Actuating device for actuating an electrical or electronic circuit and method for manufacturing such an actuating device

Abstract

Actuating device (1) for actuating an electrical or electronic circuit (3), comprising a circuit board (5), wherein the circuit board (5) integrally comprises a circuit board base (7), an elastic region (9), and a displacement region (11) having at least one actuating region (13) and at least one coupling region (15), wherein the circuit board base (7), the elastic region (9), and the displacement region (11) are designed and arranged such that the displacement region (11) is connected to the circuit board base (7) by the elastic region (9) and is elastically displaceable relative to the circuit board base (7), wherein the at least one coupling region (15) is designed and arranged for galvanic, electrical, and / or magnetic coupling with at least one counter-coupling region (17) arranged on the circuit board base (7),that a position of the at least one coupling area (15) relative to the at least one counter-coupling area (17) can be changed by moving the actuating area (13), characterized in that the elastic area (9) is designed such that the at least one coupling area (15) can be brought into contact with the at least one counter-coupling area (17) by moving the actuating area (13) thereby establishing galvanic coupling.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for actuating an electrical or electronic circuit and a method for manufacturing such an actuating device.

[0002] Actuating devices designed to operate electrical or electronic circuits, such as manually operated switches, typically have a large number of moving parts and a complex design. With increasing pressure for miniaturization, manufacturing becomes increasingly complex, making such devices expensive. Furthermore, the large number of moving parts leads to increased susceptibility to aging and wear, as well as a higher risk of failure.

[0003] An actuating device according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in DE 102011 089 693 A1. Further actuating devices are disclosed in DE 102013 221 141 A1 and DE 10 2018 127 767 B3.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating an actuating device for actuating an electrical or electronic circuit and a method for manufacturing such an actuating device, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably do not occur.

[0005] The problem is solved by providing an actuating device according to claim 1 for actuating an electrical or electronic circuit. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The actuating device comprises a circuit board, the circuit board being integrally formed by a circuit board base, an elastic zone, and a displacement zone, the displacement zone comprising at least one actuating zone and at least one coupling zone. The circuit board base, the elastic zone, and the displacement zone are designed and arranged such that the displacement zone is connected to the circuit board base by the elastic zone and is elastically displaceable relative to the circuit board base. The at least one coupling zone is designed for galvanic, electrical, and / or magnetic coupling with at least one counter-coupling zone arranged on the circuit board base and is arranged such that the position of the at least one coupling zone relative to the at least one counter-coupling zone can be changed by displacing the at least one actuating zone.Because the circuit board base, the elastic zone, and the displacement zone are formed in one piece, the actuating device has a very simple, mechanically stable, low-wear, and low-defect design, and can be manufactured very cost-effectively, particularly in one or at most a few production steps. In particular, a single overall process can be used to manufacture the circuit board, including the elastic zone and the displacement zone, as well as any electrical or electronic components optionally mounted on the circuit board.

[0007] In the context of this technical teaching, an actuating device is understood to be, in particular, a device configured to actuate an electrical or electronic circuit, that is, in particular to influence, and especially to change, a state of the circuit. In one embodiment, the actuating device is configured to switch between two states of the circuit. In another embodiment, the actuating device is configured to switch between a plurality of states of the circuit. In yet another embodiment, the actuating device is configured to change an internal state of the circuit quasi-continuously or continuously.The term quasi-continuous means that the circuit has a plurality of discrete internal states, which have different values ​​with respect to at least one parameter characterizing the respective internal state, and which are arranged in an ordered sequence so close to each other that the sequence can be considered continuous for practical purposes.

[0008] An electrical or electronic circuit is understood to be an arrangement of electrical or electronic components that are at least partially interconnected, in particular electrically or electromagnetically interconnected, and that interact during operation of the circuit to fulfill a specific purpose or task, for example, to switch or control another device, such as switching on a light or controlling a drive. In particular, the electrical or electronic circuit is preferably configured as a 1-bit memory or flip-flop. Such a circuit can also be an input device or part of an input device of a computing device, in particular a computer, or the like.Preferably, the electrical or electronic circuit for which the actuating device is designed is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, on the circuit board, in particular on the circuit board base, of the actuating device.

[0009] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one coupling area is arranged at a maximum distance from the at least one counter-coupling area when the elastic area is in a relaxed rest position, due to the design and arrangement of the elastic area and its position relative to the elastic area. By deflecting the elastic area from its relaxed rest position—particularly manually—the coupling area can be brought close to the counter-coupling area in order to touch it and establish electrical contact in the sense of galvanic coupling, and optionally to influence, in particular to strengthen or even establish, capacitive or inductive coupling by approaching the counter-coupling area.

[0010] A user of the actuating device can, in particular, grasp the actuating area to manually deflect the elastic zone and thus also the coupling zone. Specifically, the actuating area is designed to be manually grasped and moved by a user.

[0011] In particular, the circuit board preferably has the circuit board base, the elasticity zone and the displacement zone in one piece and made of a single material.

[0012] Starting from the circuit board base, the elastic region preferably adjoins – in particular directly – the circuit board base, with the displacement region in turn adjoining – in particular directly – the elastic region. In one embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one coupling region adjoins – in particular directly – the elastic region, with the at least one actuating region in turn adjoining – in particular directly – the at least one coupling region. In another embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one actuating region adjoins – in particular directly – the elastic region, with the at least one coupling region in turn adjoining – in particular directly – the at least one actuating region.

