PUSH BUTTON DEVICE WITH PUSH ACTUATION WITH IMPROVED KINEMATICS FOR APPLICATION IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

Push button device for a motor vehicle, has: a mechanical and/or electric function controller with a first control state and a second control state; a push button element pressable from a disengaged state into a pressed state, wherein the function controller has the first control state when the push button element is in the disengaged state and the second control state when the push button element is in the pressed state, the push button element connected to the function controller by a first pivot arm mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation and by a second pivot arm mounted rotatably about a different axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation, wherein the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm are designed to be pivoted in an identical direction of rotation as a consequence of a movement of the push button element.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. Push button device (1) for actuating a functionality in a motor vehicle, wherein the push button device (1) has: a mechanical and/or electric function controller (10) which has a first control state and a second control state; a push button element (20) with a manually actuable push button surface, wherein the push button element (20) is pressable from a disengaged state into a pressed state by means of a pressing force (100), wherein the function controller (10) has the first control state when the push button element (20) is in the disengaged state, and the function controller (10) has the second control state when the push button element (20) is in the pressed state, characterized in that the push button element (20) is connected to the function controller (10) via a first pivot arm (51) which is mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation and via a second pivot arm (52) which is mounted rotatably about a second axis of rotation which is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation, wherein the first pivot arm (51) and the second pivot arm (52) are designed to be pivoted in an identical direction of rotation as a consequence of a movement of the push button element (20).

3. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the push button device (1) is a door opener of a side door of a motor vehicle.

4. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the pivot arms (51, 52) is mounted between the push button element (20) and the function controller (10) via at least one rotary joint (31, 32, 33, 34) having a rotary joint axis.

5. Push button device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the push button device (1) has a first rotary joint (31) and a second rotary joint (32), each having a rotary joint axis, wherein the rotary joint axes of the first and second rotary joints (31, 32) are spaced apart from each other, and the push button element (20) and the function controller (10) are connected to each other via the first rotary joint (31), the first pivot arm (51) and the second rotary joint (32), wherein the first and the second rotary joint (31, 32) are connected in series via the first pivot arm (51), wherein the push button device (1) has a third rotary joint (33) and a fourth rotary joint (34), each having a rotary joint axis, and the push button element (20) and the function controller (10) are furthermore connected to each other via the third rotary joint (33) and the fourth rotary joint (34), and the third rotary joint (33) and the fourth rotary joint (34) are connected in series via the second pivot arm (52).

6. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the push button device (1) has a coupling arm (53) which is spaced apart from the push button element (20) and which couples the first pivot arm (51) to the second pivot arm (52).

7. Push button device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the push button device (1) has a fifth rotary joint (35) and a sixth rotary joint (36), each having an axis of rotation, wherein the first pivot arm (51) is connected to the coupling arm (53) via the fifth rotary joint (35) and the second pivot arm (52) is connected to the coupling arm (53) via the sixth rotary joint (36).

8. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the push button surface has a long side (21) and a short side (22), and wherein the axis of the direction of rotation of the first and of the second pivot arm (51, 25) is perpendicular with respect to the long side (21).

9. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the push button device (1) has: a first spring (61) which acts upon the push button element (20) with a first force in the direction of the disengaged state, a retaining device (62) which defines the position of the disengaged state of the push button element (20).

10. Push button device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first spring (61) is a catch spring.

11. Push button device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the push button device (1) has a second spring (62.1) as part of the retaining device (62), which spring acts upon the push button element (20) with a second force in the direction of the pressed state.

12. Push button device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the push button device (1) has an adjuster (70) by means of which the position of the disengaged state of the push button element (20) is adjustable.

13. Push button device (1) according to claim 12, wherein by means of the adjuster the magnitude of the first force and/or the magnitude of the second force is adjustable and therefore the position of the disengaged state of the push button element (20) is adjustable.

14. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the push button device (1) has at least one adjustable stop (80) which defines a position of a maximally pressed state of the push button element (20).

15. Push button device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the push button device (1) has a sealing element (90) which surrounds the push button element (20) at least in regions and bears thereagainst and which has a bead (91) which, in the installed state of the push button device (1), bears against the lower side of the immediately surrounding surface (110) of the vehicle.

