DE102009003253A1 - Rotating actuator for adjusting and representing system status, particularly for use in motor vehicle, has rotary knob, where status of system is changed by rotation of rotary knob and rotary knob rotates in limitless manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The rotating actuator has a rotary knob (1), where a status of a system is changed by the rotation of the rotary knob and the rotary knob rotates in limitless manner. An optical display unit is assigned to the rotating actuator, which optically represents the system status as angular range based on the starting position. The starting position for the optical representation of the system status is independent of the initial position of the rotary knob. An independent claim is also included for a multi-function device with a unit for identifying the system adjusted and represented by the rotating actuator.

Description

State of the art

The The invention relates to a turntable, with the at least one state of a system and the set state are visually displayed can. The turntable can be used in particular in a motor vehicle and includes an infinitely rotatable knob, its rotational movement changed the state of a system, and the turntable associated optical display means, wherein the optical display means arranged around the axis of rotation of the knob around and in its outer visible shape is designed circular symmetrical.

Such turntables are used, for example, for the adjustment of household appliances. For example, shows the DE 102 36 935 A1 a rotary switch with a rotary knob, which is retractable into a front panel of the household appliance. The rotary knob serves both to display a system status and to select a program. When outstanding from the front of the device rotary knob over the circumference of the rotary knob extending annular luminous surface is visible, which lights up in the operating state of the household appliance. An arranged on the front side of the rotary knob luminous point defines the position of the rotary knob with respect to a countersunk into the front panel of the device. Based on a zero position of the rotary knob, the selectable on the switch scale and adjustable via the rotary knob programs are given. The setting of the system state of the household appliance is always dependent on the starting position of the rotary knob.

Turntables for displaying and setting system states are also used in motor vehicles. That's how it shows DE 10 2006 018 518 A1 a control button in which a display projects a variable symbol on its surface. Even with this turntable, the setting of the system state is dependent on the starting position of the control knob.

From the DE 102 45 333 A1 An input device is known in which systems shown on a display can be selected and adjusted by means of various remote from the display controls. The controls consist of pushbuttons, a rocker switch and a rotary knob. The rotary knob can be used to set the system status of a system marked on the display via the other controls. Due to the spatial separation of the display and controls, it is difficult to coordinate the operation of the controls with the movements in the display.

Otherwise, the shows DE 103 24 812 A1 a parking aid for a motor vehicle with circularly embedded in the steering wheel LEDs. The LEDs indicate a required for parking steering angle with respect to a reference point.

Disclosure of the invention

task The invention is to propose a turntable by high variability for setting and presentation the states of various systems can be used and the intuitively operated by the user.

These Task is by the turntable according to claim 1 solved. The turntable is designed such that the visual display means the system state from a Starting position as an angular range visually, and that the Starting position for visualization of the system status independently from an angular starting position of the rotary knob is.

One essential idea of the invention is to provide a in its rotational movement without impact, so infinitely rotatable knob assign a likewise variable optical display means. Such a Knob is used to set functions of different systems available. The optical display means becomes a system state or its change visualized. It can both a set setpoint of a system and an actual one Actual value of the system can be displayed. The advantage of the invention optical display is that they work on a single turntable for the states to be set and illustrated various Systems forms an individual scale, without the starting position to have to refer to the knob. This is special advantageous in the case of the digital turntables used, in contrast to the conventional analog turntables have no end stops for the rotary motion.

By the arrangement of the optical display means about the axis of rotation of the knob around there is for the operator of the knob in an advantageous manner, a direct coupling between the rotational movement performed by him and the displayed change of the visually displayed system state. When a system responds to user input with an optical feedback, the closer the responsive optical display means is to the turntable, the faster the operator of the system understands this relationship. When used in a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle driver is thus less distracted in the operation of the turntable. The turntable is through to intuitively operate the direct relationship between rotation of the rotary knob and change of the optically represented angle range, whereby difficulties in learning the operating logic for a user can be avoided.

One Another essential idea of the invention is in the Independence of the starting position for optical Dartstellung the system state with respect to the starting position of the turntable. The operator must turn the knob before displaying a system condition do not first move to a defined starting position, but the Turntable according to the invention can advantageously From each position of the knob out a certain Visualize the system state. In particular, this is an advantage if the operator is between different optically represented systems changes and in each case by turning the rotary knob a setting performs. He then changes back to a previous one Although the position of the rotary knob has changed, but the independent representation of the system state the replayed system has remained the same. Although the Position of the knob is now another can the visual display means due to their independence from the position of the knob the system state unchanged represent.

In a preferred embodiment is the starting position for optical representation of the system state a middle position or a maximum position or a minimum position. Such starting positions provide guidance to the user by they form a reference for the displayed system value.

