MESOSTRUCTURAL RESERVE UNIT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mesostructural return unit, in particular for use in operating devices for construction machinery, agricultural tractors and other commercial vehicles.

[0002] Such operating devices are used, among other things, to control commercial vehicles, machines, the working functions of commercial vehicles or construction machinery, and attachments. Operating devices within the meaning of the invention are any devices that have operating elements such as drive levers, accelerator pedals, buttons, and in particular joysticks. For example, armrests are operating devices according to the invention that have a plurality of operating elements. It is well known for such operating elements to have reset units that, based on a restoring force acting on the operating element, return it from a deflected position to its initial position.

[0003] In the current state of the art, these reset units are usually elastic elements such as springs or elastomers, or electrical elements such as actuators, where, unlike elastic elements, a force curve can be changed even after installation without replacing the installed parts. In contrast, the elastic elements would have to be removed from the control elements and replaced with new ones that exhibit the desired elasticity. Alternatively, adaptive elastic materials are also known, i.e., materials whose material properties, such as elasticity, can be changed by applying a current or magnetic field.The disadvantage of all these known reset units is that, like the elastic elements, they are either not adaptable, meaning that during production one must commit to a predetermined force line that can only be changed through redesign, or, like the electrical elements, they are particularly space- and material-intensive, requiring a multitude of different materials. A related disadvantage of such elements is that maintaining individual parts of these electrical elements is generally costly and time-consuming. One solution to this in the state of the art is the modular design of the reset units, but even this does not solve the problem of the resource-intensive design.

[0004] While the elastic materials mentioned above are relatively resource-efficient compared to the adaptive elements, they often lack adaptability. This problem is typically solved in the state of the art by supplementing these elastic materials with an adapting module. For example, an actuator is typically placed upstream of a spring, which can preload the spring as needed and thus change the restoring force. However, this design also has the disadvantage that the originally resource-efficient design of the elastic restoring unit is also resource-intensive due to the adapting module, and in particular, increases the costs and space requirements of the restoring unit.

[0005] From US 2016 / 032 997 A1, a honeycomb structure for absorbing forces acting on it is known, which consists of a multiple repetition of identical cells and has at least one cell wall which is bent in such a way that compression of the cell leads to a snapping of the bent wall, which snaps back to its original position when the forces acting on the cell are removed.

[0006] DE 10 2007 018 891 B4 discloses a pivotably mounted selector lever that is preloaded toward its zero position by spring elements. When the lever is deflected, the spring elements generate a restoring force directed toward the selector lever's zero position.

[0007] WO 2016 / 098436 A1 discloses a pivotably mounted lever in which a spring-loaded plunger is guided, the free end of which engages a guide rail. Due to the shape of the guide rail, the plunger in the lever is pressed against the spring, thereby generating a restoring force.

[0008] The present invention therefore has the object of providing a reset unit which is particularly resource-saving and adaptively expandable.

[0009] To achieve this object, the invention provides, among other things, the use of a mesostructure. In the prior art, mesostructures are generally known as structures that exhibit pores. This pores can be stochastic, as in sponges or foams, or ordered pores, for example in a honeycomb structure. Ordered pores lead to a structure consisting of individual unit cells, the behavior of which upon compression or decompression is defined by the properties of the unit cells. An ordered mesostructure with various, combined unit cells is also conceivable, which differ, for example, in their shape or material properties. The behavior of the structure is therefore also determined by the arrangement and orientation of these different unit cells.

[0010] The mesostructure is designed so that the material yields in a defined manner, thus enabling one or more defined degrees of freedom. To this end, the mesostructure is constructed in such a way that parts of the volume structure or the material orientation do not, at least partially, follow the direction of the force. This leads to movement, or rather, yielding, of the structure. This allows the force flow to be optimally directed by designing the mesostructure from a combination of several unit cells. Furthermore, depending on the material, such mesostructures are particularly easy to manufacture, for example, using an additive process such as 3D printing.

[0011] The stated object is achieved by a reset unit for the reset of rotational and / or translational deflection movements of an actuating element, comprising an ordered mesostructure of unit cells formed from an ordered arrangement of at least one unit cell, wherein the at least one unit cell is reversibly compressible and expandable by means of the application of force, the reset unit further comprising at least one signal transmitter and / or at least one reaction unit, the reset unit further comprising at least one evaluation unit which evaluates a signal emitted by the signal transmitter and / or electrically and / or magnetically controls the reaction unit, wherein the signal transmitter and / or reaction unit are embedded in the at least one mesostructure, wherein a restoring force of the reset unit can be generated at least partially by deformation of the mesostructure.

