Operating device

Abstract

Operating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with an operating surface (2), wherein an element (16), in particular a finger of a human hand, can act upon the operating surface (2) in such a way that a signal can be generated when the element (16) approaches the operating surface (2) and / or when the element (16) touches the operating surface (2) and / or when pressure is applied to the operating surface (2) by means of the element (16), wherein in particular the signal serves to switch and / or trigger a function in the form of a switching signal, with a carrier part (3), and with a component (5) having a first side (7) and a second side (8) and comprising a substantially dielectric component (6), wherein the component (5) is arranged between the operating surface (2) and the carrier part (3), characterized in that the carrier part (3) has at least one contact field (4),that the component (5) comprises a further, essentially electrically conductive component (9), that the further component (9) forms a layer (9") on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6), and that the further component (9) has an electrical connecting element (9') extending from the layer (9") on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6) to the second side (8) of the dielectric component (6), such that the connecting element (9') electrically contacts the contact field (4) of the carrier part (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a control device can be used in a motor vehicle to operate functions.

[0003] Such an operating device for a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 2011 117 121 A1. This operating device has a user interface. The user interface can be acted upon by means of an element, in particular a finger of a human hand. A signal can be generated when the element approaches the user interface and / or when the user interface is touched by the element and / or when pressure is applied to the user interface by means of the element.

[0004] The signal can then be used to switch and / or trigger a function in the form of a switching signal. The operating device also includes a carrier part. Furthermore, a component comprising a primarily dielectric element, with a first side and a second side, is provided. This component is arranged between the operating surface and the carrier part.

[0005] In the known operating device, the user interface is designed as a closed, sensitive surface. An electrically conductive film, as part of a sensor, particularly a capacitive sensor, is provided in and / or on the user interface. This film comprises electronics located on the carrier part and is connected to the carrier part. When a voltage is applied, an electric field is generated in the area of ​​the user interface. The electric field is altered by the interaction of the element with the user interface. This change is detected by the electronics of the carrier part, generating a signal, particularly for switching and / or triggering the function, in the form of a switching signal.

[0006] It has been found that electrically contacting the conductive film with the substrate is difficult. The conductive film is guided from the user interface to the substrate, with contact being made on the substrate using a plug, socket, or similar device. Any deviation in this process can impair the sensor's functionality. Furthermore, user interfaces with such a sensor are expensive.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of further developing the operating device in such a way that a simple and reliable electrical contact between the sensor and the carrier part is achieved. Preferably, the operating device should be further developed with a view to using a cost-effective sensor.

[0008] This problem is solved in a generic operating device by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0009] In the operating device according to the invention, the carrier part has at least one contact field. Furthermore, the component comprises another, substantially electrically conductive component. This further component forms a layer on the first side of the dielectric component. The further component also has an electrical connecting element extending from the layer on the first side of the dielectric component to the second side of the dielectric component, such that the connecting element electrically contacts the contact field of the carrier part. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] To facilitate assembly, a pot-shaped housing can be advantageously provided, in which the support element and the component can be arranged within the housing. The user interface can be permanently attached to the housing, such that it forms a substantially closed surface. This prevents the ingress of contaminants into the operating device. The user interface can be easily connected to the housing by means of snap-fit ​​connections. The layer of the other component can be in contact with the user interface in a functionally reliable manner, particularly on the inside of the housing where the user interface is located.

[0011] Furthermore, the user interface can have at least one image element, which may be a symbol, a character, or the like. The user interface can also be translucent in the area of ​​the image element. Thus, the image element can be illuminated in the area of ​​the user interface to indicate its function. The user interface can be an aperture. For good illumination, the layer of the additional component can be designed to fit snugly against the user interface, leaving the image element unobstructed, i.e., not covering it.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one light source can be arranged on the carrier component. The light source can be a light-emitting diode (LED) and serve to illuminate the image element in the area of ​​the user interface. In a practical and cost-effective design, the carrier component can be a printed circuit board.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the dielectric component can be opaque. Corresponding to the light source, the dielectric component can have at least one opening with a reflective surface between the first and second sides. Consequently, homogeneous illumination of the image element in the area of ​​the user interface is ensured.

[0014] Furthermore, the additional component can be opaque. An electrically conductive elastomer can be used as the material for this additional component. To allow illumination of the image element, the additional component can also have a passage on the first side of the dielectric component, corresponding to the opening. This prevents unwanted stray light in a simple and cost-effective manner and achieves effective light blocking in the area of ​​the image element. Advantageously, in conjunction with the user interface, the additional component can be part of a sensor, particularly a capacitive sensor. This results in a cost-effective sensor.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor can comprise electronics, which can be arranged, in particular, on the carrier part. The sensor can detect the interaction of the element with the user interface, in particular such that the electronics can generate a signal. The signal can then be used to switch and / or trigger a function of the motor vehicle in the form of a switching signal.

