EP1962167B1 - Control device with retractable knob for a household device and household device, particularly baking oven - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a retractable control element for a domestic appliance and a domestic appliance, in particular an oven, with such a retractable control element.

Domestic appliances such as stoves and ovens usually have a plurality of control knobs for setting desired functions. These controls are, for example, one-piece, cylindrical lever which can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and beyond can be sunk in the longitudinal axis direction in the domestic appliance. However, the functionality of such controls is limited.

From the US 2,738,758 , of the US 5,093,764 , of the DE 119 36 257 A1 , of the DE 20 2005 019 978 U1 and the EP 1 426 905 A2 Controls are known which have two relatively movable adjusting elements.

Furthermore, it is from the DE 196 10 148 A1 a control element is known, which has a non-retractable first rotary knob, which is rotatable about its axis and a second rotary knob, which is rotatable about its axis of rotation and retractable into the first rotary knob, annularly surrounds.

In addition, from the WO 2005/066547 A2 a cooking appliance is known, which has a control element which has a rotary wheel that is rotatable about its axis. The wheel surrounds a push button which can be pressed to confirm conditions set with the wheel.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a retractable control element, which has a higher functionality.

This object is achieved by a control element, which has the features of claim 1, and a domestic appliance, which has the features of claim 10.

An inventive control element for a domestic appliance is designed to be movable in the direction of its longitudinal axis and thus retractable from the domestic appliance and retractable into the domestic appliance. The operating element comprises a first adjusting part and a second adjusting part. Both the first and the second adjusting part are each movable. In addition, both adjustment parts are also movable relative to each other. By this configuration of an operating element, the functionality can be substantially increased. The division into a plurality of setting parts designed for setting functions and operating states as well as operating parameters makes multi-functionality possible with a single operating element.

In addition, the wear and the pollution can be reduced by such an operating element, since it can be retracted or sunk in the household appliance in the unneeded state.

Preferably, the first and the second adjusting part are rotatable about a common axis of rotation. The rotation about this axis can be possible both counterclockwise and clockwise.

The adjusting parts are preferably designed such that one of them can be extended and / or lowered separately from one another in the direction of the axis of rotation. Thus, not only in the direction of rotation rotatably about the rotational axis, a separate and independent movement of the two adjustment parts can be ensured, but also in the direction of axis, the one adjustment separately extended or sunk to the other adjustment. In addition to a high level of functionality, a simplified and clear operability and easy accessibility to the individual setting parts can be ensured thereby.

It is preferably provided that the two adjusting parts are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the axis of rotation. Preferably, the dimensioning of the two adjusting parts is designed so that they can be separated from each other in a simple and accurate manner by an operator and thus a safe adjustment of the operating conditions and the operating parameters is possible.

In a sequential arrangement of the two adjusting parts may preferably be provided that they have a substantially same outer diameter. The retractable control element can then be formed over its length with the substantially same outer diameter and in particular the transition from the first to the second adjustment part can be made flush. By this arrangement, jamming or the like during retraction or extension of the operating element can be prevented.

It is preferably provided that the two adjustment parts are cylindrical. In such a rotationally symmetrical configuration is preferably provided that the movement in the direction of the axis of rotation and thus the extension or countersinking in all rotational positions of the first and / or the second adjustment part is possible. Regardless, in which rotational position is at least one of the two adjustment parts, then basically the sinking or extension can be performed.

However, it can also be provided that the two adjusting parts, for example, not strictly cylindrical, but for example in cross section are oval. In such an embodiment, it is preferably provided that the transfer from the extended to the recessed state is only possible if both adjustment parts are in a reference position or zero position. If such a countersinking of the operating element are to be carried out, then first the two adjusting parts are moved into this reference position and then the countersinking of the operating element is carried out.

It is preferably provided that at least one of the setting parts can be actuated exclusively for selecting a function of the domestic appliance and the further setting part exclusively for setting at least one parameter associated with the selected function. By this assignment of the first setting part to the second setting part, on the one hand, a distinction between the setting of functions and operating states of the domestic appliance and, on the other hand, the setting of specific operating parameters for these respective functions can be ensured by separate setting parts of the operating element. As a result, the user-friendliness can be increased because it is precisely determined what can be done and achieved with the respective setting part.

