EP1600694A2 - System and method for a time controlled and displayed household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for adjusting and displaying time functions comprises an oven region and a hob region with operating elements (3-8) for adjusting and displaying at least one time function, and a display unit (2) for displaying the adjusted time function. An independent claim is also included for process for adjusting and displaying time functions using the above device. Preferred Features: The time functions are time, process duration, operation duration and time program. One operating region comprises a hob, a cooking zone or cooking plate of a hob and an oven region, especially a heating element and/or heating arrangement.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for setting and displaying time functions for a Domestic appliance, in particular a Haushaltsgargerät or a Domestic cooking.

Household cooking appliances or Haushaltsgaröfen have in the Usually via a hob or hob with multiple hotplates or cooking zones and a baking, cooking or roasting oven with several heating areas and / or heating modes. The control and regulation of these individual operating areas of a household appliance can via pressure or rotary switch carried out on a control panel or control surface of the household appliance are arranged. For a check over the duration of the process, ie the duration of a cooking, Roasting or baking process is a major part of this Household appliances with a mechanical or electronic Short-term alarm clock equipped after expiry of a predetermined Period gives a signal. Is to the short-term alarm clock or provided instead a timer, leaves in addition, an operating time of the household appliance to adjust. The cooking, roasting or baking process then becomes during this period of operation while the household appliance switched on and set accordingly, carried out and after expiration of the predetermined operating time then the home appliance automatically shut off.

From the prior art are various timers known for a household electrical appliance. Using This time switch is after a predetermined or predetermined Time the entire power supply for the Household appliance interrupted and thus the household appliance shut off so that prepared food does not spoil or can burn or, for example, for security reasons an unauthorized or unguarded operation too avoid. The appliance is then manually again put into operation.

In some cases, however, it would be desirable if individual Subareas of the household appliance independently could be controlled via a timer. To the For example, it may be advantageous if a subarea or operating range as the oven according to a predetermined Duration is automatically switched off and the hob can continue to operate undisturbed.

From DE 102 28 237 B3 is an operating device for a Cooker with at least one heating area known associated with this heating control means for adjustment the heating power and a display device for display the set heating power, wherein the operating device with a timer in operative connection stands and on the control means for adjusting the heating power also a time value for the timer adjustable is and this time value on the display device too the set heating power can be displayed. It can be provided that several or even all heating areas can be controlled via the timer, the time value is separately adjustable for each heating area.

The known from DE 102 28 237 B3 control device is but only for the operation of hobs designed. In addition, it may be disadvantageous if the timer to be set with the same controls, as the heating power of the heating areas, as it is easy to one Incorrect operation can come.

It is an object of the invention to provide a separate or independent Device and method for adjusting and To provide display of time functions for a home appliance, by the aforementioned disadvantages in the state of Technology at least partially overcome or at least reduced become.

This object is with respect to the device with the Features of claim 1 and in terms of the method solved with the features of claim 18. Advantageous embodiments and further developments result arising from the dependent of claim 1 and claim 18, respectively Claims.

The device according to claim 1 for setting and displaying of time functions for a household appliance, in particular a Haushaltsgargerät or a Haushaltsgarofen, with at least two operating areas, in particular at least one cooking oven area and at least one hob area Controls for adjusting and / or displaying at least a time function and at least one display unit for Display the at least one set or adjustable Time function, whereby operating elements are provided, each of which is an operating range of the household appliance is assigned, for setting and / or display at least a time function for the respective operating area.

The device accordingly comprises at least as many operating elements as the number of household appliance defined Operating ranges. Each operating area can be Control separately via the associated operating element. Preferably are also other controls for adjustment the desired time function provided. The device is preferably a timer for an electrical Domestic appliance, in particular a Haushaltsgargerät or a Domestic cooking.

The device can be used both for an electric Household appliance as well as for one with gas or other fuels use heatable household appliance. The oven area is preferably as at least one interior area, Cooking chamber or oven muffle of a household appliance designed and can be different heating elements and different Heating devices for operating modes such as Steam cooking, convection or microwave operation include. Of the Hob area or the hob can preferably a or more hotplates or hobs, in particular heated electrically or with gas, or cooking zones, for example, on a glass-ceramic cooktop.

