ES2363698A1 - Household device with a touch screen - Google Patents

Abstract

The house appliance has a screen (10) with touch input units (12) on a screen surface, and a control unit (14), which is designed to evaluate the contact signals of the touch input units and to operate the house appliance depending on the touch signals. A switching element (16) is separated from the screen for activating or deactivating a function of the house appliance. The screen is switched on and off over another switching element during the operation of the house appliance.

Description

Home appliance with a screen with media introduction by contact.

The invention starts from a domestic appliance with a screen with contact introduction means according to the general concept of claim 1.

From DE 10 2007 008 896 A1 is known a cooking field with a screen, whose user interface includes other means of introduction next to the screen. The Screen can be set as touch screen. The field of cooking also includes a control unit, which activates elements of heating of the cooking field in a manner dependent on entries you receive through a user interface. One of the user interface connection elements is a switch on / off, through which the user can connect and Turn off the entire cooking range. In this case, with the display is also deactivated simultaneously any other cooking field function.

Contact sensitive screens have always a limited lifetime in some way, through which It can shorten the life of the household appliance as a whole. He use of complex screens in household appliances, especially in cooking fields, in certain application cases you can lead undoubtedly to a great increase in comfort. On the other hand, there are also operating states that, without loss of comfort noteworthy, they can also be used without the use of a complex screen Contact sensitive screens with a high resolution must be put into operation by a high-power computer that consumes energy and requires time Extensive compared to initialize. However, the functions simple household appliances, by way of example, a timer alarm, a timer, or the like, must be adjustable and quickly and easily activated.

The invention is based in particular on the task of make available a generic household appliance with a shelf life extensive and with greater comfort of use.

The task is solved especially through the characteristics of the independent claim 1. Of the secondary claims configurations are extracted and advantageous improvements of the invention.

The invention starts from a domestic appliance with a screen with contact introduction means on a screen surface. The household appliance comprises a unit command that is configured to evaluate the contact signals of the means of introduction by contact, and operating the apparatus domestic in a manner dependent on contact signals. He domestic appliance further comprises at least one other element of connection, separate from the screen, to activate and / or deactivate the less a function of the domestic appliance.

It is especially proposed that the screen be Connectable or disconnectable during device operation domestic through the at least one other connection element. The remaining domestic appliance functions, not referring to the User interface configuration, can be continued in this case independently of the activation status of the screen. The central functions of the domestic appliance, in the case of a cooking field, by way of example, the operation of heating elements, may remain unaffected by the connection or disconnection of the screen. How to disconnect the screen a transition to a mode must also be called in this context operating standby with an activated screensaver, or the transition to a heat indication operating mode residual.

Because of the energy efficiency that every time becomes more important, and to the life of the reduced screen by the action of heat through the heating element, the advantages of the invention are effective especially then if the domestic appliance is a cooking appliance with an element of heating. The idea of the invention is especially usable for screens in user interfaces of cooking fields. Due to the often complex control and regulation processes in comparison, the use of contact sensitive screens is especially advantageous in induction cooking fields. In this case, by way of example, in induction cooking fields with heating zones definable flexibly and with a reticle of heating elements of the same type, which can be Variably gathered in different heating zones, the heating zones can be represented through a Screen clearly and schematically.

It can prevent the wear of others connection elements if these are configured as elements of Contact sensitive connection without mobile components. Of this mode, the cleaning properties of the home appliance

An optical response to the user can also occur without further display disconnected, if the device domestic comprises another indicator element, separate from the screen. This indicator element can be used to indicate a operating status of the domestic appliance with display switched off and / or to indicate residual heat of the device domestic, especially a residual heat from an area of heating of a cooking field.

It is also proposed to equip the device domestic with at least one emitter of acoustic signals to signal a state of operation or to signal a result outstanding. An acoustic signal can also make it possible in particular with a screen disconnected a sufficient control of the device domestic.

In an improvement of the invention, proposes to provide the domestic appliance with a temperature probe. The control unit can be specially configured to deactivate the display if a temperature picked up by the temperature probe exceeds a threshold value. Through it, you can avoid, or, reduce screen wear through operation to high temperatures.

It is also proposed that the at least one other connection element or a separate connection element be configured to activate and / or deactivate child insurance. By way For example, it is conceivable that security-relevant functions can only be activated through the screen sensitive to contact, so that the disconnection of the screen sensitive to contact block these functions relevant to security.

