WO2010007076A1

WO2010007076A1 - Illuminated control element for a household appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2010007076A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/059017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Sachon
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2008-07-18
Filing date: 2009-07-15
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: DE102008033793A1; EP2304756A1

Abstract

The control element is provided for a household appliance, wherein the control element comprises a control surface with a front surface and a covering surface and comprises at least one lighting surface at the covering surface.

Description

Illuminated control for a household appliance

The invention relates to an operating element for a household appliance, wherein the control element has a user interface with an end face and a lateral surface and at least one luminous surface, further relates to a control panel for a household appliance with at least one such control element, as well as a household appliance, in particular cooking appliance, with at least one such control and / or such control panel. The invention also relates to an operating element for a domestic appliance, wherein the operating element has a user interface with an end face and a lateral surface.

DE 102 36 935 A1 discloses a rotary switch for household appliances with a device front arranged, retractable in a rest position and protruding in an operating position from the front of the device rotary knob, which has a lighting device which lights up in an operating position of the rotary switch. It is envisaged that the lighting device has in a front face of the rotary knob, a first light-emitting element to indicate a switch position of the rotary switch in the operating position. At an edge between a circular end face and a cylindrical outer surface, a second light-emitting element may be provided which surrounds the end face in an annular manner and only lights up in the operating state of the rotary switch or of the device.

Next commercially available ovens and cookers are known in which a lighting is done via a point or line lighting on the front of a rotary selector.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an illumination of a control element, which is particularly well visible and preferably has an optically quiet appearance.

This object is achieved by means of two control elements, a control panel and a household appliance according to the respective main claim. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims. The control element, which is provided for a household appliance, has a user interface with an end face (front face) and a lateral face (side face). Under a user interface in particular such a surface of a control element is meant, which is accessible to an operator. The operating element also has at least one luminous surface. The lateral surface has at least one luminous surface. The luminous area can be illuminated by means of one or more light sources.

The use of the shell-side illuminated area gives the advantage that the perceived less superficially, resulting in a calming of the front of the device. In addition, in the case of a perspective or lateral view of the device, the user always has an operating state assigned to the operating element (eg on / off) in view.

It is preferred if at least one mantle-surface-side luminous area does not represent characters (symbols, alphanumeric characters), but merely a luminous area as such for providing information, in particular activation and / or acknowledgment information, by means of the luminous state (on / off).

It is preferred for all-round visibility in a particularly simple structure, an operating element, in which at least one luminous surface circumferentially, in particular annularly running, is arranged on the lateral surface.

It can also be arranged several segments circumferentially around the lateral surface several luminous surfaces, z. B. partially annular, which segments may be directly adjacent to each other or spaced.

The user interface is preferably cylindrical, in particular for a turntable, but can also be shaped differently, for. B. polyhedral, in particular qua- or cube-shaped, z. B. for switches or buttons. It is also conceivable switch or button with cylindrical user interface.

It is particularly preferred if at least one luminous surface is arranged on a base of the lateral surface. Here, a base of the lateral surface is understood as meaning the edge region of the lateral surface, which is intended to adjoin a control panel. It is preferred for particularly user-friendly and compact operator guidance due to the greatest possible reference from display to control element, if the control element has at least one display surface, in particular programmable display surface, on its end face. As a programmable display surface, for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED, LCD, TFT or OLED segment display (in particular, seven-segment display) may be used, but is not limited thereto. This is particularly advantageous for alphanumerically and / or symbolically to display values or functions of a mode of operation which is currently active or still to be selected, for example types of heating, heating stages, programs, a temperature, times, a spin speed and so on.

It is preferred for easier cleanability of a control panel with such a control element when the control element is designed retractable in a rest position and protruding in an operating position from the front of the device. In particular, the surface area on the surface of the casing surface or even the entire surface area is then visible only in the extended state. Particularly preferred is a control element whose end face is flush with the surface of the control panel of a recess in the retracted state.

It is to achieve a pleasant feel, a more homogeneous adaptation to a metallic control panel and possibly even front panel and good heat dissipation from the luminous surface preferred if at least the outer surface outside the luminous surface has a metallic surface, so that a total of a multi-part design results. In this case, the metallic part of the lateral surface in particular as a pipe section, as extruded part or so-called. Hydroforming be performed: Basically, instead of metal but also all other suitable materials are conceivable, for. As plastic, glass or ceramic, in particular a transparent and translucent (opaque) ceramic. In particular, transparent or translucent materials are suitable for easy introduction of the luminous surfaces.

