Remote control and methods for its manufacture

Abstract

A remote control (1) for controlling an electronic device with a control signal, comprising several layered and / or plate-like components arranged one above the other in a stacking direction, with: i. an outer cover plate (10) designed to allow light to pass through this cover plate (10); ii. a printed circuit board (60) with a circuit arranged on the printed circuit board (60) for generating the control signal; iii.a photovoltaic element (40) arranged in the stacking direction between the cover plate (10) and the circuit board (60) for charging an energy storage device (64) arranged in the remote control (1) for supplying electrical power to the circuit; wherein the cover plate (10) has an area or areas with a roughened texture (15) along a plate side (16) and that the cover plate (10) has control panels (11) along the plate side (16), each with a surface, wherein the texture (15) has a mean roughness value Ra at least twice as large as the surfaces of the control panels (11), and a method for manufacturing a remote control.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control and a method for its manufacture.

[0002] Photovoltaic-powered remote controls are currently being commercially sold by companies such as Samsung. These remotes feature a solar panel array that is separate from the control panels. As a result, the remotes are significantly larger than battery-powered remotes with a comparable number of control panels.

[0003] A second option is to arrange the solar modules along the bottom of the remote control.

[0004] In the first case, the solar panels are positioned beyond the control panels on the top plate, which negatively impacts the remote control's dimensions. In the second case, charging occurs from the back. However, users are already conditioned to expect that the remote control should be visible with the control panel facing outwards, even when placed on a coffee table or similar surface. In this position, however, the remote control cannot charge efficiently.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve known remote controls.

[0006] A remote control according to the invention serves to control an electronic device, in particular a consumer electronics device, using a control signal. The remote control comprises several layered and / or plate-like components arranged one above the other in a stacking direction. These components include at least one outer cover plate, which is designed to allow light to pass through it. Furthermore, a printed circuit board (PCB) with a circuit arranged on the PCB for generating the control signal is provided as a corresponding component. Finally, a photovoltaic element arranged in the stacking direction between the cover plate and the PCB is provided for charging an energy storage device located in the remote control to supply electrical power to the circuit. The energy storage device can, in particular, be arranged on the PCB.

[0007] The cover plate has one or more areas with a roughened texture along one side. The cover plate also has control panels along its side, each with a surface. The texture has a mean roughness value at least twice that of the control panel surface.

[0008] It has surprisingly been shown that roughening the surface enables an increase in the energy yield of a photovoltaic element arranged in the remote control.

[0009] In particular, the photovoltaic element is arranged in the stacking direction below the control panels, especially the button-shaped control panels, of the top plate. Furthermore, energy is generated by the photovoltaic element in such a way that light penetrates the top plate of the remote control. In other words, sunlight does not enter the remote control through the back or a bottom shell, but rather through the top with the control panels – exactly as a remote control is positioned in the vast majority of cases.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] It is advantageous if the surface of the cover plate with the textured finish is designed as the outer side of the remote control. The texture can be preferably designed as an eroded surface. With eroded surfaces, the center roughness and maximum roughness depth can be optimally adjusted.

[0012] Furthermore, the textured areas are designed as a uniform surface extending over at least 20%, preferably over more than 60%, and particularly preferably over 65-95% of the outer surface of the cover plate, with the control panels, featuring a smooth, especially polished, surface, interrupting this surface. The large surface area allows light transmission across a wide area of ​​the remote control. Regarding the 65-95% of the outer surface, the remaining portion can be comprised of the control panels.

[0013] The cover plate can be made of a transparent and / or translucent material, at least in part. Transparent or translucent materials are relatively rarely used for remote controls. If the cover plate is made entirely of the aforementioned material, sunlight can enter over a wide area and be used to increase energy production.

[0014] Preferably, the cover plate can have an average thickness between 300 µm and 3 mm. Thus, the cover plate is comparatively solid.

[0015] The texture can have a mean roughness value greater than 1 µm, preferably between 1.1 and 1.5 µm. The maximum roughness depth Rmax of the texture can be less than 6.5 µm, preferably less than 6.0 µm, and preferably between 1.5 and 3.5 µm.

[0016] Particularly good energy yields were achieved in these areas.

[0017] In contrast, the average roughness of the control panels can be less than 0.14 µm, preferably less than 0.02–0.1 µm. The maximum roughness depth Rmax of the control panels can be less than 0.65 µm, particularly preferably less than 0.6 µm, and most preferably less than 0.3 µm, according to VDI 3400. These panels are easy to clean and exhibit good finger detection by a position sensor. This position sensor is located within the remote control, preferably in the stacking direction between the cover plate and the photovoltaic element.

