EP3071075A1

EP3071075A1 - Manual operating part, manual operating system, furniture control system, bed, and armchair

Info

Publication number: EP3071075A1
Application number: EP14795588.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Walter Koch
Original assignee: Logicdata Electronic and Software Entwicklungs GmbH
Current assignee: Logicdata Electronic and Software Entwicklungs GmbH
Priority date: 2013-11-18
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Also published as: US20160286965A1; CA2930869C; US10123626B2; DE102013112677A1; CA2930869A1; WO2015071103A1; DE102013112677B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a manual operating part (100) for a furniture control, in particular for furniture for sitting or lying down, comprising a housing (101) having a top side (110) and a bottom side (160). A first and a third operating panel (120, 130) are defined on the top side and a second and a fourth operating field (170, 180) are defined on the bottom side, which are opposite the first and third operating fields (120, 130). Actuating the first and second operating fields triggers a first operating signal in each case, while actuating the third and fourth operating field triggers a second operating signal in each case. The housing (101) is movably mounted over push-buttons arranged in the housing at least in the region of the first and third operating field and is mounted such that a first of said push-buttons is actuated by movement of the housing in the region of the first operating field and that a second of said push-buttons is actuated by movement of the housing in the region of the third operating field.

Description

description

Hand control panel, hand control system, furniture control system, bed and chair

The invention relates to a hand control for a Möbelsteu ^¬ tion, which is pre ^¬ see in particular for seating or reclining furniture, for a manual control system with such a hand control panel and a furniture control system with such a hand control system. The invention further relates to electrically adjustable furniture, in particular a bed and a chair with such a furniture control system.

In the case of electrically adjustable furniture, manual control parts are often provided which have individual control buttons for triggering various adjustment functions. Such conventional hand controls are often inflexible to handle or allow only a limited range of functions. An object to be solved is to provide an improved Bedi ^¬ enkonzept using a handset, which ei ^¬ ne flexible control of adjustable furniture allows.

This object is achieved with the subject of the independent patent claims. Embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The improved operating concept is based on the idea that a hand-held control unit can be operated on both sides of its housing in order to trigger in part different functions of a furniture control system. At the same time, however, certain functions on respective panels both on the Top and bottom of a housing of Handbe ^¬ serving part equally operable.

For this purpose, a first panel is defined on the top, while a second panel is defined on the bottom, which is the first panel opposite angeord ^¬ net. Actuation of both the first control panel and the second control panel triggers a first control signal.

Preferably, the first and a third control panel are defined on the upper side, while the second and a fourth control panel are defined on the lower side, which are arranged correspondingly opposite the first and third control panels, in particular directly opposite one another. In this case, an operation of the first control panel triggers as well as a betae ^¬ account the second panel of in each case a first Bediensig ^¬ nal. Similarly, both an actuation of the third control panel and an actuation of the fourth control panel triggers a second operating signal. The operating signals are preferably adjustment signals in two possible Verstellrich ^¬ lines, which can be transmitted in this form to the furniture control. Preferably, in addition to the aforementioned control panels, further operating options are provided on the upper side or the underside of the housing of the manual control unit.

In one embodiment, the housing is movably supported at least in the region of the first or the first and third control panel via push buttons arranged in the housing such that a first of these push buttons is actuated by movement of the housing in the region of the first control panel and that, if present, a second of these push buttons by movement of the housing in the region of the third panel is ^¬ be ^tätigt . A user will therefore apply corresponding pressure on the housing in the predefined areas to actuate the control panels in order to actuate the pushbutton below. As a result, the user can also be given haptic feedback.

In further embodiments, the underside of the housing of the manual control unit has a flat or substantially flat first area. Thus, in the first area, the hand-held unit can lie flat and stable on a more or less flat surface, such as a mattress, armrest or bedside table. Slight cambers or side chamfers in the first area are possible. The bottom further includes at least a first region with respect to the inclined second portion, the second and, if present, th the fourth panel in two ^¬ inclined area are defined. The inclination is designed so that when the first area lying on a distance of the second area to the support surface. The second portion may be chamfered or have a curvature having a constant or non-constant sti ^¬ supply or a constant or non-constant radius of curvature.