It is particularly preferred if the operating element is designed as a turntable, in particular a rotary knob. However, the control can also be designed as a switch or button, z. B. as an acknowledgment button or on / off pressure switch. When using a turntable control as the entire user interface can rotate with a rotary actuator. However, it may also be preferred, in particular if signs or symbols are displayed on the front side, if the lateral surface is at least partially rotatable and the end face is at least partially fixed. This is particularly advantageous if the control element has the programmable display surface in its end face - and especially an operating parameter such as a cooking level or a temperature displays - because then the display can be read at each rotational position. Then, in particular, the part of the end face, on which the programmable display surface is arranged, is fixed. It is thus possible that the lateral surface is completely rotatable and the end face is designed to be completely stationary. The boundary surface then extends essentially at the edge between the lateral surface and the boundary surface. However, arrangements are also included for ease of manufacture in which the fixed or the rotatable part are designed encompassing. Thus, the lateral surface (or a part thereof) can be designed to be rotatable together with a region of the end face (in particular an annular region) bordering the lateral surface. Alternatively, the end face together with an adjoining region of the lateral surface (in particular annular region) may be designed to be fixed. Thus, only an annular region of the lateral surface may be designed to be rotatable, which is delimited on the user surface front and rear by fixed lateral surface areas.

But also a reading fixedly applied characters, in particular symbols, for detecting a function of the rotary selector is thereby improved. The application of the firmly applied characters can be accomplished, for example, by means of pressing, lasing, eroding engraving, etching, etc. But it can also be attached signs on the lateral surface.

The object is also achieved by means of an operating element for a household appliance, in particular a turntable, wherein the operating element has a user interface with an end face and a lateral surface, wherein at least one programmable display surface is present on the end face.

As a result, a particularly user-friendly and compact operator guidance is achieved on the basis of the greatest possible reference from display to control element. As a pro- For example, a liquid crystal display or an LED, LCD, TFT or OLED segment display (in particular, seven-segment display) may be used, but is not limited thereto. This is particularly advantageous for alphanumerically and / or symbolically to display values or functions of a mode of operation which is currently active or still to be selected, for example types of heating, heating stages, programs, a temperature, times, a spin speed, timers and so on.

The control panel for a household appliance has at least one such control element. The control element is usually guided through a recess in the control panel and attached to the back.

The control panel preferably has a reflection area, which is provided to surround the control element at least in sections, in particular completely. By means of the reflection region, light radiated by a shell-side luminous surface which falls on the reflection region is emitted by the control panel. When viewed directly from the front, a user sees predominantly the reflection of the - in particular annular - luminous surface. This will allow an operator to easily see the operating condition when viewed from the front. The interplay between light emitted directly from the luminous area and reflected light results in a subtle lighting effect ("glow") for a viewer, equal to a corona effect, which is visually more appealing than previous activation or acknowledgment displays because it is not so restless acts. The interaction of the luminous surface, which is arranged at the base of the lateral surface, in particular of a rotary knob, in combination with the reflection region arranged in the vicinity of the luminous surface (for example as a facet ring) is considered to be particularly advantageous.

This effect is particularly pronounced if an operating element is used in which at least one luminous surface is arranged at the base of the lateral surface, since a relatively large angle component of the light emitted by the luminous surface falls onto the reflection region and thereby the luminous intensity of the reflected light is high.

The reflection region can be used for circulating reflection and in particular for cooperation with a cylindrical rotary actuator as an annular reflection region be designed. In general, it may be preferred if the shape of the reflection region substantially reflects the shape of the contour of the lateral surface at its base.

For a simple and effective beam guidance, the reflection region is preferably formed in a depression, particularly preferably as a depression, in particular with an at least sectional slope. Depending on the desired radiation characteristic, the slope can be shaped in particular as a straight, concave or convexly deepening slope. In an annular reflection region, the slope is then preferably frusto-conical.

For particularly strong emphasis on a light emission to the operator from the reflection region of an operating element is preferred in which at least one luminous surface of the operating element is at least partially laterally surrounded by the recess. As a result, a large part of the light radiated by this - in particular a bordering on the base - light will fall on the reflection surface. For particularly strong reflection, it is preferred if the at least one luminous surface is laterally completely surrounded or enclosed by the recess; d. h., That this luminous surface does not protrude forward beyond the surface of the control panel outside the recess.

The reflection region can be configured to be diffusely reflecting, preferably in order to produce an angle-homogeneous emission, but can also be made shiny for a higher degree of reflection and / or a sharper appearance.

