Operating part with sensor foil fixed by reverse lugs

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element (1) having: a panel (2) forming a visible surface (S) facing an observer (B); a holder (3) arranged on a side of the panel (2) facing away from the observer (B); a foil layer structure (4), which is arranged between the support (3) and the panel (2) and bears against at least one bearing surface (A) formed on the side surface of the support (3) and / or the panel (2), said foil layer structure forming at least one pair of two lugs (4a, 4a ') arranged opposite each other, the free ends (4b, 4b') of the lugs (4a, 4a ') being directed in opposite directions of extension (y, y'), the lugs (4a, 4a ') each extending in the direction of extension (y, y'), at least one tab (4a, y, y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y', y ', y'; the invention also relates to related uses and installation methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an operating component which is essentially composed of three parts: a panel, a sensor foil and a bracket. Background Art

[0002] While the faceplate's purpose is to provide a visually appealing visible surface, including decorations, for example, based on a decorative coating of a decorative foil, symbols, one or more tactile orientation aids, and / or a display surface to be backlit, the sensor foil, which can be constructed as a foil layer, is specifically responsible for providing one or more electrodes or an electrode array for a capacitive touch sensor, for example, to detect the approach of a finger or input device to or contact with a sensing area or touch area within the visible surface. A capacitive touch sensor can, for example, be designed to perform spatially resolved detection, with the sensor foil comprising an array of interdigitated, insulated electrode strips. The support has the task of securing the operating component to, for example, a load-bearing component of a motor vehicle, such as the instrument panel or center console. The support is also designed to secure the sensor foil between the faceplate and the support and, in particular, to support the sensor foil in a planar manner. In the case of touch-sensitive operating components, this relies on reliable and precise positioning of the sensor foil, as the touch sensor responds sensitively to deviations from a predetermined distance between the sensor foil and the visible surface in a direction perpendicular to the visible surface. However, this also relies on reliable and reproducible positioning of the sensor foil parallel to the visible surface, because otherwise, any visual or tactile features used to mark or define the relevant touch area would no longer be compatible with the sensor foil's arrangement and location-dependent sensitivity due to positioning errors. To avoid this problem, the sensor foil is partially connected to the panel or the support by a material fit, for example, by welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, to one of them. This makes the installation of the entire operating component difficult and complex, because, in particular, the energy director for ultrasonic welding cannot be freely positioned in the design of the support or panel, and the optical properties of the translucent or transparent panel or the optical waveguide associated with the support are affected by this material fit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this background, a solution is needed for an operating component with a panel and a support, and a sensor foil arranged therebetween, which can be easily installed but in which case secure fixing and reproducible positioning of the sensor foil are also ensured. This object is achieved by an operating component according to claim 1. Likewise advantageous uses and corresponding installation methods are the subject matter of the respective parallel claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims. It should be noted that the features specified individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful manner and can represent further embodiments of the invention. The description, in particular in conjunction with the drawings, additionally characterizes and explains the invention in detail.

[0004] The present invention relates to an operating component with a panel, which forms a visible surface facing an observer. The panel is, for example, formed to be at least partially transparent or translucent. The panel can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces and, for example, in addition to a panel subcomponent, also has a transparent covering layer connected to the panel subcomponent in a material-fitting manner, the covering layer preferably being formed from a transparent thermoplastic and forming the visible surface facing the observer. In addition, the panel can, for example, have a thermoplastic decorative foil connected to the covering layer in a material-fitting manner, the decorative foil being coated, for example, printed, with a decorative coating on one of its main surfaces, in particular on the main surface facing the decorative layer. The decorative foil preferably has a transparent foil substrate, which is partially coated in a translucent to opaque manner when forming the decorative coating.

[0005] The term "visible surface" used with respect to the surface of the panel facing the observer should be interpreted broadly: the visible surface can be at least partially a decorative surface designed for simple viewing, or at least partially a touch surface or actuation surface facing the observer, wherein the touch surface or actuation surface is configured to perform operational input by touch and / or actuation, making the operating component a qualified human-machine interface input device. In one design, the visible surface forms a touch-sensitive touch surface array. In addition, the visible surface may also include a backlit display surface. The display surface and the touch surface or actuation surface may also be arranged congruently.

