rotary operating element

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a rotary operating element for controlling a function of a machine. The rotary operating element (10) comprises a shaft (12), wherein the shaft (12) is rotatable to provide a rotary control function, and wherein the shaft is actuatable in an axial direction of the shaft to provide an axial control function. The shaft (12) has a default position in the axial direction. The rotary operating element (10) further comprises a return assembly (15) configured to exert a return force along the axial direction to the shaft (12) to return the shaft into the default position. The return assembly (15) is a magnetic return assembly comprising a first part (20) coupled to a housing (11) of the rotary operating element (10) and a second part (30) arranged on the shaft (12). The first part (20) and / or the second part (30) comprise a magnet (40). The first part (20) and the second part (30) are configured to generate the return force by a magnetic interaction when the shaft (12) is moved away from the default position in the axial direction.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Rotary operating elements (such as rotary pull / push buttons) that can also operate in the axial direction are known in the art and used in various machines (such as mobile machines). An example is an agricultural or construction vehicle that may include a corresponding rotary operating element.

[0002] Repeated use of such rotating actuating elements can lead to increased wear and potentially shortened lifespan. In this harsh operating environment, debris can further penetrate the control elements, potentially causing malfunctions in the mechanical components used within them. To avoid such problems, the use of optical devices for actuation detection is known for actuating elements. However, such optical detection can also deteriorate in this environment, for example, through the ingress of dust particles into the actuating element. Furthermore, problems associated with mechanical actuation mechanisms remain.

[0003] Document WO2020 / 104380A1 relates to an operating device having an actuation unit rotatably and displaceably mounted in a control console unit. The actuation unit is designed as a rotary knob. The actuation unit can move between a reset position and two actuated positions. It can leave the reset position by overcoming a holding force provided by a holding device. The holding device is equipped with a coupling device. The coupling device includes a disc-shaped coupling element that can be magnetically coupled to the actuation unit and a support unit.

[0004] Document WO2008 / 0202278A1 relates to a joystick with tilt tactile feedback for motor vehicles, the joystick having at least a pair of permanent magnets and a tiltable support rod with a main arm and at least one secondary arm.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a compact yet robust operating element that can be used in the corresponding harsh environments. In particular, it is desirable to achieve safe operation that does not lead to increased wear and reduced lifespan of the operating element. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide an improved rotary operating element. In particular, it is desirable to reduce the wear experienced by such a rotary operating element while providing intuitive operation.

[0007] This requirement is met by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the invention.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rotary operating element is provided for controlling the function of a machine (such as a mobile machine, particularly a vehicle). The rotary operating element includes: a shaft rotatable to provide a rotary control function, and wherein the shaft is actuable in an axial direction to provide an axial control function. The shaft has a default position in the axial direction. The rotary operating element further includes a return assembly configured to apply a restoring force in the axial direction to the shaft to return it to the default position. The return assembly is a magnetic return assembly, comprising: a first component coupled to (specifically, mounted to) a housing of the rotary operating element; and a second component disposed on the shaft. The first component and / or the second component includes a magnet. The first and second components are configured to generate a restoring force through magnetic interaction when the shaft moves away from the default position in the axial direction.

[0009] By providing a rotary operating element with a magnetic return mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "operating element"), the wear associated with a corresponding mechanical return mechanism can be avoided. Furthermore, because the shaft needs to be rotated to achieve rotary control functions, wear typically occurs on the mechanical components of the axial control function during this rotation. By employing this magnetic return mechanism, this wear can be avoided, and the shaft can be rotated without causing friction on the mechanical components as in conventional return mechanisms. These advantages are particularly evident when the shaft is rotated while being pushed or pulled in the axial direction.

[0010] The rotary operating element can specifically be a rotary button, such as a rotary push and / or pull button. The default position can correspond to the equilibrium position of the force applied to the shaft by the magnetic return component. Specifically, the first and second components can interact to hold the shaft in the default position. Other restoring forces acting on the shaft are not excluded; however, it is preferred that only the magnetic return force provided by the magnetic return component acts on the shaft in the axial direction.

[0011] The shaft can move away from its default position in two axial directions, including the pushing axial direction and the pulling axial direction. The magnetic return component can be configured to generate a restoring force for moving the shaft in both axial directions. Therefore, a magnetic return force can be applied when the shaft moves in the pushing direction and the pulling direction. The actuating elements can provide corresponding pulling and pushing control functions, such as opening and closing specific devices or tools, moving the tool up or down, or moving the tool left or right. In other embodiments, the shaft can only move in one axial direction.

