Control element, operating device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle equipped therewith

Abstract

Control element (14), in particular for an operating device (12) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control element (14) is designed to switch an electrical contact in response to an actuation by a user and comprises: - an actuating device (20) with an actuating cap (22) for actuation by the user; - a switching device (30) configured to switch the electrical contact when the user activates the actuating device (20); and - a motion guidance device (42) which is configured to guide a movement of the actuating device (20) from a normal position along a direction of movement to an actuating position when actuated, - wherein the motion guidance device (42) comprises a first lever element (44) and a second lever element (62), - wherein the first lever element (44) and the second lever element (62) each extend in a lever longitudinal direction, - wherein the motion guidance device (42) has a plurality of drive sections (58, 76) which engage each other in such a sliding manner that by actuating the actuating device (20) a first drive section (58) can be moved substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lever, - wherein the first lever element (44) is rotatably mounted on a first rotary bearing device (54) about a first fixed axis (52) and is designed to engage the actuating device (20) slidably in a first sliding section (56) along the actuating cap (22), characterized in that the second lever element (62) is rotatably mounted on a second rotary bearing device (72) about a second fixed axis (70) and is designed to engage the actuating device (20) slidably in a second sliding section (74) along the actuating cap (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control element with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device according to claim 9 and a motor vehicle equipped therewith according to claim 10.

[0002] WO 2015 047 661 A1 discloses an illuminated keycap with a diffuser. The metal keycap is attached to a scissor linkage and positioned above a circuit. One or more light sources are arranged near the scissor linkage to emit light through the keycap and along its circumference.

[0003] US 2014 / 0144764A1 discloses a key with a transparent body. The key contains an elastic structure connected to the body. The elastic structure is designed such that any obstruction of light transmission by the body is at least reduced.

[0004] US 2015 / 0270073A1 discloses a control element mentioned above in which a button is supported by a scissor mechanism, the scissor elements interlocking to pivot together along a pivoting path.

[0005] Due to the mechanical guidance of the keys, the known control elements often have a considerable height (in the z-direction). Furthermore, the keycaps in these devices can tilt if the user applies pressure to them off-center. The haptic feedback generated by this tilting is often perceived as unpleasant by the user.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 196 29 631 C1 discloses a key of a keyboard in which, by pressing on a keycap at any point, the cap is moved downwards evenly and in a balanced manner, thereby triggering an electrical contact.

[0007] DE 60 2004 004 526 T2 describes a switching device with an actuating button and a connecting mechanism with a first and a second arm. The two arms are designed to cross each other and hold the actuating button, which is movable in a vertical direction.

[0008] WO 2005 / 111 770 A1 describes a lifting structure for a computer push button, wherein two elements form a scissor-like structure to mount the computer push button in a movable manner.

[0009] DE 10 2012 112 628 A1 describes a magnetic keyboard with a keycap and an X-shaped holder arranged between a base plate and a keycap to support the keycap.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a control element that has a lower overall height and at the same time enables better haptic feedback.

[0011] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0012] The invention provides a control element, in particular for a motor vehicle control device, wherein the control element is configured to switch an electrical contact upon actuation by a user and comprises an actuating device for actuation by the user, a switching device configured to switch the electrical contact upon actuation of the actuating device by the user, and a motion guidance device configured to guide a movement of the actuating device from a normal position along a direction of movement to an actuating position upon actuation, wherein the motion guidance device comprises a first lever element and a second lever element, wherein the first lever element and the second lever element each extend in a longitudinal lever direction, and wherein at least one of the lever elements is pivotably mounted on a bearing device.in particular, the actuating device is rotatably mounted on a rotary bearing device about a preferably fixed axis and is designed to engage the actuating device in a sliding manner, wherein the motion guidance device has a plurality of drive sections which engage each other in a sliding manner such that, by actuating the actuating device, a first drive section, preferably exclusively, is movable substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lever.

