Switching operating element, for actuation by a pushing force and by a pulling force, for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching operating element (1), for actuation by a pushing force (Fd) and by a pulling force (Fz), for a motor vehicle, the switching operating element comprising an operating element (10), a spring element (20) and precisely one sensor element (30), wherein the operating element (10) is fixed to the spring element (20) and is designed to cause a first deformation of the spring element (20) as a result of a first actuation acting as a pulling force (Fz) on the operating element (10) and to cause a second deformation of the spring element (20) as a result of an actuation acting as a pushing force (Fd) on the operating element (10), wherein the precisely one sensor element (30) is a deformation sensor (30) for detecting the deformation of the spring element (20) and is designed to detect and be capable of distinguishing between the first deformation and the second deformation.

Description

[0001] Switch control element for actuation by a pushing force and by a pulling force for a motor vehicle

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a switch control element for actuation by a compressive force and by a tensile force for a motor vehicle, wherein the switch control element can also be referred to as a two-way switch control element or push-pull switch control element. Two-way switch control elements or push-pull switch control elements are generally known in the art. However, these are usually based on the fact that a sensor is provided for each type or direction of actuation. Actuation by a compressive force (push) is detected by a first sensor and actuation by a tensile force (pull) is detected by a second sensor. In some cases, it is also provided that actuation by the tensile force as well as by the compressive force can be detected by a common sensor, but this sensor cannot distinguish between the types of actuation and only generally detects actuation.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing a switching control element on which an actuation along two directions or both an actuation by compressive force and by tensile force can be detected in a distinguishable manner in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0005] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to patent claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, a switch control element for actuation by a compressive force and by a tensile force is therefore proposed for a motor vehicle, wherein the switch control element can also be referred to as a two-way switch control element or as a push-pull switch control element and can be used, for example, as a rocker switch. According to the invention, the switch control element has an operating element, a spring element and precisely one sensor element, wherein the spring element - as explained below - can also be referred to as a first spring body and / or leaf spring or first leaf spring. The operating element is fixed to the spring element and is designed to cause a first deformation of the spring element by a first actuation of the operating element acting as a tensile force on the operating element and to cause a second deformation of the spring element by an actuation of the operating element acting as a compressive force on the operating element.The first deformation and the second deformation are preferably directed opposite to one another. Furthermore, the first deformation preferably corresponds to a deflection of the spring element in a first direction, and the second deformation to an opposite deflection in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Alternatively, the first deformation could also be a twist in a first direction about an axis, and the second deformation could be an opposite twist in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The one sensor element is a deformation sensor for detecting the deformation of the spring element. The deformation sensor is designed to detect the first deformation and the second deformation in a manner that distinguishes them from one another.

[0007] An advantageous development provides that the control element has a connecting section fixed to the spring element and an actuating section that projects relative to the spring element and preferably orthogonally to a longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction of the spring element, which can also be referred to as a shift paddle or rocker switch. If the compressive or tensile force acts on the actuating section, it is transmitted to the spring element via the connecting section, so that the control element is configured by the actuating section to cause the first deformation on the spring element as a first deflection and the second deformation as an opposite second deflection.

[0008] The spring element is preferably a leaf spring or can be referred to as a leaf spring. For this purpose, the spring element or leaf spring can be made of conventional materials, such as spring steel, although a variant explained below is also advantageous in which the spring element is designed integrally as a circuit carrier and, for example, as a flexible printed circuit board. Irrespective of this, in the case of a spring element designed as a leaf spring, a connecting section for fixing to the operating element is arranged in the longitudinal direction between its longitudinal end sections. A bearing section for connection to a fixed bearing is provided on at least one of its longitudinal end sections and preferably on both longitudinal end sections.

[0009] A particularly advantageous variant provides that the spring element is a first spring body, and the switch control element further comprises a second spring body extending parallel to the first spring body. The two spring elements or two spring bodies allow the deformation caused by the control element, as well as the force leading to the deformation, to be linearized. To reduce the number of variants and components, the second spring body is also designed identically to the first spring body.

[0010] Preferably, both the first spring body and the second spring body are each a leaf spring, which are fixed to one another at at least one of their longitudinal end sections and preferably at both longitudinal end sections, for example via respective bearing sections, which corresponds in particular to a fixed bearing or connection to a fixed bearing. The fixing to one another can be achieved by fixing the bearing sections to a single frame or to several spacers, whereby the frame or the spacer can be part of the switching control element.