[0012] Optionally, the magnetic return assembly is configured to provide a non-contact interaction between the first and second components to apply a restoring force to the shaft. This reduces wear, and debris entering the rotating operating element can have only a limited impact on the function of the magnetic return assembly. For example, in the default position, a circumferential gap can exist between the first and second components, preventing them from physically contacting each other. Therefore, the return assembly does not impede the rotation of the shaft, and the rotation of the shaft does not lead to increased wear.

[0013] The first component can have an annular shape including a through-hole. A shaft can extend through the through-hole, wherein, in the default position, a first profile of the radially inward-facing surface of the annular first component faces a second profile of the radially outward-facing surface of a second component disposed on the shaft. These mutually facing profiles facilitate the generation of magnetic force between the first and second components. The profiles can, for example, be rotationally symmetrical about a rotational axis. This avoids forces in the radial direction and thus supports non-contact operation of the return assembly. The first component can be arranged concentrically with the shaft including the second component.

[0014] The shapes of the first and second contours can be designed to define a default position. The default position therefore does not have to be mechanically fixed, such as by a latching mechanism, but can be defined by magnetic interaction.

[0015] The magnetic restoring component can be configured to generate a predetermined force curve of restoring force acting on the shaft with respect to different axial positions of the shaft. Therefore, desired force characteristics can be obtained for actuating rotary operating elements.

[0016] For example, the shapes of the first profile and the second profile can be designed to generate predetermined force curves that produce restoring forces acting on the shaft with respect to different axial positions of the shaft.

[0017] The magnetic return component can be configured to generate a force curve that has a maximum value at an axial position between the default position of the shaft and an axial position at the end stop of the shaft (e.g., in the pushing and / or pulling direction).

[0018] For example, the shapes of the first and second profiles can be designed to generate a force curve that produces a restoring force, with a maximum value at an axial position between the shaft's default position and its axial end stop. When the user actuates the operating element in the axial direction, the user will need to overcome an increased force before the shaft reaches a position where, for example, the corresponding control function is triggered. Therefore, pressure points that provide tactile feedback to the user can be generated in the force curve. Specifically, by overcoming such pressure points when pushing or pulling the operating element, the user will know precisely whether they have actuated the function they want to control.

[0019] The force curve can be designed so that when the shaft moves past the position where the restoring force has its maximum value, the restoring force decreases again. Therefore, the user receives a clear indication that the maximum value (i.e., the pressure point) has been passed.

[0020] In a specific implementation, the shaft can be actuated from its default position in the pushing axial direction to provide pushing control, and can also be actuated in the pulling axial direction to provide pulling control. The shapes of the first and second profiles can be designed such that the force curve of the restoring force has corresponding maximum values ​​for both the pushing and pulling axial directions. Therefore, tactile feedback can be provided for either actuation direction. It is also conceivable that multiple (e.g., local) maximum values ​​can be provided in the force curve for one or two axial actuation directions. Thus, when the shaft is pulled or pushed, the user experiences multiple pressure points.

[0021] The restoring force at the first maximum value may be similar to or different from the restoring force at the second maximum value. Preferably, the restoring force at the second maximum value is less than the restoring force at the first maximum value, so that the force required for the user to overcome the pressure point in the pulling direction is less than the force required to overcome the pressure point in the pushing direction. This improves the user's tactile experience, as pushing is generally less strenuous than pulling.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the shapes of the first and second profiles are designed such that the force curve includes an axial position of the shaft, at which the restoring force changes sign to provide a locked position of the shaft different from the default position. Specifically, the force curve can change sign twice, wherein a second stable position can be generated at the second intersection of the force curve and a zero force, at which the shaft will be locked when actuated. This allows the shaft to be locked in a specific position to continuously activate the corresponding control function until the user returns the shaft to the default position. This locking position can also be provided in the axial direction at an end stop of the shaft, which simplifies the force curve required to achieve the locking position.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first component includes one, two, or more protrusions extending radially toward the axis, and / or the second component includes one, two, or more protrusions extending radially away from the axis. At least in the default position of the shaft, at least one protrusion of the respective component forms part of a magnetic circuit toward the corresponding other component. Such protrusions can close the magnetic circuit or form part of a magnetic loop from the magnet through the corresponding other component. This configuration can allow for relatively high restoring forces and can further improve the clarity of the default position. When two or more protrusions are provided on the same component, they can be spaced apart in the axial direction. The protrusions can be continuous in the circumferential direction, i.e., they can be annular protrusions, or they can be arranged in one or more segments in the circumferential direction. Annular or rotationally symmetric protrusions can provide symmetrical forces that facilitate radial centering of the shaft in the restoring assembly.

