EP1107647A2 - Controlling for electrical devices,particularly for electrical cooking devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A controller has a power unit (8) for feeding power to a functional device and a control unit (9) adapted to the power unit for controlling it. The control unit fits in an operating unit (10) separated from an electric appliance. The operating unit has operating elements (11) and display devices to show operating status. A docking device (15) alongside a ceramic glass cooking area (2) facilitates the docking position of the operating unit outside the ceramic glass area.

Description

The invention relates to a control for an electrical device, the at least one of a working area of the electrical device has assigned electrical functional device, in particular with a control for an electric cooking appliance a glass ceramic field as a work area.

In a preferred field of application of the invention, namely the control of electrically operated household appliances, especially electric cookers with a glass ceramic hob and / or an electric oven, include functional devices to be controlled, for example radiant heaters, Heating resistors or the like. The assigned controls are usually multi-level in terms of their function built and include at least one on the type of electrical functional device coordinated power unit for loading the functional device with electrical Performance and at least one tax effective with the Power unit connected control unit for controlling the Power unit. In modern electric cooking appliances with a glass ceramic hob these two functional units are common below the glass ceramic plate in the interior of the so-called Cooking hob housed. The assigned to the control Operating elements for operating the control by a In contrast, users are on the outside of the electrical appliance appropriate.

A well known and very often used version of Controls are the familiar knobs that are in the Usually individually or combined as an assembly on one Front panel of the electrical device below the usual working level are arranged. Because of this arrangement the scales of these knobs can sometimes be difficult to read what can affect the accuracy of the operation. There is also a risk that the controls from Infants can be reached and operated improperly. Also keeping it clean can be problematic. These problems could partially due to the arrangement of controls on the top of the device. EP 0 797 227 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment with controls that can be arranged on a glass ceramic plate in the form of knobs, which are attached to the bottom the glass ceramic plate arranged holding magnet through the Plate can be held magnetically through. Because the rotary knob have a certain height for safe handling need, they can handle cookware on the Disrupt work surface. Control elements are also known in Form of touch switches that are specially marked in a Control panel near the edge of the glass ceramic plate are arranged on this. Such as "touch control controls" known controls can insufficient distance to the heated cooking zones be problematic because of the risk of burns when Attempt to operate. In addition, through the operating area on the glass ceramic plate, the usable size of the Restricted working area.

Another operating concept is, for example, from the German one Utility model DE 296 22 066 known. There is a electrically operated household appliance shown in the controls and display elements in a separate remote control device are housed, the transfer of information from the remote control to the household appliance or vice versa done wirelessly. Thanks to this remote control, the device operator no longer forced to be in the immediate vicinity of the Hold home appliance to operate or close the appliance monitor. The possibility of remote control from any Locations can tempt the device operator to choose a location to avoid immediate observation of the cooking process. This can and will lead to poor cooking results also problematic for security reasons, for example when boiling over the cooked food somewhere Remote control must first be searched.

Conventional solutions for controls are in the rest With regard to the goal, the customer as many as possible Equipment, range of functions, design, type of operation or to offer different device variants to choose from, not optimal. With the installation of an existing unit Combination of control unit and power unit in the Electrical appliance is the electrical appliance largely with regard Equipment, range of functions and operating options specified. This means that in advance of development the individual components of the electrical device on top of each other must be coordinated that the desired device properties to be provided. This has the consequence that before for cost reasons, only a few different device variants can be offered.

The invention has for its object the disadvantages of Avoid prior art. In particular, a Control for an electrical device can be created on the one hand safe and reliable operation of the device enables and on the other hand the Provision of a variety of devices adapted to the consumer requirements supported.

This task is solved by a control with the Features of claim 1. Preferred further developments are in the dependent claims. The wording of all Claims become the content of the description by reference made.

In a control according to the invention, the control unit is a separate control unit for operating the control assigned. The separate control unit can essentially the entire control and regulation part for the electrical device included, by means of which the at least one power unit is controlled. In this case, it may be enough if only sensors or the like in the electrical device itself are available that provide measured or controlled variables. It takes place So a spatial separation of the control into a power switching part, sitting in the electrical device and one Control and regulation part in the of the control unit assigned separate control unit is arranged. On The great advantage of this separation is the possibility created a simple upgrade, disarmament or conversion of the Electrical device to adapt this to operator needs. There is an intervention in the "hardware" of the controller such adjustment is not required. For example by replacing a control unit or control unit one that the user did not initially consider important Function, such as an automatic timer o. Like., Can be easily retrofitted. This possibility of Upgrading or retrofitting can also take place if there is a change of ownership of the electrical appliance will be useful and the sales opportunities of the electrical device increase as a new owner just a control unit that meets his needs must acquire in order to optimally meet the needs of the device adapt.