If the domestic appliance is embodied, for example, as an oven, it can be made possible by such an embodiment of the retractable operating element that functions such as hot air, circulating air or top heat can be set or selected with one setting element and then a specific temperature is set with the other setting part, for example. As a function, for example, the selection of power levels or switching on an additional heating element can be made possible. With the second adjustment then a temperature or a time can be set, when it reaches the selected heating is turned off, for example.

Preferably, at least one adjusting element comprises a scale and / or a plurality of function symbols, which are backlit in the active state of the operating element. In an easily recognizable and quickly reproducible manner, the formation of the function symbols and / or a scale enables the selected function and / or the set operating parameter to be reliably detected. In addition, the individual backlighting of a selected function symbol can increase the recognizability of this selection. In particular, this is then also advantageous in dark light conditions.

Preferably, only the function symbol is backlit, which is currently selected by the associated adjustment.

The retractable control element preferably comprises a luminous element, which surrounds at least partially the first and / or the second adjusting element and is backlit in the active state of the operating element. In particular, when the operating element is at least partially extended, this light-emitting element is backlit. The luminous element may preferably be a luminous ring, which surrounds the opening of the support part, in which the operating element is countersunk or extendable. Preferably, this light-emitting element is thus arranged fixed. The luminous element may be a light guide which is backlit by one or more light sources, for example LEDs or incandescent lamps. It proves to be particularly preferable if the extension and / or countersinking of the operating element can be carried out automatically depending on the operating state of the domestic appliance. For this purpose, a control unit and a motor drive unit, for example an electric motor, may be provided. This also makes user-friendliness and functionality more effective.

It is preferably provided that the functions and set operating parameters selected by the setting parts can be displayed on a display unit, in particular a display formed adjacently to the operating element. Also, the user-friendliness can be further increased and incorrect operations and incorrect settings can be prevented.

An inventive household appliance, in particular an oven, comprises a retractable operating element according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The ease of use with a significantly reduced number of controls and increased functionality can be ensured for such a household appliance.

As a result, the clarity for an operator can be increased.

Preferably, the domestic appliance for function selection and for operating parameter setting of the domestic appliance or subunits thereof, such as a stovepipe or more cooking zones of a hob, a single retractable control element. Preferably, then only a single control element for the entire oven setting is sufficient. Especially for stoves, which are less complex with regard to the electronics of the device, can be configured advantageously.

The domestic appliance preferably comprises a central operating element which can be actuated for switching the household appliance on and off and is designed separately for the retractable operating element. Thus, only basic functions, namely the entire switching on or the entire switching off or the setting of a standby mode of the domestic appliance are assigned to this central operating element.

It is preferably provided that the retractable control element is automatically moved by actuation of the central control element for switching off the domestic appliance in a reference position and after reaching the reference position retractable, in particular automatically retractable is. In particular, if the retractable operating element with the at least two setting parts is not rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation, this is an advantageous functionality, since automatically when operating the central control element for switching off the domestic appliance, the positions of the setting parts are changed so that the sinking is feasible.

The domestic appliance may for example also be a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a refrigerator, a freezer or the like.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines als Backofen ausgebildeten erfindungsgemäßen Hausgeräts;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Bedienelements des Hausgeräts gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des Bedienelements gemäß Fig. 2 im ausgefahrenen Zustand; und

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht des Bedienelements gemäß Fig. 3 in einem vollständig versenkten Zustand.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a trained as an oven according to the invention domestic appliance;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an operating element of the household appliance according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a side view of the operating element according to Fig. 2 in the extended state; and

Fig. 4

a side view of the operating element according to Fig. 3 in a fully submerged condition.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is shown in perspective view of a trained as an oven domestic appliance 1. The oven 1 comprises a hob 2 with a cooktop heater 4, for example in the form of electric heating elements 5, 6, 7 and 8, which are cooking zones and each of specifically assigned, retractable controls 11, 12, 13 and 14 switched on, off and certain Heating capacities are adjustable. The controls 11 to 14 are arranged in a control panel 10 on a front side 3 of the oven 1 and associated with a front panel 3a. On this front side 3, a clock 9 is furthermore arranged inside the front panel 3a. It can also be provided that at least some of the operating elements 11 to 14 are arranged in the hob 2.

