OPERATING ELEMENT FOR AN ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE, AND METHOD FOR INPUTTING A COMMAND INTO THE CONTROLLER OF THE ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element (4) for an electrically controlled machine (2), comprising an operating element body (7) and a rotating wheel (10) for inputting a command into the controller (3) of the machine (2). The rotating wheel (10) is arranged on the operating element body (7) in a rotatable manner about a rotational axis, and the rotational axis is surrounded by a lateral surface on which the rotating wheel (10) can be gripped and rotated by a machine operator (5). The lateral surface (12) of the rotating wheel (10) is equipped with a first sensor region that is detected by at least one first sensor element, by means of which a contact of the first sensor region by means of the machine operator can be detected. Additionally, a gripping region which is arranged at a distance from the first sensor region is formed on the lateral surface of the rotating wheel (10). The invention further relates to a method for inputting a command into the controller (3) of the electrically controlled machine (2) while using the operating element (4).

Description

The invention relates to an operating element for an electrically controlled machine, and to a method for inputting a command into the controller of the electrically controlled machine.

An operating unit for an injection molding machine is known from AT 512 521 B1. The operating unit comprises an operating element for triggering at least one movement of a drive unit of the injection molding machine, wherein the operating element is moveable from a basic position into a triggering region triggering the movement of the drive unit. The triggering region has a plurality of intermediate positions between the basic position and a maximum position. The speed of the triggered movement of the drive unit is dependent on the distance of the selected intermediate position of the operating element from the basic position. Movements of a plurality of drive units may be triggered by the operating element, wherein a change in the drive unit actuated by the operating element is effected by pressing, pulling, pivoting and so forth of the operating element.

The operating unit known from AT 512 521 B1 has the disadvantage that an operating unit executing commands by pressing, pulling, pivoting and so forth must comprise a corresponding mechanical coupling with a switch. Such a coupling is prone to errors and expensive. Moreover, such a coupling is for example hard to realize in areas protected against explosion.

It was the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved operating element. In addition to this, it was the object of the invention to provide an improved method for inputting a command into the controller of the electrically controlled machine.

This object is achieved by means of an operating element and a method according to the claims.

In accordance with the invention, an operating element for an electrically controlled machine is designed with an operating element body and a rotating wheel for inputting a command into the controller of the machine, wherein the rotating wheel is arranged on the operating element body in a rotatable manner about a rotational axis, and the rotational axis is surrounded by a lateral surface on which the rotating wheel may be gripped and rotated by a machine operator. The lateral surface of the rotating wheel is equipped with a first sensor region that is detected by a first sensor element, by means of which a contact of the first sensor region by the machine operator may be detected. A gripping region which is arranged at a distance from the first sensor region is formed on the lateral surface of the rotating wheel.

The advantage of the embodiment in accordance with the invention of the operating element is that by means of the operating element, a plurality of different control commands may be performed, while the operating element has a simple structure. Moreover, the rotating wheel may be coupled to the operating element body by means of a simple rotating sensor and no further movement, such as pressing, pulling or pivoting of the rotating wheel relative to the operating element body must be detected. Thus, the rotating wheel may easily be sealed relative to the operating element body, in order to for instance prevent an entry of dust between the rotating wheel and the operating element body as far as possible. Moreover, such a rotating sensor may comprise a robust construction.

Furthermore, it may be useful if the first sensor region and the gripping region are arranged at an axial distance from one another, wherein the first sensor region is entirely formed on the lateral surface of the rotating wheel. In this regard, it is of advantage that the first sensor region may serve for confirming input commands, wherein the confirmation command may be triggered by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator.

Moreover, it may be provided for that the lateral surface of the rotating wheel is equipped with a second sensor region, on which at least one second sensor element is arranged, wherein the first sensor region and the second sensor region are arranged at an axial distance from one another on the rotating wheel. In this regard, it is of advantage that by the use of a second sensor element in a second sensor region, a further movement/position of the hand of the machine operator may be detected and hence, the possibilities for inputting commands with the rotating wheel may be further increased.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that the first sensor region is arranged closer to the operating element body than the gripping region. In this regard, it is of advantage that a confirmation command may be executed by shoving of the hand of the machine operator towards the operating element body.

Moreover, an embodiment, according to which it may be provided for that the second sensor region is arranged closer to the operating element body than the first sensor region, is also advantageous.

According to a further embodiment, it is possible that the lateral surface of the rotating wheel comprises an offset, wherein in particular the first sensor region or the second sensor region are arranged on a front side on the offset. In this regard, it is of advantage that the offset may serve as a stop for the hand of the machine operator and that hence, the machine operator may be provided with a feedback as to the position their hand is currently located in.

