Haptic operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (1) having a stator unit (20) which can be fixed to a support structure and having a knob unit (30) which can be rotated relative to the stator unit (20) for setting an operating state by means of a rotational movement, and having a magnetorheological brake device (1) which has two brake parts (2, 3). One of the brake members (2, 3) is provided by the stator unit (20) and the other of the brake members (2, 3) is provided by the knob unit (30). The two brake parts (2, 3) are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation (11), the first brake part (2) comprising a core (12) made of a magnetically permeable material, and the second brake part (3) comprising a peripheral portion (13) extending about the first brake part (2). A circumferential gap (4) filled with a magnetorheological medium (14) is formed between the first and the second brake part (2, 3). An electrical coil (24) wound around the axis of rotation (11) and surrounding the core (21) is received between the peripheral portion (13) and the core (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a tactile operating device, which has at least one stator unit fixed to at least one carrier and at least one knob unit rotatable about the stator unit for setting an operating state by means of a rotational movement. The rotational movement can be braked in a targeted manner by means of a magnetorheological brake device, for example, for tactile feedback. Background Art

[0002] For the installation of the operating device in the device, only very limited installation space is usually available. This is the case, for example, when the operating device is used in a smart device (such as a smart watch or a smartphone) or in other confined areas and is used, for example, as a shutter in a camera. For example, DE 10 2015 110 634 A1 discloses an operating device that is already quite compact.

[0003] Despite the limited space conditions, the bearing of the rotor unit must be able to absorb considerable forces, such as pressure from the thumb or index finger during rotation. The brake device also requires a large amount of installation space in order to be able to reliably brake and even completely block the (finger) forces (tangential forces) that occur and the resulting movements (rotation; torque) (high torque). At the same time, the tactile feedback must also be very precise, so that, for example, high basic torques cannot occur. In addition, the gap must be reliably sealed so that the magnetorheological medium cannot escape.

[0004] However, these requirements cannot be met by simply scaling up or down the dimensions of known operating devices. Summary of the invention

[0005] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide a particularly compact haptic operating device which satisfies these requirements as largely as possible. For example, an outer diameter of less than 8 millimeters should be possible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a haptic operating device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the general description and from the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0007] The tactile operating device according to the present invention comprises at least one stator unit that can be fixed to a supporting structure. The operating device comprises at least one knob unit that can rotate relative to the stator unit. In particular, the operating state is set by means of a rotational movement or by rotating the rotating unit. The operating device comprises at least one magnetorheological brake device, which has at least two brake components. One of the brake components is provided by the stator unit. The other brake component of the brake components is provided by the knob unit. The two brake components can rotate relative to each other, especially continuously, around the rotation axis. The first brake component comprises at least one core made of a magnetically conductive material. The second brake component comprises a peripheral portion that preferably extends around the first brake component. In particular, the peripheral portion is configured to be hollow. A gap that is surrounded and at least partially filled with a magnetorheological medium is configured between the first and second brake components. At least one electric coil wound around the rotation axis is accommodated between the peripheral portion and the core component. In particular, the electric coil surrounds the core component at least partially.

[0008] Such an operating device provides an advantageous basis for small or minimal scales. The following embodiments each by themselves or in suitable combination with one another constitute an advantageous solution for designing the dimensions of the basis to very small proportions and at the same time achieving particularly low basic torques, reliable / robust support and sealing and very precise tactile feedback.

[0009] In particular, the stator unit comprises at least one hollow shaft which is connected to the first brake element in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0010] In particular, the knob unit comprises a shaft which is connected (rotationally fixed) to the second brake component. In particular, the shaft extends through the hollow shaft. In particular, the shaft is rotatably supported in the hollow shaft. This enables a load-bearing and smoothly running support even in the case of the smallest scaling dimensions. In particular, the hollow shaft is rotatably supported in the hollow shaft via at least one sliding bearing and preferably via at least two sliding bearings. In particular, the sliding bearing comprises at least one sleeve-shaped part. In particular, the part is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other slidable or slide-modified materials or plastics. Other suitable bearings and, for example, rolling bearings or the like are also feasible.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the knob unit and the stator unit are rotatably supported on each other only via the shaft and the hollow shaft. In particular, the knob unit is rotatably supported on the stator unit only by means of the shaft. In particular, the shaft is rotatably supported only on and / or in the hollow shaft.