[0006] The operating component according to the present invention further comprises a bracket arranged on the side of the panel facing away from the observer. This bracket is formed, for example, from thermoplastic and, for example, serves, on the one hand, to secure the operating component to a load-bearing component of a motor vehicle. A circuit board is situated on the bracket, for example, for fastening and electrically contacting a lighting device provided for backlighting the display surface and for electrically actuating a sensor foil described below. In one embodiment, the bracket further comprises an optical fiber, which is provided for light distribution and / or backlighting of the at least one display surface.

[0007] According to the invention, a foil layer construction is provided, which is arranged between the support and the panel. The foil layer construction comprises at least one foil, for example a sensor foil for capacitive touch detection, or a scattering foil and / or a light-conducting foil, or both. The foil layer construction forms at least one pair of two lugs arranged opposite to one another, with their free ends pointing in opposite directions of extension. The direction of extension is to be understood as the direction starting from the geometric center of the base of the lug towards the geometric center of the free ends of the lug. The free ends of the lugs of the lug pair can, for example, be oriented away from one another or towards one another, at least in the unmounted state of the foil layer construction. The free ends of the lugs, and therefore the directions of extension of the lug pair, preferably point towards one another.

[0008] According to the present invention, the lugs of the lug pair respectively penetrate and engage the interruption surrounded by the abutment surface in the extension direction, so that the foil layer structure is fixed to the panel or the bracket (depending on which of the two forms the abutment surface with the interruption) at least in the direction perpendicular to the abutment surface through the paired cooperative action of the lugs.

[0009] Preferably, the foil structure here adjoins not only the support but also the panel.The lugs are, for example, strip-shaped foil sections of the foil structure that are located within the maximum outer periphery of the foil structure.

[0010] The bracket and the panel are fixed to each other, for example, by a force fit, a form fit, and / or a material fit connection. Preferably, the connection between the bracket and the panel is releasable. In most cases, preferably, the bracket and the panel are connected to each other only by cooperating snap-fit means formed at the bracket and the panel.

[0011] The term "foil layer construction" should be understood to mean a foil layer construction comprising one foil or a plurality of foils arranged in a stacked arrangement. The plurality of foils are here materially connected to one another or loosely stacked. The foil layer construction preferably comprises a sensor foil for capacitive touch detection. This sensor foil is coated, for example, with a layer of conductive material to form one or more electrodes for capacitive touch detection that are arranged electrically insulated from one another. These electrodes, together with the surroundings or in pairs, generate a measurement electric field that penetrates the touch surface. This measurement electric field forms a measurement capacitance. When the touch surface is approached or touched by a finger or an input device, the measurement capacitance undergoes a measurement capacitance change that can be detected by an evaluation unit electrically connected to the electrode or electrodes of the sensor foil. In the case where the sensor foil forms a lug of the foil layer construction, the sensor foil is, for example, uncoated.

[0012] Connecting and fixing the foil structure by the lug-interruption simplifies installation. Simultaneously, this is also used to realize the accurate and reproducible positioning of the foil structure. According to a preferred design, the fixing of the foil structure at the support or panel is formed to be releasable, that is to say, according to the present invention, the material matching connection of the foil structure and the support or panel is omitted, thereby the parts of the foil structure can be replaced in a non-destructive manner. In a design, the foil structure also has a mask formed by the opaque coating of one of the foils of the foil structure, so that the foil structure is only partially transparent or translucent, so as to display symbols or optical markings as a display surface within the visible surface when backlighting.

[0013] Preferably, the lugs of the lug pair penetrating the engagement-related interruption extend with their free ends to a stop formed on the bracket, which defines the engagement depth of the corresponding lug, wherein for the lug pair, the stop is arranged so that the foil layer construction is fixed in a gap-free manner in a direction parallel to the abutment surface.

[0014] Preferably, each lug of the lug pair is arranged within a maximum outer periphery of the foil layer construction.

[0015] Preferably, each lug of the lug pair is formed by a respectively preferably continuous punched cut of at least one foil of the foil layer construction.

[0016] Preferably, the foil layer construction comprises a scattering foil and / or a light guiding foil for light guidance and / or light distribution. The light guiding foil is formed, for example, from a transparent or translucent material. At least one main surface of the scattering foil and / or the light guiding foil is provided with a microstructured portion, for example.

[0017] Preferably, the foil layer construction comprises a plurality of loosely stacked foils, so that the outermost foil with the lugs is provided relative to the contact surface. These lugs, for example, each penetrate and engage a recess provided in the intermediate foil or foils. An intermediate foil is understood to be a foil arranged between the outermost foil and the contact surface.

