DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present subject matter relates to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more particularly to a control panel of an HVAC system for automobiles.
BACKGROUND
Automobiles, such as cars, buses, and trucks are provided with control buttons to facilitate operation of various features provided therein. Owing to convenience of operation and for overall aesthetic appeal, such control buttons are nowadays being provided on a control panel, for example, a touch control panel. Also, in most cases, such control buttons are in digital form.
Providing the control buttons on the control panel reduces the effort involved in accessing a particular feature of an automobile. For instance, a user may conveniently switch between various conditioning modes by simply pressing a corresponding control button provided on the control panel.
However, in certain cases, accessing the features of the automobile using the control panel may prove to be a cumbersome task. For instance, consider a case where the control panel is provided with a small display screen. In such a case, the control buttons corresponding to various features of the automobile may be provided in close proximity to each other. Thus, in such a case, the user may have to concentrate more in order to locate and subsequently operate a control button. While driving, this may prove to be an inconvenience to the user.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
According to an embodiment, a control panel for an HVAC system is disclosed. The control panel for an HVAC system comprises, a first PCB comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The control panel further comprises a light guiding member comprising a plurality of chambers, where the light guiding member is disposed within the housing, such that each of the plurality of chambers encloses an LED from the plurality of LEDs. The control panel further comprises a second PCB comprising a plurality of control buttons, wherein each of the plurality of control buttons comprises a touch pad and a plurality of slits, and wherein the second PCB is disposed such that, in an operational state of the control panel, a light emitted by an LED is guided by a corresponding chamber to pass through the plurality of slits of a corresponding control button to illuminate said control button.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present matter;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present matter;
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 4 illustrates a light guiding member for a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 5 illustrates a printed circuit board (PCB) for a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 6 illustrates a lens for a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 7 illustrates a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
Figures 8(a)-(e) illustrate a control panel, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present subject matter relates to a control panel for an HVAC system of an automobile. According to aspects of the present subject matter, components of the control panel are provided such that a periphery of a region corresponding to a control button of the control panel is illuminated. By illuminating the periphery of the control buttons corresponding to control buttons, a clear demarcation is achieved. As a result, the user can conveniently select a feature of the automobile.
According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the control panel may be operated in an operational state, whereby the peripheral region of the control button is always illuminated when the control panel is in an ON mode.
According to another embodiment of the present subject matter, the control panel may be operated in an operational state, whereby the peripheral region of the control button is illuminated when a user brings his body part near to the control panel. In said embodiment, one or more of texts and/or symbols associated with the control panel may always be illuminated, when the control panel is switched ON.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a control panel 100, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The control panel 100 may be provided in automobiles, such as cars, buses, trucks, trains, and the like. In an example, the control panel 100 provides one or more control buttons on a display screen of the control panel 100. The control buttons, as may be understood, correspond to various features of an automobile. For example, the control buttons may correspond to features, such as:
1) Switching AC ON/OFF;
2) Increasing/decreasing temperature of the AC;
3) Switching vent opening of the AC;
4) Toggling between re-circulation mode and fresh air mode; and
5) Front and rear screen de-fogging.
According to an aspect of the present subject matter, a plurality of components of the control panel 100 are of a form, such that a periphery each of the control buttons and any symbol/text associated with the control button is illuminated. Each of the control buttons comprises a touch pad and a plurality of slits. The plurality of slits includes slits that define a periphery of the control button. Furthermore, the plurality of slits includes slits that provide for symbols/texts related to the control button. As the periphery and symbols/texts associated with the control buttons are illuminated, a clear demarcation between the control icons is defined. As a result, a user may conveniently operate the different control icons provided on the control panel 100.
Furthermore, the control panel 100 provides a touch feedback to the user. As an example, a user may select a specific feature of the vehicle, say, switching ON of the AC by selecting a corresponding control button. In response to the user action of selecting the control button, a colour of the LED that illuminates the control button changes. Thus, the user is made aware of the change in functional state of the feature. In other words, suppose the control button corresponding to AC OFF was illuminated with RED color. Upon selection of the control button to switch ON the AC, the color of the control button changes to green. Thus, the operational state of the control buttons can be easily learnt.