[0012] According to the invention, the reset unit can be used in an actuating element which, within the meaning of the invention, can in particular be an operating lever or another operating element, but the reset unit is also suitable for use with other contact surfaces which, for example, are intended to have a force feedback function. According to the invention, the reset unit has an ordered, but not a stochastic mesostructure. This mesostructure is formed from at least one unit cell which, if there are at least two unit cells, are designed, arranged and connected depending on the intended force effect. Each unit cell is characterized first and foremost by the fact that, due to its shape, it connects two points in space via a non-direct path. Thus, a unit cell always has a curvature or edge.In one alternative of the invention, it is particularly advantageous if each unit cell has at least one pore, which is a recess that is enclosed in at least one plane, so that any starting point on the frame of the unit cell can be found as the end point by walking completely along the frame. For example, a ring or other frame with one hole is such a unit cell with one pore. A frame shaped like a figure eight with two holes is therefore also such a unit cell. In addition, the material from which the mesostructure is formed is a flexible material. Due to this design and the material properties of the unit cells or mesostructures, they can be reversibly compressed and expanded when subjected to force. The force that leads to the compression or expansion of the unit cells can be point-based or planar, a translational or rotational force.The direction of the force is not necessarily limited to the aforementioned plane of the pore or unit cell. Due to the force acting on the restoring unit, a force acts on the mesostructure and thus on at least one unit cell, which is deformed as described. This also deforms all unit cells connected to this deformed unit cell. Furthermore, the mesostructure as a whole is deformed. Due to the reversibility of the compression and expansion of the unit cells and their linear-elastic material behavior, they generate the restoring force that returns the mesostructure to its rest position. The specific arrangement of the unit cells and the design of their degrees of freedom create a defined spatial spring effect of the restoring unit. Such mesostructures also have the advantage of being particularly easy to manufacture, for example using an additive process such as 3D printing.

[0013] A signal transmitter is understood to be an element integrated or arranged in the mesostructure, which emits a signal that can be perceived by the evaluation unit outside the reset unit and thus ensures the determinability of the position or parameters of the structure with regard to strain, material parameters or similar parameters. If the shape of the mesostructure is influenced by compression or expansion, the signal of at least one signal transmitter is also changed. This means that the change in the shape of the mesostructure can also be determined via the signal from the signal transmitter. The reaction unit, on the other hand, is to be understood as an element that reacts to an external influence, for example a magnetic or electric field, with a corresponding change in at least one property such as position, orientation or stiffness.The reaction unit is arranged in or on the mesostructure or at least one unit cell in such a way that a change in the property of the reaction unit leads to a change in the line of force of the restoring unit. The reaction unit, like the signal generator, can be a component of the mesostructure or unit cell, or it can simply be arranged on them. Since the unit cells allow movement, their shape changes when the reaction units are activated. This makes it possible to achieve a desired change in the state of individual unit cells, particularly with regard to their stiffness or shape, and thus of the entire mesostructure. By specifically controlling the reaction units, the line of force of the restoring unit can be adapted to the specific requirements of the situation as needed.The evaluation unit, within the meaning of the invention, is an element that receives the change in the aforementioned parameters of the signal transmitter. Evaluation in the sense of utilization or interpretation of the received signals is not mandatory. Thus, detecting a change in itself is sufficient. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit is an element that controls the reaction unit and thus triggers the desired reactions as needed.

[0014] Such mesostructures, in which signal transducers and / or reaction units are embedded, are suitable for absolute or relative measurements. An absolute measurement is performed by determining the change in position of the signal transducers due to a deformation of the mesostructure. A relative measurement, on the other hand, is performed by determining the deformation of the signal transducers via the resulting change in physical properties such as their electrical resistance. This requires the use of deformable signal transducers, particularly those that are incorporated into the structure of the unit cells or mesostructures and form a reversibly compressible and expandable part of the unit cell or mesostructure. The line of force of the restoring unit can therefore be changed either by blocking one or more unit cells or by changing the stiffness.This allows it to be continuously adjusted between two limit values. Both the preload and the stiffness of the unit cell can be adjusted.

[0015] If the restoring unit particularly advantageously comprises at least two, in particular, similar mesostructures that are connected in parallel to one another to exert force, it is irrelevant for the correct functioning of the invention if individual mesostructures should fail, for example due to fatigue or breakage of the material, since the remaining functional mesostructures can still generate the restoring force. The parallel connection of the mesostructures within the meaning of the invention is to be understood as an arrangement of these next to one another such that the arrangement of the mesostructures is perpendicular to the direction of force application. If the mesostructures are similar, they are similar in their structure, shape, material, and arrangement. The advantage of mechanical redundancy increases with the increasing number of parallel-connected mesostructures used.The restoring unit as a whole is subjected to less stress if the load from a failed mesostructure is distributed across as many remaining functional mesostructures as possible. This advantageous load distribution can also occur within a mesostructure if it has a particularly large number of unit cells connected in series and / or parallel, for example in the form of a lattice in which one unit cell could fail, while the load originally assumed by this unit cell is distributed among the remaining, undamaged unit cells. Furthermore, a parallel connection of dissimilar mesostructures is also conceivable. This makes it possible to achieve a specific restoring force distribution across the restoring unit, for example in the form of overpressure points created by arranging rigid mesostructures between otherwise less rigid mesostructures.