[0024] The first profile may be defined, for example, by one, two, or more protrusions of the first component. The second profile may be defined by one, two, or more protrusions of the second component. Preferably, in the default position of the shaft, at least one or two protrusions on the first component are arranged radially opposite to at least one or two protrusions on the second component, specifically, they may face each other. This arrangement of the protrusions allows for precise alignment and high holding force in the default position.

[0025] At least two protrusions on the first component and / or at least two protrusions on the second component may have different extension ranges in the axial direction, thereby configuring an asymmetric force curve to generate a restoring force. This configuration allows for effective adjustment of the tactile feedback experienced by the user. Specifically, this configuration allows for different maximum values ​​of the force curve for different axial movement directions of the shaft. When the second component, for example, has protrusions closer to the shaft and protrusions further away from the shaft, the axial extension range of the latter's protrusions can be made larger to reduce the maximum tensile force in the force curve. Preferably, at least two protrusions on the second component are provided with different axial extension ranges, which simplifies the mechanical configuration.

[0026] At least one protrusion on the first component may have a different axial extension range than the protrusion on the second component it faces in the default position. The change in restoring force with axial movement of the shaft can become less steep (thanks to the opposing protrusions), which allows for adjustment of the force curve and also reduces the maximum restoring force for the corresponding axial direction.

[0027] In an implementation, the number of protrusions in the second component may differ from the number of protrusions in the first component to achieve a predetermined force curve for the restoring force. Such additional protrusions allow the force curve to be adjusted in a desired manner. After the shaft has moved a predetermined distance in the axial direction, the interaction between the additional protrusions on the shaft and the protrusions of the first component can, for example, generate additional force. For instance, the second component may provide more protrusions than the first component.

[0028] In a specific implementation, the first component may include one, two, or more return rings arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation. The shaft including the second component may be arranged radially inside one, two, or more return rings, wherein one, two, or more return rings may form part of a magnetic circuit facing the second component. Such rings provide a simple mechanical means of closing the magnetic circuit via the second component. Each return ring may have a corresponding protrusion formed at its radially inner edge, i.e., the aforementioned annular protrusion. When the shaft is in its default position, the radially inner surface of each return ring may face the corresponding annular protrusion of the second component.

[0029] The first component may, for example, include a ring magnet that is concentric with the axis. This ring magnet may be arranged between (and concentric with) two return rings. Each return ring protrudes radially inward from the ring magnet, thus forming a corresponding ring-shaped protrusion.

[0030] The first component may include, for example, one, two, or more magnets, such as toroidal magnets. The first component may include one, two, three, or more return rings. One, two, or more magnets may be arranged between corresponding two, three, or more return rings. Between two return rings, one, two, or more magnets may be arranged, for example (in the axial direction). When three or more return rings are provided, one, two, or more magnets may, for example, be stacked between at least one pair of return rings or between each pair of return rings.

[0031] The second component may similarly include one, two, or more magnets.

[0032] The magnet can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The magnet can be disposed in one of the first and second components, or in each of these components. One component can be provided with a permanent magnet, and the other component can be provided with an electromagnet, or both can be provided with magnets of the same type. The first component can, for example, include a corresponding winding of the electromagnet, which can be concentric with the shaft. In other implementations, the winding can be disposed on the second component, for example, around or within the shaft. Any combination is conceivable.

[0033] The first component and / or the second component may also be provided with multiple magnets of the same or different types.

[0034] In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second components includes an electromagnet, and the operating element further includes a controller configured to control the restoring force applied by the magnetic restoring assembly based on the axial position of the shaft. Control can be provided, for example, by controlling the current flowing through the electromagnet. Therefore, the force profile can be determined by the controller alone or optionally in conjunction with the shape of the aforementioned profile. Thus, the force profile can also be dynamically adjusted, for example, according to the operating mode of the control element. The controller can be configured to control the restoring force according to any force profile disclosed herein (e.g., a force profile having one or more pressure points and / or one or more locking positions).

[0035] The first component can be mounted to the housing or can be integral with the housing. The first component can be fixed to the housing so that it cannot move relative to the housing.

[0036] The second component can be mounted to the shaft or can be integral with the shaft. The second component can be fixed to the shaft so that it cannot move relative to the shaft. The second component and / or the return ring can contain or be composed of soft iron. The rotary operating element may not have a mechanical return element in the axial direction; that is, the axial restoring force can be provided solely by a magnetic return element.

[0037] The operating element may also include a bushing that supports the shaft. The bushing may be configured to allow axial and rotational movement of the shaft. The bushing may, for example, be provided with a sliding bearing.

[0038] In this embodiment, the rotary actuating element also includes a magnetic sensor configured to detect rotation of the shaft and / or axial movement of the shaft. Preferably, the detection is performed in a non-contact manner. By providing non-contact restoring force and non-contact detection, wear on the actuating element can be further reduced, and in particular, the actuating element can be manufactured to withstand debris and harsh environments. By detecting axial actuation and rotary actuation with the same magnetic sensor, the electrical and mechanical configuration can be further simplified.

