DE102009033903A1 - Foldaway controlling device for controlling e.g. oven, has damper housing containing damping fluid in which rotor is rotated or rotor comprising frictional element in friction-contact with surface of damper housing during rotation of rotor - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has an elongate sliding element displaced relative to an installation housing (12) between a retracted idle position and an extended operating position. A damping unit has a pinion integrally connected with the sliding element. A rotational damper (20) has a damper housing attached to the installation housing and a bevel connected with a rotor in a rotationally fixed manner. The damper housing contains damping fluid in which the rotor is rotated or the rotor has a frictional element in friction-contact with a surface of the damper housing during rotation of the rotor.

Description

The The invention relates to a retractable control device for control a device comprising: a device mountable to the device Built-in housing and an elongate sliding element, which in relation to the installation housing in his Longitudinal direction between a retracted rest position and an extended operating position is displaceable, wherein a when extending into the operating position, the front end of the sliding element has a rotary knob rotatable at least in the operating position, Locking and restoring means, which the sliding element in arrest releasably at its rest position, and at a rest position Release the lock on a restoring force exert the sliding element, which the sliding element in the Operating position extends, and damping means, at least when an extension of the sliding element in the operating position one of the restoring force opposite damping force exercise the sliding element.

Retractable controls are known, for example EP 1 471 547 A2 or DE 199 51 422 B4 , You have a rotatable at least in the extended position of the control knob, via which a device, eg. B. a household or kitchen appliance can be controlled. From the extended operating position, the control knob can be inserted into a rest position in which it is locked and, for example, flush with a surface of the device. If a user releases the lock, for example by pressing the control knob, it automatically moves back into the operating position, driven by a suitable restoring device. For example, the use of push-push devices is known for this purpose. Out DE 199 51 422 B4 is a damping device is known, which exerts a damping force of the restoring force opposite the damping force upon extension of the control knob in the operating position, so that the control knob braked extends into its operating position. The proposed there damping device has a piston-like design displacement element, which is guided within a cylindrical guide member. The displacement element has a seal, with which it slides on the inner wall of the guide element. As a result, an inner space is formed between the inner end of the displacement element and the inner wall of the guide element, the extent of which changes with the position of the displacement element. In an extension movement into an operating position then creates a negative pressure in this interior, which has a restoring force opposite damping force result. In this case, a defined air gap is formed between the inner wall of the guide element and the seal on the displacement element through which air can flow from the outside into the interior for pressure exchange. By suitable choice of the air gap and thus the air passage, the damping force can be specified. In a general way, in DE 199 51 422 B4 also called the use of hydraulic damping elements.

The However, known damping device is constructive of considerable effort. This in turn leads to a complex Assembly and increased costs. At the same time is the flexibility in adjusting the damping force low or an adjustment the damping force associated with a lot of effort. About that In addition, by the in the known damping device provided air gap in operation impurities, for example from a kitchen appliance, in the damping device penetrate and their function so in an undesirable manner affect.

outgoing from the explained prior art, the invention the task is based, a retractable control device of the aforementioned To provide a kind of robust even in adverse conditions contamination, is characterized by a compact, characterized simple and therefore cost-effective design and a high degree of flexibility with regard to the adaptation of the damping forces allowed.

These Task is according to the invention by the subject of claim 1 solved. Find advantageous embodiments in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

For a retractable control device of the type mentioned triggers the invention has the object in that the damping means one on the outside and in the longitudinal direction of the Sliding element extending, integral with the sliding element having a connected rack, and a rotary damper, comprising a damper housing which on the mounting housing is fixed, and rotatable with the rack meshing arranged pinion, which rotatably with a in the damper housing rotatably mounted rotor is connected, wherein the damper housing contains a damping fluid, in the rotor is rotatable, or wherein the rotor has at least one friction element which, in a rotation of the rotor in frictional contact with a surface of the damper housing is.

The appliance may be a household appliance, for example a kitchen appliance such as an oven, stove or the like. However, other devices are also conceivable, for example stereo equipment. By turning the control knob, the respective device can be controlled, for. B. a temperature can be adjusted. The installation housing is in particular mounted inside the device. in the assembled state is visible from the device from the outside then only the control knob. In the retracted state of the sliding element of the control knob can be substantially flush with an outer surface of the device. In the extended state of the sliding element, however, the control knob protrudes beyond the outer surface of the device and can be rotated by a user for control. The installation housing can be one or more parts. The sliding element can, for. B. be cylindrical.