Preferably includes the circular symmetric executed optical display means a plurality, in particular a plurality of separate ones Lighting elements. The lighting elements, preferably made of transparent Surfaces are regular in the circumferential direction arranged around the axis of rotation of the knob around. It is under a circularly symmetrical design an arrangement of to understand separate light elements during a 360 ° rotation of the assembly around its with the axis of rotation the rotary actuator coincident axis of rotation at least three times, but preferably even more often, one with its starting position identical form takes. Due to the separate lighting elements can during the change of the system state single Angular steps are particularly easy to be visually displayed, wherein the representation of the system state all the more accurate possible is, the more light elements are present.

The separate lighting elements form the scale of the turntable. A major advantage of this electronically adjustable scale is their variability. It can be applied to the circumstances of each Systems are optimally adjusted. The light elements form over their function as a scale addition to the indicator mark, over the value of the illustrated system can be read. hereby is the representation of the system state independent of the Starting position of the knob and allows a completely Free programming of the turntable.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention are the separate lighting elements co-rotating in the knob arranged. Through the light elements located in or on the rotary knob the switch scale is integrated into the knob. With the integration of Switch scale are all for the setting and Representation of a system state necessary elements on the knob arranged. Rotary knob and optical display means thus form a Assembly that can be prefabricated for assembly. Their compactness also minimizes that for the turntable needed space. This is especially true in the arrangement the turntable in a motor vehicle advantageous in which only a narrow space for a control panel available stands. The synchronization between knob and optical display means can already be done in a prefabrication stage, so for the assembly of the turntable less time must be spent. In addition, optical display means and knob over a common interface connected to the systems to be adjusted become.

Especially it is advantageous if the lighting elements of the light source are separated. The light source is here axially below the knob arranged and stationary. The fixed arrangement has the advantage that the control of the light sources is no longer a elaborate rotary coupling must be done, but hardwired can be. The light sources are via optical fibers with connected to the lighting elements, whereby the assignment of a light source to a particular light element only over a defined Rotation range of the knob is given. Leaves the light element upon rotation of the knob this particular area is the signal from the light source to the next in the direction of rotation Transmitted light element.

When Alternative are the separate lighting elements fixed around the knob, especially in an adjacent one Range of the knob, arranged. By this arrangement of the separate Illuminating elements may cover the optical display means the operator's hand when setting a system can be avoided.

When Light sources are preferably provided light emitting diodes. A light-emitting diode is easy to handle, has a long life and has a good one Relationship between power consumption, luminosity and heat development on. In addition, it is easily dimmable, which in one use in a motor vehicle, so with constantly changing light conditions, is beneficial. Due to the compactness of the LEDs it is also possible, several LEDs, for example in different colors, to assign a luminous element, what the number the on the light elements representable parameters on elevated.

Under optical point of view, it is advantageous if the knob has a circular symmetrical outer shape, so that the user can not recognize without the visual display means, at which angle the turntable is adjusted against the overall system is. It is also possible that the knob in the turntable is inserted, so that a setting of the system state via the end face of the knob is done.

Preferably is the ratio between a rotation of the knob by an angle on the one hand and the angular range, its visual representation on the other hand changes with this rotation, adjustable. This makes it possible, the resolution of the knob match the system to be set. Such are, for example for the dosage of a seat heater much less adjustable system states required as for the regulation of the volume of a stereo system. Instead of one is to provide a fixed value for this ratio is It is also possible to use a dynamic value that for example, depending on the system value shown an algorithm is determined. The ratio can be either constant or according to a certain Function preset or adjustable.

Especially It is also advantageous if the change in the system state by means of a change in the number and / or a change the color and / or a change in the brightness of each Illuminated elements can be displayed. The availability of this Parameter allows the inventive Turntable particularly variable and thus according to his needs optimized programming. Any system value can thus not only by means of a certain number of luminous Luminous elements, but also in a particular color respectively Brightness can be displayed. Advantageously, can by different colors and / or different brightnesses at the same time the nominal state and the actual state as actuating and controlled variable of a system.

In In a particularly preferred embodiment, a particular System value of the illustrated system state, in particular by an im Comparison with other system values highlighted changed color being represented. By his in comparison with those remaining System values existing contrast he forms with the rotation of the knob a seemingly fixed mark. Such a highlighted constant System value, such as a middle position, provides the operator the turntable an orientation value, which gives him the setting the state of the system.

Advantageous it is still, if the system state proportional to the deviation from a mean value or proportional to an absolute amount is visually representable. Basically, there are others functional relationships possible. This variability in the representation of the system state offers the programmer of the Turntable additional optimization options.

In an alternative embodiment includes the optical Display means a display on which the system state in the inventive Way is presented.

The Here, the optical display means forming display is preferred seen axially in the direction of the axis of rotation behind or under the knob arranged and, if necessary, covered so that its outer visible shape is formed circular symmetrical.

