Operating element comprising a symbol body partially enclosed by a transparent base body, operating device, motor vehicle with an operating device and manufacturing method for such an operating element

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element (10, 10a, 10b) comprising a base body (11) made of a transparent material, wherein a symbol body (12) representing an (operating) symbol is arranged in the base body (11), but the symbol body (12) is only partially enclosed by the base body (11). The base body (11) accordingly has a designated observer-side outer surface (13) and an opposite rear outer surface (14), wherein the rear outer surface (14) is partially interrupted by the symbol body (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating element according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also includes an operating device for a motor vehicle according to claim 7. The invention further includes a motor vehicle according to claim 8. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method according to claim 9.

[0002] A control element primarily functions to control and / or display a status in a device. For example, control elements are often installed in the dashboard of a motor vehicle to display the current operating status of a functional unit, for example with regard to the direction indicator or the oil temperature. The control element preferably uses symbols to indicate the function with which the functional unit is associated. A direction indicator usually comprises one or more control elements, each with a direction arrow as a symbol, which may light up individually or together when touched, but at least when the direction indicator is activated, and can often even flash.

[0003] The control element can comprise a material printed to display such a symbol, such as a printed film, a printed plastic, or a printed glass. However, the symbols are usually only recognizable when the user looks as directly as possible at the outer surface of the control element bearing the symbol. This is especially true since such printing usually wears off over time, making the symbol less recognizable. The symbols displayed on control elements using printed materials are also usually only two-dimensional and do not allow for a spatial representation of depth.

[0004] A generic control element is known from DE 10 2008 030 507 B3. Further control elements are known from DE 20 2020 103 972 U1, DE 10 2014 209 470 A1, US 2007 / 0 133 214 A1, DE 10 2012 007 096 A1, and DE 10 2009 036 161 A1.

[0005] DE 10 2006 017 067 A1 discloses an operating or display element comprising a base body made of a transparent material, in whose interior, between the visible outer surface and the rear outer surface of the base body, markings forming characters and symbols are formed. The markings are formed from dots arranged adjacent to one another approximately parallel and / or approximately perpendicular to the visible outer surface. The dots are created from microcracks and are incorporated into the transparent base body by means of internal laser engraving after the base body has been manufactured.

[0006] DE 10 2011 016 228 A1 relates to an illuminated display for representing a three-dimensional object, comprising a display element containing the object, in which information becomes visible when light is coupled in. The three-dimensional object consists of a first plastic with a first refractive index and is partially or completely enclosed by a second plastic with a second refractive index. In the case of partial enclosure, for example, the object can be covered flatly by the second plastic on one side, or even on several sides. In the case of complete embedding, the object is completely enclosed in the second plastic without an air gap. At least two light sources controllable via a control device are arranged laterally on the display element.In this respect, the illuminated display does not allow a user to view the three-dimensional object from various angles in a way that is easy on the eyes by means of a subdued and homogeneous background lighting due to a strong contrast.

[0007] DE 10 2018 127 060 A1 discloses a surface-light decorative element for creating decorative illumination of surfaces in a vehicle interior, as well as enabling the use of these surfaces to activate or deactivate vehicle functions. The surface-light decorative element comprises a luminous element made of a transparent material, wherein the optically activatable symbol body is arranged in the luminous element. However, the surface-light decorative element does not enable a high-contrast representation of a symbol against an illuminated background, which would make the symbol easily recognizable from various viewing angles. The surface-light decorative element in DE 10 2018 127 060 A1 is designed to accentuate or evenly illuminate a vehicle interior.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing an operating element whose purpose can be recognized from various viewing angles by means of a three-dimensional symbol, if possible without shading.

