friction. For example, if the first sliding element is movable relative to the second housing part along with the first housing part, the sliding element accordingly supports the first housing part, which serves as the housing outer shell, and the housing outer shell is movable relative to the second housing part, which serves as the housing inner shell. In particular, the sliding elements have different inner and / or outer diameters. Preferably, at least one of the sliding elements is cylindrical or pot-shaped, so that it is securely fixed in place relative to one of the housing parts.

[0008] Particularly preferably, at least one of the sliding elements, in particular the first sliding element and the second sliding element, respectively, bears against the inner side of the first housing part with a first surface and / or bears against the outer side of the second housing part with a second surface, in particular facing away from the first surface. This has the advantage that the sliding element is arranged over its entire surface between the two housing parts and maximizes the sliding effect, i.e., it ensures that the housing parts do not directly rub against each other, but that the corresponding sliding element is always arranged between them. In this case, the corresponding sliding effect is particularly generated between the first surface and the inner side of the first housing part or between the second surface and the outer side of the second housing part.

[0009] According to a preferred development of the invention, the first housing part has a first inner diameter in a first region assigned to the first sliding element and a second inner diameter, which is larger than the first inner diameter, in a second region assigned to the second sliding element. The different inner diameters enable a particularly advantageous, stepped guidance of the housing parts.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the second housing part has a first outer diameter in a first region assigned to the first sliding element, and a second outer diameter, which is greater than the first outer diameter, in a second region assigned to the second sliding element. The different outer diameters enable a particularly advantageous, stepped guidance of the housing parts. In particular, the sliding element and / or the housing part have an at least substantially constant material thickness, so that the ratio of the different outer diameters at least substantially corresponds to the aforementioned ratio of the different inner diameters.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sliding elements are each at least substantially cylindrical and have an outer diameter that corresponds to a corresponding inner diameter of the first housing part and / or an inner diameter that corresponds to a corresponding outer diameter of the second housing part. This advantageously ensures that the respective sliding element and the respective housing part are held securely together or slide against one another with low friction.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the spring element is a coil spring and has an inner diameter corresponding to the first outer diameter. This has the advantage that the spring element geometrically adapts to the housing portion and is arranged so as to partially surround or enclose the housing portion. The spring element is then pushed onto the housing portion and held in a positively locking manner within the radial extension of the housing portion. In its axial extension, the spring element is correspondingly held by the sliding element.

[0013] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, one of the sliding elements, in particular the first sliding element, has a circumferentially extending radial projection, and the spring element, with its first end, at least partially abuts a surface of the projection facing the other sliding element, in particular the second sliding element, and / or one of the sliding elements, in particular the second sliding element, has an end portion with an opening, wherein the opening has a diameter corresponding to the first outer diameter and is intended for a first region of the second housing part, and the spring element, with its second end, in particular facing away from the first end, at least partially abuts a surface of the end portion facing the other sliding element, in particular the first sliding element. The abutment of the spring element against the projection and / or the end portion advantageously ensures that the spring element is securely fixed between the sliding elements. The spring element, in particular in combination with the aforementioned push-on attachment to the second housing part, is advantageously secured in a form-fitting manner within the radial and axial extensions of the housing part.

[0014] Particularly preferably, at least one first pin is arranged on the first housing part, in particular on a circumferentially extending radial projection, as a rotational lock, and is in particular arranged in an opening of the first housing part and protruding in the direction of the second housing part. This first pin can be introduced or introduced into an opening of the second housing part that corresponds to the outer contour of the first pin, in particular arranged in the circumferentially extending radial projection. Such a rotational lock has the advantage that the housing parts are fixed and aligned securely to one another, i.e., the only degree of freedom of movement is displacement along the axial extension of the housing parts.

[0015] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, the first pin is arranged in an opening of the second housing part, and an axial stop, in particular a press sleeve circumferentially surrounding the first pin, is arranged on the first pin at its end region facing away from the first housing part to limit the travel of the housing parts relative to one another and / or to set the preload of the spring element. This makes it possible to limit the travel and set the preload in a particularly advantageous and convenient manner in terms of geometric design by appropriately arranging the axial stop.

