Adjusting device

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device having a flat, plate-type component (1) with a cover layer (3) that includes at least one cover layer segment (11) which can be vertically adjusted by means of a pneumatic adjusting unit (18). According to the invention, the pneumatic adjusting unit (18) includes a membrane (13) that acts as a lifting cushion and that delimits a pressure chamber (15) to which compressed air can be applied.

Description

[0001] Description of an actuating device The invention relates to an actuating device with a flat, plate-shaped component according to the preamble of the claim. Such an actuating device can be used in any application and can be installed, for example, in the interior and / or exterior areas. The actuating device can optionally be equipped with various additional functions, such as a display function and / or an operating function for actuating various functional elements. A generic actuating device has a flat, plate-shaped component with a cover layer, which is formed with at least one cover layer segment. The cover layer segment is adjustable in stroke using a pneumatic actuating unit. The pneumatic actuating devices known from the prior art are structurally complex and component-intensive and therefore only very limited in mass production.EP 3144770 A1 discloses a system and a method for providing haptic effects in response to a deformation of a cover of an electrical device. EP 3285144 B1 discloses a system for haptic interaction with objects. WO 2014 / 164274 A1 discloses an interactive display. The object of the invention is to provide a pneumatic actuating device that, compared to the prior art, is structurally simple and has a reduced number of components. This object is achieved by the features of the claim. Preferred developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims. The invention is based on an actuating device with a flat, plate-shaped component. The component is formed with a cover layer that has at least one cover layer segment. The cover layer segment is adjustable in stroke with the aid of a pneumatic actuating unit. According to the characterizing part of the claim, the pneumatic actuating unit has a membrane acting as a lifting cushion.This defines a pressure chamber that can be pressurized with compressed air. When the pressure chamber is pressurized, the membrane can raise the cover layer segment to its lifting position. Conversely, when the pressure in the pressure chamber is released, the cover layer segment can be returned to its original position. The membrane can be made of an elastomer material and, when pressurized, expands elastically and compliantly, increasing its cross-section. Conversely, when the pressure is released, the membrane contracts back to its original position. In a technical implementation, the cover layer can have a segment field consisting of a plurality of cover layer segments. Each of these cover layer segments is assigned a membrane acting as a lifting cushion. With the help of the segment field, cover layer segments can be pneumatically controlled in different ways, for example, to generate different surface patterns or surface geometries in the surface of the component.Through targeted pneumatic control of the segment field, the surface shape and / or surface structure of the component can be specifically transformed. Depending on the pneumatic control, for example, a wave-like deforming component surface can be generated. Alternatively and / or additionally, the segment field can also be equipped with various additional functions, such as a display function and / or an operating function for actuating various functional elements. In a further embodiment, the plate-shaped component can be mounted on free-form surfaces, for example, an instrument panel. The component can preferably have a multi-layer structure in which the individual layers are joined together by adhesive bonding, for example, by gluing. For example, the multi-layer structure can consist of the upper cover layer, followed by the membrane and a functional carrier layer. The functional carrier layer, together with the membrane, can define the pressure chamber.The individual layers can be additively applied to one another in a single manufacturing process. Furthermore, various additional functional layers can be integrated into the multi-layer structure. The plate-shaped component is not limited to a rigid and flat design. Rather, the plate-shaped component can also be designed to be sufficiently deformable. In this case, the plate-shaped component can be mounted on any free-form surface. From a manufacturing perspective, the membranes of the cover layer segments are made of the same material as an elastomer layer. The elastomer layer can be arranged between the cover layer and the functional carrier layer. Furthermore, the elastomer layer can be firmly bonded to both the cover layer and the functional carrier layer.In such a layer structure, the respective membrane can be an elastomer layer section that is freely connected to the functional carrier layer, i.e., without an adhesive connection. To increase functionality, each pressure chamber in the segment field of the component is assigned its own pressure line. The pressure line connects an external pressure source to the respective pressure chamber. To increase the design freedom in the arrangement of the cover layer segments in the segment field, the pressure lines are arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer opposite the cover layer. In this case, each of the pressure lines is connected to the pressure chamber via a flow passage formed in the functional carrier layer. By arranging the pressure lines on the underside of the functional carrier layer, they can be laid independently of the positions of the membranes on the top side of the functional carrier layer. The component according to the invention is therefore designed in the manner of an electrical circuit board orA printed circuit board is designed in which the cover layer segments can be specifically controlled via pressure conductor tracks (i.e., via the pressure lines). In contrast to an electrical circuit board, however, according to the invention, the pressure conductor tracks are not arranged on the same component side as the pneumatic actuators, but rather on the opposite component side. This results in a significantly greater degree of freedom in the design and positioning of the cover layer segments and the pressure conductor tracks. In a technical implementation, each of the pressure lines can be incorporated as a groove-shaped recess in the underside of the functional carrier layer. This results in a structurally simple implementation of the pressure line, and in a comparatively reduced component thickness of the multi-layer structure. Preferably, the groove-shaped recess can be covered with a further cover layer, in particular an elastomer layer.With a view to expanding functionality, it is preferred if the component has a lighting element, in particular an LED, in the area of ​​the cover layer segment. The lighting element can be used at least when the cover layer segment is in the lifting position in order to visually emphasize the lifting position of the cover layer segment. In a preferred embodiment from a manufacturing perspective, the lighting element can be arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer. In this embodiment, the lighting element can be optically connected to the upper side of the functional carrier layer via a light passage formed in the functional carrier layer. With a view to reducing the number of components, it is preferred if the cover layer segment is a uniform and / or one-piece component of the cover layer. In a first embodiment, the cover layer segment can be integrated into the cover layer over a closed surface.Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the cover layer segment can be formed by a cutout in a cover layer base body. In this case, the cover layer segment can be connected to the cover layer base body, for example, via a folding axis. In the lift position, the cover layer is therefore open to the outside with a gap. The cover layer can be made, for example, of metal, plastic, or textile. In addition, the functional carrier layer can be made, for example, of an elastically flexible and / or easily deformable material, such as an elastomer material. The return of the cover layer segment can be achieved, for example, by applying negative pressure to the pressure chamber. Alternatively and / or additionally, the return of the cover layer segment from its lift position to its initial position can be achieved by a restoring force that builds up when pressure is applied. In a further embodiment, the membrane can be designed to be translucent.When the lighting element is activated, light emerges through the open cover layer gap. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Figures 1 to 3b show different views of an actuating device according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a partial side view of the component with a cover layer segment in a pressurized lifting position; and Figure 5 shows a view corresponding to Figure 4 of the cover layer segment in a depressurized starting position. In Figures 1 to 5, the actuating device comprises a flat, plate-shaped component manufactured as a multi-layer structure and, for example, can have a component thickness (Figures 2 or 5) of 3 to 5 mm. The component consists of an upper cover layer 3, followed by an elastomer layer 5, a functional carrier layer 7, another elastomer layer, and a final lower LED layer 10.All individual layers 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 of the component are firmly bonded to one another by adhesive bonding, for example, by bonding. The cover layer 3 can, for example, be a decorative layer in the interior of a vehicle. For example, the cover layer 3 can be made of a thin metal sheet or a wood veneer. Alternatively, the cover layer 3 can also be made of a more flexible material, such as a textile layer or leather. The functional carrier layer 7, like the two elastomer layers 5, can be made of elastomer material. As can be seen from Figures 1, 2, or 3a, the cover layer 3 has a plurality of cover layer segments 11, which are grouped into a segment field 12 (Figure 1). The cover layer segments 11 are each cut out of a cover layer base body 16 by a cutout 14.The segment field 13 can be used, for example, as a haptic display and / or as a control panel, in which the individual cover layer segments 11 are adjustable in stroke between a pressureless starting position (Figure 5) and a pressurized lifting position (Figure 4) using pneumatic actuating units 18 described below. Each of the cover layer segments 11 can pivot between the starting position and the lifting position in a flap-like manner. Each of the cover layer segments 11 is assigned its own pneumatic actuating unit 18, which has a membrane 13 acting as a lifting cushion. According to Figures 4 or 5, the membrane 13 is formed as a single-material, one-piece section of the elastomer layer 5. The membrane 13 is bonded to the functional carrier layer 7 without any connection, i.e. without adhesive or glue connection, so that the membrane 13 can expand freely when the pressure chamber 15 is pressurized.As can be seen from Figure 3b, a plurality of pressure lines 17 are arranged on the underside of the functional support layer 7. Each of these pressure lines 17 connects a pressure chamber to a compressed air source (not shown). In the assembled state, the pressure lines 17 are routed to an air connection strip 19. The air connection strip 19 is fastened to a counter strip 22 (Figure 2 or 3a) with the flat component clamped therebetween. Furthermore, the air connection strip 19 has air connection elements 20 that can be connected to a compressed air source (not shown). The pressure chambers 15 of the cover layer segments 11 can be pressurized in any manner via a control unit (not shown). Thus, the cover layer segments 11 can be pneumatically controlled independently of one another in any combination, for example to generate various surface geometries or patterns in the cover layer 3 of the component.A core of the invention is that the pressure lines 17 are arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer 7, and the membrane 13 together with pressure chambers 15 are arranged on the opposite upper side of the functional carrier layer 7. In this way, the pressure lines 17 can be laid according to any desired line pattern on the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 without having to communicate with the pressure chambers 15. The pressure lines 17 are incorporated as groove-shaped depressions in the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 in a manner that is both simple to manufacture and space-saving. The groove-shaped depressions are covered by the lower elastomer layer 9. In addition, the groove-shaped depressions are each connected to the associated pressure chamber 15 via a flow passage 21 formed in the functional carrier layer 7. According to Figures 4 and 5, the LED layer consists of individual LEDs 23 which are cast into an elastomer material 25 of the LED layer 11. Each pneumatic actuator 18 is assigned one LED 23.The LED 23 is arranged in alignment with the membrane 13, viewed in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the LED 23 is optically connected to the top side of the functional carrier layer via a light passage 27 formed in the functional carrier layer 7. In Figure 5, the pneumatic actuating unit 18 is in a depressurized state. Accordingly, the cover layer segment 11 is in its horizontal starting position, which closes the cover layer segment 11 flush with the surrounding cover layer base body 16. The flexible membrane 13 is arranged in a recess 29 acting as a storage space, which is incorporated into the top side of the functional carrier layer 7. In Figure 4, the pneumatic actuating unit 18 is shown in a pressurized state. Accordingly, the pressure chamber 15 of the membrane 13 is pressurized with compressed air, causing the membrane 13 to expand. The expanding membrane 13 folds the cover layer segment 11 from its starting position (Figure 5) into its lifting position.In the lifted position, the cover layer 3 opens outward via a gap 31, through which the light generated by the LED 23 can escape. To allow such light to escape, the two elastomer layers 5, 9 are each designed to be translucent. The component according to the invention can provide an adaptive surface that can react actively or reactively. Furthermore, the component is designed with a reduced component weight and thickness. Furthermore, the component is not rigid, but can be designed to be deformable, thereby increasing the installation options of the component compared to a rigid component.