The control unit, which can also be called an operating module, can be formed by a separate assembly that is easy, in particular removed from the electrical device without tools this can be attached. The control unit preferably has at least one input device for entering Control commands for the control, i.e. one or more suitable controls such as knobs, sliders, buttons o. Like. For the tax-effective coupling of the control unit to the The power unit is at least one coupling device provided, which is designed such that the control unit in a coupling position in which the control unit with the power unit has a tax-effective connection, arranged outside the working area of the electrical device is. Through the coupling device, which is also called here Docking device or docking station is called the geometrically correct place for the tax effective attachment the control unit in the immediate vicinity of the work area given. The control is conveniently so designed that the tax effective connection between the control unit and power unit can only be produced if the control unit is in the coupling position or Docking position. This mainly for security reasons advantageous measure can technically on different alternatively or cumulatively provided ways realized become. In particular, it is possible to supply energy for the control unit and / or the power unit so interpret that it is only active when the control unit in the docking position. Alternatively or In addition, it can be provided that the tax effective Connection between control unit and power unit required traffic is only possible if there is the control panel is in the docking position. Beneficial Realization options are explained below.

Finally, the invention provides that the control unit at least in the described docking position outside the working area of the electrical device, but preferably in its immediate vicinity. This ensures that working with the electrical appliance through for its operation does not hinder necessary components becomes. For electrical appliances with a glass ceramic field as Work area can be such that the entire glass ceramic field can be used, for example to move a saucepan from the area of a cooking zone into one unheated edge of the hob. It is also possible the entire glass ceramic cooktop for arranging cooking zones to use that compared to conventional cooking zones can be dimensioned and / or arranged more favorably.

Various advantageous types are within the scope of the invention the design and / or the arrangement of the docking device possible. In particular, the docking device can be attached a docking unit separate from the electrical device is provided be on the electrical device outside of it Work area is attachable. A big advantage of this Variant consists in the possibility of subsequent Upgrading, disarming or retrofitting the electrical device to this to the special requirements of its installation environment and / or to the individual needs of the operator adapt.

The docking unit is preferably designed such that they in the area of the work area of the electrical appliance surrounding frame can be integrated. The possible Arrangement of a control panel in the immediate vicinity of the Work area creates optimal working conditions. For example can the docking unit in one on the electrical device already designed or retrofitted Frame gap to be adjustable. The built-in docking unit can then for example laterally over the original frame contour protrude. For electrical appliances with a glass ceramic work surface can a side frame extension in the be created essentially at the level of the work surface. As a special adaptation for built-in devices, for example the glass ceramic field in a recess Worktop is fitted, the docking unit can be so flat be designed so that on the one hand they are above the worktop, preferably lying on this, is attachable and on the other hand not or not significantly about that through the glass ceramic top protrudes a defined working level.

It is also possible that the docking device in one Frame of the electrical device is integrated, especially in Form of an outwardly projecting frame extension, the for example laterally in the area of the top of the device the basic contour of the device protrudes.

It is possible to design the control unit so that it without the aid of tools to the docking device can be coupled or detached from this. In this case a tax effective connection between control panel and Power unit given when the control panel is docked and operation is impossible if the control panel is removed is. It may be the case that the docking device for example by means of mechanical and / or magnetic Holding and guiding devices are designed so that the The control panel can only be attached in the docking position.

It is alternatively or additionally also possible that the Docking device a guide device or storage device for mobile storage of the control panel on the docking device has, which is designed so that the control panel with the help of the guide device on controlled Way between a rest position (without tax effective Connection to the power unit) and the docking position is movable, for example by pivoting and / or through linear displacement. The control panel can be on one defined space on the electrical device, even if none Operation is required or desired. In particular, can the area of the docking device should be designed such that Controls available on the control unit in the rest position cannot be operated and / or are inaccessible, in particular by being covered.

The mobility of the control panel between rest position Docking is possible with further training if that the control panel is pivotable with the docking device is connected or connectable. A preferred form of a uniaxial swivel joint with joint elements that are magnetic held together is related to preferred embodiments explained in more detail. The magnetic Holder of interacting guide or bearing elements a swivel joint or a linear guide device on the docking device and control panel enables a advantageous combination of the guided movement between Rest position and docking position on the one hand and a tool-free Detachability of the control unit from the docking device on the other hand.