According to further aspects, aesthetic properties of the control panel are enhanced as the control buttons are provided on a touch panel of the control panel 100. Thus, need to provide physical control buttons is eliminated. Furthermore, the control panel 100, as described herein, controls unwanted reflections and provides a cost-effective solution.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the control panel 100, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Shown in the figure is a plurality of components of the control panel 100. In an embodiment, the control panel 100 includes a top cover 200, a light control film 202, a lens 204, a printed circuit board (PCB) 206, a light diffuser film 208, an LCD subassembly 210, a light guiding member 212, a PCB 214, and a back cover 216. Furthermore, a plurality of fasteners 218 is used to assemble the control panel 100, in an example. In an example, the fasteners 218 may be screws. In an example, the PCB 214 is interchangeably referred to as the first PCB 214 and the PCB 206 is referred to as the second PCB 206.
In an embodiment, the back cover 216 is adapted to interlock with the top cover 200 to form a housing for the aforementioned components of the control panel 100. In an example, the top cover 200 comprises a plurality of snap-fit ribs (not shown in the figure) adapted to interlock the top cover 200 with the back cover 216. In said example, the back cover 216 comprises a plurality of snap-locks (not shown in the figure) adapted to interlock with the snap-fit ribs of the top cover 200. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the top cover 200 comprises a plurality of grooves (not shown in the figure). The plurality of grooves is adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners for interlocking the top cover 200 with the back cover 216. In said embodiment, the back cover 216 comprises a plurality of through holes. The plurality of through holes is positioned co-axially to the plurality of grooves, and each of the plurality of through holes is adapted to receive a fastener from the plurality of fasteners.
In an embodiment, the first PCB 214 is disposed within the housing. The first PCB 214 comprises a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). In said embodiment, the light guiding member 212 comprising a plurality of chambers. The light guiding member 212 is disposed within the housing, such that each of the plurality of chambers encloses an LED from the plurality of LEDs. Furthermore, in said embodiment, the second PCB 206 is disposed within the housing and above the light guiding member 212. The second PCB 206 comprises a plurality of control buttons, where each of the plurality of control buttons comprises a touch pad and a plurality of slits. The second PCB 206 is disposed such that in an operational state of the control panel 100, a light emitted by an LED is guided by a corresponding chamber to pass through the plurality of slits of a corresponding control button to illuminate said control button. Thus, each of the control buttons is illuminated distinctly. Thus, identification of the control buttons and operation thereof becomes easier to perform.
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view 300 of the control panel 100. The cross-sectional view illustrates the positioning of one or more components of the control panel 100. For instance, shown in the figure are the top cover 200, the light control film 202, the lens 204, the second PCB 206, the light diffuser film 208, and the back cover 216. Furthermore, the figure shows the first PCB 214 and the light guiding member 212. In an example, the first PCB 214 includes an LED 302 that may be used for illuminating the control buttons. In an example, the LED 302 is a multi-colour LED, i.e., the LED may emit light of different colours. Furthermore, in an example, the LED 302 may be operated along with the automobile parking light.
In an example, an LED , such as the LED 302, may be placed suitably underneath each of the control buttons regions so as to illuminate the control buttons. In an example, the LED 302 is adapted to switch from a first color to a second color in response to change in an operational state of a corresponding control button For instance, when the user presses a control icon corresponding to a feature, say, AC switch ON, the colour of the LED changes. Thus, a feedback indicative of a change in operational state of the feature is provided to the user.
Figure 4 illustrates a light guiding member 400 for a control panel, according to an aspect of the present subject matter. The light guiding member 400 is similar to the light guiding member 212. In an embodiment, the light guiding member 400 includes a plurality of chambers 402-1 to 402-N, collectively referred to as chambers 402. In an example, light guiding member 212 is disposed within the housing in a manner such that each of the plurality of chambers 402 encloses an LED of the first PCB 214. In an example, each of the plurality of chambers 402 of the light guiding member 212 is opaque. Thus, the leakage of light from one chamber to another chamber is prevented. In an embodiment, the control panel 100 further includes a Liquid crystal display (LCD) sub-assembly casing 404. In said embodiment, the LCD sub-assembly casing 404 is remove-ably coupled to the light guiding member 400. The LCD sub-assembly casing 404 is adapted to support an LCD sub-assembly (not shown in the figure).
Figure 5 illustrates a PCB 500 for a control panel, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The PCB 500 is similar to the second PCB 206. In an embodiment, the PCB 500 includes a plurality of control buttons 502. Each of the control buttons 502 includes a touch pad 504 and a plurality of slits 506. The slits 506 demarcates the control button 502. Furthermore, the slits 506 allow the light to pass through to a plurality of illumination zones provided on a lens of the control panel 100. Due to the light, the illumination zones illuminate. In an example, the illumination zones are provided on a periphery of the control buttons 502 and corresponding to the texts/symbols of the control buttons 502.
