Display and operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display and operating device for setting on a domestic appliance, having a carrier housing with a display and operating panel, which has an operating field on the user-facing outer side of the display and operating panel, a circuit board on the user-facing inner side of the display and operating panel, a light conductor on the user-facing inner side of the display and operating panel, which has a planar light conductor section with an edge-side light entry face, the circuit board having an outer main face facing the display and operating panel, on which an optical source for back lighting the display and operating panel and an electrical sensor field corresponding to the operating field are arranged, the planar light conductor section being held between the electrical sensor field and the user-facing inner side of the display and operating panel. The optical source is arranged on the outer main face of the circuit board outside the electrical sensor field and the main beam axis of the optical source is directed at the edge-side light entry face.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display and operation device for setting functions on a household appliance. Furthermore, it relates to a household appliance having a display and operation device for setting functions on a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Touch-sensitive push-button switches or touch and / or proximity switches are often used in many electrical and electronic appliances, especially in cooktops, cooking stoves, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and similar household appliances. These switches trigger specific switching processes and / or change appliance settings by simple touch or proximity of the user or the user's finger.

[0003] DE 10 2013 224 261 A1 discloses a capacitive touch and / or proximity switch on a cover plate, which defines a touch area on the user-facing side and is configured to be electrically insulated and at least partially light-transmitting in at least the area of ​​the touch area; a carrier plate, which is arranged at a distance from the cover plate on the user-rejecting side; and a coupling element, which is arranged between the cover plate and the carrier plate corresponding to the touch area and which contacts a conductive contact surface on the carrier plate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved display and operation device with a capacitive operation area, which has a simple structure and simultaneously enables backlighting of the display and operation device.

[0005] This task is accomplished by a display and operating device having features according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and a household appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Advantageous extensions and designs are described in the optional embodiments, specification, and drawings.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a display and operation device for setting on a household appliance, comprising: a carrier housing having a display and operation panel having an operation area on a user-facing outer side of the display and operation panel; a circuit board located on an inner side of the display and operation panel away from the user; and a light conductor located on the inner side of the display and operation panel away from the user, the light conductor having a planar light conductor segment having a light-receiving surface on an edge side, wherein the circuit board has an outer main surface facing the display and operation panel, on which a light source for backlighting the display and operation panel and an electrical sensor surface corresponding to the operation area are disposed, wherein the planar light conductor segment is held between the electrical sensor surface and the user-away inner side of the display and operation panel, wherein the light source is arranged outside the electrical sensor surface on the outer main surface of the circuit board and the main beam axis of the light source points towards the light-receiving surface on the edge side.

[0007] The display and operation device of the present invention achieves a better and slimmer structure in the depth direction because the electrical sensor surface and the light source are arranged far apart on the outer main surface of the circuit board, and the planar photoconductor segment is held between the electrical sensor surface and the light source. Furthermore, because the electrical sensor surface and the planar photoconductor segment are arranged planarly and vertically relative to each other, the geometry of the photoconductor and the electrical sensor surface can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. Moreover, this display and operation device can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively because by holding the photoconductor between the electrical sensor surface and the display and operation panel, no additional fixing of the photoconductor is required.

[0008] In the context of this invention, the carrier housing is understood as an electronic device housing suitable for carrying, and especially enclosing, electronic components and for ensuring electrical safety. Therefore, the carrier housing is preferably made of plastic. Furthermore, the carrier housing may have a metal jacket to ensure fire resistance.

[0009] The operating area can have multiple individual operating areas arranged side-by-side and is known as a so-called LED chain electronics device. Here, a long or strip-shaped design is typically used, with touch-sensitive operating areas (also called "touch areas" or "direct touch" operating areas) arranged in series along a longitudinal extension. These operating areas are preferably constructed as touch-sensitive layers or stacks, which, for example, serve as capacitive proximity switches. Thus, unlike TFT displays, in an LED chain display, each position is occupied by only one defined display area. A rigid or flexible circuit board or printed circuit board serves as the carrier of the LED chain electronics device, on which, in addition to the touch-sensitive operating areas and LEDs, there are circuits or electronic devices for evaluating the touch of the operating areas, driving the LEDs, and triggering at least one action that may occur when the operating areas are touched.

[0010] In the context of this invention, household appliances can be stoves, cooking stoves, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigeration appliances, and the like.

[0011] In the context of this invention, in the case of an operating area, an electrical sensor surface forms a capacitance with a user's finger, for example, through a dielectric, which changes according to manipulation of the operating area of ​​the display and operation panel. The change in capacitance affects the output signal of the corresponding sensor circuit, which is interpreted by the evaluation electronics as manipulation of the operating area. Specifically, when the user touches the operating area, a coupling capacitance is generated relative to the electrical sensor surface, through which leakage current flows from the sensor circuit to the user, and this leakage current is detected by the evaluation electronics. The thickness of the dielectric can be between 1 and 4 mm. According to the invention, the dielectric is formed through the display and operation panel and photoconductors, particularly planar photoconductor segments.

