EP3080517B1 - Domestic appliance comprising a moveable control panel - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance having a front-side control panel which covers a receiving space arranged behind it for a household appliance component. The household appliance further comprises a movement device with a motor drive. The movement device is designed to move the control panel for opening and closing the receiving space.

Such a household appliance is from the DE 10 2007 048 200 A1 known. There, it is provided that the control panel is moved manually over its entire path and thus full of users. Preferably, there is provided that an electromechanical drive is provided, which moves the control panel from the rest position to the exposed position and from this again back to the rest position user independent.

In these embodiments, it may happen on the one hand, that unwanted independent movements of the control panel over the possible total path or on the other undesirable high force required for a user to perform the movement of the control panel can.

The EP 0 541 974 A1 describes a household appliance with a closable by a door dishwasher compartment or oven. The appliance door has a switch panel, and it can be closed by means of an electric motor drive to a door open position, which is located approximately at the handle height of a device operator.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a household appliance, in which a movement of a front panel is user-friendly. Further relevant prior art is from the documents DE 10 2006 001293 A1 , E 10 2006 019515 A1 . US 2010/140247 A1 and DE 10 2007 048200 A1 known, the latter discloses the features of the preamble.

This object is achieved by a household appliance according to claim 1.

An inventive household appliance comprises a door and a front panel and arranged above the door control panel, which arranged behind it Covering space for a household appliance component. The household appliance component is designed as a tank for a fluid, which is connected to the household appliance also formed for steam cooking with a steam generating device of the household appliance that the fluid therein is evaporated and is introduced into a cooking chamber of the household appliance, wherein the tank from the receiving space is removable. The household appliance further comprises a movement device, which is designed to move the control panel for opening and closing the receiving space. The movement device has at least one motor drive. An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that the control panel is moved on a first partial path between two different end positions of a total path through the motor drive and is moved on a second partial path between the two different end positions of the total path by a user. The two different end positions are defined in particular by the open position on the one hand and the closed position on the other. Such a movement specification on two partial routes increases the user-friendliness. Unwanted automatic movements of the control panel are thereby prevented. In addition, the motor drive is only partially required, so that an energy-efficient operation is possible. In addition, the partial user-full movement of the control panel enables a path distribution, which requires less effort, especially on the partial path on which the user performs the movement.

The control panel carries components of an operating device and is thus designed and arranged for receiving the operating device. In particular, the control panel by a user directly operable and / or trained to display information viewable components, such as a control and a display.

In particular, the division of the total path in partial paths is made so that the effort is minimized for a user.

It is envisaged that the first partial path is measured between a closed position of the control panel and an intermediate position. The first part way thus begins already at the first end position, which is the closed part Position of the control panel represents.

It is preferably provided that the second partial path is dimensioned between an intermediate position and an open position of the control panel. Here too, at least one end of the second partial path is thus defined by an end position of the total path, namely the second end position of the total path. The total path between the two different end positions is thus completely covered in terms of length, in particular by the two partial paths, so that a seamless transition between the partial routes at the intermediate point is also achieved. A very needs-based and user-friendly movement of the control panel is achieved. On the total path of the control panel so no path interval is given, which is not individually and as needed and adapted to the situation with regard to the path length and / or the way in which the movement of the control panel is performed, is formed. Energetically, in terms of the required effort and the safe and malfunction-free movement of the control panel is thus designed an advantageous embodiment.

It is preferably provided that the first partial path is dimensioned over a length of between 25 mm and 35 mm, in particular 30 mm. This applies in particular to a straight horizontal path. This specific value length specification favors the above advantages again.

It is preferably provided that the movement device has a multi-joint hinge which is coupled via the total path of the control panel with the control panel. This also favors the motion control and supports the extension and retraction depending on the situation and path-dependent, so that here again the above-mentioned advantages in terms of user friendliness are reaffirmed.

Preferably, it is provided that the multi-joint hinge has at least one spring which compresses and expands on the total path and which on the total path from the closed position of the control panel to the open position of the control panel at a the first position of the control panel remote first end of the first part of their has maximum compressed length. It is thereby achieved a specified embodiment, in which just just not at the end points of the total path and thus at the end positions of the control panel, the maximum length compression of this spring is formed. By this specific advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movement scenarios on the partial routes with the then possibly different types of movement generation, on the one hand by the user and on the other hand by a motor drive, in operative connection with it favors.

