DE102010042202A1 - Operating device for a domestic appliance with a durable by magnetic force control element and domestic appliance with such an operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a domestic appliance (1), with an operating element (9) which can be held by magnetic force on an operating surface (3) of the domestic appliance (1) which can be controlled with the operating device (8) and can be moved relative to the operating surface (3) and can be removably positioned from there, the control element (9) in the assembled state having at least two functional part elements (12, 13) which can be moved relative to one another and are each formed by moving to at least one operating condition setting of the domestic appliance (1). The invention also relates to a hob (1) with an operating device (8).

Description

The invention relates to an operating device for a domestic appliance with an operating element which is durable on a control surface of the controllable with the operating device domestic appliance by means of magnetic force and is movable relative to the control surface and detachably positioned from there. Furthermore, the invention relates to a domestic appliance for preparing food with a corresponding operating device.

Control devices for hobs are known from the prior art, which comprise a detachable from the cooktop panel control knob. This can only be positioned with magnetic force on the hob plate. By turning the control element positioned on the cooktop panel, operating condition settings of the cooktop can be made.

These conventional controls are limited in terms of their functionality.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device for a domestic appliance as well as a corresponding domestic appliance for preparing food, in which or in which the functionality of the operating element is increased.

This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of claim 1, and a domestic appliance having the features of claim 15.

An operating device according to the invention for a domestic appliance comprises an operating element which can be preserved on a control surface of the domestic appliance controllable by the operating device by means of magnetic force. The operating element can be moved relative to the operating surface in a position positioned thereon and can be positioned detachably therefrom. The operating element comprises, in the assembled state, at least two functional part elements which can be moved relative to one another and which are each formed by moving to at least one operating condition setting of the domestic appliance. It is thus provided a multi-part operating element, wherein the functional sub-elements can be moved independently of each other in the functional state of the operating element and beyond in the patch on the operating surface state. The handling of the control element and its functionality is thereby increased.

An operating condition setting is to be understood as meaning a selection of a functional unit of the domestic appliance and / or a setting of an operating parameter of a functional unit of the domestic appliance. In particular, in the case of a hob, it is thus understood, under an operating condition setting, to mean a selection of a cooking zone and / or the setting of a heating power of a heating unit assigned to a selected cooking zone.

Preferably, the control element is disc-shaped. Although it has a plurality of functional sub-elements, it can thereby be made very flat and ergonomically easy to grasp for a user.

In addition, it has a relatively low height due to this design, so that it also has a relatively low center of gravity in terms of positioning on the control surface and the possibility of movement, so that falling over or unwanted slippage can be avoided.

Preferably, the control element has a first functional part element, which is designed as a ring. As a result, an easily movable and weight-minimized component can be provided.

It is preferably provided that a first functional part element has a recess for receiving a second functional part element. By such a specific embodiment, on the one hand, the height can be reduced again, on the other hand, the second functional sub-element can be kept quasi in a certain way in the first functional sub-element. An undesirable slipping or falling apart of the two functional sub-elements can be avoided.

In particular, the trough is dimensioned such that the second functional subelement protrudes upward so that it can still be gripped reliably and user-friendly for a user in order to be able to move it relative to the first functional subelement.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the first functional subelement is designed as a shell. It thus comprises a curved inside, on which the second functional part element is partially absorbable.

It can be provided that the shell mold is completely closed. In this context, then the first functional part element on its inner curved side on a continuous curvature of the soil.

It can also be provided that the shell shape of the first functional part element in particular centrally has a through hole.

With regard to the configuration of the first functional part element on the outer side or lower side, with which the first functional part element of the hob plate is facing, this can be at least partially, for example, completely flat. In such an embodiment, then virtually a full-surface concerns of flat surfaces of the underside of the first functional part element is provided with the flat surface of a control unit of the operating device, said surface of the control unit is part of the hob plate or its cooking surface.

It can also be provided that the shell-like configuration of the first functional part element on the underside is also curved at least partially. In particular, it is then provided that the cooktop panel has a corresponding trough-like depression in the region of the operating unit, in which the first functional subelement is compatible and, in particular, suitable for use. In such an embodiment, it is thus easy and immediately apparent to a user where he has to attach the first functional sub-element and in particular the entire operating element to the cooktop panel in order to be able to obtain its functional position and correct functioning.

In this context, it may be provided that the diameter of this trough in the hob plate is formed so that the first functional part element rests with a certain circumferential ridge or a bead on the top of the cooking surface, which limits this trough in the hob plate. A slip-proof and trough-safe positioning of the functional part element can be ensured. In particular, it is then provided in such a configuration that the first functional part element is rotatable only about its vertical longitudinal axis when it is arranged in this trough of the hob plate.

