EP0742308B1 - Household apparatus with a display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A household appliance (1,2,3) has a display unit (20) which permits the presentation of data concerning the remaining running time, the appliance and/or the status of the appliance. The data can be presented in a spatial separation from the appliance. The information is passed on as data by an electronic program control (7,7',7''), via a transmitter (17,17',17''), wirelessly to a receiver (21) located in the display unit (20). The display unit (20) features an electronic display control (22) which enables the presentation of the data of several household appliances (1,2,3) which are operated simultaneously, in series or in parallel.

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance with a display device with which information, that relate to the remaining term, the device and / or the device status, spatially separated can be represented by the household appliance, this information as data from an electronic Program control of the household appliance via a transmitter to a wireless receiving device arranged in the display device are passed on. Such one Household appliance is known from DE-GM 18 95 053.

Approx. 50% of all washing machines and dryers are outside the living room. At the Using such a household appliance, it is advantageous for the user, even outside from the installation room of the device information about the program progress or To get the remaining time of the program set by him. Also with other devices, e.g. B. Cookers, refrigerators and automatic dishwashers want one location-independent control.

Household appliances are known in which there is a removable signal clock on the control panel located, which can be set and taken by the user. This must the user can estimate the duration of the program and, depending on this, set the clock. Next The disadvantage of the inaccuracy of the estimated program duration is that such signal clocks that neither the program sequence can be checked nor warning signals can be given.

Furthermore, it is known from DE 28 09 112, the entire control panel of a household appliance to be arranged separately from the device and the transmission of control commands and display signals between the control panel and the electronic device control wirelessly via ultrasound or infrared radiation. However, it is inconvenient for the user to do the whole Carry control panel.

From DE 34 04 211 a display device is known, in which the control unit Household appliance monitoring functions as coded electrical signals via the mains power line sends to a monitoring receiver. Simultaneous monitoring of different Household appliances are said to use multiple transmission channels and a selector switch can be realized in the receiver. The disadvantage of the aforementioned display device consists on the one hand of the dependency on a pipe system. This makes mobility of the viewer considerably restricted. In addition, the mains power line is particularly vulnerable for interference due to overlaid transmissions from neighboring houses, be it from the same Devices, baby monitor or CB radio. The other is the use of a Selector switch technically complex and can lead to the control of individual Devices is forgotten.

The washing machine known from DE-GM 18 95 053 uses a pulse transmitter and a display device with a pulse receiver, depending on the pointer of a derailleur to control from program status. This is not a monitoring of different ones Household appliances possible.

The invention is therefore based on the problem of a household appliance with a display device to create the type mentioned above, on which the user regardless of the installation site the device securely and easily receives information about the data of this and other devices.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a household appliance with the type defined in claim 1 specified features solved. Appropriate further developments and refinements result arising from the following subclaims.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are achieved by using a separate control device reached within the display device. A microprocessor controller is advantageous used with which the data of several simultaneously operated household appliances can be displayed in series or in parallel. This allows a small, very compact design Display, the information is created in a clear manner represents. Furthermore, there is the possibility of existing devices with a transmitter retrofit and use the receiving device for these devices. Another The advantage is that all connected household appliances via the display device can be checked for unauthorized use.

A particularly advantageous development of the invention is that the data is a Contain address code and that an evaluation circuit is integrated in the control device, which only allows the display of data from those household appliances that have this address code send. This suppresses interference from other radio signals in the simplest way, in particular an overlay of data generated by devices with the same display devices be sent from the neighborhood.

It is also advantageous to store the address code in a non-volatile electronic memory Filing program control and forwarding it from there to the transmitter. This makes it easy to adapt a purchased device to an existing one Display device possible, which are also made by the user himself can. Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention make it possible to change the Address codes with the controls of the device or in connection with an optical Interface between the electronic program control and the display control.

The address code can thus also be stored in a non-volatile memory of the display control stored and from there via the interface into the non-volatile memory of the electronic Program control are overwritten.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the interface between the electronic program control and display control used to process parameters exchange. As a result, the display device can be used as a storage and transmission medium be used for updating programs, d. that is, current process parameters overwritten by new control generations in devices with older manufacturing dates become.

In addition, it is advantageous to equip the display device with an LC display, in which the information relating to the individual devices cyclically in a defined order being represented. As a result, the user receives information in succession without further action over all devices in operation.

Another advantageous development of the invention includes that the display control a has separate sequence control, which when the connection to the transmitter is interrupted automatically updates the display over a predetermined period of time. By using data from standard programs, it can count down the remaining time a relatively accurate estimate of the program status is offered.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is on the electronic program control a freely accessible interface arranged at the Transmitting device in a holding device can be contacted with the program control. The Display device can hereby be offered as a separate accessory and the transmitter can also be retrofitted into the device by the user himself.

