DE19645907B4 - Method and device for setting an operating state of a device, in particular a household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for setting an operating state of a device, in particular a household appliance, from a predetermined number of mutually different operating states (Z _i ) by means of in each case one actuation sensor (B _i ) for each operating state (Z _i ) in which a desired operating state is set only is, when starting with a predetermined actuation sensor as a start sensor (B ₁ ) successively operated in each case at least one predetermined sequence of actuation sensors up to and including the desired operating state associated actuation sensor as the target sensor within a predetermined "actuation time.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting an operating state of a device, in particular a household appliance.

For setting an operating state of a household appliance, in particular for setting the power level of a cooking area, in addition to electromechanical switches and optical switches ( DE 42 07 772 A1 ), capacitive switches ( DE 295 19 714 U1 or EP 0 454 306 A1 ) as well as magnetic switches ( EP 0 497 191 B1 ) known.

The optical and capacitive switches can be particularly optical or capacitive touch sensors that are operated with the finger. In the known touch sensors is by operation a "+" switch the power level elevated and by operation This has to be done serially always every power level between a current power level and a desired one Power level are switched through. In addition, such switches can be relative be easily operated by children, creating a threat to Children can not be excluded.

In the from the EP 0 497 191 B1 known embodiment of a magnetic switch for driving the operation of a cooking appliance, a mechanically guided actuator, such as a switch knob or lever is provided which can be moved along a straight guide rail with a linear scale of the cooking stages back and forth. For setting the different cooking levels along the scale magnetic field sensors (reed switch) are arranged at predetermined positions, which react to a magnet in the actuator and generate a corresponding signal which is used as a control signal for setting the associated cooking level (power level). For each power level, two magnetic field sensors can be provided in each case. The corresponding power level is set in this case only if both magnetic field sensors are actuated at the same time. This increases the operating safety of the device. Each hotplate is associated with such a magnetic slide switch. For increased safety, the actuator must first be moved to a home position that corresponds to an off state of the device before the cooker is activated. After activation of the hotplate is set when pressing one of the magnetic field sensors or magnetic field sensor pair each directly the corresponding power level of the cooking appliance. A logical combination of the magnetic field sensors of different power levels takes place in the from the EP 0 497 191 B1 known magnetic switch not. It is only in a certain slide position, which corresponds to a certain power level, the output signals of two associated sensors logically linked by an AND operation.

From the DE 94 04 382 U1 a furniture drive is known in which actuators of a manual switch is associated with the respective function triggering additional switching device.

Of the Invention is now the object of a method and a Device for setting an operating state of a device, in particular of a household appliance, with elevated Indicate operating safety.

These Task is according to the invention solved with the features of claim 1 or of claim 5.

at the method according to claim 1 for setting an operating state of a device, in particular of a household appliance, from a predetermined number of different operating states with Help from one actuation sensor each for each Operating state, becomes a desired one Operating state set only when starting with a given operation sensor as a start sensor, successively all in at least one predetermined Sequence of consecutive actuation sensors up to and including one the desired one Operating state associated with actuation sensor as a target sensor within a given operating time be operated.

• a) jeweils einen Betätigungssensor für jeden Betriebszustand und
• b) eine mit den Betätigungssensoren verbundene Steuereinrichtung, mit der
• b1) ein Betätigungssensor als Startsensor vorgebbar ist und
• b2) bei Betätigung einer mit dem vorgegebenen Startsensor beginnenden Folge von in wenigstens einer vorgegebenen Reihenfolge unmittelbar aufeinanderfolgender Betätigungssensoren innerhalb einer vorgegebenen Betätigungszeit derjenigen Betriebszustand für das Gerät einstellbar ist, der dem in der Folge zuletzt betätigten Betätigungssensor als Zielsensor zugeordnet ist.

The device according to claim 5 for setting an operating state of a device, in particular a household appliance, from a predetermined number of mutually different operating states

• a) one actuation sensor for each operating state and
• b) a control device connected to the control, with the
• b1) an actuation sensor can be specified as a start sensor and
• b2) upon actuation of a starting with the given start sensor sequence of immediately following in at least one predetermined order operating sensors within a predetermined operating time of that operating state for the device is adjustable, which is assigned to the last actuated actuator in the sequence as a target sensor.

advantageous Further developments and refinements of the method and the device emerge from the dependent claims of claim 1 and claim 5, respectively.

Therefore is in a first embodiment as start sensor for each setting always the same actuation sensor used. The start sensor can then in particular a switched off Operating status of the device correspond.

In another embodiment is used as a start sensor of a currently set operating state corresponding actuation sensor used.

