CONTROL PANEL FOR A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE WITH AT LEAST ONE USER INTERFACE, HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE, AND M

专利摘要:
The invention relates to a control panel comprising at least one user interface (10) for a domestic appliance, preferably a cooking appliance, comprising: a preferably flat support (13) with an external support surface ( 13.1) facing an outer area (19); a preferably flat glass or glass-ceramic substrate (12) having an outer substrate surface (12.1) facing the outer region (19) and an opposite inner substrate surface (12.2) remote from the region outside (19) and facing the outer support surface (13.1); a display element (14) fixed to the support (13), preferably arranged on the outer support surface (13.1), for the light representation of information; and a sensor device having at least two sensors disposed on the inner substrate surface (12.2), each comprising at least one electrode (16.1, 16.2) and for interaction with a user in the outer region (19) .
公开号:FR3039634A1
申请号:FR1657237
申请日:2016-07-27
公开日:2017-02-03
发明作者:Anneline Gabriel；Franziska Back；Franziska Riethmuller；Thomas Zenker
申请人:Schott AG；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

The invention relates to a control panel for a home appliance, preferably a home appliance, and to a method for manufacturing a control panel with a user interface. cooking appliance. On the other hand, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the control panel with a user interface.
To operate electronic devices, the touch screen or touch screen is very popular, which is largely due to its ease of use that is offered by the control of the devices through swipe gestures with the finger and similar control modes. However, in the field of home appliances, including cooking appliances, the touch screen has so far struggled to impose. This is because, on one cooking appliance, the horizontal control surfaces are exposed to high temperatures and wetting liquids. On the other hand, the touch screen increases the cost of the home appliance.
EP 2472186 A2 discloses a hob device comprising a glass-ceramic unit which constitutes a hob. The hob device is equipped with a control unit which has a plurality of touch-sensitive touch zones with capacitive sensor elements sensitive to contact. Here, the touch zones can detect a sliding contact movement of the user that is performed substantially parallel to a lateral direction. DE 102005027199 A1 discloses, on the other hand, a vitroceramic hob which is associated with a tactile zone sensitive to touching, intended to detect a contact position, for example of a user's finger. From a succession in time of detected contact positions, it is possible to determine a motion characteristic which configures a control signal. These solutions make it possible to detect only movements in a previously defined direction; the detection of a movement made by the user in any direction is not provided.
DE 102010030315 A1 discloses a contact-sensitive input unit for a household appliance, for example a laundry treatment apparatus, a dishwasher or a cooking appliance. An input unit has an electrically insulating covering layer of glass or glass ceramic or is in the form of a flexible glass pane. To use the input unit, a user touches with his finger an outer face of the flexible glass pane or approaches it. However, this document does not provide for the detection of a movement made by the user, in particular in any direction.
US Pat. No. 7,821,502 B2 discloses a contact sensitive two-dimensional capacitive position sensor, wherein the position of a finger or a stylet on the sensor is detected. The detection area of the position sensor is transparent and can be arranged in front of a screen without disturbing the representation on the screen. However, this arrangement is relatively complex.
Document US 2008312857 discloses a dual electrode device which comprises a pcap sensor. On the other hand, there is known from Cypress Semiconductor's "AN64846 Getting Started with CapSense®" document, a "self capacitance" device comprising a single electrode sensor and a surrounding electrode surface as a protective grid, and WO12032432 and DE 102014219348 disclose surrounding electrode surfaces which are grounded. The object of the invention is to propose an economical and at the same time flexible user interface, which makes it possible to detect finger slip gestures, for example slippery movements on the surface of use or gestures close to the control surface. or to improve the noise immunity with regard to dirt or electromagnetic interference signals, and which is preferably adapted to a household appliance, for example a cooking appliance.
One aspect of the invention relates to a control panel comprising user interfaces for a home appliance, preferably a cooking appliance. A control panel comprising at least one or more user interfaces, preferably two, three or four user interfaces for a home appliance, preferably a cooking appliance, comprises: a support, preferably a flat surface, having a surface of outer support facing an outer area; a preferably planar substrate, preferably at least partially made of glass or glass-ceramic material, optionally made of plastics or laminates, having an outer substrate surface, facing the outer zone, and a opposite inner substrate surface, remote from the outer zone and facing the outer support surface; - a display element attached to the support, preferably disposed on the outer support surface, for the light representation of information; and a sensor device comprising at least two sensors arranged on the inner substrate surface, each comprising at least one electrode and intended to interact with a user located in the outer zone, knowing that sensors equipped with an electrode can also be arranged on at least one display element.
Where appropriate, a user interface or each of the user interfaces may comprise at least one display element or, preferably, two, three or four display elements, as well as sensors each having at least two electrodes. The display element may also be disposed on the inner substrate surface.
In order to establish electrically conductive links between contact points on the support and the electrodes or, in general, for electrically connecting the conductive structures of the substrate and the support, corresponding appropriate contact elements are provided. These can be configured in various ways, for example in the form of spring contacts, flexible plastics moldings, electrically conductive, electrically conductive collets or also in the form of wire bonds.
The substrate is transparent, at least in the region of the display elements, to the light radiated by the display element, so that the representation of the information by the display element is visible to a user through the substrate.
Preferably, the substrate is plane. According to another embodiment, the substrate may be curved, in particular also in the control zone.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a control panel for a home appliance, preferably a cooking appliance. The control panel includes at least one of the described user interfaces, preferably a plurality of user interfaces, as well as a command for the one or more user interfaces. The control can be installed on a board, as an electronic circuit, or in an integrated electronic chip and can be separated in the user interface space.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a domestic appliance, preferably a cooking appliance, comprising the control panel described above. The control panel may preferably be disposed in a cold zone of a cooking plane of the cooking appliance, away from the heating zones.
The layout of the different user interfaces in the control panel can be done in any way, and in a hob, it can be restricted only by the space available outside the heating zones. The touchscreen interfaces that were traditionally used until now in known embodiments and which, as a single user interface, reproduce, with a display unit and multiple sensors, all the control aspects of the display. cooking apparatus (possibly with the exception of the on-off switch), are generally limited to a form of rectangle, as regards their size. In contrast, the user interface device of the present invention can form any polygon and is limited only by the available space mentioned above and the dimensions of the cooking appliance.
The outer substrate surface, which faces the outer area and towards the user and can be touched by the user to control the home appliance, constitutes a control surface.
The support can be arranged on the one hand to carry or hold the display element and on the other hand as platinum for electronic components that are part of a control for the user interface or for example household device.
The electrodes are arranged with respect to the display element in such a way that the contact or the passage of a user's finger over the light zone of the display element makes it possible to detect spaced sensor signals, preferably neighbors. This makes it possible advantageously to control the home appliance by sliding movements, using the control panel.
The control of the user interface can be performed by contact with the interface or by sliding gestures in the near field of the control surface, for example at a distance of <50 mm, <30 mm or <10 mm. On the other hand, the signal identification can be set so that an approach in the proximity area can be distinguished from contact with the control surface. Thus, it is possible, for example during an approach, that the displays of a user interface or a group of interfaces light up more and / or be modified at the level of the color or that the representation of the information is modified to help in a more intuitive way to guide the user. During the contact, the actual control operation is performed. On the other hand, electrodes among the set of user interfaces, in particular in the edge area of the user interface device, can be operated by the control in such a way that with the succession of electrode signals over time a user approach or gesture control in a far-field, limited to a distance of <300 mm, <200 mm or <100 mm above the set or parts of the whole user interface device. This gesture control can be used especially for higher functions, for example a visual activation of the device when a user approaches, a fast cut, the selection of a cooking zone or for the start of a fume hood. suction connected to the cooking appliance. For better detection of the aforementioned gestures in the far field, it is possible to realize some electrodes with large areas to form a stand-alone sensor or be part of a sensor of at least one user interface.
For near-field and / or far-field detection, individual electrodes can also be interconnected in an interrogation sequence so that they represent a larger continuous electrode surface.
In a first particularly preferred embodiment, a sensor (hereinafter also referred to as a "dual electrode sensor") may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode which is separated laterally by a gap of the first electrode. A preferred configuration consists in placing on each display element at least two sensors or up to N sensors. A sensor of the user interface therefore comprises a first electrode and a second electrode spaced laterally by a gap of the first electrode. It is not necessary here to connect all the electrodes separately, but preferably several of the sensors and particularly advantageously each of the sensors of a user interface may comprise the same first electrode.
The first electrode may be disposed in an edge area of the display element or over the entire surface above the area of the display element or centrally above this area. The second electrode may be disposed in the edge area of the display element or outside thereof. All dual electrode sensors of a dual electrode device (sensor device with dual electrode sensors) may therefore have a common electrode which coincides with the first electrode. As a result, the dual electrode device has, on a display element, the structure of a 1: N matrix, a plurality of second electrodes facing the first electrode, and the first electrode being respectively separated by a gap. second electrodes. This means that the first electrode can be separated by this gap from a second electrode or from several or each of the second electrodes.
Position indications such as "outside of the display element", "edge area of the display element" or "laterally" are based on a view from above or from above, where "top" means a perspective in the outer zone, above the outer substrate surface, looking approximately perpendicular to the outer substrate surface.
A display element is preferably a component having a housing, wherein at least a portion of the upper face of the housing constitutes the light zone of the display element, in which information is represented in light surfaces. The luminous surfaces of a luminous area may represent subdivided, segmented or masked luminous symbols.
The first electrode of a dual electrode sensor may overlap in an overlap area with the display element, preferably with the light area of a display element, the overlap area being viewed in a viewable view. 'up. The overlap zone may be zero or greater than zero and in particular less than 80%, 50%, 30% or 10% of the surface of the display element, preferably of the luminous area of the element display. With a 0% overlap area, the first electrode is disposed outside of the display element, and at 100%, the first electrode covers the entire surface of the display element.