[0013] The at least one negative feedback zone is formed or arranged, in particular, on the same circuit board base with which the elastic zone and the displacement zone are also formed integrally. In one embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one negative feedback zone is formed integrally with the circuit board base, preferably of a single material. In another embodiment of the actuating device, at least one negative feedback zone is formed in two parts with the circuit board base, in particular attached to or connected to the circuit board base.In one embodiment of the actuating device, at least one counter-coupling area of ​​a plurality of counter-coupling areas is formed integrally, preferably of a single material, with the circuit board base, wherein at least one other counter-coupling area of ​​the plurality of counter-coupling areas is formed in two parts with the circuit board base, in particular attached to or connected with the circuit board base.

[0014] In the context of the present technical teaching, it is understood that the position of the at least one coupling region relative to the at least one negative feedback region can be changed by relocating the at least one actuation region, and in particular that the distance between the at least one coupling region and the at least one negative feedback region can be changed by relocating the at least one actuation region. A distance is understood in particular to be a linear distance in space and / or a loop overlap, also referred to as coil overlap, of two induction elements, in particular current loops or coils, of which a first induction element is arranged at the coupling region and a second induction element at the negative feedback region. A change in the loop overlap changes the magnetic coupling between the two induction elements.In particular, loop coverage is understood to mean a covering or superposition of the surfaces enclosed by the induction elements - in projection onto one another.

[0015] In particular, the displacement area relative to the circuit board base can be elastically displaced by deflection within the elastic range. Specifically, the elastic range can be elastically deformed to allow the displacement area to be moved relative to the circuit board base. The elastic range is therefore designed such that it can be elastically deformed in at least one direction, and preferably in a plurality of directions.

[0016] The relocation of the at least one actuation area relative to the at least one feedback area is in particular a relocation of the at least one actuation area relative to the circuit board base, in particular to the same circuit board base on which the feedback area is also arranged.

[0017] In particular, the elastic range is designed such that the displacement of the actuating area can occur as a linear displacement, in particular linear deflection, as bending, in particular in a plane defined by the circuit board base, in particular about an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the circuit board base and / or an axis that lies in this plane and is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the actuating area, and / or as torsion, in particular rotation, of the actuating area - in particular about a longitudinal axis of the actuating area, which lies in particular in the plane defined by the circuit board base.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the elastic zone is machined from a material of the circuit board base and is made elastic, in particular by shaping. In this way, the elastic zone can be formed integrally and with the circuit board base. The circuit board base preferably comprises a fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular a fiberglass mat impregnated with epoxy resin, or a hard paper. However, the circuit board can also be designed as a metal-core circuit board.

[0019] Preferably, the displacement area is also machined out of the material of the circuit board base.

[0020] In particular, the elastic zone exhibits its elastic property due to its shape, especially its shape machined from the material of the circuit board base. Specifically, the elastic zone has or is designed as a rib, the rib having a specific length and width measured along its length. The elastic property of the elastic zone results from the ratio of the rib's length to its width, or, if the width is fixed, from its length. The rib has a length at which the rib material behaves elastically. In particular, the elastic zone, and especially the rib, has a plurality of deflections in a plane of the circuit board base, resulting in a particularly economical use of the elastic zone's surface area.

[0021] In particular, the elasticity range within a predetermined surface element is defined as the web running along the majority of deflections.

[0022] For an epoxy resin circuit board with a nominal thickness of 1.55 mm, the following results in particular: In a preferred embodiment, the width of the web is selected to be 1.5 mm, wherein the web is machined from the circuit board base material such that it has a 1 mm clearance on each side relative to the remaining base material. For a web extending linearly without deflections and cleared on both sides by circuit board material, the area utilization ratio of the area A occupied by the web including the clearances to the length L of the web is then A / L = 3.5 mm. 2 / mm. In particular, the area utilization ratio is determined by considering the length of the web in relation to the total width, including the cutouts. A minimal area utilization ratio can be achieved for a web located at the edge of the board base, which is only free of board base material on one side and forms the edge of the board on the other, resulting in an area utilization ratio A / L = 2.5 mm in this case. 2 / mm. By means of a multiple deflections of the web, an overlap of the clearance paths, in particular milling paths, for the clearance of the web material from the material of the circuit board base is advantageously achieved, whereby, in particular for a meandering structure, an area utilization ratio of A / L = 2.9 mm² is achieved. 2 / mm can be achieved.

[0023] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the elastic zone, in particular the web, has a meandering structure. This represents a particularly suitable design for making the elastic zone flexible and / or efficient in terms of surface area utilization, especially in a surface-optimized manner, through its shape.

[0024] Positioning the bridge at the edge of the circuit board base, or creating a meandering structure in an edge region of the circuit board base, offers the advantage of freeing up more space in the inner area of ​​the board base for electrical or electronic circuitry, while simultaneously achieving optimal space utilization. Furthermore, the actuator can be advantageously configured for specific applications in this way, for example, as a limit switch or proximity switch, particularly as a switch for a mobile phone. Especially when the bridge extends along the edge of the circuit board base's contour, a simple push-button function can be implemented with optimal space utilization.

[0025] According to a further development of the invention, the displacement area has exactly one coupling area which is set up to interact with the at least one counter-coupling area.

[0026] In one embodiment of the actuating device, exactly one coupling area is set up to interact with exactly one counter-coupling area.

