CN107773192B

CN107773192B - Electrical appliance, structure of such an electrical appliance with a panel and method for manufacturing such a structure

Info

Publication number: CN107773192B
Application number: CN201710742161.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: H.屈梅尔勒; E.拜尔; J.A.拉文托斯; K.施密特; S.魏斯; G.克纳佩; E.托马斯; G.格拉姆; O.策贝尔
Original assignee: EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Current assignee: EGO Elektro Geratebau GmbH
Priority date: 2016-08-25
Filing date: 2017-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-25
Also published as: EP3287063B1; DE102016216035A1; CN107773192A; EP3287063A1; PL3287063T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical appliance, a structure of such an appliance having a panel and a method of manufacturing such a structure. An appliance in the form of a dishwasher (11) or refrigerator for installation in a kitchen has a door (13) on the front side of substantially the full surface area for opening purposes and a panel (30) to be fitted flat to the front of the door. A display device (17) having an illuminated display (18) is arranged on the door (13), wherein at least a portion of the display device protrudes beyond the front side of the door (13). A recess (32) is provided in the panel (30) in a manner corresponding to the protruding portion of the display device (17) such that the portion is disposed in the recess. A film in the form of a laminate is then bonded over the entire surface area of the door, wherein the film has a transparent design in such a way that the illuminated display (18) shines through the film and can be identified in the activated state.

Description

Electrical appliance, structure of such an electrical appliance with a panel and method for manufacturing such a structure

Technical Field

The invention relates to an appliance, in particular a dishwasher or refrigerator, which is provided with a panel to be flush-fitted to the door of the appliance in the kitchen. The invention also relates to a corresponding structure of such an appliance with a panel, and to a method for manufacturing such a structure.

Background

Such appliances are also known as installed or fully integrated household appliances. They do not have their own front or front panel intended to be visible in the installed state. Alternatively, a panel is mounted on the front of the door, wherein the panel may be designed to mate with the front of other portions of the galley. Such panels are typically wood or fiber boards with a coating such as a lacquer or solid wood veneer.

EP 1576632 a1 and EP 1421893 a1 disclose such appliances in the form of dishwashers, which are designed as fully integrated household appliances. Thus, a panel of the above kind is fitted to the door of the appliance. In order to be able to provide a display which is visible to the operator, for example in order to be able to display the remaining operating time of the operating program, the appliance now has a projection device at the bottom of the door or behind the door. The projection device forms an illuminated display on a floor area in front of the appliance. However, this has the disadvantage that this region is not always clearly visible, especially from a somewhat relatively large distance. Depending on the condition of the floor area, the projection on said floor area may also be difficult to identify.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is based on the following problems: an electrical appliance of the type cited in the introduction, a corresponding structure of such an appliance with a panel and a method for manufacturing such a structure are provided, with which the problems occurring in the prior art can be solved and with which it is possible, in particular, to provide a display or an illuminated display for such an appliance with a panel fitted to its front in a feasible and cost-effective manner.

This problem is solved by an electric appliance having the features of solution 1, by a structure having the features of solution 16, and by a method for manufacturing such a structure having the features of solution 26, said solution 1 being: an appliance, in particular a dishwasher or refrigerator, for installation in a kitchen, with a panel to be fitted flush to a door of the appliance, wherein the appliance has a door on the front side with substantially the full surface area for opening purposes, wherein a display device with an illuminated display is arranged on the door, wherein at least a part of the display device protrudes beyond the front side of the door, solution 16 being: a structure with an appliance according to solution 1 and a panel for the appliance, wherein the panel is fastened to and largely covers a door of the appliance, wherein a recess is provided in the panel in order to arrange a display device in the panel, wherein the panel is covered with a laminate at least in the area of the display device, wherein the laminate has a transparent design in the area of the display device in such a way that the illumination display shines through the laminate and can be recognized in an activated state, solution 26 being: a method for manufacturing the structure according to one of the solutions 16, wherein a recess is made in the panel, which is at least large enough to accommodate the display device of the appliance, wherein the panel is then fastened to the door, wherein the laminate is fastened on the front side of the panel and in the process the display device is covered. Advantageous and preferred refinements of the invention are the subject matter of the further claims and will be explained in more detail below. In the process, the description of some of the features will be for appliances only, structures only or methods only. However, regardless of this, they are intended to be able to be applied to appliances, to structures and to methods independently of one another. The wording of the claims is incorporated into the present description by explicit reference.