In addition, it is advantageous to program control another receiver inside the device assign. As a result, data transmission for communication different Household appliances are used with each other. This enables washing machines, dryers, Dishwashers and cookers coordinate their heating phases or program starts so that a certain power consumption from the network is not exceeded. This in turn has the advantage that several devices can be operated on a single mains circuit can. In addition, a "time sharing" of the heaters can reduce the peak consumption become.

Figur 1

mehrere Haushaltgeräte (1;2;3) mit einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Anzeigevorrichtung,

Figur 2a-d

die mobile Ablaufanzeige (20) in verschiedenen Ansichten,

Figur 3

die Bedienblende (4) eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Waschautomaten (3),

Figur 4

die für die Datenübertragung wesentlichen Bauteile anhand eines Ausschnitts aus Figur 1,

Figur 5a-d

Darstellungen auf dem Display (23) der mobilen Ablaufanzeige (20),

Figur 6

die Bedienblende (4) einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Waschautomaten (3)

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown purely schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. Show it:

Figure 1

several household appliances (1; 2; 3) with a display device designed according to the invention,

Figure 2a-d

the mobile sequence display (20) in different views,

Figure 3

the control panel (4) of an automatic washing machine (3) designed according to the invention,

Figure 4

the components essential for data transmission on the basis of a detail from FIG. 1,

Figure 5a-d

Representations on the display (23) of the mobile sequence display (20),

Figure 6

the control panel (4) of a further embodiment of an automatic washing machine (3) designed according to the invention

FIG. 1 schematically shows the mode of operation in household appliances designed according to the invention, in the example shown with a stove (1), an automatic dishwasher (2) and a washing machine (3). These household appliances all have the following basic structure:

A control panel (4; 4 '; 4 ") with switching elements (5.5', 5") for selecting a program and / or special functions is arranged in the upper front area of the devices. From there, switching commands are passed on via control lines (6; 6 '; 6 ") to a microprocessor control (7; 7';7"), which they then convert into corresponding programs. For this purpose, the microprocessor control (7; 7 '; 7 ") influences time-dependent and state-dependent various device-specific actuators of the household appliance, usually heaters (8) and motors (9). The control variables are partly as fixed process parameters in a ROM (10; 10'; 10 ") and partially stored as changeable process parameters in a first programmable, non-volatile memory, for example an E ² PROM (11; 11 ';11"). In a second E ² PROM (12; 12'; 12 ") is a Address code saved, the function of which will be explained later. In addition to the switching elements (5; 5 '; 5 "), the control panel (4; 4', 4") has display elements (13; 13 '; 13 ") which show the user information that is related to the program selection and the program sequence. These are also controlled in a known manner by the microprocessor control (7; 7 ';7'').

According to the invention, further control lines are from the microprocessor control (7; 7 '; 7 ") (14; 14 '; 14' ') to a plug (15) in the area of the control panel (4; 4'; 4 "). Furthermore there is a holder (16) into which a transmitter (17; 17 '; 17 ") is inserted and can be contacted with the plug (15) (see FIG. 3). The bracket is through a cover plate (18) closable, so that the plug (15) and the transmitter (17; 17 '; 17 ") from contamination and drip water are protected. The structure described above enables the user a subsequent installation of the transmitter (17; 17 '; 17' ') into the Device (1; 2; 3). In dishwashers (2), which are often built-in devices with a removable Control panel (4 ') are equipped, the plug in a receiving box (not shown) be arranged behind the control panel (4 '). With built-in cookers (1) or built-in oven again, it is advantageous to place the receptacle and plug on the baking muffle (19) behind the control panel (4 ''). Then to install the transmitter (17 ") Loosen the connection to the furniture housing and pull the device forward (not shown).

The transmitter (17; 17 '; 17 ") has a range of approximately 30 meters within buildings, outdoors approx. 300 meters; the transmission frequency is 433 MHz.

Information data is sent from the transmitters (17; 17 '; 17' ') of the various devices (1; 2; 3) a mobile progress display (20) transmitted. This is used by the user to query information over all devices in operation. For this purpose, it has a receiver (21), a display control (22), a display (23) and a buzzer (24) (see also FIG. 4).

Figures 2a-d show the mobile sequence display (20) in various representations. she is enclosed in a double-shell plastic housing (25a, b) and has a flap (26) for Inclusion of an energy source (battery or battery, not shown). A clip (27) enables plugging into a piece of clothing, a slanted underside (28) for parking a level with a good view of the display (23). The display (23) is an LC display (23) trained, the individually controllable segments the representation of a text line (29) and enable one time (30). In addition, the device type (31) is a symbol (32) for the connection to the transmitter (17; 17 '; 17' ') and in case of undervoltage the state of charge (not shown) of the accumulator or the battery can be displayed.