A control panel may also be preferred which has at least one luminous surface which adjoins the reflection region, in particular a circumferential luminous surface arranged in the recess. Thus, in particular, the depression may have two or more reflecting and (actively) illuminating partial surfaces which alternate from the operating element to the non-recessed surface of the control panel. In the case of an annular recess, in particular an inner ring may be formed as a reflection region and an outer ring as a luminous surface, or vice versa. But there are also in the circumferential direction around the control element alternating reflective and active lighting areas conceivable, for. B. alternating ring sectors. As a result, the light emission with respect to a light pattern and / or with regard to various functions can still be made flexible. shape it. However, such changes are not limited to the recessed area of the aperture.

The control element and the control panel can be used with any household appliances, in particular with a stove, oven or a hob, but z. B. also with a washing machine, a dishwasher, and so on.

In the following figures, the invention will be described schematically with reference to exemplary embodiments. It can be provided with the same reference numerals for better clarity identical or equivalent elements.

1 shows a sectional view of a sketch of a control panel arranged in a rotary knob;

FIG 2 shows the rotary knob of Figure 1 in an oblique view of the control panel.

3 shows a sectional view of a sketch of a control panel arranged in a rotary knob according to a further embodiment;

4 shows a sectional view of a sketch of a control panel arranged in a rotary knob according to yet another embodiment;

5 shows the rotary knob of FIG 4 in an oblique view of the control panel;

6 shows an oblique view of the control panel a rotary knob according to yet another embodiment;

7 shows a sectional view of the rotary knob of FIG 1 with a panel according to yet another embodiment and

FIG 8 shows a sectional view of the rotary knob of FIG 1 with a panel according to yet another embodiment. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

A first embodiment of a rotary knob will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of an operating element for a hotplate in the form of a rotary knob 1 formed as cylindrical rotary plate, which is guided through a bushing 2 a control panel 3. FIG 2 shows this arrangement in an oblique view of the panel 3. A frontal viewing direction by an operator on the control panel 3 is indicated by the arrow.

The rotary knob 1 has a user interface 4 with an end face 5 directed to the front (in the direction of the z axis) and a lateral surface 6 directed to the side (in an x-y plane). The surface 4 belonging to the user interface 4 has an annular circumferential metallic gripping surface 7 and an annular circumferential luminous surface 8 adjacent thereto. The luminous surface 8 is arranged at the base of the lateral surface 6, d. h., That the luminous surface 8 borders on the control panel 3 from the perspective of an operator and thus is located at the furthest rear area of the user interface 4. The dashed areas are hidden by the control panel 3 and neither visible nor tangible to a user and thus no part of the user interface 4.

In a region surrounding the operating element 1, the operating panel 3 has an annular recess or recess in the form of a bevel 9, which serves as a reflection area for the luminous area 8 of the rotary knob 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the luminous surface 8 is completely surrounded laterally (in one direction in the x-y plane) by the straight bevel 9. This also means that the height hL of the annular luminous area 8 (along the z-axis) is not greater than the height hR of the slope 9, and that the luminous area 8 does not extend forward (in the z-direction) over the non-recessed surface the control panel 3 protrudes. The reflection region 9 is diffusely reflecting, z. B. by the surface has a corresponding microstructuring, z. B. is roughened.

When the luminous surface 8 is lit, part of the light is radiated directly into the space in front of the control panel 3 at the side of the rotary knob 1. With a frontal view of the operating element 1, the luminous surface 8 is not visible. However, a predominant part of the light from the luminous surface 8 is blasted onto the bevel 9 and emitted from there in front of the aperture 3. For an operator, the bevel 9, which acts as a reflection region, acts like a further luminous region, but with a lower luminous intensity than the luminous surface 8 and a different angular dependence with respect to the z-axis. When viewed directly from the front of the control element 1 thus only light from the slope 9 is perceived. Because the slope is diffusely reflective, this light is perceived as being particularly homogeneous and unobtrusively gentle. When viewed obliquely, the light emitted directly from the luminous surface 8 appears to be surrounded by a less intensive, gentler light from the bevel 9 as if it were a corona ("corona"). This, too, has a calm effect on a viewer. In the case shown here, at an angle of about 45 ° to the rear extending bevel 9 of the maximum side-extending angle of reflection is limited. With a strong lateral view, only a narrow subarea of the luminous area 8 is thus perceived directly.

The shell-side luminous surface 8 can be illuminated by at least one light source from the inside. In the case of a plurality of illuminated surfaces, these can be illuminated by respective light sources, or else by means of a common light source. Light from the light source or light sources can be led to the light area, for example, by means of a light guide or a cavity. However, any other suitable type of backlighting of the luminous area (s) can also be used. Generally, a light source may be located within or outside the rotary knob.

