EP3338027B1 - Operation device for a household appliance comprising a spacer element and household appliance comprising an operating device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance with an operating panel and an operating knob which is arranged on the operating panel and which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation for setting operating conditions of the household appliance. The control knob has a front cap which is arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the control knob protruding towards the front opposite a front side of the control panel and ends with a rear end in front of a front side of the control panel. The front cap is connected to a coupling rod, the coupling rod extending through an opening in the control panel. The invention also relates to a household appliance with such an operating device.

Household appliances are known, for example, for the preparation of food and can be an oven, a microwave or a steam cooker. A household appliance can, however, also be designed, for example, to care for items of laundry and, in this context, be a tumble dryer or a washing machine or a washer-dryer. Likewise, a household appliance can be designed, for example, to clean dishes and, in this context, be a dishwasher. It is also possible that the household appliance is designed for storing and preserving food and is, for example, a refrigerator or a freezer or a combined refrigerator-freezer.

An operating device with such an operating knob is, for example, from DE 10 2005 023 159 A1 and from the U.S. 3,534,706 A known.

In known configurations, a front side of an operating panel can be implemented to a very limited extent with regard to the material configuration. The rotatability of the front cap of such a control knob is therefore usually only restricted to a limited extent. The object of the present invention is to create an operating device and a household appliance with such an operating device, in which or in which the front-side configuration of an operating panel is more variable and the rotatability of the operating knob is not restricted as a result.

This object is achieved by an operating device according to claim 1.

An operating device according to the invention for a household appliance comprises an operating panel. Furthermore, the operating device comprises an operating toggle which is designed to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance and which is mounted on the operating panel so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The control knob has as a component a front cap which is arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the control knob, which is parallel or coaxial to the axis of rotation, opposite a front side of the control panel protruding forward and ends with a rear end in front of the front side of the control panel. The front cap is connected to a coupling rod which extends through an opening in the control panel. An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in the fact that a decorative panel is arranged on the front side of the control panel, which is arranged adjacent to the opening of the control panel. In addition, the decorative panel is arranged only partially surrounding the opening of the control panel. In the area of the opening, a separate part of the operating device spacer element is arranged, through which the rear end of the front cap, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, is arranged at a distance from the decorative panel. With such a configuration of an operating device, the front of the operating surface can not only be designed uniformly, but can also be varied in many ways. This can lead to optically diverse configurations with regard to the display of the decor. The decorative panel partially covers the control panel, which leads to a high degree of flexibility and variability in terms of color and / or material. In addition, this additional component in the form of the decorative panel can also be used to individually design this visual appearance of the front of the control panel, depending on its size. As a result, front sides of an operating panel that are designed differently in terms of zones can also be implemented, so that, for example, if the operating panel is of a transparent design, the decorative panel can be used to form an opaque cover.

Since such a decorative panel, as a separate additional part to the control panel, then also virtually represents a certain front thickening in the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element, a certain material jump or step is formed in the area of the opening and, in this regard, also in the axial direction . If, in this context, the front cap were to extend up to the control panel, the rear end of the front cap would then touch this decorative panel during a rotary movement, or rub against it, so that the decorative panel could also be impaired as a result. For this purpose, the additional separate component is provided in the form of the spacer element, so that such direct contact with the decorative panel is prevented by the front cap.

It is provided that the spacer element is formed in one piece and is a ring section. The spacer element is therefore not a completely closed ring, but rather it represents only a partial arc. In particular, this spacer element is designed to extend at most as a semicircle. Such a design of the spacer element as a ring section saves material, since the spacer element is not required completely circumferentially with regard to its functionality and design, since a thickening occurs only in the area in which the decorative panel is formed around the opening and thus only in the Area of the control panel around the opening in which the decorative panel is not arranged, a greater axial spacing is required.

Furthermore, it is provided that the spacer element rests against an inner wall delimiting the opening. This enables a mechanically stabilizing fastening.