[0018] However, it is preferably provided that an outermost foil projects beyond all intermediate foils of the foil layer arrangement relative to the contact surface, and that the lugs are each formed in the projecting portion of the outermost foil.

[0019] Preferably, the interruption of the lug belonging to the lug pair is formed in a rectangular, preferably slot-shaped manner.

[0020] Preferably, the interruption for the lug of the lug pair is formed only at the bracket.

[0021] Preferably, each lug of the lug pair has a respective reduction at the outermost end of its free end relative to the maximum clearance of the associated interruption, wherein the lugs taper continuously over their entire length in the transverse extension towards the outermost end of their free end or at least towards said end, in order to facilitate the insertion of the lug into the respective interruption. The lugs have, for example, only a bevel at the outermost end.

[0022] According to a preferred design, the bracket has a light channel or a light conductor, wherein the light conductor at least partially forms the abutment surface or the light channel merges into the abutment surface, so as to backlight the panel with a light source fixed to the bracket, for example.

[0023] Preferably, the foil layer is constructed to form at least one positioning interruption, into which a projection formed in the support or panel as a positioning aid penetrates and engages. The free end of the projection extending beyond the interruption is used, for example, for a material-fit connection between the support or panel.

[0024] The invention furthermore relates to the use of an operating element according to one of the above-described embodiments in a motor vehicle.

[0025] The invention further relates to a method for mounting an operating component, comprising the following steps:

[0026] In the providing step, a panel is provided, the panel forming a visible surface facing an observer. The provided panel is, for example, formed to be at least partially transparent or translucent. The panel can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces and, for example, in addition to the panel subcomponent, also includes a transparent cover layer materially connected to the panel subcomponent. The cover layer is preferably formed from a transparent thermoplastic and forms the visible surface facing the observer. In addition, the provided panel can, for example, include a thermoplastic decorative foil materially connected to the cover layer, the decorative foil being coated, for example, printed, with a decorative coating on one of its main surfaces, particularly the main surface facing the decorative layer. The decorative foil preferably comprises a transparent foil substrate that is partially coated with a translucent to opaque coating when forming the decorative coating. The term "visible surface" should be interpreted broadly: the visible surface can be at least partially a decorative surface designed for simple viewing, or at least partially a touch surface or actuation surface facing the observer, the touch surface or actuation surface being configured to perform operational input by touch and / or actuation, thereby making the operational component a qualified human-machine interface input device. In one embodiment, the visible surface forms a touch-sensitive touch surface array. In addition, the visible surface may also include a backlit display surface. The display surface and the touch surface or actuation surface may also be arranged congruently.

[0027] In a further provision step, a support is provided. The provided support is formed, for example, from thermoplastic and, for example, serves, on the one hand, to secure the operating element to a load-bearing component of a motor vehicle. For example, a circuit board is arranged or fixed to the support, which serves to fasten and electrically contact an illumination device provided for backlighting the display surface and to electrically control a sensor foil described below. In one embodiment, the provided support further comprises an optical fiber, which is provided for light distribution and / or backlighting of the at least one display surface.

[0028] In another provision step of the mounting method according to the invention, a foil layer arrangement is provided comprising at least one foil, the foil layer arrangement forming at least one pair of two lugs arranged opposite one another, the lugs pointing with their free ends in opposite directions of extension. The direction of extension is to be understood as the direction from the geometric center of the base of the lug toward the geometric center of the free ends of the lug. For example, the free ends of the lugs of the lug pair can be oriented away from one another or towards one another, at least in the unmounted state of the foil layer arrangement. The free ends of the lugs, and therefore the directions of extension of the lug pair, preferably point towards one another.

[0029] The term "foil layer construction" should be understood to mean a foil layer construction comprising one foil or a plurality of foils arranged in a stacked arrangement. The plurality of foils are here materially connected to one another or loosely stacked. The foil layer construction preferably comprises a sensor foil for capacitive touch detection. This sensor foil is coated, for example, with a layer of conductive material to form one or more electrodes for capacitive touch detection that are arranged electrically insulated from one another. These electrodes, together with the surroundings or in pairs, generate a measurement electric field that penetrates the touch surface. This measurement electric field forms a measurement capacitance. When the touch surface is approached or touched by a finger or an input device, the measurement capacitance undergoes a measurement capacitance change that can be detected by an evaluation unit electrically connected to the electrode or electrodes of the sensor foil. In the case where the sensor foil forms a lug of the foil layer construction, the sensor foil is, for example, uncoated.