[0027] In another embodiment of the actuating device, exactly one coupling area is configured to interact with exactly two counter-coupling areas. In this embodiment, the coupling area can be shifted, in particular, between the two counter-coupling areas and selectively brought closer to either one or the other.

[0028] In yet another embodiment of the actuating device, exactly one coupling area is configured to interact with exactly four counter-coupling areas. In this configuration, the coupling area can be shifted, in particular, between the counter-coupling areas, which are preferably arranged in pairs in a plane – especially at the four endpoints of an imaginary cross – and thus selectively moved closer to one of the four counter-coupling areas and simultaneously away from the other counter-coupling areas.

[0029] In one embodiment of the actuating device, it has exactly one displacement area. The at least one coupling area and the at least one actuating area are preferably arranged on this exact one displacement area. In particular, a plurality of coupling areas and / or a plurality of actuating areas are also preferably arranged or formed on this exact one displacement area.

[0030] In one embodiment of the actuating device, it has exactly one actuation area. This single actuation area can be uniquely assigned to exactly one coupling area. However, it is also possible for the single actuation area to be assigned to a plurality of coupling areas.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the displacement area has a plurality of coupling areas.

[0032] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area has exactly two coupling areas.

[0033] In one embodiment of the actuating device, each coupling area of ​​the plurality of coupling areas is configured to interact with a separately assigned counter-coupling area, namely the at least one counter-coupling area. In particular, there is then a one-to-one assignment of coupling areas to their respective assigned counter-coupling areas.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the relocation area has a plurality of activity areas.

[0035] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area has exactly two actuation areas.

[0036] In one embodiment of the actuating device, each coupling area of ​​the plurality of coupling areas is assigned a separate actuating area. In particular, there is then a one-to-one correspondence between coupling areas and their respective actuating areas. This makes it especially easy for a user to actuate a specific coupling area.

[0037] In one embodiment of the actuating device, each coupling area of ​​a plurality of coupling areas is separately assigned, on the one hand, a counter-coupling area of ​​a plurality of counter-coupling areas, and on the other hand, each coupling area is separately assigned an actuating area of ​​a plurality of actuating areas. In particular, there is then both a one-to-one assignment of coupling areas to their respective assigned actuating areas, and a one-to-one assignment of coupling areas to their respective assigned counter-coupling areas.

[0038] In one embodiment, the actuating device has, in particular, a plurality of coupling areas—especially two coupling areas spaced apart from one another—and a plurality of actuation areas, especially two actuation areas, integrally and in particular of a single material, at a displacement area, wherein each actuation area is uniquely and separately assigned to one of the coupling areas. In particular, each coupling area at the circuit board base is assigned a separate counter-coupling area. By selectively actuating the actuation areas, one of the coupling areas can thus be selectively brought closer to its respective assigned counter-coupling area.

[0039] According to a further development of the invention, a first negative feedback area and a second negative feedback area are arranged opposite each other along a first axis on the circuit board base. The at least one feedback area is located between the first and second feedback areas and can be displaced along the first axis in two directions to selectively reduce either a first distance between the at least one feedback area and the first feedback area or a second distance between the at least one feedback area and the second feedback area. As already explained, the term "distance" includes a change in loop overlap or coil overlap.

[0040] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area has exactly one coupling area that can be displaced between the first counter-coupling area and the second counter-coupling area.

[0041] In another embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area comprises a first coupling area and a second coupling area, in particular exactly two coupling areas, as the at least one coupling area, wherein by displacing the at least one actuating area – in particular in different directions – either the first coupling area can be brought closer to the first counter-coupling area or the second coupling area can be brought closer to the second counter-coupling area. In particular, the distance between the first coupling area and the first counter-coupling area increases when the second coupling area is brought closer to the second counter-coupling area. In particular, the distance between the second coupling area and the second counter-coupling area increases when the first coupling area is brought closer to the first counter-coupling area.

[0042] According to a further development of the invention, a third negative feedback area and a fourth negative feedback area are additionally arranged opposite each other along a second axis on the circuit board base. The at least one feedback area is also arranged between the third negative feedback area and the fourth negative feedback area and can be displaced along the second axis in two directions in order to selectively reduce either a third distance between the at least one feedback area and the third negative feedback area or a fourth distance between the at least one feedback area and the fourth negative feedback area.

[0043] The second axis is inclined to the first axis, in particular it is oriented perpendicular to the first axis, especially such that the four counter-coupling areas are arranged at the four endpoints of an imaginary cross.

[0044] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area has exactly one coupling area that can be displaced between the first counter-coupling area, the second counter-coupling area, the third counter-coupling area and the fourth counter-coupling area.

[0045] In another embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area comprises a first coupling area, a second coupling area, a third coupling area, and a fourth coupling area, in particular exactly four coupling areas, as the at least one coupling area, wherein by displacing the at least one actuating area – in particular in different directions – the first coupling area can be selectively brought closer to the first counter-coupling area, or the second coupling area to the second counter-coupling area, or the third coupling area to the third counter-coupling area, or the fourth coupling area to the fourth counter-coupling area. In particular, the distance of one of the coupling areas to its associated counter-coupling area increases when another coupling area of ​​the coupling areas is brought closer to its respective associated counter-coupling area.