Furthermore, it may be useful if the first sensor region or the second sensor region extend from the front side of the offset into a peripheral region of the offset. In this regard, it is of advantage that thus, it may also be detected by the sensor if the machine operator grips the offset in the peripheral region and hence executes a separate command.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that in a peripheral region of the offset, a third sensor region with at least one third sensor element is formed. In this regard, it is of advantage that a contact of the peripheral region by the hand of the machine operator may be detected as an independent input command by means of the third sensor element and that the machine operator is hence provided with an additional command possibility.

It may further be provided for that no sensor element is arranged in the gripping region of the rotating wheel. In this respect, it is of advantage that the gripping region may serve for gripping and turning the rotating wheel, while by absence of the hand of the machine operator on the remaining sensors, the position of the hand may be unambiguously assigned without an additional sensor being required in this regard. This facilitates the structure/reduces the error-proneness of the rotating knob.

According to a specific embodiment, it is possible that the rotating wheel is formed rotationally symmetrical, in particular cylindrical, in its basic contour and has a diameter of between 20 mm and 80 mm, in particular between 35 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm. In this regard, it is of advantage that a rotating wheel constructed such may be easily handled by the machine operator. It may moreover be achieved by a cylindrical embodiment of the rotating wheel that the hand of the machine operator may easily slide along the rotating wheel axially and that thus, the individual input commands may be issued easily.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be provided for that the sensor element or the sensor elements are designed as capacitive sensors. In this regard, it is of advantage that thus designed sensors have a high sensitivity and thus provide a good detectability of the position of the hand of the machine operator.

As an alternative to this, it may be provided for that the sensor element or the sensor elements are realized by a conductivity measurement. This may be a particularly cost-effective and robust embodiment for metal rotating wheels.

In particular, it may be of advantage if the sensor element or the sensor elements are designed pressure-sensitively and capable of detecting a magnitude of an action force of a hand of the machine operator. In this regard, it is of advantage that by this measure, a command depending on the action force may be issued to the controller of the machine. This may for example be a multi-stage confirmation command or for instance a speed control and the like.

Moreover, it may be provided for that a display and a push button are arranged on the operating element body. In this regard, it is of advantage that by means of the display, the executed input commands/the possible choices may be visualized for the machine operator. By means of the push button, additional input commands may be allowed for. In particular, it may be provided for that the display is designed as a touch display or as a multi-touch display. In this regard, it may be provided for that the push button is shown/realized in the touch display or in the multi-touch display.

Where, in the statements below, reference is made to contact of the first sensor region, a contact of the first sensor region without simultaneous contact of the second sensor region is meant. Where reference is made to contact of the second sensor region, a contact of the second sensor region with simultaneous contact of the first sensor region is meant.

Furthermore, a method for inputting a command into the controller of the electrically controlled machine while using an operating element is provided for. The operating element preferably comprises an operating element body and a rotating wheel arranged on the operating element body in a rotatable manner about a rotational axis, wherein the rotating wheel comprises a gripping region and at least one sensor region. The method comprises the following method steps:

• • gripping the rotating wheel of the operating element in the gripping region or in one of the sensor regions by means of the hand of a machine operator;
  • inputting selection commands into the controller of the machine by turning the rotating wheel of the operating element about a rotational axis;
  • inputting picking commands into the controller of the machine by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator in relation to the rotating wheel, such that the hand of the machine operator slides from one of the sensor regions into another sensor region or from the gripping region into one of the sensor regions or from one of the sensor regions into the gripping region, wherein this is detected by the respectively concerned sensor element and the confirmation command is thereby input.

The advantage of the method according to the invention is that with just one rotating wheel, several picking commands may be input by turning the rotating wheel/several confirmation commands may be input by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator, into the controller of the electrically controlled machine. Hence, control of the machine by the machine operator which is intuitive and as easy as possible and swiftly is allowed for. Moreover, the operating element may be constructed as easily as possible and thus be robust and little prone to errors. The saving of time when operating the machine by means of the operating element also proved to be a great advantage. Due to the facilitated operability of the machine, false command inputs may widely be avoided by the machine operator.

Moreover, the method steps stated below may be of advantage.

An embodiment, according to which it may be provided for that for navigating between different menu items, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in a first sensor region only and that navigating between the different menu items is carried out by turning the rotating wheel and that by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into a second sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and that the selected menu item is confirmed and thereby opened, is also advantageous. As regards axial movement of the hand of the machine operator, it may on the one hand be provided for that the entire hand of the machine operator is moved until the second sensor region is contacted by the fingertips. Alternatively, it may also be provided for that merely individual fingers are stretched out/moved forward until the fingertips contact the second sensor region. In particular, it may be provided for that when the hand is moved for performing the confirmation command, both the first and the second sensor region are contacted. According to a further embodiment, it is possible that for navigating between different menu items, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the second sensor region and that navigating between the different menu items is carried out by turning the rotating wheel and that by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the second sensor region into the first sensor region or by releasing the rotating wheel, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and that the selected menu item is confirmed and thereby opened.

