EP1418384A2 - Display device with lighting assembly for an electrical household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The indicator light assembly (11) has a rectangular opaque mask (13) with three rings of transparent sectors (17a-21d) which may be individually illuminated. Each ring is broken into four portions. There are two further ring sectors (25a,b) to one side of the main pattern. Illumination is by LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) (26).

Description

The invention relates to a display device for a household electric heating device according to the preamble of claim 1. Such electric heating devices are particularly ceramic hobs, with under a radiant heater can be arranged in the hob.

The electric heating device has at least one heating device, which is divided into several flat heating areas, the heating areas activated at least partially independently of one another or individually can be used for heating. This is for example a radiant heater with inner circle and outer circle. For cooking vessels with large diameter, the outer circle is then additionally activated. As well are forms for roasters.

It is now often desired that a user operate the outer zone to display in addition to the inner zone. This is done, for example, with LED made. So when an additional zone is operated, an LED becomes activated, which lights up the activation of the outer zone. It is also possible, for example, for roasters, additional Heating areas, which are just arranged to the side of a round zone, to activate and to indicate their activation via an LED.

In this way it is basically possible for the user display the additional activation of heating areas. Indeed it is often not clear in what form another Heating area has been activated. Such ads in particular unappealing and informative.

Task and solution

The invention has for its object a display device mentioned to create which is a more comfortable and detailed Display of the operation of individual heating areas of a heating device indicates, in particular a faster and instinctive detection of the displayed state are made possible by a user should.

This task is solved by a display device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous and preferred embodiments the invention are the subject of further claims and are in following explained in more detail. The wording of the claims is by express Reference made to the content of the description.

According to the invention, the lighting devices are separate from one another Formed segments of a basic geometric shape. Such The basic geometric shape is a circle or a rectangle or a Square. Two basic forms are the same for each display device Type provided with different sizes and concentric arrangement. This symbolizes, for example, an aforementioned inner circle and outer circle.

By dividing such an illuminable basic shape, which on the one hand is flat and thus already symbolically a flat heating device represents, and on the other hand by the division into segments Numerous display options allowed, detailed information be given to the user. Especially through the individual Activation of the lighting devices and thus of the individual Segments of the flat basic form, it is possible, not just one, so to speak digital information (additional heating area switched on or off) possible. It can also provide additional information in a descriptive manner are shown, for example at which point another heating area has been activated. It is also advantageously possible with the invention, the shape of the heater is reasonably detailed play. Finally, for example, in the case of radiant heaters a user the shape on the luminous image of the radiant heater.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is possible, in addition to the at least two concentric basic forms at least one more Arrange lighting device with at least one segment, which a short distance from the basic shapes or the larger of the two Has basic forms. The division of the other lighting equipment in segments again enables the previously described detailed Representation of states or information. It is possible to do this further lighting device in the manner of a half or divided in half To train the basic form next to which it is arranged. Are the Basic shapes are circles, so the other lighting device is a semicircle or has segments which form a semicircle.

Such a laterally arranged further lighting device is preferred trained as the other lighting devices, so at least with a segment. All segments are particularly preferred the same as a display device, even if it is in differ in size. This enables a uniform type of presentation, which is advantageous for the rapid recording of the information.

It is possible to add an additional third to the two basic forms To provide basic form, which is also similar and concentric is arranged to the other two basic forms. It makes a difference however in size. It is advantageous here if at three concentric and similar basic shapes, the size differences are linear to each other are in the form that for example one step each a smaller shape to the larger basic shape a change in diameter with a fixed amount. For example 3mm, 4mm or 5mm. The basic shapes are preferably circular. This is because the radiant heaters and thus the luminous images generated by them are round.

The segments can be designed as angular sections of the basic shape his. They advantageously extend over an angle of 90 °, so that a basic form is divided into four segments. The segments can on the one hand be flat, for example be quarter circles. alternative or in the case of another such a flat basic form Basic form, they can be more linear. Get lost them along the circumference of the basic shape and thereby represent it Line segments are preferred because of their smaller area a more even illumination is possible. Of others are more diverse here.