Preferably, it is provided that the multi-joint hinge is designed so that the spring coupled to the hinge elements expands starting from the compressed dead center reached at the first end and thus the maximum length compression on further movement of the multi-joint hinge on the second partial path and the user-operated actuation on the second partial path of the control panel and thus of the multi-joint hinge is supported by the spring. This is a particularly noteworthy embodiment, as thus quasi for the extension of the control panel after exceeding this maximum compressed dead center of the spring and thus on the then beginning second partial path by the expansion of the spring an additional force is added, which facilitates the opening. The user must thus bring in this second part way until reaching the fully open position of the control panel a much reduced effort.

Preferably, it is provided that the multi-joint hinge is designed so that the spring coupled with hinge elements expands on the path of movement from the open position of the control panel to the closed position after reaching the maximum compressed dead center on the then following first partial path and thereby an automatic self-retraction for Control panel is formed. This is also another, very noteworthy embodiment, since thus virtually no user power is more or less required when entering the control panel and already completely swept second partial path on reaching the dead center and then beginning first partial path, since then then with the then also re-expansion of the spring until reaching the first end position and thus the closed position of the control panel this self-closing works and this closed position causes automatically, but in particular without support from the motor drive.

It is preferably provided that the multi-joint hinge has a latching device with which the position of the multi-joint hinge corresponding to the open position of the control panel can be locked. An undesirable retraction or possibly a folding down of the control panel is prevented. Just when components have to be taken out of the receiving space or otherwise handled, such a locking option is advantageous. In particular, it is provided that a user-full locking and solution is given by the latching device. Preferably, the latching device comprises corresponding latching elements, which are formed for example on a lever of the multi-joint hinge. The locking device may be formed, for example, of plastic and the locking elements by a user easily accessible and operable.

It is preferably provided that the movement device has two multi-joint hinges, which are connected to a coupling rod and motion-synchronized. As a result, a torsionally rigid arrangement is created, which allows a uniform movement of the control panel over its entire width. The control panel is held and guided by dimensionally stable and subject to no distortion or the like. Preferably, the coupling rod is a metal rod, which is connected in particular via a positive connection and a fixed connection, such as a rivet connection or a screw connection or the like, with the multi-joint hinges. This also leads to a backlash-free fixation. Preferably, the individual hinge lever or hinge elements are connected to each other via plastic bushings, which allow a possible frictionless and low-wear movement. Preferably, it is provided that the multi-joint hinges are mounted at their ends on the one hand on the control panel and on the other hand on a technical Lisene of the household appliance form-fitting and fastened in each case with fastening elements such as screws, in particular two screws. Due to the advantageous self-retraction already mentioned above, the control panel is then also used to the household appliance or to the housing of the household appliance, so that there is a very stable positioning is achieved and a wobbling or play end position is prevented.

Not according to the invention it is provided that the movement device has a position detection device, with which the position of the control panel can be seen. This is advantageous to the effect that the change between the motor drive and the subsequent user-driven further movement is thus made possible very precisely and precisely. Especially the recognition of the two partial paths, which are preferably directly adjacent to each other, and thus then taking place transition or the transfer of the initially fully automatic movement by the motor drive on the movement by a user, in particular by the expanding spring on the way from the closed Position to the open position of the control panel this movement is supported, this is precisely possible.

Not according to the invention it is provided that the position detection device for detecting the position of the control panel has an electronic switch. The precision of the position detection, as well as the activation and deactivation of the motor drive is thereby further specified.

Not according to the invention it is provided that the electronic switch is arranged on the multi-joint hinge. For one, it is very space-saving attachable, on the other hand, the movement and thus the position detection are directly and very directly and precisely detected.

It is preferably provided that the motor drive is active on the path of movement of the first part length from the closed position to an intermediate position, in particular only on this first part length and only in this direction of movement is active. This therefore means that in the advantageous embodiment, the motor drive is only activated between the two end positions in the direction of movement from the closed position to the open position, which represent the two end positions, between the closed position and the intermediate position. This also positively supports the movement scenario and the advantages already mentioned. By the position detection device and high security requirements is taken into account, so that incorrect operation can be avoided. In particular, the detection of the closed end position of the control panel is thereby very accurately accessible.

