Control knob

Abstract

A control knob includes: an encoder assembly configured to convert rotation and axial input movement into an electronic signal; and a knob assembly attached to the encoder assembly and configured to be operated by a user, where the encoder assembly includes a shaft encoder having a shaft configured to rotate and move axially about an axis of rotation, the knob assembly includes an external knob element configured to be operated by a user, the knob assembly further includes a bushing configured to be coupled to the shaft encoder and the external knob element, the knob assembly includes an outer knob element and a bushing defining a cylindrical cavity inside the outer knob element, where the bushing has an opening toward a first side of the outer knob element, the first side facing the encoder assembly, the knob assembly further includes a driver element that transmits movement of the outer knob element to the shaft encoder, the encoder assembly further includes a bearing collar, and the bearing collar is coupled to the driver element. The shaft encoder extends from the first side towards the second side into the interior volume of the bearing collar, and the driver element extends between the shaft of the shaft encoder and the bearing collar into the interior volume of the bearing collar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control knob, and in particular to a control knob that allows rotational motion as well as linear motion. Background Art

[0002] Control knobs are used in many different applications. For example, in a media device, a control knob can be used to adjust or tweak different parameters, such as, for example, the volume of sound output by the media device. Generally speaking, a control knob is a rotating device that can be used to provide manual input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system when grasped and turned by an operator. Different degrees of knob rotation typically correspond to different desired inputs. A control knob is a simple type of input hardware and is very common in different types of control systems. Common control knobs work by turning a shaft connected to a component (e.g., an encoder) that produces the actual input.

[0003] There is a need for a control knob that allows linear motion in addition to rotational motion, has a high quality feel and operates smoothly with minimal play, maximum support stiffness and high precision, and can be manufactured at low cost. Summary of the invention

[0004] A control knob includes: an encoder assembly configured to convert rotational and axial input movement into electronic signals; and a knob assembly attached to the encoder assembly and configured to be operated by a user, wherein the encoder assembly includes a shaft encoder having a shaft configured to rotate around a rotation axis and move axially along the rotation axis, the knob assembly includes an outer knob element configured to be operated by a user, and the knob assembly also includes a bushing defining a cylindrical cavity inside the outer knob element, wherein the bushing has an opening toward a first side of the outer knob element, the first The encoder assembly is side-facing, the knob assembly also includes a driver element, which extends from a second side opposite to the first side into the bushing and surrounds the shaft of the shaft encoder to transmit the movement of the external knob element to the shaft encoder, the encoder assembly also includes a bearing ring, the bearing ring defines an internal volume, the internal volume is open toward the first side and toward a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the shaft encoder extends from the first side toward the second side into the internal volume of the bearing ring, and the driver element extends from the second side toward the first side and into the internal volume of the bearing ring between the shaft of the shaft encoder and the bearing ring.

[0005] Other systems, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are intended to be included within this description, within the scope of the present invention and protected by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The device can be better understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. The components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather emphasize illustrating the principles of the present invention. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0007] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a control knob including an encoder assembly and a knob assembly is schematically shown.

[0008] Figure 2 Schematically illustrated is an exploded view of an encoder assembly of a control knob according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 3D view of the encoder assembly in its assembled state.

[0010] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 2 Front view of the encoder assembly in its assembled state.

[0011] Figure 5 Schematically shows Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the encoder assembly.

[0012] Figure 6 An exploded view of a knob assembly of a control knob according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0013] Figure 7 Schematically shows Figure 6 3D and cross-sectional views of the bushing of the knob assembly.

[0014] Figure 8 Schematically shows Figure 6 A 3D view of the knob assembly in its assembled state.

[0015] Fig. 9 Schematically shows Figure 6 A rear view of the knob assembly in its assembled state.

[0016] Fig.10 Schematically shows Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the knob assembly.

[0017] Fig.11 An exploded three-dimensional view of a knob assembly of a control knob according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0018] Fig.12 Schematically illustrated is an exploded cross-sectional view of a control knob according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.13 Schematically shows Fig.12 3D exploded cross-section view of a control knob.

[0020] Fig.14 Schematically illustrated is an exploded three-dimensional view of a control knob according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.15 Schematically shown from different perspectives Fig.14 Exploded 3D view of the control knob.

[0022] Fig.16 Schematically shows Fig.14 A partially assembled control knob.

