EP2612076B1 - Operating device for a domestic appliance and method for operating such an operating device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance, which has an operating element and a display unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a support device with such an operating device. In addition, the invention also includes a method for operating such an operating device.
From the prior art a variety of different controls for household appliances is known. Thus, especially for ovens operating devices with a plurality of manually operable switches or rotary knobs for selecting or setting operating conditions are known. In addition, control devices are known which are designed exclusively by touch-sensitive controls.
Often, these operating devices are overloaded by a large number of operating elements, display units and touch-sensitive operating elements, so that the user is often overwhelmed to be able to survey the multitude of setting options and selection options and perform them correctly.
This often results in a user dislike, since little intuitive and therefore not easily comprehensible to the user operations and operations must be done by a variety of controls.
There are also, for example, ovens are known in which a combination of manually operable controls in the form of rotary knobs is formed with electronic controls in the form of touch-sensitive embodiments.

Relevant prior art is in the DE 196 06 115 A1 . EP 0 576 146 A1 . DE 10 2007 062 016 A1 to find. The closest prior art is the DE 10 2008 032 448 A1 It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device for a household appliance, with which a user-friendlier and intuitively more comprehensible operation with regard to the operating mode selection and the operating condition setting of these operating modes is made possible. In this regard, the invention also relates to a household appliance with such an operating device as well as a method for operating such an operating device.
This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of claim 1, by a household appliance, which has the features of claim 8, and a method having the features of claim 9. An operating device according to the invention for a household appliance comprises an operating element and a display unit. An essential idea of the invention is that the operating device has only a single manually operable operating element and only an electronic operating unit, which is formed touch-sensitive comprises. Such an embodiment thus provides an operating device which is minimized with regard to its number of operating elements and nevertheless allows a combination of manually operable operating element and electronically actuatable operating unit. As a result, a plurality of operating conditions can thus be selected and set virtually with only two components, namely the operating element on the one hand and the one operating unit on the other hand. In the operating device according to the invention it is provided that the only one control element is rotatable only in discrete stages, each characterized by the stages of an operating mode of the household appliance and can be selected by the stage setting of the control element. It is thus here created a construction with which in particular only with this one operating element, the basic operating modes of the household appliance can be selected. In this context, the operating mode is understood in particular to be the selection of an operating function subunit of the household appliance. These are thus subunits that enable the basic functionality of the respective household appliance and ensure the primary function of the household appliance. For example, heating units of a baking oven are mentioned here.

In particular, it is additionally provided that, however, with the control element rotatable in stages, no further setting of operating parameter values of the respective operating modes is possible.

For this purpose, only one operating unit of the operating device is provided. The operating device thus has only one, adjacent to the control element arranged control unit with touch-sensitive control panels, with which a value of the operating mode associated operating parameters associated with the operating element is adjustable.

So only the control unit is intended to adjust or change the operating parameters of a mode of operation in terms of value. In particular, the operating unit is thus not intended to select operating modes at all. This is reserved solely for the control element.

It is thus created an operating device, which is not only in terms of number of components with which settings can be made, in terms of number minimized, but it is also functionally a very specific and strict separation, which are performed with the control on the one hand and the control unit on the other can, generates. In addition, a very intuitive and logically structured division of tasks between the controls and the control unit is guaranteed, so that the user initially operates the control element in a logical sequence and then operates the control unit for continuation. Since this is given in this strictness, no confusion or complicated different operations can be given, so that the user does not unnecessarily high learning needs here. As a result, an aversion to the use of the operating device is avoided and, in particular, a user-friendly state is created in such a way that the multiplicity of operating setting options are also used extensively or essentially extensively and are called up by the user.

In a particularly technically meaningful way, the division is thus also given the effect that with a relatively coarse adjustable and manageable control virtually only the preselection in terms of operating mode selection is performed, and with the electronic control unit then required a higher precision Adjustment of the operating parameter value is performed. Even with regard to the respectively required precision thus a very strict and targeted assignment of the actuations to the operating element on the one hand and the control unit on the other hand allows. Since the discrete stages can be easily and safely approached by a control element and due to the stage a much lower precision is required, on the other hand with the electronic control unit for the often very precise value adjustment required reliability and precision can be enabled.

The operating modes preferably have a plurality of different operating modes of at least two heating units of the household appliance.