Preferably, a second functional part element of the control element is frustoconical. This is especially in combination with the configuration of the first functional part element an ergonomically particularly advantageous embodiment. The user can thus grip both functional sub-elements quite individually and accurately and this move individually and relative to the other functional sub-element, without at the same time the other functional sub-element would be moved.

Preferably, the second functional part element has a smaller diameter than the first functional part element and the second functional part element is also arranged on the first functional part element. Such a partially stacked configuration with diameter configurations which become smaller towards the top makes it possible to actuate both functional sub-elements in a particularly advantageous manner. An undesired automatic co-movement of the second functional part element, when the first functional part element is to be moved, can be avoided.

Preferably, the second functional sub-element is submerged partially disposed in the first functional sub-element. On the one hand, this makes possible a very low configuration of the control element, on the other hand, a specific position compliance of the second functional partial element with respect to the first functional partial element can also be made possible here. An undesired falling out or falling off of the first functional sub-element is thereby prevented. Not least can be made possible by this partially submerged arrangement a certain radial support of the second functional part element in the first functional part element, so that especially in a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the second functional part element this also particularly stably guided this rotational movement can perform without an undesirable tilting.

Preferably, the two functional part elements in the assembled state of the operating element about a common longitudinal axis are rotatable relative to each other. The functional part elements are thus formed in their shape in plan view, in particular with such a corner-free, in particular round outer contour, so that they are arranged coaxially with respect to their longitudinal axes. This allows a particularly symmetrical and smooth operation without mitzubewegen the other functional part element in an undesirable manner. Unwanted incorrect settings can be avoided.

Preferably, the two functional sub-elements of the control element are reversibly non-destructive two separable and joined together. In such a configuration, they can be easily separated and replaced for assembly purposes or for cleaning purposes. Even if one of the two functional sub-elements is impaired in its function, it can be replaced and it must not be replaced the entire complete control.

The first functional subelement preferably has at least one holding magnet and / or a functional magnet. Preferably, the holding magnet is centrally formed centrally. As a functional magnet several separate magnets can be arranged circumferentially around the particular centrally positioned holding magnet, wherein the arrangement in the circumferential direction is preferably equidistant is. For example, six such cylindrical functional magnets can be arranged here. These can be incorporated as very specific own magnets in the material of the first functional part element. The carrier material of the functional part element may be, for example, plastic or another material. It can also be provided that the first functional subelement is made of a metal material and has magnetic regions at specific zones.

Additionally or instead, it can also be provided that the second functional sub-element has at least one holding magnet and / or at least one functional magnet. Again, the embodiments already mentioned for the first functional part element are possible. With the holding magnet on the one hand, the holder of the control element can be ensured on the control surface. Additionally or instead, it can also be provided that by holding magnets in the two functional sub-elements they are held relative to each other, yet the arrangement is such that they can be moved in the assembled state relative to each other.

Preferably, the first functional part element is integrally formed. It may additionally or instead also be provided that the second functional part element is integrally formed. It is preferably provided that the functional part element which can be positioned on the operating surface is designed to be flat on a lower side with a surface region which can be positioned on a flat support region of the operating surface.

It can also be provided that the positionable on the operating surface functional sub-element can be positioned on a bottom with a positionable as a trough bearing area of the control surface area with a shape adapted to the shape of the trough shape.

In particular, at least one of the functional sub-elements has in particular a first magnetic region, which is designed for magnetic interaction with at least one operator-separate magnet for magnetically supporting the operating element on the operating surface.

In particular, it is also provided that at least one functional subelement has at least one second magnetic region, which is arranged in magnetic interaction with sensors outside the operating element as a function of a movement of the operating element relative to the operating surface in the operating position setting of the domestic appliance positioned on the operating surface.

The invention also relates to a domestic appliance for preparing food, in particular a hob, with an operating device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

In a particularly advantageous manner, it is provided that this operating element provided with two functional sub-elements is the only operating element of the operating device.

In particular, it is provided that a specific cooking zone of the hob is selectable with a functional sub-element by moving into a specific position relative to the other functional sub-element and relative to the control surface. After such a selection, an operating parameter of this cooking zone can be adjusted in terms of value with the other functional sub-element.

It can also be provided that with a functional sub-element both the selection of a specific cooking zone and then the value adjustment of an operating parameter of the cooking zone takes place. With the other functional sub-element can then be provided to set or specify a time for how long this cooking zone is to be operated or heated.