[0016] Particularly preferably, at least one second pin is arranged on the second housing part, in particular on a circumferentially extending radial projection, in particular arranged in an opening of the second housing part and protruding toward the first housing part, for setting the stroke of the housing parts relative to one another. Such a pin has the advantage that the stroke can be set particularly easily depending on the length and / or insertion depth of the pin.

[0017] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, at least one of the pins is integrally formed with the corresponding housing part or is connected to the corresponding housing part in a form-fitting, force-locking, and / or materially connected manner, in particular, glued, welded, and / or pressed and / or screwed into the corresponding opening. This advantageously ensures that the corresponding pin is particularly reliably and conveniently formed by the housing part or connected to the housing part.

[0018] Particularly preferably, a circumferential, in particular bellows-shaped, sealing element is arranged between the first and second housing parts for sealing against areas outside the housing parts, in particular locally at circumferentially extending radial or axial projections of the respective housing parts. Such a sealing element has the advantage that the respective area between the housing parts is protected from environmental influences.

[0019] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, a sensor module is arranged in the second housing part for detecting an actuation of the actuating device, in particular an actuating force applied to an actuating surface and / or an actuating displacement of the actuating surface. This sensor module provides a particularly advantageous and simple option for detecting such actuation. In particular, the sensor module is introduced into the second housing part as a preassembled component.

[0020] A motor vehicle having the features of claim 15 is characterized by at least one operating device according to the invention. This results in the advantages already mentioned. For example, a motor vehicle is provided that has two such operating devices: one for indicating a braking request, i.e., as a brake pedal, and the other for indicating an acceleration request, i.e., as an accelerator pedal. Alternatively, a motor vehicle is provided that has one such operating device for indicating both a braking request and an acceleration request, i.e., as a combined accelerator pedal. This also results in the advantages already mentioned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other preferred features and feature combinations are derived from the above content and claims. The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 An advantageous operating device is shown,

[0023] Figure 2 The operating device is shown in a cross-sectional view,

[0024] Figure 3A shows a first detailed view of the operating device,

[0025] Figure 3B shows a second detailed view of the manipulator,

[0026] Figure 4 A sensor module for an actuating device is shown in a sectional view,

[0027] Figure 5A shows a first detailed view of the sensor module,

[0028] Figure 5B shows a second detailed view of the sensor module, and

[0029] Figure 6 The operating device with the sensor module is shown in another sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 An embodiment of an advantageous operating device 1 is shown, which in the present case is used for a motor vehicle (not shown in detail). Operating device 1 is used here to indicate a braking request and / or an acceleration request. To this end, operating device 1 can be operated by the driver of the motor vehicle using his foot; in other words, it can be a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, and / or an accelerator pedal. Currently, this is an operating device with a short travel distance, typically only a small displacement in the range of a few millimeters is achievable.

[0031] For this purpose, the operating device 1 comprises a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 3. The first housing part 2 is mounted on the second housing part 3 so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part 3. In the present case, a cover 5 is arranged on the upper side 4 of the first housing part 2 facing away from the second housing part 3, which cover has an operating surface 6 that can be operated by the driver.

[0032] The cover 5 can be one-piece or, as shown here, multi-piece, wherein the individual components are connected to one another, for example, in a form-fitting manner. According to an embodiment not shown, the cover 5 with the operating surface 6 is instead arranged directly on the upper side 4.

[0033] The second housing part 3 has a plurality of flanges 7, which are in particular formed integrally with the second housing part 3 or connected thereto, and each of which has an opening 8 for a fastening element 9, which in the present case, merely as an example, is a screw. The fastening elements 9 can be used to fasten the second housing part 3 in the footwell of the vehicle interior, so that the second housing part 3 is arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle.

[0034] A circumferential, in the present case bellows-shaped, elastically deformable sealing element 10 is further arranged between the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 for sealing against areas outside the housing parts 2, 3. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing element 10 rests over the entire surface of the first housing part 2 and completely covers it.

[0035] Figure 2 The operating device 1 is shown in a sectional view. Figure 2 The components already described and their relative arrangement can be more clearly identified in FIG. Both the first housing portion 2 and the second housing portion 3 are at least partially cylindrical and have a closed casing wall. Thus, the first housing portion 2 has a thin-walled first casing wall 11, and the second housing portion 3 has a thin-walled second casing wall 12, each having an at least substantially constant wall thickness, in particular, at least approximately the same wall thickness.