[0039] The actuating element may also include a permanent magnet element mounted to the shaft, specifically, to the axial end of the shaft opposite the end to be actuated by the user. A magnetic sensor may be mounted spaced apart from the end of the shaft, specifically, spaced apart from the permanent magnet element. Rotation of the shaft can, for example, induce a rotating magnetic field, which can be detected by the magnetic sensor. Axial movement of the shaft can induce different field strengths (due to different distances), which are detected by the magnetic sensor. The same magnetic sensor can therefore detect both rotational actuation and axial actuation of the shaft by detecting changes in the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet element.

[0040] The sensor can be, for example, a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor can be mounted on an integrated circuit on a circuit board of the rotating operating element. A magnetic sensor (specifically, an integrated circuit) can provide two or more Hall sensors, thus providing redundancy and fail-safe operation.

[0041] The rotary operating element may also include an axial stop for stopping the movement of the shaft in the axial direction (in one direction, or in both directions if both directions are provided). Such an axial stop may be provided by a housing portion, and / or by a bushing supporting the shaft, and / or by a first component. The axial stop may, for example, include a protrusion on the shaft that contacts a corresponding housing portion or first component. The axial stop is preferably positioned in the pushing direction and arranged such that when the axial stop in the pushing direction engages, the aforementioned magnetic element is spaced apart from the magnetic sensor. This ensures non-contact operation of the magnetic sensor.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine, particularly a mobile machine such as an agricultural, construction, or industrial vehicle, is provided. The machine includes a rotary operating element having any of the functions disclosed herein for controlling the machine. With such a machine, advantages similar to those further outlined above can be achieved.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for operating a rotary operating element for controlling a machine. The operating element may have any configuration described herein. The method includes: moving the axis of the operating element away from a default position in the axial direction; and generating a restoring force through magnetic interaction between a first and a second component of a magnetic restoring assembly. This method enables non-contact operation in the axial direction. Furthermore, this method achieves advantages similar to those outlined above regarding rotary operating elements.

[0044] It should be understood that the features mentioned above, as well as those still described below, can be used not only in the indicated combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Specifically, unless otherwise indicated, features of different aspects and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional side view of a rotary operating element according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an enlarged cross-section of the rotating operating element.

[0048] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a magnetic recovery component.

[0049] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A graph showing the restoring force curve of the magnetic recovery component.

[0050] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a magnetic recovery component.

[0051] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A graph showing the restoring force curve of the magnetic recovery component.

[0052] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a magnetic recovery component.

[0053] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A graph showing the restoring force curve of the magnetic recovery component.

[0054] Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a magnetic recovery component.

[0055] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A graph showing the restoring force curve of the magnetic recovery component.

[0056] Figure 11 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a magnetic recovery component.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a rotating operating element according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. It should be noted that the drawings are to be regarded as schematic representations only, and the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Rather, various representations of elements have been chosen such that their function and general purpose will become apparent to those skilled in the art. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”).

[0059] Figure 1 A rotary operating element 10, implemented as a rotary push-pull button, is schematically shown. In other implementations, it may simply be a rotary push button or rotary pull button. It includes a knob or button 19 to be actuated by the user, which has a recess for receiving a rotary shaft 12. The user can push or pull the knob 19 to actuate the shaft 12 in the axial direction to activate the corresponding axial control function, and can rotate the knob 19 to rotate the shaft 12 about a rotation axis 13 to operate the rotary control function. A bushing 16 rotatably supports the shaft 12 within a housing 11 such that the supported shaft can be actuated in the axial direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 13. The bushing 16 provides a sliding bearing; however, other types of rotary supports may be provided.

[0060] When the operating element 10 is not actuated (in the axial direction), the return assembly 15 returns the shaft to its default position, specifically, the balanced position. Assembly 15 is a magnetic return assembly that utilizes magnetic interaction to provide a return force in the axial direction. Figure 1 The force at the default position is shown. The magnetic recovery component 15 will be described in more detail below.

