DE102006026187B4 - Operating device for an electrical appliance and electrical appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Operating device (11) for an electrical appliance for adjusting the power and / or operating sequence of the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical appliance is an electric hob (14), wherein the operating device (11) has at least two rotary elements (12a, 12b) for operation, wherein the Rotary elements (12a, 12b) have a rotatable outer region (31a, 31b) and fixed displays (38a, 38b, 39b) and / or operating elements (36a) in a central region of the top accessible or visible top side (35a, 37b), and wherein the rotary elements (12a, 12b) of the operating device (11) are designed to be removable with energy and signal transmission to the operating device, characterized in that the rotary elements (12a, 12b) for placing on an outer edge of a hob (14) or a Hobbed plate (15) are formed with a non-rotatable base body (18 a, 18 b) having a corresponding to the outer edge cutout (19 a, 19 b), wherein the base body (18 a, 18 b) the Outer edge surmounted or covered.

Description

Field of application and status of the technique

The The invention relates to an operating device for an electrical appliance, with the Performance and / or operation of the electrical appliance can be adjusted, as well an electrical appliance with such an operating device.

It is for example from the DE 19959224 A1 known to arrange a control housing to an electric cooking appliance or a hob. This control housing may have on its upper side various controls, such as knobs, with which, for example, the performance of individual cooking zones of the hob can be adjusted.

The DE 10212954 A1 describes an operating device for an electric hob with a plate-like, flat base body having a rotating element. The rotary element forms the entire upper structure of the operating device. The control device is placed with the full-surface flat base body ramikfeld on a base such as a Glaske, but can also be placed on any cover of an electrical appliance. By holding magnets rotation of the base plate is prevented.

The DE 19964131 A1 describes an operating device with a control element, which has a rotary knob with push button together with tactile function. In the middle of the knob is a button that should be fixed, while a rotatable outer sheath is pressed as a rotating element. The operating device is essentially arranged with respect to its holder below a cover or panel.

The DE 19929973 A1 describes an operating device with a control element with a rotatable ring, which has a central, fixed display. The core idea here is the rotatability of the rotary element with fixed display.

Task and solution

Of the Invention is based on the object, an aforementioned operating device and to provide a corresponding electrical appliance with which disadvantages of the prior art can be eliminated and in particular a more comfortable operation possible becomes.

Is solved This object by an operating device with the features of Claim 1 and an electrical appliance with the features of claim 17. Advantageous and preferred Embodiments of the invention are subject of the further claims and will be closer in the following explained. The wording of the claims is by express Reference made to the content of the description.

It it is provided that the operating device at least two rotary elements has for operation. These have a rotatable outdoor area on and in a central area of the top accessible or visible top Fixed displays or fixed controls. Furthermore the rotary elements are designed to be detachable from the operating device, both for energy transfer as well as for signal transmission to the operating device. This serves to ensure that the rotary elements can be supplied with energy for the Displays and the controls, and also a corresponding one Communication between operating device or electrical appliance on the one hand and On the other hand possible is.

By this embodiment of the invention is it is possible on the one hand designed the rotary elements for a rotary control are, so can be operated manually in a simple and intuitive Way. The outdoor area is also particularly good to grab and can, since he is the largest part or the part with the largest diameter The control unit handles particularly well for a sensitive adjustment. Furthermore, changes an indication by the fixed center area not so that they are always the same way and equally good for an operator can be read. Likewise changes especially the arrangement of the top-mounted controls not, so that an always consistent operation is possible.

In Embodiment of the invention, the operating device exactly two Have rotating elements. these can be arranged at various points of the electrical appliance, in particular at easily accessible Make, advantageously with a clear distance from each other. According to the invention are two Rotary elements on the outer edge a hob provided, for example, each at a corner. Thus, both are easily accessible and yet, especially at different Design or functionality, easy and clearly distinguish each other.

Advantageously, the rotary elements are designed so that they have different functions and are interchangeable. This means that each rotary element can be mounted at any position at which a rotary element can be operatively connected to the operating device and is then fully functional. Thus, a certain individual structure of the operating device is possible depending on the preferences of an operator. Furthermore, so Also rotary elements are exchanged with fewer functions against rotary elements with multiple functions, for example, as an upgrade to a more comfortable design.

In one embodiment of the invention, a rotary element essentially only displays and no controls. These displays advantageously have a multiplicity of individually controllable lighting segments. These lighting segments can be designed, for example, to represent individual heating elements or general functional units of the hob or of the electrical appliance as well as their position on it. Above all, however, their functional status can also be displayed. Such a display can advantageously occupy substantially the entire top of the rotary element. This makes it clearly visible and also allows a possibly detailed presentation. In particular, in an intended representation of the activation state of individual heating elements of several Heizelemen th be provided on a hob, that a separate lighting segment is provided for each heating element. This is especially true for hobs according to the EP 1206164 A2 advantageous.