[0046] According to a further development of the invention, a plurality of feedback areas are arranged on the circuit board base, wherein the displacement area can be moved in a plane to change the position of the at least one coupling area, in particular the exactly one coupling area, relative to the feedback areas. In particular, a joystick-type control can be advantageously provided in this way. In particular, the feedback areas are preferably arranged in a plane, wherein the displacement area can be moved in this plane – at least substantially two-dimensionally – to selectively approximate the at least one coupling area, in particular the exactly one coupling area, to the various feedback areas.

[0047] According to the invention, the elastic region is designed such that the at least one coupling region can be brought into contact with the at least one counter-coupling region by moving the at least one actuating region. In this way, a galvanic coupling of the coupling region with the counter-coupling region is established. In particular, the at least one coupling region is designed as a contact region, and the at least one counter-coupling region is designed as a counter-contact region. Specifically, the electrical contact between the coupling region and the counter-coupling region can be selectively opened and closed.

[0048] Additionally, it is optionally provided that by relocating the at least one actuation area, the capacitive coupling between the at least one coupling area and the at least one negative feedback area can be changed. In particular, a proportional change in the electrical coupling between the at least one coupling area and the at least one negative feedback area can preferably be achieved in this way. Preferably, there is no physical contact between the coupling area and the negative feedback area. In particular, the coupling area and the negative feedback area form a capacitor whose capacitance can be changed by relocating the at least one actuation area. In particular, the relocation area can be located in space in this way. A correspondingly obtained signal can be used, in particular, for proportional control.In particular, an analog angle encoder can be implemented in this way, or a deflection measurement can be performed. This design is also particularly suitable for drive control, especially due to the proportional information obtained.

[0049] In one embodiment of the actuating device, a galvanic coupling and a capacitive coupling are provided in combination.

[0050] Additionally, it is optionally provided that by relocating at least one actuation area, the inductive coupling between the at least one coupling area and the at least one negative feedback area can be changed. In particular, the distance and / or loop overlap or coil overlap between the coupling area and the negative feedback area can be changed.

[0051] According to a further development of the invention, the at least one coupling area is designed to be electrically conductive. In this way, the coupling area can be configured, in particular, to effect a contact and thus galvanic coupling, or a capacitive coupling with the associated negative coupling area. Preferably, the at least one negative coupling area is also designed to be electrically conductive.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one coupling area comprises an induction element, in particular a current loop, a transmitting coil (especially an active one), and / or a passive resonant circuit. In this way, the at least one coupling area is configured to effect inductive coupling with the at least one negative feedback area. Preferably, the at least one negative feedback area also comprises an induction element, in particular a current loop, a transmitting coil (especially an active one), and / or a passive resonant circuit.A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the coupling area has a passive resonant circuit, and the negative feedback area has an active transmitting coil or current loop, since in particular the installation space of the coupling area is limited and electrical leads to the coupling area are more difficult to manufacture than to the negative feedback area arranged at the base of the circuit board.

[0053] According to a further development of the invention, the displacement area is displaceable relative to the at least one counter-coupling area between a rest position and at least one actuating position, wherein the at least one coupling area is further apart from the at least one counter-coupling area in the rest position than in the at least one actuating position. The displacement area is biased into a preload position by the elastic region, which is selected from a group consisting of the rest position and the at least one actuating position. In this way, advantageously defined conditions are provided for the actuation of the actuator by a user. Preferably, the displacement area is biased into the rest position by the elastic region.The displacement area can then be actively deflected by the user from the rest position against the preload into the actuation position.

[0054] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the displacement area has a locking device configured to fix the displacement area in at least one locking position, selected from a group consisting of the at least one actuating position and the rest position. In this way, a predetermined state of the actuating device can be maintained permanently, or at least for a certain period of time, even without active actuation by the user. Preferably, the locking device is configured to fix the displacement area in the actuating position, particularly when the displacement area is biased into the rest position by the elastic region.

[0055] According to a further development of the invention, the locking device is designed as a latching device. The latching device preferably has a first latching element arranged at the displacement area and a second latching element arranged at the base of the circuit board. The first latching element and the second latching element are configured and aligned to interact with each other in the locking position of the displacement area in order to fix the displacement area, in particular to latch it.

[0056] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one coupling area is arranged on the first locking element. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one counter-coupling area is arranged on the second locking element.

[0057] According to a further development of the invention, the displacement area is displaceable into a plurality of actuation positions. In particular, the displacement area is displaceable into a plurality of actuation positions in the same displacement direction, with the various actuation positions arranged one after the other in the displacement direction. In one embodiment of the actuation device, a plurality of feedback areas are arranged one after the other on the circuit board base, wherein the coupling area can be brought into operative contact with the consecutively arranged feedback areas by displacement along the same displacement direction – depending on the displacement path traveled – either successively or selectively. In particular, an incremental signal, especially for incremental control, can be obtained in this way.

[0058] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the locking device is configured to selectively fix the displacement range in a plurality of locking positions, in particular selected from the plurality of actuating positions. Preferably, the displacement range can be latched in any of the plurality of locking positions. Preferably, as previously explained in connection with the actuating positions, the locking positions are arranged one after the other along the same displacement direction, so that the coupling range can be fixed, in particular latched, by displacement along the same displacement direction – depending on the displacement path traveled – either successively or selectively in the various locking positions arranged one after the other.

[0059] According to a further development of the invention, the actuating device is designed as a push button, as an analog angle encoder, as an input device for a computing device, in particular as a joystick or mouse control, or as a drive control.

