EP2792952A1 - Household appliance operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance operating device (10), in particular a cooktop operating device, with at least one operating unit (12), the at least three operating elements (14, 16, 18) at least one input at least one parameter and at least three sensor elements (20, 22, 24) associated with a respective one of the operating elements (14, 16, 18). In order to provide a generic device with improved comfort characteristics, it is proposed that the first and second control elements (14, 16) form a first overlay region (26) and the second and third control elements (16, 18) form a second overlap region (28) in that each of the overlapping areas (26, 28) is provided for triggering respective sensor elements (20, 22, 24) associated with the operating elements (14, 16, 18) forming the overlapping area (26, 28).

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance operating device according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is already a domestic appliance operating device, in particular a cooktop operating device, with at least one control unit, the at least three controls at least to an input of at least one parameter and at least three sensor elements, which are assigned to a respective one of the controls has been proposed.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of comfort. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a domestic appliance operating device, in particular a cooktop operating device, with at least one operating unit having at least three operating elements at least for input of at least one parameter and at least three sensor elements associated with a respective one of the operating elements.

It is proposed that the first and second control element form a first overlay area and the second and third control element form a second overlay area, wherein each of the overlapping areas is intended to trigger respective sensor elements associated with the control elements forming the overlay area. A "control unit" should in particular be understood to mean a unit which has at least three, in particular at least four, advantageously at least five and preferably at least seven control elements. In particular, the controls are arranged adjacent. In particular, there exists at least one shortest connecting line which connects the center points and / or center of gravity of the operating elements, wherein the connecting line has a monotonous, continuous course. In particular, there is at least one operating direction which, starting from a first of the operating elements, is aligned in the direction of the connecting line. Under a "control element" In particular, an element should be understood which is intended to receive an input quantity from an operator during an operating procedure and in particular to be contacted directly by an operator, wherein a touch of the operating element detects and / or detects an actuating force exerted on the operating element and / or is mechanically passed on to actuate a unit, in particular to at least one control unit. In particular, the operating unit has at least one control unit which is provided to execute at least one action desired by the operator by the actuation of the operating element in response to an actuation of the operating element. In particular, the action is designed as a selection and / or change of at least one operating parameter. For example, the operating parameter is formed as a maximum temperature, as a holding temperature, as a heating zone and / or as an adjustment of a heating performance characteristic of the heating zone. In particular, the heat output characteristic is designed as a heating power and / or a heating power density. Alternatively, further operating parameters which appear reasonable to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. A "control unit" should be understood to mean, in particular, an electronic unit which is preferably at least partially integrated in a control and / or regulating unit of a domestic appliance and which is preferably provided for actions, in particular a controller, in dependence on parameters entered by means of the control element / or control of at least one heating unit to make. The control unit preferably comprises a computing unit and, in particular in addition to the computing unit, a memory unit with a control and / or regulating program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the computing unit. A "sensor element" should in particular be understood to mean an element which is intended to detect at least one actuation of at least one operating element of the operating elements assigned to the sensor element. In particular, the sensor element is provided to transmit the signal detected upon actuation of the control element associated with the sensor element at least to the control unit. By the phrase that the sensor elements are "assigned" to a respective one of the operating elements, it should be understood in particular that the sensor elements can be triggered by means of an actuation of the respective operating element. In particular, the sensor elements and the respective control elements associated with the respective sensor element are arranged in direct contact with one another. In particular, the operating unit has at least three line elements, one of the line elements being provided for one of the operating elements with a control element associated sensor element of the sensor elements at least partially, in particular for the most part, preferably directly, to connect. An "overlay area" is to be understood in particular as an area which is formed by at least two, in particular adjacently arranged operating elements and preferably forms at least one transition area between the operating elements which form the overlay area. In particular, the overlay area is assigned at least to the sensor elements which are assigned to the operating elements forming the overlapping area. In addition, it is conceivable that the overlay area is assigned to further sensor elements, for example a zone selection sensor, which is connected to the respective operating elements by means of a connecting element. In particular, the operating elements in the overlay area in each case at least partially overlap. Under the phrase that the controls in the overlay area "at least partially overlap", should be understood in particular that the controls in the overlay area with respect to at least one direction, at least substantially perpendicular to a shortest, the centers and / or centers of gravity of two is aligned with respect to the operating direction adjacent arranged controls connecting straight line, are arranged adjacent. By "provided" is intended to be understood in particular specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should in particular mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

