Rotatable control element

Abstract

A rotatable control element (100) is configured to provide input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system and comprises a first raceway element (102) comprising a first circular running surface on an outer perimeter thereof, a second raceway element (104) comprising a second circular running surface on an inner perimeter thereof, a plurality of rolling elements (20) arranged between the first circular running surface and the second circular running surface, and a circular retainer (106) arranged between the first circular running surface and the second circular running surface, the circular retainer being configured to hold the plurality of rolling elements.

Description

ROTATABLE CONTROL ELEMENTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a rotatable control element.BACKGROUND

[0002] Rotatable control elements are used for many different applications. In media devices, for example, rotatable control knobs may be used for regulating or adjusting different parameters such as, e.g., a volume of sound that is output by the media device. In venting systems, an air flow may be regulated by rotating an air grille, thereby increasing or decreasing a size of an opening provided for the air to flow through. Generally speaking, a rotatable control element may be any kind of rotary device that can be used to provide input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system when turned manually by a human operator or automatically by a control unit. Differing extend of device rotation usually corresponds to different desired input. Rotatable control elements are a simple type of input hardware and are very common in different kinds of control systems.

[0003] There is a need for a rotatable control element which has a high quality feel, may be operated smoothly with minimal noise, and may be manufactured in a compact way at low cost.SUMMARY

[0004] A rotatable control element is configured to provide input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system and incudes a first raceway element including a first circular running surface on an outer perimeter thereof, a second raceway element including a second circular running surface on an inner perimeter thereof, a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the first circular running surface and the second circular running surface, and a circular retainer arranged between the first circular running surface and the second circular running surface, the circular retainer being configured to hold the plurality of rolling elements.

[0005] Other systems, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and figures. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages included within this description be within the scope of the invention and be protected by the following claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The arrangements may be better understood with reference to the following description and drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same components throughout the different views.

[0007] Figure 1 schematically illustrates in an exploded view a rotatable control element according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rotatable control element according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 schematically illustrates in a three-dimensional view elements of a rotatable control element according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 schematically illustrates in a cross-sectional view elements of a rotatable control element according to further embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The rotatable control element disclosed herein is configured to provide input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system. The rotatable control element may be operated manually by a human operator or automatically by a control unit. The rotatable control element has a high quality feel, may be operated smoothly and with minimal noise, and may be manufactured in a compact way at low cost.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, a rotatable control element 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure is schematically illustrated in an exploded three-dimensional view. Therotatable control element 100 is configured to provide input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system and comprises a first raceway element 102 comprising a first circular running surface 312 on an outer perimeter thereof, a second raceway element 104 comprising a second circular running surface 314 on an inner perimeter thereof, a plurality of rolling elements 20 arranged between the first circular running surface 312 and the second circular running surface 314, and a circular retainer 106 arranged between the first circular running surface 312 and the second circular running surface 314, the circular retainer 106 being configured to hold the plurality of rolling elements 20. The different elements of the rotatable control element 100 are illustrated in further detail in the cross-sectional views of Figures 2 and 4.

[0013] As is schematically illustrated, the first raceway element 102 may have an essentially cylindrical shape with respect to a central axis A. The same applies for the second raceway element 104, which may also have an essentially cylindrical shape with respect to the central axis A. The second raceway element 104 in the assembled state of the rotatable control element 100 surrounds the first raceway element 102 (see Figures 2 and 4). That is, an inner diameter of the second raceway element 104 facing towards the first raceway element 102 is larger than an outer diameter of the first raceway element 102 facing towards the second raceway element 104.

[0014] The first circular running surface 312 (see Figure 4) may be an essentially flat surface. The second circular running surface 314 may also be an essentially flat surface that is arranged in parallel to the first circular running surface 312. The first and second circular running surfaces 312, 314 constitute end faces in a direction along the central axis A, and provide a surface for the plurality of rolling elements 20 to run on. That is, each rolling element 20 of the plurality of rolling elements 20 is in contact with the first circular running surface 312 as well as with the second circular running surface 314. A distance between the first running surface 312 and the second running surface 314 may equal a diameter d20 of the individual rolling elements 20, or may be slightly larger (e.g., up to 1.1 times) than the diameter d20. The diameter d20 of the rolling elements d20 may be between 1.5 and 2.50 millimeters, for example. According to one example, the diameter d20 is 2.00 millimeters.