[0060] In one embodiment of the actuating device, the circuit board has, integrally—preferably of a single material—a plurality of elastic zones in conjunction with associated displacement zones, particularly in the form of a repeating structure, together with the circuit board base. In this way, a plurality of partial actuating devices can be formed on a single circuit board, which can be used to actuate various electrical or electronic circuits or to influence various internal states of an electrical or electronic circuit. Preferably, each elastic zone, in conjunction with its associated displacement zone and the associated section of the circuit board base having at least one negative feedback zone, is configured as described above in connection with the invention and with at least one of the embodiments described previously.Preferably, the different elasticity zones in conjunction with their associated displacement zones and the respective associated sections of the circuit board base are identical to each other.

[0061] The problem is also solved by providing a method according to claim 14 for manufacturing an actuating device. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0062] The method comprises the following steps: A circuit board is provided. An elastic region and a displacement region are machined from a material of the circuit board, wherein the elastic region and the displacement region are formed integrally—and preferably of a single material—with a circuit board base. At least one coupling region is produced on the displacement region. Furthermore, at least one counter-coupling region is produced on the circuit board base. In this way, an actuating device according to the invention or an actuating device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments is obtained. The advantages of the method are particularly evident in connection with the actuating device, as already explained in connection with the actuating device.

[0063] In particular, the coupling region is formed by metallizing the displacement region in a specific area. Alternatively, the coupling region is formed by arranging an induction element, in particular a current loop, a transmitting coil, or a resonant circuit, preferably a passive resonant circuit, in the displacement region.

[0064] In particular, the operating area is formed simultaneously with the forming of the coupling area, especially as a non-metallized area of ​​the displacement area, or as an area of ​​the displacement area in which no induction element, especially no current loop, transmitting coil or resonant circuit, is arranged.

[0065] In particular, the negative feedback region is formed by metallizing an area of ​​the circuit board base. Alternatively, the negative feedback region is formed by or by arranging an induction element, in particular a current loop, a transmitting coil or a resonant circuit, preferably an active transmitting coil, on the circuit board base.

[0066] According to a further development of the invention, the elastic zone and the displacement zone are machined from the circuit board material by milling, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or by means of an electrochemical or chemical process. In this way, the elastic zone and the displacement zone can be machined from the circuit board material simply, cost-effectively, and precisely.

[0067] Preferably, the actuating device is manufactured as a single piece in a continuous production process. Advantageously, the manufacture of the actuating device requires no steps such as stamping, bending, injection molding of plastic, or the like. Furthermore, no additional spring elements are required. The manufacture of the actuating device is therefore very simple and cost-effective.

[0068] In one embodiment of the method, holes for through-hole plating are first formed on the circuit board. Then, in a second step, the surface of the circuit board is structured, particularly metallized, to form electrical conductors. However, the first and second steps can also be performed in reverse order. After the second step, or optionally after the first step if the order is reversed, the at least one elastic region and the at least one displacement region are machined out of the circuit board material. The circuit board is then preferably coated with solder resist. Finally, the at least one coupling region and the at least one negative feedback region are preferably formed, unless this has already been done in the second step during surface structuring.In particular, metallization of edges, especially milled edges, of the circuit board is preferably carried out to form the at least one coupling area and the at least one negative coupling area.

[0069] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an actuating device; Fig. 2 a top view of the first embodiment of the actuating device according to Fig. 1 in a resting position; Fig. 3 a top view of the first embodiment of the actuating device according to Fig. 1 in a first operating position; Fig. 4 a top view of the first embodiment of the actuating device according to Fig. 1 in a second operating position; Fig. 5 a detailed view of a second embodiment of an actuating device in a preload position; Fig. 6 a detailed view of the second embodiment of the actuating device in a locking position; Fig. 7 a detailed view of a third embodiment of the actuating device; Fig. 8 a detailed view of an example of the actuating device not belonging to the invention, and Fig. Figure 9 shows a detailed view of an example of the actuating device not belonging to the invention.

[0070] Fig. Figure 1 shows in a) a schematic representation, in particular of a section of a first embodiment of an actuating device 1.

[0071] The actuating device 1 is designed to actuate an electrical or electronic circuit 3, which is only schematically indicated here. The actuating device 1 has a circuit board 5 which is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown in part. Preferably, the circuit board 5 is actually larger, and the electrical or electronic circuit 3 is more extensive and can be arranged in areas of the circuit board 5 not shown here. In particular, it is possible that the circuit board 5 has the structure of the actuating device 1 shown here multiple times, especially in the form of a repeating structure, so that a plurality of partial actuating devices are formed on the circuit board 5. The circuit board 5 has, in one piece and preferably of a single material, a circuit board base 7, an elastic area 9, and a displacement area 11, wherein the displacement area 11 in turn has at least one actuating area 13 and at least one coupling area 15.The circuit board base 7, the elastic region 9, and the displacement region 11 are designed and arranged such that the displacement region 11 is connected to the circuit board base 7 by the elastic region 9 and can be elastically displaced relative to the circuit board base 7 by deflection within the elastic region 9. The at least one coupling region 15 is designed for galvanic, electrical, and / or magnetic coupling with at least one counter-coupling region 17 arranged on the circuit board base 7 and is arranged such that a position—in the first embodiment shown here, in particular a linear distance—of the at least one coupling region 15 relative to the at least one counter-coupling region 17 can be changed by displacing the actuating region 13 relative to the circuit board base 7.The change in the linear distance is achieved here primarily by a bending movement of the actuating area 13 in a plane 19 defined by the base plate 7 about a first displacement axis A1, which is perpendicular to the plane 19. The elastic design of the elasticity zone 9 also allows a deflection of the actuating area 13 out of the plane 19, in particular about a second displacement axis A2, which lies in the plane 19 and is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the actuating area 13. Furthermore, the elastic design of the elasticity zone 9 also allows a torsion of the actuating area 13 about a third displacement axis A3, which lies in the plane 19 and extends along the longitudinal extension of the actuating area 13.