In Another embodiment of the invention, another rotary element Have controls. In particular, this is the only rotary element with controls. As controls are advantageously touch switch or touch sensors provided, particularly advantageous on a capacitive basis. These are with regard to Construction and control easy and reliable. About these controls the operating device, the operator can control the electrical device as desired.

The Turning elements can generally have a fixed base body with respect to the socket body rotatable outdoor areas. Furthermore, the socket body for attachment or fixation on the operating device or on the electrical appliance educated. These may include fixatives be provided, the one without tools and with a certain effort detachable connection cause. At the same time, however, the rotating element for a common Use to operate the electrical appliance a stable attachment have the operating device or on the electrical appliance. The fixative can for example, be magnets. A particularly preferred option for fixing the rotary elements on the operating device provides that against displacement on a surface or rotation of the rotating element due Turning on the outside area a form fit is given, so prevents rotation of the Sockelköpers can be. In the direction of lifting the rotary element of the Control device, however, is not a form fit given, but only a traction by the said fixing.

Advantageous can the ads are multicolored, for example, two to four or have five colors. Thereby can either different areas or different activation states better being represented.

In Another embodiment of the invention, the ads as free controllable screens for displaying any symbols or Forms be formed. Although this means over one Display with light segments an increased effort. on the other hand are just the functionality or the possibilities the presentation considerably expanded and more comfortable. So can next Representations of an activation state of a heating element of a Hob also alphanumeric information is displayed, especially for one user guidance or possibilities to the fundamental change a setting of the electrical appliance.

to Representation of given symbols can also be masks on the displays be provided. these can from below arranged bulbs, such as LED, transilluminated to clearly and clearly represent the symbols. Thereby Will the use of standard bulbs or standard LED allows at the same time possible Representation of any symbols.

According to the invention Rotary elements designed so that they are on an outer edge, For example, corner areas, a hob or a hob plate can be put on. This can be the socket body have a corresponding, for example, angled, cutout, in the outer edge or the corner of the hob engages, for example on the Middle region of the socket body out. Thus, the rotary member sits on the outer edge or the corner and covered both this and part of a surrounding worktop.

The rotatable outer regions can be advantageously designed as rotary rings. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, they can be removed, for example for cleaning. This removal is advantageously not done by disassembling the rotating ring, so that it can be integrally formed, but by peeling off the socket body. This can be done, for example, upwards. In this case, holding means should be provided which either allow this removal only by a certain amount of force or must be solved before for losing weight. Thus, accidental removal of the rotary ring can be prevented, especially when removing the rotary elements of the electrical appliance.

In Yet another embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to to provide a rotating element two rotary rings, for example, one above the other. It is also possible that a lower rotary ring has a significantly larger diameter, so that it can be clearly sensed, which turn ring just is recorded for a rotary control. So can even more functions or operating options in a rotary element to get integrated.

When signal transmission between the rotary element and a controller or the operating device may be provided an optical interface. This is advantageous at the bottom of the base body provided and not visible when attached rotary member. alternative are radio transmission or capacitive or magnetic signal transmission possible.

A power transmission takes place in a simple form by electrical contacts or movable contact pins. These are advantageously similar like the signal transmission and possibly arranged close to it. In alternative design is also a contactless power transmission possible, for example, inductive.

is the rotating element for operating a hob with a hob plate and it is at least partially covering this arranged there, find signal transmission and / or energy transfer advantageous over Facilities instead, which are arranged on the hob plate. Thus, interventions on a worktop can be avoided, into which the Hob is used. The corresponding facilities of the operating device or of the electrical appliance can either through breakthroughs in the hob plate or be placed on top of this with lines that run down the hob plate.

Of Furthermore, a control in the operating device is advantageous intended. This contains advantageous not just the functionalities the for the control device itself or control and evaluation of Turning elements are necessary. Rather, she can also all Control functions of the entire electrical appliance include or can this be assigned. This applies, for example, a power electronics for heating elements of the hob, as well as mechanical power relays or the like.

Of Furthermore, the operating device can perform usual functions of an operating device for the corresponding Electrical appliance, for example, a hob. These are timer functions, execution of Automatic programs or the like

These and other features go out the claims also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features each for alone or in the form of subcombinations an embodiment of the Invention and other fields be realized and advantageous also for protectable versions can represent for the protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual Sections and interim headings restrict the not in its generality among these statements.

Brief description of the drawings

embodiments The invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be closer in the following explained. In the drawings shows:

1 a section through a first embodiment of a rotary element of an operating device on a glass ceramic hob,

2 a rotating element accordingly 1 in a second embodiment at another corner of the glass-ceramic cooktop,

3 a plan view of the rotating element 1 and

4 a plan view of the rotating element 2 ,

Detailed description the embodiments

The rotary elements in the 1 and 2 are basically similar in structure with slight deviations. You can, as by the 3 and 4 is indicated, be provided together on a single operating device or a single electrical device. As an electrical appliance, which is the operating device 11 includes, here is a hob shown. However, the invention can also be provided in other and other electrical appliances.