In case of overlap between the first electrode and the display element, the first electrode may be transparent or have an opening, so that the information shown in the display element is visible through the electrode. or the opening for a user in the outside area. The user interface is a combined I / O device. A sensor may interact with the display element in that the display element indicates user interaction with the sensor; for this purpose, the sensor may be electrically connected to the display element. The sensor and the display element may also be electrically connected to a control for the user interface or the home appliance. The display element of the user interface makes it possible to obtain an optical output intended for the user. The information can be made available to the display element, in the form of an analog or digital signal, by an outside area of the user interface, preferably by a user interface command. The dual electrode device further allows input of data or information; the fact that the user touches the substrate (or performs a control action in the near field immediately above the substrate), in a region of a dual electrode sensor, particularly in a region of the gap between the electrodes of the dual-electrode sensor, allows the dual-electrode sensor to generate a signal that the user interface preferably provides in the form of an analog or digital signal to a control of the user interface or the home appliance.
By graph theory, it is known that completely connected 2: N matrix structures can still be represented without intersections. This corresponds to bipartite graphs K2, n complete, with any N, as will be explained later in the exemplary embodiments. It is precisely these graphs which are still planar, that is to say that the structure of the electrodes, including their lines of supply and their contact surfaces with the control unit, are still without crossings in a plane, that is to say in a layer consisting of conductive planar elements. This plane can be a curved or non-curved surface. Bipartite graphs K.3, n complete, with N> 2, are no longer planar.
However, graphs Km, n, M, N> 2 can also be represented without intersection, if they are not complete. In graph theory, "complete" means that each node N is connected to each node M by an edge. Here, the first electrodes correspond to a first set of nodes, and the second electrodes to a second set of nodes of the bipartite graph. The interstices between the electrodes of the first and second types correspond to the edges of the graphs, "without intersection" here also means that it is not necessary to pass supply lines or conductive links through a sensor gap. , which improves transversal insensitivity (noise immunity) between individual sensors.
According to a development of the invention, it is advantageous to implement this planar structure Km, n, preferably K2, n in the electrode device. For this purpose, two display elements (two user interfaces) with respectively N double-electrode sensors are preferably grouped in such a way that i) respectively a first different electrode is associated with the N sensors of the two display elements, and ii) the N second electrodes are associated respectively with the two display elements, so that iii) the N second electrodes form with the first two electrodes respectively a sensor, being separated by a gap, and constitute a structure 2: N .
The dual electrode device consisting of 2N sensors with the structure of a matrix 2: N, N> 2, will be compared hereinafter with a known sensor device, with a structure of a matrix 2N x 1: 1; in a matrix 2N x 1: 1, 2N sensors do not have a common electrode.
Functionally, that is to say concerning the detection of a control model of a user, for example a position of a finger or two fingers, a scanning movement to a finger or a two-finger zoom (with three sensors), the two structures are roughly equivalent. On the basis of the spacially separated arrangement of the second electrodes therebetween and with respect to the first electrode, the structure on a display element of a matrix 1: N, N> 2, of the dual electrode device is able to identify, detect or resolve - different positions of a finger or fingers with respect to the control surface, or - sliding contact movement in any direction, or sweeping gesture of a user on the control surface. As the number N of the second electrodes increases, the 2D resolution of the dual electrode device improves.
Structurally, that is to say concerning the construction and the complexity of the structures, the 1: N structure of the double electrode device is much less complex than the known device, consisting of 2N x 1: 1 sensors. The number of electrode feed lines for 2N 1N structure sensors is 4N and is more than double the number of electrode feed lines in 1: N structure dual electrode sensors. is N + 2.
Therefore, the electrical properties of a dual electrode device 2: N with respect to a known device 2Nx1: 1, for example concerning i) the decoupling of the signals of different electrode pairs, and their supply lines, (ii) noise immunity and (iii) signal-to-noise ratio are significantly better. In addition, the costs of the dual-electrode device are significantly lower because the simpler structure requires less expense for design and maintenance and less material costs.
In this document, the formulations "matrix x: N" and "structure x: N", x = 1, 2, 3, ... are used interchangeably with each other. Particular advantages are generally obtained when, in the presence of several user interfaces of a control panel, at least two first electrodes are interconnected.
Preferably, the interconnection is in pairs. To obtain a particularly simple connection of the electrodes, it is in this case that the electrodes of the sensors are arranged in a matrix of sensors which is made as a bipartite graph, knowing that for a single user interface, the bipartite graph is preferably a graph. 1: N, and for paired interfaces, a graph 2: N, and the second electrodes (16.2) form N second nodes of a second set of nodes, and knowing that the first electrodes form two nodes of a first set nodes, and knowing that the edges of the graph are formed by the interstices between the first and the second electrodes.
A user interface, respectively the connection of the electrodes of this interface, can also be performed as graph 2: N / 2, so that the paired user interfaces again constitute a graph 2: N. The second N electrodes can also be arbitrarily associated in pairs to different user interfaces, so that a 2: N graph is formed for all user interfaces. The realization of an individual user interface as graph 2: N / 2 makes it possible to produce a complete bipartite graph 2: N K2, n, also in the case of an odd number of user interfaces.
In a second alternative embodiment, a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "single electrode sensor") may comprise a single electrode which is disposed in an edge area of the display element. The term "one" indicates that it is any sensor present in the user interface, and therefore each of the sensors. Respectively a single electrode sensor can be realized as a capacitive touch pad and include a single electrode that overlaps with the display element in an overlap area. The recovery zone is generally greater than zero.
The electrodes of a single electrode device may be surrounded by a second set of electrodes which are designed as screen electrodes or protective grids. Screen electrodes are used with a fixed potential, preferably an earth potential, to protect against electromagnetic disturbances. The protection grids are preferably used with the same alternating sensor potential that represents a harmonic or pulsed alternating signal, or a succession of signal pulses. Between the single electrode sensor and the protective grid, there is no formation of potential difference and therefore no parasitic capacitive impedances, which has the effect of improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a contact signal from a user on the single electrode sensor.
The single-electrode sensors of a single-electrode device (single-electrode sensor device) are arranged with lateral spacings relative to one another, where a connecting line between the single-electrode sensors generally cuts the electrode. display element for enabling scanning gesture control over the display element. The spaces of the single-electrode device may be filled at least partially with screen electrodes and / or protection grids.
In a x: n planar matrix connection, preferably 2: n, with an unambiguous association of an electrode pairing a: b to exactly one sensorab, the self-capacitance initiation methods hereinafter allow perform, individually or in combination, a unambiguous association of a contact with exactly one sensor.
A planar matrix connection with x first electrodes 16.1.x and n second electrodes 16.2.n, wherein the first and second electrodes are matrix spaced from each other, is used as a single electrode sensor array, where (i) first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately primed as a single electrode sensor (open capacitor), the other respective electrode assembly, i.e. the first electrodes, when priming the second electrodes; electrode and vice versa, being preferably initiated as an interconnected screen electrode, and particularly advantageously as an interconnected shielding grid, or where (ii) electrodes of an electrode array are initiated as a sensor with a single electrode (open capacitor), and electrodes respectively of the other set of electrodes are initiated twice alternately , as a protective grid interconnected y times or, with a y-interconnection, as a protective grid, and, with (xy) times interconnection, as screen electrode, preferably at ground potential or where (iii) electrodes of one set of electrodes are primed as a single electrode sensor (open capacitor), for contact and near field detection, and electrodes respectively of the other set of electrodes. The electrodes are preferably primed as interconnected protection grids and / or as a screen electrode, and alternately, interconnected electrodes are alternately initiated twice as a proximity sensor (open capacitor). for the far-field detection, knowing that in this case the other (xy) first electrodes and / or the second electrodes may preferably be primed as a protective grid and / or electrodes. notches.
Compared to a dual electrode embodiment, the single electrode device has the advantage that its sensor action is available independently of each single electrode sensor or single electrode, and that it is not necessary to provide a single electrode electrode. double-electrode device with a narrow gap (the sensor action here depends on the capacitive gap between the double electrodes). On the other hand, single electrode sensors require only one sensor feed line, compared to the two feed lines for the dual electrode sensors. However, this is an advantage in appearance, because the electrodes can be connected in a matrix structure in the dual electrode arrangement, which allows to reduce the total number of finish lines advantageously in below that of a single electrode device.
A dual electrode or single electrode arrangement, with at least one user interface, with a display element has a number M, but at least two sensors disposed on the substrate. The number M required depends on the type of sweeping gesture, that is to say the movement figures that must be detected. For example, when each element among 2L display elements (user interfaces) has M sensors, this results, for a single electrode device, 2ML sensors, 2ML electrodes and 2ML lines of arrival. For a dual electrode device, this also results in 2ML sensors, 2 first electrodes, 2ML second electrodes and 2 + ML finish lines, less than in the single electrode device.
A bipolar M: N sensor array described, preferably in a 2: N connection, in which exactly one pair of electrodes can be uniquely associated with each sensor, can be evaluated by clean impedance single electrode) of a first or second electrode or through counter-impedances (dual electrode sensor). For this purpose, different connections of the electrodes to different signal buses, in operation pcap, to transmission signals and reception channels, as well as to single-electrode operation, to transmission signals for protection grids, to a signal bus for the evaluation of own impedances for single electrodes or monitoring electrodes, as well as a fixed potential bus line, in particular a ground potential for grid gates. protection. Functional electrodes of this type usually consist of conductive structures with two or more layers, and single-electrode sensors are for example surrounded by protective grids or screen electrodes, and the lines of supply to the single electrodes pass into a second layer, below the protective layer or the screen layer.
In a planar connection, preferably a 2: N matrix, each of the sensor electrodes is preferably connected to at least one of four signal buses, alternately and intermittently in time, namely a transmitter bus Tx, a receiver bus Rx, a signal bus Z for the evaluation of own impedances and a bus P with fixed potential, preferably a ground potential. The signal buses can be physically formed as four separate signal bus lines, or as less than four physically separate lines, where individual signal bus lines can be intermittently activated by the control with signals different buses.
In this case, individual sensor electrodes may be intermittently connected in time to a sensor with the sensor bus signals, while at the interrogation time of this sensor, other surrounding electrodes may be connected to Tx or P bus signals for shielding or forming a screen. On the other hand, sensor electrode groups can be interconnected for near-field or far-field detection. The functional electrodes can thus be represented in a planar layer structure and therefore without intersections.