In the method according to claim 18 for setting and displaying of time functions for a household appliance, in particular a Haushaltsgargerät or a Haushaltsgarofen, with at least two operating areas, preferably at least a cooking area and at least one hob area, in particular using the device according to claim 1 or one of the optionally referred to claim 1 Claims, is achieved by operating at least one control element sets or is at least one time function Time function adjustable and is at least one display unit at least one set or adjustable Time function is displayed or can be displayed. By pressing of controls, each of which is an operating area of the household appliance is assigned a time function set or displayed for the respective operating range or is adjustable or displayable.

A main advantage of the device and the method according to The invention is that in a very simple way separately for each of the operating areas set up for the household appliance select or set a time function and display. The operation is independent of other actuators such as the actuators for adjusting a heat output of the respective Operating range. The operation is therefore very simple and a misoperation is avoided. In addition, you can any areas of the household appliance to an operating area be summarized, regardless of how they otherwise can be controlled or regulated. In addition, let to complement other functionalities, the then be made accessible via other controls can. The controls are preferred as a push button or pressure switch or rotary knob or rotary switch executed and can be attached to a control surface of a conventional Household appliance but also removed from the household appliance Arrange. Thus, the device is also relatively inexpensive to realize.

According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention Invention is the at least one time function at least a time and / or at least one operating period and / or at least one time program. The time and possibly even a date can be set manually or via radio will be displayed on the display unit. The time function process duration is comparable to a Kurzzeitweckfunktion and can be preferably in one Magnitude between a few minutes and several hours pretend, for example, after the end of the process period a signal is given. As operating time can be preferably a time span between a few minutes and several Specify hours, for example, the selected Operating range is switched off. The time function Operating time can also be a safety shutdown or Holiday shutdown after a predefinable or fixed Include time. A time program can be next to at least a predetermined or predefinable period also at least one start and / or end time or an associated one Include date for the operation. Furthermore can also be a time program with a temperature control be coupled to an electric stove, so it for example is possible in time intervals a temperature of to vary the selected operating range.

Particularly preferred is by operating a control element, one of the operating areas of the household appliance is assigned, a time program is set or displayed or is adjustable or displayable.

It is particularly preferred if an operating range is at least a hob area and / or at least one cooking zone or hob or hob of a hob area and / or at least one cooking oven area, in particular at least a heating element and / or at least one heating device includes. In the oven area can be separately arranged and possibly separately controllable heating elements among other things for top heat, bottom heat or grill function be provided. Heating devices can, for example Facilities for steam cooking, convection or microwave operation include. For example, then one or more individual hobs or cooking zones or hobs or the entire hob area or even a single one Heating element or a single heating device or the entire cooking oven area form an operating area. In addition, a combination of at least one hob or cooking zone or hotplate of the hob area and at least one heating element and / or a heating device of the cooking oven area form an operating area. By means of the device according to the invention can then be an operating area the household appliance operated without interruption while for at least one other operating area a time function is provided. Especially It may also be advantageous if an operating range two or more cooking zones or hotplates or hobs of the hob area.

According to a particularly preferred aspect is at least in each case an operating element for increasing and decreasing at least one set or adjustable time value provided in a preselected time function. By Actuate one of the controls can then preferably Time values of a preselected time function increased and be humiliated. Preferably can be through Simultaneous operation of two control elements also time values reset in a preselected time function.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one operating element for setting and / or displaying a process duration and / or an operating period is provided. there can over the control, for example, the function of a Kurzzeitweckers or a timer for the entire Home appliance can be activated or it just becomes one Remaining time of the process duration or another current one Time function displayed.

According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention Invention, a child safety is provided by Actuation of at least one operating element, in particular via a predetermined or predefinable minimum actuation duration, is adjustable and / or displayable. at activated parental control is then preferably only one Time and / or a process duration and / or operating time adjustable or displayable. In this way, the device can or the household appliance against unauthorized operation to be protected. It is particularly preferred if a Child safety is provided by simultaneous Act, in particular via a predetermined or predefinable Minimum actuation time, of at least two, preferably maximum distance from each other, controls, adjustable and / or displayable or activatable or deactivatable is. The minimum actuation time is preferably at least 2 s, preferably at least 5 s. ever longer the control element must be operated, the harder is it from an unauthorized person, especially children, to use. The minimum actuation time may preferably be adjustable in a predetermined range, for example between 2 and 15 s.