[0061] Sensor assembly 17 detects axial and rotational operations of operating element 10. Sensor assembly 17 includes: a magnet element 51 mounted to shaft 12 via a magnet holder 53; and a magnetic sensor 52. Magnet element 51 can be magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 13 (e.g., north pole at...). Figure 1 On the left and Antarctica in Figure 1The magnetic sensor 52 can be located on the right side of the axis 12, or may include any other configuration, such as a ring magnet having multiple opposing magnetic poles distributed circumferentially, such that, for example, two north poles and two south poles face the magnetic sensor 52. Rotation of the axis 12 thus generates a rotating magnetic field, which the magnetic sensor 52 senses to detect rotational actuation. Movement of the axis 12 in the axial direction causes the magnetic sensor 52 to experience different field strengths, thereby allowing the detection of the axial position of the axis 12 and thus the push or pull operation of the actuating element 10. Therefore, reliable and non-contact detection of actuation of the rotating actuating element 10 is achieved. The magnetic sensor 52 is mounted on a circuit board 54, which is mounted on the housing 11. For example, a Hall sensor can be used. It should be understood that the geometric configuration of the arrangement of the magnet element 51 and the magnetic sensor 52 can be changed and adjusted according to space requirements.

[0062] The magnet element 51 is mounted to the end of the shaft 12 opposite to the end where the knob 19 is mounted. The magnet element 51 is arranged rotationally symmetrically about the axis of rotation 13. The magnet element 51 faces the magnetic sensor 52 and is spaced apart from the magnetic sensor 52.

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The accompanying drawings show an enlarged cross-section, which illustrates the recovery assembly 15 in more detail. The recovery assembly 15 includes: a first component 20 mounted to the housing 11; and a second component 30 disposed on the shaft 12. In this example, the second component 30 is integral with the shaft 12, but it may also be a separate component mounted to or integrated into the shaft 12. A magnet 40 is disposed in the first component 20, but may additionally or alternatively be disposed in the second component 30. Both components 20 and 30 are rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation 13 of the shaft 12. Component 20 has a radially inwardly facing profile 21 facing the radially outwardly facing profile 31 of the second component 30. Profile 21 of component 20 includes radially inwardly projecting protrusions 25 and 26, which in this example are annular protrusions. Profile 31 of the second component 30 includes protrusions 35 and 36, which extend radially outwardly and similarly form annular protrusions. The protrusion 35 is shaped and arranged to face the protrusion 25, and the protrusion 36 is shaped and arranged to face the protrusion 26.

[0064] The protrusions 25, 26 and 35, 36, and specifically portions thereof, may be made of a soft iron material. The magnet 40 may be a toroidal magnet magnetized to have opposite magnetic poles at its respective opposing toroidal end faces. It may, for example, present a north pole on toroidal end face 40-1 and a south pole on toroidal end face 40-2, or vice versa. The protrusions 25, 26 may be provided by toroidal return rings 27, 28, between which the magnet 40 is arranged. A magnetic circuit is thus formed via the return rings 27, 28 and their protrusions 25, 26, and via the second component 30 and its protrusions 35, 36. Magnetic field lines will be concentrated in the return rings 27, 28, and the magnetic circuit is formed via the second component 30 that closes the magnetic field lines. These magnetic field lines may be particularly concentrated in the soft iron material of the return rings 27, 28 and the second component 30.

[0065] Therefore, disconnecting the magnetic circuit by pulling or pushing the shaft 12 requires applying force, and the return assembly 15 generates a corresponding return force to bring the shaft 12 back to its original position. Figure 2 In the equilibrium position shown, the return component 15 can be adjusted to generate the desired force curve of the return force. The return force in the pulling direction of the shaft 12 and the return force in the pushing direction of the shaft can be the same or different. The force curve can be adjusted by adjusting the characteristics of the magnet 40, adjusting the placement of the magnet 40, adjusting the shape of the contours 21 and 31, adjusting the material of the protrusion, etc. To increase the return force or further adjust the return force, another magnetic return component 15 can be provided on the shaft 12.

[0066] There is a gap between the first component 20 and the second component 30, specifically between their respective protrusions facing each other. The restoring force is therefore applied to the shaft 12 in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, the rotation of the shaft 12 is not hindered by the restoring assembly 15. Therefore, even under harsh conditions, the restoring assembly 15 does not provide resistance to rotation and significantly reduces wear on the operating element 10.

[0067] The operating element 41 also includes an axial stop 41 in the pushing direction, which contacts a protrusion on the shaft 12 to prevent any further axial travel of the shaft. In this example, the axial stop 41 is formed by a bushing 16. Furthermore, the housing 11 provides an axial stop 42 in the pulling direction. The protrusion on the shaft 12 contacts the axial stop 42 to prevent any further movement of the shaft in the pulling direction. In this example, the protrusion on the shaft is provided by a protrusion of the second component 30, thereby achieving two functions in component 30 and improving the compactness of element 10. In other embodiments, the axial stops 41, 42 may be located in other positions and may contact other parts of the shaft.

