DE102018100580A1 - OPERATING DEVICE, OPERATING DEVICE AND OPERATING PROCEDURE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (12), wherein the actuating device (12) for manual operation by a user (14) is formed, wherein the actuating device (12) an actuator (16) which is configured to operate a switch means (18) and an actuating surface (30) for actuation by the user (14), wherein by operating the actuating surface (30) a switch means (18) is operable to generate a switch signal (A), and a sensor device (20), wherein the sensor device (20) is configured such that upon actuation of the actuating surface (30) by the user (14) for actuating the switch device (18) by means of the sensor device (20) a sensor signal (B) can be generated.

Description

The invention relates to an actuator for manual operation by a user. Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating device for an electrical device with such an actuating device and an operating method thereof.

Actuators of various types, such as safety buttons, are generally used to manually control electrical or electro-mechanical devices or machines. For example, power-operated doors or gates can be controlled by a user. However, machines, including power-operated doors and gates, should meet certain safety standards. In particular, care must be taken in the design that the user or even third parties can not be easily detected or injured by the machine.

One solution is, for example, to arrange the actuating device spatially separated from the danger zone of the machine, so for example, the range of movement of the door or door leaf. Further, the machine may be designed so that movement only occurs as long as the actuator is operated by the user. Due to the spatial separation and the need to operate the actuator constantly, the risk of injury can be reduced at least for the user. The user may also be responsible for monitoring the danger area and intervening appropriately if third parties are endangered.

In principle, the corresponding machine, for example a power-operated gate, can be operated without safety device in the case of this so-called deadman mode. In this case, the door moves as long as the button is pressed.

The deadman circuit can be supplemented by other safety devices, such as a light grid or a force limiter. An example of a light grid is off EP 2 880 468 A2 known. An example of a force limit can be found in WO 2012 076 619 A1 ,

In the present case, however, the case should mainly be relevant in which no other safety devices are provided. Then, the safety of the power-driven machine depends, among other things, on the reliability of the actuating device, ie the pushbutton. If the actuator malfunctions, the machine may not be stopped or activated in an uncontrolled manner. For a goal, this means that it may not be possible to stop the door leaf or that the gate could approach uncontrollably.

With the known actuators any malfunction of the actuator can not be revealed easily.

The invention has for its object to provide improved devices and methods, which are improved in particular with regard to their safety in the operation or operation.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention provides an actuation device, wherein the actuation device is designed for manual actuation by a user, the actuation device having an actuation device which is configured to actuate a switch device and which has an actuation surface for actuation by the user, wherein actuation of the actuation surface actuates a switch device is to generate a switch signal, and comprises a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is configured such that upon actuation of the actuating surface by the user for actuating the switch device by means of the sensor device, a sensor signal can be generated.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a switch means configured to actuate the switch means by actuating the actuation surface to generate a switch signal.

It is preferred that the switch means comprise at least one mechanical switch element configured to be mechanically actuated by the actuating surface to generate a switch signal.

It is preferred that the switch element has a mechanical actuating element which is actuated and / or moved during mechanical actuation, in particular pressing, of the actuating surface for generating a switch signal.

It is preferred that the actuating device has a detection surface which mechanically detects the switching device, in particular the switch element, more particularly the mechanical actuating element, when the actuating surface for actuating a switch signal is actuated.

It is preferred that the actuating device has a transmission element which is configured to actuate the actuating surface for Generating a switch signal from the actuating surface to the switch device mechanically transfer.

It is preferred that the transmission element has an actuation detection region which mechanically detects the actuation surface upon actuation of the actuation surface for generating a switch signal.

It is preferred that the actuation detection region is arranged on the actuation surface and / or the transmission element.

It is preferred that the sensor device has at least one sensor element which is configured for contactless detection of the user when the actuating surface is actuated by the user.

It is preferred that the sensor device is configured in such a way that, based on the sensor signal, a distinction can be made between an actuation by the user and an actuation by an object.

It is preferred that the sensor element is configured to detect the user capacitively and / or inductively.

It is preferred that the sensor device comprises a switching foil which contains the sensor element or the sensor elements.

Preferably, the actuating device comprises a housing device, wherein the actuating device and / or the switch device are arranged within the housing device and / or wherein the sensor device is arranged outside the housing device, in particular on the housing device.

The invention further provides an operating device for an electrical device, in particular for a building closure or enclosure termination drive device, such as a door or door drive device, wherein the operating device comprises a preferred actuating device and a control device, wherein the control device is configured to supply a control signal to the electrical only Issue device when both the switch signal and the sensor signal are detected by the controller / were.

