CONTROL ELEMENT

Abstract

A control element (10) comprises a carrier (100) and a plurality of image elements, each configured as an LED (110), wherein the plurality of LEDs (110) are arranged in the carrier (100) or on a surface (101, 102) of the carrier (100). The control element (10) further comprises a device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations of a surface (107) of the control element (100) in interaction with a user touching the surface (107).

Description

[0001] Display or control elements, for example in automotive interiors or in the field of consumer electronics, can be implemented using LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Generally, there is a search for concepts that can provide improved control elements.

[0002] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved control element.

[0003] According to certain embodiments, the problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments are defined in the dependent patent claims.

[0004] A control element comprises a carrier and a plurality of image elements, each implemented as an LED, wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged in the carrier or on a surface of the carrier. The control element further comprises a device for generating mechanical vibrations of a surface of the control element in interaction with a user touching the surface.

[0005] According to embodiments, the carrier can be transparent, and the surface of the control element can correspond to a first main surface of the transparent carrier. The LEDs can, for example, be arranged on a side of the transparent carrier facing away from the first surface.

[0006] According to embodiments, the control element can further have conductor tracks for electrically controlling the LEDs, wherein the conductor tracks are configured to control the device for generating mechanical vibrations.

[0007] For example, the device for generating mechanical vibrations can be arranged on the side of the transparent support facing away from the first main surface.

[0008] According to further embodiments, the control element can also comprise a transparent substrate. A first surface of the transparent substrate can correspond to the surface of the control element. For example, the LEDs are arranged between a side of the transparent substrate facing away from the first surface of the transparent substrate and the support.

[0009] According to further embodiments, the support is not present in a first region of the transparent substrate. The device for generating mechanical vibrations can be arranged in the first region on the side of the transparent substrate facing away from the first surface of the transparent substrate.

[0010] The control element may also include a detection device for proving that the user has touched the surface. This detection device may be configured to control the device for generating mechanical vibrations.

[0011] For example, the device for generating mechanical vibrations can be an excitation device that is set up to generate an acoustic signal.

[0012] According to embodiments, the device for generating mechanical vibrations includes an electrodynamic excitation device.

[0013] According to further embodiments, the device for generating mechanical vibrations comprises a piezoelectric element.

[0014] For example, the device for generating mechanical vibrations comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in the carrier or on a surface of the carrier and positioned at various locations on the surface of the control element.

[0015] For example, the piezoelectric elements are designed to detect when the user touches the surface of the control element.

[0016] The control element may also include a control device that is configured to control the piezoelectric elements individually.

[0017] For example, the control device is set up to control the piezoelectric elements in such a way that mechanical vibrations with a predetermined amplitude and phase are generated.

[0018] According to embodiments, the control device is configured to control piezoelectric elements in spatial zones where contact has been detected.

[0019] According to further embodiments, the device for generating mechanical vibrations comprises a ferromagnetic film and an electromagnet.

[0020] For example, the device for generating mechanical vibrations comprises several sections of a ferromagnetic film as well as several electromagnets.

[0021] The control element may also include a control device designed to control the electromagnets individually.

[0022] According to embodiments, the control device is configured to control the electromagnets in such a way that mechanical vibrations with a predetermined amplitude and phase are generated.

[0023] The control device can be configured to control the electromagnets in spatial zones where contact has been detected.

[0024] The accompanying drawings serve to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings depict these embodiments and, together with the description, explain them. Further exemplary embodiments and many of the intended advantages will become apparent from the detailed description below. The elements and structures shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or corresponding elements and structures. Fig. Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element according to embodiments. Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element according to further embodiments. Fig. Figure 1C shows an example of a waveform that can be generated by a device for generating mechanical vibrations. Fig. Figure 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element according to further embodiments. Fig. Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element according to further embodiments. Fig. Figure 2C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element with a multitude of separately controllable devices for generating mechanical vibrations. Fig. 2D shows an arrangement where the control element is designed as a loudspeaker. Fig. Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element according to further embodiments. Fig. Figure 3B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element according to further embodiments.

[0025] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the disclosure and show specific embodiments for illustrative purposes. In this context, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "over," "on," "in front," "behind," "front," "back," etc., refers to the orientation of the figures just described. Since the components of the embodiments can be positioned in different orientations, the directional terminology serves only for explanation and is in no way restrictive.