A possible operating mode of the rotary knob 1 will be explained below with reference to an example not shown in the drawing, in which the rotary knob 1 serves as a control element for setting a cooking level of a hotplate, a cooker or a hob. To activate (turn on) the associated hob the rotary knob 1 is pressed by pressure on its end face 5 in the manner of a Hubtasters or Hubschalters. The rotary knob thus also has a key or switch function. When the cooking surface is activated, the illuminated area 8, z. B. red, to signal the activation to an operator. By turning the rotary knob 1 can be set in a known manner different cooking levels. These can be displayed, for example, in a separate display device. To adjust the cooking levels z. B. a scale, not shown here, be present on the control panel, while an associated Scale pointer is placed on the gripping surface 7. To deactivate the luminous surface 8 of the rotary knob 8 is pressed again. The luminous surface 8 can then go out immediately or first after a certain period of time, which may depend for example on a temperature of the cooking surface. Such a rotary knob 1 is not retractable.

One of another mode, the rotary knob can be designed as a pure turntable without key / switch function. In an "off" position, the luminous surface 8 does not light up; with rotation of the rotary knob 13, the associated function is activated, and the illuminated area 8 lights up. Such a rotary knob 1 can be designed retractable or non-retractable. In a retractable rotary knob activation of the luminous surface by rotation of the protruding from the aperture 3 rotary knob 1 or already by the fact that the rotary knob has been transferred from the rest position in the retracted state to its operating position in excellent condition.

Due to the lateral emission surface, a user can perceive this activation from a lateral position much better than with previous illuminated surfaces. This is also useful to be able to control when leaving the kitchen or the apartment if the appliance has been started. This also results in an improved safety function.

In other application examples, the rotary knob can be used for activating a baking oven and adjusting a baking oven temperature, for activating a washing program of a washing machine with setting a water temperature or for activating a tumble dryer with setting a drying temperature.

FIG. 3 shows, in a view analogous to FIG. 1, a rotary knob 10 in which the luminous area 11 has now been increased at the expense of the grip area 12 in the z-direction. As a result, the luminous area 11 protrudes beyond the surface of the control panel 3, as a result of which a portion of a light emitted directly from the luminous area 11 into the room is amplified in comparison to the light emitted by the bevel 9. This in turn weakens the corona effect, but increases lateral visibility.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show, in a view analogous to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a rotary knob 13, in which only a thin outer edge 14 of the end face 5 together with the manhole telfläche 6 is rotatable, while an inner surface 15 of the end face 5 does not change its position upon actuation of the rotary knob 13. The lateral surface 6 and the majority of the end face 5 is thus rotatable relative to each other, as indicated schematically by the circumferential gap 16 in FIG 4. In the position-stable inner surface 15 a display unit in the form of a 7-segment display 17 is introduced, which thus does not move with a rotation of the lateral surface 6 of the rotary knob 13. This makes it possible to keep a value of a variable by the rotary knob 13 parameter range (cooking level, oven temperature, remaining time, timer setting, etc.) on the rotary knob 13 readable. This in turn creates a particularly compact and user-friendly arrangement in which functional parameter display and function parameter adjustment are combined in one element.

General mode parameters can be displayed, which can be set by the user himself or determined by the household appliance. For example, for a washer-dryer, a washing temperature, drying temperature, speed of a laundry drum, amount of powder, remaining time, etc., can be displayed. The displayed parameter is not limited.

It is also possible to accommodate more than one indicator in the face.

FIG. 6 shows, in a view similar to that of FIG. 5, a rotary knob 18 according to yet another embodiment, in which the luminous surface is no longer continuous, but is constructed from a plurality of uniform ring-shaped annular segments 19. Alternatively, z. For example, an annular arrangement of differently shaped luminous surfaces may also be used, such as round (circular or oval) or strip-shaped luminous surfaces.

FIG. 7 shows, in a view similar to that of FIG. 1, the rotary knob 1, which is now surrounded by a reflection region 20, which has no straight bevel, but has a recess with a concave-shaped surface or bevel. This allows the angular dependence of the radiated light, and thus z. As the corona effect can be adjusted. Alternatively, z. B. also a convex or a still differently shaped reflection area can be used. FIG. 8 shows, in a view similar to that of FIG. 1, the rotary knob 1, which is surrounded by a reflection region 21, which does not fill the entire recess 9, but only an inner annular partial surface. Adjacent to the outer edge of the inner ring 21 is an inner edge of an annular luminous surface 22, which is backlit by means of a light guide 23. As a result, the light emission with respect to a light pattern and / or with regard to various functions can be made even more flexible. Such a configuration of alternating light and reflection surfaces can be easily produced for a plastic diaphragm, for example by means of a so-called multiple injection process, in which several materials can be injection-molded at the same time.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

Thus, the control element may also have a differently shaped end face, z. B. a non-flat end face, for example with a handle-like projection. Also, the edge between the end face and the lateral surface may be chamfered for less sharp transition (have a chamfered ring facet). In addition, the grip surface of the user interface instead of metal can be made of plastic, glass or ceramic.