[0011] The operating element is further preferably and in particular arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the first spring body and the second spring body and fixed to the first spring body and the second spring body, wherein the fixing can be effected indirectly via an adapter element, as described below. By arranging the operating element between the leaf springs or between the first and second spring bodies, the first deformation can be effected on the first spring body and the second spring body by the first actuation of the operating element acting as a tensile force on the operating element, and the second deformation can be effected by the actuation of the operating element acting as a compressive force on the operating element.

[0012] Basically, by using two spring bodies designed as leaf springs, a so-called double leaf spring system is preferably created, by means of which a tensile or compressive force acting on the actuating element is converted into a quasi-parallel movement and transmitted to the spring bodies and in particular to the first spring body, which deforms accordingly in a substantially linear manner, so that this substantially linear deformation can be detected by the precisely one sensor element, preferably as a linear force.

[0013] To transmit the force from the operating element to the spring element or elements, and specifically to the first and / or second spring body, it can further be provided that the operating element is indirectly fixed to the first spring body and / or the second spring body via an adapter body, wherein the adapter body can also be arranged between the first and second spring bodies. Although the adapter body can be rigid, it is advantageous if the adapter body also has a predetermined elasticity and acts as a spring body for additional linearization of the movement and / or the forces leading to the deformation.

[0014] Preferably, the precisely one sensor element is designed to detect the deformation by a resistive measurement, ie in particular a measurement of the electrical resistance on the first spring element or its surface or a capacitive measurement or an inductive measurement on the spring element.

[0015] As already mentioned, an advantageous variant also provides for the spring element to be designed integrally as a circuit carrier, for example as a flexible printed circuit board. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the spring element is connected to a layer that can be designated as a circuit carrier, for example a film, and forms a unit with this. Regardless of whether the spring element is designed as a circuit carrier or whether the circuit carrier is formed directly on the spring element and forms a unit with it, it is advantageous in each case that the sensor element and / or a control electronics unit (as yet mentioned) can be arranged on the circuit carrier in order to thereby form a unit with the spring element.

[0016] In order to provide haptic feedback to an operator applying the tensile or compressive force to the operating element, an actuator is preferably provided which is designed to move the operating element to provide haptic feedback. Furthermore, exactly one actuator is preferably provided, which is designed, for example, as a vibrator acting on the spring element and in particular as a vibration motor or magnet. By appropriately controlling the vibration motor or the magnet, or the actuator in general, the spring element and thus also the operating element can be set into vibration, which is perceptible to the operator.

[0017] As already mentioned, the switching control element can further comprise control electronics which are designed to determine a first actuating force acting on the control element as a tensile force from the first deformation detected by the sensor element, e.g. first twisting or first deflection, and to determine a second actuating force acting on the control element as a compressive force from the second deformation detected by the sensor element, e.g. second twisting or second deflection.

[0018] Furthermore, the control electronics can be designed to compare the first actuating force with a first force threshold value and, if the first actuating force exceeds the first force threshold value, to control the actuator to provide the haptic feedback on the control element.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the control electronics can be designed to compare the second actuating force with a second force threshold and, if the second actuating force exceeds the second force threshold, to control the actuator to provide the haptic feedback on the operating element.

[0020] Furthermore, the control electronics can be configured to transmit a first switching signal to an external receiver when the first actuating force exceeds the first force threshold and / or a second switching signal to the external receiver when the second actuating force exceeds the second force threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the control electronics can also transmit the first actuating force and / or the second actuating force to the external receiver.

[0021] The features disclosed above can be combined as desired, as long as this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0022] Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below, together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. They show:

[0023] Fig. 1 perspective view of a switching control element;

[0024] Fig. 2 Side view of a switching control element;

[0025] Fig. 3 Exploded view of a switch control element. The figures are schematic examples. Like reference numerals in the figures indicate like functional and / or structural features.

[0026] Furthermore, the switching control element 1 according to Figure 1 can correspond to the switching control elements 1 according to Figures 2 and 3, so that the following description is applicable to all figures.

[0027] It is essential that the switching control element 1 proposed according to the invention has a control element 10, a spring element 20 and precisely one sensor element 30, which is designed as a deformation sensor 30 in order to detect a deformation applied or introduced to the spring element 20 via the control element 10.

[0028] For this purpose, the operating element 10 according to the variant shown is arranged between the spring element 20 which can be designated as the first spring body 20 and a second spring body 40 which is identical to the first spring body 20, in the present case directly connected to the second spring body 40 and via an adapter element 50 to the first spring body 20.

[0029] The first and second spring bodies 20, 40 each have bearing sections 22, 42 at their lateral and longitudinal end sections, respectively, via which they are connected by means of a first spacer 71. As an alternative to the first spacers 71, a common frame could also be provided or a connection to an external assembly could be realized.