[0009] The object is solved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1, 7, 8, and 9. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0010] As a solution, the invention proposes an operating element consisting of a transparent base body, wherein the base body only partially encloses a symbol body representing a symbol. The base body has a designated observer-side outer surface and an opposite rear outer surface, wherein the rear outer surface is partially interrupted by the symbol body. Such a transparent base body can, for example, be made of plastic. Polycarbonate, PMMA (Acrylglas®) or glass are frequently used. However, any other transparent material is conceivable for the base body, provided that the material transmits light, particularly in the visible wavelength range, and is therefore visually visible. The symbol body serves to represent a symbol. Such a symbol is, for example, an arrow or a seat. The symbol body is three-dimensional.Such a symbol body can be made of polycarbonate, for example from Makrolon brand polycarbonate. A possible example is the cap base material PC Makrolon 2407, color no. 20083 (white). The symbol body can also be made of a different material, as long as the material allows the representation of a symbol, particularly in the base body. The symbol body preferably stands out visually from the transparent base body due to its materiality. The symbol body preferably extends at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm into the base body. The symbol body can have any number of edges and / or comprise several symbol body components. The symbol body components can also be unconnected or only partially connected to one another, with at least one of the symbol body components being three-dimensional.For example, a symbolic body can have multiple components, such as a seat, one or more arrows, a backrest, a seat, a headrest and / or headlights, which are not or only partially connected to one another. The control element serves a user, for example, to display a status and / or to control a functional unit. The control element has a preferred side from which the user observes or looks at the control element during use. This observer side of the control element is usually determined at the beginning or during its manufacturing process and can depend, among other things, on the nature of the base body. The side opposite the observer-side outer surface is referred to as the rear outer surface. The rear outer surface faces away from the opposite observer-side outer surface.

[0011] The symbol body is not completely enclosed by the base body, but only partially, insofar as the symbol body interrupts the base body at least at its rear outer surface. Or to put it another way, part of a surface of the symbol body can be reached directly at the rear outer surface. For example, the symbol body either protrudes from the base body at its rear outer surface or is flush with the rear outer surface of the base body. As a result, the user can advantageously operate the symbol safely even when viewing the control element from the side due to the spatial depth of the symbol body and / or the possible contrast between the symbol body and the rear outer surface from which the symbol body protrudes into the base body. Such a contrast can be enhanced, for example, by backlighting the rear outer surface.In addition, light can be guided directly to the symbol body, i.e., without necessarily having to propagate through the base body. This has the advantage of avoiding the risk of shading due to light scattering by inclusions in the base body.

[0012] A further solution according to the invention results from an operating device for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of operating elements according to the invention. Or to put it another way, an operating device with a plurality of such operating elements can be used to display a plurality of symbols in a motor vehicle. The operating elements can, for example, be mounted in a holder provided for this purpose. The operating elements are mounted in the operating device. For example, adjacent operating elements can be optically insulated from one another in order to prevent light from being scattered into an operating element from a neighboring operating element. For example, an opaque film or device can be provided between each two neighboring operating elements. For example, such an operating device can be installed in a dashboard and / or in the center armrest of a motor vehicle.

[0013] The invention further discloses a solution in which a motor vehicle has an operating device according to the invention or an operating element according to the invention.

[0014] A further solution according to the invention also results from a method for producing an operating element according to the invention, in which a material of the symbol body is introduced into a base body made of a transparent material in a recess suitable for receiving a symbol body on a designated rear outer surface of the base body. The recess can have a plurality of indentations. In particular, if the symbol body to be received comprises a plurality of symbol body components, of which at least one of the symbol body components is not connected to the other symbol body components, the recess can comprise a plurality of indentations. In other words, a symbol body or at least its material is introduced into a recess provided for this purpose on a designated rear outer surface of a base body.For example, the symbol body can be cured and possibly introduced into the recess using pressure. Alternatively, however, a liquid material from which the symbol body is to be manufactured can also be poured, for example, into the recess representing the symbol body on the rear outer surface of the base body and then hardens in the recess of the base body to form the symbol body. This process can thus ensure that the operating element, in particular, has no inclusions between the symbol body and the base body, but rather that the surface of the symbol body encompassed by the base body is flush and completely sealed with the base body.

[0015] According to the invention, the base body has a diffuser device on its rear outer surface in order to directly couple or reflect light, if it strikes the diffuser device, into the base body while scattering it. In other words, a diffuser device on the rear outer surface of the base body serves to scatter light into the base body. Advantageously, the diffuser device thus enables uniform illumination of the base body emanating from its rear outer surface. The user of the control element is therefore not distracted by an irregular light pattern. In addition, the symbol body stands out more clearly from the illuminated rear outer surface, whereby the symbol in the base body is more clearly recognizable and the control element can be used safely and reliably. For example, a diffuser device can be provided by a diffuser layer.Such a layer can possibly be created by etching and / or roughening the base body on its rear outer surface. The diffuser device can comprise multiple coatings, wherein at least one of the multiple coatings is capable of scattering light. The coating can consist, for example, of special materials such as frosted glass, polymers, or nanostructures. It is also conceivable to apply one or more layers, for example by spraying, dipping, and / or using a chemical vapor deposition process, of which individual layers or several layers act as an optical diffuser, either individually or in conjunction. It is also conceivable for the diffuser device to have retroreflectors or reflectors.