[0012] The rotatable bearing of the shaft in the hollow shaft corresponds in particular to a radial bearing. It is possible to provide at least one axial bearing for axial forces. It is possible that the radial bearing is also designed to resist axial forces.

[0013] In particular, the shaft is rotatably supported relative to the hollow shaft by means of at least two bearing points and is preferably rotatably supported in the hollow shaft. In particular, only two bearing points are provided. However, it is also possible to provide at least three bearing points. In particular, each bearing point has a bearing element, and for example a sliding bearing element or the like.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bearing points have a spacing relative to one another which is greater than the maximum axial height of the knob housing of the knob unit. In particular, the spacing is the average spacing of the bearing points. It is also possible that the spacing is the net spacing between the bearing points. In particular, the ratio of the spacing to the axial height is greater than 1, and preferably greater than 1.2, and particularly preferably greater than 1.5. It is also possible and advantageous that this ratio is at least two or greater.

[0015] Preferably and advantageously, at least one of the bearing points is arranged outside the knob housing. In particular, at least one of the bearing points is arranged inside the knob housing and / or radially inside the first brake component, in particular the core. It is also possible and advantageous that at least two bearing points and in particular all bearing points are arranged outside the knob housing.

[0016] In particular, the first brake element and preferably the core are enclosed in and / or at the knob housing.

[0017] In particular, the gap and / or the coil are enclosed in the knob housing and / or at the knob housing. In particular, the peripheral part is arranged in the knob housing and / or at the knob housing. It is possible that all components of the knob unit except the shaft are arranged in the knob housing and / or at the knob housing, or provide a part of the knob housing. In other words, in an advantageous design, the knob unit is provided by the knob housing and the shaft. The peripheral part preferably provides the (radial) outer wall of the knob housing.

[0018] In particular, the shaft extends from the knob housing. In particular, the shaft extends from the knob housing only with one axial end. In particular, the shaft is connected to the knob housing (preferably with an end plate of the knob housing) with one axial end and is preferably connected in one piece.

[0019] The knob housing is in particular used to grasp the knob unit with one or more fingers in order to enable the knob unit to be turned. In particular, the knob housing defines a maximum radial extension or a maximum diameter of the knob unit. In particular, the knob unit does not protrude radially outwards beyond the knob housing. In particular, the knob housing defines an axial height of the knob unit, excluding the axis.

[0020] In a particularly preferred and advantageous design, the maximum height of the knob housing is smaller than the maximum diameter of the knob housing. In particular, the maximum height is smaller than half of the maximum diameter.

[0021] In particular, the maximum diameter of the knob housing is equal to or less than 20 mm, preferably equal to or less than 15 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 10 mm.

[0022] The operating device may include at least one button device. In particular, an input can be made by pressing the knob unit via the button device (press function or push function). It is thus possible that an operating state can be achieved not only by turning the knob unit but also by pressing the knob unit. The turning function is achieved in particular by turning the knob unit. Here, the knob unit is held in particular at the knob housing.

[0023] For the push function, it is in particular provided that the shaft can be moved axially relative to the first and second brake components by pressing the knob unit from the basic position. In other words, when the knob unit is pressed, the shaft moves relative to the first and second brake components. In particular, the shaft can be moved axially at least relative to a peripheral portion of the second brake component and / or relative to the entire first brake component and / or relative to the coil and / or relative to the gap.

[0024] Preferably, the shaft (for the pressing function) can be (axially) pushed into the hollow shaft. In particular, the shaft is pushed out of the hollow shaft with an axial end.

[0025] In particular, the shaft is movable relative to at least a portion of the knob housing. In particular, it is provided that, when pressure is applied to the knob housing, the shaft is pushed into the hollow shaft, while a portion of the knob housing remains fixed in position. In particular, the shaft is movable and preferably elastically connected to the portion of the knob housing. This connection can be achieved via a separate component and, for example, via a hinge. However, the connection can also be achieved via the knob housing itself. It is preferred and advantageous here that the shaft is arranged at a section of the knob housing that is at least partially flexible and preferably elastically constructed.