[0030] As is particularly clearly shown in Figure 3, the two spring bodies 20, 40 designed as leaf springs are connected or screwed to a base plate 73 via the first spacers 71 arranged between them by fastening elements 74 designed, for example, as screws, wherein second spacers 72 are provided on the longitudinal end sections of the first spring body 20 between the first spring body 20 or the spring element 20 and the base plate 73 in order to create a receiving space between the base plate 73 and the first spring body 20 for receiving the sensor element 30 and an actuator 60 to be mentioned below.

[0031] By using the two spring bodies 20, 40 designed as leaf springs, a double leaf spring system is created in which a tensile force Fz acting on the operating element 10 during a first (pull) actuation and a compressive force acting on the operating element 10 during a second (push) actuation lead to a linear movement on the two spring bodies 20, 40 and in particular on the first spring body 20 instead of torsion-induced deformation of the first spring body 20, and further also to a linear change in shape, i.e. to a linear deformation or deflection of the first spring body 20, which can be detected by the sensor element 30. For this purpose, the sensor element 30 is arranged directly on the first spring body 20 and forms a unit with it.

[0032] Furthermore, an actuator 60 is provided which can provide haptic feedback when an actuating force detected by the sensor element 30 by determining the deflection exceeds a threshold value, so that the operator who applies the tensile force Fz or the compressive force Fd to the operating element 10 can be given haptic feedback.

[0033] * * * * *

Claims

Patent claims 1. Switch control element (1) for actuation by a compressive force (Fd) and by a tensile force (Fz) for a motor vehicle, comprising an operating element (10), a spring element (20) and precisely one sensor element (30), wherein the operating element (10) is fixed to the spring element (20) and is designed to bring about a first deformation of the spring element (20) by a first actuation acting as a tensile force (Fz) on the operating element (10) and to bring about a second deformation of the spring element (20) by an actuation acting as a compressive force (Fd) on the operating element (10), wherein the precisely one sensor element (30) is a deformation sensor (30) for detecting the deformation of the spring element (20), which is designed to detect the first deformation and the second deformation in a way that is distinguishable from one another.

2. Switch control element according to claim 1, wherein the control element (10) has a connecting section (11) fixed to the spring element (20) and an actuating section (12) projecting relative to the spring element (20), by means of which the control element (10) is designed to effect the first deformation on the spring element (20) as a first deflection and the second deformation as an opposite second deflection.

3. Switch operating element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring element (20) is a leaf spring (20) which has a connecting section (21) for fixing to the operating element (10) and has a bearing section (22) on at least one of its longitudinal end sections for connection to a fixed bearing.

4. Switch control element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (20) is a first spring body (20) and the switch control element (1) further comprises a second spring body (40) which extends parallel to the first spring body (20), wherein the first spring body (20) and the second spring body (40) are each a leaf spring (20, 40) which are fixed to one another at at least one of their longitudinal end sections, wherein the control element (10) is arranged between the first spring body (20) and the second spring body (40) and is fixed to the first spring body (20) and the second spring body (40), so that the first deformation can be brought about on the first spring body (20) and the second spring body (40) by the first actuation acting as a tensile force (Fz) on the control element and the second deformation can be brought about by the actuation acting as a compressive force (Fd) on the control element.

5. Switch control element according to the preceding claim, wherein the control element (10) is fixed indirectly via an adapter body (50) to the first spring body (20) and / or the second spring body (40).

6. Switch control element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the precisely one sensor element (30) is designed to detect the deformation by a resistive measurement or a capacitive measurement or an inductive measurement on the spring element (20).

7. Switch control element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (20) is integrally formed as a circuit carrier or is connected to a layer that can be designated as a circuit carrier, wherein the sensor element (30) is arranged on the circuit carrier.

8. Switch control element according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (60) which is designed to act on the control element (10) in a moving manner to provide haptic feedback.

9. Switch control element according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising control electronics which are designed to determine a first actuating force acting on the control element (10) as a tensile force (Fz) from the first deformation detected by the sensor element (30) and to determine a second actuating force acting on the control element (10) as a compressive force (Fd) from the second deformation detected by the sensor element (30).

10. Switch control element according to the two preceding claims, wherein the control electronics are designed to compare the first actuating force with a first force threshold value and, if the first actuating force exceeds the first force threshold value, to control the actuator (60) to provide the haptic feedback on the control element (10) and / or wherein the control electronics are designed to compare the second actuating force with a second force threshold value and, if the second actuating force exceeds the second force threshold value, to control the actuator (60) to provide the haptic feedback on the control element (10). * * * * *

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