Actuating device for actuating vehicle function

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation device for actuating a vehicle function, comprising: a support device; a fluid pad assembly having a plurality of fluid pads protruding from the carrier device, the fluid pads each comprising at least one resilient enclosure and a volume at least partially surrounded by the same; at least one sensor unit for detecting an internal pressure in the enclosed volume; and an actuating element, which is arranged above the fluid pads and is connected to the surface of the respective fluid pad facing away from the carrier device, and which is used for absorbing the actuating force of the foot of the driver in multiple directions and transmitting the actuating force to the at least one elastic enclosure of the respective fluid pad, the at least one sensor unit is electrically coupled to the at least one elastic enclosure such that a deformation of the at least one elastic enclosure caused by the actuating force results in a reduction in the enclosed volume and thus an increase in the internal pressure, the at least one evaluation and control unit being electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit, and generating at least one control signal for controlling the vehicle function as a function of the increase in the internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device for operating vehicle functions. Background Technology

[0002] A device for accelerating and / or decelerating a motor vehicle is known from patent document EP 1 459 928 B1, the device having at least one operating element. The operating element is operated by applying an operating force. Here, the operating element operates substantially in a no-travel manner, and the device can operate in at least two driver-specific modes.

[0003] A pedal-operated vehicle control system is known from patent document WO 2020 / 142804 A1, which includes at least one load and / or pressure detection device. The pedal is integrated into or mounted on the floor structure of the vehicle and responds to the force applied by the user via the minimum displacement of the sensor unit to generate a control signal, which can be used to control the driving and / or braking functions of the vehicle during operation.

[0004] A control device capable of providing commands for vehicle functions is known from patent document FR 3 017 339 A1. This control device includes a component fixedly mounted in the footwell of the vehicle, comprising a front portion that can elastically deform under the force of the driver's foot and at least one strain gauge positioned behind and at the front of the front portion and designed to convert the deformation of the front portion caused by the driver's foot force into a change in resistance. Furthermore, at least one electronic circuit is connected to the strain gauge and designed to output a pre-processed signal at its output terminal, representing the elastic deformation caused by the change in resistance, and which can be used to control vehicle functions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The control device for operating vehicle functions, having the features of independent claim 1, has the following advantages: the control element, arranged on a fluid pad assembly having multiple fluid pads, can preferably be designed as a classic control panel, thereby achieving the appearance of a classic "pedal," preferably a brake pedal, and simultaneously, in addition to orthogonally acting control forces, control forces acting from other directions can be detected and evaluated. This means that even if the control device is not orthogonally operated, the operation can be reliably identified, and the control device will not tilt. This advantageously achieves high operational reliability of the control device.

[0006] The implementation of the control device enables simple installation and multi-directional operability of the control elements, as well as a largely consistent "pedal feel" for the driver. Furthermore, the implementation of the control device can be designed to be robust against tensile loads, preventing excessive tilting, especially when the operating force is applied only to the corner areas of the control elements designed as control panels. Additionally, the design as control panels provides an inexpensive mounting solution.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a simple, cost-effective, robust, and diagnostic control device for operating vehicle functions, wherein control requests can be interpreted in a good and robust manner. Here, the required control force can be adapted to any requirement or customer desire.

[0008] This invention provides a control device for operating vehicle functions, comprising: a support device; a fluid pad assembly having a plurality of fluid pads protruding from the support device, each fluid pad including at least one elastic enclosure and a volume at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic enclosure; at least one sensor unit configured to detect internal pressure in the enclosed volume; and a control element disposed above the fluid pads and connected to the surface of each fluid pad opposite to the support device, and configured to absorb, in multiple directions, the operating force of the driver's foot and transmit it to the at least one elastic enclosure of each fluid pad, such that deformation of the at least one elastic enclosure caused by the operating force results in a reduction in the enclosed volume, and thus an increase in internal pressure. In this configuration, at least one evaluation and control unit is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit and is configured to generate at least one control signal for operating vehicle functions based on the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit.