[0036] In the present case, the first casing wall 11 transitions into the surface 4 , so that the first housing part 2 has a closed end face, while the second housing part 3 is open at the end face. Both housing parts 2 , 3 have a constant cross-section only in certain areas or sections. For example, the housing parts 2 , 3 are plastic or metal parts. In particular, the housing parts 2 , 3 are deep-drawn sheet metal, turned, drawn, or extruded aluminum profiles, or injected plastic parts.

[0037] Arranged between the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3, in the present case between the first casing wall 11 and the second casing wall 12, are a first sliding element 13 and a second sliding element 14. The first sliding element 13 and the second sliding element 14 each rest axially against at least one of the housing parts 2, 3. The sliding elements 13, 14 are, in particular, plastic sliding bearings with a low coefficient of friction or bushings made of sintered metal.

[0038] Arranged between the sliding elements 13, 14 is at least one spring element 15 as a return spring, which is in the present case a coil spring and is axially preloaded, in the present case coaxially with the housing parts 2, 3, to force the housing parts 2, 3 into an unactuated zero position. In the present case, the spring element 15 is a single coil spring.

[0039] According to alternative, not shown embodiments, a plurality of spring elements connected in series or one or more disk springs or similar spring elements can also be used. It is also conceivable to use one or more, preferably cylindrical, elastomers or any combination of different spring elements, in particular helical springs, disk springs and / or elastomers.

[0040] Here, one of the sliding elements 13, 14, in the present case the first sliding element 13, can be moved together with the first housing part 2 relative to the second housing part 3 along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part 3. One of the sliding elements 13, 14, in the present case the second sliding element 14, is arranged in a fixed position on the second housing part 3. The first housing part 2 can accordingly be moved relative to the second sliding element 14 along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part 3.

[0041] In this respect, the sliding elements 13 , 14 perform an advantageous dual function: on the one hand, they ensure that the housing parts 2 , 3 can be moved relative to each other with low friction, and on the other hand, they securely hold the spring element 15 in place.

[0042] The first housing part 2 has an outer side 16 and an inner side 17 facing away from the outer side 16, on which the surface 4 is also located. Similarly, the second housing part 3 has an outer side 18 facing toward the inner side 17 and an inner side 19 facing away from the outer side 18.

[0043] The first sliding element 13 has a first surface 20 facing outwards and a surface 21 facing inwards away from the first surface 20 . Similarly, the second sliding element 14 has a first surface 22 facing outwards and a surface 23 facing inwards away from the first surface 22 .

[0044] The first sliding element 13 bears with its first surface 20 against the inner side 17 of the first housing part 2 and with its second surface 21 against the outer side 18 of the second housing part 3. The second sliding element 14 bears with its first surface 22 against the inner side 17 and with its second surface 23 against the outer side 18.

[0045] In the present case, the first housing part 2 has a conical section in addition to a cylindrical section along its longitudinal extension. This means that in the present case, it has at least one region along its longitudinal extension whose cross-sectional area or diameter is not constant but varies continuously.

[0046] The first housing part has a first constant inner diameter in a first region 24 assigned to the first sliding element 13 and a second constant inner diameter, which is greater than the first inner diameter, in a second region 25 assigned to the second sliding element 14 .

[0047] The second inner diameter is, for example, at least twice, in particular exactly twice, the first inner diameter. Both regions 24, 25 are cylindrical.

[0048] This also applies analogously to the corresponding outer diameters, to the extent that the first housing part 2 has a constant first outer diameter in the first region 24 and a constant second outer diameter in the second region 25 that is greater than the first outer diameter.

[0049] Seen in longitudinal extension, first region 24 is arranged in the region of surface 4 at a first end, and second region 25 is arranged at a second end of first housing part 2 facing away from the first end. The conical shape is formed by connecting first region 24 and second region 25 via third region 26, in which the first inner diameter and the first outer diameter continuously widen to the second inner diameter and the second outer diameter. In this respect, the three regions 24, 25, 26 are part of the jacket wall 11 or at least partially form it.