The wrapper device with user interfaces according to the present invention can form any polygon. In this polygon, the interconnected sensor electrodes are preferably two, particularly advantageously exactly a planar coherent matrix interconnection M: N, with M> 1, N> 2.
Preferably, a sensor is formed as a capacitive action sensor element. However, in principle, it is also possible to provide a use of a resistive, inductive, piezoelectric or thermoelectric action sensor element, or an implementation by SAW or IR or, when using several sensors, a combination of sensor elements of the mentioned operating modes.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the control panel according to the invention with a user interface. The method of manufacturing a control panel comprises: - the production of an electroconductive structured coating on a transparent substrate at least in portions, preferably a plane, preferably a glass or glass-ceramic plate, the coating forming electrodes for at least two sensors each having at least one electrode and, optionally, their supply lines and, optionally, the contact points thereof; the fixing of at least one display element on a support, preferably on an external support surface of the support, turned towards an external zone, the placement of the support on the substrate, on the face of the substrate on which electrodes are arranged, contact elements of the support connecting the electrodes to the support.
The method may comprise the following steps: a) applying an electroconductive structured transparent coating, or applying an electroconductive structured coating over the entire surface and subsequent structuring (eg laser) or applying a polymer sheet or a glass support, provided with electroconductive structures, on a transparent substrate, preferably a glass or glass-ceramic plate, using at least one method comprising: printing, spraying, roller coating, coating by rotation, slot coating, gas phase physical or chemical separation, bonding, rolling or fusion welding, b) optional application of an opaque conductive structured coating by a process as defined under a), c) ) application of other decorative layers (eg opaque dyed, semi-transparent tinted) and / or protective layers (eg vitrification, optical compensation coating, barrier layer), over the entire surface, with structuring or with voids, d) application or arrangement of at least one display element in the control circuit, on an outer surface of a support which is turned towards an outer zone, e) placement of the support on the substrate, on the face of the substrate on which the electrodes are arranged, knowing that the contact elements connect the arrival lines of the electrodes on the substrate to the circuit control on the support. The order of steps a), b) and c) is not defined. The display element can be fixed to the support by known assembly methods for electronic boards, or by adhesion or by gluing, rolling, fusion welding or plugging.
The support may be fixed to a support frame mounted on the substrate 12, on the lower face 12.2 of the substrate 12, by adhesive bonding, rolling or fusion welding, or mechanically, by direct pressure, or indirectly by snapping, screwing or adhesive mounting. Application of the coating to the substrate by a method selected from printing, spraying, roll coating, spin coating, slit coating, may include a drying step or curing of the coating by UV radiation or heat treatment, preferably in a temperature range of 150 to 500 ° C, for a period of time ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours.
The implementation of the method with steps for which known and proven processes are used makes it possible to manufacture the user interface without problems and at an advantageous cost.
According to one embodiment, the gap between the first electrode and one of the second electrodes may be rectilinear or meandering. The meanders can be sawtooth, wave-shaped or spiral. The meanders have the effect of increasing the capacitance present between the electrodes. As a result, when the gap is narrower and longer, the signal-to-noise ratio improves. A narrow gap can be from 5 to 200 μm.
It may also be advantageous to provide the width of the gap in the order of magnitude of the thickness of the substrate to create greater field penetration through the substrate, to the control surface, preferably with a gap width d, referred to the substrate thickness D, of 'AD <d <2D or V2D <d <D. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio for use on the control surface or in the near field above the control surface.
Contact with a touch area on the control surface or in the near field above it weakens the mutual capacitance and thus a basic signal between the double electrodes of the sensor, since part of the signal current is derived at the same time. ground via earthed finger or grounded contact object.
According to another embodiment with single-electrode sensors, the own capacity and therefore the signal current are increased in case of contact. The variation of the signal current and the associated charge transfer can be detected by the control as a contact. The sensor electrodes are advantageously used with an alternating current signal or a pulsed signal. Thus, it is possible to detect capacitive impedance variations. The current signals of individual alternating current periods or individual signal pulse edges are then transformed in a current-to-digital converter into digitally countable signals. It is also possible to first collect the load of the current signals in a detection capacitor and scan them together. The gap may have a constant width on its path. Here is meant by "plot" the configuration or the wavy shape of the gap over its length. The gap may have a lateral dimension with respect to a surface of the substrate; accordingly, the second electrodes are disposed adjacent to the first electrode, viewed from a perspective perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Where appropriate, the gap may have a vertical dimension relative to the surface of the substrate; in this case, the second electrodes are electrically insulated and disposed above or below the first electrode, viewed from a perspective perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.
A dual electrode sensor can be realized in Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT or PCAP) technology. A single electrode sensor can be realized as an open capacitor ("self capacitance"). The word "a" designates any sensor among the sensors present in the user interface, and therefore each of the sensors. The open capacitor has not two conductive elements, as in the case of a conventional capacitor, but a single conductive element where electric charges are brought and discharged.
A double-electrode sensor is relatively insensitive to spurious signals that are caused for example by electromagnetic radiation or contacts in the supply area, since only the sensor gap constitutes the active sensor surface; this may be important for application in a cooking appliance, especially with a single layer structure. When a sensor is alternately used as a single-electrode sensor (open capacitor) and as a double-electrode sensor (pcap), the spurious signals that are generated for example by liquids are easier to discriminate because both types of sensor represent differently the signal ratio between the control and the liquid; this may also be important when used on a horizontal control surface in a cooking appliance.
The overlap zone between an electrode, preferably a first electrode, a dual electrode sensor or an electrode of a single electrode sensor, and the display element may be in an edge area of the element display. Thus, the overlap area may be a band-shaped area on the edge of the display element.
An electrode may be formed as an electroconductive planar member disposed on the interior surface of the substrate.
An electrode can be connected by a supply line to a control of the home appliance. The supply line can be made as an electroconductive plane element disposed on the inner surface of the substrate. A contact area between the supply line and the control unit may be provided in a connection area located outside an active control area of the user interface, preferably on the inner surface of the substrate . Here, one can consider as active control area, the area of a substrate surface that corresponds to the control surface.
Preferably, an electroconductive planar member may be transparent to visible light. Thus, it is ensured that with an arrangement of the planar element between the display element and the outer zone in which the user is located, the user is not disturbed or embarrassed when he looks at the element. display. On the other hand, if one accepts a weakening or a variation of the image transmitted by the display element, the plane element can also be semitransparent or opaque.
In the case where the electroconductive plane element has no overlap area with the display element, it may be opaque.
Since each electrode of the user interface can be made as an electroconductive plane element on the inner surface of the substrate, the explanations for the plane element also apply to one electrode, including the first electrode, the second electrode and the electrode. unique.
Preferably, the sensor is disposed directly or indirectly on the inner surface of the substrate; the display element is disposed on the outer surface of the support, so that the sensor can be placed between the inner surface of the substrate and the display element, as long as there is an overlap area between the display element and the sensor.
A display element may consist of a lighting means (for example an LED chip), a light guide (for example a reflector), a diffusing layer (for example a layer of white paint). and masking in the region of the scattering layer. Masking determines the shape of the luminous surfaces (for example of a light segment of a segment display or a symbol). Parts of the display element may be disposed on the inner surface of the substrate and other portions on the outer surface of the substrate. For example, but not exclusively, the masking can be performed in a layer of opacifying paint, and the lighting means, the light guide and the covering of the light guide can be made in the form of a diffusing layer on the support of external substrate. The order of the arrangement of the parts of the display element and the conductive planar elements on the inner surface of the substrate does not matter. For example, a masking and diffusing layer of the display element may first be applied to the inner surface of the substrate and covered for example with a transparent conductive plane element. Conductive planar elements may also be provided as the first layer.
The substrate may comprise one of the following materials: plastic material, glass, glass ceramic or a composite material of the cited materials. The substrate in question may be transparent, transparent tinted or translucent. For glass, the following types of glass are preferably used: for example non-alkaline glasses and alkaline glasses, silicates glasses, borosilicate glasses, zinc silicate glasses, zinc borosilicate glasses, bismuth borosilicate, bismuth silicate glasses, aluminosilicate glasses, lithium aluminosilicate glasses, soda-lime silicate glasses. The substrates may, for example, also be subjected to chemical or thermal prestressing.
Particularly advantageously, a lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic (LAS vitroceramic) is used as substrate. A glass-ceramic of this type is marketed for example under the name CERAN®. The glass-ceramic may not be tinted, or it may be transparent tinted with metal oxides and / or thermal processes. This glass ceramic is particularly suitable for cooking surfaces as well as for use as a substrate for the user interface. Here, the relatively high dielectric constant (relative permittivity), typically 7.8 to 8.2, of the glass-ceramic has advantageous effects. The glass ceramic is very easy to pass heat, is stable in temperature and withstands sudden thermal shocks without damage in the range of up to 750 ° Celsius and is also very resistant mechanically.
The substrate preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 6.0 mm, preferably in the range of 2.8 to 4.2 mm, 3.8 to 4.2 mm or 2, 8 to 3.2 mm.
A transparent electroconductive layer for the user interface may be applied to a hob substrate, preferably after having deposited decor, stain, masking, barrier and vitrification layers on the interior surface of the substrate 12.2, all over the surface or in the form of a structure (eg laser) and / or with voids i) for substrates made of a tinted glass-ceramic material and / or a tinted glass material, preferably after application optional optical masking and / or filtering and / or compensation, barrier and / or vitrification layers, ii) for substrates made of untinted glass-ceramic material and / or untinted glass material, preferably after the optional application of decorative, coloring, optical filtering and / or compensation, barrier and / or vitrification layers.