[0012] In this invention, the photoconductor is preferably formed of a non-conductive and transparent plastic. For example, it is formed of polymethyl methacrylate (or acrylic) (PMMA). The photoconductor is designed such that light coupled into it via the light-gathering surface at the edge is distributed or scattered into different areas within the photoconductor. Accordingly, planar photoconductor segments can also be used for backlighting of the symbol operation area. Because the photoconductor is preferably constructed to be non-conductive, it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0013] Generally, the electrical sensor surface is understood as a metal surface or metal pad. In particular, when a user touches this operating area, a coupling capacitance is generated relative to the electrical sensor surface. Through this coupling capacitance, leakage current flows from the capacitive sensor circuit to the user, and this leakage current is detected by the evaluation electronics.

[0014] The light-incoming surface on the edge side is understood as the following surface of the planar light-conducting section, which faces the light source and is preferably polished. By polishing this surface, undesirable refraction or reflection of the light beam can be reduced or even prevented.

[0015] The light source is preferably arranged adjacent to the outside of the electrical sensor surface. In the prescribed use of the display and operating device, the light source is preferably arranged above the electrical sensor surface and couples light from above into the light-receiving surface of the planar photoconductor.

[0016] In the context of this invention, the circuit board is preferably understood as a printed circuit board or PCB (“printed circuit board”), on which SMD components (“Surface-mounted devices”) are preferably disposed.

[0017] In one configuration, the light conductor has a linear light conductor segment within the extension of the planar light conductor segment. This linear light conductor segment is disposed at the end of the planar light conductor segment opposite the light-receiving surface on the edge side. Specifically, the linear light conductor segment is arranged at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees relative to the planar light conductor segment and protrudes from the planar light conductor segment toward the display and operation panel. Preferably, in the prescribed use of the display and operation device, the linear light conductor segment extends horizontally and uninterruptedly in the width direction of the display and operation panel. In the prescribed use of the display and operation device, the light-receiving surface is arranged above the electrical sensor surface and the linear light conductor segment is arranged below the electrical sensor surface to provide the user with indications of settings on the operation area.

[0018] In one configuration, during the prescribed use of the display and operating device, the light source is arranged above the electrical sensor surface and the linear photoconductor segment is arranged below the electrical sensor surface. The advantage of this is that the light source and the linear photoconductor segment are arranged on opposite sides of the electrical sensor surface, thereby improving the positional distribution of components within the display and operating device.

[0019] One configuration involves placing a reflector between the planar light-conducting section and the linear light-conducting section, wherein the reflector is configured as a downward-facing wall of the light-conducting section toward the display and operation panel. The advantage of this is that the light beam is deflected and emitted through the planar light-conducting section toward the display and operation panel. The reflector is preferably tilted and pointed such that the light beam passing through the planar light-conducting section is uniformly deflected along its entire length toward the light-emitting surface of the linear light-conducting section. This has the advantage that the light intensity in the linear light-conducting section is uniform and sufficient. In the prescribed use of the display and operation device, the tilt angle is 35 to 55 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, relative to the surface normal of the outer principal surface of the planar light-conducting section.

[0020] In one configuration, during the prescribed use of the display and operation device, the linear light-conducting segment has a light-emitting surface disposed below the operation area of ​​the display and operation panel. Specifically, the linear light-conducting segment is arranged behind or within an elongated through-hole of the display and operation panel, wherein the elongated through-hole corresponds to a line area on the display and operation panel, and the linear light-conducting segment is configured to backlight the line area through the elongated through-hole according to the settings on the operation area. The advantage of this is that after operating the operation area, the user is directly notified by corresponding illuminated underline light feedback that the selection has been registered and accepted. The light-emitting surface is preferably the edge surface of the linear light-conducting segment facing the display and operation panel. Preferably, the light-emitting surface of the linear light-conducting segment is smoothly polished to minimize the scattering of the emitted light beam. The light-emitting surface is preferably disposed within the through-hole of the display and operation panel.

[0021] In one configuration, during the intended use of the display and operating device, the linear photoconductor segments extend horizontally across multiple planar photoconductor segments and are constructed to be physically uninterrupted. The advantage of this is that the photoconductors can be manufactured simply and inexpensively, as only a small number of elongated elements of the photoconductor need to be manufactured. By using a front-mounted printed foil on the display and operating panel and by corresponding offsets between the translucent or semi-transparent areas of that printed foil (which are underlined and correspond to sub-segments of the linear photoconductor segments), light mixing or light exchange in adjacent segments of the light area can be avoided or masked.