Moreover, it may be useful if for setting a parameter in a selection of a plurality of parameters, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the first sensor region and navigating between the different parameters is carried out by turning the rotating wheel, and by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into the secand sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the selected parameter is confirmed and thereby opened and made editable, and that subsequently, the hand of the machine operator is again moved into the first sensor region and a selection between the individual digits of the parameter to be set may be made by turning the rotating wheel, and again by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into the second sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the selected digit becomes adjustable, and that subsequently, the hand of the machine operator is again moved into the first sensor region and the value of the selected digit may be chosen by turning the rotating wheel, and again by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into the second sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine, and the selected value of the digit is confirmed and a new digit may be selected.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that for setting a parameter in a selection of a plurality of parameters, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the first sensor region and navigating between the different parameters is carried out by turning the rotating wheel, and by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into the second sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the selected parameter is confirmed and thereby opened and made editable, and that by turning the rotating wheel with simultaneous holding of the hand of the machine operator in the second sensor region, the entire parameter value including all of its digits is adjusted and that by releasing the rotating wheel or by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the second sensor region into the first sensor region, the set parameter value is confirmed.

It may further be provided for that for choosing a traversing movement of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the first sensor region, and navigating between the different movement options is carried out by turning the rotating wheel, and by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into the second sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the traversing movement is started, wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied by turning the rotating wheel during the traversing movement by selecting a further movement option.

According to a specific embodiment, it is possible that for choosing a traversing movement of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the second sensor region, and navigating between the different movement options is carried out by turning the rotating wheel, wherein immediately after the choice of the movement option, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the traversing movement is started, and wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied by turning the rotating wheel during the traversing movement by selecting a further movement option.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be provided for that for choosing a traversing speed of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the first sensor region, and by turning the rotating wheel, different traversing speeds may be set continuously or in incremental steps, and by axial movement of the hand of the machine operator from the first sensor region into the second sensor region, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the traversing movement is started, wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied by turning the rotating wheel during the traversing movement.

In particular, it may be advantageous if for choosing a traversing speed of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the second sensor region, and by turning the rotating wheel, different traversing speeds may be set continuously or in incremental steps, wherein immediately after the choice of the traversing speed, a confirmation command is input into the controller of the machine and the traversing movement is started, and wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied continuously or in incremental steps by turning the rotating wheel during the traversing movement.

It may further be provided for that by removing the hand from the second sensor region or by releasing the rotating wheel, the traversing movement is stopped.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that after the traversing movement is stopped, the value set for the traversing speed or the traversing movement remains preselected and that when the hand of the machine operator is moved into the second sensor region again, the drive unit is moved with the preset value for the traversing movement or the traversing speed.

An embodiment, according to which it may be provided for that after the traversing movement is stopped, the value set for the traversing speed or the traversing movement is set to zero and a new traversing movement is to be started by previously determining the traversing movement and the traversing movement, is also advantageous.

According to a further embodiment, it is possible that by pushing the push button twice, a main menu is displayed on the display and is accessible for further commands

It may further be useful if by pushing the push button twice, a predefinable submenu, in particular a menu for choosing a traversing movement of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine, is displayed on the display and is accessible for further commands By this measure, the menu guidance of the machine may be accelerated, as a frequently used menu may be assigned to the command.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that by holding down the push button, several error messages may be acknowledged at the same time. This may particularly be of advantage if several errors occur and the machine operator does not want to acknowledge each error message individually. Hence, saving of time may be achieved.

It may further be provided for that for navigating between the different hierarchy levels of submenus, the rotating wheel of the operating element is gripped in the gripping region and navigating between different submenu levels may be carried out by turning the rotating wheel. By this measure, the machine operator may navigate out of a submenu/back into the submenu.

All sensors arranged on the rotating wheel may be designed as individual sensor elements which are provided for detecting the respectively associated sensor region. However, it is also conceivable that two or a plurality of sensor elements are assigned to a sensor region, which detect the sensor region. The provision of several sensor elements for a sensor region may provide the advantage that a redundancy is allowed for and thus, failure of a sensor element may be compensated for. This may in particular be required for increasing the safety of machinery.

In particular, it may be provided for that the sensor elements are designed for detecting contacts by the machine operator in certain regions of the rotating wheel.

The sensor elements as such may for example be designed as resistive sensors.

Another possibility is that the sensor elements are designed in form of optical sensors.

In general, the sensor elements may be realized as any sensor elements suitable for detecting a contact of the rotating wheel by the hand of the machine operator.

The sensor elements may be arranged on the surface of the rotating wheel, or cast into the rotating wheel or integrated by means of other measures such as the provision of corresponding receiving regions.

In a first embodiment, it may be provided for that the rotating wheel is formed from a metal material.

In a further embodiment, it may be provided for that the rotating wheel is formed from a plastic material.

