Actuating device for controlling a vehicle function

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (10) for controlling a vehicle function, comprising a carrier device (16), a fluid cushion arrangement (11) with several fluid cushions (12) projecting from the carrier device (16), each of which includes at least one elastic shell (14) and a volume (V) at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell (14), at least one sensor unit (20) configured to detect an internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V), and an actuating element (17) arranged above the fluid cushions (12) and connected to surfaces of the individual fluid cushions (12) facing away from the carrier device (16), and configured to receive an actuating force (FB) of a driver's foot multidirectionally and transmit it to the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12).that a deformation of the at least one elastic shell (14) caused by the actuating force (FB) leads to a reduction of the enclosed volume (V) and thus to an increase in the internal pressure, wherein at least one evaluation and control unit (24) is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit (20) and is designed to generate at least one control signal for controlling the vehicle function from the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for controlling a vehicle function.

[0002] From EP 1 459 928 B1, a device for accelerating and / or decelerating a motor vehicle is known, which has at least one actuating element. The actuating element is actuated by applying an actuating force. The actuating element operates with virtually no displacement, and the device can be operated in at least two driver-specific modes.

[0003] From WO 2020 / 142804 A1, a foot-operated vehicle control system with a pedal is known, which includes at least one load and / or pressure sensing device. The pedal is integrated into or mounted on the vehicle's floor structure and reacts to the force exerted by the user with minimal displacement of the sensor unit in order to generate control signals that can be used to control the vehicle's drive and / or braking function during operation.

[0004] From FR 3 017 339 A1, an actuating device is known which is capable of providing a command for a vehicle function. The actuating device comprises a component permanently installed in a footwell of the vehicle, which includes a front part elastically deformable by an actuating force of the driver's foot and at least one strain gauge which is attached behind and to the front part and is configured to convert a deformation of the front part caused by the actuating force of the driver's foot into a change in electrical resistance. In addition, at least one electronic circuit is connected to the strain gauge and configured to output a preconditioned signal at an output, which represents the elastic deformation derived from the change in electrical resistance and can be used to control the vehicle function. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The actuating device for controlling a vehicle function according to independent claim 1 has the advantage that, by means of an actuating element arranged on a fluid cushion arrangement with several fluid cushions, which may preferably be designed as a classic actuating plate, the appearance of a classic "pedal", preferably a brake pedal, can be achieved, and at the same time, in addition to an orthogonally acting actuating force, actuating forces acting from other directions can also be detected and evaluated. This means that even with non-orthogonal actuation of the actuating device, the actuation can be reliably detected and no tilting of the actuating device can occur. This advantageously results in a high level of operational safety of the actuating device.

[0006] Various designs of the actuating device allow for easy installation of the actuating element and multidirectional operation with a largely identical "pedal feel" for the driver. Furthermore, these designs can be robust enough to withstand tensile loads, which can prevent excessive tilting, particularly when the actuating force is applied only to one corner of the actuating element, which is designed as an actuating plate. Additionally, the actuating plate design can offer a cost-effective mounting option.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention provide a simple, cost-effective, robust, and diagnosable actuating device for controlling vehicle functions, in which the interpretation of the actuation request is reliable and robust. The required actuation force can be adapted to any requirements or customer wishes.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide an actuating device for controlling a vehicle function, comprising a carrier device, a fluid cushion arrangement with several fluid cushions projecting from the carrier device, each of which includes at least one elastic shell and a volume at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell, at least one sensor unit configured to detect an internal pressure in the enclosed volume, and an actuating element arranged above the fluid cushions and connected to surfaces of the individual fluid cushions facing away from the carrier device, and configured to receive an actuating force from a driver's foot multidirectionally and transmit it to the at least one elastic shell of the individual fluid cushions.that a deformation of the at least one elastic shell caused by the actuating force leads to a reduction in the enclosed volume and thus to an increase in the internal pressure. In this case, at least one evaluation and control unit is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit and is designed to generate at least one control signal for controlling the vehicle function from the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit.