[0016] In a simple and cost-effective design, the component can be a two-component (2K) part. Manufacturing the component using a multi-component injection molding process is particularly advantageous. The electrical connection element and the layer on the first side of the dielectric component can thus be advantageously formed in one piece. This provides a simple and reliable electrical connection to the carrier part. Furthermore, easy assembly of the component is ensured.

[0017] In particular, the component can be a reflector. The light source can couple visible light from the second side of the dielectric component into the opening of the component. The coupled light can then be extracted from the component on the first side of the dielectric component in the area of ​​the opening and / or the transmission, such that the display element of the user interface can be illuminated. Homogeneous illumination of the display element is thus advantageously achieved. The function activated by the user on the user interface can be displayed in this way.

[0018] For enhanced functionality, the operating device can be configured as a push-button panel for operating multiple functions. For this purpose, the user interface can comprise at least two areas for generating a signal corresponding to each area. The layer of the additional component corresponding to each area can be ring-shaped, and in particular, it can be formed circumferentially along the edge of the opening. Furthermore, the ring-shaped layers of the additional component can be connected in a simple manner for the areas. Finally, at least one connecting element of the additional component can be provided for the connected ring-shaped layers.

[0019] The following can be stated regarding a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0020] A control device without stroke travel, featuring a continuous, responsive user interface for a motor vehicle, is proposed. The user interface is activated by touch with a finger using capacitive detection to control a function of the vehicle. The user interface is a panel that may also include a graphic element, such as a symbol, display, or similar, to indicate the function.

[0021] Capacitive detection is achieved via a ring made of an electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomer, for example, conductive rubber, which conforms to the illuminated image element of the aperture. Furthermore, according to the invention, an electrode, for example made of conductive rubber, is provided, which is integrally formed with a reflector and manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. Essentially, the electrode also has interconnected contact points on the upper and lower surfaces of the reflector. In this way, the gap between the aperture surface with the sensitive area and a circuit board is bridged, and capacitive detection of the operator's actions is achieved by evaluating the change in capacitance.

[0022] The advantages achieved with the invention lie particularly in the fact that the sensitive function detection is integrated in one piece over any desired distance to the evaluation circuit board. Furthermore, the flexibility of the electrically conductive elastomer allows for tolerance compensation, ensuring reliable contact with the rigid circuit board and a defined distance to the sensitive user interface. Additionally, the low thickness of the electrically conductive elastomer reduces parasitic capacitances between opposing surfaces. The resulting reduction in interference makes it possible to implement multiple interconnected switching functions in close proximity. Moreover, the electrically conductive elastomer provides reliable light shielding between adjacent image elements, thus ensuring functional illumination of the image element by the reflector.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and is described in more detail below. The drawings show... Fig. 1. A perspective view of an operating device, Fig. 2 an exploded view of the operating device Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the operating device in the section plane 1-1 from Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of the operating device in the section plane 2-2 from Fig. 1.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an operating device 1 comprising a control surface 2 in the form of a cover and a housing 10. Such an operating device 1 is used, in particular, in a motor vehicle to activate a function of the vehicle by the user. The control surface 2 can be actuated by means of an element 16, which is in particular a finger of a human hand and / or a finger covered by a glove. A signal can be generated when the element 16 approaches the control surface 2 and / or when the element 16 touches the control surface 2 and / or when pressure is applied to the control surface 2 by means of the element 16. It should be emphasized that non-contact detection of the action on the control surface 2 can be sufficient; touching the control surface 2 and / or applying pressure to the control surface 2 is not absolutely necessary.The signal can then be used to switch and / or trigger the respective function of the motor vehicle in the manner of a switching signal. To display the function, the user interface 2 can have at least one illuminated and / or backlit image element 11. For the illumination of the image element 11, the user interface 2 is designed to be translucent in the area of ​​the image element 11. For example, the image element 11 can display the symbol for the function "switching on the rear window defroster in the motor vehicle". Additionally, the user interface 2 is attached to the housing 10 by means of snap connections 17 (see figure). Fig. 2) Fixed in place, such that the operating surface 2 forms an essentially closed surface on the housing 10. The ingress of contaminants such as water, soft drinks, or the like into the operating device 1 is thus effectively prevented.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the operating device 1. The operating device 1 also has a carrier part 3 in the form of a printed circuit board. The carrier part 3 comprises at least one contact field 4, at least one light source 12, and further, electronics 15. A component 5 in the form of a reflector is arranged between the carrier part 3 and the operating surface 2. The component 5 comprises a substantially dielectric component 6 with a first side 7 and a second side 8. The dielectric component 6, hereinafter also referred to as the first component 6, is substantially opaque and has at least one opening 13 between the first side 7 and the second side 8, corresponding to the light source 12. The surface of the opening 13 is reflective.The component 5 further comprises another, essentially electrically conductive component 9, which forms a layer 9" on the first side 7 of the dielectric component 6 (see . Fig. 3) forms. The further component 9, hereinafter also referred to as the second component 9, is essentially opaque and consists of an electrically conductive elastomer. Furthermore, the second component 9 comprises an electrical connecting element 9' extending from layer 9" on the first side 7 of the first component 6 to the second side 8 of the first component 6 (see Figure 3). Fig. 3) in the manner of an electrode. The connecting element 9' electrically contacts the contact field 4 of the carrier part 3, so that an electrical voltage can be applied to the layer 9" to generate an electric field. Corresponding to the opening 13, the second component 9 has a passage 14. Furthermore, the second component 9, in conjunction with the user interface 2, is part of a sensor, specifically a capacitive sensor, in which the change in the sensor's electrical capacitance resulting from the influence of the element 16 on the electric field is evaluated. To generate the electric field at the user interface 2, the layer 9" of the second component 9 lies in close contact with the inner surface of the user interface 2, as can be seen from the Fig. 3 can be seen. Specifically, layer 9" of the second component 9 is designed in such a way that the image element 11 is not covered but remains free for its illumination.