[0013] In the control unit according to the invention, the movement of the actuating device during actuation is more precisely defined. This allows the movements of the lever elements to be synchronized by the drive sections during actuation. Thus, even with off-center actuation, the movement of the actuating device can be distributed evenly across the lever elements. Therefore, any tilting of the actuating device can be compensated for. This compensation makes it possible to provide a lower tolerance for faulty response in the switching device, so that the overall height of the control unit can be further reduced compared to known control units.

[0014] It is preferred that, by actuating the actuating device, a second drive section is movable substantially along the pivoting movement, in particular the rotary movement, of one of the lever elements. It is preferred that the first drive section is arranged on the first lever element. It is preferred that the second drive section is arranged on the second lever element. It is preferred that the first drive section comprises a projection that slidably engages the second drive section, wherein the second drive section preferably comprises an elongated slot that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lever and positively engages the first drive section substantially parallel to the direction of movement. It is preferred that the projection engages in the elongated slot.By further developing the above features, the movement of the actuating device is defined even more precisely, so that with this design an even more uniform movement of the actuating device can be achieved.

[0015] Preferably, the operating element includes a return mechanism designed to return the actuator from the actuated position to its normal position. It is preferred that the return mechanism includes an elastic return element that biases the actuator towards the normal position. It is preferred that the elastic return element is transparent. It is also preferred that the return element is designed as a soft component. With this design, the actuator can automatically return from the actuated position to its normal position. If the return element is transparent, it can additionally function as a light guide.

[0016] Preferably, the control element includes a lighting device configured to illuminate the actuating device. It is preferred that the lighting device includes a light source arranged to emit light towards the reset mechanism. It is also preferred that the lighting device includes a light guide section configured to direct light from the light source to the actuating device. It is further preferred that the reset mechanism, in particular the elastic reset element, includes the light guide section. With this design, the control element can be illuminated while maintaining a low profile.

[0017] It is preferred that the actuating device includes an actuating cap that is clipped to the reset mechanism. It is also preferred that the actuating cap includes an illuminated area that can be connected to the lighting device, preferably to the light guide area, via a light-conducting connection. With this design, the actuating surface of the actuating cap can be illuminated, so that any lettering, letter, pictogram, or the like applied to it is more easily visible in dark environments.

[0018] It is preferred that the switching device includes a switching element configured to close and / or open an electrical circuit in the actuated position. It is preferred that the switching element includes the reset element. It is preferred that the switching device includes a circuit board element configured to at least partially support the actuating device, the motion control device, the reset device, and / or the lighting device. With this design, the individual elements of the control unit can be further integrated, thus further reducing the overall height.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention provides an operating device for a motor vehicle, wherein the operating device comprises at least one preferred operating element for providing an operating signal and a control unit configured to generate a control signal from the operating signal for controlling a component of the motor vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a preferred control element and / or a preferred operating device.

[0021] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a control unit; and Fig. 3 a top view of the control panel Fig. 2.

[0022] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0023] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0024] It will initially be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 1, which shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 comprises an operating device 12 with a plurality of operating elements 14. Each of the operating elements 14 is configured to output an operating signal upon activation by a user. Furthermore, the operating device 12 comprises a control unit 16, which is configured to convert the operating signal into a control signal for a component 18 of the motor vehicle 10, for example, an automatic climate control system, navigation system, etc.

[0025] The following will be based on the Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3 an embodiment of the control unit 14 is explained in more detail.

[0026] The control element 14 comprises an actuating device 20, which can be operated by a user. The actuating device 20 includes an actuating cap 22, also called a keycap. The actuating cap 22 has a plate section 24. The actuating cap 22 has an actuating surface 26 facing the user, which is preferably arranged on the plate section 24. The actuating surface 26 is therefore located on the actuating side. A flange area 28 projects from a circumferential region of the plate section 24 on the side facing away from the actuating side.