16. A push button device for actuating a functionality in a motor vehicle, wherein the push button device comprises: a mechanical and/or electric function controller configured with a first control state and a second control state; a push button element with a manually actuable push button surface, wherein the push button element is pressable from a disengaged state into a pressed state by means of a pressing force, wherein the function controller is placed in the first control state when the push button element is in the disengaged state, and the function controller is placed in the second control state when the push button element is in the pressed state, wherein the push button element is connected to the function controller by a first pivot arm that is mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation and by a second pivot arm that is mounted rotatably about a second axis of rotation that is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation, wherein the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm are arranged to be pivoted in an identical direction of rotation in response to movement of the push button element.

17. A push button device according to claim 16, wherein the push button device is a door opener of a side door of a motor vehicle.

18. A push button device according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second pivot arms is mounted between the push button element and the function controller by at least one rotary joint having a rotary joint axis.

19. A push button device according to claim 18, wherein the push button device has both a first rotary joint and a second rotary joint, each having a corresponding rotary joint axis, wherein the rotary joint axes of the first and second rotary joints are spaced apart from each other, and the push button element and the function controller are connected to each other by the first rotary joint, the first pivot arm and the second rotary joint, wherein the first and the second rotary joints are connected in series by the first pivot arm, wherein the push button device has a third rotary joint and a fourth rotary joint, each having a corresponding rotary joint axis, and the push button element and the function controller are also connected to each other by the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint, and the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint are connected in series by the second pivot arm.

Description

[0082] The invention will now be discussed in more detail by way of an example on the basis of drawings. In the drawings:

[0083] FIG. 1 shows a push button device according to the invention,

[0084] FIGS. 2a-b show a realization of the invention, furthermore with rotary joints, coupling arm and a push button element with long and short sides,

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a realization of the invention with a retaining device,

[0086] FIGS. 4a-b show a realization of the invention with a sealing device,

[0087] FIGS. 5a-d show a realization of the invention based in particular on FIGS. 2c, 4, 4a, 4b, with a multiplicity of advantageous further features.

[0088] FIG. 1 shows a push button device according to the invention. The push button device 1 has a mechanical and/or electric function controller 10, shown in this case in the form of a switch, which has a first control state and a second control state. The push button device 1 has a push button element 20 with a manually actuable push button surface, wherein the push button element 20 can be pressed from a disengaged state into a pressed state by way of a pressing force 100. The push button element 20 is pushed further in an engaging direction relative to a surface 110, immediately surrounding the push button device 1, of the motor vehicle in the pressed state than in the disengaged state. The function controller 10 has the first control state when the push button element 20 is in the disengaged state, and has the second control state when the push button element 20 is in the pressed state. The push button element 20 is connected to the function controller 10 via a first pivot arm 51 which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation and via a second pivot arm 52 which is mounted rotatably about a different axis of rotation which is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation, wherein the first pivot arm 51 and the second pivot arm 52 are designed to be pivoted in an identical direction of rotation as a consequence of a movement of the push button element 20. Here, furthermore, a holder 2 is shown as part of the push button device 1, which holder connects the pivot arms 51, 52 and the function controller 10, wherein there may also be a connection between function controller 1 and push button element 20 via the pivot arms 51, 52 without holder 2.

[0089] This gives rise to a restriction of the freedom of movement of the push button element by the pivot arms 51, 52, which however permit the desired approximately translational movement at least in a particular rotational angle range. Here, tilting of the push button surface is greatly reduced owing to the pivot arm arrangement. Here, the pivot arms 51, 52 form a coupling, corresponding to a four-bar linkage, between the push button element 20 and the function controller 10, such that the pivot arms 51, 52 pivot approximately synchronously. If a user pushes on the push button element 20 with a force 100 far to the outside, as shown, the other end of the push button element 20 is also pulled downward by way of the pivot arm arrangement, as the freedom of movement of the push button element 20 on the other side is restricted by the pivot arm 52.

[0090] FIGS. 2a-b show, based on FIG. 1, a realization of the invention furthermore with rotary joints 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, coupling arm 53 and a push button element 20 with a long side 21 and a short side 22. FIG. 2a is a plan view, and FIG. 2b is a side view of the push button device 1.