[0026] For a simple and cost-effective design, component 5 is designed as a two-component (2K) component, and is manufactured in particular using a multi-component injection molding process. The first component 6 of component 5 consists of an electrically non-conductive thermoplastic. The second component 9 of component 5 consists of an electrically conductive thermoplastic elastomer. According to the invention, the electrical connecting element 9' and the layer 9" on the first side 7 of the dielectric component 6 are formed in one piece. This ensures reliable electrical contact with the carrier part 3 and facilitates easy assembly of component 5. To further simplify assembly, the housing 10 is cup-shaped and serves to accommodate the carrier part 3 and component 5.

[0027] In Fig. 3 is shown in a schematic sectional view of the operating device 1 in the section plane 1 - 1 from Fig. Figure 1 shows the arrangement of the user interface 2 on the housing 10. The arrangement of the carrier part 3 and the component 5 within the operating device 1 is also shown. The layer 9" of electrically conductive elastomer formed by the second component 9 on the first side 7 of the dielectric component 6 of the component 5 is flexible. This layer 9" serves, among other things, as tolerance compensation to establish a defined distance to the user interface 2. Furthermore, the electrical connecting element 9' formed by the second component 9, which extends from the layer 9" on the first side 7 of the dielectric component 6 to the second side 8 of the dielectric component 6, electrically contacts the contact field 4 of the carrier part 3. The flexible design of the second component 9 also serves as tolerance compensation and ensures reliable electrical contact with the carrier part 3.In conjunction with the user interface 2, the second component 9 is part of the sensor, specifically the capacitive sensor. The sensor further comprises the electronics 15 arranged on the carrier part 3. When the user interface 2 is actuated by means of the element 16, the change in electrical capacitance is detectable by the sensor, such that the electronics 15 can generate the signal. The signal can then be used to switch and / or trigger a function of the motor vehicle in the form of a switching signal. As shown by... Fig. As already described in section 1, this could, for example, be the function "switching on the vehicle's rear window heater".

[0028] Finally, in Fig. 4 the operating device 1 in a schematic sectional view in the section plane 2-2 from Fig. 1 in the area of ​​the opening 13 of the dielectric component 6 of component 5. To illuminate the image element 11 in the area of ​​the user interface 2, at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is located on the carrier part 3 as a light source 12. The visible light emitted by the light source 12 is coupled into the opening 13 of component 5 at the second side 8 of the dielectric component 6. The coupled light is then coupled out by component 5 at the first side 7 of the dielectric component 6 in the area of ​​the opening 13 and / or the aperture 14, such that the image element 11 of the user interface 2 can be illuminated. Component 5 is therefore the reflector for the visible light emitted by the light source 12 for illuminating the image element 11.The passage 14 in the second component 9 on the first side 7 of the dielectric component 6 prevents unwanted stray light and provides effective light shielding in the area of ​​the image element 11, thus ensuring homogeneous illumination of the image element 11. As shown by . Fig. As already described in section 1, image element 11 can, for example, represent the symbol for the function "Activating the vehicle's rear window defroster". In this way, the function that can be activated and / or has been activated by the user on the user interface 2 is displayed.