Furthermore, it is provided that the spacer element is held radially pretensioned in the opening. This is provided so that the holding and fastening of the spacer element in the opening is also improved as a result. With such a configuration, the spacer element in the basic state is designed with a larger radius than the opening has, which is designed in particular without corners, preferably circular. By then compressing the spacer element during assembly and inserting it into the opening and then releasing it again, this spacer element expands radially on the opening and in this connection is pretensioned against an inner side or delimitation wall which delimits the opening.

In a particularly advantageous manner, it is provided that, viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the spacer element and the decorative panel are arranged without overlapping. This means that, viewed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, there is no area in which the spacer element would extend over the decorative panel or would cover it. On the one hand, this increases the advantages already mentioned above. On the other hand, it is then also avoided that the decorative panel would be damaged by the spacer element or, for example, would be scratched.

In particular, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the spacer element, viewed from the front side of the control panel, is designed to extend further forward than the decorative panel. The functionality of the axial spacing between the decorative panel and the rear end of the front cap is achieved to a particular degree.

It is advantageously provided that the spacer element has a rear axial web, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which is arranged so as to dip into the opening. This further improves the stable and secure mounting.

In particular, it is provided that the spacer element has a front axial web which, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, thus extends forward from the control panel, this front axial web extending axially further forward than the decorative panel. In particular, this front axial web thus also forms a main element which promotes the axial spacing of the rear end of the front cap from the decorative panel.

It is preferably provided that the front axial web has an azimuthally oriented run-on bevel for the rotary movement of the front cap, which is thus oriented circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. This run-up bevel extends in particular only over a partial length, at most by half the azimuthal length of the front axial web, preferably at most over a third of the azimuthal length of the front axial web. To jam or spreading of the front cap in the event of a rotary movement relative to this front axial web and thus relative to the spacer element arranged in a stationary manner on the control panel is prevented. This enables an extremely jolt-free and continuous relative movement and thus a rotary movement of the front cap to the spacer element.

It is preferably provided that the front axial web has a drainage channel on an outside. As a result, liquids that run off or drip off the control panel or its front side and reach the spacer element can be drained away in a targeted manner without being able to get behind the front cap and from there to electronic components of the control device.

The spacer element preferably has a radial web which rests on the front side. This radial web is thus oriented in the radial direction and in this connection preferably forms a stop or a contact on the front of the control panel. In addition, the arcuate spacer element is also internally stiffened by the radial web, so that in particular one axial web or several axial webs are supported.

The radial web is preferably designed in a sickle-shaped manner in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so that here also a particularly corner-free opening into the spacer element at the ends of the radial web.

It is preferably provided that the spacer element has holding elements which are provided for fastening the spacer element to the control panel, in particular to the opening. These holding elements can preferably be snap elements or, for example, resilient hooks or the like. This improves the fastening of the spacer element in the area of the opening.

It can be provided that the spacer element is formed from an opaque material, in particular from a black plastic. An opaque design of the spacer element is special It is also advantageous if the front cap is backlit. In this context, the spacer element is then designed to be multifunctional, since it is also designed as a visual cover and thus as a light-scattering element. Furthermore, the coupling rod and the like cannot be seen from outside.

In the case of a corner-free configuration of the opening, the spacer element is advantageously arranged in an upper region and is thus positioned in an upper half of the length of the contour of the opening viewed in the circumferential direction. As a result, especially when the design of the operating device is given in a backlit front cap, particularly efficient protection against scattered light upwards and to the side is made possible, so that an observer is not blinded in this regard either.

It is preferably provided that the spacer element is made from POM (polyoxymethylene) or an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. This configuration provides a very lightweight component which can also be produced in a simple manner. In addition, it is not electrically conductive, temperature-resistant and insensitive to liquids and other dirt. In particular, the advantage of a very high sliding property is achieved in this way, so that the front cap resting against it and rotating relative to it experiences a very low frictional resistance and can thus be rotated very smoothly and without jerks.

It is advantageously provided that the spacer element has an integrated light guide coupling for mechanical connection to a light guide. As a result, a certain pre-equipment is created in an integrated manner in order to establish a mechanical connection with such a light guide.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the control element or the control knob has a light guide which extends through an opening in the control panel. The then fixedly arranged light guide, which is then preferably held securely in position in the control panel and preferably extends on both sides of the plate-shaped control panel, then also serves in particular as a carrier or holder for the spacer element. This is then achieved by the coupling between the light guide coupling of the spacer element and the light guide.

