Actuating device for an operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (1) comprising a first housing element (2) with first and second contact elements (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) integrated therein, a second housing element (5) with an actuating element (6) arranged thereon, which can be actuated in an actuating direction (7) with two functional positions, two snap discs (8, 9), and a circuit board (10) arranged between the snap discs (8, 9) and having two contacts (11-14) on both sides, wherein to reach the first functional position a first actuating force is required which is greater than a first resistance force of the first snap disc (8) and smaller than a second resistance force of the second snap disc (9), wherein in the first functional position the first snap disc (8) electrically connects the two first contact elements (3a, 3b) to one another and the contacts (13,14) of the circuit board, on the side of the circuit board facing the first snap-action disc, electrically connect the second contact elements (4a, 4b) to one another, wherein reaching the second functional position requires a second actuating force that is greater than the second resistance force of the second snap-action disc, wherein in the second functional position, the second snap-action disc electrically connects the contacts (11, 12) on a side of the circuit board facing the second snap-action disc. Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating device with an actuating device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating device for an operating device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating device with such an actuating device. The actuating device can be readily used in a variety of applications. The actuating device can be used, for example, in operating devices for bicycles, in particular on or in bicycle gear levers, remote controls in the entertainment sector, window regulators or similar actuators in the automotive sector, and controllers and joysticks in the e-sports and gaming sectors.

[0002] DE 10 2013 108 945 A1 discloses a pushbutton switch element with a base body made of an elastic material and a contact element with a snap-action disc. The actuating element is aligned coaxially with the snap-action disc such that a stroke exerted on the actuating element leads to a reversible deflection of the snap-action disc. The contact element has at least one fastening element, which is arranged outside the effective range of deflection of the snap-action disc and interacts with an abutment element of the base body.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a two-stage actuation device for an operating device that is compact in design and provides clearly audible, haptic feedback. This object is achieved by the subject matter of patent claims 1 and 10. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0004] An actuating device according to the invention for an operating device comprises a first housing element with first contact elements and second contact elements integrated therein, a second housing element, an actuating element which is arranged on the second housing element and can be actuated from an initial position in an actuating direction with two functional positions arranged one behind the other, a first snap-action disc, a second snap-action disc, and a circuit board which is arranged between the snap-action discs and has two contacts on each side, wherein to reach the first functional position, a first actuating force is required which is greater than a first resistance force of the first snap-action disc and less than a second resistance force of the second snap-action disc,wherein in the first functional position, the first snap-action disc electrically connects the two first contact elements to one another and the contacts of the circuit board on the side of the circuit board facing the first snap-action disc electrically connect the second contact elements to one another, wherein to reach the second functional position, a second actuating force is required which is greater than the second resistance force of the second snap-action disc, wherein in the second functional position, the second snap-action disc electrically connects the contacts on a side of the circuit board facing the second snap-action disc.

[0005] The proposed actuating device implements a push-button with two switching stages, allowing two different functions to be integrated into a single actuating device. Alternatively, the functional positions can be implemented in such a way that the actuation process of a predetermined function is accelerated. For proper function, the actuating device must provide haptic feedback for each switching stage, which is essentially achieved through the typical design and function of the snap domes. The actuating device proposed here implements the signal detection and mechanical reset functions.

[0006] The first snap-action disc is configured to create an electrically conductive connection between the first contacts in the first functional position of the actuating element, thereby closing a first circuit. The first snap-action disc is assigned to a first switching stage of the actuating device.

[0007] The second snap-action disc is configured to at least indirectly create an electrically conductive connection between the circuit board contacts facing it in the second functional position of the actuating element. The circuit board contacts the second contact elements via additional contacts facing the first snap-action disc, thus closing a second circuit. The second snap-action disc is assigned to a second switching stage of the actuating device.

[0008] In this context, the term "at least indirectly" means that an electrical connection between two components can be made directly, i.e. immediately, or via at least one other component that is arranged between the two components.

