Layered device for illuminated operating elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a delamination device (200) for operating an element (110). The delamination device (200) comprises a light-emitting element (217) which is configured to illuminate a light chamber (216) of the delamination device (200), a light-blocking layer (204) with an opening (214) which covers the light chamber (216). Furthermore, the delamination device (200) comprises a sensor layer (201) which covers the opening (214) of the light-blocking layer (204), wherein the sensor layer (201) overlaps the light-blocking layer (204) at the edge of the opening (214), so that an overlapping region (202) is formed at the edge of the opening (214) in which the light-blocking layer (204) and the sensor layer overlap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a layering device for illuminated operating elements, in particular for use in a domestic appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] Domestic appliances, in particular household electrical appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashers, typically comprise individual mechanical keys or buttons with which a function of the domestic appliance, for example an option of a washing or rinsing program, can be selected. On the keys or buttons, illuminated symbols or lettering are typically mounted, with which one or more functions that can be selected by means of the keys or buttons can be displayed.

[0003] In the use of a plurality of illuminated operating elements, an interaction between the illuminated areas of different operating elements can occur. Furthermore, unclear boundaries of the illuminated indications of individual operating elements can occur. SUMMARY

[0004] The technical task to which the present document relates is to provide a layering device for illuminated operating elements, which makes it possible to clearly delimit the illuminated areas of the operating elements.

[0005] This task is solved by a layering device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the preferred embodiments, which are explained in the following description or are shown in the drawings.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a layering device for at least one operating element is described. The layering device can comprise a multiplicity of layers. The layering device can be configured here to provide or form a proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor for the at least one operating element and an indication for the at least one operating element.

[0007] The layering device comprises a light-emitting element, for example with one or more light-emitting diodes, LEDs, which is configured to illuminate a light chamber of the layering device. The light chamber can be formed and / or delimited here by one or more separators and / or reflectors, which define the light chamber in a light-blocking manner in a direction parallel to the one or more layers of the layering device. In other words, a lateral boundary of the (at least one) light chamber of the layering device, which is perpendicular to the one or more layers of the layering device, can be formed by the one or more separators and / or reflectors. The light of the light-emitting element can thus be held in a reliable manner in the only light chamber. The one or more separators and / or reflectors of the layering device can be formed by separator layers and / or reflector layers.

[0008] The layering device comprises a light-blocking layer which covers the light chamber, the light-blocking layer having (at least) one cut-out. The light-blocking layer is arranged here in the installed state of the layering device between the light chamber and the operating surface of the operating element. By means of the light-blocking layer it can be facilitated that light from the light chamber can only reach the operating surface of the operating element from the light chamber via the cut-out. In other words, the light-blocking layer can be configured to limit the emission of light from the light chamber to the region of the cut-out.

[0009] The light-blocking layer can comprise an opaque plastic layer, in particular a polyethylene terephthalate layer abbreviated to PET. The light-blocking layer can in particular be an opaque plastic (e.g. PET) layer. The light-blocking layer can for example be black. The emission of light from the light chamber can thus be limited in a particularly effective and reliable manner to the at least one cut-out (e.g. to the recess or to the aperture) of the light-blocking layer. The light-blocking layer can for example be printed or bonded to other layers of the layering device.

[0010] The cut-out of the light-blocking layer is preferably arranged in such a way that the cut-out of the light-blocking layer is completely illuminated by the light-emitting element. In other words, the cut-out can be arranged directly above the light chamber. It can thus be facilitated that a clear delimitation of the illuminated region of the indication of the operating element can be provided by the edge of the cut-out. If necessary, the edge of the illuminated region of the indication of the operating element can be delimited by the edge of the cut-out.

[0011] The layering device further comprises a sensor layer which covers the cut-out of the light-blocking layer. The sensor layer can here be electrically conductive. The sensor layer can for example comprise or consist of a metal, in particular copper, gold and / or silver. The sensor layer can for example be bonded or printed. A copper layer can for example be bonded to other layers of the layering device. In another example, a silver layer can be printed to other layers of the layering device. The sensor layer can be part of a capacitive and / or resistive (contact and / or proximity) sensor.