The control unit can be used to supply electrical energy have their own energy source, e.g. with one again rechargeable energy storage, such as an accumulator. Prefers are control units without their own energy supply for the Control functions. Among other things, this has the advantage that such control panels cheaper, more compact and lighter can be manufactured as corresponding control panels with an accumulator or the like

An energy supply with which the control panel is preferred is releasably connectable, such a connection preferably a certain spatial assignment of the control panel the electrical device. In particular, it can be that the power supply is designed so that the control unit essentially only with electrical energy can be supplied or supplied if the control unit is in the Docking position. This makes the operation special safe, as a conscious positioning of the control panel in the Docking position must take place.

A safety device that ensures that the control panel or the control unit can only work when the control panel is in the docking position, for example one mechanically or contactless, for example include magnetically operated switch, which at Attachment of the control unit actuated in the docking position and otherwise it is released. It is also possible in Area of the docking device electrical contacts Connection of the device to be supplied in the control panel to provide a power supply for the electrical device. A preferred embodiment, such bare electrical Avoids contacts, is characterized in that the Energy supply at least one of the control panel or the Control unit assigned receiver coil and at least one transmitter coil assigned to the area of the docking device an inductive energy transmission device. In order to is a contactless and line-bound energy supply of the control panel possible. In addition, by suitable Arrangement of transmitting and receiving coils ensured be that only in a certain predetermined position, the docking position, the receiver coil in the effective range of the Transmitter coil is located and thus an energy transfer takes place.

To ensure the exchange of control-relevant data or signals between control unit and power unit can use suitable electrical cables, if necessary with suitable ones electrical contacts between these functional units be provided. In preferred embodiments, the Control a working preferably by means of infrared radiation Signal transmission device for wireless transmission of signals between the control unit and the power unit. Also signal transmission by means of others electromagnetic or acoustic waves are possible. The Signal transmission device preferably works bidirectionally. This makes it possible to control signals from the control unit to the power unit and on the other hand Operating parameters of the electrical device and / or the controller characteristic signals from the power unit to the control unit transferred to. The signal transmission device is preferably designed so that the signal transmission only is possible when the control panel is in the docking position located. This can be done for example by suitable Arrangement of transmission facilities in the area of Docking device on the one hand and on the control unit on the other can be achieved.

Preferably at least one is preferred on the control panel electrical display device for preferably optical Display of at least one the operating state of the control and / or the operating parameter characterizing the electrical device or a variable characterizing this operating state available. Such display devices can for example simple light displays, especially with light-emitting diodes, and / or alphanumeric displays. The display devices are appropriate the appropriate controls, that affect the displayed operating parameters, unmistakable assigned. A particularly user-friendly and easy-to-read and understandable display preferred embodiment achieved in that the control panel for setting at least one control parameter has at least one control element in which an electrical Display device for preferably optical display the set control parameter or one based on the Control parameters influenced operating parameters integrated is. This is an unmistakable association between the Operation by the user and by the actuation process effect or change the electrical device possible. A display device can in particular be a Liquid crystal display include that particularly meaningful optical signals. Preferred, in knobs integrated twelve-segment circle displays are used in the Embodiments explained in more detail.

It is possible that an operating module of the type described for the central control of a complete device family, such as hob, oven, extractor hood, Microwave or the like, is used. In this case can on each of the individual devices addressed by a corresponding docking facility an equivalent location for the coupling of the control unit can be provided. For Few can rationalize manufacturing processes Basic models of electric cooking appliances built in a standardized manner be, in particular the power units for a Variety of different electric cooking appliances designed the same way could be. By means of differently equipped In this way, operating modules can be valued and / or Equipment and / or range of functions of different electrical devices be provided inexpensively.

Otherwise, it is possible that certain on the electrical device Switching or display functions are left, for example a general on / off switch, hot displays as a warning against touching hot cooking zones or the like

The invention further includes a particular one Control controllable electrical device described above, the contains and essentially at least one power unit free of controls and / or control and regulation parts is. It can with a docking device of the type mentioned or equipped with a separate docking unit suitable and, if necessary, specially prepared for this, for example by a removable frame part through which an installation space for a docking device is kept free becomes. The invention also includes all for cooperation with Docking devices according to the invention suitable or special adapted control panels of the type described. Furthermore the invention also includes a docking device, which in a docking unit separate from an electrical device is provided by the installation of the electrical device to a Electrical device of the type described can be upgraded or converted.