Appliances intended to be installed in kitchens, also advantageously dishwashers or refrigerators, have doors for opening purposes, wherein flat or large-surface-area panels are mounted on the doors, as would be the case in the case of integrated appliances. The door may advantageously be covered by a panel over the entire surface area. Furthermore, the door can be opened particularly advantageously in a hinged manner, but it can alternatively also be intended for so-called pull-out refrigerators.

According to the invention, a display device having or forming an illuminated display is arranged on the door. The design of the display device will be explained in more detail below, but may be arranged on the front of the door of the appliance, in the door, or even behind the door. Advantageously, the display device is arranged at least partially on the front side of the door facing forward or outward, i.e. at least a part of the display device is arranged on the front side of the door facing forward or outward. A portion of the display device, in particular an optical portion of the display device or a light guide or light guide, which may be provided, may protrude beyond the front side or front surface of the door, as will be explained in more detail further below. The protrusion of the display device or at least a part of the display device means that it can thus extend into the recess to be made in the panel for manufacturing the structure or into the recess to be manufactured in the panel, in order to be able to become closer to the front surface of the panel or in order to be able to become closer to a laminate covering the front surface of the panel. The display device preferably rests on the rear side of the laminate. The laminate has a transparent design in the region of the display device in such a way that: the illuminated display shines through the laminate and is therefore recognizable to the operator in the activated state, i.e. when it is illuminated. Thus, the closer the display device is to the laminate or to the rear side of the laminate, the better, brighter, and clearer the illuminated display.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to provide appliances in the form of fully integrated appliances with panels of the kind described as is customary for installation in kitchens. However, simply arranging the display means in any desired manner on the panel only results in a visual impression that is generally not particularly advantageous, and one purpose of providing such a panel is to avoid this. When the appliance is not in operation, nothing may be visible, and in particular the inactive or non-operational display means is often not visually very pleasing. The prior art cited in the introductory part avoids this by projecting down onto the floor area, wherein nothing is visible, neither the illuminated display nor the display device is present, also in the inoperative state.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the illuminated display can occupy a single closed area on the door. This means that the illuminated display is not arranged at several locations, separated or distant from each other, so that only a single recess has to be made in the panel. Furthermore, the spatially combined illuminated display is visually more pleasant and the manufacturing expenditure for the display device is additionally considerably reduced.

In a further development of the invention, the display device or the illuminated display can have a plurality of light-emitting elements, which can be illuminated independently of one another. The light-emitting elements can form, for example, at least two seven-segment displays and have LEDs for this purpose. The structure thereof or the design of the illuminated display may follow the prior art, for example, as is also known from DE 10352714 a. Both numerical values and simple letters or symbols can be displayed by such a seven-segment display. The light emitting elements may also form or illuminate and display any other desired symbol.

Electronic systems for display devices, in particular on printed circuit boards or component carriers, can be fastened to or on the front of the door of an appliance. In any case, the electronic system is protected and covered at the front by the panel to be assembled. Since in such appliances, especially in dishwashers, operator controls and control systems are also often found in doors, connections to the electronic system can be made by means of cables, film conductors or the like passing through the door. Alternatively, the electronic system may also be arranged behind or in the door, or a separate display module, which may only illuminate the display, may be arranged with the light-emitting elements and the above-mentioned light guides or light guides on or in the front of the door, in particular protruding from said door. Since it is not necessary that there be space for the entire electronic system, but rather only the above-described display module or light emitting element and light guide or light guide, it is possible to provide a relatively small recess in the panel.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the display device has at least one transparent light guide body or light guide as described above for illuminating the display. Such a light guide body or light guide is preferably arranged between the above-mentioned light emitting element and the front side surface of the panel. As is known per se from seven-segment displays, they serve not only to guide light but also to homogenize the appearance of the light by means of a corresponding material composition, i.e. to form a kind of diffuser for illuminating the display. Therefore, similar materials can be used in principle. This also means that the above-mentioned light-emitting elements themselves do not have to be arranged as close as possible to the laminate in order to be easily identifiable through the laminate or in order to form an easily identifiable illuminated display. Furthermore, in some cases they can also be designed to be so wide or so large that they completely fill the recess in the panel, in particular flush with the surface. The laminate to be coated is thus to some extent on a flat and continuous substrate and due to its participation provides a smooth, uniform and thus attractive surface.

It is possible that the light guide or the light guide described above has a covering shade. Such a mask may be a lacquer or a print. In this case, at least one slit is provided for each light guide body or light guide, which slit forms a kind of symbol through which light can be irradiated. Thus, in addition to the seven-segment display described above, symbols in a particular form as an illuminated display can also be displayed in a light guide or light guide having a very simple design.