[0009] Embodiments of the actuating device according to the invention can be used as a "brake pedal" to perform a braking function or as an "accelerator pedal" to perform an acceleration function.

[0010] The mounting device can preferably be designed as a non-elastic support plate made of metal or plastic. The support plate can preferably be screwed to a floor panel or a firewall in the vehicle's footwell. This allows for particularly easy installation and removal of the operating device.

[0011] In this context, the term "evaluation and control unit" can be understood as an electrical device, such as a control unit, in particular a brake control unit or a drive control unit, which processes or evaluates acquired sensor signals. The evaluation and control unit can have at least one interface, which may be hardware-based and / or software-based. In a hardware-based design, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which incorporates various functions of the evaluation and control unit. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are separate integrated circuits or consist at least partially of discrete components. In a software-based design, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.A computer program product with program code stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory or optical memory, and used to perform the evaluation when the program is executed by the evaluation and control unit, is also advantageous.

[0012] In this context, a sensor unit is understood to be a component comprising at least one sensor element. This sensor element directly or indirectly detects a physical quantity or a change in a physical quantity and preferably converts it into an electrical sensor signal. In embodiments of the actuating device, the sensor signal represents pressure or a pressure change. Pressure sensor elements can provide information about pressure changes very quickly. This allows resulting control signals for controlling the corresponding vehicle function to be generated and output preferably in less than 10 ms. When at least one redundant additional sensor unit is used, the sensor signal can represent pressure or a pressure change, or displacement or a displacement change, or a force or a force change.

[0013] The measures and further developments listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous improvements to the actuating device for controlling a vehicle function specified in independent claim 1.

[0014] A particular advantage is that the at least one elastic shell of each fluid cushion can have a partial reinforcement on a surface facing the actuating element, to which the actuating element can be connected. Preferably, a detachable connection can be realized between the actuating element and the partial reinforcements of the corresponding elastic shells of the individual fluid cushions via clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connections. For this purpose, corresponding snap hooks can be formed on a surface facing the fluid cushions, and a corresponding undercut can be formed on the partial reinforcements of the elastic shells of the individual fluid cushions, behind which the snap hooks engage to form the corresponding clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connection. The detachable connection allows the actuating element to be replaced easily and quickly for repair or maintenance.Simultaneously, the releasable clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connections ensure that the actuating element cannot be unintentionally detached during use or cleaning of the vehicle. Alternatively, non-releasable connections, such as adhesive bonds, can be implemented between the actuating element and the area-specific reinforcements of the corresponding elastic sleeves of the individual fluid cushions to connect the actuating element to the individual fluid cushions of the fluid cushion assembly. The actuating element can preferably be designed as an actuating plate with a non-slip surface. Materials for the actuating plate can include, for example, metals, rigid plastics, hardwoods, or a combination of different materials. To achieve the non-slip surface, rubber applications, for example, can be arranged on the surface of the actuating plate.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one elastic shell of each fluid cushion can be designed as an open shell, and an edge region of the open shell facing the support device can be fluid-tightly connected to the support device. The edge region of the open shell can be designed such that it does not undergo any deformation due to the actuating force. This prevents unwanted bulging of the corresponding fluid cushion. For example, the edge region of the open shell can be connected to the support device via a seal. The seal can preferably be designed as a ring seal. Alternatively or additionally, an external thread can be applied to the edge region of the open shell, and the edge region can be screwed to the support device.The screw connection enables a reliable and easy-to-create fluid-tight connection between the open housing and the support device. Furthermore, the actuating device can be designed to be particularly easy to assemble and maintain.

