Tactile operating device

Abstract

A haptic operation device (1) comprising: a stator unit (20) attachable to a support structure; a rotary button unit (30) rotatable relative to the stator unit (20) for adjusting an operating state by a rotational movement; and a magnetorheological brake device (1) including two brake components (2, 3). 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 rotary button unit (30). The two brake components (2, 3) are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis (11). The first brake component (2) includes a core (12) made of a magnetically conductive material, and the second brake component (3) includes a jacket member (13) extending around the first brake component (2). A circumferential gap (4) filled with a magnetorheological medium (14) is formed between the first and second brake components (2, 3). An electric coil (24) wound around the rotation axis (11) and surrounding the core (21) is accommodated between the jacket member (13) and the core (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a haptic operating device having at least one stator unit attached to at least one support and at least one rotary button unit rotatable around the stator unit to set an operating state by rotational movement.

Background Art

[0002] A magnetorheological brake device can accurately brake rotational movement, for example, for haptic feedback.

[0003] The installation space for accommodating an operating device in equipment is usually very limited. This applies, for example, when the operating device is used in a smart device, such as a smartwatch or smartphone, or in other confined areas, for example, as a camera shutter. A very compact operating device is known, for example, from the specification of Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In contrast, the problem of the present invention is to provide a particularly compact tactile operation device that satisfies these requirements as fully as possible. In that case, for example, an outer diameter of less than 8 mm should also be possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This problem is solved by a tactile operation device having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0007] The tactile operation device according to the present invention includes at least one stator unit that can be attached to a support structure. The operation device includes at least one rotary button unit that is rotatable relative to the stator unit. In particular, the operating state is adjusted by a rotational movement or by rotating the rotary button unit. The operation device includes at least one magnetorheological brake device having at least two brake components. One of the brake components is provided by the stator unit. The other brake component is provided by the rotary button unit. The two brake components are rotatable relative to each other, particularly continuously, around the rotation axis. The first brake component includes at least one core made of a magnetically conductive material. The second brake component preferably includes a jacket member that extends around the first brake component. In particular, the jacket member is formed hollow. A gap that is circumferential and at least partially filled with a magnetorheological medium is formed between the first and second brake components. An electric coil wound around the rotation axis and surrounding the core is accommodated between the jacket member and the core. In particular, the electric coil at least partially surrounds the core.

[0008] Such an operating device provides an advantageous basis for small, or very small, scaling. The following embodiments each dimension this basis based on a very small scale, while at the same time achieving particularly low base torque, a highly reliable / robust bearing and seal, and very accurate tactile feedback, either alone or in suitable combination with each other, representing advantageous solutions.

[0009] In particular, the stator unit includes at least one hollow shaft non-rotatably connected to a first brake component. In particular, the rotary button unit includes a shaft (non-rotatably) connected to a second brake component. In particular, the shaft extends through the hollow shaft. In particular, the shaft is rotatably supported within the hollow shaft. This enables a bearing that can withstand loads even on a very small scale and move smoothly. In particular, the hollow shaft is rotatably supported within the hollow shaft via at least one sliding bearing, preferably via at least two sliding bearings. In particular, the sliding bearing includes at least one sleeve-shaped member. In particular, this member is made of Teflon (registered trademark), or another slippery or friction-improved material or plastic. Other suitable bearings, such as rolling bearings, are also possible.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the rotary button unit and the stator unit are rotatably supported relative to each other only via the shaft and the hollow shaft. In particular, the rotary button unit is rotatably supported by the stator unit only by the shaft. In particular, the shaft is rotatably supported on and / or within the hollow shaft.

[0011] The rotatable support of the shaft within the hollow shaft corresponds in particular to a radial bearing (Radiallagerung). It is possible to provide at least one axial bearing (Axiallagerung) for axial forces. It is also possible for the radial bearing to be designed to receive axial forces.