[0030] In the fastening step of the mounting method according to the present invention, the foil structure is fixed to the bracket or the panel by inserting the lugs in pairs into the interruptions surrounded by the abutment surface, so that the lugs respectively penetrate and engage the interruptions formed in the bracket or the panel in the extension direction. The foil structure is fixed to the abutment surface at least in a direction perpendicular to the abutment surface by the cooperation of the pairs of lugs.

[0031] In the matching step, the panel and the bracket are matched so that the foil structure is arranged between the panel and the bracket and the bracket is arranged on the side of the panel facing away from the observer. Preferably, the bracket and the panel are matched only in a material matching manner, for example by ultrasonic welding. Fixing the foil structure to the bracket or panel by the lug-interruption connection simplifies installation. At the same time, this is also used to achieve accurate and reproducible positioning of the foil structure. According to a preferred design solution, the fixing of the foil structure to the bracket or panel is formed to be releasable, that is to say, according to the present invention, the material matching connection of the foil structure to the bracket or panel is generally omitted, so that the components of the foil structure can be replaced in a non-destructive manner.

[0032] According to a preferred design of the method, during introduction, the lugs penetrating the relevant interruption extend with their free ends to a stop formed on the bracket, which defines the engagement depth of the corresponding lug, wherein for the lug pair, the stop is arranged so that the foil layer structure is fixed in a gap-free manner in a direction parallel to the abutment surface.

[0033] According to a preferred design solution of the method, each lug of the lug pair is arranged within the maximum outer periphery of the foil layer structure.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, each lug of the lug pair is formed by a preferably continuous punching cut of at least one foil of the foil layer construction.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the provided foil layer construction comprises a scattering foil and / or a light-guiding foil for light guidance and / or light distribution. The light-guiding foil is formed, for example, from a transparent or translucent material. At least one main surface of the scattering foil and / or the light-guiding foil is provided with a microstructured portion, for example.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the foil layer is constructed with a plurality of loosely stacked foils, so that the outermost foil with the lugs is provided relative to the contact surface. These lugs, for example, each penetrate and engage a recess provided in one or more intermediate foils. An intermediate foil is understood to be a foil arranged between the outermost foil and the contact surface.

[0037] However, according to a preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that the outermost foil projects beyond all intermediate foils of the foil layer arrangement relative to the contact surface, and that the lugs are each formed in the projecting portion of the outermost foil.

[0038] According to a preferred design of the method, the interruption of the lug belonging to the lug pair is formed in a rectangular shape, preferably in a slot shape.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the interruption for the lugs of the lug pair is formed only at the bracket.

[0040] According to a preferred design of the method, each lug of the lug pair has a reduction at the outermost end of its free end relative to the maximum clear space of the associated interruption, wherein the lugs continuously narrow in the lateral extension toward the outermost end of their free end to make it easier to introduce the lugs into the corresponding interruption.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the bracket has a light channel or a light conductor, wherein the light conductor at least partially forms the contact surface or the light channel merges into the contact surface so as to backlight the panel with a light source fixed to the bracket, for example.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the foil layer is constructed to form at least one positioning interruption, into which a projection formed in the support or panel as a positioning aid penetrates and engages. The free end of the projection extending beyond the interruption serves, for example, for a material-fit connection between the support or panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are to be understood as merely exemplary and represent only preferred embodiments. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the operating member 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 The operating part 1 of the present invention is shown Figure 1 A top view of the sensor foil 4 applied to the support 3 of the first embodiment shown in FIG;

[0046] Figure 3 The first embodiment of the operating member 1 of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 A top view of the bracket 3 shown in FIG;

[0047] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view shows a second embodiment of the operating member 1 according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1A first embodiment of an operating component 1 according to the present invention is shown. The operating component 1 comprises a panel 2, a support 3, and a foil layer arrangement 4 arranged between the panel 2 and the support 3, which comprises only one sensor foil. The panel 2 forms a visible surface S facing an observer B. The panel 2 is transparent or translucent in the panel section 2d so that a backlit display surface with a function display or a switch state display is optically oriented toward the operator B. The panel 2 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces and, for example, can comprise, in addition to a panel subcomponent (not shown in detail here), a transparent cover layer materially connected to the panel subcomponent, the cover layer being formed from a transparent thermoplastic and forming the visible surface S facing the observer B. In addition, the panel 2 can, for example, comprise a thermoplastic decorative foil (not shown in detail) materially connected to the cover layer, the decorative foil being coated, for example, printed, with a decorative coating on one of its main surfaces, in particular on the main surface facing the decorative layer. The term "visible surface" S should be interpreted broadly: the visible surface can be at least partially a decorative surface designed for simple viewing, or at least partially a touch surface or actuation surface facing the observer B. Said touch surface or actuation surface is configured to perform operational input via touch and / or actuation, making the operating component 1 a qualified human-machine interface input device. In the design shown here, the visible surface S includes a display surface in the panel section 2d, which is backlit by light L from the light source 5. The display surface and the touch surface or actuation surface can also be arranged congruently.