The inventive design in particular a high level of comfort can be achieved. In addition, advantageously, a large number of different commands can be achieved with preferably a small number of sensor elements, as a result of which an inexpensive and compact domestic appliance operating device can be achieved. Furthermore, advantageously an efficient signal transmission and / or a signal evaluation can be achieved.

It is also proposed that at least one of the operating elements at least partially surrounds another of the operating elements in the overlapping area. Under the phrase that at least one of the controls at least partially "surrounds" another of the controls in the overlay area, is intended to be understood in particular be that at least one straight line exists, which extends in at least one plane spanned by the controls and the starting from a point within the control element and when progressing in the direction of the other control element first the control element, then at least once the further control element and further progression in the direction again cuts the control. The phrase that at least one of the operating elements surrounds at least a part of the operating elements in the overlay region is to be understood in particular to mean that one of the operating elements has at least one partial area that covers at least a portion of the other of the operating elements over an angular range of more than 90 °, in particular of more than 120 ° and advantageously of more than 180 °. This can advantageously be achieved in a structurally simple manner a functional overlay area.

In addition, it is proposed that the operating elements of the respective overlapping area are arranged interlockingly. Under the phrase that the controls of the respective overlay area "interlocking" are arranged, should be understood in particular that at least one straight line exists, which extends in at least one of the controls plane spanned and starting from a point within a first of the controls and as it progresses in the direction of a second of the control elements, first the first control element, then at least once the second control element, then at least once the first control element and with further progression in the direction again cuts the second control element. As a result, a targeted operation and a low susceptibility to errors in an evaluation of an actuation of the overlay area can advantageously be achieved by means of an interlocking of the operating elements.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the overlapping regions each have a length, in particular with respect to the operating direction, of more than 10%, in particular more than 15%, advantageously more than 20%, of a length, in particular with respect to the operating direction, of the operating elements. In particular, the overlapping areas each have a length, in particular with respect to the operating direction, of less than 200%, in particular less than 150% and advantageously less than 100% of a length, in particular with respect to the operating direction, of the operating elements. As a result, a length of the overlapping area which is advantageous for an actuation can be achieved. It is also proposed that the controls are arranged in a row. By the phrase that the operating elements are arranged in a "row", it should be understood in particular that the operating elements are arranged adjacent to the connecting line and / or the operating direction. For example, the connecting line and / or the operating direction could have an arcuate, circular and / or planar course. Alternatively, further courses of the connection line and / or the operating direction appearing appropriate to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. In particular, the operating elements form an operating strip, in particular an operating slider. As a result, the operating elements can advantageously be arranged in a manner that is pleasant for an operator, in a known manner.