[0012] The sensor layer can be configured in such a way that the sensor layer overlaps the light-blocking layer at the edge of the cut-out, thus forming an overlapping region at the edge of the cut-out in which the light-blocking layer and the sensor layer overlap.

[0013] Here, the sensor layer and the light-blocking layer can be in contact in the overlapping region. In other words, the sensor layer and the light-blocking layer can be directly laid together in the overlapping region. Furthermore, the sensor layer and the light-blocking layer can be connected to one another, in particular bonded to one another, in the overlapping region.

[0014] By the overlapping of the sensor layer and the light-blocking layer, it can be facilitated in a reliable manner that no light can come out of the light chamber past the sensor layer to the edge of the cut-out of the light-blocking layer, which can lead to a diffuse illumination of the indication of the operating element.

[0015] The sensor layer can be light-blocking at least in the region of the overlap. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to inhibit light from the light chamber in the edge region of the cutout.

[0016] The region of the overlap has in a preferred example an overlap width which is so great that light from the light chamber is substantially not visible through the region of the overlap. The overlap width can be for example 1 mm or more or 2 mm or more. It is thus possible to achieve a particularly clearly delimited illumination of the indication of the operating element.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally the region of the overlap can be configured such that it forms a closed and / or completely surrounding frame of the cutout of the light-blocking layer. It is thus possible to achieve a particularly clearly delimited illumination of the indication of the operating element.

[0018] The cutout preferably has a smaller area than the opening of the light chamber which is to be covered. In other words, the cutout can be configured such that the light chamber is at least partially covered by the light-blocking layer. Here the edge of the cutout is preferably completely within the opening of the light chamber which is to be covered, so that the light-blocking layer extends over the entire edge of the opening of the light chamber which is to be covered. It is thus possible to achieve a particularly clearly delimited illumination of the indication of the operating element.

[0019] The sensor layer can have one or more light-blocking sections and one or more light-transmissive sections which together form a mask for (at least) one symbol to be illuminated by the light-emitting element. The sensor layer can in particular be light-blocking and have one or more cutouts through which light can pass (that is to say light-transmissive sections). It is thus possible in a particularly efficient manner to provide a symbol for the indication of the operating element. In particular a separate printed layer can be dispensed with by using the sensor layer as a mask for the one or more symbols.

[0020] A (coherent) layered device is thus provided in which the light of the light-emitting element is blocked by the light-blocking (blocking) layer and the (light-blocking) sensor layer which overlap in the region of the overlap in such a way that light can only exit the light chamber through one or more light-transmissive sections of the sensor layer. It is thus possible in an efficient manner to achieve a clearly delimited illumination of the indication of the operating element.

[0021] The sensor layer can be arranged on the side of the light-blocking layer which faces away from the light-emitting element. The sensor layer can alternatively or additionally be arranged on the side of the light-blocking layer which faces towards the light-emitting element. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to block light in the region of the overlap of the light-blocking layer and the sensor layer.

[0022] The layering device can comprise an optically diffuse layer which is arranged between the light-emitting element or the light chamber and the light-blocking layer, in particular the cut-out of the light-blocking layer. By providing the diffuse layer it can be caused that the indication of the operating element is uniformly illuminated.

[0023] The layering device can comprise a light-transmissive carrier layer, for example a transparent PET layer, which is arranged at the side of the light-blocking layer and / or of the sensor layer which faces away from the light-emitting element. The carrier layer can thus face the contact surface of the operating element. By using the carrier layer the stability of the layering device can be further improved.

[0024] The layering device can comprise a large number of light chambers for a corresponding large number of operating elements. Furthermore, the light-blocking layer can comprise a large number of cut-outs for the corresponding large number of light chambers. Thus, a plurality of operating elements which can be individually illuminated can be provided with a single layering device. Here, it can be reliably avoided by the measures explained in this document that the illumination of one operating element is disturbed by the light of another operating element.

[0025] According to another aspect, it is also explained an operating element which comprises a proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor for identifying a proximity, contact and / or manipulation of the operating element by a user as well as an illuminated indication, for example with an illuminated symbol. Furthermore, the operating element comprises a layering device as explained in this document. Here, the proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor and the illuminated indication are at least partially or completely formed by the layering device.

