EP4060111A1 - Domestic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) with a housing (4), with at least one operating unit (9) for operating the household appliance (1) and a control unit (31) for essentially activating the household appliance (1), the at least one operating unit (9) has at least one rotary selector (10) with an end face (11), at least one display unit (13) being assigned to the at least one operating unit (9), the at least one display unit (13) having at least one first display device (15) and comprises at least one second display device (17), the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) being provided for displaying information and for operating the household appliance (1), the operating unit (9) being set up in this way is that several selection levels are provided for user navigation, each displaying at least one selection option (37) to a user, and in a he selection confirmation of a selection option (37) changes between the selection levels, wherein the at least one first display device (15) at least partially surrounds the at least one rotary selector (11) and the at least one second display device (17) in the end face of the rotary selector (11) is designed, wherein the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) correspond to one another in such a way that when a selection confirmation is made for a displayed selection option (37) of the at least one first display device (15), the displayed selection option is at least partially carried over (37) from the at least one first display device (15) to the at least one second display device (17), and a next higher or next lower selection level is displayed on the at least one first display device (15).

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance with a housing according to claim 1 and a method for operating a household appliance according to claim 11.

A household appliance is a device that is intended to support a user in the household area or to facilitate household activities. To achieve this, a household appliance must be easy to operate and be operated intuitively. Especially today, the demands on a household appliance are increasing. In addition to the functional features, a household appliance must also be attractive in design. An oven, for example, should not only be able to bake well, but also beautify the kitchen so that a kitchen gains in aesthetics. At the same time, however, the oven must be quick and easy to operate and deliver the desired baking result. This means a menu selection must be easy and quick, without going through many steps to find a desired program. Furthermore, it is important to a user that a user can communicate with the household appliance and, if necessary, can give operating commands by voice input.

In the DE 10 2016 210 171 A1 discloses a household appliance that has a housing with an operating unit. The operating unit includes a rotary selector and a projection device is arranged inside the housing. The rotary selector has a projection surface, with the projection device being set up to project onto the projection surface in order to display information on the projection surface.

It is an object of the invention to create a household appliance in which the operating complexity is minimized, an improved user experience and improved ergonomics and an aesthetic appearance are provided, and the prior art is further developed in the process.

The object is solved by the features of independent claims 1 and 11. Further advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the subclaims and in the description and the drawings.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object according to the invention is achieved by a household appliance with a housing, at least one operating unit for operating the household appliance and a control unit for essentially activating the household appliance. The at least one control unit has at least one rotary selector with a front side, wherein at least one display unit is assigned to the at least one control unit, wherein the at least one display unit comprises at least one first display device and at least one second display device. The at least one first display device and the at least one second display device are provided for displaying information and for operating the household appliance. The operating unit of the household appliance is set up in such a way that several selection levels are provided for user navigation or menu navigation, each displaying at least one selection option to the user, and a changeover between the selection levels takes place when a selection confirmation is made.

The at least one first display device at least partially surrounds the at least one rotary selector and the at least one second display device is formed in the end face of the rotary selector, the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device corresponding to one another in such a way that when a displayed selection option is confirmed, the at least one first display device, the displayed selection option is at least partially transferred from the at least one first display device to the at least one second display device, and a next higher or next lower selection level is displayed on the at least one first display device.

A display on at least one first display device and on the at least one second display device shows a user in a clear manner what the user has just selected and what the user can select further, which means that the user has minimized operating complexity and an improved user experience as well as providing improved ergonomics and aesthetic appearance.

A selection level represents a selection option at a specific point in time in a menu arrangement of a household appliance. That means a selection option is displayed to a user. Choosing a selection option opens a further selection option in a further selection level. The further selection level can lead to a change in the display unit, which means that a new display appears or a further selection level is displayed on the display unit. For example, an operating program of the household appliance can be stored on a selection level. By confirming the selection of an operating program, the user arrives at a next higher selection level, which allows, for example, operating program parameters to be set. By confirming the selection of one or more operating program parameters, the user arrives at a further, next higher selection level in which, for example, starting the household appliance is provided. However, if the user would like to jump back from one of the selection levels to a previous selection level, ie to a next lower selection level, this can also be done. A user is literally navigated through an operating concept of the household appliance using different selection levels.

The term selection option is to be understood here as a selection option from different values. The different values can be operating programs and/or operating program parameters and/or start or stop commands and the like. It is thus possible to select further and/or return commands, such as abort or jump back to a previous display or selection level and/or final commands. A selection option can also be referred to as a selection entry or selection menu or choice or dialing option.