[0026] The description of the embodiments is not limiting, as other embodiments exist and structural or logical modifications can be made without deviating from the scope defined by the claims. In particular, elements of the embodiments described below can be combined with elements of other described embodiments, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0027] The term "vertical," as used in this description, refers to an orientation that is essentially perpendicular to the first surface of a substrate or semiconductor body. The vertical direction can, for example, correspond to a growth direction when layers are grown.

[0028] The terms "lateral" and "horizontal," as used in this description, are intended to describe an orientation or alignment that is essentially parallel to a first surface of a substrate or semiconductor body. This could be, for example, the surface of a wafer or a chip (die).

[0029] The horizontal direction can, for example, lie in a plane perpendicular to a growth direction when layers are growing.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an operating element 10 according to embodiments. The operating element 10 comprises a carrier 100 and a plurality of image elements, each configured as an LED 110. The plurality of LEDs 110 are arranged in the carrier 100 or on a surface 101, 102 of the carrier 100. The operating element 10 further comprises a device 130, 132 for generating mechanical vibrations of a surface 101 of the operating element 10 in interaction with contact of the surface 101 by the user.

[0031] In embodiments where the LEDs 110 are arranged on a side of the carrier 100 facing away from the user, the support 100 is made of a transparent material. The support can be made, for example, of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or another transparent plastic. According to further embodiments, the support can also comprise Plexiglas or a transparent polymer. The support can have a thickness ranging from a few tens of micrometers to approximately 200 micrometers. For example, the support can have a thickness greater than 100 micrometers. For instance, the support 100 can be designed as a flexible film.

[0032] The LEDs 110 can be designed as micro-LEDs, which have a very small edge length in the range of 1 µm or a few µm up to about 100 µm. The distance between adjacent LEDs 110 can also be greater than a few µm. For example, the distance can be greater than 100 µm, for instance, greater than 150 µm. The distance can also be less than 3 mm. The individual LEDs 110 can be controlled by corresponding conductive traces 111. For example, the conductive traces 111 can be implemented as a network (mesh) or grid of thin wires, for example, copper. According to embodiments, both the conductive traces 111 and the LEDs 110 can be arranged on a second main surface 102 of the carrier, which faces away from a user. According to further embodiments, the LEDs 110 and / or the conductor tracks 111 can be integrated into the carrier 100.

[0033] According to embodiments described in Fig. As shown in 1A, a first main surface 101 of the carrier corresponds to a surface 107 of the control element 10.

[0034] Now touched, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, if a finger 125 touches the first main surface 101 of the carrier 100 or the surface 107 of the control element 10, the device 130 generates mechanical vibrations that cause the surface 107 of the control element 10, i.e., the carrier 100, to vibrate. The user thus receives immediate feedback on their input. In this way, haptic feedback is generated.

[0035] The control element 10 can further include a detection device 140 for detecting contact with the control element 10, for example, by a finger 125. For example, the detection device 140 can be configured to detect the contact capacitively or optically. The detection device 140 can, for example, be part of a structured layer, from which the conductor tracks 111 are also structured. According to further embodiments, the detection device 140 can also be part of the conductor track 111. Once the detection device 140 has detected the contact, it can, for example, control the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations via the conductor tracks 111, causing the surface 101 of the control element 10 to oscillate. However, the detection device 140 can also be purely passive.

[0036] According to embodiments, the device 130 can be controlled by a separate control unit 118 (not shown). Fig. 1A, shown in Fig. 1B) e.g., an electronic circuit. For example, the control device 118 can receive and evaluate a corresponding signal from the detection device 140. Depending on the embodiment, the control device 118 can also receive a capacitive or other measuring signal from the detection device 140, evaluate it, and then control the device 130. For example, the detection device 140 can be positioned at a location opposite the finger 125, for example, on a second main surface 102 of the carrier 100.

[0037] According to all embodiments described here, the control element 10 can have a plurality of detection devices 140. In this way, for example, a touch can be detected locally.

[0038] According to embodiments, conductor tracks for controlling the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations and the LEDs 110 can be located in the same metallization layer. They can, for example, have been produced by common process steps.