It is also possible to provide an order in the layer structure, where the decor and / or vitrification layers are applied for example after the conductive layer and i) the conductive layer is deposited before the application of the other layers, so structured and / or over the entire surface and / or with voids, and / or ii) the entire structure of layers or parts thereof are structured later (eg laser). In both cases, an opaque conductive layer may be deposited before or after the application of the transparent conductive layer. If, in the case of substrates made of untinted glass-ceramic materials or unstained glass materials, the opaque conductive layers are not visible in the outer zone, the conductive layer is applied after the coloring coating, insofar as it is not obscured by a surface decoration. In addition, to protect it, it is possible to apply a vitrification layer on the opaque or transparent conductive coating. The described combinations of the conductive layer with decor and vitrification layers respectively have an overlap in the edge regions of the printed layers, so that a homogeneous transition can be guaranteed. The display element may comprise a luminous pictogram, an alphanumeric counting display, in particular a segment display device, a row of light segments (called "slider") or an arc of light segments or a ring of light segments. (annular slider), a light area or a pixel-based display element. The illuminated pictogram can for example represent switches, plus-minus keys or key switches. The alphanumeric count display may include a seven-segment display. A row or arc of light segments consists of one or more light surfaces that indicate an adjustment zone, for example to adjust the power in a cooking zone. The display element may be based on an LED or an OLED light source. For the display of an adjustment area, a pixel-based display module may be used which represents alphanumeric symbols or freely selectable symbols, for example a backlit liquid crystal matrix (LCD) or a matrix with bright spots or an OLED matrix.
The substrate may be provided on its outer surface, in the region of the display elements, (respectively) tactile marks such as a hollow for a finger or a rectilinear hollow or curved to guide the fingers, or extra thicknesses or bulging.
In order to apply an electroconductive coating to the substrate, a thin transparent layer may be applied by gas phase separation, comprising: metals, preferably silver, copper, gold, and / or transparent semiconductors, preferably indium-gallium-zinc oxide, and / or transparent conductive oxide layers, preferably tin-doped indium oxide or In203: Sn, oxide fluorine-doped tin or SnO 2: F, antimony-doped tin oxide or SnO 2: Sb, aluminum-doped zinc oxide or ZnO: Al, titanium oxide niobium doped titanium dioxide or TiO 2: Nb, tantalum doped titanium dioxide or TiO 2: Ta, gallium doped zinc oxide or ZnO: Ga, molybdenum doped zinc oxide or ZnO: Mo or molybdenum doped indium oxide or In203: Mo.
In addition, before and / or after the separation of the transparent conductive coating, one or more barrier layers may be applied to the substrate, by gas phase separation, comprising: oxides, preferably SiOx, Al 2 O 3, and or nitrides, preferably SiN and / or oxynitrides, preferably SiOxNy.
To apply a transparent or opaque electroconductive coating to the substrate, over the entire surface or in a structured manner, by printing, one of the following methods may be used: screen printing, scraping, inkjet printing, offset printing, printing by engraving, flexography, transfer printing or stamp printing.
To produce a transparent conductive coating, preferably by printing, an ink containing an electroconductive additive or a conductive polymer and a solvent may be applied to the substrate, the solvent preferably evaporating after the ink has been applied. Here, the electroconductive additives are incorporated into non-electroconductive binders such as polyacrylates, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polycarbamides, epoxy systems, silicone resins, silicones, polyester resin or sol-gel matrices. It is also possible to use inks or pastes which contain electroconductive polymers such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / polystyrene sulfonate.
Inks or pastes that contain electroconductive polymers may additionally contain other conductive additives.
For example, it is possible to print thin opaque lines with less than 500 μm in the form of wire-mesh structures by means of an ink or paste, the ink or paste containing preferably metal nanoparticles, particularly advantageously nanoparticles of silver, copper and / or carbon. According to a particular embodiment, these fine lines can in addition be sharpened or refined by laser ablation (reduction of the roughness of the edges). The application of inks and / or pastes, especially inks and / or opaque pastes, can be carried out for example by ink jet printing, stamping and / or transfer. The ink may contain a matrix material to improve the properties of use of the transparent conductive surface with respect to scratch resistance or water vapor resistance. On the other hand, the ink may contain thickeners, leveling agents, antifoamants, dispersing agents and other additives. The conductive additive may comprise fiber-type conductive particles to enable the formation of conductive gratings, given that the fibers of the additive have a mean diameter <500 nm, preferably <= 200 nm, in particular <100 nm. These guarantee good electrical conductivity, while maintaining high transmission, thanks to the nanoscale dimensions.
A length / diameter aspect ratio of a fiber can range from 50 to 10,000, preferably from 85 to 1,000.
However, the conductive additive may also contain spherical particles, nanoparticles or lamellae of particles ("flakes").
The electrical resistance of the conductive coating can be regulated by the concentration of the conductive additive. The additive may comprise at least one of the following materials: nanowires or metal nanotubes; inorganic materials or particles, preferably metals, alloys, non-oxidic or oxidic materials with fibrous morphology; a metal chosen from a list comprising: silver, copper, gold, aluminum, nickel, platinum, palladium or an alloy of metals of this list; coated metal nanowires, especially nickel-coated copper nanowires or polymer-coated metal nanowires; doped conductive oxide particles and oxide nanoparticles and / or nanowires, in particular In2C> 3: Sn, ZnO: Al, SnO2: Sb; carbon-based nanomaterials, in particular carbon nanotubes with one or more walls, graphenes; inorganic non-oxidic nanowires, in particular metal chalcogenides; - Conductive polymer fibers.
The matrix material may comprise at least one of the following materials: UV or heat curing polymers; - Sol-gel hybrid polymer materials with organic crosslinking by UV or thermal treatment; - hybrid sol-gel polymeric materials; sol-gel materials with functionalized nanoparticles; sol-gel materials with nanoparticulate charges and / or inorganic sol-gel materials; electroconductive sol-gel materials; electroconductive polymers; - melted glass or glass frits.
To produce an opaque conductive coating, preferably by printing, an ink containing electroconductive additives and a solvent may be applied to the substrate, the solvent preferably evaporating after the ink has been applied. Electroconductive additives can be carbon-based nanoscale and micron scale, such as carbon black, NTC, fullerene or graphite. The electroconductive additives are incorporated into non-electroconductive binders, such as polyacrylates, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polycarbamides, epoxy systems, silicone resins, silicones, polyester resin or sol-gel matrices.
To produce an opaque conductive coating, a material such as silver, gold or copper may be deposited, including by gas phase separation, for example by sputtering. On the other hand, opaque electroconductive layers may consist of nanoparticles of precious metals, such as Au or Ag or Cu, and molten glass and / or an organic binder. Opaque electroconductive layers can also be deposited on the basis of conductive silver pastes, aluminum pastes or copper.
After the deposition, the conductive layers (transparent and opaque) can be structured later. It does not matter if they have already been applied by a printing process (for example by screen printing) or by masking at the time of sputtering. In this case, the posterior structuring constitutes an additional structuring step. For example, the structuring of the conductive layers can be performed by laser ablation or lithography. The object of the invention will be better understood from the detailed study of the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated by the appended drawing, in which identical references designate identical or corresponding elements. The characteristics of various embodiments can be combined with each other. In the drawing, FIGS. 1a, 1b show two user interfaces each provided with a display element and a double electrode device with a 2: N structure, in a view from above, FIG. Figs. 3a, 3b show embodiments of a user interface with a single electrode device; Figs. 4a, 4b show a complete planar bipartite graph K2; 4 and a graph K2; 4 * enlarged by splitting nodes, FIG 5 shows a control panel with several user interfaces, FIG 6a shows a schematic view of a control panel, FIG 6b shows a hob with a panel FIGS. 7a, 7c show a tactile slider controller, FIGS. 7b, 7d show a tactile rolling controller, FIG. 8 represents a touch zone on a sheet or sheet of glass support. Fig. 9 shows a control-connected sensor electrode with signal buses, and Figs. 10a-d show four user interfaces each comprising a display element with different functional sensor electrodes.
Figs. 1a, 1b show a device having two user interfaces 10 each comprising a display element 14 having dual electrode sensors 16, in a dual electrode device with a 2: N structure, and Figs. 3a, 3b show user interfaces 10 comprising single electrode sensors 16.3 in single electrode devices. As shown in Figure 6b, the user interfaces 10 are adapted for a cooking plane 8 of a cooking appliance.
A user interface 10 comprises the following components (see also FIG. 2): a support 13, preferably plane, provided with an outer support surface 13.1 facing an outer zone 19; a substrate 12, preferably plane, transparent at least in certain parts, provided with an outer substrate surface 12.1, turned towards the outer zone 19, particularly advantageously in the form of a glass or glass-ceramic plate, and an opposite inner substrate surface 12.2, remote from the outer zone 19 and facing the outer support surface 13.1; - a display element 14 fixed to the support 13, preferably disposed on the outer support surface 13.1, for the representation of information; and - a sensor device comprising at least two sensors 16 disposed on the inner substrate surface 12.2, each comprising at least one electrode 16.1, 16.2; 16.3 and intended for interaction with a user in the outer zone 19. The display element 14 may also be disposed on the inner support surface 13.2 and represent information towards an outer zone 19, to through an opening in the support or through a transparent support.
The substrate 12 has a user interface 12.1 which faces the outer area 19 and the user who can touch the interface to control the home appliance. The inner substrate surface 12.2, on which sensors 16 are disposed, is opposed to the outer zone 19 and to the user and is thus on the opposite side of the control surface 12.1.
A dual electrode sensor 16 (see FIGS. 1, 2) comprises a first electrode 16.1.1, 16.1.2 and a second electrode 16.2.1-16.2.4 separated by a gap 16.4 of the first electrode 16.1.1, 16.1 .2, each of the dual electrode sensors 16 including the same first electrode 16.1.1 or 16.1.2 respectively on a display element 14. The dual electrode sensor 16 is embodied as a capacitive sensor element . The dual electrode device comprises four dual electrode sensors 16 per display element 14.
For the pair of user interfaces, the dual electrode device has the structure of a 2: N matrix, where a plurality of second electrodes 16.2 are associated with the first electrode 16.1.1. Viewed from above, i.e. looking with a perspective located in the outer zone, above the outer substrate surface, approximately vertically on the outer substrate surface, the first electrode 16.1. 1, 16.1.2 and each of the second electrodes 16.2.1 - 16.2.4 are separated by the respective gap 16.4. The area of a pair of 16.1.x and 16.2.x electrodes (or a single electrode 16.3) is preferably 0.2 to 4.0 cm 2, especially 0.4 to 1.0 cm 2. The gap 16.4 has a lateral dimension along the inner substrate surface 12.2. The gap width is preferably from 5 μm to 2 mm, and with a structured deposition process (for example screen printing) in particular from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, with a structuring process planned downstream ( for example laser ablation), preferably from 5 to 200 μm, and particularly advantageously from 5 to 100 μm, in particular from 10 to 30 μm; therefore, viewed from above, the second electrodes 16.2 are arranged next to the first electrode 16.1.
The first electrode 16.1 overlaps in an overlap zone with the display element 14, and the second electrodes 16.2 are disposed outside of the display element 14. The recovery zone may have values in the form of which is between 0 and 100. Contrary to what is shown, the first electrode may be larger than the display element 14. In this case, the coverage area has a value of 100 percent of the area. of the display element 14, because the display element 14 is completely covered.
The first electrode 16.1.1 or 16.1.2 and the second electrodes 16.2.1-16.2.4 are made of electroconductive planar elements, arranged on the inner substrate surface 12.2. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrode 16.1 is transparent to visible light. According to another embodiment, the first electrode 16.1.1, 16.1.2 may not completely cover the display element 14, so that the light of the display element 14 can pass through the electrode and is visible to an observer. For this purpose, the first electrode may for example be in the form of a thin network, which is not seen optically, or a frame or arc that surrounds at least part of the light surface.