The operating sensors are preferably substantially along a predetermined operating line arranged, for example in a linear or circular segment-like Arrangement.

The Device contains in a further embodiment one along the actuation sensors in the predetermined order movable actuator for actuating the Operating sensors.

to further explanation The invention is referred to the drawings.

It show in a schematic representation:

1 a circuit diagram of a device for setting an operating state of a device,

2 a hob with a linear actuating sensor arrangement for setting the cooking stages,

3 a hob with a substantially semicircular actuating sensor arrangement for setting the cooking stages,

4 a device for setting an operating state of a device with a mechanical actuator and a linear actuation sensor arrangement
and

5 a device for setting an operating state of a device with a circular actuation sensor arrangement and a rotary knob.

The device for setting an operating state Z of a device not shown from a predetermined number N of individual and mutually different operating conditions Z ₁ to Z _N for each operating state Z _i with the natural number i with 1 ≤ i ≤ N in each case an actuation sensor B _i . Upon actuation, each of the actuation sensors B _i generates an actuation signal S _i, respectively. These actuating signals S ₁ to S _N are a control device 2 fed. Each actuation sensor B _i is with the control device 2 connected. The control device 2 generates in response to the control signals S ₁ to S _{N of} the actuation sensors B ₁ to B _N a control signal C for controlling the operating state Z of the device.

• 1. Ein Stellsignal C zur Änderung des Betriebszustandes Z des Geräts wird nur dann bewirkt, wenn ein vorgegebener Betätigungssensor B mit einer festen natürlichen Zahl j zwischen 1 und N (1 ≤ j ≤ N) als Startsensor betätigt wird, wenn also das entsprechende Betätigungssignal S von der Steuereinrichtung 2 detektiert wird. Dieser Startsensor B_j kann jeder beliebige Betätigungssensor B_i mit 1 ≤ i ≤ N sein. Für die nachfolgende Beschreibung sei ohne Beschränkung der Allgemeinheit angenommen, daß j = 1 ist, der Startsensor also der Betätigungssensor B₁ ist.
• 2.1 Wenn die Steuereinrichtung 2 kein Betätigungssignal S₁ des Startsensors B₁ registriert, bleibt der aktuelle Betriebszustand Z des Geräts unverändert.
• 2.2 Registriert die Steuereinrichtung 2 dagegen das Betätigungssignal S₁ des Startsensors B₁, so überwacht sie in einem nächsten Schritt während einer vorgegebenen Betätigungszeit das Betätigungssignal S₂ des nächsten Betätigungssensors B₂, der dem dargestellten Betätigungssensor B_i_₁ für i = 3 entspricht.
• 3.1 Wird das Betätigungssignal S₂ des zweiten Betätigungssensors B₂ innerhalb der Betätigungszeit nicht registriert, so erzeugt die Steuereinrichtung 2 ein Steuersignal C zum Einstellen des Betriebszustandes Z = Z₁ des Geräts.
• 3.2 Wird dagegen das Betätigungssignal S₂ des zweiten Betätigungssensors B₂ innerhalb der vorgegebenen Betätigungszeit registriert, so überwacht die Steuereinrichtung 2 das Betätigungssignal S₃ des nächsten Betätigungssensors B₃ während einer vorgegebenen Betätigungszeit.
• 4. Diese Überwachung aufeinanderfolgender Betätigungssensoren B_i für jeweils um 1 heraufgesetztes wird solange fortgesetzt, bis entweder innerhalb der vorgegebenen Betätigungszeit ein Betätigungssignal S_i nicht registriert wird oder der letzte Betätigungssensor B_N erreicht ist. Im ersten Fall wird der Betriebszustand Z = Z_i-1 des zuletzt betätigten Betätigungssensors B_i-1 eingestellt, im zweiten Fall der Betriebszustand Z = Z_N.

The control device 2 determines the actuating signal C as a logical function of the actuating signals S ₁ to S _N according to the following method:

