EP2534549B1 - Rotary actuator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a turntable, comprising a first rotatable member having a wavy or sawtooth profiled control surface and a fixed second part with at least one locking element running on the control surface.

Such turntable, as known from WO 02/093604 , are used for example in motor vehicles and serve to control different functions, which are displayed for example on a display. This can be controlled in the motor vehicle different systems such as a navigation system, an integrated phone, an infotainment system and the like, as well as individual functions can be controlled or selected within the systems. Frequently, such a turntable also has a selection function in that it can be actuated axially to select a desired function, so it has an axial switching function. However, the use of such a locked turntable is not limited to the automotive field, but such a latched, incremental turntable can of course also be used on any other equipment.

To make the multiple, different functions and settings recognizable to the operator via the turntable, it is necessary to provide by the movement of the turntable alone a clear feedback in the form of a haptic and acoustic feedback, so that the operator when moving the turntable each Movement from one locked position to the next "feels" both haptically and acoustically. For this purpose, the turntable has a first rotatable part, which is actively moved by the operator, which has a wave-shaped or sawtooth-shaped profiled control surface. This acts with a running on the control surface locking element together, which is provided on a fixed second part, relative to which the first part is moved. In known turntables, the locking element is usually designed as a leaf spring component with a control surface facing locking lug, usually two generally offset by 180 ° arranged latching elements of this type are provided, which are either fixed without play or are stored with little play. When rotating the rotatable member, the latching lug of the latching element runs on the control surface and is moved out of the latching receptacle via the control surface elevation. Upon further rotation, the latch reaches the tooth tip of the control surface. In turn, further rotation slides the locking lug of the play-free fixed spring on the opposite tooth flank and migrates into the locking receptacle, without causing it to jump. However, if the detent lug of a play-loaded spring reaches the tooth head and exceeds it, then it is abruptly displaced into the detent receptacle of the control surface; it strikes against the opposite stop respectively on the opposite tooth flank, resulting in a click sound. However, the clicking sound, in particular its intensity, is dependent on the operating speed in the case of play-free fixed latching elements. If the operator turns the first part very slowly, the result is a quasi-dampened, slow sliding in of the locking element into the locking position, thus causing a low click sound, unlike a fast rotation, where the locking lug very quickly and violently in the locking receptacle snaps. It is therefore given no constant acoustic behavior regardless of the rotation of the first part in such free of play guided locking elements. For a very low torsional backlash is achieved in the rest. In play-bearing storage of the locking elements independent of the operating speed acoustics and thus a more constant acoustic behavior is generated, but the backlash in the catch increases, which degrades the haptic properties. Because the haptic contributes in particular to the snap-in process, which is ultimately dependent on operating speed as described. In other words, both the feel and the acoustics vary depending on the mounting of the latching elements and the operating speed, and therefore there is no uniform ease of use or no uniform feedback to the operator.

The invention is thus based on the problem of achieving an improvement of the haptic and acoustic behavior in a turntable of the type mentioned.

To solve this problem is provided in a turntable according to the invention according to a first alternative of the invention that the locking element in a V-shaped tapering towards the first part recess against a restoring force movable and is received with clearance between the side walls bounding the recess, wherein the locking element so cooperates with the radially oriented control surface, that it is moved during the resulting from the movement of the first part accumulation on a survey of the control surface against the one side wall and beats force due to restoring force against the other side wall when the survey is exceeded.

In the turntable according to the invention, the locking element in the recess on the one hand against a restoring force relative to the control surface is movable, d. h., It can be moved over a cam tooth against the restoring force in the recess. On the other hand, the locking element is also received with lateral play in the recess. The recess itself is bounded by two side walls which converge in a V-shape, d. h., That the recess tapers in the direction of the control surface. The locking element, for example a ball or a roller, can thus move between the two side walls. The recess is located immediately adjacent to the control surface, d. h. That the recess bounding side walls as close to the control surface.

In operation, during a rotation of the first part, the latching element, which has preferably been received in the latching receptacle in a form-fitting manner, runs on the tooth flank of the control tooth following in the direction of rotation, whereby it is simultaneously pressed against the oblique side wall and due to the run-up on the control tooth along this side surface is pressed into the recess. When the uppermost point of the tooth head is exceeded, the locking element is quasi released, so that it snaps almost opposite to the direction of rotation against the opposite side wall due to the restoring force, which urges it continuously against the control surface, since the cam tooth has been moved so far relative to the recess that the following recess is already in the area below the recess. So it comes to a sudden investment change from one side wall to the opposite side wall. This snap action now generates a distinctive sound that is perceived by the operator, signaling that he has reached the next notch.

