Control element and motor vehicle with a control element

Abstract

The invention relates to a control element (10) comprising a light source (12), a symbol layer (14) and a barrier layer (16), wherein the light source (12) is configured to illuminate the symbol layer (14); the symbol layer (14) has a first symbol (18) and a second symbol (20) for display on the control element (10), which can be illuminated by the light source (12); and wherein the barrier layer (16) is configured and arranged to allow first light rays from an illumination of the first symbol (18) to pass through in a first spatial direction (24) and to block them in a second spatial direction (26), and to allow second light rays from an illumination of the second symbol (20) to pass through in the second spatial direction (26) and to block them in the first spatial direction (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control element for displaying a symbol depending on the viewing direction. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such a control element.

[0002] Typically, motor vehicles are equipped with controls, such as switches, whose symbols are recognizable regardless of the viewing angle. In some cases, background lighting can be switched off to make a symbol disappear. However, changing the symbol itself is not possible. Current design trends are moving towards minimalist and customizable interiors with as few controls and displays as possible.

[0003] A disadvantage is that each control element can only display one symbol for different viewing directions, and dual functions for switches are not possible. However, drivers and passengers typically have different needs regarding the functions that can be activated.

[0004] Separate content for the driver and front passenger is currently only known to exist in the display area. However, these solutions are significantly more complex and expensive. Furthermore, they do not solve the frequently criticized problem of operation while driving, since displays and touchscreens are flat, unlike tactile controls.

[0005] From DE 10 2005 035 111 A1, an operating and display system for a vehicle is known, with a centrally arranged optical display unit which simultaneously displays two different image outputs and different viewing angle ranges, wherein a centrally arranged control element and a detector unit are provided which detects an approach to the central control element and an actuation of the central control element and assigns the detected actuation to a first viewing angle range or a second viewing angle range.

[0006] From DE 10 2012 208 931 A1, a device for simultaneously displaying at least two pieces of information, each assigned to a person, to persons arranged at different positions by means of a single display device, in particular a monitor, is known, wherein, for the purpose of displaying the information visible from the respective position using the entire display area of ​​the display device, the display device is provided with a lenticular film designed to project a pixel displayed on the display device to an assigned position.

[0007] From DE 199 20 789 A1, a display unit intended for a motor vehicle is known, in which a display serves to show two independent images arranged in alternating line groups. By means of an optical element equipped with a cylindrical lens grid, only a first image is visible from a first viewing angle area assigned to the driver, and only a second image is visible from a second viewing angle area assigned to the passenger.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a control element for displaying different symbols in a cost-effective manner.

[0009] This problem is solved by the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a control element comprising a light source, a symbol layer and a barrier layer, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate the symbol layer, the symbol layer has a first symbol and a second symbol for display on the control element which can be illuminated by the light source, and wherein the barrier layer is configured and arranged to allow first light rays from an illumination of the first symbol to pass through in a first spatial direction and to block them in a second spatial direction, and to allow second light rays from an illumination of the second symbol to pass through in the second spatial direction and to block them in the first spatial direction.

[0011] In other words, the control element, which may be designed, for example, as a switch for operating a vehicle function, comprises at least one light source, a symbol layer, and a barrier layer. Preferably, exactly one light source is provided to save costs. The light source may be provided as backlighting to illuminate the symbol layer, on which a first and second symbol may be provided. The symbols may preferably be different from each other, so that a different symbol can be displayed in each spatial direction. The symbols may indicate a specific function to be performed by operating the control element. The symbol layer may, for example, be provided as a plastic cover, optionally multi-layered, with transparent or opaque areas for displaying the respective symbols.

[0012] In one direction of light emission, a barrier layer can be arranged downstream of the symbol layer. This barrier layer can be designed and positioned such that light rays are blocked or transmitted in predetermined spatial directions, depending on the solid angle. In particular, the barrier layer can be designed such that the light rays of the first symbol can only pass through in one spatial direction and are blocked in a second. Similarly, the light rays of the second symbol can be blocked in the first spatial direction and transmitted in the second.

[0013] Thus, depending on the viewing angle from the respective direction, only the corresponding symbol is displayed. This means that from the first direction, only the first symbol is visible, and from the second direction, only the second symbol is visible.

[0014] Consequently, the advantage arises that a spatial direction-dependent display can be provided by a control element that is cost-effective and allows, for example, dual assignment of buttons.

[0015] The invention also includes embodiments that offer additional advantages.

[0016] One embodiment provides that the symbol layer is arranged between the light source and the barrier layer. That is, in the control element, the light source can first be arranged as backlighting, followed by the symbol layer, which is illuminated by the light source. Consequently, a light signal is generated by the symbols arranged on the symbol layer. Downstream of the symbol layer, the barrier layer can be provided at a predetermined distance and in a predetermined arrangement, designed to either block or transmit the respective light signals or light beams.