In addition to this, it may also be provided for that the rotating wheel is formed as a compound component of different materials.

For the purpose of better understanding of the invention, it will be elucidated in more detail by means of the figures below.

These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

FIG. 1 a layout of a manufacturing plant with a machine, a controller and an operating element;

FIG. 2 the operating element as viewed from a front view;

FIG. 3 the operating element as viewed from a side view;

FIG. 4 the operating element as viewed from a side view with a hand of a machine operator in the gripping region;

FIG. 5 the operating element as viewed from a side view with the hand of the machine operator in the first sensor region;

FIG. 6 the operating element as viewed from a side view with the hand of the machine operator in the first and second sensor regions;

FIG. 7 the operating element as viewed from a side view with the hand of the machine operator on the peripheral section of an offset;

FIG. 8 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a home screen on the display;

FIG. 9 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a parameter setting screen on the display;

FIG. 10 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a parameter setting screen and a selected parameter value on the display;

FIG. 11 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a traversing movement screen on the display;

FIG. 12 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a traversing speed screen on the display;

FIG. 13 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a traversing speed screen and a set traversing speed value on the display;

FIG. 14 the operating element as viewed from a front view with the representation of a submenu selection screen on the display.

First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers/equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers/equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a manufacturing plant 1 with an electrically controlled machine 2, a controller 3 for the machine 2 and an operating element 4 for inputting control commands into the controller 3 by a machine operator 5. In particular, it is provided for that the machine operator 5 operates the operating element 4 with their hand 6.

The machine 2 may for example be an injection molding machine. Moreover, it is also conceivable that the machine 2 is a robot or another machine in industrial application. In particular, it may be provided for that the machine 2 serves the purpose of manufacturing components.

The controller 3 may be formed by any conceivable type of controller. This may for example be an industrial computer, a programmable logic controller or another controller suitable for converting the commands input via the operating element 4 into movement commands for the machine 2.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the operating element 4 is shown as viewed from a front view/in a side view.

As is apparent from these two figures, it may be provided for that the operating element 4 comprises an operating element body 7 which constitutes the central component of the operating element 4 and which may for example be defined by a housing. Moreover, it may be provided for that a display 8 is incorporated in the operating element body 7. The display 8 serves the purpose of displaying menu items, speed settings and other parameters or options, which are required for controlling the machine 2. In a further embodiment variant, it may also be provided for that the display 8 is not integrated in the operating element 4 but that the display 8 is arranged at another location in the manufacturing plant 1.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that the operating element 4 is stationarily arranged on the manufacturing plant 1 and coupled to the manufacturing plant 1 by means of a wired connection.

In an alternative embodiment variant, it may also be provided for that the operating element 4 is designed in form of a remote control and communicates with the controller 3 via a wireless connection.

Moreover, it may be provided for that the controller 3 is integrated in the operating element 4 and that the control commands are provided to the machine 2 directly by the operating element 4.

As is further apparent from FIG. 2, it may be provided for that one or several push buttons 9 are arranged on the operating element 4. The push buttons 9 may serve the purpose of inputting diverse commands into the operating element 4 by the machine operator 5.

According to the invention, a rotating wheel 10, which is rotatable relative to the operating element body 7 about a rotational axis 11, is arranged on the operating element body 7. The rotating wheel 10 constitutes a central part of the operating element 4. The push button 9 may optionally be excluded from the operating element body 7 and its function may also be realized in the rotating wheel 10.

Contrary to the embodiments known from the prior art, it is provided for that the rotating wheel 10 is mounted to the operating element body 7 merely rotatable about the rotational axis 11. Due to the embodiment of the rotating wheel 10 described in more detail below, it is not necessary that it is axially movable/pivotable relative to the operating element body 7.

As the rotating wheel 10 is incorporated in the operating element body 7 in a rotatable manner only, the connecting point between the rotating wheel 10 and the operating element body 7 may be designed in form of a simple rotation sensor, which is why the rotating wheel 10 exhibits a lower error-proneness.

In particular, it may be provided for that the rotating wheel 10 has a lateral surface 12 which surrounds the rotational axis 11 and serves the purpose that the machine operator 5 may grip the rotating wheel 10 and turn it about its rotational axis 11. In particular, it may be provided for that the lateral surface 12 of the rotating wheel 10 is formed essentially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotational axis 11 and comprises a diameter 13.

In a specific embodiment, it may be provided for that the rotating wheel 10 is formed essentially cylindrical. Moreover, it may be provided for that structural elements, which may improve the grip of the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 on the rotating wheel 10, are formed on the lateral surface 12 of the rotating wheel 10. In particular, it may be provided for that the structural elements on the lateral surface 12 are designed in form of ribs/grooves parallel to the rotational axis 11, such that it is allowed for that the machine operator 5 moves their hand 6 on the rotating wheel 10 axially along the rotational axis 11.