The segments can either merge seamlessly in such a way that when all segments of a basic shape are illuminated, they are closed and form a continuous surface. Alternatively, they can be from each other be separated or have a slight distance between them. This is possible due to non-illuminated bars or separation areas. Such advertisements correspond approximately to so-called seven-segment advertisements. The individual segments are also separated here. So Both manufacturing is easier and the type of display usually more pleasant.

The lighting devices are in an advantageous embodiment Invention designed so that they have different sized heaters or heating devices with inner circle and outer circle as well as heating devices with additional heating areas arranged on the side by simulating the heating areas with the segments represent. Luminous segments therefore show which heating areas are active. Above all, they indicate this by being in represent their planar arrangement or assignment to each other. In this way it is very easy for the user to view the displayed Capture information quickly and intuitively.

Illuminants are advantageously provided for the lighting devices, a lamp illuminates at least one segment, under certain circumstances also several segments. Illuminated is particularly preferred Illuminant two segments, which are half a basic shape or the Form half of a basic shape. The selection of lamps is fundamental diverse. LEDs are preferred because they come in different colors Colors and shapes are available.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the lamps, for example as an LED, have a body, the segment shape has. A lamp with such a body thus forms one Lighting device and is advantageously a component or a structural unit. So For example, an LED can be a plastic body with the segment shape, for example quarter-circle shape or quarter-circle arc shape, exhibit. In another preferred design option According to the invention, the lamps can have any shape. They are arranged under a mask or cover, which openings or translucent areas with the shape of the segments having. So it is possible, so to speak, over any light source arrange a mask that creates the segment shape.

Furthermore, it is possible according to the invention, above the illuminant Arrange parts that are light-distributing or light-guiding. Here will advantageously used transparent or colored plastic. such Light-distributing or light-guiding elements are advantageous if it is about essentially point-shaped lighting devices, Illuminants or light sources evenly on the flat segment shape to distribute. For example, this can also include scatter films or the like his.

It is possible to design the display device as a structural unit. she can have a housing with several electrical connections, which are connected to the illuminants. There is also a mask provided which openings correspond to the shape of the Has segments. Such an assembly is a single component, for example corresponding to a seven segment ad.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide a structural unit which has openings or has translucent areas that match the shape of the segments correspond to the display device. The unit can be separated Illuminants, which are mounted for example on a circuit board are attached. This has the advantage that on the one hand only to produce such a housing preferably from plastic is, for example by injection molding. It can be standardized on any Illuminants, such as LEDs, are placed on the production the display device.

The display device is advantageously connected to a controller, which in particular also a control for the electric heating device is. For each heating device, which can be a hotplate of the electric heating device forms, a display device may be provided which represents the state of this heater. The control is there trained in such a way that they change the operation, i.e. the one to be changed Heating area of the heating device by means of the lighting devices or of the individual segments of the display device. A such control can operate similarly to one those with which seven-segment displays are controlled.

It is also possible to set up the control with a printed circuit board. In addition to circuitry components, the circuit board has and electronics, in particular for the heating device, at least a display device according to the invention. It is advantageous for each heater a display device is provided. Furthermore, the Control or the printed circuit board per heating device at least one control element on, for example touch switches. Besides one Such a display device is advantageously arranged in the control element with a short distance. This makes it clear that this display device indicates the state of a heater, which with the control device can be operated.

Common controls for, for example, glass ceramic cooktops with four Heating devices have four display devices, each with four Equipped with controls. The display devices can all be of identical design, even if the heating device itself are not identical. Even for heating devices, which Such a display device can have only a single heating area be provided, which in itself has more functions features. These functions are just used by the controller not used. So the effort for different components is low.

These and other features go beyond the claims from the description and the drawings, the individual Features individually or in groups in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and others Areas to be realized and advantageous as well as protectable Can represent designs for which protection is claimed here becomes. The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings limits the statements made under these not in their generality.

Spa description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine Anzeigeeinrichtung mit drei Kreisen als Grundformen und viertelkreisförmigen Kreisbogensegmenten sowie zwei einen Halbkreis bildenden viertelkreisförmigen Kreisbogensegmenten seitlich daneben und

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine Steuerung für vier Heizeinrichtungen mit jeweils einer Anzeigeeinrichtung, einer Siebensegmentanzeige und Bedienelementen.