[0068] Figure 3schematically shown Figure 2 The response component 15, wherein, for the sake of simplicity, other components of the operating element 10 are not shown. Figure 3 This illustrates the case where shaft 12 has been pulled (in the positive Z direction) so that the restoring force acts towards the default position (in the negative Z direction). Protrusions 25, 26 and 35, 36 have similar sizes (relative to their axial extension) and are arranged such that they face each other in the default position. Due to this symmetrical configuration, [the following is achieved / obtained / etc.]. Figure 4 The force curve of the restoring force F is shown. It can be seen that the restoring force F reaches its maximum value at position 71, which corresponds to... Figure 3 The position shown (force value at) Figure 4 The value is negative because it acts in the negative Z direction. When shaft 12 is pushed, the restoring force F reaches its maximum value at position 72. Due to the symmetrical configuration, the forces at maximum values ​​71 and 72 have similar amplitudes. Since the restoring force decreases again after reaching its maximum value, the user will experience resistance points (pressure points) when actuating the operating element 10 in the pushing or pulling direction. Therefore, maximum values ​​71 and 72 constitute pressure points that provide tactile feedback to the user. This allows the user to safely identify when the corresponding function controlled by the control element is activated.

[0069] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 Other exemplary implementations of the return component 15. To reduce the maximum value of the return force that the user must overcome when actuating the operating element 10 in the pulling direction, the protrusion 36 of the second component 30 is enlarged in the axial direction. Figure 6 From the obtained force curves, it can be seen that the maximum restoring force 71 (5 N) in the pulling direction is less than the maximum restoring force 72 (approximately 6.5 N) that the user must overcome in the pushing direction. This can improve the user's tactile feedback, because subjective feeling usually makes the force required for pulling greater than the force required for pushing, even though these two forces are the same. Therefore, the (absolute) force values ​​at the maximum values ​​71 and 72 can be made different, thus obtaining a similar subjective feeling of pulling and pushing forces.

[0070] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 Other possible implementations of the restoring component 15. To alter the restoring force curve, the second component 30 is provided with an additional protrusion 39. Figure 8The resulting restoring force curve is shown. Although the protrusions 25, 26 and 35, 36 are similar in size (specifically, in their axial extension range), the maximum tensile force 71 that must be overcome is further reduced. When the shaft 12 is actuated in the pushing direction, the maximum restoring force 72 that must be overcome has a similar value. Furthermore, a zero-crossing point 73 of the restoring force curve is obtained in the pulling direction by means of additional protrusions 39. The restoring force is thus reversed, preventing the shaft from returning to its default position on its own. This creates a locking position in which the shaft remains until the user pushes the shaft back toward the default position (specifically, back to the position where the restoring force is again acting toward the default position). Alternatively or alternatively, a corresponding locking position may be provided in the pushing direction, for example, by providing one or more corresponding protrusions. Alternatively or alternatively, one or more of these additional protrusions 39 may be provided on the first component 20, particularly when the magnet is provided on the second component 30.

[0071] Therefore, there are several possibilities to adjust profile 31 to change the restoring force curve. Alternatively or alternatively, profile 21 can be adjusted (e.g., in a similar manner) to adjust the restoring force curve.

[0072] exist Figure 2 In the example, other possibilities for adjusting contours 21 and 31 are shown. In this example, the axial extension range of protrusion 35 is greater than that of protrusion 25, and the axial extension range of protrusion 36 is smaller than that of protrusion 26. Therefore, various methods exist for adjusting the force curve.

[0073] Figure 9 Another example is shown, in which not only are the contours 21 and 31 adjusted to regulate the restoring force curve, but a second magnet 40 is also provided in the second component 30. The magnetic poles of the two magnets 40 can be aligned, thereby increasing the magnetic field strength. This is in... Figure 10 As shown, the maximum restoring force 72 in the pushing direction increases to almost 10 N. Due to the asymmetrical profiles 21 and 31, the maximum restoring force 71 in the pulling direction remains below 7.5 N. Therefore, it can be similar to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The example provides two pressure points that offer improved tactile feedback, but with a higher overall resilience.

[0074] In the above example, magnet 40 is implemented as a permanent magnet, but it can also be implemented as an electromagnet. Figure 11 An example of magnet 40 being implemented as electromagnet 45 is shown. Electromagnets can be disposed in the first component 20 and / or the second component 30. In the first component 20, any magnet segment having windings surrounding a magnet segment can be circumferentially distributed about the axis of rotation 13 (e.g., Figure 11 As shown), or the winding of component 20 may extend circumferentially around shaft 12 (shaft 12 may then be substantially arranged inside the coil formed by such winding of the first component 20). For the second component 30, such electromagnet 45 may, for example, include a winding 44 wound around shaft 12, for example, located in a corresponding recess in the shaft or on the surface of the shaft. Such electromagnet 45 disposed in the first component 20 and / or the second component 30 may generate a magnetic field that applies a restoring force to shaft 12 in a similar manner. As described above, the restoring assembly 12 may include an electromagnet in only one of components 20, 30, or an electromagnet in one component may be combined with a permanent magnet in another component. It is also possible to combine an electromagnet and a permanent magnet together in the same component.

