DE102019202831A1 - Display means with a scatter film - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a display means (1) for a household appliance, comprising a scattering film (2) for generating diffuse light by means of optical scattering and a light shaft (3) with at least one first entrance surface (4.1) for shining light into a first chamber (5.1 ) the light shaft (3) and a first exit surface (6.1) for radiating the light exiting from the first chamber (5.1) onto the scattering film (2), with at least one second entry surface (4.2) for radiating light into a second chamber (5.2 ) the light shaft (3) and a second exit surface (6.2) for radiating the light emerging from the second chamber (5.2) onto the scattering film (2), and with at least one the first chamber (5.1) from the second chamber (5.2) optically separating chamber side wall (7), furthermore having at least one connecting element (8) molded onto the scattering film (2), by means of which the scattering film (2) with the light shaft (3) forms the at least one first Exit surface (6.1) and the at least one second exit surface (6.2) is connected to cover. The invention also relates to a household appliance with such a display means (1).

Description

The invention relates to a display means for a household appliance, comprising a scattering film for generating diffuse light by means of optical scattering and a light shaft with at least one first entrance surface for irradiating light into a first chamber of the light shaft and a first exit surface for emitting that emerging from the first chamber Light to the scattering film, with at least one second entrance surface for shining light into a second chamber of the light shaft and a second exit surface for radiating the light emerging from the second chamber to the scattering film, and with at least one optically separating the first chamber from the second chamber Chamber side wall.

The DE 10 2015 201 427 A1 discloses a touch-sensitive illuminable control panel, comprising a substrate, a plurality of touch elements on a surface of the control panel, a sensor layer with a plurality of sensor elements, each sensor element being assigned to a touch element, a lighting device which is set up to at least a part of the touch elements illuminate, as well as a control unit, wherein the touch elements have at least two upper keys and at least two groups of lower keys, with each upper key switching at least one group of lower keys is assigned so that when an upper key is touched, the lower keys that belong to the assigned group are activated.

The EP 3 280 053 A2 discloses an operating module for a household appliance that has a symbol film with at least one touch-sensitive keypad applied to a fastening surface of a carrier, which fastening surface has a luminous area below the at least one keypad, the at least one keypad each having a metal layer with at least one cutout and the Metal layer is electrically conductively connected to an electrical connection of the symbol film.

The EP 2 936 684 B1 discloses a household appliance with a capacitive control panel and a method for its production. The invention relates in particular to a household appliance with a control device, an at least partially translucent panel and an at least partially translucent control panel with at least one capacitive sensor for selecting a program function of the household appliance by a user of the appliance and a method for producing this household appliance.

The object of the invention is to improve a display means for a household appliance in such a way that a scattering film of the display means is optimally connected to a light shaft of the display means with regard to mechanical stability and optical separation of at least two adjacent exit surfaces.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a display means for a household appliance, having a scattering film for generating diffuse light by means of optical scattering and a light shaft with at least one first entrance surface for irradiating light into a first chamber of the light shaft and a first exit surface for radiating from the light exiting the first chamber to the diffusion film, with at least one second entrance surface for shining light into a second chamber of the light shaft and a second exit surface for radiating the light emerging from the second chamber to the diffusion film, and with at least one of the first chamber of the second Chamber optically separating chamber side wall, furthermore having at least one connecting element molded onto the scattering film, by means of which the scattering film is connected to the light shaft so as to cover the at least one first exit surface and the at least one second exit surface is.

The display means can be used, for example, to display information on a control panel relating to the functions of the household appliance. For this purpose, the display means can be illuminated by lighting means of the household appliance, for example by illuminating different areas of the display means. Furthermore, the display means can, for example, support the control of the household appliance, the household appliance being controlled by means of input means that interact with the display means.

The household appliance can be a mechanical and / or electrical device that is used in particular in a private household. This includes, for example, kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners or large appliances such as washing machines, dryers, kitchen stoves, refrigerators or dishwashers, but also other small electrical household appliances.

The scattering film can be an optical component that is used to scatter light. It can therefore be characteristic of the scattering film that it has, for example, a large number of small scattering centers. This can be achieved solely through a surface roughness of the scatter film and / or through an opaque material. When essentially parallel rays of light strike different points on the scattering film, these light rays are distributed in different directions and thus generate diffuse light. The scattering film can cause the light to be scattered on its surface or in its interior.

The light shaft can be a light-permeable component that enables light to pass through from an entry surface to an exit surface. The entry surface can enable light to be coupled into the light shaft and the exit surface can enable the light to be coupled out of the light shaft. For example, the light shaft can have a chamber for light to pass through, but in particular it can also be two or more chambers. The respective chambers each have a separate entry surface and a separate exit surface for light. The two or more chambers can be optically separated from one another by a chamber side wall or by several chamber side walls.

