Operating device for a vehicle and vehicle, in particular motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (2) for a vehicle, comprising a carrier (3), at least one operating element (1) which is held on the carrier (3) so as to be movable between at least two positions (ST1, ST2) relative to the carrier (3), which operating element (1) can be actuated by a person and is thereby movable at least from one of the positions (ST1, ST2) into the other position (ST2) relative to the carrier (3), and a guide (6) having at least one first guide surface (F1) provided on the operating element (1) and formed by a first wall (W1) of the operating element (1) and at least one second guide surface (F2) provided on the carrier (3) and formed by a second wall (W2) of the carrier (3), by means of whose guide surfaces (F1, F2) the operating element (1) is held on the carrier (3) in a guided and movable manner, wherein at least one of the walls (W1, W2) directly delimits a cavity (7),in which at least one sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) is arranged.,

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one such operating device.

[0002] DE 10 2007 009 977 B3 discloses a key guide that can be attached at least indirectly and in a floating manner to a base element. DE 10 2006 043 619 A1 discloses an operating unit for a vehicle component. DE 10 2006 012 649 B4 discloses a pushbutton as known. Furthermore, EP 2 478 541 B1 discloses an actuator intended for switching a switching unit. DE 10 2006 043 619 A1 discloses an operating unit for a vehicle component, in particular an air conditioning control unit for a vehicle. DE 10 2022 116 942 A1 discloses a key module for a keypad and keyboard. DE 2 347 722 A1 discloses a pushbutton switch.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one such operating device, so that a particularly advantageous operation of the operating device can be realized.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by an operating device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle. This means that the vehicle, designed for example as a motor vehicle, in particular as a motor vehicle and very particularly as a passenger car, whose interior referred to as the passenger cell or passenger compartment is formed for example by a vehicle structure designed in particular as a self-supporting body, has the operating device in its fully manufactured state. In this case, in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle, the operating device is arranged, for example, in the interior of the vehicle. The operating device has a carrier, which is also referred to as a base or base element. Furthermore, the operating device has at least one operating element which is held on the carrier so as to be movable between at least or exactly two mutually different positions relative to the carrier.This means that the operating element can be moved between the two positions relative to the support while the operating element is held on the support, i.e., connected to the support. For example, the operating element can be moved rotationally and / or translationally relative to the support between the two positions. For example, the operating element can be moved exclusively translationally relative to the support between the two positions, so that, for example, the operating element can be moved translationally relative to the support between the positions, particularly along a straight axis of movement.

[0006] The control element can be actuated by a person, in particular to effect at least one or more functions of the vehicle, and can thus be moved at least from one of the positions to the other position relative to the support. This means, for example, that the person can touch the control element, in particular directly, with one of their fingers and, for example, exert a force, in particular a pressure force, on the control element in order to actuate the control element and thus move it at least from one position to the other position relative to the support.If the operating element is designed, for example, as a switch, in particular as a rocker or toggle switch, and if the operating element is initially in one position, and if the operating element is then actuated, whereby the operating element is moved from one position to the other position, the operating element will then remain in the other position independently, for example, whereby the operating element can only be moved back from the other position to one position by, for example, operating the operating element again. If, for example, the operating element is then actuated, whereby the operating element is moved, in particular moved back, from the other position to one position relative to the carrier, the operating element will then remain in one position.Thus, for example, the respective position is a stable position of the control element, which, for example, automatically remains in the respective position into which the control element was moved. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the control element to be designed as a button, in particular as a rocker or toggle button or as a knob, so that, for example, after a movement of the control element from one position to the other, the control element automatically or independently returns from the other position to the one position.Thus, for example, with reference to the position and exclusively the one position is a stable position of the operating element which, after its movement from one position to the other position, returns automatically or independently, for example by means of a spring, to one position and then automatically or independently remains in one position, in particular until the operating element is moved again from one position to the other position, in particular by actuating the operating element.

[0007] The operating device has a guide by means of which the operating element is held on the support in a guided manner. This means that the operating element is guided or is guided by means of the guide during its movement relative to the support from one position to the other position and, for example, also from the other position to one position, so that undesired relative movements between the operating element and the support are avoided or at least limited by the guide. For this purpose, the guide has at least one first guide surface which is provided on the operating element and is formed by a first wall of the operating element, which is in particular designed as a solid body. In other words, the first guide surface is a first surface, in particular a first surface, of the first wall of the operating element, which is preferably designed as a solid body.The guide also has at least one second guide surface, which is provided on the carrier and formed by a second wall of the carrier, which is in particular designed as a solid body. This means that the second guide surface is a second surface, in particular a second surface, of the second wall of the carrier, which is preferably designed as a solid body. For example, the guide surfaces are arranged in at least partial mutual overlap. The operating element is held on the carrier in a guided and movable manner by means of the guide surfaces. This means that the operating element is or will be guided by the guide surfaces during its movement relative to the carrier, in particular from one position to the other position and preferably also from the other position to one position.This is achieved, for example, in that, when the operating element moves relative to the support from one position to the other position and preferably also from the other position to the one position, the guide surfaces interact, in particular in a frictional manner, in particular in such a way that the guide surfaces slide against one another in order to guide the operating element during its movement relative to the support.