[0017] Another embodiment provides that the barrier layer has a grid-like structure arranged downstream of the symbol layer to create a parallax effect for the respective light rays in each spatial direction. The grid-like structure can be in the form of struts parallel to the symbol layer and at a predetermined distance from it. The spacing between the parallel struts, the length of the struts, and the distance of the grid-like structure from the symbol layer can be configured such that, due to a parallax effect, the first light rays are transmitted only in the direction of the first spatial direction and are blocked in the second spatial direction. Similarly, the second light rays can be transmitted only in the second spatial direction and blocked in the first spatial direction.In this process, the respective symbol on the symbol layer can be subdivided into sections, so that a portion of the first symbol alternates with a portion of the second symbol, and all portions together form the first or second symbol, respectively. The parallax effect refers to the apparent shift in the position of the respective symbol when viewed from different angles. The grid-like structure filters out those spatial directions from which the corresponding symbol should not be visible. This offers the advantage of creating an efficient and cost-effective way to provide different symbols for different spatial directions.

[0018] Another embodiment provides that the barrier layer includes a collimator film, which is arranged downstream of the symbol layer to direct the respective light rays in the appropriate spatial direction. That is, a collimator film, or "Light Control Film" (LCF), can be positioned on the symbol layer, which contains the combined symbols for both viewing directions, so that the light rays of the respective symbol are only transmitted in the predefined spatial direction. The collimator film can be based on a linear microstructured surface that selectively reduces the beam angle by blocking obliquely emitting light rays.In particular, vertical struts can be provided that block laterally emerging light rays from a certain angle, for example, within a range of 15 or 30 degrees, with portions of the respective symbols arranged relative to the struts in such a way that the respective symbol is only transmitted in the corresponding spatial direction. This embodiment offers the advantage of creating another cost-effective way to provide the dual display.

[0019] Another embodiment provides that the light source is designed as an LED. That is, the light source can be at least one, preferably exactly one, light-emitting diode (LED). In particular, the LED can emit a predetermined wavelength by which the symbol is to be displayed. The advantage of using an LED is a compact, energy-saving, and cost-effective design for the control element.

[0020] Another embodiment provides that a light guide is provided between the light source and the symbol layer for transmitting, expanding, and / or homogenizing the illumination. In other words, the control element can have a light guide designed to transport light from the light source to the symbol layer. Optical fibers made of glass or plastic can be used as light guides. In addition to transmitting the light, the light guide can also be used to homogenize it, i.e., to distribute it evenly, and / or to expand it from a small area to a large area.

[0021] Another embodiment provides that the symbol layer is designed as a plastic overlay with an opaque printed symbol for the respective symbols. The plastic overlay can, for example, be laser-cut to provide the opaque symbol print, or a printed, overmolded film can be used. Alternatively, the plastic overlay can be opaque, with the symbols visible through transparent areas of the overlay. This embodiment offers the advantage of reducing the cost of the symbol layer.

[0022] Another embodiment provides that the control element also has a transparent cover layer. This means that the other layers, in particular the barrier layer, symbol layer, and light source, can be arranged behind the cover layer. The cover layer serves as a mechanical protective layer that can be pressed, in particular to activate the control element. To ensure that the respective symbol is visible from the respective direction, the cover layer can be at least partially transparent, thus allowing light rays to pass through in that direction. The cover layer can be made of glass or plastic, in particular.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a control element according to the first aspect of the invention or an embodiment thereof. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus. The motor vehicle offers the same advantages and possibilities for variation as the control element.

[0024] One embodiment of the motor vehicle provides that the control element is arranged in a console of the motor vehicle, with the first spatial direction pointing towards the driver's side and the second spatial direction towards the passenger's side. The motor vehicle has a sensor device configured to assign an actuation of the control element to the driver's side or the passenger's side and to trigger the corresponding function. In other words, the control element can, for example, be a switch in a console, particularly a center console, of the motor vehicle. The barrier layer can restrict the area of ​​the vehicle interior visible for the display of the respective symbol. In particular, one spatial direction can be provided for the driver and another for the passenger.Since different symbols are displayed for each user, it may be possible to configure the control so that a different function is performed when the driver operates it compared to when the passenger does. To identify the person operating the control, the vehicle may be equipped with a sensor system. This sensor system could, for example, include an interior camera that can detect the direction of operation. Alternatively, the sensor system could include proximity sensors, particularly capacitive sensors, that can detect the approach of a hand or arm to operate the control and the direction from which it is approaching. Depending on the specific operation, a predefined or corresponding function can then be performed.The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the control element according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0025] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0026] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a control element according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic diagram of the control element according to a further exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematically represented motor vehicle with a control element.

[0027] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0028] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an operating element 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The operating element 10 has a light source 12, a symbol layer 14 and a barrier layer 16, which are arranged one behind the other.

[0030] The light source 12 can, for example, be designed as a light-emitting diode (LED) and illuminate the symbol layer 14 from behind.

[0031] On the symbol layer 14, a first symbol 18 and a second symbol 20 can be provided, which can be illuminated by the light source 12, whereby the symbol layer 14 can be designed, for example, as a plastic aperture with an opaque symbol print for the respective symbol 18, 20.

[0032] As shown in the figure, the first symbol 18 and the second symbol 20 on symbol layer 14 cannot be provided together, but can be divided into respective areas, with the areas of the first symbol 18 and the second symbol 20 alternating next to each other.