[0009] According to embodiments of the control device of the present invention, it can be used as a "brake pedal" to perform a braking function or as an "accelerator pedal" to perform an acceleration function.

[0010] The support device can preferably be designed as a non-elastic support plate made of metal or plastic. The support plate can preferably be screwed to the floor or front bulkhead within the vehicle's footwell. This makes the assembly and disassembly of the control mechanism particularly easy.

[0011] In the current context, the evaluation and control unit can be understood as an electrical device, such as a controller, particularly a braking controller or drive controller, that processes or evaluates detected sensor signals. The evaluation and control unit may have at least one interface, which may be hardware-based and / or software-based. In a hardware-based construction, the interface may be, for example, part of a so-called system ASIC, which contains various functions of the evaluation and control unit. However, the interface may also be a separate integrated circuit or at least partially composed of discrete components. In a software-based construction, the interface may be a software module, which, for example, exists on a microcontroller along with other software modules. A computer program product with program code, stored on a machine-readable medium (e.g., semiconductor memory, hard disk storage, or optical memory), is also advantageous for evaluation when the evaluation and control unit executes the program.

[0012] In the current context, a sensor unit is understood as a structural unit comprising at least one sensor element. The at least one sensor element directly or indirectly detects a physical quantity or a change in a physical quantity, and preferably converts it into an electrical sensor signal. In embodiments of the control device, the sensor signal represents pressure or a pressure change. The pressure sensor element can provide information about pressure changes very quickly. This allows for the generation and output of a control signal, preferably within 10 ms, for controlling the corresponding vehicle function. When at least one redundant additional sensor unit is used, the sensor signal may represent pressure or a pressure change, or displacement or a displacement change, or force or a force change.

[0013] The measures and improvements listed in the dependent claims can provide an advantageous improvement to the control device for operating vehicle functions given in independent claim 1.

[0014] Particularly advantageously, at least one resilient enclosure of each fluid pad may have a localized reinforcement on the surface facing the operating element, to which the operating element can be connected. Preferably, a detachable connection can be achieved through a clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection between the operating element and the localized reinforcement of the corresponding resilient enclosure of each fluid pad. For this purpose, a corresponding hook can be formed on the surface facing the fluid pad, and a corresponding undercut can be formed on the localized reinforcement of the resilient enclosure of each fluid pad, with the hook engaging behind the undercut to form a corresponding clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection. The detachable connection allows for simple and quick replacement of the operating element for repair or maintenance. Simultaneously, the detachable clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection ensures that the operating element will not accidentally come loose during use or vehicle cleaning. Alternatively, a non-detachable connection, such as an adhesive connection, can be achieved between the operating element and the localized reinforcement of the corresponding resilient enclosure of each fluid pad to connect the operating element to the respective fluid pads of the fluid pad assembly. The operating element may preferably be designed as a control panel with a non-slip surface. For example, metal, rigid plastic, hardwood, or a combination of different materials can be used as the material for the control panel. To achieve a non-slip surface, rubber inlays can be placed on the surface of the control panel, for example.

[0015] In another advantageous design of the operating device, at least one resilient enclosure of each fluid pad can be designed as an open enclosure, and the edge region of the open enclosure facing the carrier device can be fluid-tightly connected to the carrier device. The edge region of the open enclosure can be designed so that it will not change shape due to the applied operating force. This prevents undesirable bulging of the corresponding fluid pad. For example, the edge region of the open enclosure can be connected to the carrier device by a seal. The seal can preferably be designed as an annular seal. Alternatively or additionally, external threads can be applied to the edge region of the open enclosure, and the edge region can be screwed together with the carrier device. The threaded connection allows for a good and easily established fluid-tight connection between the open enclosure and the carrier device. Furthermore, the operating device can be implemented in a manner that is particularly easy to assemble and maintain.