[0012] In particular, the shaft is rotatably supported with respect to the hollow shaft by at least two bearing points, preferably rotatably supported within 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, for example, a sliding bearing or the like.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bearing points have a distance from each other that is greater than the maximum axial height of the rotary button housing of the rotary button unit. This distance is in particular the average distance between the bearing points. It is also possible for this distance to be the inner distance between the bearing points. In particular, the ratio of the distance to the axial height is greater than 1, preferably greater than 1.2, particularly preferably greater than 1.5. It is also possible and advantageous for the ratio to be at least 2 or more.

[0014] Preferably and advantageously, at least one of the bearing points is arranged outside the rotary button housing. In particular, at least one of the bearing points is arranged radially within the rotary button housing and / or within the first brake component (in particular the core). It is also possible and advantageous to arrange at least two bearing points, in particular all bearing points, outside the rotary button housing.

[0015] In particular, the first brake component, and preferably the core, is housed within and / or on the rotary button housing. In particular, a gap and / or a coil is housed within and / or on the rotary button housing. In particular, a jacket member is arranged within and / or on the rotary button housing. It is possible for all components of the rotary button unit, except the shaft, to be arranged within and / or on the rotary button housing, or to provide a part of the rotary button housing. In other words, in an advantageous embodiment, the rotary button unit is provided by the rotary button housing and the shaft. Preferably, the jacket member provides the (radial) outer wall of the rotary button housing.

[0016] In particular, the shaft extends from the rotary button housing. In particular, only one axial end of the shaft extends from the rotary button housing. In particular, the shaft is connected to the rotary button housing (preferably the end plate of the rotary button housing) at one axial end, and is preferably integrally connected.

[0017] The rotary button housing is used, in particular, to be grasped by one or more fingers so as to be able to rotate the rotary button unit. In particular, the rotary button housing defines the maximum size or maximum diameter in the radial direction of the rotary button unit. In particular, the rotary button unit does not protrude radially outward beyond the rotary button housing. In particular, the rotary button housing defines the axial height of the rotary button unit when the shaft is not considered.

[0018] In a particularly preferred and advantageous embodiment, the maximum height of the rotary button housing is smaller than the maximum diameter of the rotary button housing. In particular, the maximum height is less than half of the maximum diameter.

[0019] In particular, the maximum diameter of the rotary button housing is 20 mm or less, preferably 15 mm or less, and particularly preferably 10 mm or less.

[0020] The operating device can include at least one push button device. In particular, by pressing the rotary button unit, an input can be made via the push button device (push function or press function). Thereby, it is possible to generate an operating state by both rotating and pressing the rotary button unit. The rotation function is generated, in particular, by rotating the rotary button unit. In that case, the rotary button unit is grasped, in particular, by the rotary button housing.

[0021] Regarding the pressing function, it is specifically contemplated that by pressing the rotary button unit, the shaft is axially displaceable relative to the first and second brake components from the basic position. In other words, when the rotary button unit is pressed, the shaft is displaced relative to the first and second brake components. In that case, in particular, the shaft is axially displaceable relative to at least the outer sleeve member of the second brake component and / or relative to the entire first brake component and / or the coil and / or the gap.

[0022] Preferably, the shaft (in the case of the pressing function) can be (axially) pushed into the hollow shaft. In that case, in particular, the shaft is pushed out from the hollow shaft at one axial end.

[0023] In particular, the shaft is displaceable relative to at least a part of the rotary button housing. In particular, when the rotary button housing is pressed, it is contemplated that while the shaft is moved into the hollow shaft, a part of the rotary button housing is maintained in place. In particular, the shaft is movable and preferably elastically connected to this part of the rotary button housing. Such a connection can be made via a separate member, for example a joint. However, the connection can also be made via the rotary button housing itself. In that case, it is preferably and advantageously arranged that the shaft is located in at least a partially flexible, preferably elastically formed part of the rotary button housing.

