DE102014224551A1 - household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) having a control panel (3) which has at least one transparent area (6a, 6b), an electronic circuit board (7) which has at least one user interface (8a, 8b) for inputting and / or outputting Information, and a first centering device (10) which is adapted to the at least one user interface (8a, 8b) with respect to the at least one transparent region (6a, 6b) in and against a first direction (Z) in the plane of extent (E ) of the control panel (3) to center positively.

Description

The present invention relates to a household appliance.

Conventional household appliances have a control panel, which provides user interfaces and thus control and / or display elements. Control panels are preferably provided on the front of the appliance in particular in household appliances which are set up for installation in kitchen furniture, since only the front of the appliance remains accessible after installation of the domestic appliance. The control panels for o.g. Household appliances usually have a rectangular format, the narrow sides are much shorter than the long sides.

In particular, touch-sensitive operating and / or display elements, such as touch displays or touch buttons, which are mounted behind the control panel and operated or read through corresponding transparent areas of the control panel, come into consideration as user interfaces. Usually, the transparent areas are dimensioned slightly smaller than the respective corresponding user interfaces in order to cover the visually unattractive edges thereof.

Depending on the mode of operation of the touch-sensitive sensor system of a user interface, the surface of the user interface is to be fixed at a defined distance behind the control panel, which maximizes touch sensitivity. Due to its lateral visibility, this defined distance is another source for optically unsightly edges and possibly requires an additional reduction of the transparent area corresponding to the user interface.

A third source for visually unsightly edges results from a lack of centering of the user interfaces with their corresponding transparent areas, if during assembly of the user interfaces behind the control panel several components are to be attached to each other and add their manufacturing tolerances. This also possibly results in an additional reduction of the transparent area corresponding to the user interface.

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved home appliance.

Accordingly, a household appliance with a control panel, which has at least one transparent area, with an electronic board, which has at least one user interface for input and / or output of information, and proposed with a first centering device. The first centering device is configured to form-fit the at least one user interface with respect to the at least one transparent area in and against a first direction in the plane of extension of the control panel.

The first centering device minimizes the required coverage of the at least one transparent area by the at least one corresponding user interface in the first direction, since the resulting positive locking acts directly between the units to be centered and consequently reduces the addition of manufacturing tolerances.

The household appliance may be, for example, an oven, a stove, a steamer, a microwave, a refrigerator, a freezer, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a tumble dryer or the like.

The control panel provides the required for operation of the household appliance user interfaces and thus control and / or display elements that allow inputs from and / or expenses to the user.

The transparent region can be, for example, an area which is excluded from a screen printing on a cover made of a transparent material of the control panel.

The electronic circuit board may be a substrate which accommodates electronic components and interconnecting interconnects.

Positive locking refers to a detachable connection, which results from the intermeshing of at least two connection partners, and their maintenance, in contrast to adhesion (frictional engagement) requires no force perpendicular to the contact surface of the connection partners.

According to one embodiment, the first centering device has mutually corresponding engaging and receiving elements, which together form a positive connection in and against the first direction.

Mutually corresponding engaging and receiving elements means that an engagement element - or in embodiments with a plurality of engagement elements - each engagement element is aligned with a corresponding positioning with at least one corresponding receiving element. Therefore, for example, an engagement element, if appropriate, several thereto facing corresponding receiving elements, which are arranged one behind the other.

Engaging and receiving elements can be easily made. If they are present in existing components, e.g. Metal sheets or - profiles, are provided, reduced by the lower number of required components of assembly work of the household appliance.

An engagement element is a projection or projection in a contact surface, which can form a positive connection with a receiving element. Engagement elements may for example be designed as tabs, hooks, domes or noses.

A receiving element is a recess in a contact surface, which can form a positive connection with an engagement element. Examples of receptacles include slots, slots, holes or pockets.

According to a further embodiment, the household appliance is characterized by an electronics housing for receiving the electronic circuit board, wherein the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements of the first centering device are integrated opposite one another in the control panel, in the electronic circuit board and in the electronics housing.