[0027] The operating unit 14 further comprises a switching device 30. The switching device 30 is configured to switch an electrical contact in response to the actuating device 20 being actuated by the user. The switching device 30 comprises a switching element 32 with a first contact surface 34 and a second contact surface 36. In this example, the first contact surface 34 is deformable, while the second contact surface 36 is rigid. The switching element 32 is configured in a manner known per se.

[0028] The switching device 30 further comprises a circuit board element 38, which in the present example supports the parts arranged between the circuit board element 38 and the actuating cap 22. Alternatively or additionally, the operating element 14 can also comprise a base element 40 that supports these parts.

[0029] The control element 14 further comprises a motion guidance device 42, which is designed to guide the movement performed by the actuating device 20 when actuated.

[0030] The motion guidance device 42 comprises a first lever element 44. The first lever element 44 is integrally designed as a single-piece element. The first lever element 44 has two first leg arms 46, 48, which are connected by a first end arm 50 to form a substantially U-shaped part or by two first end arms 50 to form a rectangular part. The first lever element 44 is rotatably mounted about a fixed first pivot axis 52 by means of a first pivot bearing 54. The pivot axis 52 is located at an end section of the leg arms 46, 48. The first end arm 50 has a first sliding section 56, which slidably engages the actuating device 20, more precisely the actuating cap 22, on the side facing away from the actuating surface 26.

[0031] The first lever element 44 further comprises a plurality of first drive sections 58. The first drive sections 58 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first lever element 44 in the middle third, preferably in the center. The first drive sections 58 each comprise a projection 60 that projects outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the respective leg spar 46, 48.

[0032] The motion guidance device 42 comprises a second lever element 62. The second lever element 62 is integrally designed as a single-piece element. The second lever element 62 has two second leg arms 64, 66, which are connected by means of a second end arm 68 to form a substantially U-shaped part or by means of two second end arms 68 to form a rectangular part. The second lever element 62 is designed such that the leg arms 64, 66 are viewed in plan view ( Fig. 3) extend outside the outer circumferential surface of the first lever element 44. The second lever element 62 is rotatably mounted about a fixed second pivot axis 70 by means of a second pivot bearing assembly 72. The pivot axis 70 is located at the free end sections of the leg arms 64, 66. The second end arm 68 has a second sliding section 74, which slidably engages the actuating device 20, more precisely the actuating cap 22, on the side facing away from the actuating surface 26.

[0033] The second lever element 62 further comprises a plurality of second drive sections 76. The second drive sections 76 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second lever element 62 in the middle third, preferably in the center. Each second drive section 76 comprises an elongated hole 78 extending in the longitudinal direction of the lever. Every second drive section 76 is designed such that a first drive section 58 can slid into it. In other words, in the present example, the projection 60 engages in the elongated hole 78 and can slide within it.

[0034] The operating unit 14 also includes a reset device 80. The reset device 80 has an elastic reset element 82, which is preferably transparent. The elastic reset element 82 is formed, in particular, as a soft component 84, for example, from an elastomer. In the present example, the reset device 80 is also part of the actuating device 20. The elastic reset element 82 is arranged laterally above the switching element 32. In this example, the reset device 80 is supported by the circuit board element 38. Furthermore, in this example, the actuating cap 22 is attached to the reset device 80, in particular to the elastic reset element 82, by means of a clip connection.

[0035] The control unit 14 further includes a lighting device 86 for illuminating the control unit 14. The lighting device 86 has a light source 88, for example an LED 90. The light source 88 emits light towards the reset device 80. The light is guided by the elastic reset element 82, which for this purpose includes a light guide area 92, to a lighting area 94 arranged on the actuating cap 22. In this example, the lighting device 86 is supported by the circuit board element 38.

