GB2470111A

GB2470111A - Domestic Appliance Control Element

Info

Publication number: GB2470111A
Application number: GB1007330A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Klaus Erdmann; Sebastian Grosch; Reinhard Wiedenmann
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2009-05-06
Filing date: 2010-04-30
Publication date: 2010-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-30
Also published as: GB201007330D0; DE102009002862A1; GB2470111B

Abstract

A control element for a domestic appliance comprises a first setting element 15, which is rotatable P1 about an axis A of rotation thereof for setting operating conditions of the appliance, and a second setting element 16 which is rotatable P1 about its axis A of rotation for setting operating conditions of the appliance 1 and which surrounds at least part of the first setting element; either or both setting elements can also be pressed P2 along its axis A of rotation for setting operating conditions of the appliance. Preferably the appliance is an oven, foodstuff preparation appliance, dishwasher or control equipment. The elements are knobs with coaxial/coincident axes of rotation. Preferably one element is guided within the other and are preferably capable of both rotation and longitudinal movement about its axis whereby at least one of said elements is used for setting operating conditions such as power on/off or standby.

Description

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE CONTROL ELEMENT

The present invention relates to a control element for a domestic appliance, to control equipment with a control element of that kind and to a domestic appliance with such a control element or such control equipment.

items of control equipment and control elements are known in numerous forms of domestic appliances. A domestic appliance with a recessible control element is known from DE 10 2007 008 893 Al. The control element can be automatically moved out and/or automatically recessed in dependence on operating states of the domestic appliance. In addition, a recessible control element for a domestic appliance is known from DE 10 2007 008 897 Al, which comprises a first setting element and a second setting element, which are movable relative to one another.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a control element, control equipment with a control element and a domestic appliance with a control element, by which increased variability and flexibility with respect to setting possibilities are offered.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a control element for a domestic appliance, comprising a first setting element, which is constructed for setting operating conditions of the appliance and which is rotatable about its axis of rotation, and a second setting element, which is rotatable about its axis of rotation for setting operating conditions of the appliance and which at least regionally surrounds the first setting element, wherein the first setting element is pressable along its axis of rotation for setting operating conditions and/or the second setting element is pressable along its axis of rotation for setting operating conditions.

A control element can thus be provided which is expanded with respect to its control functionality and thereby makes possible a more variable and flexible operating condition setting. Due to the fact that the setting elements are on the one hand actuable about the axis of rotation thereof in accordance with a first degree of freedom in order to be able to set operating conditions and at least one of the two setting elements is actuable along its axis of rotation for setting of operating conditions in accordance with a second degree of freedom, a highly flexible setting system is achieved, which in addition is user-friendly and able to be easily manipulated. Moreover, the intuitive capability of understanding the actuating possibilities increases user friendliness. A high degree of setting capability can thus be embodied in a single control element.

The second setting element is preferably of annular construction and annularly surrounds the first setting element. The first setting element is preferably formed to be cylindrical. A specific design and arrangement of the setting elements relative to one another of that kind as well as the specific shaping thereof increase the ease of handling and guarantee, particularly with the multi-functional degrees of freedom for operating condition setting, a secure and precise operation so that faulty settings can be avoided. Not least, this design of the setting elements provides a particularly compact form of the control element so that a space-saving concept, which is nevertheless clear to the user, is achieved.

The axes of rotation of the two setting elements are preferably coincident.

The first setting element and/or the second setting element is or are preferably constructed as control parts recessible into control equipment. Consequently, when not needed it is possible to move at least one of the setting elements, preferably both of the setting elements, into the control equipment so that knocking against or undesired actuation of the control element does not take place.

The setting elements are preferably movable out to different levels along the axes or common axis. Control actuation of each setting element can thereby be performed in simple manner without undesired actuation of the respective other setting element.

Setting of undesired operating conditions can thus be avoided.