[0026] According to another aspect, it is also explained a household appliance, in particular a domestic appliance, such as a hob, a stove, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a kitchen appliance, a dryer, a cooktop, a refrigerator, etc., which comprises at least one of the operating elements as explained in this document.

[0027] It is to be noted that each aspect of the layering device as explained in this document can be combined in a plurality of ways with each other. The features of the embodiments can in particular be combined in a plurality of ways with each other.

[0028] The application is explained in more detail below with the help of embodiments shown in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1a A block diagram of an exemplary household appliance is shown;

[0030] Figure 1b An exemplary operating element is shown;

[0031] Figure 2a An exemplary layering device is shown in a top view; and

[0032] Figure 2b An exemplary layering device is shown in a sectional view or side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As stated in the outset of this document, the present document relates to providing a layered device for operating elements, which enables a clear delimitation of the illumination of the operating elements, in particular of specific illuminated sections of the operating elements. In this interrelation, Figure 1a An exemplary household appliance 100, in particular a washing machine or a dryer, is shown, which comprises an operating panel 101 with one or more operating elements 110. Exemplary operating elements 110 are keys, buttons, slide controls and / or knobs.

[0034] The operating elements 110 comprise an operating face or operating surface 113, which can be contacted, in particular pressed, by a user, in order to manipulate the operating elements 110, as shown in Figure 1b Furthermore, the operating elements 110 typically comprise a proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor 112, which is configured to detect a proximity, contact and / or manipulation of the operating elements 110 by a user, in particular by a hand of the user. Exemplary proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensors 112 are capacitive sensors. The proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensors 112 can be arranged at and / or behind the operating face 113 of the operating elements 110.

[0035] Furthermore, the operating elements 110 typically comprise an indication 111, which displays a function of the household appliance 110, which can be triggered by manipulating the operating elements 110. The indication 111 can be illuminated here, in order to improve the legibility of the indication 111. The indication 111 can be arranged at the operating face 113 of the operating elements 110. The indication 111 can comprise one or more illuminated symbols.

[0036] The operating elements 110, in particular the proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensors 112 and the indication 111 of the operating elements 110, can be provided in an efficient manner by means of a layered device (also referred to as layer composite) consisting of a plurality of layers. Here, the layers can have different functions, such as a sensor function or an illumination function. The different layers can be joined together, in particular bonded to each other, in order to provide the layered device.

[0037] A plurality of operating elements 110 can be provided in a particularly efficient manner by means of the layered device. However, here a mutual influence of the illumination of the different operating elements 110 can occur. Furthermore, an outcoming of light at the boundaries of the individual operating elements 110 can occur.

[0038] In Figure 2a and 2b a layered device 200 is shown, which enables a clear delimitation and limitation of the illumination of the individual operating elements 110. Here, Figure 2aThe layered device 200 is shown in a top view, that is to say from the side facing the one or more operating elements 110 in the mounted state of the operating face 113. Figure 2b The layered device 200 is shown in a side view or sectional view along a sectional plane which is perpendicular to the operating face 113 of the operating element 110 in the mounted state of the layered device 200.

[0039] The layered device 200 typically comprises a (transparent) carrier layer 211, for example a layer of polyethylene terephthalate abbreviated as PET, which faces the one or more operating elements 110 in the mounted state of the operating face 113. The carrier layer 211 typically has the task of stabilizing the layered device 200 and / or of carrying one or more other layers of the layered device 200.

[0040] In addition, the layered device 200 further comprises a light-blocking and / or non-transparent barrier layer 204 which is configured for blocking light, in particular light from one or more light-emitting elements 217 of the layered device 200. The barrier layer 204 is arranged for this purpose between the carrier layer 211 and one or more light-emitting elements 217, for example light-emitting diodes, LEDs, for illuminating the indication 111 of the one or more operating elements 110. The barrier layer 204 can comprise a light-blocking, for example black, PET layer, in particular can be a light-blocking PET layer.