[0036] The following section explains in more detail how the operating element 14 works. When the user activates the actuating device 20 by applying pressure to the actuating cap 22 off-center ( Fig.2) The first lever element 44 is set into pivoting motion. The first lever element 44 slides along the actuating cap 22 by means of the first sliding section 56. The first drive section 58 slides in the second drive section 78 and transmits the movement to the second lever element 62. The second lever element 62 is therefore forced to follow the movement of the first lever element 44 essentially synchronously. Thus, the second sliding section 74 is also set in motion, so that the actuating cap 22 is moved essentially uniformly. Furthermore, the elastic return element 82 is deformed so that the movement is transmitted to the switching element 32 and the first and second contact surfaces 34, 36 touch. Thus, an electrical contact can be closed and an operating signal generated. To release the pressure from the actuating cap 22, the process is essentially reversed.

[0037] In the measures described above, two levers, each designed like a frame, are preferably located beneath a key surface. This design allows for greater rigidity of the control unit and prevents the keycap from wobbling. The levers can be mounted on pivot points—especially fixed ones—on the underside of the control unit. The keycap is preferably clipped onto the top of the levers. This clipping mechanism allows relative movement between the levers and the keycap. An engagement pin on the inner lever projects into a sliding groove on the outer lever. This allows the keycap to be pressed down on the opposite side as well if the lever is pressed off-center. This makes the control unit feel more robust and rigid. A soft component with a snap disc preferably serves as the return and / or electrical switching element.The design of these two components allows for changes to the acoustics, haptics, and actuation force. Simultaneously, the soft component can be used to distribute light from the LED to the keycap.

Claims

[1] Control element (14), in particular for an operating device (12) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control element (14) is designed to switch an electrical contact in response to an actuation by a user and comprises: - an actuating device (20) with an actuating cap (22) for actuation by the user; - a switching device (30) configured to switch the electrical contact when the user activates the actuating device (20); and - a motion guidance device (42) which is configured to guide a movement of the actuating device (20) from a normal position along a direction of movement to an actuating position when actuated, - wherein the motion guidance device (42) comprises a first lever element (44) and a second lever element (62), - wherein the first lever element (44) and the second lever element (62) each extend in a lever longitudinal direction, - wherein the motion guidance device (42) has a plurality of drive sections (58, 76) which engage each other in such a sliding manner that by actuating the actuating device (20) a first drive section (58) can be moved substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lever, - wherein the first lever element (44) is rotatably mounted on a first rotary bearing device (54) about a first fixed axis (52) and is designed to engage the actuating device (20) in a first sliding section (56) along the actuating cap (22), characterized by, that the second lever element (62) is rotatably mounted on a second rotary bearing device (72) about a second fixed axis (70) and is designed to engage the actuating device (20) sliding in a second sliding section (74) along the actuating cap (22). [2] Control element (14) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first driver section (58) comprises a projection (60) which slidably engages the second driver section (76), wherein preferably the second driver section (76) comprises an elongated hole (78) which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lever and engages the first driver section (58) in a form-fitting manner substantially parallel to the direction of movement. [3] Control unit (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a reset device (80) which is designed to transfer the actuating device (20) from the actuating position to the normal position. [4] Control element (14) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a lighting device (86) configured to illuminate the actuating device (20). [5] Control unit (14) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the lighting device (86) comprises a light source (88) which is arranged to emit light in the direction of the reset device (80). [6] Control element (14) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the lighting device (20) includes a light guide area (92) which is designed to guide light from the light source (88) to the actuating device (20). [7] Control unit (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the actuating cap (22) is clipped to the reset device (80). [8] Control element (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the switching device (30) comprises a switching element (32) which is configured to close and / or open an electrical circuit in the actuating position. [9] Operating device (12) for a motor vehicle (10), wherein the operating device (12) comprises at least one operating element (14) according to one of the preceding claims for providing an operating signal and a control unit (16) configured to generate a control signal from the operating signal for controlling a component (18) of the motor vehicle (10). [10] Motor vehicle (10) comprising a control element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a control device (12) according to claim 9.

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