EP1787393A1

EP1787393A1 - Method for optically marking a contact switch, and such a contact switch

Info

Publication number: EP1787393A1
Application number: EP05795602A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dr. Ralf Dorwarth; Wilfried Schilling
Original assignee: EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Current assignee: EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Priority date: 2004-09-09
Filing date: 2005-09-09
Publication date: 2007-05-23
Also published as: US7525063B2; WO2006027259A1; US20070144874A1; DE102004044355A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a contact switch (11), especially an elongate contact switch with several partial contact areas (17), comprising associated illumination means (21) for indicating the actuation mode and advantageously also the actuation point (16'') to an operator in order to increase operational safety. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the illumination means (21) are directly associated with individual partial contact areas (17) or can indicate, in a manner that is approximately true to the real position, the progress of movements for operating the contact switch by applying a finger (26) and pulling the same along a contact area (12). Moreover, above all maloperations can be indicated.

Description

description

Method for optically identifying a touch contact switch and such a touch switch

Field of application and state of the art

The invention relates to a method for optical identification of a touch switch or its operating state by a light source and such a touch switch.

EP 859 467 A1 describes a capacitive touch switch which is arranged under a glass ceramic hob for its operation. The sensor surface of the touch switch is formed by an elastic plastic body that is electrically conductive and is applied to the underside of the glass-ceramic cooktop. In a central recess sits a light source, with which the place can be marked to who the touch switch or the sensor element is attached an¬. This is the place where a finger must be placed to operate.

DE 102 51 639 A1 and DE 10 2004 038 872 describe touch switches in which one or more sensor elements lie directly against one another and are of elongated design. Thus, for example, for a functional unit of an electrical appliance, in particular a hotplate of a hob, different power levels can be set and, in particular, increased or reduced. Furthermore, setting operations such as time specifications or weight specifications or the like can be performed. Thus, in particular not only pure ON / OFF switching processes are triggered with such a "slider", but above all an adjustment of a value. Such touch switches have various operating states. Either they are not operated. Will an operator make an operation, so she puts, for example, a finger on a corresponding Berühroberfläche. Either it is done in accordance with the regulations, ie correctly, so that it is clearly recognized as the intended correct operation. The corresponding function is triggered by the touch switch. Or the operation was faulty, for example, at the edge of a corresponding Berühroberfläche or the like. Then the touch switch registers something, but this is not correct or correct. This is detected and evaluated as incorrectly operated and the corresponding function is not triggered by the touch switch.

Task and solution

The invention has for its object to provide an aforementioned Ver¬ drive and a touch switch schaf¬ fen mentioned above, with which the problems of the prior art can wer¬ avoided and in particular the operating safety by easy and instinctively detectable detection of the operating state of Berüh ¬ tion switch and thus an electrical appliance can be improved.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a touch switch with the features of claim 10. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the further claims and are explained in more detail in the fol¬. The wording of the claims is made the subject matter of the description by express reference. Features which describe the method and the touch switch are described below only once. They should, however, be independent thereof, both for the method and the touch switch.

The touch switch has a contact surface for actuation, which can be elongated and, in particular, formed by one or more individual or partial contact sensors. The actuation states "not actuated", "incorrectly actuated" and "correctly actuated" exist for the touch contact switch, which can depend, for example, on whether a signal change is correct or expected or strong enough In this way, not only the location of the touch switch for an operator can be shown on the one hand, but also, for example, whether the touch switch can even respond or Furthermore, it is possible, for example, to activate the lighting means by actuating the touch switch in order to output this operation as an immediately detectable feedback to an operator Here, there is a possibility to switch it on directly after it has been switched off beforehand were, Dadurc h recognizes an operator that the Be¬ rührungsschalter or the associated electrical device or a control has responded to the hanging up of a finger or the operation and this incidentally is also in accordance with regulations as "correctly operated". Furthermore, after completion of the operation with "not actuated", in particular if a finger is removed again from the contact surface, the lighting means are switched off for the corresponding information to an operator.

