WO2011085940A1

WO2011085940A1 - Operating device for a household appliance and household appliance comprising an operating device

Info

Publication number: WO2011085940A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/070828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mike Dietrich; Markus Faesing; Wolfgang MÜCKE
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2010-01-13
Filing date: 2010-12-29
Publication date: 2011-07-21
Also published as: DE102010000874A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance, comprising an operating screen (2) and an electronic module (4), the electronic module (4) having a plate-type operating carrier (8, 8', 8", 8'") for operating elements and/or electronic components of the electronic modules (4), that can be designed as at least two different types of operating carrier (9, 9', 9") according to an operating concept provided for the operating device (1). The operating screen (2) has a continuous recess (3) for the compatible housing of the operating carriers (8, 8', 8", 8'") of said different types of operating carrier (9, 9', 9"). The invention also relates to a household appliance comprising an operating device (1).

Description

Operating device for a household appliance as well

Domestic appliance with an operating device

The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance with a control panel and an electronic module. Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance with such an operating device.

Domestic appliances are usually designed with an operating device which has operating elements and a display with which on the one hand operating states can be set and on the other hand information can be displayed. Usually, an operating device is usually arranged on the front side, which has a control panel with the controls and the like. Known household appliances usually have control panels, in which by different control and display elements, such as power switches, rotary dials, buttons and LED (light emitting diodes) - or LCD (Liquid Cristal Display) display modules, graphic display units and light sources and the like, and printing a brand differentiation is reached. Operator panels can be differentiated by different number and geometry of controls such as switches, rotary voters, buttons and the like, and different designs and number of displays and light sources as well as by different imprints, insert films or the like. In notoriously known operating devices, however, it is provided that they are designed individually only for a particular type of household appliance and are provided for this purpose. Each type of household appliance therefore requires its own operating device, which would therefore be less variable and flexible for other household appliances used.

From DE 102 58 563 B3 an operating device for a household appliance is known, which includes a control panel and an electronic module. The control panel has a single opening in which the electronic module is arranged with all operating and / or control and / or switching and / or display elements. The front of the electronic module is designed to match the front of the control panel. A disadvantage of the operating device according to DE 102 58 563 B3 is that a very complex electronic module is used. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device for a household appliance as well as to provide a domestic appliance with such an operating device with which or with which a more flexible and variable use of an operating device for several household appliance types is possible and beyond household appliance types simple and variable can be equipped with an operating device.

This object is achieved by an operating device and a household appliance, which and which has the features according to respective independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in dependent claims and the following description, wherein preferred developments of the operating device correspond to preferred developments of the household appliance and vice versa, and this in the context of the technically possible even if it is not explicitly pointed out here.

An operating device according to the invention for a household appliance comprises a control panel and an electronic module. The electronic module has a plate-like operator support for operating elements and / or electronic components of the electronic module, which can be formed depending on a provided for the operating device operating concept in at least two different types of operator support, wherein the control panel has a continuous recess, which for the compatible recording of the operator support these different Operator support types is formed. In other words, the operator support is selected depending on the operating concept provided for the operating device from a group of at least two different types of operator support. Thus, an operating device is provided which can be assembled differently in a variable and situation-specific manner. This modular design in the form of a modular principle allows a much more flexible concept with regard to the different use in different household appliances and the differentiation of different household appliances by different operating devices. This is achieved by the invention in a particularly simple manner to the effect that the adaptation to the household appliance types is possible by the different design of operator support types on the one hand and on the other hand these types of operator support compatible in the control panel provided for this purpose. It can thus also in a only the same control panel different operator support types are arranged, so that in this respect results in a high variety of variants.

The group of different operator carrier types has at least a first, a second and / or a third operator carrier type. In the first operator support type, a printed circuit board of the electronic module is formed separately from the operator support and the electronic components are on the circuit board and the controls are formed on the operator support. In particular, it is provided that the circuit board is arranged under the operator support and the operator support has openings for connection between a control element and a printed circuit board.

It is advantageously provided that the upper side of the operator support of this first operator support type is printed with letters and / or symbols and / or numbers, which are easily visible in the installed state of the operator support in the recess of the control panel when viewed from the front by a user.