[0072] In the first embodiment shown here, the at least one coupling area 15 is directly adjacent to the elastic area 9, and the actuation area 13 is in turn directly adjacent to the at least one coupling area 15. In another embodiment, the actuation area 13 and the coupling area 15 can also be arranged in reverse order on the displacement area 11.

[0073] The elasticity zone 9 is preferably formed from a material of the circuit board base 7, in particular by milling, laser cutting, water jet cutting, or by means of an electrochemical or chemical process, and in particular by its shape, especially its length, being elastically formed.

[0074] Preferably, the elasticity range 9 exhibits a Fig. 1 depicted meander structure.

[0075] Preferably, at least one negative feedback area 17, a first negative feedback area 17.1 and a second negative feedback area 17.2 are arranged opposite each other along a first axis, here along the second displacement axis A2, on the circuit board base 7. The coupling area 15 is arranged between the first negative feedback area 17.1 and the second negative feedback area 17.2 and can be displaced along the first axis in two directions to selectively reduce either a first distance between the coupling area 15 and the first negative feedback area 17.1 or a second distance between the coupling area 15 and the second negative feedback area 17.2.

[0076] In particular, the relocation area 11 shows the following Fig. In the first embodiment of the actuating device 1 shown in Figure 1, exactly one coupling area 15 is provided which is set up to interact with the at least one counter-coupling area 17.

[0077] At the in Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, exactly one coupling area 15 is set up to interact with exactly two counter-coupling areas 17, namely the first counter-coupling area 17.1 and the second counter-coupling area 17.2.

[0078] In another embodiment not shown, exactly one coupling area 15 is set up to interact with exactly one counter-coupling area 17.

[0079] In a further embodiment, shown only schematically in b), a third negative feedback area 17.3 and a fourth negative feedback area 17.4 are preferably arranged opposite each other along a second axis, here in particular along the first displacement axis A1, in addition to the first negative feedback area 17.1 and the second negative feedback area 17.2 on the circuit board base 7. The coupling area 15 is arranged between the third negative feedback area 17.3 and the fourth negative feedback area 17.4 and can be displaced along the second axis in two directions in order to selectively reduce either a third distance between the coupling area 15 and the third negative feedback area 17.3 or a fourth distance between the coupling area 15 and the fourth negative feedback area 17.4.

[0080] In particular, it is also possible that a plurality of – in particular more than four – negative feedback areas 17 are arranged on the circuit board base 7, wherein the displacement area 11 can be displaced in a plane spanned in particular by the first displacement axis A1 and the second displacement axis A2 in order to change the position of the coupling area 15 relative to the negative feedback areas 17. In particular, the various coupling areas 17 are preferably arranged in the plane spanned by the first displacement axis A1 and the second displacement axis A2.

[0081] At the in Fig. In the first embodiment of the actuating device 1 shown in Figure 1, the elastic region 9 is designed such that the coupling region 15 can be brought into contact with the at least one counter-coupling region 17 by moving the actuating region 13, resulting in galvanic coupling between the coupling region 15 and the at least one counter-coupling region 17. Preferably, the coupling region 15 and the at least one counter-coupling region 17 are electrically conductive. For this purpose, the coupling region 15 and the at least one counter-coupling region 17 are preferably metallized in the area of ​​metallization surfaces 21, i.e., in particular, coated with metal.

[0082] Additionally, it is optionally provided that the elasticity zone 9 is designed such that a capacitive coupling between the coupling zone 15 and the at least one counter-coupling zone 17 can be changed by shifting the actuation zone 13, in particular proportionally. Metallization surfaces 21 are also preferably provided for this purpose.

[0083] In particular, the actuating device 1 is preferably designed as a push button, as an analog angle encoder, as an input device for a computing device, in particular as a joystick or mouse control, or as a drive control.

[0084] Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the first embodiment of the actuating device 1 according to Fig. 1 in a resting position.

[0085] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0086] The displacement area 13 is preferably displaceable relative to the at least one counter-coupling area 17 between the rest position and at least one actuating position, wherein the coupling area 15 is further apart from the at least one counter-coupling area 17 in the rest position than in the at least one actuating position. The displacement area is pre-tensioned by the elastic area 9 into a pre-tension position, which is selected from a group consisting of the rest position and the at least one actuating position. In the first embodiment of the actuating device 1, the pre-tension position is the one described in Fig. 2 shown rest position, which here is arranged symmetrically between the first negative feedback area 17.1 and the second negative feedback area 17.2.

[0087] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the first embodiment of the actuating device 1 according to Fig. 1 in a first actuation position. In the first actuation position, the contact area 15 is approaching the first counter-contact area 17.1, in particular in touching contact with it.

[0088] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of the first embodiment of the actuating device 1 according to Fig. 1 in a second actuation position. In the second actuation position, the contact area 15 is approaching the second counter-contact area 17.2, in particular in touching contact with it.