These are merely exemplary functionalities and functional partitions on the functional sub-elements. In particular, it is not meant to be exhaustive, and a multiplicity of further courses of action and function assignments to the individual functional sub-elements can also be provided.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations and in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hob according to the invention with an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention;

2 a further perspective view of the hob according to 1 with a Exploded view of the operating element of the operating device according to 1 ;

3 a side view of the composite control of the operating device in the position positioned on a hob plate state; and

4 a side view of the operating element according to 3 in an exploded view.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a cooking field in a perspective view 1 shown which is a hob plate 2 has, which may be formed for example of glass or glass ceramic. On a control surface or cooking surface 3 , which at the same time the surface of the hob plate 2 are exemplary, in number, position and shape four cooking zones 4 . 5 . 6 and 7 shown. On these cooking zones 4 to 7 preparation vessels with food can be placed and those under the hob plate 2 in the area of cooking zones 4 to 7 arranged heating units, which may be radiant heaters or inductors, for example, heated.

In addition, the hob includes 1 an operating device 8th with a single control 9 , The operating element 9 is by magnetic force on the hob plate 2 Durable in position. Through this control 9 , which is formed in a first-degree discus-like, cooking zones 4 to 7 individually selected and operating parameters of these cooking zones 4 to 7 be set. In addition, other functionalities such as a timer function or the like can be set with it.

The operating element 9 is with regard to the positioning on the hob plate 2 provided at a very specific location. This is the operating device 8th assigned and in the front of the hob plate 2 educated. This place or this operating area 10 includes an in 1 unrecognizable identified area zone on which the control element 9 to realize a setting functionality of the hob 1 is to be positioned. The user can thus quickly and easily recognize where he is the operating element 9 on the cooking surface 3 has to position in order to be able to maintain its active functional state. Adjacent to the on the cooking surface 3 positioned control 9 is a display area 11 the operating device 8th intended. On these symbols can be displayed by backlighting, in this regard also symbolic operating conditions with the control 9 be set, are displayable.

The operating element 9 is formed in the embodiment of several separate components. It comprises a first functional subelement 12 and a second functional subelement 13 , The two functional sub-elements 12 and 13 are each integrally formed and non-destructively detachable and separable.

In 1 is the composite state of the control 9 and thus the mutually positioned separate functional sub-elements 12 and 13 to recognize. The operating element 9 has a longitudinal axis A. The two functional sub-elements 12 and 13 are positioned with their axes coaxial with the longitudinal axis A, so that the longitudinal axis of the first functional part 12 with the longitudinal axis of the second functional part 13 coincides.

For function setting or for operating condition setting both functional sub-elements 12 and 13 be rotated independently about the axis A. Furthermore, it can be provided in one embodiment that the second functional part element 13 additionally relative to the first functional subelement 12 can perform a rocking motion.

This is ensured in particular when an underside of the second functional part element 13 has a continuous curvature and the top of the first functional sub-element 12 has a correspondingly formed curvature.

In 2 is the embodiment of the hob according to 1 shown in this illustration, the operating element 9 is shown in an exploded view. It can be seen that in this regard a positioning zone 14 it can be seen which the Aufstellposition of the operating element 9 on the cooking surface 3 represents. The operating element 9 can be held by magnetic holding forces. For this purpose, the first functional subelement 12 and / or the second functional subelement 13 a holding magnet. This can be in magnetic interaction with one below the position zone 14 and the hob plate 2 arranged holding magnets generate the holding force.

In the embodiment shown, it is provided that the surface area of the position zone 14 on the cooking surface 3 just trained. In this context is also a subpage 15 the disc-shaped first functional part element 12 just trained. In accordance with 1 shown on the cooking surface 3 positioned state of the control 9 is thus almost a full-surface edition of the first functional subelement 12 on the positioning zone 14 given.

As in the illustration according to 2 can be further seen, is the first functional sub-element 12 on his the position zone 14 facing away from the top shell-shaped and has in this regard a correspondingly shaped trough 16 on. In this hollow 16 is the second functional subelement 13 , which in the first embodiment approximates a truncated cone in the exemplary embodiment, can be used. In this regard, the diameter of the trough 16 at the upper edge to a greater extent than the second functional sub-element at its lower, the first functional sub-element 12 facing edge.

In a further embodiment can also be provided that the bottom 15 not even but at least partially arched. In such an embodiment, it is provided in particular that the position zone 14 does not have a flat surface, but also by a trough in the hob plate 2 especially on the cooking surface 3 is formed. In this can then almost the first functional sub-element 12 be used accordingly.