[0009] If the resistance force is exceeded, the respective snap-action disc is elastically deformed in such a way that the snap-action disc, which can be permanently electrically connected to a contact point, creates contact with the corresponding contact point to close an electrical circuit. Accordingly, the respective snap-action disc is made of an electrically conductive material.

[0010] Snap domes are common components in actuating devices that combine the functions of electrical contact, mechanical reset, and haptic feedback in a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture solution. At least one snap dome is provided for each switching stage. It is also conceivable for multiple snap domes to be stacked for one or both switching stages. This makes it possible to design a large number of pushbuttons, each with different actuating forces, in a compact design. Snap domes are advantageous because they enable actuation or contact even with relatively short actuating travel. The actuating device can also be referred to as a pushbutton. Accordingly, the actuating device is a two-stage pushbutton.

[0011] The circuit board is preferably disc-shaped and spatially arranged between the snap-action discs. The circuit board, together with the second snap-action disc, is arranged so as to be axially movable relative to the housing elements and to the first snap-action disc. The circuit board enables signal transmission when the actuating element is in the second functional position. The first and second contacts on the side of the circuit board facing the second snap-action disc, for example a top side of the circuit board, are electrically connected to the third and fourth contacts on the side of the circuit board facing the first snap-action disc, for example a bottom side of the circuit board, such that an electrical circuit can be closed when contact is made with the second snap-action disc. The signal is transmitted through contact between the second contact elements and the third and fourth contacts on the side of the circuit board facing the first snap-action disc.This creates a communication path in the first functional position of the actuating element before a circuit can be closed at the second contact elements in the second functional position. To achieve the second functional position, the circuit is only closed when the actuating element is moved into the second functional position, deforming the second snap-action disc to create an electrically conductive connection between the first and second contacts on the side of the circuit board facing the second snap-action disc.

[0012] The housing elements jointly define and delimit the space in which the snap discs, the circuit board, and parts of the contact elements are arranged. The housing elements can be flanged to one another and firmly connected. The interior of the actuating device, delimited and defined by the housing elements, can be cylindrical, with the snap discs in the form of snap rings and the circuit board in the form of a disc having an outer geometry complementary to the interior.

[0013] To hold the snap domes in position, the first housing element preferably has a socket for accommodating the first snap dome. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit board has a socket for accommodating and guiding the second snap dome. The corresponding snap dome is positioned in the socket relative to the load application points. This prevents incorrect actuation.

[0014] The actuating element can be actuated manually, for example using a user's finger, in the actuating direction. Due to the different resistance forces of the snap discs of the first and second switching stages and their respective deformation behavior, the user can perceive the functional position of the actuating element at least haptically, or optionally also multimodally, i.e. both haptically and acoustically. The respective functional position can be perceived haptically when a pressure point on the respective snap disc, which depends on the resistance force, is overcome and is perceived by the user as the felt hardness of the actuating device. The pressure point of the first snap disc or the actuating force required to actuate the first snap disc is higher than the pressure point of the second snap disc or the actuating force required to actuate the second snap disc.After overcoming the pressure point, the respective snap disc comes into contact with the corresponding points, i.e. contacts or contact elements, to realize the electrically conductive connection or to close the respective circuit.

[0015] A return mechanism of the actuating device is realized by the shape and function of the snap discs, which return to their original shape when not actuated or after the actuation has ended, thus pushing the actuating element into the initial position.

[0016] The contact elements are electrically conductive connection elements of the actuating device. The contact elements can be in the form of a sheet metal, a spring, or a wire and can be formed into the desired shape. Except for their internal and external contact points, the contact elements can be surrounded or encased in plastic.