[0039] According to further embodiments, the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations can also be configured to generate an acoustic signal 137. This increases the feedback. Furthermore, an optical signal can be generated, for example by appropriately controlling LEDs 110.

[0040] According to embodiments described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations can, for example, be implemented as an electrodynamic excitation device 132 (“electrodynamic exciter”).

[0041] Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element 10 according to further embodiments. According to embodiments described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the control element 10 further comprises a transparent substrate 120. A first surface 121 of the transparent substrate 120 faces the user, and the carrier 100 with the LEDs 110 is arranged on a side of the transparent substrate 120 facing away from the user. For example, the LEDs 110 can be arranged between the transparent substrate 120 and the carrier 100. According to embodiments shown in Figure 1B, the control element 10 is further arranged on a first surface 121 of the transparent substrate 120 facing the user, and the carrier 100 is arranged on a first surface 121 of the transparent substrate 120 facing away from the user. For example, the LEDs 110 can be arranged between the transparent substrate 120 and the carrier 100. Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, it is possible that the carrier 100 is made of an opaque material. For example, the carrier 100 can be attached to the transparent substrate 120 with a transparent adhesive 112. Other elements of the control element 10 are similar to those shown in Figure 1B. Fig. 1A shown.

[0042] For example, in the Fig. The control element 10 of the carrier 100 shown in Figure 1B is not present in a first area 123 of the transparent substrate 120. The device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations can be arranged on the side of the transparent substrate 120 facing away from the first surface 121 of the transparent substrate 120 and can directly adjoin this facing surface. For example, the transparent substrate 120 can be part of a housing or a cover of a control element.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1B shows a control device 118, which can, for example, be connected to the detection device 140 or receive signals from the detection device, optionally via an evaluation device (not shown). The control device 118 is configured to control the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations. According to embodiments, the detection device 140 can be attached to the transparent substrate 120, for example, to a second surface 122 of the transparent substrate 120. According to further embodiments, the detection device(s) 140 can also be attached to the support 100. The evaluation of signals from one or a plurality of detection devices 140 can be carried out in a separate electronic circuit (not shown).

[0044] Fig. Figure 1C shows an example of a waveform of a vibration of the surface of the control element 10, 107, which can be generated by the device 130. For example, the vibration can start with a very large amplitude and then decrease within a short time, for example, less than 0.5 seconds. In this way, the perception of the vibration in the finger 125 is increased.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element 10 according to further embodiments. The elements of Fig. 2A essentially corresponds to those in Fig. Figure 1A shows the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations. In contrast, the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations is implemented here using a piezoelectric element 133. With appropriate control, the piezoelectric element 133 can generate a vibration of the surface 107 of the control element 10. The control signal can be, for example, transmitted via the conductor track 111. This can occur, for instance, as soon as a detection device 140 has detected that a finger 125 has touched the surface 107 of the control element 10.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the control element 10, similar to the one shown in Fig. Figure 1B shows the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations, which is implemented here by a piezoelectric element 133.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a control element 10 according to further embodiments. Here, the control element 10 can have different zones 1341, 1342. A piezoelectric element 133 is arranged in each of these zones. For example, the piezoelectric element 133 can be implemented as a piezoelectric microchip 131, for example, as a semiconductor chip with piezoelectric properties. For example, the material of the semiconductor chip can be piezoelectric. The dimensions of the piezoelectric microchips 131 can be larger than about 1 µm. For example, the dimensions of the piezoelectric microchips 131 can be smaller than about 300 µm or smaller than 100 µm. Accordingly, the piezoelectric microchips 131 have dimensions that can correspond to the dimensions of the LEDs 110.The piezoelectric minichips 131 can further be configured to locally detect contact with the surface 107 of the control element 10 and, as a consequence, generate a vibration of the surface 107 of the control element 10 at the detected location. According to further embodiments, the piezoelectric microchip 131 can also be designed as a piezoelectric ceramic.

[0048] For example, if the in Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 2C, when contact is detected in one of the zones 1341, 1342, only the piezoelectric element(s) 133 in the zone in question are activated. This generates a local mechanical vibration. Thus, the control element 10 can produce a feedback effect upon contact at different locations.

[0049] Alternatively, even if a touch is detected in only one of the zones 1341, all piezoelectric elements 133 or a large number, for example of neighboring, piezoelectric elements 133 can be controlled, so that haptic and / or acoustic feedback is generated.