An oven heater 15, in a baking oven room 16 contains electrical heating elements 17, 18 and 19, which can be switched on and off by one or more controls 20 and set to a specific heating power. In the embodiment, only a single control element 20 is provided for the actuation of these heating elements 17, 18 and 19. In addition, further oven functions and stove functions can be provided, which are adjustable by means of controls. The oven or the baking oven chamber 16 can be used for baking, roasting, grilling and / or other Garverfahren for cooking food. Each control element 11 to 14 and 20 has a motor drive unit 22. These motor drive units 22 may be, for example, electric motors, which are all connected to a central control unit. By means of this control unit 21, the drive units 22 and thus also the controls 11 to 14 and 20 with respect to an automatic extension and / or an automatic sinking controlled.

The control unit 21 is designed to receive a wide variety of signals from components of the oven 1. Depending on these signals, certain operating conditions of the oven 1 or subunits, such as the cooking zones or heating elements 5 to 8, or the heating elements 17 to 19 of the oven heater 15 are defined and recognized. In addition, the oven 1 comprises a central control element 23, which is shown only by way of example on the front side 3 next to the clock 9 schematically. With this central control element 23, the oven 1 can be completely turned off or turned on. Also, the conversion to a stand-by mode can be achieved by pressing this central control element 23.

In Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a partial section shown, in which the retractable control element 20 can be seen. In this embodiment shown, the retractable operating element 20 comprises a first adjusting part 201 and a second adjusting part 202. The two adjusting parts 201 and 202 are formed as separate parts to each other and arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis A. In the direction of this longitudinal axis A in the exemplary embodiment, cylindrically shaped adjusting members 201 and 202 are arranged one behind the other. Furthermore, both adjustment parts 201 and 202 are rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis A and both have over their entire length (in the direction of the axis A) has a substantially same outer diameter d. The transition between the first adjustment member 201 and the second adjustment member 202 can thereby be flush. The first adjusting part 201 is arranged rotatably about the axis of rotation or about the longitudinal axis A. In a corresponding manner, the second adjustment member 202 is rotatably arranged about this axis A. The two adjustment members 201 and 202 can be rotated separately and relative to each other about this axis A.

In the direction of the axis A, both adjustment parts 201 and 202 can also be moved to extend or lower the operating element 20.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the second adjusting part 202 is designed exclusively for selecting specific functions of the oven 1.

Specifically, by rotating the second adjustment member 202, one or more of the heating elements 17 to 19 for setting a top heat, a bottom heat, or the like can be selected. For this purpose, the second adjustment part 202 is rotated such that a function symbol symbolizing this specific function 202a, 202b or 202c is arranged opposite to a reference position 24, which represents the zero position in the exemplary embodiment. If such a function selection has been carried out with the second setting part 202, an operating parameter specifically associated with this function can subsequently be set with the first setting part 201. For example, it can be provided here that by turning the first setting part 201, the temperature or a time duration for how long the selected heating element 17 to 19 is switched on can be set. Both the function selection and the setting of the operating parameter can be displayed on a display 24, which may be formed adjacent to the control element 20 on the front panel 3a. In addition, a fixed luminous element 203 is arranged on the front plate 3a. This is designed as a ring and surrounds the retractable control element 20 circumferentially. If the operating element 20 is active and is in the extended state, this lighting element 203 is backlit. For backlighting, one or more light sources, for example LEDs, may be provided, which may be arranged inside the oven 1 behind the front panel 3a.

In Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the illustration Fig. 2 shown in which the control element 20 is shown in the fully extended state. In the exemplary embodiment, the two adjustment parts 201 and 202 have different lengths 11 and 12.