The invention further provides an operating method for a preferred operating device, in which the actuating device is actuated by the user, wherein upon actuation of the actuating device the switch device is actuated and a sensor signal is generated, wherein the operating device generates and outputs a control signal only when the control device detects both the switch signal and the sensor signal.

With the aforementioned embodiments, in particular the advantages listed below can be realized. It should be noted that not all benefits must be realized simultaneously or to the same extent.

One idea is to arrange an additional sensor device, for example in the vicinity of the actuating surface. Upon actuation of the actuating surface by the user not only the mechanical actuating movement is transmitted to a switch device, but it is also the user or the actuation surface-actuated body part of the user, usually a finger or the hand, detected by the sensor device. Accordingly, a sensor signal may be generated by the sensor device when the user touches or presses the actuating surface. The sensor signal additionally generated to the switch signal can then be used to determine the functionality of the actuator, for example by means of a microcontroller as a control device.

Possible scenarios for the actuation are, for example, that a switch signal is generated, but no user is detected by the sensor device and thus no sensor signal is generated. This can occur, for example, when the actuating surface is actuated not by the user, but by another against the actuating surface leaning object, such as a broomstick. In this case, it can be seen that, although mechanically the actuating device has been actuated, but this has happened approximately unintentionally or not by a human.

In another scenario, it is conceivable that the sensor device detects the user, but, for example due to a mechanical defect, no switch signal is generated. In this case, a defect of the actuator can be determined by a simple evaluation.

Preferably, a tax or. Evaluation device connected to the actuator to provide an operating device. The controller evaluates the switch signal and the sensor signal, and outputs a control signal, unless a malfunction of the actuation function has been detected. Otherwise, the controller may output a control signal indicative of a failure of the actuator. In the event that an error is detected by the control device, either no control signal is output or the control signal is generated and output such that the control device controlled machine, such as the door or door drive, is not set in motion or is placed in a safe state.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Bedienvorrichtung;
• 2 ein schematischer Schnitt entlang der Linie II-II aus 1
• 3 eine Variante des Ausführungsbeispiels aus 1.

Further advantages of the invention may also be apparent from the embodiments explained below, which are explained in more detail with reference to the schematic drawings. It shows:

• 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of an operating device;
• 2 a schematic section along the line II-II 1
• 3 a variant of the embodiment 1 ,

It will open 1 and 2 Reference is made to an embodiment of an operating device 10 demonstrate.

The operating device 10 is configured to operate an electrical appliance or machine, such as a building closure drive device or enclosure termination drive device.

The operating device 10 includes an actuator 12 , The actuator may be by a user 14 be operated manually.

The actuator 12 has an actuating device 16 , a switch device 18 and a sensor device 20 on.

Furthermore, the actuating device 12 a housing device 22 include. The housing device 22 is as a hollow body with an interior 24 educated. The housing device 22 may be a plurality of housing elements 26 include the interior 24 surround and / or limit.

The actuating device is preferred 16 mostly within the housing device 22 arranged. More preferably, the switch device is located 18 completely within the housing device 22 , The switch device 18 can in a known per se of a circuit board 19 to be supported.

The sensor device 20 can on an outer skin 28 the housing device 22 be arranged. In other words, the sensor device 20 on the housing element 26 be arranged and attached thereto, for example by gluing.

The actuating device 16 has an actuating surface 30 on, which is arranged so that the actuating surface 30 by the user 14 is pressed, in particular pressed, can ( 2 ).

The actuating device is for actuating the switch device 18 configured. The actuating device 16 includes a transmission element 32 , The transmission element 32 is preferably so between the actuating surface 30 and the switch device 18 switched that the actuating movement of the actuating surface 30 to the switch device 18 is transferred, so that the switch device 18 a switch signal A can generate.

The actuating device 16 has an operation detection area 34 which may also be referred to herein as an actuation transmission area. The actuation transmission area 34 is on the side of the transmission element 32 arranged, the actuating surface 30 is facing.

The transmission element 32 may be formed substantially T-shaped viewed in cross-section. Viewed from above is the transmission element 32 preferably formed cylindrically symmetrical.

At the operating surface 30 opposite side of the transmission element 32 can be a detection area 36 be arranged.

