CN117569054A - Operation panel device for laundry care appliance and control method of operation panel device - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance, including: a panel assembly including a first user interface and a second user interface that differ at least in the operational diversity of provided interactive operations, the first user interface and the second user interface being disposed on different faces of the panel assembly; and a movement unit configured to enable the panel assembly to be changed in a position in which the first user interface is exposed from the panel assembly and the second user interface is hidden within the panel assembly, and at least to be in a first position in which the second user interface is exposed from the panel assembly, and a second position different from the first position. The present invention also provides a laundry care appliance, a control method of an operation panel device for the laundry care appliance, and a machine-readable storage medium. The invention meets the double requirements of users on extremely simplified interaction and functional richness through the two provided user interfaces.

Description

Operation panel device for laundry care appliance and control method of operation panel device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly, to an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance, a control method for an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance, and a machine-readable storage medium.

Background

With the improvement of the technological level, the washing machine has become one of the indispensable products of modern families, which provides greater convenience for people's daily life. Meanwhile, people also put higher demands on the functional richness and the use experience of the washing machine.

The conventional washing machine is equipped with only one simple mechanical operation panel, and a user can select a desired function by rotating a button or manipulating a key. This interaction, while concise, does not meet the personalized needs of some users. With the development of electronic technology, more washing machines are beginning to introduce richer menu options and visual contents in the operation panel, which is more fashionable and high-end in appearance, but complicated operation modes also place higher demands on users, and especially for some older users, the process of selecting and setting a washing program becomes very time-consuming.

Against this background, it is desirable to provide an improved operation panel device for a laundry care appliance to be able to meet the multiple operational interaction demands of different user groups.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance, a control method for an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance and a machine-readable storage medium to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance, the operation panel device comprising:

a panel assembly including a first user interface and a second user interface, the first user interface and the second user interface differing at least in terms of operational diversity of provided interactive operations, the first user interface and the second user interface disposed on different faces of the panel assembly;

a movement unit configured to enable the panel assembly to change its position and to be in at least a first position in which the first user interface is exposed from the panel assembly and the second user interface is hidden within the panel assembly, and a second position different from the first position in which the second user interface is exposed from the panel assembly.

The invention comprises the following technical conception: two kinds of user interfaces can be provided through the same operation panel device, and the two kinds of user interfaces are different in the aspects of the diversity of provided interactive operation, so that the requirement of extremely simplifying interaction can be met, and the pursuit of users for functional richness can be met. Therefore, the laundry care appliance equipped with such an operation panel device can be adapted to different user groups. Furthermore, the second user interface may not be presented simultaneously with the first user interface, but merely brought into the viewable area, for example, if necessary, which is not visually annoying for users who prefer different interaction styles.

Optionally, the first user interface is configured to be able to provide a basic interaction with respect to at least one function of the laundry care appliance, and the second user interface is configured to be able to provide a high-level interaction with respect to the at least one function of the laundry care appliance, the high-level interaction being higher than the basic interaction in terms of operational diversity and/or operational complexity. Thus, the user can directly contact the concise first user interface. In general, the position of the panel assembly is not required to be changed when only basic interaction needs exist, and the second user interface is operated to be exposed when individuation needs exist, so that the number of times of the user actuating the panel is reduced, and the panel is more convenient to use.

Optionally, the first user interface includes a first display area, and the second user interface includes a second display area, and the display content of the first display area is simplified compared with the display content of the second display area. The invention not only can realize double-screen different display, but also can distinguish the two user interfaces in visual effect, and has more identification degree.

Optionally, the second user interface is configured to provide a customization operation of the first user interface, wherein the user is enabled to change, inter alia, the instruction content triggered by the at least one input element and/or the output content of the at least one output element of the first user interface by said customization operation. Therefore, the personalized customization requirement of the user on the functions is met.

Optionally, the first user interface is configured to provide a selection operation, in particular a rotation selection operation, by which a user is enabled to select at least one default program of the laundry care appliance having a preset parameter configuration; the second user interface is configured to provide:

-a customising program operation by which a user is enabled to define the type and/or number of default programs provided by the first user interface; and/or

-a customization parameter operation by which a user is enabled to adjust preset parameter configurations of a default program provided by the first user interface and/or of a default program that has been selected by the first user interface.