[0050] According to an alternative, not shown, embodiment, the third region 26 has a constant inner and / or outer diameter, in particular the same inner and / or outer diameter as one of the other two regions 24 , 25 , so that the first housing part 2 as a whole is not conical, but consists of at least two or three cylindrical sections.

[0051] In terms of its basic geometry, it corresponds to the second housing part 3. In other words, in the present case, it has a plurality of such cylindrical sections which are arranged continuously with one another, are connected with one another or are formed integrally with one another.

[0052] Thus, the second housing part 3 similarly has a first constant inner diameter and a first constant outer diameter in a first region 27 assigned to the first sliding element 13, and a second constant inner diameter and a second constant outer diameter in a second region 28 assigned to the second sliding element 14, wherein the second inner diameter and the second outer diameter are respectively greater than the first inner diameter and the first outer diameter. In this case, the regions 27, 28 are similarly part of the jacket wall 12 or at least partially form the jacket wall.

[0053] In this regard, the sliding elements 13, 14 are geometrically corresponding, so that they are each at least substantially cylindrical or each have at least one corresponding cylindrical section. At least in this section, the sliding elements have an outer diameter that corresponds to the corresponding inner diameter of the first housing part 2 and / or an inner diameter that corresponds to the corresponding outer diameter of the second housing part 3.

[0054] For example, the first sliding element 13 is arranged in the first area 24 in a form-fitting, force-transmitting and / or materially connected manner, in particular pressed into it, so that the first sliding element cannot move relative to the first housing part 2, and / or the second sliding element 14 is arranged in the second area 28 in a form-fitting, force-transmitting and / or materially connected manner, in particular pressed onto it, so that the second sliding element cannot move relative to the second housing part 3.

[0055] In the present case, the spring element 15 is arranged around the first region 27 so that it is radially fixed and accordingly has an inner diameter which corresponds to the first outer diameter of the second housing part 3 , ie is at least as large as or larger.

[0056] To reliably secure the spring element 15 axially between the sliding elements 13 and 14, the first sliding element 13 in the present case has a circumferentially extending radial projection 29 at the end associated with the spring element 15. At least one axial projection 30, which also extends circumferentially, adjoins the projection 29. The spring element 15 rests at least partially with its first end 32 against a surface 31 of the radial projection 29 facing the second sliding element 14 and is thereby secured axially. Furthermore, the spring element is radially secured by the projection 30 between the projection 30 and the outer side 18 of the second housing part 3.

[0057] In order to also axially secure the spring element 15 at the other end, the second sliding element 14 has an end side 33 with an opening 34, wherein the opening has a diameter corresponding to the first outer diameter and is intended for the first region 27 of the second housing part 3. To this end, the second sliding element 14 is pushed onto the second housing part 3 until an inner surface 35 of the end side 33 contacts an outer surface 36 of the outer side 18 oriented in the radial extent of the second housing part 3.

[0058] The spring element now rests at least partially with its second end 38 facing away from the first end 32 against a surface 37 of the end face 33 facing toward the first sliding element 13 and facing away from the inner surface 35 and is thus axially fixed. The second sliding element 14 additionally has an axial projection 39 protruding from the surface 37, by which the second end 38 is additionally fixed radially between a corresponding projection 39 and the outer side 18 of the second housing part, similar to the projection 30 of the first sliding element 13.

[0059] At least one first pin 40 is also arranged on the first housing part 2 as an anti-rotation element. Figure 3A A first detailed view is shown which shows another with Figure 2 A sectional view of a sectional plane arranged approximately at right angles to the sectional plane.

[0060] The first housing part 2 has a circumferentially extending radial projection 41 adjoining the second region 25. A first pin 40 is arranged on the projection 41 and projects toward the second housing part 3. In particular, the first pin 40 is arranged in an opening in the projection 41. The second housing part 3 has a circumferentially extending radial projection 42 adjoining the second region 28. A first opening 43 is provided in the projection 42, which corresponds to the outer contour of the pin 40 and into which the pin 40 is introduced.

[0061] An axial stop 45 is arranged on the first pin 40 at its end region 44 facing away from the first housing part 2 to limit the relative travel of the housing parts 2 and 3. In this case, the axial stop is in the form of a press sleeve circumferentially surrounding the pin. The axial stop 45 is installed when the first pin 40 is inserted through the opening 43 and advantageously ensures that the housing parts 2 and 3 are held together in a manner that prevents them from separating. The preload of the spring element 15 is also limited by the first pin 40 or is set depending on its length.