These and other features go beyond the claims also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features individually or separately several in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields be and can represent advantageous designs.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf den Bereich eines Rahmens einer in eine Arbeitsplatte eingebauten Glaskeramik-Kochmulde mit einer in den Rahmen der Kochmulde integrierten, gesonderten Andockeinrichtung und zugehörige Bedieneinheit;

Fig. 2

einen vertikalen Schnitt entlang der Linie II-II in Fig. 1 zur Erläuterung des Einbaus der separaten Andockeinheit am Randbereich des Glaskeramikfeldes;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf den eine Glaskeramikplatte umgebenden Rahmen einer Einbau-Kochmulde mit in den Rahmen integrierter Andockeinrichtung sowie einem an der Andockeinrichtung schwenkbar gelagerten Bedienteil;

Fig. 4

einen vertikalen Schnitt durch den Rahmen mit Andockeinrichtung in Fig. 3 zur Erläuterung der Schwenkbewegung des Bedienteiles zwischen der mit durchgezogenen Linien gezeigten Andockstellung und der Ruhestellung mit verdeckten Bedienelementen;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf das Bedienteil gemäß Figuren 3 und 4 zur Erläuterung der drehbaren Bedienelemente mit integrierten Zwölf-Segment-LCD-Anzeigeeinrichtungen;

Fig. 6

einen vertikalen Schnitt durch ein Bedienmodul gemäß Figuren 3 bis 5, das an einer Andockeinrichtung mittels eines einachsigen Schwenkgelenks mit magnetisch aneinander gehalterten Gelenkelementen lösbar fixiert ist und das sich in Ruhestellung mit verdeckten Bedienelementen befindet;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine andere Ausführungsform mit einem Bedienteil, das durch Linearverschiebung zwischen einer links gezeigten Andockstellung und einer rechts gezeigten Ruhestellung bewegbar ist;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform eines Bedienteils, das durch Verdrehung um eine vertikale Achse zwischen Ruhestellung und Andockstellung verdrehbar ist;

Fig. 9

einen schematischen vertikalen Schnitt durch eine andere Ausführungsform einer Andockeinrichtung mit einer trogförmigen Aufnahme für ein längliches Bedienelement, das zwischen der gezeigten Ruhestellung und einer Andockstellung mit schräg gestellten Bedienelementen um eine horizontale Achse verschwenkbar ist und

Fig. 10 und 11

einen schematischen vertikalen Schnitt durch eine Ausführungsform einer Andockeinrichtung mit einem fest integrierten Bedienteil, das zwischen einer Ruhestellung mit verdeckten Bedienelementen (Fig. 10) und einer Andockstellung mit schräg gestellten Bedienelementen verschwenkbar ist.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

Fig. 1

a plan view of the area of a frame of a glass ceramic hob built into a worktop with a separate docking device and associated control unit integrated in the frame of the hob;

Fig. 2

a vertical section along the line II-II in Figure 1 to explain the installation of the separate docking unit at the edge region of the glass ceramic field.

Fig. 3

a plan view of the frame surrounding a glass ceramic plate of a built-in hob with a docking device integrated in the frame and an operating part pivotably mounted on the docking device;

Fig. 4

a vertical section through the frame with docking device in Figure 3 to explain the pivoting movement of the control panel between the docking position shown with solid lines and the rest position with hidden controls.

Fig. 5

a plan view of the control panel according to Figures 3 and 4 to explain the rotatable controls with integrated twelve-segment LCD display devices;

Fig. 6

a vertical section through an operating module according to Figures 3 to 5, which is detachably fixed to a docking device by means of a uniaxial swivel joint with magnetically held joint elements and which is in the rest position with hidden operating elements;

Fig. 7

a schematic plan view of another embodiment with an operating part which is movable by linear displacement between a docking position shown on the left and a rest position shown on the right;

Fig. 8

is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a control panel, which can be rotated by rotation about a vertical axis between the rest position and the docking position;

Fig. 9

a schematic vertical section through another embodiment of a docking device with a trough-shaped receptacle for an elongated control element, which is pivotable about a horizontal axis between the shown rest position and a docking position with inclined control elements and

10 and 11

a schematic vertical section through an embodiment of a docking device with a firmly integrated control panel, which can be pivoted between a rest position with hidden controls (Fig. 10) and a docking position with slanted controls.

In Fig. 1, the top of a is schematically in plan view Electric cooking appliance 1 shown with a glass ceramic hob 2, surrounded by a narrow frame 3 and in a essential rectangular recess of a wood worktop 4 is installed. Are located below the glass ceramic plate 2 electrical functional devices in the form of radiant heaters, the individual cooking zones 5 of the electric cooking appliance heat. The four cooking zones, for example, are different Size and / or shape are all within the defined by the glass ceramic plate 2, from the frame 3 enclosed, rectangular work area of the electric cooking appliance.