[0016] It is also particularly advantageous if at least one mesostructure has at least two different unit cells that differ in their structure, shape, material and / or arrangement. The mesostructure can also have components of a stochastic mesostructure supplemented by unit cells corresponding to an ordered mesostructure. By choosing the structure and shape of the unit cells, the line of force of the restoring unit can be influenced, for example, depending on the compression or tensile force. Different materials according to the invention are, in particular, materials that can be produced by an additive manufacturing process, for example by 3D printing, in order to enable particularly simple production. Electrically conductive or magnetic materials, which can serve as signal transmitters and / or reaction units, are also advantageous.For example, individual unit cells can be prestressed when a magnetic or electric field is applied, thus influencing the force line of the restoring unit. However, in principle, any reversibly flexible materials are within the scope of the invention. The arrangement of the unit cells can differ, particularly with regard to their orientation relative to one another. By combining such different unit cells, different force reactions in different spatial directions can be generated. These different force reactions can be linear and nonlinear forces, which can be combined to form application-specific force lines. Furthermore, increased stability against the various forces in different spatial directions can be achieved.Due to the large number of combinable materials, structures, shapes and applications, there is a large number of possible designs of the reset unit according to the invention and thus a high application variability.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that an elastic element, in particular a spring or an elastomer, or an adaptive element, in particular an actuator or an MRF element, is connected upstream and / or downstream of at least one unit cell in a force-acting manner. Upstream or downstream connection within the meaning of the invention is to be understood as a series connection in which the unit cell and the elastic or adaptive element are arranged parallel to one another in the direction of force action. An elastic element is understood to be a purely passive element which, upon deformation, generates its own predefined restoring force which superimposes the restoring force of the upstream or downstream unit cell. An adaptive element is understood to be an active element which can be operated by a user.By controlling the adaptive element, a user can adjust the resulting restoring force or the preload of the upstream or downstream unit cell as needed. An MRF element is an element comprising a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by a magnetic field. These elements can be used to generate a preload at specific points within a mesostructure. This opens up further options that are useful for setting an application-specific force line. Adaptive elements, in particular, allow the activation of a preload or final damping as needed. This also makes it possible to adapt the force line of the restoring unit to a linear or nonlinear force line as required.Furthermore, the invention also proposes such a series connection of elastic and / or adaptive elements with at least one mesostructure, so that the prestress also affects the entire mesostructure. This can be combined with the series connection of unit cells arranged in said mesostructure and elastic and / or adaptive elements in order to define a particularly detailed force line distribution across the entire restoring unit.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the evaluation unit is not mechanically, but effectively connected to the mesostructure. This has the particular advantage that the evaluation unit can also be arranged outside the mesostructure or even outside the reset unit. An effective connection according to the invention is, in particular, a connection via an electric field or a magnetic field, but also via a light signal that falls on the mesostructure and its light-conducting signal transmitters, is refracted by them and then received by the evaluation unit. This advantageously makes it possible to dispense with potentially maintenance-intensive components for establishing a mechanical connection. In addition, this prevents any failures of these components and ensures more precise and consistent signal transmission between the evaluation unit and the signal transmitter and / or reaction unit.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the shape and / or elasticity of the reaction unit can be influenced by a current or a magnetic field applied to it. The application of a current to the reaction unit is understood in particular to mean a current induced by a magnetic field or an external electric field acting on the reaction unit, wherein in both cases the reaction unit is controlled by the evaluation unit via a non-mechanical, wireless path. Accordingly, the material and other configuration of the reaction unit is selected according to the invention such that the reaction unit reacts accordingly to electrical or magnetic influences. These are in particular electrically and / or magnetically conductive materials. Environmental influences such as a natural or other external magnetic field can be compensated for by targeted control of the evaluation unit.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that it has locking elements by means of which the at least one signal generator and / or the at least one reaction unit can lock into a predetermined position. These can be mechanical locking elements, but they are particularly preferably magnetic locking elements which interact with a magnetic field generated by signal generators or reaction units arranged in the mesostructure and, as a result, lock into place at a predefined distance when the locking element and the corresponding signal generator or reaction unit approach each other. This predefined distance can be determined and influenced via the magnetic field strength. If the locking elements are therefore designed to be adaptive, the predefined distance can be adjusted by suitable selection of an applied current strength. For this purpose, the locking elements are in particular not arranged so as to be movable within the mesostructure or together with it.Rather, it is advantageous if the locking elements are designed to be immobile in a system in which the mesostructure is movable. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging them on a housing in which the reset unit is accommodated. This has the further advantage that, in an adaptive design, the locking elements can be supplied with power and thus controlled via simple circuits, which can be designed to be immobile. Accordingly, the locking between the locking element and the signal generator and / or reaction unit can be released either by appropriately controlling the locking elements, provided these are also designed to be adaptive, or the reaction unit, or by compressing or expanding the mesostructure in such a way that the distance between the locking elements and the signal generator or reaction unit exceeds the aforementioned predefined distance.