In addition, it is proposed that the operating unit has at least one control unit which is provided to execute different actions as a function of an actuating position in the overlapping area. In particular, the control unit is provided to generate different control signals as a function of an actuation position in the overlay area. In particular, an action performed by the control unit is dependent on at least a percentage overlap of the overlay area. As a result, a high number of actions can advantageously be achieved by means of a small number of sensor elements, as a result of which an inexpensive home appliance operating device can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that at least the operating elements are designed as a coating. In particular, the coating is formed from semiconducting material and / or from conductive material and / or from a combination of semiconductive and conductive material. In particular, the coating is formed from solvent-based ink, which has, for example, proportions of silver, copper, aluminum and / or at least one conductive ceramic. In particular, a conductivity of the coating is adjustable by changing a composition of the proportions. For example, the coating could be made by sputtering a large area and then removing unwanted portions by laser. A "coating" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a firmly adhering layer of a substance which is applied to a surface of at least one component. In particular, the coating has a material thickness which is less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and in particular less than 1% of a material thickness of the component on which the coating is applied is. In particular, the coating has an at least substantially constant material thickness. In particular, the coating has a material thickness of less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.3 mm, advantageously less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.03 mm and preferably less than 0.01 mm. An "at least substantially constant material thickness" should be understood in particular to mean a material thickness whose amount changes in the area of the coating of the component by less than 20%, in particular by less than 10% and advantageously by less than 5%. As a result, advantageously, a space-saving arrangement of at least the operating elements can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the operating unit is designed to be touch-sensitive. In particular, at least one of the operating elements of the operating unit is designed as a touch-sensitive operating element. A "touch-sensitive" operating element is to be understood in particular as an operating element which is intended to be touched and / or approached by an operator, in particular an approach of a body part, for example a finger, of an operator, in particular within a distance of a maximum of 10 cm, in particular not more than 3 cm, advantageously not more than 1 cm, preferably not more than 0.5 cm to react. The operating element preferably reacts to an approach independently of a direct contact and / or pressure, in particular through a contact surface. In particular, the contact surface is designed as a glass and / or plastic unit and / or a hob plate. As a result, the operating unit can advantageously be operated in a way that is pleasantly simple for an operator.

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Hausgerät mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Hausgerätebedienvorrichtung in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

einen Ausschnitt der erfindungsgemäßen Hausgerätebedienvorrichtung aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Hausgerätebedienvorrichtung,

Fig. 4

einen Ausschnitt eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Hausgerätebedienvorrichtung und

Fig. 5

einen Ausschnitt eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Hausgerätebedienvorrichtung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

an inventive household appliance with a domestic appliance operating device according to the invention in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 2

a section of the home appliance control device according to the invention Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a detail of a further embodiment of a domestic appliance operating device according to the invention,

Fig. 4

a detail of another embodiment of a household appliance control device according to the invention and

Fig. 5

a section of another embodiment of a domestic appliance operating device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a household appliance 32 according to the invention, which is designed as a hob, with a domestic appliance operating device 10 according to the invention, which is designed as a cooktop operating device. As an alternative to a design as a hob, the domestic appliance 32 could be designed as oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, dryer and / or dishwasher. Also conceivable are other household appliances that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. The household appliance 32 has a plate unit designed as a hob plate 34 for setting up Gargeschirren. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the plate unit 34 is formed as a separate control panel. In addition, the domestic appliance 32 has four heating units 36, which are arranged below the plate unit 34. The heating units 36, which are designed as induction heating units, are each intended to heat a cooking utensil erected on the plate unit 34 above one of the heating units 36. In each case one of the heating units 36 each forms an independent heating zone 38 for heating a raised cooking utensil.

In a region of the plate unit 34 assigned to an operator in the assembled state, the domestic appliance 32 has the domestic appliance operating device 10 designed as an induction hob operating device. The household appliance operating device 10 has an operating unit 12 which has ten operating elements 14, 16, 18 for input of a parameter. The parameter is designed as a heat output characteristic, for example a heating power and / or a heating power density. Alternatively, further parameters that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. The operating unit 12 has ten sensor elements 20, 22, 24, which are each assigned to one of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 (cf. Fig. 2 ). A number of sensor elements 20, 22, 24 is equal to a number of controls 14, 16, 18. The controls 14, 16, 18 and the Sensor elements 20, 22, 24 are arranged at a distance. The operating unit 12, which is designed to be touch-sensitive, has ten line elements 40 which connect the respective operating elements 14, 16, 18 to the respective sensor elements 20, 22, 24. Alternatively, an embodiment while avoiding line elements is conceivable, wherein respective sensor elements would be arranged at a position of the respective sensor element associated control element. In addition, the operating unit 12 has ten shielding elements 42, which are intended to shield the line elements 40 and the sensor elements 20, 22, 24 for the most part. The shielding elements 42 are formed as conductive, grounded components. Also conceivable are further embodiments of the shielding elements 42 that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Alternatively to an embodiment of the sensor elements 20, 22, 24 described above, a use of conventional sensor elements is conceivable. Of the shielding elements 42 and the line elements 40 only one is provided with a reference numeral.