It can also be provided that the embodiments of both functional sub-elements 12 and 13 are designed so that the second functional sub-element 13 partially in the first functional subelement 12 accommodated or sunk therein.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the second functional part element is not partially recessed in the first functional part element 12 is arranged, but that they are stacked on each other but the second functional sub-element 12 over its entire height on the first functional sub-element 12 seated.

Such a configuration is, for example, in the side view 3 shown. 3 shows the state of the control element 9 in which it is on the positioning zone 14 seated.

In 4 is the side view according to 3 shown, with the operating element 9 is shown in an exploded view.

With regard to the variety of functions of the operating element 9 can the individual movement possibilities of each functional part element 12 and 13 be associated with individual functionalities with regard to operating condition settings.

For example, it can be provided that when rotating about the axis A of the first functional part element 12 depending on the rotational position one of the cooking zones 4 to 7 is selectable. After selecting the specific cooking zone, by further actuation of the first functional part element 12 , in particular a rotation about the axis A, an operating parameter of this selected cooking zone 4 to 7 be set. With the second functional subelement 13 then, for example, a timer functionality can also be set.

Likewise, it can be provided that with the first functional sub-element 12 just the selection of one of the cooking zones 4 to 7 is guaranteed. After selecting this cooking zone 4 to 7 can then with the second functional subelement 13 an operating parameter of this selected cooking zone 4 to 7 be set by value. This, too, for example, by turning the second functional part element 13 around the axis A.

Is a further possibility of movement of the second functional sub-element 13 in addition to the single rotation provided about the axis A, for example, a rocking motion in the trough 16 of the first functional subelement 12 possible, so also very specific further operating condition settings can be made possible in this regard.

To hold the control 9 on the positioning zone 14 not shown holding magnets in the first functional sub-element 12 and / or the second functional subelement 13 be provided. Also, the holder of the functional sub-elements 12 and 13 each other may be enabled by magnetic interaction.

In addition, it can be provided that in the first functional sub-element 12 and / or in the second functional subelement 13 Function magnets are arranged. Depending on the respective relative movement of the respective functional part element 12 respectively. 13 to the cooking surface 3 The movement can be detected by means of the functional magnets and sensors external to the sensor, and the operating condition settings assigned to the movement or the specific set position can be detected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hob

2

Hotplate

3

Cooktop

4, 5, 6, 7

cooking zones

8th

operating device

9

operating element

10

operating area

11

display area

12, 13

Functional part element

14

positioning zone

15

Bottom of the functional part element

16

trough

A

axis

Claims (15)

Operating device for a domestic appliance ( 1 ), with a control element ( 9 ), which on a control surface ( 3 ) of the operating device ( 8th ) controllable domestic appliance ( 1 ) is durable by magnetic force and relative to the control surface ( 3 ) is movable and detachably positionable from there, characterized in that the operating element ( 9 ) in the assembled state at least two relatively movable functional part elements ( 12 . 13 ), which in each case by moving to at least one operating condition setting of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) are formed. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating element ( 9 ) is discus-shaped. Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating element ( 9 ) a first functional subelement ( 12 ), which is formed as a ring. Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first functional sub-element ( 12 ) a trough ( 16 ) for receiving a second functional subelement ( 13 ) having. Operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first functional sub-element ( 12 ) is formed as a shell. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second functional sub-element ( 13 ) is frusto-conical. Operating device according to one of claims 3 to 5 and claim 6, characterized in that the second functional sub-element ( 13 ) has a smaller diameter than the first functional sub-element ( 12 ) and on the first functional subelement ( 12 ) is arranged. Operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second functional sub-element ( 13 ) partially sunk in the first functional sub-element ( 12 ) is arranged. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two functional sub-elements ( 12 . 13 ) in the assembled state of the operating element ( 9 ) are rotatable relative to each other about a common longitudinal axis (A). Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two functional sub-elements ( 12 . 13 ) are reversibly non-destructively separable and can be joined together. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first functional sub-element ( 12 ) at least one holding magnet and / or at least one functional magnet and / or the second functional subelement ( 13 ) have at least one holding magnet and / or at least one functional magnet. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that first functional sub-element ( 12 ) in one piece and / or the second functional sub-element ( 13 ) are integrally formed. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the operating surface ( 3 ) positionable functional subelement ( 12 ) on a lower side ( 15 ) with a support area formed on a flat ( 14 ) of the control surface ( 3 ) positionable surface area is formed flat. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that on the operating surface ( 3 ) positionable functional subelement ( 12 ) on a lower side ( 15 ) with a support area formed in a recess ( 3 ) positionable surface area is formed with a shape adapted to the shape of the trough. Domestic appliance for preparing food, in particular cooking hob ( 1 ), with an operating device ( 8th ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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