[0016] Particularly advantageously, the volume at least partially enclosed by at least one elastic enclosure of each fluid pad can be formed into a spherical cap, preferably a hemisphere, in the unoperated state. Alternatively, the volume at least partially enclosed by at least one elastic enclosure can be formed into a frustum in the unoperated state, the top and bottom surfaces of which are designed to be non-deformable. In particular, forming a spherical cap or hemisphere can advantageously support the effect that any deformation of at least one elastic enclosure due to the operating force applied to the operating element by the driver will result in a reduction in the enclosed volume, and thus an increase in the internal pressure within the enclosed volume. Of course, other suitable geometries can also be achieved to achieve the desired effect. At least one elastic enclosure can be advantageously constructed as a single-layer or multi-layer elastic membrane. Here, the material, number of layers, and thickness can be selected accordingly for wear resistance reasons to obtain an acceptable force-displacement profile. The material can be advantageously selected such that it remains elastic and does not become porous throughout the service life of the operating device, and is robust enough to resist anticipated chemical and mechanical loads. In addition, one layer may include flexible armor to extend the lifespan of the elastic membrane.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the control device, the volume at least partially enclosed by at least one elastic enclosure of each fluid pad is fluidly connected to at least one outlet channel, which includes at least one throttling device and is designed to generate a volumetric flow rate preset by the at least one throttling device in the at least one outlet channel. This volumetric flow rate can counteract the increase in internal pressure in the enclosed volume caused by the actuation force during operation. This provides tactile feedback to the driver's foot. A specific desired "pedal feel" can be achieved with minimal or no hardware changes through the at least one outlet channel and the corresponding volumetric flow rate. Therefore, the control device with pressure-adapted fluid pad assemblies is compatible with various vehicle models. To obtain a comfortable or ideal "pedal feel" and preset a "minimum pedal travel," the throttled fluid flow can be discharged from the enclosed volume during operation through the at least one outlet channel. The at least one outlet channel can advantageously be connected to the environment or atmosphere via a replaceable fluid filter. The replaceable fluid filter advantageously prevents contaminants from entering the enclosed volume through the at least one outlet channel.

[0018] In another advantageous design of the control device, at least two of the multiple fluid pads are fluidly connected to each other via a shared pressure chamber. In this case, the respective volumes at least partially surrounded by at least one enclosure of the at least two fluid pads and the volume of the shared pressure chamber can form a shared enclosed volume. Without the shared pressure chamber, the internal pressure of each fluid pad can be detected and evaluated individually by a sensor unit. To identify leaks, the detected internal pressures of the individual fluid pads can be compared. When multiple fluid pads are connected to a pressure chamber, the internal pressure in the shared enclosed volume can be detected and evaluated via a shared sensor unit. This reduces the number of sensor units. For availability in case of failure, at least two pressure chambers, each with a sensor unit, fluidly connected to the multiple fluid pads, are preferably used. In this case, at least one sensor unit is preferably arranged in the shared pressure chamber and designed to detect the internal pressure in the enclosed shared volume. To identify leaks, the detected internal pressures of the at least two pressure chambers or the corresponding shared enclosed volumes can be compared. Machine learning can be used to train comparisons and define normal and fault conditions or distinguish between the two states.

[0019] In another advantageous design of the operating device, the volume at least partially surrounded by at least one elastic enclosure of each fluid pad can be directly fluidly connected to at least one outlet channel, or fluidly connected to at least one outlet channel via a common pressure chamber.

[0020] In an advantageous design of the operating device, at least one throttling device can be designed as a replaceable static throttling element that produces a constant throttling effect. This static throttling element reduces the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding outlet channel. The replaceable static throttling element is preferably threaded, allowing it to be screwed into at least one outlet channel. By selecting and inserting the replaceable throttling element, various constant throttling effects can be preset, producing the desired "pedal feel." Alternatively, the outlet channel itself can serve as a static throttling element, its constant throttling effect set and preset by its selected effective diameter.