[0017] The wording, according to which the contacts of the circuit board electrically connect the second contact elements in the first functional position, is to be understood to mean that the electrically conductive connection or contact between the circuit board and the second contact elements always already exists before the actuating element moves into the second functional position and an electrically conductive connection is created between the contacts on the side of the circuit board facing the second snap-action disk. In other words, contact between the circuit board and the second contact elements can exist permanently or can be created during the switching of the actuating element to the first functional position or upon reaching the first functional position.Accordingly, a communication path to the circuit board is first created before the circuit between the second contact elements can finally be closed, i.e. when an electrically conductive connection is created via the second snap disc between the contacts of the circuit board facing the second snap disc.

[0018] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the circuit board contacts facing the first snap-action disc are each permanently in contact with one of the second contact elements. In other words, contacting means can be provided between the circuit board and the second contact elements that do not impede or block the movement of the circuit board. For example, spring contact pins can be arranged between each second contact element and a corresponding contact on a side of the circuit board facing the first snap-action disc, which always establish an electrically conductive connection between the circuit board and the second contact elements, regardless of the axial position of the circuit board relative to the second contact elements.

[0019] Alternatively, the circuit board contacts facing the first snap-action disk come into contact with the second contact elements when the actuating element is actuated together with the circuit board into the first functional position. This creates a pre-contact as a communication link between the circuit board and the second contact elements before the actuating element is activated to the second functional position.

[0020] The respective functional position is to be understood as a switching stage of the actuating device, whereby when the actuating element reaches the respective functional position, a function can be implemented or switched. The function can therefore be implemented or switched when the respective circuit is closed.

[0021] The actuating element preferably comprises an elastically deformable material. The actuating element preferably further comprises a first plunger with a contact surface complementary to the second snap-action disc. The first plunger can have a different rigidity than the rest of the actuating element. Thus, the actuating element can be designed essentially in the form of a bellows or the like and arranged on the second housing element, wherein force is introduced into the device via the first plunger, which is stiffer than the rest of the actuating element, in order to actuate the actuating element into the first or the second functional position located behind it.

[0022] The second snap-action disc has a curved surface, with the contact surface of the first plunger preferably being designed to match the shape of the second snap-action disc. Therefore, the contact surface of the first plunger is also curved. This ensures reliable actuation of the second snap-action disc.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first snap-action disc comprises an actuating bell that rests against the circuit board. The actuating bell is to be understood as an axial projection of the first snap-action disc that rests against the circuit board. The actuating bell is designed to enable unhindered deformation of the first snap-action disc, with the associated contacting. The actuating bell permanently rests against the circuit board, in particular even when the actuating element is in its initial position. In this case, the circuit board can be designed as a flat, essentially planar component.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, a second plunger with a contact surface complementary to the first snap-action disc is arranged on the circuit board. The second plunger is to be understood as functioning analogously to the first plunger of the actuating element. The second plunger is an actuator and is designed to enable unhindered deformation of the first snap-action disc, with the associated contacting. This is advantageous in the event that the snap-action discs of the first and second switching stages are similar or essentially identical. In this case, the first snap-action disc can also have a curved surface, with the contact surface of the second plunger preferably being designed to correspond to the shape of the first snap-action disc. Therefore, the contact surface of the second plunger is also curved.The first snap-action disc is permanently in contact with the second plunger of the circuit board, especially when the actuating element is in the initial position.

[0025] In one embodiment, two first contact elements and two second contact elements are provided. To implement a safety variant of the actuating device, the number of first and second contact elements, as well as the number of contacts of the circuit board facing the first snap-action disk, can be doubled to create two separate outputs for each input. In this sense, the actuating device preferably has four first contact elements and four second contact elements.

[0026] By changing the geometry of the snap domes and the option of stacking two or more first and / or snap domes of the respective switching stage in groups, the advantage of providing different actuation forces in a similar design can be achieved. The decisive factor for error-free actuation is always the difference between the actuation force of the first and second stage or functional position, i.e. the difference between the first resistance force and the greater second resistance force of the snap domes. This difference must be chosen to be large enough to prevent unintentional actuation of the second stage, i.e. the second functional position. The user must therefore exert noticeably more force to achieve the second functional position than to achieve the first functional position.The snap domes can therefore be designed identically, in which case two or more second snap domes can be connected in series, i.e., stacked, for the second switching stage. The snap domes can, of course, also be designed differently to achieve different resistance forces.

