WO2012012817A1

WO2012012817A1 - Controllable control dial

Info

Publication number: WO2012012817A1
Application number: PCT/AT2011/000317
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Sternad
Original assignee: M*Ad Technics Michael Sternad
Priority date: 2010-07-27
Filing date: 2011-07-27
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Also published as: AT510249A2; AT510249B1; AT510249A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for controlling at least one switch shaft (16), comprising at least one control unit (2) having at least one processing device (6), at least one memory device (7), and at least one communication device (8) and comprising at least one controllable control dial (5), which has at least one supportable, remotely operable drive unit (18) and at least one operating part, wherein the operating part and the drive unit (18) can be arranged on a switch shaft (16) in a rotationally fixed and detachable manner.

Description

CONTROLLABLE ROTARY CONTROLLER

The invention relates to a controllable rotary control, in particular for rotary switches, with at least one supportable, remote-controlled drive unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for controlling switch shafts, in particular of rotary switches.

A rotary switch is generally an electrotechnical component in which switching states can be set by mechanical rotary motion. In particular, reference will subsequently be made to a specific embodiment of a rotary switch, namely a rotary potentiometer, in which a rotary knob is mechanically combined via a shaft with a potentiometer. The term potentiometer designates in the further embodiments an electrical resistance component whose resistance values can be changed mechanically via operating elements (here in particular by turning).

Potentiometers are used in a variety of electrical devices, such as to adjust the volume in radios or to tune the sound of analog effects or amplifiers in electric guitars or other electrically amplified musical instruments.

However, the problem is that you have to manually adjust such potentiometers. Especially in the music field, where the effect devices mentioned above are used, there is often a need to change the settings of the effects device during a piece of music. Since this is not possible, several effect devices with different settings must be used, which causes high costs, which are particularly problematic for amateur musicians.

The US 2007/0176729 AI shows a solution in which an effect device can be adjusted via a remotely located knob. DE 103 00 507 AI describes a remote retrofitting of subwoofers, are operated by means of motors in the knobs for example volume and phase.

Although digital effects devices are already in widespread use, they can switch between different sounds within fractions of a second. However, the sound quality of such digital effect devices is not as good as analog, since digital effects devices only mimic analog effect devices. The entire signal chain from a musical instrument such as a guitar, or their pickups, up to the amplifier (also analog, since almost always tube amplifiers are used) is analog. Thus, the intervening effects should be analogue in nature. When digitizing data or information, as in this case the sounds from the pickup, there is always a loss of information, ie information is lost and the quality of the signal (here: the sound) decreases. High quality D / A and A / D converters that convert digital information into analog information and vice versa are very expensive and cost upwards of EUR 500.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a solution with which potentiometers can be adjusted in a simple and reproducible manner.

This object is achieved with a controllable control knob mentioned above according to the invention in that the rotary control has at least one operating part, which is designed as a knob-shaped housing surrounding the drive unit, wherein the control unit and drive unit can be arranged rotatably and detachably on a switch shaft.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to set rotary switches, in particular rotary potentiometers, reproducibly to certain values. The controllable knob can be easily applied to the switch shaft without massive structural changes must be made to the device with the rotary switch. For rotary potentiometers with a rotary shaft and a rotary knob mounted thereon, the rotary knob is removed and the rotary knob is attached to the rotary shaft. The non-rotatable connection between the knob and the switch shaft allows driving of the switch shaft by the drive unit and the rotation of the switch shaft to any switch position.

Thanks to the rotary button-shaped housing surrounding the drive unit, operation is possible as with conventional rotary switches. In principle, however, the control panel can be designed as desired, for example as a rotary knob or lever.

For this purpose, the drive unit can be supported, for example, by adhering to the switch housing or otherwise positively or non-positively, but in any case firmly and preferably releasably connected. The term switch housing here is to be understood as meaning any housing which surrounds the rotary switch on which the controllable rotary control is applied - if, for example, the rotary switch is installed in an amplifier, it is the amplifier housing, the rotary switch is installed in an analog effect device , is the case of the effects unit. In any case, the area where the drive unit can be supported is to be chosen so that it remains stationary when the switch shaft turns. Due to the remote operation, for example via cables, which also ensure the power supply of the rotary control, the switch shaft can be brought to any position.

By the solution according to the invention, for example, the handling of analog effect devices in electric guitars or amplifiers can be significantly easier. Thanks to the remote operability, the drive unit can be controlled, for example via a control unit, in such a way that certain settings of the rotary switch of the device (for example, effect device or amplifier) can be implemented quickly and reproducibly. The user of the (for example) effect device no longer has to manually change the settings, but can make these changes quickly by activating the drive unit.

Nowadays, there is no system that facilitates the handling of analog effect devices in such a way. The sound quality is not affected by the retrofitting, which is very important for professional musicians and recording studio operators.

For example, during a piece of music, especially during a performance, unproblematic changes to the settings of the effect devices can be made, since this process can be carried out quickly. It is also no longer necessary to run the effect units used redundant (since different sounds must be preset), which leads to a cost savings.