[0018] The top panel with the control panels can preferably be formed in one piece, with the control panels seamlessly transitioning into the adjacent areas with a roughened surface. This prevents leaks or contamination of the remote control. Furthermore, a virtually uninterrupted charging surface allows for a larger area for light absorption, resulting in higher energy yield, even in low-light conditions indoors.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, a method for manufacturing the remote control according to the invention is provided, wherein a cover plate with a smooth, preferably polished surface is provided, and wherein the roughened areas of the cover plate are formed as recesses opposite the control panels by an erosion process, preferably by an electro-erosive treatment, such as plasma treatment and / or corona treatment. The recesses are formed by the material removal during the application of the erosion process. Further typical features of a manufacturing method are the stacked arrangement of the aforementioned plate- and / or layer-like components and the assembly of the stacked arrangement in a housing shell.

[0020] Below are some further preferred features which, individually or in combination, lead to further advantages of the remote control.

[0021] Furthermore, the aforementioned remote control can include the position sensor already mentioned, which has a sensor that is at least partially transparent. This sensor is configured to detect the position of a user's finger and transmit this information to the electronic circuit. A pressure switch connected to the electronic circuit is located on the side of the circuit board opposite the position sensor. The electronic circuit is configured to output the control signal to the controlled electronic device based on the detected finger position and the activation of the pressure switch. In this variant, the remote control is based on the principle of maximizing the utilization of the outer surface of the cover plate for light transmission to the photovoltaic element, thereby maximizing charging efficiency.

[0022] In a further development, the specified remote control comprises an upper housing shell to which the position sensor, the photovoltaic element, and the circuit board are attached. Viewed in the direction of pressure, a lower housing shell containing a release pin for actuating the pressure switch is arranged below the upper housing shell and is relatively movable relative to it. This arrangement ensures optimal use of the upper surface of the remote control for the photovoltaic cells without any interruption from mechanical components. This maximizes light absorption and increases charging efficiency. The lower housing shell, which is relatively movable relative to the upper housing shell in the direction of pressure and contains a release pin for actuating the pressure switch, allows the entire remote control to be used for applying pressure.The user can use their remaining fingers, not used for positioning on the top surface, to press down on the lower housing shell and thus activate the pressure switch. This improvement significantly enhances usability. Using the entire lower housing shell to apply pressure enables precise and effortless activation of the pressure switch, even for inexperienced users. This reduces the need to locate and activate specific pressure points on the top surface, which is particularly advantageous when using the position sensor simultaneously.

[0023] In a further development of the remote control, the energy storage device is a supercapacitor, with a ballast element attached to the cage. The supercapacitor enables rapid charging and high energy efficiency, which is particularly advantageous in situations with irregular or low light levels. The ballast element, on the other hand, gives the remote control a weight and feel similar to conventional battery-powered devices. This is important for usability, as many users prefer the familiar weight and balance of a battery-operated remote. The combination of these two elements makes the remote control not only efficient and quick to charge, but also comfortable and familiar to handle, thus increasing user acceptance and satisfaction.

[0024] In an additional development, the cover plate incorporates haptically perceptible structures, referred to as control panels, which are molded in to provide positional orientation for the user. This provides tactile feedback, significantly enhancing usability by helping the user navigate the remote control's surface without looking. This is particularly useful in situations where visual orientation is difficult or undesirable, such as in low light conditions or when watching television in the dark. Furthermore, the transparent cover layer improves the protection of the position sensor by shielding it from dust, dirt, and mechanical damage, while maintaining light transmission so that the underlying photovoltaic elements can continue to function effectively.Finally, the integration of haptic textures contributes to intuitive operation, as users can quickly and easily find the desired input points thanks to the tactile markings. This reduces operating errors and increases efficiency.

[0025] The tactilely perceptible structures have a lower surface roughness than the rest of the transparent top layer. This lower surface roughness makes these areas feel smoother, which not only improves usability but also reduces wear on the top layer in these areas. As a result, the remote control retains its functionality and aesthetic appearance for longer.

[0026] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a partially cutaway perspective view of a first variant of a remote control according to the invention and Fig. 2. A comparative measurement of the energy yield of different surfaces with different roughnesses.

