EP2414737B1 - Household appliance having an operating device and method for operating the household device having an operating device of said type - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a domestic appliance with an operating device with a control element, which is formed by actuation for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance, and a method for operating a domestic appliance with an operating device.

The WO 2005/038350 A1 discloses an operating device in the form of a slide control on a glass ceramic plate. On this runs a sliding knob provided with a sliding magnet. Under the glass ceramic plate, ie on the back, while a wave-shaped detent gate is arranged, in which a roller-shaped detent magnet can be moved via an interaction with the sliding magnet and a displacement of the sliding fog. By detecting the position of the latching magnet, various positions and various functions for an electrical appliance can then be controlled.

The EP 0 497 191 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a cooking appliance. In order to adjust the performance of plates of a glass ceramic hob, it is here by means of a removable, mechanically guided slide magnetically penetrated by the glass ceramic plate and activated under this reed switch according to the respective position of the slide.

The EP 1 281 170 A1 describes a cursor control input device mounted in a flat container for integration with a computer keyboard. And the WO 95/33358 A1 describes a cooktop, wherein by means of a personal computer, a control unit of an induction coil of the cooktop is regulated.

Operating devices for household appliances are known in many embodiments. In this connection, fixedly arranged control knobs are known on the domestic appliance, which can be rotated continuously or stepwise in order to be able to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance. In addition, controls are known which can also be removed from a hob. The known operating devices have a plurality of operating elements in order to be able to select different subunits of a domestic appliance or to be able to make different operating settings. As a result, the operating devices are relatively complex equipped with a variety of components. The adjustment of operating conditions often requires the operation of multiple controls, so this may also be user-unfriendly if necessary. In addition, the controls of these controls are relatively limited operable to make such an operating condition setting can.
In addition, hobs are known in which a plurality of cooking zones are formed, on which preparation container for preparing food can be placed. The several cooking zones can be operated by individual separate operating elements or operating parameters can be set. In addition, non-contact operating devices are known on which operating parameters of a cooking zone can be adjusted by pressing or overstrip.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a domestic appliance with an operating device and a method for operating a domestic appliance with an operating device, with which the operation can be configured more user-friendly and functional.
This object is achieved by a domestic appliance having the features of claim 1, and a method having the features of claim 12. An operating device for a domestic appliance according to the invention comprises an operating element which is formed by actuation for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance. The operating element is movable along a guideway of the operating device. At least two different positions along which at least one specific operating subunit of the domestic appliance is selected for selection along this guideway are defined, wherein the positions for selecting the respective associated operating subunit with the operating element can be approached. It is thus created an operating device which different Operating units of a domestic appliance can be user-friendly select and the dedicated control element can perform a very specific operation to allow such a selection. The configuration and arrangement as well as the possibility of actuating the operating element are more user-friendly and substantially more flexible, so that the selection of an operating subunit of the domestic appliance can also be made intuitively more comprehensible for a user. Namely, by allowing the operating element to actually be displaced along a guideway so as to reach a position associated with a selection of an operating subunit unit, this also enables the user to recognize such a selection more easily. The positions along the guideway are formed as separate and discrete locations located at different path portions of the guideway.

The guideway is contiguous and cornerless formed completely straight. In particular, it essentially extends over a large part of the width of the operating device.

The approachable positions each represent a path section of the guideway, which path sections are each at least as long, in particular approximately as long as the operating element extends in the direction of the guideway. The length of a path section is thus preferably at least as great as the length of the operating element. It can thus be achieved that the operating element is thus virtually inserted into a path zone and already the desired selection of the assigned operating subunit is detected, although the operating element does not yet extend completely within this path section. Also tolerances with regard to the exact selection of the position can thus lead to a recognition of the desired selection of the operating subunit, which also increases the user-friendliness. A repeated adjusting back and forth in terms of the exact detection and experience of the corresponding position along the guideway can be prevented.

The operating element is rotatable in addition to its mobility along the guideway and about an axis of rotation. Preferably, this axis of rotation is the longitudinal axis of the operating element. It extends this longitudinal axis and thus also the axis of rotation of the operating element parallel to the guideway. In such an embodiment can Thus, the control element are particularly easy to move along the guideway and also be rotated about the axis of rotation. The feasibility of these actuation options is therefore particularly suitable for a user tuned, since he does not have to perform any unwanted or difficult and unnatural hand movements. The sliding along the guideway with simultaneous or time-shifted rotation of the operating element about this parallel to the longitudinal extent of the guideway orienting axis of rotation can possibly even be done only with a single finger.