The control panel can be made of glass, for example. However, it can also be made of metal or plastic. The decorative panel is preferably designed as a thin-walled, flat element, for example as a plate. In this context, it can be made of metal or it can be a film that represents a corresponding metal application. The front cap is preferably designed as a cylinder which has a front wall and a jacket wall adjoining it. With regard to its cylindrical configuration, the front cap is designed to be open and hollow towards the control panel.

The coupling rod is connected to electronics of the operating device, by means of which the rotational position and the associated position are then determined

Operating condition setting is recognized. In this context, the coupling rod is non-rotatably connected to the front cap.

The directions "in the width direction", "in the height direction", "in the depth direction", "above", "below", "front", "rear", "front", "rear" etc. relate to the condition of a properly used Control device and a household appliance set up for conventional use, the door of which is arranged at the front for a viewer and the rear at the rear.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung von Teilkomponenten eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Rückansicht auf eine Frontkappe eines Bedienknebels der Bedienvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Distanzelements der Bedienvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig. 5

eine zu Fig. 4 unterschiedliche perspektivische Darstellung des Distanzelements gemäß Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Distanzelements der Bedienvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2; und

Fig. 7

eine zu Fig. 6 unterschiedliche perspektivische Darstellung des Distanzelements gemäß Fig. 6.

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 perspective view of partial components of an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a perspective rear view of a front cap of an operating knob of the operating device according to FIG Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

a perspective illustration of an embodiment of a spacer element of the operating device according to FIG Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 5

one to Fig. 4 different perspective illustration of the spacer element according to FIG Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a spacer element of the operating device according to FIG Fig. 2 ; and

Fig. 7

one to Fig. 6 different perspective illustration of the spacer element according to FIG Fig. 6 .

Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In Fig. 1 a front view of a household appliance 1 is shown, which is designed for preparing food and is, for example, an oven. The household appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 in which a muffle 3 is arranged which delimits a cooking space 4 by walls. A front opening of the muffle 3 and thus also of a cooking chamber 4 can be closed by a door 5. The household appliance 1 also has an operating device 6, which is only to be understood as an example with regard to the design and local position. The operating device 6 comprises with respect to the number of operating elements 7 and a display unit 8 are to be understood as being only exemplary. At least one operating element 7 is a rotary knob 9, and the operating elements 7 are preferably all rotary knobs.

The control knob 9 is about an axis of rotation A ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) rotatable, which also represents the longitudinal axis of the control knob 9, with various operating conditions of the household appliance 1 being set or selected depending on the rotary position.

The manually rotatable control knob 9 comprises, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 , in which some components of the operating device 6 are shown in perspective, a front cap 10. The front cap 10 is cylindrical and has a front wall 10a and an adjoining jacket wall 10b. The operating device 6 also comprises an operating panel 11, which is designed as a plate and the housing 2 is designed to close on the front. The control panel 11 can be made of glass, for example.

The control panel 11 has an opening 12 for the control knob 9 in the form of a corner-free, in particular round hole through which a coupling rod coupled to the front cap 10 extends, the coupling rod being coupled to electronics (not shown) of the operating device 6 to the effect that a Rotational position of the front cap 10 and thus also the coupling rod is recognized.

To clarify the respective configurations is in Fig. 2 a situation is shown in which the front caps of the control knobs are removed on the left and right and the coupling rods are also not visible, but the openings 12 in the support plate or the control panel 11 are shown. In the middle control knob 9, however, the front cap 10 is shown in its end position.

The following explanations with regard to the openings and the spacer elements for the illustration on the left and right in FIG Fig. 2 With regard to the openings 12, the same applies to the opening 12 of the central control element and thus of the central control knob 9. The statements on the control knob 9 in the middle then also apply for control toggles that are arranged in the left-hand opening or the right-hand opening 12 or, in this regard, extend in front of it.