Thus, only those programs that are frequently used can be presented on the exterior finish of the household appliance, thereby enabling the user to quickly and efficiently pick and run the programs they desire. The possibility of adjusting the default program is provided by the hidden second user interface.

Optionally, the first user interface is configured to provide:

-a coarse tuning operation of a parameter configuration of at least one function of the laundry care appliance;

the second user interface is configured to provide:

-a fine tuning operation of the parameter configuration of at least one function of the laundry care appliance, said fine tuning operation being higher in parameter tuning range, number of tuned parameter categories, tuning accuracy than said coarse tuning operation.

Therefore, time-consuming searching for lower options of the menu is omitted in the first user interface, and more refined adjustment requirements can be met in the second user interface, so that different requirements can be accurately positioned.

Optionally, the second user interface is configured to provide:

-a customization operation by which a user is enabled to set parameter configurations for a customization program of the laundry care appliance;

-a store program operation by which a user is enabled to store a custom program as a default program; and/or

-an additional selection operation by which the user is enabled to select a default program and additional default programs other than the default program.

Therefore, the user can directly select the default program with fixed parameters, and can define the program by himself, so that the operation panel device provides more interaction possibility on the whole, and the user experience is enriched. In addition, the second user interface provides personalized summarization of various parameters and programs, and meets personalized customization requirements of users.

Optionally, the operation panel device further includes:

a detection unit configured to detect a bit state of the panel assembly; and

a control unit configured to control the first user interface and the second user interface to operate in a predetermined combination based on the bit states.

Thus, by means of a combined interaction between the two user interfaces, a more diversified functionality is provided. As the bit state of the panel assembly changes, functionality that would otherwise not be available through a single user interface may be increased.

Optionally, the control unit is further configured to provide, in response to detecting that the panel assembly is disengaged from the first position and/or in the second position, user instructions received by the second user interface in association with user instructions received by the first user interface for controlling at least one function of the laundry care appliance. Therefore, the operation habit and the action sequence of the user are considered when the interaction mode of the two user interfaces is designed, and the continuity and the fluency of the operation experience are ensured.

Optionally, the panel assembly includes:

-a first panel unit having the first user interface;

-a second panel unit having the second user interface;

wherein the movement unit is configured to movably engage the first and second panel units of the panel assembly relative to one another between a collapsed state in which the second user interface of the second panel unit is obscured by the first panel unit and an expanded state in which the second user interface of the second panel unit is exposed from the first panel unit. By folding and unfolding the two panels, the hiding and exposing of the second user interface is skillfully achieved, which makes the structure of the whole operation panel device more compact.

Optionally, the first user interface comprises a first display area, the second user interface comprises a second display area, the first display area is configured as an at least partially light transmissive window, the second display area is configured as an electronic screen, and in the superimposed state of the first panel unit relative to the second panel unit, the window is aligned with at least a partial area of the electronic screen. Therefore, the screen display function is visually created without carrying a plurality of screens, so that the technology sense is realized, and the energy consumption and the manufacturing cost of the operation panel device are saved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laundry care appliance comprising:

a body; and

according to a first aspect of the invention, an operation panel device is fixedly or detachably embedded in a body of a laundry care appliance, such that in a first position of a panel assembly of the operation panel device, the first user interface is located on a visible face of the body and the second user interface is not located on the visible face of the body, and in a second position of the panel assembly of the operation panel device, the second user interface is located on the visible face of the body. Thereby, a compact style of the exterior finish of the laundry care appliance is ensured, and the user is facilitated to more intuitively distinguish the functions of the two user interfaces visually. In addition, through the embedded arrangement mode, the outer decoration surface of the clothes care appliance is ensured to be more concise and attractive, and visual integration is realized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an operation panel device of a laundry care appliance, the control method being for execution by means of the operation panel device according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or the laundry care appliance according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of:

acquiring a bit state of a panel assembly of the operation panel device; and

the first user interface and the second user interface are controlled to operate in a predetermined combination based on the bit states. Therefore, the clothes care appliance can be operated in various use modes according to the relative positions of the first user interface and the second user interface, the utilization rate is improved, and the cost is reduced.

