EP0940135A1 - Control and/or display unit for areas with relatively high temperature and/or humidity - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit has light output surfaces for display elements (5) for indicating actual and/or demand values of individual operating parameters and/or control elements (10) for altering and/or calling up the different values. The display and/or control elements are arranged in a first area with normal temperature and/or humidity conditions and the light emitted by the display elements is fed to a control and/or display panel (40) in a second area of relatively high temperature and/or humidity via light conductors (21-23).

Description

The invention relates to an operating and / or display unit for areas with proportion high temperature and / or humidity values, e.g. for sauna cabins, Steam baths or the like, as described in claim 1.

There are already various display devices for rooms in comparison to disproportionately high temperatures and / or humidity values compared to normal habitats known. In particular, those used in such premises Display devices formed by purely mechanical measuring devices. For example, in sauna cabins, steam baths or the like, mainly liquid thermometers to control the prevailing room temperature, mechanically built Hygrometer for monitoring the humidity values or hourglasses used to visualize the elapsed time. The disadvantage here is that these measuring instruments are relatively imprecise and sometimes also a certain one Require maintenance or handling effort.

The object of the present invention is to provide a display unit and, if applicable, to create a control unit combined with it, even in climatically difficult Areas can be used.

This object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1. Of the resulting from the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, surprising The advantage is that a highly reliable control and / or display unit is formed, even in extreme climatic conditions, in particular temperature and / or Humidity values works perfectly and maintenance-free. In addition, a high level of display accuracy is achieved because the acquisition of the respective Actual values of the system to be measured are carried out using electrotechnical components, which have a comparatively high reliability and dynamics, so that There are hardly any delays in the display of the actual values. Furthermore a user of the control and / or display unit are a wealth of control and / or Display options are opened, which means that he is always informed about the current values is and, if necessary, at any time a desired change of the target values can make without the mostly closed area of high temperature or to have to leave air humidity. Another advantage of the invention Training is that no components requiring maintenance are used and long-term, trouble-free operation with consistently high display accuracy and reliability is achieved. Due to the spatial and thus also thermal Decoupling of the display and / or operating area assigned to the user from the actual entry and / or exit point of signals, data or information can also use standard electrical or optoelectric components are used, due to the general suitability for use relatively cause low cost. Standard components can therefore be used in normally used in critical environments. Another advantage of the invention Training lies in the fact that this is always with existing ones Plants can be retrofitted. In addition, it is a comparatively modern one and comfortable operating and / or display means created by exchange fewer components opens up a wealth of design variants and thus a high number User acceptance has been reached.

A further development according to claim 2 is also advantageous, since this means distances in the area can easily be bridged by several centimeters and a reliable one Actuation of the controls is enabled.

An embodiment according to claim 3 is advantageous, since it makes the usual, at Electric actuators known operations are maintained and thus easy, immediate use of the control and / or display unit is achieved is.

The design according to claim 4 ensures that with a few controls a variety of switching or setting operations can be carried out and furthermore proven and inexpensive input elements for electronic controls continue to be used.

According to a preferred embodiment according to claim 5 is advantageous and way an inexpensive display system with standard available components created.

In the embodiment according to claim 6, it is advantageous that unbreakable and relatively inexpensive Light guide elements are used, being negligible due to the small transmission distances and the relatively high light intensities of the light sources Usual plastics can be used, the damping coefficient for Light is relatively high.

In the embodiment according to claim 7, it is advantageous that a compact, electrical Building unit is created, the general requirements and thus meets is inexpensive to manufacture.

The training according to claim 8 is a complete control system created with diverse input and output options.

A further development according to claim 9 also proves to be advantageous, since as a result Thermal decoupling of the operating and / or display area assigned to the user from the actual input and / or output position of signals or information is also improved. In addition, temperature compensation or a heat exchange via the control and / or display unit is negligibly small, so that e.g. Loss of heat in a sauna due to the control and / or display unit excluded are.