[0027] The figures are purely schematic and, above all, do not represent the actual geometric relationships. Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a remote control 1, preferably for a telecommunications device, in a partially cut-out view.

[0028] The remote control is designed to send a control signal to control an electronic device, in particular a consumer electronics device. The control signal can be transmitted between the remote control 1 and the electronic device in any way, i.e., wired or wirelessly, and according to any standard, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, Wireless LAN, or the like. This is not relevant for the purposes of this discussion.

[0029] The remote control 1 comprises a cover plate 10, which is at least partially transparent and has a plurality of control fields. Such a transparent cover plate can also be translucent; the decisive factor is the transmission of light through the surface of the cover plate, preferably with a transmittance of more than at least 20%, preferably more than 40%. The cover plate 10 can be designed as a housing component of a housing of the remote control 1 (not shown in detail) and serves, among other things, to provide mechanical protection for an electronics compartment within the remote control, enclosed by the housing, in which the other components of the remote control are arranged.

[0030] The cover plate 10 is correspondingly massive. It preferably has an average wall thickness of more than 0.2 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 3 mm.

[0031] The cover plate 10 defines one side 16 as the outer surface with a texture 15 and features a plurality of button-like control panels 11, e.g., pushbuttons, and an annular control panel 12, which protrude from the texture 15. The annular control element 12 can have a different tactile feel than the button-like control panels 11, for example, concentric circular grooves. The control panels 11 are modeled on conventional pushbuttons of a remote control. Beyond the control panels 11 and 12, the cover plate 10 has a roughened, in particular eroded, surface 13. Preferably, the control panels 11 and 12 protrude from the eroded surface.

[0032] The control panels 11 and 12 can be designed as polished surfaces, the adjacent roughened surface 13 accordingly has a significantly higher RA value than the polished surface.

[0033] The cover plate 10 is connected to a position sensor 30 via an adhesive layer 20. The position sensor has a transducer 31, which is designed as a transparent film. The transducer 31 is preferably parallel to the plane of the cover plate 10. It can extend over at least 60%, preferably more than 90%, of the underside of the cover plate 10. The position sensor 30 can also include a sensor processor 62, also called a transmitter, and a sensor interface 63. The transducer 31 comprises a field for detecting the position of the finger, which is framed by a signal tap in the form of an electrically conductive, preferably metallic, metal layer.The sensor detects a change in capacitance at a specific point on its surface by the positioning of a user's finger on the top of the cover plate 10 through the surrounding metal layer. This activates a dedicated circuit in the circuit system, which leads to a sensor processor. The sensor processor then detects the activated circuit and calculates the coordinates of the finger's position on the sensor surface, outputting these coordinates as a sensor signal to the sensor interface.

[0034] On the underside of the position sensor 30, facing away from the cover plate, a photovoltaic element 40 is arranged in the remote control, preferably parallel to the cover plate 10 and the sensor 31. The photovoltaic element 40 can consist of several individual panels connected in series. The photovoltaic element 40 can absorb light passing through the cover plate 10 and the transparent sensor area 30 and convert it into an electric current in a manner known per se. The resulting generated electric current can then be tapped at one or more corresponding contact pads 61 and supplied to an energy storage device 64. The photovoltaic element can be designed as a rigid panel or as a semi-flexible and thus bendable panel.

[0035] On the side of the photovoltaic element 40 facing away from the cover plate 10, a printed circuit board 60 is arranged, which is connected to the energy storage device 64. An insulating layer 50 made of an electrical insulating material can be arranged between the photovoltaic element 40 and the printed circuit board 60. The printed circuit board 60 can include an electrical circuit with which the position signal from the sensor interface can be received and the control signal for output by the remote control can be generated. For this purpose, a position signal interface and at least one transmitter module can be arranged on the printed circuit board 60, wherein the electrical circuit converts the position signal from the position signal interface into the control signal and then outputs it to the transmitter module.

[0036] To better represent the spatial reference system, the cover plate, the position sensor, the photovoltaic element, the circuit board, and optionally further material layers define a stacking direction 100, which forms the surface normal of a device surface 101. This device surface can preferably be configured as a device plane. Furthermore, at least the photovoltaic element 40 is preferably arranged parallel to the device surface. The cover plate 10 can define a surface normal which is arranged on the surface normal of the device surface 101.

[0037] The cover plate is made of a transparent plastic. This plastic can be selected analogously to the disclosure in publications WO 2024 / 124 065 A1, WO 2010 / 039 498 A2 or CN 209708099 U.