[0008] In order to realize particularly advantageous, and in particular particularly convenient, operation of the operating device, especially for a person actuating and thereby operating the operating element, the invention provides that at least one of the walls directly defines a hollow space. This can, for example, create a particularly large volume for the operating element, allowing the operating element to be precisely guided by the guide. Consequently, the operating element can be moved relative to the support without causing undesired jamming or tilting of the operating element.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention provides that at least one sound-damping and / or sound-insulating element, in particular one specifically manufactured and specifically provided, is arranged in the cavity. In other words, the invention provides that at least one element, in particular one specifically manufactured and specifically provided, is arranged in the cavity, by means of which sound can be dampened and / or insulated, so that the element is designed for sound-damping and / or sound-insulating and is thus the aforementioned sound-damping and / or sound-insulating element.It has been found that the hollow space allows for advantageous guidance of the operating element, particularly during its movement relative to the wearer, while also allowing the hollow space to function as a sound chamber or sound body, so that, for example, actuation of the operating element can result in a noise which can be perceived, for example, as a clicking noise by a person actuating the operating element. This noise can be unpleasant for the person, for example. By means of the element (sound dampening and / or sound insulation element), the generation of an undesirable noise resulting from actuation of the operating element can be avoided, thus enabling particularly advantageous, and in particular particularly comfortable, operation of the operating device.

[0010] The feature that the element is specifically provided and specifically manufactured means that the element is not a random product, i.e. not an element that exists in the cavity randomly or arbitrarily, but rather the element is specifically manufactured, for example, during the method for manufacturing the operating device and specifically arranged in the cavity in order to dampen and / or insulate sound in the cavity. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a distinction is made between sound insulation and sound dampening, with the element being designed for sound insulation and / or sound dampening in the cavity. “Sound insulation” refers to the obstruction of the propagation of airborne and / or structure-borne sound in the cavity by reflecting the sound propagating in the cavity at individual discontinuities formed by the element.In contrast to sound insulation, "sound dampening" refers to the obstruction of sound propagation through the absorption of airborne sound, either caused or achievable by the element. This absorption converts sound energy into waves of vibrational energy, usually turbulence, which are inaudible to the human ear, and thus dissipates it. Accordingly, direct reflection of sound at interfaces is reduced.

[0011] In principle, it would be conceivable for the element to be provided on the support, so that, for example, the operating element is movable relative to the support and relative to the element. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the element to be provided on the operating element and thus movable with the operating element relative to the support between the positions.

[0012] In order to particularly advantageously prevent unwanted noise resulting from actuation and thus movement of the operating element and thus to achieve particularly advantageous noise behavior of the operating device so that the operating device can be operated particularly advantageously, the invention provides that the sound-damping and / or sound-insulating element (element) is arranged on a side of the at least one wall facing away from the guide surface formed by the at least one wall. This prevents unwanted interference with the movement of the operating element by the element, so that particularly advantageous operation of the operating device can be realized.

[0013] The invention is characterized in that the at least one wall directly delimiting the cavity is provided with the specifically manufactured and, in particular, specifically provided element (sound dampening and / or sound insulation element) arranged in the cavity. This means that the element is arranged or provided, in particular directly, on the at least one wall, whereby sound in the cavity can be particularly advantageously dampened and / or insulated. This ensures particularly advantageous noise behavior of the operating device.

[0014] In order to be able to dampen and / or insulate sound in the cavity particularly effectively and efficiently, so that particularly advantageous noise behavior and thus particularly advantageous operation of the operating device can be realized, the invention provides that the sound damping and / or sound insulation element is formed separately from the at least one wall, in particular separately from the walls and very particularly separately from the support and separately from the element, and is fastened directly to the at least one wall, very preferably in such a way that the element is glued directly to the at least one wall. It has proven particularly advantageous if the sound damping and / or sound insulation element has a plurality of ribs, in particular designed as solid bodies. The ribs extend elongately. Alternatively or additionally, the ribs are triangular in their respective cross-section.Alternatively or additionally, the ribs run diagonally or perpendicular to each other. This allows the element to achieve particularly advantageous sound dampening and / or sound insulation, thus achieving particularly favorable noise characteristics and thus particularly convenient operation of the control device.