Below the glass ceramic plate 2 is in the interior Cooking hob is a power unit shown schematically in FIG. 2 8 housed in such a way assigned to the cooking zones Heaters are adapted so that they are capable is one or more or all of the heating devices electrical power. The power unit can be embodied as a closed assembly on a circuit board be (see Fig. 10). Which can also be called a power circuit Power unit forms a functional component the control provided to control the electrical device. With regard to its design, the power section is designed for Type and / or number of electrical functional devices to be controlled adapted to the electrical device.

A peculiarity lies in the fact that the functional and Operating scope of the electrical device is essentially complete in a control unit 9 separate from the power unit is embodied by a separate control unit 10 for Operation of the controller is assigned. The within the Housing of the control unit housed elements of the Control unit 9 essentially embody the entire Regulation and control part of the control. The control unit can preferably be at least one processing device digital processing of data, in particular with at least one microprocessor. This processing facility can essentially the entire tax and Form the control section for the electrical appliance. The control unit or the control unit can also have at least one data storage device have in which, for example, different Program sequences for the control and / or parameters of Evaluation functions of the electrical device can be stored. Such parameters of evaluation functions can, for example determined and stored when setting up the electrical device become. It is also possible to save series-specific data of the electrical device. Is preferred the memory is arranged in the control unit or the processing device directly assigned. So it can be in essentially the entire "intelligence" of the electrical device in the control unit. In the example it has Control panel, possibly with the exception of an accumulator or Low capacity battery to secure the contents of the memory the microprocessor, no separate electrical power supply, so that on a housing space for a battery or Accumulator can be dispensed with.

In the embodiment shown, the control unit is as detachable and interchangeable from the electrical appliance Control module built. The flat design in one built in a compact, reminiscent of a remote control The control panel has several input devices for manual Operation of the control system, the input devices several accessible from the top of the control unit Controls 11 in the form of push buttons, sliders or Include knobs. At the top of the control unit also four electrical display devices 12 in the form of circular LCD displays are arranged over a round twelve-segment display easily and easily understandable information about the operating state of the electrical device or the control optically transmit. In the embodiment shown are the display devices 12 spatially separate from the associated controls 11, but are on the type the arrangement in an unmistakable relationship to the associated Control elements and also those controlled by them Cooking zones 5.

On the one hand, to start up the control, it is necessary that the control unit 9 housed in the control unit 10 with the electrical power required for operation is supplied and that on the other hand for control necessary signal exchange between control unit / control unit on the one hand and power unit 8 on the other can take place. There is a docking device for this purpose 15 provided that directly adjacent to a side edge of the Glass ceramic plate 2 is arranged in the frame 3 of the hob and in the embodiment shown in the form of a separate one Docking unit is present, which is separate from the electrical device can be manufactured and, if necessary, purchased separately and the shape and / or design of the electronic device can be adapted that they are elegant in an already provided or gap which can be produced by sawing out or the like in the Frame 3 can be used. The docking unit 15 has a flat one Plastic housing 17, the height of which is less than twice as large is like the thickness of the ceramic plate 2. At that of the glass ceramic plate The longitudinal side of the housing to be turned is a step-shaped one Recording 18 formed in the when inserting the Docking device introduced the edge of the glass ceramic plate 2 can be that the housing 17, the glass ceramic plate 2nd engages in the area of the receptacle and the flat top the glass ceramic plate 2 essentially flush with the plane Top 19 of the docking unit 15 is. The top 19 The parallel underside of the flat docking unit then lies flat on top of the worktop 4. All electric active components of the docking device are on a common circuit board 21 arranged in the arranged below open interior of the housing 17 and by a moisture-proof molding compound 22 in position held and sealed moisture-proof. The associated electrical lines 23 are on the the electrical device facing housing side from the docking device 15 through a through opening on the side wall of the hob for Power unit 8 out. For moisture-tight sealing the interior of the docking device and the transition area to the electrical device is on the outer edge of the housing 17 on the underside of the housing a circumferential seal 23 for Press on the top of the worktop.

Include the electrical components of the docking device two to an AC voltage source of the power unit 18 connected transmitter coils 25 of an inductive energy transmission device to supply the electrical components the control unit 10 with electrical power. The corresponding receiver coils 26 are in the housing of the control module 10 housed so that they are essentially only in that in Fig. 1 with solid lines and in Fig. 2 with Dashed lines shown docking position of the control module 10 lie in the effective range of the transmitter coils 25. This is ensured that all connected to the receiver coils 26 electrical components of the control unit only are functional if the control unit is in the shown docking position. A little bit Lifting and / or moving the control unit 10 out of this Position out leads to the interruption of the active connection between the coils 25, 26 and thus also to cancel a tax effective connection between control unit and power unit, which in particular for reasons of operational safety is advantageous.

