DE202016007628U1 - Rotary actuating element for an operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotary actuator (16) for an operator, comprising: a support (18) rotatably mountable or mounted relative to a control panel (10); a rotary member (20) pivotable relative to the support (18) about an axis of rotation (21); a rotation detecting device (24) for detecting a rotational position, a rotational direction and / or a rotational angle of the rotary member (20) relative to the carrier (18); an at least partially transparent cover (26) supporting the carrier (18) on its one User facing operator side covered; and at least one optical sensor (38) for detecting contact of the cover (26) with an object (42) or approaching the cover (26) through an object (42).

Description

The present invention relates to a rotary actuating element for an operating device, in particular for an operating device of an electronic household appliance.

In electronic household appliances such as stoves, hobs, microwave ovens, dishwashers, laundry treatment appliances, refrigerators and / or freezers, etc. rotary control elements are often used with which a user can make certain device settings. Such rotary actuators are known to those skilled in various embodiments and functions.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved rotary actuator, which has an extended functionality.

This object is achieved by a rotary actuating element with the features of claim 1. Particularly preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The rotary actuator for an operating device according to the invention comprises a support which is rotatably mounted or mounted relative to a control panel, a rotary member which is rotatable relative to the support about an axis of rotation, and a rotation detecting device for detecting a rotational position, a rotational direction and / or a rotational angle of the rotary member relative to the carrier. Furthermore, an at least partially transparent cover is provided, which covers the carrier on its user side facing a user side.

The rotary actuator of the invention further comprises at least one optical sensor for detecting a contact of the cover with an object or an approach to the cover by an object.

The inventively designed rotary actuator has the usual adjustment function by rotating the rotary member and additionally provides a further functionality by detecting a touch or approach to the cover ready. This additional functionality can be used, for example, as a confirmation function of a previously made setting.

The expansion of the functionality of the rotary actuating element is achieved by the integration of the at least one optical sensor in a very compact manner. By using at least one optical sensor, the extension of functionality can be easily realized even with rotary actuators having a non-planar, for example, a domed cover or an oblique cover on the operator side.

The at least one optical transmitter preferably has at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, wherein the at least one receiver can detect an electromagnetic radiation emitted by the at least one transmitter and reflected at an object at or in the vicinity of the cover. The at least one optical sensor preferably operates with infrared radiation.

The at least partially transparent cover is permeable to the electromagnetic radiation used by the optical sensor, at least in the region of a detection region which is assigned to the at least one optical sensor. The cover is preferably also permeable to light in the visible wavelength range, at least in partial regions which are or can be associated with optical displays.

The rotation detecting device may detect a rotation of the rotating element, i. an (absolute) rotational position, a rotational direction and / or a (relative) rotational angle of the rotary member relative to the carrier in the context of the present invention in principle detect any manner. Possible detection technologies are based on mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, magnetic, capacitive, inductive, optical or similar measuring principles.

The object whose contact with or approaching the cover is detectable by the at least one optical sensor is preferably a user's finger or an object held by the user in his hand.

In the context of the present invention, the carrier of the rotary actuating element may for example be mounted on a user-facing operating side of a control panel. Alternatively, the carrier of the rotary actuator may be mounted on a support plate (e.g., printed circuit board) disposed rearward of the control panel behind a user, the rotary actuator then projecting at least partially through an opening in the control panel.

The term control panel is in this context operating panels in the strict sense, but also coverings, covers, housings, etc. include a device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one optical sensor is arranged rotationally fixed to the carrier. This embodiment simplifies the assembly and connection of the at least one optical sensor.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carrier is at least partially hollow. In this embodiment, the at least one optical sensor is preferably arranged inside the carrier. The carrier is designed, for example, substantially annular.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotary actuating element further comprises a support plate, for example in the form of a printed circuit board, which is positionable or positioned on a side facing away from the user of the control panel. In this embodiment, the at least one optical sensor is preferably mounted directly on this carrier plate or on a sensor carrier mounted on the carrier plate. The carrier plate is preferably aligned substantially parallel to the control panel. The carrier plate is preferably positioned at a predetermined distance behind the control panel.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotary element is designed and / or arranged such that it surrounds the carrier in the radial direction. In this case, the rotary member can surround the carrier in full or only in sections. Preferably, the rotary member is arranged substantially coaxially with the carrier.