In the present invention, the user is guided through the individual selection options, which can also be referred to as a selection menu, which is described in this application with user navigation.

The at least one first display device and the at least one second display device are preferably set up in such a way that at least one item of status information of the household appliance can be displayed.

In the case of a laundry care appliance, for example, status information can include a process and/or an operation such as rinsing, soaking, washing, spinning, drying and/or pumping out. For example, in a dishwasher, the process and/or operation may be prewash, rinse, dry, and/or drain. For example, in an oven, the process and/or operation may include preheating, baking, roasting, heating, and/or cooling. Status information of a household appliance reflects the currently executing process and/or operation of the present household appliance. With a display of status information, a user can be shown which process and/or operation the household appliance is currently executing or will execute next. The user can thus estimate, for example, how long the household appliance will need to finish the operating program. As a result, the user can, for example, estimate the remaining running time of an overall process and/or overall operation.

The household appliance preferably comprises a communication unit that communicates with an internal device and/or an external device, and the communication unit is set up in such a way that functions of the operating unit and/or the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device are directed to the internal device and /or can be transferred to the external device and default settings relating to a displayable first group of operating programs can be selected on the at least one first display device and/or the at least one second display device.

The household appliance can already be preset via presettings in such a way that a specific number of operating programs can be stored in the first group of operating programs. For example, the first group of operating programs includes between two and five operating programs. The fewer operating programs that are included in the first group, the faster the household appliance can be selected and started. The second group of operating programs includes all the remaining operating programs that are conceivable for the respective household appliance. Furthermore, it is provided that the household appliance can be controlled simply via the internal device and/or the external device. The internal device can be a smartphone or tablet, for example, which is attached to the Household appliance is recordable. Furthermore, the internal device can include the at least one display unit. The external device can be a smartphone or tablet, for example, which can be wirelessly connected to the household appliance so that it can be operated remotely. Various presettings can also be set up or preset conveniently and easily via the internal and/or external device, which enables faster operation the next time the household appliance is used.

The household appliance advantageously includes a memory unit which essentially stores frequently used operating programs of the household appliance in a first group of operating programs and/or stores operating programs of the household appliance which the communication unit receives from the internal and/or the external device, with a second group of operating programs can be called up via the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device, the first group of operating programs corresponding to a standard setting that is stored on the at least one first display device and on the at least one second display device when the household appliance is switched on.

Default setting means here that when a user switches on the household appliance, the default setting is always displayed first. The default setting enables quick and easy operation of the household appliance. With the standard setting, for example, the two to five most popular or preset or most frequently used operating programs are displayed, which enable the desired operating program to be started with just a few further steps.

The first group of operating programs preferably includes fewer operating programs than the second group of operating programs. The household appliance is not limited to the first group of operating programs, but rather includes other operating programs that can be controlled but mean more effort to select than an operating program from the first group. The user is to be offered the full range of operating programs, but not all are to be shown in the default setting, so that the user has one in the default setting finds a clear representation of a small group of operating programs on the at least one first and at least one second display device and/or on the internal or external device.

An operating program and/or at least one operating program parameter assigned to the operating program and/or a next higher or next lower selection level and/or at least one item of status information of the household appliance can be displayed on the at least one first display device. A selection of operating programs and/or at least one operating program parameter assigned to the operating program and/or a next higher or next lower selection level and/or at least one item of status information of the household appliance can be displayed on the at least one second display device. The at least one first display device and the at least one second display device are essentially set up in such a way that many different items of information and/or animations that can be displayed can be displayed and/or played.

At least one of the two display devices, the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device, is preferably designed as a touch-sensitive and/or interactive display device, via which information can be displayed and operating commands can be entered.

In one embodiment, at least one interactive projection unit is arranged in the housing, which is provided for displaying information and for entering operating commands, the at least one projection unit being arranged in the housing in such a way that the information is projected onto a first projection surface of the at least one first display device and can be projected onto a second projection surface of the at least one second display device and operating commands that can be entered on the first projection surface of the at least one first display device and/or on the second projection surface of the at least one second display device can be recognized by the projection unit.

In a further embodiment, at least one touch-sensitive display unit is formed and at least one interactive projection unit is arranged in the housing of the household appliance, one of the at least one first Display device or the at least one second display device comprises at least one touch-sensitive display unit and the other display device comprises a first projection surface which is provided for displaying information and for entering operating commands.