[0015] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sound-damping and / or sound-insulating element is made of rubber. This allows for particularly advantageous sound damping and / or sound-insulating properties, thus resulting in particularly advantageous noise characteristics of the operating device.

[0016] Finally, to achieve particularly favorable noise performance and thus particularly favorable operation of the control device, it has proven particularly advantageous if the sound-damping and / or sound-insulating element is made of an elastic, thus elastically deformable foam. Preferably, the foam is a closed-cell foam. Most preferably, the foam is so-called foam rubber, which allows for particularly advantageous sound damping and / or sound insulation.

[0017] Since the element can dampen and / or insulate sound and thus has a sound-damping and / or sound-insulating effect, the element is also referred to simply as a sound-absorbing element. Because the element is arranged in the cavity, the cavity is, for example, at least partially filled with the sound-absorbing element. The element is preferably made of a sound-absorbing material with which the cavity is at least partially filled.

[0018] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a car and most particularly as a passenger car, which has at least one operating device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0019] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective bottom view of an operating element of an operating device for a vehicle; Fig. 2 a partial schematic and sectional side view of the operating device; Fig. 3 shows a further schematic and sectional side view of the operating device; and Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a sound damping and / or sound insulation element of the operating device.

[0020] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective bottom view of an operating element 1 of an operating device 2 for a vehicle, wherein the operating device 2 is in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in a respective schematic and sectional side view. As can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the operating device 2 has a support 3, also referred to as a carrier element, base or base element, which, for example, in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle, the interior of which, also referred to as the passenger compartment or passenger cell, is formed by a vehicle structure designed, for example, as a self-supporting body, is fastened to a corresponding structural element of the vehicle, in particular in such a way that relative movements between the support 3 and the structural element are prevented. Very particularly, it is provided that, in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle designed, for example, as a motor vehicle, in particular as a motor vehicle and very particularly as a passenger car, the operating device 2 is arranged in the interior.The operating element 1 is movably mounted on the carrier 3, in this case such that the operating element 1 is movably mounted on the carrier 3 between at least two positions relative to the carrier 3. A first of the positions is designated ST1, and a second of the positions is designated ST2. The operating element 1 can be moved between the positions ST1 and ST2 relative to the carrier 3, while the operating element 1 is connected to or remains connected to the carrier. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the operating element 1 is movable along a straight line, i.e., a straight movement axis 4, in particular exclusively, in a translational manner relative to the carrier 3 between the positions ST1 and ST2. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, with respect to the positions ST1 and ST2, only the position ST1 is a stable position of the operating element 1.This means that the operating element 1, in particular for activating at least one function of the vehicle, can be actuated by a person and is thereby movable from the position ST1 into the position ST2 relative to the support 3. The operating element 1 returns automatically, i.e. independently, from the position ST2 back to the position ST1 and remains automatically, i.e. independently in the position ST1. In other words, if a person operates the operating element 1, which is initially in the position ST1, in particular in such a way that the person exerts a force, in particular a compressive force, on an actuating surface 5 of the operating element 1, in particular along the movement axis 4, the operating element 1 is thereby moved from one position ST1 into the second position ST2 relative to the support 3.If this actuation of the operating element 1, i.e. the exertion of force on the operating element 1, is ended, the operating element 1 does not remain in the ST2 position, but the operating element 1 returns independently or automatically from the ST2 position to the ST1 position and then remains in the ST1 position, in particular until the operating element 1 is moved back to the ST2 position by exerting an external force on the operating element 1. The operating element 1 is thus designed, for example, as a button. For example, by moving the operating element 1 from the ST1 position to the ST2 position, the aforementioned at least one function can be effected, i.e. activated or triggered. The ST1 position is therefore, for example, an initial position, also referred to as the rest position, and the ST2 position is, for example, an actuation position of the operating element 1.

[0022] For example, the positions ST1 and ST2 are the respective end positions of the control element 1, which can be moved along the movement axis into the respective end position, but not beyond the end position.

[0023] The operating device 2 has, for example, a spring element (not shown in the figures), which is tensioned by moving the operating element 1 from the ST1 position to the ST2 position and thereby provides a spring force, at least in the ST1 position, which acts at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the operating element 1 along the movement axis. By means of the spring force, the operating element 1 can be moved from the ST2 position to the ST1 position and, for example, held in the ST1 position.