Preferably, the control panel is moved on the total path between the two end positions, the closed end position and the open end position, on a circular path. This configuration, in particular realized with the multi-joint hinges, offers the advantage that with a very small installation space a relatively large travel path and thus a relatively large movement path between the two different end positions is made possible. As a result, the accessibility to the receiving space is provided without restriction.

In addition, with the multi-joint hinge and a more complex movement path can be displayed. This allows the use of the movable control panel also in a so-called deep installation, which means that it is installed under a kitchen worktop of a built-in furniture, is possible.

Another advantage is the fact that a high stability of the control panel is achieved even in the fully extended state and thus in the open position.

Just by the possibility with the multi-joint hinge and the spring and a situation is created in which in a de-energized operation, for example in a power failure, and thus in an emergency operation of the control panel movement this can be moved user defined over the first part length.

Not according to the invention it is provided that the motor drive comprises a worm gear, which is motion-coupled with the control panel. In particular, it is provided here that only by a single revolution of the worm gear, the entire first partial path or the partial length is covered. It can also be provided that the motor drive comprises an electric motor with a spur gear, in which the power transmission takes place with a lever or a cam on a motor shaft of the electric motor.

In the version with a worm gear no undesirable positioning and space consuming plunger or the like are needed. With a single engine revolution, the entire system is back in the starting position and the control panel can be closed without additional effort.

The same applies to the version with an electric motor.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die Bedienblende mit Komponenten einer Bewegungsvorrichtung des Haushaltsgeräts zum Bewegen der Bedienblende;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der Ausführung gemäß Fig. 2 mit einer in der geschlossenen Stellung angeordneten Bedienblende;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 2 mit einer in der vollständig geöffneten Stellung gezeigten Bedienblende;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausführung der Bewegungsvorrichtung mit einem motorischen Antrieb, der ein Schneckengetriebe umfasst; und

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform einer Bewegungsvorrichtung mit einem Elektromotor als motorischen Antrieb.

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

Fig. 1

a front view of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the control panel with components of a moving device of the household appliance for moving the control panel;

Fig. 3

a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 2 with a control panel arranged in the closed position;

Fig. 4

a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 2 with a control panel shown in the fully open position;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of an embodiment of the moving device with a motor drive comprising a worm gear; and

Fig. 6

a perspective view of an embodiment of a moving device with an electric motor as a motor drive.

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

In Fig. 1 a household appliance 1 is shown, which is designed as a baking oven. The household appliance 1 comprises a housing 2, in which a cooking chamber 3, which is delimited by walls of a muffle, is closed at the front by a door 4. The door 4 has a handle 5 on the outside.

In addition, the household appliance 1 comprises an operating device 6, which in terms of position and number only exemplary controls 7 and 8 and a display unit 9 has. The operating device 6 is held at the front by a control panel 10, wherein the control panel 10 preferably extends over its entire width of the household appliance 1 and is arranged above the door 4 in the embodiment. The control panel 10 covers a housing 2 formed in the receiving space 11, in which, in Fig. 1 merely by way of example and not to be understood as conclusive in terms of position and shape, a tank 12 designed as a household appliance component for a fluid, in particular water, is arranged. The domestic appliance 1 is designed for steam cooking and comprises a steam generating device, which is connected to the tank 12 in such a way that the water contained therein is evaporated and introduced into the cooking chamber 3. The tank 12 can be removed from the receiving space 11, for which purpose the control panel 10 is movable relative to the housing 2 and also to the receiving space 11, in particular from the in Fig. 1 shown fully closed position can be pivoted upwards and then in the fully open position. In this fully open position of the control panel 10 then the receiving space 11 is fully accessible from the front and, for example, designed as a household appliance component tank 12 easily removable and reusable.

The controls 7 and 8 and the display unit 9 are fixedly arranged on the control panel 10, wherein the rear side a receptacle for the electronics of said components is arranged, which is fastened in particular to the back of the control panel 10.