It may further be provided for that an offset 14, which serves as a stop for the hand of the machine operator 5, is formed on the rotating wheel 10 and that the machine operator 5 is thus aware of the position of their hand 6. In particular, it may be provided for that a front side 15 of the offset 14 serves as a stop for the hand 6 of the machine operator 5. It may further be provided for that the offset 14 comprises a peripheral region 16, which the machine operator 5 may also grip and use for turning the rotating wheel 10.

It may further be provided for that a first sensor region 17, which is detected by a first sensor element 18, is formed on the rotating wheel 10. The first sensor region 17 may for example be formed on the lateral surface 12 of the rotating wheel 10. It may further be provided for that a gripping region 19, which has an axial distance from the first sensor region 17, is formed on the lateral surface 12 of the rotating wheel 10. It may particularly be provided for that no sensor element is arranged in the gripping region 19.

As is further apparent from FIG. 3, it may be provided for that the first sensor region 17 is arranged closer to the operating element body 7 than the gripping region 19. It may particularly be provided for that the first sensor region 17 is arranged directly adjoining the front side 15 of the offset 14.

The first sensor region 17 may be entirely formed on the rotating wheel 10 and comprise a sufficiently large axial extension for detecting the hand 6 of the machine operator 5.

It may further be provided for that a second sensor region 20 with a second sensor element 21 is arranged on the rotating wheel 10. It may particularly be provided for that that the second sensor region 20 is entirely formed on the front side 15 of the offset 14.

In a further embodiment variant, it may be provided for that the second sensor region 20 extends from the front side 15 of the offset 14 into the peripheral region 16 of the offset 14.

FIGS. 4 through 7 show different possible postures of the hand 6 of the machine operator 5.

In FIGS. 4 through 6, the operating element 4, as represented in FIG. 3, is used.

In FIG. 4, a first possibility of how the rotating wheel 10 of the operating element 4 may be gripped is shown. According to the representation in FIG. 4, the rotating wheel 10 may be gripped in the gripping region 19, wherein it may be provided for that no sensor element is formed in the gripping region 19. Due to the fact that it may be provided for that all other regions of the rotating wheel 10 are equipped with sensor elements, in case of a rotation movement on the rotating wheel 10, the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 may unambiguously be assigned to the gripping region 19.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, it may also be provided for that the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 grips the rotating wheel 10 in the first sensor region 17. This may also trigger a separate command in the controller 3 of the machine 2.

It may further be provided for that, as shown in FIG. 6, the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 grips the rotating wheel 10 such that both the first sensor region 17 and the second sensor region 20 on the front side 15 of the offset 14 are contacted. This may also trigger a separate command. For the purpose of abbreviation, this is referred to as gripping the rotating wheel 10 in the second sensor region 20.

For example, it is possible that the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 slides from a posture as represented in FIG. 5 into a posture as represented in FIG. 6. This movement is preferably used as confirmation command.

Furthermore, as represented in FIG. 7, the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 may grip the rotating wheel 10 also on the peripheral region 16 of the offset 14. If the second sensor region 20 extends across the front side 15 and the peripheral region 16 of the offset 14, this results in the second sensor region 20 being activated.

FIG. 7 shows a further and possibly independent embodiment of the rotating wheel 10, wherein again, equal reference numbers/component designations are used for equal parts as in FIGS. 1 through 6 above. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointed to/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 through 6 preceding it.

According to the embodiment in FIG. 7, it is also conceivable that a third sensor region 22, which is detected by a third sensor element 23, is formed in the peripheral region 16 of the offset 14. In such an embodiment, contacting the front side 15 of the offset 14 and contacting the peripheral region 16 of the offset 14 may respectively trigger different commands. For example, it is also conceivable that when a third sensor region 22 is used, the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 is positioned according to the representations in FIG. 5 or 6 and only one or several fingers are placed on the third sensor region 22 to trigger a certain command.

It may further be provided for that a fourth sensor region 25 with a fourth sensor element 26 is formed on a front side 24 of the rotating wheel 10. Such a fourth sensor region 25 may also serve the purpose of inputting control commands.

In addition to this, it may be provided for that further sensor regions are formed on the rotating wheel 10.

A possible method for inputting control commands into the controller 3 of the manufacturing plant 1 is described by means of FIGS. 8 through 13. The individual method steps may for example be carried out with an operating element 4, as represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, with two sensor regions. In particular, the hand postures as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6 may be used in this regard.

In FIG. 8, a main screen/home screen is shown on the display 8. The main screen/home screen may for example appear if the manufacturing plant 1/the operating element 4 is initially started. It is further conceivable that the home screen is activated at any given moment by the push button 9 being pushed twice.

Of course, it is also conceivable that the command for showing the main screen is given by a special posture of the hand 6 of the machine operator 5 on the rotating wheel 10. The third sensor region 22 and/or the fourth sensor region 25 may serve as corresponding input elements for this purpose.