When actuating the actuating surface 30 by the user 14 can the actuating surface 30 be deformed, so that the actuating surface 30 and the transmission element 32 , in particular at the operation detection area 34 to capture each other. This allows the mechanical actuation force of the user 14 from the actuating surface 30 over the transmission element 32 to the switch device 18 be directed. In the case of actuation, detect the switch device 18 and the transmission element 32 each other, in particular via the detection surface 36 ,

Thus, when operating the actuating surface takes place 30 for generating a switch signal B through the switch device 18 a mechanical transmission of the operating force of the user 14 to the switch device 18 instead of.

The switch device 18 includes at least one switch element 38 , The switch element 38 is preferably designed as a mechanical switch element, for example as a micro-button. The switch element 38 is thus configured, due to a mechanical actuation, the switch signal A to create. The switch element 38 can be a mechanical actuator 40 include that of the actuator 16 can be operated. In particular, the mechanical actuator 40 by pressing the actuating surface 30 actuated. In this case, the transmission element detected 32 the switch element 38 More precisely, the actuating element 40 , by means of the detection surface 36 , As a result, by the mechanical actuation of the actuating element 40 the switch signal A generated.

The sensor device 20 is preferably configured so that a non-contact detection of the user 14 when actuating the actuating surface 30 is possible. The sensor device 20 In particular, it is configured to be that of the sensor device 20 generated sensor signal B is appropriate between the human user 14 and an object such as a broomstick or other "dead materials".

The sensor device 20 can therefore the sensor signal B then spend if the user 14 for example, his finger on the actuating surface 30 lays and sensor device 20 by a capacitive and / or inductive measurement the user 14 detected.

The sensor device 20 preferably comprises a plurality of sensor elements 42 which capacitive and / or inductive the user 14 can capture.

The sensor element 42 can be on or below the actuating surface 30 be arranged. The sensor element 42 can also be below the actuating surface 30 be arranged. The sensor element 42 can also in the actuating surface 30 be integrated.

Preferably, the sensor device comprises 20 a switching foil 44 , which is known per se, and the plurality of sensor elements 42 provides. The switching foil 44 can on the housing device 22 be glued and preferably so that the sensor elements 42 with the respective actuating surfaces 30 coincide. There may also be other sensor elements on the switching foil 44 be arranged, not with the one or more actuating surfaces 30 coincide.

The operating device 10 In addition, a control device 46 , which may also be referred to herein as evaluation, include. The control device 46 each has an input for the switch signal A and the sensor signal B on. The control device 46 is formed the switch signal A and the sensor signal B to process and based thereon a control signal C to a device to be controlled 48 like an electrical appliance or a machine. For example, the device to be controlled 48 a building closure or fencing completion drive device, in particular a door or door drive device.

Several modes are for the controller 46 conceivable. For example, the control device 46 be configured so that only a control signal C that of the user 14 desired behavior of the device to be controlled 48 corresponds, is output when both the switch signal A as well as the sensor signal B from the actuator 12 generated and to the controller 46 were issued.

A possible case involves that the user 14 the actuator 12 Although manually operated, but only the sensor signal B to the controller 46 arrives. This can be done by the controller 46 be evaluated to the effect that in the responsible for the actual operation switch device 18 probably a defect exists. The controller may receive a corresponding defect notification signal as the control signal C output.

It is also conceivable that an accidental actuation of the actuating surface 30 not by the user 14 but takes place through an object. In this case, the switch device generates 18 Although the switch signal A but the sensor device 20 either does not generate a sensor signal B or the sensor signal B indicates that an operation is not by the human user 14 is done. The control device 46 may be formed between a human-generated sensor signal B and an objectively generated sensor signal B to distinguish. The control device 46 then can the output of the control signal C For example, refuse or an error message signal as the control signal C output that indicates an error in the operation.

It is also conceivable in a variant that the control device 46 in case of an error, the control signal C so generated that the device to be controlled 48 is placed in a safe state. For a building closure or fencing completion drive device, this may mean, for example, a stop of the end element, ie the door or door leaf, or an opening movement. Overall, the control device 46 be set so that the desired safe state is achieved in the event of a fault.

The following will be on 3 Reference is made to an embodiment of an operating device 50 shows. The operating device 50 is essentially identical to the operating device 10 and will be described only insofar as they differ from operating device 10 different.

How out 3 seen, is missing at the operating device 50 More specifically, in the variant of the actuator 16 , the transmission element. Rather, the operating device 50 the operating force of the user 14 from the actuating surface 30 immediately above the operation detection area 34 and the detection area 36 to the switch device 18 or the switch element 38 More specifically, to the actuator 40 , transfer. With this embodiment, a flatter construction is possible.