[0023] Fig.17 Schematically shows Fig.15 A partially assembled control knob.

[0024] Fig.18 The axial movement of the knob assembly is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 19 (including Fig.19A and Fig.19B ) schematically shows a side view of a control knob in its assembled state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.19A ) and the front view ( Fig.19B ). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a control knob 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The control knob 100 includes: an encoder assembly 200, which is configured to convert rotational and axial input movement into electronic signals; and a knob assembly 300, which is attached to the encoder assembly 200 and is configured to be operated by a user. The knob assembly 300 is generally a visible portion of the control knob 100 and covers the encoder assembly 200. The encoder assembly 200 includes a shaft encoder 202, which is configured to rotate around a rotation axis A1 and move axially along the rotation axis A1. The shaft encoder 202 is well known and is also commonly referred to as a rotary encoder. The shaft encoder 202 is a device capable of detecting the rotation angle of its shaft, for example relative to a base element. Shaft encoders are commonly used for control knobs. In general, absolute shaft encoders and incremental encoders are known. An absolute shaft encoder can determine the current position of its shaft from the moment the shaft encoder is powered on, while an incremental encoder can immediately detect a position change, but generally cannot track the absolute shaft position.

[0027] For example, an absolute shaft encoder can use a mechanical, magnetic, or optical sensor with a rotating disk to determine the position of the shaft. Mechanical encoders use sliding contacts and a disk with a metal pattern that is designed to encode the shaft position. Magnetic encoders sense the position of a magnetic strip on a disk, while optical encoders read specially encoded light and dark areas. Position data in an absolute shaft encoder is output in digital or analog form, which usually depends on the design of the device. For example, digital data can be represented in binary, gray code, or decimal encoded and decoded by binary. Incremental shaft encoders (also commonly referred to as orthogonal encoders) measure relative shaft movement. This type of shaft encoder usually uses only two optical or mechanical sensors from one angle to the next. In order to track the current position of the shaft, an external circuit can be used to calculate the shaft movement from a reference point. For example, in a mechanical encoder, a cam on the shaft contacts a mechanical sensor to indicate the shaft position. An optical encoder can determine movement by reading a light and dark coded track (e.g., by a photodiode). The shaft encoder 202 included in the control knob 100 as described herein can be implemented in any suitable manner and is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0028] The knob assembly 300 includes an external knob element 302 configured to be operated by a user. The knob assembly 300 is typically the portion that is contacted by the user's hand. The knob assembly 300 also includes a bushing 306 that defines a cylindrical cavity inside the external knob element 302, wherein the bushing 306 has an opening toward a first side of the external knob element 302, the first side facing the encoder assembly 200. The first side of the external knob element 302 is typically not visible to the user because it faces the encoder assembly 200. The knob assembly 300 also includes a driver element 304 that extends from a second side of the bushing 306 opposite the first side into the bushing 306. When the control knob is fully assembled, the driver element 304 surrounds the shaft of the shaft encoder 202 to transmit the movement of the external knob element 302 to the shaft encoder 202. The shaft of the shaft encoder 202 is typically small, and it would be awkward for a user to rotate the shaft without the knob assembly 300. The knob assembly 300 provides a convenient interface for the user because the external knob element 302 is typically much larger than the shaft of the shaft encoder 202. Further, the external knob element 302 is much more aesthetically pleasing than the shaft encoder 202. The bushing 306 and the driver element 304 are securely attached to the external knob element 302 in any suitable manner so that they rotate with the external knob element 302. Because the driver element 304 tightly surrounds the shaft of the shaft encoder 202, movement of the external knob element 302 is reliably transmitted to the shaft encoder 202.

[0029] Still refer to Figure 1 , the encoder assembly 200 further includes a bearing collar 206 that defines an interior volume that is open toward a first side and toward a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the bearing collar 206 is the side that faces toward the knob assembly 300. The shaft encoder 202 extends into the interior volume of the bearing collar 206 from the first side toward the second side. The driver element 304 extends into the interior volume of the bearing collar 206 from the second side toward the first side and between the shaft of the shaft encoder 202 and the bearing collar 206. That is, when the control knob 100 is fully assembled, the bearing collar 206 extends around at least a portion of the shaft encoder 202 and around at least a portion of the driver element 304.