[0089] Fig. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a second embodiment of an actuating device 1 in the preload position, which is also the rest position.

[0090] The displacement area 11 has a locking device 23 which is configured to fix the displacement area 11 in at least one locking position which is selected from a group consisting of the at least one actuation position and the rest position.

[0091] The locking device 23 is preferably designed as a latching device 25. The locking device 23, designed as a latching device 25, has a first latching element 27 arranged on the displacement area 11 and a second latching element 29 arranged on the circuit board base 7. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling area 15 is formed on the first latching element 27. Accordingly, the metallization surface 21 associated with the coupling area 15 is also provided on the first latching element 27. The counter-coupling area 17 is preferably formed on the second latching element 29. Accordingly, the metallization surface 21 associated with the counter-coupling area 17 is also provided on the second latching element 29.

[0092] In another embodiment, not shown here, the displacement area 11 can be displaced into a plurality of actuation positions. Preferably, the locking device 23 is configured to selectively fix, in particular to latch, the displacement area 11 in a plurality of locking positions, in particular selected from the plurality of actuation positions.

[0093] Fig. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the second embodiment of the actuating device 1 in the locking position. The first locking element 27 and the second locking element 29 are arranged and aligned to interact with each other in the locking position of the displacement area 11, in order to fix the displacement area 11 in the locking position, i.e., here in the actuating position, in particular to lock it.

[0094] Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of a third embodiment of the actuating device 1. In this third embodiment, the displacement area 11 has a plurality of coupling areas 15. In particular, the displacement area 11 has exactly two coupling areas 15, specifically a first coupling area 15.1 and a second coupling area 15.2. Each coupling area 15 of the plurality of coupling areas 15 is configured to interact with a separately assigned counter-coupling area 17. Thus, a first counter-coupling area 17.1 is assigned to the first coupling area 15.1, and a second counter-coupling area 17.2 is assigned to the second coupling area 15.2.

[0095] The displacement area 11 also has a plurality of actuation areas 13, in particular exactly two actuation areas 13, in particular a first actuation area 13.1 assigned to the first coupling area 15.1 and a second actuation area 13.2 assigned to the second coupling area 15.2.

[0096] In particular, the two coupling areas 15.1, 15.2 and the two actuation areas 13.1, 13.2 are arranged integrally and, in particular, of a single material on the displacement area 11, with each actuation area 13.1, 13.2 being uniquely and separately assigned to one of the coupling areas 15.1, 15.2. Specifically, each coupling area 15.1, 15.2 is assigned a separate negative feedback area 17 of the negative feedback areas 17.1, 17.2 on the circuit board base 7. By selectively actuating the actuation areas 13.1, 13.2, one of the coupling areas 15.1, 15.2 can thus be selectively brought close to, and in particular brought into contact with, its respective assigned negative feedback area 17.1, 17.2. In particular, the distance between the first coupling area 15.1 and the first negative feedback area 17.1 increases when the second coupling area 15.2 is adjacent to the second negative feedback area 17.2 is approached. In particular, the distance between the second coupling area 15.2 and the second negative feedback area 17.2 increases when the first coupling area 15.1 is approached to the first negative feedback area 17.1.

[0097] In particular, the actuating device 1 according to the third embodiment is designed as a push button, in particular as a double push button.

[0098] Fig. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of an example of the actuating device 1 not belonging to the invention. The actuating device 1 is designed such that the inductive coupling between the coupling area 15 and the at least one negative feedback area 17 can be changed by repositioning the actuating area 13. For this purpose, the coupling area 15 has an induction element 31, in particular a current loop 33, especially a passive resonant circuit 35. Alternatively, the coupling area 15 can also have an active transmitting coil. However, this requires electrical leads to the active transmitting coil, which must be routed across the elastic area 9. Therefore, the design of the coupling area 15 with the passive resonant circuit 35 is simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture.The negative feedback regions 17 each also have an induction element 31, which in this case is configured as a current loop 33, in particular as an active transmitting coil 37. By bringing the coupling region 15 closer to one of the negative feedback regions 17, the inductive coupling between the respective induction elements 31 can be increased, while increasing the distance leads to a corresponding decrease in the inductive coupling.

[0099] Fig.Figure 9 shows a detailed view of an example of the actuating device 1 not belonging to the invention. In this example, the displacement area 11, together with the actuating area 13 and the coupling area 15, is designed such that by displacing the actuating area 13, the loop overlap or coil overlap of current loops 33 of the coupling area 15 with current loops 33 of the negative feedback areas 17 can be changed, and thus an inductive coupling can be varied. The distance that can be changed by displacing the actuating area 13 is therefore, in particular, the loop or coil overlap.

[0100] A method for manufacturing the actuating device 1 comprises, in particular, the following steps: The circuit board 5 is provided. The elastic region 9 and the displacement region 11 are machined from a material of the circuit board 5, wherein the elastic region 9 and the displacement region 11 are formed integrally and, in particular, of the same material as the circuit board base 7. At least one coupling region 15 is produced on the displacement region 11, in particular by creating the corresponding metallization surface 21 or by arranging an induction element 31. Furthermore, at least one counter-coupling region 17 is produced on the circuit board base 7, in particular by creating the corresponding metallization surface 21 or by arranging an induction element 31.The elasticity zone 9 and the displacement zone 11 are preferably machined from the material of the circuit board 5 by milling, laser cutting, water jet cutting, or by means of an electrochemical or chemical process.