The setting elements are preferably movable, at least regionally, independently of one another along the axes or common axis between a recessed position and a moved-out position. For that purpose an appropriate recessing mechanism is provided, which provides coupled movement of the components and in a given case decoupled movement of the components.

Pressing and/or rotating of the first and/or the second setting element for setting of operating conditions is, for preference, performable only in the moved-out state of the setting elements.

With particular preference, setting of operating conditions comprises the selection and/or changing and/or confirmation of operating functions and/or operation of appliance sub-units and/or operating parameters.

As operating function there can be provided, for example, a specific operating program of a cooking appliance. For example, in the case of a baking oven the upper heating function, the lower heating function or the hot air function can be designated as an operating function. As operating sub-unit, for example, the operation of a cooking chamber or a cooking zone of a cooking hob can be named. Operating parameters can be, for example, temperature or a heating power of a heating element. In particular, it can be provided that, through the rotation and/or pressing, merely settings of operating conditions are provided and basic operating conditions can be effected particularly by pressing of a setting element not into or only into recessed state. For preference it is thus provided that by the first and/or second setting element it is possible to set from operating conditions to different basic settings of the appliance, wherein the basic settings comprise switching-on and switching-off of the appliance and/or activating or deactivating a standby mode. Preferably, the pressing and rotating actions for setting these specific operating conditions can be carried out only in the completely moved-out state of a setting element.

In a preferred embodiment that transfer of a setting element from a moved-out state to a recessed state takes place by a brief pressing of the setting element, which, however, is to be distinguished from the functionality of the setting or operating conditions.

Consequently, by the setting of operating conditions by a single or multiple pressing it is possible to select, change or confirm an operating function, an operating sub-unit or an operating parameter. If, for example, the appliance is to be switched off, then this can be achieved by, for example, brief pressing of one or both setting elements and preferably transfer to the recessed state can also be achieved.

Conversely it can also be provided that in the recessed state of a setting element this is moved out by brief pressing along its axis. This, too, is distinguished from the basic setting possibility of operating conditions, such as are stated above, and basically has nothing to do with an operating condition setting as is to be understood in the present context.

Thus, through a design of that kind it is made possible that, for example, starting from a recessed setting of the two setting elements and depending on the operating state of the appliance these are both moved out fully and a function selection can be performed by actuation of the first setting element. After this function selection, movement of the first setting element can be automatically controlled by control means in such a manner that the first setting element is recessible at least partly, preferably completely. The second setting element is again in the moved-out state and a further setting, for example a temperature setting or the like, can be performed by actuation of the second setting element. In the recessed state of the first setting element this is preferably backlit by one or more light sources. It is then possible to signal, particularly in the case of a dark environment, that the control element is quasi active.

For preference, the second setting element can, depending on further operating states or operating parameter values of the operating parameters settable by the second part, be recessed automatically. For this purpose the appliance can comprise a plurality of sensors or other detectors by which values of these operating parameters can be detected and transmitted to the control means.

For example, in the case of a domestic appliance in the form of a baking oven, functions can be represented by upper heat, lower heat, hot air, circulating air and the like and the heating elements, which are required for that purpose, in the baking chamber can be activated. Moreover, specific power steps can be defined as functions. The temperature or the length of the time a heating element of that kind is activated, for example, can then be regarded as operating parameters.

The domestic appliance preferably comprises a central control unit, which can equally be, for example, a central control element, by which basic operating states of "on" and "off' of the appliance or sub-units thereof are settable. Through actuation of this central control element for switching-on of the appliance a plurality of -preferably all -recessible control elements of that kind are preferably automatically transferred from the recessed state to the moved-out state. In analogous manner it can be provided that through actuation of this central control element for switching off the appliance or sub-units thereof all control elements still in the moved-out state are automatically transferred to the recessed state.