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

Fig. 1

a plan view of a display device with three circles as basic shapes and quarter-circle segments and two quarter-circle segments forming a semicircle to the side and

Fig. 2

a plan view of a controller for four heating devices, each with a display device, a seven-segment display and control elements.

Detailed description of the exemplary embodiments

1 shows a possible embodiment of the invention. A display device 11 has a rectangular mask 13. That mask contains segments, which are openings in the mask, for example, the mask is otherwise opaque and the openings are translucent.

In the middle, three central basic shapes 15 are provided in a circular shape. The innermost basic shape consists of innermost segments 17, the middle one Basic shape consists of middle segments 19 and the outermost Basic form consists of outermost segments 21. The three basic forms are each by quarter-circular arc segments 17, 19 or 21 formed. They are numbered clockwise from a to d.

The mean basic shape or the middle segments forming it 19 are according to their size to the right of the basic shapes 15 lateral lighting devices 23 arranged. These consist of two lateral segments 25a and 25b. They are the middle segments 19 designed accordingly, that is, quarter-circle segments. They correspond approximately to the middle segments 19a and 19b and are only shifted to the right to the side. So, if the left middle segments 19c and 19d as well as the two lateral ones Segments 25a and 25b operate alone or light up, one elongated heating zone are shown. This corresponds to one before described roaster. Its shape is familiar to a person skilled in the art and therefore need not be explained in more detail here.

From Fig. 1, above all, a possibility of the formation of lighting devices or segments emerge. The execution described there is just with a mask and arranged in this mask Segments 17, 19, 21 and 25. You can use either of the segments individually illuminated for themselves. To simplify things can also be provided be, in the central basic forms 15 two left Segments c and d and two right segments a and b together, however to illuminate separately from others.

Instead of such a general way of providing one Mask 13 with individual segments 17, 19, 21 and 25, it is also conceivable a display device similar to that of Fig. 1 as a unit to create, much like a seven-segment ad. Then would be in a housing which corresponds approximately to the mask 13, illuminants, for example LED, embedded or integrated. These are on the right shown in dashed lines as LED 26.

2 shows a control 30 with which four heating devices can be controlled. There are one for each heater Display device 11, a seven-segment display 32, in particular provided for a cooking level display and two touch switches 34. The touch switches are a plus switch and a minus switch to increase or decrease the performance of the hob. This Performance is then displayed on the seven segment display 32. Of a further touch switch 36 is provided, which is used for activation the hotplate at all or to activate an actuation can serve by means of the touch switch 34. By means of the additional Touch switch 36 is also possible, for example certain ones Additional circuits or heaters or other heating areas of a heating device switch on or off a hotplate. In itself it is one Control, in particular with the touch switches 34 and 36, known. In this respect, there is no need to go into this here.

From the four display devices 11a to d are the different types the representation with this display device according to the invention are possible to recognize. As stated above, they correspond to different possible operating states of the individual Indicators 11 associated hotplates. The hotplates can, for example, as previously indicated, radiant heaters his.

At the top left, the display device 11a shows the operation of a heating device in which an innermost and a middle cooking zone is active are. This can be seen from the fact that the display device 11a innermost segments 17 and the middle segments 19 of the central Basic shapes 15 light up. This is to illustrate the glow that the corresponding segments are shaded in dark.

Furthermore, you can see here what is also for the other heating devices or seven-segment displays 32 applies at which power level the heating device is operated. This is level 4 at the top left.

The display device 11 b at the top right shows that the relevant Heating device is operated with three concentric heating areas. Here are the segments 17, 19 and 21 of the three central basic forms 15 in operation or light up.

In the display device 11 c bottom left in Fig. 2 are only the outermost segments 21 in operation or light up. This can mean that with the corresponding heating device either only an outermost one Heating area alone is active. Likewise, this can mean that the corresponding heating device just a single heating area and is then currently in operation. Thus, as with the display devices 11a and 11b, by illuminating the segments various basic forms, the operation of the corresponding heating devices, either with the relevant heating areas or in general, are illustrated. With a display like the display device 11 c can be shown that a heating device in Operation that may only have a single heating area.