Conveniently, a first position transmitter unit connected to the drive unit is provided in the rotary knob. The position encoder unit can also be connected to a component coupled to the drive unit. Variants with an associated with the drive unit and a coupled component position encoder unit are possible. In a further variant of the invention, at least one second position transmitter unit which can be connected to the switch shaft is provided. About this position encoder units can be determined how far the switch shaft on which the knob is plugged, is rotated, or should be adjusted by the drive unit of the rotary knob. The position sensor thus has the function to detect the current position of the switch shaft and / or the drive unit. These data can then be further processed, for example via a control unit. The position encoder unit can be designed as a separate hardware component, which is connected to the drive unit and determines the movement of the drive unit and / or the switch shaft. In a variant of the invention, however, the position transmitter unit can also be implemented by software, for example in a control unit with which the rotary knob can be connected. According to a variant of the invention, it is possible to place the control unit within the rotary control. The drive unit is an electric motor, wherein in the mounted state of the rotary control, the motor shaft is parallel or normal to the switch shaft. In the second case, in which the motor shaft is normal to the switch shaft, a force deflection can be provided accordingly, for example via intermeshing gears or deflections with belt. The engine may be a variety of engine types, such as piezo, DC, servo, stepper or hollow shaft or Torqememen.

Generally, a high torque drive unit is desirably used to enable precise control of the knob, even in small increments. In such a case, it is advantageous if at least one transmission is arranged between the electric motor and the switch shaft. Thus, if necessary, the properties of the drive can be adapted to the requirements of the invention. In general, it is favorable if at least one transmission is arranged between the motor shaft and the switch shaft. The transmission can be a multi-stage variant to achieve an optimal transmission ratio. Various types are possible, such as e.g. Planetary gear, worm gear, helical gear, belt drive and combinations of these.

In order to ensure the supportability of the drive unit and thus ensure torsional strength, for example, a support element may be provided, so that the drive unit can be supported via the at least one support element. The support member may for example be designed as an L-shaped support which is fixedly connected at one end to the drive unit. On the support element, for example, parts of at least one transmission, parts of the position sensor, etc. can also be attached in a rotationally fixed manner. The other end of the support can be connected to the support with a solid body near the switch shaft, for example, with the housing of the device in which the belonging to the switch shaft switch is housed. Preferably, the support member is releasably secured without damage, for example by means of gluing, soldering or similar methods.

Conveniently, the support element has at least one support and at least one bottom element, wherein the bottom element extends in the assembled state of the rotary knob in a plane normal to the switch shaft. The bottom element can be designed, for example, annularly (surrounding the switch shaft). This also provides a larger surface for attachment. The support (which may also be L-shaped here, for example) and the bottom element are preferably firmly connected to each other.

About the bottom element also results in another solution for a firm support of the knob, which can be used in analog effects, amplifiers and similar devices is: Usually rotary switches with hexagon nuts are mounted in the device; Therefore, a positive and / or non-positive connection can be realized here by the rotary control is applied to the switch shaft, that the bottom element is screwed tight with the hex nut.

A positive connection here means a connection in which pressure forces act normal to the surfaces of the connection partners and cause an interaction of the connection partners. If, for example, the connection partners have two connecting surfaces that are coaxial with one another, there is positive locking in the direction of the plane perpendicular to the cylinder axis. Examples of positive connections are tongue and groove connections, toothed couplings or pin shaft connections.

Frictional connections presuppose a normal force on the surfaces to be joined together - the frictional connection remains as long as the counterforce caused by the static friction is not exceeded.

In a variant of the invention, the housing consists of at least a first housing part and a rotatable second housing part, wherein the first housing part acts as a support of the support member for supporting the at least one drive unit and is connected via a releasable fastening device with the bottom element. The first housing part is static, so remains unmoved when operating the knob, the operation is done via the rotatable second housing part.

The detachable connection between the first housing part and bottom element can be done in various ways - for example via a screw, a latching or a journal-groove connection, where corresponding to the first housing part pins and the bottom element corresponding grooves (or vice versa) are arranged. The detachable arrangement of the housing on the bottom element has the advantage that on the one hand the bottom element can remain on the device, while the rest of the rotary control (or the housing) can be removed - for example, to replace defective devices or if a knob with self-sufficient power supply (see below ) should be charged.

In a further variant of the invention, the bottom element has a first static bottom element part and a second bottom element part movably mounted in the first bottom element part, wherein the first bottom element part in the assembled state of the rotary control extends in a plane normal to the switch shaft and the second bottom element part forms with a switch shaft - And / or non-positively connected. The first, static bottom element part is, for example, an annular element which can be arranged around the switch shaft and makes possible a detachable but firm connection between the control dial and the place of use. The rotatable mounting of the second floor element part takes place, for example, by slide bearing - to which both element parts can be made of slide-modified plastics. The first, static bottom element part is as described above with the first housing part connectable while the second bottom element part positively and / or non-positively connected to the switch shaft - are possible, for example, connections via screwable clamping blocks, hardening masses, although a detachable, but allow positive and / or non-positive connection between the bottom element part and the switch shaft, and the like.

This variant also has the advantage of the other variants, namely that the rotary control can be arranged on switch shafts with different diameters or different lengths.

In order to adjust the switch shaft, the second floor element part can be connected to the second housing part and / or the at least one drive unit. This can be used on the one hand on the second housing part, the switch shaft, on the other hand, the drive unit can be used to adjust the switch shaft.

In a variant of the invention, a first interrupter device is provided for this purpose between the second bottom element part and the second housing part, and / or a second interrupter device is provided between the second bottom element part and the at least one first drive unit. Through the breaker devices, in each case a positive and / or non-positive connection between the individual elements can be made or interrupted. This can be done for example by magnetic switches, friction contacts and the like. If a transmission connected to the first drive unit is provided (see below), the second breaker device can also be arranged between the transmission and the second floor element part.

In a further variant of the invention, a first and a second drive unit are provided, wherein the switch shaft is drivable via the first drive unit and the first drive unit is arranged in the first housing part and a second drive unit is arranged in the second housing part, wherein with the second drive unit of the second Housing part is driven. By providing two drive units, the switch shaft and the second housing part can be moved separately from each other - this is for example convenient when calibrating or remote control of the rotary control. As far as before the term "drive unit" is used, it includes both the first and the second drive unit mentioned above.