Instead of simply switching the lighting means on and off, provision can also be made for changing the light intensities or a color. It is also possible to switch between continuous operation and flashing, or flashing the frequencies to change. Thus, many different types are given in each case to inform an operator of the Betä¬ tigungszustand by the activation state of the lamps. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to give acoustic signals. As light bulbs, LEDs are particularly good.

In a simple version, it is also possible that the lamps are always activated or deactivated in the same way regardless of the type of operation. As a result, for example, only the position of the touch switch can be displayed.

A change of the state or the mode of operation of the lighting means can advantageously also depend on whether the operation is permitted or provided or whether it is correctly operated or is operated incorrectly. Thus, an operator knows when the actuation process was not in order or had to be repeated.

Furthermore, it is possible to subdivide the touch switch or the touch sensor into different areas, that is to say partial areas or partial contact areas. Such a subdivision of the contact switch, in which the subregions directly adjoin one another, makes it possible to realize the aforementioned "slider function." Deactivation or activation of the illuminant depends advantageously on the position at which a finger grips the finger If different light sources are directly assigned to the partial areas, then at least these can change state. The remaining light sources can remain unchanged, for example, it is alternatively possible, according to Art a progress bar or the like already illuminated sub-areas to illuminate, not swept sub-areas, however, not. In one embodiment of the invention, it is possible to arrange the bulbs in¬ nerhalb the surface of the sub-areas. For this they can have corresponding recesses. The partial regions or the regions of a touch sensor that form these may be metallic or consist of a thin metal layer. Through the recesses, bulbs arranged underneath can radiate upward. The recesses may be distributed or even form a continuous slot.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bulbs are eben¬ if provided within the surface of the sub-areas, however aller¬ recent the sub-areas or the areas of the contact surface are electrically conductive and translucent. For such light-permeable sensor surfaces, it is possible to use metal oxides such as zinc oxide or oxides of such a small thickness that they are transparent or translucent. Furthermore, corresponding electrically conductive and translucent polymers can be used.

Alternatively, the lighting means can be provided outside the partial regions, in particular on an outer boundary of the touch contact switch or the contact surface. For this purpose, they can be provided on one or two longitudinal sides so that they can indicate at which point of the contact surface there is a finger or the contact has been detected. Alternatively, the bulbs can frame the entire contact surface.

These and other features are apparent from the claims and from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features in each case alone or more in the form of Unter¬ combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other areas ren be realized and advantageous as well as protectable embodiments, for which protection claims here becomes. The subdivision of the application into individual sections as well as subheadings does not limit the statements made thereunder in their generality.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. In the drawings show:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a touch switch with a contact surface and a sub-sensor element arranged underneath,

FIG. 2 different possibilities for providing lighting means in the case of a touch switch according to FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the contact switch according to FIG. 2 in side view;

Figure 4 shows different operating states of the touch switch, which are displayed by different bulbs and

Figure 5 shows different operating states of a touch switch similar to Figure 2, in which by not intended operation, the lighting means are disabled.

Detailed description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a touch switch 11 which is provided on a surface or a cover 12, for example a housing of an electrical appliance or a glass-ceramic cooking plate of an electric hob. The touch switch 11 is represented by a boundary 14, for example as an optical marking in the form of a thin line printed rectangle on the Abde¬ cover 12. The touch switch 11 is further formed in particular as a so-called "slider", as previously described. This means that it is touched, for example, with a finger 26 at a position and actuation takes place by displacing the finger 26.

The touch switch 11 thus has sensor elements 16, which are formed by partial contact surfaces 17. These are relatively close together and make it possible to determine a position of actuation by a aufgeleg¬ th finger 26 on the surface of the touch switch 11. They can be formed, for example, by small metal surfaces, as well as by other electrically conductive materials. Furthermore, they can be provided as separate components or also form a common assembly. They can also be formed over the entire surface and at the same time translucent.

FIG. 2 shows that recesses 19 are provided in various configurations in the partial contact surfaces 17. On the far left, a recess 19a in the form of a circle is provided, which is arranged in the middle of the corresponding part-contact surface 17.

A little further to the right, two recesses 19b are arranged one above the other within a partial contact surface 17. Again, a piece to the right of a recess 19c is provided in slot shape. The slot 19c goes consistently through the part-contact surfaces 17. Right next to relatively large recesses 19d are provided. Here, it is already advantageous if the surfaces of the recesses 19d are coated either with a transparent electrically conductive layer or, for example, with a fine conductive grid or the like.