In summary, it should be noted that in the so-called deadman operation a power-operated gate is usually operated without safety device. The gate moves as long as the button is pressed. This means that the safety depends, among other things, on the reliability of the probe. If the button malfunctions, the gate could not be stopped or the gate could start uncontrolled. With the known solutions, a fault of the button can not be revealed.

Combining the switch with a capacitive sensor, faults of the button can be revealed.

• Der Taster liefert ein Signal, aber der Sensor erkennt keinen Finger.
• Der Sensor erkennt einen Finger, aber der Taster liefert kein Signal.
• Der Sensor kann auch zwischen einem realen Finger und z. B. einem Besenstiel unterscheiden.

Possible scenarios are:

• The button provides a signal but the sensor does not detect a finger.
• The sensor detects a finger, but the button does not provide a signal.
• The sensor can also be between a real finger and z. B. differentiate a broomstick.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

operating device

12

actuator

14

user

16

actuator

18

switch means

19

circuit board

20

sensor device

22

housing means

24

inner space

26

housing element

28

shell

30

actuating surface

32

transmission element

34

Operation detection area

36

detecting surface

38

switching element

40

actuator

42

sensor element

44

switching foil

46

control device

48

device to be controlled

50

operating device

A

switch signal

B

sensor signal

C

control signal

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2880468 A2 [0005]
• WO 2012076619 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Actuating device (12), wherein the actuation device (12) is designed for manual actuation by a user (14), wherein the actuation device (12) is configured by an actuation device (16) which is configured to actuate a switch device (18) and which actuates an actuation surface (16). 30) for actuation by the user (14), wherein by actuation of the actuating surface (30) a switch means (18) is operable to generate a switch signal (A), and a sensor device (20), wherein the sensor means (20 ) is configured such that upon actuation of the actuating surface (30) by the user (14) for actuating the switch device (18) by means of the sensor device (20), a sensor signal (B) can be generated. Actuator (12) according to Claim 1 characterized by switch means (18) configured such that said switch means (18) is operable by actuating said actuating surface (30) to produce a switch signal (A). Actuator (12) according to Claim 2 characterized in that the switch means (18) comprises at least one mechanical switch element (38) configured to be mechanically actuated by the actuating surface (30) to produce a switch signal (B). Actuator (12) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the switch element (38) comprises a mechanical actuating element (40) which is actuated and / or moved during mechanical actuation, in particular pressing, of the actuating surface (30) for generating a switch signal (B). Actuating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (16) has a detection surface (36) which upon actuation of the actuating surface (30) for generating a switch signal (A), the switch means (18), in particular the switch element (38), more particularly the mechanical actuator (40), mechanically detected. Actuating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (16) has a transmission element (32) which is configured to actuate the actuating surface (30) for generating a switch signal (A) from the actuating surface (30). to mechanically transmit to the switch means (18). Actuator (12) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the transmission element (32) has an actuation detection region (34) which mechanically detects the actuation surface (30) upon actuation of the actuation surface (30) to generate a switch signal (A). Actuating device (12) according to one of Claims 5 to 7 , characterized in that the actuation detection region (34) is arranged on the actuation surface (30) and / or the transmission element (32). Actuating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (20) at least one sensor element (42) configured for non-contact detection of the user (14) upon actuation of the actuating surface (30) by the user (14) is. Actuating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (20) is configured such that on the basis of the sensor signal (B) between an actuation by the user (14) and an actuation by an object can be distinguished. Actuating device (12) according to one of Claims 9 or 10 , characterized in that the sensor element (42) is configured to detect the user (14) capacitively and / or inductively. Actuating device (12) according to one of Claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that the sensor device (20) comprises a switching foil (44) which contains the sensor element (42) or the sensor elements (42). Actuating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing device (22), wherein the actuating device (16) and / or the switch device (18) within the housing means (22) are arranged and / or wherein the sensor device (20) outside the housing device (22), in particular on the housing device (22), is arranged. An electrical device operating device (10, 50), in particular for a building closure or enclosure termination drive device, such as a door or door drive device, wherein the operating device (10, 50) comprises an actuating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims and a control device (46), wherein the control device (46) is configured to output a control signal (C) to the electrical device (48) only when both the Switch signal (A) and the sensor signal (B) by the control device (46) are detected / were. Operating method for an operating device (10, 50) according to Claim 14 in which the actuating device (12) is actuated by the user (14), wherein upon actuation of the actuating device (16) the switch device (18) is actuated and a sensor signal (B) is generated, wherein the operating device (10, 50) only then generates and outputs a control signal (C) when the controller (46) detects both the switch signal (A) and the sensor signal (B).

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