An embodiment according to claim 10 and / or 11 is advantageous because it is negligible small heat transfer surfaces are formed. It is also an advantage that the light-conducting elements by means of the insulating layer at least in their central area are supported and thus a high stability of the control and / or display unit is reached. In addition, there is a stable storage of the transmission organs achieved so that even when applying comparatively high forces a functional impairment is avoided.

A further development according to one or more of claims 12 is also advantageous to 14, as this results in the electrical components in the operating and / or End area of the operating and / or display unit facing away from the display surface is reliable are protected from moisture or gradual accumulation of liquid, whereby a short circuit in the electrical circuits is excluded.

However, an embodiment according to claim 15 is also advantageous, since it penetrates of liquids or water vapor in the interior of the control and / or display unit is excluded and thus a functional impairment or contamination the light guide is excluded.

According to an advantageous embodiment, as described in claim 16 due to the largely planar light emission surfaces on the side facing the user Control and / or display area achieved a good overall visual impression. About that In addition, the internal structure of the control and / or display unit with the light guide elements and possibly invisible with the insulating layers and the transmission elements be made so that the overall visual impression is further increased.

However, training according to claim 17 and / or 18 is also advantageous, since it does so the ease of use is significantly increased and the operating and / or display unit from operated by any user without the need for special knowledge can be.

A training according to claim 19 is also possible, since this is largely independent control and / or display module is created, which may be predefined Can have interfaces to peripheral control systems and due to stable design in a simple manner retrofitted to existing systems can be.

The configuration according to claim 20 makes it possible to superimpose a plurality of light signals excluded and there are sharply contoured luminous surfaces or luminous dots reached on the control and / or display surface.

However, an embodiment according to claim 21 is also possible, since this is advantageous Way the number of light guide elements can be significantly reduced and nevertheless clearly distinguishable, alphanumeric and / or graphic characters that for the user represent the respective information that can be output.

According to an embodiment, as described in claim 22, are advantageous and way a variety of functions independently of each other control or adjustable.

Finally, training as described in claim 23 is also advantageous, since this reduces the number of actuating and operating elements and only a few multifunctional input organs are present which make the clarity essential can increase.

The invention is described below with reference to that shown in the drawings Exemplary embodiments explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

Eine Ausbildungsvariante der erfindungsgemäßen Bedien- und/oder Anzeigeeinheit in perspektivischer, stark vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 2

die erfindungsgemäße Bedien- und/oder Anzeigeeinheit gemäß Fig. 1 in Seitenansicht, teilweise geschnitten und stark vereinfachter, schematische Darstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

A variant of the control and / or display unit according to the invention in a perspective, greatly simplified representation;

Fig. 2

the control and / or display unit according to FIG. 1 in side view, partially sectioned and greatly simplified, schematic representation.

In the introduction it should be noted that in the different representations the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols or the same component designations, the disclosures contained throughout the description transfer the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations can be. The location information selected in the description are also such as. top, bottom, side, etc. on the immediately described and illustrated Figure referenced and are to be transferred analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the shown and described embodiments for independent, inventive or represent solutions according to the invention.

1 and 2 show a possible embodiment of an operating and / or display unit 1 according to the invention. This control and / or display unit 1 is especially for use in rooms or areas with disproportionately high Temperature and / or humidity values designed. Such rooms or areas with widely differing compared to normal living or living spaces Climate values are especially in sauna cabins, steam baths or in industry, e.g. given in car washes, car washes, cooling systems or the like.

The electrical or electro-optical control and / or display unit according to the invention 1 has at least one first operating and / or display level 2 and at least another one arranged at a distance 3 from the first operating and / or display level 2 Operating and / or display level 4.

The operating and / or display levels spaced apart from each other over the distance 3 2, 4 are at least 2 areas with very different climatic conditions divided up.

In particular, the operating and / or display level 2 is assigned to an area in which prevailing climatic conditions that correspond to general habitats. The operating and / or display level 4 distant therefrom is in areas with climatic conditions unusual for people and electronic components, such as. arranged in areas with relatively high temperature and / or humidity values or exposed to such conditions. The operating and / or display level 4 can e.g. also within liquids, e.g. inside of with water filled swimming pool.