[0016] A particular advantage is that the volume at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell of the individual fluid cushions can form a spherical segment, preferably a hemisphere, in the unactuated state. Alternatively, the volume at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell can form a spherical layer in the unactuated state, the top and bottom surfaces of which are non-deformable. In particular, the spherical segment or hemisphere configuration can advantageously enhance the effect that any deformation of the at least one elastic shell due to an actuating force applied by the driver to the actuating element leads to a reduction in the enclosed volume and thus to an increase in the internal pressure within the enclosed volume. Of course, other suitable geometric shapes can also be implemented to achieve the desired effect.Advantageously, the at least one elastic casing can be designed as a single-layer or multi-layer elastic membrane. The material, number of layers, and thickness can be selected to achieve an acceptable force-displacement curve, taking into account wear resistance. The material can advantageously be chosen to remain elastic and non-porous throughout the service life of the actuating device and to be sufficiently robust against expected chemical and mechanical stresses. Furthermore, one of the layers can incorporate flexible reinforcement to increase the service life of the elastic membrane.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, the volume at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell of the individual fluid cushions can be fluidically connected to at least one outlet channel, which includes at least one restrictor and is designed to generate a volume flow rate in the at least one outlet channel that can be predetermined by the at least one restrictor. This volume flow rate can counteract the increase in internal pressure in the enclosed volume caused by the actuating force during actuation. This allows haptic feedback to be generated at the driver's foot. The at least one outlet channel and the corresponding volume flow rate enable the implementation of specific requirements for a particular "pedal feel" with minimal or no hardware modifications. Thus, actuating devices with the fluid cushion arrangement with pressure adaptation could be used generically across various vehicle models.To ensure a comfortable or desired pedal feel and to specify a minimum pedal travel, a throttled fluid flow can escape from the enclosed volume via the at least one outlet channel when the pedal is actuated. Advantageously, the at least one outlet channel can be connected to the environment or atmosphere via a replaceable fluid filter. The replaceable fluid filter advantageously prevents dirt from entering the enclosed volume via the at least one outlet channel.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, at least two of the multiple fluid cushions can be fluidically connected to each other via a common pressure chamber. In this configuration, the individual volumes at least partially enclosed by the at least one shell of the at least two fluid cushions, together with a volume of the common pressure chamber, can form a single enclosed volume. Without the common pressure chamber, the internal pressure of each individual fluid cushion can be individually measured and evaluated by a sensor unit. To detect leaks, the measured internal pressures of the individual fluid cushions can be compared. When multiple fluid cushions are connected to a pressure chamber, the internal pressure in the common enclosed volume can be measured and evaluated by a single sensor unit. This reduces the number of sensor units required.For reasons of availability in case of a fault, preferably at least two pressure chambers, each with a sensor unit, can be used, each fluidically connected to several fluid cushions. The at least one sensor unit can preferably be arranged and configured in the common pressure chamber to detect the internal pressure in the enclosed common volume. To detect leaks, the measured internal pressures of the at least two pressure chambers or the corresponding common enclosed volumes can be compared. Machine learning can be used to train the system for this comparison and to define normal and fault conditions, or to differentiate between the two states.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, the volume at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell of the individual fluid cushions can be fluidically connected directly or via the common pressure chamber to the at least one outlet channel.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, the at least one throttle can be designed as an interchangeable static throttle element, which generates a constant throttling effect. Such a static throttle element reduces the effective cross-section of the corresponding outlet channel. The interchangeable static throttle element preferably has a thread with which it can be screwed into the at least one outlet channel. By selecting and inserting the interchangeable throttle element, various constant throttling effects can be specified and corresponding desired "pedal feels" generated. Alternatively, the outlet channel itself can act as a static throttle element, the constant throttling effect of which can be adjusted and specified via its selected effective diameter.