[0026] In particular, the section is elastically deformable. In particular, the section and the part (fixed relative to the shaft) of the shaft and the knob housing are firmly and preferably integrally connected to each other. For example, this connection can be realized in the form of a film hinge, or at least includes such a film hinge. The section of the knob housing is in particular an end plate or a part of an end plate. In particular, the end plate is at least partially elastically configured. In particular, the end plate enables a flexible and preferably elastic connection between the shaft and the part of the knob housing that is fixed relative to the shaft in the pressing function. Such a deformable section of the knob housing has the advantage that a seal can be omitted. Otherwise, interrupting the housing for the pressing function would require an additional service point, which consumes structural space and increases the basic friction.

[0027] In particular, at least one resetting device is provided. In particular, the shaft can be moved out of the hollow shaft into the basic position by means of the resetting device. Preferably, the resetting device is provided by deforming an elastically constructed section of the knob housing when pressed. In particular, the section is the above-described section of the knob housing. Preferably, the section returns to its original shape without a pressing operation.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the resetting device is constructed integrally with the knob housing and in particular with the end plate. The resetting device can alternatively or additionally be provided by another (separate) component. For example, an elastic element, such as a chuck (also called a chuck ball), can be arranged between the stator unit and the knob housing or between the shaft and the support structure at the distal end of the shaft facing away from the knob housing.

[0029] In particular, at least one sensor unit is provided for detecting a relative movement between the knob unit and the stator unit. It is advantageous and preferred that the sensor unit is arranged outside the knob housing and in particular also outside the hollow shaft. In particular, the sensor unit is arranged in a fixed position at the stator unit and / or at a non-operating structure. In particular, the sensor unit is arranged adjacent to a section of the shaft extending from the hollow shaft. In particular, the sensor unit overlaps the shaft in a radial direction. In particular, the sensor unit overlaps the hollow shaft in an axial direction. This should mean that the sensor unit in particular hits the hollow shaft when the sensor unit (hypothetically) moves in the axial direction.

[0030] In particular, the sensor unit is used to detect the rotational movement. It is also possible and preferred that the sensor unit is designed to detect the axial movement for the pressing function. A separate sensor unit can also be provided for this purpose.

[0031] In particular, the sensor unit has a spacing with the coil that corresponds to at least 75% or at least 100% of the spacing between the bearing points. In particular, the sensor unit has a spacing with the coil that is greater than the maximum axial height of the knob housing (e.g. 1, 2 or 1.5 times or more).

[0032] In particular, at least one sealing device for sealing the gap is arranged between the knob unit and the stator unit. In particular, the sealing device extends between the knob housing and the hollow shaft. In particular, the sealing device seals (only) between the peripheral part and / or the bottom part and the hollow shaft. In particular, the gap is sealed only on the side facing away from the upper side of the knob housing or the end plate (lower side). The knob housing is in particular continuously closed at the upper side.

[0033] Preferably, the sealing device is arranged at and / or in the knob housing and preferably is arranged only at and / or in the knob housing. In particular, the sealing device is arranged at least partially radially inside the coil. In particular, the sealing device is connected to the knob unit only via the knob housing and preferably is connected to the knob unit via the bottom plate of the knob housing. Preferably, the sealing device is connected to the stator unit via a hollow shaft and preferably is connected to the stator unit only via the hollow shaft.

[0034] Preferably, the sealing device is designed as a contactless seal, in particular with at least one free sealing gap. The sealing device can be designed as a contactless seal with at least one sealing fluid closing the sealing gap.

[0035] In particular, the sealing fluid is different from the magnetorheological medium (e.g. particle size and / or type). In particular, the sealing fluid is fixed by a magnetic field. The sealing fluid is preferably designed as a ferrofluid or a similar fluid. In particular, the sealing device comprises at least one (permanent) magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field.