[0062] For the sealing element 10, especially Figure 3A As can also be clearly seen in the figure, the sealing element abuts the respective outer sides of the housing parts 2, 3 in order to seal the area where the first pin 40 is located and thus the entire interior of the housing parts 2, 3. Specifically, the sealing element 10 abuts the second area 25 and the projection 41 of the first housing part 2, as well as the further circumferentially extending axial projection 46 of the second housing part 3, which abuts the radial projection 42. The radially extending flange 7, already described, then abuts the projection 46. Thus, the sealing element 10 partially abuts the respective circumferentially extending radial projection 41 or axial projection 46 of the respective housing part 2, 3.

[0063] Finally, at least one second pin 47 is arranged on the second housing part 3 to set the stroke of the housing parts 2, 3 relative to each other. In the present case, at least two second pins 47 are provided. Figure 3B The second detailed view of the Figure 2 The lower left area of .

[0064] It can be seen that the second pin 47 is arranged in the second opening 48 of the already described circumferentially extending radial projection 42. The second pin protrudes in the direction of the first housing part 2, specifically in the direction of the projection 41. For example, the pin 47 is pressed into the opening 48, and in the present case the pin also has grooves extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] Depending on how far the pin 47 is inserted into the opening 48 or projects in the direction of the projection 41 , a maximum stroke results when the end face of the pin 47 strikes the surface 49 of the projection 41 facing the pin.

[0066] Here, each pin 40, 47 is connected to the corresponding housing part 2, 3 in a form-fitting, friction-locking and / or materially connected manner, in particular glued, welded and / or pressed and / or screwed into the corresponding opening 43, 48. Alternatively, at least one of the pins 40, 47 is formed integrally with the corresponding housing part 2, 3.

[0067] In particular, at least one of the pins 40, 47 is coated and / or its associated opening 43, 48 is provided with a noise reduction element. Alternatively or additionally, an elastic buffer element, such as a plastic disk, is provided as a noise reduction measure, in particular on the axial stop.

[0068] The components of the operating device 1 described so far are purely mechanical devices, ie a mechanical module of the operating device 1. Figure 2 It can be seen that a cavity is formed inside the second housing portion 3. A sensor module 50 is provided to fill the cavity. Figure 4 Detailed description of the sensor module is shown in a sectional view as an example.

[0069] The sensor module 50 can be arranged in a precisely fitting manner in the second housing part 3 and serves to detect an actuation of the actuation device 1 , in particular an actuation force exerted on the actuation surface 6 and / or an actuation displacement of the actuation surface 6 .

[0070] The sensor module 50 has a plate-shaped sensor element 51, in particular made of metal or plastic. The sensor element 51 is assigned or assignable to an operating element of the operating device 1. The operating element is in particular the operating surface 6 or the first housing part 2 connected thereto.

[0071] Sensor module 50 also has a sensor housing 52. Sensor housing 52 comprises a cylindrical first housing part 53 and a cylindrical second housing part 54 adjoining it, i.e., connected thereto, in the present case formed integrally therewith. In the present case, housing parts 53, 54 have the same, at least largely constant, wall thickness. The inner and outer diameters of first housing part 53 are smaller than those of second housing part 54.

[0072] Furthermore, in the present case, the sensor module 50 accordingly has at least one force sensing element 55 assigned to the sensor element 51 for detecting a force exerted on the sensor element 51, in particular by means of an actuating element, and at least one displacement sensor element 56 assigned to the sensor element 51 for detecting a displacement of the sensor element 51. The force sensing element 55 has, in particular, a strain gauge and is designed, in particular, in accordance with the known, initially mentioned prior art of the applicant.

[0073] The presence of either the force sensing element 55 or the displacement sensor element 56 is sufficient for the sensor module 50 to function as described. The presence of both provides advantageous redundancy due to the different measuring principles. In particular, at least two force sensing elements 55 and / or displacement sensor elements 56 are provided, respectively, to further improve measurement reliability and redundancy.