"Integrated" here and below means that the engagement and receiving elements formed integrally or with the corresponding component (in particular control panel, electronic circuit board or electronics housing), with this via connecting means (in particular glue or solder) firmly connected or as part of the same (for example, hole in the support plate) are formed. The electronics housing can be produced, for example, by injection molding and / or serve to protect the electronic board accommodated therein from moisture and mechanical damage.

According to a further embodiment, the electronic board is arranged between the control panel and the electronics housing.

"Between" here refers to the depth direction of the household appliance. In this arrangement, the control panel and the electronics housing with their mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements before the residual margin of freedom of movement for the electronics board.

According to a further embodiment, the mutually corresponding engaging and receiving elements of the first centering at least one formed on the electronics housing Zentrierdom, at least one formed in the electronic circuit board slot and at least one formed in the control panel and in diameter with the Zentrierdom corresponding hole, wherein the centering through the slot engages in the hole.

A Zentrierdom is a convex axisymmetric projection, which often has some recesses to save material when formed by an injection molding process. From the point of view of its axis of symmetry, such a centering dome may have a cruciform shape.

A slot is an elongated hole or groove whose narrow sides are terminated by semicircles with a diameter corresponding to the dimension of the narrow sides. The longitudinal side of the slot or the slot preferably extends horizontally, ie in the width direction of the household appliance.

An engagement of the centering dome formed on the electronics housing in the opening formed in the control panel also leads to the centering of the arranged between the electronics housing and the control panel electronics board in the first direction, which obtained due to the formed in the electronic board slot the freedom of movement in directions other than the first direction remains.

According to a further embodiment, the household appliance is characterized by a second centering device, which is adapted to positively center the at least one user interface with respect to the at least one transparent area in and against a second direction in the plane of extension of the control panel, the second direction being different from the one first direction is different.

The second centering device minimizes the required coverage of the at least one transparent area by the at least one user interface corresponding thereto in the second direction. As with the first centering device, the addition of manufacturing tolerances is reduced due to the more direct form fit between the units to be centered.

The first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other and together span the plane of extension of the control panel.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the second centering device has engaging and receiving elements which correspond to one another and which form a positive locking in and against the second direction.

According to a further embodiment, the mutually corresponding engaging and receiving elements of the second centering device are integrated opposite each other in the control panel and in the electronic board.

Consequently, there is a direct positive connection between the control panel and the electronic board in the second direction, which reduces the relative range of motion between the at least one user interface of the electronic board and the at least one transparent area of the control panel corresponding to this user interface.

According to a further embodiment, the mutually corresponding engaging and receiving elements of the second centering device have a tab formed on the control panel and a slot formed on the electronic circuit board.

Tabs and slots are easy to produce projections or recesses. Tabs are preferred to form from a sheet, while slots are provided by punching, milling or encapsulation.

According to a further embodiment, the domestic appliance is characterized by a fixing device which is adapted to fix the electronic circuit board in relation to the at least one transparent area in and against a third direction perpendicular to the plane of extent.

The fixing device leads to the disappearance of the game over which the electronic board provided between the electronics housing and the control panel has in the third direction.

According to a further embodiment, the fixing device has at least one spring arranged on a rear side of the electronic circuit board and at least one contact point arranged on a front side of the electronic circuit board, wherein the at least one spring acts on the rear side of the electronic circuit board and is adapted to connect the electronic circuit board with its at least one Press support point against the control panel.

The fixing device ensures that the electronic circuit board and thus the user interface provided thereon are basically endeavored after installation to be placed as close as possible to the control panel, but the user interface also maintains a defined distance from the control panel. The at least one spring is preferably supported on the electronics housing.