It can be provided that, for example, in particular the second adjustment member 202 is hollow and in the interior of one or more light sources 204, 205, 206 are arranged, which are provided for the backlighting of the function symbols 202 a to 202 c. A light source 204, 205 and 206 is activated individually only when the associated function symbol 202a, 202b and 202c of the reference position 24 and the second adjustment member 202 has been operated accordingly. Through this Individual backlighting of a function symbol 202a, 202, 202c, the uniqueness of the selected function can be further improved.

In Fig. 4 Fig. 3 is a side view of the improved control 20 shown in a fully retracted condition. Preferably, the outer side or the front side of the first adjustment part 201 is substantially flush with the outside of the front plate 3a.

In the exemplary embodiment, the retractable operating element 20 and in particular the two adjusting parts 201 and 202 are designed so that a selection of a function and setting an operating parameter is possible only by rotating about the axis of rotation A. In addition, it can also be provided that the retractable operating element 20 and in particular the first adjusting element 201 is designed such that an adjustment of the parameter or the like is possible by pressing and thus actuating in the direction of the axis of rotation A. This can be ensured regardless of the fundamental principle of possible retractability and the extension for providing or "tidying up" of the operating element 20.

Regardless of which rotational positions have the two adjustment members 201 and 202, by lowering the central operating element 23 to turn off the oven 1, a sinking of the retractable control element 20 is accompanied.

It can also be provided that the two adjusting parts 201 and 202 have a non-rotationally symmetrical configuration with respect to the axis A. For example, the two adjusting parts 201 and 202 may be formed oval or the like. Is one of the two adjusting parts 201 and / or 202 from a reference position, which from the embodiment of in Fig. 2 When the central operating element 23 is switched off to turn off the oven 1, the setting of these two setting parts 201 and 202 into the reference position is then automatically carried out, and only then is the automatic sinking of the entire operating element 20 carried out.

Claims (13)

1. Retractable operating element for a household appliance (1), characterised by a movable first (201) and a movable second setting part (202), which can be moved relative to one another, the two retractable operating setting parts (201, 202) being configured in a cylindrical manner or having a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in relation to the rotation axis (A), and the two setting parts (201, 202) having an essentially identical external diameter (d).
2. Retractable operating element according to claim 1, characterised in that the first (201) and second setting part (202) can be rotated about a shared rotation axis (a).
3. Retractable operating element according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first setting part (201) can be moved out and/or retracted separately from the second setting part (202) in the direction of the rotation axis (A).
4. Retractable operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two setting parts (201, 202) are disposed one behind the other in the direction of the rotation axis (A).
5. Retractable operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one of the setting parts (201, 202) can be actuated to select a function of the household appliance (1) and the further setting part (201, 202) can be actuated to set at least one operating parameter assigned to the selected function.
6. Retractable operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one setting part (201, 202) has a scale and/or a number of function symbols (202a, 202b, 202c), which are backlit when the operating element (20) is in the active state.
7. Retractable operating element according to claim 2, characterised in that only the function symbol (202a, 202b, 202c) currently selected by the assigned setting part (201, 202) is backlit.
8. Retractable operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a light element (203), which engages at least partially around the first (201) and/or second setting part (202) and is backlit when the operating element (20) is in the active state.
9. Retractable operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the moving out and/or retracting of the operating element (20) can be performed automatically as a function of operating states of the household appliance (1).
10. Household appliance, in particular oven, having a retractable operating element (11 to 14, 20) according to one of the preceding claims.
11. Household appliance according to claim 10, which has a single retractable operating element (11 to 14, 20) according to the preceding claims for function selection and for setting operating parameters of the household appliance (11) or sub-units (5 to 8; 17 to 19) thereof.
12. Household appliance according to claim 10 or 11, characterised by a central operating element (23), which can be actuated to turn the household appliance (1) on and off and is configured separately from the retractable operating element (23).
13. Household appliance according to claim 12, characterised in that the retractable operating element (11 to 14, 20) can be moved automatically into a reference position (24) by actuating the central operating element (23) to turn the household appliance (1) off and can be retracted, in particular automatically retracted, after reaching the reference position (24).

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