Such an arrangement ensures that the second and fourth panel is not accidentally be betae ^¬ Untitled when the manual operating unit on the lower side, and in particular rests on the first region.

In some embodiments, a function selection key is arranged in the second, inclined region, which in particular is provided for selecting an operating option of the hand control unit. Such operating options include, for example, the adjustment of a headboard of a bed, ei ^¬ nes foot of a bed or a simultaneous adjustment of the head and foot. You can switch between these operating options via the function selection key.

Preferably, the first region forms a main support surface of the underside, wherein the function selection key is arranged at a distance to a plane formed by the main support surface. Thus, no undesirable operation of the function selection key takes place at least at a substantially glat ^¬ th surface to which the first area is placed. Ande ^¬ hand, however, it is possible to bring by tilting the flick of diene portion of the second region to the support surface and thereby actuate indirectly the function select button. This arrangement thus enables actuation both when the upper side of the hand-operated part faces away from a surface or faces a user and when the lower side faces the user. Thus, the flexibility of operation is further increased.

According to the improved operating concept a function selection can be made so by the function selection button while using the control panels on the top relationship ^¬ as the bottom adjustment within this radio ^¬ tion possibilities can occur.

In various embodiments, in the second, is sloped area, a display device is disposed, which is provided for displaying a selected operating possibility of manual con ^¬ diene portion. For example, you can display be provided surfaces that are visible through a corresponding backlight.

In various embodiments, in the first area, which is substantially flat, a display, in particular a graphic display or a liquid crystal display, English LCD, is provided. Preferably, the display to a berüh ^¬ approximately sensitive operating surface. In other words, the display can also be designed as a so-called touch screen. Thus, on the underside of the hand-held control unit a further operating option, but at least a signaling possibility for a user, is given. In addition, special functions of the furniture can be selected or controlled. It is up to the user to decide whether to carry out simple operations on the top of the hand control unit or to carry out simple operations on the bottom side. The user can flexibly access the extended operating options by using the bottom.

In various embodiments, one or more selection keys are also vorgese ^¬ hen on the upper side of the housing. Preferably, the manual control part is in this case turned rich ^¬ tet to transmit a stored sequence of control commands to a device coupled to the hand control unit furniture control upon actuation of one of the selection keys. Such a sequence can, for example, in the case of a control for a bed, initially consist of setting a specific bed position with a subsequent start of a massage function and a corresponding light setting. Of course, any control combinations can be made so that the example just mentioned should not be limiting. For example, the selection keys can also be used as speed dial keys or shortcut keys.

The hand control unit preferably comprises nikationsmodul a wireless communication, that is for data exchange with a Möbelsteue ^¬ tion, in particular for transmitting control commands to the control furniture, furnishings. Thus, in particular, are transmitted belsteuerung the first and the second control signal and further Be ^¬ serving signals or combinations of operating signals to the MOE. Likewise, if necessary, status information can also be received by the furniture control and, if present, output via the graphic display on the bottom side. In some embodiments, the hand control to an au ^¬ matic configuration option. Here is to be dependent on the configuration of the control Ver ^¬ availability of various functions on the hand control. For example, the manual control unit can use the respective communication module with the furniture control system to provide the necessary or available

Replace functions or receive them from the furniture control. So it is possible that the manual control unit senses the confi ^¬ guration from the furniture control, or the furniture controller sends the configuration automatically to the handheld keypad. Depending on this configuration, the handheld unit should then only be able to execute or offer the respectively configured / available functions.

Such control is dependent configuration insbesonde- re in the versions of the manual control panel with graphic display and / or operating option on the bottom front of ^¬ geous, but can also configure the selection keys relate. For example, the furniture control is configured on a bed with four adjustment motors and two massage zones. In this case, the hand-held unit should have exactly these operating functions. In another configuration, the furniture control is configured on a bed with two adjustment motors and three heating zones. In this case too, the handheld control unit should then execute or offer exactly these operating functions and not offer all non-existing functions. The selection keys may have backlighting which is activated either upon actuation of the selection keys or as approaching, for example, a hand to the handset. The hand-held unit has rechargeable batteries in various embodiments, but can also be operated with normal batteries. Preferably, the manual con ^¬ diene portion corresponding connection means for recharging the batteries as ^¬ deraufladbaren. Such charging can take place, for example, in a corresponding docking station.

