Operating device with a rotatable operating element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for electronic household appliances with rotatable elements face challenges in achieving good sealing properties without complex structure requirements, particularly when used with non-transparent control panels and require specialized sealing measures.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a rotatable control element that includes a closed, fluid-tight holding element inserted into a recess in the control panel, featuring a labyrinth seal and an optical sensor system for rotation detection, allowing for a simple and effective seal without material or transparency restrictions on the control panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable operating element is integrated directly into the control panel, then the device allows for parameter setting, but special sealing measures are required between the control panel and the rotatable element
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: the operating element is housed in a holding element that is inserted into the control panel, rather than being integrated directly. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be isolated to the interface between the holding element and control panel, simplifying the overall sealing requirement while maintaining operational functionality.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for rotation detection, then the detection of rotary position is enabled, but the control panel must be transparent or made of specific materials
Solution Approach 1:
An encoder is introduced as an intermediary component between the operating element and the optical sensor. The encoder is positioned in the holding element, which acts as a mediator that allows the optical sensor to detect rotary position through the holding element without requiring the control panel itself to be transparent. This intermediary approach enables the use of opaque control panel materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical detection through the control panel with a mechanical encoding system (encoder) that converts rotary position into detectable signals. This substitution allows the use of non-transparent materials for the control panel while maintaining precise rotary position detection capability.
3Device complexity
If the operating element is directly mounted on the control panel, then the structure is simple, but sealing between the control panel and rotating component is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into a holding element that receives and seals the operating element, which is then inserted into the control panel. This segmentation creates a dedicated sealing interface at the holding element-control panel junction, improving sealing reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element serves as an intermediary component between the control panel and the operating element. It provides a sealed enclosure for the operating element and creates a defined interface with the control panel, thereby improving sealing properties without requiring complex integrated designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable, splash-proof seal and enables rotation detection without needing the control panel to be transparent or made of specific materials, enhancing the versatility and ease of implementation across various household appliances.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor arranged on the printed circuit board... in a section provided between the encoder of the operating element and the optical sensor of the circuit board
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
An operating device has an operating panel (12) with a recess (14), a printed circuit board (26) arranged on an inner side of the operating panel (12) remote from a user, and an operating element (22) which is at least partially arranged within the recess (14) of the operating panel (12) and is rotatable about an axis of rotation running perpendicular to the plane of the operating panel (12). A rotation detection means with an encoder (30) provided on the operating element (22) and with an optical sensor (28) arranged on the printed circuit board (26) detects a rotational movement and/or a rotational position of the operating element (22). In addition, the operating device has a closed holding element (16) which is inserted into the recess (14) of the operating panel (12) and is sealed fluid-tightly in relation to the operating panel (12) by means of a sealing means (18). Said holding element (16) has a receiving portion (20) for at least partially receiving the operating element (22), wherein the operating element (22) is mounted rotatably in the receiving portion (20) and, in a portion (21a, 21b) provided between the encoder (30) of the operating element (22) and the optical sensor (28) of the printed circuit board (26), is at least partially permeable with respect to the radiation used by the optical sensor (26).