For example, in the case of an oven, it may be provided that a bottom heat radiator, a top heat radiator and a grill radiator are present. Since the radiators can be operated either alone or in various combinations with one another at different operating modes, this also results in different operating modes, which can be discretely selected via the respective stages.

In combination, a corresponding blower can also be activated in each case.

In addition, it is provided that the operating modes also include operating modes of a lighting of the household appliance. In particular, in this context, a cooking chamber lighting and / or an optical illumination of insertion levels and / or an optical illumination for displaying insertion levels, in which then only one food support is to be introduced, may be provided.

It is particularly advantageous that the operating element is a retractable control knob. As a result, the operating device can be made even more compact, high-quality and user-friendly. If the control knob is not needed, it can be retracted; if it is needed, it can be extended. The extension and retraction can be done automatically with switching on the operating device and / or the household appliance. However, it can also be user-defined. According to the invention, the operating element is arranged centrally under the operating unit. Especially this position also provides an additional intuitive operation. Through this can be very centered and manageable also with regard to the above arranged control unit, their panels and their display unit actuated. The user thus has the control unit at any time the control unit immediately in the field of view and can recognize the resulting from the operation of the control changes to the control unit with virtually the same operation. According to the invention, the operating unit has a display unit, which in particular is likewise arranged centrally in the operating unit. Especially in combination with the central arrangement of the control element under the control unit, the above-mentioned advantages are particularly noteworthy. In particular, it is provided that the steps that can be selected with the operating element are arranged equidistantly in the full circumferential and circumferential direction of the operating element. This also results in a certain symmetry and easy handling for the user. According to the invention, at least one touch-sensitive control panel is arranged on both sides next to the display unit of the operating unit. This also increases the clarity and user-friendliness. On the one hand, the operating unit is thus limited to the essentials with regard to control panels and the user can also immediately follow the changes on the display unit here.
It is particularly advantageous if a touch-sensitive slider, a so-called slider, is arranged on one side of the display unit. It is particularly advantageous if only this touch-sensitive slider is arranged on this one side of the display unit. Precisely because of this, if this positional arrangement and exclusivity is given without further control panels, precise adjustments can be made. For just with a controller, in which a setting is carried out by a stripe on the touch-sensitive surface, thus, even with a Überhinausleiten or an undesirable touching of neighboring areas no Misadjustment done. Because in this context no further control panels can be actuated or touched.

It is preferably provided that on the other side of the display unit two, in particular only two control panels are arranged to be contacted only selectively for setting. So here are no sliders, but simple point-touch sensors are provided. Here, too, the ease of use in terms of clarity and avoidance of incorrect operation is given by the small number of a maximum of two.

Preferably, one of these two panels is configured for selecting a temperature value setting and the other panel for selecting a time setting.

Preferably, the invention thus combines a single mechanical control element with an electronic control unit, which is also designed minimalist for setting time and temperature.

The invention also relates to a household appliance, in particular for preparing food, in particular an oven, with an operating device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

Advantageous embodiments of the operating device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention.

In a method according to the invention for operating an operating device for a domestic appliance, operating modes of the domestic appliance are set. It is only selected with an in step rotatable control element depending on the level selected with the control one of the stage associated operating mode. A value of an operating parameter of the operating mode previously selected with the operating element is then also set with only one touch-sensitive operating unit arranged adjacent to the operating element. Thus, a procedure and mode of operation of an operating device is provided which only with a single mechanically actuated control element and only a single quasi-electronic operable control unit is formed. The functional interaction with regard to the operation of the operating device can thereby be carried out simply and intuitively for a user in a comprehensible manner, and a multiplicity of operating condition setting variants can thereby also be carried out in an easily manageable manner.

The assigned operating mode is preferably selected by rotating the operating element arranged centrally below the operating unit to a specific level and a basic setting is automatically displayed on a display unit of the operating unit for a parameter that can be set using the control panel of the operating unit. It is here thus achieved a very specific sequence of automation, in which the user thus has nothing more to do, yet as information gets a basic attitude, which is intuitively perceptible to him and signals that he can now make more settings and must.
In particular, in the case of a basic setting, no value of the parameter to be set is displayed on the display unit.
Preferably, after the basic setting has been displayed, a value of the operating parameter is set and displayed with a control panel of the operating unit designed as a touch-sensitive slider. This can therefore be very precise and user-friendly. By pressing the touch sensitive slider is then automatically changed from the default and depending on the operation of the slider, the respective then reached value of the operating parameter is displayed.
Preferably, with a rotation of the control element to a different level and an associated selection of this other level associated operating mode, the display on the display unit automatically changed and although changed to a default setting for an adjustable with the control panel parameters of this further operating mode. This further basic setting is then displayed and in particular the previously made parameter value setting of the other operating mode is hidden.