For example, an embodiment of a hand control system ^¬ a manipulator according to one of the above-described embodiments ^¬ nen and a docking station would take up on the manual control part. In this case, the captured in the docking station ^¬ manual control part is supplied by a corresponding electrical contact of the docking station with power, in particular for charging an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery of the manual control member.

Preferably, the docking station electrical contacts that are receivable in a recess on the underside of the manual con ^¬ diene portion. Preferably, such an output is in a third inclined area, which, like the second area described above, is inclined relative to the first area. For example, the second and the third inclined portion are arranged on both sides of the first, flat portion, in particular symmetrically arranged ^¬.

The docking station is preferably connected with a cable to a charger or to the furniture control to get an appropriate power supply for the charging contacts. A data connection between the docking station and the furniture control is not mandatory, but of course possible. In addition, in addition to the charging contacts, further contacts can be provided in the manual control unit and in the docking station, which enable an electrical, in particular serial, data connection between the manual control unit and the docking station.

In some embodiments, the docking station may also include a USB socket for charging appropriate devices such as cell phones, tablet computers, or the like.

In some implementations, an ambient light may be provided in the docking station, which is activated by appropriate activation in the hand-held control unit. For example, an approximation-sensitive sensor and / or a touch-sensitive sensor and / or a push-button is provided in the hand-held control unit, preferably on the upper side of the housing, by means of which activation of a corresponding lighting element of the docking station can be triggered. Instead of or in addition to the ambient light in the docking station, illumination means can also be provided in or on the manual control unit, which lights are used as ambient light can be. For example, if available, a backlight of the selection keys described or the optional display on the bottom can be used for this purpose. For example, the system is also arranged such that an idle operating state or the standby mode is provided, which upon activation of the lighting element, the relationship ^¬ corresponding sensing is terminated. The various configurations of the hand-held control system with docking station and hand-held control unit enable basic operation of the hand-held control unit even when the hand-held control unit is inserted into the docking station. In particular, while the underside of the housing facing the docking station, while the top of the housing is freely accessible. Thus, the basic functions can be achieved via the first and, if present, the third control panel and, if present, corresponding selection ^keys . The idle state can only affect the hand control unit or the associated furniture control.

A manual control system according to one of the embodiments described above can be used for example in a furniture ^¬ control system which additionally comprises a Möbelsteue- tion, with the manual control part for the reception of

Control commands is coupled, and which is adapted to control at least one variable motor of an electrically adjustable furniture. In addition to or instead of an adjusting motor, other elements, such as a heater, a massage motor for a massage function or the like can be controlled by the furniture control. Such a furniture control system can be used for example in an electrically adjustable bed or in an electrically adjustable chair, but also in other electrically adjustable furniture.

The invention is described in several Ausführungsbei ^¬ play with reference to figures illustrated in more detail. Identical reference ^symbols characterize elements or components of the same function. As far as circuit parts or components correspond in their function, their description is not repeated in each of the following figures.

Show it:

Figures 1A, 1B and IC, various views of an example ^¬ embodiment of a manual control member,

2 shows an embodiment of a hand-held control member with egg ^¬ ner docking station,

Figures 3A and 3B is a view of an embodiment of a

Docking station with associated hand control unit,

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are various views of a manual con ^¬ diene portion with a docking station, and

Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrically adjustable bed with a manual control system.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show different views of a hand-held operating part 100 in accordance with the improved operating concept. Such a hand control unit 100 is intended in particular for a furniture control, which for the adjustment of electrically adjustable seating or reclining furniture or other furniture is suitable.

The hand-held control unit 100 includes a housing 101 having a top 110 and a bottom 160. In the illustration of FIG. 1A, the hand-held control unit 100 rests on a first, substantially flat area of the underside 160. Figure 1B shows a plan view of the top of the manual con ^¬ diene portion 100, while Figure IC is a bottom view of the bottom side 160 of the hand operating part 100 displays.