Figure 6 illustrates a lens 600 for a control panel 100, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The lens 600 is similar to the lens 204. In an embodiment, the lens 600 is disposed within the housing of the control panel 100. In said embodiment, the lens 600 includes a plurality of profiles 602 corresponding to the plurality of control buttons 502. In an example, In an example, the profiles 602 may be laser-etched. The profiles 602 are of a manner such that the light coming from the slits 506 is allowed to pass through. Thus, the peripheral area and the symbols/texts related to the control buttons 502 are illuminated.
Figure 7 illustrates a control panel 700, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The control panel 700 is similar to the control panel 100. As explained above, the first PCB 214, the light guiding member 212, and the second PCB 206 form an assembly, whereby light emitted by the LEDs of the control panel 700 are guided through the chambers to pass through the slits 506 of the control buttons 502. The light from the slits 506 goes onto illuminate the illumination zones of the lens 600 that corresponds to the control buttons 502. Accordingly, a peripheral region of the control buttons 502 is illuminated.
In operation, a peripheral region and symbol/texts associated with the control buttons 502 is illuminated. For instance, as shown in the figure, peripheral regions 702-1 to 702-N corresponding to the control buttons 502 may be illuminated. Thus, a user who is operating the control panel may do so conveniently. Furthermore, as a clear demarcation is presented to the user, the probability of the user accidentally pressing another feature is reduced.
Figure 8(a)-(e) illustrate a control panel 800 according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. In said embodiment, the control panel 800 may be operated in an operational state, whereby the peripheral region of the control buttons is illuminated when a user brings his body part, such as a finger, near to the control panel 800. Without limitation, the peripheral region may be understood as a region that may be surrounding the control button, a region in vicinity to the control button, a geometrical shape in vicinity to the control button, and the like. In said embodiment, one or more of texts and/or symbols associated with the control panel 800 may always be illuminated, when the control panel is switched ON. Thus, a control button’s text and/or symbol may always be in an illuminated state and the peripheral regions associated with the control buttons may illuminate only when the user brings his finger near to the control panel 800. Accordingly, in said embodiment, the control panel 800 includes a plurality of proximity sensors.
Shown in the figure 8(a) is the control panel 800, in an ON state. In said state, a text and/or symbol associated with each of a plurality of control buttons of the control panel is always illuminated. For instance, as shown in the figure, the text and/or symbol associated with the control buttons 1-16 of the control panel 800 may illuminate, when the control panel 800 is in an ON state.
In an implementation, one or more LEDs of the plurality of LEDs of the control panel 800 may be multi-coloured LEDs. Thus, as shown in figure 8(b), in an implementation, an LED from the one or more LEDs is configured to emit a light of a first colour in response to activation of a corresponding proximity sensor from the plurality of sensors. For instance, as shown, a user may bring his finger 802 in vicinity of a control button 804 of the control panel 800. Accordingly, the proximity sensor associated with control button 804 may detect the finger 802. Accordingly, the peripheral region associated with the control button 804 may emit a light of a first color 806, say blue color.
In another implementation, where the user’s finger 802 is equidistant from two proximity sensors, peripheral regions associated with the control buttons 804 corresponding to each of the proximity sensors may illuminate the light of first color 806, as shown in figure 8(c).
In an implementation, each of the one or more LEDs is adapted to switch from emitting a light of the first color 806 to a light of a second color 808 in response to receiving a user selection of a corresponding control button 804. For instance, as shown in Figure 8(d), when a user selects the control button, the corresponding LED emits a light of the second color 808.
In an implementation, each of the one or more LEDs is adapted to emit a light of a third color 810 in response to activation of a feature associated with a corresponding control button 804. For instance, as shown in Figure 8(e), when a feature associated with the control button 804 is switched ON, an LED corresponding to the control button emits a light of the third color 810. Thus, as may be understood, more than one multi-coloured LED may be associated with a control button of the control panel 800. Accordingly, depending on the use case, an LED may function to emit a light through corresponding chamber. Thus, a functional state of the control button 804 and the associated feature is indicated to the user.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. A control panel for a Heating, Ventilation, and an Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system, the control panel comprising:
a top cover;
a back cover adapted to interlock with the top cover to form a housing for one or more components of the control panel;
a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the housing, wherein the first PCB comprises a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs);
a light guiding member comprising a plurality of chambers, wherein the light guiding member is disposed within the housing, such that each of the plurality of chambers encloses an LED from the plurality of LEDs; and
a second PCB disposed within the housing and above the light guiding member, wherein the second PCB comprises a plurality of control buttons, wherein each of the plurality of control buttons comprises a touch pad and a plurality of slits, and wherein the second PCB is disposed such that, in an operational state of the control panel, a light emitted by an LED is guided by a corresponding chamber to pass through the plurality of slits of a corresponding control button to illuminate said control button.