[0024] The operating device 2 has a guide 6, by means of which the operating element 1 is or will be guided during its movement along the movement axis and relative to the carrier 3. Thus, the operating element 1 is held by means of the guide 6 so that it can move relative to the carrier 3, in particular exclusively, in a translational manner along the movement axis 4. The guide 6 has first guide surfaces F1 provided on the operating element 1, wherein the respective first guide surface F1 is formed by a respective first wall W1 of the operating element 1, for example designed as a solid body. Furthermore, the guide 6 has second guide surfaces F2 provided on the carrier 3 and corresponding to the guide surfaces F1. The respective guide surface F2 is formed by a respective second wall W2 of the carrier 3, in particular designed as a solid body.It can be seen that a respective one of the guide surfaces F1 belongs to a respective one of the guide surfaces F2 and vice versa, wherein the mutually belonging guide surfaces F1 and F2 form a respective guide surface pair. The guide surfaces F1 and F2 of the respective guide surface pair lie opposite one another and face one another, in particular along a particularly straight direction which, for example, runs perpendicular to the movement axis 4. By means of the guide surfaces F1 and F2, the operating element 1 is or will be guided during its movement relative to the carrier 3 and in particular along the movement axis 4, in particular in such a way that the guide surfaces F1 and F2 of the respective guide surface pair slide against one another, in particular directly, when the operating element 1 is moved along the movement axis 4 relative to the carrier 3.Thus, by means of the guide surfaces F1 and F2 of the guide 6, the operating element 1 is held on the carrier 3 so as to be movable along the movement axis 4 relative to the carrier 3.

[0025] The walls W1 are, for example, formed integrally with one another, i.e., made from a single piece. Thus, the walls W1 are formed by a one-piece body, i.e., formed from a single piece, which is intelligently manufactured and thus formed as a monoblock. For example, the body is formed from a plastic. For example, the body is formed as an injection-molded part, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the walls W2 to be formed integrally with one another, i.e., made from a single piece. Thus, for example, the walls W2 are formed by a one-piece second body, i.e., formed from a single piece, which is thus integrally manufactured and thus formed as a monoblock. For example, the second body is formed from a plastic, in particular, from the same plastic as the first body.For example, the second body is designed as an injection-molded part, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0026] In particular from Fig. 3 shows that, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a further wall W3 of the operating element 1 is arranged between the walls W1, so that, for example, the walls W1, which are particularly spaced apart from one another, are connected to one another via the wall W3. For example, the walls W1 and W3 are formed integrally with one another, i.e., from a single piece, so that, for example, the walls W1 and W3 are formed by the aforementioned first body.

[0027] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the walls W1 and W3 to be formed separately from one another and connected to one another. For example, the wall W1 is formed by a first component, in particular by a first injection-molded part, and the wall W3 is formed, for example, by a second component, in particular by a second injection-molded part. The components can be formed separately from one another and, in particular, directly connected to one another.

[0028] Also looks particularly good Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 that the walls W1 and W3 directly delimit a hollow space 7. The hollow space 7 is open when the operating element 1 is viewed alone. Thus, for example, the walls W1 and W3 form a hollow cross-section of the operating element 1 that is open when the operating element 1 is viewed alone. The hollow space 7 allows the weight of the operating element 1 to be kept low, so that the operating element 1 can be advantageously guided relative to the carrier 3, in particular by means of the guide 6. In addition, a large volume of the operating element 1 can be realized in a weight-effective manner, so that the operating element 1 can be advantageously guided relative to the carrier 3 by means of the guide 6. As a result, the operating element 1 can be guided relative to the carrier 3 along the movement axis 4 without undesired tilting or jamming of the operating element 1 occurring.

[0029] It can be seen that the respective wall W1, W3 has a respective surface O1, O2 facing the cavity 7, wherein the cavity 7 is directly and partially delimited by the respective surface O1, O2. The respective guide surface F1 of the respective wall W1 is a respective second surface O3 of the respective wall W1, wherein the respective surface O3, i.e. the respective guide surface F1, faces away from the respective surface O1 of the respective wall W1. Thus, the respective surface O3 or the respective guide surface F1 faces away from the cavity 7, and is therefore arranged on a respective side S1 of the respective wall W1 facing away from the cavity 7.Conversely, the respective surface O1 of the respective wall W1 is arranged on a respective second side S2 of the respective wall W1 facing away from the respective guide surface F1 and the respective side S1, wherein the respective side S2 of the respective wall W1 faces the cavity 7.