[0024] In particular, this part is elastically deformable. In particular, the shaft, the part of the rotary button housing, and a part (fixed to the shaft) are firmly, preferably integrally connected to each other. Such a connection can be made, for example, like a film hinge or can at least include such a thing. This part of the rotary button housing is in particular an end plate or a part of the end plate. In particular, the end plate is at least partially elastically designed. In particular, the end plate enables a flexible, preferably elastic connection between the shaft and a part of the rotary button housing that is fixed to the shaft in the case of the pressing function. Such a deformable part of the rotary button housing has the advantage that the seal can be omitted. Otherwise, the interruption of the housing for the pressing function requires additional service points, which take up installation space and increase the base friction.

[0025] In particular, at least one reset device is provided. In particular, the reset device enables the shaft to be moved from the hollow shaft to the basic position. Preferably, the reset device is provided by the elastic part of the rotary button housing deforming when pressed. In particular, this part is the aforementioned part of the rotary button housing. Preferably, this part returns to its original shape without a pressing operation.

[0026] It is particularly preferred that the reset device is integrally formed with the rotary button housing, in particular the end plate. Alternatively or additionally, the reset device can be provided by another (separate) member. For example, a spring element, such as a snap disk (also called a snap dome), can be arranged between the stator unit and the rotary button housing, or at the distal end of the shaft away from the rotary button housing between the shaft and the support structure.

[0027] In particular, at least one sensor unit is provided to detect the relative movement between the rotary button unit and the stator unit. It is advantageous, and preferably, that the sensor unit is also arranged outside the rotary button housing, in particular outside the hollow shaft. In particular, the sensor unit is fixedly arranged on the stator unit and / or the strike structure. In particular, the sensor unit is arranged adjacent to a portion of the shaft extending from the hollow shaft. In particular, the sensor device overlaps the shaft in the radial direction. In particular, the sensor device overlaps the hollow shaft in the axial direction. This means that if the sensor unit is (imagined to be) displaced axially, this will particularly hit the hollow shaft.

[0028] In particular, the sensor unit is used to detect rotational movement. It is also possible, and preferably, that the sensor unit is designed to detect axial movement in the case of a push function. For this purpose, a separate sensor unit can also be provided.

[0029] In particular, the sensor unit has a distance from a coil corresponding to at least 75% or at least 100% of the distance between the bearing points. In particular, the sensor unit has a distance from a coil that is greater than (for example, 1, 2 times, or 1.5 times or more) the maximum axial height of the rotary button housing.

[0030] In particular, at least one sealing device for sealing the gap is arranged between the rotary button unit and the stator unit. In particular, the sealing device extends between the rotary button housing and the hollow shaft. In particular, the sealing device seals only between the outer sleeve member and / or the bottom member and the hollow shaft. In particular, the gap is sealed only on the upper side of the rotary button housing or on the side opposite the end plate (lower side). The upper side of the housing of the rotary button is particularly consistently closed.

[0031] Preferably, the sealing device is disposed on and / or within the rotary button housing, preferably only on and / or within the rotary button housing. In particular, the sealing device is at least partially disposed radially inside the coil. In particular, the sealing device is connected to the rotary button unit only via the rotary button housing, preferably via the bottom plate of the rotary button housing. Preferably, the sealing device is connected to the stator unit via a hollow shaft, preferably only via the hollow shaft.

[0032] Preferably, the sealing device is designed as a non-contact seal, particularly having at least one open sealing gap. The sealing device can be designed as a non-contact seal having at least one sealing fluid for closing the sealing gap.

[0033] In particular, the sealing fluid is different from the magnetorheological medium (e.g., in terms of size and / or type of particles). In particular, the sealing fluid is fixed by a magnetic field. In this case, the sealing fluid is preferably designed as a magnetic fluid or the like. In particular, the sealing device includes at least one (permanent) magnet unit for generating a magnetic field.