[0022] In one configuration, the light source is a radially coupled light-emitting diode (LED), with the main beam axis positioned substantially parallel to the outer main surface of the circuit board. Preferably, in the prescribed use of the display and operating device, the light is coupled downwards. The advantage of this is that the display and operating device can operate more dynamically or more energy-efficiently by using LEDs. Furthermore, LEDs can be more easily mounted on the circuit board in an SMD (Surface Mount Device) configuration and require very little structural space. By coupling light input from above into the planar light conductor section, the light can be scattered along the electrical sensor surface and coupled out substantially perpendicularly to the display and operating panel into the linear light conductor section. The light source is preferably implemented as a "side-looker" LED, which radially couples out the light and is positioned at 90° to the fixed axis of the LED along the main beam axis.

[0023] In one configuration, during the prescribed use of the display and operation device, the linear light-conducting segment is arranged behind or within a surface-shaped through-hole of the display and operation panel, wherein the surface-shaped through-hole corresponds to the operation area and the linear light-conducting segment is configured to backlight the operation area through the surface-shaped through-hole. Preferably, the through-hole is tagged, so that in addition to light indication, information about the set standard, such as temperature, super function, or on / off function can be provided to the user.

[0024] In one configuration, the planar light-conducting segment has a widened light-conducting segment when viewed vertically from one of the main surfaces, the widened light-conducting segment having a light-receiving surface on the edge side. The light source is spatially spaced from the light-receiving surface, and its main beam axis is preferably perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the planar light-conducting segment. This has the advantage that the emitted beam from the light source is substantially completely coupled into the planar light-conducting segment through the light-receiving surface and can extend within the planar light-conducting segment.

[0025] In one configuration, during the prescribed use of the display and operation device, the light conductor has multiple horizontally arranged planar light conductor segments, which are substantially physically separated from each other. The light conductor has multiple light source and electrical sensor surfaces on the circuit board corresponding to the planar light conductor segments. Multiple light source and electrical sensor surfaces are provided corresponding to the multiple planar light conductor segments and are arranged horizontally side-by-side on the circuit board. Accordingly, multiple operation areas can be provided on the display and operation panel. Furthermore, multiple operation areas or operation area segments can be provided, for example, for setting refrigerator and freezer compartments in the case of household refrigeration appliances. Because the upper strip on the body of a household refrigeration appliance is constructed to be very narrow in the height direction, the chain-like arrangement of the operation areas is particularly advantageous in the case of household refrigeration appliances.

[0026] In one configuration, the plurality of planar light conductor segments are respectively arranged in recesses corresponding to the planar light conductor segments on the inner side of the display and operation panel, wherein each closed recess has an opaque wall protrusion configured to prevent light mixing between adjacent planar light conductor segments. Preferably, the plurality of light sources also extend into the recess. The at least one wall protrusion is configured to prevent light exchange between adjacent planar light conductor segments. The recess is preferably implemented in a closed or pouch-like manner and substantially corresponds to the size of the planar light conductor segment. The corresponding plurality of light sources preferably also extend into the recess or into the edge notch of the recess. Preferably, the contour of the closed recess corresponds to the contour of the light conductor. Furthermore, the thickness of the planar light conductor corresponds to the depth of the recess. One or more wall protrusions between the recesses are integrally formed with the display and operation panel or carrier and protrude from the inner side of the display and operation panel.

[0027] In one configuration, the circuit board is equipped with additional electrical components on the main surface opposite to the display and operation panel. These additional electrical components form circuitry for evaluating touch input to the operation area, driving the light source, and triggering at least one action when the operation area is touched. This has the advantage that, in compliant use of the display and operation device, the outer main surface of the photoconductor is constructed to be substantially free of electrical components, and the light path of the emitted light from the light source remains undisturbed and unobstructed.

[0028] In one configuration, the display and operation panel is equipped with a printed foil having at least one semi-transparent area corresponding to at least one linear and / or planar through-hole. The semi-transparent area is arranged on the printed foil such that emitted light from the planar and / or linear light-conducting segments can pass through it. Furthermore, the semi-transparent area can be configured to be semi-transparent. The operation areas are, for example, provided with masks for configuring each operation area with fixed, pre-defined optical information, such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc. Other areas of the printed foil are provided with an opaque coating and are correspondingly opaque. The printed foil is preferably bonded to the display and operation panel.

[0029] In one configuration, the circuit board is thermally caulked or thermally riveted to the carrier housing on the inner side of the display and operation panel via retaining pins. To connect the plastic carrier to, for example, a circuit board or metal component, the plastic dome is melted and deformed under the application of force and heat, resulting in a durable, shape-fitting, force-fitting, and also partially material-fitting connection. The retaining pins can be made of thermoplastics such as PA, PBT, PC, PE, POM, and PP. In addition to securing the components to each other, this connection technique allows for the transfer of force between the circuit board and the display and operation panel, thereby clamping the photoconductor within the recess between the inner side of the display and operation panel and the circuit board.

[0030] In one configuration, the carrier housing has a receiving channel protruding from the display and operation panel, within which the circuit board and photoconductor are mounted. This receiving channel protects the electrical components on the circuit board. Furthermore, the receiving channel ensures electrical safety and fire resistance. The receiving channel is preferably made of plastic. For fire resistance, the receiving channel has a metal outer sheath.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance, particularly a household refrigeration appliance, having a display and operating device for setting on the appliance.