As is apparent from FIG. 8, it may be provided for that several submenu items, which are represented by way of example in blocks A through D, are retrievable in the main screen. The individual submenu items may for example serve the purpose of inputting parameters for the machine 2/of traveling individual drive units in the machine 2 or of other adjustment possibilities.

In a first mode, it may be provided for that the main screen, as represented in FIG. 8, is shown, wherein none of the submenus A through D is selected. By gripping the rotating wheel 10 in the first sensor region 17, as represented in FIG. 5, a selection field may be drawn over the first submenu A. By subsequent turning of the rotating wheel 10, the selection field may be moved onto a desired submenu A to D and the selected submenu may be opened by subsequent moving forward of the hand 6 according to the representation in FIG. 6 and thereby executing the confirmation command.

In a second mode, it is also conceivable that the rotating wheel 10 is gripped such according to the representation in FIG. 6 that both the first sensor region 17 and the second sensor region 20 are activated, wherein submenu A may also be selected. Here, it is also conceivable that by turning the rotating wheel 10 a selection between the individual submenus A to D may be made. By subsequent removal of the hand 6 from the posture according to FIG. 6, the selected submenu may be opened. This may for example be achieved by moving the hand 6 from the posture according to FIG. 6 into a posture according to FIG. 5 or by complete removal of the hand 6 from the rotating wheel 10.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, the screen of a first submenu, which may for example serve the purpose of inputting parameter values, is represented.

As is apparent from FIG. 9, it may be provided for that in submenu A, further submenus for setting the parameters values, such as A.a or A.b for selecting individual parameter values, may be provided. By gripping the rotating wheel 10 in the first sensor region 17 according to the representation in FIG. 5, a selection field may be drawn over submenu A.a, wherein the current parameter value for the respectively selected parameter may be displayed in an upper region of the screen. By turning the rotating wheel 10, the selection field may be moved between the individual parameters. In order to adjust a specific parameter, the respectively selected parameter may be chosen by the confirmation command, thus by short moving forward of the hand 6 into the posture according to FIG. 5.

In this respect, according to the representation in FIG. 10, a specific digit of the parameter value may be made selectable, wherein by turning the rotating wheel 10, a selection may be made between the individual digits of the parameter value and by a new confirmation command of the hand 6, a specific digit may be made adjustable, wherein by turning the rotating wheel 10, the value of the digit may be adjusted and subsequently be confirmed by a further confirmation command by means of moving forward of the hand 6. Subsequently, a further digit of the parameter value may be adjusted.

In a second mode, it is also conceivable that analogously to the second mode described in the home menu, the rotating wheel 10 is directly gripped in the first sensor region 17 and second sensor region 20 according to the representation in FIG. 6 for selecting individual parameter values/digits of a parameter and a value of the digits of the parameter. When subsequently moving the hand 6 from a posture according to the representation of FIG. 6 into a posture according to the representation of FIG. 5/when releasing the rotating wheel 10, the confirmation command may be triggered. It is further conceivable that in the second mode, if the rotating wheel 10 is directly gripped in the first sensor region 17 and second sensor region 20 according to the representation in FIG. 6, not individual value digits of the parameter value are adjustable but that the parameter value as a whole is adjustable.

In FIG. 11, a submenu for setting a traversing movement for a specific drive unit is represented.

As is apparent from FIG. 11, it may be provided for that for example a forward movement in two different predetermined traversing speeds/a backward movement in two different predetermined traversing speeds and also a traversing stop are selectable. In a first mode, it may again be provided for that the rotating wheel 10 is gripped in the first sensor region 17 according to the representation in FIG. 5, wherein a selection field is drawn over the block traversing stop. Subsequently, the desired traversing option may be selected by turning the rotating wheel 10 and the confirmation command may again be given by moving forward of the hand 6. Hence, the desired and preselected traversing movement may be initiated.

During execution of the traversing movement, it is conceivable that a further desired traversing movement is selected and again chosen by confirmation by moving forward of the hand 6.

In particular, it may be provided for that the traversing movement is only carried out as long as the hand 6 is in one of the sensor regions and that the traversing movement is stopped when the rotating wheel 10 is released.

In a second mode, it may again be provided for that the rotating wheel 10 is gripped in the first sensor region 17 and in the second sensor region 20 according to the representation in FIG. 6 and the machine stop is thereby selected. By subsequent turning of the rotating wheel, the respective traversing position may be selected, wherein the traversing movement of the machine 2 is started immediately after the choice of the respective traversing position and a separate starting command is not required.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, a further submenu for choosing a traversing speed for the drive unit of the machine 2 is represented. It may be provided for in this respect, that by gripping the rotating wheel 10 in the first sensor region 17 according to the representation in FIG. 5, the speed arrow is activated and by turning the rotating wheel 10, a specific traversing speed is preselected. The set traversing speed may be represented on the display 8 for example graphically by an arrow or by a numeric value. With subsequent confirmation of the numeric value of the traversing speed set according to FIG. 13, the traversing movement may be started. The confirmation and starting of the traversing movement may also be triggered by moving forward of the hand 6 into the posture according to FIG. 5. Subsequently, a further traversing speed may optionally be chosen and also be activated by confirmation.