[0034] In particular, the sealing fluid reacts to the magnetic field without solidifying. In particular, the viscosity of the sealing fluid does not increase so much under the influence of the magnetic field. The carrier fluid can be, for example, an aqueous solution, water, oil, wax, etc. Other carrier fluids suitable for containing the sealed and magnetizable sealing particles are also possible. The sealing fluid can contain additives such as surfactants and stabilizers. In particular, the sealing particles are stabilized by a surface coating, preferably a polymer surface coating.

[0035] It is also possible and advantageous to design the sealing fluid as barrier grease. In that case, it is fixed particularly based on its viscosity.

[0036] The sealing device has, or can be designed to have, at least one labyrinth seal including at least two or more labyrinth walls. In that case, an open seal gap and / or a seal gap closed with a sealing fluid can be formed between the labyrinth walls.

[0037] The sealing device can also be designed as a contact seal, in which case, in particular, at least one open seal gap can be closed in a contact manner. For this purpose, the sealing device can include at least one sealing means made of an elastomer or felt, etc.

[0038] Preferably, the magnetorheological medium includes magnetorheological particles and a gas as a filling medium. In particular, the magnetorheological particles are incorporated into the air. In particular, the magnetorheological medium is designed as a powder. Using such a magnetorheological medium, the invention presented herein enables particularly low base torque. The advantage of the particles incorporated into the gas is further that the compensation volume required based on temperature fluctuations in a liquid medium can be omitted. However, a liquid medium is also possible, for example, oil can also be used as a filling medium.

[0039] It is particularly preferred that the magnetorheological particles mainly consist of carbonyl iron powder or derivatives thereof. Other magnetorheologically responsive particles are also possible. The magnetorheological particles can have a coating for protecting against wear and / or corrosion and / or additional components in order to make the magnetorheological particles more durable, more wear-resistant, and / or more lubricious during operation. The magnetorheological medium and / or the magnetorheological particles can include, for example, graphite additives.

[0040] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the core is non-rotatably connected to the hollow shaft. In particular, the first brake component is integrally designed. It is possible and advantageous to integrally connect the core to the hollow shaft. It is also possible and advantageous to firmly join the core to the hollow shaft, for example by pressing. Adhesive connections are also possible. In particular, the hollow shaft can be assembled directly or indirectly to the support structure.

[0041] In particular, the core is connected to the hollow shaft via a support disk. The support disk extends like a flange, in particular at one end of the hollow shaft. The support disk can be integrally formed with the hollow shaft and / or the core. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support disk is integrally connected to the hollow shaft. In that case, the core is preferably joined to the support disk, for example by pressing. However, the core can also be integrally formed with the support disk. The support disk can be provided by the core, or by the hollow shaft, or can be designed as a separate member from the core and the hollow shaft.

[0042] It is particularly preferred and advantageous that the stator unit is designed as a single part to be handled during the coupling with the rotary button unit. In particular, this part includes or consists of the hollow shaft and the first brake component attached thereto (via the support disk). It is preferably and advantageously that the stator unit consists only of the hollow shaft and the first brake component attached thereto (preferably provided only by the core) (via the support disk).

[0043] Preferably, the core is designed in a ring shape. Preferably, the core has at least one circumferential receiving zone for the coil on the radially outer side. Preferably, the core has at least one circumferential gap profile on the radially outer side. Preferably, the gap profile includes at least one star profile or is designed as a star profile. In particular, the star profile 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 profile can also be flat or cylindrical, whereby the gap height does not change.

[0044] In particular, at least two gap profiles are provided. Preferably, a receiving zone is arranged between at least two gap profiles. In particular, the coil is provided recessed between two gap profiles. In particular, the gap profile protrudes beyond the coil in the direction of the outer casing member.

[0045] In particular, the hollow shaft is arranged on the radially inner side of the core. In particular, the support disk extends between the core and the hollow shaft. The core can also be called a ring core.