This also ensures that the ad is not overloaded and the user is not irritated. Thus, he can always recognize and follow what is currently being done and what the result is with the current settings. A variety of unwanted ads on the display unit is thereby avoided.

Preferably, the selected operating mode is started by confirming the value set with a touch-sensitive slide control of the operating unit and / or after the expiry of a predefinable time interval after the value setting. As a result, safety requirements are taken into account.

Preferably, when setting a temperature value with the confirmation of the set value and / or after a predeterminable time interval after the value setting, the operating mode is started and displayed on the display unit, a temperature increase indicative symbol, in particular a temperature increasing dynamically changing thermometer. Here, too, the user just understands the process that is taking place in a simple and intuitive manner.

Preferably, this symbol is automatically hidden from the display unit when the set temperature value is reached. The symbol is thus deactivated in particular and no longer displayed on the display unit.

Preferably, when the control element is turned to a basic level on the display unit, the current time is automatically displayed, in particular only this current time is displayed. Here, too, the idea is taken into account, not to display unnecessary ads and also not to unsettle the user with displayed information or overload.

Preferably, touching a second control panel of the time setting control unit displays a default and sets as time setting a time duration for a selected operation mode and / or an end time for a selected operation mode by means of the touch sensitive slider.

Preferably, when changing the display on the display unit by touching the first control panel in advance time setting, the value display of the time setting hidden and the time duration setting and / or the Endzeitpunkteinstellung associated symbols are then displayed or displayed. Thus, the user is not confronted with too much information here. Rather, he knows through the small icons displayed that also a period of an operating mode and / or an end time of the operating mode have been previously set. If he wants to retrieve this then and know exactly how long the time is, and which end time has been set, he can activate this by simply pressing the associated control panel. This can be done for example by a single or multiple simple short press on the associated control panel of the control unit. On the other hand, if such symbols are not shown, then he also knows that such a duration setting and / or end time setting had not previously occurred.
Preferably, when the operating element is turned to a level for selecting a lighting of the domestic appliance, a complete fade-out of all displays on the display unit is carried out. On the other hand, it can also be provided here that all or at least parts of the displays then continue to be displayed on the display unit.

Fig. 1a bis 1c

verschiedene Darstellungen von Zuständen der Bedieneinrichtung während eines ersten Betriebsszenarios;

Fig. 2a bis 2c

verschiedene Darstellungen der Bedieneinrichtung von Zuständen eines zweiten Betriebsszenarios;

Fig. 3a bis 3h

verschiedene Darstellungen eines dritten Betriebsszenarios der Bedieneinrichtung; und

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung der Bedieneineinrichtung mit allen auf der Anzeigeeinheit anzeigbaren Informationen.

Further features emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations shown alone in the figures and / or in the description of the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation. Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1a to 1c

various representations of states of the operator during a first operating scenario;

Fig. 2a to 2c

various representations of the operator of states of a second operating scenario;

Fig. 3a to 3h

various representations of a third operating scenario of the operating device; and

Fig. 4

a representation of the Bedienseininrichtung with all displayed on the display unit information.

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

In Fig. 1 a is shown an embodiment of an operating device 1 according to the invention for an oven. The operating device 1 is the only operating device of the oven, he thus has no further control and adjustment.

The operating device 1 is then arranged, for example, on the front side on a control panel of the oven. The position is only an example.

The operating device 1 comprises a single manually rotatable operating element 2, which is designed as a rotatable control knob. It can be rotated in steps around the axis A, which runs perpendicular to the plane of the figure. In addition, it is also designed as a retractable control knob and thus can be moved along the axis A and thus sunk or pulled out. The rotation about the axis A is given in discrete steps. The respective step and rotary position is indicated by a position symbol 3.

Each operating mode of the oven 1 is characterized or characterized by the respective stages, so that with the respectively selected stage of the operating element 2 of the then this stage associated operating mode is selected.

It can be seen that on the front side of the operating device 1 around the operating element 2 around several symbols are shown, where each of the discrete stages are given. These icons change the operating modes of Functional units of the oven characterized. In the exemplary embodiment, these functional subunits are different radiators, with which then bottom heat, top heat or grilling can be generated. In addition, a fan mode and lighting can also be activated.