Here, a second mode may also be provided for, in which the rotating wheel 10 is gripped in the first sensor region 17 and in the second sensor region 20 according to the representation in FIG. 6 and the traversing movement of the drive unit is directly started by subsequent turning of the rotating wheel 10 and the speed may be varied by turning the rotating wheel 10.

In the first two modes of speed setting according to FIGS. 12 and 13, it is also conceivable that when the rotating wheel 10 is released, the traversing movement is stopped immediately.

According to a representation in FIG. 14, it is conceivable that choosing/changing between individual submenu levels is achieved by the rotating wheel 10 being gripped in the gripping region 19 according to the representation in FIG. 4. By turning the rotating wheel 10, a selection between the individual level hierarchies may be made. By moving forward of the hand 6 into the first sensor region 17 according to the representation in FIG. 5 or into the second sensor region 20 according to the representation in FIG. 6, a selection of the respectively selected level hierarchy may be achieved.

The embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

All indications regarding ranges of values in the present description are to be understood such that these also comprise random and all partial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 1 manufacturing plant
• 2 machine
• 3 controller
• 4 operating element
• 5 machine operator
• 6 hand
• 7 operating element body
• 8 display
• 9 push button
• 10 rotating wheel
• 11 rotational axis
• 12 lateral surface
• 13 diameter
• 14 offset
• 15 front side of offset
• 16 peripheral region of offset
• 17 first sensor region
• 18 first sensor element
• 19 gripping region
• 20 second sensor region
• 21 second sensor element
• 22 third sensor region
• 23 third sensor element
• 24 front side of rotating wheel
• 25 fourth sensor region
• 26 fourth sensor element

Claims

1. An operating element (4) for an electrically controlled machine (2), with an operating element body (7) and a rotating wheel (10) for inputting a command into a controller (3) of the machine (2), wherein the rotating wheel (10) is arranged on the operating element body (7) in a rotatable manner about a rotational axis (11), and the rotational axis (11) is surrounded by a lateral surface (12), on which the rotating wheel (10) may be gripped and rotated by a machine operator (5), wherein the lateral surface (12) of the rotating wheel (10) is equipped with a first sensor region (17) which is detected by at least one first sensor element (18), by means of which a contact of the first sensor region (17) by the machine operator (5) may be detected, and wherein a gripping region (19) arranged at a distance from the first sensor region (17) is formed on the lateral surface (12) of the rotating wheel (10).

2. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor region (17) and the gripping region (19) are arranged at an axial distance from one another, wherein the first sensor region (17) is entirely formed on the lateral surface (12) of the rotating wheel (10).

3. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the lateral surface (12) of the rotating wheel (10) is equipped with a second sensor region (20), on which at least one second sensor element (21) is arranged, wherein the first sensor region (17) and the second sensor region (20) are arranged at an axial distance from one another on the rotating wheel (10).

4. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor region (17) is arranged closer to the operating element body (7) than the gripping region (19).

5. The operating element according to claim 2, wherein the second sensor region (20) is arranged closer to the operating element body (7) than the first sensor region (17).

6. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the lateral surface (12) of the rotating wheel (10) comprises an offset (14), wherein in particular the first sensor region (17) or the second sensor region (20) are arranged on a front side (15) on the offset (14).

7. The operating element according to claim 6, wherein the first sensor region (17) or the second sensor region (20) extend from the front side (15) of the offset (14) into a peripheral region (16) of the offset (14).

8. The operating element according to claim 6, wherein in a peripheral region (16) of the offset (14), a third sensor region (22) with at least one third sensor element (23) is formed.

9. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein no sensor element is arranged in the gripping region (19) of the rotating wheel (10).

10. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the rotating wheel (10) is formed rotationally symmetrical, in particular cylindrical, in its basic contour and has a diameter (13) of between 20 mm and 80 mm, in particular between 35 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm.

11. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element or the sensor elements (18, 21, 23) are designed as capacitive sensors.

12. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element or the sensor elements (18, 21, 23) are realized by a conductivity measurement.

13. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element or the sensor elements (18, 21, 23) are designed pressure-sensitively and capable of detecting a magnitude of an action force of a hand (6) of the machine operator (5).

14. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein a display (8) and a push button (9) are arranged on the operating element body (7).