The domestic appliance according to the invention is designed for preparing food, wherein the domestic appliance has the operating device or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the household appliance is designed as a hob. The operating device is then arranged on or on the hob.

However, the domestic appliance can also be designed as an oven with cooking zones, which has a front control panel which is arranged above a door of the domestic appliance. The operating device may also be arranged on a door for closing a cooking chamber, wherein, moreover, an arrangement may be provided on a door handle of this door.

In particular, the guideway is designed so that it is formed contiguous and the control element can move along the guideway. In particular, it is provided that during a movement in one direction of the operating element, at least two positions arranged one after the other along the guide track can be approached. This also allows selection and setting options to be made more user-friendly and more flexible.

Preferably, the operating subunits are operable independently of each other, whereby the selection option via the operating device according to the invention is particularly advantageous advantage.

In particular, the operating sub-units are cooking zones of a hob, which is thus a domestic appliance for the preparation of food. Even if a plurality of such cooking zones is available, thereby the selection and the further adjustment of such an operating subunit are simplified for a user.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the operating device has only a single operating element with which all operating part units can be selected and, in particular, all operating condition settings of the operating device and the domestic appliance can be made. By such a single-element configuration, the number of components can be reduced and the clarity for a user can be increased. In this regard, the user knows that he has only this one element to adjust available and can thus also much more intuitive and easier to understand the respective settings. He no longer has to monitor several controls at the same time in order to be able to check or change the respective settings of the operating units.

Preferably, the axis of rotation of the control element and the longitudinal extent of the guideway are congruent or coaxial. This can be a particularly smooth movement of the control element and beyond also a quasi rotationally symmetric rotation can be ensured.

Preferably, the operating element in such a configuration is thus to be referred to as a roller-shaped element.

In this context, it can be provided that the guideway is at least three times, in particular at least five times as long as the control element extends with its dimensions along the guideway. By this configuration, on the one hand, a well operable control element is created, which can be moved by the significantly greater length of the guideway in many positions, with quite a variety of operating units can be selected and related operating conditions in high numbers can be easily adjusted. Preferably, it is provided that the selection of an operating subunit is made possible by the movement of the operating element along the guideway and by rotating the operating element about its axis of rotation and / or by pressing along an axis which extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation and thus preferably also to the longitudinal axis of the guideway , a selection of an operating function of this operating sub-unit and / or a selection of an operating parameter of this operating sub-unit or of this operating function and / or an adjustment of a value of such an operating parameter is given. Due to this multitude of possible combinations, the highly variable and highly flexible actuation possibility of this operating element is characterized.

It is preferably provided that a display field extends along the guideway adjacent thereto, on which the respective operating subunits can be displayed symbolized at their positions and / or operating parameters of the operating subunits and / or operating parameter values of the operating subunits. This embodiment significantly increases the intuitive traceability for a user and thereby also the user-friendliness. The user thus sees directly how he can achieve settings or changes of settings by actuation, in particular by shifting along the guideway and possibly by turning the operating element about its axis of rotation and / or optionally pressing the operating element along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This is then immediately displayed on this display and presented to the user almost easily understandable.

Due to the mobility of the control element along an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation, the variety of actuation is increased and additional Betätigungsfreiheitsgrade be offered.

It is particularly preferred if the operating element is detachable from the guideway. In particular, a non-destructively detachable and re-attachable design is thus created, so that, with regard to this alternative, if necessary, child-proofing is also possible. By the control is removed and stored in a safe place, no operation of the operating device can take place. Preferably, it is provided that the operating element is held in such a releasable configuration by magnetic holding forces on the guideway. Of course, however, other mechanisms may be provided which allow a detachable connection. In this context, examples purely mechanical attachments are mentioned, which are specified for example by a latching mechanism, a plug-in mechanism or the like.

In addition, however, the accessibility to components of the operating device can be increased and the cleaning of components can be simplified by such a detachable attachment.

However, it can also be provided a permanent attachment of the control element on the guideway. With such a configuration, a loss or misplacement of the control element can be avoided.

Preferably, the control element has an integrated control button, by which the basic functions switching on and off the domestic appliance, in particular only these basic functions are set as operating setting. By this integrated control button thus an additional security mechanism is created, which requires that the user deliberately actuates this in order to activate the basic functions of the domestic appliance or the control device. Thus, if the operating element is displaced along the guideway and, for example, brought into a position in which a switching on and off of the domestic appliance is provided, this is preferably not carried out automatically, but only after actuation of the integrated control key. An unwanted shutdown in a running program of the household appliance can be prevented.