Both the screen and the other element of connection can be arranged under an upper surface common, easy to clean, if the cover plate is made of glass or hob, and the connection elements are configured as capacitive proximity switches or Inductants arranged under the cover plate. The screen it can also be arranged under the cover plate, and be based on the so-called capacitive contact technology projected "(PCT).

Continuous operation of the screen is not Essentially necessary especially if the unit of command executes preprogrammed operating programs and temporarily limited. Such operating programs are especially different modes of timer operation, especially a warning timer, in which after a period of time default an acoustic signal is generated, or a timer standard, in which after the course of a preset time a heating zone, or another heating element, is disconnected If the user feels bothered through the active screen during the course of such a program, in the household appliance according to the invention can be disconnected with ease of screen An optical response on the state of activity can take place in a minimalist way, for example, to through a light emitting diode.

It is also conceivable that operating programs simple, such as timers, warning timers, or similar, that do not require costly adjustments be adjusted, completely activated and deactivated through parts of the user interface separate from the screen.

The control unit can generate a signal and / or deactivate a heating element in particular with a display disconnected after a period of time previously set in a timer operating mode using other optical indicator elements or an acoustic unit. Accordingly, the deactivation of the heating element would correspond to the standard timer function, and the mere generation of a signal with the alarm timer ( egg-timer ). Since in preprogrammed operation, especially a timer operation mode, a screen is usually not required, the control unit can automatically disconnect the screen after presetting a time and / or after the start of timer operation . When this happens, a certain waiting time can be provided to avoid user confusion.

The control unit can be set to special to connect the previously disconnected screen if a user requires it by actuating the at least one other connection element. If the user wants to obtain, by way of for example, in a timer operation, information on the remaining time, this information can be put to arrangement by a brief connection of the screen.

The idea of the invention is also applicable then if in more complex cooking programs a representation on the display only in certain phases. By way of For example, if the household appliance is a cooking oven, the screen it can be disconnected during long phases of a program cooking and, only then if user inputs are necessary and / or user interventions, be connected to represent a corresponding indication.

Other advantages are taken from the following Description of the drawing Examples of embodiment of the invention. The drawing, description and Claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will consider the characteristics advantageously also separately, and will gather them in other reasonable combinations.

They show:

Fig. 1 an induction cooking field with a screen and an additional connection element,

Fig. 2 a representation of the screen of the Figure 1 during presetting a time for a function of warning timer.

Fig. 3 a representation of the screen after activate the alarm timer function,

Fig. 4 a screen representation of the screen of figure 1 during presetting a time for a timer function,

Fig. 5 a screen representation after the Timer function course,

Fig. 6 a configuration of the construction of the cooking range of figure 1 with cover plate disassembled,

Fig. 7 a schematic representation of operation of the screen of figure 1 and

Fig. 8 a schematic configuration of the screen of figure 1 with a field cover plate cooking as front plate.

Figure 1 shows a household appliance set as a cooking field in a perspective view. He cooking field comprises a cover plate 26, below the which is arranged a plurality of heating elements configured as inductors 18. Inductors 18 are arranged in a lattice of at least 4 x 4 or 6 x 6, preferably 8x8, grid points. The inductors 18 can be assembled in different heating zones by a control unit 14 of the cooking field flexibly, so that pots placed on the cooking field they are essentially positionable free.

The control unit 14 detects the pots, and gathers in a heating zone the inductors 18 that are covered by the base of the pot in more than one predetermined portion. This heating zone is assigned to the cooking pot corresponding, or corresponding pan, and position and / or size of the heating zone is represented in a Cooking field screen 10. Screen 10 is arranged, such as inductors 18, under cover plate 26, and it comprises a transparent, capacitive sensor layer 28 (Figure 8). In combination with an electronic reading and evaluation of images (not shown), this sensor layer 28 forms a means of contact introduction 12, so that the user can operate the domestic appliance at least in important functions through the contact sensitive screen 10.

Next to the screen, another one is arranged connection element 16, which is configured as a switch capacitive without mechanical components, and is essentially formed by a contact sensor arranged under the cover plate 26. Connection element 16 is exemplified for a plurality of connection elements of such type, which may be used by the control unit 14 with different functions.