In a development of the invention, the display device can have a cover or a cover plate. The cover or cover plate may form the front side of the display device. Such a cover or lid should be at least partially transparent. The cover or cover plate serves as a termination of the display device, in particular as a mechanically stable termination, and possibly also in order to achieve a stable closure which is flush with the surface in the above-mentioned recess in the panel. Such a cover or cover plate can advantageously be made of glass or of a completely transparent plastic. The cover or cover plate may also have at least partially the above-mentioned properties of a light guide or light guide, i.e. may be composed of a translucent or opaque material and ensure homogenization of the illuminated display. The cover or cover plate may also have the above-described light-transmissive shade on the front and/or rear side for displaying symbols.

The above-mentioned cover or cover plate can advantageously be formed in a very simple basic geometry, so that it is easier to make a recess in the panel and also to make the mounting easier. Possible basic geometries include rectangular shapes or, more preferably, circular shapes. Thus, a hole saw may be used in panels made of wood or fibrous material to make precisely defined and exact notches.

It is possible that the above-described display device and electronic system or component carriers thereof, or if arranged at different locations, at least one cable connection, light emitting element, possible light guide or light guide and possibly also a cover or cover plate, take the form of one physical unit, which can be handled independently. The physical unit can then be easily fastened to the door of the appliance, or during installation of the appliance. Thus, particularly when the display device can be moved together with cables, flexible conductors or the like, a precise adjustment of the recesses made in the panel can be achieved, so that mistakes or deviations occurring in the process can be compensated for.

In general it is advantageous that the ability of the display device to move in this way relative to the door or the front side of the door can advantageously be at least in a direction perpendicular to the front side of the door. Thus, an adjustment of different thicknesses of the panels to be assembled can be achieved in a simple manner. Cables, flexible conductors, etc. may compensate for this by being sized in corresponding lengths.

In a further development of the invention, it is possible not only for the electronic system to be arranged behind or in the front face of the door of the appliance, but also for the light-emitting element itself to be arranged behind or in the front face of the door of the appliance. The display device to be arranged on the door can then advantageously be formed practically by a light guide which starts from the unit and extends in the door, and the exit opening is at the front side of the door. Thus, the light guide may then be connected to the further light guide or light guides described above, which then to some extent in turn form a lighted display displaying the symbol from the illuminated output of the light guide.

The structure according to the invention thus has the above-mentioned appliance and a panel for the appliance, wherein the panel is fastened to the door of the appliance. In this case, the panel can advantageously cover the door for the most part at the top edge and at the sides, particularly advantageously at least substantially also towards the bottom. During the manufacture of the structure, a recess is provided in or made in the panel, in order to arrange the display device in said recess or at least in the area protruding beyond the front side of the door. Such a recess may be continuous, advantageously having a continuous cross section, in particular in order to be able to manufacture it more easily, for example using a hole saw, as described above. This is mainly used functionally to arrange the area or front side of the display device as close as possible to the front side of the panel or laminate to be coated. The front side of the display device advantageously bears directly against the rear side of the laminate. Thus, in the activated state, light can easily be shined through the illuminated display, whereas in the deactivated state of the illuminated display only the laminate and its visual appearance are visible. The laminate covers the panel at least in the area of the display device, so that the display device is not visible, in particular not in functioning as a display device. Laminates in the form of the above-described films or film-like laminates may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1mm, advantageously from 0.01mm to 0.5 mm. In all cases, the transparency of the laminate to light should be such that light from the illuminated display or light from the light-emitting elements of the display device can shine through the laminate and thus the illuminated display can be identified. Apart from the thickness of the laminate or its material and production, it should be observed that the distance between the front side of the display device or the light exit outside the display device and the laminate itself or the rear side of the laminate is as small as possible.

Laminates of the kind mentioned may initially have a plastic carrier film on which a decorative layer is applied, which decorative layer forms the front side or surface. As is known from the film technology, however, such a decorative layer can be a colored layer or a thin metallization. Light from an illuminated display having, for example, a normal SMD LED of moderate light intensity as a light emitting element can also be easily irradiated through such a metallization if it is sufficiently thin.

In a still further advantageous development of the invention, the display device can have at least one touch-operated switch or one proximity switch on the front side or at the front for controlling a function of the appliance. Thus, an operator control device having an operator control element and an illuminated display may be provided. It is particularly advantageous if the operator control means is a touch-operated switch or a proximity switch with a capacitive sensor element, but an optical touch-operated switch or proximity switch is also possible in the case of light irradiation through a naturally transparent laminate. Other functional principles of touch-operated switches or proximity switches are equally feasible.