[0074] This redundancy allows, in particular, compliance with relevant standards and / or regulations for achieving quality / safety requirements. For example, two different measuring principles are required for the brake pedal, each of which is correspondingly redundant, to achieve ASIL D. For the accelerator pedal, two redundant sensors with the same measuring principle are sufficient.

[0075] If a sensor fails / severely drifts, it must be ensured that the remaining sensors still detect a "real" signal representing the driver's request. If a sensor fails, for example, a warning message to the driver is provided. A complete circuit failure could occur, affecting both brake pedal sensors and one accelerator pedal sensor. In this case, the corresponding redundant sensor takes over the recognition of the driver's request, preferably in conjunction with a warning message to the driver.

[0076] The sensor element 51 is mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the first housing part 53. To this end, the first housing part 53 in the present case has on its inner side 57 at least one groove 58 and / or web 59 extending along its longitudinal extension, in particular at least two grooves 58 and / or webs 59 distributed over the circumference of the inner side 57, for example diametrically opposite each other, in which and / or on which the sensor element 51 is guided.

[0077] For this purpose, the sensor element 51 is in the present case respectively associated with a longitudinal side or web 59 of the respective groove 58, in particular inserted into the respective groove 58 or resting on the respective web 59. For this purpose, the sensor element 51 preferably has a groove on a longitudinal side, the inner contour of which corresponds to the respective outer contour of the web 59. The sensor element 51 is particularly guided in the groove 58 or on the web 59, at least approximately without play or with play.

[0078] The sensor module 50 also has at least one first spring element 60, which in the present case is a coil spring. According to alternative, not shown embodiments, it is also possible to use multiple spring elements connected in series or one or more disk springs or similar spring elements. It is also conceivable to use one or more, preferably cylindrical, elastomers or any combination of different spring elements, in particular coil springs, disk springs, and / or elastomers.

[0079] The sensor element 51 is operatively connected to the force sensing element 55 by means of a first spring element 60. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), in which the force sensing element 55 is not present, the sensor element 51 can be supported on the sensor housing 52 by means of the first spring element 60. In the present case, the sensor element 51 protrudes from the first housing part 53, at least in the unactuated zero position of the spring element 60, i.e., in the assembled state, in the direction of the actuating element of the actuating device 1.

[0080] A first end 61 of the first spring element 60 is at least partially pushed onto a protrusion 62 of the sensor element 51 , and a second end 63 facing away from the first end 61 is at least partially pushed onto a protrusion 64 of another sensor element 65 operatively connected to the force sensing element 55 .

[0081] Arranged on sensor element 51 is a transmitter element 66, in the present case a magnetic element, which is assigned to a displacement sensor element 56. In the present case, the displacement sensor element comprises a Hall sensor. For example, a magnetic element designed as a permanent magnet is provided, which is arranged on a longitudinal side of sensor element 51, in particular connected thereto in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or materially connected manner. Displacement sensor element 56 is based on a magnetic measuring principle. Alternatively, other measuring principles, in particular optical measuring principles, can be provided for displacement sensor element 56.

[0082] The displacement sensor element 56 and the force sensing element 55 are arranged in the present case on a common circuit board 67 which is arranged in the sensor housing 52. According to another embodiment not shown, the displacement sensor element 56 and the force sensing element 55 are each arranged on a circuit board arranged in the sensor housing 52.

[0083] The common printed circuit board 67 has a first section 68 with the force sensor element 55 and a second section 69 with the displacement sensor element 56. The second section 69 is bent relative to the first section 68, in the present case at least approximately at a right angle.

[0084] In their original form, the two sections 68, 69 of the printed circuit board 67 lie in a common plane, and only before installation in the sensor housing 52 is the second section 69 bent accordingly. Figure 4 In FIG, the two states (planar and bent) and the mobility are shown by dashed double-headed arrows.

[0085] According to an alternative, not shown, embodiment, a first circuit board with a force sensing element 55 is provided, which is arranged at an angle, in particular at least approximately at a right angle, to a second circuit board with a displacement sensor element 56 and is electrically connected to the second circuit board.

[0086] In this case, a first section 68 of the circuit board 67 (or alternatively, a corresponding first circuit board) is arranged in the second housing part 54, and a second section 69 of the circuit board 67 (or alternatively, a corresponding second circuit board) is arranged in the first housing part 53. The second section 69 then extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sensor element 51, and the first section 68 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the sensor element 51.