The operating and / or display level 2, in which for electrical or electro-optical Component permissible temperature and / or humidity values prevail, at least an optical display element 5 assigned. These display elements 5 are for converting electrical energy supplied into the human eye Trained light signals. Any display elements 5 can be used as display elements Optical visualization elements known in the art, such as e.g. LEDs 6 and / or seven-segment displays 7 and / or light bulbs 8 and / or also Liquid crystal displays (LCD displays) can be used. However, are preferred Several light emitting diodes 6 are provided, which are used to emit different light colors are trained.

Any display elements 5 used have at least one light exit surface 9, at which preferably visible light emerges for the human eye or is emitted.

The first operating and / or display level 2, which is in areas with, is preferred for electrical or optoelectric components unproblematic climate or Ambient conditions is arranged, at least one control element 10 assigned. A user of the control and / or display unit can use these control elements 10 1 Entries or changes can be made. In particular is it enables the user via the controls 10 in one with the control and / or Display unit 1 coupled, electrical control system 11 to intervene optionally or to influence this control system 11 if necessary. In particular is it via the control elements 10 to a user of the control and / or display unit 1 enables a large number of changes to be made in the sequence of the control system 11 and to change the display values on the display elements 5. That's the way it is via the control elements 10 e.g. possible, various actual and / or target values of the Output control system 11 and / or various actual and / or target values to redefine or define individual operating parameters of the control system 11. It is also possible to use the control elements 10 to control the sequence of the control system 11 or a corresponding regulatory system and to enter new default or target values.

The control elements 10 can thereby by electrically contacting or by any other contactless switching elements 12 can be formed. Prefers are the controls 10 by electrical switches and / or by electrical Push button 13 in a single or multi-stage version with rotary and / or pressure and / or Train actuation or the like. Formed.

Of course, it is also possible to replace the electrical operating elements 10 contactless switching elements 12, e.g. capacitive sensor elements, inductive Sensor elements and / or optoelectronic switching elements, e.g. Light barriers to be provided for entering certain states or values.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the control system 11 is decentralized arranged to the operating and / or display unit 1 and preferably with this at least a cable 14 for the transmission of electrical signals. Of course it is also possible, instead of the electrical line connection, between the control and / or display unit 1 and the control system an optical Line connection, e.g. to manufacture via fiber optic cable.

The control system 11 has at least one control and / or evaluation device 15, e.g. through electrical components of digital technology, e.g. by a microprocessor or also by analog circuits, e.g. Comparator, Threshold switch or Schmitt trigger and / or amplifier stages and the like can be.

The control and / or evaluation device 15 of the control system 11 is preferred with at least one sensor 16, 17 for detecting the instantaneous values of individual ones Operating parameters of the system wired. The sensors 16, 17 can doing e.g. through temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air pressure sensors, Threshold switch or other input units, such as a keyboard be educated. The control and / or evaluation device 15 is also preferably at least an actuator 18, 19 line-connected. These actuators 18, 19 can e.g. be formed by pumps, heating elements, blowers or the like. The control and / or Evaluation device 15, the actuators 18, 19 preferably with the interposition circuit breakers, e.g. Controlled relays or contactors.

The control system 11 thus consists of a plurality of sensors 16, 17 and Actuators 18, 19 which are operatively connected to the control and / or evaluation device 15 stand, so that a control and / or regulating circuit is created, which to controlling system, e.g. a sauna cabin through continuous monitoring of the actual values in relation to the specified target values.

Of course, it is instead of the decentralized structure of the Control system 11 also possible, at least the control and / or evaluation device 15 directly to the control and / or display unit 1 and this, in particular to be arranged in the area of operating and / or display level 2.

The electrical, optoelectric arranged in the first operating and / or display level 2 or electro-optical components are preferred on at least one Arranged component board 20, which is fixed on the control and / or display unit 1, is mounted in particular on this.

This component board provides the electrical line connections in a manner known per se between the individual components and the control and / or evaluation device 15 and positions and supports the electrical or electro-optical at the same time Components. On the component board 20, e.g. also a power supply device for the display elements 5, which are at least the Display elements 5 supplied on the output side with the correspondingly required energy and preferably connected on the input side to the public power supply network is. Of course, it is also possible to change the driver levels for the Arrange display elements 5 and / or the power supply device decentrally and e.g. to set up a corresponding supply line via the cable 14.