In Another preferred embodiment has the storage of the knob on a detent, so that the knob at a Rotation offers an angularly distributed rotary haptic. Preferably become the angular steps of the rotary haptic on the resolvable Adjusted angle steps of the optical display means. This allows the Operator of the knob a particularly close coupling of executed Rotary movement and displayed system state. Is particularly advantageous it thereby, if the number of the lighting elements equals the number the angle increments of the knob is. If the angle range only by a luminous luminous element as a starting position and another luminous element as a set value can be defined during the rotation of the knob at a transition from a luminous luminous element to the next luminous element by lighting together still an intermediate step to be resolved. In this case is the ratio between the number of light elements and Knob one-two angular steps.

Particularly advantageous is the use of the turntable according to the invention in a multi functional device. Under such a multifunction device is a control and display panel, especially in a motor vehicle, which may be formed, for example, as a combination instrument to understand. Preferably, the multi-function device comprises a device for identifying the system represented and adjustable by the turntable, which may be formed in particular by a display for a name indication or the display of corresponding symbols.

The The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings exemplified in more detail. Show it:

1 an embodiment of the knob of a turntable according to the invention;

2 : the display and change of a system status with the help of the rotary knob after 1 ;

3 : a knob behind 1 as part of a multifunction device; and

4 : An embodiment of the rotary knob according to the invention.

1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a knob 1 , which is used in a turntable according to the invention. The knob 1 here forms the movable part, which with respect to a stationary part of the turntable, not shown here unlimited, that can be rotated without limit stops. The knob 1 is rotatable about a central axis of rotation A and formed in its outer shape circular symmetrical. The knob 1 has a flat end face and a parallel to the axis of rotation A extending edge 2 on. For a better understanding of the angular position of the knob 1 when setting a system state is in the figures of the present application on the end face of the knob 1 a virtual marker 3 located. The position of the virtual marker 3 is in relation to the knob 1 fixes and shows the respective angle of rotation of the knob 1 at. The virtual marker 3 In the real embodiment, it is not only unnecessary but even undesirable because it allows the operator to connect any initial position of the knob 1 complicated with the optically illustrated system state. Nevertheless, turntables with rotary knobs, which have any means, such as markings or noses, are of course included in the invention.

The face of the knob 1 has circularly symmetrically arranged lighting elements 4 . 5 . 6 on. The separate lighting elements 4 . 5 . 6 are as transparent surfaces in the face of the knob 1 educated. They are distributed in the radially outer region of the end face and circumferentially evenly. The separate lighting elements 4 . 5 . 6 are rectangular in shape here, but may also have any other shape. Each of the lighting elements 4 . 5 . 6 is associated with a light-emitting diode, not shown, as the light source, wherein the light-emitting elements can be formed in the simplest case, each directly by a respective light-emitting diode. Each light-emitting diode can at least assume the state on or off independently of the other light-emitting diodes, so that the light-emitting element assigned to them either shines (light-emitting elements 5 and 6 ) or not lit (light elements 4 ).

In the embodiment shown here, the LEDs can additionally shine in different colors, the light emitting elements a red glowing state 5 or a yellow glowing state 6 can take. The yellow glowing state of the lighting elements is shown in the figures of the present application as a hatched area. Alternatively, the representation of different states of the lighting elements 4 . 5 . 6 also be done by different brightness of the respective light sources. It is also possible to display different colors of each of the lighting elements 4 . 5 . 6 Assign different light sources, each with a different color.

The knob 1 is located in 1 in any starting position and the lighting elements 5 . 6 indicate a current system state. While the yellow glowing light elements 6 represents a middle position, show the red shining bulbs 5 the value of the system state. In the example shown here is the number of red light bulbs 5 proportional to the deviation from the mean value 6 ,

A change in the state of each individual light-emitting diode is coordinated by a central control unit, wherein the in detail described below and in 2 illustrated operation of the turntable is realized.

2 shows the setting of a system state by the in 1 shown knob 1 a turntable according to the invention. The turntable has a known from the prior art unlimited uniaxially rotatable rotary coupling, via which the knob 1 is powered and the knob 1 generated control signals are passed to the control unit. The rotary coupling comprises a detent whose angular steps here corresponds to the number of light elements. The change of the system state takes place in two consecutive posi designated by I to III tions. The perspective arrows B and C show the respectively performed rotation of the rotary knob 1 to reach the next illustrated state.

Depending on the system value to be displayed, a certain number of adjacent lighting elements illuminates. The system state is thus represented by a juxtaposition of luminous lighting elements as an angular range. The angular range is in step I of a first 7 and a last one 8th Illuminated element limited. The last light element 8th thus has an angle dependent on the illustrated system value to the first light-emitting element 7 , The name first 7 and last 8th Luminous element is independent of the direction of rotation of the knob 1 maintained.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the first lighting element lights up 7 in yellow to indicate a highlighted center position D of the displayed system state. The highlighted center position D is fixed with respect to the turntable, while the lighting elements with the knob 1 rotate. The highlighted center position D is thus at a rotation of the knob 1 represented by different, co-rotating and peeling luminous elements. Corresponding would apply to the respective first luminous element, if a highlighted center position D is not provided.