[0030] Figure 1 The partially assembled control knob 100 is schematically shown. Specifically, the encoder assembly 200 is fully assembled, wherein the bearing collar 206 is arranged to surround at least the shaft of the shaft encoder 202, and the knob assembly 300 is fully assembled, wherein the driver element 304 extends into the bushing 306. However, in Figure 1In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 , the knob assembly 300 and the encoder assembly 200 have not yet been placed together. When the encoder assembly 200 and the knob assembly 300 are placed together and the user rotates the external knob element 302, the driver element 304 firmly attached to the shaft encoder 202 transmits the movement of the external knob element 302 to the shaft encoder 202.

[0031] The bushing 306 may have a smooth inner surface facing toward the cylindrical cavity, and the bearing collar 206 may have a smooth outer surface facing away from the shaft encoder 202 disposed within the interior volume defined by the bearing collar 206. Figure 1 As schematically shown in , the inner diameter r306 of the bushing 306 may correspond to the outer diameter r206 of the bearing collar 306 or may be slightly larger than the outer diameter. For example, the inner diameter r306 of the bushing 306 may be at most 0.1 mm, at most 0.25 mm, or at most 0.5 mm (millimeter) larger than the outer diameter r206 of the bearing collar 206. In this way, when the external knob element 302 is operated by the user, the inner surface of the bushing 306 slides smoothly along the outer surface of the bearing collar 206. That is, the bearing collar 206 provides a smooth surface for the bushing 306 to run on. This greatly improves the maneuverability of the control knob 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 The control knob 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a high degree of accuracy because the movement of the outer knob element 302 is directly transmitted to the shaft encoder 202 via the driver element 304. On the other hand, the knob assembly 300 can be smoothly operated by the user and greatly improves the user experience. On the other hand, the above effects can be achieved by relatively inexpensive components, thereby realizing a very low-cost, high-precision control knob arrangement. Since the knob assembly 300 is always maintained concentric with respect to the shaft encoder 202, any unintentional swing of the knob assembly 300 during its use is avoided by sliding the bushing 306 along the surface of the bearing collar 206.

[0032] Figures 2 to 5 The encoder assembly 200 is shown in further detail, wherein Figure 2 Schematically shows a partial exploded view of the encoder assembly of the control knob 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the encoder assembly 200 in its assembled state, Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 2 A front view of the encoder assembly 200 in its assembled state, and Figure 5 Schematically shows Figure 2306. The arrangement of the bearing collar 206 relative to the shaft encoder 202 can be clearly seen in these figures. Similar to the inner surface of the bushing 306, the outer periphery of the bearing collar 206 is cylindrical to provide a surface for the bushing 306 to run on. The interior volume defined by the bearing collar 206 is at least partially cylindrical. For example, a first section of the bearing collar 206 can be cylindrical, the first section surrounding the shaft of the shaft encoder 202, which is connected to the driver element 304 ( Figures 2 to 5 The inner diameter or radius of the first section may be greater than the outer diameter or radius of the shaft of the shaft encoder 202 and greater than the outer diameter or radius of the driver element 304. In this way, there is enough space between the shaft and the bearing collar 206 to allow the driver element 304 to securely engage with the shaft.

[0033] The second section of the bearing collar 206 may define a non-cylindrical interior volume. The first section and the second section of the interior volume defined by the bearing collar are Figure 5 206 are separated by a dashed line. The shape of the internal volume defined by the second section may correspond at least in part to the shape of the shaft encoder 202 (e.g., the shape of the base element). In this way, the bearing collar 206 can be securely attached to the shaft encoder 202 while still allowing the driver element 304 to engage with the shaft. The bearing collar 206 can be attached to the base element of the shaft encoder 202 so that when the external knob element 302 rotates, the bearing collar also remains stationary. For example, the second section of the bearing collar 206 may include threads, and the base element of the shaft encoder 202 may include reverse threads so that the bearing collar 206 can be screwed onto the shaft encoder 202. As an alternative or in addition to the shaft encoder 202, the bearing collar 202 can also be attached to the protective panel 204. The protective panel 204 is optional and will be described in further detail below. The shape of the internal volume of the bearing collar 206 is generally less important because the bearing collar is primarily configured to provide a surface and a rigid fixing device for the bushing 306 to run on.