[0002] List of reference symbols Component Cover layer Upper elastomer layer Functional carrier layer Lower elastomer layer LED layer Cover layer segments Segment field Membrane Cut-out Pressure chamber Cover layer base body Pressure lines Pneumatic actuator Air connection strip Flow passage LED Elastomer material Light passage Recess Gap Component thickness

Claims

1. An adjusting device comprising a flat, plate-shaped component (1) with a cover layer having at least one cover layer segment (11) whose stroke is adjustable by means of a pneumatic adjusting unit (18). The adjusting device is characterized in that the pneumatic adjusting unit (18) has a membrane (13) acting as a lifting cushion, which defines a pressure chamber (15) pressurized with compressed air, and in that, particularly when the pressure chamber (15) is pressurized, the membrane (13) lifts the cover layer segment (11) into a lifting position. An adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover layer (3) has a segment field (12) with a plurality of cover layer segments (11), each of which is assigned a membrane (13) acting as a lifting cushion.Actuating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the component (1) has a multi-layer structure, consisting of the upper cover layer followed by the membrane (13) and a functional carrier layer (7), and in particular that the functional carrier layer (7) together with the membrane (13) delimits the pressure chamber (15).

4. Actuating device according to claim 3, characterized in that an elastomer layer (5) is arranged between the cover layer (3) and the functional carrier layer (7), which is adhesively bonded to the functional carrier layer (7), and in particular that the membrane (13) is a material-uniform and one-piece section of the elastomer layer (5) which is bonded to the functional carrier layer (7) without any bonding, i.e., without an adhesive bond.Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure chamber (15) of the membrane (13) acting as a lifting cushion is in flow connection with a pressure source via a pressure line (17) and in particular that the pressure line (17) is arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer (7) opposite the cover layer (3) and / or that the pressure line (17) is connected to the pressure chamber (15) via a flow passage (21) formed in the functional carrier layer (7). Actuating device according to one of claims 5 to 5, characterized in that each of the pressure chambers (15) in the segment field (12) of the component (1) can be connected to the pressure source by means of its own pressure line (17), so that preferably the pressure chambers (15) can be pneumatically controlled independently of one another. Actuating device according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the pressure line (17) is incorporated as a groove-shaped depression in the underside of the functional carrier layer (7) and that in particular the groove-shaped depression is covered with a further cover layer (9), in particular an elastomer layer. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (1) has a lighting element, in particular an LED, in the area of ​​the cover layer segment (11), and that in particular the lighting element (23) is arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer and has a,in the functional carrier layer (7) formed light passage (27) in optical connection with the upper side of the functional carrier layer 9. Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover layer segment (11) is a uniform and one-piece component of the cover layer (3) and / or that the cover layer segment (11) is integrated into the cover layer (3) with a closed surface or that the cover layer segment (11) is formed by a cutout (14) in a cover layer base body (16) so that the cover layer segment (11) merges into the cover layer base body (16) in a flap-like manner, so that in the lifting position the cover layer (3) is opened outwards via a gap (31).

10. Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover layer (3) is formed from metal, plastic, leather or textile,

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