In its rest position is the sliding element in particular to the installation housing releasably locked. If the lock, for example, by a User solved, drives the sliding element driven by a restoring force automatically in the operating position out. The control knob having the end of the sliding element leads the movement. In the course of this movement becomes the rack together with the sliding element in the longitudinal direction of the sliding element postponed. It drives this example outside the damper housing arranged pinion of the rotary damper at. For example, via a shaft, the tickling then turns the arranged in the damper housing rotor. If the damper is a fluid damper, The rotor is rotated in the damping fluid. Due to the nature of the damping fluid it comes to a restoring force opposite Force that dampens the movement of the sliding element. Is it? the damper is a frictional damper, can the damping elements z. B. on the rotor arranged O-rings made of a plastic and / or other form elements z. B. be made of plastic, which upon rotation of the rotor on the Sliding along the inner wall of the housing and thereby the Brake rotor rotation.

All Components of the device may be the same or different Plastics exist. But it is also conceivable that individual components made of other materials. Accordingly, all or some of the components produced in an injection molding process be.

By doing According to the invention, the rack in one piece connected to the sliding element is the manufacture and assembly the operating device simplified. In particular, the moving Parts of the device and the rack by a single component realized. There must be no in this regard the construction complicating additional components are provided as required in the prior art. Furthermore simplifies the provision of the rack on the outside the sliding element the construction of the device. So have to no elaborate design measures take place to a damper assembly with the sliding element, a seal and form an air gap, as in the prior art still the case. Rather, the on the sliding element outside arranged rack in a simple manner with a corresponding Comb the gear of the rotary damper and so the Cushion effect. Rotary damper stand out also characterized by a special compactness. The single ones Components of the device according to the invention are easy to manufacture and assemble.

About that In addition, provide the inventively provided in a damper housing encapsulated damper, and in particular liquid damper, advantages compared to pneumatic dampers, as with the State of the art are provided in the main. So can for example, at liquid dampers suitable choice of damping fluids different Viscosity the damping behavior and thus the Extension times of the control knob in the operating position flexible and easily adapted to the respective operating requirements. A separate vote as with air dampers is not required. Moreover, it just happens at one Use of the equipment in the kitchen area inevitably to Ingress of impurities, eg. B. fatty frying vapors or similar, the air damper as naturally open Dirty systems and can affect it. By contrast, the damper according to the invention encapsulates and represents a closed system, allowing impurities can not penetrate.

A particularly simple assembly of the damper arises when the damper housing by means of a latching connection is locked to the mounting housing. The rotary damper So is in a structurally particularly simple way by means of a locking connection clipped into the housing. In a particularly practical Embodiment, the damper housing continues Have at least two locking projections, which in corresponding locking receptacles lock the installation housing. It would be too conceivable, the damper housing to the housing to fix by screwing, gluing or embossing. According to a further embodiment, the damping fluid is a Silicone fluid, in particular a highly viscous silicone fluid, be. There is a large number of such liquids different viscosities available, from which the optimal for the respective application Liquid selected in a simple and flexible manner can be.

The locking and restoring means may comprise a known push-push device. It locks the sliding element and with it the control knob releasably in the rest position. By slight pressure of an operator on the control knob in his retraction, ie inside, the lock is released and a z. B. force exerted by a spring moves the sliding element and with him the control knob in the extended operating position, so that the device can be controlled by turning the control knob. Subsequently, the sliding element and with him the control knob can be pushed by a user back into the retracted position in which the locking means releasably lock the sliding element and thus the control knob.

It can be provided that the damping means only at an extension of the sliding element in the operating position one of opposite to the force exerted to extend the sliding element Apply damping force to the sliding element. The damper then only dampens the extension movement. It may consist of a freewheel in the damper. It is also possible that the engagement between rack and pinion interrupted when retracting the sliding element in its rest position becomes. But it is also possible that the damping means even with a retraction of the sliding element in the rest position one of the force exerted to retract the sliding element force opposite damping force on the sliding element exercise. It is then so the extension movement and the (caused by a user) retracted dampening movement. In particular, the rack then drives both at the entrance as well as in the extension movement, the pinion of the rotary damper at.