[0087] FIG5 shows a detailed view of the circuit board 67 in its original state, i.e., without the segments being bent relative to one another. The two segments 68, 69 are electrically connected to one another via an electrical, flexible connection 70, in this case comprising a plurality of conductors, so that, in particular, the force sensing element 55 and the displacement sensor element 56 arranged thereon are connected or can be connected to an external power supply and / or communication bus.

[0088] Furthermore, further spring elements are arranged on the circuit board 67 , respectively on the side of the circuit board 67 facing away from the sensor element 51 and the displacement sensor element 56 and the force sensing element 55 .

[0089] On the one hand, at least one second spring element 71 for supporting the circuit board 67 is arranged on the sensor housing 52, in the present case in the second section 69 (or alternatively on a corresponding second circuit board). The second spring element 71 ensures that the displacement sensor element 56 has a defined distance relative to the transmitter element 66. In the assembled state, the second spring element is supported on the inner side 57 in the first housing part 53.

[0090] On the other hand, a plurality of third spring elements 72 (only one of which is provided with a reference numeral for the sake of clarity) are now arranged in the first section 68 (or alternatively on the corresponding first printed circuit board) to electrically contact the printed circuit board with the connecting plug 73. Figure 5B In the second detailed view in FIG, a connecting plug 73 with a plurality of connecting pins 74 is shown. Each connecting pin 74 is in physical contact with one of the third spring elements 73.

[0091] The connecting plug 73 is inserted into the Figure 4 As soon as the circuit board 67 is inserted into the sensor housing 52 , the sensor housing 52 is closed by the housing cover 75 , which is visible in FIG.

[0092] Furthermore, a housing wall 76 consisting of a plurality of sections is provided in the sensor housing 52. In the present case, the housing wall 76 is formed integrally with the sensor housing 52. A first section 77 of the housing wall 76 extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the sensor element 51, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing cover 75, and in the assembled state, parallel to the first section 68 of the printed circuit board 67.

[0093] Adjacent to first section 77 is a second section 78 oriented at right angles to the first section, which in turn extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of sensor element 51 or, in the assembled state, parallel to second section 69 of circuit board 67. A third section 79 oriented at right angles to second section 78 in turn extends parallel to first section 77 at a distance therefrom. Thus, housing wall 76 and the outer wall of sensor housing 52 together form a receiving recess for second section 69 of circuit board 67.

[0094] The first section 77 extends here directly between the two housing parts 53, 54, i.e., it is arranged flush and parallel to an end face 80 of the second housing part 54, wherein the end face has an opening 81 through which the first housing part 53 projects. In this respect, the first section 77 partially fills the opening 81. The second section 78 and the third section 79 are arranged correspondingly within the first housing part 53.

[0095] The housing wall 76 has only an opening 82 for the further sensor element 63 in the first section 77 and no other openings (if a plurality of force sensing elements 55 with corresponding sensor elements 63 are provided, separate openings are preferably provided for these as well). In this respect, the printed circuit board 67 is completely separated from the sensor element 51, preferably in a media-tight manner.

[0096] at last, Figure 6 The fully assembled operating device 1 is shown together with the sensor module 50 . For the sake of clarity, only the most important components are marked with reference numerals. The sensor module 50 is now inserted into the second housing part 3 and closed with a housing cover 75 .

[0097] The sensor element 51 is pressed against the inner side of the first shell part 2 connected to the operating surface 6 by the preload of the spring element 60, so that each operation of the operating surface 6 is transmitted to the displacement sensor element 56 and the spring element 60 by means of the sensor element 51 and then to the force sensing element 55 and the displacement sensor element 56.