[0046] In all embodiments, it is preferable and advantageous that the rotary button unit includes a shaft non-rotatably connected to the outer casing member. In particular, at least one electrical wiring for the coil extends between the shaft and the hollow shaft. In particular, the wiring extends through the wall of the hollow shaft and / or through the support disk to the coil into the receiving zone.

[0047] It is advantageous and preferable that the shaft protrudes from the stator unit, in particular from the hollow shaft, at one axial end opposite to the rotary button unit.

[0048] It is also preferable and advantageous for the shaft to protrude from the stator unit, particularly from the hollow shaft, at one axial end facing the rotary button unit. In particular, the shaft protrudes from the stator unit, particularly from the hollow shaft, at two axial ends located on opposite sides of each other. In particular, the hollow shaft is designed to be shorter than the shaft.

[0049] In an advantageous development, it is contemplated that the hollow shaft and the shaft are each longer than the axial height of the rotary button housing. It is particularly preferable that the portion of the shaft protruding from the hollow shaft has a length of at least three-quarters of the axial height of the rotary button housing.

[0050] It is also advantageous and preferable that the portion of the hollow shaft protruding from the rotary button housing has a length greater than the axial height of the rotary button housing.

[0051] In particular, the shaft is connected to the outer sleeve member via an end plate. In particular, the end plate is firmly, preferably integrally formed with the shaft and / or the outer sleeve member.

[0052] It is preferable that the end plate closes the rotary button unit (axially) outward and provides a part of the rotary button housing.

[0053] In particular, the rotary button unit consists only of the rotary button housing and the shaft. In particular, the rotary button housing consists only of the second brake component, preferably only of the outer sleeve member, the end plate, and the bottom member.

[0054] In particular, the rotary button housing is axially supported on the first brake component via at least one sliding ring. In particular, the rotary button housing is supported by the core. In particular, the rotary button housing is supported by the end plate. In particular, support is also provided between the bottom member and the first brake component. In particular, at least one sliding ring is provided for each support.

[0055] The rotary button housing has, in particular, a cylindrical outer contour. In particular, the shaft extends from the rotary button housing at the center. In particular, the shaft extends from the rotary button housing on the side opposite to the end plate. In particular, except for the shaft, all components of the rotary button unit are arranged within the rotary button housing or form part of the rotary button housing.

[0056] In particular, the rotary button unit includes at least one bottom member non-rotatably connected to the outer sleeve member. In particular, the bottom member is arranged on the side opposite to the end plate. In particular, the bottom member has a central opening through which the hollow shaft extends from the rotary button housing. In particular, the rotation shaft also extends through the central opening.

[0057] Preferably, the outer sleeve member is designed to be magnetically conductive. In particular, the outer sleeve member is made of a magnetically conductive material. Within the scope of the present invention, a non-magnetically conductive material is understood to be, in particular, a material having a magnetic permeability of less than 10, preferably less than 1. In this specification, it is understood that a material having a magnetic permeability exceeding 10, preferably a ferromagnetic substance, is magnetically conductive. In that case, the magnetic conductivity is the "relative magnetic permeability", which is also simply called the "magnetic permeability".

[0058] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the outer sleeve member has a maximum axial height of at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, particularly preferably at least 90% of the maximum axial height of the rotary button housing. In particular, the outer sleeve member is formed as a ring. In particular, the outer sleeve member connects the end plate to the bottom member. In particular, the outer sleeve member provides the wall of the rotary button housing.

[0059] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0060]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a smart device designed as a smartwatch 101 equipped with a tactile operating device 10. The smartwatch 101 has a dynamic display. Using the operating device 10, the functions of the smartwatch 101 can be operated by rotational movement, preferably also by linear movement (push function). Through the operating device 10, for example, scrolling of menu items, apps, etc., or settings such as time or volume are performed.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a camera 102 having one or two tactile operating devices 10. Through the operating device 10, various functions of the camera 102, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, etc. can be operated. The one or two operating devices 10 can also be provided with a push function here, whereby by pressing a button, for example, a dialog can be confirmed, or an option can be set. For example, the shutter can also be actuated by pressing the operating device 10.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows an operating device 10 having a stator unit 20 and a rotary button unit 30 that are rotatable relative to each other. Relative movement can be accurately braked through a brake device 1 having two brake components 2, 3, a gap 4, a coil 24, and a magnetorheological medium 14, and tactile feedback can be provided. The rotational movement is performed around the rotation axis 11.