In this embodiment of the invention, the rotation detection device is preferably arranged in the radial direction between the carrier and the rotary member. In this case, the rotation detection device can preferably have detection components provided or fastened to the carrier and / or detection components provided or attached to the rotating element.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotary actuating element further comprises a holding frame which is rotatably mounted or mounted relative to the control panel and is designed for rotatable mounting of the rotary member. Preferably, the holding frame is mounted or mounted on the control panel and / or a support plate behind the control panel. The bearing of the rotary member by the holding frame preferably comprises in holding the rotary member in the axial direction and / or guiding the rotary member in the rotational direction.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotary actuating element further comprises at least one optical display. The at least one optical display is, for example, a simple point display, a symbol display, a 7-segment display, a colored backlight of the cover, or the like.

In this embodiment of the invention, the at least one optical display preferably has a display region of the transparent cover and a light source provided on a side of the cover facing away from the user. The light source can preferably also have a light guide, which is arranged behind the display area of the cover and coupled to a light source.

The invention is also an operating device with at least one rotary actuating element of the invention described above.

This operating device is advantageously used in electronic household appliances such as stoves, hobs, microwave ovens, dishwashers, laundry treatment appliances (washing machines, dryers), refrigerators and / or freezers, etc.

• 1 eine Schnittansicht eines Drehbetätigungselements gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 2 eine perspektivische Draufsicht des Drehbetätigungselements von 1.

The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it show, in part schematically:

• 1 a sectional view of a rotary actuating element according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• 2 a perspective top view of the rotary actuating element of 1 ,

In 1 and 2 a rotary actuating element according to the invention is shown by way of example for an operating device of an electronic household appliance. The rotary actuator can optionally be referred to as a knob, rotary knob or encoder.

In the presentation of 1 is the user-facing operating side of the components each top and the user facing away back or inside each below.

The operating device has a control panel 10 For example, made of plastic, glass ceramic or metal. Behind the control panel 10 is substantially parallel and at a distance from this a carrier plate 12 arranged in the form of a printed circuit board. The carrier plate 12 is for example via a mounting frame (not shown) fixed to the control panel 10 connected. The control panel 10 has an opening 14 in which the rotary actuator 16 arranged such that it is partially out of the control panel 10 protrudes out so that it can be operated by a user.

The rotary actuator 16 has an annular support 18 for example, made of plastic. This carrier 18 is on the carrier plate 12 and thus relative to the control panel 10 rotatably mounted. The carrier 18 is in the radial direction in this embodiment fully of a rotary member 20 for example, also surrounded by plastic. The annular element in its basic form 20 is in particular substantially coaxial with the carrier 18 arranged. The rotary element 20 For example, it is substantially rotationally symmetrical and can also be provided with haptic elements such as depressions, profilings, etc.

The rotary element 20 is relative to the carrier 18 and thus also relative to the control panel 10 around a rotation axis 21 rotatable. For rotatably supporting the rotary element 20 is a holding frame in this embodiment 22 provided, which is coaxial with the carrier 18 and to the rotary element 20 positioned and on the control panel 10 is attached. This serves the holding frame 22 holding the rotary member 20 in the axial direction and the guiding of the rotary element 20 in the direction of rotation around the carrier 18 ,

Optionally, the support frame 22 - or alternatively the carrier 18 - A detent for the rotational movement of the rotary member 20 provide so that predefined rotational positions of the rotary element 20 can be taken and the user a haptic feedback to the rotational movement of the rotary member 20 can be given.

For the detection of a rotation, ie an (absolute) rotational position, a rotational direction and / or a (relative) rotational angle of the rotary element 20 relative to the carrier 18 is a rotation detection device 24 provided in part in the radial direction between the carrier 18 and the rotary element 20 is arranged. The detection of the rotation is based, for example, on mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, magnetic, capacitive, inductive, optical or similar measuring principles. Depending on the measuring principle and depending on the variant, the rotation detection device 24 on the carrier 18 provided or fixed detection components and / or on the rotary member 20 have provided or fixed detection components. In 1 is the rotation detection device 24 exemplified as an encoder element.

The carrier 18 and in this embodiment, the rotating element 20 are on their user-facing side by a cover 26 covered. This cover 26 is at least partially designed transparent and made for example of a plastic material. In this embodiment, the cover 26 firmly with the carrier 18 connected and thus relative to the control panel 10 arranged rotationally fixed, in other embodiments, the cover 26 also fixed to the rotary element 20 be connected and thus turn with this. Further, the cover 26 In this embodiment, arched configured, but there are also flat covers or other non-planar shapes conceivable.

At the side facing away from the user side of the cover 26 is optional a decorative foil 28 intended. This decorative foil 28 For example, a design of the rotary actuator 16 influence and / or provide backlit icons.