The V-shaped recess shape thus produces a user-independent acoustic noise in the turntable according to the invention, since the snap action, ie the noise-generating contact change from one side wall to the opposite side wall is ultimately position-dependent, ie depends on the specific position of the respective control tooth moving the detent element. not however from the operating speed. Equally independent of the operating speed is also the haptic behavior, because the operator immediately receives feedback when it comes to plant change, so comes to snap. While the intensity of the noise generation on the mass of the locking element, its material, the applied restoring force and the flank angle of the V-shaped side walls of the recess can be adjusted, the feel of the shape of the control surface and the locking element can be adjusted. Also, only one such locking element is required in the turntable according to the invention, although of course, for example, two such locking elements can be provided.

The locking element itself can be as described a ball or a roller. It is therefore a component with simple geometry, which requires no special manufacturing and has low manufacturing tolerances, which can reduce the spread of haptic behavior, ie, that all turntable according to the invention have virtually the same haptic behavior.

To generate the restoring force a spring element is expediently provided, in particular a screw or leaf spring, which always urges the locking element against the control surface. However, the spring element itself is so mounted, respectively, has a bearing surface for the locking element that this can snap over in the inventive manner from side wall to side wall.

A second alternative solution according to the invention provides for a turntable of the aforementioned type according to the invention that the locking element is fixed in position and cooperates with an axially aligned control surface of the axially movable against a restoring force first part, wherein the first part with an axially projecting pin in a recess with radial Game engages, wherein the pin has a frusto-conical shape and the recess has a substantially complementary shape, so that the pin is raised during the resulting from a movement of the first part accumulation on a survey of the control surface against the wall surface of the recess fitting and when exceeding the Recovery due to restoring force snaps back and beats against the opposite wall surface.

While the above-described first alternative of the invention describes a turntable assembly with a radially oriented control surface, the second variant of the invention specifies a turntable assembly with an axially oriented control surface. The locking element is fixed in position in this embodiment, ie, it is - unlike the first embodiment - not even moved. Rather, the first part is moved with the axially aligned control surface, which is both rotatable about the axis of rotation, and is axially movable against a restoring force. This is the case when a cam tooth rests on the locking element. The first part is arranged on a bolt-shaped rotary part, which forms the axis of rotation, axially movable against the restoring force. It is taken when turning the rotary part and thus moved relative to the fixed locking element. For this purpose, the first part engages with a pin in a recess on the rotary part, wherein the pin is received in the recess with radial play, so something is laterally movable, as of course is also an axial mobility given to the raising and lowering of the first part to enable. Characteristic in this embodiment of the invention, in turn, the shaping in the region of the recess and the pin itself. The pin has a frustoconical shape, the recess a complementary shape.

In operation, in a rotation of the first part caused by rotation of the rotary part, starting from a preferably positive engagement of the latching element in a latching receptacle of the control surface, the control tooth on the latching element. Since this is fixed, it thus comes to a lifting of the first part while rotating the same, so it is moved against the restoring force axially along the bolt-shaped rotary member. Inevitably, in this case, the bearing pin is raised in the bearing recess, wherein it rests during this lifting movement on the wall surface of the bearing recess due to the radial clearance. Now exceeds the control tooth surface of the locking element, so here the first part is virtually "released". It comes to a quasi-jumping snap of the first part respectively the recess of its control surface on the locking element after the built-up restoring force urges it into this positive locking position. Associated with this is a sudden change in the investment of the pin on the wall surface of the recess, d. h., That the pin snaps from one wall side on the opposite wall side and strikes it. It comes to a flat impact, after the respective surface slopes are substantially equal.

Also in this embodiment of the invention, there is a defined generation of noise, since the pin always due to the snapping of the control surface side recess on the locking element, ie a rotation angle jump generated due to the restoring force against the recess wall strikes. Also, a clear haptic feedback due to this restoring force-related rotation angle jump is given after exceeding the tooth tip. The amount of excitation can be adjusted via the mass of the locking disc, the material and the flank angle of the abutting surfaces.

The latching element is here, for example, a ball or a roller supported on a receptacle provided on the second part, which in turn is an easily manufactured component of simple geometry, whereby, if necessary, the second part itself may also have a corresponding arched elevation which forms the latching element , so that no separate locking element component must be installed.

To generate the restoring force, a spring element is expediently also provided here, in particular a helical spring or leaf spring penetrated by an axis of rotation of the first part. Since in this embodiment of the invention, as described, the first part is axially moved against a restoring force, a symmetrical structure is expedient, since a helical spring is preferably used, which is penetrated by a pin forming the axis of rotation of the first part.

Basically, it is expedient in both embodiments of the invention, when the locking element engages positively in a locking receptacle of the control surface. This can be minimized with particular advantage the torsional backlash in the detent position.