The control and / or display unit 1 also has at least one light guide element 21 to 23 on that emitted at the light exit surfaces 9 of the display elements 5 Light in the area of the further operating and / or display level 4, in which Compared to the first area, the climatic and environmental conditions are very different prevail, leads. The light guide elements 21 to 23 can formed by all light-guiding materials known from the prior art be. However, the light guide elements 21 to 23 are preferably made of light guide Plastic, made of glass or fiber optic cables. Those are preferred Light guide elements 21 to 23 but by at least one profile-like light guide rod 24 to 26 made of light-conducting material. The light-guiding or translucent Material of the light guide elements 21 to 23 is preferably by means of an injection molding process shaped to the light guide rods 24 to 26.

The light guide elements 21 to 23 each form at least one light entry surface at the ends 27 and at least one light exit surface 28. The cross-sectional shape corresponds to the light guide elements 21 in the area of the light exit surface 28 preferably the shape of the desired display symbol or the shape of the desired one Character or a portion of letters or numbers. The cross-sectional shape of the light guide elements 21 to 23 in the area of the light entry surface 27 can be compared to the cross-sectional shape of the light guide elements 21 to 23 in the area the light exit surface 28 can be designed differently. So it is e.g. possible, the light guide elements 21 to 23 in the area of the light entry surface 27 with circular Cross section and in the area of the light exit surface 28 with a rectangular shape Form cross-section.

The display elements 5 formed by a plurality of light sources 29 to 31 radiate it Light at an angle, preferably approximately at right angles to the first operating and / or display level 2 or to the component board 20. The light sources forming the display elements 5 29 to 31 are e.g. by light emitting diodes 6 of conventional construction or by surface-mounted LEDs 6 (SMD LEDs) formed. The light sources 29 to 31 can be in the form of a number or the number to be displayed Letters be arranged on the component board 20. Instead of arranging individual ones Light sources 29 to 31, it is also possible to combine them into one structural unit Light sources such as Seven segment displays 7 for number display or also Use multi-segment displays to display letters. Is preferred each individual light source 29 to 31 of the display elements 5 has its own light guide element 21 to 23 assigned. The light entry surface 27 of each light guide element 21 to 23 is approximately parallel to the light exit surfaces 9 of the light sources 29 to 31 arranged so that the light emitted by the light sources 29 to 31 in Angle, preferably at right angles, to the light entry surfaces 27 into the respectively assigned one Light guiding element 21 to 23 enters and inside the corresponding light guiding element 21 to 23 is directed to the light exit surface 28.

The end faces 32 of the light guiding elements forming the light entry surface 27 are preferred 21 to 23 at a slight distance 33 from the light exit surfaces 9 arranged on the light sources 29 to 31. The spaced apart formation of the Light entry surfaces 27 of the light guide elements 21 to 23 to the light exit surfaces 9 the light sources 29 to 31 favor the entry of light into the light guide elements 21 to 23.

Of course, however, it is also possible for the ends 32 of the light guide elements 21 to 23 sit directly on the light exit surfaces 9 of the light sources 29 to 31 leave or arrange in direct contact with each other. The light exit surfaces 28 of each individual light-guiding element 21 to 23 are arranged in the area of the further operating and / or display level 4, which is used by a user of the operating and / or Display unit 1 is clearly visible. Those forming the light exit surface 28 Front ends 34 of the light guide elements 21 to 23 can be operated and / or Display unit 1 arranged cantilevered or via holding members 35 in Area of the operating and / or display level 5 to be supported.

The holding member 35 can by a space between the light guide elements 21 to 23 corresponding, lattice-like support member or by projections 36 or depressions 37 arranged in the area of the operating and / or display level 4 Cover plate 38 of the control and / or display unit 1 may be formed. The Cover plate 38, on which the front ends 34 of the light guide elements 21 to 23 are preferred fit without play, is preferably made of plastic material through a transparent plate educated. Provided that the end ends 34 of the light guide elements 21 to 23 are supported Support member 39 - as shown in dashed lines - arranged which is penetrated by the light guide elements 21 to 23, this can Support member 39 also through opaque materials, such as made of opaque plastic, be formed by wood, hard paper or Pertinax or the like.