[0091] The two pivot arms 51, 52 are mounted between the push button element 20 and the function controller 10 by way of in each case two rotary joints 31, 32, 33, 34 with in each case one rotary joint axis. The push button device 1 has a first rotary joint 31 and a second rotary joint 32 with in each case one rotary joint axis, wherein the rotary joint axes of the first and second rotary joints 31, 32 are spaced apart from one another and the push button element 20 and the function controller 10 are connected to one another by way of the first rotary joint 31, the first pivot arm 51 and the second rotary joint 32. The first and the second rotary joint 31, 32 are connected in series by way of the first pivot arm 51. The push button device 1 has a third rotary joint 33 and a fourth rotary joint 34 with in each case one rotary joint axis, and the push button element 20 and the function controller 10 are furthermore connected to one another by way of the third rotary joint 33 and the fourth rotary joint 34. The third rotary joint 33 and the fourth rotary joint 34 are connected in series by way of the second pivot arm 52. By means of the rotary joints 31, 32, 33, 34, low-friction and otherwise rigid rotatable mounting of the pivot arms 51, 52 is realized.

[0092] The push button device 1 has a coupling arm 53 which is spaced apart from the push button element 20 and which couples the first pivot arm 51 to the second pivot arm 52. The push button device 1 has a fifth rotary joint 35 and a sixth rotary joint 36, each having an axis of rotation, wherein the first pivot arm 51 is connected to the coupling arm 53 via the fifth rotary joint 35 and the second pivot arm 52 is connected to the coupling arm 53 via the sixth rotary joint 36. In this way, the synchronization between the rotary joints 31, 33 is further improved, which is highly effective in particular in the angle range which is of interest for the translational movement of the push button element 20 (the two pivot arms 51, 52 approximately parallel and on one axis). If a user pushes on the push button element 20 with a force 100 far to the outside, as shown, the other end of the push button element 20 is also pulled downward by way of the rotary joint arrangement. By way of the rotary joint 32 and the pivot arm 51, the pivot arm 51 is pivoted about the rotary joint 31. Here, with the pivot arm 51, the rotary joint 35 is also pivoted, such that, in the selected arrangement, the coupling arm 53 exerts a pressure force on the rotary joint 36. Said pressure force pivots the pivot arm 52 about the rotary joint 33 and effects a pulling action on the push button element 20 via the rotary joint 34.

[0093] The push button surface has a long side 21 and a short side 22. The axis of the direction of rotation of the first and of the second pivot arm 51, 25 is perpendicular to the long side 21. In this way, tilting in particular along the long side 21 of the push button element 20 can be reduced.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows a realization of the invention with a retaining device 62. The push button device 1 has a first spring 61, which acts on the push button element 20 with a first force in the direction of the disengaged state, and a retaining device 62, which defines the position of the disengaged state of the push button element 20. The push button device 1 furthermore has an adjuster 70 by means of which the position of the disengaged state of the push button element 20 with respect to the Y direction can be adjusted. The kinematic arrangement with the at least two pivot arms 51, 52 is shown by way of dotted lines. A combination of the adjuster 70 with said kinematic arrangement is particularly advantageous owing to the precise definition of the rest position both in height (by way of the adjuster) and orientation (by way of the kinematic arrangement) of the push button element.

[0095] FIGS. 4a-b show a realization of the invention with a sealing device 90. The push button device 1 has a sealing element 90 which surrounds the push button element 20 and bears against said push button element and which has a bead 91 which, in the installed state of the push button device 1, bears against the lower side of the immediately surrounding surface 110 of the vehicle. FIG. 4a shows the pressed state of the push button element 20, and FIG. 4b shows the disengaged state. In FIG. 4b, it can be seen how the bead 90 bears more firmly against the lower side than in the engaged state (indicated on the right-hand side by way of a dashed line). In this way, a sealing action is realized for both states. Here, with a suitable small gap dimension, the sealing element 90 itself is practically not visible to the user, which gives a better visual impression.