The connection element 16 can be used in special to connect and disconnect the cooking field, in which the disconnection of the cooking field can become special in a standby operating mode and / or an operating mode of residual heat indication, in which optical signals indicate the residual heat of heating zones determined.

For the indication of residual heat, next to the screen and / or in alternative embodiments, in the area of the inductors 18, are arranged light emitting diodes indicator elements 20 to indicate a residual heat of the apparatus domestic. Not before the residual heat is extinguished by completely, these indicator elements 20 are deactivated.

Also, the cooking field comprises a emitter of acoustic signals 22, which can be operated by the control unit 14. Especially if the cooking field is activated with display 10 disconnected, through signal transmitter 22 acoustics can produce a response on the state of the operation and / or scope of an outstanding phase of the Cooking field operation.

To activate the indicator element 20, the field of cooking comprises several temperature probes 24, each of which is assigned to an inductor 18. For reasons of clarity, in figure 1 only one of the probes of temperature 24. In a conceivable embodiment of the invention, the control unit 14 can have a disconnection safety of display 10, if the temperature exceeds a value critical around the screen 10.

In operating states of the field of cooking in which the operation of the screen 10 is not Essentially necessary, the control unit 14 interprets the signals of the connection element 14 such that the screen 10 can be disconnected through connection element 16. Examples for such operating states are the mode of Standard timer operation and operating mode alarm timer, which are explained in more detail in relationship with figures 2-5.

To connect the cooking field, through the connection element 16 the user can activate the cooking field together with screen 10. The cooking field detects elements of cooking battery, determines the shape and size of areas of heating, and graph the result on the screen 10. The user can then adjust a power of heating for each of the heating zones through of the contact introduction means 12 of the screen 10. This can take place by means of increase or decrease.

Figure 2 shows a screen for the case of that two heating zones were detected. In both areas of heating is chosen the power rating 7'0.

If the user would like to activate a warning timer for one of the heating zones, touching the field 30 represented in figure 3 bottom left and, if necessary, through other selection steps, you can reach the representation of the screen represented in figure 2, in the which can perform a preset for the function of warning timer by actuating input fields 32, 34. Through the input fields 32, 34, the user can preset an expiration time for the timer function timer. Input field 32 serves to preset the number minutes, and input field 34 serves to preset the number of seconds of this expiration time. If the user touches for the first time the input field 32, in the area of the field of entry 32 is highlighted on screen 10 a number of minutes preselected while above and below the field of entry 32 are represented with a more closed graph the figures before and after the figures represented. Covering the input field 32 from top to bottom (from the orientation according to figure 2), the preselected number is increased, and covering input field 32 from the bottom up, the number Preset is reduced. The magnitude of the steps of increase and of decrease can be made dependent on the amplitude and / or speed of the covering movement made by the user. The sequence of numbers of possible time values in minutes from 0 to 59 it is cyclically closed, so that by decrease of the number 0 in 1 the value 59 is reached. mode, the number of seconds can be adjusted through the field of entry 34. By touching field 36, you can close the menu represented in figure 2. After closing this field, the unit of knob 14 counts back from the set time, until the preset time has expired. A remaining time left, as shown in figure 3, it is indicated in a field 38. If the set time is expired, the control unit 14 generates through the emitter of acoustic signals 22 a signal that signals the user the expiration of time.

During the preset time, the user can disconnect screen 10 by actuation of connection element 16. Configurations are conceivable alternatives of the invention in which the screen 10 is automatically disconnected

Unlike the timer function alarm, the timer function illustrated in figures 4 and 5 It is assigned to a heating zone. Touching a field 40 corresponding, which is arranged within a pictogram 42 that display the heating zone, a time of disconnection for the corresponding heating zone. For adjust the disconnection time, the user must touch field 40 on screen 10 to reach a time setting menu disconnection, which is the same as the menu shown in figure 2 for setting the timer timer function time and which, therefore, should not be explained in more detail for Avoid repetitions. After the course of this preset time, the control unit 14 automatically disconnects the zone from corresponding heating.

Figure 5 shows a representation of the Screen 10 after the course of this time. During the course, the control unit 14 continuously represents the remaining time until the heating zone is switched off in field 40. If the value 0 has been reached, the degree of power is set at 0'0, and a signal is generated through the emitter of 22 acoustic signals During timer operation alarm or timer, the user can disconnect the screen 10 through the connection element 16. If he would like to read a remaining time, a corresponding query can be made by connecting the screen 10 through the element of connection 16.