2. The control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control panel further comprises a lens disposed within the housing, wherein the lens comprises a plurality of profiles corresponding to the plurality of control buttons, and wherein each profile comprises a plurality of illumination zones illuminated by the light passing through the plurality of slits of the corresponding control button to illuminate said control button.

3. The control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control panel further comprises a Liquid crystal display (LCD) sub-assembly casing removeably coupled to the light guiding member, wherein the LCD sub-assembly casing is adapted to support an LCD sub-assembly.

4. The control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of chambers of the light guiding member is opaque.

5. The control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cover comprises a plurality of snap-fit ribs adapted to interlock the top cover with the back cover.

6. The control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the back cover comprises a plurality of snap-locks adapted to interlock with the snap-fit ribs of the top cover.

7. The control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cover comprises a plurality of grooves, wherein the plurality of grooves is adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners for interlocking the top cover with the back cover.

8. The control panel as claimed in claim 8, wherein the back cover comprises a plurality of through holes, wherein the plurality of through holes is positioned co-axially to the plurality of grooves, and wherein each of the plurality of through holes is adapted to receive a fastener from the plurality of fasteners.

9. The control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more LEDs from the plurality of LEDs are multi-coloured LEDs.

10. The control panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control panel comprises a plurality of proximity sensors, wherein an LED from the one or more LEDs is configured to emit a light of a first colour in response to activation of a corresponding proximity sensor from the plurality of sensors.

11. The control panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control panel comprises a plurality of proximity sensors, wherein least two LEDs from the one or more LEDs is configured to emit a light of a first colour in response to activation of a corresponding proximity sensor from the plurality of sensors.

12. The control panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the one or more LEDs is adapted to switch from emitting a light of a first color to a light of a second color in response to receiving a user selection of a corresponding control button.

13. The control panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the one or more LEDs is adapted to emit a light of a third color in response to activation of a feature associated with a corresponding control button.