[0021] Alternatively, at least one throttling device can be designed as an adjustable valve that can produce a static or dynamic throttling effect. The internal pressure profile within the enclosed volume can be statically and dynamically adjusted via the adjustable valve. Thus, the evaluation and control unit can be further designed to predetermine the desired static or dynamic throttling effect by manipulating the adjustable valve. In addition to the potential for dynamic adaptation, the advantage of this design is that the operating characteristics, or "pedal characteristics," can be adjusted simply by changing the software. Therefore, the same hardware can be used to meet the requirements of different vehicle models. Furthermore, adjustments can be made during continuous vehicle operation. In principle, this can also accommodate potential aging effects throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Additionally, at least one second outlet passage with constant throttling characteristics can be provided to control fluid discharge from the enclosed volume in the event of a valve closure failure.

[0022] In another advantageous design of the control device, the current internal pressure within the enclosed volume can be adjusted via an adjustable valve in the non-operated state. In this case, the current internal pressure within the enclosed volume can be adjusted according to current environmental conditions. Thus, the internal pressure within the enclosed volume is preferably better adapted to relevant air pressure fluctuations to ensure a consistent "pedal feel." In particular, altitude differences of several hundred meters will certainly cause corresponding changes in air pressure. Therefore, altitude adaptation is meaningful.

[0023] In internal combustion engines, information about the current air pressure is typically provided by the motor controller. Since this variable is not critical in electric vehicles, information about the current air pressure can be determined, for example, through altitude information from a positioning system and / or navigation system. Altitude adaptation occurs, for example, when the vehicle is started or ignition is engaged and / or when the driver requests acceleration by manipulating the accelerator pedal and no assistance system requests deceleration. Additionally or alternatively, altitude adaptation can be performed if the vehicle is stationary while the ignition is on using the parking brake or by shifting to "P". For altitude compensation, an adjustable valve can be briefly fully opened in this state to balance the pressure between the environment and the enclosed volume.

[0024] In another advantageous design of the operating device, the throttling effect of the adjustable valve can be adjusted during operation based on current environmental conditions and / or the current internal pressure in the enclosed volume. This prevents undesirable strong "hardening" during operation. Furthermore, during operation, dynamic fluid flow can be released from the enclosed volume according to the internal pressure curve, thereby reducing the internal pressure to provide a longer operating stroke or "pedal travel" and / or a more comfortable "pedal feel".

[0025] In another advantageous design of the control device, at least one additional sensor unit may be electrically coupled to at least one evaluation and control unit and is designed to redundantly detect the control force. For this purpose, at least one additional control unit may be arranged, for example, between fluid pads on the support structure. In this case, the sensor signal from at least one additional sensor unit may represent pressure or pressure change, or displacement or displacement change, or force or force change. Preferably, at least one additional sensor unit may be designed as a displacement sensor or a force sensor. By using at least one second sensor unit that provides information about the applied control force, at least one control signal can preferably be generated and output to control the vehicle function in the event of a fault, such as a leak in at least one fluid pad of the fluid pad assembly. Simultaneously, the use of at least one additional sensor unit allows for immediate diagnosis and feedback of faults. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in more detail below. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote parts or elements that perform the same or similar functions.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic partial view of the foot space of a vehicle having a first embodiment of a control device for controlling vehicle functions according to the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The schematic top view of the control device according to the present invention does not include control elements.