As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the front cap 10 ends with a rear end 13 viewed in the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis A and thus a rear edge of the jacket wall 10b viewed in the axial direction in front of a front side 11a of the control panel 11. The front cap 10 thus extends not into the opening 12.

In addition, a decorative panel 14 is applied to the front side 11a, in particular connected directly to the front side 11a. The decorative panel 14 is flat and plate-like and can, for example, be glued to the front side 11a. However, a different fastening can also be provided. The decorative panel 14 can, however, also be a film, for example, and in particular represents a metal application. The decorative panel 14 is thus formed with a metallic appearance on its front side 14a. As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the decorative panel 14 extends around an opening 12 only in some areas with regard to the size of the hole in the opening 12. In the embodiment shown, this decorative panel 14 extends viewed in the vertical direction and thus in the y-direction only partially over the height of the opening 12, in particular coming from below at most up to half the diameter of the opening 12. The decorative panel 14, however, preferably closes directly on the Boundary contour of an opening 12. The decorative panel 14 thus directly adjoins an opening 12 or the openings 12. Viewed in the area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, the decorative panel 14 therefore only surrounds an opening 12 in some areas.

In addition, the decorative panel 14 is designed, as it were, as a separate component from the control panel 11 and is arranged thereon.

A spacer element 15, which is separate from the front cap 10 and the decorative panel 14, is also assigned to an operating element or an operating toggle. A one-piece spacer element 15 is arcuate and represents only a ring section. In the exemplary embodiment, a spacer element 15 is at most designed as a semicircle. The spacer element 15 is in the opening 12 arranged and permanently positioned. The cap 10 can therefore rotate relative to the spacer element 15. As can be seen, the size of a spacer element 15 is dependent on the extent of the decorative panel 14, so that the size of the spacer element 15 is preferably adapted to the area that is not covered by the decorative panel 14. In particular, it is provided that, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, a spacer element 15 is formed so that it does not overlap with respect to the decorative panel 14. In particular, it is provided that a spacer element 15, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, extends further forward starting from the front side 11a of the control panel 11 and thus extends further away from the front side 11a than the decorative panel 14 The end 13 of the front cap 10 in the assembled final state is arranged at a distance from the front side 14a of the decorative panel 14. During rotational movements, the front cap 10 and in particular the rear end 13 therefore do not touch the front side 14 a of the decorative panel 14.

It can be provided that a spacer element 15 rests against a delimiting wall 16 delimiting the opening 12.

In this context, it can be provided that the spacer element 15 extends into the opening 12 in regions and rests flat against the delimiting wall 16 with a partial region, in particular a rear axial web.

It can be provided that a spacer element 15 in the basic state and thus in the unmounted state has a larger radius than an opening 12. As a result, a radially pretensioned state of the spacer element 15 can then be achieved in the inserted state, so that the spacer element 15 then quasi presses against the boundary wall 16 and is held therein by this bias.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the operating device 6 has at least one operating toggle 9 which is illuminated. This means that the front cap 10 is backlit. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that a light guide 17 extends in the direction of the front cap 10, coming from the rear, and decouples light from the rear into the front cap 10. In Fig. 2 two different geometries of light guides 17 are shown, whereby different lighting scenarios one Front cap 10 are enabled. The front cap 10 can then have different translucent areas, so that different illuminations of these areas are made possible.

A light guide is preferably arranged in a fixed position on the control panel 11 and extends through an opening through the control panel 11 and extends on both sides of the control panel 11.

As in the embodiment in Fig. 2 As can be seen, a spacer element 15 can also be held on a light guide 17 in addition to or instead of the pretensioned holder in the opening 12. For this purpose, a spacer element 15 can have an integrated holder or a light guide coupling 18, by means of which a mechanical connection with a light guide 17 is made possible and thus holding by the light guide 17 is achieved.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, a spacer element 15 is arranged in an orientation viewed in the direction of rotation about the axis A in an upper azimuthal length half of the opening 12.

Precisely when the front cap 10 is to be illuminated, such a spacer element 15 with the relevant position then also serves as a stray light protection element. Light decoupled from the light guide can then not penetrate to the outside between gaps between the rear end 13 and the front side 11a.