The spring can be made of plastic or metal. In the former case, this can be attached by injection molding on the back of the electronic board, in the latter case by soldering. In both cases, it is also possible to insert a spring between the back of the electronics board and the electronics housing. Furthermore, the spring can also be provided in or on the electronics housing. The spring thus pushes the electronic board and with it the at least one user interface provided thereon towards the control panel mounted on the front of the housing. As a stop on the control panel which serves at least one support point, which on a projection on the electronic board such. the user interface is attached and forms the highest elevation of the electronic board.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one user interface is designed as a touch screen or a touch button.

Touch-sensitive operating and / or display elements such as touch displays or touch buttons must be mounted behind the control panel to protect against contamination and thus justify the requirement for a more accurate centering and fixing of these user interfaces behind the control panel. The touch button does not display any information, unlike the touch screen. Both (touch screen and touch button), however, can be controlled or actuated by means of sufficient proximity of a finger.

According to a further embodiment, the control panel has a carrier sheet with at least one window-shaped recess and a cover covering the recess, which cover comprises the at least one transparent area.

The support plate is a stiffened sheet metal part, which ensures the mechanical stability of the control panel and as a support element for other attached thereto units such. the electronic board is used.

The at least one window-shaped recess in the carrier sheet is to be dimensioned at least as large and overlapping as the at least one transparent region in the cover extending over the carrier sheet.

According to a further embodiment, the household appliance is characterized by hooks provided in the electronics housing for preassembly of the electronic circuit board in the electronics housing.

When inserting the electronic board in the electronics housing in the context of pre-assembly encompass the edges provided in the electronics housing the edges of the electronic board and secure this against falling out of the electronics housing until the electronic board after its final assembly by the at least one spring of the fixing device with its at least one support point on the control panel in all six degrees of freedom is applied.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

1 shows a perspective view of the front of a household appliance only partially shown according to an embodiment;

2 shows in an exploded perspective view of the front of the control panel of the household appliance with cover;

3 shows in an exploded perspective view of the front of the control panel of the household appliance without cover;

4 shows in an exploded perspective view of the back of the control panel of the household appliance; and

5 shows in a side view a section VV 3 ,

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

1 shows a perspective view of the front of a household appliance only partially shown 1 according to one embodiment.

The partial representation of the household appliance 1 is one at an upper end of a device housing 2 attached control panel 3 see which there is the front of the housing of the household appliance 1 forms. The exact structure of this control panel 3 is shown in more detail in the following figures.

Right next to the partial representation of the household appliance 1 is a schematically represented Cartesian coordinate system, which introduces a first (Z), a second (X) and a third direction (Y). These directions are shown in the following figures adapted to the respective perspective, wherein according to the embodiment Z, the high, X the width and Y the depth direction of the household appliance 1 designated. The shown extension plane E of the control panel 3 is always spanned by the first direction Z and the second direction X.

2 shows in an exploded perspective view of the front of the control panel 3 of the household appliance 1 with a cover 5 ,

The control panel 3 comprises in the embodiment shown a support plate 4 with a cover extending across it 5 , which transparent areas 6a . 6b having. Incidentally, the cover 5 For example, manufactured by screen printing opaque.

In the third direction Y behind the control panel 3 is an electronics board 7 It can be seen which user interfaces 8a . 8b has for input and / or output of information. The user interface 8a is as a touch screen, the user interfaces 8b are designed as touch buttons. Respective edges of the touchscreen 8a as well as the touch buttons 8b are from the cover 5 to cover up, so that they are unobtrusive to the user.

Continue following the third direction Y behind the electronics board 7 an electronics housing 9 shown, which for receiving the electronic board 7 serves. There are several hooks in the electronics housing 13 provided, which is a pre-assembly of the electronic board 7 facilitate.

The electronic board 7 is between the control panel 3 and the electronics housing 9 arranged, and these three elements are arranged according to the in 2 to be joined together withdrawn flight lines.

3 shows in a further perspective exploded view of the front of the control panel 3 of the household appliance 1 without the cover 5 ,

The carrier sheet 4 the control panel 3 has window-shaped recesses 6a ' . 6b ' in areas which, with cover on 5 with the transparent areas 6a . 6b are congruent (cf. 2 ).