Preferably, the control element has an integrated control button, by the actuation of which by moving a position along the guideway with the control selected operating subunit is activated and / or it is the operating subunit by operating the control element about its axis of rotation and / or along the axis perpendicular to his Rotary axis activatable. The same can be done in an operational setting to their activation.

Preferably, it can also be provided that an expiring of the end of an operation of the control element period is predetermined, after its expiry one by moving a position along the guideway with the control element and / or by operating the control element about its axis of rotation and / or along the axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation selected operating subunit is activated. This also provides a safety mechanism for unwanted activation.

It can also be provided that at least one operating subunit of the domestic appliance marked for selection by a specific position along the guideway is automatically selected when the operating element is shifted in a defined path section assigned to this operating subunit by the position along the guideway. Here, too, a distance tolerance is thus created around this discrete position specification, which makes it possible to ensure that the desired selection of the operating subunit is appropriately recognized even if the positioning of the operating element is not precisely positioned.

Preferably, the path tolerance in both directions to the exact position on the guideway is less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm.

Preferably, a position along the guideway by starting with the control element and haptic perceptible by a user. Thus, it can be provided that the user perceives a retraction into the position by feeling a resistance when moving. This may be similar to a gentle snap provided. For example, it can be provided that when the operating element is held by magnetic holding forces on the guideway, this Einrastgefühl is generated by the magnets. The control element can then be virtually trapped by the magnetic forces in the position and the user perceives this catching haptic. By applying a relative to a required for a normal displacement on the guideway displacement force comparatively greater force then this holding resistance can be overcome and a further shift to another position along the guideway are performed.

Preferably, by at least one designated by a specific position along the guideway for selection operating subunit of the domestic appliance is characterized in that the operating element is moved to a defined, this operating setting associated path portion of the guideway, and the operating element by a user about its axis of rotation and / or along the axis is actuated perpendicular to its axis of rotation. This provides a further alternative with regard to additional undesirable actuation safety mechanism. It can also be provided that the operating element in a deviating from the zero position first rotational position about its axis of rotation or in a position deviating from the normal position first pressing along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation for activation of the optical display device and thus for optical representation of the positions along the guideway is formed by lighting elements on the display panel. The operating element can be provided and designed for continuous or discrete rotational position adjustment about its axis of rotation.

Preferably, the operating device comprises a control unit, which is formed with the optical display device and a corresponding sensor for detecting the position selection with the operating element on the guideway.

It is preferably provided that the guideway has at least one reference position that can be approached by the operating element. In particular, it is provided that a first reference position is provided, by which a switching on and off of the domestic appliance is marked with the corresponding on / off states. There may be provided a second reference position, by which a standby mode function of the domestic appliance is characterized, which is accompanied by this standby function, a reduced energy consumption setting of the domestic appliance. It can also be provided that a reference position has both the basic functions of switching the household appliance on and off as well as setting the stand-by mode. It is preferably provided that in these reference positions no selection of an operating sub-unit and / or selection of an operating function of an operating sub-unit and / or no selection of an operating parameter is possible. As an operating function, a rapid heating function of a cooking zone or activating additional heating elements of a cooking zone is mentioned by way of example. As an operating parameter, for example, the temperature of a such cooking zone or the power consumption of a heater for heating such a cooking zone called. These operating functions and these operating parameters are to be understood as illustrative examples only and not as conclusive.

It can also be provided that, in addition to these basic functions, an activation of the optical display device is provided in such a reference position. In particular, this activation is possible in addition to the basic functions mentioned in a reference position. Unwanted selection of operating subunits or undesired setting of operating functions or operating parameters in these reference positions can thus be counteracted. This also takes account of a high security aspect and unwanted or incorrect settings or unwanted, unnoticed settings can be avoided.

It can be provided that the activation of this operating subunit takes place automatically with the approach of specific positions along the guideway and a recognized selection of an associated operating subunit. It can be provided that this automatic activation takes place after a predefinable period of time when the operating element lingers at this position.

It is preferably provided that the operating device has an emergency stop function which can be activated by releasing the operating element from the operating device, in particular from the guide track. This relatively simple and quickly implemented measure high safety requirements can be met.