[0021] In A further development of the invention provides that the at least one signal generator and / or the at least one reaction unit are selected from the following group: metal wire, metal particles, coil, electromagnet, carbon fiber, CFRP fiber, conductive plastic, magnet. Depending on the group element, such as electromagnets, their function as a signal generator or reaction unit can be activated by applying a current or changed depending on the current strength. This allows the force line of the reset unit to be precisely adjusted at any time as needed, even without mechanical modification. Such materials are also particularly well suited as pure signal generators, since they can be switched on or off depending on environmental influences or requirements, allowing the reset unit to be used in even more varied ways.In contrast, however, simple magnets can also be used according to the invention as signal generators or reaction units, which, due to their structural simplicity, are particularly suitable for simple applications in which a particularly precise or specific change in the line of force of the restoring unit is not required. Materials that change in stiffness when a current is applied are also suitable for use as signal generators and, in particular, reaction units. Furthermore, any optical fibers in which signals are generated by light refraction, i.e., light coming from outside the mesostructure is refracted or covered differently depending on the deformation of the mesostructure, and this influenced light is perceptible from outside the mesostructure, are suitable as signal generators in the invention.Thus, it is also in accordance with the invention to use signal generators that form part of the mesostructure or of individual unit cells, i.e., are molded or incorporated into them. Shape memory alloys such as piezoelectric metals are also known as suitable materials or components with multiple states and are in accordance with the invention.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one evaluation unit is selected from the following group: coil, electromagnet, Hall sensor, circuit board with conductor tracks, strain gauge measuring unit. Depending on the type of evaluation unit selected, magnetic signals from signal generators can be evaluated in the form of an electric current, which is induced, for example, in a coil due to the magnetic field of the signal generator. In an alternative case, for example with an electromagnet, the evaluation unit can be controlled in such a way that it automatically generates an electric or, in particular, a magnetic field, and reaction units in the mesostructure, with their own magnetic field, react to this through repulsion or attraction.In the case of a coil as the evaluation unit, it is even possible to evaluate a signal in the form of a magnetic field using the current induced in the coil, and also to control a reaction unit via the coil using an applied current and the resulting magnetic field. Accordingly, such combined evaluation units are also within the scope of the invention.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the reset unit comprises various mesostructures that are interchangeable in their use. This interchangeability is particularly advantageous for mesostructures that differ in their structure, shape, material, and / or arrangement. Swapping the mesostructures enables switching between different predefined lines of force, which, as described above, result from the respective properties of the selected mesostructure. This allows a specific mesostructure to be activated as needed, with its line of force corresponding to the current application. Particularly in applications involving different environmental factors or types of use, a single reset unit can be optimally adapted to a wide variety of requirements.For example, the reset unit can be used in an operating device of an agricultural machine such as a tractor, to which a wide variety of work machines with different functions are coupled. These are usually controlled via a consistent central control in the tractor. However, the reset unit according to the invention allows the operating device to always be adapted to the connected work device, at least in terms of the return force lines. Furthermore, a development of the invention provides that the various mesostructures can be exchanged for one another using a change magazine, in particular a drum change magazine in the reset unit. This achieves the advantages of the various interchangeable mesostructures described above. A change magazine within the meaning of the invention is a device in which several different mesostructures can be accommodated and retrieved separately from one another.This can, for example, be a linearly movable magazine, by moving which different mesostructure segments can be called up. However, a drum change magazine is particularly advantageous. This represents a particularly simple embodiment of a change magazine in which the mesostructure to be used is rotated into an active position, while the other mesostructures are not effectively connected to an element to be reset, such as an operating device. A drum change magazine can also be constructed in a particularly space-saving manner. The use of such a change magazine enables a modular design of the reset unit, in which individual mesostructures can be replaced, for example, during maintenance work or when requirements for the reset unit change. Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if the various mesostructures can be detachably connected and inserted into the change magazine.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention proposes an operating device comprising a reset unit as described above. In particular, operating devices which usually have a reset unit can be used variably as required by using the reset unit according to the invention described above. This is particularly advantageous for joysticks and other operating levers, but also for control buttons and touchpads. Operating devices whose operating movement is a rotational movement can also have the reset unit according to the invention. It is particularly advantageous if the operating device is effectively connected to the reset unit in such a way that the movement of the operating device causes a compression or expansion of the reset unit, so that this triggers a restoring force on the operating device.In addition, a rotational force acting on the mesostructures provided in the reset unit can also be compensated by the mesostructures if they have the appropriate properties.