Optionally, the step S2 includes:

receiving a first predetermined input by a user to a first user interface with the panel assembly in a first position, selecting at least one default program of a laundry care appliance having a preset parameter configuration based on the first predetermined input; and/or

Receiving a second predetermined input by a user to a second user interface with the panel assembly disengaged from the first position and/or in a second position, based on the second predetermined input:

-performing a customization operation on the first user interface;

-defining a type and/or number of default programs provided by the first user interface; and/or

-performing an adjustment to a preset parameter configuration of a default program provided by the first user interface and/or of a default program that has been selected by the first user interface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a machine readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program for performing the control method according to the third aspect of the present invention when run on a computer.

Drawings

The principles, features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by describing the present invention in more detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings include:

fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a configuration of an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 2a and 2b show perspective views of a laundry care appliance equipped with an operation panel apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment in different positions of the operation panel apparatus, respectively;

fig. 3a and 3b show perspective views of a laundry care appliance equipped with an operation panel apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment, respectively, in different positions of the operation panel apparatus;

Fig. 4a and 4b show schematic diagrams of a first user interface of an operation panel device according to different exemplary embodiments, respectively;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a second user interface of an operator panel apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment;

fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a control method of an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance according to an exemplary embodiment; and

fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a control method of an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance according to another exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantageous technical effects to be solved by the present invention more apparent, the present invention will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and a plurality of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It should be appreciated that the expressions "first", "second", etc. are used herein for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or as implying any particular order of number of technical features indicated.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a configuration of an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1, the operation panel apparatus 10 for a laundry care appliance includes a first user interface 110, a second user interface 120, a detection unit 130, and a control unit 140.

The first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 differ at least in the variety of operations provided for the interactive operations, the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 being provided, for example, on different boards of a panel assembly (not explicitly shown in fig. 1 for brevity) of the operation panel apparatus 10. They may be implemented as display units providing virtual controls, respectively, or as operating units comprising only physical controls or both physical and virtual controls. The first and second user interfaces 110, 120, in addition to comprising a suitable number of input and output elements, respectively, are integrated with sensors for detecting user inputs and a processor for converting user operations into machine instructions.

The detection unit 130 is configured to detect a bit state of the panel assembly. In case the first and second user interfaces 110, 120 are arranged on different panel units, respectively, the relative pose between the first user interface and the second user interface may be determined by means of the detection unit 130. In case the first and second user interfaces 110, 120 are arranged on different boards of the same panel unit, the pose of the first and second user interfaces 110, 120, respectively, with respect to a reference point may be determined by means of the detection unit 130. The detection unit 130 may be configured as an optical sensor, a hall sensor, a proximity switch, and/or an electromagnetic sensor, for example, and by appropriate arrangement, the detection unit 130 may estimate the state of the panel assembly based on the detected light intensity, magnetic field signal, switch on-off signal, magneto-resistive signal, capacitance magnitude, and/or inductance magnitude.

The control unit 140 is configured to control the first user interface and the second user interface to operate in a predetermined combination based on the bit state of the panel assembly detected by the detection unit 130. For example, when the first user interface 110 is exposed from the operation panel device 10 and the second user interface 120 is hidden in the operation panel device 10, the control unit 140 may control the first and second user interfaces 110 and 120 to operate in the first combination input mode, and at this time, the first user interface 110 is activated and the second user interface 120 is deactivated. When both the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 are exposed from the operation panel device 10, the control unit 140 may control the first and second user interfaces 110, 120 to operate in a second predetermined combination, when both the first and second user interfaces 110, 120 are activated, for example. The control unit 140 may further control the first and second user interfaces 110, 120 to operate in a third predetermined combination in which the first user interface 110 is activated and then deactivated and the second user interface 120 is deactivated and then activated, additionally taking into account the predetermined input of the user and the order of bit change.

Fig. 2a and 2b show perspective views of a laundry care appliance equipped with the operation panel apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment in different positions of the operation panel apparatus, respectively.

The laundry care appliance 1 shown in fig. 2a and 2b may be, for example, a washing machine having a washing function alone, a clothes dryer having a drying function or a spin-drying function alone, or may be a washing-drying integrated machine. The laundry care appliance 1 comprises a body 2 and an operating panel device 10, the operating panel device 10 being fixedly or detachably embedded in the body 2 of the laundry care appliance 1.