15. A method for inputting a command into the controller (3) of the electrically controlled machine (2) while using an operating element (4) with an operating element body (7) and a rotating wheel (10) arranged on the operating element body (7) in a rotatable manner about a rotational axis (11), wherein the rotating wheel (10) comprises a gripping region (19) and at least one sensor region (17, 20, 22), while using the operating element (4) according to claim 1, the method comprising the following method steps: gripping the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) in the gripping region (19) or in one of the sensor regions (17, 20, 22) by means of the hand (6) of a machine operator (5);inputting selection commands into the controller (3) of the machine (2) by turning the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) about a rotational axis (11);inputting picking commands into the controller (3) of the machine (2) by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) in relation to the rotating wheel (10), such that the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) slides from one of the sensor regions (17, 20, 22) into another sensor region (17, 20, 22) or from the gripping region (19) into one of the sensor regions (17, 20, 22) or from one of the sensor regions (17, 20, 22) into the gripping region (19), wherein this is detected by the respectively concerned sensor element (18, 21, 23) and the confirmation command is thereby input.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein for navigating between different menu items, the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in a first sensor region (17) and navigating between the different menu items is carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10) and by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into a second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and wherein the selected menu item is confirmed and thereby opened.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein for navigating between different menu items, the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the second sensor region (20) and navigating between the different menu items is carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10) and by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the second sensor region (20) into the first sensor region (17) or by releasing the rotating wheel (10), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and that the selected menu item is confirmed and thereby opened.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein for setting a parameter in a selection of a plurality of parameters, the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the first sensor region (17) and navigating between the different parameters is carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10), and by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into the second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the selected parameter is confirmed and thereby opened and made editable, and wherein subsequently, the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) is again moved into the first sensor region (17) and a selection between the individual digits of the parameter to be set may be made by turning the rotating wheel (10), and again by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into the second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the selected digit becomes adjustable, and wherein subsequently, the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) is again moved into the first sensor region (17) and the value of the selected digit may be chosen by turning the rotating wheel (10), and again by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into the second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2), and the selected value of the digit is confirmed and a new digit may be selected.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein for setting a parameter in a selection of a plurality of parameters, the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the first sensor region (17) and navigating between the different parameters is carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10), and by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into the second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the selected parameter is confirmed and thereby opened and made editable, and wherein by turning the rotating wheel (10) with simultaneous holding of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) in the second sensor region (20), the entire parameter value including all of its digits is adjusted, and wherein by releasing the rotating wheel (10) or by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the second sensor region (20) into the first sensor region (17), the set parameter value is confirmed.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein for choosing a traversing movement of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine (2), the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the first sensor region (17), and navigating between the different movement options is carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10), and by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into the second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the traversing movement is started, wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied by turning the rotating wheel (10) during the traversing movement by selecting a further movement option.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein for choosing a traversing movement of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine (2), the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the second sensor region (20), and navigating between the different movement options is carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10), wherein immediately after the choice of the movement option, a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the traversing movement is started, and wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied by turning the rotating wheel (10) during the traversing movement by selecting a further movement option.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein for choosing a traversing speed of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine (2), the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the first sensor region (17), and by turning the rotating wheel (10), different traversing speeds may be set continuously or in incremental steps, and by axial movement of the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) from the first sensor region (17) into the second sensor region (20), a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the traversing movement is started, wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied by turning the rotating wheel (10) during the traversing movement.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein for choosing a traversing speed of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine (2), the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the second sensor region (20), and by turning the rotating wheel (10), different traversing speeds may be set continuously or in incremental steps, wherein immediately after the choice of the traversing speed, a confirmation command is input into the controller (3) of the machine (2) and the traversing movement is started, and wherein the traversing speed may optionally be varied continuously or in incremental steps by turning the rotating wheel (10) during the traversing movement.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein by removing the hand (6) from the second sensor region (20) or by releasing the rotating wheel (10), the traversing movement is stopped.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein after the traversing movement is stopped, the value set for the traversing speed or the traversing movement remains preselected and wherein when the hand (6) of the machine operator (5) is moved into the second sensor region (20) again, the drive unit is moved with the preset value for the traversing movement or the traversing speed.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein after the traversing movement is stopped, the value set for the traversing speed or the traversing movement is set to zero and a new traversing movement is to be started by previously determining the traversing movement and the traversing movement.

27. The method according to claim 15, wherein by pushing the push button (9) twice, a main menu is displayed on the display (8) and is accessible for further commands.

28. The method according to claim 15, wherein by pushing the push button (9) twice, a predefinable submenu, in particular a menu for choosing a traversing movement of a drive unit of the electrically controlled machine (2), is displayed on the display (8) and is accessible for further commands.

29. The method according to claim 15, wherein by holding down the push button (9), several error messages may be acknowledged at the same time.

30. The method according to claim 15, wherein for navigating between different hierarchy levels of submenus, the rotating wheel (10) of the operating element (4) is gripped in the gripping region (19) and navigating between different submenu levels may be carried out by turning the rotating wheel (10).