[0064] The rotary button unit 30 includes an outer sleeve member 13 and a shaft 23, as well as an end plate 66 and a bottom member 76. The end plate 66 and the bottom member 76 are connected to each other via the outer sleeve member 13. The bottom member 76, the end plate 66, and the outer sleeve member 13 here form the rotary button housing 6. In that case, the outer sleeve member 13 provides the outer wall 26 of the rotary button housing 6. The shaft 23 extends from the rotary button housing 6. The maximum diameter 36 of the rotary button unit 30 or the rotary button housing 6 is here less than, for example, 10 mm.

[0065] The stator unit 20 here includes a first brake component 2 and a hollow shaft 22 attached thereto. The first brake component 2 here includes a core 12 having a receiving zone 42 for the coil 24 and two gap profiles 52. The gap profiles 52 are here designed as star profiles 62. The core 12 is connected to the hollow shaft 22 via a support disk 32.

[0066] The sensor unit 8 is used to detect the rotational movement of the rotary button unit 30 relative to the stator unit 20, and preferably also the linear movement. The sensor unit in particular includes at least one hall sensor or the like.

[0067] The rotary button unit 30 is here rotatably supported on the stator unit 20 via two spaced bearing points 15, 25. The bearing points 15, 25 are arranged between the shaft 23 and the hollow shaft 22 and are here provided by one sliding bearing 5 each. The average distance 35 between the bearing points 15, 25 or the sliding bearings 5 is here greater than the maximum axial height 16 of the rotary button housing 6.

[0068] The sealing device 9 is used to seal the gap 4. The sealing device 9 extends here between the rotary button housing 6, for example its bottom member 76, and the stator unit 20, for example its hollow shaft 22. The sealing device 9 can be designed here as a contact or non-contact type. In the case of a non-contact seal, for example, barrier grease, or a magnetically fixed sealing fluid, and for example a magnetic fluid are provided.

[0069] Figure 4 shows a variant of the operating device 10 presented in Figure 3, where a push button device 7 is provided here. Thereby, an input can be made by pressing the rotary button unit 30 (push function). By pressing, the shaft 23 is here pushed into the hollow shaft 22 along the rotary shaft 11 or pushed out from the hollow shaft at the lower end. In that case, linear motion is detected via the sensor unit 8.

[0070] The operating device 10 is here shown in the basic position 17 where the rotary button unit 30 is not pressed. When pressed, the shaft 22 is displaced relative to a part 46 of the rotary button housing 6. In that case, the shaft 23 is movable and is, for example, elastically connected to this part 46. The connection is here made via an elastically deformable part 56 of the rotary button housing 6. For example, the part 56 is provided by an end plate 66. For this purpose, the end plate 66 is here elastically designed and has, for example, circumferential notches in order to increase the movement space when pressed.

[0071] The rotary button unit 30 can be returned to the basic position 17 again by the reset device 27. The reset device 27 is here provided by an elastically designed part 56. The push button device 7 presented here has the advantage, among other things, that it does not require the interruption or sealing of the closed rotary button housing 6.

[0072] In FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, a stator unit 20 that can be used in the above-described operating device 10 is shown in detail. Here, the 62 star-shaped contours and the accommodation zones 42 for the coils 24 formed therebetween can be recognized particularly well. The hollow shaft 22 is integrally formed with the support disk 32 here. Here, the hollow shaft 22 is press-fitted into the ring-shaped core 12 via the support disk 32. However, an integral design of the core 12 and the support disk 32, or the hollow shafts 2 and 20, can also be contemplated.