• 1. A control signal C for changing the operating state Z of the device is only effected when a predetermined actuation sensor B with a fixed natural number j between 1 and N (1 ≤ j ≤ N) is actuated as a start sensor, ie if the corresponding actuation signal S from the controller 2 is detected. This start sensor B _j can be any actuation sensor B _i with 1 ≦ i ≦ N. For the following description, it is assumed without restriction of generality that j = 1, ie the start sensor is the actuation sensor B ₁ .
• 2.1 If the control device 2 registered no actuation signal S _{1 of} the start sensor B ₁ , the current operating state Z of the device remains unchanged.
• 2.2 Registers the controller 2 On the other hand, the actuating signal S _{1 of} the start sensor B ₁ , it monitors in a next step during a predetermined operating time, the actuating signal S _{2 of} the next actuation sensor B ₂ , which corresponds to the illustrated actuation sensor B _i _ ₁ for i = 3.
• 3.1 If the actuation signal S _{2 of} the second actuation sensor B _{2 is} not registered within the actuation time, then the control device generates 2 a control signal C for setting the operating state Z = Z _{1 of} the device.
• 3.2 If, however, the operating signal S _{2 of} the second operating sensor B _{2 registered} within the predetermined operating time, the control device monitors 2 the actuation signal S _{3 of} the next actuation sensor B ₃ during a predetermined actuation time.
• 4. This monitoring of successive actuation sensors B _i for each incremented by 1 is continued until either within the predetermined operating time, an actuation signal S _{i is} not registered or the last actuation sensor B _{N is} reached. In the first case, the operating state Z = Z _{i-1 of} the last actuated operating sensor B _{i-1 is} set, in the second case the operating state Z = Z _N.

The actuation time is typically between one and three seconds and is preferably the same for all actuation sensors B _i . The total operating time for the adjustment corresponds to the sum of the individual operating times.

So you want, for example, the operation Set state Z _{i of} the device, so first the start sensor B ₁ and then each within the operating time successively the actuation sensors B ₂ to B _i-1 and finally the target sensor B _{i must be} actuated. Only when successively all the actuation signals S ₁ to S _i from the control device 2 were registered, generates this control device 2 a corresponding actuating signal C for setting the operating state Z to the new operating state Z _i . If an operation sensor between the start sensor B ₁ and the target sensor B _{i is} not operated, the target operation state Z _{i is} not set. The same applies in the event that the predetermined sequence of actuation sensors is not met, so not strictly in succession, the actuation sensors B _{n are operated} with increasing natural number n between 1 and i.

If one now wants to set the operating state Z of the device from the current operating state Z _i to a new operating state Z _{i + 1} , then again first the start sensor B ₁ and subsequently all actuation sensors B _n must be actuated with 1 ≦ n ≦ i + 1. The control device 2 must therefore in turn register the actuating signals S ₁ to S _{i + 1} before it generates a control signal C, with which the operating state Z of the device is set to the new operating state Z _{i + 1} .

By such a serial, always starting at the same start sensor B ₁ operation of the actuation sensors a high operating safety is ensured because a change in the operating state Z of the device by a random actuation of the actuation sensors B _i - with the exception of the start sensor B ₁ - is excluded.

Preferably, the start sensor B _{1 is} assigned to the switched-off operating state Z _{1 of} the device. This further reduces any potential danger to children or other unauthorized users. In addition, a quick shutdown with an operation is possible.

As a fixed start sensor B _j but also an actuation sensor can be adjusted in a central region of the sensor assembly to shorten the operating paths.

In the embodiments described so far according to 1 is a change of an operating condition Z of the device only by operating the actuation sensors in a single direction or sequence, starting from the first actuation sensor B ₁ as a start sensor, possible.

In another embodiment according to 1 However, it is also possible to ensure a change in the operating state Z of the device by actuating successive actuation sensors, starting from the start sensor B ₁ , in two opposite directions (sequences). In this case, starting from the start sensor B _1, the last actuation sensor B _{N could be} operated next and then in descending order, ie with decreasing i with 1 ≦ i ≦ N, the sequence of actuation sensors B _N-1 to B _{i + 1} to to go through to the target sensor B _i . Such a cyclic readout of the actuation sensors B _i by the control device 2 is particularly advantageous in a corresponding cyclical arrangement of the actuation sensors B ₁ to B _N. The device may also include an activation switch, not shown, which must be operated to the control device 2 to activate. Without activating the activation switch, the operating state Z of the device can not be changed.

To carry out the described method, the control device contains 2 either an analog logic circuit or preferably a digital processor with an upstream analog / digital converter.

The 2 and 3 each show a hob 3 with four burners 30 . 31 . 32 and 33 , Each hotplate is a control panel 40 . 41 . 42 respectively. 43 associated with eight actuation sensors B ₀ to B ₇ for controlling the heating power (cooking level) of the corresponding hob 30 to 33 ,

In 2 For example, the eight actuation sensors B ₀ to B ₇ are arranged one above the other in a linear arrangement.

In 3 the eight actuation sensors B ₀ to B ₇ are arranged approximately semi-circular.

In both cases, the actuation sensors B ₀ to B _{7 are} on a service line. This operating line can also be ergonomically designed in other ways than shown.