The cover plate 38 with the cross section of the light guide elements 21 to 23 corresponding Position recesses 37 or with the detent-like projections 36 the light guide elements 21 to 23 at the intended position, so that at Vibrations, a deviation or a breaking off of the light guide elements 21 to 23 is excluded.

To scatter the light emerging from the light guide elements 21 to 23 can avoid the light guide elements 21 to 23, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 2 is the cover plate 38, which can also serve as a support member 39 at the same time, fully enforce and preferably flush with the user Complete the facing flat side of the cover plate 38.

In the area of the operating and / or display level 4 there is one facing the user Operating and / or display surface 40 is formed, which can be viewed directly by the user and the atypical climatic conditions, e.g. high temperatures and / or high Humidity levels is exposed.

If the light-guiding elements 21 to 23 pass through the cover plate 38, then the A cover film 41 is provided on the flat side of the cover plate 38 facing the operator, which forms the operating and / or display surface 40.

The cover film 41 is through a liquid-tight and / or gas-tight film formed, at least in the areas assigned to the light guide elements 21 to 23 is transparent, so that the light guide elements 21 to 23 at the ends 32 emitted light perceptible through the transparent areas of the cover sheet 41 is. The shape of the transparent, window-like regions of the cover film 41 also enables the formation of graphic light points, e.g. the representation of Illuminated dots, illuminated triangles or other illuminated symbols.

The cover film 41 can also have labels and / or symbols to explain the have options available to the user. Furthermore can the symbolic representations or the plain text representations on the cover film 41 for user guidance and / or for explaining the functions and / or for Identify operating and / or display areas.

The control and / or display surface 40 can be spatially curved as desired, so that an attractive design and / or ergonomic operation as well a wide viewing area is made possible.

The actuation of the controls 10, e.g. through conventional electrical switching elements 12 or also by changeable electrical resistances, e.g. Potentiometer or trimmers can be formed by means of at least one mechanical Transmission organ 42, 43 take place. These are assigned to the control elements 10 mechanical transmission members 42, 43 are for transmitting movements between the operating and / or display level 4 and the operating and / or display level 2 trained. In particular, the transmission members 42, 43 are for transmission of translatory and / or rotary movements and are therefore preferably formed by rod-like actuating elements 44, 45. The transmission organs 42, 43 or actuating elements 44, 45 are therefore essentially for this pressure and / or tensile and / or torsion resistant and can be achieved with simple rods be made of plastic or other materials.

The end of the transmission elements 42, 43 facing the control elements 10 is present preferably connected to the actuators of the controls 10. Prefers is - as can be seen in particular from FIG. 2 - that of the respective control element 10 facing end of the respective transmission member 42, 43 positively connected to the respective switching element of the control element 10, so that a transmission of compressive forces and / or tensile forces and / or rotational forces on the control element 10 is possible. The positive connection between the controls 10 and the transmission members 42, 43 can by an optionally detachable or also be formed non-detachable locking connection. For this connection, the Switching elements of the controls 10 and the associated ends of the transmission elements 42, 43 mutually corresponding depressions 46 and / or elevations 47 and / or have mutually lockable incisions. The form-fitting Connection between the transmission elements 42, 43 and the control elements 10 is designed such that unintentional loosening of the connected Parts is excluded.

The transmission elements 42, 43 protrude slightly above that facing the user Operating and / or display surface 40, so that it is easier for the user Applying the translational and / or rotational forces for a change and / or for a selective call of target and / or actual values of the control system 11 is made possible. The transmission members 42, 43 preferably protrude at a distance 48 above the control and / or display surface 40.

The cover film 41 has in the assigned to the transmission members 42, 43 Spaces bulges 49, so that the control and / or display unit. 1 remains liquid or gas tight and the presence of an actuator 44, 45 is identified. The control and / or display surface 40 with several bulges 49 on the surface and with several transparent areas is therefore in the manner of a membrane keyboard with spatial deformations on the surface trained to highlight actuators and / or controls.