[0025] In an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, it is provided that it has an operating lever, wherein the reset unit is mounted in the operating lever, in particular in a handle or in a part of the operating lever that scans a guide rail. The design of the reset unit and the shape of the guide rail can create a needs-based line of force through which the operating lever provides different feedback to a user depending on the position or deflection. This line of force can be changed not only by the choice of the guide rail. Rather, the design freedom is particularly great due to the potentially high complexity of the mesostructure. Furthermore, the reset unit is particularly low-maintenance due to the redundancy of the unit cells. If the reset unit is arranged in the handle of the operating lever, it serves more than just a simple presence detection function thanks to signal transmitters.Rather, information about the desired operating direction can be determined and anticipated accordingly.

[0026] In a further development of the operating device according to the invention, it is provided that it has a guide rail in which an operating lever is guided, wherein the return unit returns the guide rail. In contrast to the previously described embodiment of the invention, according to which the return unit is mounted in the operating lever, in this embodiment too the line of force of the return force can be adapted by the shape of the guide rail or by the design of the return unit. Depending on the shape of the guide rail, when the operating lever is deflected to a certain extent, the element of the operating lever which scans the guide rail is displaced and the return unit is tensioned accordingly. Due to the return force generated by the return unit, the guide rail and thus also the operating lever guided in the guide rail are forced into their initial position.A particularly simple arrangement for the restoring force is on the gate on the side of the gate opposite the operating lever. It is also particularly advantageous if the gate is designed to be flexible, i.e. it can be displaced as a whole by the operating lever and reset by the reset unit. Due to the high degree of design freedom of the reset unit, it is possible to provide individual sections of the gate with different levels of stiffness of the reset unit. This effect can be further enhanced with solid bodies on the gate, particularly those with a different stiffness than the rest of the gate. In this way, by selecting the right shape of the gate and the design of the restoring force, a required line of force can be generated and an overpressure point can be created.By using evaluation units and signal generators and / or reaction units in the reset unit, the creation of adaptive control systems is possible. In addition to the aforementioned variability of the reset unit, the force line can be further adjusted by appropriately controlling the reaction units.

[0027] Likewise, the invention advantageously proposes that the gate be configured in multiple parts, with at least one of these gate parts being reset by a reset unit. In such an embodiment, the operating lever itself does not need to be reset by a reset unit. Rather, at least one of the gate parts is reset by the reset unit. This can be implemented in the form of a gate system in which the at least one gate part forms a gate for the operating lever guided therein, with the gate exerting a restoring force on the operating lever that varies depending on the position of the operating lever.It is also in accordance with the invention to provide individual sections of a gate, which are only contacted by the operating lever guided therein at certain deflections, with reset units or reset units that are different from the remaining gate sections, so that a needs-based reset behavior of the reset unit can be achieved depending on the operating lever deflection. This allows for even more specific force lines of the reset unit and a particularly customized gate system, for example, with overpressure points.

[0028] In an embodiment of the operating device according to the invention, it is provided that it has a contact surface contacted by a user, which is reset by the reset unit. By applying the reset unit according to the invention to such contact surfaces, the haptics of the contact surface can advantageously be adaptively defined depending on the properties of the reset unit and the mesostructures used therein, but also depending on the control of any reaction units. This adaptable haptics enables a variable adaptation of the contact surface to a user contacting it. Furthermore, by segmenting the reset unit, the haptics can be locally limited and adapted particularly precisely to the user or provide the user with feedback information about the contact surface.This reset unit enables, in particular, intelligent detection of a user's presence at the contact surface as well as the identification of an operator's request depending on the type of contact. If the contact surface is a support surface, for example an armrest, its entire surface can be equipped with the reset unit. In this case, the support surface ergonomically yields to the user's contact depending on the load and load position. Here, too, the stiffness can be defined by the structure, shape, material, and arrangement of the mesostructures and unit cells of the reset unit. Spatially variable stiffness can also be defined using the reset unit according to the invention. In contrast, variable stiffness would only be achievable with conventional padding through considerable design effort.In the case of a contact surface in the form of an operating surface, for example a touchpad, the haptics of the contact surface can also be defined by a needs-based and suitable selection of the structure, shape, material and arrangement of the mesostructures and unit cells of the reset unit and the stiffness of the contact surface. In the case of a touchpad, the reset unit is particularly advantageously designed as a flat mesostructure with integrated signal generators and / or reaction units. This allows finger pressure to be identified by the deformation of the mesostructure. Since the mesostructures are not solid material, the symbols from a screen can be displayed to a user through the reset unit by the shine of light or by printed light guides. The haptic feedback described several times also results in an improved operating feel compared to conventional displays with touch functions.Likewise, the operating force or the shape of the operating surface can be adaptively adjusted by appropriately controlling the reset unit. Likewise, a handle of an operating lever, i.e. the part contacted by a user during use, is proposed according to the invention as a contact surface, where the use of the reset unit offers the same advantages already mentioned. As a result, the user experiences both specific haptic and visual feedback through the change in shape of the contact surface. Due to the design of the unit cells and the mesostructure formed from them, a light from a display shown behind the structure can also be recognized through the structure. The light behind it can thus shine through the structure or be guided through light guides that are incorporated into the structure of the reset unit and thus be shown to a user in front of the reset unit.