[0050] For example, the control element 10 can have a control device 118 configured to individually control the LEDs 110 and the piezoelectric elements 133 or piezoelectric minichips 131. For example, the control device 118 can control the individual piezoelectric minichips 131 after detecting contact with the surface 107 of the control element 10. According to further embodiments, the control element 10 can also have a plurality of control devices 118, each controlling a zone 1341, 1342,...134 n are assigned.

[0051] The design with multiple zones, as in Fig. 2B illustrates, can also refer to the in Fig. 2A shows control element 10 being used.

[0052] Fig. 2D shows a further embodiment of control element 10, which is similar to the one in Fig. Figure 2C shows different zones 1341, 1342, 1343, each containing a piezoelectric element 133, which can be implemented, for example, as a piezoelectric mini-chip 131. Additionally, each piezoelectric mini-chip 131 can be configured to generate an acoustic signal 137. For example, the surface 107 of the control element, i.e., the carrier 100 and / or the transparent substrate 120, can act as a loudspeaker diaphragm.

[0053] Furthermore, the different zones 1341, 1342, and 1343 can be arranged and controlled in such a way that acoustic interference occurs. For example, the phase and amplitude of the vibrations in zones 1341, 1342, and 1343 can be controlled by the control unit 118. In this way, a controllable loudspeaker can be provided. For example, the phase and amplitude can be controlled such that destructive interference occurs in zone 138, while constructive interference occurs in zone 139. In this way, different acoustic signals can be generated in different zones by the control unit 118. This can be of interest, for example, in automotive applications where the driver and passenger are to receive different acoustic signals, or in multi-user gaming applications, as well as for generating spatial sound impressions.For example, different acoustic signals can be generated when the control element is touched in different zones, for example by different users. Concepts that are in . Fig. Those depicted in 2D can also refer to a design of the control element as shown in Fig. 2A illustrates how it can be applied.

[0054] According to embodiments described in Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the device 130 for generating mechanical vibrations is implemented by a ferromagnetic film 135. The mechanical vibrations are generated by the additional use of an electromagnet 136. The electromagnet 136 can be activated as soon as contact with the surface 107 of the control element 10 is detected.

[0055] According to Fig. 3A is the control element similar to control element 10 in Fig. 1A or Fig. 2A. As shown, a film 135 made of a ferromagnetic material, for example iron, nickel, or cobalt, can be applied to a side of the carrier 100 facing the surface 107 of the control element 10. For example, the film 135 made of a ferromagnetic material can be arranged over a conductor track 111, which may be made of copper, for example. For example, the film made of a ferromagnetic material and the conductor track 111 can be manufactured by separate manufacturing steps. According to further embodiments, the ferromagnetic film 135 can be part of metal layers that are also otherwise used to control components of the control element. The ferromagnetic film 135 can be unstructured or structured. For example, the ferromagnetic film 135 can also be part of conductor tracks.

[0056] Furthermore, the control element 10 can have one or more electromagnets 136. These can, for example, be arranged on the side of the carrier 100 facing away from the surface of the control element 107. According to further embodiments, the electromagnets 136 can also be arranged on the side of the surface 107 of the control element. In this way, with a corresponding arrangement of the electromagnets 136, a vibration of the carrier 100 and thus of the surface 107 of the control element can be generated. As in Fig. As further shown in Figure 3A, the device for generating mechanical vibrations can comprise several sections of a ferromagnetic film 135 as well as several electromagnets 136. As shown in Figure 3A, several electromagnets 136 can be used to generate mechanical vibrations. Fig. A spatially controllable loudspeaker can be created in 2D.

[0057] According to embodiments described in Fig. 3B shown, additionally, similar to in Fig. 1B or Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, a transparent substrate 120 is present. The first surface 121 of the transparent substrate 120 can represent the surface 107 of the control element. In this case, the ferromagnetic film 135 can be arranged on a surface of the carrier 100 facing the transparent substrate 120. In this way, the combination of the carrier 100 and the substrate 120 can be made to vibrate when appropriately controlled by a control device 118. Here too, the device for generating mechanical vibrations can comprise several sections of a ferromagnetic film 135 as well as several electromagnets 136.