The touch-operated switch or proximity switch is arranged close to or within the illuminated display, i.e. within the light of said illuminated display. The display device, the touch-operated switch or switches and the capacitive sensor element provided therefor may preferably be formed as one physical unit. Therefore, assembly and, mainly, electrical connection are easy to perform. The component carrier or the printed circuit board described above for the illuminated display or the electronic system of the illuminated display may also carry touch-operated switches or proximity switches together with the sensor elements. The display device and the touch-operated switch can be integrated or formed particularly advantageously as one physical unit according to the prior art, see for example DE 10352714 a1 for an optical touch-operated switch or EP 1030536 a2 or WO 2011/012501 a1 for a capacitive touch-operated switch. The document contains examples of the configuration and/or integration of a display having a light emitting element, a light guide body, and a capacitive sensor element as a touch operation switch. In principle, the physical unit disclosed in said document can also be advantageously used here in the present invention in order to realize the function of illuminating the display and the operator control function in a novel manner, in particular behind the laminate on the front side of the door of the appliance.

In an extension of the invention, both optical and capacitive sensor elements may be provided to function as touch operated switches as well as proximity switches associated with the front side or surface of the laminate. Thus, the sensor element may first recognize the proximity of a finger and the contact by the finger and distinguish between them. Thus, in functioning as a proximity switch, it is possible to activate the illuminated display first when a finger approaches the laminate in the area of the display device or operator control device, e.g., less than 10cm or 5cm away from the laminate. Thus, possible functions as operator controls may be displayed to the operator by the illuminated display. Then, a specific operator control operation can be performed in the function as the touch operation switch. Reference is made to DE 102007057076 a1 for accurate implementation. Although it relates to a mechanical knob that is always visible, it is also disclosed for optical sensors as well as for capacitive sensors. The use of said sensors for operator control is then easily implemented by the skilled person and the skilled person can likewise easily transfer this information to the present application.

For good function and/or reliable recognition of operator control operations or contact or proximity, the touch-operated switch or capacitive sensor element should advantageously bear against the rear side of the laminate. Thus, a flush design of the front side of the door is also achieved or ensured. In order to enable light to shine through or in order not to damage the illuminated display, the sensor elements may instead surround the light-emitting elements, as described in DE 10352714 a1 or EP 1030536 a 2. As an alternative, the sensor element may be transparent, as described in WO 2011/012501 a1, and extend over or above the light-emitting element through a large surface area. As described in said document, electrical contacts to the capacitive sensor elements may be formed at the top of the display device or light guide, advantageously by means of laterally extending contact forming means.

With the method according to the invention, in order to fit the appliance into the kitchen, a recess must be made in the panel, which recess must at least be large enough so that it can accommodate the display device. In particular, the recess must be able to accommodate the portion of the display device that protrudes beyond the front side of the door. Then, the panel is fastened to the door, wherein the adjustment of the protruding portion of the display device is performed in the recess according to the type of connection of said protruding portion to the appliance or the door of said appliance. Then finally, a laminate fastened or arranged on the front side of the panel covers the display device.

There are two options as to the chronological order in which the laminate is assembled to the panel. First, the laminate may be assembled to the panel prior to assembling the panel to the door of the appliance. In this case, the laminate can be coated well in a simple manner, but it is somewhat more difficult to arrange the panel on the door due to the participation of the laminate. Furthermore, care must be taken not to damage or adversely affect the laminate as it is assembled. Second, the laminate may be assembled to the panel after the panel is secured to the door. Although this is more complicated, the installation of the laminate is the final assembly step and the laminate can be better protected from damage. Furthermore, the arrangement of the display device in the recess and the possible adjustment or precise setting is simpler.

These and further features can be gathered not only from the claims but also from the description and the drawings, wherein individual features can be realized in each case independently or in sub-combinations in embodiments and in other fields of the invention as a plurality and can constitute advantageous and inherently protectable embodiments, for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into separate sections and subheadings is not limiting of the statements made under them in terms of their general effectiveness.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a front view of a structure according to the invention of an appliance according to the invention, which has a panel on the door and a film in the form of a laminate on the panel,

figure 2 shows a transverse cross-section through an illuminated display formed by the display device on the door and in a recess in the panel,

fig. 3 to 5 show modifications of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a kitchen 1 in a simplified front view of the front of a cabinet of conventional design. A floor cabinet 4 and a drawer 5 to the right of the floor cabinet 4 are arranged below the table top 2. The structure 10 according to the invention of the dishwasher 11 is arranged to the left of the floor cabinet 4, said dishwasher 11 being a domestic appliance according to the invention, designed and arranged as a fully integrated domestic appliance. The partial illustration of fig. 2, in connection with the prior art document described at the outset, serves to better illustrate the structure 10 of the dishwasher 11.