Based on the known and common symbols, the respective underlying functionality and thus the operating mode is marked.

In the exemplary embodiment, therefore, a basic stage 4, in which the operating element 2 as shown in FIG Fig. 1a is set, available. In this no operating mode selection is made and it is thus virtually the ground state of the operating device 1 characterized. In addition, operating modes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are given, wherein the respective stages are also characterized by the operating modes 5 to 15 at the same time.

The operating device 1 also includes an electronic operating unit 16, which is rectangular in shape and is arranged adjacent to and above the operating element 2. The operating unit 16 is also only the only operating unit, which have the operating device 1 and the oven. The operating unit 16 comprises only touch-sensitive control panels. Manually operated control levers or switches are not formed. The operating unit 16 comprises a display unit 17, which is formed centrally in the operating unit 16. The display unit 17 is therefore arranged directly above the centrally arranged control element 2. At least one touch-sensitive touch panel of the operating unit 16 is formed on both sides of the display unit 17. In the exemplary embodiment, a touch-sensitive slider controller 18 is formed on the right side of the display unit 17. Thus, by tracking along the indicated sensitive area a setting can be made continuously and very precisely.

On the left side of the display unit 17, two touch-sensitive control panels 19 and 20 are formed in the embodiment. These are not designed as sliders, but as point touch sensors. This means that only by a selective touch a desired setting can be made. The control panel 19 is at the time setting and the control panel 20 is designed for temperature adjustment.

They are arranged immediately adjacent to one another, the control panel 20 provided for the temperature adjustment being farther outward than the control panel 19 provided for the time setting.

The operation of the operating device 1 is such that initially with the rotation of the operating element 2 to a desired level, a desired operating mode is selectable. Only then can be set in terms of value with the operating unit 16, an operating parameter of this operating mode. As operating parameters, the temperature and the time are provided in the embodiment. In particular, only these two parameters are provided and their setting possible.

In particular, the operating device 1 is also designed in such a way that only the selection of the operating modes takes place with the one single operating element 2, and no operating parameter selection or operating parameter value adjustment can take place. On the other hand, the operating device 1 is designed such that with the single operating unit 16 only one operating parameter selection can be made and an operating parameter setting can take place, but no selection of an operating mode can take place. The operating mode selection is thus understood as the selection of a functional subunit, in particular a heating unit or a device for generating a steam for steam cooking. An operating mode is thus not understood as the setting and selection of an operating parameter. In particular, the operating unit 16 thus comprises only a single touch-sensitive slider and a maximum of two, in particular two, touch-sensitive control panels 19 and 20.

With regard to the functioning, a first operating scenario is shown on the diagram in Fig. 1a to 1c explained. Starting from the state of the operating device 1 as shown in FIG Fig. 1 a would like to make a user now a preparation process with the oven and to activate lower heat, top heat and blower. This is possible in the illustrated embodiment by selecting the operating mode 5 or the stage at the location shown this symbol for the operating mode 5. Starting from the basic position 4 thus the operating element 2 as shown in FIG Fig. 1b turned to this level. Due to the only discrete step setting can thus also this selection of level and position the control element 2 can be done easily and safely and in this context no misadjustment occur.

With the selection of this level is then automatically on the display unit 17 of the in Fig. 1a shown changed to a basic setting 21 without value display. The basic setting 21 is given for a parameter which is assigned to the operating mode 5. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that with the setting of the stage for the operating mode 5 is automatically changed to a basic setting 21 for the operating parameter of the temperature. The basic setting is characterized by two horizontal lines and the unit indicated in ° C.

Based on this, as shown in Fig. 1c a value of this temperature parameter can be adjusted by the slider 18 is operated accordingly by struming on its touch-sensitive surface. In the exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that a temperature value of 180 ° C has been set. This is then displayed continuously on the slider 18 with the operation and track.

If this value setting is then confirmed or after the value setting has been maintained for a predefinable period of time and there is no further setting in this, then the selected operating mode is then automatically started.

In the illustrations according to Fig. 2a to 2c the operating device 1 is shown in various states of a further operating scenario.

So again in the illustration in Fig. 2a are rotated starting from the position of the control element 2 in its basic stage 4 on the level with the operating mode 7. Again, there is again a change to the basic setting 21 for the operating parameter of the temperature.