The second electrodes 16.2.1 - 16.2.4 may be transparent to visible light or opaque, depending on whether they overlap with the light zone 15 (in indents) of the display element 14.
Thus, it is guaranteed that with an arrangement of the planar elements according to FIGS. 1 and 2, between the display element 14 and the external zone 19 where the user is located, the latter is not disturbed or disturbed by the first electrode 16.1 and the second electrode 16.2 when it looks at the display element 14.
The first and second electrodes 16.1, 16.2 are connected to contact points 16.7 by electrode feed lines 16.5, 16.6. Contact elements 16.10 establish a conductive connection between the contact points 16.7 on the substrate and the contact points 16.8 on the support (FIG 2). The contact points 16.8 are connected by conductive tracks 16.13 to connection points 16.11 of an electronic component 16.12 which is part of an acquisition device 22.1 of the user interface 10 or constitutes this acquisition device 22.1. The supply lines 16.5, 16.6 and the contact points 16.7 are made as electroconductive planar elements and arranged on the inner substrate surface 12.2, and the contact points 16.8 are formed as corresponding planar elements on the upper face of the support 13.1.
Without being limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, an embodiment of the invention provides that the acquisition device 22.1 is intended to collect and evaluate sensor signals, knowing that a signal from a sensor 16 of the sensor device of the user interface, which is preferably disposed on the edge side, has an offset in time with respect to a signal of another sensor of the sensor device, preferably also disposed on the edge side, and the device 22.1 is designed to adjust or modify a setting value, by reacting to the offset in time, preferably for the control of the display element 14. The time shift of the sensor signals is caused by the use of the interface on the part of the user who makes gestures of slip. The acquisition device may in particular also be implemented as a control device for setting a power or a timer. This power can in particular be the power of a cooking zone. Consequently, the user interface can be controlled by sliding gestures in such a way that a sweeping gesture performed on a display element, indicating an instantaneous value of the power, increments or decrements on the one hand this displayed value and on the other hand, the instantaneous value of the power. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the acquisition device 22.1 is preferably arranged on the support 13. The support 13 thus constitutes an electronic unit with devices for evaluation of the information to be represented, sensor signals , for the generation of setting values and the display of set values.
The flat elements 16.1 to 16.7, 16.9 conductors may be applied to the substrate, preferably directly, for example in the form of conductive layers obtained by separation. They can also be arranged on a support sheet or glass applied to the substrate, or on a support formed of several sheets and / or glasses superimposed, or be integrated in the support sheet or glass. An electrode disposed directly on the substrate is particularly advantageous with regard to its dielectric coupling properties. On the other hand, a vertical gap or bonding layer between the electrode and the inner substrate surface may reduce capacitance. The display element may be in direct contact with or spaced from the substrate.
When the conductive surfaces 16.1 to 16.7, 16.9 are arranged on a sheet or glass support, they may be i) arranged around the display elements of the user interfaces, as described, or the sensors 16 are arranged ii) with a single layer or iii) with at least two layers in a regular frame, i) and ii) can be realized as single-electrode or dual-electrode sensors. In a multi-layered arrangement, iii) the interstices 16.4 are made vertically or, in combination, vertically laterally between two layer supports, for example between the vertically overlapped intersection points of electrodes in a row and column or between diamond-shaped electrode chains in rows and columns, which are also arranged in two layers, substantially without overlapping and mainly laterally. In this case, the sensors, which overlap and are arranged in the edge area of the display elements, are used as a unit with the respective display element, as a user interface. Among the electrodes of the sensors 16 arranged in the frame, the electrodes whose position relative to the display element 14 is adapted, are evaluated, and their control signals are associated with the respective display element 14, and it is activated accordingly in terms of its display function. The electrodes or sensors that are present on the glass or sheet media and are not selected are not used in relation to the defined user interfaces. The association of the sensor electrodes with the display elements 14 is preferably carried out in the control unit. While this appears to be a disadvantage because more electrodes are produced than necessary, this embodiment provides a standardized sensor surface that can be mass-produced at an advantageous cost, and this provides a great deal of efficiency. flexibility in the arrangement of the light elements under the control surface. Finally, it is possible to connect a support, provided with display elements arranged at will, appropriately with electrodes to achieve a user interface.
Figure 8 shows an embodiment of this type in a view from above. A control zone 21 is applied as a touch screen sheet or glass to the substrate 12, where the sensors 16, consisting of electroconductive planar elements are arranged in a regular frame. On the support 13, there are suitable contact elements or connectors for connecting the planar elements with contact elements or conductors in flat strips or sheet connections, when mounting the support 13. After the attachment of the support 13 the sensors 16 corresponding to a display element 14 are assigned in the control unit. These sensors 16 corresponding to the display elements 14 are represented by hatching in FIG.
The contact areas can be made for galvanic or capacitive coupling. Galvanic coupling can be effected by means of contact springs or conductive foams which are fixed on the support. The display elements 14, the control unit 22.1 and the contact points 16.8 may be arranged on the same support or on different supports. The support can be made as a rigid plate, for example FR4 material, or as a flexible plate, for example on the basis of a sheet. It can also be technical ceramic, glass ceramic, glass, thermoplastic, thermosetting, elastomer or dielectric paper. When the contact zone is provided with an electrical insulation protection layer, contact elements of the same type, which are applied flat against the protective layer, at the location of the contact zones, make it possible to achieve a capacitive coupling with the contact area.
In addition, it is possible to set up conductive surfaces that serve to protect the elements mentioned.
The substrate 12 comprises a glass-ceramic because it is particularly suitable for cooking planes. The display element 14 shown in FIG. 1 is designed as an alphanumeric counting display.
FIG. 2 shows an arrangement of dual electrode sensors, in a side view, where a sensor 16 is disposed on the inner substrate surface 12.2, which is opposite to the control surface 12.1, and is thus diverted from the area The sensor 16 is disposed on the lower substrate face 12.2 and associated with the display element 14 disposed on an outer support surface 13.1 of the support 13. The electrodes 16.1, 16.2, the supply line 16.6 and the contact points 16.7 are arranged, as flat elements, directly on the substrate 12, but when using the interface 10, the user does not touch the display element 14 or the sensor 16 but the substrate 12, on the outer face 12.1 thereof. In this embodiment, the electrode 16.1 is transparent to visible light so as not to impede the perception of the image represented by the display element 14. The triggering of the sensor takes place on the gap 16.4 between the surfaces electrode 16.1 and 16.2.
Figures 3a, 3b show schematic views of user interfaces 10 with sensors 16 provided in single electrode devices, including single electrodes 16.3. Since each time a sensor 16 is represented by its single electrode 16.3, these figures do not include the references for the sensors. Without being limited to specific exemplary embodiments, the individual electrodes 16.3 may be at least semi-transparent to light in a visible wavelength range, preferably transparent or have an aperture, so that the display element 14 is visible through the electrode 16.1.
A single electrode sensor 16 having a single electrode 16.3 is formed as a capacitive contact sensor. The single electrode 16.3 overlaps in an overlap area with the illumination area 15 of the display element 14. The sensor gap 16.4 is symbolically represented as a rectangle in Fig. 1a. It can for example be realized as rectilinear interstice or as meandering gap. In FIG. 1b, the second sensor electrodes 16.2.x are made in the form of a circle and respectively surrounded by first sensor electrodes 16.1.x. The sensor gap 16.4 is formed as a circular gap that surrounds the 16.2.x sensor electrodes. The first electrodes 16.1.x function as transmission electrodes, and the second electrodes 16.2.x as electrodes for receiving sensors pcap. Advantageously, the second electrodes 16.2.x have a small surface and are surrounded by first electrodes 16.1.x, so that the parasitic impedances of the second electrodes 16.2.x to the rest of the surrounding space are reduced.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 1b, the electrode device can also be used as a single electrode device. The electrodes 16.2.1 - 16.2.4 constitute the unique electrodes of a sensor 16, the electrodes 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 constitute the screen electrodes and / or the protective grids and / or the unique electrodes of a sensor. proximity. In case of contact, for example with the electrode 16.2.3, it is not possible to distinguish first whether the user interface 10.1 or 10.2 is controlled. For this purpose, electrodes 16.2.n can be intermittently used for single electrode initiation, for example three electrode priming, individually or in combination, to discriminate between a control of user interfaces 10.1 and 10.2. First, the firing of a sensor electrode 16.2.n triggers a different signal amplitude depending on whether the surrounding electrodes 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 are fired with a fixed potential, preferably a ground potential (electrode screen), or they are primed with the same electrode sensor signal 16.2.n (protective grid).
In the case of priming as a screen electrode, strong parasitic capacitive impedances and field distortions which reduce the signal amplitude of an activation relative to the electrode 16.2.n are formed in close proximity to the electrode. to an activation with a protective grid surrounded. Secondly, the electrodes 16.1.x may be primed as a shield / screen electrode and, intermittently, as a single electrode proximity sensor. Thus, an intermittent priming of the electrodes 16.1.x as a proximity sensor makes it possible to distinguish whether, before the actual contact, the user approaches the interface 10.1 or 10.2. Thirdly, the electrodes 16.1.x may be primed as a shield / screen electrode and, intermittently, as a single electrode sensor. Thus, in the case of intermittent priming of the electrodes 16.1.x as a single electrode sensor, it is possible to distinguish whether the user is touching the zone of the interfaces 10.1 or 10.2. During this priming phase, the electrodes 16.2. n are preferably interconnected as a screen electrode.
The surface shape of the electrodes 16.1.x is not limited to the configuration of FIG. The electrode surfaces may be wider to surround the feed zone 16.5.2 in particular, which gives a better protection of the supply lines 16.5.2 with respect to interfering fields and vis-à-vis of control errors due to unintentional user contact. The display element 14 of FIG. 3 is designed as an alphanumeric counting display. The display element 14 shown in FIG. 3b, produced as a row of light segments, constitutes a slider controller for adjusting the power in a cooking plane 8. Associated with a display element 14, respectively 6, 4 or 5 individual electrodes 16.3 (in FIG. 3a) or 6 individual electrodes 16.3 (in FIG. 3b). The execution of a sliding contact movement, in any direction 20, or sliding gesture of the user on the control surface, in an area of the display element 14 of FIG. charge variation on the individual electrodes 16.3 and thus a variation of the signal of the sensor 16. Depending on the position and / or the direction of movement of the hand of the user, the control defines which of the sensors 16 emits a signal and with what signal parameters. Thus, one of the control units, which is connected to the user interface 10, can control the cooking appliance according to the wishes of the user. The value of the controlled parameter, which is set by the sliding gesture, for example the heating power, can be indicated by means of the alphanumeric counting display 14.
In the examples shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, the single electrode sensors may be replaced by dual electrode sensors as described with reference to FIG.