[0049] The operating element 1 according to the invention further comprises a support 3 arranged on the side of the panel 2 facing away from the observer B. The support is formed, for example, from thermoplastic and serves, for example, to fasten the operating element 1 to a load-bearing component of a motor vehicle and, on the other hand, to flatly support the foil layer arrangement 4. A circuit board (not shown) is also provided on the support 3, for example, which serves to fasten and electrically contact an illumination device 5 provided for backlighting the display surface and to electrically actuate electrodes 4c of a sensor foil 4.2 of the foil layer arrangement 4 described below. This sensor foil 4.2 is located on Figure 2 , wherein the foil structure 4 is fixed to the support 3. The support 3 also has a light-conducting support section 3d, which is provided for light distribution and / or backlighting of the display surface formed in the panel section 2d.

[0050] As from Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG, the aforementioned foil layer construction 4 is arranged between the support 3 and the panel 2 and has only one sensor foil 4.2 formed for capacitive touch detection. Here, the foil layer construction 4, in particular its sensor foil 4.2, adjoins the support 3. The term "sensor foil" 4.2 is to be understood as meaning that the sensor foil has a coating formed of an electrically conductive material, which forms one or more electrodes 4c arranged electrically insulated from one another for capacitive touch detection, such as Figure 2Here, the electrodes 4 c, together with the surroundings or in pairs, generate a measurement electric field that penetrates the touch surface of the panel 2. This measurement electric field forms a measurement capacitance. When the visible surface S of the panel 2 is approached or touched with a finger or an input device, the measurement capacitance undergoes a measurement capacitance change, which can be detected by an evaluation unit (not shown in detail) that is electrically connected to the electrode(s) 4 c of the sensor foil 4.2 of the foil layer arrangement 4 via a connection section 4 d of the sensor foil 4.2 of the foil layer arrangement 4.

[0051] Sensor foil 4.2 of foil layer construction 4 forms at least one pair of two lugs 4a, 4a' arranged opposite one another, with their free ends 4b, 4b' pointing in opposite extension directions y, y'. Extension directions y, y' are to be understood as directions starting from the geometric center of the base of lugs 4a, 4a' toward the geometric center of the free ends 4b, 4b' of lugs 4a, 4a'. The free ends 4b, 4b' of lugs 4a, 4a', and thus the extension directions y, y' of lug pairs 4a, 4a', preferably point toward one another.

[0052] like Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the lugs 4a, 4a' of the lug pair respectively penetrate and engage the interruptions 3a, 3a' surrounded by the contact surface A in the extension directions y, y', so that the sensor foil 4.2 is fixed to the bracket 3 in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface A through the paired cooperation of the lugs 4a, 4a'.

[0053] like Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the lugs 4a, 4a' of the lug pairs that penetrate the relevant interruptions 3a, 3a' extend with their free ends 4b, 4b' to stop portions 3b, 3b' formed on the bracket 3, which limit the engagement depth of the corresponding lugs 4a, 4a', wherein for the lug pairs 4a, 4a', the stop portions 3b, 3b' are arranged so that the foil layer structure 4 is fixed in a gap-free manner in a direction parallel to the contact surface A.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, each lug 4a, 4a' of the lug pair is formed by a continuous punched cut of the sensor foil 4 within the outer periphery of the sensor foil 4, while the interruption 3a, 3a' of the lug 4a, 4a' belonging to the lug pair is formed in a rectangular to slot shape, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Preferably, each lug 4a, 4a' of the lug pair has a reduction at the outermost end of its free end relative to the maximum clear space of the associated interruption 3a, 3a', wherein the lugs 4a, 4a' narrow continuously in the transverse extension x, x' towards the outermost end of their free end 4b, 4b', respectively, in order to make it easier to introduce the lugs 4a, 4a' into the respective interruption 3a, 3a'.