[0016] According to the invention, a control unit is provided which is configured to change the optical properties of the diffuser device, in particular its absorption and / or reflection properties, by means of an electrical voltage. In other words, the diffuser device can be controlled by a voltage signal in order to adapt its light transmittance and / or color. Advantageously, the light impression for the user of the control element can be controlled depending on the situation using such a control unit. For example, the control element can be installed in a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit installed in the control element processes sensor data from the motor vehicle, on the basis of which the control unit changes the light impression of the control element on the user.This allows the illumination of the rear exterior surface to be increased or decreased, for example, depending on changes in the light entering the vehicle. For example, during night driving, it is advantageous if the rear exterior surface of the control element is more brightly illuminated and / or illuminated by the diffuser device absorbing incoming light.

[0017] A further development results from providing a lighting circuit for generating the light, which has at least one illuminant whose radiation direction is directed towards the diffuser device. Consequently, it can be provided that one or more illuminants of a lighting circuit emit such light onto the diffuser device attached to the rear outer surface of the base body. Since the illuminants are aligned such that their emitted light strikes the diffuser device, a uniform distribution of the light intensity on the rear outer surface of the base body can advantageously be ensured, even though the lighting circuit may have very few illuminants. A user can thus recognize the symbol body from various angles and reliably target and / or operate the control element with their finger.The lighting circuit can advantageously be present in different embodiments on different sides of the base body, i.e., not only on the observer side of the base body or on the rear outer surface, but also extend over one or more sides of the base body. The lighting circuit can also possibly be distributed over several sides of the base body. The lighting circuit is preferably controllable via a unit on the control element or in the device comprising the control element. If the control element is installed and / or attached in a motor vehicle, for example, the motor vehicle can have a switching element, upon contact of which the lamps on the lighting circuit are switched on or dimmed.It is also conceivable that an optical method, for example using image recognition, in particular gaze recognition, or a photodiode, serves to control the lighting circuit. The lighting circuit can, for example, have a circuit board on which one or more LEDs are mounted as light sources. It is also conceivable that the lighting circuit has one or more light bulbs as light sources. The lighting circuit can comprise its own power supply for operation and / or be powered by an external power supply. For example, the lighting circuit in a motor vehicle can be powered by a battery.

[0018] A further development results from the provision of at least one light guide between the lighting circuit and the base body and / or at least one light guide between the lighting circuit and the symbol body in order to guide the light generated by the lighting circuit. In other words, the light emitted by the lighting circuit can be guided via one or more light guides to the base body on the one hand and / or to the symbol body on the other. Advantageously, this allows the light to be guided as precisely as possible and with only minimal loss to the point to be illuminated on the base body and / or the symbol body. For example, a light guide can be provided between a light source and the symbol body in order to illuminate it. Light guides are usually made of transparent, flexible materials with a relatively high optical density that transport light over short or long distances by total internal reflection.For example, a light guide can be constructed from glass fibers. Components made of plastic, such as polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate, are particularly conceivable as light guides. The light guide can have one or more bends and can transport light even along such bends under total internal reflection with at least almost no loss. In other words, the light guide can, but does not have to, be exclusively straight. Consequently, a light guide makes it possible to guide light from one or more lamps with an emission direction not directed towards the control element to the symbol body and / or base body. For example, it can be expedient to use a light guide to guide the light from a lighting circuit to the symbol body and / or base body of the remaining control element if space constraints do not allow it to be attached directly to the control element.In this respect, the base body provided with a diffuser device and the lighting circuit can also be provided separately.

[0019] A further development results from the base body being mechanically and / or electrically coupled to at least one switching element of an operating circuit in order to trigger the switching element when a finger touches the base body. In other words, a switching element can be actuated by touching or pressing the base body, whereby for this purpose the base body is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the switching element. The operating element can thus be used, among other things, to control a functional unit. For example, the base body can transmit a mechanical force to a switching element via a construction with a spring. A conductive material and / or several thin layers can also be attached to the observer-side outer surface of the base body, which control the switching element when touched.For example, such a control element installed in a motor vehicle can trigger the switching element when the observer-side outer surface is touched, in order to switch on a light. It should be mentioned again that triggering the switching element can additionally and / or alternatively possibly also lead to the activation of a functional unit located outside the control element. For example, the control element can have a symbol body to represent a functional unit in the motor vehicle, such as hazard warning lights. The symbol body thus enables a user to identify which functional unit is activated when such a control element is touched, in order to change its operating mode, for example, to switch the vehicle's hazard warning lights on or off.The control element according to the invention in general, but especially if it is touch-sensitive, thus has the advantage of acting as an interface between the user and a device having the control element.

