Electronic Control Devices

Abstract

An electronic control device (10) comprises: an electronic circuit (11) having an operating surface (11a) on which a plurality of LEDs (12) are mounted; a frame (13) defining a plurality of first channels (14) facing the LEDs to guide the light radiation of the plurality of LEDs (12); a composite screen (15) covering the first channels (14) to be passed through by the light radiation from the LEDs (12) and guided by the first channels (14) toward the composite screen (15). The composite screen (15) comprises: a diffuser layer (16) configured to homogenize the light radiation passing through the diffuser layer; and an operating layer (17) having an electronic track including a touch-sensitive pad (18) and a connecting contact (19). The electronic control device (10) further comprises at least one connecting member (20), wherein the at least one connecting member (20) electrically connects the connecting contact member (19) to the electronic circuit (11) so as to transmit an electrical signal to the electronic circuit (11) after a user touches at least one of the touch-sensitive pads (18) on the composite screen (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic control device, in particular an electronic control device for refrigeration equipment such as vending machines, bottle coolers and refrigerated cabinets.

[0002] In particular, the electronic control device forming the subject of the invention has a structure which can be produced and customized more easily than conventional electronic control devices. Background Art

[0003] Today, in practice, conventional electronic control devices include a 7-segment display designed to form numeric symbols or stylized letters. The 7-segment display comprises an integrated device comprising a PCB on which are fixed an LED covered by a screen provided with seven segments arranged in a figure of 8, the seven segments being semi-transparent so that the lighting of each LED corresponds to the illumination of a segment.

[0004] The touch interface is fixed above the 7-segment display.

[0005] The touch interface includes an interface screen provided with command symbols and a circuit fixed below the screen and provided with a touch-sensitive component located opposite the command symbols.

[0006] The interface screen comprises two layers: a transparent outer layer and a finishing layer which is screen printed on the inner surface of the outer layer to form a frame surrounding the alphanumeric screen of the 7-segment display and having command symbols.

[0007] The personalization of such conventional devices may concern the colors of the 7-segment display and / or concern the graphics of the interface screen.

[0008] In practice, for individual colors and styles of command symbols, specific colors for the backlighting of the color display and / or graphics may be required. Therefore, in order to ensure that such individual features are available, 7-segment displays must be provided with different colors and interface screens with individual print effects may have to be commissioned from a supplier, which has a negative impact on production economics, especially in the case of small batches. Summary of the invention

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The problem underlying the invention is therefore to simplify the production of an electronic control device.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to find a solution to this problem by providing an electronic control device which requires simpler components and can be more easily customized.

[0011] In connection with this object, the invention is based on the object of providing an electronic control device which does not require the use of a 7-segment display.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide an electronic control device which allows simple operation by means of a touch interface.

[0013] This task and these and other purposes that will become clearer below are achieved by an electronic control device according to an embodiment of the present application. The electronic control device may include: - an electronic circuit having an operating surface on which a plurality of LEDs are mounted; - a frame defining a plurality of first channels facing the LEDs to guide the light radiation of the LEDs; - a composite screen covering the first channels to be passed through by the light radiation from the LEDs and guided toward the composite screen by the first channels; the composite screen includes: - a diffuser layer configured to homogenize the light radiation passing through the diffuser layer; - an operating layer having an electronic track including a touch-sensitive pad and a connecting contact; the electronic control device also includes at least one connecting member electrically connecting the connecting contact to the touch-sensitive pad. The electronic circuit is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the electronic circuit after a user touches at least one of the touch-sensitive pads on the composite screen, wherein the frame has at least one second channel facing the connecting contact, the at least one connecting member extends through the at least one second channel between the electronic circuit and the composite screen, and the at least one connecting member includes a conductive element, the conductive element has a matrix made of an elastomeric material, and the conductive element extends between the electronic circuit and the connecting contact, the conductive element is in electrical contact with the connecting contact, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to process the signal received from the touch-sensitive pad; wherein the matrix of the elastomeric material is fixed in at least one second channel.

