EP2606807B1 - Household device and adjustment method with freely selectable standard - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a washing machine, washer-dryer, tumble dryer or the like, with a control system of selectable treatment programs as main programs, which are composed of sub-treatment programs or parameters, causing an automatic sequence.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a setting method for such a domestic appliance.

From the EP 0 396 915 A2 a control and a method for setting a control of a household appliance emerge, it being possible with the household appliance, such as a washing machine, to be able to select different main programs and also to be able to determine additional functions within the selected main program, which also occur when the relevant Main program are available in a repeatable manner.

The selected additional functions for a main program have the effect that this main program is changed in its entire sequence, ie with regard to its sub-programs or parameters. With regard to the changeability of individual parameter values, such as spin speed or temperature of the suds, EP 0 396 915 A2 nothing revealed. At least one display is also not taken into account. The selected additional functions can be canceled altogether, so that the main program predetermined by the manufacturer can be activated again.

Further controls and methods for setting a control of a household appliance are also expected DE 100 35 642 C1 , DE 102 05 895 A1 , DE 198 32 757 A1 or DE 198 34 230 A1 out. These known setting methods make it possible, among other things, for an operator to be able to store individually compiled programs for repeated calling.

In contrast, the object of the invention is to specify a household appliance and its setting method, with a selective setting of parameters and Parameter values including a display is also deliberately possible for a one-off treatment program.

In terms of the method, the object of the invention is to specify a setting method for such a domestic appliance that can be carried out in a simple and user-friendly manner.

In particular, compared to the known household appliances and methods, the possibility should be created for an operator to further simplify the setting for an operator with an alternative solution.

The object of the invention is achieved by the independent patent claims, which are directed to a domestic appliance or to a setting method for a domestic appliance. Furthermore, the domestic appliance and the setting method are further developed by the dependent patent claims referring back to these independent claims.

The invention therefore consists first of all in a domestic appliance according to claim 1.

The operator can thus advantageously decide whether he wants to change parameters and parameter values only for a one-time treatment process, such as a washing process, or whether he wants to set an individual program assigned to the selected main program, which is available again at a later point in time when the household appliance is used again.

It is provided that an assignment flag that can be activated is used for the repeatable provision of parameters and parameter values. In the control of the household appliance, this can be a memory or part of a memory that retains its position or information even when the mains supply is switched off, for example it can also be battery-buffered or designed as a permanent read/write memory such as an EEPROM.

It serves to make the handling of the household appliance clearer if the activation of the assignment flag can be shown on the at least one display. Lettering such as "Standard" or "Default" can be selected as the display, since it is then most obvious that this is a reorientation of the relevant main program in the sense of an individualization of the same.

If the assignment marker is not activated, a program sequence can be executed again after a treatment program that has been changed once, according to a selected main program that corresponds to the parameters and parameter values assigned to the main program by the manufacturer.

It has turned out to be particularly user-friendly if a main program can be selected in several variants with different parameters and parameter values. An operator can then choose between different main programs, such as Koch/Bunt 1, Koch/Bunt 2, etc. and then also has the option, within the meaning of the invention, of repeatedly changing each variant of these main programs with regard to their parameters and their parameter values or changing this one Provide variant of such a main program only for a one-time application.

It is also particularly expedient if it is provided that each variant of the main program can also be called up again with the parameters and parameter values predetermined by the manufacturer, even if a variant of a main program has been modified for an individual sequence. Such differentiation can be achieved in particular if it is provided that repeatable individual program sequences can only be stored if this by giving a command, such as a special button with feedback. Such a button could also be referred to as a memory button, the function of which can also be canceled again, for example by repeated pressing, so that the parameters and parameter values assigned by the manufacturer to the corresponding variant of the main program are then effective again.

In terms of the method, the invention consists in that a setting method for a household appliance according to claim 6 is provided.

It can be provided that the selection step can be made arbitrarily by an operator and that the selection step made can be shown on the at least one display, for example with "Standard" or "Default".

Consequently, it can be provided that if the selection step is not carried out after a treatment program that has been changed once, a program sequence is carried out again according to a selected main program which corresponds to the parameters and parameter values assigned to the main program by the manufacturer.

According to a particularly important development of the invention, it is provided for the method that a main program can be selected in several variants with different parameters and parameter values. Each variant of such a main program can then be modified according to the invention in a repeatable or non-repeatable manner.