To move this control panel 10, the household appliance 1 comprises a movement device 13, which also includes a motor drive. By means of the movement device 13, the movement of the control panel 10 for opening and closing and thus also for releasing and locking of the receiving space 11 takes place.

The household appliance 1 is designed so that the control panel 10 is moved on a first partial path between two different end positions of a total path through the motor drive and is completed on a second partial path between the two end positions of the total path by a user. This means, Thus, between the closed position of the diaphragm 10, which represents a first end position on the entire path, and an open position, which represents a second end position of the total path, a first path portion automatically controlled by the motor drive, the movement of the control panel 10, and on a second path portion corresponding to the second partial path, no motor driving force is added, but the user himself initiates the movement by appropriate effort. In particular, it is provided that the user-full motion is supported by a mechanical component, in particular a spring, on this second partial path.

Preferably, the first partial path between a closed position of the control panel 10 and an intermediate position of this control panel 10 is measured between the two different end positions mentioned. In particular, the second partial path between this intermediate position and the open position of the control panel 10 is measured. The total distance between the closed end position and the open end position of the control panel 10 is thus composed of the two partial paths.

In Fig. 2 is a plan view of the control panel 10 with components of the moving device 13 is shown. The movement device 13 comprises on opposite sides two separate multi-joint hinges 14, which are coupled to the control panel 10. The multi-joint hinges 14 each have a plurality of interconnected and relatively movable hinge elements. Each of these multi-joint hinge 14 also includes a spring 15 (FIG. Fig. 3 ), which is coupled and connected to the hinge elements.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 2 in which the closed state or the closed position of the control panel 10 is shown, an electronic switch 16, which is part of a position detection device, arranged on one of the multi-joint hinges 14. By means of the position detection device, the respective position of the control panel 10 is detected based on the position of the multi-joint hinge 14. The active and deactive operation of the motor drive is then controlled via a control unit, not shown.

The two multi-joint hinges 14 are connected via a coupling rod 17, which is in particular made of metal. As a result, a movement synchronization between the multi-joint hinges 14 is achieved by the fixed connection of this rod 17 with the two multi-joint hinges 14.

Preferably, the multi-joint hinges 14 are coupled to this control panel 10 over the entire path over which the control panel 10 can move.

The spring 15 is compressed and expanded by the movement of the hinge elements of the associated multi-joint hinge 14 in the path of movement. The spring is designed and arranged so that on the total path of the closed position of the control panel 10 to the open position of the control panel 10 viewed at a closed position of the control panel more distant first end of the first partial path, it has its maximum compressed length. As a result, the spring 15 in this maximum compressed length also maximum compressed and biased.

Each multi-link hinge 14 is also designed so that the respective spring 15 coupled to the respective hinge elements expands starting from the compressed dead center reached at the first end and thus the maximum length compression, upon further movement of the multi-link hinge 14 on the then second partial path and thus lengthened and the user-full operation of the control panel 10 is supported on the second partial path toward the fully open position of the control panel 10 by the spring 15.

It is preferably provided that the multi-joint hinge 14 is also designed so that the hinge 15 coupled with hinge elements of the multi-joint hinge 14 expands on the path of movement from the open position of the control panel 10 in the closed position after reaching the maximum compressed dead center on the then following first partial path and thereby an automatic self-closing of the control panel 10 is formed. This means that when the control panel 10 is to be closed, for example, starting from the fully open position and then initially moves on the second partial path, which is initiated by a user by the control panel 10 is pressed and the spring 15th again compressed and thus biased more. If the end of the second partial path facing the first partial path is then reached on the entire path, and thus this maximum compressed dead center of the spring, which then lies exactly at this point between the first and second partial paths, is reached, then the control panel is moved further 10 towards the fully closed state or to the fully closed position and thus the then further traversing the first part of this automatically executed running, to expand the springs 15 and cause by this expansion the self-closing of the control panel in the fully closed position. In this closing process with the then passing through the first part way to the closed position of the control panel 10 is thus no user-assisted force on the control panel 10 more necessary. In particular, no motor-driven support of the motion control is performed here.