• Koch-/Buntwäsche
• Pflegeleicht
• Pflegeleicht Fein
• Wolle
• Miniprogramm
• Stärken

The more detailed functioning of the display device in an automatic washing machine (3) is explained on the basis of the representation of an operating panel (4) (FIG. 3). After switching on the machine with the "on / off" pressure switch (33), the LEDs (35) associated with the program buttons (34) light up to inform the user which programs can be selected. These are the programs:

• Hot wash Coloureds
• Easy care
• Fine and easy to care
• Wool
• Applet
• Strengthen

If a program is selected, the associated LED (35) remains on. With a second Additional functions can be selected using a series of buttons (36). A selected additional function is acknowledged by the respective LED (37) lighting up. If one is not pressed permitted additional function, the associated LED (37) lights up and goes out as soon as the Button (36) is released again. Temperatures can be set using the "+" and "-" buttons (38; 39) (40) and spin speeds (41) within the limits permitted by the program become. After the program has been selected, pressing the button (40) "Delay start" a delay time can be set. The LED (41) "Delay start" next to one Display (42) is activated. The set delay time appears on the display (42). Then the program can be started with the "START" button (43). The time delay is counted down every minute. The program starts after the delay time has expired. The LED (41) "Delay start" next to the display (42) goes out, the LED (44) lights up "Remaining time". The respective program section is shown in the sequence display (45).

FIG. 4 shows the components essential for data transmission in a washing machine (3). During the course of the program, the microprocessor control (7) is cyclical Intervals a data record with the length of 15 bytes on to the transmitter (17), which it then converted to the protocol shown below and with a baud rate of 1200 or 2400 baud.

Transmission protocol:

byte 0 Burst 1 Burst 2nd Burst 3rd Address code 4th Address code 5 Address code 6 Device type 7 Remaining time - hours 8th Remaining time - minutes 9 Remaining time - seconds 10th Device status 11 Device status 12th Device status 13 Checksum 14 Checksum

The first three bytes (burst) are used to initialize the display control (22) in the mobile sequence display (20). The address code stored in the E ² PROM (12) is then transmitted. An address code is also stored in a memory (46) of the display control (22). An evaluation circuit (47) integrated in the display control (22) compares the address codes and only allows those transmission protocols for further processing in which agreement is found. As a result, the display can be limited to a selection of household appliances (1; 2; 3) made by the user. In this way, malfunctions caused by devices with the same function in neighboring households are excluded. For customer service technicians, a master receiver can be set up without an evaluation circuit (not shown). With this, all devices can be evaluated and a possible source of error between the transmitter and receiver can be determined.

The address code can be entered and changed by the user in the E ² PROM (12) of the respective device. The input is made using the programming function. For this purpose, the device is set to ready for input by a certain switch / key combination, then another key combination is used to enter the data. Another input option that is more convenient for the user provides an optical interface between the microprocessor control and the display control (22). In the device, for example, the "overdosed" LED (48) can be used in a manner known from DE 44 42 967, an LED (49) must be provided on the mobile sequence display (20) as a "transmitter". Cyclical emission of the address code from the memory (46) via the LED (49) ensures that the user only has to bring the two parts of the interface (48; 49) together in order to overwrite the address code. In addition to entering the address code, the interface (48; 49) in connection with an E ² PROM (50) arranged in the display control (22) can also be used to update the program data in the E ² PROM (11) of the washing machine (3) .

• Im Betriebszustand der aktuelle Programmschritt
• Bei Auftreten eines Fehlers zunächst ein Warnsignal, danach die Art des Fehlers
• Zum Programmende ein Warnsignal

This is followed by the data relevant for the display, namely the device type, the remaining time and the device status. The following information is sent as device status:

• The current program step in the operating state
• If an error occurs, first a warning signal, then the type of error
• A warning signal at the end of the program

In cooling devices, the transmission of time data and data about the expiring Program step or the end of the program. Here is the measured cooling temperature sent and, if this exceeds the set value by a predetermined difference, triggered a warning signal.

The last two bytes form a checksum and are used for detection and elimination used by transmission errors.

The data is updated cyclically. If the transmission is interrupted so that over a predetermined period, for example 60 seconds, received no valid information the display (23) is updated automatically. For this purpose, the display control has (22) a separate sequence control (51), which then automatically updates of the ad. For this purpose, the remaining time is counted down by a time module (52) and there are saved standard program steps depending on the displayed remaining time. The transmission symbol (32) on the display (23) is deleted. The user is then only lost due to the lack of transmission Note the display of the symbol (32) on the display (23). One not shown in the drawings Embodiment uses the time module (52) in addition, alternating with the program flow to tell the time of day.