[0029] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the operating device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the operating device according to the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the operating device according to the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the control device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] from Figures 1 to 6As can be seen, the illustrated embodiment of the control device 10 for controlling vehicle functions according to the present invention includes: a support device 16; a fluid pad assembly 11 having a plurality of fluid pads 12 protruding from the support device 16, each fluid pad including at least one elastic enclosure 14 and a volume (cavity) V at least partially surrounded by the at least one elastic enclosure 14; at least one sensor unit 20, the sensor unit being designed to detect internal pressure in the surrounded volume V; and a control element 17. The control element 17 is arranged above the fluid pads 12 and connected to the surface of each fluid pad 12 facing away from the support device 16, and is designed to absorb the driving force FB of the driver's foot in multiple directions and transmit it to the at least one elastic enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12, such that deformation of the at least one elastic enclosure 14 caused by the driving force FB results in a reduction of the surrounded volume V, and thus an increase in internal pressure. In this case, at least one evaluation and control unit 24 is electrically coupled to at least one sensor unit 20 and is designed to generate at least one control signal for controlling vehicle functions based on the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit 20.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment of the control device 10, the fluid pad assembly 11 comprises six fluid pads 12 designed as air cushions, each having only one elastic enclosure 14 that at least partially surrounds an air-filled volume V. To achieve an anti-slip surface, a plurality of strip-shaped rubber inlays 17.1 are arranged on the surface of the control panel 17A. Of course, the rubber inlays 17.1 can also have other shapes (e.g., circular) or other orientations. The elastic enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12 is preferably constructed as a multilayer elastic membrane. Here, the material, number of layers, and thickness can be selected accordingly for abrasion resistance to obtain an acceptable force-displacement profile.

[0035] In an embodiment of the control device 10 (not shown), the fluid pad assembly 11 may also include fewer than six fluid pads 12, such as four fluid pads 12, or more than six fluid pads 12, such as eight or nine fluid pads 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the control elements 17 are all designed as control panels 17A.

[0036] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the control device 10 in the illustrated embodiment is used as a "brake pedal" to perform the braking function. An accelerator pedal 3 is arranged next to the right side of the "brake pedal" and can be used to perform the acceleration function. Of course, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the control device 10 can also be used as an "accelerator pedal" to perform the acceleration function.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the support device 16 is designed as a non-elastic support plate 16A made of metal or plastic, and is screwed into the floor or front bulkhead 5 in the foot space 1 of the vehicle using threaded parts not shown in detail.

[0038] from Figures 2 to 5 It can also be seen that, in the illustrated embodiments of the control devices 10A, 10B, and 10C, the elastic enclosure 14A of each fluid pad 12 and the enclosed volume V respectively form hemispheres as special spherical caps in the uncontrolled state. Thus, the control force FB acting on the fluid pad 12 from different directions via the control plate 17A can be reliably detected and evaluated by the increase in internal pressure within the enclosed volume V. This enables the control devices 10A, 10B, and 10C to be multi-directionally operable, and provides the driver with a substantially uniform "pedal feel."

[0039] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the manipulation device 10D shown, the elastic enclosure 14B of each fluid pad 12 and the enclosed volume V form a table in the unmanipulated state, and its top and bottom surfaces are designed to be non-deformable.

[0040] from Figures 3 to 6 It can also be seen that the elastic enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12 has a local reinforcement 13 on the surface facing the actuating element 17, and the actuating element 17 is connected to the local reinforcement. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a detachable connection is achieved through a plurality of threaded connections (not shown in detail) between the control element 17, designed as a control panel 17A, and the local reinforcements 13 of the resilient enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a non-detachable adhesive connection is formed between the control element 17 and the corresponding local reinforcements 13 of the resilient enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 to non-detachably connect the control element 17 to each gas pad 12 of the fluid pad assembly 11.

[0041] from Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can also be seen that, in the illustrated embodiments of the control devices 10C and 10D, the detachable connection is achieved through a plurality of clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connections 15 between the control element 17, designed as a control plate 17A, and the local reinforcement 13 of the corresponding elastic enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12. In both illustrated embodiments, a plurality of hooks 15A are formed in the region of each fluid pad 12 on the surface of the control plate 17A facing the gas pad 12, respectively, which engage behind a corresponding undercut 15B to form a corresponding clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection 15, the undercut being formed on the local reinforcement 13 of the elastic enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12.