[0075] Operating element 10 may include a controller 46 for controlling electromagnet 45. For example, power source 47 may be controlled to apply a corresponding current to the winding, thereby controlling the magnetic field. Changes in current (e.g., changes in flux due to shaft movement) may be detected by current sensor 49 and may provide feedback to controller 46. Alternatively or additionally, position sensor 48 may be employed to detect the axial position of shaft 12 for providing feedback to controller 46. Controller 46 may thus control a restoring force profile based on the axial position of shaft 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this allows for the implementation of various restoring force profiles, such as any of the force profiles disclosed herein. In addition to controlling the restoring force, controller 46 may additionally or additionally provide impedance control, which may control the mechanical impedance of the shaft in the axial direction (using, for example, stiffness and damping as control variables) based on the axial position of the shaft. Impedance profiles may be employed and a target mechanical impedance may be defined, and the magnetic restoring force generated by electromagnet 45 may be controlled based on such target impedance. For example, feedback control (e.g., position-based active impedance control) can be employed based on the position detected by the position sensor 48.

[0076] Position sensor 48 can be an additional sensor, or position measurement can be performed using Hall sensor 52.

[0077] The aforementioned restoring force curve has two pressure points, one for actuation in the pulling direction and one for actuation in the pushing direction. The force curve can be modified to have any desired number of pressure points in a given actuation direction, such as multiple pressure points or no pressure points. The restoring force curve can also be adjusted to produce a locking position, for example, by reducing the restoring force so that its sign changes at a certain point, causing the shaft to be driven toward the end stop. For example, an additional protrusion can be provided on the second component 20 to generate a corresponding magnetic force. An additional locking position can be generated by providing an additional protrusion.

[0078] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described methods of modifying the restoring force curve can be combined with each other to produce any desired restoring force curve suitable for the specific application of the rotary operating element 10.

[0079] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a rotary actuating element having any of the configurations described herein. In step S1, a rotary actuating element including a magnetic return assembly is provided. In step S2, shaft 12 is moved axially away from a default position. In step S3, the magnetic return assembly 15 generates a restoring force acting on the shaft toward the default position. In step S4, the axial movement of the shaft is detected non-contactly by a magnetic sensor 52. Except that the shaft is supported by bushing 16, completely non-contact operation of the actuating element 10 can thus be achieved. Some steps of the method are optional (such as step S4), and these steps can be performed in different orders or simultaneously, such as steps S2, S3, and S4.

[0080] While specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and all changes falling within the meaning and equivalents of the appended claims are intended to be covered therein.

[0081] List of reference numerals

[0082] 10 Rotary operating elements

[0083] 11. Shell

[0084] 12-axis

[0085] 13. Axis of rotation

[0086] 15 Reply Components

[0087] 16 Bushing

[0088] 17 Sensor Components

[0089] 18. Housing cover

[0090] 19 Knobs / Buttons

[0091] The first component of the 20-reply component

[0092] 21. Outline of the first component

[0093] 25, 26 Protrusions

[0094] 27, 28 Return loop

[0095] The second part of the 30 reply component

[0096] 31. Outline of the second component

[0097] 31. Outline of the second component

[0098] Protrusions 35 and 36

[0099] 37, 38 Return loop

[0100] 39. Protrusion

[0101] 40 Magnets

[0102] 40-1 Annular end face of magnet

[0103] 40-2 Annular end face of magnet

[0104] 41 Axial stop pushing direction

[0105] 42 Axial stop pulling direction

[0106] 44 windings

[0107] 45 Electromagnets

[0108] 46 Controller

[0109] 47 Power Source

[0110] 48 Position Sensors

[0111] 49 Current Sensor

[0112] 51 Magnet Components

[0113] 52 Magnetic Sensor

[0114] 53 Magnet Holder

[0115] 54 circuit boards

[0116] 71. Maximum restoring force in the pulling direction

[0117] 72. Maximum restoring force in the direction of propulsion

[0118] 73. Zero-crossing point of restoring force

[0119] S1-S4 Method Steps

Claims

1. A rotary operating element for controlling the functions of a machine, wherein, The rotary operating element (10) includes: - A shaft (12), wherein the shaft (12) is rotatable to provide rotational control, and wherein the shaft is actuable in the axial direction to provide axial control, wherein the shaft (12) has a default position in the axial direction; and - A return component (15) configured to apply a restoring force along the axial direction to the shaft (12) to return the shaft to the default position. The recovery component (15) is a magnetic recovery component, which includes: a first component (20) connected to the housing (11) of the rotary operating element (10); and a second component (30) disposed on the shaft (12), wherein the first component (20) and / or the second component (30) include a magnet (40), wherein the first component (20) and the second component (30) are configured to generate the recovery force through magnetic interaction when the shaft (12) moves away from the default position in the axial direction, and wherein the magnetic recovery component (15) is configured to provide non-contact interaction between the first component (20) and the second component (30) to apply the recovery force to the shaft (12).