[0036] In particular, the sealing fluid reacts to the magnetic field without hardening. In particular, the viscosity of the sealing fluid does not increase significantly under the influence of the magnetic field. For example, the carrier fluid can be an aqueous solution, water, oil, wax or the like. Other carrier fluids suitable for sealing and for receiving magnetizable sealing particles are also feasible. The sealing fluid can include additives, such as surfactants, stabilizers and the like. In particular, the sealing particles are stabilized by means of a surface coating, preferably by means of a polymer surface coating.

[0037] It is also possible and advantageous for the sealing fluid to be designed as a barrier grease. The sealing fluid is then fixed, in particular (also) due to its viscosity.

[0038] The sealing device can comprise at least one labyrinth seal with at least two or more labyrinth walls, or can be configured as such a labyrinth seal. Here, a free sealing gap and / or a sealing gap closed with a sealing fluid can be configured between the labyrinth walls.

[0039] The sealing device can also be configured as a contact seal and then in particular closes at least one free sealing gap in a contacting manner.For this reason, the sealing device can comprise at least one sealing means made of an elastomer or felt or the like.

[0040] Preferably, the magnetorheological medium comprises magnetorheological particles and a gas as a filling medium. In particular, the magnetorheological particles are received in air. In particular, the magnetorheological medium is designed as a powder. With such a magnetorheological medium, the invention proposed here can achieve a particularly low basic moment. An advantage of the particles received in the gas is also that a balancing volume can be omitted, which is otherwise required in the case of a liquid medium due to temperature fluctuations. However, liquid media are also possible, for example oil as a filling medium.

[0041] It is particularly preferred that the magnetorheological particles (respectively) consist essentially of carbonyl iron powder or a derivative thereof. Other magnetorheologically reactive particles are also feasible. The magnetorheological particles may have a coating and / or additional components for wear protection and / or corrosion protection to design the magnetorheological particles to be more stable, more wear-resistant and / or more slidable during operation. For example, the magnetorheological medium and / or the magnetorheological particles may include a graphite additive.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the core is connected to the hollow shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the first brake part is designed in one piece. It is possible and advantageous that the core is connected to the hollow shaft in one piece. It is also possible and advantageous that the core is firmly joined to the hollow shaft and, for example, is pressed. An adhesive connection or the like is also possible. In particular, the hollow shaft can be mounted directly or indirectly on the support structure.

[0043] In particular, the core piece is connected to the hollow shaft via a carrier plate. In particular, the carrier plate extends in a flange-like manner at one end of the hollow shaft. The carrier plate can be constructed in one piece with the hollow shaft and / or with the core piece. In a particularly preferred design, the carrier plate is connected in one piece with the hollow shaft. Here, the core piece is preferably engaged with the carrier plate and, for example, pressed. However, the core piece can also be constructed in one piece with the carrier plate. The carrier plate can be provided by the core piece or can be provided by the hollow shaft or can be constructed as a component separate from the core piece and the hollow shaft.

[0044] It is particularly preferred and advantageous that the stator unit is constructed together with the knob unit as a single component to be actuated during assembly. In particular, the component comprises a hollow shaft and a first brake component fixed to the hollow shaft (via a carrier plate) or consists of these components. It is preferred and advantageous that the stator unit consists only of a hollow shaft and a first brake component fixed to the hollow shaft (via a carrier plate) (the first brake component is preferably provided only by the core).

[0045] Preferably, the core is designed in an annular shape. Preferably, the core has at least one circumferential receiving area for the coil on the radially outer side. Preferably, the core has at least one circumferential gap contour on the radially outer side. Preferably, the gap contour comprises at least one star-shaped contour or is designed as such a star-shaped contour. In particular, the star-shaped contour has a plurality of magnetic field concentrators protruding in the direction of the gap. In particular, this results in a circumferential gap with a variable gap height. The gap contour can also be designed flat or cylindrical, so that no variable gap height is produced.

[0046] In particular, at least two gap contours are provided. Preferably, the receiving area is arranged between at least two gap contours. In particular, the coil is recessed between the two gap contours. In particular, the gap contour protrudes beyond the coil in the direction of the peripheral portion.