In a further embodiment, the at least one first display device comprises at least one first display unit and the at least one second display device comprises at least one second display unit, wherein at least one of the first display units or the second display unit is designed as a touch-sensitive display unit and via which operating commands can be entered.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is achieved by methods for operating a household appliance, the household appliance comprising at least one operating unit and one control unit, the at least one operating unit having at least one rotary selector with a front side, the at least one operating unit being assigned at least one display unit is, wherein the at least one display unit comprises at least one first display device and at least one second display device, wherein the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device display information and the household appliance is operated via the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device, wherein the control unit is set up in such a way that several selection levels are provided for user navigation, each of which displays at least one selection option to a user, and at one Selection confirmation of a selection option, a change between the selection levels takes place. The at least one first display device at least partially surrounds the rotary selector and the at least one second display device is formed in the end face of the rotary selector, the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device corresponding to one another so that when a selection is confirmed for a displayed selection option, the at least one first Display device at least partially a transfer of the displayed selection option is transmitted from the at least one first display device to the at least one second display device, and a display of a next higher or next lower selection level is displayed on the at least one first display device.

An operating program and/or at least one operating program parameter assigned to the operating program and/or a next higher or next lower selection level and/or at least one item of status information of the household appliance is advantageously displayed on the at least one first display device, and a selection is displayed on the at least one second display device of operating programs and/or at least one operating program parameter assigned to the operating program and/or a next higher or next lower selection level and/or at least one item of status information of the household appliance.

In a first operating state of the household appliance, a first group of operating programs is displayed on the at least one first display device and on the at least one second display device, the first group of operating programs representing a selection from an overall operating program selection for the household appliance.

The user is given the opportunity to store a small selection of favorite operating programs or favorite or previously stored or frequently used operating programs in the first group of operating programs, so that one of the operating programs from the first group can be selected quickly, easily and easily. As a result, a user can customize an operating unit of his household appliance to his needs in order to enable his household appliance to be operated quickly and intuitively.

At least one of the two display devices, the at least one first display device and the at least one second display device, is preferably designed as a touch-sensitive and/or interactive display device, with operating commands being entered via the touch-sensitive and/or interactive display device.

In addition to information, the ad unit can also display and play animations, so that the user experience is increased. Furthermore, the household appliance can start with the selection of the first group of operating programs adapted to the individual needs of the user. User 1 can, for example, favor different operating programs than user 2. The individual adaptation means that the household appliance can be operated quickly. Intuitive input can be guaranteed by the operating unit, which is shown in a greatly simplified form.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine Frontansicht eines beispielhaft dargestellten Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2a

zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer mindestens einen Anzeigeneinheit eines Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2b

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform der mindestens einen Anzeigeneinheit eines Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2c

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform der mindestens einen Anzeigeneinheit eines Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2d

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform der mindestens einen Anzeigeneinheit eines Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 2e

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform der mindestens einen Anzeigeneinheit eines Haushaltsgeräts;

Fig. 3a

zeigt eine beispielhafte Anzeigeneinheit mit einer Auswahloption;

Fig. 3b

zeigt eine Auswahlbestätigung einer Auswahloption;

Fig. 3c

zeigt eine beispielhafte Anzeigeneinheit mit einer Zustandsinformation;

Fig. 4

zeigt einen Aufbau einer schematisch dargestellten Betriebsprogrammschleife;

Fig. 5

zeigt einen schematischen Aufbau eines Haushaltsgeräts mit einer Kommunikationseinheit.

Further properties and advantages of the present invention result from the following description with reference to the drawings.

1

shows a front view of an exemplary household appliance;

Figure 2a

shows an embodiment of at least one display unit of a household appliance;

Figure 2b

shows a further embodiment of the at least one display unit of a household appliance;

Figure 2c

shows a further embodiment of the at least one display unit of a household appliance;

Fig. 2d

shows a further embodiment of the at least one display unit of a household appliance;

Figure 2e

shows a further embodiment of the at least one display unit of a household appliance;

Figure 3a

shows an example display unit with a selection option;

Figure 3b

shows a selection confirmation of a selection option;

3c

shows an example display unit with status information;

4

shows a structure of a schematically illustrated operating program loop;

figure 5

shows a schematic structure of a household appliance with a communication unit.

In 1 a front view of a household appliance 1 is shown. This in 1 The household appliance 1 shown can be, for example, a fluid-carrying household appliance, such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a tumble dryer or a dishwasher, a fully automatic coffee machine and/or a steam cooker and/or similar fluid-carrying household appliance. However, the household appliance 1 can also be a cooker or an oven or a microwave or a hob or a food processor. The exemplary embodiments are described below essentially using a laundry care appliance 3 .