[0020] A further development arises in that the observer-side outer surface is partially interrupted by the symbol body, and as a result, an edge and / or a surface texture different from the outer surface is formed at this interruption in order to provide a haptic effect when the symbol body is touched. In other words, the symbol body interrupts the observer-side outer surface of the base body, possibly even protruding from the base body, and can thus be felt by the observer by touch due to its surface and / or an edge. For example, the symbol body can have a non-slip or furry surface at the observer-side interruption of the outer surface. It is also conceivable for the symbol body to be made of a material whose surface texture differs sensitively from the outer surface surrounding the interruption when touched.This results in the advantage that a user of the control element can feel the symbol body on the observer side and thereby recognize the symbol represented by the symbol body without being forced to direct their gaze at the control element. For example, a motor vehicle user can use such a control element installed in a motor vehicle while driving without taking their eyes off the traffic situation. In particular, such a control element with a haptic effect is also suitable for use by people with impaired vision. Another advantage is that the symbol body interrupting the outer surface on the observer side can potentially be recognized even more clearly from various block angles, thus contributing to the safe and reliable use of the control element.

[0021] A further development results in the surface of the symbol body partially enclosed by the base body being in complete and flush contact with the base body, in particular without any inclusions emanating from this surface. In other words, the symbol body is completely enclosed by the base body, except outside the base body at the interruption. This advantageously prevents the presence of inclusions or other types of particles at the interfaces between the symbol body and the base body. Consequently, light propagating through the base body to the symbol body can advantageously not be scattered by such inclusions or foreign bodies, making the symbol more clearly recognizable. This ensures safe operation of the control element by the user. Such an inclusion can be, for example, a foreign body, an edge, or an air pocket in the base body.

[0022] According to the invention, the recess is created by means of a laser and / or a milling cutter on the rear outer surface of the base body, which is provided with a diffuser device. In other words, a diffuser device is first applied to the base body, and then, in a separate process step, the recess is milled into the base body or machined into the base body with a laser. Advantageously, this allows the diffuser device to be attached regardless of the specific shape and / or type of the symbol body. This also results in the advantage that the diffuser device terminates at the recess with sharp edges and a seamless transition.For example, a base body can be produced by means of an injection molding process, which, after cooling, is provided with a diffuser layer, for example a film, on the rear outer surface in order to finally create a recess in the block using a laser or a plastic milling cutter.

[0023] According to the invention, the material is introduced in liquid form into the recess of the base body, with the symbol body being created by the hardening of the liquid material. In other words, the base body provided with a recess serves as a casting mold into which a symbol body is injected in liquid form and hardens to form the symbol body. Advantageously, the manufacturing process is material-friendly in that the symbol body does not require a separate mold for casting. As already described above, the symbol body can be made from white Makrolon. In order to pour the Makrolon into the recess of the base body, it can first be liquefied. Makrolon is a thermoplastic, which means that the material softens when heated. The melting point of Makrolon is usually over 250 degrees Celsius.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an operating element comprising a base body with a partially enclosed symbol body from three perspectives; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a control element with a lighting circuit having three lighting means; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a beam path of a light coupled into a base body by a diffuser device of an operating element based on two embodiments of an operating element; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a control element with a lighting circuit and a light guide; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an operating element with a control unit for changing optical properties of a diffuser device; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of an operating element with a base body which is coupled to a switching element via a push button; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a basic body from which a symbol body protrudes on the observer side; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a base body with a recess for inserting a symbol body.

[0025] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also further develops the invention independently of one another.

[0026] Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those presented. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0027] In the figures, identical reference numerals designate functionally identical elements. The illustrated embodiments of the control element with reference numerals 10a, 10b, and 10 each have identical elements. The description of one of these embodiments of the control element 10, 10a, 10b therefore applies accordingly to another embodiment of the control element 10, 10a, 10b.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an operating element 10a from three perspectives. The operating element 10a comprises a base body 11 made of a transparent material. The operating element 10a has an outer surface 13 intended for the observer and a rear outer surface 14 opposite this. The operating element 10a encloses a symbol body 12, wherein the symbol body interrupts the rear outer surface 14. The symbol body can be cuboid-shaped, as shown in the embodiment. The cuboid-shaped base body 11 can, for example, have edge dimensions in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm. However, the base body 11 can also have a different shape, for example elliptical. The base body can have a diffuser device 15 on its rear outer surface 14. The diffuser device 15 may possibly cover the interruption in the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11 caused by the symbol body 12.However, the diffuser device 15 may not be present at the location where the rear outer surface 14 is interrupted by the symbol body 12.