The connecting element is used to attach the scattering film to the light shaft. The connecting element can, for example, be a one-part element or a multi-part element or it can comprise several elements which are molded onto the diffusion film.

The diffusion film can be connected to the light shaft by means of the at least one connecting element so as to cover the exit surfaces of the light shaft. The diffusion film can cover the one exit surface or the multiple exit surfaces of the light shaft over the entire surface, in particular without gaps. As a result, the scattering film can be securely fastened to the light shaft without the need for gluing, for example.

The display element can display various items of information on a household appliance in different areas, the information being displayed optically, for example, by illuminating the different areas. The different areas can be illuminated by one or more illuminants, such as LEDs, of the household appliance, which are arranged, for example, on a circuit board. The light from the lighting means can be guided into the light shaft by coupling it into the entry surface and onto the diffusion film by coupling it out of the exit surface. The scattering film can be connected to the light shaft by means of the at least one connecting element resting on the light shaft in order to diffusely scatter the light so that essentially complete, uniform illumination of the area of the display element is made possible.

The connecting element can enable a more compact connection between the diffusion film and the light shaft or between the diffusion film and the display surface, so that, for example, no intermediate holding elements interfere with the arrangement in relation to the display surface or the light shaft, in particular no undesired intermediate light gaps are caused.

The connecting element can be designed in such a way that the scattering film and the display means are arranged at a minimal distance from one another. This is achieved, in particular, in that no holding elements encompass the scattering film where, like the scattering film, it is intended to be as touching as possible on a rear side of the display means.

The scattering film with the molded-on connecting element can also simplify automated assembly in that the scattering film and the connecting element are molded onto one another before the scattering film is mounted on the light shaft.

The shaping of the connecting element onto the scattering film can in particular prevent accidental or undesired detachment of the connecting element from the scattering film.

The at least one connecting element can be designed as a frame element which surrounds the first exit surface and / or the second exit surface. The frame element is used or the frame elements are used to mechanically connect the scattering film to the light shaft.

The frame element or the frame elements can surround the respective inner edges of the exit surface or of the multiple exit surfaces, in particular seal them light-tight, if the frame element or the frame elements are connected to the light shaft or the exit surfaces of the light shaft.

Each frame element can, for example, in each case surround an individual exit surface of the light shaft without a gap, ie enclose it. Alternatively, if necessary, a single frame element can jointly surround, ie enclose, two or more exit surfaces of the light shaft without gaps. Each frame element thus not only forms a connecting means for mechanically connecting the scattering film to the light shaft, but also an optical seal at the same time in order to couple the respective exit surface of the light shaft to the scattering film in an optically gap-free, ie opaque manner. In particular, the light from one chamber of the light shaft can be outshone into an adjacent chamber of the light shaft, ie the light from a display surface of the diffusing film can be outshone an adjacent display surface of the scatter film can be prevented.

The at least one connecting element can be molded onto the scattering film by injection molding in an in-mold labeling process.

An in-mold labeling process can generally be understood as the insertion of substrates such as fabric, paper, wood veneer or any printed or structured foils or other elements, as well as other plastic elements, into an injection molding tool together with a subsequent back injection of these elements with injection plastic .

The in-mold labeling process enables an injection molding, here the connecting elements according to the invention or the frame elements, to a substrate, here the scattering film, the substrate being produced outside the injection molding tool before the injection molding is molded. For example, the substrate, here the scattering film, can have been produced by film calendering and is then placed in the open injection molding tool before the injection-molded part, here the connecting elements or the frame elements, are formed by injection molding.

The at least one connecting element can be molded onto the scattering film by injection molding in an in-mold decoration process.

An in-mold decoration process can generally be understood to mean the quasi-continuous feeding of substrates such as fabric, paper, wood veneer or any printed or structured foils, here the diffusion foils according to the invention, into an injection molding tool. the scatter films are pre-assembled on a carrier tape conveyed through the injection molding tool and when these substrates are subsequently back-molded, i.e. Scatter films with injection-molded plastic bond with the molded part and are detached from the carrier tape when the molded part is ejected and ejected with the molded part.

The in-mold decoration process enables the molding of an injection-molded part, here the connecting elements or the frame elements on a substrate, here the scattering film, the substrate being produced outside the injection molding tool and pre-assembled on a carrier tape before the injection-molded part is molded.