The laundry care appliance 3 comprises a housing 4 with a front side 5 and side walls 7. A door unit 8 is arranged on the front side 5 and is rotatably attached to the laundry care appliance 3. An operating unit 9 is arranged in an upper area of the laundry care appliance 3 , essentially above the door unit 8 . The operating unit 9 includes a rotary selector 10. The rotary selector 10 has a front face 11. The operating unit 9 of the laundry care appliance 3 also comprises at least one display unit 13 or at least one display unit 13 is also assigned to the operating unit 9 . The display unit 13 comprises at least one first display device 15 and at least one second display device 17. In the present exemplary embodiment in 1 a first display device 15 and a second display device 17 are shown. However, it is also conceivable that a plurality of first display devices 15 and a plurality of second display devices 17 are formed.

The first display device 15 at least partially surrounds the rotary selector 10 . In the present embodiment in 1 the rotary selector 10 is surrounded by the first display device 15 . The first display device 15 can have a circular shape. The first display device 15 is preferably formed in at least a semicircle around the rotary selector 10 so that an easily legible representation is displayed on the first display device 15 . The second display device 17 is formed on the end face 11 of the rotary selector 10 or fills the end face 11 of the rotary selector 9 as the second display device 17 .

The at least one first display device 15 and/or the at least one second display device 17 are designed as touch-sensitive and/or interactive display devices. Information can be displayed and operating commands can be entered via the at least one first display device 15 and/or the at least one second display device 17 .

In the Figures 2a to 2d various embodiments of the at least one display unit 13 of the household appliance 1 or of the laundry care appliance 3 are described.

In Figure 2a an embodiment of a household appliance 1, in particular a laundry care appliance 3, with a display unit 13 is shown schematically by way of example. The first display device 15 of the display unit 13 is embodied here as a first projection surface 19, for example. The second display device 17 is embodied here as a second projection surface 21, for example. The first projection surface 19 and the second projection surface 21 are illuminated by a projection unit 23 . The projection unit 23 is arranged in the housing 4 of the laundry care appliance 3 . Due to the limited installation space in a laundry care appliance 3, but also in the household appliances 1 mentioned above, the projection unit 23 is arranged in the area of one of the side walls 7 in the housing 4 of the laundry care appliance 3. However, it is also conceivable for the projection unit 23 to be arranged essentially in a straight line behind the first and the second projection surface 19, 21, so that the first and the second projection surface 19, 21 can be illuminated directly ( Figure 2b ).

The projection unit 23 emits at least one projection beam 25 . In the present exemplary embodiments in Figures 2a and 2b projection unit 23 emits at least one first projection beam 25a and at least one second projection beam 25b, the at least one first projection beam 25a being projected onto the first projection surface 19 and the at least one second projection beam 25b onto the second projection surface 21. The at least one first projection beam 25a and the at least one second projection beam 25b can be different Information and/or identical and/or at least partially identical information that is displayed on the respective projection surfaces 19, 21.

The information can contain at least one piece of information about the household appliance 1 or at least one image or a status of the household appliance 1, with, for example, a status animation 39, which can be projected with a video projection, for example. The projection unit 23 is set up in such a way that the projection unit 23 can display any type of information. Depending on the information to be displayed on the respective projection surface 19, 21, the projection unit 23 emits the required number of first and second projection beams 25a, 25b. The projection unit 23 can be constructed in such a way that a plurality of projection beams 25 can be generated, which can be projected onto different projection surfaces 19, 21. The projection surfaces 19, 21 are at least partially arranged side by side.

If the projection unit is 23, as in Figure 2a is shown schematically, arranged in the area of one of the side walls 7 in the housing 4 of the laundry care appliance 3, the at least one projection beam 25 is projected onto a first deflection element 27. The first deflection element 27 is arranged in the laundry care appliance 3 in such a way that the first deflection element 27 deflects the at least one projection beam 25 onto the first projection surface 19 and/or onto the second projection surface 21 . Preferably, the projection unit 23 emits the first and the second projection beam 25a, 25b, so that the first projection beam 25a is directed onto the first projection surface 19 and the second projection beam 25b onto the second projection surface 21 by the first deflection element 27. The first and the second projection beam 25a, 25b are each to be regarded as an agglomerate of beams, so that images, animations and information can be projected.