The luminous area is not limited to a one-piece shape, nor to an annular arrangement. Thus, a plurality of spaced-apart rings or annularly arranged luminous surfaces can be arranged on the lateral surface. Also, the luminous surfaces need not be arranged on the base side, but may additionally or alternatively be arranged in the middle of the lateral surface or adjacent to the end surface. If there are several luminaire surfaces on the shell side, they can be lit separately in a variant.

The operating element may have, in addition to the at least one shell-side luminous area, at least one end-side luminous area and / or a luminous area arranged at the transition between the end side and the edge side.

In addition to the non-pictorial luminous surface, signs (alphanumeric characters, such as numbers or symbols) can also shine on the lateral surface. With a rotatable lateral surface and fixed end face, the gap between lateral surface and end face can also be located in the lateral surface, so that the entire end face and an adjoining part, in particular only narrow edge-shaped part, of the lateral surface are stationary.

The reflection range of the diaphragm does not need to be directly adjoined to the operating element, as well as a base-side luminous surface not directly, but z. B. separated by a small distance, needs to border on the control panel.

The reflection region need not be designed as a depression, but can for example be introduced into the flat surface of the diaphragm by means of a suitable surface structure, for. B. polished for a specularly reflective surface or roughened for a diffuse reflective surface.

Also, the lighting element of the diaphragm surrounding the operating element may be designed as an inner ring or may also be arranged outside the recess. It can be used more than two alternating ring, z. B. two reflective rings and a light ring; two rings of light and a reflective ring and so on. The alternating surfaces are not limited to a ring shape or a circumferential shape.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 rotary knob

2 Procedure 3 Control panel

4 user interface

5 face

6 lateral surface

7 Grip area 8 illuminated area

9 straight bevel

10 rotary knob

11 lighting area

12 Grip area 13 Turning knob

14 outer edge

15 inner surface

16 gap

17 7-segment display 18 Rotary knob

19 ring segment

20 concave slope

21 reflective inner ring

22 Luminous outer ring 23 Optical fiber hL Height of luminous area hR Height of the slope

Claims

claims

A control element (1; 10; 13; 18) for a domestic appliance, in particular a turntable (1; 10; 13; 18); wherein the operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) has a control surface (4) with an end face (5) and a lateral surface (6) and at least one

Having luminous surface (8, 19), characterized in that the lateral surface (8) at least one luminous surface (8, 19).

Second control element (1; 10; 13) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one luminous surface (8) is arranged circumferentially, in particular annularly encircling, on the lateral surface (6).

3. Control element (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of luminous surfaces (19) are arranged in segments around the circumferential surface (6).

4. Operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one luminous surface (8; 19) is arranged on a base of the outer surface (6).

5. operating element (13; 18) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one programmable display surface (17) on its end face (5).

6. Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element is retractable.

7. Operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gripping surface (7) of the lateral surface (6) has a metallic, ceramic, glass-like or plastic-like surface.

8. Operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element is designed as a turntable (1; 10; 13; 18) and in that the lateral surface (6) is rotatable and at least one part the end face (15) is fixed or only a part of the lateral surface (6) is rotatable, which is spaced from the end face (15).

9. control panel (3) for a household appliance, characterized in that on the control panel (3) at least one operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) is arranged according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Control panel (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control panel has a control element (1; 10; 13; 18) at least partially, in particular completely, surrounding reflection region (9; 20), in particular an annular reflection region (9; 20).

11. Control panel (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that the reflection area is formed in a recess, in particular with an at least partially sloping (9; 20).

12. Control panel (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one luminous surface (8; 19) of the operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) is at least partially laterally surrounded by the recess (9; 20).

13. Control panel (3) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the control panel (3) has at least one luminous surface (22) which borders on the reflection region (21), in particular one in the recess (9) arranged circumferential Illuminated area (22).

14. Household appliance, in particular cooking appliance, characterized in that the household appliance has at least one operating element (1; 10; 13; 18) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a control panel (3) according to one of claims 9 to 13 ,

15. Operating element (13, 18) for a domestic appliance, in particular turntable (13, 18); wherein the operating element (13, 18) has a user interface (4) with an end face (5) and a lateral surface (6), characterized in that at least one programmable display face (17) is present on the end face (5).