As is usual for such fully integrated dishwashers, the dishwasher 11 has a door 13, which door 13 is connected to the lower edge in a hinged manner. The operator control means are arranged on the not shown top edge of the door 13 with operator control elements in the form of buttons or touch sensors. Thus, a significant portion of the control system of the dishwasher 11 is accommodated in the door 13.

The front side or front surface of the dishwasher 11 in fig. 1 is formed by a film 40 according to the invention as a laminate, the film 40 covering the entire front side of the door 13. The handle 16 of the dishwasher, here visible, is mounted and fastened, for example screwed firmly, to the front of the membrane 40. An illuminated display 18 is shown in the upper region, which is formed by a seven-segment display of the display device shown here in fig. 2. The illuminated display displays the number "87", which number "87" can be easily identified as is the case with the illuminated display 18. This number indicates to the operator the remaining running time of the operating program of the dishwasher 11 currently running. However, in principle completely different symbols or information can be displayed. In this case the illuminated display 18 and the membrane 40 are formed such that nothing is visible in the deactivated state of the illuminated display 18, i.e. when it is switched off. In this case, the operator can only see the front side of the membrane 40 or the membrane 40 itself. At the same time, however, the film 40 is transparent at least in the region of the illuminated display 18, which is generally due to a correspondingly low thickness, in such a way that: when the illuminated display 18 is active, i.e., illuminated, light may shine through the film 40. The illuminated display 18 can then be easily identified.

The design of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 shows a partial door 13a, wherein a slot 14a is provided in the door 13a to the right in the direction of the front side of the dishwasher 11 and the structure 10 a. The groove may be several millimeters deep and have a diameter or width and height of several centimeters, for example 3cm to 10 cm. From the slot 14a, a channel 15 leads to the control system of the dishwasher 11, which is arranged in the door 13 a. The supply line 20a then extends as a power supply and an actuating device to the component carrier 19a which is completely hidden in the groove 14 a.

The parts carrier 19a is part of the display device 17a and may possibly have further parts on one of its top sides. The component can be used to actuate one of the LEDs 22a on the right-facing front side of the component carrier 19 a. Advantageously, these LEDs 22a are SMD LEDs, wherein they should be designed for relatively large power, with a light output of at least 0.01lm, advantageously at least 0.1 lm. Any desired number of LEDs 22a may be provided in any desired configuration in order to operate the illuminated display 18 as desired. According to fig. 1, at least two seven-segment displays may advantageously be shown, in some cases further seven-segment displays may be provided, in order to be able to display symbols or letters other than two digits.

A light guide 24a, advantageously of unitary and block-like design, is placed on the component carrier 19a or over the LEDs 22 a. The light guide may be used to even the illuminated display of the LEDs 22a for a uniform and attractive illumination of the display 18 a. Further, the light guide may function as a protective device and a front cover of the display device 17 a. For this purpose, the light guide can be inserted with a precise fit into the recess 32a in the panel 30 a. Such a panel 30a corresponds to a conventional panel of a fully integrated dishwasher 11 as used in the structure 10 according to the invention. Such panels 30a are advantageously made of wood, such as chipboard or MDF, or plywood or fibrous material. Although the panels are painted or may be fitted with solid wood veneers at the front to provide an attractive front of the cabinet 4 and drawer 5, this is not absolutely necessary for the panel 30 a. However, the same film may be adhered to all front parts of the kitchen, for example even as a retrofit. The recess 32a is typically made by a kitchen builder or kitchen fitter, into which the light guide 24a or the display device 17a fits precisely. In this case, the recess is also built in a position exactly matching the dishwasher 11.

The film 40a is applied to the front of the panel 30a as a laminate, in particular bonded as a self-adhesive film. As shown in fig. 1, the membrane 40a covers the entire door 13 of the dishwasher. As is known for such fully integrated kitchen appliances, usually only the lower strip (strip) of the recess is uncovered.

The membrane 40a is advantageously generally made of plastic or has a plastic base as a carrier. The film may have a colored coating on its front side or may be colored from end to end. The film can likewise be a wood-like veneer, in some cases even of lightweight construction, as is known for such wood-like veneers. The film may also have a thin metallization. However, in this case, the film should be transparent in such a manner that light from the above-described LED 22a can be recognized therethrough. The film 40a is then applied by the same kitchen fitter.