[0021] Alternatively, at least one of the throttle components can be implemented as an adjustable valve capable of generating a static or dynamic throttling effect. This adjustable valve allows for both static and dynamic control of the internal pressure profile within the enclosed volume. The evaluation and control unit can then be further configured to specify the desired static or dynamic throttling effect by actuating the adjustable valve. In addition to the potential for dynamic adjustment, the advantage of this design is that the operating characteristics, or "pedal characteristics," can be modified solely through software changes. This allows the same hardware to be used to meet the specific requirements of different vehicle models. Furthermore, adjustments can be made while the vehicle is in operation. In principle, this also allows for the adaptation of potential aging effects over the vehicle's lifespan.In addition, at least one second outlet channel with constant throttling behavior can be provided to allow a controlled release of fluid from the enclosed volume in the event of a completely closed valve failure.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, the adjustable valve allows for setting the current internal pressure within the enclosed volume when the device is not actuated. This internal pressure can be adjusted according to current ambient conditions. This allows the internal pressure to be preferably adapted to relevant air pressure fluctuations, ensuring a consistent pedal feel. In particular, altitude differences of several hundred meters can cause significant changes in air pressure. Therefore, altitude adaptation is beneficial.

[0023] Information about the current air pressure is typically provided by the engine control unit (ECU) in a combustion engine. Since this value is not relevant for electric vehicles, information about the current air pressure can be obtained, for example, from altitude data provided by a tracking system and / or a navigation system. Altitude adaptation can occur, for instance, when the vehicle is started or the ignition is switched on, and / or when the driver requests acceleration by pressing the accelerator pedal and no assistance system requests deceleration. Additionally or alternatively, altitude adaptation can occur when the vehicle is stationary with the ignition on, either by engaging the parking brake or by placing the transmission in "P" (Park).To compensate for height differences, the adjustable valve can be briefly fully opened in these conditions to equalize pressure between the environment and the enclosed volume.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, the throttling effect of the adjustable valve can be adjusted during actuation depending on the current ambient conditions and / or the current internal pressure in the enclosed volume. This prevents undesirable, strong stiffening during actuation of the device. Furthermore, depending on the internal pressure profile, a dynamic fluid flow can be released from the enclosed volume during actuation, thereby reducing the internal pressure to provide a longer operating travel or "pedal travel" and / or a more pleasant "pedal feel".

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device, at least one additional sensor unit can be electrically coupled to the at least one evaluation and control unit and configured to redundantly detect the actuating force. For this purpose, the at least one additional control unit can, for example, be arranged between the fluid cushions on the support device. Here, a sensor signal from the at least one additional sensor unit can represent pressure or a pressure change, or displacement or a displacement change, or force or a force change. Preferably, the at least one additional sensor unit can be configured as a displacement sensor or as a force sensor.By using at least one second sensor unit, which provides information about the acting actuating force, at least one control signal can preferably be generated and output to control the vehicle function in the event of a fault, for example, in the case of at least one leaking fluid cushion of the fluid cushion assembly. At the same time, the use of at least one additional sensor unit enables immediate diagnosis and feedback of the fault.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote components or elements that perform the same or analogous functions. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic partial representation of a footwell of a vehicle with a first embodiment of an actuating device according to the invention for controlling a vehicle function. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the actuating device according to the invention. Fig. 1 without actuating element. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the actuating device according to the invention. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0027] As from Fig. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 6, the illustrated embodiments of an actuating device 10 according to the invention for controlling a vehicle function each comprise a carrier device 16, a fluid cushion arrangement 11 with several fluid cushions 12 projecting from the carrier device 16, each comprising at least one elastic shell 14 and a volume V at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell 14, at least one sensor unit 20 configured to detect an internal pressure in the enclosed volume V, and an actuating element 17.The actuating element 17 is arranged above the fluid cushions 12 and connected to surfaces of the individual fluid cushions 12 facing away from the support device 16. It is designed to receive an actuating force FB of a driver's foot multidirectionally and transmit it to the at least one elastic shell 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 in such a way that a deformation of the at least one elastic shell 14 caused by the actuating force FB leads to a reduction of the enclosed volume V and thus to an increase in the internal pressure. At least one evaluation and control unit 24 is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit 20 and is designed to generate at least one control signal for controlling the vehicle function from the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit 20.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiments of the actuating device 10, the fluid cushion arrangement 11 comprises six fluid cushions 12 designed as air cushions, each of which has only one elastic shell 14 that at least partially encloses the air-filled volume V. To create a non-slip surface, several strip-shaped rubber applications 17.1 are arranged on the surface of the actuating plate 17A. Of course, the rubber applications 17.1 can also have a different shape, such as a circle, or a different orientation. The elastic shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 are preferably designed as a multi-layered elastic membrane. The material, number of layers, and thickness can be selected to achieve an acceptable force-displacement curve, taking into account wear resistance.