[0029] The invention is described by way of example in a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details can be taken from the figures of the drawing.

[0030] Functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] The figures in the drawing show in detail: Fig. 1: An exemplary mesostructure according to the invention, Fig. 2: A first alternative of a reset unit according to the invention, Fig. 3: A first alternative of a reset unit according to the invention in use with an operating device in a rest state, Fig. 4a: A second alternative of a reset unit according to the invention in use with an operating device in a rest state, Fig. 4b: A third alternative of a reset unit according to the invention in use with an operating device in a rest state, Fig. 5: A reset unit according to the invention with locking elements, Fig. 6a: A first alternative of a reset unit according to the invention in use with a flexible link, Fig. 6b: A second alternative of a reset unit according to the invention in use with a flexible link, Fig. 6c: A third alternative of a reset unit according to the invention in use with a flexible link, Fig.Fig. 7: a reset unit according to the invention in use in the handle of an operating lever, Fig. 8a: the effect of a reset unit according to the invention in use in the handle of an operating lever when the operating lever is moved in the negative x-direction, Fig. 8b: the effect of a reset unit according to the invention in use in the handle of an operating lever when the operating lever is moved in the positive x-direction.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary mesostructure 2 according to the invention. The mesostructure 2 has a plurality of interconnected unit cells 3, which are only schematically shown here as diamond-shaped cells, but can alternatively take on the various designs mentioned above as required. The unit cells 3, like the mesostructure 2 as a whole, are designed to be flexible, so that the mesostructure 2 as a whole is deformed depending on the force applied. When the force is applied to the center of the mesostructure 2 as shown here, it is pressed downwards at this point, so that the mesostructure 2 is expanded towards this point. In the mesostructure 2, between the unit cells 3, signal transmitters 4 and / or reaction units 5 are also arranged. These signal transmitters 4 and / or reaction units 5 are firmly connected to the mesostructure 2, so that a deformation of the mesostructure 2 leads to a change in the position of the signal transmitters 4 and reaction units 5 in space.If signal sensors 4 are used, the extent of the deformation of the mesostructure 2 can be determined by changing the position of the signal sensors 4. For this purpose, the signal from the signal sensors 4, which has changed due to the change in position, is read out by an external unit (not shown here) and interpreted accordingly. Alternatively, when using reaction units 5, the rigidity of the mesostructure 2 or its prestress can be influenced by specifically controlling the reaction units 5 due to the fixed connection between these and the mesostructure 2. In this case, too, the control is carried out by an external unit (not shown here), in particular by generating a magnetic field. The use of signal sensors 4 and reaction units 5 within a common mesostructure 2 is also envisaged. This allows both the advantages of the signal sensors 4 and the reaction units 5 to be realized in the mesostructure 2.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a first alternative of a reset unit 1 according to the invention. The reset unit 1 shown here is similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 shown, although this is only shown in a side or cross-sectional view. The reset unit 1 accordingly has a mesostructure 2, which in turn has a large number of unit cells 3. Here, too, signal transmitters 4 and / or reaction units 5 are arranged between the unit cells 3 and are firmly connected to the mesostructure 2, so that a deformation of the latter also leads to a change in the position of the signal transmitters 4 and reaction units 5. Arranged outside the mesostructure 2, but effectively connected to it, is the evaluation unit 6, which in this case is a combined evaluation unit 6. Accordingly, it has, on the one hand, a Hall sensor, via which a magnetic field generated by the signal transmitters 4 is determined. Accordingly, a change in this magnetic field can be determined via the Hall sensor, in particular a change that arises due to a change in the position of the signal transmitters 4.This also allows the type and extent of deformation and, consequently, the force acting on the mesostructure 2 to be determined. The evaluation unit 6 also has electromagnets, which are supplied with power via a simple circuit and generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic fields of the reaction units 5. Depending on the polarity of the magnetic fields, the mesostructure 2 can be prestressed by deformation by specifically controlling the reaction units 5. However, if the reaction units 5 form structural elements of the mesostructure 2 and their material elastic properties can be influenced by magnetic or electric fields, the stiffness of the mesostructure 2 as a whole can be adjusted by specifically controlling them.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a first alternative of a reset unit 1 according to the invention in use with an operating device 10 in a rest state. The reset unit 1 is shown in use with an operating device 10, wherein the operating device 10 has an arm or a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the operating device 10, which arm comes into contact with the reset unit 1 when the operating device 10 is deflected and compresses it. The restoring force generated in the reset unit 1 returns the operating device 10 to its rest position. The reset unit 1 has a plurality of mesostructures 2 connected in parallel to one another, which are shown here as schematic quadrilaterals. This schematic representation includes any form of mesostructures 2, which according to the invention each have at least one unit cell.The parallel connection of the mesostructures 2 is to be understood as an arrangement of them next to one another, so that the arrangement of the mesostructures 2 is perpendicular to the direction of force action. Due to this redundancy of the parallel-connected mesostructures 2, the failure of individual mesostructures 2 can be compensated for by redistributing the forces to the remaining mesostructures 2. As a result, the function of the reset unit 1 is fully maintained even if individual mesostructures 2 fail. By connecting mesostructures 2 in series at selected locations, i.e. arranging the mesostructures 2 in the direction of force action, different lines of force can be generated at these locations compared to the remaining mesostructures 2, for example to form overpressure points.By a suitable selection of series and parallel connections of the mesostructures in specific positions, a specific, needs-based force line of the reset unit 1 can be achieved.