However, it is also conceivable that a second deflection element 29 as in Figure 2b shown by way of example, is arranged in the region of the first deflection element 27, with the first deflection element 27 deflecting the first projection beam 25a onto the first projection surface 19, for example, and the second deflection element 29 deflecting the second projection beam 25b onto the second projection surface 21, for example. The first deflection element 27 and the second deflection element 29 can, for example, be mirror-like and/or be designed as a mirror element. However, it is also conceivable that the second deflection element 29 deflects the first projection beam 25a onto the first projection surface 19 and the first deflection element 27 deflects the second projection beam 25b onto the second projection surface 21 .

The projection unit 23 is preferably designed as an interactive projection unit 23, so that operating commands given by touching the first and/or second projection surface 25a, 25b are recognized by the projection unit 23 and sent to a control unit 31 (shown in 1 and 5 ) of the household appliance 1 are forwarded. The projection unit 23 can include a specially shaped lens 33, which enables interactive operation of the household appliance 1 and a display on the first and/or the second projection surface 25a, 25b. It is also conceivable that the elements mentioned above, first deflection element 27 and second deflection element 29, can be dispensed with. This depends on an arrangement of the projection unit 23 . If the projection unit is 23, as in Figure 2c is arranged essentially in a direct beam direction or projection direction behind the first projection surface 19 and the second projection surface 21, the projection unit 23 can project the first projection beam 25a directly onto the first projection surface 19 and the second projection beam 25b directly onto the second projection surface 21 .

In Fig. 2d another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The at least one display unit 13 comprises the at least one first display device 15 and the at least one second display device 17. The at least one first display device 15 can be embodied as a touch-sensitive display unit 35. The at least one second display device 17 can include the second projection surface 21 onto which the projection unit 23 projects a projection beam 25 . However, it is also conceivable that the at least one first display device 15 comprises the first projection surface 19 and the at least one second display device 17 is embodied as a touch-sensitive display unit 35 . In both in Figure 2c In the embodiments described, the projection unit 23 is essentially arranged as described above and comprises the same characteristics. The display unit 35 represents a cheaper alternative to a projection onto the first and/or second projection surface 19, 21 or a projection unit 23, with a similar and/or the same display and operation as in the above-described embodiment in Figures 2a and 2b given is.

In Figure 2e another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The at least one display unit 13 comprises the at least one first display device 15 and the at least one second display device 17. The at least one first display device 15 can be embodied as a touch-sensitive first display unit 35a. The at least one second display device 17 can be embodied as a touch-sensitive second display unit 35b. The first display unit 35a and the second display unit 35b can consist of a plurality of individual display units 35. The first display unit 35a and the second display unit 35b represent a cheaper alternative to the projection unit 23, with which the same display and operation as in the above-described embodiments in Figures 2a to 2c given is. The display units 35, 35a, 35b described above can be in the form of TFT display units, for example.

In the Figures 3a to 3c a display unit 13 of a household appliance 1 with at least one selection option 37 and/or status information 39 is shown in each case as an example. The operating unit 9 includes the rotary selector 10 and the display unit 13 so that the household appliance 1 can be operated via the first display device 15 and/or the second display device 17 and/or the rotary selector 10 . The second display device 17 is formed on the end face 11 of the rotary selector 10 . The first display device 15 at least partially surrounds the rotary selector 10 . The first display device 15 can surround the rotary selector 10 in at least a semicircle.

In the embodiment in FIG Figure 3a , different selection options 37 are shown on the first display device 15 in FIG. The options 37 can, for example, as in the Figure 3a is shown, operating programs 41 with additional information such as 'easy-care 30°', 'easy-care 40°', 'cotton 30°', 'easy-care 60°', 'delicates 30°'. The selection options 37 are arranged essentially in a semicircle around the rotary selector 10 . In addition to an operating program parameter 43 “number of degrees” of the respective operating program 41, the selection options 37 can also include other operating program parameters 43, such as a spin speed indication. At the second Indicator 17 is in Figure 3a an operating program parameter 43 'process duration' of the respective operating program 41 or the respective selection option that is currently in focus is shown as an example. The operating program 41 in focus or the selection option 37 in focus is shown at 12 o'clock if the rotary selector 10 were viewed as a clock. However, it is also conceivable that a user can determine which operating program parameters 43 are to be displayed on which of the two display devices 15, 17. In the Figure 3a Selection options 37 shown can represent a first group of operating programs 41 and/or selection options 37 . The first group of operating programs 41 and/or selection options 37 are preset as the standard setting when the household appliance 1 is switched on. The household appliance 1 also includes a memory unit 44 ( 1 ), in which the standard setting can preferably be saved or stored. The standard setting appears on the display unit 13 when the household appliance 1 is switched on.