The at least one connecting element can have a fastening means for form-fitting connection of the diffusion film to the light shaft, the fastening means being designed as a latching device which has at least one locking projection arranged on the connecting means and at least one locking groove arranged on the light shaft and interacting with the locking projection. In a structurally reversed variant, the at least one connecting element can have a fastening means for form-fitting connection of the diffusion film to the light shaft, the fastening means being designed as a latching which has at least one locking groove arranged on the connecting means and at least one arranged on the light shaft and interacting with the locking groove Has locking projection.

The latching projection can be, for example, a latching hook which has an inclined contact surface pointing forward in the insertion direction and an undercut arranged behind it, i.e. has a latching step which engages positively in the latching groove in a latched state.

The locking groove can be designed as a recess or as a recess, the recess or the recess having a cavity which is adapted in shape and size to the locking projection, in particular to the locking hook or to the locking step, so that in a latched state of this latching projection or this latching hook can engage positively in the latching groove. One or more locking projections and locking grooves can be arranged on each connecting element or frame element.

The latching projection and the latching groove together form the latching and effect a form fit as soon as they are connected to one another. The form fit can represent a detachable or non-detachable connection between the scattering film and the light shaft.

The at least one connecting element can have a fastening means for frictional connection of the diffusion film to the light shaft, the fastening means having at least one displacement rib arranged on the connecting element and at least one clamping groove arranged on the light shaft and cooperating with the displacement rib. In a structurally reversed variant, the at least one connecting element can have a fastening means for frictional connection of the scattering film to the light shaft, the fastening means having at least one clamping groove arranged on the connecting element and at least one displacement rib that interacts with the clamping groove and arranged on the light shaft.

The displacement rib can be designed, for example, as a bead, a bulge or a rib. The displacement rib can be a thickening in the side wall width of the Be connecting element. There can be one or more displacement ribs per connecting element or frame element. The displacement ribs preferably extend in the insertion direction.

The clamping groove can be designed as a recess. In terms of shape and size, the respective clamping groove correlates with the shape and size of the associated displacement rib. In this respect, one or more clamping grooves can be present per connecting element or frame element. The clamping grooves extend analogously to the displacement ribs, preferably in the insertion direction.

The displacement rib and the clamping groove create a force fit as soon as they are pushed into one another. The frictional connection can enable a detachable or a non-detachable connection from the scattering film to the light shaft, depending on how high the pressure between the displacement rib and the clamping groove is.

The diffusion film can have at least one first passage area which is illuminated by the light emerging from the first exit area of the light shaft and at least one second passage area which is irradiated by the light exiting from the second exit area of the light shaft, with between the first passage area and The second passage area has a slot for optically separating the first passage area from the second passage area in the diffusion film, in such a way that outshine of light between the first exit area and the second exit area is at least significantly reduced or completely prevented by means of the slot.

The passage area represents an area of the scattering film through which the light coupled out from the exit area shines through so that it can illuminate an area of the display means.

The slot can, for example, be a cutout in the scattering film in one or more areas of the scattering film. The openings can in particular be arranged between two adjacent passage areas. The respective slot can for example be formed by a single elongated opening.

The slot can reflect and / or refract the light of the first passage area emitted from the one exit area, so that the light from the first passage area is prevented from irradiating into the adjacent other passage area or the adjacent other exit area.

The light shaft can have a protruding rib extending into the slot for optically separating the light emerging from the first exit surface and the light emerging from the second exit surface, in such a way that an over-radiation between the first passage surface and the second passage surface by means of the projecting rib at least is significantly reduced or completely prevented.

The protruding rib can be, for example, as a longitudinally extending, dam-shaped elevation in the surface of the light shaft that faces the diffusing film.

The protruding rib can, for example, reflect, shield and / or refract the light from the exit surface when it is emitted, so that the light from the first passage surface is prevented from irradiating into the adjacent other passage surface or the adjacent other exit surface.

The protruding rib together with the associated slot can increase the optical shielding effect.

The scattering film can essentially be made of thermoplastic material, in particular polycarbonate.

The thermoplastic material can, for example, be transparent, colorless, opaque and / or colored.

The diffusion film and the light shaft can essentially have the same material.

For example, the diffusion film and the light shaft can be made entirely of the same material.

The object is also achieved by a household appliance having a printed circuit board with at least two lighting means and a display means assigned to the at least two lighting means, as in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described.