The operation panel device 10 includes a panel assembly composed of a first panel unit 11 and a second panel unit 12, the first panel unit 11 having a first user interface 110, and the second panel unit 12 having a second user interface 120. The first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 comprise a determined number of input elements 111, 121 and output elements 112, 122, respectively. Furthermore, the operation panel device 10 further includes a moving unit 13 configured to enable the panel assembly to be changed in position, thereby movably engaging the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 with each other between the folded state and the unfolded state. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the movement unit 13 is configured as a hinge assembly or a spindle assembly, so that the first panel unit 11 can be rotated in a folding manner relative to the second panel unit 12.

Fig. 2a and 2b show the folded and unfolded state of the two panel units 11, 12 of the operating panel device 10, respectively. In the folded state, the first panel unit 11 is attached to the second panel unit 12, at which time the first user interface 110 is exposed on the visible face of the laundry care appliance 1 and is for example flush with the front side of the body 2, thus visible to the user. The second user interface 120 is hidden in the operation panel device 10 due to being blocked by the first panel unit 11. In the unfolded state, the first panel unit 11 is opened at an angle with respect to the front side of the body 2, thereby exposing the second user interface 120. In this embodiment, the first panel unit 11 is not visible to the user from the front side of the laundry care appliance 1, since it is flipped to be perpendicular to the front side of the body 2 such that the first user interface 110 is directed to the ground.

Fig. 3a and 3b show perspective views of a laundry care appliance equipped with an operation panel device according to another exemplary embodiment, respectively, in different positions of the operation panel device.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3a and 3b, the movement unit 13 of the operating panel device 10 is constructed as a sliding assembly, so that the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 are engaged by means of a sliding fit.

In fig. 3a is shown a superimposed state of the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12, which is similar to the state shown in fig. 2a, i.e. the first user interface 110 of the first panel unit 11 is exposed on the outer side of the body 2, whereas the second user interface 120 is not visible due to being completely covered by the first panel unit 11. In fig. 3b, an unfolded state of the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 is shown, in which state the first panel unit 11 is displaced in a horizontal direction with respect to the second panel unit 12, thus exposing the second user interface 120 of the second panel unit 12. At this time, both the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 are visible to a user looking from the front side of the laundry care appliance 1.

Fig. 4a and 4b show schematic diagrams of a first user interface of an operation panel device according to different exemplary embodiments, respectively.

As shown in fig. 4a, the first user interface 110 includes a plurality of input elements and output elements. In this embodiment, the output elements of the first user interface 110 include a first display area 1121 and a plurality of program options 1122, 1123. The input elements of the first user interface 110 include a rotary selector 1111 with a rotary pointer, a throttle button 1112, and a temperature adjustment button 1113.

In one example, the first display region 1121 is configured as an at least partially light transmissive window. In another example, the first display area 1121 is configured as an LED screen or a TFT touch screen.

In general, basic interoperation with respect to at least one function of the laundry care appliance is intended to be provided through the first user interface 110, while advanced interoperation with respect to at least one function of the laundry care appliance is intended to be provided through the second user interface 120 shown in fig. 5, which is higher than the basic interoperation in terms of operational diversity and/or operational complexity. Thus, for simplicity, the first display area 1121 of the first user interface 110 may be set smaller than the second display area 1221 of the second user interface 120 to make the output content provided by the first user interface 110 more simplified in number and style.

The first user interface 110 provides for selected operation of at least one default degree with a preset parameter configuration. To this end, in the first user interface 110, the program options 1122, 1123 are shown in the form of symbols and/or text surrounding the rotary selector 1111, which in fig. 4a is for example: cotton, blending, down jackets, collection 1, collection 2, collection 3. Three program options 1123 located to the right of the rotary selector 1111 show default programs that are often used by the user, their parameter configuration being pre-specified by the factory or equipment manufacturer. Three program options 1122 on the left side of the rotary selector 1111 are preference programs that can be customized by the user, whose program categories and specific parameter configurations can be specified by the user (e.g., via manipulation of the second user interface 120). In fig. 4a, the pointer for the selected program of the rotary selector 1111 is adjusted to point to "cotton". Accordingly, the preset parameter configuration of the default program "cotton" is correspondingly shown in the first display area 1121.