Fig. 1

eine Aufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäßen Drehsteller der ersten Erfindungsalternative,

Fig. 2

die Ansicht des Drehstellers aus Fig. 1 mit um einen ersten Winkel verdrehtem ersten Teil,

Fig. 3

den Drehsteller aus Fig. 2 mit weiter verdrehtem ersten Teil,

Fig. 4

eine Teilschnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Drehstellers der zweiten Erfindungsalternative,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenteilansicht des Drehstellers aus Fig. 4 mit in Raststellung befindlichem Rastelement,

Fig. 6

die Ansicht gemäß Fig. 5 mit um einen ersten Winkel verdrehtem ersten Teil, und

Fig. 7

die Ansicht aus Fig. 6 mit weiter verdrehtem ersten Teil.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and from the drawing. Showing:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a turntable invention of the first alternative invention,

Fig. 2

the view of the turntable off Fig. 1 with first part twisted by a first angle,

Fig. 3

the turntable off Fig. 2 with further twisted first part,

Fig. 4

a partial sectional view of a turntable invention of the second alternative invention,

Fig. 5

a partial side view of the turntable off Fig. 4 with latching element in detent position,

Fig. 6

the view according to Fig. 5 with a first angle twisted first part, and

Fig. 7

the view Fig. 6 with further twisted first part.

Fig. 1 shows in the form of a schematic representation of a plan view of a turntable 1 according to the invention, comprising a first rotatable member 2 with a quasi the axis of rotation forming central bolt or pin-like rotary member 3 and a control disc 4 arranged thereon with a radial control surface 5, which is profiled wavy here, So therefore alternately teeth 6 and 7 recesses has. The first part 2 is rotatable about the central axis, to him a corresponding handle, not shown, is attached, on which the operator acts to turn the first part 2.

Associated with the first part 2 is a fixed second part 8 which has a recess 9 in which a detent element 10, here a ball, is received against a restoring force 11 (shown by the arrow) represented by a spring element not shown in detail. The locking element 10 is movable within the recess 9, so it can be pushed deeper into the recess, by the restoring force 11, it is always urged in the direction of the radially aligned control surface 5.

The recess 9 is bounded laterally by two side walls 12, 13 which converge toward one another in the direction of the control surface 5, so that the side wall distance from the control surface 5 tapers. The recess thus has a V-shape. The locking element 10 is laterally movable within the recess, so with play between the side walls 12, 13 added.

In the starting position ( Fig. 1 ), the locking element 10 is preferably a form-fitting engagement with a latching recess 7, which is positioned immediately below the recess 9. The recess 9 opens closely adjacent to the control disk 4, protruding from it in the direction of the control disk 4, the locking element 10 out.

Now, the first part 2 starting from the basic position according to Fig. 1 rotated, as shown by the arrow P, the tooth 6a is rotated in the region of the recess 9. On its tooth flank 14, the latching element 10 now runs, wherein it is guided by the direction of rotation against the side wall 12 and at the same time is pressed into the recess 9 along the side wall 12, as well Fig. 2 clearly shows. Now starting from Fig. 2 the first part 2 further rotated, the locking element 10 continues to run on the tooth 6a until it reaches the tooth head 15, ie the top point of the tooth 6a. The locking element 10 is at this moment in the position in which it is pushed furthest into the recess 9. A minimal further rotation of the first part 2 now causes the locking element 10 exceeds the tooth tip 15. At the tooth tip 15, the opposite sloping tooth edge 16 connects. Due to the given restoring force 11 occurs immediately after exceeding a sudden, jump-like snap action of the locking element 10, which snaps from his investment on the side wall 12 in abutment against the side wall 13, such as Fig. 3 shows. As a result of this abrupt change of installation, the latching element 10 thus strongly strikes against the side wall 13, a characteristic clacking noise being produced as acoustic information for the latching change that has taken place. As Fig. 3 shows, in this position, the locking element 10 is not yet complete in the next following recess 7a, in this it runs, however, on further rotation. Due to the abrupt change of installation associated with the entry into the recess, the operator also learns a haptic feedback on the completed latching change. Due to the positive connection in the respective recess 7, the backlash in the catch is minimized beyond. The intensity of the clacking noise can be adjusted via the mass of the play-related locking element 10, its material, the restoring force and the flank angle of the side walls 12, 13.

When rotating in the opposite direction, the same process takes place, except that while the locking element 10 is moved over the respective tooth on which it runs against the side wall 13 and raised, after which it snaps against the side wall 12 when the tooth head is exceeded.

Fig. 4 shows a partial sectional view through a turntable 1 of a second embodiment according to the invention, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for the same components. Provided is a the axis of rotation forming a bolt or pin-like rotary member 3 together with a first part 2 forming control disc 4, on which a here axially aligned control surface 5 comprising teeth 6 and recesses 7 is formed. The first part 2, so the control disk 4, is axially movable on the rotary member 3, it is on the spring member 17, starting from the illustration according to Fig. 4 , but always pushed down in the direction of the second part 8, so that the control surface 5 is spring-loaded against the two locking elements 10 provided here. The structure is encapsulated by a housing 18.