• 1 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Baugruppe einer Bedienblende eines Haushaltsgeräts, mit mehreren Anzeigemitteln, sowie einer Leiterplatte mit mehreren Leuchtmitteln und Lichtschächten mit Streufolien,
• 2 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Baugruppe mit einer Leiterplatte mit mehreren Leuchtmitteln, eines beispielhaften Lichtschachtes und einer Streufolie,
• 3 eine Schnittdarstellung der Baugruppe gemäß 2 mit der Leiterplatte mit mehreren Leuchtmitteln, dem beispielhaften Lichtschachtes und der Streufolie,
• 4 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Baugruppe gemäß 2 und 3 mit der Leiterplatte mit mehreren Leuchtmitteln, dem beispielhaften Lichtschachtes und der Streufolie, im Zusammenbau,
• 5 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Streufolie in Alleinstellung mit den angeformten Rahmenelementen und Schlitzen.

Show it:

• 1 an exploded view of the assembly of a control panel of a household appliance, with several display means, as well as a circuit board with several light sources and light shafts with scattering foils,
• 2 an exploded view of the assembly with a printed circuit board with several illuminants, an exemplary light shaft and a scattering film,
• 3 a sectional view of the assembly according to 2 with the printed circuit board with several light sources, the example light shaft and the diffusion film,
• 4th a perspective view of the assembly according to 2 and 3 with the circuit board with several illuminants, the exemplary light shaft and the diffusion film, in the assembly,
• 5 a perspective view of the scattering film in isolation with the molded frame elements and slots.

In the 1 is a control panel 15th a household appliance, for example a stove, viewed from its rear. Behind the control panel 15th is a display means in the household appliance 1 arranged according to the invention. The display means 1 is a circuit board 13 assigned to the household appliance. The circuit board 13 of the household appliance is an electronic circuit board which has electrical conductor paths and electrical and / or electronic components that are electrically connected by them. These electrical and / or electronic components also include electrical lighting means 14th which in particular can be LEDs. In the case of LEDs in SMD construction, the light sources are 14th directly on the circuit board 13 soldered on and thereby electrically contacted as well as mechanically with the circuit board 13 connected. The display means 1 is the light sources 14th the circuit board 13 assigned.

As in the following 2 to 5 is shown, comprises the display means according to the invention 1 a scatter film 2 to generate diffuse light by means of optical scattering and a light shaft 3 . The light shaft 3 has at least one first entry surface 4.1 for irradiating light into a first chamber 5.1 of the light shaft 3 and a first exit surface 6.1 for blasting from the first chamber 5.1 escaping light to the scattering film 2 on. Furthermore, the light shaft 3 at least one second entry surface 4.2 for shining light into a second chamber 5.2 of the light shaft 3 and a second exit surface 6.2 to blast from the second chamber 5.2 escaping light to the scattering film 2 on. The light shaft 3 at least one also includes the first chamber 5.1 from the second chamber 5.2 optically separating chamber side wall 7th on. According to the invention, the display means 1 , as in particular in 5 is clearly emphasized, at least one on the scattering foil 2 molded connecting element 8th on, by means of which the scatter film 2 with the light shaft 3 the at least one first exit surface 6.1 and the at least one second exit surface 6.2 is connected overlapping.

The invention is representative of a first chamber 5.1 and a second chamber 5.2 of the light shaft 3 described. However, the light shaft 3 also three or more such chambers 5.1 and 5.2 exhibit. In the illustrated embodiment of 2 to 2 shows the light shaft 3 for example, exactly four chambers and accordingly also four entry surfaces and four exit surfaces.

The at least one connecting element 8th is as a frame element 8.1 formed that the first exit surface 6.1 or the second exit surface 6.2 or surrounds another of the other exit surfaces.

The at least one connecting element 8th has a form-fitting fastening means 9 for form-fitting connection of the diffusion film 2 with the light shaft 3 on, wherein the fastening means is designed as a latch, the at least one latching projection arranged on the connecting means 9.1 and at least one on the light shaft 3 arranged with the locking projection 9.1 interacting locking groove 9.2 having.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connecting element can be used 8th a non-positive fastening means 10 for frictional connection of the diffusion film 2 with the light shaft 3 have, wherein the fastening means at least one on the connecting element 8th arranged displacement rib 10.1 and at least one on the light shaft 3 arranged, with the displacement rib 10.1 cooperating clamping groove 10.2 has, as shown in particular in 3 is shown.

The scatter film 2 has at least one first passage area 2.1 on that from which the first exit surface 6.1 of the light shaft 3 outgoing light is illuminated. In addition, the scatter film 2 at least one second passage area 2.2 on that from the second exit surface 6.2 of the light shaft 3 outgoing light is illuminated. For example, between the first passage area 2.1 and the second passage area 2.2 extends a slot 11 for optically separating the first passage area 2.1 from the second passage area 2.2 in the litter 2 , in such a way that outshining of light between the first exit surface 6.1 and the second exit surface 6.2 by means of the slot 11 is at least significantly reduced or completely prevented.