In addition, the first user interface 110 also provides a coarse tuning operation of the parameter configuration of at least one function of the laundry care appliance. For example, the speed or temperature in the preset parameter configuration of the default program may be adjusted within a limited range by the throttle button 1112 and the throttle button 1113. For example, if the default speed in the washing program "cotton" is 850 revolutions per minute, it may be adjusted in the range of 800-900 revolutions per minute by the throttle button 1112 of the first user interface 110.

Fig. 4b shows a first user interface 110' in another exemplary embodiment. In the following, by means of the differences between fig. 4b and fig. 4a, it is explained how a customization operation is performed on the first user interface by means of the second user interface.

In one example, the content of the instruction triggered by the input element of the first user interface 110' may be changed by a customization operation provided by the second user interface. In fig. 4b, the icons (spiral symbols and thermometers) for indicating the rotation speed adjustment and the temperature adjustment are not displayed any more, but no text or icons are displayed at the positions 1112', 1113' originally corresponding to the speed adjustment key and the temperature adjustment key in fig. 4 a. This means that the two areas 1112', 1113', although reserved for parameter adjustment, can be free to replace the key functions (e.g. temperature adjustment, rotation speed adjustment, child lock, time adjustment, etc.) presented by the first user interface 110 'under the customized operation of the second user interface, or can cancel the parameter adjustment function provided by the first user interface 110' if necessary.

In another example, the output content of the output element of the first user interface 110' may also be changed by a customization operation provided by the second user interface. In fig. 4b, the first display area 1121' no longer displays the rotation speed, the washing time and the temperature, but only shows the washing time for achieving a more concise visual effect. This may also be achieved by a custom operation of the second user interface.

In another example, the type and/or number of default programs provided by the first user interface 110' may also be changed by custom operations of the second user interface. In the first user interface 110 shown in fig. 4a, default program options 1122, 1123 customized by the northern user are presented, and the down jacket program is preferentially presented on the first user interface 110' because of the high frequency with which users wear and clean large items of clothing such as down jackets due to the cold and dry weather in northern winter. The first user interface 110 'shown in fig. 4b then presents default program options 1122', 1123 'customized by the southern user, as can be seen, since the southern outdoor air temperature is higher, it is less frequent to wear down jackets, but the indoor air temperature is lower, so that knitted, woolen garments need to be washed more frequently, thus giving preference to displaying woolen programs on the outer first user interface 110'. In addition, the user can also change the common default program according to seasons or regions through the custom operation by the second user interface. The most frequently used washing program derived from big data may also be provided on the first user interface 110' if the user does not take any custom action.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a second user interface of the operation panel device according to an exemplary embodiment.

The second user interface 120 shown in fig. 5 also provides a determined number of input elements and input elements, the second user interface 120 providing significantly more input elements and output elements in number than the first user interface 110, 110' shown in fig. 4a-4 b. In this example, the output elements of the second user interface 120 include a second display area 1221, and the input elements include various keys 1212, 1213, 1218 for adjusting functional parameters, a key 1217 for adjusting numerical values, keys 1211, 1214, 1215 for customizing default programming, and a handwriting input area 1216.

In fig. 5, the second display area 1221 of the second user interface 120 is configured as an electronic screen corresponding to the window position of the first user interface 110 in fig. 4a-4b, which is for example a TFT direct contact screen. When the panel assembly is in the folded state, the window of the first user interface 110 is aligned with a partial area of the electronic screen of the second user interface 120. In the folded state, the user can observe a central area of the electronic screen through the window of the first user interface 110, in which, for example, the rotational speed, the washing (remaining) time and the temperature of the washing program of the laundry care appliance are displayed. In the unfolded state, in addition to the rotational speed, the washing (remaining) time and the temperature of the washing program being continuously observed in the second user interface 120, an edge area 210 of the electronic screen is also revealed, in which edge area 210 a progress bar of the washing program is additionally displayed, in which progress bar it is possible to indicate which link (dehydration, rinsing, washing) has been currently performed, for example, by a blinking effect of a different icon.