Moreover, in the case of an appliance in the form of a cooker hob or baking oven, sensors are preferably provided by which it is detectable whether a food preparation container such as, for example, a pot, pan or the like is placed on a cooking zone of the cooking hob or on a baking tray or grill in the baking oven. This can be, for example, a weight sensor, a photodetector or the like. Depending on the form of detection one or more control elements which are associated with this sub-unit and provided for setting of operating parameters of sub-units can then be activated and automatically transferred from the recessed to the moved-out state.

Correspondingly, it can be provided that on removal of a preparation container from a cooking zone or from a tray or grill in the baking oven this is detected and the associated control elements automatically recessed. In particular, the transfer of control elements from the moved-out state to the recessed state can be coupled with further conditions. It is thereby possible to prevent associated control elements of this sub-unit of the appliance from being immediately recessed in the case of temporary removal or lifting-up of a container, without this recessing being intended yet. Thus, for example, automatic recessing of the associated control element or elements can take place only after a presettable time period foflowing removal of a preparation container from a sub-unit.

Moreover, additionally or alternatively thereto further operating parameters such as, for example, a temperature of a cooking zone or of a baking chamber can be taken into consideration in connection with a decision with regard to whether a control element is to be transferred from the moved-out state to the recessed state. The stated criteria or conditions, which individually or in combination underlie a decision whether a control element is to be moved out or recessed, are merely by way of example. They can be supplemented or substituted in any desired manner. In particular, it is to be noted that domestic appliances can be based on varied and diverse operating parameters and thus a multiplicity of different decision criteria can be utilised for automatic moving out and/or recessing of a control element.

The automatic movement of the control element in longitudinal axial direction is preferably controlled by a control unit. For preference, a plurality of -especial'y al -control elements of the appliance is or are automatically moved out and/or automatically recessed on actuation of a central control element. Provision can be made, particularly when the central control element is constructed for basic activation or deactivation of an appliance, for a plurality of the control elements to be automatically moved out or recessed at the same time or successively in time. Operation can thereby be significantly simplified and accelerated. This is advantageous particularly in the case of a plurality of control elements constructed in that way, since each control element does not have to be separately pressed by a user in order to be moved out or recessed.

In addition, in the case of a plurality of control elements of that kind clarity with respect to operation is substantially simplified and safer, since fundamentally there is automatic movement out or recessing of those control elements intended to be active for setting of functions or operating parameters for a selected sub-unit of the appliance, for example a cooking zone or a baking chamber. The control elements not required for these operating parameters and this sub-unit and not associated therewith are not moved out, so that erroneous operation or a lengthy search for the control element now needed for further settings is eliminated.

For preference, depending on a selected operating function of the appliance and/or depending on the selection of a sub-unit -which is provided for performance of a specific function -of the appliance the control elements assigned to execution of this operating function and/or to further setting of the sub-unit are automatically moved, in particular moved out. For preference, moved-out control elements are automatically recessed depending on whether actual values differ from presettable target values of presettable operating parameters of the relevant sub-unit. Thus, for example, the associated moved-out control elements can be automatically recessed on removal of a food preparation container from a cooking zone. Further criteria can be provided additionally or alternatively with respect to the recessing of the control elements. Thus, for example, after removal of a container from a cooking zone the control elements associated with this cooking zone are automatically recessed only when the cooking zone temperature falls below a presettable threshold temperature. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that after removal of a container from a cooking zone the associated moved-out control elements are recessed only when a presettable time period after removal of the container has elapsed and without further placing of a container on the cooking zone and/or without change in settings of operating parameters for this cooking zone.

Preferably, the control element comprises two setting elements movable relative to one another, wherein a function can be set by one setting element and an operating parameter associated with the first function can be set by the other setting element. Equally, it can be provided that a specific function can be set by one setting element and thus a selection from a plurality of functions can be undertaken.