[0032] The terms “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “depth direction,” “width direction,” and “height direction” refer to the position and orientation of an appliance when it is used and arranged in accordance with regulations, and especially to an observer standing in front of the appliance and looking in the direction of the appliance.

[0033] Other advantages of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. Features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding given combinations but also in other combinations without departing from the framework of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention not explicitly shown and illustrated in the drawings but derived and derived from the illustrated embodiments by separate combinations of features are also included and are considered disclosed. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features that do not possess all the features of the originally drafted independent claims are also considered disclosed. Furthermore, the following embodiments and combinations of features, in particular by way of the above expression, are considered disclosed as exceeding or deviating from the combinations of features given in the references to the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the accompanying diagrams. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1A household appliance with schematically shown display and operating devices is shown in perspective view;

[0036] Figure 2 The display and operating devices are shown in a perspective dissection diagram;

[0037] Figure 3 Shown in perspective Figure 2 The inner part of the carrier housing of the display and operation device;

[0038] Figure 4 Shown in perspective view Figure 2 The portion of the carrier housing of the optical conductor in the display and operation device;

[0039] Figure 5 Show Figure 2 A perspective view of the front side of the display and operation panel of the display and operation device in the middle;

[0040] Figure 6 A side view of a light conductor is shown, which has Figure 2 The light conductor and light source of the display and operation device in the middle do not have a carrier housing;

[0041] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A front view of a circuit board containing a light source and a photoconductor;

[0042] Figure 8 Show Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the display and operating device after installation;

[0043] Figure 9 Show Figure 2 A perspective view of the circuit board of the display and operating device, which has multiple electrical sensor surfaces and a light source;

[0044] Figure 10 A front view of the display and operation device in the first embodiment is shown;

[0045] Figure 11 A front view of the display and operation device in the second embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 12 A front view of the display and operation device in the third embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A household appliance 1, particularly a household refrigeration appliance, is illustrated in perspective view. It has a schematically shown display and operating device 30. The appliance includes a body 2 insulated with insulating foam, which has an inner container 3. The inner container 3 defines the boundary of a coolable inner chamber 4 for storing food (not shown).

[0048] Furthermore, the household refrigeration appliance 1 includes a door panel 5, which is pivotally supported on the body 2, particularly about a vertically extending axis. When the door panel 5 is open, the coolable interior chamber 4 can be accessed.

[0049] In this embodiment, multiple door shelves 6 for storing food are arranged on the side of the door panel 5 facing the refrigerated inner chamber 4. In particular, multiple food storage compartments 7 are provided in the refrigerated inner chamber 4, and a drawer 8 is provided in the lower region of the refrigerated inner chamber 4, in which food can also be stored. The upward-facing opening of this drawer 8 is covered by the lowermost compartment 7.

[0050] The household refrigeration appliance 1 includes a refrigeration device 9 known in principle to those skilled in the art, which is preferably in the form of a refrigerant circuit for cooling the coolable interior 4.

[0051] In this embodiment, the household refrigeration appliance 1 includes an electronic control unit 10 that controls the refrigeration unit 9, particularly the compressor of the refrigerant circuit, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, such that the coolable interior 4 has at least approximately a predetermined or pre-determined rated temperature. The electronic control unit 10 is preferably configured to regulate the temperature of the coolable interior 4. To obtain the actual temperature of the coolable interior 4 if necessary, the household refrigeration appliance 1 may have at least one temperature sensor (not shown in detail) connected to the electronic control unit 10.

[0052] Furthermore, the household refrigeration appliance 1 includes at least one interior lighting device 20, which is configured to illuminate the coolable interior 4 when the door panel 5 is open. In this embodiment, the interior lighting device 20 is fixed to the inner container 3. The interior lighting device 20 may be arranged on the side wall 3a or the rear wall 3b of the inner container 3.

[0053] In addition, the household refrigeration appliance 1 includes a display and operation device 30 that extends horizontally along the upper end plate of the body 2 to set or change settings on the exemplary household refrigeration appliance 1.

[0054] Figure 2The display and operation device 30 of the present invention is shown in a disassembled view. The display and operation device 30 has a carrier housing 40 with a display and operation panel 41. A receiving channel 42 protrudes from the inner side 41b or the side facing away from the user on the display and operation panel 41. Furthermore, a display and operation surface, not visible in the figure, is provided on the outer side 41a or the side facing the user on the display and operation panel. The receiving channel 42 encloses a structural space by a channel wall 43, in which a light conductor 50 and a circuit board 60 are disposed. The light conductor is composed of planar light conductor segments 51 and linear light conductor segments 52. During the prescribed use of the display and operation device 30, the circuit board 60 includes electrical components 62 and electrical connectors 61 on its inner main surface 60b facing away from the display and operation panel 41. The planar light conductor segments 51 include a plurality of planar light conductor segments 51 arranged side-by-side. The linear light conductor segment 52 extends below the plurality of planar light conductor segments 51 and interconnects the plurality of planar light conductor segments 51. For this purpose, the linear light conductor segment 52 is physically uninterrupted in the horizontal direction during the prescribed use of the display and operation device 30. Furthermore, the receiving channel 42 includes one or more latch-type connections 441 in its edge region, which engage with corresponding mating locking elements in recesses, particularly beams, of the household appliance 1 (not shown here).