Preferably, the operating device has a reminder function, with which at an interruption at an interruption point of an ongoing operation setting by removing the operating element of the guideway, the operation setting at the point of interruption is continued, when the control element is again arranged on the guideway. Preferably, a buffer time is provided for this, within which the operating element is contacted there again after removal from the guideway. If this buffer time is exceeded, the information about the Interruption point in the control unit preferably cleared. This can also be counteracted undesirable operating errors. In addition, this period of time, which is preferably less than ten minutes, in particular preferably less than five minutes, can be achieved so that the interruption phase is not so long that already achieved results are negatively influenced by the expired program, for example an already reached state of a cooking product would.

It may be provided in a variant not belonging to the invention that the operating device is arranged separated from the hob and is designed to operate this hob. Thus, for example, be provided that the cooktop is arranged in a first recess in a worktop and the operating device adjacent thereto and spaced apart in a second recess of the worktop is arranged. It can be provided that the operating device is detachably arranged in the second recess of the worktop. In particular, it is integrated therein and, if appropriate, can also be arranged in a positionally variable manner upwards and downwards. Thus, it can be achieved that, when the operating device is not needed, it is lowered and, if appropriate, the second recess can then be covered above the operating device. This can be done automatically or manually by a user. As a result, the operating device can be protected against high wear, for example due to contamination or damage caused by knocking. Even an unwanted access, for example by children, can be prevented.

In a method according to the invention for operating a domestic appliance with an operating device with a control element, operating conditions of the domestic appliance can be set by actuating the operating element. The operating element is moved to select an operating subunit of the domestic appliance along a guideway of the operating device, wherein along the guideway at least two different positions are given, at which at least one specific operating subunit of the domestic appliance is selected for selecting and the positions for further selection of the respective associated operating subunit can be approached with the control.

Preferably, all choices of operating sub-units and in particular all operating settings of the domestic appliance are performed with a single control. This allows a more user-friendly and reduced component actuation.

The operating element is in addition to its operability along the guideway for further operation setting also about its axis of rotation, which is arranged parallel to the guide track, rotatable.

Preferably, at least one first operating subunit, in particular a first cooking zone, of a domestic appliance is defined by a first position along the guideway and at least one second operating subunit, in particular a second cooking zone, characterized by a second, for the first different position along the guideway defined, wherein the subunits can be operated independently.

Preferably, an optical display field extends along the guideway and adjacent thereto, on which the respective operating subunits are symbolized at their positions and / or operating parameters of the operating subunits and / or operating parameter values of the operating subunits are displayed.

Preferably, to select an operating subunit, the operating element is displaced into the assigned position of the guideway, and after selection in this position, a value of an operating parameter associated with the operating subunits is set by rotating the operating element about its axis of rotation and / or along a perpendicular to this axis of rotation Axis is pressed.

The control element can also be designed as a capacitive proximity switch. As a result, a desired actuation can be detected by approaching the operating element, and thus, if appropriate, a corresponding setting can also be produced, if necessary, contactless or even by touching.

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hausgeräts mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedieneinrichtung; und
• Fig. 2 eine vergrößerte Draufsichtsdarstellung auf die Bedieneinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1. In den Figuren werden gleiche oder funktionsgleiche Elemente mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a perspective view of a domestic appliance according to the invention with an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention; and
• Fig. 2 an enlarged plan view of the operating device according to Fig. 1 , In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is shown in a schematic exemplary representation of a hob 1 as a domestic appliance for the preparation of food. The hob 1 includes a cooking plate 2, which may be formed for example of glass ceramic. The glass ceramic in the form of the cooking plate 2 is surrounded by a peripheral frame, not shown, surrounding. For this purpose, on the one hand a decorative frame and additionally a mounting frame may be provided. By means of this frame, not shown, the hob 1 is arranged in a first recess in a worktop and fastened there. It may also be provided a frameless design.

The hob 1 comprises in the exemplary embodiment four cooking zones 3, 4, 5 and 6, which are of different dimensions and formed with different shape. Thus, for example, the cooking zone 3 and the cooking zone 5 are operated at different power levels with respect to the heatable surface on the cooking plate 2, as indicated by the differently sized circles in the cooking zone 5 and by the differently shaped circles and elongated drawn environments of the cooking zone 3 is. In this regard, different heating units below the cooking zone 3 and the cooking zone 5 can be activated in order to heat the heated areas marked by the lines can. The cooking zones can also symbolize installation zones for preparation vessels in an induction hob.