The shielding elements 42, the line elements 40 and the operating elements 14, 16, 18 are formed as a coating. In this case, the coating is applied to a rear side of the plate unit 34. The operating elements 14, 16, 18 are arranged in a row which extends substantially parallel in an operating direction 44, which is aligned substantially parallel to a front edge of the plate unit 34. A first operating element 14 of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 has with respect to the operating direction 44 on a second operating element 16 of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 side facing away from a substantially flat, straight course, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the operating direction 44 , At a side facing the second operating element 16 with respect to the operating direction 44, the first operating element 14 has a bulge. Corresponding thereto, the second operating element 16 has a recess corresponding to the bulge at a side facing the first operating element 14 with respect to the operating direction 44. At a respect to the operating direction 44 to a third control element 18 of the controls 14, 16, 18 side facing the second control element 16 has a bulge, which is formed substantially identical to the bulge of the first control element 14. The further arranged in the row controls 14, 16, 18 are substantially identical to the second control element 16 is formed. A row concluding of the controls 14, 16, 18 has a respect to the operating direction 44 an adjacent of the controls 14, 16, 18 repellent, the row final page in the Substantially planar, straight course, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the operating direction 44. On a side terminating in the row with respect to the operating direction 44, the end of the row of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 has a recess which is essentially identical to the recess of the second operating element 16.

For a further description of an arrangement of the operating elements 14, 16, 18, only three of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 are considered, which are arranged directly adjacent to the operating direction 44. The first and second operating elements 14, 16 form a first overlapping area 26 and the second and third operating elements 16, 18 form a second overlapping area 28. Each of the overlapping areas 26, 28 is intended to trigger respective sensor elements 20, 22, 24 which are associated with the operating elements 14, 16, 18 forming the overlay area 26, 28.

In the present exemplary embodiment, one of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 partially surrounds another of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 in the overlapping area 26, 28. Each of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 has a bulge and a recess corresponding to the bulge, which is arranged with respect to the operating direction 44 on a side opposite the bulge. A bulge of one of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 is partially encompassed by a recess of a further one of the operating elements 14, 16, 18.

In the Fig. 3 to 5 Alternative embodiments are shown. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the operating elements 14, 16, 18 partially overlap each other in the overlapping area 26, 28 (cf. FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 ). In this case, a first of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 could each have a beveled side surface with respect to the operating direction 44, which could be arranged with a corresponding bevelled side surface of a second operating element 14, 16, 18 adjacent the operating element 14, 16, 18 (cf. Fig. 5 ). It is also conceivable that the operating elements 14, 16, 18 each have mutually offset projections, which are arranged across (see. Fig. 3 ). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the operating elements 14, 16, 18 of the respective overlay region 26, 28 are arranged intermeshing (cf. Fig. 4 ). In this case, adjacently arranged operating elements 14, 16, 18 may each have a plurality of mutually offset projections arranged interlocking are (cf. Fig. 4 ). It is also possible a toothed arrangement of the controls 14, 16, 18, such as in a gear.

The overlay regions 26, 28 each have a length of more than 10% of a length of the operating elements 14, 16, 18. The controls 14, 16, 18 have a length of substantially 2 cm and a width of substantially 2 cm. The overlay areas 26, 28 have a length of substantially 0.5 cm and a width of substantially 2 cm. As an alternative, further lengths and / or widths of the operating elements 14, 16, 18 and / or the overlay areas 26, 28 appearing appropriate to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. Here, a respective length substantially parallel to the operating direction 44 and a respective width are each aligned substantially perpendicular to the length and the operating direction 44.