[0055] exist Figure 3 The middle shows Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the carrier housing. Multiple recesses 45 are provided in the structural space of the receiving shaft 42, in which the light conductor 50 is mounted. The recesses 45 are preferably closed or form a recessed area and include a first recess section 451 and a second recess section 452. A planar light conductor section 51 (not shown) is arranged in the first recess section in the assembled state of the display and operation device 30, and a light source (not shown) is arranged in the second recess section in the assembled state of the display and operation device 30. The first recess section 451 substantially corresponds to the size of the planar light conductor section 51 (not shown). The recesses 45 are located in the receiving shaft 42 on the inner side 41b of the display and operation panel 41 or on the inner side 41b away from the user. An opaque wall protrusion 47 extends between each of the recesses 45, the wall protrusion being configured to prevent light exchange between adjacent planar light conductor sections 51. The wall protrusion 47 is integrally formed with the carrier housing 40 and protrudes from the inner side 41b of the display and operation panel 41. Furthermore, in Figure 3The figure shows a retaining pin 48, on which a light conductor 50 (not shown) is fitted and thermally caulked (or riveted) to a circuit board 60 (not shown). Thus, the light conductor 50 (not shown) is pressed into a recess 45 and held within the recess via the retaining pin 48 through the thermal caulking (or riveting). Furthermore, an elongated through-hole 46a is provided directly below the recess 45, in which a linear light conductor segment 52 (not shown) is disposed. This elongated through-hole 46a extends horizontally along the plurality of recesses 45.

[0056] exist Figure 4 The middle shows Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the carrier housing 40, showing the optical conductor 50 in an installed state. Figure 4 Compare Figure 3 More details are shown: the optical conductor 50 is arranged with its planar optical conductor segments 51 in accordance with... Figure 3 The light conductor 50 is arranged in the recess 45 and its linear light conductor segment 52 is arranged in the through-hole 46. Furthermore, the light conductor 50 includes a tab 58 connecting two planar light conductor segments 51, the tab forming an intermediate space through which a fixing pin 48 integrally formed with the display and operation panel 41 passes. The tab 58 is integrally formed with the light conductor 50. Additionally, a second recessed segment 452 is provided in the recess above the light conductor 50, into which a light source 63 (not shown) can extend during the assembly of the display and operation device 30.

[0057] exist Figure 5 The perspective view is shown in the middle. Figure 2 The front side of the display and operation panel 41 of the display and operation device 30. The front side of the display and operation panel 41 faces the user of the household appliance 1 in the installed state of the display and operation device 30. Through-holes 46a and 46b are provided in the front wall of the display and operation panel 41. A linear light conductor segment 52 (not shown) is provided in the through-hole 46a in the assembled state of the display and operation device 30. This through-hole 46a is elongated and extends horizontally or longitudinally in the display and operation device 30. To simplify the manufacture of the display and operation device 30, the through-hole 46a is constructed without interruption or intermediate walls in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, multiple through-holes 46b are provided above the linear through-holes 46a in the display and operation panel 41. One of the through-holes 46b is unmarked and shown as a right-angle segment. Another through-hole 46b is marked with a symbol or, for example, in the case of a household refrigeration appliance, indicates "super function". Depending on the selection on the display and operation device, the through-hole 46a... Figure 5 The planar light-conducting section 51 (not shown) is backlit or illuminated, and the linear through-hole 46a or its sub-section passes through it. Figure 5 The linear optical conductor segment 52, not shown in the diagram, is either backlit or illuminated.

[0058] exist Figure 6 The middle shows having Figure 2 The image shows a side view of the circuit board 60 of the display and operation device 30, including the light conductor 50 and the light source 63, without the carrier housing 40. In the assembled state of the display and operation device 30, the light conductor 50 or planar light conductor segment 51 rests planarly against the outer or user-facing main surface 60a of the circuit board 60. Furthermore, the light source 63 is disposed on the outer main surface 60a of the circuit board 60, preferably mounted on the circuit board 60 via solder pads. The light source 63 is arranged above the light conductor 50 or planar light conductor segment 51 during the compliant use of the display and operation device 30. The light source 63 couples light radially or laterally out along the outer main surface 60a of the light conductor 60, wherein the main beam axis A of the light source 63 faces the light-entry surface 511 on the edge side of the planar light conductor segment 51. The light source 63 accordingly couples light into the light conductor 50 on the edge side or narrow side. For this purpose, the light-receiving surface 511 is preferably implemented in a smooth and polished manner to prevent or at least reduce light reflection at the light-receiving surface 511. A light beam 70 emitted from the light source 63, particularly a light-emitting diode or a side-looker LED, is coupled into the light conductor 50 through the light-receiving surface 511 and illuminates the planar light conductor section 51 and the linear light conductor section 52 disposed at the end of the planar light conductor 51 opposite to the light source 63. In the prescribed use of the display and operation device 30, the main beam axis A is directed downwards toward the light conductor 50.