A spacer element 15 is therefore preferably at least partially, in particular completely, made of an opaque material. This can be a black plastic, for example.

The spacer element 15 is preferably made of POM or an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.

In Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a front cap 10 shown from the rear. The hollow geometry can be seen. On an inside of the front wall 10a is a Coupling piece 19 formed in an integrated manner, with which the coupling rod already explained is coupled.

As can also be seen, a radially inwardly offset structure 20 is formed on an inner side of the jacket wall 10b, which, viewed in the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, is offset inwardly compared to the rear end 13 or is formed closer to the front wall 10a is than the rear end 13.

In particular, a mechanical coupling or contact with the spacer element 20 is achieved through this structure 20, so that in this regard an axial stop of the front cap 10 on the spacer element 15 is also achieved. The configuration of the structure 20 in the axial direction is also designed in particular in such a way that the rear end 13 is spaced apart from the front side 14a in the assembled final state.

By designing the operating toggle 9 with such a spacer element 15, in addition to avoiding scratching of the decorative panel 14, the occurrence of grinding noises can also be avoided. In particular, slight inclinations of the front cap 10 can thereby also be avoided or gaps between the front cap 10 and the control panel 11 can be minimized.

In Fig. 4 a first embodiment of a spacer element 15 is shown in a perspective view, which is formed in one piece. This arcuate part comprises a front axial web 21 oriented in the axial direction (in the direction of the longitudinal axis A). In addition, a rear axial web 22 ( Fig. 5 ) educated. In the axial direction between the first axial web or front axial web 21 and the rear axial web 22, a radial web 23 is formed, which thus extends in a surface perpendicular to the axis A. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a holding element 24 and 25, respectively, are formed on opposite ends 15a and 15b of the rear axial web 22. The holding elements 24 and 25 are, for example, snap elements, such as snap hooks or resilient hook elements. They are directed radially outwards, so that in the inserted state, as shown in Fig. 2 shown in the left-hand and right-hand configurations Snapping behind the opening 12 is enabled. This means that the delimitation wall 16 of an opening 12 is engaged from behind by these holding elements 24 and 25 and lies against a rear side opposite the front side 11a.

In the inserted state of such a spacer element 15, which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is shown from different perspectives, in an opening 12, the rear axial web 22 is immersed in the opening 12 and against the boundary wall 16. The radial web 23 then rests in particular on the front side 11a. The front axial web 21, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, extends further forward than the thickness of the decorative panel 14. It can also be provided that the thickness of the radial web 23, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, is greater than the thickness of the decorative panel 14.

In particular, a front edge of the front axial web 21 rests on the structure 20.

In Fig. 6 a further embodiment of a spacer element 15 is shown in a first perspective illustration. In contrast to the representation according to FIGS. 4 and 5 it is provided here that the light guide coupling 18 is designed differently. This is designed in such a way that it is designed for light guides 17, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 are shown in the implementation on the left. The execution of the optical fiber coupling 18, as it is in the case of the spacer element 15 according to FIG FIGS. 4 and 5 is for light guides 17 as shown in FIG Fig. 2 are realized in the left-hand configuration. There the outer contour of the light guide 17 is angular, in particular square, preferably trapezoidal, at least in the coupling area which is provided with the spacer element 15. In the right-hand configuration, the light guide 17 is designed like a pin in the area of the intended coupling with the spacer element 15, preferably cylindrical.

When shown in Fig. 6 In addition, a run-on bevel 26 of a radial outer side of the front axial web 21 is formed, which extends only partially over the azimuthal length of the front axial web 21, preferably over a quarter of the azimuthal length of this front axial web 21. This run-up bevel 26 prevents the front cap 10 from jamming or spreading during a rotary movement about the axis A on the spacer element 15. Through the In addition, radial guidance during the rotational movement of the front cap 10 relative to the spacer element 15 is also achieved, so that an extremely positionally accurate arrangement is maintained here as well.

In Fig. 7 Another embodiment of a spacer element 15 is shown. This is particularly different from Fig. 6 Another different shape of the light guide coupling 18 is shown. In contrast to the statements according to FIGS. 4 to 6 a downwardly closed light guide coupling 18 is formed here, so that a coupling bottom 18a is also formed. This also prevents stray light radiation downwards in an improved manner.