[0034] The shaft encoder 202 may be coupled to a plate or protective panel 204, such as Figures 2 to 5 . The shaft encoder 202 includes a shaft and may also include a base element, wherein the shaft of the shaft encoder 202 is movable relative to the base element. The protective panel 204 may have a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface and a hole extending from the first main surface through the protective panel 204 to the second main surface. The shaft encoder 202 may extend through the hole in the protective panel 204, so that the base element is at least partially arranged on a first side of the protective panel 204, and the shaft of the shaft element 202 is arranged on a second side of the protective panel 204. That is, the protective panel 204 may be considered to carry the shaft encoder 202. As shown in FIG. Figure 5As schematically shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the base member may extend partially through a hole in the protective panel 204. The interface between the base member and the shaft is provided by Figure 5 . When the shaft of the shaft encoder 202 rotates, the protective panel 204 does not rotate with the shaft but remains stationary, just as the base element remains stationary. In the accompanying drawings, the protective panel 204 has a circular shape. However, this is only an example. The protective panel 204 may alternatively have any other suitable shape.

[0035] Reference now Figures 6 to 11 , the knob assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in further detail. Figure 6 A partial exploded view of a knob assembly 300 of a control knob 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 6 The knob assembly 300 is shown as seen from the rear side (ie, from the side facing the encoder assembly 200). Figure 6 In the figure, the outer knob element 302 and the driver element 304 arranged inside the volume defined by the outer knob element 302 can be seen. The bushing 306 in this view has not yet been inserted into the outer knob element 302. As can be seen and shown in Figure 7 As shown in further detail in , the bushing 306 can be a very simple component having an inner diameter d1 and an outer diameter d2. The inner volume defined by the bushing 306 is cylindrical so as to be able to run smoothly along the outer surface of the bearing collar 206 which is also cylindrical.

[0036] The lips of the bushing 306 towards its first side and towards its second side may be rounded or angled, i.e., sharp edges (α1=0°, α2=0°) between the inner surface and the lateral surfaces facing the first and second ends and between the outer surface and the lateral surfaces may be avoided, e.g., to facilitate assembly.

[0037] The bushing 306 can be retained in the external knob element 302, for example, by a precision interference fit. An interference fit (also commonly referred to as a press fit or friction fit) is generally a form of fastening between two closely fitting mating parts that creates a joint that is held together by friction after the corresponding parts are pushed together. However, alternatively, the bushing 306 can be attached to the external knob element 302 in any other suitable manner, or can even be formed integrally with the external knob element 302. The bushing 306 provides an interface between the movable external knob element 302 and the fixed encoder assembly 200.

[0038] Figure 8 Schematically shows Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the knob assembly in its assembled state, and Fig. 9 Schematically shows Figure 6The rear view of the knob assembly in its assembled state. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The knob assembly 300 shown in FIG. 1 is ready to be pushed, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 On the encoder assembly 200 shown in . Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The knob assembly 300 is shown from the rear side (ie, from the side that faces toward the encoder assembly 200 in the fully assembled state and is therefore not normally visible to a user). Fig.10 Schematically shows Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the knob assembly of FIG. 1 , wherein the bushing 306 has not yet been mated with the outer knob element 302 .

[0039] According to one example, the driver element 304 can be integrally formed with the outer knob element 302. Referring now to Fig.11 As shown in the exploded three-dimensional view of FIG. 3 , the knob assembly 300 may alternatively further include a panel element 308 arranged to cover a second side of the bushing 306, wherein the second side of the bushing 306 is a side facing away from the encoder assembly 200 in a fully assembled state. The driver element 304 may extend from the panel element 308 into the bushing 306. Fig.11 As schematically shown in FIG. 3 , the panel element 308 may be attached to the external knob element 302, for example, by one or more screws 310. According to one example, the driver element 304 and the panel element 308 are integrally formed as a single piece. However, the driver element 304 may also be attached to the panel element 308 in any other suitable manner (e.g., by gluing, screwing, etc.). In order to hide the panel element 308 and / or any other components (e.g., screws 310) arranged inside the external knob element 302, the knob assembly 300 may also include a cover 312, which is arranged to hide the panel element 308 and / or any other components arranged inside the external knob element 302.