[0047] In particular, the hollow shaft is arranged radially inside the core. In particular, the carrier disc extends between the core and the hollow shaft. The core can also be referred to as an annular core.

[0048] In all embodiments, it is preferred and advantageous if the knob unit comprises a shaft connected to the peripheral part in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, at least one electrical line for the coil extends between the shaft and the hollow shaft. In particular, the line extends through the wall of the hollow shaft and / or through the carrier disk into a receiving area leading to the coil.

[0049] It is advantageous and preferred if the shaft projects out of the stator unit and in particular out of the hollow shaft at an axial end facing away from the rotary knob unit.

[0050] It is also preferred and advantageous that the shaft protrudes from the stator unit and in particular from the hollow shaft at the axial end facing the knob unit. In particular, the shaft protrudes from the stator unit and in particular from the hollow shaft at two opposite axial ends. In particular, the hollow shaft is designed to be shorter than the shaft.

[0051] In an advantageous improvement, the lengths of the hollow shaft and the shaft are respectively greater than the axial height of the knob housing. It is particularly preferred that the section of the shaft extending from the hollow shaft has a length that is at least three quarters of the axial height of the knob housing.

[0052] It is also advantageous and preferred if the section of the hollow shaft that protrudes from the knob housing has a length that is greater than the axial height of the knob housing.

[0053] In particular, the shaft is connected to the peripheral part via an end plate. In particular, the end plate is firmly and preferably integrally formed with the shaft and / or the peripheral part.

[0054] Preferably, the end plate closes the knob unit towards the (axial) outside and provides a part of the knob housing.

[0055] In particular, the knob unit consists only of the knob housing and the shaft. In particular, the knob housing consists only of the second brake component and preferably only of the peripheral part and the end plate and the bottom part.

[0056] In particular, the knob housing is axially supported at the first brake component via at least one sliding ring. In particular, the knob housing is supported at the core. In particular, the knob housing is supported by means of an end plate. In particular, a support is also provided between the bottom part and the first brake component. In particular, at least one sliding ring is provided for each support.

[0057] In particular, the knob housing has a cylindrical outer contour. In particular, the shaft extends centrally from the knob housing. In particular, the shaft extends from the knob housing at a side facing away from the end plate. In particular, all components of the knob unit except the shaft are arranged in the knob housing or form part of the knob housing.

[0058] In particular, the knob unit comprises at least one bottom part which is connected to the peripheral part in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the bottom part is arranged at a side facing away from the end plate. In particular, the bottom part has a central opening through which the hollow shaft extends out of the knob housing. In particular, the rotation axis also extends through the central opening.

[0059] Preferably, the peripheral part is designed to be magnetically permeable. In particular, the peripheral part is made of a magnetically permeable material. In the context of the present invention, a non-magnetically permeable material is understood in particular to be a material with a magnetic permeability of less than 10 and preferably less than 1. Magnetic permeability is understood here in particular to be a material with a magnetic permeability of greater than 10 and preferably a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic permeability is here the "relative magnetic permeability", which is also referred to as "magnetic permeability" for short.

[0060] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the peripheral part has a maximum axial height which is at least 75% and preferably at least 85% and particularly preferably at least 90% of the maximum axial height of the knob housing. In particular, the peripheral part is designed as a ring. In particular, the peripheral part connects the end plate to the bottom part. In particular, the peripheral part provides a wall of the knob housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the description of an exemplary embodiment which is explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0062] In the attached picture:

[0063] Figure 1 A purely schematic diagram of an operating device according to the invention is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A purely schematic diagram shows another operating device according to the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3 A purely schematic representation of an operating device according to the invention is shown in a cut-away side view;

[0066] Figure 4 A purely schematic representation of another operating device according to the invention is shown in a cut-away side view;

[0067] Figure 5 A detailed view of an operating device according to the invention is shown in a cutaway perspective view; and

[0068] Figure 6 Shown in a cutaway side view Figure 5 operating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1 The smart device is shown as a smart watch 101, which is equipped with a tactile operating device 10. The smart watch 101 has a dynamic display. Functions of the smart watch 101 can be operated by means of the operating device 10 via a rotational movement and preferably also via a linear movement (press function). For example, scrolling through menu items, applications, etc., or setting the time or volume or the like can be carried out via the operating device 10.