According to a particularly preferred aspect are or is the Display unit and / or the operating elements in a control surface integrated. The control surface can be a control surface be of the household appliance, on the other actuators are attached. In addition, the control surface also at any other suitable place on the household appliance or external body.

The display unit preferably comprises at least one Time display and / or at least one display for the respective, in particular activated, time function. Especially advantageous It is also when setting a time function and / or after terminating a time function an optical and / or acoustic signal is provided.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Device a display unit and at least six controls, wherein three controls are provided, each one of three operating areas of the household appliance are assigned, for setting and / or display at least one time function for the respective operating area, wherein another control element for adjusting and / or displaying a process duration and / or duration of operation is provided, and wherein in each case a further operating elements to increase and decrease a set or adjustable second value in a preselected time function is provided. The operating areas are included preferably divided into a Garofenbereich and respectively one half, in particular at least two cooking zones or Hobs or hotplates, the hob area.

It is particularly preferred if the operating elements Push buttons and / or rotary knob are. Such controls are easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

The invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings further explained.

FIG 1

eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung.

FIG 2 bis FIG 5

Funktionalitäten der Vorrichtung nach FIG 1

Shown schematically in each case:

FIG. 1

an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention.

2 to FIG. 5

Functionalities of the device according to FIG. 1

Corresponding parts and sizes are shown in FIGS to 5 provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows schematically an advantageous embodiment the device according to the invention with a control surface 1 and arranged on the control surface 1 display unit. 2 as well as six controls 3 to 8, called pushbuttons are executed and also arranged on the control surface 1 are. The display unit 2 has a time display 9 and displays 10 to 13 for different time functions. Of the six controls 3 to 8 are three controls or area controls 4,5,6 each one Operating range of the household appliance assigned. there is an area operating element 6 a baking area and the two other area controls 4, 5 each one Half or two cooking zones associated with the hob.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show the various functionalities the device according to the invention. The in the figures Plotted arrows illustrate which of the Controls 3 to 8 are to operate sequentially to to set or display the respective time function (larger arrows first). About the control element 3 leaves by pressing a button on the display 9 a Read off remaining time of process duration or operating time or activate a timer function of a timer. To Actuation of the control element 3 can do this with the controls 7 and 8 a time value are set (see. 2). After the set process duration has elapsed then a beep and / or flashing the display 11 during an activated time function process duration lights up.

By operating the area control elements 4, 5 or 6 can an operating range of the household appliance is selected, for example, a time program for a time function can be selected or set. The time functions for the different operating ranges can be separately or be carried out simultaneously. 3 shows the setting a time program for a cooking area. This will be done first the area operating element 4 or 5 is operated. The ad 9 shows the sign alternately with the time 00:00 DUR for a period of time to be set. With the controls 7 and 8 may then be a desired period of time or set or selected for a preset period of time become. After pressing the control 4 or 5 again appears on the display 9, for example, alternate with END the time of day or one already set End Times. With the controls 7 and 8 can then be select the desired end time again. On the display unit 2 then lights the display 10, which indicates that a time function has been activated for the cooking area. is the time function ends, becomes the selected cooking area switched off, for example via an associated relay, accompanied by an acoustic signal and flashing of the display 10. The above description only sets Example of setting and displaying a possible Time function or a time program. The invention comprises but also all other conceivable and for a professional executable time functions.

4 shows the setting of a time program for the Backspace via the area control 6. The setting can be made as described in connection with FIG become. With activated time function for the baking area then the display 13 lights up. Is the time function finished, as described above, the baking area switched off, accompanied by an acoustic signal and flashing the display 13.

By simultaneously operating the controls 7 and 8 can after the time functions described above Selection of the time function of the time value reset be, for. B. to zero.

In FIG 5 is the activation or deactivation of a child safety device shown. These are preferably the controls 3 and 8 for a predetermined minimum duration of operation of about 5 s at the same time. When activated Child lock appears in the display 9 the Sign SAFE. Then preferably only the short-term alarm clock operated via the controls 3 and 7 and 8 become. In addition, each actuation of a control element is preferred accompanied by a beep. By pressing again the controls 3 and 8 over a period of about 5 s, the contact relays are closed again, the device So unlocked and the display 9 shows the time or time of day.