Figure 6 shows a configuration of the construction of the cooking field according to figure 1 with plate cover 26 removed. The inductors 18 are each mounted on elongated supports 44, which are fixed in a metal frame 46. On the supports 44, the screen 10 and the connection element 16. The connection element 16 and the screen 10 are mounted on a common stage, on which they are also mounted other electronic components to drive the screen 10, or the connection element 16. The stage it also includes the signal emitter and the indicator element 20 (not shown in figure 6).

Figure 7 shows a representation schematic of the operation of the screen 10 sensitive to contact of figure 1. Under cover plate 26 is arranged a sensor layer 28, whose capacitance is modified if a finger touches the cover plate 26. An evaluation electronics 48 assess the local capacitance of the sensor layer 28, and compare the current two-dimensional evolution of this capacitance with a stored evolution of the capacitance of a detection step previous. The change in capacitance leads to tension location dependent, which is represented in figure 7 as a potential peak. Evaluation electronics 48 calculates the difference between capacitances, and determines a point of contact 50 in a two-dimensional plane, corresponding to the surface of the screen 10. Contact point 50 is read by the control unit 14, that is, determined from the measurement data and used as input

Figure 8 shows a configuration Screen schematic. If the user places a finger on the cover plate 26, a capacitance is formed between the finger and the wires over the sensor layer 28. Evaluation electronics 48 (Figure 7) detects changes in the capacitance of the wires, which They indicate a finger position. The sensor layer 28 is composed of a grid of microscopic wires, which are laminated between two protective layers 52, 54 glass.

Reference symbols

10

screen

12

Means of introduction by contact

14

Control unit

16

Connection element

18

Heating element

twenty

Indicator element

22

Signal emitter

24

Temperature probe

26

Cover plate

28

Sensor layer

30

Countryside

32

Input field

3. 4

Input field

36

Countryside

38

Countryside

40

Countryside

42

Pictogram

44

Support

46

Metal frame

48

Evaluation electronics

fifty

Contact point

52

Protection layer

54

Protection layer

Claims (15)

1. Domestic appliance with a screen (10) with contact introduction means (12) on a screen surface, a control unit (14), which is configured to evaluate the contact signals of the contact introduction means (12), and operate the household appliance in a manner dependent on the contact signals, and with at least one other connecting element (16) separate from the screen (10) to activate and / or deactivate at least one function of the domestic appliance, characterized in that the screen (10) is connectable and / or disconnectable during operation of the domestic appliance through the at least one other connecting element (16). 2. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the domestic appliance is a cooking appliance with a heating element (18). 3. Domestic appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one heating element (18) is an inductor. 4. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one other connection element (16) is configured as a contact sensitive connection element (16) without moving components. 5. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one other indicator element (20), separated from the screen (10), to indicate a state of operation of the domestic appliance with a display (10) disconnected. 6. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one indicator element (20) separated from the screen (10) to indicate a residual heat of the domestic appliance. 7. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one emitter of acoustic signals (22) for signaling a state of operation of the domestic appliance with a display (10) disconnected. 8. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a temperature probe (24), wherein the control unit (14) is configured to deactivate the display (10) if a temperature measured by the temperature probe (24 ) exceeds a threshold value. 9. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one other connecting element (16) is configured to activate and / or deactivate a child safety lock. 10. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cover plate (26) of glass or ceramic hob, wherein the other connection element (16) is configured as a capacitive or inductive proximity switch disposed below the plate cover (26). 11. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured to execute at least one previously programmed operating program and temporarily limited with the display (10) disconnected. 12. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured to operate the domestic appliance in at least one operating mode with display (10) disconnected in a manner dependent on connection signals at least of another connecting element (16) and independently of the contact signals of the contact introduction means (12). 13. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured to generate a signal and / or deactivate a heating element (18) in a timer operating mode independently of a display activity status (10) after a preset time. 14. Domestic appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured to automatically switch off the display (10) in the timer operating mode after a preset time. 15. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured to connect the previously disconnected screen (10), if a user requires it by actuating the at least one other connecting element (16) .