[0027] The actuator can be designed so that it can be soldered onto another circuit board, creating a so-called surface-mount device. Alternatively, the actuator can be implemented as a separate unit with a cable outlet and connectors, allowing for more flexible placement of the actuator within an assembly. Thus, the contact elements can be arranged at any location on the housing and routed out accordingly, allowing for the respective external connection.

[0028] In this sense, the actuating device according to the above explanations can be advantageously used in an operating device. Accordingly, an operating device according to the invention comprises an actuating device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0029] The above definitions as well as explanations of technical effects, advantages, and advantageous embodiments of the actuating device according to the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to the operating device according to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] To the extent that elements are designated by numbering, for example, "first component," "second component," and "third component," this numbering is intended purely for differentiation in the designation and does not represent a dependency of the elements on one another or a mandatory sequence of the elements. This means, in particular, that a device does not have to have a "first component" in order to have a "second component." The device may also comprise a "first component" and a "third component," but without necessarily having a "second component."

[0031] In the following, two embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 a first schematic longitudinal sectional view of an actuating device according to the invention in a starting position of an actuating element according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic exploded view of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a second schematic longitudinal section of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the initial position of the actuating element to illustrate the arrangement of first contact elements, Fig. 4 a third schematic longitudinal sectional view of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 in the initial position of the actuating element to illustrate the arrangement of second contact elements, Fig. 5 a schematic plan view of a circuit board of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 , Fig. 6a schematic bottom view of the board according to Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a schematic longitudinal section of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 in a first functional position of the actuating element, Fig. 8 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the actuating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 as well as Fig. 7 in a second functional position of the actuating element, and Fig. 9 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the actuating device according to the invention in an initial position of the actuating element according to a second embodiment,

[0032] According to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 to Fig. 91 shows an actuating device 1 according to the invention for an operating device (not shown here), which is designed as a two-stage button. The actuating device 1 comprises a first housing element 2 as a lower housing, each with two first contact elements 3a, 3b and second contact elements 4a, 4b integrated therein. A second housing element 5 is provided as an upper housing, on which an actuating element 6 is arranged. The actuating element 6 comprises an elastically deformable material as a soft component and a stiffer first plunger 15, wherein in particular the first plunger 15 can be actuated from an initial position in an actuating direction 7 with two functional positions arranged one behind the other. The actuating element 6 can be actuated manually in the actuating direction 7 by a user's finger.

[0033] Within the housing of the actuating device 1 formed by the housing elements 2, 5, there are a first snap-action disk 8, a second snap-action disk 9, and a circuit board 10 arranged spatially between them. The snap-action disks 8, 9 are made of an electrically conductive material, here metal. The snap-action disks 8, 9 are sheet metal parts, which are shaped, for example, by stamping and forming. The first housing element 2 has Fig. 2 a socket 20 for receiving and guiding the first snap-action disc 8. Furthermore, the first snap-action disc 8 has an actuating bell 17 that rests against the circuit board 10. The actuating bell 17 ensures safe and error-free actuation of the first snap-action disc 8.

[0034] The first snap-action disc 8 is axially supported on the one hand by the first housing element 2, here in the socket 20, and on the other hand by the circuit board 10. The second snap-action disc 9 is axially supported on the one hand by the circuit board 10 and on the other hand by the actuating element 6. The second snap-action disc 9 can be actuated directly via the actuating element 6. The underlying first snap-action disc 8, however, can be actuated indirectly via the actuating element 6, the second snap-action disc 9, and the circuit board 10.