[0040] Reference now Fig.12 , schematically illustrating an exploded cross-sectional view of a control knob according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 Schematically shows Fig.12 3D exploded cross-sectional view of control knob 100 . Fig.14 schematically illustrates an exploded three-dimensional view of a control knob according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.15 Schematically shown from different perspectives Fig.14 Exploded 3D view of the control knob. Fig.16 The diagram is schematically shown from a first perspective (front side) Fig.14 of the control knob in a partially assembled state, and Fig.17 Schematically shows Fig.15 of a control knob in a partially assembled state. That is, Fig.17 The diagram is schematically shown from different perspectives (side) Fig.16 The partially assembled control knob 100. Figures 14 to 17 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the control knob 100 may also include a circuit board 208, wherein the base element of the shaft encoder 202 is coupled to the circuit board 208. The circuit board 208 may carry circuitry and components required to convert, for example, rotational and axial input movement of the knob assembly 300 into electrical signals. Figures 14 to 17 Further schematically shown is a panel or aperture 400. The panel or aperture 400 may carry the protective panel 204 and may conceal components of the encoder assembly 200. For example, the panel or aperture 400 may be part of a housing of a media device.

[0041] As described in detail above, the control knob 100 is configured to convert a rotational input movement into an electrical signal. However, the control knob 100 may also be configured to convert an axial input movement into an electrical signal. The shaft encoder 202 may include a push switch (not specifically shown). The push switch may be closed when the knob assembly 300 moves axially along the rotation axis A1 toward the encoder assembly 200, and may be opened when the knob assembly 300 subsequently moves axially along the rotation axis A1 away from the encoder assembly 200. Encoder switches 202 that provide such functionality are well known. Fig.18 The axial movement of the knob assembly 300 is schematically shown. Fig.18 In the upper portion (above the rotation axis A1), the knob assembly 300 is shown in its normal position (e.g., the push switch is off). Fig.18 300 is shown in the pushed-in position (e.g., the push-button switch is closed) at the lower portion of the outer knob element 302 (below the rotation axis A1). That is, the user can push the outer knob element 302 toward the encoder assembly 200. All parts that are firmly attached to the outer knob element 302 (such as, for example, the bushing 304 and the driver element 304) are pushed toward the encoder assembly 200 together with the outer knob element 302. The outer knob element 302 may be slightly displaced from its normal position (e.g., x1<3mm, or x1<1mm, depending on the operation of the specific encoder used) and then may return to its normal position.

[0042] Since the shaft of the shaft encoder 202 is tightly connected to the driver element 304, the shaft will also move axially with the external knob element 302. The shaft is not only rotatable, but also axially movable relative to the base element. That is, the shaft can move in a direction toward the base element. The push switch can be located in the base element and can be activated (e.g., closed) when the shaft moves toward the base element along the rotation axis A1. As can be seen from the figure, the control knob can allow the knob assembly 300 to be axially displaced relative to the encoder assembly 200. For example, the distance l3 between the external knob element 302 and the protective panel 204 can be greater than or at least equal to the maximum displacement x1 of the knob assembly 300 toward the protective panel 204. Furthermore, the internal volume defined by the bearing collar 206 can be large enough to allow the driver element 304 to move axially. The bearing collar 206 (see FIG. 2 ) located at the interface between the first section and the second section Figure 5 ) may provide an end stop for the driver element 304 to limit axial displacement of the knob assembly 300.

[0043] Fig.19A A side view of an exemplary control knob is schematically shown to visualize the axial displacement of the knob assembly 300 relative to the encoder assembly 200 . Fig.19B A front view of an exemplary control knob is schematically shown to visualize the rotational movement of the knob assembly 300 about the rotation axis A1 .

[0044] The knob assembly 300 of the control knob 100 as described above is rigidly supported on the encoder assembly. This gives the user a high-quality feel when operating the knob assembly 300 (i.e., the outer knob element 302). In addition, the shaft encoder 202 can be operated consistently and smoothly by the arrangement as described above. That is, the knob assembly 300 can move smoothly. The rotation and axial movement of the outer knob element 302 operate the shaft encoder 202 consistently and smoothly. Since the knob assembly 300 fits tightly on the bearing collar 206 to eliminate the feeling of "looseness", the arrangement disclosed herein only allows for minimal play or minimal clearance between the knob assembly 300 and the encoder assembly 200, especially between the bushing 306 and the bearing collar 206. This reduces slack or play. The knob assembly 300 is rigidly supported on the encoder assembly 200 to eliminate any "wobble", thereby giving the user of the control knob 100 a high-quality feel.