Insofar as an individual program with individual parameters and parameter values can be formed, it is also provided that each variant of the main program can also be called up again with the parameters and parameter values predetermined by the manufacturer.

Insofar as the invention is further developed by claims that refer back to the independent claims and are not independent, it should be the case that an initially specified chain of references is not to be seen as limiting in relation to the overall teaching communicated, to the extent that other combinations of features of claims appear to be suitable and practicable from the point of view of a person skilled in the art.

Fig. 1

ein schematisch dargestelltes Hausgerät in Form einer Waschmaschine,

Fig. 2

ein Bedienfeld der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Waschmaschine,

Fig. 3

auf einem Display des in Fig. 2 gezeigten Bedienfelds dargestellte Parameterwerte gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform und

Fig. 4a) - Fig. 4f)

eine Sequenz von auf einem Display des in Fig. 2 gezeigten Bedienfelds dargestellte Parameterwerte gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

In the following, the invention is described schematically in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. show it

1

a schematically illustrated household appliance in the form of a washing machine,

2

a control panel of the in 1 shown washing machine,

3

on a display of the in 2 parameter values shown on the control panel according to a first embodiment and

Fig. 4a) - Fig. 4f)

a sequence of on a display of the in 2 Parameter values shown on the control panel according to a second embodiment.

The sequences in a domestic appliance 1 are carried out automatically by a controller (not shown) of this domestic appliance 1 . In the case of a washing machine 1, various treatment processes are carried out in accordance with the load of laundry. An operator selects a wash program that is tailored to the amount and type of laundry brought in, as well as its degree of soiling. The corresponding washing program can be entered using conventional input means or operating elements 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 . This can either be a rotary selector or an input via keys that are assigned to a display 3, ie display keys. Such a treatment program, which is referred to below as the main program for a program type 4, consists in turn of subprograms, which are referred to below as parameters. Parameter values 5, 6, 7, such as the washing temperature 5 or the spin speed 6, can also play a role within a sub-program or parameter. It has been found that operators of washing machines 1 would like to align themselves with a few typical treatment programs or main programs, but then have the desire to want to make deviations at one point or another of the selected main program, since the parameters or parameter values 5, 6, 7 do not correspond to what the operator often desires. It is therefore necessary to change the parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 assigned to a main program by the manufacturer.

figure 1 1 shows a washing machine 1 as a domestic appliance, which according to the invention has a control panel 2 and whose treatment programs can be set with regard to the program type 4 and the parameter values 5, 6, 7 using the setting method according to the invention.

In figure 2 an embodiment of the control panel 2 of the household appliance 1 according to the invention is shown, which has a main switch 14 on the left in order to put the washing machine 1 into operation. A display 3 is arranged approximately in the middle of the control panel 2, on which the settings 4, 5, 6, 7 of the treatment program to be carried out are shown. In the present case, the settings or parameters displayed are the program type 4, the washing temperature 5, the spin speed 6. As a further additional setting 7, the bottom line of the display 3 contains a value 7 for another parameter "rinse plus", ie the setting option for additional rinse cycles, can be displayed.

In addition, several rotary switches 8, 9, 10, 11 are arranged as operating elements, which are assigned to the respective settings 4, 5, 6, 7 and with which the various options for the settings 4, 5, 6, 7 can be switched on. For this purpose, the rotary switches 8, 9, 10, 11 are designed as incremental pulse generators and are provided with noticeable detents for better operability. The already obvious assignment can be supported by references 12 in the immediate vicinity next to the Rotary switches 8, 9, 10, 11 are printed on the display 2. These notes 12 indicate which of the settings 4, 5, 6, 7 can be changed with the respective operating element 8, 9, 10, 11. A start button 13 is also provided, with which the compiled treatment program can be started.

After turning on the washing machine 1 with the switch 14, a program type 4 preset by means of an assignment flag from a predetermined selection is already displayed in the top line of the display 3 in order to limit the settings to be made to a minimum during normal operation. The function of the assignment flag is explained below. In the following lines, further sub-settings 5, 6 and 7 are displayed corresponding to the program type 4 displayed in the first line, which are preset for the set program type 4 by means of further assignment flags assigned to the program type. With the rotary switch 8, the program type can be changed in the first line of the display 3 by scrolling through the other predefined options for the program type. The content of the lower lines with the additional parameter settings 5, 6, 7 changes accordingly, depending on which additional parameter settings 5, 6, 7 are suitable for the set program type 4 and are preset by means of the assignment flags.