[0070] Figure 2 A camera 102 is shown with one or two tactile operating devices 10. Different functions of the camera 102, such as aperture, shutter time, ISO, focus, etc., can be operated via the operating devices 10. One or both operating devices 10 can also be equipped with a push function, so that, for example, a dialog can be confirmed or an option can be determined by pressing a button. For example, the shutter can also be actuated by pressing the operating device 10.

[0071] Figure 3The figure shows an operating device 10 with a stator unit 20 and a rotary knob unit 30, which can be rotated relative to each other. The relative movement can be braked in a targeted manner and provided with haptic feedback via the brake device 1 with two brake elements 2, 3 and the gap 4 as well as the coil 24 and the magnetorheological medium 14. The rotational movement takes place about the axis of rotation 11.

[0072] The knob unit 30 comprises a peripheral portion 13 and a shaft 23 as well as an end plate 66 and a bottom portion 76. The end plate 66 and the bottom portion 76 are connected to each other via the peripheral portion 13. The bottom portion 76, the end plate 66 and the peripheral portion 13 form the knob housing 6. The peripheral portion 13 provides the outer wall 26 of the knob housing 6. The shaft 23 extends out of the knob housing 6. For example, the maximum diameter 36 of the knob unit 30 or the knob housing 6 is less than 10 mm.

[0073] The stator unit 20 comprises a first brake component 2 and a hollow shaft 22 fixed thereto. The first brake component 2 comprises a core 12 with a receiving area 42 for the coil 24 and two gap contours 52. The gap contours 52 are designed as star contours 62. The core 12 is connected to the hollow shaft 22 via a carrier disc 32.

[0074] The sensor unit 8 serves to detect a rotational movement and preferably also a linear movement of the rotary knob unit 30 relative to the stator unit 20. The sensor unit comprises in particular at least one Hall sensor or the like.

[0075] The knob unit 30 is rotatably supported on the stator unit 20 via two spaced-apart bearing points 15, 25. The bearing points 15, 25 are arranged between the shaft 23 and the hollow shaft 22 and are provided here by a sliding bearing 5. The center distance 35 between the bearing points 15, 25 or the sliding bearing 5 is greater than the maximum axial height 16 of the knob housing 6.

[0076] The sealing device 9 is used to seal the gap 4. The sealing device 9 extends between the knob housing 6 and, for example, its bottom part 76 and the stator unit 20 and, for example, its hollow shaft 22. The sealing device 9 can be designed as a contact or non-contact seal. In the case of a non-contact seal, for example, a barrier grease or a magnetically fixed sealing fluid and, for example, a ferrofluid are provided.

[0077] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A variant of the operating device 10 described in , wherein a button device 7 is provided here. Thus, input can be made by pressing the knob unit 30 (press function). By pressing, the shaft 23 is pushed into the hollow shaft 22 along the axis of rotation 11 or is pushed out of the hollow shaft at the lower end. Here, the linear movement is also detected via the sensor unit 8.

[0078] The operating device 10 is shown here in a basic position 17, in which no pressure is applied to the knob unit 30. When pressing, the shaft 22 moves relative to a part 46 of the knob housing 6. The shaft 23 is movable and, for example, elastically connected to the part 46. The connection is here via an elastically deformable section 56 of the knob housing 6. For example, the section 56 is provided by an end plate 66. For this purpose, the end plate 66 is elastically designed here and has, for example, a circumferential recess in order to increase the movement space when pressing.

[0079] The knob unit 30 can be brought back into the basic position 17 by means of the resetting device 27. The resetting device 27 is provided by the elastically designed section 56. The pushbutton device 7 presented here has the advantage that it does not require interruptions or sealing in the otherwise closed knob housing 6.