[0096] FIGS. 5a-d show a realization of the invention based in particular on FIGS. 2c, 4, 4a, 4b, with a multiplicity of advantageous further features. FIGS. 5a and b show two longitudinal sections at different Z positions. FIG. 5c shows a perspective view, wherein the push button element 20 has been removed for the purposes of the illustration, and FIG. 5d shows a perspective cross-sectional illustration. The push button device 1 is a door opener, and the function controller 10 is an electric switch. The first spring 61 is a catch spring which is designed as a leaf spring with a snap action effect. The push button device 1 has a second spring 62.1 as part of the retaining device 62, which second spring acts on the push button element 20 with a second force in the direction of the pressed state. By means of the adjuster 70, the magnitude of the first force and the magnitude of the second force (spring equilibrium exists) is adjustable, and thus a rest position of the push button element 20 is adjustable. The adjuster 70 has a screw 71 which is acted on by the first spring 61, wherein a preload of the first spring 61 is adjustable by means of the screw 71. By rotating the screw 71, the spring travel between the first and second springs 61, 62 is changed, such that a new force equilibrium, and thus a changed position of the push button element 20, are attained. The push button element 20 has an opening 23 for the operation of the adjuster 70. The second spring 62.1 is a wire bow spring which extends transversely, and substantially perpendicularly, with respect to the direction of movement of the push button element 20. The push button device 1 has at least two adjustable stops 80, 80′ which define a position of a maximally pressed state of the push button element 20. The stops 80, 80′ are screws 81, 81′ which are arranged at least partially below or within the push button element 20. The push button element 20 has an attachable panel 25 and the sealing element 90 bears against the push button element 20 and the panel 25 in a gap between the panel 25 and a surface of the push button element 20. The sealing element 90 has a region of high Shore hardness 92 for abutment against the push button element 20, and/or the panel 25 has a region of low Shore hardness 93 for forming the bead 90. The bead 90 is shown in a relaxed position such as would be assumed if the surface 110 were not present. The push button element 20 has, on one side, a groove 26 into which an inner edge of the sealing element 90 is placed. The push button device 1 has a holder 2, which connects the first rotary joint 31 and the function controller 10, and a shell-shaped support 3, into which the push button device 1 is pre-installed. The push button element 20 is thus held by way of the holder 2 and the support 3, wherein the support 3 is fixed relative to the lower side of the surface 110 of the vehicle. That end of the bead 91 which is averted from the push button element 200 is at least regionally fixed to the support 3, whereby the sealing element 90 furthermore also seals off the interior of the support 3 with respect to the vehicle space below the surface 110.

[0097] With this invention, a universal control element is proposed which can be actuated by way of a push button movement, wherein, owing to the kinematic arrangement which is used, which has at least two pivot arms which rotate with the same orientation, it is possible to realize even large push button surfaces, as any tilting movements are intercepted or lessened by said kinematic arrangement. The push button element is preferably long and thin, and it is the intention for said push button element to be moved, in parallel fashion, inward below and further into a surface, for example in order to switch a microswitch. The movement of the push button element as a whole should be parallel, regardless of whether said push button element is pressed at one of the ends or in the middle. The relatively high opposing force (in relation to the dimensions of the push button element) necessitates a high stiffness of the pressure mechanism and of the push button element itself in order to permit a parallel and quasi-rigid appearance of the movement. Furthermore, the structural space is limited, such that the components cannot be designed to be arbitrarily voluminous. It is particularly preferable for a connection between the push button element and the holder to be provided by way of a coupled four-bar linkage. If the push button element is pressed inward from the front, the push button element is likewise pulled inward from the rear side by the kinematic arrangement. The push button element thus performs a movement which appears quasi-rigid. The use of said coupling mechanism permits the use of plastics as material, as the characteristic flexibility of plastics is compensated by the mechanism.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numerals  1 Push button device, for example electric door opener  2 Holder  3 Support  10 Function controller, for example switch  20 Push button element  21 Long side of the push button element  22 Short side of the push button element  23 Opening for screw 71  25 Panel  26 Groove  31 First rotary joint  32 Second rotary joint  33 Third rotary joint  34 Fourth rotary joint  35 Fifth rotary joint  36 Sixth rotary joint  51 First pivot arm  52 Second pivot arm  53 Coupling arm  61 First spring  62 Retaining device  62.1 Second spring  70 Adjuster  71 Screw  80 Stop  81 Screw  90 Sealing element  91 Bead  92 Region of high Shore hardness  93 Region of low Shore hardness 100 Pressing force 110 Surface, immediately surrounding the push button device, of the vehicle