[0059] Furthermore, the planar photoconductor segment 51 includes a planar light-emitting region 513, which, in the compliant use of the display and operation device 30, [is affected by / is not directly related to the preceding sentence]. Figure 6 The planar aperture 46b (not shown) is used for backlighting or illumination. The linear light conductor section 52 is arranged at a 90-degree angle α relative to the planar light conductor section 51. In compliant use of the display and operation device 30, the linear light conductor section 52 protrudes vertically from the planar light conductor section 51 toward the display and operation panel 41 (not shown). The linear light conductor section 52 has a linear light-emitting area 521, which... Figure 5 The one shown, but Figure 6 The elongated aperture 46b, not shown, is used for backlighting or illumination. A reflector 59, particularly a reflective surface 591, is provided between the planar light conductor section 51 and the linear light conductor section 52 protruding at an angle α of 90 degrees. This reflective surface is adapted to deflect the light beam 70 from the planar light conductor section 51 into the linear light conductor section 52.

[0060] exist Figure 7 The diagram shows a front view of circuit board 60, which has according to Figure 6The light source 63 and the light conductor 50 are shown in detail in the figure. The light source 63 has a lateral or radial main beam axis A, which faces the light conductor 50, especially the light-receiving surface 511 on the edge side of the planar light conductor section 51. The light beam 70 emitted from the light source 63 is coupled into the light-receiving surface 511 on the edge side and is scattered or extended in the width direction of the planar light conductor section 51 in the widened or trapezoidal light conductor section 512 of the planar light conductor section 51. This achieves that the light-receiving surface 511 captures as much light as possible from the light source 63 and scatters it as uniformly as possible across the width of the planar light conductor section 51 through the widened light conductor section 512, thereby achieving uniform illumination of the planar light conductor section 51 and the linear light conductor section 52. The planar light conductor section 51 couples the light beam 70 out through the planar light-emitting region 513 and the linear light conductor couples the light beam 70 out through the linear light-emitting surface 521.

[0061] exist Figure 8 The middle shows according to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the assembled display and operation device 30. This view shows the carrier housing 40 and the receiving channel 42, in which the light conductor 50 and circuit board 60 are assembled. The circuit board 60 is heat-sealed (or heat-riveted) to the carrier housing 40 or the display and operation panel 41 by means of fixing bolts 48. The light conductor 50 is held or framed between the display and operation panel 41 and the circuit board 60. The light conductor 50 and the light source 63 arranged on the outer main surface 60a of the circuit board 60 are arranged in a recess 45 on the inner side 41b of the display and operation panel 41. Through-holes 46a and 46b are provided on the outer side 41a, wherein, in the prescribed use of the display and operation device 30, the lower through-hole 46a corresponds to the linear light conductor segment 52 and the upper through-hole 46b corresponds to the planar light conductor segment 51. In this illustration, a linear light-conducting segment 52 is arranged in the aperture 46a to backlight or illuminate the aperture 46a of the line area LF of the display and operation device 30 through the linear light-emitting area 521, and a planar light-conducting segment 51 is arranged behind the aperture 46b to backlight or illuminate the aperture 46b of the operation area BF of the display and operation device 30 through the planar light-emitting area 513. Alternatively, the linear light-conducting segment 52 can be arranged behind the linear aperture 46a and the planar light-conducting segment 51 can be arranged in the aperture 46b. Therefore, the display and operation device 30 is configured such that it can either illuminate the operation area BF, illuminate the line area LF, or illuminate both simultaneously.

[0062] Furthermore, an electrical sensor area 65 is provided on the outer main surface 60a of the circuit board 60, through which the proximity or touch of a user's finger can be detected. This sensor area 65 is implemented with a metallic or conductive ground and has a circular surface or a circularly shaped pad. This sensor area 65 is electrically connected to an evaluation electronics device (not shown) provided on the inner main surface 60b of the circuit board 60; for this purpose, the sensor area 65 will bridge from the outer main surface 60a to the inner main surface 60b of the circuit board 60.

[0063] exist Figure 9 According to Figure 2 A perspective view of the circuit board 60 of the display and operation device 30 shows a plurality of electrical sensor surfaces 65 and light sources 63, particularly LEDs. The plurality of electrical sensor surfaces 65 and light sources 63 are arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction on the outer main surface 60a of the circuit board 60 facing the display and operation panel 41, in accordance with the prescribed use of the display and operation device 30. Accordingly, one of the plurality of light sources 63 is respectively arranged above one of the plurality of sensor surfaces 65 in accordance with the prescribed use of the display and operation device 30. The electrical sensor surfaces 65 on the outer main surface 60a are electrically bridged to the inner main surface 60b of the circuit board 60. Furthermore, through-holes 64 are shown, through which a retaining pin 48 can be passed during assembly. In addition, an electrical connector 61 of the circuit board 60 is provided on the main surface 60b of the circuit board 60 opposite the sensor surfaces 65. This electrical connector 61 is provided for connecting power supply lines and data lines to the circuit board 60.