[0042] Of course, multiple clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connections 15 between the control element 17, designed as the control panel 17A, and the local reinforcements 13 of the corresponding elastic covers 14 of each fluid pad 12 can also be used. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiments of the illustrated operating devices 10A and 10B, a detachable connection is achieved. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiments of the control devices 10C and 10D shown, the clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection 15 between the control element 17, designed as the control panel 17A, and the local reinforcement 13 of the corresponding elastic cover 14 of each fluid pad 12 can be replaced by a threaded connection. Alternatively, other suitable connection methods can be used to achieve a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection.

[0043] from Figures 3 to 6 It can also be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment of the operating device 10, the elastic enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 are designed as open enclosures 14. Thus, the corresponding volume V is surrounded by the corresponding open enclosure 14 and the surface of the support device 16 facing the open enclosure 14. In this case, the edge regions 19 of the open enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 facing the support device 16 are fluid-tightly connected to the support device 16. The edge regions 19 of the open enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 are designed so that they do not change shape due to the applied operating force FB. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment of the operating device 10, the edge regions 19 of the open enclosures 14B of each fluid pad 12 are connected to the support device 16 via sealing portions 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing portion 18 is designed as an annular sealing portion 18A. Furthermore, sensor units 20, designed as pressure sensors 20A, are all arranged within the support device 16, located below the elastic enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12.

[0044] In an embodiment of the operating device 10 (not shown), in addition to the sealing portion 18, external threads are applied to the edge regions 19 of the open enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12, so that the edge regions 19 can be screwed together with the carrier device 16.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the actuation device 10, the elastic enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 are designed as closed enclosures 14. Thus, the corresponding volume V is completely surrounded by the closed enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12. In this case, the side of the closed enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 facing the support device 16 rests flat on and is connected to the support device 16. Preferably, the closed enclosures 14A of each fluid pad 12 are bonded to the support device 16 via a support surface and are designed so that they do not change shape due to the applied actuation force FB. In this case, the sensor units 20 are all arranged within the enclosed volume V.

[0046] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that, in the second embodiment of the operating device 10B shown, at least two of the plurality of fluid pads 12 are fluidly connected to each other via a common pressure chamber 26. In this case, the respective volumes V, at least partially surrounded by at least one enclosure 14 of the at least two fluid pads 12, and the volume of the common pressure chamber 26 form a common enclosed volume. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, two shared pressure chambers 26 are integrated into the support device 16. Here, the first pressure chamber 26A is fluidly connected to the resilient enclosures 14 of three of the six fluid pads 12. This means that the shared volume includes the respective volumes V enclosed by the resilient enclosures 14 of the three fluid pads 12 and the volume of the first pressure chamber 26A. The second pressure chamber 26B is fluidly connected to the resilient enclosures 14 of the other three of the six fluid pads 12. This means that the shared volume includes the respective volumes V enclosed by the resilient enclosures 14 of the three fluid pads 12 and the volume of the second pressure chamber 26B.

[0047] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that the sensor unit 20, designed as pressure sensor 20A, is respectively arranged in the first pressure chamber 26A and the second pressure chamber 26B, and is designed to detect the internal pressure in the enclosed common volume. Of course, more than two pressure chambers 26 can also be used, which are respectively fluidly connected to the elastic enclosures 14 of at least two fluid pads 12. Therefore, for an embodiment of the fluid pad assembly 11 having six fluid pads 12, three pressure chambers 26 can be used, which are respectively fluidly connected to the elastic enclosures 14 of two of the six fluid pads 12. Here, the two shared enclosed volumes can be filled with different media. For example, the shared enclosed first volume can be filled with air, while the shared enclosed second volume can be filled with liquid.