In particular, the motor drive is anyway only active on the actuation path, in which the control panel 10 is moved from the fully closed position to the open position on the first partial path. In any further movement up to the fully open position or from the fully open position back to the fully closed position then no motor-driven motion support is given.

In Fig. 3 is in a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 2 shown. The multi-joint hinge 14 comprises the hinge elements 18, 19, 20 to be recognized and at least 21.

In Fig. 4 is a side view of the embodiment in Fig. 3 shown, but here the fully open position of the control panel 10 is shown.

In Fig. 5 is shown in a simplified perspective view of an embodiment in which the moving device 13 is shown with a motor drive 22, which also has a worm gear 23. By a single complete revolution, the first part length or the first partial path is moved from the closed position of the control panel 10 to the intermediate position by this configuration of the worm gear 23.

In Fig. 6 is shown in a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of the moving device 13, in which case an electric motor 24 is provided as a motor drive, which is equipped with my spur gear. The power transmission takes place with a lever or a cam on the motor shaft, wherein a plunger 25 rotates and thus presses the switch front or the control panel 10 from the fully closed position in the direction of the intermediate position and thus moves accordingly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

household appliance

2

casing

3

oven

4

door

5

Handle

6

operating device

7

operating element

8th

operating element

9

display unit

10

control panel

11

accommodation space

12

tank

13

mover

14

Multi-joint hinges

15

feather

16

counter

17

coupling rod

18

hinge element

19

hinge element

20

hinge element

21

hinge element

22

drive

23

worm gear

24

electric motor

25

tappet

Claims (11)

1. Domestic appliance (1) with a door (4), comprising a front control panel (10) arranged above the door (4), which conceals a holding chamber (11) arranged therebehind for a domestic appliance component, which is designed as a tank (12) for a fluid, which in the case of the domestic appliance (1) also being designed for steam cooking is connected to a steam generator of the domestic appliance (1) to the effect that the fluid located therein is evaporated and introduced into a cooking chamber (3) of the domestic appliance (1), wherein the tank (12) can be removed from the holding chamber (11), and comprising a movement mechanism (13) having a motorised drive (22 to 25), which movement mechanism is designed to move the control panel (10) in order to open and close the holding chamber (11), characterised in that the control panel (10) is moved by the motorised drive (22 to 25) on a first partial travel path between two end positions of a total travel path, and is moved by a user on a second partial travel path between the two end positions of the total travel path, wherein the first partial travel path is apportioned between a closed position of the control panel (10) and an intermediate position.
2. Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the second partial travel path is apportioned between an intermediate position and an opened position of the control panel (10).
3. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first partial travel path is apportioned over a length between 25 mm and 35 mm, in particular 30 mm.
4. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement mechanism (13) has at least one multilink hinge (14), which is connected to the control panel (10) over the total travel path of the control panel (10).
5. Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the multilink hinge (14) has at least one spring (15), which compresses and expands on the total travel path, and the length of which, considered on the total travel path from the closed position to the opened position of the control panel (10), is at maximum compression at a first end of the first partial travel path, which end is further away from the closed position of the control panel (10).
6. Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the multilink hinge (14) is designed such that the spring (15), which is connected to hinge elements (18 to 21), during further movement of the multilink hinge (14) on the second partial travel path expands from the compressed transition point reached at the first end, and the user-performed actuation is assisted by the spring (15) on the second partial travel path.
7. Domestic appliance (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the multilink hinge (14) is designed such that the spring (15), which is connected to hinge elements (18 to 21), on the movement path from the opened position of the control panel (10) into the closed position, after reaching the transition point of maximum compression expands on the first partial travel path that then follows, thereby forming an automatic self-retraction of the control panel (10).
8. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the multilink hinge (14) has a latching mechanism, by means of which the position of the multilink hinge (14) that corresponds to the opened position of the control panel (10) can be locked, in particular can be locked and released by a user.
9. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the movement mechanism (13) has two multilink hinges (14), which are connected by a connecting rod (17) and move in a synchronised manner thereby.
10. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement mechanism (13) has a position detector, which can be used to detect the position of the control panel (10).
11. Domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the motorised drive (22 to 25) is active on the movement path of the first partial travel path from the closed position up to an intermediate position, in particular is active only on this first partial travel path and only in this direction of movement.

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