[0014] Detailed features of the electronic control device according to the present invention are contained in the detailed description of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an electronic control device according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached sets of drawings, in which:

[0016] - Figure 1 shows a partially exploded, partially perspective view of an electronic control device according to the present invention;

[0017] - Figure 2 A perspective view from behind showing components of a composite screen of an electronic control device according to the invention;

[0018] - Figure 3 The plan view shows Figure 2 A simplified view of the details;

[0019] - Figure 4 The electronic control device according to the present invention is shown along Figure 3 Partial cross section along plane IV-IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In particular, with reference to the drawings, 10 represents an overall electronic control device 10. According to the present invention, the electronic device 10 may include:

[0021] - an electronic circuit 11 or a PCB, wherein the electronic circuit 11 or the PCB has an operating surface 11 a, and a plurality of LEDs 12 are mounted on the operating surface 11 a;

[0022] a frame 13 defining a plurality of first channels 14 facing the LEDs in order to guide the light radiation of the LEDs;

[0023] A composite screen 15 covering the first channel 14 to be passed through by the light radiation coming from the LEDs and directed by said first channel towards said composite screen 15 .

[0024] The composite screen 15 comprises:

[0025] a diffuser layer 16 configured to homogenize the light radiation passing through the diffuser layer 16;

[0026] an operating layer 17 , which may be made of silver or comprise a silver alloy, having an electronic track comprising touch-sensitive pads 18 and connecting contacts 19 ;

[0027] Diffuser layer 16 may be configured to ensure uniform light intensity of light radiation from LEDs 12 output from each of first channels 14 so that a light pattern visible on the exterior of composite screen 15 provided by the profile of first channels 14 has uniform intensity.

[0028] The electronic control device 10 may further include at least one connector 20 that electrically connects the connection contact 19 to the electronic circuit 11 so as to transmit an electrical signal to the electronic circuit 11 after a user touches at least one of the touch-sensitive pads 18 on the composite screen 15 .

[0029] The electronic circuit 11 may be configured to process signals received from the touch-sensitive pad 18 .

[0030] In particular, the electronic circuit 11 may form part of a controller for a refrigeration device or constitute a controller for a freezing device, such that the electronic circuit 11 may be configured to process the signal in order to operate the refrigeration device in dependence on the signal.

[0031] Therefore, the electronic control device 10 according to the present invention does not require a pre-configured 7-segment display for manufacture and assembly.

[0032] In practice, the functionality of the 7-segment display may be defined by the cooperation of the frame 13 with the composite screen 15 and the LEDs 12 .

[0033] As described in more detail below, in practice, the composite screen 15 and / or the frame 13 may be constructed so that, after the LEDs 12 are lit, luminous images are formed on the composite screen 15 and may therefore include segments designed to form numbers as well as letters and / or symbols or icons. The color of these luminous images may be easily modified by arranging means for modifying the color of the light emitted by the LEDs 12, such as a colored film, between the LEDs and the exterior of the composite screen 15, as described in more detail below.

[0034] Thus, a manufacturer of electronic control devices according to the present invention will not have to purchase 7-segment displays designed with specific colors, thereby avoiding the problems associated with stockkeeping and supply of these devices.

[0035] The form of the above-mentioned image may be defined by a preformed film which is contained in the composite screen 15 and which has light-transmitting areas, for example perforated areas, designed to inversely define the matrix of the image.

[0036] Alternatively, the images may be defined by light-transmitting areas formed by an opaque film or layer comprised in the composite screen 15, in which case the images may be obtained, for example, by selectively removing parts of the opaque film or layer, for example by means of a laser.

[0037] Both the use of the above-mentioned preformed film and the use of an opaque film or an opaque layer by selectively removing the opaque film or the opaque layer make it extremely easy to personalize the electronic control device 10 according to the present invention, so that the above-mentioned image can be formed according to the specific requirements of the customer without significantly increasing the production costs.

[0038] Since the operating layer 17 is contained in the composite screen 15, the electronic control device 10 can be easily operated, thereby allowing the signals generated by the operating layer 17 to be transmitted to the electronic circuit 11 by means of suitable electrical transmission means explained more clearly below. In more detail, the first channels 14 can form at least one first group 14a of first channels 14, wherein the first channels 14 of the first group 14a are at least 7 in number and the first channels 14 of the first group 14a are constructed and arranged to form numbers or letters for a 7-segment display.