To provide a signal-transmitting connection between control unit 9 and power unit 8 is in the shown a system working wirelessly using infrared light Signal transmission device 28 provided works bidirectionally, so that both signals from the control unit 9 to the power unit 8, as well as signals from the Area of the electrical device, in particular of the power unit 8, can be transmitted to the control unit 9 without contact are. The signal transmission device comprises on the part of Docking device 15 an infrared transceiver 29, the directly below one that is transparent to infrared radiation Window is arranged in the upper wall of the housing 17, and one above a corresponding window on the Bottom of the control unit 10 attached transceiver 31, which is assigned to the control unit 9. The transceiver and / or windows are arranged so that data traffic via this infrared interface only when docked located control panel 10 is possible. There are also alternatives wireless transmission types possible, for example acoustically using ultrasound or electromagnetically Wireless.

In the embodiment shown, the docking device has 15 another magnetic field sensitive sensor or switch 33, which is shown by way of example in the form of a reed contact. This can also be done by a corresponding circuit be used to switch on the control only enable when the control panel is in the docking position located. A customized control panel can be in a suitable place a small permanent magnet for switching the sensor 33 exhibit.

For correct positioning and especially detachable without tools Fixing the control unit 10 in the docking position on the Docking means can be magnetic holder means (not shown) and / or magnetic alignment means can be provided with sufficient approach between the docking device and Control element automatically correct positioning cause. A holding magnet of the holding means can also be used Cooperation with the magnetic field sensitive sensor 33 is provided his.

In Figures 1 and 2 it can be seen that in one Tax effective connection between control unit and power unit enabling the control unit to dock in the immediate vicinity of the work area, but outside the work area, namely right next to the glass ceramic plate 2 is arranged. This can cause the device to operate the entire glass ceramic field for storing pots or the like be used.

Based on Figures 3 to 6, other advantageous Embodiments of the invention explained. In the in Fig. 3 in The embodiment shown in plan view is the docking device 35 in contrast to that according to FIGS. 1 and 2 not formed as a separate part, but in the frame 36, the glass ceramic plate 37 of the built-in hob shown surrounds, characterized in that a housing of the docking device 35 is integrally formed with the frame 36. The docking device 35 can be designed so flat that with the hob built-in on the one surrounding the frame Worktop rests. However, it is also possible to go through one corresponding to the outer contour of the docking device Cutout on the worktop the docking device in the Countersink worktop. The flat control unit 38 is about a horizontal pivot axis 39 with the Docking device connected. This enables a controlled Swinging or folding from the in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 4 with solid lines shown docking position (with control elements 40 on top) in a rest position without a tax effective connection between control unit and Performance unit, whereby the in FIg. 6 shown rest position is defined on the docking device. The docking device has one adapted to the top of the control panel Receiving trough 41 into which the control panel is folded can be that the controls 40 to the bottom of the trough show and therefore inaccessible and from the housing of the control unit covered and thereby protected. Through the fixed pivot axis 39 is particularly simple, a Correct positioning of the control panel in the docking position possible. As in the context of FIG. 1 and 2 embodiment shown also takes place in this Embodiment both the signal transmission, and the Power supply for the control unit of the control unit is wireless. Corresponding supply devices 42 are shown in FIG. 4 only schematically below the bevelled support surface for the Control element shown. On touch contacts for energy transfer and / or for signal transmission can also this embodiment can be dispensed with.

Although a possibly permanent mechanical fixation of the control panel 38 on the docking device 35, for example in the Range of the pivot axis 39 is possible in the shown Embodiment another, particularly advantageous type the bracket realized. 6 shows a section of this Holding device 45 for detachable and producible without tools Fixing the control unit to the docking device by means of magnetic forces. The single axis swivel bearing for the control unit comprises as the first bearing element on the Docking device provided bearing shell 46 made of ferromagnetic Material with an articulated socket acting, cylindrically curved, concave bearing surface their top. On the control element 38 is a complementary second bearing element 48 with circular cylindrical curvature, convex outer surfaces 49 formed with the Joint pans 47 to form a uniaxial swivel joint work together. For the mutual fixation of the bearing elements is for each pair of joint socket and Articulated cylinder an arranged within the cylinder Permanent magnet 50 is provided, which in interaction Ferromagnet 46 a magnetic attraction between the Bearing elements causes. This essentially exclusively Magnetic bracket allows the control 38, for example for cleaning purposes or the like. Very convenient removed from the docking device 35 and just as simple can be attached to this again.