The additional parameter settings 5, 6, 7 can be changed within the available setting options, which depend on the selected program type 4, by turning the rotary switches 9, 10, 11. Alternatively, the operating elements 8, 9, 10, 11 can also be buttons, push-button switches and/or rotary push-button switches.

In the Figures 4a) to 4f ) the display 3 is shown with the treatment program settings 4, 5, 6, 7 displayed according to a first embodiment, as well as the rotary switches 8, 9, 10, 11 during the states a to f of a setting process, with the display 3 being activated by actuating the Operating element 11 for the parameter value is advanced by one setting in each case.

The figure shows the display of a second embodiment, in which all possible parameter values for the "Rinse plus" parameter are shown together on the display 3 .

This is where the invention comes in. Orientation is given to the operator as to how parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 can be selected and deselected from a selectable main program of a specific program type 4 and changed within permissible limits. Furthermore, the operator can determine whether or not such a selection of parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 can be available again for a selectable main program that is to be started again in a few days, for example.

The selected main program or program type 4 of the main program is shown on at least one display 3 with regard to its parameters (partial programs) and parameter values 5, 6, 7 initially associated with the manufacturer. This display is assigned the "Standard" display for each associated parameter and parameter value 5, 6, 7. This "Standard" display is to be interpreted as an assignment flag.

According to the invention, it is also possible to display the parameters assigned to the selected main program without displaying "standard". However, the parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 that were previously displayed as "standard" remain within the control of the household appliance 1, which causes the treatment programs to run automatically. These parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 are then, as it were, switched blind in relation to the display.

When a main program is selected by the operator, he has the option of leaving the "Default" display activated or deselecting it.

This then has a decisive influence on whether, in the event of a possible change in parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 of a called main program, this change is for a single subsequent treatment process, such as a washing process, or for any number of times at a later point in time when the mains Switching on the household appliance 1 taking place treatment processes, such as washing processes, are available again.

If the operator changes the parameter and parameter values 5, 6, 7 associated with a selected one on the display by actuating a control element Program type 4 of a main program such that the parameter value appears with the addition "Standard", these selected parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 are retained even if the household appliance, such as washing machine 1, is completely disconnected from the mains supply. The same also applies to switching off the washing machine by the operator after a complete program run. This means that after the washing machine 1 is switched on again, when a program type 4 is selected, the parameter values last selected with the addition "Standard" are preset, it being possible for the parameter values to be shown on the display with or without the addition "Standard" after the washing machine has been switched on thus, so to speak, their individual programs under the designation of a selectable main program, such as cooking / coloreds or delicates.

However, if the operator changes the parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 belonging to a selected main program (program type) while switching off the "Standard" display, the parameters and parameter values that have been under Standard since then remain in the background or within the control. However, the parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 visible under the display 3, which can be changed, only remain decisive for a subsequent treatment process, such as a washing process, to be started. If the household appliance 1 is switched off after this treatment process has ended, then these parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 are not retained. So no program is formed that can be called up repeatedly. The program formed in this way is therefore essentially intended for a single treatment process, such as a washing process, if, for example, extremely dirty laundry has to be washed.

The invention can also be extended. It is thus possible to offer the main programs in several variants, for example Koch/Bunt 1, Koch/Bunt 2, etc. It is also possible here for each variant of a main program to have a new assignment for the parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 with "Standard" so that these parameters and parameter values are available repeatable as individual programs.

A related further development provides that parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 of an individual program assigned to "Standard" are assigned to the manufacturer by the Parameters and parameter values (manufacturer's standard) assigned to the main program or a variant of the main program do not have to be displaced, but can be retained in the background within the controller. It is then only necessary for the operator to be able to understand that the determination of parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 under the "Standard" display is an assignment to an individual program.

The individual programs are then expediently only made executable if the operator also initiates this by entering a command into the controller. A button (not shown) can be used for this purpose, which can be designated as a memory button or as an individual button, for example, and which is to be provided with an illuminated feedback or an assigned display, so that operation with individual programs clearly stands out. In addition, it is advantageously provided that parameters and parameter values 5, 6, 7 can also be displayed simultaneously on the at least one display, as in 3 shown, or consecutively in succession, as in 4 shown, can be displayed so that the operator can be given a comprehensive orientation.

If the individual programs are not selected, then the manufacturer's parameters and parameter values are assigned as "standard" or "default value" to each variant of a selected main program.