In particular, it is provided that a spacer element 15 also has a drainage channel which is formed on the front axial web 21. Such a drainage channel 27 is for example in the embodiment in Fig. 6 shown. In this context, the front axial web 21 is formed undercut, so that such a drainage channel 27 is formed in particular between the front side of the radial web 23 and a front free edge of the front axial web 21. As a result, liquid reaching the spacer element 15 from the front side 11a can reach the drainage channel 27 via the radial web 23 and can then be drained off laterally via this drainage channel 27 due to the shape of the spacer element 15. Penetration of this liquid into the opening 12 and from there possibly to electronic components of the operating device 6 is prevented.

List of reference symbols

1

Home appliance

2

casing

3

Grouch

4th

Cooking space

5

door

6th

Control device

7th

Controls

8th

Display unit

9

Rotary knob

10

Front cap

10a

Front wall

10b

Cladding wall

11th

Control panel

11a

Front

12th

opening

13th

rear end

14th

Decorative cover

14a

Front

15th

Spacer element

15a

end

15b

end

16

Boundary wall

17th

Light guide

18th

Fiber optic coupling

18a

Paddock floor

19th

Coupling piece

20th

structure

21

front axial web

22nd

rear axial web

23

Radial web

24

Retaining element

25th

Retaining element

26th

Approach slope

27

Drainage channel

A.

axis

Claims (12)

1. Operator control apparatus (6) for a household appliance (1), with an operator control panel (11) and an operator control knob (9), which is arranged on the operator control panel (11) and is mounted such that it can be rotated about an axis of rotation to adjust operating conditions of the household appliance (1), wherein the operator control knob (9) has a front cap (10), which is arranged such that it protrudes forwards from a front side (11a) of the operator control panel (11) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (A) of the operator control knob (9) and ends with a rear end (13) before the front side (11a) of the operator control panel (11), and the front cap (10) is connected to a coupling rod of the operator control apparatus (6), which extends through an opening (12) in the operator control panel (11), characterised in that arranged on the front side (11a) of the operator control panel (11) is a decorative panel (14), which partially covers the operator control panel (11) and which is arranged such that it is adjacent to the opening (12) of the operator control panel (11) and only partially surrounds the opening (12), and arranged in the region of the opening (12) is a one-piece spacer element (15) of the operator control apparatus (6), by way of which the rear end (13) of the front cap (10) is arranged spaced apart from the decorative panel (14) when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), wherein the spacer element (15) is arranged at a fixed position on the operator control panel (11) and the front cap (10) is able to rotate relative to the spacer element (15), wherein the spacer element (15) is a ring section, and wherein the spacer element (15) abuts a delimiting wall (16) that delimits the opening (12) and is held in the opening (12) in a radially pretensioned manner.
2. Operator control apparatus (6) according to claim 1, characterised in that, when viewed in an area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), the spacer element (15) and the decorative panel (14) are arranged such that they do not overlap.
3. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer element (15) has a rear axial web (22), when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), which is arranged such that it is immersed in the opening (12), and has a front axial web (21) that extends axially further forwards than the decorative panel (14).
4. Operator control apparatus (6) according to claim 3, characterised in that the front axial web (21) has a run-on chamfer (26) for the rotary movement of the front cap (10).
5. Operator control apparatus (6) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the front axial web (21) has a run-off groove (27) on a radial outer side.
6. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer element (15) has a radial web (23), which abuts the front side (11a) of the operator control panel (11).
7. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer element (15) has holding elements (24, 25), in particular snap-on elements, for fastening the spacer element (15) to the operator control panel (11), in particular in the opening (12).
8. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer element (15) is embodied from an opaque material, in particular from a black plastic.
9. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer element (15) is made of POM or an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.
10. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer element (15) has an integrated light guide coupling (18) for mechanically connecting to a light guide (17).
11. Operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operator control knob (9) has a light guide (17), which extends through the opening (12) in the operator control panel (11).
12. Household appliance (1) with an operator control apparatus (6) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images