On the top surface 110, a first panel 120 and third panel 130 are defined, the operation of which triggers insbeson ^¬ particular a first or a second control signal off, which is connected to the furniture control that does not Darge ^¬ represents here, is transmitted, preferably with a just ^¬ if not shown wireless communication module.

Opposite to the first and the third panel 120, 130, a second panel 170 and fourth panel 180 are provided on the bottom 160 in a relation to the Aufla ^¬ geebene respectively of the first region inclined second region. The second and the fourth control panel 170, 180 are, for example, in the second, inclined area with corresponding upward and downward arrows ge ^¬ indicates. These arrows are only to be understood as examples and can also be replaced by other symbols or characters. Furthermore, a function selection element 190 is provided in the second, inclined region, which is more clearly recognizable, in particular in FIG. This function selection element 190 has a function selection button 191 and a display direction, which is set up, for example, to display a selected operating option of the manual control unit 100. For example only, display options A, B and C are provided in the representation of FIG. 1C, which can be visualized via a backlight, for example. The function ^selection element 190 with the function ^selection button 191 ^¬ is optional and can also be omitted in other embodiments. On the top 110 are next to the first and the second

Control surface 120, 130 nor a selection block 140 with example ^¬ five selection keys 141 to 145 provided. The selection keys 141 to 145 may have a backlight. The number of four or five selection keys 141 to 145 shown here is chosen only by way of example and may of course be larger or smaller. For example, the selection keys can also be used as

Shortcut keys or shortcut keys are used. Incidentally, the provision of the selection keys can also be completely dispensed with.

In the area of the first and third control panels 120, 130 corresponding sensing means can be provided, which receive ei ^¬ ne actuation of these panels. For example, 101 corresponding pressure switches are provided for this purpose in the housing, which are below the panels 120, 130 angeord ^¬ net. The housing 101 is mounted such that the underlying push button is Untitled betä- by pressure on the ent ^¬ speaking panel in the area of the Bedienfel ^¬ 120, 130th Alternatively, however, other actuation elements ^¬ can be provided. The opposing second and fourth panels 170, 180 are implemented, for example, with touch-sensitive sensors inside the housing. However, other configurations may be used here as well.

Preferably, both an actuation of the first control panel 120 and an actuation of the second control panel 170 triggers a first control signal, while an actuation of the third control panel as well as an actuation of the fourth control panel triggers a second control signal. For example, the first and second operating signals represent an up-down control. Which function is controlled depends, for example, on a selection of predetermined operating options of the manual control unit by the function selection key 191. For example, in ei ^¬ ner bed control by the function selection button 191 between an adjustment of the head, an adjustment of the foot and a common adjustment of the head and foot of the bed can be selected, in particular by cyclically switching between the different control options with each operation of the function selection button 191 ,

In order to support the printing function in the upper side 110 of the housing 101 on the control panels 120, 130, it is possible, for example, to provide a material recess in the housing, which in FIGS. 1A and 1B is indicated by a dash between the first and the third control panels 120, 130 is shown. The function button 191 may be taken betae ^¬ in various ways. For example, if the user is looking directly at the underside 160, as shown in Figure 1C, he can directly select the function selection button with his finger. Press 19. However, if the handset 100 is on-hook, as shown in FIG. 1A, and the user thus has no direct contact with the function selection key 191, the key can be forward-biased by tilting the entire hand-held unit 100 by sliding the housing 101 onto a surface with the key 191 is pressed. The inclination of the second Be ^¬ realm in which the function select button 191 is disposed, to prevent inadvertent operation when the manual con ^¬ diene portion 100 is merely stored.

The selection keys 141 to 144 can be used, for example, such that upon actuation a predetermined sequence of control commands is transmitted to the furniture control. Thus, a complete program can be executed by a single keystroke that game, includes an adjustment function followed by a massage function and setting an illumination at ^¬. Each of the selection keys can be assigned a different function sequence.

The fifth selection key 145 serves for instance to Reset All ^¬ zen, for example the bed to be able to produce et ^¬ wa Accidental shifting a basic setting in a flat position. Of course, the key can also be used for other functions or functional sequences.