With the touch-cursor controller shown in FIGS. 7a and 7c, a gesture sliding from left to right or vice versa, along the area represented by the display element 14 and directly above it, makes it possible to modify the heating power of the cooking appliance. At the same time, the detected and set value is indicated by the display element 14; a length of the horizontal bar displayed, which corresponds to the position of a virtual control regulator, represents the detected or set value. For the pixel display device, as the alphanumeric power display, three sensors are arranged vertically along the median axis (FIGS. 7b and 7d). These allow you to perform a vertical rolling motion that increments the displayed value up or down.
In FIGS. 7a and 7b, the conductive planar elements of the electrodes 16.1 and 16.2 overlap with the light zone 15 (in dashed lines) of the display elements 14. Advantageously, the planar elements are made in the form of transparent conductive layers. In FIGS. 7c and 7d, the planar conducting elements of the electrodes 16.1 and 16.2 do not overlap with the display elements 14 and their light zone 15 and can here be made as opaque conductive layers. Since conductive layers advance in the region of the sensor gap 16.4 and overlap with the light area 15 of the display elements, they are formed as transparent conductive layers.
In comparison with FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the bipartite graph structure which serves as a basis for the dual electrode device. In a dual-electrode device, the electrodes 16.1 and 16.2 and the supply lines 16.5 and 16.6 and the connection points 16.9 and the contact points 16.7 are shown as electroconductive surfaces, preferably in a plane. Arrangement and interconnection as non-intersecting conductive surfaces can be described using mathematical graph theory.
The representation of the electroconductive surfaces and their intersectless interconnection in a plane are described by a planar graph.
For dual electrode devices, the conductive surfaces represent bipartite graphs Km> n 17 (FIG. 4a), where the first m electrodes 16.1.1, 16.1.2 correspond to a first set of nodes 17.1.1, 17.1.2 and the n second electrodes 16.2.1 to 16.2.4 correspond to a second set of nodes 17.2. The sensor gaps 16.4 correspond to the edges 17.3 of the bipartite graph. The theory of graphs allows node splits, without the theoretical properties of a graph of a graph Km, n changing. New edges are formed between the split nodes. The graph Km, n (Figure 4a) is called "minor" of a graph Km, n * widened by splitting nodes (Figure 4b). In terms of graph theory, the two graphs in Figures 4a and 4b are complete K.2,4 bipartite graphs with the same properties that reproduce the structure of the conductive surfaces in Figure 1. In the sense of a split 18.3, 18.4 and 18.5 of this type, an individual node, for example a node 17.1 as a splitting 18.3, of the graph miner Km n must be considered as a network of nodes 18.1 and edges 18.2 interconnected in a conductive manner. , which represents different components in the hardware implementation: are nodes, a sensor electrode 16.1 or 16.2, connection nodes 16.9, contact points 16.7 on the substrate 12, contact points 16.8 on the support 13, and 16.11 connection points of an electronic component 16.12; are edges, feed lines 16.5 or 16.6 between sensor electrodes 16.1 / 16.2, connection nodes 16.9 and contact electrodes 16.7, as well as contact elements 16.10 between contact electrodes 16.7 on the substrate 12 and contact electrodes 16.8 on the support, as well as conductive tracks 16.13 between contact electrodes 16.8 on the support and a connection point 16.11 of an electronic component 16.12 on the support 13.
A configuration, without intersections, of all the conductive planar elements, in the form of a planar bipartite graph, is particularly advantageous in order to be able to eliminate crossings of conductors, complicated to produce, during the manufacture of the electrodes. "Without intersections" includes the fact that no conductor (any edge of the graph) passes through a sensor gap 16.4 (no intersection of any edge with an edge 16.4).
Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention which is also implemented in the configuration of FIG. 4b, it is generally provided that the arrangement of all the conductive planar elements of the sensor device 16 i ) between connection points 16.11 of electronic components 16.12 and / or ii) between the contact points 16.7 is made without intersections, as a planar bip n planar graph, preferably with m = 2, that is to say as a graph K2, n planar biparti, particularly advantageously as graph K2, n planar biparti complete. On the other hand, it is advantageous to obtain a relatively low ratio V, with V = A / D with A = number of connections = number of nodes D = number of double electrode sensors 16 = number of edges which represent a sensor gap 16.4.
A low V ratio reduces the number of connections for a precise number of dual electrode sensors and is therefore cost-effective. In the sense of a ratio V as small as possible, it would be preferable to use a "square" matrix arrangement as a graph Kn; I1 bipartite, with An, n = 2n and D = n2 and Vn, n = 2n / n2 = 2 / n. However, only complete K2> n bipartite graphs, with any n, can still be represented in a planar manner, that is to say without intersections in a layer plane, which can also be realized at an advantageous cost. A complete graph K3; I1, n> 2 can no longer be represented in a planar manner, that is to say without intersections.
Graphs Kmn, m, n> 2 can however also be represented without intersections, if they are not complete. This results in alternative embodiments within the meaning of the invention. "Complete" means in theory graphs that each node is connected to each node m by an edge.
Non-intersecting representations are a preferred variant of the invention since methods for representing the conductive layer plane can be made simpler, with greater error tolerance and lower cost than non-free representation. intersections. The preferred representation is globally defined, in first priority, as a structure free of intersections, and subordinately, in second priority, as a representation with a ratio V as low as possible.
As a result, the realization of the preferred structure of the conductive surfaces in a double electrode device, in a layer plane, is a graph K2, n bipartite complete. This corresponds to a 2: N matrix arrangement of the sensor electrodes. The graph is formed of two networks of split nodes of the nodes 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 of the first set of nodes and n networks of split nodes of the nodes 16.2.n of the second set of nodes. The number D of dual electrode sensors 16 is D2, n = 2n, the number of connection points is A2, n = 2 + n, the ratio V is V2, n = (2 + n) / 2n.
An electrode device can not always be represented as a graph K2, n complete. An odd number of user interfaces can still be represented by a matrix 2: N / 2 on an individual user interface, as part of a graph K2, n, complete, and an odd number of second N electrodes does not allow that a graph K2; n incomplete.
In comparison, for 2n dual-electrode sensors in a K2> n and square KX; X arrangement, with x = (2n) 1/2 and 2n = 4, 16, 36, ..., we apply: A2, "= 2 + n> 2 (2n) m = Ax, x D2, n = 2n = Dx x and V2, "= (2 + n) / (2n)> (2 / n) 1/2 = (2 (2n) 1/2) / (2n) = Vx, x
Unlike KX; X, the complete graph K2> n is planar, but V2, n> Vx, x is in square arrangement (x, x).
The arrangement in the complete two-part structure K2> n of conductive surfaces, preferably arranged in a plane, extends in general on the lower substrate face 12.1 and the support 13, between the connection points 16.11.1 and 16.11.2 an electronic component 16.12. The connection points 16.11.1 (x times) and 16.11.2 (n times) in FIG. 4b correspond as end nodes to the split nodes 17.1.x and 17.2.n in FIG. 4a, x = 1, 2, n = 1, .., 8. In V = A / D, A is then defined as the number of 16.11 connection points. The component 16.12 is usually a microcontroller or multiplexers or demultiplexers are mounted upstream.
The connection (ridges) between the parts of the structure on the substrate 12 and the support 13 is formed by the contact elements 16.10. The complete character of the device K2> n can be achieved without intersections and optimally uses the connections of the microcontroller. A structure without intersections can be advantageous not only on the substrate 12 but also on the support 13, especially when the support must also have a monolayer conductive structure, for example in the form of a single-layer electronic board or in the form of a sheet support covered with a single conductive layer. Thus, this is a preferred economic embodiment of the sensor device. In a particularly advantageous arrangement, the conductive structure between the contact points 16.7.1 and 16.7.2 on the substrate 12 already represents a graph K2, n bipartite complete, as indicated by example networks of nodes 18.4 and 18.5, so that for each electrode 16.1.x and 16.2.n, exactly one contact element 16.10 is required between the substrate 12 and the support 13. This is for example not reproduced by the network of nodes 18.3 fractionated, because here two contact elements are necessary. The junction of the two conductors in the network 18.3 in a connection point 16.11 is done only on the support 13. The arrangement K2, n between the contact points 16.7.1 (x times) and 16.7.2 (n times) has for the effect of reducing the number of contact elements 16.10 to the minimum possible number, which is equal to the number of nodes 16.1.x and 16.2.n in the minor of graph K2, n, which again has advantageous consequences in terms of cost. In V = A / D, A is then defined as A = number of contact points 16.7 or also number of contact elements 16.10.
If, apart from 16.1 and 16.2, other types of electrodes are provided in the sensor device (not shown in FIGS. 1, 4a, 4b), for example grounding surfaces or screen surfaces, the arrangement of the conductive surfaces can be described without intersections with either planar Km, n bipartite graphs, with m, n> 2, or with planar graphs Ki, m, n tripartis. The two graph structures are complete graphs that are no longer planar. As a complete arrangement K3; I1, with n> 2, a third type of electrode m would be for example a screen surface which would be disposed on each electrode n, being spaced from it, that is to say which would be connected by an edge (screen outline) to each electrode n in the representation of the graph. Now, K3, n, with n> 2, as complete bipartite graphs, are already no longer planar. In order to be able to produce the electrode device preferably in a layer plane on the substrate, this implies that the screen surface must be made for example discontinuously in the sensor layer 16, with more than one contact point 16.7, and that their junction without intersection is moved on the support 13 where it can generally be obtained at a lower cost than on the substrate 12. The support 13 is generally an electronic board on which crossings of conductors can be represented in a manner simple. Or, we can move to a disposition Km; I1, with m> 2, n> 2 not complete, which can then be represented globally without intersections and also requires a larger number of contact elements 16.10 than the number of nodes 16.1.x and 16.2.n. It is also possible to combine the two measures. In a tripartite arrangement Ki; mn, 1 = 1, m = 2, n = N, a screen surface (node 1) would for example be arranged on each node m (electrodes 16.1.1 and 16.1.2) and on each node n (electrodes 16.2.n), being spaced from them, that is to say that it would be connected to an edge in the representation of the graph. Again, it should proceed as with the arrangement K.3, n to ensure a representation, preferably planar, on the substrate. Therefore, if there are grounding surfaces or shielding surfaces, an embodiment of the invention generally provides that the arrangement of all the conductive plane elements of the sensor device 16. i) between the electronic component connection points 16.11 16.12 or ii) between the contact points 16.7 and iii) including the screen surfaces or the grounding surfaces, either without intersections, as a graph Kmn or Ki ^ n planar party . By maintaining the planar character, these graphs can no longer be complete.
Figure 5 shows a control panel 9, where finger contact of a user of the control surface of the user interface controls the operation of the cooking appliance. In general, without being limited to the specific exemplary embodiment shown, the control panel has several user interfaces 10 with display elements 14 which can be controlled separately by means of sensors and indicate the operating state. of the home appliance. Preferably, each display element 14 can be adjusted separately by means of the sensors associated therewith. The example shown in Figure 1 already has several, namely two, user interfaces.
The control panel 9 of the example of FIG. 5 comprises i) four user interfaces 10.1 based on dual electrode sensors 16, respectively paired with structures 2: N, N = 4, and ii) two paired user interfaces 10.2. based on dual electrode sensors 16 with 2: N, N = 1 structures. The entire sensor structure of the control panel is 2: N, N = 9 and represents a complete planar bipartite K2.9 graph. The sensors 16 are made with a gap 16.4 which has a meandering shape 25 between the first electrode 16.1 and one of the second electrodes 16.2. The meandering shape has the effect of increasing the capacitance present between the electrodes 16.1, 16.2. Therefore, the narrower and longer the gap 16.4, the better the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor.