Conveniently, at least one rotary encoder unit is further arranged in the second housing part and the second housing part can be decoupled from the second drive unit via at least one third breaker device. Thereby, the second housing part can be moved independently of the drive unit, or settings can be made, which are recorded and processed via the rotary encoder unit - for example, settings to be made later by means of the (first) drive unit on the switch shaft. If the second drive unit has a second transmission (see below), the third interrupter device can accordingly decouple the connection between this second transmission and the second housing part.

In a variant of the invention, the first drive unit is assigned a first gear and the second drive unit is assigned a second gear. As a result, the operation of the rotary control can be optimally designed.

In a variant of the invention, at least one control device is provided in the rotary control. This control device can be connected to the drive unit and serves to control the drive unit. Furthermore, settings of the rotary control or the drive unit can be stored with the control device, for example in an integrated memory module. Thanks to such a control device, the rotary knob can be better controlled from the outside, for example via a bus system such as CAN in a daisy-chain system (that is, a serial coupling of encoders); then the corresponding connections in the dial must be provided.

As mentioned at the beginning, the communication with the rotary knob is basically via a cable connection. About such cable connections, the rotary control can be controlled, for example, via a bus system. Using cables, the controller is also supplied with energy. Care must be taken to ensure that the signal transmission loses quality beyond a certain length of cable, or that there may be time delays due to the transmission path.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rotary control has at least one communication unit which is set up for wireless communication, and furthermore at least one antenna and at least one energy storage device are provided. The communication unit or the antenna should be designed in this case, that a bidirectional communication between the dial and the control unit is possible. The energy storage device can be designed, for example, as a battery or as a rechargeable battery (eg battery pack). The communication unit can be connected to the drive unit and / or to the control device accommodated in the rotary control. In one variant of the invention, the energy storage device is designed as a rechargeable battery and has at least one charging device. About the charger, the battery can be recharged - either conventionally via a plug connection, which is connectable to a power source, or via a non-contact induction charging method of known type.

If a knob in the wireless variant described above were removed from its associated ground element (eg volume control amplifier) and arranged on another ground element (eg gain-controller-distortion), this would still contain commands and information as a volume element. Receive and send out the controller of the amplifier. In order to ensure a faultless assignment of the arbitrarily mounted knob on the bottom element part, therefore, at least one identification unit, such as an RFID module, may be provided in the dial to realize a corresponding assignment to the corresponding bottom element and thus the assignment to a switch shaft. The patch knob would now receive or output to the data corresponding to this switch shaft.

Conveniently, a first identification unit in the rotary control and a second identification unit in the bottom element is arranged. Preferably, these are again RFID modules. This considerably facilitates the identification of the individual components in a large system.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a system mentioned at the outset, comprising at least one controllable rotary control according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, and at least one control unit having at least one processing device, at least one memory device and at least one communication device for communicating with the controllable rotary controls.

Thanks to this solution, it is possible to control one or more of the above-described rotary control and bring the associated rotary switch quickly and reproducibly to different settings. The respective settings of the rotary switches are determined and set via the processing device. The determination is made, for example, via an encoder unit, which is advantageously connected to the drive unit and rotational movements of the rotary control to the processing device which converts them into positions. However, such an encoder unit can also be realized by software in the control unit, where it records the movements of the drive unit in the rotary encoders and converts into positions of the switch shafts. The settings of the rotary switches (ie their angle) can be stored in the memory device and thus played back as often as desired. About the communication device that communicates, for example via a cable connection with the rotary controls, the respective signals are transmitted. At the same time, the controllers are supplied with energy.

Advantageously, at least one operating device is provided in the system. The operating device is operated by a user and conveniently connected to the control unit. When using such a device, which is operable for example via a foot pedal, the settings stored in the memory device for the rotary control can be accessed by pressing the HMI device. Thus, a variety of rotary controls can be managed without the user having to operate the control unit or even the rotary knob by hand.

In a variant of the invention, the operating device is a MIDI controller. MIDI is a type of protocol that is widely used in the musical industry (MIDI = musical instrument digital interface) and is particularly favorable when using the invention in connection with analog effect devices: nowadays musicians often use a so-called MIDI board (with said pedal control). at live shows and in the studio as a conversion option for his numerous effects / amplifiers. By using MIDI you can easily connect other effects devices.

In a further variant of the invention, the control unit has at least one update interface via which the system can be connected to the Internet. This makes it easy to carry out any updates to the system software. Furthermore, it is theoretically possible to operate the system remotely via remote control: the operator of the control unit may thus be located far away.

In the system, a bus system may be provided, via which the control unit is connected to at least one rotary knob. Conveniently, the bus system is arranged in the control unit. The rotary control has to be an embodiment with a control device so that the control commands transmitted via the bus system can be executed correctly. Furthermore, over the bus system can also Data can be sent and / or received via the bidirectional data from the rotary knob to other subscribers in the network.

The communication device of the control unit can also be set up for wireless communication and have at least one communication antenna, wherein the system has at least one of the above-mentioned rotary control, which is set up for wireless communication.

In a further variant of the invention, the control units are designed as control modules and assigned exactly to a rotary control, and the system further comprises a module receiving device, in which the control modules can be releasably introduced. The control modules can be designed, for example, as plug-in cards. This allows the system to be expanded modularly - in theory, the number of connectable potentiometer controllers is unlimited. The invention thus provides a modular system for the automatic control of potentiometers. There are no aural losses or unwanted changes to the sound.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the drawing. In this shows schematically:

1 shows the system according to the invention,

2 shows an example of a front panel of a control unit of the system according to the invention,

3 shows a diagrammatic representation of the components of the system according to the invention,

4A and 4B, the rotary knob of a rotary switch in a plan view (Fig. 4A) and a side view (Fig. 4B),

5A and 5B show a controllable rotary control according to the invention in a perspective view (FIG. 5A) and a side view (FIG. 5B), FIG.