[0039] For example, the electronic control device 10 may include three first groups 14a in the first group 14a, such as Figure 3 As shown in , three letters and / or numbers can thus be displayed on the composite screen 15 during operation of the electronic control device 10 .

[0040] The first channel 14 may also include a channel designed to form a period A and / or a comma, or more generally, a separator such as a hyphen between two consecutive numbers and / or letters, or a symbol B.

[0041] The first channels 14 may also form a second group 14b of first channels 14, wherein the first channels 10 of the second group 14b face the touch-sensitive pad 18 so as to illuminate the composite screen 15 opposite the touch-sensitive pad 18 so that the user can see symbols C identifying commands that can be operated with the aid of the touch-sensitive pad 18.

[0042] Therefore, in general, according to a possible aspect of the present invention, the electronic control device 1 can be configured to form multiple luminous signs on the composite screen 15 by backlighting the composite screen 15 after selectively turning on the LED 12 of the first channel 14 facing the second group 14b of the electronic circuit 11.

[0043] An example of these illuminated symbols is the symbol C mentioned above.

[0044] In order to form these luminous signs, the electronic control device 10 may have a composite screen 15 comprising an opaque substrate layer provided with transparent or perforated light-transmitting portions configured to form the luminous signs.

[0045] Special reference Figure 3 For example, the transparent or perforated light-transmitting portion of the substrate layer may be shaped to form the symbol C, which is shown in the figure by the dotted lines on either side of the seven-segment number.

[0046] Alternatively, the frame 13 may include a wall for enclosing the first channels 14 of the second set 14b, wherein the enclosed wall would be opaque and have a transparent or perforated light-transmitting portion configured to form the illuminated logo.

[0047] The touch sensitive pad 18 may be shaped as a closed ring, for example Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , or formed as a closed open ring to respectively delimit a region D of the composite screen 15 so as to at least partially surround the region D.

[0048] Each first channel 14 of the second group 14 b may face a region D of the composite screen 15 so as to transmit the light generated by the LED 12 to the region D.

[0049] The frame 13 may also have at least one second channel 21 facing the connecting contact 19 .

[0050] Typically, the at least one connection 20 may extend through the at least one second channel 21 between the electronic circuit 11 and the composite screen 15 .

[0051] For example, in the embodiment of the figures there are two connections 20 which extend through a corresponding number of second channels 21 in order to connect the electronic circuit 11 to the composite screen 15 and in particular to the touch-sensitive pad 18 of the operating layer 17 .

[0052] In a possible embodiment of the present invention not shown in the accompanying drawings, the at least one connecting member 20 may include (or consist of the following elements): a conductive element having a matrix of an elastomeric material, which extends between the electronic circuit 11 and the connecting contact 19 and is in electrical contact with the connecting contact 19.

[0053] The matrix of elastomeric material may be fixed in the at least one second channel 21 , thereby avoiding excessive pressure on the composite screen which could weaken the connection strength of the composite screen to the frame 13 .

[0054] exist Figure 4 In a possible alternative shown by way of example in FIG. 2 , the at least one connecting element 20 comprises a projection 20 a from which an elastically yielding metal contact 20 b protrudes.

[0055] The protrusion 20a will extend between the electronic circuit 11 and the connecting contact 19, and the metal contact 20a will make electrical contact with the connecting contact 19 by means of its elastic action or reaction.

[0056] The composite screen 15 may be fixed to the frame 13 by, for example, ultrasonic welding via at least one sealing lip which is integral with the composite screen 15 or the frame 13 and which is fastened by melting to the frame 13 or the composite screen 15 , respectively.

[0057] Alternatively, the composite screen 15 may be fixed to the frame 13 by bonding, for example by means of a double-sided adhesive film arranged between the composite screen 15 and said frame 13 , for example along at least one peripheral portion of the composite screen 15 .

[0058] The composite screen 15 may also include a color layer and / or a protective layer 22, wherein the color layer is configured to impart a predefined color to the light emitted by the LEDs.

[0059] The protective layer 22 may be transparent or translucent or may define an outer surface of the composite screen 15 to be exposed outside the electronic control device 10 for a user to touch in order to operate the touch-sensitive pad 18 .