In manufacturing technology particularly simple and therefore more cost-effective Way, the sliding element and the rack in one Injection molding process be injection molded from a plastic. Especially the rack may be molded onto the sliding element. This allows a different choice of material for the rack and the sliding element. But it is also possible that the rack and the sliding element in a common injection molding step to be poured. The rack can therefore also made of the same plastic material as consist of the sliding element. It can still be provided that the control knob is mechanically connected to the sliding element is. Such a configuration lends itself to when the control knob z. B. should be made of a high quality metal material, the sliding element but in less expensive and easy producible way of a plastic. Alternatively it is conceivable that the control knob integrally connected to the sliding element is. In terms of the manufacturing effort, it is special favorable when the control knob and the sliding element in injection molded from a plastic injection molding. It So then there are both the control knob and the sliding element made of plastic. It is again possible that the control knob is molded onto the sliding element, so that a different Material choice for the control knob and the sliding element is possible. However, it is also conceivable that the control knob and the sliding element in a common injection molding step the same plastic are poured.

The Invention also relates to an inventive retractable operating device in one on a device, for example, a household appliance, mounted state.

One Embodiment of the invention will be described below explained in more detail by figures. They show schematically:

1 a retractable operating device according to the invention in a perspective view,

2 a part of in 1 shown device in a perspective view,

3 the device off 2 in a plan view,

4 another part of the in the 1 and 2 shown operating device,

5 a side view of in 4 shown device, and

6 a view of in 1 shown operating device from its back.

Unless otherwise indicated, like reference characters designate like items throughout the figures. In 1 is a retractable operating device according to the invention 10 for controlling a device, in the present example of a household appliance, such as a stove, stove or the like, shown. The operating device 10 has a mounting housing to be mounted on the household appliance 12 on, which in the example shown from a lower housing half 14 and an upper shell half 16 is constructed. With the installation housing 12 will be the device 10 used in a corresponding holder of the household appliance. Within the housing, an elongate sliding element is movably guided in its longitudinal direction, which at its distal end a substantially cylindrical control knob 18 having. This in 1 through the control knob 18 concealed sliding element is equipped with a known push-push device (not shown) as a locking and restoring means. In 1 there is the sliding element and with it the control knob 18 in a retracted rest position and is releasably locked in this position by the push-push device. In the installed state of the operating device 10 in the home appliance closes the the front of the control 10 forming front side 19 of the control knob 18 then flush with a surface of the household appliance. By a slight pressure on the front of the control knob 18 inside the locking of the push-push device is released and the sliding element together with the control knob 18 from the in 1 shown rest position automatically pushed into a not shown extended operating position. In this operating position, the control knob 18 are then rotated about the displacement axis of the sliding element and so the home appliance to be controlled. From the operating position, the control knob 18 be pushed back together with the sliding element by a user then inward in the locked rest position. Such push-push devices are known and should therefore not be explained in detail. At the peripheral surface of the control knob 18 is still a recess 22 provided in the circumferential direction, in which, for example, a control panel or the like can be used. In 1 is also a rotary damper 20 to recognize, in the upper half of the case 16 is used. This dampens in the illustrated example, the movement of the sliding element and thus the control knob 18 in the longitudinal direction of the sliding element, by exerting a restoring force opposite damping force on the sliding element, as will be explained in more detail below. In the example shown, all parts of the operating device 10 from a plastic.

In the 2 and 3 is the in 1 shown operating device 10 for illustration, without the control knob 18 shown. Evident is the cylindrical sliding element 24 , which in the lower housing part 14 is guided in its longitudinal direction. At his out of the case 14 protruding distal end carries the sliding element 24 a cap 26 , The sliding element 24 has been produced in an injection molding process in the example shown. As in the 2 and 3 is further seen, is at the top of the sliding element 24 a rack in its longitudinal direction 28 provided, which in the example shown also in an injection molding process to the sliding element 24 was molded, so in one piece with the sliding element 24 connected is. Similarly, the cap can 26 and the control knob 18 to the sliding element 24 be molded in a plastic injection molding process.

In addition, in the 4 and 5 in which, by way of illustration, the cap 26 as well as the upper housing part 16 not shown, to recognize that the rotary damper according to the invention 20 a damper housing 30 having. In the can-shaped damper housing 30 In the example shown, a damping fluid, in the present case a highly viscous silicone fluid, is contained. Of course, a friction damper is also possible instead of the liquid damper shown in the figures. On its underside has the rotary damper 20 a pinion 32 on which one has a shaft with one inside the damper housing 30 arranged rotor is rotatably connected. The below the damper housing 30 arranged pinions 32 meshes with the rack 28 , About that goes from the 4 and 5 that the damper housing 30 on two opposite sides in each case a latching projection 34 has. With these locking projections 34 becomes the damper housing 30 in corresponding, in the 2 and 3 recognizable recesses 36 of the upper housing part 16 locked. This will make the damper housing 30 safely on the upper housing part 16 held.