[0030] In order to be able to achieve a particularly advantageous noise behavior and consequently a particularly comfortable and thus advantageous operation of the operating device 2, in the cavity 7, as can be seen from Fig. 3, elements 8 and 9 are arranged, with each element 8, 9 being designed as a respective sound-damping and / or sound-insulating element. This means that sound can be dampened and / or insulated in the cavity 7 by means of each element 8, 9, so that each element 8, 9 has a respective sound-damping effect and / or a respective sound-insulating effect. Each element 8, 9 is specifically manufactured and specifically arranged in the cavity 7.

[0031] The element 9 is provided on the wall W3 and thus on the operating element 1 and can thus move with the operating element 1 relative to the carrier 3 between the positions ST1 and ST2, wherein the element 9 is arranged or provided on a side of the wall W3 facing the cavity 7. In principle, it would be conceivable for the element 9 and the wall W3 to be formed integrally with one another, i.e., formed from a single piece. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the element 9 to be formed separately from the wall W3 and in particular separately from the operating element 1 as a whole and to be fastened to the wall W3, in particular in such a way that, for example, the element 9 is glued to the wall W3, in particular directly.

[0032] The element 8 is arranged on the second side S2 of the wall W1, facing the cavity 7 and facing away from the guide surface F1 and from the side S1. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the wall W3 is provided with the element 9 and the wall W1 with the element 8. The element 8 and the wall W1 can, for example, be formed integrally with one another, i.e., from a single piece. For example, the respective element 8, 9 is designed as a respective, specifically manufactured surface structuring of the respective surface O1, O2 of the respective wall W1, W3, which directly and partially delimits the cavity 7.

[0033] Out of Fig. 4 it can be seen that the element 8, 9, in particular the surface structuring, can have several ribs 10, which are spaced apart from each other, for example. Fig.4, the respective rib has a respective triangular cross-section, which is triangular in a respective plane, for example. In this case, a respective straight line runs perpendicular to the respective plane. The ribs 10 and thus the cross-sections and the planes and the straight lines are oriented relative to one another in such a way that a plurality of first ribs 10 and a plurality of second ribs 10 are oriented relative to one another in such a way that a plurality of first straight lines and a plurality of second straight lines run relative to one another in such a way that the first straight lines and second straight lines, viewed in pairs, run obliquely or perpendicular to one another. In particular, it is provided here that the respective rib 10, which has a triangular cross-section, or a respective cross-section, tapers away from the respective wall W1, W3 and towards the cavity 7.

[0034] In order to be able to dampen and / or insulate sound in the cavity 7 in a particularly advantageous manner, it is preferably provided that the element 8, 9 is formed from a foam, in particular from a closed-cell foam. List of reference symbols 1 control element 2 Control device 3 carriers 4 axis of movement 5 Actuating surface 6 Guide 7 Cavity 8 elements 9 Element 10 ribs F1 guide surface F2 guide surface O1 Surface O2 surface OS interface S1 first page S2 second page ST1 a position ST2 second position W1 wall W2 wall W3 wall

Claims

[1] Operating device (2) for a vehicle, comprising a carrier (3), at least one operating element (1) which is held on the carrier (3) so as to be movable between at least two positions (ST1, ST2) relative to the carrier (3), which operating element can be actuated by a person and is thereby movable at least from one of the positions (ST1, ST2) into the other position (ST2) relative to the carrier (3), and a guide (6) having at least one first guide surface (F1) provided on the operating element (1) and formed by a first wall (W1) of the operating element (1) and at least one second guide surface (F2) provided on the carrier (3) and formed by a second wall (W2) of the carrier (3), by means of which guide surfaces (F1, F2) the operating element (1) is held on the carrier (3) so as to be guided and movable, characterized by , that: - at least one of the walls (W1, W2) directly delimits a cavity (7) in which at least one sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) is arranged; - the sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) is arranged on a side (S2) of the at least one wall (W1) facing away from the guide surface (F1, F2) formed by the at least one wall (W1); and - the at least one wall (W1) directly delimiting the cavity (7) is provided with the specifically produced sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) arranged in the cavity (7), in that the sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) is formed separately from the at least one wall (W1) and is attached directly to the at least one wall (W1). [2] Operating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sound damping and / or sound insulation element (7) has ribs (10) which: - extend elongated; and / or - are triangular in their respective cross-section; and / or - run diagonally or perpendicular to each other. [3] Operating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) is made of rubber. [4] Operating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sound damping and / or sound insulation element (8) is formed from an elastic foam. [5] Vehicle with at least one operating device (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images