[0038] The energy required for operating the electrical circuit is provided by the electrical energy storage devices 64. A photovoltaic element 40 is provided to charge these devices with electrical energy. For this purpose, contact springs can be held on the circuit board 60, for example by soldering, and connected to the electrical circuit. Each contact spring can have a first spring arm that extends around or through the circuit board 60 and is electrically connected to one of the contact pads 61 of the photovoltaic element 40. In this way, the electrical current generated by the photovoltaic element 40 can be fed into the electrical circuit and can be used either directly for its electrical power supply or for charging the energy storage devices 64 via a known charging circuit.

[0039] As a backup in case insufficient light is available for an extended period and the energy storage devices 64 are completely depleted, an inductive charging interface can be provided on the circuit board 60. This interface allows an inductively generated charging current from a charging coil, for example, using the Qi standard, to be transmitted. The inductive charging interface preferably utilizes resonant inductive coupling, in which an oscillating magnetic field in the primary coil of a charger (not shown) induces a current in the secondary coil of the device. This induced current can then be used to charge the energy storage devices 64. This dual charging capability combines the advantages of an environmentally friendly, solar-based energy source with the reliability and efficiency of inductive charging.Thus, the remote control 1 can be charged safely and effectively in any environment, whether indoors or outdoors, regardless of the lighting conditions.

[0040] The energy storage units 64 themselves are designed as so-called supercapacitors in this configuration. Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors, are a special type of energy storage device characterized by their high power density and fast charge and discharge cycles. With a suitable selection, the remote control 1 can operate for approximately three weeks if the energy storage units 64 are fully charged, the remote control 1 is used again, and no charging light is available during this time. Unlike conventional batteries, supercapacitors do not store energy through chemical reactions, but rather through the electrostatic storage of charge on the surface of an electrode material. A significant advantage of supercapacitors is their long lifespan and their ability to withstand many charge and discharge cycles without significant capacity loss.They are particularly useful in applications requiring short but intense energy spikes. Due to their design and the materials used, supercapacitors are also significantly lighter than conventional batteries. This can make the remote control 1, equipped with such energy storage devices, feel surprisingly light to the user.

[0041] The cover plate 10 of the aforementioned remote control has areas with increased surface roughness. This can be achieved through machining processes, particularly in the form of an electrical discharge machining (EDM) process.

[0042] In particular, the areas adjacent to the control panels 11 are designed as a roughened, especially eroded, texture 15.

[0043] Preferably the mean roughness value of the control panels 11 is less than 0.14 µm, preferably less than 0.02-0.1 µm.

[0044] The mean roughness value Ra is the calculated average of all deviations of the roughness profile from the mean line along the reference section. This means that the mean roughness value Ra theoretically corresponds to the distance between several lines that would result if the peaks and valleys around the mean line were transformed into rectangles of equal size.

[0045] The maximum roughness depth Rmax of the control panels can preferably be less than 0.65 µm, more preferably less than 0.6 µm, more preferably less than 0.3 µm according to DIN EN ISO 4287:2010.

[0046] The maximum roughness depth Rmax is the vertical difference between the deepest groove and the highest peak within the total measuring distance.

[0047] In contrast, the mean roughness Ra of texture 15 in the areas beyond the control panels 11 is more than 1 µm, preferably between 1.1 and 1.5 µm according to DIN EN ISO 4287:2010. The mean roughness can be set using an electrical discharge machining (EDM) process according to the VDI 3400 standard.

[0048] The maximum roughness depth Rmax for this texture 15 is less than 6.5 µm, preferably less than 6.0 µm, and preferably between 1.5 and 3.5 µm. The roughness depth and mean roughness value can be determined using any commercially available handheld measuring device. Variations within the device tolerance must be taken into account and are typically specified in the device description.

[0049] At least 20%, preferably at least 60%, particularly preferably at least 70% of the outwardly facing surface of the cover plate 10 shall be the areas with the texture 15 with the increased roughness.

[0050] One would actually assume that the passage of light through a polished surface is favored, so that the energy yield should be increased compared to a rougher surface.

[0051] However, as has surprisingly been shown, the energy yield achieved by the solar cells is considerably higher on the rough, especially eroded, surfaces described above than on polished surfaces.