It can also be provided that, starting from the illustration in FIG Fig. 1c in operating mode 7 in Fig. 2a is changed by the control element 2 simply further rotated accordingly. Even then, a change takes place from the display 22 concerning the concrete temperature value on the display of the basic setting 21 in Fig. 2a ,

Starting from the illustration in Fig. 2a is then again made with the slider 18 is a value adjustment of the temperature, which in the embodiment according to Fig. 2b 190 ° C is. Again, as shown in FIG Fig. 2c This temperature value setting actively confirmed or waited for a predetermined period of time and without further adjustment is then detected after this period, that the operating mode should be started. It is then as shown in Fig. 2c shown that with this activation of the operating mode, a symbol 23 is automatically displayed on the display unit 17, which represents the heating of the cooking chamber of the oven to the value of 190 ° C. In the embodiment shown, the symbol 23 is a thermometer, which in particular can change dynamically. It can thus be provided that with increasing temperature in the cooking chamber, the painted surface of the symbol 23 increases.

In the Fig. 3a to 3h Further states of the operating device 1 are shown in a further operating scenario. Thus, a setting may be provided in which when selecting the specific level with the control element 2 and thus with the selection of a specific operating mode 5 to 15, a basic setting 24 regarding the further parameter of the time setting is automatically displayed.

It can also be provided that with the selection of a stage and thus the selection of an operating mode, the same basic setting of a parameter always takes place, for which purpose a priority list of the parameters is stored. This means that when selecting an operating mode by starting the corresponding stage with the operating element 2, for example, always the basic setting 21 of the parameter of the temperature is displayed. However, if you then want to first make a time setting, it can be changed by manually touching the control panel 19 from the display of the basic setting 21 to the display of the basic setting 24. This is for example in Fig. 3a shown. In addition, with this basic setting 24, a symbol 25 is also displayed on the display unit 17.

The operating direction 1 is designed so that it ensures a time adjustment in two ways. Thus, on the one hand, the duration of a selected operating mode and the end time of a selected operating mode and its active state can be set.

Thus, for example, starting from the representation in Fig. 3a be changed by touching the control panel 19 again on the Zeiteinstellmöglichkeit the period. This is then indicated by the fact that instead of the symbol 25 a symbol 26 is displayed on the display unit 17.

In the following, as shown in Fig. 3c be adjusted by pressing the slider 18, the desired period of time, which is then displayed in terms of value. For this purpose, the basic setting 24 then switches to the current value setting 27.

Is then starting from the representation in Fig. 3c Furthermore, in addition to or instead of desired to set an end time of the active state of the selected operating mode, can be changed by selective touching and pressing the control panel 19 to this setting. For this purpose, a turn is then made to a basic setting 28 in the display unit 17 and, in addition, a symbol 29 is displayed on the display unit 17. In addition, as shown in FIG Fig. 3e by pressing the slider 18, the desired end time can be set, which in turn takes place by changing from the basic setting 28 to the value representation of the end time according to the display 30.

In Fig. 3f is then shown a state of the operating device 1, in which then in the wake of setting times according to the explanations to Fig. 3a to 3e a temperature value can be set. For this purpose, the control panel 20 is touched and it is changed to the default setting 21 on the display 17.

It should be mentioned that then as shown in Fig. 3f if previously a time duration and / or an end time of active operation of the selected operating mode have already been set, the symbols 26 and / or 29 continue to be displayed stay. Again, as shown in Fig. 3g be done by pressing the slider 18, the desired setting of the temperature value.

As already shown in Fig. 2c explained, the active operating mode is then started in the subsequent and the heating of the cooking chamber to 180 ° C by the icon 23 is displayed ( Fig. 3h ).

If then the set temperature value is reached in the cooking chamber, the symbol 23 is automatically deactivated or hidden again.

In Fig. 4 In an exemplary representation, only the operating unit 16 is shown, wherein all possible displayable and illuminable symbols are shown as segments of the display unit 17. This includes the already explained seven-segment display, the symbol 23, the symbols 25, 26 and 29. In addition, two more symbols 31 and 32 are possible. On the one hand, this concerns the clock with regard to the current time and, on the other hand, a security symbol with which the activation of the blocking of one or more operating settings is indicated. For example, it may be provided here that the actuation of the operating element 2 and / or the operating unit 16 is blocked. This can be advantageous in particular with regard to the realization of a child safety device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

oven

2

operating element

3

position symbol

4

Elementary

5 to 15

operating modes

16

operating unit

17

display unit

18

slider

19, 20

Control panel

21

default

22

display

23

symbol

24

default

25

symbol

26

symbol

27

value setting

28

default

29

symbol

30

display

31

symbol

32

symbol

Claims (18)