[0029] In embodiments of the actuating device 10 not shown, the fluid cushion arrangement 11 can also comprise fewer than six fluid cushions 12, for example four fluid cushions 12, or more than six fluid cushions 12, for example eight or nine fluid cushions 12. In the illustrated embodiments, the actuating element 17 is designed as an actuating plate 17A.

[0030] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 1, the actuating device 10 in the illustrated embodiment is used as a "brake pedal" to perform a braking function. To the right of the "brake pedal" is an accelerator pedal 3, which can be used to perform an acceleration function. Of course, another actuating device 10 according to the invention could also be used as an "accelerator pedal" to perform the acceleration function.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiments, the support device 16 is designed as an inelastic support plate 16A made of metal or plastic and is screwed to a floor plate or a firewall 5 in the footwell 1 of the vehicle with screws not shown in detail.

[0032] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figures 2 to 5, in the illustrated embodiments of the actuating device 10A, 10B, 10C, the elastic shells 14A of the individual fluid cushions 12 and the enclosed volume V each form a hemisphere as a special spherical segment in the unactuated state. This allows actuating forces FB, which act on the fluid cushion 12 from different directions via the actuating plate 17A, to be reliably detected and evaluated via the resulting increase in the internal pressure in the enclosed volume V. This enables multidirectional operation of the actuating device 10A, 10B, 10C with a largely identical "pedal feel" for the driver.

[0033] At a Fig. In the embodiment of the actuating device 10D shown in Figure 6, the elastic shells 14B of the individual fluid cushions 12 and the enclosed volume V form a layer of spheres in the unactuated state, the top and bottom surfaces of which are not deformable.

[0034] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figures 3 to 6, the elastic sheaths 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 each have a partial reinforcement 13 on a surface facing the actuating element 17, to which the actuating element 17 is connected. In the Fig. 3 and Fig. In the four illustrated embodiments, a detachable connection is provided by several screw connections (not shown) between the actuating element 17, designed as an actuating plate 17A, and the partial reinforcements 13 of the elastic shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12. In alternative embodiments (not shown), non-detachable adhesive connections are formed between the actuating element 17 and the partial reinforcements 13 of the corresponding elastic shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 in order to permanently connect the actuating element 17 to the individual air cushions 12 of the fluid cushion arrangement 11.

[0035] As from Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 6, the detachable connection in the illustrated embodiments of the actuating device 10C, 10D is realized via several clamping and / or locking connections 15 between the actuating element 17, designed as an actuating plate 17A, and the partial reinforcements 13 of the corresponding elastic shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12. In the two illustrated embodiments, several locking hooks 15A are formed on a surface of the actuating plate 17A facing the air cushions 12 in the area of ​​the individual fluid cushions 12. These locking hooks engage corresponding undercuts 15B, which are formed on the partial reinforcements 13 of the elastic shell 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12, to form the corresponding clamping and / or locking connection 15.

[0036] Naturally, the multiple clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connections 15 between the actuating element 17, designed as an actuating plate 17A, and the area-specific reinforcements 13 of the corresponding elastic sleeves 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 can also be found in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The 4 illustrated embodiments of the actuating device 10A, 10B can be used to implement the detachable connection. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. In the embodiments of the actuating device 10C and 10D shown in Figure 6, the clamping and / or snap-fit ​​connections 15 between the actuating element 17, designed as an actuating plate 17A, and the area-specific reinforcements 13 of the corresponding elastic sleeves 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 are replaced by screw connections. Furthermore, other suitable connection methods can also be used to create a detachable or non-detachable connection.