[0035] The board 10 is a type of printed circuit board with contacts 11, 12, 13, 14, of which Fig. 5 two contacts 11, 12 on a top side of the circuit board 10 facing the second snap disk 9 and after Fig. 6The other two contacts 13, 14 are arranged on an underside of the circuit board 10 facing the first snap-action disk 8. The flat contacts 11, 12 on the top side are each electrically connected to the flat contacts 13, 14 on the bottom side. The contacts 11, 12, 13, 14 are designed as electrically conductive contact surfaces.

[0036] The first plunger 15 of the actuating element 6 has a contact surface 16 complementary to the surface of the second snap-action disc 9 in order to enable a targeted deformation for contacting the second snap-action disc 9 with the contacts 11, 12 of the circuit board 10 arranged on the upper side of the circuit board 10.

[0037] Starting from an initial position of the actuating element 6, which is Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 and Fig. 4illustrated in different sectional perspectives, the actuating element 6 can be subjected to an actuating force in the actuating direction 7 by a user's finger, whereby the second snap-action disk 9 is pressed downwards together with the circuit board 10 and the first snap-action disk 8, due to its lower resistance force compared to the second snap-action disk 9, is deformed in such a way that the contact located centrally on the first snap-action disk 8, when the actuating force corresponds to a first actuating force or exceeds a pressure point of the first snap-action disk 8, suddenly rests on the first contact elements 3a, 3b and thus connects them electrically. This is perceptible to the user haptically and optionally also acoustically. The first functional position of the actuating element 6 is in Fig. 7 shown.

[0038] In other words, to reach the first functional position, the actuating element 6 is actuated with a first actuating force until the first resistance force of the first snap-action disc 8, which in this case corresponds to the pressure point of the first snap-action disc 8, is exceeded and a corresponding contact is made, which electrically connects the first contact elements 3a, 3b via the first snap-action disc 8 or closes a first circuit. In the first functional position, a first actuating stage of the actuating device 1 is thus recognizable, and a function assigned to the first actuating stage can be executed, activated, and / or controlled.

[0039] While the first contact elements 3a, 3b are electrically connected to one another, contact is also made between the contacts 13, 14 of the circuit board 10 facing the first snap-action disk 8 and the second contact elements 4a, 4b in order to establish a communication path between the second contact elements 4a, 4b and the circuit board 10 before, as described below, a second circuit is closed between the second contact elements 4a, 4b. The contacts 13, 14 of the circuit board 10 facing the first snap-action disk 8 therefore only come into contact with the second contact elements 4a, 4b when the actuating element 6 has been actuated together with the circuit board 10 into the first functional position. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the contacts 13, 14 of the circuit board 10 facing the first snap-action disk 8 are each permanently in contact with a second contact element 4a, 4b, for example via spring contact pins or the like.

[0040] To reach the second functional position, the actuating element 6 can be subjected to a second actuating force, which is greater than the first actuating force, starting from the first functional position. The second actuating force exceeds the second resistance force of the second snap-action disc 9 or a pressure point of the second snap-action disc 9, and the second snap-action disc 9 is consequently deformed in such a way that the contact located centrally on the second snap-action disc 9 is suddenly moved to the Fig. 5centrally arranged contacts 12 of the circuit board 10. In the initial position of the actuating element 6, the second snap-action disk 9 is already in contact with the other contact 11 on the top side of the circuit board 10. As a result of the actuation of the second snap-action disk 9, an electrically conductive connection of the contacts 11 and 12 is thus established. Due to the previously established contact between the circuit board 10 and the second contact elements 4a, 4b of the actuating device 1, the second circuit is closed by the second snap-action disk 9 in the second functional position. The second functional position is in Fig. 8 shown. In the second functional position, a second actuation stage of the actuation device 1 is visible, and a function associated with the second actuation stage can be executed, activated, and / or controlled.