Although the invention has been described using exemplary embodiments for a washing machine 1 as the preferred household appliance, it is immediately clear to the person skilled in the art that corresponding measures within the scope of the invention can, of course, also be used adequately for other program-controlled household appliances, for example dishwashers or cookers are.

Reference List

1

washing machine

2

control panel

3

screen

4

Program type of a treatment program

5,6,7

Parameter values for parameters of a treatment program

5

a parameter value shown on the display for the "temperature"

6

a parameter value shown on the display for "spin"

7, 7a) - 7f)

a parameter value shown on the display for "rinse plus"

7*

a set of parameter values shown on the display for "rinse plus"

8 to 11, 13, 14

controls

8th

program selector

9

Control element assigned to a "Temperature" parameter

10

Control assigned to a "Spin" parameter

11

Operating element assigned to a "Rinse plus" parameter

12

hint text

13

Home Control

14

"ON/OFF" control element (main switch)

Claims (11)

1. Household appliance (1), in particular washing machine, tumble dryer or washer-dryer, with a controller which effects an automatic cycle, of treatment programs which can be selected as main programs (4), which are composed of partial treatment programs or parameters, which in turn can be specified by the selection of individual parameter values, as well as an operating panel (2) with at least one display (3) and operating elements (8, 9, 10, 11), in particular display keys, for the selection of the main program (4) and the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) thereof, wherein the controller is furthermore configured such that with the selection of a main program (4), parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) are each individually available for selection and when the household appliance (1) is next switched on, parameters and parameter values can be optionally provided repeatedly for a program cycle according to the selected main program (4), wherein an assignment marker is provided for the repeatable provision of parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7), which assignment marker can be activated, characterised in that the controller is configured, in which controller the parameters and parameter values associated with a selected main program (4) can be changed upon switching off the assignment marker, wherein the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) most recently activated with the assignment marker are retained in the controller and after the household appliance is switched on again upon selection of a main program (4) the parameter and parameter values (5, 6, 7) most recently activated with the assignment marker are preset, wherein the activation of the assignment marker can be displayed on at least one display (3).
2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the activation of the assignment marker is displayed as "standard" or "default" on the at least one display (3).
3. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the case of an assignment marker not being activated, a program cycle can be executed again after a main program (4) is selected, which corresponds to the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) assigned to the main program (4) by the manufacturer.
4. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a main program (4) can be selected which has a plurality of variants with different parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7).
5. Household appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that each variant of a main program (4) can be assigned an assignment marker, so that in each case an individual program with individual parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) is available, wherein it is further provided that each variant of the main program (4) can still be called up again also with the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) predefined by the manufacturer.
6. Adjustment method for a household appliance (1), in particular washing machine, tumble dryer or washer-dryer, with a controller which effects an automatic cycle of treatment programs which can be selected as main programs (4), which comprise partial treatment programs or parameters, which in turn can be specified by the selection of individual parameter values (5, 6, 7), as well as an operating panel (2) with at least one display (3) and operating elements (8, 9, 10, 11), in particular display keys, for the selection of the main program (4) and the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) thereof, wherein a method step provides that a selection of parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) is made for each main program (4), as well as, when the household appliance (1) is next switched on, these selected parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) are made optionally available for a new cycle of the relevant main program (4) by a selection step that was previously undertaken, wherein an assignment marker is provided for the repeatable provision of parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7), which assignment marker is activated, characterised in that the parameters and parameter values corresponding to a selected main program (4) can be changed upon switching off the assignment marker wherein the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) most recently activated with the assignment marker remain in the controller and after the household appliance is switched on again the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) most recently activated with the assignment marker upon selection of the main program (4) are preset, wherein the selection step that was undertaken is displayed on the at least one display (3).
7. Adjustment method for a household appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the selection step can be undertaken arbitrarily by an operator.
8. Adjustment method according to claim 7, characterised in that the selection step is displayed as "standard" or "default" on the at least one display (3).
9. Adjustment method according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that in the case of a selection step not being undertaken, a program cycle is again undertaken after a main program (4) is selected, which corresponds to the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) assigned to the main program (4) by the manufacturer.
10. Adjustment method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the method provides for a main program (4) to be able to be selected in a plurality of variants with different parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7).
11. Adjustment method according to claim 10, characterised in that the method provides for the selection step to be able to be undertaken in any variant of the main program (4), so that a respective individual program with individual parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) can be formed, wherein it is further provided that each variant of the main program can still be called up again also with the parameters and parameter values (5, 6, 7) predefined by the manufacturer.

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