[0037] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figures 3 to 6, the elastic shell 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 in the illustrated embodiments of the actuating device 10 is each designed as an open shell 14. This means that the corresponding volumes V are enclosed by the corresponding open shell 14 and a surface of the support device 16 facing the open shells 14. Here, an edge region 19 of the open shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 facing the support device 16 is fluid-tightly connected to the support device 16. The edge region 19 of the open shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 is designed such that it does not undergo any change in shape due to the acting actuating force FB. For this purpose, the edge region 19 of the open shells 14B of the individual fluid cushions 12 is connected to the support device 16 via a seal 18 in the illustrated embodiments of the actuating device 10.In the illustrated embodiments, the seal 18 is designed as a ring seal 18A. Furthermore, a sensor unit 20, designed as a pressure sensor 20A, is arranged within the support device 16 below the elastic shells 14 of each individual fluid cushion 12.

[0038] In an embodiment of the actuating device 10 not shown, an external thread is applied to the edge region 19 of the open shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 in addition to the seal 18, so that the edge region 19 can be screwed to the support device 16.

[0039] In alternative embodiments of the actuating device 10 not shown, the elastic shell 14 of each individual fluid cushion 12 is designed as a closed shell 14. This means that the corresponding volumes V are completely enclosed by the closed shells 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12. In this configuration, one side of the closed shell 14 of each fluid cushion 12 facing the support device 16 rests flat on the support device 16 and is connected to it. Preferably, the closed shells 14A of the individual fluid cushions 12 are bonded to the support device 16 via a contact surface and designed such that they do not undergo any deformation due to the acting actuating force FB. The sensor unit 20 is arranged within each enclosed volume V.

[0040] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, in the illustrated second embodiment of the actuating device 10B, at least two of the several fluid cushions 12 are fluidically connected to each other via a common pressure chamber 26. Here, the individual volumes V, at least partially enclosed by the at least one shell 14 of the at least two fluid cushions 12, and a volume of the common pressure chamber 26 form a common enclosed volume. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the fluid cushions are connected to the actuating device 10B via a common pressure chamber 26. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, two common pressure chambers 26 are integrated into the support device 16. A first pressure chamber 26A is fluidically connected to elastic shells 14 of three of the six fluid cushions 12. This means that the common volume comprises the enclosed individual volumes V of the elastic shells 14 of the three fluid cushions 12 and the volume of the first pressure chamber 26A. A second pressure chamber 26B is fluidically connected to elastic shells 14 of the three other fluid cushions 12. This means that the common volume comprises the enclosed individual volumes V of the elastic shells 14 of the three fluid cushions 12 and the volume of the second pressure chamber 26B.

[0041] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, a sensor unit 20, designed as a pressure sensor 20A, is arranged and configured in the first pressure chamber 26A and in the second pressure chamber 26B to detect the internal pressure in the enclosed common volume. Of course, more than two pressure chambers 26 can also be used, each of which is fluidically connected to the elastic shells 14 of at least two fluid cushions 12. For example, in the embodiment of the fluid cushion arrangement 11 with six fluid cushions 12, three pressure chambers 26 can be used, each of which is fluidically connected to the elastic shells 14 of two of the six fluid cushions 12. The two common enclosed volumes can be filled with different media. For example, a first common enclosed volume can be filled with air, and a second common enclosed volume can be filled with a liquid.