The operating unit 12 has a control unit 30, which is provided to perform different actions depending on an actuation position 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 in the overlay area 26, 28. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 is provided for an absolute size adjustment, wherein each actuation position 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 is assigned its own, fixed predetermined value. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a control unit is provided for a relative size adjustment, wherein upon actuation of a series forming controls and thus formed by the controls overlay areas in the form of a sliding movement a size depending on movement speed and / or movement length, in particular traveled distance changed becomes.

In a method for operating the household appliance operating device 10, upon actuation of a first actuating position 46, which is arranged centrally in the first operating element 14, the first operating element 14 is actuated. As a result, the first operating element 14 associated sensor element 20 is triggered, whereupon the control unit 30 performs a first action. Similarly, upon actuation of a second actuating position 54, which is arranged centrally in the second operating element 16, the second operating element 16 is actuated, whereby the second operating element 16 associated sensor element 22 is triggered. The control unit 30 then executes a second action. In both cases, a proportion of essentially 100% of a control signal triggered by the actuation of one of the operating elements 14, 16 is detected by the respective sensor element 20, 22.

Upon actuation of a third actuation position 50, which is arranged centrally in the first overlay region 26, both the first control element 14 and the second control element 16 are each actuated to a proportion of substantially 50%. As a result, a proportion of essentially 50% of an operating signal triggered by the actuation of the overlay region 26 is detected by the respective sensor elements 20, 22 forming the overlay region 26, 16 associated with the overlay region 26. In response, a third action is performed.

An evaluation of an actuation of the overlay region 26 at an actuation position 48, 52, which is arranged at substantially 25% of the length of the overlay region 26, takes place analogously. Upon actuation of a fourth actuation position 48, a proportion of substantially 75% of the operating signal is detected by the sensor element 20 assigned to the operating element 14, and a proportion of essentially 25% is detected by the sensor element 22 assigned to the operating element 16. A fourth action is executed. Upon actuation of a fifth actuation position 52, a proportion of essentially 25% of the operating signal is correspondingly detected by the sensor element 20 assigned to the operating element 14, and a proportion of substantially 75% is detected by the sensor element 22 assigned to the operating element 16. A fifth action is executed. Analogously to this, evaluations can be realized in the case of additional actuating positions that appear meaningful to a person skilled in the art, for example at essentially one third of the length of the overlapping area 26.

reference numeral

10

Home appliance control device

12

operating unit

14

operating element

16

operating element

18

operating element

20

sensor element

22

sensor element

24

sensor element

26

Overlay area

28

Overlay area

30

control unit

32

household appliance

34

disk unit

36

heating unit

38

heating zone

40

line element

42

shielding

44

operating direction

46

operating position

48

operating position

50

operating position

52

operating position

54

operating position

Claims (10)

Domestic appliance control device, in particular cooktop operating device, with at least one operating unit (14, 16, 18) for at least input of at least one parameter and at least three sensor elements (20, 22, 24) corresponding to a respective one of the operating elements (14 , 16, 18), characterized in that the first and second operating elements (14, 16) form a first overlapping area (26) and the second and third operating elements (16, 18) form a second overlapping area (28) each of the overlapping areas (26, 28) is provided to trigger respective sensor elements (20, 22, 24) associated with the operating elements (14, 16, 18) forming the overlay region (26, 28). Domestic appliance operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the operating elements (14, 16, 18) at least partially surrounds another of the operating elements (14, 16, 18) in the overlapping area (26, 28). Domestic appliance operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating elements (14, 16, 18) of the respective overlay region (26, 28) are arranged interlocking. Domestic appliance operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overlapping regions (26, 28) each have a length of more than 10% of a length of the operating elements (14, 16, 18). Domestic appliance operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating elements (14, 16, 18) are arranged in a row. Domestic appliance operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (12) has at least one control unit (30) which is provided in dependence on an operating position (46, 48, 50, 52, 54) in the overlay region (26 , 28) perform different actions. Domestic appliance control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the operating elements (14, 16, 18) are designed as a coating. Domestic appliance control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (12) is formed touch-sensitive. Domestic appliance having at least one household appliance operating device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for operating a household appliance operating device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8.

Images