[0015] The circular retainer 106 is configured to hold the plurality of rolling elements 20 in their desired positions between the first circular running surface 312 and the second circular running surface 314. For example, the circular retainer 106 may comprise a plurality pockets, each pocket of the plurality of pockets rollably retaining a different one of the plurality of rolling elements 20. The circular retainer 106 may generally be implemented in any suitable way, but also has an essentially circular shape with respect to the central axis A.

[0016] The rotatable control element 100 may comprise at least four rolling elements 20 to allow the first raceway element 102 and the second raceway element 104 to run smoothly along each other. Smooth operation of the rotatable control element 100, however, further increases as the number of rolling elements 20 increases. A rotatable control element 100 according to further embodiments of the disclosure therefore may comprise at least ten, or at least twenty rolling elements 20. The plurality of rolling elements 20 may be arranged at regular intervals along the circular retainer 106. This further increases the high quality feel for a user when operating the rotatable control element 100.

[0017] The plurality of rolling elements 20 may be arranged in one row along a circumference of the circular retainer 106. According to further embodiments, and as is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the plurality of rolling elements 20 may be arranged in two rows along the circular retainer 106. That is, a first subset of the plurality of rolling elements 20 may be arranged in a first row, and a second subset of the plurality of rolling elements 20 may be arranged in a second row distant from the first row in a vertical direction y that is perpendicular to a moving direction of the rotatable control element 100 (indicated by means of an arrow in Figure 1) and parallel to the first and second circular running surfaces 312, 314. Arranging the plurality of rolling elements 20 in two rows may further increase the high quality feel for a user when operating the rotatable control element 100.

[0018] As mentioned above, the first circular running surface 312 and the second circular running surface 314 may be essentially flat. It is, however, also possible that the first and second running surfaces 312, 314 comprise grooves for guiding the rolling elements 20 when the rotatable control element 100 is being operated. According to some embodiments, the first circular running surface 312 comprises a first inner raceway groove 322a and a secondinner raceway groove 322b, as is schematically illustrated in Figure 4. The second circular running surface 314 according to these embodiments comprises a first outer raceway groove 324a and a second outer raceway groove 324b. The plurality of rolling elements 20 in this example are arranged in two rows. A first subset of the plurality of rolling elements 20 (arranged in a first row) is aligned and in contact with the first inner raceway groove 322a and the first outer raceway groove 324a. A second subset of the plurality of rolling elements 20 (arranged in a second row, not visible in the cross-sectional view of Figure 4) is aligned and in contact with the second inner raceway groove 322b and the second outer raceway groove 324b. That is, when the rotatable control element 100 is being operated, the first subset of the plurality of rolling elements 20 moves within a channel defined by the first inner raceway groove 322a and the first outer raceway groove 324a. The second subset of the plurality of rolling elements 20 moves within a channel defined by the second inner raceway groove 322b and the second outer raceway groove 324b.

[0019] The plurality of rolling elements 20 have identical first diameters d20. The first inner raceway groove 322a, the first outer raceway groove 324a, the second inner raceway groove 322b, and the second outer raceway groove 324b may be arch-shaped grooves, each arch-shaped groove defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is between 1.0 and 1.1 times the first diameter d20. That is, a diameter defining the grooves 322a, 322b, 324a, 324b is equal to or slightly larger than a diameter d20 of the rolling elements 20. In this way, the rolling elements 20 may move smoothly along the channels defined by the respective grooves 322a, 322b, 324a, 324b.

[0020] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a section of a rotatable control element 100 without the second raceway element 104. As can be seen, the circular retainer 106 surrounds the first raceway element 102, and in particular the first circular running surface 312. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the rolling elements 20 are also arranged in two rows. A first row in this example is arranged at a first end of the shell surface defined by the circular retainer 106 and facing towards a first opening defined by the circular retainer 106. A second row of rolling elements 20 is arranged at a second end of the shell surface defined by the circular retainer 106 and facing towards a second opening defined by the circular retainer 106, opposite the first end. That is, a distance between the first row and the second row of rolling elements essentially equals a height h20 of the shell surface defined by the circularretainer 106 in the vertical direction y. This, however, is only an example. Two rows of rolling elements 20 may generally be arranged at any distance from each other in the vertical direction y that is less than the height h20 of the shell surface defined by the circular retainer 106. That is, the two rows of rolling elements 20 may also be arranged closer to each other in the vertical direction y.