The light guide elements 21 to 23 and / or the transmission elements 42, 43, the display elements 5 or light sources 29 to 31 and / or the operating elements 10 are in a receiving body 50 at least partially enclosing these parts. In at least one end region 51, preferably on an end boundary surface of the receiving body 50, the operating and / or display surface 40 is formed.

The receiving body 50 can be of any cross-section through a hollow profile 52, e.g. circular or polygonal cross section. The receiving body 50 or the hollow profile 52 is preferably characterized by a thin-walled profile Relatively low thermal conductivity materials such as made of plastic, hard paper, Wood or the like. The cover film 41 and / or the cover plate 38 in close the operating and / or display area assigned to the user the receiving body 50 largely liquid and / or gas-tight, so that penetration is prevented by water vapor, water or the like.

Furthermore, preference is given to the operating and / or display level 2 and the operating and / or Display level 4 at least one thermal insulation layer 53 within the Receiving body 50 of the control and / or display unit 1 arranged. This thermal Insulating layer 53 can thereby be caused by any good thermal insulation Materials such as by mineral wool, polystyrene, wood, hard paper or the like be educated. The insulating layer 53 in particular avoids temperature compensation or a heat transfer between the operating and / or display level 2 and Operating and / or display level 4. In particular, this insulating layer 53 prevents that temperature compensation between the individual operating and / or display levels 2 and 4 takes place and thus e.g. a heat loss via the control and / or Display unit 1 largely avoided when used in a sauna room is. In addition, the insulating layer 53 protects the electrical or electro-optical Components in the area of operating and / or display level 2 in front of the areas with ambient and temperature conditions critical for electrical components.

Enforce the light guide elements 21 to 23 and / or the transmission elements 42, 43 the insulating layer 53 by means of a plurality of openings 54, 55.

An opening width of the openings 54, 55 corresponds essentially to that Cross section of the light guide element 21 to 23 to be passed and / or the one to be passed Actuator 44, 45. The cross-sectional dimensions of the Breakthroughs 54, 55 thus essentially correspond to the cross-sectional dimensions the light guide elements 21 to 23 and / or the cross-sectional dimensions of the transmission members 42, 43, so that on the one hand temperature compensation via these breakthroughs 54, 55 is largely avoided and on the other hand the light guide elements 21 to 23 and / or the transmission members 42, 43 guided and supported essentially without play are.

The materials of the light guide elements 21 to 23 or of the transmission elements 42, 43 naturally have a very low thermal conductivity and their cross-sectional areas can be dimensioned very small, so that hardly any heat transfer into the Area of electrical components occurs.

Furthermore, it is possible to use at least one substantially parallel to the operating and / or Display levels 2, 4 extending side of the insulating layer 53 a steam and / or Provide moisture barrier 56. This vapor and / or moisture barrier 56 is preferred here by a water-impermeable, film-like layer 57 educated. The vapor and / or moisture barrier 56 can with the thermal Insulation layer 53 be non-positively connected. The vapor and / or moisture barrier 56 can also through a layer 57 of wax-soaked paper and / or be formed by other water vapor and water impermeable layers 57.

Each individual light source 29 to 31 of the display elements 5 is preferably its own Assigned light guide element 21 to 23. Of course, it is also possible to assign a single light guide element 21 to 23 to a plurality of light sources 29 to 31. This is possible in particular if only one of the light sources 29 to 31, which is assigned a common light guide element 21 to 23 is activated, so that the formation of mixed light is prevented. Of course it is also possible To use light sources 29 to 31 for emitting light of different wavelengths, so that a simultaneous transmission of several light signals is possible is without such a strong superimposition occurring that the two light signals no longer distinguishes.

Each control element 10 is preferably assigned its own transmission element 42, 43, so that the individual controls 10 are operated independently can. Of course, however, it is also possible to have multiple control elements 10 assign a combined transmission element 42, 43 with which several control elements 10 can be operated optionally or in combination.