[0041] The barrier layer 204 has at least one cut-out 214, for example an indentation, a hole, a cut-out or punched-out region, etc. The cut-out 214 enables light to pass from the light-emitting element 217 behind through the cut-out 214 and through the (optional) carrier layer 211. By the edge of the cut-out 214 in the barrier layer 204, a clear boundary of the illuminated region of the carrier layer 211 is defined here. The edge can for example define a rectangular or circular boundary of the illuminated region of the carrier layer 211.

[0042] The layered device 200 further comprises a (non-transparent and / or light-blocking) sensor layer 201. The sensor layer 201 can for example be electrically conductive, for example in order to provide a capacitive sensor. In particular, a proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor 112 of the operating element 110 can be formed by the sensor layer 201. The sensor layer 201 is arranged in the layered device 200 such that the sensor layer 201 covers at least one or exactly one cut-out 214 of the barrier layer 204.

[0043] The recess 214 can be covered in such a way that there is no gap at the edge of the recess 214 through which light of the light-emitting element 217 can shine out. The sensor layer 201 can therefore cover the recess 214 of the barrier layer 204 in such a way that the light of the light source 217 behind the barrier layer 204 is completely shielded at least at the edge of the recess 214. For this purpose, the sensor layer 201 and the barrier layer 204 can be arranged overlapping at the edge of the recess 214. The sensor layer 201 and the barrier layer 204 can in particular form an overlapping region 202 at the edge of the recess 214 in which the barrier layer 204 and the sensor layer 201 are arranged one above the other (directly). The overlapping region 202 can here extend along the edge of the recess 214 and form a (completely surrounding) frame around the recess 214.

[0044] In the overlapping region 202, the barrier layer 204 and the sensor layer 201 can be directly connected to one another, in particular bonded. The width of the overlapping region 202 (in the direction of extension of the layers 201, 204) is preferably sufficiently large here in order to reliably avoid light of the light-emitting element 217 coming out at the overlapping region 202. The width can be, for example, 1 mm or more or 2 mm or more.

[0045] The sensor layer 201 can comprise one or more transparent and / or light-transmissive sections 215, wherein the one or more transparent and / or light-transmissive sections 215 are enclosed by the overlapping region 202 and are arranged in the region of the recess 214 of the barrier layer 204, so that light of the light-emitting element 217 can pass through the one or more transparent and / or light-transmissive sections 215 up to the carrier layer 211.

[0046] The one or more transparent and / or light-transmissive sections 215 can therefore be used to illuminate the indication 111 of the operating element 110. Here, a mask for one or more symbols 203 to be displayed can be formed by the one or more transparent and / or light-transmissive sections 215. The one or more symbols 203 to be displayed on the illuminated operating element 110 can therefore be formed by the one or more transparent and / or light-transmissive sections 215 in the sensor layer 201 of the layered device 200. The use of a separately printed layer can thus be dispensed with.

[0047] The sensor layer 201 can be as described in Figure 2bThe sensor layer 201 can be arranged between the carrier layer 211 and the barrier layer 204 (so that the sensor layer 201 contacts the side of the barrier layer 204 facing the carrier layer 211) as shown in the figure. The sensor layer 201 can alternatively or additionally be arranged between the barrier layer 204 and the light-emitting element 217 (so that the sensor layer 201 contacts the side of the barrier layer 204 facing away from the carrier layer 211). This can result in particularly reliable blocking of light at the edge of the recess 214.

[0048] The light-emitting element 217 can be arranged in a light chamber 216 which is arranged behind the barrier layer 204 with reference to the carrier layer 211 and / or with reference to the operating surface 113 of the operating element 110. The light chamber 215 can be delimited at least laterally by one or more light reflectors 213. The one or more light reflectors 213 can here form a cup or container in which at least one light-emitting element 217 (for example an LED) is arranged. The (cup-shaped) light chamber 216 formed by the one or more light reflectors 213 can be covered by the barrier layer 204 with the at least one recess 214. The at least one recess 214 can here be arranged directly above the light chamber 216, so that the entire recess 214 is illuminated with light from the light chamber 216.

[0049] Between the light chamber 216 and the barrier layer 204 or the recess 214 of the barrier layer 204, a diffuser layer 212 can be arranged which is configured to scatter the light of the light-emitting element 217. By providing the diffuser layer 212, it is possible to achieve uniform illumination of the recess 214 of the barrier layer 204 (and thus of the indication 111 of the operating element 110).