In the partial contact surface 17 on the far right at the touch switch 11, no recesses are provided. Here are the LED 21 top arranged halfway below the partial contact surface 17. This will be discussed in more detail below.

In the recesses 19a to 19c round LED 21 are each arranged as a light source. In particular, they essentially fill the recesses 19 or form the largest possible possible illumination. Furthermore, so-called luminescent surfaces 22 or similar flat luminous elements can be provided in the recesses 19d. These can also be LED components which, however, contain a plurality of LEDs in one housing or in other ways represent a relatively large-area illumination.

The various representations of recesses 19 and luminous means 21 and 22 from FIG. 2 are each by way of example and should be provided in a similar manner to the entire contact switch 11 with one of the illustrated embodiments. Thus, a uniform image is displayed for an operator, and the touch switch 11 is also particularly easy and safe to operate, in particular with regard to its functionality and feedback. Likewise, fault conditions of the actuation of the contact switch 11 can be represented, above all, by LEDs or other light sources arranged outside the touch switch 11. This will be explained in more detail below.

In the side view according to FIG. 3 it can be seen how the sensor elements 16 or the partial contact surfaces 17 rest against the underside of a cover 12, for example as a glass ceramic plate. LED 21 or other bulbs are either located at the edge outside or below. Alternatively, they can protrude into corresponding recesses 19. Instead of the aforementioned recesses 19, it is also possible to make the partial contact surfaces transparent, for example by light-transmitting metal oxide layers, in particular Zinc oxide or translucent electrically conductive polymers. In this case, the lighting means can be arranged under the partial contact surfaces. This is especially useful for the recesses 19d.

The touch switch 11 is formed as a capacitive touch switch Aus¬. For the operation, reference is made to the aforementioned DE 102 51 639 A1 and DE 10 2004 038 872 and their contents are hereby expressly incorporated into the content of the description.

function

FIG. 4 shows how a finger 26 is used to actuate the contact switch 11. Incidentally, this is also shown in simplified form by the dashed circles 26 ^' in the initial position and 26 ^" in an intermediate or end position, as soon as it is placed on the contact switch 11 in the correct manner as the correct actuation This can, for example, be carried out in such a way that illumination takes place around the touch switch 11, virtually as a frame outside or at the boundary 14. This indicates to an operator that, after correct placement The finger 26 can now be moved in the applied state, in particular pulled to the right, as illustrated by the movement arrow.) In the middle illustrated position of the finger 26 ^" , it is possible, for example, the entire partial contact surface 17, which corresponds to the position 26 ^" to illuminate. Such a position-bound illumination can be provided independently or alternatively to a frame-like illumination of the entire touch switch. Each of the positions 26 "on the touch switch 11 or the contact surface 12 is assigned to exactly one partial contact surface 17 and illuminates it accordingly. Instead of illuminating the entire partial contact surface 17, it is also possible for individual LEDs 21 inside or outside the boundary 14 to indicate this position in a precise manner. Illuminants or LEDs 21 lying to the left can either also light up, under certain circumstances also be weaker or flicker, in order to illustrate the route traveled so far. Alternatively, only at the location of the actuator 26 ^" itself may be provided an indicating lights.

On the far right in FIG. 4, it is shown how the location of an actuation 26 "is indicated by LED 21 arranged outside the boundary 14.

In Figure 5, various states of actuation or positions of the finger 26 are shown, which are not correct or incorrect. Thus, for example, starting from an initial contact point 26 ^{'on the} far left, which corresponds essentially to that in FIG. 4, the finger 26 has been moved to the right and at the same time outside the limit 14. While at first lighting of the touch switch was still displayed, the illumination is deactivated at the latest in the illustrated position of the finger 26 ^" , since there is an erroneous actuation there. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the fact that there are no luminous or radiant ones LED 21 or sons¬ term lighting means are shown.