Of course it is instead of the mechanically operated controls 10 also possible, contactless operating controls 10, such as inductive, optical and / or to provide capacitive control elements 10 or sensor elements. Especially it is possible to use electro-optical control elements 10 in the area of control and / or Arrange display level 2, which is used to emit visible or invisible light, in particular infrared light, are also formed. That of the light emitted by electro-optical control elements 10 is preferably via a Light guide in the area of the operating and / or display level 4 directed.

Now touches the operator of the control and / or display unit 1 that the electro-optical Control element 10 assigned light-guiding element, so a reflection of the emitted light beam back to the control element 10 are effected. This change of the conditions, in particular the reflection conditions, can be via a photosensitive Element detected and evaluated as a desired change in state.

In addition, it is also possible to at least one electro-optical control element 10 assign two independent light guides, with one light guide continuously emitted light in the area of the operating and / or display level 4 is. An operator then preferably actuates a switching element on the finger Light guide, so a deflection of the emitted light signal in at least one further light guides. The emitted light signal is thus the electro-optical control element 10 and can be used as a switch or Button actuation can be evaluated. Accordingly, it is possible to use electro-optical Actuating element 10 according to the light barrier principle and / or electro-optical Arrange controls 10 according to the principle of reflection in order to change To be able to make setpoints and / or actual values in the control system 11 or individual values Functions.

Furthermore, it is possible - as shown in particular in FIG. 2 - on the operating and / or Display unit 1 in the area of the operating and / or display level 2 on the of Display elements 5 also face away from the operating and / or display level 4 for an alphanumeric and / or graphic display and / or control elements 10 or at least to arrange actuating elements 44. These display elements 5 and Operating elements 10 can also be arranged on the component board 20, in particular be soldered, or assigned to an independent component board be. These display elements 5 emit their light into one from the center area the direction facing away from the operating and / or display unit 1. Also enable the further actuating elements 44 operate the already existing Operating elements 10 or, if appropriate, a further operating element 10 arranged in the area of the front end 32 of the control and / or display unit 1. The arrangement of this additional display elements 5 and / or control elements 10 thus also possible an insight into the display values or an actuation of the operating elements 10 in the area of the front end 32, the general temperature and / or humidity values is exposed.

The control and / or display unit 1 is designed such that e.g. the Walls of rooms with very different climatic conditions can be penetrated. So it is e.g. possible, both on the inside of a sauna cabin or one Steam bath system as well as on the outside of it a highly precise display for the Realize user important or informative values or states of the system. At the same time, it is with the control and / or display unit according to the invention possibly possible to make changes or adjustments to the system. The operation inside the sauna cabin or inside the steam bath system absolutely harmless. The control and / or display unit 1 according to the invention enables So an absolutely safe use in damp rooms without it there is a risk of electric shock and in particular has a sufficiently high level Protection class or insulation class.

The control and / or display unit 1 can have several display and / or control areas for several display values, e.g. the current temperature, humidity, Have dwell time or the like. Of course it is also possible - as shown in particular in Fig. 1 - to realize a multi-function display which individual display and / or setting values selectively output and / or entered and the respective system parameters by separate light displays to be shown with plain text or in symbols.

The control and / or display unit 1 is preferably designed such that it at least protrudes through walls between rooms of very different climates, so that the operating and / or display level 2 the room with ordinary climatic conditions and the control and / or display level 4 with the control and / or display surface 40 the further room, in particular the interior of a sauna cabin or is assigned to a steam bath system and thus within the sauna cabin or Steam bath system is visible.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for better understanding the structure of the control and / or display unit these or their components partially shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The task underlying the independent, inventive solutions can Description can be taken.

Above all, the individual versions shown in FIGS. 1, 2 can be the subject form independent, inventive solutions. The related, Tasks and solutions according to the invention are the detailed descriptions of these Figures can be seen.