In 1 is as part of an operating device 11 a rotary element 12a shown. It's like the whole operating device 11 , for a glass ceramic hob 14 provided and to a left front corner 16 a glass ceramic plate 15 attached or attached. From the schematic representation can be seen how the glass ceramic plate 15 at least with its outer edge on a worktop 17 rests. holding magnets 21a are both in a socket body 18 of the rotary element 12a as well as under the glass ceramic plate 15 intended. When right Placing the rotary element 12a on the intended place or over the corner 16 fix the holding magnets 21a this position. The corner stands out 16 in a suitably trained section 19 in the lower part of the base body 18 into it, as well as from the 3 and 4 it can be seen in which the outer border of the glass ceramic plate 15 below the rotary elements 12 dash-dotted lines is shown. Through this attachment to the corner 16 an exact positioning is achieved. In addition, such a twisting of the socket body 18 opposite the glass ceramic plate 15 be prevented. Instead of the holding magnets 21 may also be provided alternative fasteners, for example, with mechanical detent.

In the directly on the countertop 17 reaching lower portion of the socket body 18a that is not above the glass ceramic plate 15 runs, are contacts 23 intended. These work with contacts 23 or contacts of the operating device 11 together, for example, at the top of the countertop 17 are arranged. These lower contacts 23 are with a controller 24 the operating device 11 connected. The control 24 may also be the main or only controller for the electrical appliance. The exact design of the contacts is left to the skilled person depending on the application. So it can be elastic, resilient or other suitable contacts. Furthermore, it is possible, a contact not in the area between base body and worktop 17 provide, but between base body and glass ceramic plate. Then, the provision of the lower contacts on the worktop, which is not directly to the electrical appliance or hob 14 heard, omitted. On the other hand, but then the contacts on the glass ceramic plate provided either applied on top of the surface or with through holes. Also combinations of different contact types are possible.

While the lower contacts 23 with the main controller 24 the operating device 11 connected are the top contacts 23 with an upper control 26a of the rotary element 12a connected. About these contacts 23 both the signal connection and the power supply of the rotary element runs 12a , This can also be separated.

Up to facing the socket body 18a of the rotary element 12a a section 29a on, the ring around the entire base body 18a or the upper part 28a of the rotary element 12a extends. Above this clipping 29a is the shell 28a intended. In the clipping 29a itself is a kind of turning ring 31a arranged as an outer area, thus around the socket body 18a or the rotary element 12a can be rotated to operate or input commands. To determine a rotation or a rotation angle, there are various technical variants. An illustrated variant has signal magnets 32a outside 31a on. These are fixed Hall sensors 33a in the socket body 18a assigned. Thus, rotational movements can be detected accurately. An alternative detection via an optical encoder, as it is the expert, for example from the DE 10 2005 021 890 A1 is known. The rotational movement of the rotary ring 31a can be divided over a detent in individual stages, for example via a spring, not shown, in particular made of plastic.

In the shell 28a of the rotary element 12a is a top 35a intended. Below this are touch switches 36a provided, for example, capacitive sensor elements, as are known in the art. You can with markings on the top 35a Be provided as a marker for the respective function of a sensor element or Berührschalters 36a , Furthermore, lighting elements such as LED as a function display or for accurate display of a touch switch 36a conceivable.

In 2 is another rotary element 12b shown. This forms the second rotary element with which the operating device 11 is complete. This is, for example, the second rotary element 12b with the common control 24 in the operating device 11 connected. In addition, however, is the rotary element 12b formed somewhat differently, which is shown here only for the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments of the invention. In practice, the rotary elements are usefully designed to be the same, at least from the outer shape.

The difference in the second rotary element 12b according to 2 lies in the fact that there the rotary ring 31b although also on a corresponding section 29b on the base body 18b is stored. However, the above towering part of the shell is missing 28a according to 1 because in 2 the top 28b with constant diameter running upwards. So it is possible, the rotary ring 31b from the rotary element 12b or the socket body 18b deduct, for example, for replacement or cleaning purposes. This can be the rotary ring 31b be designed sealed or sealed above all. It can also be made of aluminum or stainless steel, with the signal magnets 32 can then be inserted from the inside into corresponding recesses or recesses. The turn rings 31 can also be corrugated or structured on the outer surface for easier gripping.

The control 26b of the rotary element 12b is with two ads 38b connected in the upper part 28b of the rotary element 12b under a window 37b are arranged. These ads 38b can, for example, out 4 it can be seen, the activation state of various hotplates of the glass ceramic hob 14 represent. Likewise, they can include seven-segment displays, as they do in the left-hand rotary element 12a can be present. This is in 3 to see.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible, instead of the touch switch 36 or ads 38 So-called small touch-sensitive displays or screens to install, so a kind of touch screen. In these a display function is combined with an operating function.