[0041] Signal transmission occurs when the snap discs 8, 9 are actuated, reaching stops which, when contact is made in the first functional position, close a first circuit between the first contact elements 3a, 3b and, in the second functional position, additionally close a second circuit between the second contact elements 4a, 4b. The snap discs 8, 9 are spring-loaded in such a way that, when the actuating element 6 is in the unactuated state or after the actuation with the first actuating force has ended, the actuating element 6 is pressed into its initial or neutral position.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment of the actuating device 1, which is shown in Fig. 9As shown, the first snap-action disc 8 also has a substantially uniform, flat surface, but instead, a second plunger 18 with a contact surface 19 complementary to the first snap-action disc 8 is arranged on the circuit board 10. The second plunger 18 is accommodated in a recess 21 of the circuit board 10 and is firmly connected thereto. The actuation or implementation of the first functional position remains identical, so that reference is made to the above explanations. Otherwise, the actuating device 1 is identical to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 trained.

[0043] It is also conceivable for the actuating device 1 to comprise four first contact elements 3a, 3b and four second contact elements 4a, 4b, thereby creating redundancy to improve the safety of the actuating device 1. In this case, the first snap-action disc 8 is designed such that, in the first functional position of the actuating element 6, it electrically connects all four first contact elements to one another. Furthermore, the circuit board is designed such that each of the contacts of the circuit board 10 facing the first snap-action disc 8 is assigned to one of the four second contact elements. Reference symbol

[0044] 1 Actuating device 2 First housing element 3a First contact element 3b First contact element 4a Second contact element 4b Second contact element 5 Second housing element 6 Actuating element 7 Actuating direction 8 First snap-action disc 9 Second snap-action disc 10 Circuit board 11 First contact of the circuit board 12 Second contact of the circuit board 13 Third contact of the circuit board 14 Fourth contact of the circuit board 15 First plunger 16 Contact surface of the first plunger 17 Actuating bell of the first snap-action disc 18 Second plunger 19 Contact surface of the second plunger 20 Socket of the first housing element 21 Cut-out of the circuit board

Claims

1. Actuating device (1) for an operating device, comprising - a first housing element (2) with integrated first contact elements (3a, 3b) and second contact elements (4a, 4b), - a second housing element (5), - an actuating element (6) arranged on the second housing element (5) and operable from an initial position in an actuating direction (7) with two consecutively arranged functional positions, - a first snap-action disc (8), - a second snap-action disc (9), and - a circuit board (10) arranged between the snap-action discs (8, 9) and having two contacts (11, 12, 13, 14) on each side, wherein a first actuating force is required to reach the first functional position, which is greater than a first resistance force of the first snap-action disc (8) and less than a second resistance force of the second snap-action disc (9),wherein in the first functional position, the first snap-action disc (8) electrically connects the two first contact elements (3a, 3b) to one another and the contacts (13, 14) of the circuit board (10) on the side of the circuit board (10) facing the first snap-action disc (8) electrically connect the second contact elements (4a, 4b) to one another, wherein to reach the second functional position, a second actuating force is required which is greater than the second resistance force of the second snap-action disc (9), wherein in the second functional position, the second snap-action disc (9) electrically connects the contacts (11, 12) on a side of the circuit board (10) facing the second snap-action disc (9).

2. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the contacts (13, 14) of the circuit board (10) facing the first snap-action disc (8) are each permanently in contact with a second contact element (4a, 4b).

3. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the contacts (13, 14) of the circuit board (10) facing the first snap-action disc (8) come into contact with the second contact elements (4a, 4b) when the actuating element (6) is actuated together with the circuit board (10) into the first functional position.

4. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (6) comprises an elastically deformable material.

5. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (6) has a first plunger (15) with a contact surface (16) complementary to the second snap disc (9).

6. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first snap disc (8) comprises an actuating bell (17) which comes into contact with the circuit board (10).

7. Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second plunger (18) with a contact surface (19) complementary to the first snap disc (8) is arranged on the circuit board (10).

8. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing element (2) has a socket (20) for receiving the first snap disc (8).

9. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising four first contact elements (3a, 3b) and four second contact elements (4a, 4b).

10. Operating device comprising an actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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