The control unit 38 has two control elements 40 in the form of Knobs as well as two in the corresponding knobs integrated display devices 52 in the form of circular Liquid crystal displays (LCD). By integrating the Display device in the assigned control element is a particularly clear and unmistakable assignment between the operator actuation of the Control element and that caused by the operation Changes to the electrical device possible. The operational security is further supported by the twelve-segment display due to the analogy to the hour display of a clock Operator has a particularly good feeling for the scale of the set or displayed parameters.

7 is a schematic and exemplary one explained another embodiment of the invention, in which one Control unit 55 on a designed as a separate docking unit Docking device 56 guided in such a linearly movable manner is that the transition between the docking position shown on the left and the rest position shown on the right by side Displacement of the control unit is effected. It's closed recognize that in the docking position shown on the left, exactly as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the control element outside of that defined by the glass ceramic plate 57 Work area positioned immediately adjacent to this is. In the rest position shown on the right, however, protrudes the control element into the work area, so that for an operator can be seen at first glance that in In this state, the control cannot be operated. As with the other embodiments, the control unit 55 detachable from and with the docking device wirelessly connected for signal transmission and energy transmission his.

Fig. 8 shows another possibility of a controlled Adjustment of an operating unit 60 between the docking position and rest position. The one that can be integrated into the trough frame Docking unit designed docking device 61 forms a sectionally limited side extension to the Hob and is in its shape to the circular disc shape of the Adjusted control panel. This is done by rotating one vertical axis of rotation (perpendicular to the paper plane) between Rest position and docking position twisted.

9 shows another embodiment of a docking device 65 with a trough-shaped, semicircular in cross section, elongated receiving trough 66 for an operating unit 67, which has a narrow, elongated shape and several, for example, four combined in a row Display and controls 68 can have. In the shown Rest position with vertical axis of rotation of the controls 68 are the symbolically shown transmission devices 69 for signals and / or for electrical energy so against each other offset that the control panel is out of order. For commissioning the control panel, through the trough-shaped holder led to pivoted about its horizontal longitudinal axis until the elements of the transmission devices 69 with each other in Active connection. This control element 67 can also be used the trough be removable. Through the trough formation can if necessary, on separate holding means, such as those mentioned above Magnetic holding means, can be dispensed with, since the trough one to to the rotational position around the horizontal swivel axis Positioning of the control element ensures.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a further embodiment of the Invention, wherein the docking device 70 is rectangular limited receiving space 71 forms in which the control panel 72 is recordable. The control panel is in the area of one Swivel axis 73 is non-detachably connected to the docking device and by means of the pivot axis between the in Fig. 10th shown rest position and the docking position shown in Fig. 11 be pivoted. The vertical section shown approximately T-shaped control unit 72 has one on the swivel joint 73 adjoining wall section 74 of the receiving space in the rest position (Fig. 10) like a lid closes, and a functional section 75, at the The combined operating / display units 76 are arranged on the top are. In the area of the protruding into the recording room free end of the functional section are those Devices associated with control element 77 for wireless Transmission of information signals and electrical energy arranged. The corresponding ones assigned to the docking device Means 78 are in the top wall of the Receiving space 71 arranged and with the power unit 79 connected.

The control elements of the control unit are in the rest position protected against access and dirt and the like in the interior 71 housed the docking device and the control unit is excluded in terms of its electrical function Operation since the transmission devices 77, 78 except Operational connection are arranged with each other. For commissioning the control unit becomes the control unit by means of the swivel joint 73 folded outwards into the docking position, in the the transmission devices 77, 78 in operative connection stand with each other, so that the existing in the control unit Control unit with the power unit 79 tax effective connected is. In this control element position are also Controls can be operated conveniently from above and the integrated display elements are easy to read. It is can be seen that despite a fixed axis 73 the total communication between power unit 79 and Control unit is contactless or wireless, so that on Cables and / or sliding contacts or the like can be dispensed with can. The docking device 65 can e.g. on the front side of the electrical device to be operated, for example a little below that through a glass ceramic plate defined working area of the device.