[0048] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that the two pressure chambers 26 and the corresponding enclosed common volume are fluidly connected to the outlet channel 27, which includes at least one throttling device 28 and is designed to generate a volumetric flow rate in the at least one outlet channel 27 that can be preset by the at least one throttling device 28, which, during operation, counteracts the increase in internal pressure in the enclosed common volume caused by the operating force FB. This means that the volume V enclosed by the elastic enclosure 14 of each fluid pad 12 is fluidly connected to the corresponding outlet channel 27 through the corresponding common pressure chamber 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the two outlet channels 27 with throttling devices 28 are integrated into the carrier device 16. Furthermore, the outlet channels 27 are respectively connected to the environment or atmosphere through replaceable fluid filters 29.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment of the actuation device 10 (not shown), the volume V at least partially surrounded by the resilient enclosures 14 of each fluid pad 12 is directly fluidly connected to an outlet channel 27, which includes at least one throttling device 28 and is designed to generate a volumetric flow rate in the at least one outlet channel 27 that can be preset by the at least one throttling device 28, which, during actuation, counteracts the increase in internal pressure in the surrounded volume V caused by the actuation force FB. This means that each fluid pad 12's resilient enclosure 14 is provided with an outlet channel 27 having at least one throttling device 28.

[0050] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that, in the second embodiment of the illustrated operating device 10B, the throttling device 28 is designed as an adjustable valve 28A, which produces a static or dynamic throttling effect. In this case, the evaluation and control unit 24 is further designed to preset the static or dynamic throttling effect by manipulating an adjustment element (not shown in detail) of the adjustable valve 28A. The adjustment element of the adjustable valve 28A is preferably designed as an adjustment motor. The current internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes can be adjusted in the non-operated state by means of the adjustable valve 28A. In the illustrated embodiment, the current internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes can be adjusted according to the current environmental conditions in order to adapt the internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes to altitude. Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the illustrated operating device 10B, the throttling effect of the adjustable valve 28A can be adjusted during operation according to the current environmental conditions and / or the current internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment of the operating device 10 (not shown), at least one throttling device 28 is designed as a replaceable static throttling element that produces a constant throttling effect. In this case, the static throttling element preferably includes an external thread, through which it is screwed into the corresponding internal thread of the corresponding outlet channel 27. Alternatively, the outlet channel 27 itself can be used as a static throttling element, whose constant throttling effect can be set and preset by its selected effective diameter.

[0052] from Figure 4It can also be seen that, as a backup solution, two additional sensor units 22 are arranged between the various fluid pads 12 on the support device 16. These units are electrically coupled to the evaluation and control unit 24 and are designed to redundantly detect the steering force FB. For this purpose, the two additional sensor units 22 are designed as force sensors 22A. By using the additional sensor units 22, at least one control signal can be generated and output to control vehicle functions in the event of a failure, such as a leak in at least one fluid pad 12 of the fluid pad assembly 11. At the same time, the use of the two additional sensor units 22 enables immediate diagnosis and feedback of faults. In the illustrated embodiment, the two sensor units 22, designed as force sensors 22A, serve as a pure backup solution in the event of a failure.

[0053] In an embodiment not shown, at least two additional sensor units 22 arranged between the respective fluid pads 12 on the support device 16 are designed as displacement sensors 22A, which detect the distance between the lower part of the control panel 17A and the corresponding sensor unit 22. Thus, in addition to the information from the sensor unit 20 designed as a pressure sensor 20A, redundant information about the operating force FB can be provided and evaluated by the evaluation and control unit 24.

[0054] In another embodiment, not shown, sensor units 20 may be used in the six fluid pads 12 of the fluid pad assembly 11. These sensor units use different physical measurement methods to determine the deformation of the elastic enclosure 14 caused by the actuating force FB. Therefore, similar to the illustrated embodiment, sensor units 20 designed as pressure sensors 20A may be used, for example, in three of the six fluid pads 12. In the other fluid pads of the six fluid pads 12 of the fluid pad assembly 11, sensor units 20 in the form of at least one strain gauge, for example designed as force sensors, may be arranged to detect the deformation on the elastic enclosure 14 caused by the actuating force FB. Of course, other suitable physical measurement methods may also be used to redundantly detect the deformation caused by the actuating force FB. Therefore, the other sensor units 20 may be designed as, for example, optical sensors or radar sensors, etc.