The display device 11 d bottom right lights up with the two left middle segments 19c and 19d of the central basic shape 15 and the lateral segments 25a and 25b of the lateral lighting devices 23. This can illustrate one way that here a heating device is active, the only operating mode of which is with a elongated heating surface, for example in the manner of a roaster. According to Another possibility can also be the operation of an elongated one Heating device with roasting function can be displayed. Here it would be but also possible side heating areas, which are the side segments 25 correspond, in addition to a central heating area, which would correspond to a central basic shape 15. Both possibilities are with a display device according to the invention represented.

Thus, from the basic presentation options Fig. 1 and the selected example of Fig. 2 recognized to what extent with differently constructed heating devices a cooktop whose operating states through the display devices be presented clearly and instinctively.

In a corresponding application of the invention to further electrical heating devices, for example, ovens, it is recognizable, as there with Presence of one or more heating devices, each with several Heating areas shown the activation of different heating areas can be. However, one according to the invention is particularly preferred Display device in such hotplates with heating devices used, the heating devices different, flat Have heating areas.

Claims (14)

Display device for a household electric heating device, in particular a glass ceramic cooktop, the electric heating device having at least one heating device which is divided into a plurality of flat heating areas, the heating areas being able to be activated at least partially independently of one another and / or individually for heating operation, the display device (11 ) visually indicates the heating mode or the activation of individual heating areas and additionally has individually activatable lighting devices (17, 19, 21, 23), characterized in that the lighting devices as separate segments (17, 19, 21, 25) of a geometric basic shape (15 ) are formed like a circle, rectangle or square, two basic shapes of the same type with different sizes and concentric arrangement being provided per display device (11). Display device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one further lighting device (23) with at least one segment (25) is provided on the side next to the basic shapes (15) at a short distance, the further lighting device preferably being divided in the manner of half or half Basic shape of the aforementioned basic shapes (15) is formed. Display device according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one further laterally arranged lighting device (23) is also formed in the same way with at least one segment (25) which is one of the segments (17, 19, 21) of the basic shapes ( 15) corresponds. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional third concentric identical basic shape (15) is provided which differs in size from the two aforementioned basic shapes. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (17, 19, 21, 25) are designed as angled sections of the basic shape (15) either flat or linear along the circumference, preferably extending over an angle of 90 ° , Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (17, 19, 21, 25) are separated from one another by non-illuminated webs or separation areas. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting devices (17, 19, 21, 23) are designed such that they represent heating devices of different sizes and heating devices with heating areas arranged to the side of them, in particular additional heaters such as roasters or the like, by means of corresponding replication the heating areas with the segments by activating individual lighting devices of the segments. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that illuminants (26) are provided for the lighting devices (17, 19, 21, 23), one illuminant illuminating at least one segment (17, 19, 21, 25), preferably two segments in the manner of half a basic shape (15), the illuminants in particular being LEDs (26). Display device according to claim 8, characterized in that the lamps have a body in segment form, a lamp with this body forms a lighting device (17, 19, 21, 23) and is in particular a component or a structural unit, preferably an LED (26 ). Display device according to claim 8, characterized in that the illuminants (26) have any shape and are arranged under a mask (13) or a cover, which openings or translucent areas with the shape of the segments (17, 19, 21, 25) exhibit. Display device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that light-distributing or light-guiding parts are arranged above the illuminants (26), in particular made of transparent and / or colored plastic. Display device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it is designed as a structural unit, wherein it has a housing with a plurality of electrical connections for the illuminants (26) and a cover mask (13) with openings corresponding to the shape of the segments (17, 19, 21, 25). Display device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by a structural unit, preferably made of plastic, which has openings or translucent areas corresponding to the shape of the segments (17, 19, 21, 25), the structural unit being mountable via separate illuminants (26) , is preferably attachable and is thus mechanically supported. Display device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is connected to a controller (30), wherein a display device (11) is provided for each heating device which forms a hotplate and the controller is designed to represent the operation of the individual heating areas by means of of the lighting devices (17, 19, 21, 23) of the display device (11), the controller (30) preferably having a printed circuit board which, in addition to circuit components and electronics, has at least one display device (11), the printed circuit board per heating device preferably at least has an operating element (34, 36) and a display device (11) is arranged next to an operating element.

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