[0055] Instead, the bracket 3 and the panel 2 are connected to each other only by cooperating snap-fitting means formed at the bracket 3 or the panel 2, such as Figure 1 As shown, the locking device includes a locking protrusion 3 c formed on the bracket 3 and a locking recess formed on the panel 2 .

[0056] The attachment of the foil structure 4 via the tab-interruption connection simplifies installation. At the same time, the opposite orientation of the tabs 4a, 4a' also ensures accurate and reproducible positioning of the foil structure 4. Furthermore, the attachment of the foil structure 4 to the support 3 is releasable, meaning that a material connection between the foil structure 4 and the support 3 is eliminated, thus enabling non-destructive replacement. For light guidance and distribution, the support 3 includes a light conductor 3b, which is bridged by the translucent foil structure 4, which is attached to the support 3 by means of the tabs 4a. This allows backlighting of the display surface in the panel section 2d.

[0057] Figure 4 A second embodiment of an operating component 1 according to the present invention is shown. The operating component 1 comprises a panel 2, a support 3, and a foil layer arrangement 4 arranged between the panel 2 and the support 3. The foil layer arrangement comprises a loose stack of sensor foil 4.2 and scattering and / or light conductor foil 4.1 that functions as a diffuser and / or light conductor. The panel 2 forms a visible surface S facing an observer B. The panel 2 is transparent or translucent in a panel section 2d to optically align a backlit display surface with a function display or switch status display toward the operator B. The panel 2 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces and, for example, (not shown in detail here), in addition to a panel sub-component, comprise a transparent cover layer materially bonded to the panel sub-component, the cover layer being formed from a transparent thermoplastic and forming the visible surface S facing the observer B. The panel 2 can also comprise, for example, a thermoplastic decorative foil (not shown in detail) materially bonded to the cover layer, the decorative foil having a decorative coating applied, for example, printed, on one of its main surfaces, in particular, the main surface facing the decorative layer. The term "visible surface" S should be interpreted broadly: the visible surface can be at least partially a decorative surface designed for simple viewing, or at least partially a touch surface or actuation surface facing the observer B. Said touch surface or actuation surface is configured to perform operational input via touch and / or actuation, making the operating component 1 a qualified human-machine interface input device. In the design shown here, the visible surface S includes a display surface in the panel section 2d, which is backlit by light L from the light source 5. The display surface and the touch surface or actuation surface can also be arranged congruently.

[0058] The operating component 1 according to the present invention further comprises a support 3 arranged on the side of the panel 2 facing away from the observer B. The support is formed, for example, from thermoplastic and serves, for example, to fasten the operating component 1 to a load-bearing component of a motor vehicle and, on the other hand, to planarly support the foil arrangement 4. A circuit board (not shown) is also provided on the support 3, for example, which serves to fasten and electrically contact an illumination device 5 provided for backlighting the display surface and to electrically actuate electrodes 4c of a sensor foil 4.2 of the foil arrangement 4, described below. The support 3 further comprises a light-conducting optical channel 3e, which is provided for transmissive illumination of the transmissive foil arrangement 4 and for backlighting the display surface formed in the panel section 2d.

[0059] As from Figure 4 As can also be seen in the figure, the aforementioned foil layer arrangement 4 is arranged between the support 3 and the panel 2 and, in addition to a sensor foil 4.2 designed for capacitive touch detection, comprises a further scattering and / or light-conducting foil 4.1, which is outermost relative to the contact surface A. The foil layer arrangement 4 adjoins the support 3 with its sensor foil 4.2 (forming the intermediate foil). The term "sensor foil" 4.2 is to be understood as meaning that the sensor foil has a coating made of an electrically conductive material that forms one or more electrodes 4c, arranged electrically insulated from one another, for capacitive touch detection. These electrodes 4c, together with the surroundings or in pairs, generate a measurement electric field that penetrates the touch surface of the panel 2. This measurement electric field forms a measurement capacitance. When the visible surface S of the panel 2 is approached or touched by a finger or an input device, the measurement capacitance changes. This change in measurement capacitance can be detected by an evaluation unit (not shown in detail) that is electrically connected to the electrode(s) 4c of the sensor foil 4.2 of the foil layer arrangement 4 via a connecting section 4d of the sensor foil 4.2 of the foil layer arrangement 4.