6 is a perspective view of the interior of a rotary knob according to the invention,

7 is a representation of the underside of a rotary knob according to the invention,

8A is a semi-transparent side view of a rotary knob according to the invention,

8B is a semi-transparent view of a rotary knob according to the invention from its underside, 9 shows a further variant of a controllable rotary control according to the invention in side view,

9A is a sectional view of the rotary knob of Fig. 9,

10A and 10B detail views of variants of the breaker devices, and

11 shows a further variant of a controllable rotary regulator according to the invention in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis.

In the figures, various variants of the solution according to the invention are shown.

The system 1 according to the invention for controlling at least one switch shaft is shown in FIG. 1 by means of the example of an effect device for an electric guitar, the effect device using rotary potentiometers for adjusting the effects. Of course, the system according to the invention can also be used for rotary switches in other contexts.

In Fig. 1, a control unit 2 is shown, which is connected to a series of analog effects devices 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3'". The sound of the effect devices 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"' is adjusted by potentiometers with knobs as controls. For example, so-called "wah-wah" pedals, pedals for controlling the volume, etc., can also be adjusted by a suitable control the control panel knob-shaped - it should be noted once again that this version of the control panel is only one of several options.

The control unit 2 is connected to an operating device 4. The operating device 4 may be, for example, a MIDI controller. Basically, however, any solutions are possible that allow a change in the settings of the control unit 2. As can be seen from the dotted arrow, commands can be transmitted to the control unit 2 via the operating device 4.

Fig. 2 shows the front panel of a control unit 2. In Fig. 3, the control unit 2 is shown in a diagrammatic representation. In addition to the illustrated variant of a "stationary" control unit 2, which can thus be positioned anywhere, the control unit 2 can also be designed as a portable variant, or as a "handheld", in a handy size. This variant is not shown in the figures. The illustration in FIG. 3 shows the components of the system 1 according to the invention in one exemplary embodiment. A rotary control 5 and a control unit 2 are shown by way of example. Of course, the system 1 according to the invention comprises more than one rotary control 5, but for illustration purposes only one single rotary control 5 is involved shown.

3 shows the main components of the control unit 2, namely at least one processing device 6 and at least one memory device 7. The entire software required for the operation of the system according to the invention is usually located in the control unit 2 - the rotary encoders 5 are such ( At least in the present exemplary embodiment, a variant is described in which parts of the control electronics are transferred to the dials 5. In such a case, the corresponding software also runs on the dials 5 itself.

In a further variant of the invention, the control unit 2 can be saved at all, so that the system functions purely via the rotary control 5. In this case, all components of the control unit 2 or their functions are arranged in the rotary controls 5, so that the control unit 2 can be omitted.

The control unit 2 comprises, as an important point, the drive control, ie the electronics which controls the drive unit in the rotary controls 5 (see, for example, FIG. 6 or the associated description) and brings them to a predetermined position. This electronics is housed in the processing device 6. This electronics also determines the control values of the rotary control 5, for example by converting the information of a first position transmitter unit 25 (only indicated in FIG. 3) integrated in the drive unit 18 into positions or angles of rotation of the rotary switch.

This first position encoder unit 25 can be implemented, for example, as an encoder or resolver, but also in software (for example as a pedometer) in the control unit 2. In principle, drive units 18 with associated positioner units are known to the person skilled in the art. It may also be a second position encoder unit 25 'may be provided, which is connectable to the switch shaft 16.

The current position of the switch shaft 16 and / or the drive unit 18 (or its motor shaft) is detected via the first 25 or second position encoder unit 25 '. If a manual adjustment of the rotational position has been made, it must be clearly quantifiable to be processed digitally. In addition, the first position encoder unit 25 can assist in the positioning of the drive unit 18, for example by specifying a referenced switch or shaft position. This can be done, for example a mechanical Anschlagerkennimg (at min and max of the switch shaft, so where the switch shaft for mechanical reasons is not further rotatable) can be realized by a current threshold detection of the engine / engine electronics. Optimal effect is with a deviation of the position encoder units 25, 25 'of max. 1 ° absolute from the setpoint or actual position.

By means of appropriate software in the processing device 6, various programs can be run, for example, that a knob 5 of a potentiometer with a certain frequency for a certain time back and forth between two different predetermined rotation angles. There is also the possibility of using a clock signal, which can be sent via MIDI, as the timing unit (MIDI clock). Another possibility is that the rotary knob 5 goes from a certain rotational position in a given time to the left stop (zero) - fade out.

The control unit 2 further comprises a communication device 8, via which the control unit 2 communicates with the rotary controls 5. Dashed line in Fig. 3, a communication antenna 9 is further indicated, which is connected to the communication device 8 - it should be provided when the communication device 8 communicates wirelessly. The communication device 8 is designed for bidirectional communication between the rotary controls 5 and the control unit 2.

The control unit 2 further optionally includes an update interface 10 for software updates via the Internet. This update interface 10 can be used as Ethernet, USB, WLAN or similar. be executed. This makes it possible to update software or additional features. Via this interface, a remote operation can also be realized.