[0058] For example, according to embodiments described in Fig. 3A or Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, an acoustic signal 137 can also be generated. For example, the acoustic signal 137 can be generated locally, similar to the example described in Figure 3B. Fig. 2D has been described. Furthermore, a control device 118 may be provided, which, as described with reference to Fig. Described in 2D, it is set up to locally generate a vibration and thus an acoustic signal. In this way, a haptic and / or acoustic signal can be generated in interaction with a user touching the surface. For example, a speaker function can be implemented via the control element.

[0059] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific embodiments shown and described can be replaced by a multitude of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. The application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the invention is limited only by the claims and their equivalents. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Control element 100 carriers 101 First main surface of the support 102 second main surface 107 Surface of the control element 110 LED 111 conductor track 112 transparent adhesive 118 Control device 120 transparent substrate 121 first surface of the transparent substrate 122 second surface of the transparent substrate 123 first area 125 fingers 130 Device for generating mechanical vibrations 131 piezoelectric minichips 132 electrodynamic excitation device 133 piezoelectric element 1341, 1342, ...134 n Zones 135 ferromagnetic film 136 Electromagnet 137 acoustic signal 138 Area of ​​destructive interference 139 Area of ​​constructive interference 140 Verification facility

Claims

[1] Control element (10), comprising: a carrier (100) and a plurality of image elements, each designed as LEDs (110), wherein the plurality of LEDs (110) are arranged in the carrier (100) or on a surface (101, 102) of the carrier (100), a device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations of a surface (107) of the control element (100) in interaction with a touch of the surface (107) by a user. [2] Control element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier (100) is transparent, the surface (107) of the control element (10) corresponds to a first main surface (101) of the transparent carrier (100) and the LEDs (110) are arranged on a side of the transparent carrier (100) facing away from the first surface (101). [3] Control element (10) according to claim 2, further comprising conductor tracks (111) for electrical control of the LEDs (110), wherein the conductor tracks (111) are configured to control the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations. [4] Control element (10) according to claim 2, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations is arranged on the side of the transparent carrier (100) facing away from the first main surface (101). [5] Control element (10) according to claim 1, which further comprises a transparent substrate (120), wherein a first surface (121) of the transparent substrate (120) corresponds to the surface of the control element (10), and the LEDs (110) are arranged between a side of the transparent substrate facing away from the first surface (121) of the transparent substrate (120) and the carrier (100). [6] Control element (10) according to claim 5, wherein in a first region (123) of the transparent substrate (120) the support (100) is not present and the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations in the first region (123) is arranged on the side of the transparent substrate (120) facing away from the first surface (121) of the transparent substrate (120). [7] Control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detection device (140) for detecting the touching of the surface (107) by the user. [8] Control element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations is an excitation device configured to generate an acoustic signal. [9] Control element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations comprises an electrodynamic excitation device (132). [10] Control element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations comprises a piezoelectric element (133, 131). [11] Control element according to claim 10, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements (133, 131) arranged in the carrier (100) or on a surface of the carrier (100) and arranged at different positions on the surface (107) of the control element (10). [12] Control element (10) according to claim 11, wherein the piezoelectric elements (133, 131) are configured to detect contact with the surface (107) of the control element (10) by the user. [13] Control element (10) according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a control device (118) which is configured to control the piezoelectric elements (133, 131) individually. [14] Control element (10) according to claim 13, wherein the control device (118) is configured to control the piezoelectric elements (133, 131) in such a way that mechanical vibrations with a predetermined amplitude and phase are generated. [15] Control element (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the control device (118) is configured to control piezoelectric elements (133, 131) in spatial zones (134) in which contact has been detected. [16] Control element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations comprises a ferromagnetic film (135) and an electromagnet (136). [17] Control element (10) according to claim 16, wherein the device (130) for generating mechanical vibrations comprises several sections of a ferromagnetic film (135) and several electromagnets (136). [18] Control element (10) according to claim 17, further comprising a control device (118) which is configured to control the electromagnets (133, 131) individually. [19] Control element (10) according to claim 18, wherein the control device (118) is configured to control the electromagnets (136) in such a way that mechanical vibrations with a predetermined amplitude and phase are generated. [20] Control element (10) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the control device (118) is configured to control the electromagnets (136) in spatial zones (134) where contact has been detected.

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