Further selection options 37 can be displayed on the first display device 15 by turning the rotary selector 10 in any direction. The options 37 can, for example, as in the Figure 3b shown, operating programs 41 such as 'Cold wash 20°', 'Mixed 30°', 'Mixed 40°', 'Mixed 60°', 'Cotton 40°'. When the household appliance 1 is switched on, the three to five selection options 37 that a user has set and/or that have been selected most frequently appear first. These three to five selection options 37 are regarded as the first group of selection options 37 .

For example, by pressing the rotary selector 10 and/or the end face 11 of the rotary selector 10 or by pressing or touching a selection option 37 on the first display device 15, a selection confirmation of a selection option 37 is generated. Advantageously, the selection option 37 that is in the 12 o'clock position of the first display device 15 is always selected. The first and the second display device 15, 17 change to a further selection level when a selection is confirmed. In 3c the selection option 37 or the operating program 41 'Mixed, 40° degrees at 1200 rpm' was selected or confirmed. The first display device 15 then changes to a next higher one selection level and now displays the selection options 37 'back', 'start', 'half time' and 'start time'. The second display device 17 displays the confirmed selection option 37 with the associated operating program parameters 43 and symbols. The first display device 15 and the second display device 17 communicate or correspond with one another in such a way that, so to speak, a transfer from the first display device 15 to the second display device can take place and vice versa.

By, for example, pressing the rotary selector 10 and/or the end face 11 of the rotary selector 10 again or pressing or touching a selection option 37 again, a further selection confirmation of a selection option 37 is generated. The first and the second display device 15, 17 change to a further selection level when a selection is confirmed. In 3d the further selection level is shown as an example. The household appliance 1 is in when this is displayed 3d selection level shown in operation, so that in addition to the in 3c displayed operating program 41 and its operating program parameters 43 status information 39 is displayed. The status information 39 can, for example, be a symbol that, for example, shows a user a process currently being carried out by the household appliance 1 , such as rinsing, washing, spinning, draining or drying the laundry care appliance 3 .

In 4 a structure of a schematically illustrated operating program loop 45 is shown. Operating program loop 45 is in 4 simplified chain-like, at least partially surrounding the rotary selector 10, shown as an operating program loop track 46. The operating program loop 45 is stored in the control unit 31 by way of example. However, it is clear that apart from the limited number that can be displayed, which is mentioned above and represents the first group of operating programs 41 or selection options 37, the further operating programs 41 or the further selection options 37 that are on the operating program loop 45 are not permanently displayed will. The additional operating programs 41 or the additional selection options 37 are assigned to a second group of operating programs 41 and/or selection options 37 . The first group of operating programs 41 and/or selection options 37 preferably includes fewer operating programs 41 and/or selection options 37 than the second group.

The operating program loop 45 comprises a plurality of operating program loop elements 47 which are arranged in a chain around the rotary selector 10 as an operating program loop track 46, for example. The individual operating program loop elements 47 can be turned or scrolled through by turning the rotary selector 10, so that the chain-like arranged operating program loop elements 47 can be moved clockwise and/or counterclockwise. Many different operating programs 41 can be displayed with the operating program loop 45 . As in 4 is shown, essentially five operating programs 41 are displayed in the first display device 15, so that a clear presentation of the selection options 37 is ensured.

In figure 5 a schematic structure of a household appliance 1 with a communication unit 90 is shown as an example. The household appliance 1 has in figure 5 shown embodiment an internal device 91 and / or external device 93 for communication of an operator or a user with a household appliance 1. The internal device 91 and/or the external device 93 can be a tablet, smartphone or the like. It is important that the internal device 91 and/or the external device 93 includes a touch-sensitive surface and/or a touch-sensitive display for displaying and setting operating programs 41 and/or operating program parameters 43 .

The communication unit 90 is connected to the internal device 91 and/or the external device 93 and communicates with the internal device 91 and/or the external device 93. The communication unit 90 is set up in such a way that at least selection options 37 and/or status information 39 as well as Operating programs 41 and/or operating program parameters 43 and/or display images and/or display animations can be transferred to the internal device 91 and/or the external device 93. Display images are images that are to be displayed on the household appliance 1 . Display animations typically involve inanimate objects that are set in motion by rapidly playing changing inanimate objects in succession to create a moving image. With the communication unit 90, for example, the first and the second display device 15, 17 or the first and the second projection surface 19, 21 or a display of the first and the second display unit 35a, 35b of the household appliance 1 can be shown on the internal device 91 and/or the external device 93. However, it is also conceivable that the external device 93 can be attached to the household appliance 1 or that an internal device 91 is formed in and/or on the household appliance 1 . The internal device 91 can have properties similar to those of the external device 93 .