On the second part 8, a detent element 10, in this case again a ball, is received in a position not shown in detail here, ie, the ball moves - unlike in the embodiment according to Fig. 1-3 -not after the first part 2 is moved in this turntable 1. at this in Fig. 4 shown embodiment, three locking elements 10 are provided offset by 120 °.

On the rotary member 3, an enlarged diameter extension 19 is provided, via which the pivot bearing takes place. The rotary member 3 is thus rotatably mounted. In order to be able to take with it the axially movable control disk 4 in the rotation, a pin 20 is integrally formed on the underside of the control disk 4, which engages in a recess 21 on the projection 19. This way, a kind of dog clutch is realized. The pin 20 has a frustoconical shape. The recess 21 has a complementary shape. The pin 20 is received in the recess 21 with lateral play, so it can be moved to the side in this, resulting in a low rotational mobility of the first part 2, so the control disk 4 results around the rotary member 3.

The operation of this turntable 1 results from the Fig. 5-7 , The viewing direction is always directed to the area of engagement of the pin 20 in the recess 21, so it changes with the rotation, which is why the representations vary slightly. Fig. 5 shows the basic position in which the locking elements 10, of which in the Fig. 5-7 only one is shown, in the respective recess 7 of the control surface 5 is positively locked. If now starting from this basic position, the rotary member 3 and consequently the projection 19 is rotated, as shown by the arrow P, so the pin 20 is necessarily taken over the recess 21 in the direction of rotation. This results in a run-up of the tooth flank 14 in the direction of rotation subsequent tooth 6a on the locking element 10. This leads, see Fig. 6 , that the control disk 4 is raised against the spring element 17. This is, see Fig. 6 Also, the pin 20 lifted in the recess 21, it is in abutment against the side wall 22 of the recess 21, after he is taken over here.

With further rotation of the tooth edge 14 continues to run on the fixed locking element 10 until the tooth tip, so the tooth tip, gets up on the locking element 10. An incremental further movement now leads to a sudden movement of the control disk 4, which is movable as a result of the play-related reception of the pin 20 in the recess 23, in the direction of rotation. During this erratic snap movement, there is a change in the investment of the pin 20 in the recess 21. It jumps from one recess wall side 22 on the opposite wall side 23. This is due to the flat stop on this wall surface 23 to a generation of clicks. Depending on how great the mobility, the control disc 4 jumps into the next recess 7 at least partially.

Here, too, the noise is generated by the free mobility of the noise-generating elements. While this was in the first alternative of the invention, the movable in the recess 8 locking element 10, it is in the second alternative to the invention movable in the recess 21 pin 20 and the movable control disk 4 itself. Also in the second embodiment, a unique feel on the operator side, because with the snapping over the tooth head is also accompanied by a tactile change in the mobility of the turntable 1.

Claims (7)

1. Rotary actuator, comprising a first rotatable part having a control surface with a corrugated or serrated profile and a fixed second part having at least one detent element running on the control surface, the detent element (10) being accommodated, in a manner which allows movement counter to a restoring force, in an aperture (8) which tapers in a V shape towards the first part, the detent element being accommodated with play between the side walls (12, 13) bounding the aperture (8), the detent element (8) cooperating with the radially aligned control surface (5) such that as it runs up a projection on the control surface (5) as a result of a movement of the first part (2) it is moved against one side wall (12, 13) and as it passes beyond the elevation it strikes the other side wall (12, 13) as a result of the restoring force.
2. Rotary actuator according to claim 1, characterised in that the detent element (10) is a ball or a roller.
3. Rotary actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a spring element (11), particularly a helical or leaf spring, is provided for generating the restoring force.
4. Rotary actuator, comprising a first rotatable part having a control surface with a corrugated or serrated profile and a fixed second part having at least one detent element running over the control surface, characterised in that the detent element (10) is fixed in position and cooperates with an axially aligned control surface (5) of the first part (2) which is axially movable counter to a restoring force, the first part (2) engaging with radial play in a recess (21) by means of an axially positioned peg (20), the peg (20) being frustoconical in shape and the recess (21) having a shape substantially complementary to the latter, so that, as the peg (20) runs up a projection of the control surface (5) as a result of a movement of the first part (2), said peg is raised while bearing on the wall surface (22) of the recess (21) and on passing the projection it snaps back as a result of the restoring force and strikes the opposing wall surface (23).
5. Rotary actuator according to claim 4, characterised in that the detent element (10) is a ball or a roller held in a holder provided on the second part.
6. Rotary actuator according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that a spring element (17) is provided for generating the restoring force, particularly a helical spring or leaf spring through which a rotation axis of the first part passes.
7. Rotary actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detent element (10) engages by positive locking in a detent recess (7) in the control surface.

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