Claims

[1] Actuating device (1) for actuating an electrical or electronic circuit (3), comprising a circuit board (5), wherein the circuit board (5) integrally comprises a circuit board base (7), an elastic region (9), and a displacement region (11) having at least one actuating region (13) and at least one coupling region (15), wherein the circuit board base (7), the elastic region (9), and the displacement region (11) are designed and arranged such that the displacement region (11) is connected to the circuit board base (7) by the elastic region (9) and is elastically displaceable relative to the circuit board base (7), wherein the at least one coupling region (15) is designed and arranged for galvanic, electrical, and / or magnetic coupling with at least one counter-coupling region (17) arranged on the circuit board base (7),that the position of the at least one coupling area (15) relative to the at least one counter-coupling area (17) can be changed by moving the actuation area (13), , characterized by , that the elasticity area (9) is designed such that the at least one coupling area (15) can be brought into contact with the at least one counter-coupling area (17) by moving the actuation area (13) and establishing a galvanic coupling. [2] Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the elastic area (9) is machined from a material of the circuit board base (7) and is particularly elastically formed by shaping, wherein the elastic area (9) preferably has a meander structure. [3] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement area (11) has exactly one coupling area (15) which is configured to interact with the at least one counter-coupling area (17), preferably with exactly one counter-coupling area (17), or with exactly two counter-coupling areas (17), or with exactly four counter-coupling areas (17). [4] Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the displacement area (11) has a plurality of coupling areas (15), preferably exactly two coupling areas (15.1, 15.2), wherein preferably each coupling area (15) is configured to interact with a separately assigned counter-coupling area (17) as the at least one counter-coupling area (17), and / or wherein the displacement area (11) preferably has a plurality of actuating areas (13), preferably exactly two actuating areas (13.1, 13.2), wherein each coupling area (15) of the plurality of coupling areas (15) is preferably assigned a separate actuating area (13). [5] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first negative feedback area (17.1) and a second negative feedback area (17.2) are arranged opposite each other along a first axis on the circuit board base (7), wherein the at least one coupling area (15) is arranged between the first negative feedback area (17.1) and the second negative feedback area (17.2) and can be displaced along the first axis in two directions in order to selectively reduce either a first distance of the at least one coupling area (15) to the first negative feedback area (17.1) or a second distance of the coupling area (15) to the second negative feedback area (17.2). [6] Actuating device (1) according to claim 5, wherein a third negative feedback area (17.3) and a fourth negative feedback area (17.4) are additionally arranged opposite each other along a second axis on the circuit board base (7), wherein the at least one coupling area (15) is arranged between the third negative feedback area (17.3) and the fourth negative feedback area (17.4) and can be displaced along the second axis in two directions in order to selectively reduce a third distance of the at least one coupling area (15) to the third negative feedback area (17.3) or a fourth distance of the at least one coupling area (15) to the fourth negative feedback area (17.4). [7] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of counter-coupling areas (17) are arranged on the circuit board base (7), wherein the displacement area (11) can be displaced in a plane to change the position of the at least one coupling area (15) relative to the counter-coupling areas (17). [8] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elasticity range (9) is designed such that additionally - a capacitive and / or inductive coupling between the at least one coupling area (15) and the at least one negative coupling area (17) can be changed by moving the actuation area (13). [9] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one coupling area (15) - is electrically conductive, and / or - has an induction element (31). [10] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement area (11) is displaceable relative to the at least one counter-coupling area (17) between a rest position and at least one actuating position, wherein the at least one coupling area (15) is further apart from the at least one counter-coupling area (17) in the rest position than in the at least one actuating position, wherein the displacement area (11) is pre-tensioned by the elastic area (9) into a pre-tension position selected from the rest position and the at least one actuating position, and wherein the displacement area (11) has a locking device (23) which is configured to lock the displacement area (11) in at least one locking position selected from the at least one actuating position and the rest position. [11] Actuating device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the locking device (23) is designed as a detent device (25) and has a first detent element (27) arranged on the displacement area (11) and a second detent element (29) arranged on the circuit board base (7), wherein the first detent element (27) and the second detent element (29) are set up and aligned to interact with each other in the locking position of the displacement area (11) in order to lock the displacement area (11), in particular to latch it. [12] Actuating device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the displacement area (11) is displaceable into a plurality of actuating positions, wherein preferably the locking device (23) is arranged to selectively fix the displacement area (11) in a plurality of locking positions, in particular selected from the plurality of actuating positions, in particular to latch it. [13] Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (1) is designed as a push button, as an analog angle encoder, as an input device for a computing device, in particular as a joystick or mouse control, or as a drive control. [14] Method for manufacturing an actuating device (1), comprising the following steps: - Providing a circuit board (5); - Extraction of an elastic region (9) and a displacement region (11) from a material of the circuit board (5), wherein the elastic region (9) and the displacement region (11) are formed integrally with a circuit board base (7) of the circuit board (5); - Establishing at least one coupling area (15) at the displacement area (11), and - Establishing at least one negative feedback area (17) on the circuit board base (7), wherein - an actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is obtained. [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein the elasticity area (9) and the displacement area (11) are machined out of the material of the circuit board (5) by milling, laser cutting, water jet cutting, or by means of an electrochemical or chemical process.

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