Usually, a cable connection (not shown in the figures) is provided between the rotary controls 5 and the control unit 2. This cable connection transmits commands of the processing device 6 of the control unit 2 and supplies the rotary control 5 with energy. In a variant of the invention may be a wireless or wireless connection; In this case, a communication unit 30 (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3) and a separate (preferably rechargeable) energy supply are provided in the rotary controls 5. In order to ensure a unique identification of the rotary control 5 in the case of wireless communication, an identification unit 37 may be provided, which may be embodied for example as an RFID module. A first identification unit 37 'can be arranged in the rotary control 5, while a second identification unit 37 "is arranged in the bottom element 20. Thus, an unambiguous assignment of rotary controls 5, which are arranged on different floor element parts and thus each associated with a switch shaft are possible.

In the storage device 7 of the control unit 2, the settings preset by the user (for example in the form of the deflection angles) are now stored for each rotary control 5. Each stored data record is assigned a memory number which can be read on the control unit 2 via a display 11 - the display 11 shown in Fig. 1 (and Fig. 2) shows the value "19." Different display types can be used, for example also LCD, LED, OLED or touch displays.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the control panel for the user comprises a series of buttons and a display for displaying and inputting additional information; Here, by way of example only, the connection 4 'for the MIDI controller is called, as well as the rotary controller connections 5'. The other advertisements are not relevant in the context of the present embodiments and are therefore not explained in detail.

In a variant of the invention, also shown in Fig. 3, the system 1 further comprises a bus system 26, e.g. a CAN bus. CAN has the following advantages over ordinary protocols: high interference safety through different signals (2 cores); allows additional transmission links (but at the expense of speed); simple addition / removal of nodes (or knobs 5); Real-time capability. In principle, the token-ring principle known from the prior art could be used for a largely fail-safe communication.

The bus system 26 is arranged for example in the control unit 2 and is used for communication with the rotary controls 5. The rotary control 5 are connected via the bus system 26 to the control unit 2, for example via a daisy-chain system in which the Knob 5 are connected together and only one knob is connected to the control unit. In this way, on the one hand can save cable, on the other hand, the wiring remains manageable and visually appealing. Furthermore, by providing a bus system 26, the distance between the rotary encoders 5 and the control unit 2 can be greatly increased because the range is increased.

About the cable connections 27 information between the control unit 2 and the rotary controls are exchanged. In addition, the power supply via a separate cable connection. Basically, depending on the choice of protocol / comunication platform, the signal can be modulated onto the voltage-carrying conductors. Thus, at least one conductor, via which the bus system is realized, could be omitted. Out For clarity, these compounds are not shown. Regarding the cable connections 27, these should ideally be designed (for example by selecting the cable cross section) so that it is possible to drive about 50 rotary controls at the same time.

Since in a control via a bus system 26 only information can be transmitted (unidirectional or bidirectional), it may be necessary to provide the rotary control 5 with separate controls in the form of a control device 28. This control device 28 serves to control the drive unit as well as to carry out the proper communication with the control unit 2 and can contain all "logic" (eg designed as a microcontroller) of the rotary control 5. Correspondingly, the control unit 2 must also be used for communication by means of a bus system 26 be set up.

For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that, of course, such control devices can also be provided if no bus system 26 is used. The controller device 28 may also be coupled to a memory module 29 for storing settings and signals.

If the rotary controller 5 as described above as "intelligent" component (ie with control device 28) executed, which is controlled via a bus system such as CAN, so advantageously the processing device 6, the storage device 7 and a communication device 6 directly in the dial The control unit 2 then conveniently has a further communication device in order to communicate with the rotary controls 5 via the corresponding bus system.

When using a bus system 26, two variants are possible in principle:

1) The settings of the rotary encoders 5 are stored in the storage device 7 of the control unit 2. When the settings are called, for example by activating the corresponding MIDI memory location, the control unit 2 transmits a clear information as to which rotary knobs 5 must now be activated (eg identification by a first identification unit 37 'in the dial 5 and a second identification unit 37 "in the floor element 20 - for example, the identification units 37 ', 37 "designed as RFID modules) or which Potentiometerwellen must now be rotated. The corresponding settings (eg angle values) are then sent to the rotary control 5, or the drive unit 18 is activated for the purpose of taking this setting. The control device 28 in the dial then serves mainly for proper Communication between rotary control 5 and control unit 2 via the bus system 26 and for proper control of the drive unit 18th

2) The settings of the rotary control 5 are stored in the control device 28 (or in the associated memory module 29) ordered. When changing the settings of the rotary control 5 by the user, only the memory space of the values to be set is called, the calling and correct setting of the rotational positions is then carried out by the rotary control 5 and its control device 28.

In a variant of the invention (not shown in the figures), the number of controllable rotary control 5 is modularly expandable. For this purpose, the control units are designed as control modules (for example in the form of plug-in cards) and the system 1 further comprises a module receiving device into which the control modules can be releasably inserted. Each control module is associated with exactly one rotary control 5 and comprises all the above-mentioned components of the control unit 2.

The system according to the illustrated embodiment now works by inputting a command via the HMI device 4 (e.g., MIDI controller) (for example, stepping on a switch with your foot). It should be noted that there are already various MIDI connectors and thus different protocols, such as. Ethernet MIDI, Wireless MIDI, etc. The HMI device 4 then forwards the command (for example, setting "A") to all connected devices, which then call all the settings predefined for "A".

In principle, it is also possible to use other operating devices instead of MIDI, which can communicate via Bluetooth, LAN, WLAN, USB, etc., for example.