In the case of the dishwasher 11a or the door 13a according to fig. 2, the display device 17a, in particular with the component carrier 19a, is fixedly fastened, for example glued, in the groove 14a of the door 13 a. The light guide 24a protrudes beyond the front surface of the door 13a, but to some extent, does not appear in the notch 32a of the panel 30 a. The display device 17a is installed on the door 13a by the manufacturer, or is installed on the door 13a in a factory of the manufacturer of the dishwasher 11 a.

In the case of the structure 10a according to fig. 2, and in practice also generally, it is important that there is as little space or air gap as possible between the LEDs 22a and/or the light guide 24a and the film 40 a. These have a highly negative impact on both the light output and the sharpness of the optical display. Although the LEDs 22a may still have a small air gap with the light guide 24a, the film 40a should be placed directly on the front side of the light guide 24 a.

The symbol shape or the defined illumination shape of the illumination display 18a may be formed by a corresponding channel in the light guide 24a, which channel is not illustrated here, but is known from the seven-segment display mentioned at the outset. Alternatively or additionally, a further screen or print with a corresponding cut-out may also be provided on the front side of the light guide 24 a.

Therefore, the film 40a should also be bonded to the front side of the light guide 24 a. In addition to the above-mentioned technical reasons for better illumination transmission of light, it is also important for the visual appearance to be as pleasing as possible. Furthermore, the light guide 24a should be arranged to fit in the recess 32a as precisely as possible, so that no joints can be identified through the membrane 40a or no such joints or recesses become visible when the front side of the dishwasher 11 is subjected to pressure, also for example during washing. Finally, the film 40a as a laminate should give the impression that the front side is stable, continuous and uniform or one-piece.

In the modified version of the invention according to fig. 3, in the case of the structure 10b according to the invention, only one continuous channel 15b is provided in the door 13b of the dishwasher 11b with a different design. The component carrier 19b is arranged on the rear side of the door 13b, i.e. on the inside. The component carrier can be covered towards the inside of the dishwasher 11b and can be connected to a control system, not illustrated here, of the dishwasher in particular. It is easily conceivable here also to omit the component carrier 19b altogether, the function of which for actuating the LEDs 22b of the display device 17b or for illuminating the display 18b is taken over by a component or processor of the comprehensive control system of the dishwasher.

The power supply line 20b extends in a channel 15b in the door 13b to the LED 22b, so that the LED is designed as an integrated physical unit together with the light guide 24b and an electrical connection not illustrated in any detail. The light guide 24b or the physical unit is accordingly arranged in a recess 32b of a panel 30b which can be designed according to fig. 2. Therefore, the structure should again be designed to fit precisely and be flush with the surface. The film 40b as a laminate according to the invention is applied from the front, said film covering the entire front side of the panel 30b and thus also covering the door 13b and forming an optical surface. The statements made above also apply to the design of the membrane 40 b. With the LED 22b enabled, the illuminated display 18b may be identified. If the LED 22b is not operating, nothing other than the front side of the foil 40b can be identified.

A further alternative modification of the structure 10c according to the present invention is illustrated in fig. 4. A relatively large channel 15c is provided in the door 13c of the dishwasher according to the present invention. Said channel leads up to the not shown control system of the dishwasher and contains two or indeed more than just a few light guides 26c, in particular one light guide 26c for each illumination segment of the illuminated display 18 c. The light guide 26c is guided into the light guide 24c by a slightly widened end, the light guide 24c being composed of plastic as described above. Said light guide also forms part of the display device 17c and is accordingly embedded in a flush, closed and fixed manner in the recess 32c of the panel 30 c. The corresponding film as a laminate can now be bonded directly to the front side of the panel again according to the illustration of fig. 2 and 3. Here, as a modification, a full-surface-area plate 35c composed of a transparent material at least in the area of the illumination display 18c is provided. The plate 35c covers the entire front side of the door 13c or the face plate 30 c. Thus, the panels are also assembled by the kitchen fitter, possibly even cut to size. Furthermore, plastics, such as acrylic, are possible materials for the plate 35 c. The thickness of the plastic may be relatively low, for example 1mm to 5 mm. The task of this plate 35c is to provide additional protection for the display device 17 c. Furthermore, as already stated above, it is intended to provide a completely full surface area and uninterrupted, planar front side, to which it is then possible for the film 40c as a laminate to be provided or bonded. However, such a large or full surface area plate 35c may be provided, whether the LEDs are provided on the front of the display device as in fig. 2 and 3, or several millimeters below the film 40, or whether the light guide is provided as in the case of fig. 4 herein.