In the illustration of FIG. 1C, a display 165, in particular a graphic display or a liquid crystal display, LCD, is provided in the first, flat area. This preferably has a touch-sensitive control surface. Status information from the furniture control can be displayed on the display as well as operating options. be shown. In addition, with simultaneous function as a sensor, a control of the various functions of the furniture control can be done, for example by touching correspondingly displayed menu options.

In a further inclined region, which protrudes from the base, a recess 162 is provided. By this recess 162, for example, electrical contacts can be taken ^¬ be to supply the control unit 100 with electricity and / or to establish a wired connection.

Such an electrical connection is preferably made with egg ^¬ ner corresponding docking station 200, which is shown as an example in combination with the manual operating part 100 in Fi gur. 2 The docking station 200 is adapted in terms of its shape to the hand-held control unit 100 and takes in ^¬ particular the bottom 160, so that only the upper ^¬ page 110 is visible and operable. For example, a charging process for rechargeable batteries of the operating part 100 by the docking station 200 is preferably carried out. According to the improved operating concept, operation via the first and the third control panel 120, 130 and the selection keys is also possible during the charging process. The docking station is connected via a cable 210 to a power supply or to the furniture control in order to obtain corresponding supply currents for the control unit 100.

In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom 160 has the first, flat region and two sloped regions. However, it is also within the scope of the improved operating concept, as in the training of these inclined regions partially ^stabilized or completely dispense and train something the entire bottom 160 flat or essentially flat. Furthermore, two control panels are provided in the illustrated embodiments on the top and on the bottom. In possible variations of this number may be larger or smaller, so that for example only the Be ^¬ control panel 120 are provided on the upper side and the control panel 170 on the bottom. In another embodiment, three or more panels are vorgese ^¬ hen per side.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, oblique views of the docking station 200 or of the operating part 100 are shown. Since ^¬ can be seen in that electrical contacts 220 are provided in the docking station, which recess corresponding in training 162 may be ^¬ taken at the bottom 160 of the operating part 100th In addition to a power supply can 220 and data signals over the electrical contacts, ^¬ example, be exchanged via a serial data link. The docking station 200 may also include illumination means aufwei ^¬ sen that can be used in particular for providing an ambient ^¬ light. Such ambient light is provided in ^¬ play, in the region of the main bearing surface 230 or at the edge thereof and may be implemented by diode-energy-saving lighting device. Activation of the ambient light can be varied. For example, a proximity sensor or a touch sensor or a mechanical sensor, or a combination thereof is provided in the manual control ^¬ part 100, the operation of which triggers the activation of the ambient light. The activation can be signaled, for example via the previously described serial connection between manual con ^¬ diene portion 100 and docking station 200th In addition to the ambient light in the docking station 200 or 100 instead of lighting agents can'll also provided in or on the hand control unit that uses ge as ambient light ^¬ may be. For example, if available, a backlight of the described selection keys 141 to 145 or of the selection block 140 can be used for this purpose. Similarly, the ambient light can na ^¬ Türlich also in the form of a LED lighting in the manual operating part 100, the lights down can be realized.

In some embodiments, the display 165 or the LCD itself may also be used as ambient light. It is particularly advantageous if the display surface of the display 165 extends beyond the width of the docking station 200 and is thus visible. Use of the display 165 has the pre ^¬ in part, that the ambient light in different colors, with ^¬ can be realized game, depending on the mood.

The ambient light function can, for example, on the one hand enable operation of the manual control unit even in the dark. On the other hand, a pleasant and less aufdringli ^¬ che illumination can thus be achieved without the need of switching on a full room lighting is necessary. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show further illustrations of the hand-held control unit 100 with the docking station 200.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a bed ^¬ system with an electrically adjustable bed 300 and a hand control part 100 with docking station 200 in accordance with one of the embodiments described above. The docking station 200 is, for example, via the cable 210 with a arranged in bed 300, not visible here furniture control connected, which controls corresponding Versteilmotoren the bed 300. In addition to or instead of a Versteilmotor other elements, such as a heater, a massage motor for a massage function or the like can be controlled by the furniture control. Control functions are preferably transmitted from the hand control unit 100 via a wireless interface to the furniture control. The cable 210 serves We ^¬ sentlichen the power supply of the hand operating part 100. In addition to the application for a bed in accordance with Figure 5, the hand control unit 100 like the docking station 200 with other electrically adjustable furniture, particularly in seats such as adjustable reclining armchairs, electrically adjustable couches or be used.