Claims (23)

Control for an electrical device that has at least one assigned to a work area of the electrical device has electrical functional device, in particular Control for an electric cooker with a glass ceramic field as a work area, the control with at least a power unit (8; 79) for loading the Functional device with electrical power and with at least one control unit (9) for controlling the Power unit, the control unit being a separate one Control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) for Operation of the controller is assigned and where for tax-effective coupling of the control unit to the Power unit at least one docking device (15; 35; 56; 61; 65; 70) is provided, which is configured in this way is that the control unit is in a docking position is arranged outside the work area. Control according to claim 1, characterized in that the docking device (15; 35; 56; 61; 65; 70) and the Control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) on top of each other are coordinated that a tax effective connection between control unit (9) and power unit only in the docking position is possible. Control according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the docking device on one of the electrical device (1) separate docking unit (15; 56; 61) is provided is on the electrical device outside of it Work area is attachable, the docking unit is preferably designed such that it is in the area one surrounding the work area of the electrical device Frame (3) can be integrated. Control according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the docking device (35) in a frame (36) of the electrical device is integrated. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical device (1) a Electric cooking appliance with a glass ceramic worktop (2; 37) and that the docking device (15; 35; 56; 61; 65) outside the glass ceramic worktop in the edge area the work surface, especially immediately this is adjacent, attached or attachable. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67), preferably without tools, detachable to the Docking device (15; 35; 56; 61; 65) can be coupled. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a storage device for movable storage of the control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) is provided on the docking device, wherein the storage device is designed so that the control unit under the guidance of the storage facility between a rest position and the docking position movable, in particular is pivotable uniaxially. Control according to claim 7, characterized in that the storage device at least one of the docking device (35) assigned first bearing element (46) and at least one complementary to the first bearing element, second assigned to the control unit (38) Bearing element (48) and magnetic means (50) for mutual has magnetic fixation of the bearing elements. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding device (45) for fixing the control unit without tools (38) is provided on the docking device (35), wherein the holding device preferably magnetic holding means (50) has, in particular at least one permanent magnet. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) no own energy supply for the Has control function of the control unit. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) to supply the control unit (9) with electrical energy an energy supply device is assigned, which is designed such that the Control unit essentially only with electrical Energy can be supplied when the control unit is in the docking position. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) an energy supply device is assigned with which it is releasably connectable. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an energy supply device to supply the control unit (9) with electrical Energy at least one of the control devices (10) assigned receiver coil (26) and at least one assigned to the area of the docking device (15) Transmitting coil (25) of an inductive energy transmission device includes. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they preferably have a Signal transmission device operating infrared radiation (28) for the wireless transmission of signals between control unit (9) and power unit (8), the signal transmission device preferably works bidirectionally. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a signal transmission device (28) for the transmission of signals between control unit and power unit, in which the signals are essentially only transferable are when the control unit is in the docking position located. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (10; 38; 55; 60; 67; 72) at least one display device (12; 52; 68; 76) for preferably optical display at least one the operating state of the control and / or characteristic of the electrical appliance having. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit for Setting at least one control parameter at least has an operating element (40; 68; 76) into which one electrical display device (52) for preferably optical display of the set control parameter or one that can be influenced on the basis of the control parameter Operating parameters is integrated. Control according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized characterized in that the display device (12; 52; 68; 76) has at least one liquid crystal display and / or that the display device is essentially round is and twelve display segments arranged in the manner of a clock Has. Control according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (9) at least one processing device for preferably digital processing of data, in particular at least one microprocessor, and / or that the Control unit at least one data storage device for storing tax-relevant data, especially for storing different Program sequences and / or control parameters. Docking unit (15; 56; 61) for arranging one to one Control of an electrical device, especially one Electric cooking appliance, associated control unit (10; 55; 60) in a docking position, in one in the control unit included control unit (9) with tax effective a power unit provided in the electrical device (8) the controller is connected, the docking unit is designed for integration with the electrical device, especially for integration into a glass ceramic hob (2) a frame surrounding an electric cooking appliance (3). Docking unit according to claim 20, characterized by the Characteristics of the characteristic part of at least one of claims 2 to 19. Electrical device, in particular electrical heating device with a Cooktop, in particular a cooktop made of glass ceramic, with an electrical functional device and at least a power unit to control the power the functional device, characterized in that it essentially free of controls and / or one provided to control the power unit Control unit is, wherein it is preferably a docking device according to one of the preceding claims and / or for attaching a docking unit after one of the preceding claims is prepared. Control unit for an electrical device, in particular a Electric cooking appliance, with one for cooperation with a power unit provided on the electrical device (8) trained control unit (8), the control unit is designed such that it is at one of the Electrical device assigned docking device in a Docking position can be attached, in which the control unit outside the working area of the electrical device is located and in which the control unit is tax effective is coupled to the power unit.

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