2. The rotary operating element according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft (12) is movable away from the default position in two axial directions, including a pushing axial direction and a pulling axial direction, wherein the magnetic return component (15) is configured to generate the restoring force for moving the shaft (12) in the two axial directions.

3. The rotary operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first component (20) has an annular shape including a through hole, wherein the shaft (12) extends through the through hole, wherein, in the default position, the first profile (21) of the radially inward surface of the annular first component (20) faces the second profile (31) of the radially outward surface of the second component (30) disposed on the shaft (12).

4. The rotary operating element according to claim 3, wherein, The shapes of the first profile (21) and the second profile (31) are designed to generate the force curve of the restoring force, which has a maximum value (72, 71) at an axial position of the shaft (12) between the default position and the axial position of the end stop (41, 42) of the shaft.

5. The rotary operating element according to claim 4, wherein, The shaft (12) can be actuated from the default position in the pushing axial direction to provide a pushing control function, and can be actuated in the pulling axial direction to provide a pulling control function, wherein the shapes of the first profile (21) and the second profile (31) are designed such that when the shaft (12) moves in the pushing axial direction, the force curve of the restoring force has a corresponding first maximum value (72), and when the shaft (12) moves in the pulling axial direction, the force curve of the restoring force has a corresponding second maximum value (71).

6. The rotary operating element according to claim 5, wherein, The restoring force at the first maximum value (72) is similar to or different from the restoring force at the second maximum value (71).

7. The rotary operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first component (20) includes one, two or more protrusions (25, 26) extending radially toward the shaft (12), and / or the second component (30) includes one, two or more protrusions (35, 36, 39) extending radially away from the shaft (12), wherein, at least in the default position of the shaft (12), at least one of the protrusions (25, 26; 35, 36) of the corresponding component (20; 30) forms part of a magnetic circuit toward the corresponding other component (30; 20).

8. The rotary operating element according to claim 7, which is dependent on any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The first contour (21) is defined by one, two or more of the protrusions (25, 26) of the first component (20), and / or wherein, The second profile (31) is defined by one, two or more of the protrusions (35, 36, 39) of the second component (30).

9. The rotary operating element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, At least two of the protrusions (25, 26) on the first component (20) and / or at least two of the protrusions (35, 36) on the second component (30) have different extension ranges in the axial direction, thereby being configured to generate an asymmetric force curve that produces the restoring force.

10. The rotary operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first component (20) includes one, two or more return loops (27, 28) arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation (13) of the shaft (12), wherein the shaft (12) including the second component (30) is arranged radially inside one, two or more of the return loops (27, 28), wherein one, two or more of the return loops (27, 28) form part of a magnetic circuit toward the second component (30).

11. The rotary operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first component (20) includes an annular magnet (40), wherein the annular magnet is concentric with the shaft (12).

12. The rotary operating element according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises a magnetic sensor (52), the magnetic sensor being configured to detect rotation of the shaft and / or detect axial movement of the shaft, wherein, The detection is performed in a non-contact manner.

13. The rotary operating element according to claim 12, wherein, The sensor (52) is a Hall sensor.

14. A method of operating a rotary operating element (10) for controlling the functions of a machine, wherein, The rotating operating element (10) includes: a shaft (12), wherein the shaft (12) is rotatable to provide a rotation control function, and wherein the shaft (12) is actuable in an axial direction to provide an axial control function, wherein the shaft (12) has a default position in the axial direction; and a return assembly (15) configured to apply a return force along the axial direction to the shaft (12) to return the shaft (12) to the default position, wherein the return assembly (15) is a magnetic return assembly, the magnetic return assembly including: a first component (20) coupled to a housing (11) of the rotating operating element; and a second component (30) disposed on the shaft, wherein the first component (20) and / or the second component (30) include a magnet (40), wherein the magnetic return assembly (15) is configured to provide a non-contact interaction between the first component (20) and the second component (30) to apply the return force to the shaft (12), and wherein the method includes: - Move the shaft (12) away from the default position in the axial direction; and The restoring force is generated by the magnetic interaction between the first component (20) and the second component (30).

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