[0029] The base body 11 can, for example, be made of a material that transmits electromagnetic radiation, in particular light 23, only in a specific wavelength range. It can be advantageous, for example, if a base body 11 consists of a material that absorbs short-wave radiation that may be harmful to the control element 10a or components of the control element 10a. It is also conceivable for the base body 11 to consist of a transparent material based on a mixture of two or more materials. Such a mixture can be a composite material. Advantageously, the base body 11 consists of a transparent material, possibly also of a transparent composite material, which ensures that, when the control element 10a is in use, a clear view of a symbol body 12 partially enclosed in the base body 11 is possible.For example, the base body 11 can be made of a material, for example, a light-absorbing material, to prevent reflections. For this purpose, the base body 11 may also be provided with an anti-reflection coating on its observer-side outer surface 13 and / or on other outer surfaces.

[0030] The symbol body 12 represents a symbol. A symbol body 12 can also consist of several individual components that together form the symbol body 12. These components can possibly be made of different materials. When using the control element 10a, for example, in a motor vehicle, the user can see what the control element is designed for when looking at the observer-side outer surface 13 from above. For example, the control element 10a can have a symbol body 12 to indicate which functional unit located outside the control element 10a can be controlled with the control element 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the symbol body 12 indicates a seat with arrows.The operating element 10a may be used to control an unlocking unit for a motor vehicle seat in a motor vehicle, upon actuation of which, or after actuation of which, the setting of the seat in the motor vehicle can be changed. The motor vehicle may additionally or alternatively have an operating element 10a, upon contact of which a locking unit of a motor vehicle is actuated. An operating element 10a can also be used to ensure the safe operation of a device, such as a motor vehicle. For example, it is possible for the operating element 10a to have a symbol body 12 to output a hazard warning. If the operating element 10a is installed in a motor vehicle, for example, the operating element 10a can be used to indicate when a person is approaching the motor vehicle.In this respect, it is advantageous that the control element 10a is capable of reliably and clearly displaying symbol bodies 12 with any number of edges and / or comprising multiple symbol body components for the user. Fig. The symbol body 12 shown in Figure 1 can, for example, comprise multiple components, such as a backrest, a seat, a headrest, and / or two arrows, which are not or only partially connected to one another. The operating element 10a can also be part of a controllable operating device. For example, sensors on a motor vehicle can capture data, and based on the data, a control unit in the motor vehicle can control the operating device, possibly in order to thereby provide information to a motor vehicle user.

[0031] The diffuser device 15 can scatter light 23 incident on the diffuser device 15 into the base body 11. The light 23 scattered into the base body 11 advantageously illuminates the rear outer surface 14, into which the symbol body 12 is partially embedded, in order to create a contrast and / or a depth effect. The background illumination of the symbol body 12 also serves, on the one hand, to facilitate recognition of the symbol when viewing the control element 10a from the side and, if necessary, to display more complex three-dimensional symbols. The illuminated rear outer surface 14 serves as a reference plane, particularly when viewing the control element 10a from the side. The diffuser device 15 can, for example, be provided by a scattering coating as described above. The diffuser device 15 may possibly comprise a scattering optic. Such scattering optics are specially shaped optical elements, such as lenses or prisms.A reflector is an example of a scattering optic. A diffuser device 15 can additionally or alternatively also be provided by a scattering film or plate. The diffuser device 15 serves to evenly couple light 23 incident on the diffuser device 15 from outside the base body 11 into the base body 11. For example, the diffuser device 15 can absorb the light 23 and diffuse it in different directions into the base body 11. The diffuser device 15 can additionally or alternatively reflect and / or distribute light 23 that propagates through the base body 11 and falls onto the diffuser device 15 into the base body 11. If an operating element 10a is installed in an operating device, for example, it can advantageously also use light 23 from the environment to illuminate the base body 11 in an energy-efficient manner, without having to rely on a light source provided for this purpose.The diffuser device 15 can, for example, have a fluorescent layer in order to absorb ultraviolet light 23 from the environment and thereby scatter visible light 23 into the base body 11.