[0073] One or more wirings 34 for supplying power to the coil 24 extend in the hollow shaft 22 here. In the assembled state as specified, the wiring 34 extends between the inner wall of the hollow shaft 22 and the shaft 23 here. At one axial end, a hole is formed in the hollow shaft 22, and the wiring 34 extends through it into the accommodation zone 42. For this purpose, holes for the wiring 34 are also arranged in the core 12 and the support disk 32 respectively here. These holes extend radially here. In the configuration shown here, for example, it is possible to complete the drilling in one pass to guide the wiring 34 from the inside of the hollow shaft 22 to the accommodation zone 42.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0074] 1 Brake device 2 Brake component 3 Brake component 4 Gap 5 Plain bearing 6 Rotary button housing 7 Push button device 8 Sensor unit 9 Sealing device 10 Operating device 11 Rotating shaft 12 Core 13 Outer jacket member 14 Medium 15 Bearing point 16 Height 17 Basic position 20 Stator unit 22 Hollow shaft 23 Shaft 24 Coil 25 Bearing point 26 Outer wall 27 Reset device 30 Rotating button unit 32 Support disk 34 Wiring 35 Distance 36 Diameter 37 Notch 42 Accommodation zone 44 Hole 45 Slip ring 46 Part 52 Gap profile 56 Portion 62 Star profile 66 End plate 76 Bottom member 101 Smartwatch 102 Camera

Claims

1. At least one stator unit (20) attachable to a support structure, at least one rotary button unit (30) rotatable relative to the stator unit (20) for adjusting an operating state by a rotary motion, and at least one magnetorheological brake device (1) including at least two brake components (2, 3), a tactile operating device (10) comprising: One of the brake components (2, 3) is provided by the stator unit (20), the other of the brake components (2, 3) is provided by the rotary button unit (30), the two brake components (2, 3) are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis (11), the first brake component (2) includes a core (12) made of a magnetically conductive material, the second brake component (3) includes a jacket member (13) extending around the first brake component (2), and a circumferential gap (4) at least partially filled with a magnetorheological medium (14) is formed between the first and the second brake components (2, 3), and at least one electric coil (24) wound around the rotation axis (11) and at least partially surrounding the core (21) is accommodated between the jacket member (13) and the core (12). A tactile operating device.

2. The stator unit (20) includes a hollow shaft (22) non-rotatably connected to the first brake component (2), the rotary button unit (30) includes a shaft (23) connected to the second brake component (3), the shaft (23) extends through the hollow shaft (22) and is rotatably supported, in particular, within the hollow shaft (22). The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 1.

3. The rotary button unit (30) and the stator unit (20) are rotatably supported relative to each other via the shaft (23) and the hollow shaft (22). The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 2.

4. The shaft (23) is rotatably supported within the hollow shaft (22) by at least two bearing points (15, 25). The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 2.

5. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the bearing points (15, 25) have a mutual distance (35) that is greater than the maximum axial height (16) of the rotary button housing (6) of the rotary button unit (30).

6. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the bearing points (15, 25) is arranged outside the rotary button housing (6).

7. The first brake component (2), the gap (4), and the coil (24) are housed inside and / or on the rotary button housing (6), and the outer sleeve member (13) is arranged inside and / or on the rotary button housing (6). The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5.

8. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the outer sleeve member (13) provides an (radial) outer wall (26) of the rotary button housing (6).

9. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the maximum axial height (16) of the rotary button housing (6) is smaller than the maximum diameter (36) of the rotary button housing (6).

10. The maximum diameter (36) of the rotary button housing (6) is 20 mm or less, preferably 15 mm or less, and particularly preferably 10 mm or less. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5.

11. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a push button device (7) capable of inputting by pressing the rotary button unit (30) (push function). By pressing the rotary button unit (30), the shaft (23) is axially displaceable relative to the first and second brake components (2, 3) from the basic position (17).