In a preferred embodiment, on actuation of a central control element for switching on or off the appliance or sub-units thereof or for transfer of the appliance to a standby mode, all recessible control elements or control elements associated with the specific sub-unit are moved out or recessed. In addition, control elements can be provided with special functions. For example, a clock or the like can be set by such a control element. Since control elements for these purposes may be needed relatively infrequently, they are preferably automatically transferred from the recessed state to the moved-out state only under specific operational states. In particular, control elements which have such special functions can be automatically transferred from the recessed to the moved-out state for a brief presettable time period by the actuation of the central control element for switching-on of the appliance. After expiry of this relatively short time period then this control e'ement, if it was not actuated in the interim, is then automatically moved in again.

For preference, one setting element is constructed for setting operating functions as operating conditions and the other setting element is constructed for setting operating parameters and/or operating parameter values. Through this separation so that one setting element serves merely for selection and confirmation of operating functions and the other for setting of the operating parameters or operating parameters associated with this se'ected operating function, a separation is made possible which provides more user-friendly operation.

The first setting element preferably has a cross-sectional radius so that it can be completely moved into the second, annular setting element and so that, in particular, the front faces of the setting elements are flush. The outer radius of the cylindrical first setting element is preferably smaller, over its entire length, than the inner radius of the second setting element.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided control equipment comprising at least one control element according to the first aspect of the invention, the control equipment having an opening in a control panel through which the at least one control element is movable in and movable out.

The first and/or second setting element in the moved-in state of the control element is preferably arranged to be flush with a front side of the control panel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a domestic appliance, particularly for preparation of foodstuffs, comprising a control element according to the first aspect of the invention or control equipment according to the second aspect of the invention. The domestic appliance is preferably a baking oven, but in principle the control element can also be used with other domestic appliances, for example a laundry dryer, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a freezer or a dishwasher. These appliances are merely examples of appliances used for care of items of laundry, for storage and conservation of foodstuffs, for preparation of foodstuffs and for cleaning dishes.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a domestic appliance embodying the third aspect of the invention; Fig, 2 is a perspective view of a detail of control equipment embodying the second aspect of the invention and incorporating a control element embodying the second aspect of the invention, in a first state; and Fig. 3 is a view corresponding with Fig. 2, but showing the control element in a second state.

Referring now to the drawings there is shown in Fig. 1 a domestic appliance for preparation of foodstuffs, in particular a baking oven 1. The baking oven 1 comprises a cooking space 2, into which foodstuffs can be introduced for preparation. The cooking space 2 is bounded by a muffle 3, which has a frontal opening closable by a door 4. In addition, the baking oven 1 includes a cooking hob with, for example, four cooking zones 5, 6, 7 and 8 on which food preparation containers or vessels containing foodstuffs can be positioned for preparation thereof.

The oven I also comprises control equipment 9 which includes, for example, a display field 10, control elements 11 and 12 illustrated in number and position merely by way of example, and a control panel 13. In the illustrated embodiment the control equipment 9 is arranged above the door 4 or above the upper edge thereof in the closed state. However, the control equipment 9 can also be arranged at least partly in the door 4.

A section of the control equipment 9 as considered from the front is illustrated in Fig. 2.

The control element 12 is shown in completely recessed state, in which case the front side of the control element 12 is substantially flush with the front side 14 of the control panel 13.

The control element 12 comprises a cylindrical first setting element 15, which is arranged to set operating conditions of the oven 1. For that purpose it can be both rotated about and displaced along a centre axis A. The control element 12 also comprises an annular second setting element 16, which annularly surrounds the first setting element 15. The centre or longitudinal axes of the setting elements 15 and 16 are coaxial, thus coincident, and define the axis A. The second setting element 16 is constructed for setting operating conditions and for that purpose is similarly rotatable about and displaceable along the axis A. The two setting elements 15 and 16 can thus be rotated about the axis A or pressed along the axis A. The completely recessed state of the components of the control element 12 is shown in Fig. 2 and the completely moved-out state in Fig. 3. It can be seen that the two setting elements 15 and 16 of the control element 12 can be moved out to different levels or positions along the axis A, in which case the first setting element 15 extends further forwardly than the second setting element 16. Rotation about the axis A is symbolised by the double arrow P1 and displacement along the axis A is symbolised by the double arrow P2.