[0035] Fig. 4a shows a second alternative of a reset unit 1 according to the invention in use with an operating device 10 in a rest state. In this embodiment, the operating device 10 transmits both pivoting movements and pulling and pushing movements to the reset unit 1, whereby the reset unit and the flexible elements contained therein are compressed and expanded accordingly. In this embodiment, the reset unit 1 has a plurality of mesostructures 2 connected in parallel to one another, which offer the advantages already mentioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the mesostructures 2 and elastic elements 7 in the form of springs are connected in series to one another, i.e., arranged parallel to one another in the direction of force action.

[0036] The spring is a simple variant of an elastic element 7 in the sense of the invention, which is a passive element that, upon deformation, generates a predefined restoring force that superimposes the restoring force of the upstream or downstream mesostructure 2. In contrast, Fig. 4b a third alternative of a reset unit 1 according to the invention in use with an identical operating device 9 in a rest state, wherein the mesostructures 2 in this embodiment are connected in series with adaptive elements 8, here in the form of actuators. These are compared to the elastic elements of Fig. 4a Active elements that can be operated by a user. By controlling the adaptive element 8, a user can adjust the resulting restoring force or the preload of the downstream mesostructure 2 as needed. Both the elastic and the adaptive elements generate a preload on the downstream mesostructures 2. This allows the restoring unit 1, which is already variably designed due to the variability of the mesostructure 2, to be used even more flexibly, and a force line can be determined with particular precision.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a reset unit 1 according to the invention with locking elements 9. The reset unit 1 also has, as in the previously described embodiments, several parallel-connected mesostructures 2, which are shown only schematically here. The mesostructures 2 are also here, as in the Fig. 1 and 2shown provided with signal generators 4 and / or reaction units 5, which are shown only in the vicinity of the locking elements 9 as elements arranged on the mesostructure 2. The signal generators 4 and / or reaction units 5 are connected to the respective mesostructure 2 in such a way that a deformation of the mesostructure 2 leads to a change in the position of the signal generator 4 and / or the reaction unit 5. In contrast, the locking elements 9 are designed to be immobile relative to a base, for example a housing of the reset unit 1. The locking elements 9 as well as the signal generator 4 and / or reaction unit 5 are designed to be (electro-)magnetic, so that a coupling between them arises due to a magnetic force of attraction. The coupling only arises when a distance predefined based on the corresponding magnetic field strengths is reached between the locking elements 9 and the signal generators 4 and / or reaction units 5.In addition, the locking elements 9 can be adaptively controlled by a simple electrical circuit. This allows them to be switched on or off as needed. Likewise, the predefined distance can be adjusted as needed by selecting an appropriate current strength. Alternatively, this can also be adjusted by appropriately controlling the reaction units 5.

[0038] Fig. 6a shows a first alternative of a reset unit 1 according to the invention in use with a flexible link 12. In the application, an operating device is guided at one end in the link 12 so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, and the link 12 is deformed and / or displaced accordingly when the operating device is deflected. The link 12 shown can therefore be variable in its basic shape, which is equivalent to deformation, or it can only be mounted so as to be movable in its entirety, so that when displaced, the entire link 12 is moved relative to a base. The link 12 is reset to its rest position by the reset unit 1 effectively connected to it. Here, too, the reset unit 1 has a plurality of mesostructures 2 connected in parallel, each of which resets individual areas of the link 12 and the link 12 due to their orientation in different force directions. Fig. 6b shows a second alternative of a return unit 1 according to the invention in use with a flexible gate 12, in which mesostructures 2 are connected in series at selected locations. This results in different lines of force, through which the return force is adjusted differently depending on the position of the operating device in the gate 12, regardless of the actual gate shape. This allows, for example, overpressure points or other specific force lines or points to be created as needed. In contrast, Fig. 6c A third alternative of a return unit 1 according to the invention in use with a flexible gate 12, in which such an overpressure point is generated by the combination of the resilient mesostructures 2 and, above all, a solid body 15 on the gate 12, which can have a different stiffness than the gate 12. Here, too, a required force line can be generated by the stiffness of the solid body 15 and the properties and arrangement of the mesostructures 2 in the area of ​​the overpressure point.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows a reset unit 1 according to the invention used in the handle 13 of an operating lever 11. The handle 13 of an operating lever 11 is the end of the operating lever 11 that is contacted by a user during use. The surface of the handle 13 is therefore a contact surface 14 for the user. The reset unit 1 is arranged in the handle 13 in such a way that the user compresses the reset unit 1 through contact when using the handle 13. The user therefore perceives the restoring force depending on the intensity of the compression.