The typical use of the system according to the invention thus comprises the following steps - set forth below with reference to the exemplary application to an analog effect device:

First, the rotary knobs originally present on the rotary potentiometers of the effect unit 3 are removed and the rotary knobs 5 according to the invention are attached non-rotatably;

The desired settings are made on the rotary controls 5; in this case may be provided by software rotation support by possible rotational resistance of the rotary control (eg friction torque of gear or motor) can be reduced by using the drive unit 18: as soon as a movement (for example, turning by a user) is registered on the dial 5, supports the drive unit 18 this movement - depending on acceleration or delay, the software responds and accordingly the drive unit 18, the entire knob 5 rotates and the user has the feeling of a very smooth adjustment process (can be eliminated by using positive and / or positive couplings); Conveniently, the values of the settings are determined via position transmitter units in the rotary controls 5;

These settings (positions or angles of the dials 5) are stored in the memory device 7 of the control unit 2 (or, as described above using a bus system, in the memory module 29 of the control device of the dial 5) and given a memory number (here Case: a MIDI number) assigned;

Via the operating device 4 (or via control buttons 12, 13 on the control unit 2 - see also Fig. 2), for example, with a click on a floor pedal the MIDI "number" can be changed in the control unit 2, with the result that the rotary knob 5 assumes the position stored on this "number" by activating its drive unit.

The further figures now deal in greater detail with the rotary encoders 5 according to the invention. The components control device 28 and memory module 29 as well as the communication unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 are not shown in FIGS. 4A to 8B for reasons of clarity.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show, for the time being, a conventional rotary switch 14 from above (FIG. 4A) or from the side (FIG. 4B). In Fig. 4B, the rotary knob 15 can be seen, which is mounted rotatably on a switch shaft 16. To use the rotary control 5 of the invention, this knob 15 must be removed.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a rotary control 5, wherein in particular its housing 17 can be seen. The housing 17 is designed knob-shaped and the drive unit surrounding. In a variant of the invention, the housing 17 has a first housing part 17 'and a second housing part 17 "- the second housing part 17" is rotatably mounted in the first housing part 17'. Fig. 5B shows a rotary knob which is plugged onto a switch shaft 16.

Fig. 6 shows the interior of a rotary knob 5 according to the invention, which is plugged onto a switch shaft 16: Inside there is a drive unit 18, for example an electric motor. In principle, different types of motors can be used, for example piezo, DC, servo, stepper, hollow shaft or torque motors. The motor shaft 21 is normal to the switch shaft 16, for deflection, a first gear 22 and a drive gear 23 are provided. The drive gear 23 is rotatably connected to the switch shaft 16. The drive gear 23 can be optimized for any switch waveforms and diameters. As already mentioned, a direct transmission of the engine torque to the switch shaft 16 is possible by the drive unit 18 is mounted so that the motor shaft 21 is parallel to the switch shaft 16. Also, by providing a gearbox, the function can be supported. The transmission can be a multi-stage variant to achieve an optimal transmission ratio. There are various types possible, such as planetary gear, worm gear, helical gear, belt drive and combinations of these.

The drive unit 18 is supported via a support element, wherein the support element consists of an L-shaped support 19 and a bottom element 20. Support 19 and bottom member 20 are firmly connected. The bottom member 20 is circular in shape, wherein in its center the switch shaft 16 protrudes; the bottom element 20 is normal in a plane to the Schalterwellel6 and increases the bearing surface of the support element. To support the floor element with the switch housing (not shown) can be connected, for example by gluing, soldering or similar methods that do not damage the switch housing and allow a residue-free removal.

The term switch housing here is to be understood as meaning any housing which surrounds the rotary switch on which the controllable rotary control is applied - if, for example, the rotary switch is installed in an amplifier, it is the amplifier housing, the rotary switch is installed in an analog effect device , is the case of the effects unit. In any case, the area on which the drive unit can be supported is to be selected so that it remains stationary when the switch shaft rotates. By supporting the drive unit 18 ensures that the engine torque is properly transmitted to the switch shaft 16.

The housing holder 24 connects the housing (not shown in Fig. 6) rotatably connected to the switch shaft 16. In the present case, the holder is attached directly to the switch shaft 16; In other embodiments, the housing mount 24 may also be attached directly to the drive shaft 23 or (if no power steering and / or transmission devices are used) directly to the motor shaft 21. By turning the housing, on the one hand, the switch shaft 16 is rotated, on the other hand, the motor shaft 21 is moved, so that the angular movement of the rotary knob 5 can be determined. This is done by evaluation in the control unit 2, possibly using a position sensor element (not shown) in the rotary control 5, which determines the angle change and transmits it to the control unit 2. In Fig. 6, the knob 5 so two "points of contact" with its environment: on the one hand, the non-rotatable (but releasable) connection with the switch shaft 16 via the Gehäusehai sion 24 and the drive gear 23, on the other hand, the support on the support element with L-shaped support 19 and bottom element 20.

In Fig. 8A is shown again, as the support element, consisting of L-shaped support 19 and bottom member 20, with the drive unit 18 (shown in phantom) is connected and supports it. The housing holder 24 is also shown. In Fig. 8B can be seen how the housing holder 24 is on the one hand connected to the housing 17, on the other hand, however, includes the switch shaft 16 and rotatably connected thereto. In Fig. 8B, the bottom member 20 is not shown; This is done on the one hand for reasons of clarity, on the other hand, it is a variant of the invention, in which the support member consists only of the L-shaped support 19. This variant is also shown in FIG. 7.

For reasons of clarity, the cables for activating or powering the rotary control 5 are not shown in the cited figures. It is also referred to the variant of the invention, in which the control is wireless and the rotary control 5 are accordingly equipped with transceivers and power supply facilities, which is also not shown. The transceivers both the rotary control 5 and the control unit 2 are advantageously designed as bidirectional modules (ie, both for sending and for receiving).

In such a radio-controlled variant can be used as the network protocol ZigBee according to the prior art. ZigBee is specifically designed for radio controlled devices that have limited power and voltage (such as battery or rechargeable battery). In addition, ZigBee allows the construction of a tree network as well as meshed networks.