[0060] The scattering and / or light-guiding foil 4.1 of the foil layer arrangement 4 forms a pair of two lugs 4a, 4a' arranged opposite one another, with their free ends 4b, 4b' pointing in opposite directions of extension. The term "direction of extension" should be understood as meaning the direction from the geometric center of the base of the lugs 4a, 4a' toward the geometric center of the free ends 4b, 4b' of the lugs 4a, 4a'. The free ends 4b, 4b' of the lugs 4a, 4a', and thus the direction of extension of the lug pair 4a, 4a', point toward one another.

[0061] As from Figure 4 It can also be seen that the outermost foil (here the scattering foil and / or light-guiding foil 4.1) relative to the contact surface A protrudes beyond all intermediate foils (here the sensor foil 4.2) of the foil layer construction 4, wherein the lugs 4a, 4a' are respectively formed in the part of the outermost foil (here the scattering foil and / or light-guiding foil 4.1) that protrudes beyond the sensor foil 4.2.

[0062] like Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the lugs 4a, 4a' of the lug pair respectively penetrate and engage the interruptions 3a, 3a' surrounded by the abutment surface A in opposite extension directions, so that the scattering foil and / or light-guiding foil 4.1 and the sensor foil 4.2 clamped between the scattering foil and / or light-guiding foil 4.1 and the abutment surface A are fixed to the bracket 3 in a direction perpendicular to the abutment surface A through the paired cooperation of the lugs 4a, 4a'.

[0063] like Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the lugs 4a, 4a' of the lug pairs that penetrate the relevant interruptions 3a, 3a' extend with their free ends 4b, 4b' to stop portions 3b, 3b' formed on the bracket 3, which limit the engagement depth of the corresponding lugs 4a, 4a', wherein for the lug pairs 4a, 4a', the stop portions 3b, 3b' are arranged so that the foil layer structure 4 is fixed in a gap-free manner in a direction parallel to the contact surface A.

[0064] Here, each lug 4a, 4a' of the lug pair is formed by a continuous punched cutout in the scattering and / or light-guiding foil 4.1 within the outer periphery of the scattering and / or light-guiding foil 4.1, while the interruption 3a, 3a' of the lugs 4a, 4a' belonging to the lug pair is formed in a rectangular or slot-shaped manner. Preferably, each lug 4a, 4a' of the lug pair has a reduction at the outermost end of its free end relative to the maximum clear space of the associated interruption 3a, 3a', wherein the lugs 4a, 4a' continuously narrow in their lateral extension toward the outermost end of their free end 4b, 4b', respectively, to facilitate the insertion of the lugs 4a, 4a' into the corresponding interruption 3a, 3a'.

[0065] The foil structure 4 also forms at least one positioning interruption, which in the second embodiment shown is penetrated by a projection 3f or a tab formed from the holder 3 as a positioning aid, in order to fix the foil structure 4 in two directions during pre-assembly.

[0066] Instead, the support 3 and the panel 2 are connected to each other in this case, in particular by cooperating snap-in means formed on the support 3 or the panel 2, such as Figure 4 As shown, the snap-fitting device includes a snap-fitting protrusion 3c formed on the bracket 3 and a snap-fitting recess formed on the panel 2. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 3 and the panel 2 are fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding the protrusion 3f provided on the bracket side to the panel 2.

[0067] The attachment of the foil structure 4 via the tab-interruption connection simplifies installation. At the same time, the opposite orientation of the tabs 4a, 4a' also ensures accurate and reproducible positioning of the foil structure 4. Furthermore, the attachment of the foil structure 4 to the support 3 is releasable, meaning that a material connection between the foil structure 4 and the support 3 is eliminated, thus enabling non-destructive replacement.

Claims

1. An operating component (1), comprising: a panel (2) forming a visible surface (S) facing the observer (B); a bracket (3) arranged on the side of the panel (2) facing away from the observer (B); A foil layer structure (4) having at least one foil, said foil layer structure being arranged between said support (3) and said panel (2) and resting against at least one abutment surface (A) formed on the side of said support (3) and / or said panel (2), wherein said foil layer structure (4) forms at least one pair of two lugs (4a, 4a') arranged opposite to each other, said lugs pointing with their free ends (4b, 4b') in opposite extension directions (y, y'), wherein said lugs (4a, 4a') respectively penetrate and engage interruptions (3a, 3a') surrounded by said abutment surface (A) in the extension direction (y, y'), so that said foil layer structure (4) is fixed to said panel (2) or said support (3) at least in a direction perpendicular to said abutment surface (A) by the paired cooperation of said lugs (4a, 4a').