In fig. 5, keys 1212, 1213 are also shown at corresponding locations to the throttle and temperature adjustment keys shown in fig. 4a, but these keys 1212, 1213 may provide a larger parameter range in the second user interface 120. For example, for rotational speed adjustment, rotational speed adjustment may be accomplished in the range of 500-1000 revolutions per minute by manipulating key 1212 or 1213 in second user interface 120. Finer adjustments to specific parameters, such as adjustments in smaller steps, may also be provided by the "+" and "-" versions of keys 1217. In addition, various parameter adjustment or customization may also be provided by specific gesture operations (e.g., drag up/down/side-to-side, double-click, long press) in handwriting area 1216 of second user interface 120. The second user interface 120, in addition to being able to adjust the conventional parameters (temperature, rotation speed, time), also provides the possibility of adjusting more parameter categories (rinse, spin) by means of the keys 1218, thus fulfilling the diversified demands of the user on the washing program.

In the second user interface 120, in addition to providing similar interactive operations (selection of default programs, basic tuning) as the first user interface 110, custom operations on the type, number, and parameter configuration of default programs presented on the first user interface 110 are provided, and custom programs may be stored as default programs and provided on the first user interface 110.

In one specific example, to select a default program desired to be presented in the first user interface 110, the program customization mode may be entered, for example, by long pressing the asterisk key 1214, then selecting the location on the first user interface 110 that is desired to be customized by manipulating the key 1211, and finally selecting the default program category desired by itself in the library 1215 and pressing the asterisk key 1214 again to confirm and end the customization. It can be seen that in the library provided in the form of keys 1215 in the second user interface 120, in addition to the default programs already presented in the first user interface 110, further additional default programs are listed, thereby providing a richer degree of freedom of choice to the user.

In a specific example, if it is desired to set and store the custom program as a default program, the program customization mode may be first entered by long pressing the star button 1214, after the position selection is completed by means of the button 1211, the parameter configuration of the custom program may be set by manipulating the speed adjusting button 1212, the temperature adjusting button 1213, the time button (not shown), the rinse adding button 1218, the dehydration adding button, etc., and finally the custom program may be stored as a default program and presented at the desired position of the first user interface 110 by pressing the star button 1214 again.

As already explained above in connection with fig. 4a-4b, customization of the display content of the first input area of the first user interface 110 may also be provided through the second user interface 120, and customization of the key functions and layout of the first user interface 110 may also be provided through the second user interface 120. In addition, other similar customization operations not specifically listed herein are also within the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a control method of an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance according to an exemplary embodiment. The control method illustratively includes steps S1-S2, and may be implemented, for example, in the case of using the operation panel device 10 shown in fig. 1-5.

In step S1, the bit state of the panel assembly of the operation panel device 10 is acquired. For example, a change in the position of the entire panel assembly with respect to a fixed point may be detected by the detection unit 130, or a change in the relative pose between the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 in the panel assembly may be detected. Specifically, it may be detected by means of a proximity sensor (e.g., a proximity switch, a light sensor, a hall sensor, etc.) whether the first panel unit 11 is folded with respect to the second panel unit 12 or whether the included angle between the second panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 is at least one of preset angles.

In step S2, the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 are controlled to operate in a predetermined combination based on the bit states.

As an example, the activation/deactivation states of the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 may be controlled based on the bit states of the panel assembly in this step.

When it is detected by the detection unit 130 that the first panel unit 11 is in the folded state with respect to the second panel unit 12, the second user interface 120 may be placed in the locked state and the first user interface 110 may be placed in the unlocked state by the control unit 140. Specifically, for example, touch sensors (or pressure sensors) are attached to the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 to detect the user's operational interaction with the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120. In the superimposed state, only the touch sensor of the first user interface 110 may be activated and the touch sensor of the second user interface 120 may be disabled by the control unit 140.

When it is detected by the detection unit 130 that the first panel unit 11 is unfolded to a predetermined angle (e.g., 90 ° to 120 °) with respect to the second panel unit 12, the first user interface 110 may be placed in a locked state and the second user interface 120 may be unlocked by the control unit 140.

As another example, the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 may also be controlled to operate in a coordinated manner based on the bit state of the panel assembly.

For example, when it is detected by means of the detection unit 130 that the first panel unit 11 is detached from the folded state and/or reaches the unfolded state with respect to the second panel unit 12, the user instructions received by the second user interface 120 are provided for controlling at least one function of the laundry care appliance in association with the user instructions received by the first user interface 110.