Here, we also see that the supply lines 16.5, 16.6 do not cross. This has an advantageous effect i) for the electrical properties of the sensor (improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio), ii) on the complexity of the structure (reduced dimensions of the device and reduced sensitivity to errors), and iii) on the costs (less study costs, materials and repair). The interconnection of the first electrodes, described above, and the operation of the user interfaces 10.1, 10.2 in pairs considerably reduce the wiring operations and make it possible to predict the conductive paths without crossing on the substrate 12. The embodiment example of the FIG. 5 is generally based on the fact that the electrodes 16.1, 16.2 of the sensors 16 are arranged in a matrix of sensors which is produced as a bipartite graph, knowing that the bipartite graph is a 1: N graph for a user interface and is a graph 2: N for user interfaces 10.1 and 10.2 in pairs, and the second electrodes 16.2 form N second nodes of a second set of nodes, and knowing that the first electrodes 16.1 form two nodes of a first set of nodes, and the edges of the graph are formed by the gaps 16.4 between the first and second electrodes, 16.1 and 16.2
In order to be able to discriminate, in case of interconnection of several first electrodes, for example a paired interconnection, as shown in FIG. 5, which of the user interfaces is controlled, it is furthermore advantageous when the interrogation of the sensors of the interfaces has place successively one after the other, or in time division multiplexing. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the acquisition device is designed to collect sensor signals, in order to intermittently interrogate the sensors of different user interfaces over time. having first interconnected electrodes.
Connection points 16.7 are disposed in the contact zone 23 which is located on the edge of a control zone 24 activates the user interfaces 10, or outside thereof. Here, the region of the substrate surface 12 corresponding to the control surface is considered active control zone.
The dual-electrode sensors are activated and evaluated as pcap sensors by the fact that a signal is produced on a first or a second electrode, for example via a digital output channel of the microcontroller, and the capacitive overcoupling signal is evaluated on second or first electrodes, for example via an analog input channel of the microcontroller. Advantageously, the two electrodes of the set of nodes 16.1.x, with x = 1, 2 (see FIG. 1), are connected to the A / D converter inputs of the microcontroller, and the electrodes, more numerous. , of the set of nodes 16.2.n are connected to digital outputs of the microcontroller, via which the sensor signal is emitted and which are more economical than the A / N inputs. The higher the number of sensors, the more important this aspect is.
This interconnection with a microcontroller here would require two A / D input channels and eight digital output channels. On the other hand, it is advantageous for the signal-to-noise ratio that the receiving electrode has a small area. In use, a small sensor area generates a better signal-to-noise ratio than a large sensor area because the capacitive coupling with the control finger is larger than the capacitive coupling between the sensor surface located at the sensor. the outside of the finger and the surrounding space. On the other hand, it is advantageous for the active receiving electrode to be surrounded by conductive surfaces with a constant electrical potential, preferably with a ground potential. This creates stable signal ratios. In addition to the electrodes, grounded surfaces may be separate conductive planar elements. This arrangement corresponds to tripartite graphs, as explained above. As a variant, the planar elements of other sensors, not used for the interrogation of a sensor, may be connected, during this interrogation, to a constant electrical potential, preferably a ground potential.
In order to be able to flexibly apply different signals to the electrode surfaces, they can preferably be connected to different signal buses and are designed to be intermittently switched and modified by the control unit. Figure 9 shows a sensor electrode 16, 16.1, 16.2 or 16.3 which is connected to a connection point 16.7 by a supply line 16.5.1, 16.5.2 or 16.6. The connection point 16.7 is connected to the connection point 16.8 on the support via a contact element, and to the connection point 16.11 of an electronic component 16.12 via a conductive track 16.13. The component 16.3 may be a microcontroller forming part of a control unit 22.1. In the control unit 22.1, the sensor electrode 16 is connected to at most one of the signal buses 16.15 through the signal switch 16.14. The sensor electrode 16, when connected to the signal bus Z, constitutes a single electrode sensor 16.3 for measuring the impedance, or a proximity sensor for the near field or the far field, or a sensor with a single electrode, for the detection of a relatively large soiling, for example containing water, which, as a conductive surface, preferably surrounds the control zone. When connected to the signal bus Tx, the electrode 16 constitutes a transmission electrode 16.1 or 16.2 of a pcap sensor, or a protective grid for adjacent single-electrode sensors that operate with the same sensor signal. to minimize the parasitic impedances of a single electrode sensor. When it is connected to the signal bus Rx, the electrode 16 constitutes a receiving electrode 16.2 or 16.1 of a pcap sensor. When it is connected to the signal bus P, the electrode 16 constitutes a screen surface, for example in the vicinity of an interrogated pcap sensor, or a protection electrode which preferably surrounds the control zone.
Figure 10a shows four user interfaces comprising first electrodes 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 and second electrodes 16.2.n, n = 8, which are interconnected in a 2: 8 matrix and represent a planar bipartite K2.8 graph. Above and below the control zone, the electrodes 16.1.x are shaped as wide bar electrodes, so that they are suitable for gesture detection also in the far field.
Figure 10b shows an interconnection of the arrangement of Figure 10a. A first electrode 16.1.1 serves as a transmission electrode 26.1 which is connected to a signal bus Tx, a second electrode 16.2.1 serves as a reception electrode 26.2 which is connected to a reception bus Rx, with a surface of sensor which is small compared to the overall arrangement and the surface dimensions of a first electrode 16.1.x. The electrodes 26.1 and 26.2 form with their interstice the sensor 16. The other electrodes 16.1.2 and 16.2.n are connected to form a screen electrode 26.3 and are put at a constant potential with a signal bus P and put the vicinity of the 26.2 receiving electrode to a large extent at a constant potential which serves to protect against electromagnetic interference signals. The overall assembly of FIG. 10c makes the original planar K.2.8 graph a planar Κι, ι, ι graph.
In FIG. 10c, the electrodes 16.2.1 to 16.2.4 and 16.2.5 to 16.2.8 are interconnected respectively to form a far-field electrode 26.4 of large area. Similarly, the electrodes 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 constitute a far-field electrode 26.4. The far field electrodes 26.4 are connected to the Z signal bus and interrogated intermittently to detect far-field gestures in a two-dimensional lateral plane above the control zone.
In FIG. 10d, the sensor device of FIG. 10a is widened by an electrode 26.5 which surrounds the control field comprising the active control zone 24 and which, when it is connected to the signal bus P, to the potential of earth, can form a screen electrode or, when connected to the signal bus Z, can form a protective electrode for detecting soiling on large surfaces or poorly positioned objects, for example cooking vessels. The overall arrangement of FIG. 10d shows a graph K.2,8, ι triparti planar.
Figure 6a shows a schematic view of a control panel 9 with user interfaces 10 and a control 22.1 for the interfaces 10. The sensors 16 and the display elements 14 are electrically connected to the control 22.1. The control 22.1 collects and exploits the sensor signals. A sensor signal 16, disposed on the edge side, of a sensor device has an offset in time with respect to a signal from another sensor 16, preferably disposed on the edge side, of the sensor device. The control 22.1 is arranged to react to the offset over time and thereby adjust or change an adjustment value, preferably to control the display element 14, and to transmit adjustment value signals to a power control 22.2, for controlling the heating elements.
Figure 6b shows a cooking plane 8 comprising a support plate which is for example glass or glass ceramic. On its upper side, the support plate has several cooking zones on which cooking containers can be deposited. The hob 8 further comprises a control panel 9 which is arranged in a cold zone of the hob 8. The control panel 9 is the portion of the hob which serves to control the setting of different values, such as power or cooking time.
As in the example of FIG. 5, the display elements 14 of the examples shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, and therefore the associated user interfaces 10, are arranged in a row. One advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the location of the user interfaces can be chosen freely. Therefore, according to an improvement of the invention, it is generally provided that the control panel 9 has a plurality of user interfaces 10, the envelope of the set of interfaces 10 forming any polygon in which the sensor electrodes Preferably, interconnects are preferably two, particularly advantageously, a planar coherent matrix connection. In particular, it is possible that the arrangement is not square or rectangular. With an arrangement that is not square or rectangular, the connecting lines of at least one of the display elements that extend from its center to the centers of the other display elements all have a reciprocal angle that is different from 90 °.
The user interfaces 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 have a simpler structure and are therefore much more robust and economical than known touch screens or multi-layer structured conductive laminates. They can be mounted and integrated in a simple manner in a domestic appliance or a modern cooking appliance, using for the substrate 12 a glass-ceramic plate already existing in the cooking appliance.
The touch zone of the user interfaces 10 is located in the region of a display element 14, so that immediately after the input of a contact or a control gesture, the effect obtained is indicated by the Display element 14. Thus, the user can perform a setting of power or time parameters, by contact or with sweeping gestures, which meets his expectations in terms of comfort of modern technologies. This includes intuitive user guidance by near-field proximity detection and far-field ensemble gestures. On the other hand, the display element 14 meets the expectations regarding the appearance and simple control of a home appliance that can and must quite otherwise be presented as a smartphone. Meeting expectations that are at first sight contradictory strengthens a user's confidence in the device he controls using this user interface.
A particular advantage lies in the fact that, unlike complex tactile display devices of conventional slippery comfort design, the user interfaces can be arranged in any way and are not limited to a typical rectangular format. a touch display device. In particular, the set of sensors can be arranged individually for each model of apparatus, thanks to the corresponding coating or printing processes, as is common for example for the printing of decorations on a model of apparatus. Since the sensor components are no longer disposed on the support, as was the case up to now, the available space is larger and thus offers more possibilities for arranging the display elements which, with an arrangement corresponding modular, can be arranged individually in a simpler way for each device model. References 8 Cooktop of a cooking appliance 9 Control panel 10 User interface 12 Substrate 12.1 Surface of outer substrate, control surface 12.2 Surface of inner substrate 13 Support 13.1 Surface of external support 14 Display element 15 Light zone d A display member 14 16 Sensor 16.1 An electrode of a first set of electrodes 16.1. x x = 1, 2, electrodes of a first set of electrodes 16.2 An electrode of a second set of electrodes 16.2. NN = l, ..., n electrodes of a second set of electrodes 16.3 Single electrode 16.4 Interstice 16.5.1 Electrode supply line to 16.1.x electrodes 16.5.2 Electrode supply line to 16.2 .N electrodes 16.6 Electrode supply line to 16.3 single electrode 16.7 Connection point of an electrode supply line 16.7.1 Connection point of an electrode supply line 16.5 16.7.2 Item for connection of an electrode supply line 16.6 16.8 Connection point on the support 13 16.9 Connection of electrode supply lines 16.5, 16.6 16.10 Contact element 16.11 Connection point to an electronic component 16.12 Electronic component 16.13 Conductor track on a support 13 16.14 Signal switch, controlled by a control device 22.1 16.15 Signal bus Z, Tx, Rx, P of a control unit 22.1 17.1 First set of nodes of a bipartite graph 17.2 Second set of nodes of a bipartite graph 17.3 Edges of a graph 18.1 Nodes of a split node 18.2 Fronts of a split node 18.3 Splitting 18.4 Splitting 18.5 Splitting 19 Outer area 20 Direction of sliding gesture by a user 21 Control area in the form of a touch screen made of sheet or glass 22.1 Order , user interface control device 22 22.2 Power control 23 Contact zone 24 Active control zone 25 Meandering gap 26.1 Transmitting electrode 26.2 Receiving electrode 26.3 Screen electrode 26.4 Large-area electrodes in far-field 26.5 Electrodes protection or electrodes peripheral screens