Claims

1. An operating device (1) for a motor vehicle, the operating device being used in particular for specifying a braking request and / or an acceleration request, The operating device comprises a first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3), -in, The first housing part (2) is mounted on the second housing part (3) in a manner that it can move along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part (3), and wherein the first housing part (2) has an operating surface (6) on the upper side (4) facing away from the second housing part (3), or wherein a cover (5) having an operating surface (6) is arranged on the upper side (4) facing away from the second housing part (3), It is characterized in that - the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3) are both at least partially cylindrical and have closed jacket walls (11, 12), - a first sliding element (13) and a second sliding element (14) are arranged between the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3), - the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14) are axially in abutment against at least one of the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3), respectively, and - at least one spring element (15), in particular a helical spring, is arranged between the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14) as a return spring, said spring element being preloaded axially, in particular coaxially with respect to the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3), in order to force the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3) into an unoperated zero position.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that One of the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14), in particular the first sliding element (13), can be moved relative to the second housing part (3) along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part (3) together with the first housing part (2), and / or one of the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14), in particular the second sliding element (14), is arranged on the second housing part (3) in a fixed position and the first housing part (2) can be moved relative to the sliding elements (13, 14) along the longitudinal extension of the second housing part (3).

3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14), in particular the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14), respectively abuts against the inner side (17) of the first housing part (2) with a first surface (20, 22) and / or abuts against the outer side (18) of the second housing part (3) with a second surface (21, 23) that is in particular facing away from the first surface.

4. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first housing part (2) has a first inner diameter in a first region (24) assigned to the first sliding element (13) and a second inner diameter, which is greater than the first inner diameter, in a second region (25) assigned to the second sliding element (14).

5. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second housing part (3) has a first outer diameter in a first region (27) assigned to the first sliding element (13) and a second outer diameter, which is greater than the first outer diameter, in a second region (28) assigned to the second sliding element (14).

6. The operating device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14) are both at least substantially cylindrical and have an outer diameter corresponding to a corresponding inner diameter of the first housing part (2) and / or an inner diameter corresponding to a corresponding outer diameter of the second housing part (3).

7. The operating device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The spring element (15) is a coil spring and has an inner diameter corresponding to the first outer diameter.

8. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that One of the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14), in particular the first sliding element (13), has a circumferentially extending radial projection (29), and the spring element (15) at least partially abuts a surface (31) of the projection (29) facing the other sliding element (13, 14), in particular the second sliding element (14), via a first end (32), and / or one of the first sliding element (13) and the second sliding element (14), in particular the second sliding element (14), has an end side (33) with an opening (34), wherein the opening has a diameter corresponding to the first outer diameter and is for a first region (27) of the second housing part (3), and the spring element (15) at least partially abuts a surface (37) of the end side (33) facing the other sliding element (13, 14), in particular the first sliding element (13), via a second end (38), in particular facing away from the first end (32).

9. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one first pin (40) is arranged on the first housing part (2), in particular on a circumferentially extending radial protrusion (41), as an anti-rotational element, and is in particular arranged in an opening of the first housing part (2) and protruding in the direction of the second housing part (3). The first pin can be introduced or introduced into an opening (43) of the second housing part (3) corresponding to the outer contour of the first pin, in particular arranged in a circumferentially extending radial protrusion (42).

10. The operating device according to claim 9, characterized in that The first pin (40) is arranged in an opening (43) of the second housing part (3), and an axial stop (45), in particular a press sleeve circumferentially surrounding the first pin (40), is arranged on the first pin (40) in its end area (44) facing away from the first housing part (2) to limit the stroke of the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3) relative to each other and / or to set the preload of the spring element (15).

11. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one second pin (47) is arranged on the second housing part (3), in particular on a circumferentially extending radial projection (42), in particular in an opening (48) of the second housing part (3) and protruding in the direction of the first housing part (2), in order to set the stroke of the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3) relative to each other.

12. The operating device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that At least one of the first pin (40) and the second pin (47) is formed in one piece with the corresponding housing part (2, 3), or is connected to the corresponding housing part (2, 3) in a form-fitting, force-transmitting and / or material manner, in particular glued, welded and / or pressed and / or screwed into the corresponding opening (43, 48).

13. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A circumferential, in particular bellows-shaped, sealing element (10) is arranged between the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3) to seal against areas outside the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3), in particular locally at circumferentially extending radial projections (41) or axial projections (46) of the respective housing part (2, 3).

14. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A sensor module (50) is arranged in the second housing part (3) to detect an operation of the operating device (1), in particular an operating force applied to the operating surface (6) and / or an operating displacement of the operating surface (6).

15. A motor vehicle, characterized in that The motor vehicle comprises at least one operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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