As operating settings of the cooking zones 3 to 6, a Schnellaufheizfunktion or a stage heating according to the different sized surfaces of the cooking zones 3 and 5 are called in terms of their heating. As further operating settings operating parameters of these cooking zones are called, in this context, for example, the temperature or the power consumption of the heaters arranged below these cooking zones 3 to 6 are called. These are merely exemplary operating functions and operating parameters, and the list is not intended to be exhaustive.

In the embodiment shown, the hob 1 comprises an operating device 7, which is integrated in the hob 1 and in this respect is formed in particular on or on the hob plate 2. The operating device 7 is positioned at the front and can be viewed and actuated from above. The operating device 7 comprises a display field 8, which extends oblongly and by an optical display device 9 is backlit. The optical display device 9 comprises a plurality of light sources, so that symbols and / or letters and / or numbers can be displayed on the display panel 8.

In addition, the operating device 7 comprises a guideway 10, which is arranged directly below the display panel 8 and has substantially the same horizontal (extent in the x-direction) dimensions. The operating device 7 also includes an operating element 11, which represents the only operating element for setting operating conditions of the hob 1. The operating element 11 is thus provided for selecting the cooking zones 3 to 6 designed as operating subunits, as well as being designed for the further setting of operating functions and operating parameters of these operating subunits. All operating conditions of the hob 1 are thus selected and adjusted only with this one single control element 11 and optionally activated.

The operating element 11 is movable along the guideway 10, along the guideway 10 at least two different separate and defined at different path portions of the guideway 10 positions are given. At the positions, at least one specific operating subunit, in particular one of the cooking zones 3 to 6, is defined for selection, wherein these positions can be approached with the operating element 11 for selecting the respectively assigned operating subunit.

To further explain the design and functional description of the operating device 7 is on the Fig. 2 which is an enlarged plan view. As in the illustration according to Fig. 2 is shown, the guideway 10 extends continuously and in a straight line in the horizontal direction. The length L of the guideway 10 extends between the ends 12 and 13 and measures significantly larger than the length L2 in the direction of the longitudinal extension A of the guideway 10th

It is preferably provided that the length L in the embodiment shown is at least five times as large as the length L2.

The operating element 11 is arranged displaceably in both directions along the axis A of the guide track 10.

In particular, it is provided that the operating element 11 is detachably arranged on the guide track 10, wherein in this regard preferably magnetic holding forces are provided.

The operating element 11 is for this purpose preferably formed at least partially from a magnetic material, which is formed in magnetic interaction with or formed on the guide track 10 further magnetic materials.

The operating element 11 is preferably cylindrical in shape and moreover has a further degree of freedom of actuation, which results from a possibility of rotation about the longitudinal axis, which also represents the axis of rotation B. The axis of rotation B coincides in the exemplary embodiment with the longitudinal axis A of the guide track 10. The axes A and B are thus oriented parallel to each other and the operating element 11 can ensure a further possibility of setting the operating position of the hob 1 by its possibility of rotation about the axis B.

The cylindrical control element 11 is formed in the radial direction to the axis B with substantially smaller dimensions in relation to its length L2.

The operating element 11 is designed as a rotatable or scrollable roller by virtue of this functionality of the different movabilities.

In addition, it is provided that the operating element 11 also has a further degree of freedom for actuation in that it can be pressed along an axis C which extends perpendicular to the plane of the figure and perpendicular to the axes B and A. The axis C thus extends according to the coordinate system for Fig. 1 in the y direction.

As in Fig. 2 is indicated, the operating element 11, starting from its initial position shown in the positions 14, 15, 16 and 17 along the guideway 10th be moved. At each of these positions 14 to 17, the possibility of selecting an operating subunit is assigned. Thus, for example, be provided that by moving the control element 11 to the position 14, the cooking zone 3 is selected as an operating subunit, by the movement of the control element 11 to the position 15, the cooking zone 4 is selected as an operating subunit, by the movement of the control element 11 to the Position 16, the cooking zone 5 is selected as an operating subunit and by the movement of the control element 11 to the position 17, the cooking zone 6 is selected as an operating subunit.

In this context, it can be provided that by moving the operating element 11 into the position 14, the cooking zone 3 is automatically selected and activated. It is preferably provided that the selection and activation of the cooking zone 3 takes place only after a predefinable residence time of the operating element 11 after reaching the position 14 in this position 14. The same applies to the approach of the positions 15 to 17 and the associated selection and activation of the cooking zones 4 to 6.