The light shaft 3 It also includes a protruding one that extends into the slot 11 extending rib 12 for optically separating the from the first exit surface 6.1 emerging light and from the second exit surface 6.2 exiting light, in such a way that over-radiation between the first passage area 2.1 and the second passage area 2.2 by means of the protruding rib 12 is at least significantly reduced or completely prevented.

List of reference symbols

1

Display means

2

Scatter foil

2.1

First passage area

2.2

Second passage area

3

Light shaft

4.1

First entry surface

4.2

Second entrance area

5.1

First chamber

5.2

Second chamber

6.1

First exit surface

6.2

Second exit area

7th

Chamber side wall

8th

Connecting element

8.1

Frame element

9

form-fitting fastening means

9.1

Locking projection

9.2

Locking groove

10

non-positive fastening means

10.1

Displacement rib

10.2

Clamping groove

11

slot

12

protruding rib

13

Circuit board

14th

Bulbs

15th

Control panel

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102015201427 A1 [0002]
• EP 3280053 A2 [0003]
• EP 2936684 B1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Display means for a household appliance, comprising a scattering film (2) for generating diffuse light by means of optical scattering and a light shaft (3) with at least one first entry surface (4.1) for irradiating light into a first chamber (5.1) of the light shaft (3) and a first exit surface (6.1) for radiating the light emerging from the first chamber (5.1) onto the scattering film (2), with at least one second entry surface (4.2) for radiating light into a second chamber (5.2) of the light shaft (3) and a second exit surface (6.2) for radiating the light emerging from the second chamber (5.2) onto the scattering film (2), and with at least one chamber side wall (7) optically separating the first chamber (5.1) from the second chamber (5.2) by at least one connecting element (8) molded onto the diffusion film (2), by means of which the diffusion film (2) with the light shaft (3) the at least one first exit surface (6.1) and the few At least one second exit surface (6.2) is connected to cover it. Display means after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one connecting element (8) is designed as a frame element (8.1) which surrounds the first exit surface (6.1) and / or the second exit surface (6.2). Display means after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one connecting element (8) is molded onto the scattering film (2) by injection molding in an in-mold labeling process. Display means after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one connecting element (8) is molded onto the scattering film (2) by injection molding in an in-mold decoration process. Display means according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that the at least one connecting element (8) has a fastening means (9) for the form-fitting connection of the scattering film (2) to the light shaft (3), the fastening means being designed as a latching mechanism which has at least one latching projection ( 9.1) and has at least one locking groove (9.2) arranged on the light shaft (3) and cooperating with the locking projection (9.1), or at least one locking groove arranged on the connecting means and at least one locking projection arranged on the light shaft (3) cooperating with the locking groove . Display means according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the at least one connecting element (8) has a fastening means (10) for frictional connection of the scattering film (2) to the light shaft (3), the fastening means having at least one displacement rib (10.1) and arranged on the connecting element (8) has at least one clamping groove (10.2) arranged on the light shaft (3) and interacting with the displacement rib (10.1), or at least one clamping groove arranged on the connecting element (8) and at least one displacement rib arranged on the light shaft (3) cooperating with the clamping groove having. Display means according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , characterized in that the scattering film (2) has at least one first passage area (2.1) which is irradiated by the light emerging from the first exit area (6.1) of the light shaft (3) and has at least one second passage area (2.2) which is exposed by the light emerging from the second exit surface (6.2) of the light shaft (3) is irradiated, and between the first passage surface (2.1) and the second passage surface (2.2) there is a slot (11) for optically separating the first passage surface (2.1) from the second passage area (2.2) in the diffusion film (2) extends in such a way that an outshining of light between the first exit area (6.1) and the second exit area (6.2) is at least significantly reduced or completely prevented by means of the slot (11). Display means after Claim 7 , characterized in that the light shaft (3) has a protruding rib (12) extending into the slot (11) for optically separating the light emerging from the first exit surface (6.1) and the light emerging from the second exit surface (6.2) , in such a way that irradiation between the first passage area (2.1) and the second passage area (2.2) is at least significantly reduced or completely prevented by means of the protruding rib (12). Display means according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the scattering film (2) is made essentially from thermoplastic material, in particular polycarbonate. Display means according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the scattering film (2) and the light shaft (3) have essentially the same material. Household appliance having a printed circuit board (13) with at least two lighting means (14) and a display means (1) assigned to the at least two lighting means (14) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 .

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