If the area operating elements 5 and 6 are operated simultaneously (not shown), the display 12 begins to flash. Then, via the controls 7 and 8, the time be set.

The audio signal when ending a time function can be set be it over a maximum period of time between 5 and 10 min, preferably about 7 min, sounds and by operating any control are stopped can.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

operating surface

2

display unit

3-8

controls

4,5,6

operating range

9-13

display

Claims (22)

Device for setting and displaying time functions for a household appliance, in particular a household cooking appliance or household oven, a) comprising at least two operating areas, in particular at least one cooking oven area and at least one hob area b) control elements (3-8) for setting and / or displaying at least one time function and c) at least one display unit (2) for displaying the at least one set or adjustable time function, d) wherein operating elements (4, 5, 6) are provided, each of which is assigned to an operating range of the household appliance, for setting and / or displaying at least one time function for the respective operating range. Device according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one time function comprises at least one time of day and / or at least one process duration and / or at least one operating duration and / or at least one time program. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein an operating area comprises at least one hob and / or at least one cooking zone or cooking plate of a hob and / or at least one cooking oven area, in particular at least one heating element and / or at least one heating device. Device according to claim 3,
wherein one operating area comprises two or more cooking zones or hotplates or hobs of the hob area. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein at least one operating element (7, 8) is provided for increasing and decreasing at least one set or adjustable time value in a preselected time function. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein at least one operating element (3) is provided for setting and / or displaying a process duration and / or an operating period. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein a child safety device is provided, which can be adjusted and / or displayed by actuating at least one operating element (3-8), in particular over a predetermined or predefinable minimum operating time. Device according to claim 7,
wherein the parental control by simultaneous actuation, in particular over a predetermined or predetermined minimum actuation duration of at least two, preferably maximally remote from each other, controls (3, 8), adjustable and / or displayable. Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8,
wherein the minimum actuation time is at least 2 s, preferably at least 5 s. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein a reset of at least one time value of the at least one time function by the simultaneous actuation of at least two of the operating elements (7, 8) is provided. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein the display unit (2) and / or the operating elements (3-8) is integrated in a control surface or is. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein the display unit (2) comprises at least one time display (9) and / or at least one display (10-13) for the respective time function. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein when setting a time function and / or after terminating a time function, an optical and / or acoustic signal is provided. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a display unit (2) and at least six operating elements (3-8),
wherein three operating elements (4, 5, 6) are provided which are each assigned to one of three operating areas of the domestic appliance for setting and / or displaying at least one time program for the respective operating area,
wherein a further operating element (3) is provided for setting and / or displaying a process duration and / or operating time, and
wherein in each case a further operating elements (7, 8) is provided for increasing and decreasing a set or adjustable second value in a preselected time function. Device according to claim 14,
wherein one operating area comprises a cooking oven area and the two other operating areas each comprise one half, in particular at least two cooking zones or hobs or hobs, of the hob area. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein the controls (3-8) are push buttons and / or rotary knob. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
the device being a timer for a household electrical appliance, in particular an electric cooker Method for setting and displaying time functions for a domestic appliance, in particular a household cooker and / or a household oven, a) having at least two operating areas, preferably at least one cooking oven area and at least one hob area,
in particular using the device according to one or more of the preceding claims, b) in which by pressing at least one operating element (3-8) at least one time function is set or is adjustable, and c) on at least one display unit (2) at least one set or adjustable time function is displayed or can be displayed, and c) in which by operating controls (4, 5, 6), each of which is assigned to one of the operating areas of the household appliance, a time function is set or displayed for the respective operating range or is adjustable or displayable. Method according to claim 18,
wherein a time program is set or displayed or can be set or displayed by actuating a control element (4, 5, 6) which is assigned to one of the operating areas of the domestic appliance. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19,
in which a parental lock is activated or deactivated by simultaneous operation of two operating elements (3, 8), in particular over a predetermined or predefinable minimum operating time. Method according to claim 20,
in which only a time and / or a process duration and / or operating time can be set or displayed with activated child safety. Method according to one or more of claims 18 to 21,
in which time values of a preselected time function are increased and decreased by actuating in each case one operating element (7, 8) and / or
in which time values are reset in a preselected time function by simultaneous actuation of two operating elements (7, 8).

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