Rotary actuator having a plurality of stop elements moveable by a cam plate

An actuator for activating a plurality of operating functions in a technical system, the actuator comprising:

• a rotary knob, the rotary knob being rotatable about a rotational axis to an actuation position corresponding to a first operating function of a plurality of operating functions,
• a first sensor unit, wherein the actuation position is detectable by the first sensor unit such that a corresponding actuation position signal is sent to a control unit of the technical system causing activation of the first operating function;
• at least one sliding track partially encircling the rotary knob radially over an angle of less than 360°, and delimited by a set of stops, wherein the set of stops includes at least one stop element that is movable by a stop actuation device to limit an angular rotation of the rotary knob;
• a radial inner retaining ring at least partially encircling the rotational axis;
• a plurality of stop elements;
• and
• a plurality of spring arms that extend radially from the radial inner retaining ring, each spring arm of the plurality of spring arms being fixed to a stop element of the plurality of stop elements, and each spring arm of the plurality of spring arms providing a spring force on a respective stop element in a spring direction, the spring direction being parallel to the rotational axis,
• wherein the stop elements of the plurality of stop elements are movable by at least one cam on a cam plate from a disengaged position into an engaged position in a direction counter to the spring direction and towards the at least one sliding track, and
• wherein the cam plate is rotatable by an electric motor, and the respective rotational position of the cam plate is detectable by a second sensor unit configured to send a rotational position signal to the control unit.