[0032] The diffuser device 15 can alternatively or additionally also comprise a layer or have components by means of which coloring is effected. For example, a colored film can be attached to the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11 for this purpose. For example, the diffuser device 15 can enable the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11 and / or the symbol body 12 to be illuminated in color. Thus, the control element 10a can be used, for example, in a motor vehicle, for which signal colors are particularly essential for safe driving.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an operating element 10b with a lighting circuit 20 comprising three lamps 21. The lighting circuit 20 can be present in a housing 22. The housing 22 is oriented such that the light 23 emitted by the lamps 21 strikes the diffuser device 15. The diffuser device 15 can scatter the light 23 emitted by the lamps 21 into the base body 11, wherein the base body 11 partially comprises a symbol body 12. The symbol body 12 interrupts the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11. The light 23 introduced into the base body 11 via the diffuser device 15 under scattering can be partially reflected and / or absorbed on the outer surfaces 13, in particular the observer-side outer surface 13 and / or the opposite rear outer surface 14, of the base body 11.The control element 10b shown in the exemplary embodiment functions in particular to illuminate the rear outer surface 14 by means of a specially provided and adapted lighting circuit 20 in order to display the symbol body 12 in as much detail as possible for a user of the control element 10b from various viewing angles, thus ensuring safe and reliable use of the control element 10b at all times. Furthermore, the control element 10b is advantageously not dependent on any external lighting. As already described above, the lighting circuit 20 can be partially or completely adjacent to each or more sides of the base body 11. For example, a lighting circuit 20 can comprise illuminants 21 that emit the light 23 via the base body 11 onto the diffuser device 15.This can be particularly advantageous if the operating element 10b is installed in an operating device and / or a motor vehicle that, possibly due to lack of space, only allows the installation of a lighting circuit 20 on certain sides of the base body 11. The diffuser device 15 can preferably reflect the light 23 incident via the base body 11 directly into the base body 11.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a beam path 30 of light 23 coupled into a base body 11 via a diffuser device 15. The Fig. 3 shows the beam path 30 with reference to two exemplary operating elements 10a and 10b. However, the beam path shown can be applied to any embodiment of the operating element 10, 10a, 10b according to the invention. The operating element 10a corresponds to the Fig. 1 from three perspectives shown embodiment of a control element 10. The second control element 10b corresponds to the one in Fig. 2. The beam path 30 initially shows how the light 23 propagates through a diffuser device 15 and then enters the base body 11, which has a plurality of scattering bodies 32, via the rear outer surface 14. The light 23 can, for example, originate from a lamp 21 of the lighting circuit 20 of the control element 10b and / or be light 23 that strikes the diffuser device 15 from the surroundings of the base body 11. The light 23 propagating in the base body 11 can be deflected by the scattering bodies 32 located in the base body 11 before it then exits the observer-side outer surface 13 into the observer-side surroundings 31.This results in the advantage that the light 23 can illuminate and / or illuminate the symbol body 12 directly, or at least immediately after scattering by the diffuser device 15, since the symbol body 12 interrupts the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11, without the light 23 being previously deflected by one of the scattering bodies 32 and / or possible inclusions located in the base body 11. Advantageously, stray light and / or shading of light 23, which would be obstructive for the user of one of the control elements 10a or 10b according to the invention, can thus be avoided, since the light 23 does not necessarily have to propagate through the base body 11 to reach the symbol body 12.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of an operating element 10 with a lighting circuit 20 and a light guide 40. The light guide 40 is arranged, for example, between one of the three illuminants 21 and the symbol body 12 in order to couple the light 23 emitted by this illuminant 21 into the light guide 40 and guide it to the symbol body 12. Light 23 that is coupled into the light guide 40 can advantageously be guided to the symbol body 12 and / or base body 11 under total reflection with at least almost no loss, in order, for example, to be able to individually illuminate and / or light up the symbol body 12. A light guide 40 as shown in the embodiment also prevents light 23 emitted by one of the illuminants 21 that is not directly coupled into the light guide 40 from incident laterally on the symbol body 12. For example, the illuminants 21 couple the light 23 on the left and right on the Fig. 4, the illumination circuit 20 does not directly introduce light 23 into the light guide 40. The light 23 emitted by these two illuminants 21 cannot therefore directly impinge on the symbol body 12. If the illuminants 21 can be individually controlled, a pronounced contrast effect can be created, in which, for example, the rear outer surface 14 is illuminated on the observer side for a user of the control element 10, while at the same time the symbol body 12 is not illuminated and / or illuminated. Thus, a user can recognize and safely operate the control element 10 even from a very oblique viewing angle.