[0040] Fig. 8a shows the effect of a reset unit 1 according to the invention in use in the handle 13 of an operating lever 11 when the operating lever 11 is moved in the negative x-direction. In contrast, Fig. 8b the effect of a reset unit according to the invention in use in the handle 13 of an operating lever 11 when the operating lever 11 is moved in the positive x-direction. By using the reset unit 1 in the handle 13 of an operating lever 11 as in Fig. 7 As shown, presence detection can be realized by detecting pressure via deformation. This principle also enables the detection of the movement of the operating lever 11 desired or initiated by the user. Therefore, the direction in which the operating lever 11 is to be moved can be determined by its movement before the angle change occurs. Likewise, with fine segmentation of the return unit 1, the exact position of the hand can be identified by its deformation. Fig. 8b The deflection shown in the positive x-direction results in an increase in pressure on the top of the back of the handle in the area of ​​the ball of the thumb of the user and a reduction in pressure on the lower part of the front of the handle in the area from the index finger to the little finger of the user, or only pressure on the back (b). Fig. 8a The deflection shown in the negative x-direction, however, results in an increase in pressure on the front of the handle. Deflection in the positive and negative y-direction, which is oriented perpendicular to the x- and z-direction, results in an increase in pressure on the hand resting surface and on its opposite side. In a combined movement, the aforementioned force directions are superimposed accordingly. The force vector determined from this serves as an additional channel for safety considerations or as a control parameter, based on which the device controlled by the operating lever 11 can be additionally controlled. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0041] 1Reset unit 2Mesostructure 3Unit cell 4Signal generator 5Reaction unit 6Evaluation unit 7Elastic element 8Adaptive element 9Locking element 10Operating device 11Operating lever 12Link 13Handle 14Contact surface 15Solid body

Claims

1. Reset unit (1) for resetting rotational and / or translational deflection movements of a control element, comprising an ordered mesostructure (2) of elementary cells (3) formed from an ordered arrangement of at least one elementary cell (3), wherein the at least one elementary cell (3) can be reversibly compressed and expanded by means of force, the reset unit (1) further comprising at least one signal generator (4) and / or at least one reaction unit (5), the reset unit (1) further comprising at least one evaluation unit (6) which evaluates a signal emitted by the signal generator (4) and / or controls the reaction unit (5) electrically and / or magnetically, wherein the signal generator (4) and / or reaction unit (5) are embedded in the at least one mesostructure (2), wherein a resetting force of the reset unit (1) can be generated at least partially by deformation of the mesostructure (2).

2. Reset unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a resilient element (7), in particular a spring or an elastomer, or an adaptive element (8), in particular an actuator or an MRF element, is connected, in the sense of force action, upstream and / or downstream of at least one elementary cell (3).

3. Reset unit (1) according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the evaluation unit (6) is not mechanically, but operatively connected to the mesostructure (2).

4. Reset unit (1) according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the shape and / or resilience of the reaction unit (5) can be influenced by a current applied thereto or a magnetic field.

5. Reset unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has locking elements (9) by means of which the at least one signal generator (4) and / or the at least one reaction unit (5) can be locked in a predetermined position.

6. Reset unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one signal generator (4) and / or the at least one reaction unit (5) are selected from the following group: metal wire, metal particles, coil, electromagnet, carbon fiber, CFRP fiber, conductive plastics, magnet.

7. Reset unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one evaluation unit (6) is selected from the following group: coil, electromagnet, Hall-effect sensor, circuit board having conductor tracks, DMS measuring unit.

8. Operating device (10) comprising a reset unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

9. Operating device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that it has an operating lever (11), wherein the reset unit (1) is mounted in the operating lever (11), in particular in a handle (13) or in a part of the operating lever (11) scanning a cam (12).

10. Operating device (9) according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it has a cam (12) in which an operating lever (10) is guided, wherein the reset unit (1) resets the cam (12).

11. Operating device (10) according to any of claims 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that it has a contact surface (14) contacted by a user, which surface is reset by the reset unit (1).