Along the two illustrated alignment lines are mutually corresponding Eingriffsund receiving elements 10a . 10b . 10c a first centering 10 provided, which are opposite in the control panel 3 , in the electronics board 7 and in the electronics housing 9 are integrated.

The first centering device 10 is set up to use the user interfaces 8a . 8b regarding already in 2 shown transparent areas 6a . 6b in and against the first direction Z in the plane of extension E of the control panel 3 to center positively.

In the illustrated embodiment are on the electronics housing 9 two centering domes 10a formed. In the electronics board 7 are corresponding slots 10c trained, and the control panel 3 has two in diameter with the centering domes 10a corresponding holes 10b on, which are offset, for example, by deep drawing in the third direction Y.

The positive connection of the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements 10a . 10b . 10c is given when the control panel 3 , the electronic board 7 and the electronics housing 9 according to the alignment lines are joined together so that the Zentrierdom 10a through the slot 10c through the hole 10b attacks.

Also off 3 it can be seen are mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements 11a . 11b a second centering device 11 , which face each other in the control panel 3 and in the electronics board 7 are integrated.

The second centering device 11 is set up the user interface 8th with respect to the transparent area 6 in and against the second direction X in the plane of extension E of the control panel 3 to center positively.

In the illustrated embodiment is in the control panel 3 a tab 11a provided while the electronics board 7 a corresponding slot 11b having.

The positive connection of the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements 11a . 11b is given when the control panel 3 and the electronics board 7 according to the alignment lines are joined together so that the tab 11a in the slot 11b intervenes.

Further shows 3 a part of a fixing device 12 , which several on a front of the electronic board 7 arranged support points 12b includes, on the front of the electronics board 7 whose highest elevations form. In the illustrated embodiment are support points 12b at the edges of the touchscreen, among other things 8a as well as the touch buttons 8b ,

The fixing device 12 is set up to use the electronics board 7 in the third direction Y to fix perpendicular to the plane of extension E. The said support points 12b serve as a stop on the electronic board 7 against a back of the control panel 3 ,

4 shows in a further perspective exploded view of a rear side of the control panel 3 of the household appliance 1 ,

From this perspective, several are also the fixer 12 counting feathers 12a shown on the back of the electronics board 7 are arranged distributed. Here are on the back of the electronics board 7 soldered metal springs 12a installed. These feathers 12a are set up on the back of the electronics board 7 to act and the electronics board 7 with its multiple support points 12b against the control panel 3 or the carrier sheet 4 to press. The springs are supported 12a on a front or inside of the electronics housing 9 from.

5 shows in a side view a vertical section VV through the control panel 3 of the household appliance 1 with mounted user interfaces 8a . 8b ,

The upper half of the 5 shows a section through the assembled engaging and receiving elements 10a . 10b . 10c the first centering device 10 , One of the two on the electronics housing 9 molded centering domes 10a accesses it through one of the two in the electronics board 7 trained long holes 10c through in one of the two holes 10b one, which is the control panel 3 penetrate. The existing in the second direction X (and not off 5 apparent) game of the electronic board 7 , which due to the slots provided therein 10c remains is through the second centering device shown below 11 prevented.

The lower half of the 5 represents the assembled engaging and receiving elements 11a . 11b that second centering device 11 dar. The tab 11a the control panel 3 engages in the at the lower edge of the electronic board 7 located slot 11b one. In the first direction Z there is a game, which in turn by the first centering device 10 is prevented.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is variously modifiable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 household appliance

2

 device housing

3

 control panel

4

 support plate

5

 cover

6a

 transparent area for touch screen

6b

 transparent area for touch button

6a '

 recess

6b '

 recess

7

 electronic board

8a

 touchscreen

8b

 touch button

9

 electronics housing

10

 first centering device

10a

 engaging member

10b

 receiving element

11

 second centering device

11a

 engaging member

11b

 receiving element

12

 fixing

12a

 feather

12b

 support point

13

 hook

S1-S4

 steps

Z

 first direction

X

 second direction

Y

 third direction

e

 extension plane

Claims (14)