权利要求:
Claims (21)
[1" id="c-fr-0001]
Control panel (9), comprising at least one user interface (10) for a household appliance, preferably a cooking appliance, comprising: - a preferably flat support (13) with a support surface outside (13.1) facing an outside area (19); a glass or glass-ceramic substrate (12), preferably plane, having an outer substrate surface (12.1), facing the outer region (19), and an opposite inner substrate surface (12.2), remote from the outer zone (19) and facing the outer support surface (13.1); - a display element (14) fixed to the support (13), preferably arranged on the outer support surface (13.1) and intended for the light representation of information; and a sensor device comprising at least two sensors (16) arranged on the inner substrate surface (12.2), each comprising at least one electrode (16.1, 16.2, 16.3) and intended for interaction with a user located in the outer area (19).
[2" id="c-fr-0002]
2. Control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor (16), preferably several sensors (16), comprises (nt) a first electrode (16.1) and a second electrode (16.2) spaced laterally from the first electrode (16.1) through a gap (16.4), each of the sensors (16) of a user interface (10) particularly advantageously comprising the same first electrode (16.1).
[3" id="c-fr-0003]
3. Control panel (9) according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of user interfaces (10), wherein at least two first electrodes are interconnected.
[4" id="c-fr-0004]
4. Control panel (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises an acquisition device (22.1) which is intended to collect sensor signals and is designed to intermittently interrogate the sensors over time. (16) different user interfaces having interconnected first electrodes (16.1).
[5" id="c-fr-0005]
5. Control panel (9) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that there is provided a matrix connection with x first electrodes 16.1.x and n second electrodes 16.2.n, with x> l, n > 2, and first and second electrodes are arranged in a matrix manner spaced from each other by non-conductive interstices and are interconnected without crossovers, preferably in exactly one electroconductive layer plane, without conductive bonds passing by spacing gaps.
[6" id="c-fr-0006]
6. Control panel (9) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the electrodes (16.1, 16.2) of the sensors (16) are arranged in a matrix of sensors which is made as a bipartite graph, the graph bipartite preferably being a 1: N or 2: N graph for a user interface, and being a 2: N graph for user interfaces (10) in pairs, and the second electrodes (16.2) forming N second nodes of a second set of nodes, and the first electrodes (16.1) forming 2 nodes of a first set of nodes, and the edges of the graph being formed by the interstices between the first and second electrodes (16.2).
[7" id="c-fr-0007]
7. Control panel (9) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the arrangement of all the planar conducting elements of the sensor device (16) is realized, i) between the connection points (16.11) of electronic components (16.12) or ii) between the contact points (16.7), without intersections, as graph Km; I1 plane bipartite, preferably as graph K2, n plane complete bipartite.
[8" id="c-fr-0008]
8. Control panel (9) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the arrangement of all the conductive plane elements of the sensor device (16) is realized i) between the connection points (16.11) of components (16.12), or (ii) between contact points (16.7), and iii) including protective surfaces, screen surfaces or potential surfaces, without intersections, as part-plane graph Km, n> OR K [ , m, n
[9" id="c-fr-0009]
9. Control panel (9) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that (i) electrodes 16.1.x and 16.2.n are alternately initiated as a single electrode sensor (open capacitor), the other respective electrode array being preferably primed as an interconnected screen electrode, and particularly preferably as an interconnected shielding grid, and / or (ii) electrodes 16.2.n are initiated as a sensor single-electrode (open capacitor), and electrodes 16.1.x are alternately initiated twice, as a protective grid connected y times, or, with a y-interconnection, as a protective grid and, with a interconnecting (xy) times, as screen electrode, preferably at ground potential, and / or (iii) electrodes 16.2.n are initiated as a single electrode sensor (open capacitor), and electrodes 16.1. .x are initiated from preferably as interconnected protection grids and, alternately, electrodes 16.1.x, interconnected y times, are initiated twice alternately as a proximity sensor (open capacitor), knowing that in this case the others (xy ) electrodes 16.1.x and / or electrodes 16.2.n may preferably be primed as a protective grid or screen electrodes, preferably in an interconnected manner.
[10" id="c-fr-0010]
10. Control panel (9) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has at least one of the following characteristics: - at least one sensor (16) comprises a single electrode (16.3) which is arranged in an edge zone the display element (14); the single electrode (16.3) overlaps in an overlap zone with the display element (14); the single electrode (16.3) is at least partially transparent, preferably transparent, to light in a visible wavelength range, or has an opening, so that the display element (14) is visible through the electrode (16.3); the sensor (16) is designed as a capacitive touch sensor, where the single electrode (16.3) is preferably designed as an open capacitor.
[11" id="c-fr-0011]
11. Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that preferably each of the sensor electrodes is preferably connected to at least one bus among four signal buses, alternately and intermittently in the time, namely a transmitting bus Tx, a receiver bus Rx, a signal bus Z for the evaluation of own impedances (open capacitor), and a bus P with a fixed electrical potential, preferably an earth potential.
[12" id="c-fr-0012]
Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrodes are arranged with respect to the display element in such a way that the passage of a finger or a stylet through an operator, on the light zone of the display element makes it possible to collect signals from spaced apart sensors, preferably neighbors.
[13" id="c-fr-0013]
13. Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an acquisition device (22.1) for collecting and evaluating sensor signals, where - a signal from a sensor ( 16) of a sensor device, installed on the edge side, has an offset in time with respect to a signal from another sensor of the sensor device, preferably disposed on the edge side, and - the acquisition device (22.1) is adapted to react to the offset over time and adjust or change a setting value, preferably to control the display element (14).
[14" id="c-fr-0014]
14. Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one of the following characteristics: - the support (13) is formed as a printed circuit board; the display element (14) comprises a luminous pictogram, an alphanumeric counting display, a row of light segments or an arc of light segments or a ring of light segments, a light zone or a display element (14). ) based on pixels.
[15" id="c-fr-0015]
Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one of the following features: - the control panel comprises several user interfaces (10) provided with display elements ( 14) which can be controlled separately by means of sensors and indicate the operating status of the appliance; - Each display element (14) can be set separately using the sensors associated with it.
[16" id="c-fr-0016]
16. Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control panel has several user interfaces, where the envelope of the set of user interfaces (10) forms any polygon.
[17" id="c-fr-0017]
17. Control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that i) the conductive surfaces 16.1 to 16.7, 16.9 are arranged on a support sheet or glass, or in that ii) the conductive surfaces 16.1 to 16.7, 16.9 are arranged on a sheet or glass support, in an even field, and sensor electrodes (16.1, 16.2; 16.3), which are overlapping and / or lie in the edge zone of the elements of display, form a unit with the respective display element and form an integral part of a user interface (10) and are associated with the display elements (14).
[18" id="c-fr-0018]
18. Domestic appliance, preferably cooking appliance, comprising a control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, which is preferably disposed in a cold zone of a cooking plane of the cooking appliance.
[19" id="c-fr-0019]
19. A method of manufacturing a control panel (9) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - the realization of a structured coating, electroconductive, on a substrate (12) transparent, preferably plane, preferably a a glass or glass-ceramic plate, the coating forming electrodes (16.1, 16.2; 16.3) for at least two sensors (16) each having at least one electrode (16.1, 16.2, 16.3); - Fixing at least one display element (14) on a support (13), preferably on an outer support surface of the support (13), turned towards an outer zone, - the positioning of the support ( 13) on the substrate (12), on the face of the substrate (12) on which the electrodes (16.1, 16.2) are arranged, contact elements of the support (13) connecting the electrodes to the support.
[20" id="c-fr-0020]
20. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has at least one of the following features: - the display element (14) can be placed on the support by known mounting methods for electronic turntables , or by adhesive bonding, rolling, fusion welding or a plug-in connection; the support (13) is put in place adhesively by bonding, rolling or fusion welding, and / or mechanically by pressure or snap-fastening, screwing, or by adhesive fixing on a support frame mounted on the substrate ( 12) on the underside (12.2) of the substrate (12); for the production of a transparent conductive coating, a transparent thin layer comprising metals, preferably silver, copper, gold and / or transparent semiconductors, is applied by gas phase separation, preferably indium-gallium-zinc oxide, or a transparent conductive oxide layer, preferably tin-doped indium oxide or In203: Sn, fluorine-doped tin oxide or SnO2: F, antimony doped tin oxide or SnO2: Sb, aluminum doped zinc oxide or ZnO: Al, doped titanium oxide; for the production of a transparent conductive coating, in particular by printing, an ink containing an electroconductive additive or an electroconductive polymer and a solvent is applied to the substrate (12), the solvent preferably evaporating after the application of the ink; the ink may contain a matrix material to improve the conductive surface use properties with respect to scratch resistance or water vapor resistance; for the production of an opaque conductive structured coating, a material comprising nanometric and micrometric carbon-based conductive additives, such as carbon black, NTC, fullerene or graphite, and a binder such as polyacrylate, are applied, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester resin or sol-gel, by printing, or a material comprising silver, gold or copper.
[21" id="c-fr-0021]
21. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the electrodes (16.1, 16.2) of the sensors (16) are arranged and interconnected in a matrix of sensors, so that the electrodes (16.1, 16.2) form the nodes. of a bipartite graph, and the interstices between the first and second electrodes (16.1, 16.2) form the edges of the bipartite graph.

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KR20150061357A|2015-06-04|Touch screen panel integrated with cover window and manufacturing method thereof

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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DE102016113162A1|2017-02-02|

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JP2017033564A|2017-02-09|

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FR3039634B1|2020-02-21|

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US20170031480A1|2017-02-02|

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CN106406601B|2020-12-29|

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CN106406601A|2017-02-15|

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US10209838B2|2019-02-19|

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法律状态:
2017-07-24| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |

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2018-07-25| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |

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2019-07-19| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |

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2020-07-21| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |

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2021-07-27| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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DE102015112317|2015-07-28|

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DE102015112317.7|2015-07-28|

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DE102016113162.8A|DE102016113162A1|2015-07-28|2016-07-18|Control panel for a household appliance with at least one user interface, home appliance and method for producing the control panel with user interface|

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