Thus, the user sequentially performs the operation coordination on the first user interface 110 and the second user interface 120 to complete the control on different aspects of the same function, so as to realize complete control logic.

Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a control method of an operation panel device for a laundry care appliance according to another exemplary embodiment. In the specific application scenario shown in fig. 7, the method illustratively comprises steps S701-S706, which can likewise be implemented using the operating panel device 10 shown in fig. 1-5.

In step S701, a first predetermined input by a user to the first user interface 110 is received with the panel assembly in a stacked state. For example, by manipulating the rotary selector 1111 on the first user interface 110, the selection may be performed on at least one default program of the laundry care appliance 1 having a preset parameter configuration.

In step S702, it is checked whether the first panel unit 11 is changed in bit state with respect to the second panel unit 12. For example, the emitting and receiving ends of the optical sensor may be disposed at both ends of the rotation shaft between the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12, and by designing the cross-sectional shape of the rotation shaft such that the emitting or receiving ends are blocked when the rotation shaft is rotated to some angles, and light is allowed to pass through in other angles. Thus, it is possible to determine whether a predefined bit state change has occurred by detecting a light intensity change received by the receiving end.

If it is detected that no change in the position has occurred, i.e. if the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 remain in the folded state all the time, the operation of the laundry care appliance 1 is controlled in step S703 directly based on the first predetermined input of the user received by the first user interface 110.

If it is monitored that a change in the position has occurred, i.e. if the first panel unit 11 and the second panel unit 12 have been out of the folded state, it is further checked in step S704 whether the first panel unit 11 has reached the unfolded state with respect to the second panel unit 12.

If this is not the case, then execution of this check continues in step S704.

In response to the first panel unit 11 having been rotated or translated a predetermined angle or distance relative to the second panel unit 12, it is determined that both have reached the expanded state, at which point the second user interface 120 is no longer obscured by the first panel unit 11, but is fully exposed from the panel assembly. Then, a second predetermined input by the user to the second user interface 120 is received in step S705. The second predetermined input includes, for example:

-performing a customization operation on the first user interface 11;

defining the type and/or number of default programs provided by the first user interface 11; and/or

-performing an adjustment to a preset parameter configuration of a default program provided by the first user interface 11 and/or of a default program that has been selected by the first user interface 11.

In step S706, a first predetermined input and a second predetermined input are provided in association for controlling at least one function of the laundry care appliance 1. For example, in use, a user presses the rotary selector of the first user interface 110 to enter the customization mode and then manipulates the first panel unit 11 to open at an angle or translate relative to the second panel unit 12, at which point the user may perform an operation on the second user interface 120 and then fold the first panel unit 11 closed after the operation is completed.

If an embodiment includes an "and/or" association between a first feature and a second feature, then this should be interpreted as follows: according to one embodiment, the example has not only the first feature but also the second feature, and according to another embodiment, the example has either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The characteristic examples provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, unless stated differently. In a specific implementation, the features may be combined with one another where technically feasible according to the actual requirements. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. An operating panel device (10) for a laundry care appliance (1), the operating panel device (10) comprising:

a panel assembly comprising a first user interface (110) and a second user interface (120), the first user interface (110) and the second user interface (120) differing at least in terms of the operational diversity of provided interactive operations, the first user interface (110) and the second user interface (120) being disposed on different faces of the panel assembly;

A movement unit (130) configured to enable a change of a position of the panel assembly and to be in at least a first position in which the first user interface (110) is exposed from the panel assembly and the second user interface (120) is hidden within the panel assembly, and a second position different from the first position in which the second user interface (120) is exposed from the panel assembly.

2. The operation panel device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first user interface (110) is configured to be able to provide a basic interaction with respect to at least one function of the laundry care appliance (1), and the second user interface (120) is configured to be able to provide a high-level interaction with respect to the at least one function of the laundry care appliance (1), which is higher than the basic interaction in terms of operational diversity and/or operational complexity.

3. The operation panel device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first user interface (110) includes a first display area (1121), the second user interface (120) includes a second display area (1221), and the display content of the first display area (1121) is simplified compared to the display content of the second display area (1221).