[0052] This will be in Fig. 2 shown in detail. Fig. Figure 2 shows comparative values ​​of several samples with eroded or rough surfaces and polished surfaces. As can be seen, the energy yield is significantly increased for the roughened surfaces and amounts to in Fig. 2 approximately 75 or 73% for measurement series 201 and 202. In this case, the surface of a plastic plate was completely roughened.

[0053] In contrast, measurement series 203 and 204, each with polished surfaces, show a significantly reduced energy yield. The measurement series of Fig. Two measurements were carried out under identical measurement conditions as comparative measurements.

[0054] From the finding of measuring the Fig. 2. The advantage of a wide-area arrangement of roughened surfaces on the cover plate is that this surprisingly improves energy efficiency.

[0055] Remote controls, in particular, may receive very little light. Much depends on where the remote is stored, which, depending on personal preference, can be random and / or out of reach of children or similar hazards. This can reduce the intensity of the incoming light. However, this reduced intensity can be compensated for by using an eroded surface covering as large an area as possible.

[0056] Roughened surfaces may require more intensive cleaning. Therefore, using roughened surfaces without a compelling reason is not advisable.

[0057] Rather, the trend so far has been towards remote controls with polished surfaces. Due to the surprisingly observed effect of improved energy efficiency in conjunction with roughened surfaces, the associated disadvantages are accepted within the scope of the present invention for solar-powered remote controls. Reference sign 1 remote control 10 Cover plate 11 control panels 12 control panels 13 Surface 20 Adhesive layer 30 Position sensor 31 sensors 40 photovoltaic elements 50 separating layer 60 circuit boards 61 contact pads 62 Sensor processor 63 Sensor interface 64 Energy storage 100 Stacking direction 101 device area 201 measurement series (variant according to the invention) 202 measurement series (variant according to the invention) 203 measurement series 204 measurement series QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2024 / 124 065 A1

[0037] WO 2010 / 039 498 A2

[0037] CN 209708099 U

[0037] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN ISO 4287:2010 [0045, 0047]

Claims

[1] Remote control (1) for controlling an electronic device with a control signal, comprising several layered and / or plate-like components arranged one above the other in a stacking direction, with: i. an outer cover plate (10) which is designed to allow light to pass through this cover plate (10); ii. a printed circuit board (60) with a circuit arranged on the printed circuit board (60) for generating the control signal; iii. a photovoltaic element (40) arranged in the stacking direction between the cover plate (10) and the circuit board (60) for charging an energy storage device (64) arranged in the remote control (1) for the electrical power supply of the circuit; characterized by, that the cover plate (10) has an area or areas with a roughened texture (15) along a plate side (16) and that the cover plate (10) has control panels (11) along the plate side (16), each with a surface, wherein the texture (15) has a mean roughness value Ra at least twice as large as the surfaces of the control panels (11). [2] Remote control according to claim 1, characterized by , that the plate side (16) of the cover plate (10) is designed as an outside of the remote control (1) and that the texture (15) is designed as an eroded surface. [3] Remote control according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the areas with the texture (15) are formed as a uniform surface which extends over at least 20%, preferably over more than 60%, particularly preferably over 65-95% of the outside of the cover plate (10) and wherein the control panels (11) with the smooth, in particular polished, surface interrupt this surface. [4] Remote control according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized by , that the control panels (11) are haptically perceptible and protrude from the outside of the cover plate (10) in a raised manner in relation to the texture (15). [5] Remote control according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the texture (15) has a mean roughness value of more than 1 µm, preferably between 1.1 and 1.5 µm. [6] Remote control according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the maximum roughness depth Rmax of the texture (15) is less than 6.5 µm, preferably less than 6.0 µm, preferably between 1.5 and 3.5 µm. [7] Remote control according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mean roughness of the control panels (11) is less than 0.14 µm, preferably less than 0.02-0.1 µm. [8] Remote control according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the maximum roughness depth Rmax of the control panels (11) is less than 0.65 µm, particularly preferably less than 0.6 µm, particularly preferably less than 0.3 µm according to VDI 3400. [9] Remote control according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cover plate (10) with the control panels (11, 12) is formed in one piece and wherein the control panels (11, 12) seamlessly transition into the adjacent areas with the roughened texture (15). [10] Method for manufacturing a remote control (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a cover plate with a smooth, preferably polished surface is provided and that the roughened areas of the cover plate are formed as recesses opposite the control panels by an erosion process, preferably by an electro-erosive treatment, particularly preferably by a plasma treatment and / or by a corona treatment, using the cover plate (10) according to claim 1.

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