[0064] exist Figure 10The diagram shows a front view of the display and operation device 30 according to the first embodiment. In this first embodiment, individual segments of the line area LF are backlit. The line area LF is located below the operation area BF. The operation area BF consists of horizontally arranged symbols, which are not backlit in this embodiment. The user can change the settings on the household appliance by approaching or touching these symbols on the operation area BF. Exemplarily, the temperature of the freezer or refrigerator compartment can be changed or a specific function can be activated in the operation area BF. To set the temperature in the refrigerator or freezer compartment, operation area chains are set, which only allow a single selection in the corresponding operation area chain. In this illustration, the line segments of the line area LF below the operation area BF indicate which settings on the household appliance are activated. In this case, it is a super function: setting a temperature of -18°C in the freezer compartment and a temperature of 4°C in the refrigerator compartment. The display and operation panel 41 of the display and operation device 30 is correspondingly equipped with an opaque or opaque printed foil 49, which is made translucent or translucent in the area of ​​the through-hole 49a that is covered here. In this case, only the linear light conductor segment 52 (not shown here) provides backlighting for the display and operation panel 41 or the illumination area LF. The translucent or semi-transparent areas of the printed foil are correspondingly located within the area of ​​the linear area LF in this embodiment. Each individual line segment LS in the linear area LF is preferably interrupted by an opaque printed portion of the foil 49, thereby avoiding visible light mixing between the line segments LS.

[0065] exist Figure 11 The image shows a front view of the display and operation device 30 in the second embodiment. Figure 10 The difference lies in that, in this second embodiment, only the operating area BF or each individual operating area BF is backlit. Accordingly, the printed foil is constructed to be semi-transparent or semi-transparent in the area of ​​the operating area BF, and the backlighting of the operating area BF is only achieved through a planar light conductor segment not shown here. The backlighting of the line area LF or line segment LS is eliminated. In this embodiment, the line area LF is eliminated. Therefore, in this second embodiment, the optical device and appearance of the display and operation device 30 can only be changed by changing the printed portion on the foil 49, thereby eliminating the laborious changes to the design structure of the display and operation device 30, and thus achieving a new appearance and new display form of the display and operation device 30 with simple measures.

[0066] exist Figure 12 A further front view of the display and operation device 30 in the third embodiment is shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11The difference lies in the fact that, in this illustration, not only the operation area BF but also the line area LF is backlit, forming a setting indication on the display and operation device. Thus, this third embodiment provides another optical display possibility for the display and operation device 30 without changing its design structure. Accordingly, the design structure of the display and operation device 30 is suitable for performing different optical displays with simple measures, without changing the design structure of the display and operation device 30, and thus only by changing the printing section of the replaceable or printed foil 49.

[0067] This invention is open to numerous variations without departing from its concept or scope. Those skilled in the art can make improvements and modifications to the exemplary embodiments of this invention. All such improvements and modifications are considered in the disclosed embodiments and the following claims.

[0068] List of reference numerals

[0069] 1. Household refrigeration appliances

[0070] 2. Thermal insulation body

[0071] 3. Content Container

[0072] 4. Interior

[0073] 5 door panels

[0074] 6-door shelf

[0075] 7-grid board

[0076] 8 drawers

[0077] 9. Refrigeration unit

[0078] 10 Electronic control device

[0079] 20 Interior lighting fixtures

[0080] 30 Display and operating devices

[0081] 40 Carrier shell

[0082] 41 Display and Operation Panel

[0083] 41a Outer side

[0084] 41b inner side

[0085] 42 Receiving shaft

[0086] 43 Shaft wall

[0087] 44 Snap-in Connection

[0088] 45 recess

[0089] 451 concave section

[0090] 452 concave section

[0091] 46a piercing

[0092] 46b opening

[0093] 47 ribs

[0094] 48 fixed bolt

[0095] 49 Printed Foil

[0096] BF Operating Area

[0097] AF Selection Area

[0098] LF line area

[0099] LS segment

[0100] 50 Optical Conductor

[0101] 51. Planar photoconductor section

[0102] 511 Light-gathering surface

[0103] 512 Widened photoconductor section

[0104] 513 planar light emitting area

[0105] 52 Linear photoconductor segment

[0106] 521 Linear light-emitting area

[0107] 58 stitched images

[0108] 59 Reflectors

[0109] 591 Reflector surface

[0110] 60 circuit boards

[0111] 60a External Main Side

[0112] 60b Inner Main Side

[0113] 61 Electrical connector

[0114] 62 Electrical structural components

[0115] 63 Light Source

[0116] 64. Perforation

[0117] 65 Electrical sensor surface

[0118] 70 beams

[0119] A. Main beam axis.