[0050] By means of the measures described in this document, it is possible to illuminate the one or more symbols 203 of the indication 111 of the operating element 110 in a particularly effective manner, in particular without using an additional printed layer for displaying the symbols 203. It is possible to reliably avoid light coming out at the edge of the indication 111 and / or at the edge of the sensor 112 of the operating element 110. It is also possible to reliably avoid light spilling over onto adjacent operating elements 110. It is furthermore possible to provide both a sensor function and a (illuminated) display function by means of the only layered device 200 in an effective manner.

[0051] The application is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, the description and the figures are merely intended to illustrate the principles of the proposed layered device.

Claims

1. A layering device (200) for operating element (110); wherein, The layering device (200) includes: - Light-emitting element (217), which is configured to illuminate the light chamber (216) of the layering device (200). - A light-blocking layer (204) covering the light-blocking chamber (216) and having a gap (214); and - A sensor layer (201) covering the gap (214) of the light-blocking layer (204); wherein the sensor layer (201) overlaps with the light-blocking layer (204) at the edge of the gap (214), thus forming an overlapping area (202) at the edge of the gap (214), in which the light-blocking layer (204) and the sensor layer overlap; wherein the sensor layer (201) is light-blocking at least in the overlapping area (202), wherein the sensor layer (201) has one or more light-blocking sections and one or more light-transmitting sections (215), which together form a mask for a symbol (203) to be illuminated by a light-emitting element (217), wherein the sensor layer (201) 01) The light-blocking layer (202) is in contact with and directly connected to each other in the overlapping area (202), wherein the overlapping area (202) has an overlap width such that light from the light chamber (216) is substantially not visible through the overlapping area (202), wherein the sensor layer (201) and the light-blocking layer (204) are directly stacked together in the overlapping area (202), and the sensor layer (201) and the light-blocking layer (204) are bonded to each other in the overlapping area (202).

2. The layering device (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor layer (201) is arranged on the side of the light-blocking layer (204) opposite to the light-emitting element (217).

3. The layering device (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor layer (201) is arranged on the side of the light-blocking layer (204) facing the light-emitting element (217).

4. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, - The overlapping region (202) is constructed in such a way that the overlapping region (202) forms a closed and / or completely surrounds the gap (214) of the light-blocking layer (204).

5. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The layering device (200) includes a separator and / or a reflector (213) that defines the light chamber (216) in a light-blocking manner along a direction extending parallel to the light-blocking layer (204).

6. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The layering device (200) includes an optical diffuser layer (212) disposed between the light-emitting element (217) and the light-blocking layer (204).

7. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The layering device (200) includes an optical diffuser layer (212) disposed between the light-emitting element (217) and the gap (214) of the light-blocking layer (204).

8. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The layering device (200) includes a light-transmitting carrier layer (211) arranged on the side of the light-blocking layer (204) opposite to the light-emitting element (217).

9. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light-blocking layer (204) includes an opaque plastic layer.

10. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light-blocking layer (204) includes a polyethylene terephthalate layer, simply referred to as PET.

11. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light-blocking layer (204) is an opaque plastic layer.

12. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light-blocking layer (204) is a polyethylene terephthalate layer, commonly referred to as PET.

13. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sensor layer (201) is conductive.

14. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light-blocking layer (204) is arranged in such a way that the empty portion (214) of the light-blocking layer (204) is completely illuminated by the light-emitting element (217).

15. The layering device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, - The layering device (200) includes a large number of optical chambers (216) for corresponding large numbers of operating elements (110); and - The light-blocking layer (204) includes a large number of open spaces (214) for corresponding large number of light chambers (216).

16. An operating element (110), comprising - A proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor (112) for identifying proximity, contact and / or manipulation of the operating element (110) by the user. - Illuminated indicator (111); and - Layering device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims; in, The proximity, contact and / or manipulation sensor (112) and the illuminated indication (111) are formed at least partially or entirely by the layered device (200).

17. A household appliance (100) comprising an operating element (110) as described in claim 16.

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