It can also be provided that the selection and in particular the activation of a cooking zone 3 to 6 takes place in that the operating element 11 is displaced into the corresponding position 14 to 17. Subsequent to this, the actual selection or at the same time the activation of the operating subunit can then take place, for example, by pressing the operating element 11 along the axis C. Activation here means, for example, switching on the respective cooking zones 3 to 6 and, in this connection, controlling an associated radiator by means of a control unit (not shown).

It can also be provided that this selection and activation takes place by rotating the operating element 11 about the axis B, when the operating element 11 has already been displaced into the corresponding position 14 to 17 for selecting the desired cooking zone 3 to 6.

In addition, it can be provided that the operating element 11 has an integrated operating button 18, which leads to such an explicit selection and / or a Activation of one of the cooking zones 3 to 6 after the start of the corresponding position 14 to 16 takes place.

As in the illustration according to Fig. 2 Furthermore, the path sections along the guideway 10 for confining the positions 14 to 17 are at least as long as the length L2 of the operating element 11. Preferably, a selection of a specific cooking zone 3 to 6 can be detected by the electronics even if the operating element 11 is not completely displaced within this path section of a position 14 to 17.

Preferably, it is provided that such recognition is associated with a tolerance path, and in particular this is ensured if the operating element 11 at least with a length greater than 50 percent of the length L2, in particular greater than 80 percent of the length L2, preferably greater than 90 percent of the length L2 is inserted within such a path section along the guideway 10 about the positions 14 to 17.

The operating element 11 is designed as a representational element and can thus be gripped and, as already mentioned, removed from the guideway 10.

In the display panel 8, by way of example, elements 14a, 15a, 16a and 17a are shown and displayed which correspond to the operating units assigned to the positions 14 to 17 as symbols and / or letters and / or numbers. A user can thus easily understand which operating sub-unit he can select by approaching the positions 14 to 17. In particular, it is made possible by the optical display device 9 that the selection of one of the cooking zones 3 to 6 was detected by approaching the positions 14 to 17 by the control element 11 by the correspondingly assigned element 14a to 17a lights up or against the already already lit up state intensive or brighter lights up.

The guideway 10 is designed so that at least two such positions 14 to 17 can be approached during a movement of the operating element 11 in one direction along the guideway 10. Preferably, according to the embodiment, a plurality Approachable positions, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, for example, four positions 14 to 17 along the guide track 10 are successively approached.

The operating device 7 has an emergency stop function. This can be activated that the operating element 11 is separated from the operating device 7, in particular the guideway 10 and thus arranged without contact to it. The operating device 7 may moreover have a reminder function, wherein when the operating element 11 is removed from the guideway 10, the point of interruption of an already running program, in particular a preparation process, is stored. After the operating element 11 is subsequently applied again to the guideway 10, the program sequence can be continued at the point of interruption. This is preferably done only when the control element is re-attached to the guideway 10 within a predetermined period of time after removal.

As can be seen, the elements 14a to 17a are arranged approximately centrally above the path sections 14b, 15b, 16b and 17b. As a result, the unique assignment of a user with respect to the positions 14 to 17 can be detected. Preferably, the boundaries of these path sections 14b to 17b by markings, as in Fig. 2 is indicated, limited. This makes it possible for a user to be even more catchy and easier to see the area in which he must bring the control element 11 to the positions 14 to 17 in order to achieve the desired selection of the associated operating subunits can.

In the embodiment shown, it is provided that the operating element 11 has its starting position adjacent to an end 12 of the guide track 10. In this initial position, which also represents a reference position, no adjustment of an operating function or the selection of an operating parameter that is related to one of the cooking zones 3 to 6, is possible. In this reference position, the cooktop 1 can only be switched on or off, so that only these specific basic functions can be set. Optionally, it may be provided that a stand-by mode is also set in this reference position. For example, this can be achieved by pushing the operating element 11 out of the reference position shown, thereby automatically closing the operating element 11 Hob 1 is turned on. If a corresponding selection of an operating subunit unit is then carried out at one of the positions 14 to 17 and this operating subunit unit is activated, the operating element 11 can subsequently be pushed back again into the reference position shown, whereby a specific stand-by mode can be set. This is characterized by the fact that only sub-components, such as the optical display device 9 in the places that are not optically displayed and illuminated to be disabled. However, in this specific stand-by mode, the selected and activated cooking zones 3 to 6 are not converted into an energy-reduced state. The selected operating state of the activated cooking zone 3 to 6 is continued unchanged in this regard.