[0042] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, the two pressure chambers 26 and the corresponding enclosed common volume are each fluidically connected to an outlet channel 27, which includes at least one throttle 28 and is designed to generate a volume flow rate in the outlet channel 27 that can be determined by the at least one throttle 28. This flow rate acts against the increase in internal pressure in the enclosed common volume caused by the actuating force FB when the outlet channel is actuated. This means that the volumes V enclosed by the elastic shell 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12 are fluidically connected to the corresponding outlet channel 27 via the respective common pressure chamber 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the two outlet channels 27 with throttle 28 are integrated into the support device 16. Furthermore, the outlet channels 27 are each connected to the environment or atmosphere via a replaceable fluid filter 29.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment of the actuating device 10 (not shown), the volume V, at least partially enclosed by the elastic shell 14 of the individual fluid cushions 12, is directly fluidically connected to an outlet channel 27. This outlet channel includes at least one restrictor 28 and is designed to generate a volume flow rate in the outlet channel 27 that can be predetermined by the restrictor 28. When actuated, this flow rate counteracts the increase in internal pressure in the enclosed volume V caused by the actuating force FB. This means that each of the fluid cushions 12 has an outlet channel 27 with at least one restrictor 28 for its elastic shell 14.

[0044] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, the throttling device 28 in the illustrated second embodiment of the actuating device 10B is designed as an adjustable valve 28A, which generates a static or dynamic throttling effect. The evaluation and control unit 24 is further designed to specify the static or dynamic throttling effect by actuating an actuator (not shown) of the adjustable valve 28A. The actuator of the adjustable valve 28A is preferably designed as a servo motor. The adjustable valve 28A allows the current internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes to be set in the unactuated state. In the illustrated embodiment, the current internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes can be adjusted depending on the current ambient conditions in order to adapt the internal pressure to altitude in the two enclosed common volumes.In addition, the throttling effect of the adjustable valve 28A in the illustrated second embodiment of the actuating device 10B is adjustable when actuated depending on current ambient conditions and / or the current internal pressure in the two enclosed common volumes.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment of the actuating device 10 (not shown), the at least one throttle 28 is designed as an interchangeable static throttle element that generates a constant throttling effect. Here, the static throttle element preferably comprises an external thread via which it is screwed to a corresponding internal thread of the corresponding outlet channel 27. Alternatively, the outlet channel 27 itself can act as a static throttle element, the constant throttling effect of which can be set and predetermined via its selected effective diameter.

[0046] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, two additional sensor units 22 are arranged between the individual fluid cushions 12 on the carrier device 16 as a backup solution. These units are electrically coupled to the evaluation and control unit 24 and are designed to redundantly detect the actuating force FB. For this purpose, the two additional sensor units 22 are designed as force sensors 22A. By using the additional sensor units 22, in the event of a fault, for example, if at least one fluid cushion 12 of the fluid cushion arrangement 11 leaks, at least one control signal can be generated and output to control the vehicle function. At the same time, the use of the two additional sensor units 22 enables immediate diagnosis and feedback of the fault. In the illustrated embodiment, the two sensor units 22, designed as force sensors 22A, serve purely as a backup solution in the event of a fault.

[0047] In an embodiment not shown, the at least two additional sensor units 22 arranged between the individual fluid cushions 12 on the support device 16 are designed as displacement sensors 22A, which detect the distance of an underside of the actuating plate 17A to the respective sensor unit 22. This allows redundant information about the actuating force FB to be provided in addition to the information from the sensor units 20 designed as pressure sensors 20A and to be evaluated by the evaluation and control unit 24.

[0048] In another embodiment not shown, sensor units 20 can be used in the six fluid cushions 12 of the fluid cushion arrangement 11. These sensor units employ different physical measurement methods to determine the deformation of the elastic shell 14 caused by the actuating force FB. For example, analogous to the illustrated embodiment, sensor units 20 designed as pressure sensors 20A can be used in three of the six fluid cushions 12. In the other six fluid cushions 12 of the fluid cushion arrangement 11, sensor units 20 designed as force sensors in the form of at least one strain gauge can be arranged to detect the deformation of the elastic shell 14 caused by the actuating force FB. Of course, other suitable physical measurement methods can also be used for redundant detection of the deformation caused by the actuating force FB.The other sensor units 20 can, for example, be designed as optical sensors or as radar sensors, etc.