[0060] The diffuser layer 16 may be screen printed or applied onto the protective layer 22 , and then the matrix layer (if present), the color layer (if present), and the operating layer 17 may be screen printed or applied onto the diffuser layer 16 in sequence.

[0061] In this way, the production of the electronic control device 10 is greatly simplified compared to traditional solutions, moreover, allowing a high degree of personalization both of the color of the composite screen and of the color of the luminous signs and numerals and / or numbers that can be displayed on the composite screen. The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0062] Moreover, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0063] In practice, the materials used and the associated forms and dimensions may vary according to specific requirements and technical levels. Where the structural features and techniques mentioned in the following claims are followed by reference symbols or numbers, these reference symbols or numbers are designated only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claims, and they therefore do not in any way limit the interpretation of each element, which is identified by the reference symbols or numbers only in an exemplary manner.

Claims

1. An electronic control device (10), the electronic control device (10) comprising: - an electronic circuit (11), the electronic circuit (11) having an operating surface (11a), on which a plurality of LEDs (12) are mounted; - a frame (13) defining a plurality of first channels (14) facing the LEDs (12) to guide the light radiation of the LEDs (12); a composite screen (15) covering the first channel (14) for being traversed by the light radiation coming from the LED (12) and directed by the first channel (14) towards the composite screen (15); The composite screen (15) comprises: - a diffuser layer (16) configured to homogenize light radiation passing through the diffuser layer (16); - an operating layer (17) having an electronic track with touch-sensitive pads (18) and connecting contacts (19); The electronic control device (10) further comprises at least one connecting member (20), wherein the at least one connecting member (20) electrically connects the connecting contact (19) to the electronic circuit (11) so as to transmit an electrical signal to the electronic circuit (11) after a user touches at least one of the touch-sensitive pads (18) on the composite screen, wherein the frame (13) has at least one second channel (21) facing the connecting contact (19), the at least one connecting element (20) extending through the at least one second channel (21) between the electronic circuit (11) and the composite screen (15), and the at least one connecting element (20) comprising a conductive element having a matrix made of an elastomeric material and extending between the electronic circuit (11) and the connecting contact (19), the conductive element being in electrical contact with the connecting contact (19), wherein the electronic circuit (11) is configured to process a signal received from the touch-sensitive pad (18); Therein, the matrix of elastomeric material is fixed in at least one second channel (21).

2. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The first channels (14) form at least a first group (14a) of first channels (14), wherein the first channels (14) of the first group (14a) are seven in number and are constructed and arranged to form numbers or letters for a 7-segment display.

3. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first channels (14) form a second group (14b) of first channels (14), wherein the first channels (14) of the second group (14b) face the touch-sensitive pad (18) to illuminate the composite screen (15) in the area of ​​the touch-sensitive pad (18).

4. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 3 is configured to form a plurality of luminous signs on the composite screen (15) by backlighting the composite screen (15) after selectively turning on the LED (12) of the first channel (14) of the electronic circuit (11) facing the second group (14b).

5. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 4, wherein: - the composite screen (15) comprises an opaque substrate layer provided with light-transmitting, transparent or perforated portions configured to form the logo; - the frame (13) comprises a wall for enclosing the first channel (14) of the second group (14b), wherein the enclosed wall is opaque and the enclosed wall has a light-transmitting, transparent or perforated part, which is configured to form the logo.

6. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The touch-sensitive pad (18) is shaped as a closed ring or an open ring to respectively delimit a region (D) of the composite screen (15) so as to at least partially surround the region (D); each first channel (14) of the second group (14b) faces the region (D) of the composite screen (15).

7. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The composite screen (15) is fixed to the frame (13).

8. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The composite screen (15) is fixed to the frame (13) by: - ultrasonically welding at least one sealing lip which is integral with the composite screen (15) or the frame (13) and is fastened to the frame (13) or the composite screen (15), respectively, by melting; and / or - Bonding.

9. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The bonding is performed by a double-sided adhesive film arranged between the composite screen (15) and the frame (13).

10. The electronic control device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The composite screen (15) comprises a color layer and / or a protective layer (22), wherein the color layer is configured to impart color to the light emitted by the LED; the protective layer (22) is transparent and defines an outer surface of the composite screen so as to be touched by a user in order to operate the touch-sensitive pad (18).

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