List of reference symbols

1

Operating and / or display unit

2nd

Operating and / or display level

3rd

distance

4th

Operating and / or display level

5

Display element

6

led

7

Seven segment display

8th

Light bulb

9

Light exit surface

10th

Control element

11

Control system

12th

Switching element

13

Button

14

electric wire

15

Control and / or evaluation device

16

sensor

17th

sensor

18th

Actuator

19th

Actuator

20th

Component board

21

Light guiding element

22

Light guiding element

23

Light guiding element

24th

Light guide rod

25th

Light guide rod

26

Light guide rod

27

Light entry surface

28

Light exit surface

29

Light source

30th

Light source

31

Light source

32

Forehead

33

distance

34

Forehead

35

Holding member

36

head Start

37

deepening

38

Cover plate

39

Supporting body

40

Control and / or display area

41

Cover film

42

Organ of transmission

43

Organ of transmission

44

Actuator

45

Actuator

46

deepening

47

Survey

48

distance

49

Bulge

50

Receiving body

51

End area

52

Hollow profile

53

Insulating layer

54

breakthrough

55

breakthrough

56

Vapor and / or moisture barrier

57

layer

Claims (23)

Operating and / or display unit for areas with a relatively high temperature and / or humidity, e.g. for sauna cabins, steam baths or the like with light-emitting surfaces display elements for the display of actual and / or Target values of individual operating parameters and / or with controls to change and / or call up the various actual and / or target values, characterized in that the display elements (5) and / or the operating elements (10) in a first area with usual temperature and / or humidity conditions are arranged and that that of the display elements (5) emitted light via light guide elements (21 to 23) to an operating and / or Display area (40) in a second area compared to the first area relatively high temperature and / or humidity values is performed. Operating and / or display unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control elements (10) starting from the control and / or display surface (40) can be actuated by means of mechanical transmission elements (42, 43). Operating and / or display unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the transmission members (42, 43) by with the controls (10) in Mechanical actuating elements (44, 45) which are connected to movement are formed are. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the control elements (10) by electrical Switching elements (12) and / or by push buttons (13) with rotary and / or pressure and / or Train actuation are formed. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the display elements (5) several selectively comprise activatable light sources (29 to 31) and by light emitting diodes (6) and / or seven-segment displays (7) and / or light bulbs (8) and / or LCD displays are formed. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the light guide elements (21 to 23) light-conducting plastic are formed. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the operating and / or display elements (10, 5) arranged on a component board (20) assigned to the first region are. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the operating and / or display elements (10, 5) with a control and / or evaluation device (15) line-connected are. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that between that assigned to the second area Operating and / or display area (40) and the area assigned to the first area Operating and / or display elements (10, 5) at least one thermal Insulating layer (53) is arranged. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the light guide elements (21 to 23) and / or the transmission elements (42, 43) penetrate the insulating layer (53). Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the insulating layer (53) openings (55) for holding the light guide elements (21 to 23) and / or openings (54) for Guide the transmission members (42, 43). Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that between that assigned to the first area Operating and / or display level (2) and that assigned to the second area Operating and / or display level (4) with that assigned to a user Operating and / or display area (40) at least one vapor and / or moisture barrier (56) is arranged. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the vapor and / or moisture barrier (56) formed by a liquid- and / or gas-tight, film-like layer (57) is. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the vapor and / or moisture barrier (56) is connected to the thermal insulating layer (53). Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the operating and / or display surface (40) has a liquid- and / or gas-tight cover film (41). Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cover film (41) at least in the areas assigned to the light guide elements (21 to 23) are transparent or translucent is trained. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cover film (41) at least in the areas associated with the transmission organs (42, 43) (49), e.g. Has elevations or depressions. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cover film (41) is labeled and / or symbols for user guidance, explanation and / or identification of operating and / or display areas. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the light guide elements (21 to 23) and / or the transmission elements (42, 43), the light sources (29 to 31) and / or control elements (10) are held in a receiving body (50) and in at least the operating and / or display surface (40) is formed in an end region (51). Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that each independently controllable light source (29 to 31) each has its own light guide element (21 to 23). Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a plurality of light sources (29 to 31) Light guide element (21 to 23) is assigned. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that each control element (10) has its own Transmission organ (42, 43) is assigned. Operating and / or display unit according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that several operating elements (10) are combined Transmission organ (42, 43) is assigned.

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