Claims

1. A display and operation device (30) for setting on a household appliance (1), comprising: a carrier housing (40) having a display and operation panel (41) having an operation area (BF) on the user-facing outer side (41a) of the display and operation panel (41); a circuit board (60) located on the user-rejecting inner side (41b) of the display and operation panel (41); and a photoconductor (50) located on the user-rejecting inner side (41b) of the display and operation panel (41), the photoconductor having a planar shape A photoconductor segment (51), the planar photoconductor segment having a light-receiving surface (511) on the edge side, wherein the circuit board (60) has an outer main surface (60a) facing the display and operation panel (41), on which a light source (63) for backlighting the display and operation panel (41) and an electrical sensor surface (65) corresponding to the operation area (BF) are provided, wherein the planar photoconductor segment (51) is held between the electrical sensor surface (65) and the inner side (41b) of the display and operation panel (41) away from the user, characterized in that, The light source (63) is arranged on the outer main surface (60a) of the circuit board (60) outside the electrical sensor surface (65), and the main beam axis (A) of the light source (63) points to the light-inlet surface (511) on the edge side. In the compliant use of the display and operation device (30), the light conductor (50) has a plurality of horizontally arranged planar light conductor segments (51) that are substantially physically separated from each other. The light conductor (50) has a plurality of light sources (63) and electrical sensor surfaces (65) on the circuit board (60) corresponding to the planar light conductor segments (51). The plurality of planar light conductor segments (51) are respectively arranged in recesses (45) on the inner side (411) of the display and operation panel (41) corresponding to the planar light conductor segments. There are opaque wall protrusions (49) between the recesses (45). The plurality of light sources (63) also extend into the recesses (45).

2. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoconductor (50) has a linear photoconductor section (52) in the extension of the planar photoconductor section (51), which is disposed on the end of the planar photoconductor section (51) opposite to the light-incoming surface (511) on the edge side.

3. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the compliant use of the display and operation device (30), the light source (63) is arranged above the electrical sensor surface (65) and the linear photoconductor segment (52) is arranged below the electrical sensor surface (65).

4. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, A reflector (59) is provided between the planar light conductor section (51) and the linear light conductor section (52), wherein the reflector (59) is configured as a wall of the light conductor (50) that descends toward the display and operation panel (41).

5. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the prescribed use of the display and operation device (30), the linear photoconductor segment (52) has a light-emitting surface (521) disposed below the operation area (BF) of the display and operation panel (41).

6. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the compliant use of the display and operation device (30), the linear photoconductor segment (52) extends horizontally across a plurality of planar photoconductor segments (51) and is constructed to be physically uninterrupted.

7. The display and operation device (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The light source (63) is a radially coupled output light-emitting diode, wherein the main beam axis (A) is configured to be substantially parallel to the outer main surface (60a) of the circuit board (60).

8. The display and operation device (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, In the prescribed use of the display and operation device (30), the planar photoconductor section (51) is arranged behind or in the planar through-hole of the display and operation panel (41), wherein the planar through-hole corresponds to the operation area (BF) and the planar photoconductor section (51) is configured to backlight the operation area (BF) through the planar through-hole.

9. The display and operation device (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The planar light conductor segment (51) has a widened light conductor segment (512) when viewed vertically from one of the main surfaces (51a, 51b), which has a light-incoming surface (511) on the edge side.

10. The display and operation device (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The circuit board (60) is equipped with additional electrical components (62) on the main surface (60b) opposite to the display and operation panel (41), which form a circuit for evaluating the touch of the operation area (BF), the driving control of the light source (63) and the triggering of at least one action when the operation area is touched.

11. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The display and operation panel (41) is equipped with a printed foil (49) having at least one semi-transparent area corresponding to at least one linear and / or surface perforation.

12. The display and operation device (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The circuit board (60) is thermally caulked to the carrier housing (40) on the inner side of the display and operation panel (41) by means of a fixing bolt (48).

13. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linear photoconductor segment (52) is arranged at an angle (α) of 60 to 120 degrees relative to the planar photoconductor segment (51) and protrudes from the planar photoconductor segment (51) toward the display and operation panel (41).

14. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The linear photoconductor segment (52) is arranged behind or in the elongated through-hole of the display and operation panel (41), wherein the elongated through-hole corresponds to the line area (LF) on the display and operation panel (41) and the linear photoconductor segment (52) is configured to backlight the line area (LF) through the elongated through-hole according to the settings on the operation area (BF).

15. The display and operation device (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The display and operation panel (41) is equipped with a printed foil (49) having at least one semi-transparent area corresponding to at least one linear and / or surface perforation.

16. A household appliance having a display and operation device (30) for setting the appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. The household appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that, The household appliance is a household refrigeration appliance (1).

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