[0033] A grid-like structure 22 can be provided as a barrier layer 16 in front of the symbol layer 14. This structure forms ridges or blockages at predetermined positions, thus blocking light rays emitted from predetermined areas at predetermined angles. First light rays originating from the first symbol 18 can therefore be transmitted in a first spatial direction 24 and blocked by the grid-like structure 22 in a second spatial direction 26. Similarly, second light rays from the second symbol 20 can be blocked in the first spatial direction 24 and transmitted in the second spatial direction 26.

[0034] Consequently, a parallax effect is created for the respective light rays due to the grid-like structure 22 of the barrier layer 16, which provides a dual display for the control element 10.

[0035] In addition to the layers shown, a cover layer (not shown) can also be provided to shield the components shown from external influences. For example, the control element 10 can be designed as a button or switch, allowing the cover layer to enable manual operation. For this purpose, the cover layer can be made of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, so that the symbols 18 and 20 can be displayed in the respective spatial directions 24 and 26.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a control element 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the control element 10 can have a light source 12, a symbol layer 14, and a barrier layer 16. The symbol layer can be configured similarly to the embodiment in Figure 2. Fig. 1, a first symbol 18 and a second symbol 20, which are divided into areas and are arranged alternately next to each other on the symbol layer 14.

[0037] In this embodiment, the barrier layer 16 can be provided with a collimator film 28 which provides respective vertical ribs, so that light rays of the first symbol 18 are only allowed to pass through in the first spatial direction 24 and light rays of the second symbol 20 are only allowed to pass through in the second spatial direction 26.

[0038] In particular, the height of the vertical struts can be provided in such a way that light rays from an area of ​​the respective symbol 18, 20, which is closer to the strut, are not allowed to pass through in the spatial direction of the strut.

[0039] Consequently, a dual display for the control element 10 can also be provided using a collimator film 28.

[0040] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, respective light guides (not shown) can also be provided between the light source 12 and the symbol layer 14 for forwarding, widening and / or homogenizing the illumination from the symbol layer 14.

[0041] In Fig.Figure 3 shows a top view of a schematically represented motor vehicle 30 with a control element 10. The control element 10 can, for example, be a switch of a switch panel provided on a console of the motor vehicle 30, in particular a center console. Since a driver and passenger may require different functions, the control element 10 can be designed as shown in one of the preceding figures. That is, the first symbol 18 can be provided only for the first spatial direction 24 and the second symbol 20 only for the second spatial direction 26. In this example, the first spatial direction 24 can be the driver's side and the second spatial direction 26 the passenger's side, so that the driver and passenger each see different symbols.

[0042] To ensure that a function corresponding to the symbols is executed, the motor vehicle 30 can further comprise a sensor device 32 that can determine the origin of an actuation of the control element 10. For example, the sensor device 32 can comprise a proximity sensor, in particular optical or capacitive, by means of which a direction of operation can be determined so that the operation can be assigned to the driver's side or the passenger's side.

[0043] Depending on the assignment, the appropriate function, which is linked to control element 10, can then be performed.

[0044] Overall, the examples show how a dual view switch can be provided with a barrier layer. 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] DE 10 2005 035 111 A1

[0005] DE 10 2012 208 931 A1

[0006] DE 199 20 789 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Control element (10) comprising a light source (12), a symbol layer (14) and a barrier layer (16), wherein - the light source (12) is designed to illuminate the symbol layer (14); - the symbol layer (14) has a first symbol (18) and a second symbol (20) for display on the control element (10), which can be illuminated by the light source (12); and - wherein the barrier layer (16) is formed and arranged to allow first light rays from an illumination of the first symbol (18) to pass through in a first spatial direction (24) and to shield them in a second spatial direction (26), and to allow second light rays from an illumination of the second symbol (20) to pass through in the second spatial direction (26) and to shield them in the first spatial direction (24). [2] Control element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the symbol layer (14) is arranged between the light source (12) and the barrier layer (16). [3] Control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier layer (16) has a grid-like structure (22) which is arranged after the symbol layer (14) to provide a parallax effect for the respective light rays in the respective spatial direction (24, 26). [4] Control element (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the barrier layer (16) has a collimator film (28) which is arranged after the symbol layer (14) to provide the respective light rays in the respective spatial direction (24, 26). [5] Control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (12) is designed as an LED. [6] Control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a light guide is provided between the light source (12) and the symbol layer (14) for transmitting and / or widening and / or homogenizing the illumination. [7] Control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the symbol layer (14) is designed as a plastic cover with an opaque symbol print for the respective symbols (18, 20). [8] Control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control element (10) further comprises a transparent cover layer. [9] Motor vehicle (30) with a control element (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Motor vehicle (30) according to claim 9, wherein the control element (10) is arranged in a console of the motor vehicle, wherein the first spatial direction (24) points towards a driver's side and the second spatial direction (26) points towards a passenger's side, wherein the motor vehicle (30) has a sensor device (32) which is configured to assign an actuation of the control element (10) to the driver's side or the passenger's side and to trigger an associated function.

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