In the second type of operator support, a flexible film is formed separately from the operator support and the electronic components are integrated in the film. In particular, the film is arranged over the operator support. In such an embodiment of a second operator support type is preferably provided that the operator support is formed without printing. In the third operator support type, the operator support has a touch-sensitive control panel (a so-called touchpad or touchscreen). In particular, in the assembled state of the operator support with the control panel, the top of the operator support forms the front. In particular, the operator support, preferably in all operator support types, at least one breakthrough for a main switch or a rotary selector switch. In particular, even in the second and third types of operator support a circuit board is providable under the operator support, which is contacted via a connection with the rotary switch performed by the openings. Particularly preferably, it is provided that the operator support and also the operator support types are significantly smaller than the control panel, so that advantages are achieved here also in terms of compactness and space minimization. This results in a modular concept for an operating device based on a universal operator support with control and / or display elements to increase the flexibility of the diaphragm design, reducing the assembly and testing costs, reducing the logistics and reducing the response time for the introduction of new bezel designs.

In a particularly advantageous manner, it is provided that the surface dimensions of the operator carriers are the same for all operator carrier types. The main element, the operator support, is thus the same size and thus functionally with regard to the introduction into the recess of the control panel for all variants the same. This gives on the one hand a particular advantage with regard to the further construction of an operator support type and also ensures a special compatibility for insertion into the control panel. Last but not least, the provision of different components is significantly reduced. By the operator support of different types of operator support in its outer geometry is the same for all variants, is for blinds of various household appliances a compatible suitability and there may be included controls and display elements of various technologies.

Preferably, the recess is a framed breakthrough in the control panel. The attachment and positioning of the operator support is thus particularly position stable and centered possible. Preferably, an operator support of an operator support type is detachably attached to the control panel. By such a non-destructive detachable attachment of the exchange for assembly or replacement can be done very easily. In a particularly advantageous manner, the fast and low-effort and low-wear variant formation of an operating device is thereby possible. Such a detachable connection may be, for example, a latching connection, a clip connection, a plug connection, a screw connection or the like. Even simple slots can be provided in this regard. Furthermore, the invention relates to a household appliance with an operating device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

By the invention, a high flexibility can be achieved by a variable operator support with a constant interface to a single visor body. The use of an external geometry same operator carrier in different household appliances can be made possible.

As a household appliance in the present context, household appliances for the care of laundry, for the preparation of food, for the storage and / or preservation of food or cleaning of dishes and the like understood. In particular, thus, for example, washing machines, clothes dryers, cookers, microwave ovens, ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and the like are included. Furthermore, the use of one and the same operator support can be made possible for different operating concepts, in which context conventional operating concepts with mechanical and electromechanical components or concepts based on a membrane keyboard or concepts based on a touch control or touch screen are mentioned. It is a high equipment variance by modular design of the operating device in terms of the visor body or the control panel and the operator support possible and ensures a variable equipping the operator support within the different operating concepts. Different functions can be assigned to the different operating elements by the software. In addition, a uniform assembly test line for mounting the complete operator support for various household appliances can be made possible. This results in a savings of investments for different production and test lines. In addition, the principle of the operator support differentiated, for example, for large appliances and small appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and the like, come to be used. With regard to production, the specific configuration of the operating device can first be selected and then the modular assembly with the compatibly formed components can be made possible immediately prior to the installation of the operating device into a domestic appliance.

This also results in a reduction in logistics costs due to smaller packaging than in the case of conventional system screens and a smaller storage area at system suppliers and in the factory where the device assembly takes place. Not least can be made possible by such a variably and flexibly ausgestaltbare operating device by combining a control panel with a specific type of operator support, in particular a same size for all types of operator support is based on a short-term design change with low tooling costs. In particular, however, a user-specific embodiment of the operating device is possible in a particularly advantageous manner. It can therefore also make the installation of the household appliance at the end customer this individual control. This can be done, in particular, by using a different control panel or by using a different operator panel with a new operator panel with a new design and new functionality.