9 shows a variant of the invention in which the housing 17 of the rotary regulator 5 consists of a first housing part 17 'and a second housing part 17 ". FIG. 9A shows a sectional view of the variant from FIG the longitudinal axis of the rotary control 5 extends.

The first housing part 17 'serves to support the at least one drive unit 18 and thus assumes the function of the support 19 (see, for example, FIGS. 6, 7, 8A and 8B). The first housing part 17 'remains unmoved during the operation of the rotary control 5. In addition to the drive unit 18, it serves for fastening further components such as gear 35, positives encoder unit 25, etc .; the second housing part 17 "is rotatable - the operation by the user thus takes place in this variant by turning the second housing part 17".

The attachment of the rotary control 5 according to this variant is carried out by the bottom member 20 which is releasably, but firmly connected to the device whose switch shaft 16 is to be actuated. The first housing part 17 'is detachably connected to the bottom element 20. For this connection different variants are possible:

For example, a screw can be used with threaded components of known type respectively on the first housing part 17 'and the bottom element 20. It is advantageous if the assembly with little or even fractions of turns is possible - the thread is interpreted accordingly.

Another possible solution is a snap closure with corresponding locking elements on the first housing part 17 'and on the bottom element 20, wherein releasing the first housing part 17' and thus of the rotary control 5 from the bottom element 20 is possible by operating the locking elements.

It has a first, static bottom element part 20 'and a second bottom element part 20 "movably mounted in the first bottom element part 20'. The first bottom element part 20 'is in a mounted state of the rotary control 5 Level normal to the switch shaft 16. The second bottom element part 20 "is positively and / or non-positively connected to the switch shaft 16 in the mounted state.

For this positive and / or non-positive connection between the switch shaft 16 and the second bottom element part 20 "is that they be carried out releasably and without causing damage and allow a good force and / or positive locking even at different diameters, shapes and heights of the switch shaft 16 The connection can be carried out, for example, by means of a material which cures under the influence of oxygen and thus leads to a positive and / or frictional connection between the switch shaft 16 and the second base element part 20 ". In a further variant, screwable clamping blocks can be provided in the second bottom element part 20 with which a clamping connection can be produced between bottom element and switch shaft 16. The screwable clamping blocks run in a direction normal to the switch shaft 16.

The second bottom element part 20 "is connected both to the second housing part 17" and to the drive unit 18. Thus, on the one hand, the switch shaft 16 (via the second bottom element part 20 ") by means of the second housing part 17", ie the rotatable element of the housing 17, operate, on the other hand, the switch shaft 16 can be adjusted by means of the drive unit 18, for example, to a preprogrammed position.

By a first 31 and / or a second breaker device 32 may each have a positive and / or non-positive connection between the second bottom member part 20 "and the second housing part 17" (first breaker device 31) and the second housing part 17 "and the first drive unit 18th (second breaker device 32) - optionally via a gear 35 - made or interrupted.

As a breaker device 31, 32 are, for example, components that have a similar operating principle of a magnetic switch that occur by applying a voltage in a positive and / or positive connection, but otherwise are open and separated from each other. To transmit or provide the voltage sliding contacts (not shown in the figures) may be provided. By solely closing the breaker device 32, only the second housing parts 17 "can be moved (rotated) by means of the drive unit 18 alone.

However, suitable as breaker devices 31, 32 are also arrangements which cooperate by spring force, but can be released from one another by the action of force against the spring force and can be moved independently of one another.

Two such solutions are shown schematically in Figs. 10A and 10B. Fig. 10A shows magnetic switches as first 31 and second breaker means 32; 10B shows a positive and / or non-positive connection 32 ', wherein the abutting surfaces have high friction values, so that upon contact there is a good positive and / or non-positive connection.

A further variant of the invention is shown in FIG. 11: Here, in addition to a first drive unit 18 (as described above), a second drive unit 18 'is provided. The first drive unit 18 serves to drive the switch shaft 16 and is arranged in the first housing part 17 '. The second drive unit 18 'is located in the area of the second housing part 17 "and serves to drive it. As with the drive unit for the switch shaft 16, at least one transmission of any type can be interposed here - a first transmission 35 is then assigned to the first drive unit 18 , a second gear (not shown in the figures) of the second drive unit 18 'Furthermore, in the region of the second housing part 17 "still a rotary encoder unit 34 is arranged. The second housing part 17 "and the second drive unit 18 'are connected via a third interruption This arrangement also makes it possible to use simpler, smaller electric motors (no expensive, expensive hollow-shaft motors) as drive units, furthermore the second housing part 17 "can be moved independently of the first drive unit 18 or the switch shaft Advantage, when the knob 5 is designed as a radio-controlled variant - then it is possible separately, the potentiometer shaft and the second housing parts 17 "to control. In operation, for example, the second housing part 17 "is rotated and the drive unit for the potentiometer shaft must be rotated in accordance with this change in angle (recorded by rotary encoder unit 34).

A great advantage is that after placing a rotary control 5 on the bottom element part 20, at any angle to the switch shaft 16, the second housing part 17 "regardless of the switch shaft 16 or the control of these, can be controlled and rotated (eg for the adjustment of the visual level indicator "stroke"). Thus, the drive unit of the switch shaft 16 can move only in the context of the mechanical stops predetermined by this - the second housing part 17 ", however, can perform 360 ° rotations if required.

In order to now offer the operator of the rotary control 5 the possibility of indicating and clarifying an actual stop of the switch shaft 16 at a minimum or maximum position, which can indeed be absorbed by corresponding sensors, the possibility of counteracting kens of the second one is possible Housing part 17 "and thus the activation of the corresponding drive unit against an externally applied force (torque) of the operator possible.