Furthermore, it is possible to replace the in 4 displayed display of several individual hobs a display 38b to build it up for a hob 14 with fully distributed modular small heating elements according to the EP 1206164 A2 the the EP 1463383 A1 can be combined. Then the display can show each activated individual heating elements, as by the displays 39b is shown. In a training as a touch screen then only needs such an activated area to be touched for a selection, then to the other rotary member by turning the rotary ring 31b to change its level of benefit. It is also possible the rotary ring 31b on the rotary element 12b with the ads 38b to use it by turning the respective activation state or a possible selection so to speak weiterzuschalten.

From the 3 and 4 can be seen as the rotary elements 12a and 12b the operating device 11 each on a corner 16 the glass ceramic plate 15 are set up. It is possible that the respective contacts 23 , which are not shown here, are designed and wired, that the rotating elements 12 can also be exchanged with each other. Thus, an individual structure of the provided with different functions rotary elements 12 possible for the operating device.

Instead of detecting the rotational movement of the rotary rings 31 via the signal magnets 32 including the Hall sensors 33 is also an optical detection of the rotation possible. Likewise, it is possible the contacts 23 only for the power supply of a rotary element 12 to use and transfer the data via another interface, not shown, for example, an optical interface. This has the advantage that then fewer contacts 23 to be provided. Furthermore, the transmission of optical signals is also through the glass ceramic plate 15 possible through.

Claims (17)

Control device ( 11 ) for an electrical appliance for adjusting the power and / or operation of the electrical appliance, the electric appliance having an electric hob ( 14 ), wherein the operating device ( 11 ) at least two rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) for operation, wherein the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) a rotatable outdoor area ( 31a . 31b ) and fixed displays ( 38a . 38b . 39b ) and / or operating elements ( 36a ) in a central region of the top accessible or visible top side ( 35a . 37b ), and wherein the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) from the operating device ( 11 ) are designed to be removable with energy and signal transmission to the operating device, characterized in that the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) for placing on an outer edge of a hob ( 14 ) or a hob plate ( 15 ) are formed with a non-rotatable base body ( 18a . 18b ), which has a section corresponding to the outer edge ( 19a . 19b ), wherein the base body ( 18a . 18b ) surmounted or covered the outer edge. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has exactly two rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) having, Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) are designed for interchangeability of their position with each other such that each rotary element ( 12a . 12b ) at each intended also for other rotary elements position operable with the operating device ( 11 ) is connectable. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotary element ( 12b ) essentially only ads ( 38b . 39b ) has no operating elements, preferably with a plurality of individually controllable lighting segments. Operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display ( 38b . 39b ) on the rotary element ( 12b ) substantially the entire top ( 37b ) and in particular for representing an activation state of a plurality of individual heating elements from a set of heating elements on an electric cooktop ( 14 ) is designed as an electrical appliance, wherein preferably a separate light segment is provided for each heating element. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotary element ( 12a ) Has control elements, in particular touch switch ( 36a ), preferably on a capacitive basis. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) a fixed base body ( 18a . 18b ) and the rotatable outer areas ( 31a . 31b ) are rotatable relative to the base body, wherein fixing means ( 21a . 21b ) are provided for fixing the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) with the base body ( 18a . 18b ) on the operating device ( 11 ) or on the electrical appliance ( 14 ). Operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that magnets ( 21a . 21b ) are provided as fixing means for fixing the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) in a predetermined position, in particular as a form-fitting fastening against lifting or in lifting direction. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displays ( 38a . 38b . 39b ) are multicolored. Operating device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the ads as freely controllable Screens designed to represent any symbols or shapes are. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the displays have masks with arranged underneath bulbs to represent any symbols or Shapes with fluoroscopy of the masks. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a signal transmission via an optical interface between the rotary element ( 12a . 12b ) and control ( 24 ) or remaining control device ( 11 ). Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an energy transmission by means of electrical contacts ( 23a . 23b ) or contact pins. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a controller ( 24 ), wherein the control in the electrical appliance ( 14 ) is arranged. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary elements ( 12a . 12b ) for placing on corner areas ( 16 ) of a hob ( 14 ) or the hob plate ( 15 ) are formed with a non-rotatable base body ( 18a . 18b ), which has a section corresponding to the corner area ( 19a . 19b ), wherein the base body ( 18a . 18b ) the corner ( 16 ) surmounted or covered. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotatable outer regions as rotary rings ( 31a . 31b ) are formed, wherein they are formed in particular detachable without tools, preferably by pulling upwards. Electrical appliance ( 14 ), characterized by an operating device ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.