[0049] Analogous to the one in Fig. The second embodiment of the actuating device 10B shown in section 4 can also be used in the following: Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 other embodiments of the actuating device 10A, 10C, 10D shown may be equipped as a fallback solution with at least one further sensor unit 22, which is arranged between the individual fluid cushions 12 on the carrier device 16, is electrically coupled to the evaluation and control unit 24 and is designed to detect the actuating force FB redundantly. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 459 928 B1

[0002] WO 2020 / 142804 A1

[0003] FR 3 017 339 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Actuating device (10) for controlling a vehicle function, comprising a carrier device (16), a fluid cushion arrangement (11) with several fluid cushions (12) projecting from the carrier device (16), each of which comprises at least one elastic shell (14) and a volume (V) at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell (14), at least one sensor unit (20) configured to detect an internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V), and an actuating element (17) arranged above the fluid cushions (12) and connected to surfaces of the individual fluid cushions (12) facing away from the carrier device (16) and configured to receive an actuating force (FB) of a driver's foot multidirectionally and transmit it to the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12),that a deformation of the at least one elastic shell (14) caused by the actuating force (FB) leads to a reduction of the enclosed volume (V) and thus to an increase in the internal pressure, wherein at least one evaluation and control unit (24) is electrically coupled to the at least one sensor unit (20) and is designed to generate at least one control signal for controlling the vehicle function from the increase in internal pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit (20). [2] Actuating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12) each has a partial reinforcement (13) on a surface facing the actuating element (17), with which the actuating element (17) is connected. [3] Actuating device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that a detachable connection is realized via clamping and / or snap connections (15) between the actuating element (17) and the area-specific reinforcements (13) of the corresponding elastic shells (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12). [4] Actuating device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12) is designed as an open shell and an edge area (19) of the open shell (14B) facing the support device (16) is fluid-tightly connected to the support device (16). [5] Actuating device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the edge area (19) of the open shell (14) is designed in such a way that it does not undergo any change in shape due to the acting actuating force (FB). [6] Actuating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the volume (V) at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12) forms a spherical segment or a spherical layer in the unactuated state. [7] Actuating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the volume (V) at least partially enclosed by the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12) is fluidically connected to at least one outlet channel (27) which includes at least one throttling device (28) and is designed to generate a volume flow rate in the at least one outlet channel (27) that can be specified by the at least one throttling device (28) and which, when actuated, acts against the increase in the internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V) caused by the actuating force (FB). [8] Actuating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that at least two of the several fluid cushions (12) are fluidically connected to each other via a common pressure chamber (26), wherein the individual volumes (V) at least partially enclosed by the at least one shell (14) of the at least two fluid cushions (12) and a volume of the common pressure chamber (26) form a common enclosed volume. [9] Actuating device (10) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the at least one sensor unit (20) is arranged and designed in the common pressure chamber (16) to detect an internal pressure in the enclosed common volume. [10] Actuating device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the volume (V) enclosed at least partially by the at least one elastic shell (14) of the individual fluid cushions (12) is fluidically connected directly or via the common pressure chamber (26) to the at least one outlet channel (27). [11] Actuating device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by , that the at least one throttling device (28) is designed as an interchangeable static throttling element which produces a constant throttling effect, or as an adjustable valve (28A) which produces a static or dynamic throttling effect. [12] Actuating device (10) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the at least one evaluation and control unit (24) is further designed to specify the static or dynamic throttling effect by controlling the adjustable valve (28A). [13] Actuating device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that depending on current environmental conditions, a current internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V) can be set via the adjustable valve (28A) in the unactuated state. [14] Actuating device (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by, that the throttling effect of the adjustable valve (28A) when actuated is adjustable depending on current ambient conditions and / or the current internal pressure in the enclosed volume (V). [15] Actuating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that at least one further sensor unit (22) is electrically coupled with the at least one evaluation and control unit (24) and is designed to detect the actuating force (FB) redundantly.

Images