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of an operating element 10 with a control unit 50 for changing the optical properties of a diffuser device 15. The control unit 50 is arranged, for example, next to the lighting circuit 20 equipped with a plurality of illuminants 21. The control unit 50 can be connected to the diffuser device 15 via signal lines 51 in order to change its optical properties. For example, the control unit 50 can apply an electrical voltage to the diffuser device 15 in order to polarize a material from which the diffuser device 15 is made in such a way that its optical properties are possibly changed as a result. The diffuser device 15 may comprise electrochromic materials for this purpose.Such electrochromic materials are substances whose optical properties, such as color, transparency, and / or absorption, can be changed by applying an electric field. Examples of electrochromic materials are tungsten oxide-based films. Such films can change between transparent and opaque when an electrical voltage is applied. The control unit 50 thus makes it possible to adapt the optical properties of the control element 10 depending on the situation so that the contrast between the symbol body 12 and the background enables reliable use of the control element 10. If a device has such a control element 10, a control component in the device may be connected to the control unit 50 of the control element 10 so that the device can control the control element 10 via this.For example, the control element 10 can be adjustable, for example dimmable, via a rotary knob located in the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable that the symbol body 12 in the base body 11 of the control element 10 is to be accentuated by means of a specific background lighting in the event of a shortage. For example, a symbol body 12 can represent a gas pump, with the motor vehicle outputting information to the control unit 50 in the event of a fuel shortage. The control unit 50 then changes the optical properties of the diffuser device 15 on the basis of the information in order to highlight the symbol body 12, for example, by means of a signal color or possibly by flashing. The control unit 50 can thus advantageously function as an interface between the device in which the control element 10 is integrated and the control element 10 in order to enable a user to operate the device safely.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary operating element 10 comprising a base body 11, which is mechanically connected to a switching element 60 via a push button 61. The base body 11 can partially comprise a symbol body 12 and have a diffuser device 15 on its rear outer surface 14. The base body 11 with the diffuser device 15 can possibly have a geometry such that it can be inserted into a housing 22. Thus, by exerting a force on the observer-side outer surface 13 of the base body 11, the base body 11 can be inserted into the housing 22 and thereby actuate a push button 61. The push button 61 can be connected to a switching element 60 via a mechanical connection, such as a spring shown in the present exemplary embodiment, in order to at least partially transmit the force exerted on the push button 61 to the switching element 60 and thereby possibly trigger the switching element 60.The switching element 60 can, for example, be arranged on a lighting circuit 20. Triggering the switching element 60 can, for example, lead to the switching on and / or off of the lamps 21 mounted on the lighting circuit 20 in order to initiate and / or terminate the emission of light 23 to the diffuser device 15. If the lamps 21 are switched on, the emitted light 23 can be scattered into the base body 11 via the diffuser device 15 to enable uniform surface illumination of the rear outer surface 14 and / or illumination of the symbol body 12.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a base body 11 from which a symbol body 12 protrudes on the observer side. The base body 11 can have an observer-side outer surface 13 and an opposite rear outer surface 14, both of which are interrupted by the symbol body 12. A diffuser device 15 can be attached to the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11 and possibly cover the symbol body 12 interrupting the rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11. As shown in the embodiment, the symbol body 12 can protrude from the observer-side outer surface. The outline of the interruption on the observer-side outer surface 13 caused by the protrusion of the symbol body 12 can partially or completely form an edge 70. Alternatively or additionally, a surface 71 which interrupts the observer-side outer surface 13 of the base body 11 can be designed to allow the symbol body 12 to be felt.For example, the texture of the surface 71 can be roughened and / or coated.