Setting of an operating condition can be carried out only in the completely moved-out state, which is shown in Fig. 3, by pressing of the first and/or second setting element 15 or 16. This is not possible in the recessed state shown in Fig. 2. In that state, for example, outward movement of the first and/or second setting element 15 or 16 can be effected by pressing for a predetermined time period, but not setting of an operating condition in the sense understood here.

In the present embodiment the setting of operating conditions includes selection, changing and/or confirmation of operating functions, operating sub-units and/or operating parameters, wherein these operating conditions and the settings thereof are to be distinguished from basic settings of the appliance. Basic settings signify basic switching-on and basic switching-off of the oven and/or the setting of a standby mode, which is a reduced-energy operating mode. Setting of operating conditions, which is additional to the basic setting process, signifies, for example, specific operating functions with respect to upper heat, lower heat or hot air of the baking oven 1. This can be carried out by, for example, pressing the first and/or the second setting element 15 or 16. The same applies to the selection, setting and confirmation of an operating parameter or an operating parameter value. At least one of the setting elements 15 and 16 is preferably automatically transferrable by brief pressing along the axis A from the moved-out state to the recessed state or from the recessed state to the moved-out state. In the moved-out state of the setting element 15 or 16 there is preferably also the possibility of setting an operating sub-unit, an operating function or an operating parameter. The same applies to the functionality of the rotational capability of a setting element 15 0116 about the axis A, so that the setting of operating conditions -as understood in the context of the embodiment -is possible. In addition, through rotation about the axis A additional basic settings of the appliance and/or transfer of a setting element from the moved-out state to the recessed state or from the recessed state to the moved-out state can be performed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control element for a domestic appliance, comprising a first setting element which is rotatable about an axis of rotation thereof for setting operating conditions of the appliance and a second setting element which is rotatable about an axis of rotation thereof for setting operating conditions of the appliance and which surrounds at least a part of the first setting element, wherein the first setting element can be pressed along its axis of rotation for setting operating conditions of the appliance and/or the second setting element can be pressed along its axis of rotation for setting operating conditions of the appliance.
2. A control element according to claim 1, wherein the second setting element is of annular construction and annularly surrounds the first setting element.
3. A control element according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the axes of rotation of the setting elements are coincident.
4. A control element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the setting elements is constructed as an operating part recessible in control equipment.
5. A control element according to claim 4, wherein the setting elements can be moved out to different levels along their axes of rotation.
6. A control element according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the setting elements are movable between a recessed position and a moved-out position independently of one another along their axes of rotation.
7. A control element according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the or each setting element is pressable, rotatable or pressable and rotatable only in a moved-out state thereof.
8. A control element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the setting elements are guided one in the other.
9. A control element according to claim 8 when dependent on any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein in the recessed state of the setting elements front faces thereof are substantially flush.
10. Control equipment comprising a control panel and a control element according to any one of the preceding claims, the control element being movable into and out of the panel via an opening therein.
11. Control equipment according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the setting elements in a moved-in state thereof is substantially flush with a front side of the control panel.
12. A domestic appliance comprising a control element according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or control equipment according to claim 10 or claim 11.
13. An appliance according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the setting elements is operable to select and/or change and/or confirm operating functions and/or appliance sub-unit operation and/or operating parameters.
14. An appliance according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein at least one of the setting elements is operable to additionally set different basic settings of the appliance.
15. An appliance according to claim 14, wherein the basic settings comprise at least one of switching-on/switching-off of the appliance, a standby mode of the appliance and setting of a moved-out moved-in position of a setting element.
16. An appliance according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein one of the setting elements is operable to set operating functions as operating conditions and the other one of the setting elements is operable to set operating parameters and/or operating parameter values.
17. An appliance according to any one of claims 12 to 16, the appliance being a foodstuffs preparation appliance.
18. An appliance according to claim 7, the appliance being an oven.