[0055] and Figure 4 The second embodiment of the control device 10B shown is similar. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Other embodiments of the control devices 10A, 10C, and 10D shown may also be equipped with at least one additional sensor unit 22 as a backup solution, which is arranged between the various fluid pads 12 on the support device 16, electrically coupled to the evaluation and control unit 24, and designed to redundantly detect the control force FB.

Claims

1. A control device (10) for operating vehicle functions, the control device comprising: The support device (16); a fluid pad assembly (11) having a plurality of fluid pads (12) protruding from the support device (16), each fluid pad including at least one elastic enclosure (14) and a volume (V) at least partially surrounded by the at least one elastic enclosure (14); at least one sensor unit (20) designed to detect internal pressure in the surrounded volume (V); and an actuating element (17) disposed above the fluid pads (12) and opposite to the surfaces of the respective fluid pads (12) facing away from the support device (16). At least one elastic enclosure (14) is connected and designed to absorb the driving force (FB) from the driver's foot in multiple directions and transmit it to each fluid pad (12), such that deformation of the at least one elastic enclosure (14) caused by the driving force (FB) results in a reduction of the enclosed volume (V) and thus an increase in the internal pressure, wherein at least one evaluation and control unit (24) is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit (20) and is designed to generate at least one control signal for operating the vehicle functions based on the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit (20).

2. The operating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one elastic enclosure (14) of each fluid pad (12) has a local reinforcement (13) on the surface facing the actuating element (17), and the actuating element (17) is connected to the local reinforcement (13).

3. The operating device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detachable connection is achieved by clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection (15) between the operating element (17) and the local reinforcement (13) of the corresponding elastic enclosure (14) of each fluid pad (12).

4. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one elastic enclosure (14) of each fluid pad (12) is designed as an open enclosure, and the edge region (19) of the open enclosure (14B) facing the support device (16) is fluid-tightly connected to the support device (16).

5. The operating device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The edge region (19) of the open enclosure (14) is designed so that the edge region does not change shape due to the applied manipulating force (FB).

6. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The volume (V) at least partially surrounded by at least one elastic enclosure (14) of each fluid pad (12) forms a ball notch or table in the unmanipulated state.

7. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, A volume (V) at least partially surrounded by at least one elastic enclosure (14) of each fluid pad (12) is fluidly connected to at least one outlet channel (27), the at least one outlet channel including at least one throttling device (28) and designed to generate a volumetric flow rate in the at least one outlet channel (27) that can be preset by the at least one throttling device (28), the volumetric flow rate offsetting the increase in internal pressure in the surrounded volume (V) caused by the actuation force (FB) during operation.

8. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of fluid pads (12) are fluidly connected to each other via a common pressure chamber (26), wherein the respective volumes (V) at least partially surrounded by at least one enclosure (14) of the at least two fluid pads (12) and the volume of the common pressure chamber (26) form a common enclosed volume.

9. The operating device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one sensor unit (20) is arranged in the common pressure chamber (26) and is designed to detect the internal pressure in the common enclosed volume.

10. The operating device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The volume (V) at least partially surrounded by at least one elastic enclosure (14) of each fluid pad (12) is directly fluidly connected to the at least one outlet channel (27), or is fluidly connected to the at least one outlet channel (27) through the common pressure chamber (26).

11. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The at least one throttling device (28) is designed as a replaceable static throttling element that produces a constant throttling effect, or as an adjustable valve (28A) that produces a static or dynamic throttling effect.

12. The operating device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one evaluation and control unit (24) is also designed to preset the static or dynamic throttling effect by manipulating the adjustable valve (28A).

13. The operating device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, Depending on the current environmental conditions, the current internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V) can be adjusted via the adjustable valve (28A) in the unmanaged state.

14. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The throttling effect of the adjustable valve (28A) can be adjusted during operation according to the current environmental conditions and / or the current internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V).

15. The operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, At least one additional sensor unit (22) is electrically coupled to the at least one evaluation and control unit (24) and is designed to redundantly detect the maneuvering force (FB).

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