The light guide 26c may have a certain amount of play for the light guide 24c so that the light guide 24c can be easily inserted into the notch 32c in the panel 30c and certain assembly variations can be compensated for. In the present case the joints extending between them are not as poor, since in any case a full surface area plate 35 is further mounted in front of the panel 30 c.

In fig. 5, in a further exemplary embodiment of a structure 10d according to the present invention with a door 13d of a dishwasher, again a power supply line 20d is provided in the channel 15d of the door 13 d. A display device 17d according to the present invention is arranged in the slot 14d on the front side of the door 13 d. However, the component carrier 19d of the display device 17d is not fixedly or flush inserted into the slot 14d, but at a distance from said slot. The component carrier 19d is held by forming one physical unit with the light guide 24d or by being bonded to the light guide or by being otherwise mechanically connected to the light guide. The light guide 24d is again connected to the plate 35d by its front side and in the process to the rear side of the plate 35d, so that overall one physical unit is formed. The plate 35d is fixedly arranged, e.g. glued, in the recess 32d of the panel 30 d. This is done without the need for joints and flush with the surface of the panel 30d, so that the film 40d as a laminate can be bonded again in a very simple manner.

However, the capacitive sensor element 28d is again fitted to the front side of the light guide 24d here, as explained above as an advantageous option. Here, the capacitive sensor element 28d is advantageously arranged flat on the full surface area of the front side of the light guide 24d or particularly advantageously over the full surface area of the front side of the light guide 24d, preferably as a coating according to the above-mentioned document WO 2011/012501 a 1. Therefore, a large sensor element is provided. The sensor element is electrically contacted-connected to the component carrier 19d, in particular also electrically contacted-connected to an actuation system and an evaluation system, by means of an electrically conductive connection guided transversely along the light guide 24d, for example also by means of a transverse coating, as is known from the prior art and is easy to implement here. Further, a more detailed illustration may be omitted. Placing a finger on the laminate 40d in front of the capacitive sensor element 28d causes operator control in the usual manner through the laminate and also through the plate 35 d. Thus, the laminate is intended to be designed such that this is possible. The position of the capacitive sensor element 28d or the touch-operated switch formed by said capacitive sensor element can be signalled by illuminating the display. Thus, the above-described functionality of the proximity switch may also be implemented, in particular it is possible to identify whether the finger is for example less than 10cm or 5cm away. The illuminated display 18d, which was previously fully or partially deactivated, may then be first activated by the corresponding actuation system.

Here, due to the capacitive sensor element 28d, the display device 17d becomes an operator control device having an illuminated display for an operator and at least one operator control element, i.e. having an input and an output. Thus, for example, a dishwasher as an appliance can be switched off by placing a finger on the flashing illuminated display 18d indicating the end of the dishwashing process, without the door 13 having to be opened for this purpose.

Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a plate 35d for the display device 17d is also provided, however the plate is hidden in the panel 30 such that it is flush with the surface in line with the light guide 24 in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 and 3. However, the plate 35d may be suitably thick and mechanically stable. Furthermore, the plate has the advantage that, since a physical unit is formed together with the light guide 24d and the component carrier 19d, a certain degree of flexibility in terms of structure or positioning is possible, since no fastening portion is provided directly in the door 13d and the above-mentioned slot 14d also allows a sufficient amount of play.

Fig. 5 also shows: the usual LEDs 22d are likewise arranged on the front side of the component carrier 19d, but further electrical components, for example for actuating these LEDs 22d and/or capacitive sensor elements 28d, are also arranged on the rear side. There is sufficient space here due to the slightly larger slot 14 d. By gluing the plate 35 in the recess 32d, a mechanically stable structure can also be provided, which does not necessarily have to be supported on the inner side. The plate 35d may likewise be composed of plastic, for example of acrylic glass, and have a thickness of 2mm to 5mm or even more. Therefore, the plate is stable enough not to dent in the area of the display device 17 d.

It is easily imaginable that instead of the dishwasher 11 also another appliance can be installed in this way, in particular not even necessarily in a kitchen with a continuous front. Thus, in general, an appliance may be provided having a front side or visual appearance that may be personalized. At the same time, it should equally be possible to also provide an illuminated display on the appliance, which has the main visual and technical appeal that it is not visible in the deactivated state and is also only visible as an illuminated display when it is activated. In some cases, an operator control device may be provided having an illuminated display and a touch-operated switch or proximity switch as an operator control element.