The manual control device 100 is also suitable for use in the care sector, where physically limited users can still perform the most important functions on the hand control unit itself, while more complicated settings can be made for example by specialized personnel with the same hand control panel.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Hand control part (100) for a furniture control, which is intended in ^particular for seating or reclining furniture (300), the hand control part (100) comprising a housing (101) with a top (110) and a bottom (160), where ^¬ at

a first control panel and a third control panel (120, 130) are defined on the top side (110);

a second control panel and a fourth control panel (170, 180) are defined on the underside (160), which are arranged opposite the first and third control panels (120, 130);

an actuation of the first control panel (120, 130) triggers a first control signal;

actuation of the second control panel (170, 180) triggers the first control signal;

actuation of the third control panel (130) triggers a second control signal;

actuation of the fourth control panel (180) triggers the second control signal; and

the housing (101) is movably mounted at least in the area of the first and third control panels (120, 130) via pushbuttons arranged in the housing (101) in such a way that a first of these pushbuttons is activated by moving the housing in the area of the first control panel (120). ^¬ is made and that a second of these pushbuttons is actuated by moving the housing in the area of the third control panel (130).

2. Hand control part (100) according to claim 1,

in which the underside (160) has a flat or ^essentially flat first area and at least one has a second area inclined with respect to the first area, the second and fourth control panels (170, 180) being defined in the second, inclined area.

Hand control part (100) according to claim 2,

in which a function selection button (191) is arranged in the second, inclined area, which is provided in particular for ^selecting an operating option for the manual control part (100).

Hand control part (100) according to claim 3,

in which the first area forms a main support surface of the ^underside (160), the function selection button (191) being arranged at a distance from a plane formed by the ^main support surface.

Hand control part (100) according to claim 3 or 4,

in which a display device (192) is arranged in the second, inclined area, which is intended to display a selected operating option of the hand control part (100).

Hand control part (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which a display (165), in particular a graphic display or a liquid crystal display, is provided in the first area.

7. Hand control part (100) according to claim 6,

in which the display (165) has a touch-sensitive control surface.

Hand control part (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a wireless communication module, which is set up for data exchange with a furniture control, in particular for transmitting control commands to the furniture control.

9. Hand control part (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which one or ^more selection buttons (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) are additionally provided on the top (110).

10. Hand control part (100) according to claim 9,

which is set up to transmit a stored sequence of control commands to a furniture control coupled to the manual control part (100) when one of the selection buttons (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) is pressed.

11. Hand control system with a hand control part (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and with a docking station (200) for receiving the hand control part (100), the hand control part (100) received in the docking station (200) being connected by appropriate electrical contact from the Docking station (200) is supplied with power, in ^particular for charging an energy storage unit of the handheld ^control part (100).

12. Manual operating system according to claim 11,

in which the docking station (200) has electrical contacts (220) which can be received in a recess (162) on the underside (160) of the hand control part (100).

13. Manual operating system according to claim 11 or 12,

in which the docking station (200) and/or the hand control part (100) has a lighting element, and in which the hand control part (100) has a proximity sensor and/or has a touch-sensitive sensor and / or a button, which can trigger the lighting element to be switched on.

14. Manual operating system according to one of claims 11 to 13,

in which the docking station (200) ^has a USB socket, via which a power supply is provided for devices connected to it.

15. Manual operating system according to one of claims 11 to 14,

in which a serial data connection between the

Docking station (200) and the hand control part (100) ^can be seen.

16. Furniture control system with a manual control system according to one of claims 11 to 15 and with a furniture control which is coupled to the manual control part (100) for receiving ^control commands and which is set up to have at least one motor and / or a heater of an electrically adjustable to control the furniture.

17. Electrically adjustable bed (300) with a furniture ^control system according to claim 16.

18. Electrically adjustable armchair with a furniture control system according to claim 16.