4. The operation panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second user interface (120) is configured to provide a customization operation of the first user interface (110), wherein in particular the customization operation enables a user to change the instruction content triggered by the at least one input element (111) and/or the output content of the at least one output element (112) of the first user interface (110).

5. The operation panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

the first user interface (110) is configured to provide a selection operation, in particular a rotation selection operation, by means of which a user is enabled to select at least one default program of the laundry care appliance (1) having a preset parameter configuration;

the second user interface (120) is configured to provide:

-a customising procedure by which a user is enabled to define the type and/or number of default programs provided by the first user interface (110); and/or

-a customization parameter operation by which a user is enabled to adjust preset parameter configurations of a default program provided by the first user interface (110) and/or of a default program that has been selected by the first user interface (110).

6. The operation panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the first user interface (110) is configured to provide:

-a coarse adjustment operation of a parameter configuration of at least one function of the laundry care appliance (1);

the second user interface (120) is configured to provide:

-a fine tuning operation of the parameter configuration of at least one function of the laundry care appliance (1), said fine tuning operation being higher in parameter tuning range, number of tuned parameter categories, tuning accuracy than said coarse tuning operation.

7. The operation panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second user interface (120) is configured to provide:

-a customization operation by which a user is enabled to set parameter configurations for a customization program of the laundry care appliance (1);

-a store program operation by which a user is enabled to store a custom program as a default program; and/or

-an additional selection operation by which the user is enabled to select a default program and additional default programs other than the default program.

8. The operation panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation panel device (10) further comprises:

A detection unit (130) configured to detect a bit state of the panel assembly; and

a control unit (140) configured to control the first user interface (110) and the second user interface (120) to operate in a predetermined combination based on the bit states.

9. The operation panel device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (140) is further configured to provide for controlling at least one function of the laundry care appliance (1) in association with user instructions received by the first user interface (110) in response to detecting that the panel assembly is detached from the first position and/or in the second position.

10. The operation panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein,

the panel assembly includes:

-a first panel unit (11) having the first user interface (110);

-a second panel unit (12) having the second user interface (120);

wherein the movement unit (130) is configured to movably engage the first panel unit (11) and the second panel unit (12) of the panel assembly with respect to each other between a folded state in which the second user interface (120) of the second panel unit (12) is obscured by the first panel unit (11) and an unfolded state in which the second user interface (120) of the second panel unit (12) is exposed from the first panel unit (11).

11. The operation panel device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first user interface (110) comprises a first display area (1121), the second user interface (120) comprises a second display area (1221), the first display area (1121) is configured as an at least partially light transmissive window, the second display area (1221) is configured as an electronic screen, said window being aligned with at least a partial area of said electronic screen in a folded state of the first panel unit (11) with respect to the second panel unit (12).

12. A laundry care appliance (1), the laundry care appliance (1) comprising:

a body (2); and

the operating panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is fixedly or detachably embedded in a body (2) of a laundry care appliance (1), such that in a first position of a panel assembly of the operating panel device (10), the first user interface (110) is located on a visible face of the body (2) and the second user interface (120) is not located on a visible face of the body (2), in a second position of a panel assembly of the operating panel device (10), the second user interface (120) is located on a visible face of the body (2).

13. A control method for an operating panel device (10) of a laundry care appliance (1), the control method being for being performed by means of the operating panel device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and/or the laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 12, the method comprising the steps of:

Acquiring a bit state of a panel assembly of the operation panel device (10); and

the first user interface (110) and the second user interface (120) are controlled to operate in a predetermined combination based on the bit states.

14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the step S2 includes:

receiving a first predetermined input by a user to a first user interface (110) with the panel assembly in a first position, selecting at least one default program execution of the laundry care appliance (1) having a preset parameter configuration based on the first predetermined input; and/or

Receiving a second predetermined input by a user to a second user interface (120) with the panel assembly disengaged from the first position and/or in a second position, based on the second predetermined input:

-performing a customization operation on the first user interface (110);

-defining a type and/or number of default programs provided by the first user interface (110); and/or

-performing an adjustment of a preset parameter configuration of a default program provided by the first user interface (110) and/or of a default program that has been selected by the first user interface (110).

15. A machine readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program for performing the control method according to claim 13 or 14 when run on a computer.