[0021] When the rotatable control element 100 is being operated, either the first raceway element 102 is static, and the second raceway element 104 rotates around the first raceway element 102, or the second raceway element 104 is static, and the first raceway element 102 rotates inside the second raceway element 104. This generally depends on the application the rotatable control knob 100 is used for.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the rotatable control element 100 may be a control knob. For example, the rotatable control element 100 may be used for regulating or adjusting different parameters such as, e.g., a volume of sound that is output by a media device. The rotatable control element 100 may also be configured to provide any other kind of input for media or infotainment devices, for example. Control knobs are generally operated manually by a user. The second raceway element 104 in this example may be part of or may be coupled to an outer knob element that is grasped and turned by a human operator. In this example, the rotatable control element 100 may further comprise a shaft encoder (not specifically illustrated) that is suitably coupled to the second raceway element 104 such that a movement of the second raceway element 104 is transferred to the shaft encoder. Differing extend of knob rotation usually corresponds to different desired input. The outer knob element may further comprise a cover 50 arranged to conceal the second raceway element 104, the first raceway element 102, the plurality of rolling elements 20, the circular retainer 106, and any other components arranged inside and covered by the outer knob element. The shaft encoder may be coupled to the cover 50, for example.

[0023] The second raceway element 104 and the shaft encoder may be configured to be rotated around rotation axis A. Shaft encoders are generally known and are often also referred to as rotary encoders. A shaft encoder is a device that is able to detect a rotational angle of its shaft, e.g., with respect to a base element. Shaft encoders are often used for control knobs. Generally absolute shaft encoders as well as incremental encoders are known. While absoluteshaft encoders can determine a current position of its shaft from the moment the shaft encoder is powered up, incremental encoders can immediately detect changes in position, but are generally not able to track absolute shaft positions.

[0024] An absolute shaft encoder may use mechanical, magnetic or optical sensors with a rotating disc to determine the shaft position, for example. Mechanical encoders use sliding contacts and a disc with metal patterns designed to encode the shaft position. Magnetic encoders sense the position of magnetized strips on a disc while optical disc encoders read specially-coded light and dark areas. The position data from an absolute shaft encoder is outputted in either digital or analog form, usually depending upon the design of the device. Digital data may be represented in binary, gray code, or binary coded decimal, for example. Incremental shaft encoders, often also known as quadrature encoders, measure relative shaft movement. This type of shaft encoder usually uses only two optical or mechanical sensors from one angle to the next. In order to keep track of the current position of the shaft, external circuitry can be used to count shaft movements from a reference point. In mechanical encoders, for example, cams on the shaft make contact with mechanical sensors to indicate the shaft position. Optical encoders can determine movement by reading light and dark coded tracks, e.g., by means of photodiodes. A shaft encoder included in the rotatable control element 100 as described herein can be implemented in any suitable way and is not restricted to any specific implementation.

[0025] According to another example, the rotatable control element 100 may further comprise an air grille or a loudspeaker grille. The air grille or loudspeaker grille may be coupled to the first raceway element 102 and may cover an opening defined by the circular first raceway element 102, for example. A second air grille or loudspeaker grille may be coupled to the second raceway element 104 and may cover an opening defined by the circular second raceway element 104. In this example, either the second raceway element 104 may be moved (e.g., manually) around the first raceway element 102, or the first raceway element 102 may be moved (e.g., automatically by means of a suitable control unit) inside the second raceway element 104. In this way, the first air grille or loudspeaker grille may be moved with respect to the second air grille or loudspeaker grille, or vice versa. In this way, a size of an opening provided by the first and second grille may be increased or decreased. If the rotatable control element 100 is an element of a venting system, a size of an opening provided for airto flow through may be increased or decreased when the rotatable control element 100 is being operated. If the rotatable control element 100 is an element of a loudspeaker system, a size and shape of an opening provided for sound to pass through may be adjusted by rotating the rotatable control element 100.