In order to avoid undesired switching off of the hob 1 when the operating element 11 is pushed back into this reference position when an activated operation of one of the cooking zones 3 to 6 has already taken place, it is preferably provided that the actual switching-off when the operating element 11 is pushed back into the reference position shown. Position effected by additional pressing. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the operating button 18 is still actuated in this reference position or that the operating element 11 is pressed along the axis C or the like.

Likewise, it can be provided that in the off state of the hob 1 and thus also in the situation in which the control element 11 is positioned in the leftmost reference position shown, with the pushing out of the control element 11 from this reference position automatically the optical display device 9 is activated. Thus, the visual display for a user can always be ensured in a low-effort manner whenever he moves the operating element 11 in the direction of the positions 14 to 17. It can also be provided that this activation of the optical display device 9 takes place by pressing the operating button 18 or by pressing the operating element 11 along the axis C.

The optical display device 9 preferably has light-emitting diodes as light sources. For example, a TFT display panel may also be provided.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that, for example, to activate the cooking zone 3, the operating element 11 is first moved to the position 14 along the guideway 10. Once this cooking zone 3 has been selected, an operating parameter, in particular the temperature, at this cooking zone 3 can then be set by rotating the operating element 11 at position 14 about its axis B until the desired parameter value is displayed and set. It can be provided that this value is then automatically generated by the control unit, or that the set value is confirmed by the user, for example by pressing the operating element 11 or pressing the operating key 18.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that two different operating subunits can be selected at at least one of the positions 14 to 17. To select such an operating subunit can then be provided that the operating element 11 is first pushed into the corresponding position 14 to 17. There can then be selected for example by turning the control element 11 about the axis B one of these there selectable operating units, this is then displayed on the display panel 8. If the desired operating subunit is found at this position, then the selection and the further setting as well as activation can take place according to the numerous scenarios already described above.

As shown in Fig. 2 is shown on the display panel 8, a further element 19 above the reference position of the control element 11. This element 19 may be, for example, a clock. In addition to or instead of this, a further element may be provided which enables the setting and display of a specific time duration, for example for a preparation process.

The visual display on the display panel 8 can be made to the effect that symbols, letters and / or numbers are projected onto the display panel 8. However, it can also be provided that on the display panel 8 specific permanent imprints are applied, which are backlit by light sources and thereby the corresponding displays done.

It should be explicitly mentioned at this point that a variety of other execution options is possible, which is characterized by the combination of or provides several features of an embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. In this regard, it should be explicitly mentioned that the explained respective embodiments or individual features thereof can be combined in a variety of ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hob

2

hotplate

3, 4, 5, 6

cooking zones

7

operating device

8th

display

9

display

10

guideway

11

operating element

12, 13

end up

14, 15, 16, 17

positions

14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 19

elements

14b, 15b, 16b, 17b

parts of the route

18

control key

A

longitudinal axis

B

axis of rotation

C

axis

L, L2

lengths

Claims (13)