[0080] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a stator unit 20 is shown in more detail, such as it can be used, for example, in the above-described operating device 10. The star-shaped contours 62 and the receiving areas 42 for the coils 24 formed between the star-shaped contours can be seen particularly well here. The hollow shaft 22 is designed in one piece with the carrier disk 32. The hollow shaft 22 is pressed into the annular core 12 via the carrier disk 32. However, a one-piece embodiment of the core 12 and the carrier disk 32 or the hollow shafts 2 and 20 can also be provided.

[0081] Here, one or more lines 34 extend inside the hollow shaft 22 for supplying the coil 24 with current. In the properly installed state, the line 34 extends between the inner wall of the hollow shaft 22 and the shaft 23. A hole is formed in the hollow shaft 22 at one axial end, through which the line 34 extends to the receiving area 42. For this purpose, holes for the lines 34 are also arranged in the core 12 and in the carrier disc 32. These holes extend in the radial direction. For example, in the arrangement shown here, it is possible to guide the cable 34 from the interior of the hollow shaft 22 into the receiving area 42 by drilling a hole only once.

[0082] Reference numerals list

[0083] 1 Braking device

[0084] 2Brake components

[0085] 3 Braking components

[0086] 4 Clearance

[0087] 5 Sliding bearing

[0088] 6 Knob housing

[0089] 7-button device

[0090] 8 sensor units

[0091] 9 Sealing device

[0092] 10 Operating device

[0093] 11 Rotation axis

[0094] 12 core parts

[0095] 13. Peripheral part

[0096] 14 Medium

[0097] 15 support points

[0098] 16 Height

[0099] 17 Basic Positions

[0100] 20 stator units

[0101] 22 Hollow shaft

[0102] 23 Axis

[0103] 24 coils

[0104] 25 support points

[0105] 26 outer wall

[0106] 27 Reset device

[0107] 30 Knob Unit

[0108] 32 carrier tray

[0109] 34 lines

[0110] 35 spacing

[0111] 36 Diameter

[0112] 37 concave part

[0113] 42 Reception Area

[0114] 44 holes

[0115] 45 Sliding Ring

[0116] 46 parts

[0117] 52 Gap Profile

[0118] Segment 56

[0119] 62 Star Profile

[0120] 66 end plate

[0121] 76 bottom part

[0122] 101 Smart Watches

[0123] 102 Camera

Claims

1. A tactile operating device (10), comprising at least one stator unit (20) that can be fixed to a supporting structure and at least one knob unit (30) that can be rotated relative to the stator unit (20) for setting an operating state by means of a rotational movement, and at least one magnetorheological brake device (1), the magnetorheological brake device having at least two brake components (2, 3), wherein: One of the brake components (2, 3) is provided by the stator unit (20) and the other of the brake components (2, 3) is provided by the knob unit (30), and the two brake components (2, 3) are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis (11), the first brake component (2) comprises a core (12) made of a magnetically conductive material, and the second brake component (3) comprises a peripheral portion (13) extending around the first brake component (2), a gap (4) surrounding and at least partially filled with a magnetorheological medium (14) is constructed between the first and second brake components (2, 3), and at least one electric coil (24) is received between the peripheral portion (13) and the core (12), which is wound around the rotation axis (11) and at least partially surrounds the core (21).

2. The tactile operating device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein The stator unit (20) comprises a hollow shaft (22) which is non-rotatably connected to the first brake component (2), and the knob unit (30) comprises a shaft (23) which is connected to the second brake component (3), and the shaft (23) extends through the hollow shaft (22) and is, in particular, rotatably supported in the hollow shaft (22).

3. The tactile operating device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The knob unit (30) and the stator unit (20) are rotatably supported on each other only via the shaft (23) and the hollow shaft (22).

4. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) is rotatably supported in the hollow shaft (22) by means of at least two bearing points (15, 25).

5. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bearing points (15, 25) have a spacing (35) relative to one another, which spacing is greater than the maximum axial height (16) of the knob housing (6) of the knob unit (30).

6. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the support points (15, 25) is arranged outside the knob housing (6).

7. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first brake component (2) and the gap (4) as well as the coil (24) are enclosed in the knob housing (6) and / or at the knob housing, and wherein the peripheral portion (13) is arranged in the knob housing (6) and / or at the knob housing.

8. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The peripheral portion (13) provides a (radial) outer wall (26) of the knob housing (6).

9. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum axial height (16) of the knob housing (6) is smaller than the maximum diameter (36) of the knob housing (6).

10. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum diameter (36) of the knob housing (6) is equal to or less than 20 mm, preferably equal to or less than 15 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 10 mm.

11. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a button device (7) via which an input can be made by pressing the knob unit (30) (press function), and wherein: By pressing the knob unit (30), the shaft (23) can be moved axially from the basic position (17) relative to the first and second brake components (2, 3).

12. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) can be pushed into the hollow shaft (22).

13. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) is movable relative to at least one portion (46) of the knob housing (6), and the shaft (23) is movably and preferably elastically connected to the portion (46) of the knob housing (6).

14. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) is arranged on an at least partially flexible and preferably elastically configured section (56) of the knob housing (6).

15. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) can be moved out of the hollow shaft (22) into the basic position (17) by means of a reset device (27), wherein the reset device (27) is preferably provided in such a way that an elastically constructed section (56) of the knob housing (6) is deformed when pressed and the section (56) returns to its original shape when not pressed.

16. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor unit (8) for detecting a relative movement between the knob unit (30) and the stator unit (20), wherein: The sensor unit (8) is arranged outside the knob housing (6) and in particular also outside the hollow shaft (22).

17. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one sealing device (9) for sealing the gap (4) is arranged between the knob unit (30) and the stator unit (20).

18. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing device (9) is arranged at the knob housing (6) and / or in the knob housing, and the sealing device (9) is at least partially arranged radially inside the coil (24).

19. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing device (9) is constructed as a non-contact seal having at least one free sealing gap, or is constructed as a non-contact seal having a sealing fluid that closes the sealing gap, and wherein the sealing fluid is fixed by a magnetic field, or wherein the sealing fluid is constructed as a barrier grease.

20. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The magnetorheological medium (14) includes magnetorheological particles (44) and gas as filling media.

21. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The core (12) is connected to the hollow shaft (22) in a rotationally fixed manner.

22. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The core (12) is annular in shape and has radially outwardly at least one circumferential receiving area (42) for the coil (24) and radially outwardly at least one circumferential gap contour (52), wherein the gap contour (52) is in particular a star-shaped contour (62).

23. The tactile operating device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein The receiving area (42) is arranged between at least two gap contours (52).

24. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The knob unit (30) includes a shaft (23) connected to the peripheral portion (13) in a rotationally fixed manner.

25. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) projects out of the stator unit (20) and in particular out of the hollow shaft (22) at an axial end facing away from the rotary knob unit (30).

26. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) projects out of the stator unit (20) and in particular out of the hollow shaft (22) at an axial end facing the knob unit (30).

27. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lengths of the hollow shaft (22) and the shaft (23) are respectively greater than the axial height (16) of the knob housing (6).

28. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The section of the shaft (23) protruding from the hollow shaft (22) has a length that is at least three quarters of the axial height (16) of the knob housing.

29. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The section of the hollow shaft (22) that protrudes from the knob housing (6) has a length that is greater than the axial height (16) of the knob housing (6).

30. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (23) is connected to the peripheral part (13) via an end plate (66), wherein the end plate (66) is designed integrally with the shaft (23) and / or the peripheral part (13).

31. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The end plate (66) closes the knob unit (30) outwardly and provides a part of the knob housing (6).

32. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The knob housing (6) is axially supported on the first brake component (2) via at least one sliding ring (45).

33. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The knob housing (6) has a cylindrical outer contour, wherein the shaft (23) extends centrally out of the knob housing (6).

34. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The knob unit (30) comprises a bottom portion (76) connected to the peripheral portion (13) in a rotationally fixed manner.

35. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing device (9) seals between the peripheral portion (13) and / or the bottom portion (76) and the hollow shaft (22).

36. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The peripheral portion (13) is designed to be magnetically conductive.

37. The tactile operating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The peripheral portion (13) has an axial height which is at least 75%, preferably at least 85% and particularly preferably at least 90% of the axial height (16) of the knob housing (6).

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