Household appliance ( 1 ) with a control panel ( 3 ), which at least one transparent area ( 6a . 6b ), an electronic board ( 7 ), which at least one user interface ( 8a . 8b ) for inputting and / or outputting information, and a first centering device ( 10 ), which is set up, the at least one user interface ( 8a . 8b ) with respect to the at least one transparent area ( 6a . 6b ) in and against a first direction (Z) in the plane of extent (E) of the control panel ( 3 ) to center positively. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the first centering device ( 10 ) engaging and receiving elements ( 10a . 10b . 10c ), which together form a positive connection in and against the first direction (Z). Domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized by an electronics housing ( 9 ) for receiving the electronic board ( 7 ), wherein the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements ( 10a . 10b . 10c ) of the first centering device ( 10 ) facing each other in the control panel ( 3 ), in the electronic board ( 7 ) and in the electronics housing ( 9 ) are integrated. Domestic appliance according to claim 3, wherein the electronic board ( 7 ) between the control panel ( 3 ) and the electronics housing ( 9 ) is arranged. Domestic appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements ( 10a . 10b . 10c ) of the first centering device ( 10 ) at least one on the electronics housing ( 9 ) formed centering dome ( 10a ), at least one in the electronic board ( 7 ) formed slot ( 10c ) and at least one in the control panel ( 3 ) formed and in diameter with the Zentrierdom ( 10a ) corresponding hole ( 10b ), wherein the centering dome ( 10a ) through the slot ( 10c ) into the hole ( 10b ) attacks. Domestic appliance according to one of claims 1-5, characterized by a second centering device ( 11 ), which is set up, the at least one user interface ( 8a . 8b ) with respect to the at least one transparent area ( 6a . 6b ) in and against a second direction (X) in the plane of extent (E) of the control panel ( 3 ) to center positively, wherein the second direction (X) differs from the first direction (Z). Domestic appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that the second centering device ( 11 ) engaging and receiving elements ( 11a . 11b ), which together form a positive connection in and counter to the second direction (X). Domestic appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements ( 11a . 11b ) of the second centering device ( 11 ) facing each other in the control panel ( 3 ) and in the electronic board ( 7 ) are integrated. Domestic appliance according to one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the mutually corresponding engagement and receiving elements ( 11a . 11b ) of the second centering device ( 11 ) one on the control panel ( 3 ) formed tab ( 11a ) and one on the electronic board ( 7 ) formed slot ( 11b ) exhibit. Domestic appliance according to one of claims 1-9, characterized by a fixing device ( 12 ), which is set up, the at least one user interface ( 8a . 8b ) with respect to the at least one transparent area ( 6a . 6b ) in and against a third direction (Y) perpendicular to the plane of extent (E). Domestic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that the fixing device ( 12 ) At least one on a back of the electronic board ( 7 ) arranged spring ( 12a ) and at least one on a front side of the electronic board ( 7 ) arranged support point ( 12b ), wherein the at least one spring ( 12a ) on the back of the electronic board ( 7 ) and is adapted to the electronics board ( 7 ) with at least one point of support ( 12b ) against the control panel ( 3 ). Domestic appliance according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the at least one user interface ( 8a . 8b ) as a touchscreen ( 8a ) or a touch button ( 8b ) is trained. Domestic appliance according to one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the control panel ( 3 ) a carrier sheet ( 4 ) with at least one window-shaped recess ( 6a ' . 6b ' ) and a recess ( 6a ' . 6b ' ) covering cover ( 5 ) having the at least one transparent region ( 6a . 6b ). Domestic appliance according to one of claims 3-13, characterized by in the electronics housing ( 9 ) provided hooks ( 13 ) for pre-assembly of the electronic board ( 7 ) in the electronics housing ( 9 ).

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