Thus, the operator of the rotary control 5 can be made clear by the second housing part 17 "of a mechanical stop of the switch shaft 16, which is not directly connected to the switch shaft 16. The control (logic, program) can eg by means of at least one control device 28 (FIG. eg at least one microcontroller) can be realized.

11 also shows how the second bottom element part 20 "can be fixed to the switch shaft 16 via screwable clamping blocks 36. The clamping blocks 36 or their screw elements run in a direction normal to the switch shaft 16 , LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

system

control unit

, 3 ', 3 ", 3'" effect unit

control unit

'MIDI controller connection

knobs

'Knob connection

processing device

storage device

communication device

communication antenna

0 update interface

1 display

2, 13 control button

4 (conventional) rotary switch

5 knob

6 switch shaft

7 housing

7 'first housing part

7 "second housing part

8 (first) drive unit

8 'second drive unit

9 (L-shaped) support

0 floor element

'first floor element part

"second floor element part

1 motor shaft

first gear

drive gear

housing support

first position encoder unit second position encoder unit

Bus system

cable connection

control device

memory module

Communication unit first breaker device second breaker device third breaker device

Rotation angle transmitter unit

transmission

screwable terminal block

identification unit

Claims

1. A controllable rotary control (5), in particular for rotary switches, with at least one supportable, remote-controlled drive unit (18), characterized in that the rotary control (5) has at least one operating part, as a knob-shaped, the drive unit (18) surrounding the housing (17 ), wherein the control unit and drive unit (18) rotatably and detachably on a switch shaft (16) can be arranged.

2. Controllable rotary control (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that with the drive unit (18) connected first position encoder unit (25) is provided.

3. Controllable rotary control (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one with the switch shaft (16) connectable second position encoder unit (25 ') is provided.

4. rotary control (5) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is an electric motor in the drive unit (18), wherein in the mounted state of the rotary knob (5), the motor shaft (21) parallel or normal to the switch shaft (16) runs.

5. rotary control (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that between the motor shaft (21) and the switch shaft (16) at least one transmission is arranged.

6. Knob (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (18) can be supported via at least one support element.

7. rotary control (5) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support element at least one support (19) and at least one bottom element (20), wherein the bottom element (20) in the mounted state of the rotary knob (5) in a plane normal the switch shaft (16) extends.

8. rotary control (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (17) consists of at least a first housing part (17 ') and a rotatable second housing part (17 "), wherein the first housing part (17') as a support ( 19) of the support element for supporting the at least one drive unit (18) and is connected via a releasable fastening device with the bottom element (20).

9. rotary controller (5) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the bottom element (20) has a first, static bottom element part (20 ') and in the first bottom element part (20') movably mounted second bottom element part (20 "), wherein the first bottom element part (20 ') in the assembled state of the rotary control (5) in a plane normal to the switch shaft (16) and the second bottom element part (20 ") with a switch shaft (16) positively and / or non-positively connectable.

10. rotary control (5) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second bottom element part (20 ") with the second housing part (17") and / or the at least one drive unit (18) is connectable.

11. Rotary regulator (5) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that between the second bottom element part (20 ") and the second housing part (17") a first breaker device (31) is provided and / or that between the second bottom element part (20 ") and the at least one first drive unit (18), a second breaker device (32) is provided.

12. rotary control (5) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a first (18) and a second drive unit (18 ') are provided, wherein the switch shaft (16) via the first drive unit (18) is drivable and the first drive unit (18) in the first housing part (17 ') is arranged and a second drive unit (18') in the second housing part (17 ") is arranged, with the second drive unit (18 ') of the second housing part (17") drivable is.

13. rotary control (5) according to claim 12, characterized in that in the second housing part (17 ") further at least one rotary encoder unit (34) is arranged and the second housing part (17") via at least a third breaker device (33) from the second drive unit (18 ') is decoupled.

14. rotary control (5) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first drive unit (18) is associated with a first transmission (35) and the second drive unit (18 ') is associated with a second transmission.

15. Knob (5) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in the rotary control (5) at least one control device (28) is provided.

16 rotary control (5) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one communication unit (30), which is for wireless communication is set up, and further provided at least one antenna and at least one energy storage device.

17 knob (5) according to claim 16, characterized in that the energy storage device is designed as a rechargeable battery and having at least one charging device.

18. Knob (5) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that in the rotary control (5) at least one identification unit (37), for example an RFID module, is provided.

19. rotary control (5) according to one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that a first identification unit (37 ') in the rotary control (5) and a second identification unit (37 ") in the bottom element (20) are arranged.

20. System (1) for controlling at least one switch shaft (16), comprising:

- At least one controllable knob (5) according to one of claims 1 to 19, and

- At least one control unit (2) with at least one processing device (6), at least one memory device (7) and at least one communication device (8) for communicating with the controllable rotary controls (5).

21. System (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that further comprises at least one operating device (4) is provided.

22. System (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that it is the control unit (4) is a MIDI controller.

23. System (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the control unit (2) has at least one update interface (10) via which the system (1) is connectable to the Internet.

24. System (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that at least one bus system (26) is provided, via which the control unit (2) with at least one rotary control (5) is connected.

25. System (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the bus system (26) in the control unit (2) is arranged.

26. System (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the communication device (8) of the control unit (2) is arranged for wireless communication and at least one communication antenna (9) and at least one controllable knob (5) according to Claim 7 is provided.

27. System (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the control units (2) designed as control modules and exactly one rotary knob (5) are assigned and the system further comprises a module receiving device, in which the control modules releasably introduced can be.