[0039] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a manufacturing method and shows a transparent base body 11 with a recess 80 for inserting a symbol body 12. The recess 80 can comprise a plurality of indentations. The indentations can, for example, each be suitable for receiving a component of the symbol body 12, such as a plurality of arrows, a headrest, and / or other components that the symbol body 12 comprises. In the exemplary embodiment, the base body 11 is cuboid-shaped and has a diffuser device 15 on its intended rear outer surface 14. The recess 80 can possibly completely penetrate the base body 11, in particular if the symbol body 12 to be inserted into the base body 11 is intended to interrupt the observer-side outer surface 13 so that the operating elements 10, 10a, 10b to be produced have a haptic effect (see Fig.7). The diffuser device 15 can be applied to the intended rear outer surface 14 of the base body 11 either before or after the recess 80 has been introduced into the base body 11. The base body 11 shown in the exemplary embodiment, with its recess 80, can function as a mold for, for example, a second injection molding process. The symbol body material is liquefied, then introduced into the recess 80 in the base body 11, and cools in the recess 80. This results in the advantage that the symbol body 12 and base body 11 are flush and without inclusions. Furthermore, no mold is required to produce the symbol body 12. In this respect, such an injection molding process is advantageously material-saving.

[0040] The manufacturing method can additionally comprise further method steps for an operating element 10, 10a, 10b according to the invention. It is also conceivable for a manufacturing method for an operating element 10, 10a, 10b according to the invention to use a base body 11 that has already been used in another operating element. However, in this case, the recess 80 of the base body 11 already used in another operating element would first have to be adapted to correspond to the symbol body 12 of the operating element 10, 10a, 10b to be manufactured. For this purpose, the base body 11 already used in another operating element can be reworked with a laser or milling cutter. It is also conceivable for the base body 11 already used to be melted down and its material used in an injection molding process to produce the base body 11 shown in the exemplary embodiment. In this way, impurities in the base body 11 could be avoided, in particular.A recess 80 can then be introduced into the base body 11 either before or after a diffuser device 15 has been attached. Thus, the manufacturing process can advantageously be used to recycle a material already used in an operating element and is therefore very material-efficient.

[0041] A particularly preferred embodiment is described below: The technical problem of creating 3D symbols in a surface-lit display can be solved by a new generation of control elements. 3D symbols are also referred to as symbol bodies. Both are illuminated from behind, but the symbol stands out from the transparent plastic due to its different material (e.g., white Makrolon).

[0042] By separating the symbolism from the transparent area lighting, a different lighting color could be realized depending on the design. This allows for area lighting with symbolism, thus bringing a new character to the vehicle interior.

[0043] For example, a first injection-molded part with optics, made of transparent plastic, for example, can be produced in a first injection molding process. The optics are also referred to as a diffuser device.

[0044] In a second injection molding, the 3D symbol, e.g. based on white Makrolon, can be injected into the first injection molded part.

[0045] Overall, the examples show how such 3D symbolism (symbol) can be provided in the area light of a backlight.

Claims

[1] Operating element (10, 10a, 10b) comprising a base body (11) made of a transparent material, wherein a symbol body (12) representing a symbol is arranged in the base body (11), wherein the symbol body (12) is only partially enclosed by the base body (11), and the base body (11) has a designated observer-side outer surface (13) and an opposite rear outer surface (14), wherein the rear outer surface (14) is partially interrupted by the symbol body (12), characterized bythat the base body (11) has a diffuser device (15) on its rear outer surface (14) in order to directly couple or reflect light (23) into the base body (11) with scattering if it strikes the diffuser device (15), and that a control unit (50) is present which is designed to change optical properties of the diffuser device (15), in particular its absorption and / or reflection properties, by means of an electrical voltage. [2] Control element (10a, 10b, 10c) according to claim 1, characterized by that a lighting circuit (20) for generating the light (23) is provided, which has at least one illuminating means (21) whose radiation direction is directed towards the diffuser device (15). [3] Control element (10,10a,10b) according to claim 2, characterized bythat at least one light guide (40) is provided between the lighting circuit (20) and the base body (11), and / or at least one light guide (40) is provided between the lighting circuit (20) and the symbol body (12) in order to guide the light (23) generated by the lighting circuit (20). [4] Control element (10, 10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (11) is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to at least one switching element (60) of an operating circuit (61) in order to trigger the switching element (60) when a finger touches the base body (11). [5] Control element (10, 10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the observer-side outer surface (13) is partially interrupted by the symbol body (12), and as a result, an edge (70) and / or a surface quality (71) different from the outer surface is formed at this interruption in order to provide a haptic effect when the symbol body (12) is touched. [6] Control element (10, 10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the surface of the symbol body (12) encompassed by the base body (11) lies completely and flush with the base body (11), i.e. without any inclusion emanating from this surface. [7] Operating device for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of operating elements (10, 10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Motor vehicle with an operating device according to claim 7 or an operating element (10, 10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [9] Method for producing an operating element (10,10a,10b), characterized by in that a material of the symbol body (12) is introduced into a base body (11) made of a transparent material in a recess (80) suitable for receiving a symbol body (12) on a designated rear outer surface (14) of the base body (11), in that the recess (80) is introduced by means of a laser and / or a milling cutter on the rear outer surface (14) of the base body (11) provided with a diffuser device (15), and in that for the introduction the material is introduced in liquid form into the recess (80) of the base body (11), wherein the symbol body (12) is produced by hardening of the liquid material.

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