[0029] The operating device 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for operating a multitude of functions in the manner of a control panel, for example in motor vehicles. As in Fig.As can be seen in more detail in Figure 2, the user interface 2 comprises at least two areas 18, 19 for generating a signal corresponding to the respective area 18, 19 when the element 16 is applied accordingly. The layer 9" of the second component 9 corresponding to the respective area 18, 19 is ring-shaped, extending around the edge of the opening 13. The ring-shaped layers 9" of the second component 9 for the areas 18, 19 are connected, so that they are in electrical contact with each other. Furthermore, at least one connecting element 9' of the second component 9 is provided for the connected ring-shaped layers 9". This allows the electrical voltage to be easily applied from the contact field 4 to the areas 18, 19 of the user interface 2 to form the capacitive sensor.

[0030] The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment. Rather, it also encompasses all technically advanced developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Thus, the operating device according to the invention can be used not only as a display and / or control element in a motor vehicle but also in other devices, for example, household appliances, audio equipment, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, or the like. Reference symbol list 1 Operating device 2 User interface 3 Carrier part 4 Contact field 5 components 6 dielectric (first) component (of the component) 7 first side (of the component) 8 second side (of the component) 9 further (second) components (of the part) 9' electrical connecting element 9" layer 10 cases 11 Image element 12 light bulbs 13 Breakthrough (in the first component) 14 Passage (in the second component) 15 Electronics 16 Element 17 Snap connection 18,19 area (of the user interface) 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] DE 10 2011 117 121 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Control device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a control surface (2), wherein an element (16), in particular a finger of a human hand, can act on the control surface (2) in such a way that a signal can be generated when the element (16) approaches the control surface (2) and / or when the control surface (2) is touched by the element (16) and / or when pressure is applied to the control surface (2) by the element (16), wherein in particular the signal serves to switch and / or trigger a function in the form of a switching signal, with a carrier part (3), and with a component (5) having a first side (7) and a second side (8) and comprising a substantially dielectric component (6), wherein the component (5) is arranged between the control surface (2) and the carrier part (3), characterized by, that the carrier part (3) has at least one contact field (4), that the component (5) comprises a further, essentially electrically conductive component (9), that the further component (9) forms a layer (9") on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6), and that the further component (9) has an electrical connecting element (9') extending from the layer (9") on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6) to the second side (8) of the dielectric component (6), such that the connecting element (9') electrically contacts the contact field (4) of the carrier part (3). [2] Operating device according to claim 1, characterized by, that a pot-shaped housing (10) is provided, that preferably the support part (3) and the component (5) are arranged in the housing (10), that further preferably the operating surface (2) is fixedly attached to the housing (10) in such a way that the operating surface (2) forms a substantially closed surface on the housing (10), and that further preferably the layer (9") of the further component (9) is in contact with the operating surface (2), in particular with the inside of its housing. [3] Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the user interface (2) has at least one image element (11), that preferably the user interface (2) is transparent in the area of ​​the image element (11), that further preferably the user interface (2) is an aperture, and that even more preferably the layer (9") of the further component (9) is designed to leave the image element (11) unobstructed and to fit snugly against the user interface (2). [4] Operating device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that at least one light source (12) is arranged on the carrier part (3), and that the carrier part (3) is preferably a printed circuit board. [5] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the dielectric component (6) is opaque, and that preferably in the dielectric component (6) corresponding to the light source (12) there is at least one opening (13) with a reflective surface between the first side (7) and the second side (8). [6] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the further component (9) is opaque, that preferably the further component (9) consists of an electrically conductive elastomer, that further preferably the further component (9) has a passage (14) corresponding to the opening (13) on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6), and that even more preferably the further component (9) in conjunction with the user interface (2) is part of a sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor. [7] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the sensor comprises electronics (15), wherein the electronics (15) are in particular arranged on the carrier part (3), and that preferably the action by means of the element (16) on the user interface (2) is detectable by the sensor, in particular such that the signal can be generated by the electronics (15). [8] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the component (5) is designed as a 2K (two-component) component, wherein the component (5) is in particular manufactured in a multi-component injection molding process, and that preferably the electrical connecting element (9') and the layer (9") on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6) are formed in one piece. [9] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the component (5) is a reflector, that preferably the light source (12) couples visible light from the second side (8) of the dielectric component (6) into the opening (13) of the component (5), and that further preferably the component (5) couples the coupled light out on the first side (7) of the dielectric component (6) in the area of ​​the opening (13) and / or the passage (14), such that the image element (11) of the user interface (2) can be illuminated. [10] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the user interface (2) comprises at least two areas (18, 19) for generating a signal assigned to the respective area (18, 19), that preferably the layer (9") of the further component (9) corresponding to the respective area (18, 19) is formed in a ring shape, in particular circumferentially along the edge at the opening (13), that further preferably the ring-shaped layers (9") of the further component (9) for the areas (18, 19) are formed in a connected manner, and that, even more preferably, at least one connecting element (9') of the further component (9) is provided for the connected ring-shaped layers (9").

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