The internal device 91 can be a processor. However, it is also conceivable that the internal device 91 is a smartphone or a tablet that is detachably connected to the household appliance 1 or is permanently connected to the household appliance 1 . Properties of the internal device 91 can be identical to the properties of the external device 93 .

The external device 95 can be a smartphone or a tablet, on which the display unit 13 and images and/or information displayed on the display unit 13, for example in the form of selection options 37 or status information 39, can be displayed graphically. Operating the household appliance 1 via the external device 93 is also conceivable.

Furthermore, the communication unit 90 is set up in such a way that the communication unit 90 receives input commands from the internal device 91 and/or external device 93 and transmits the input commands to the control unit 31 . The control unit 31 is used to control the household appliance 1, but also to control the display unit 13 and its components. This gives the operator the opportunity to communicate with the household appliance 1 without having to enter an input command directly on the household appliance 1 itself.

The communication unit 90 can be arranged, for example, in the area of the control unit 31 and/or in the area of the projection unit 23 and/or in the area of the display unit 13 . However, the communication unit 90 can also be arranged at any other attachment location in the household appliance 1 . The communication unit 90 should advantageously be arranged in the area of the display unit 13 . However, it is also conceivable for the communication unit 90 to be integrated into the display unit 13 . The communication unit 90 can be connected to the display unit 13 and/or the Control unit 31 be wireless and / or connected to an electrical connection.

The memory unit 44 is preferably connected to the control unit 31 and/or the communication unit 90 so that the standard setting can be defined via the internal device 91 and/or the external device 93 . The storage unit can be connected wirelessly and/or with an electrical connection to the communication unit 90 and/or the control unit 31 . Furthermore, the memory unit 44 can store frequently used programs and assign the frequently used programs to the first group of operating programs 41 or selection options 37 and/or the standard setting.

REFERENCE LIST

1.

household appliance

3.

laundry care device

4.

Housing

5.

front

7.

side walls

8th.

door unit

9.

operating unit

10

rotary selector

11.

face

13.

display unit

15

First display device

17

Second indicator

19

First projection surface

21

Second projection surface

23

projection unit

25

projection beam

25a.

First projection ray

25b.

Second projection ray

27

First deflection element

29

Second deflection element

31

control unit

33

lens

35

display unit

35a.

First display unit

35b.

Second display unit

37

selection option

39

status information

41

operating program

43

operating program parameters

44

storage unit

45

operating program loop

46

Operating program loop railway

47

operating program loop element

90

communication unit

91

Internal device

93

external device

Claims (14)