[0026] The second raceway element 104 of a rotatable control element 100 as described above is rigidly supported on the first raceway element 102 by means of the rolling elements 20 and the circular retainer 106. This results in a high quality feel for a user when operating the rotatable control element 100, i.e. the second raceway element 104. The rotatable control element 100 may be operated with only minimal noise. This further enhances the high quality feel for a user and contributes to an overall smooth operation of the rotatable control element 100. Further, a shaft encoder coupled to the second raceway element 104 may be operated consistently and evenly by means of the arrangements as have been described above. That is, the rotatable control element 100 may be smoothly moved. Rotary movement of the second raceway element 104 operates a shaft encoder consistently and evenly. The arrangements disclosed herein allow for only minimal play or minimal clearance between first raceway element 102 and the second raceway element 104, in particular between the first circular running surface 312 and the second circular running surface 314, due to the plurality of rolling elements 20 and the circular retainer 106 arranged between the first raceway element 102 and the second raceway element 104 which eliminate a feeling of “looseness”. This reduces the slack or play. The second raceway element 104 is rigidly supported on the first raceway element 102 to eliminate any “wobble” which results in a high quality feel for a user of the rotatable control element 100.

[0027] The different components of the rotatable control element 100 disclosed herein may consist of or comprise any suitable material. The first raceway element 102 may comprise or consist of a plastic material, a metal (e.g., aluminum), or a ceramic material, for example. The same applies for the second raceway element. The rolling elements 20 as well as the circular retainer 106 may also comprise or consist of a plastic material, a metal (e.g., aluminum), or a ceramic material, for example. When metal materials are used for the different components, lubrication may be required. Using ceramic materials, for example, may eliminate the need for lubrication or grease, for example.

[0028] It may be understood, that the illustrated systems are merely examples. While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, the skilled person will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Although these techniques and systems have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood that these techniques and systems may be extended beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other embodiments and / or uses and obvious modifications thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0029] The description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Suitable modifications and variations to the embodiments may be performed in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the methods. The described arrangements are exemplary in nature, and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. As used in this application, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements, unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed. The following claims particularly point out subject matter from the above disclosure that is regarded as novel and non-obvious.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rotatable control element (100) configured to provide input adjustments to a mechanical or electrical system comprises: a first raceway element (102) comprising a first circular running surface (312) on an outer perimeter thereof; a second raceway element (104) comprising a second circular running surface (314) on an inner perimeter thereof; a plurality of rolling elements (20) arranged between the first circular running surface (312) and the second circular running surface (314); and a circular retainer (106) arranged between the first circular running surface (312) and the second circular running surface (314), the circular retainer (106) being configured to hold the plurality of rolling elements (20).

2. The rotatable control element (100) of claim 1, wherein the circular retainer (106) comprises a plurality pockets, each pocket of the plurality of pockets rollably retaining a different one of the plurality of rolling elements (20).

3. The rotatable control element (100) of claim 1 or 2, comprising at least four rolling elements (20).

4. The rotatable control element (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of rolling elements (20) are arranged at regular intervals along the circular retainer (106).

5. The rotatable control element (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of rolling elements (20) are arranged in one row along a circumference of the circular retainer (106).

6. The rotatable control element (100) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of rolling elements (20) are arranged in two rows along the circular retainer (106).

7. The rotatable control element (100) of claim 6, wherein the first circular running surface(312) comprises a first inner raceway groove (322a) and a second inner raceway groove (322b), and the second circular running surface (314) comprises a first outer raceway groove (324a) and a second outer raceway groove (324b), wherein a first subset of the plurality of rolling elements (20) is aligned and in contact with the first inner raceway groove (322a) and the first outer raceway groove (324a), and a second subset of the plurality of rolling elements (20) is aligned and in contact with the second inner raceway groove (322b) and the second outer raceway groove (324b).

8. The rotatable control element (100) of claim 7, wherein the plurality of rolling elements (20) have identical first diameters (d20).

9. The rotatable control element (100) of claim 8, wherein the first inner raceway groove (322a), the first outer raceway groove (324a), the second inner raceway groove (322b), and the second outer raceway groove (324b) are arch-shaped grooves, each arch-shaped groove defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is between 1.0 and 1.1 times the first diameter (d20).

10. The rotatable control element (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein either the first raceway element (102) is static, and the second raceway element (104) is configured to rotate around the first raceway element (102), or the second raceway element (104) is static, and the first raceway element (102) is configured to rotate inside the second raceway element (104).

11. The rotatable control element (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable control element (100) is a control knob.

12. The rotatable control element (100) of claim 11, further comprising a shaft encoder, wherein the shaft encoder is coupled to the second raceway element (104) such that a movement of the second raceway element (104) is transferred to the shaft encoder.

13. The rotatable control element (100) of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an air grille or a loudspeaker grille.

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