Now the operator turns the knob 1 clockwise from step I to step II, the angle between the respective first luminous element, respectively the highlighted middle position, and the last 8th Luminous element larger. In other words, the last light element 8th turns with the knob 1 With. This changes the total number of red glowing light elements. Quite generally applies to the adjustment made between step I and step II that between the respective first light-emitting element and the last light-emitting element 8th number of luminous lighting elements at a positive rotation angle of the knob, so a clockwise rotation increased while it would shrink in the opposite case.

In the transition from step I to step II, the knob 1 turned clockwise by ten notches. The last light elements 8th has also completed this rotation and is now removed thirteen lighting elements from the highlighted center position D. The at step I the highlighted center position D representing and there yellow glowing, now glowing red at step II light element 7 As usual, there are three light elements behind the last light element 8th , It has changed after leaving the middle position D only its color. The light element now in the position of the first light element 9 now defines the middle position D and lights up yellow.

In the transition from step II to step III, the knob rotates 1 in the counterclockwise direction 21 Rest steps. During this process, all luminous elements glowing red in step II pass through the middle position and extinguish in the further course of the rotation. If the last light element 8th When the center position is reached, the system is also in its middle position and only the last lighting element 8th now lights in yellow. In the further rotation curve exceeds the last light element 8th the center position and red again. Each further luminous element which crosses the middle position in its sequence lights up first yellow and then red, so that the number of red luminous elements arranged next to one another increases until the last luminous element 8th has reached his position shown in step III. In this position defines a luminous element 10 the middle position. The first light element 7 from step I, as before, there are three lighting elements from the last lighting element 8th removed, but does not light up anymore.

The individual lighting elements 7 - 10 thus show depending on the system value and rotational position of the knob 1 different system states.

3 shows a turntable 11 as part of a multifunction device. The turntable 11 Here is an additional display 12 assigned, on which the name 13 each by the lighting elements 4 . 5 shown and by the knob 1 adjustable system is displayed.

4 shows a variant of a turntable invention. The lighting elements according to the invention 4 . 5 are as described on the face of the knob 1 arranged. optical fiber 14 connect each of the light elements 4 . 5 with a light source 15 , Every light source 15 The light emitted by it can be independent of the other light sources 15 to her due to the position of the knob 1 respectively associated lighting element 4 . 5 to transfer. With a turn of the knob 1 this assignment is changed continuously. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the relative movement of the light source is omitted here 15 about the axis of rotation A. The control of the light sources 15 is so much easier.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10236935 A1 [0002]
• - DE 102006018518 A1 [0003]
• DE 10245333 A1 [0004]
• - DE 10324812 A1 [0005]

Claims (13)

Rotary actuator for adjusting and displaying a system state, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, comprising an infinitely rotatable rotary knob ( 1 ), by the rotation of which a state of a system is changeable, and an optical display means associated with the rotary actuator, which are arranged about the axis of rotation (A) of the rotary knob (FIG. 1 ) is arranged around and executed in its outer visible form of circular symmetry, characterized in that the optical display means the system state from an initial position as an angular range visually and that the starting position for visualization of the system state regardless of a starting position of the knob ( 1 ). Turntable according to claim 1, characterized that the starting position for optical representation of the system state is a middle position or a maximum position or a minimum position. Turntable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical display means comprises a plurality of separate lighting elements ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 ). Turntable according to claim 3, characterized in that the separate lighting elements ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 ) rotating in the knob ( 1 ) are arranged. Turntable according to claim 4, characterized in that the separate light elements by light guides ( 14 ) with stationary axially behind the knob ( 1 ) arranged light sources ( 15 ) are connected. Turntable according to claim 3, characterized that the separate lighting elements fixed and around the Knob around, especially in an adjacent area of the Knob, are arranged. Turntable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio between a rotation of the rotary knob ( 1 ) is adjustable by an angle and an angular range whose optical representation changes during this rotation. Turntable according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the change in the system state by means of a change in the number and / or a change in color and / or a change in the brightness of the individually illustrated lighting elements ( 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 ) can be displayed. Turntable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a value of the illustrated system state is highlighted, with the emphasis by a changed color compared to other system values and / or brightness. Turntable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system state is proportional to Deviation from a mean value or proportional to an absolute one Amount can be displayed visually. Turntable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turntable is an operating element for Selection of the system to be displayed and set. Multifunction device comprising a turntable according to any one of the preceding claims. Multifunction device according to claim 12, comprising a means ( 12 ) for identification of the turntable ( 11 ) and adjustable system.