In 6 is the retractable operating device according to the invention 10 shown in a view on their back.

Now moves the sliding element 24 driven by the restoring force of the push-push device from its rest position shown in the figures in its extended operating position, drives the rack 28 in the course of their longitudinal movement, the pinion 32 to a rotary motion. About the shaft is this rotation of the pinion 32 on the inside of the damper housing 30 transferred contained silicone fluid rotor transferred. The rotor is rotated accordingly in the silicone fluid. Due to the high viscosity of the silicone fluid, this results in a damping force, the movement of the rotor or the pinion 32 and the rack 28 and the sliding element 24 counteracts. The extension of the sliding element 24 and with it his control knob 18 is thus braked. In the same way, the rack meshes 28 in the example shown also when inserting the sliding element 24 via the control knob 18 in his rest position with the pinion 32 and propel it accordingly turning again. As a result, in turn, the rotor is rotated in the damping fluid and it also comes when pushed into the rest position to a force pushing in opposite damping force. In the example shown, the rotary damper dampens 20 So in both directions of movement of the sliding element 24 , But it is also possible that the rotary damper 20 only the extension movement of the sliding element 24 attenuates.

The retractable operating device according to the invention 10 is characterized by a high degree of robustness in operation while at the same time compact and structurally simple and thus cost-effective design. By selecting a suitable damping fluid, moreover, the damping force is in easy to adapt flexibly to the respective requirements during operation.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1471547 A2 [0002]
• - DE 19951422 B4 [0002, 0002, 0002]

Claims (11)

Retractable operating device for controlling a device, comprising: a housing which can be mounted on the device ( 12 ) and an elongated sliding element ( 24 ), which opposite the installation housing ( 12 ) is displaceable in its longitudinal direction between a retracted rest position and an extended operating position, wherein a front end of the sliding element when extending into the operating position ( 24 ) a rotatable at least in the operating position control knob ( 18 ), - Arresting and restoring means, the sliding element ( 24 ) releasably lock in its rest position, and in a release of the locking a restoring force on the sliding element ( 24 ), which is the sliding element ( 24 ) extends into the operating position, and - damping means, at least when an extension of the sliding element ( 24 ) in the operating position one of the restoring force opposite damping force on the sliding element ( 24 ), characterized in that the damping means comprise: - one on the outside and in the longitudinal direction of the sliding element ( 24 ) extending, integral with the sliding element ( 24 ) connected rack ( 28 ), and - a rotary damper ( 20 ) comprising a damper housing ( 30 ), which on the installation housing ( 12 ), and one with the rack ( 28 ) meshing rotatable pinion ( 32 ), which rotatably with a in the damper housing ( 30 ) rotatably mounted rotor is connected, wherein the damper housing ( 30 ) includes a damping fluid in which the rotor is rotatable, or wherein the rotor has at least one friction element, which in a rotation of the rotor in frictional contact with a surface of the damper housing ( 30 ) stands. Retractable operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the damper housing ( 30 ) by means of a latching connection to the installation housing ( 12 ) is locked. Retractable operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the damper housing ( 30 ) at least two locking projections ( 34 ), which in corresponding locking receptacles ( 36 ) of the installation housing ( 12 ) are locked. Retractable operating device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the damping fluid a silicone fluid is. Retractable operating device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the locking and Return means comprise a push-push device. Retractable operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping means only when an extension of the sliding element ( 24 ) in the operating position one of the extension of the sliding element ( 24 ) applied force opposite damping force on the sliding element ( 24 ) exercise. Retractable operating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the damping means also during retraction of the sliding element ( 24 ) in the rest position one of the retraction of the sliding element ( 24 ) applied force opposite damping force on the sliding element ( 24 ) exercise. Retractable operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding element ( 24 ) and the rack ( 28 ) are injection-molded from a plastic in an injection molding process. Retractable operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating button ( 18 ) mechanically with the sliding element ( 24 ) connected is. Retractable operating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control knob ( 18 ) in one piece with the sliding element ( 24 ) connected is. Retractable operating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the control knob ( 18 ) and the sliding element ( 24 ) are injection-molded from a plastic in an injection molding process.

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