[0045] It is understood that the systems shown above are merely examples. Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Specifically, the technician will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Although these techniques and systems have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it should be understood that these techniques and systems can be extended to other embodiments and / or their uses and obvious modifications beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited except according to the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0046] The description of the embodiment has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. Suitable modifications and variations of the embodiment may be performed according to the above description or may be obtained by the practice method. The arrangement is exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. As used in this application, elements listed in singular form and preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood as not excluding multiple elements, unless such exclusion is indicated. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" or "an example" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the listed features. The terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used only as labels, without the intention of imposing numerical requirements or specific positional order on their objects. The system is exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations disclosed and other features, functions and / or properties. The following claims specifically point out the subject matter that is considered to be novel and non-obvious from the above disclosure.

Claims

1. A control knob (100), comprising: an encoder assembly (200) configured to convert rotational and axial input movement into electronic signals; and a knob assembly (300) attached to the encoder assembly (200) and configured to be operated by a user, wherein The encoder assembly (200) includes a shaft encoder (202) having a shaft configured to rotate about a rotation axis (A1) and to move axially along the rotation axis (A1), The knob assembly (300) includes an external knob element (302) configured to be operated by a user. The knob assembly (300) further comprises a bushing (306) defining a cylindrical cavity inside the outer knob element (302), wherein the bushing (306) has an opening toward a first side of the outer knob element (302), the first side facing toward the encoder assembly (200), The knob assembly (300) further includes a driver element (304) extending from a second side opposite the first side into the bushing (306) and surrounding the shaft of the shaft encoder (202) to transmit movement of the outer knob element (302) to the shaft encoder (202), The encoder assembly (200) further includes a cylindrical bearing collar (206) defining an interior volume that is open toward a first side and toward a second side opposite the first side, wherein the shaft encoder (202) extends into the interior volume of the bearing collar (206) from the first side toward the second side, The driver element (304) extends from the second side toward the first side and between the shaft of the shaft encoder (202) and the bearing ring (206) into the interior volume of the bearing ring (206).

2. The control knob (100) of claim 1, wherein The bushing (306) has a smooth inner surface facing the cylindrical cavity, The bearing ring (206) has a smooth outer surface, the smooth outer surface facing away from the shaft encoder (202) arranged inside the inner volume defined by the bearing ring (206), The inner diameter (r306) of the bushing (306) corresponds to the outer diameter (r206) of the bearing ring (306) or is at most 0.5 mm larger than the outer diameter, and When the outer knob element (302) is operated by a user, the inner surface of the bushing (306) slides smoothly along the outer surface of the bearing collar (206).

3. The control knob (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft encoder (202) further comprises a base element, wherein the shaft of the shaft encoder (202) is movable relative to the base element.

4. The control knob (100) of claim 3, further comprising a protective panel (204), the protective panel (204) having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface and a hole extending from the first major surface through the protective panel (204) to the second major surface, wherein The shaft encoder (202) extends through the hole in the protective panel (204) such that the base element is at least partially arranged on a first side of the protective panel (204) and the shaft of the shaft encoder (202) is arranged on a second side of the protective panel (204).

5. The control knob (100) of claim 3 or 4, further comprising a circuit board (208), wherein the base element of the shaft encoder (202) is coupled to the circuit board (208).

6. A control knob (100) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the knob assembly (300) includes a panel element (308) arranged to cover the second side of the bushing (306), wherein the driver element (304) extends from the panel element (308) into the bushing (306).

7. The control knob (100) of claim 6, wherein the panel element (308) is attached to the outer knob element (302) by one or more screws (310).

8. The control knob (100) of claim 6 or 7, further comprising a cover (312) attached to the outer knob element (302) and arranged to conceal the panel element (308).

9. The control knob (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the driver element (304) and the panel element (308) are integrally formed.

10. A control knob (100) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft encoder (202) includes a push switch, wherein the push switch is closed when the knob assembly (300) moves axially along the rotation axis (A1) toward the encoder assembly (200), and then opens when the knob assembly (300) moves axially along the rotation axis (A1) away from the encoder assembly (200).

11. The control knob (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing collar (206) comprises a first section defining a cylindrical interior volume and a second section comprising a thread, and wherein the bearing collar (206) is screwed onto the shaft encoder (202).

12. The control knob (100) of claim 11, wherein the second section of the bearing collar (206) provides an end stop for the driver element (304) so ​​as to limit axial displacement of the knob assembly (300).

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