1. Operating device for a domestic appliance, which has a control element (2) and a display unit (17), wherein only one control element (2) that can be rotated in discrete steps is embodied, and by means of the steps an operating mode (5 to 15) of the domestic appliance is characterized in each case and can be selected by the step setting of the control element (2), characterised in that only one control unit (16) arranged adjacent to the control element (2) is embodied with touch-sensitive control panels (18 to 20), with which the value of an operating parameter assigned to the operating mode (5 to 15) selected by the control element (2) can be set, wherein the control element (2) is arranged centrally below the control unit (16), wherein the control unit (16) has a display unit (17), which is arranged in particular centrally in the control unit (16), wherein at least one touch-sensitive control panel (18 to 20) is arranged on both sides adjacent to the display unit (17) in each case.
2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating modes (5 to 15) comprise a plurality of different modes of operation of at least two heating units of the domestic appliance.
3. Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the operating modes (5 to 15) comprise modes of operation of the lights of the domestic appliance.
4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control element (2) is a retractable operating knob.
5. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a touch-sensitive slide control (18), in particular only this slide control (18), is arranged on one side of the display unit (17).
6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two control panels (19, 20), which are only to be touched at points for the purpose of selecting settings, are arranged on the other side.
7. Operating device according to claim 6, characterised in that a control panel (20) and a control panel (19) are embodied for selecting a temperature value setting and for selecting a time setting in each instance.
8. Domestic appliance, in particular oven, with an operating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
9. Method for operating an operating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for a domestic appliance, in which operating modes (5 to 15) of the domestic appliance are set, wherein an operating mode, assigned to the step, of the operating modes (5 to 15) of the domestic appliance is selected as a function of the step selected with the control element (2) only with a control element (2) which can be rotated in steps, characterised in that with only one touch-sensitive control unit (16) arranged adjacent to the control element (2), wherein the control element (2) is arranged centrally below the control unit (16), a value of an operating parameter of the selected operating mode (5 to 15) is set, for the purpose of which the control unit (16) has a display unit (17), which is arranged in particular centrally in the operating unit (16), wherein at least one touch-sensitive control panel (18 to 20) is arranged on both sides adjacent to the display unit (17) in each case.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that a specific step of the assigned operating mode (5 to 15) is selected by rotating the control element (2) arranged centrally below the control unit (16), and a basic setting (21, 24, 28) is displayed automatically on a display unit (17) of the control unit (16) arranged, in particular arranged centrally, for a parameter which can be set with the control panel (18 to 20) of the control unit (16).
11. Method according to claim 10, characterised in that a value of the operating parameter is set using a control panel of the control unit (16) embodied as a touch-sensitive slide control (18).
12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the display on the display unit (17) is automatically changed to a basic setting (21, 24, 28) for a parameter of this further operating mode (5 to 15) which can be set with the control panel (18 to 20) and this basic setting (21, 24, 28) is displayed by rotating the control element (2) to another step and selecting in association therewith an operating mode (5 to 15) assigned to this other step.
13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the operating mode (5 to 15) is started by confirming the value set with a touch-sensitive slide control (18) of the control unit (16) and/or after a predeterminable time interval following the value setting has elapsed.
14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that the operating mode (5 to 15) is started when a temperature value is set by confirming the set value and/or after a predeterminable time interval following the value setting of the operating mode (5 to 15) has elapsed and a symbol (23) displaying the temperature rise, in particular a thermometer which changes dynamically with the temperature rise, is displayed on the display unit (17).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that the symbol (23) is automatically hidden when the set temperature value is reached.
16. Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterised in that the current time, in particular only this current time, is automatically displayed on the display unit (17) by rotating the control element (2) to a basic step (4).
17. Method according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterised in that a basic setting (24, 28) is displayed by touching a second control panel (19) of the control unit (16) for setting time and as a time setting a duration for a selected operating mode (5 to 15) and/or an end time instant for a selected operating mode (5 to 15) can be set by means of the touch-sensitive slide control (18).
18. Method according to claim 17, characterised in that when the display on the display unit (17) is changed by touching the first control panel (19) with a previously entered time setting, the value display of the time setting is hidden and symbols (26, 29) assigned to the duration setting and/or the end time setting are displayed.

Images