2. An operating component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lugs (4a, 4a') that penetrate and engage the interruption (3a, 3a') extend with their free ends (4b, 4b') to a stop (3b, 3b') formed on the bracket (3), the stop defining the engagement depth of the corresponding lug (4a, 4a'), wherein for the lug pair (4a, 4a'), the stop (3b, 3b') is arranged so that the foil layer structure (4) is fixed in a gap-free manner in a direction parallel to the abutment surface (A).

3. The operating element (1) according to claim 1, wherein The free ends (4b, 4b') of the lugs (4a, 4a') of a lug pair (4a, 4a') are oriented towards each other.

4. The operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lugs (4a, 4a') are each arranged within the maximum outer periphery of the foil structure (4).

5. The operating element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lugs (4a, 4a') are each formed by a preferably continuous punched cutout of at least one foil of the foil layer arrangement (4).

6. The operating component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the foil layer construction (4) comprises a plurality of materially connected or loosely stacked foils.

7. The operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil layer construction (4) comprises a sensor foil (4.2) for capacitive touch detection.

8. The operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil layer arrangement (4) comprises a scattering foil and / or a light-guiding foil (4.1) for light guidance and / or light distribution.

9. An operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil layer construction (4) comprises a plurality of loosely stacked foils and the outermost foil relative to the contact surface (A) comprises the lug (4a, 4a') and at least one intermediate foil arranged between the outermost foil and the contact surface (A).

10. An operating component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the outermost foil relative to the contact surface (A) projects beyond all intermediate foils of the foil layer construction (4), and the lugs (4a, 4a') are each formed in the projecting portion of the outermost foil.

11. The operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interruption (3a, 3a') is formed in a rectangular shape.

12. The operating element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interruption (3a, 3a') is formed only next to the support (3).

13. An operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at the outermost end of the free end (4b, 4b') of the lug (4a, 4a'), the lug has a reduction in the maximum clear space relative to the associated interruption (3a, 3a'), and the lug (4a, 4a') continuously narrows in the transverse extension (x, x') to the outermost end of its free end (4b, 4b').

14. An operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket (3) has a light channel (3e) or a light conductor (3d), wherein the light conductor (3d) at least partially forms the contact surface (A) or the light channel (3e) merges into the contact surface (A).

15. Operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil construction (4) is arranged not only adjacent to the support (3) but also adjacent to the panel (2).

16. An operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil construction (4) forms at least one positioning interruption, into which a projection (3f) formed from the bracket (3) or the panel (2) as a positioning aid penetrates and engages.

17. The operating element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foil structure (4) can be releasably fastened to the support (3) and / or the panel (2).

18. Use of an operating component (1) according to one of the preceding claims in a motor vehicle.

19. A method for mounting an operating component (1), comprising the following steps: providing a panel (2) forming a visible surface (S) facing an observer (B); providing a bracket (3); A foil layer construction (4) comprising at least one foil is provided, wherein the foil layer construction forms at least one pair of two lugs (4a, 4a') arranged opposite one another, the lugs pointing with their free ends (4b, 4b') in opposite directions of extension (y, y'); Placing the foil structure (4) against a contact surface (A) formed on the support (3) or the panel (2); The foil structure (4) is fixed by introducing the lugs (4a, 4a') in pairs into the associated interruptions (3a, 3a') surrounded by the contact surface (A), so that the lugs (4a) respectively penetrate and engage the interruptions (3a, 3a') in the extension direction (y, y'), so that the foil structure (4) is fixed to the contact surface (A) at least in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (A) by the paired cooperation of the lugs (4a, 4a'); The panel (2) and the support (3) are matched so that the foil construction (4) is arranged between the panel (2) and the support (3) and the support (3) is arranged on the side of the panel (2) facing away from the observer (B).

20. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein During introduction, the lugs (4a, 4a') penetrating and engaging the interruptions (3a, 3a') extend with their free ends (4b, 4b') to stops (3b, 3b') formed on the bracket (3), which limit the engagement depth of the respective lugs (4a, 4a'), wherein, after the lug pair is introduced, the stops (3b, 3b') are arranged for the lug pair (4a, 4a') such that the foil layer construction (4) is fixed in a gap-free manner in a direction parallel to the contact surface (A).

21. The method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein: The free ends (4b, 4b') of the lugs (4a, 4a') of a lug pair (4a, 4a') are oriented towards each other.

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