Claims

1. A structure having an appliance (11) for installation in a kitchen and a panel (30) for the appliance, wherein,

-the appliance has a front side;

-the appliance has a door (13) on the front side for substantially the full surface area for opening purposes,

-having a panel to be fitted flat to the door (13);

-a display device (17) is arranged on the door (13),

-the display device (17) has an illuminating display (18),

-at least a part of the display device (17) protrudes beyond the front side of the door (13),

-the panel is fastened to a door (13) of the appliance and covers it for the most part,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

-providing a recess (32) in the panel for arranging a display device (17) in the panel,

-the panel (30) is covered with a laminate (40) at least in the area of the display device,

-the laminate has a transparent design in the area of the display device (17) in such a way that the illumination display (18) shines through the laminate (40) and can be identified in an active state, and only the laminate (40) and its visual appearance can be seen in the inactive state of the illumination display (18).

2. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 1, wherein the illuminated display (18) occupies a single closed area on the door (13).

3. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 1, wherein the illuminated display (18) has a plurality of light-emitting elements (22) on the display device (17), which can be illuminated independently of each other.

4. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting elements comprise at least two seven-segment displays.

5. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 1, wherein the display device (17) has at least one transparent light guide (24) or light guide (26) for the illuminated display (18).

6. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 5, wherein the illuminating display (18) has a plurality of light emitting elements (22) on the display device (17), which light emitting elements can be illuminated independently of each other, wherein the light emitting elements comprise at least two seven-segment displays, wherein transparent one or more light guiding bodies or one or more light guides are arranged between the light emitting elements (22) and the front side surface of the panel (30).

7. The arrangement with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of light guides (24) or a plurality of light guides (26) have a covering screen with at least one cut-out for each light guide (24) or light guide (26) as a symbol through which light can shine.

8. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 1, wherein the display device (17) has a cover or cover plate (35) forming the front side of the display device.

9. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 8, wherein the front side is an at least partially transparent cover or cover plate (35), wherein the cover or cover plate has a covering screen with at least one cut-out as a symbol through which light can shine.

10. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 1, wherein the display device is arranged (17) on the door such that it is movable with respect to the front side of the door (13).

11. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 10, wherein the display means are movable in a direction perpendicular to the front side of the door (13).

12. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 11, wherein the display device (17) is connected to the actuating means of the appliance (11) by means of a flexible cable or conductor (20) or the like.

13. The arrangement with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 1, wherein the display device (17) has a touch-operated switch or a proximity switch on the front side, wherein the touch-operated switch is arranged close to or within the illuminated display (18).

14. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 13, wherein the display device (17) and the touch-operated switch or capacitive sensor element (28) are formed as one physical unit.

15. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 13, wherein the touch-operated switch or proximity switch is a touch-operated switch with a capacitive sensor element (28).

16. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the laminate has a thin or film-like design.

17. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 16, wherein the laminate has a thickness of less than or equal to 1 mm.

18. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 16, wherein the laminate is a film or a self-adhesive film.

19. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the laminate (40) has a plastic carrier film with a decorative layer on it as a front side.

20. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 19, wherein the decorative layer is a colour layer or a metallisation.

21. The structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the display device (17) has a cover or cover plate (35) forming the front side of the display device, wherein the display device (17) with the cover or cover plate (35) rests on the rear side of the laminate (40) or is flush with the front side of the panel (30).

22. The arrangement of an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the display device (17) has a touch-operated switch or a proximity switch on the front side, wherein the touch-operated switch is arranged close to or within the illuminated display (18), wherein the touch-operated switch or proximity switch is arranged behind the laminate.

23. A structure with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 22, wherein a capacitive sensor element (28) is arranged behind the laminate.

24. The arrangement of an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to claim 22, wherein the area of the laminate in front of the touch-operated switch or proximity switch forms a contact area for the touch-operated switch.

25. A method for manufacturing a structure (10) with an appliance (11) and a panel (30) according to any one of claims 1-24, characterized by comprising the steps of:

-making a recess (32) in the panel (30) at least large enough to accommodate the display means (17) of the appliance (11),

-then fastening the panel (30) to the door (13), wherein the laminate (40) is fastened on the front side of the panel (30) and the display device (17) is covered in the process.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the laminate (40) is assembled to the panel (30) prior to assembling the panel to the door (13).

27. Method according to claim 25, wherein the laminate (40) is fitted to the panel after fastening the panel (30) to the door (13), wherein the display device (17) is arranged or adjusted in a recess of the panel in such a way that the front side of the display device (17) is flush with the front side of the panel (30) after fitting the panel to the door and before applying the laminate (40) to the panel (30).