The rotary actuator 16 is optional with multiple optical displays 32 . 36 fitted. As in 1 are indicated within the vehicle 18 behind the cover 26 two light guides 30 for symbol displays 32 and light guides 34 provided for a 7-segment display 36, wherein the light guides 30 . 34 each part of a light source in the sense of the application and are coupled to a light source. The bulbs may be, for example, light emitting diodes, which on the support bar 12 are mounted. As in 2 illustrated has the transparent cover 26 corresponding display areas for the advertisements 32 . 36 by means of bulbs and light guides 30 . 34 be backlit. By means of the visual displays, the user can, for example, the currently selected / set parameter values, a change in value during rotation of the rotary element 20 and / or operating states of the operating device or the household appliance are displayed.

The rotary actuator 16 further comprises at least one optical sensor 38 , In the present embodiment, by way of example, two optical sensors 38 on. The optical sensors 38 are in this embodiment on a sensor carrier 44 inside the carrier 18 mounted, the sensor carrier 44 on the carrier plate 12 is mounted. The optical sensors 38 are thus relative to the control panel 10 arranged rotationally fixed; in alternative embodiments, the optical sensors 38 also fixed to the rotary element 20 be connected.

The optical sensors 38 For example, each have a transmitter for emitting infrared radiation and one or more receivers for receiving the emitted by the transmitter and an object 42 in a detection area 40 of the sensor 38 on or in front of the cover plate 26 reflected infrared radiation. At the object 42 For example, it is a user's finger, as in 1 indicated. The optical sensors 38 each form a touch and / or proximity sensitive sensor with respect to the cover plate 26 the rotary actuator 16 , The optical sensor 38 also works with a non-flat cover 26 as in this embodiment or an oblique cover easily.

The sensitivity of the at least one optical sensor 38 can be done easily, for example, by replacing the decorative foil 28 , By changing the distance of the optical sensor 38 from the cover 26 and the like changed and adapted.

The sensor circuit for driving and evaluating the optical sensors 38 is preferred on the carrier plate 12 arranged. This sensor circuit is connected to a controller, for example, the household appliance, which also on the support plate 12 may be arranged or is usually provided elsewhere in the household appliance.

By means of the at least one optical sensor 38 can the rotary actuator 16 be extended by an additional functionality. In particular, the rotary actuating element 16 have a confirmation function. That is, the user can, for example, by touching the detection area 40 the cover 26 with his finger 42 confirm the setting (eg cooking level, cooking time, washing program, spin speeds, etc.) previously obtained by using the basic functionality of the rotary control element 16 ie turning the rotary element 20 has selected. This additional functionality is in a very compact design of the rotary actuator 16 added.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

control panel

12

Support plate, esp. Printed circuit board

14

perforation

16

Rotary actuator

18

carrier

20

rotating member

21

axis of rotation

22

holding frame

24

Rotation sensing device

26

transparent cover

28

decorative film

30

Optical fiber for symbol display

32

icon display

34

Optical fiber for 7-segment display

36

7-segment display,

38

optical sensor

40

Detection range of the optical sensor

42

Object, esp. Finger of a user

44

sensor support

Claims (10)

Rotary actuating element (16) for an operating device, comprising: a carrier (18) rotatably mountable or mounted relative to a control panel (10); a rotary member (20) rotatable relative to the carrier (18) about an axis of rotation (21); a rotation detecting device (24) for detecting a rotational position, a rotational direction and / or a rotational angle of the rotary member (20) relative to the carrier (18); an at least partially transparent cover (26) covering the support (18) on its user side facing the operator side; and at least one optical sensor (38) for detecting contact of the cover (26) with an object (42) or approaching the cover (26) through an object (42). Rotary actuator after Claim 1 in which the at least one optical sensor (38) is arranged rotationally fixed relative to the carrier (18). Rotary actuator after Claim 1 or 2 in which the carrier (18) is at least partially hollow and the at least one optical sensor (38) is arranged inside the carrier (18). A rotary actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary actuating element (16) further comprises a carrier plate (12) which is positionable or positioned on a side facing away from the user of the control panel (10); and the at least one optical sensor (38) is mounted on the carrier plate (12) or on a sensor carrier (44) mounted on the carrier plate (12). A rotary actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary member (20) surrounds the carrier (18) in the radial direction. Rotary actuator after Claim 5 in which the rotation detection device (24) in Radial direction between the carrier (18) and the rotary member (20) is arranged. A rotary actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary actuator (16) further comprises a support frame (22) rotatably mountable or mounted relative to the control panel (10) and configured to rotatably support the rotary member (20). A rotary actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary actuator (16) further comprises at least one optical indicator (32, 36). Rotary actuator after Claim 8 in which the at least one optical display (32, 36) has a display area of the transparent cover (26) and a light source on a side of the cover (26) facing away from the user. Operating device, in particular for an electronic household appliance, with at least one rotary actuating element (16) according to one of the preceding claims.

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