12. The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the shaft (23) can be inserted into the hollow shaft (22).

13. The shaft (23) is displaceable relative to at least one member (46) of the rotary button housing (6), and the shaft (23) is movable. Preferably, the shaft (23) is elastically connected to the member (46) of the rotary button housing (6). The tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5.

14. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the shaft (23) is arranged in a part (56) of the rotary button housing (6) that is at least partially flexible, preferably elastically designed.

15. The shaft (23) is movable from the hollow shaft (22) to the basic position (17) by a reset device (27), and the reset device (27) preferably causes the elastically designed part (56) of the rotary button housing (6) to deform when pressed, and the part (56) to return to its original shape when not pressed. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 11, provided by this.

16. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 5, comprising at least one sensor unit (8) for detecting relative movement between the rotary button unit (30) and the stator unit (20), and the sensor unit (8) is arranged outside the rotary button housing (6), and in particular also outside the hollow shaft (22).

17. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 5, wherein at least one sealing device (9) for sealing the gap (4) is arranged between the rotary button unit (30) and the stator unit (20).

18. The sealing device (9) is arranged on and / or inside the rotary button housing (6), and the sealing device (9) is at least partially arranged radially inside the coil (24). The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 17.

19. The sealing device (9) is designed as a non-contact seal having at least one open sealing gap or as a non-contact seal having a sealing fluid that closes the sealing gap, and the sealing fluid is fixed by a magnetic field or the sealing fluid is formed as barrier grease. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 17.

20. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetorheological medium (14) includes magnetorheological particles (44) and a gas as a filling medium.

21. The tactile operating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the core (12) is non-rotatably connected to the hollow shaft (22).

22. The core (12) is designed in a ring shape and has, on the radially outer side, at least one circumferential receiving zone (42) for the coil (24) and, on the radially outer side, at least one circumferential gap contour (52), the gap contour (52) being in particular a star-shaped contour (62), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 1.

23. The receiving zone (42) is arranged between at least two of the gap contours (52), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 22.

24. The rotary button unit (30) includes a shaft (23) non-rotatably connected to the outer sleeve member (13), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 1.

25. The shaft (23) projects from the stator unit (20), and in particular from the hollow shaft (22), at the axial end opposite to the rotary button unit (30), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 2.

26. The shaft (23) projects from the stator unit (20), and in particular from the hollow shaft (22), at the axial end facing the rotary button unit (30), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 2.

27. The hollow shaft (22) and the shaft (23) are each longer than the axial height (16) of the rotary button housing (6), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 5.

28. The portion of the shaft (23) projecting from the hollow shaft (22) has a length of at least three quarters of the axial height (16) of the rotary button housing, of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 5.

29. The portion of the hollow shaft (22) projecting from the rotary button housing (6) has a length greater than the axial height (16) of the rotary button housing (6), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 5.

30. The shaft (23) is connected to the outer sleeve member (13) via an end plate (66), the end plate (66) being integrally formed with the shaft (23) and / or the outer sleeve member (13), of the tactile operating device (100) according to claim 2.

31. The end plate (66) closes the rotary button unit (30) against the outside and provides a part of the rotary button housing (6), the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 30.

32. The rotary button housing (6) is axially supported on the first brake component (2) via at least one sliding ring (45), the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5.

33. The rotary button housing (6) has a cylindrical outer contour, and the shaft (23) extends from the rotary button housing (6) with the center thereof, the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5.

34. The rotary button unit (30) includes a bottom member (76) non-rotatably connected to the outer sleeve member (13), the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 17.

35. The sealing device (9) seals between the outer sleeve member (13) and / or the bottom member (76) and the hollow shaft (22), the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 34.

36. The outer sleeve member (13) is designed to be magnetically conductive, the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 1.

37. The outer sleeve member (13) has an axial height of at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, particularly preferably at least 90% of the axial height of the rotary button housing (6), the tactile operation device (100) according to claim 5.

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