The hob is preferably a glass ceramic hob. The actuation sensors B ₀ to B ₇ may be arranged, for example, on or in the hob and, in particular, may be infrared sensors or capacitive sensors, in particular in an embodiment as touch sensors. A control device associated with the actuation sensors B ₀ to B ₇ 2 is not shown and can, for example, below the hob 3 be arranged and electrically contacted via electrical lines with the actuation sensors B ₀ to B ₇ .

The current operating status Z of the hob 30 . 31 . 32 or 33 can be displayed by a display device, for example, by lighting a corresponding number between 0 and 7 for the set cooking level (operating state) on a LED or LCD display next to the associated actuation sensor B ₀ to B ₇

The 4 and 5 each show an embodiment of a device for setting the operating state of a device with a mechanical actuator for actuating the actuation sensors.

In 4 Actuating sensors B ₁ to B _{6 are arranged} along a linear operating line. In addition to the actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ , a guide rail runs parallel to the operating line 6 for an actuator 7 , The actuator 7 can on the guide rail 6 be moved back and forth and covers it with an operating part 70 the actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ . In particular, the actuator 7 on the guide rail 6 Engage in the actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ associated detent positions. This mechanically guided actuator 7 contains in particular at least in the operating part 70 a magnet, when the actuation sensors B ₁ to B _{6 are} magnetic field sensors, analogous to that EP 0 497 191 B1 known magnetic switch. When using optical sensors as actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ , the actuating part 70 and also the whole actuator 7 made of a non-magnetic material, such as a plastic. In capacitive actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ is the actuator 7 at least in the operating part 70 formed with metal.

In 5 Actuating sensors B ₁ to B ₆ are arranged approximately circular, ie along a closed operating line. To actuate the actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ is preferably a rotary knob 8th provided as an actuator whose actuating part 80 when turning the rotary knob 8th is moved over the Bätätigungssensoren B ₁ to B ₆ . Such a knob 8th can be easily formed because it has no electrical functions, and in particular simply plugged, for example in a hob 3 according to one of 2 and 3 ,

In magnetic field sensors as actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ is at least the actuating part 80 of the rotary knob 8th again magnetically, in capacitive actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ metallic, and in optical actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ , the material of the actuating part 80 again largely arbitrarily chosen. The logical evaluation of the actuation sensors B ₁ to B ₆ by the control device, not shown 7 is preferably cyclic in this embodiment. According to this embodiment 5 Thus, an electronic rotary switch is realized.

2

control device

3

hob

6

guide rail

7

actuator

8th

rotary knob

30 to 33

cooking

40 to 44

Control panel

50 to 53

Hobs sensor

70

actuating member

80

actuating member

B ₀ to B ₇

operation Sensore

B ₁ to B _N

operation Sensore

C

actuating signal

S ₁ to S _N

actuating signal

Z ₁ to Z _N

operating condition

Claims (10)

Method for setting an operating state of a device, in particular a household appliance, from a predetermined number of mutually different operating states (Z _i ) by means of in each case one actuation sensor (B _i ) for each operating state (Z _i ) in which a desired operating state is set only is, when starting with a predetermined actuation sensor as a start sensor (B ₁ ) successively operated in each case at least one predetermined sequence of actuation sensors up to and including the desired operating state associated actuation sensor as the target sensor within a predetermined "actuation time. Method according to Claim 1, in which the same actuation sensor (B ₁ ) is always used as the start sensor in each setting process. Method according to Claim 2, in which the start sensor (B ₁ ) corresponds to a switched-off operating state of the device. The method of claim 1, wherein as a start sensor the actuation sensor corresponding to a currently set operating state is used. Device for setting an operating state of a device, in particular a household appliance, from a predetermined number of mutually different operating states (Z _i ) with a) each one actuation sensor (B _i ) for each operating state (Z _i ), b) one with the actuation sensors (B _I ) associated control device ( 2 ), with the b1) an actuation sensor can be specified as a start sensor and b2) upon actuation of a starting with the given start sensor sequence of immediately following in at least one predetermined order operating sensors within a predetermined operating time that operating condition for the device is adjustable, which is assigned to the last actuated in the sequence actuation sensor as a target sensor. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the start sensor (B ₁ ) corresponds to a switched-off operating state of the device. Device according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, in which the control device ( 2 ) always monitors the same actuation sensor as a start sensor. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means as a start sensor selects the actuation sensor, the corresponds to the current operating status of the device. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the actuation sensors arranged substantially along a predetermined operating line are. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, with a mechanical actuator (B ₁ to B ₆ ) movable in the predetermined order along the actuation sensors ( 7 . 8th ) for actuating the actuation sensors (B ₁ to B ₆ ).