Further faulty positions 26 ^"of a finger are shown on the right and bottom right of the touch switch 11. Here, the finger 26" projects beyond the boundary 14 outwards with its surface, in each case more than half, which causes the partial contact surfaces 17 or the Be touch switch 11 recognize as defective and evaluate. By deactivating the lighting means 21 an operator is indicated, that it has set the finger 26 outside the boundary 14 of the contact switch 11 or that there is an erroneous actuation.

Alternatively, such a faulty operation can also be represented by flashing already illuminating bulbs, which can be instinctively recognized as a fault or fault condition. Likewise, a color change take place, for example, the color red at a Fehlbetä¬ authorization, which can also be signaled clearly understandable. In addition, acoustic alarms or the like may indicate a misoperation.

In the context of the invention, other mixed possibilities of the above-described basic possibilities are conceivable, which are not listed here in full detail.

The basic idea of the invention lies in the fact that a touch switch, in particular an elongate touch switch with a plurality of partial contact surfaces, has associated lighting means in order to indicate to an operating person the operating state and advantageously also the actuating point. It is particularly advantageous if the lighting means are directly associated with individual partial contact surfaces or can indicate the movement progress for an operation of the touch switch by placing a finger on it and pulling it to a contact surface in approximately the same position. Furthermore, Fehlbetätigun¬ gene can be displayed when an operation is done incorrectly.

Claims

claims

1. A method for optical identification of a touch scarf ters (11), in particular a capacitive touch switch, under a cover (12), wherein the marking by illuminants (21, 22) and for the touch switch, the operating states "Not operated", "Faulty operated "and" Correctly actuated "exist, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) change their activation state when changing the operating state of the touch switch (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) with "correctly operated" operating the Berüh¬ ing switch (11) are activated, in particular from an OFF state to an ON state, and after completion of Actuation or removal of a finger (26) from the Berührungs¬ switch (11) are disabled, in particular change to the OFF state.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) are always activated and deactivated regardless of the type of operation in the same manner, wherein they are preferably activated and deactivated at always the same place.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) change state only in the case of a prescriptive actuation "Correctly actuated" of the touch switch (11), in particular during an actuation process "Faulty actuated accordingly does not change state.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) in a Betätigungs¬ process "incorrectly operated" change the state.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch switch (11) in different ne ne areas (16, 17) is divided or on a contact surface (12) at different positions of the touch triggers different functions, wherein an activation or deactivation of the lighting means (21, 22) or recognition and classification of the operating state from the position of contact of the contact surface (12) with a finger (26).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that meh¬ rere different illuminants (21, 22) are provided, in particular the different areas (16, 17) of the contact surface (12) are assigned and at the respective point of contact the For this point provided bulbs unlike the other is activated or deactivated.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) for activation with different activation states are formed, in particular with different light intensities or Hellig¬ speeds or by flashing with different frequencies or the like.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a touch switch (11) with meh¬ reren subdivisions (16, 17) within the surface of Berüh¬ tion switch the point of contact is indicated by opti- see marking, in particular by lighting up (21, 22).

10. Touch switch, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with optical lighting means (21, 22) which are associated with a contact surface (12) of Berüh¬ tion switch (11), wherein for the Berührungs¬ switch the actuation states "Not actuated", "Incorrect actuated" and "correctly actuated" exist, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) depending on the operating state of the touch switch (11) change their activation state or can be activated or deactivated.

1 1. A contact switch according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of directly adjacent or adjoining part-contact surfaces (16, 17), which are each case differently evaluated or give an un separable signal when actuated, thereby in that each partial contact surface is assigned its own luminous means (21, 22), which can be separately activated and deactivated depending on its actuation state.

12. Contact switch according to claim 11, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) are provided within the surface of the partial contact surfaces (17), wherein in particular the contact surface and the partial contact surfaces are provided by electrically conductive sensor surfaces (16 ) are formed and these have a recess (19) through which the bulbs (21, 22) can radiate upwards.

13. Contact switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the recesses (19) directly adjacent to each other are formed, preferably in the case of several adjoining partial contact surfaces (17) as a continuous slot (19c).

14. Contact switch according to claim 10, characterized in that the lighting means (21) surround the entire contact surface (14) in the manner of framing.

15. Contact switch according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the lighting means (21, 22) have LED.