When the program is running correctly, the display (23) shows the program step (53) and the remaining time (54). If several stations with the correct address code are received, the display is shown for the individual devices alternately and the device type (31) is also shown (see Figure 5a-d). If an error occurs in the program sequence, the one broadcast by the transmitter Warning signal from the buzzer (24) converted into a sound signal.

Figure 6 shows the control panel (4) of another embodiment of an invention trained washing machines. In addition to the controls, there is one in the switch panel Receiving opening (55) for the mobile process display (20) integrated. It is in hers Rest position in the receiving opening (55) and can work from there according to the ballpoint pen principle can be removed by pressing on its outward-facing side of the housing. The one for this required mechanism is for example with remote controls of televisions or Video recorders known and will therefore not be explained in detail.

A contact point is arranged on the housing surface pointing into the interior of the device the battery is connected. The power supply for the battery can be via a charger done inside the washing machine, the electrical connection via charging contacts is produced in the contact point. In this way, the energy store can be at rest to be charged. (not shown)

Claims (22)

1. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device (20), by means of which device information relating to the remaining operational time (54), the appliance (31) and/or the appliance mode (53) can be displayed spatially separately from the domestic appliance, this information being passed as data from an electronic program control (7;7';7") of the domestic appliance via a transmission means (17;17';17") wirelessly to a receiving means (21) disposed in the display device (20), characterised in that the display device (20) includes an electronic display control (22), by means of which the data of a plurality of simultaneously operated domestic appliances (1;2;3) can be represented in series or in parallel.
2. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claim 1, characterised in that the data includes an address code, and in that an evaluation circuit (47) is incorporated in the display control (22), said circuit only permitting the display of information of those domestic appliances (1;2;3) which transmit this address code.
3. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claim 2, characterised in that the address code is storable in a non-volatile storage unit (12;12';12") of the electronic program control (7;7';7") and can be passed from there to the transmission means (17;17';17").
4. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claim 3, characterised in that the address code is adjustable or variable by means of control members (5;5';5").
5. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claim 1, characterised in that the electronic program control (7;7';7") and the display control (22) have an optical interface (48,49) for the exchange of data.
6. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claims 3 and 5, characterised in that the address code is stored in a non-volatile storage unit (46) of the display control (22) and can be transferred from there via the interface (48,49) into the non-volatile storage unit (12;12';12") of the electronic program control (7;7';7").
7. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that process parameters can be exchanged between a non-volatile storage unit of the display control (22) and an additional non-volatile storage unit (11;11';11") of the electronic program control (7;7';7").
8. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the display device has a liquid-crystal display (23), in which the information relating to the individual appliances (1;2;3) can be represented alternately in a fixed sequence.
9. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that textual information (29), time information (30) and/or information (32) concerning the presence of a connection with the transmission means can be represented in the display (23).
10. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the information relates to errors which have occurred during the programmed operation.
11. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the information constitutes a warning signal which is converted into an audible alarm from a buzzer (24) in the display device (20).
12. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the charge state of the energy supply of the display device (20) can be represented in the display (23).
13. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the display control (22) has a separate cycle control (51), which effects an automatic updating of the display if the connection with the transmission means (17;17';17") is interrupted for a predetermined period of time.
14. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised by a clamping strap (27) disposed on the housing (25a,b) of the display device (20).
15. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a plug (15) in a holder (16), which plug is freely accessible to the user, is disposed on the electronic program control (7;7';7"), and the transmission means (17;17';17") is contactable with the program control (7;7';7") at said plug.
16. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to claim 15, characterised in that the plug (15), or respectively the holder (16), is disposed in the region of the control screen (4).
17. Domestic appliance having a display device according to claim 16, characterised in that the holder (16) is closable by a cover plate (18).
18. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to one of claims 15 to 17, the domestic appliance being a dishwasher (2) having a removable control screen (4'), characterised in that the plug (15) and the holder (16) are disposed behind the control screen (3').
19. Domestic appliance (1;2;3) having a display device according to one of claims 15 to 17, the domestic appliance being a built-in stove (1) or built-in oven provided with a securing means for connecting the appliance to a cabinet housing, characterised in that the plug (15) and the holder (16) are disposed in the upper region of the appliance (1) behind the control screen (3") and are accessible after the detachment of the securing means.
20. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised by a holder (55) for the detachable accommodation of the display device (20).
21. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the domestic appliance (1;2;3) includes a charging device for an accumulator incorporated in the display device.
22. Domestic appliance having a display device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that an additional receiving means is associated with the program control in the appliance interior.

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