1. Household appliance (1) for preparing food, having an operating device with an operating element (11), which, by actuation, is embodied to set operating conditions of the household appliance (1), wherein the operating element (11) can be moved along a guide path (10) of the operating device (7), along which at least two different positions (14 to 17) are predetermined, at which in each case at least one specific operating sub-unit (3 to 6) of the household appliance (1) is defined for selection purposes, wherein the positions (14 to 17) for selecting the respectively assigned operating sub-unit (3 to 6) can be approached with the operating element (11), and the positions (14 to 17) each represent a path section (14b to 17b) of the guide path (10), which path sections (14b to 17b) are in each case at least as long, in particular approximately as long, for as long as the operating element (11) is embodied in the direction of the guide path (10), and the guide path (10) is embodied to be completely straight-lined in a contiguous and corner-free manner, wherein for a further operating setting the operating element (11) can also be rotated about its axis of rotation (B), and wherein the axis of rotation (B) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the guide path (10), characterised in that the household appliance is embodied as a hob or as a baking oven with cooking zones, and wherein the operating device is arranged at or on the hob or on a front operating panel of the baking oven, which is arranged above a door of the household appliance, or on a door for closing a cooking compartment or on a door handle of this door.
2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a display panel (8) extends along the guide path (10) and adjacent thereto, on which display panel the respective operating sub-units (3 to 6) can be shown symbolised adjacent to the corresponding approachable positions (14 to 17) and/or operating parameters of the operating sub-units (3 to 6) and/or operating parameter values of the operating sub-units (3 to 6).
3. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide path (10) has a length (L) which is measured as at least three times as long, in particular at least five times as long, as the maximum external dimension (L2) of the operating element (11) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the guide path (10).
4. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating element (11) has an integrated operating key (18), by means of which the basic functions involving switching the household appliance (1) on and off, in particular only these basic functions, can be set as operating settings.
5. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating element (11) has an integrated operating key (18), by means of the actuation of which the operating sub-unit (3 to 6) which can be selected by approaching a position (14 to 17) along the guide path (10) with the operating element (11) can be activated and/or the operating sub-unit (3 to 6) can be activated by actuating the operating element (11) about its axis of rotation (B) and/or the operating sub-unit (3 to 6) can be activated by actuating the operating element (11) along an axis (C) at right angles to its axis of rotation (B).
6. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a period of time which runs from the end of an actuation of the operating element (11) is predetermined, after the expiration of which an operating sub-unit (3 to 6) selected by approaching a position (14 to 17) along the guide path (10) with the operating element (11) and/or by actuating the operating element (11) about its axis of rotation (B) and/or along an axis (C) at right angles to its axis of rotation (B) can be activated.
7. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one operating sub-unit (3 to 6) of the household appliance (1) identified by a specific position along the guide path (10) for selection purposes is automatically selected if the operating element (11) is moved into a defined path section (14b to 17b) assigned to this operating setting about the position (14 to 17) along the guide path (10).
8. Household appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one operating sub-unit (3 to 6) of the household appliance (1) identified for selection purposes by a specific position (14 to 17) along the guide path (10) is selected such that the operating element (11) is moved into a defined path section (14b to 17b) of the guide path (10) assigned to this operating setting and the operating element (11) is actuated by a user about its axis of rotation and/or along an axis (C) perpendicular thereto.
9. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an emergency off function is embodied, which can be activated by releasing the operating element (11) from the operating facility (7), in particular from the guide path (10).
10. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a reminder function is embodied, with which, with an interruption at an interruption site of a proceeding operating setting of the household appliance (1) by removing the operating element (11) from the guide path (10), the operating setting can be continued at the interruption site if the operating element (11) is again arranged on the guide path (10).
11. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating sub-units are cooking zones (3 to 6).
12. Method for operating a household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 11, by the actuation of which operating conditions of the household appliance (1) are set, wherein for the purpose of selecting an operating sub-unit (3 to 6) the operating element (11) is moved along a guide path (10) of the operating device (7), along which at least two different positions (14 to 17) are predetermined, at which in each case at least one specific operating sub-unit (3 to 6) of the household appliance (1) is defined for selection purposes, wherein at least one position (14 to 17) is approached with the operating element (11) for the purpose of selecting the respectively assigned operating sub-unit (3 to 6), and the positions (14 to 17) each represent a path section (14b to 17b) of the guide path (10), which path sections (14b to 17b) are each at least as long, in particular approximately as long, for as long as the operating element (11) is embodied in the direction of the guide path (10), and the guide path (10) is embodied to be completely straight-lined in a contiguous and corner-free manner, characterised in that for a further operating setting the operating element (11) is also rotated about its axis of rotation (B) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the guide path (10), wherein the household appliance is embodied as a hob or as a baking oven with cooking zones, and wherein the further operating setting is performed on the operating device, which is arranged at or on the hob or on a front operating panel of the baking oven, which is arranged above a door of the household appliance, or on a door for closing a cooking compartment or on a door handle of this door.
13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that at least one first operating sub-unit, in particular a first cooking zone (3 to 6), of the household appliance (1), identified for selection purposes, is defined by a first position (14 to 17) along the guide path (10) and at least one second operating sub-unit, in particular a second cooking zone (3 to 6), identified for selection purposes, is defined by a second position (14 to 17), which differs from the first, along the guide path (10), wherein the operating sub-units (3 to 6) can be operated independently of one another, in particular for the selection of an operating sub-unit (3 to 6) the operating element (11) is moved into the assigned position (14 to 17) of the guide path (10) and after selection in this position, a value of an operating parameter associated with the operating sub-unit (3 to 6) is set by the operating element (10) being rotated about its axis of rotation (B) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the guide path (10).

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