Household appliance (1) with a housing (4), at least one operating unit (9) for operating the household appliance (1) and a control unit (31) for essentially activating the household appliance (1), the at least one operating unit (9) having at least one Rotary selector (10) with an end face (11), wherein at least one display unit (13) is assigned to the at least one operating unit (9), wherein the at least one display unit (13) has at least one first display device (15) and at least one second display device ( 17), wherein the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) are provided for displaying information and for operating the household appliance (1), with the operating unit (9) being set up in such a way that for user navigation multiple selection levels are provided, each of which displays at least one selection option (37) to a user, and when a selection is confirmed, an off selection option (37) there is a change between the selection levels,
characterized in that
the at least one first display device (15) at least partially surrounds the at least one rotary selector (11) and the at least one second display device (17) is formed in the end face of the rotary selector (11), the at least one first display device (15) and the at least a second display device (17) correspond to one another in such a way that when a selected option (37) displayed is confirmed on the at least one first display device (15), the displayed selection option (37) is at least partially transferred from the at least one first display device (15) to the at least a second display device (17) takes place, and a next higher or next lower selection level is displayed on the at least one first display device (15). Household appliance (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) are set up in such a way that at least one item of status information (39) of the household appliance (1) can be displayed. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the household appliance (1) comprises a communication unit (90) which communicates with an internal device (91) and/or an external device (93) and wherein the communication unit ( 90) is set up in such a way that functions of the operating unit (9) and/or the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) are transmitted to the internal device (91) and/or to the external device (93) can be transmitted and presettings relating to a first group of operating programs that can be displayed can be selected on the at least one first display device (15) and/or the at least one second display device (17). Household appliance (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the household appliance (1) comprises a memory unit (44) which essentially stores frequently used operating programs (41) of the household appliance (1) in a first group of operating programs (41) and/ or stores operating programs (41) of the household appliance (1), which the communication unit (90) receives from the internal and/or the external device (91, 93), a second group of operating programs (41) being displayed via the at least one first display device ( 15) and the at least one second display device (17) can be called up, the first group of operating programs (41) corresponding to a standard setting which is displayed on the at least one first display device (15) and on the at least one second display device (17) is stored. Household appliance (1) according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterized in that the first group of operating programs (41) comprises fewer operating programs (41) than the second group of operating programs (41). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first display device (15) has an operating program (41) and/or at least one operating program parameter (43) which is assigned to the operating program (41) and/or a shows the next higher or next lower selection level and/or displays at least one item of status information (39) of the household appliance (1), and the at least one second display device (17) shows a selection of operating programs (41) and/or at least one operating program parameter (43) associated with the operating program (41) is assigned and/or indicates a next higher or next lower selection level and/or at least one piece of status information (39) of the household appliance (1). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two display devices (15, 17), the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17), as a touch-sensitive and/or interactive display device is formed and the information can be displayed and operating commands can be entered. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one interactive projection unit (23) is arranged in the housing (4), which is provided for displaying information and for entering operating commands, the at least one projection unit (23) is arranged in the housing (4) in such a way that the information can be projected onto a first projection surface (19) of the at least one first display device (15) and onto a second projection surface (21) of the at least one second display device (17) and operating commands that can be entered on the first projection surface (19) of the at least one first display device (15) and/or on the second projection surface (21) of the at least one second display device (17), can be recognized by the projection unit (23). Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one touch-sensitive display unit (35) is formed and at least one interactive projection unit (23) is arranged in the housing (4) of the household appliance (1), one of the at least one first display device (15) or the at least one second display device (17) comprising the at least one touch-sensitive display unit (35) and the other at least one display device (15, 17) comprises a first projection surface (19) which is provided for displaying information and for entering operating commands. Household appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one first display device (15) comprises at least one first display unit (35a) and the at least one second display device (17) comprises at least one second display unit (35b), wherein at least one of the first display units (35a) or the second display unit (35b) is designed as a touch-sensitive display unit (35) and via which operating commands can be entered. Method for operating a household appliance (1), the household appliance (1) comprising at least one operating unit (9) and a control unit (31), the at least one operating unit (9) having at least one rotary selector (10) with an end face (11). , wherein the at least one operating unit (9) is assigned at least one display unit (13), wherein the at least one display unit (13) comprises at least one first display device (15) and at least one second display device (17), the at least one first display device ( 15) and the at least one second display device (17) display information and the household appliance (1) is operated via the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17), the operating unit (9) being set up in such a way that several selection levels are provided for user navigation, each showing a user at least one selection option (37), and be i a selection confirmation of a selection option (37) a change between the selection levels takes place,
characterized in that
the at least one first display device (15) at least partially surrounds the rotary selector (10) and the at least one second display device (17) is formed in the end face (11) of the rotary selector (10), the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) correspond to one another, that when a selected option (37) displayed is confirmed on the at least one first display device (15), the displayed selection option (37) is at least partially transferred from the at least one first display device (15) to the at least a second display device (17) is transmitted, and a display of a next higher or next lower selection level is displayed on the at least one first display device (15). Method for operating a household appliance (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that an operating program (41) and/or at least one operating program parameter (43), which is assigned to the operating program (41), and /or a next higher or next lower selection level is displayed, and/or at least one piece of status information (39) of the household appliance (1), and on the at least one second display device (17) a selection of operating programs (41) and at least one operating program parameter (43), which is assigned to the operating program (41) and/or a next higher or next lower selection level and/or at least one item of status information (39) of the household appliance (1) is displayed. Method for operating a household appliance (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in a first operating state of the household appliance (1) a first group of operating programs (41) on the at least one first display device (15) and on the at least one second Display device (17) are displayed, wherein the first group of operating programs (41) is a selection of a total operating program selection of the household appliance (1). Method for operating a household appliance (1) according to Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that at least one of the two display devices (15, 17), the at least one first display device (15) and the at least one second display device (17) is designed as a touch-sensitive and/or interactive display device (15, 17), with operating commands being transmitted via the touch-sensitive and/or interactive display device (15 , 17) must be entered.

Images