In addition to a simple assembly and disassembly of the operator support beyond also ensures that a rotation of the electronic module in the aperture for brand differentiation is not necessary. This makes it possible to reduce the material and assembly costs for the wiring of the system panel or the household appliance.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention. Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic figures of the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an operating device;

FIG. 2 shows a view from below of the operating device according to FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an operating device;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an operating device: and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an operating device.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, a control device 1 is shown in a front view, which is arranged on the front side of a household appliance for the care of laundry items, such as a washing machine or a tumble dryer or a washer-dryer. The operating device comprises a control panel 2, which is preferably formed integrally from plastic. In the control panel 2, a recess 3 is formed, which represents a continuous hole in the control panel 2. The dimensions of the recess 3 are significantly smaller than the entire outer geometry of the control panel 2. The recess 3 is circumferentially completely framed by the control panel 2. In the recess 3, an electronic module 4 is arranged. This electronic module 4 has a front side 5, which can be viewed or viewed by a user. On the front 5 information in the form of light displays, numerical values and words and the like are shown. As a result, operating settings of the household appliance are identified or are controls in Form of rotary switches available by means of which operating settings can be changed or selected.

The operating module or electronic module 4 comprises a plate-like operating support which can not be seen in FIG. The operator support is designed for receiving or carrying operating elements and / or electronic components of the electronic module 4. Electronic components are in this context, both switches, buttons and other classic electronic components, as well as light sources such. As light-emitting diodes and the like, as well as display units.

The operating device 1 is designed so that it is constructed in a modular manner and can be designed in a highly variable and flexible manner according to the modular principle. In this context, it is possible that different operator support types are formed, which can be introduced into the recess 3. The recess 3 and thus also the control panel 2 are provided for compatible recording of different types of operator support. In this context, an embodiment of at least subcomponents of the electronic module 4, which has at least the operator carrier and moreover comprises at least one further characterizing component, is understood as the operator carrier type. In this connection, further components can be arranged directly on the operator support or the operator carrier can merely serve as a carrier for further carrier components for components. Through this variety of variants arise different types of operator support, all of which are accommodated in the recess 3 compatible. In this context, an essential aspect is that the operator supports of at least two different types of operator support are designed to be identical in their outer geometry dimensions. In particular, it is provided in this context that the operator support is the main component, which is used in terms of insertion and attachment of the electronic module 4 in the recess 3. The compatibility is therefore particularly adapted to this geometry of the operator support.

FIG. 2 shows in a view from below the operating device 1 which is upright with the front shown in FIG. 1. It can be seen that in the region of the recess 3 at the back of the control panel 2 holding elements as webs 6 and 7 are formed, which are provided as a kind of support webs for the operator support 8. In this context, for example, locking elements or simply hook parts can be provided. However, it can also be provided that the webs 6 and 7 are formed at least partially encircling and the operator support 3 is inserted therein, so that the recesses in connection with the webs 6 and 7 acts as a kind of insertion slot. It can be seen that the operator support 8 is engaged behind by the webs 6 and 7 and thus is held both positionally stable and secure in the recess 3.

In Fig. 3 a first embodiment of the operating device 1 is shown in a perspective view. The dimensions of the recess 3, which is framed by the control panel 2, is shown. It extends substantially over two-thirds of the length (x-direction) of the control panel 2. In this first embodiment, a first control panel type 9 is shown. In this regard, it is provided that the electronic module in addition to the operator support 8 'has a circuit board 10, which viewed in the z direction below and thus at front-side viewing of the operating device 1 behind the operator support 8' is arranged. In particular, in this case a spaced arrangement is formed. The printed circuit board 10 essentially has the outer geometry dimensions of the operating support 8 '. In addition, in this first type of operator carrier 9, the operator support 8 'is provided with operating elements 1 1 and 12 and, moreover, printed products 14 are attached to the front side 13. In addition, display units 15 and 16 are formed on this operator support 8 '. With regard to the operating element 1 1, a breakthrough 17 in the operator support 8 'is formed, which extends with a connecting element through the operator support 8' to get into electrical contact with the circuit board. The printed circuit board 10 is formed as a separate part to the operator support 8 '.

4, a further embodiment of an operating device 1 is shown in a perspective view, in turn, the control panel 2 is provided with the same recess 3. In addition, a second operator support type 9 'is shown, which is compatible with the first operator support type 9 in the recess 2 can be introduced and positioned. In this embodiment of the second operating support type 9 ', it is provided that a membrane keyboard is formed, with a flexible film 18 being provided separately from an operating support 8 "for this purpose second operator support type 9 'still separated from the control panel 2 shown. In the assembled state, the flexible film 18 is arranged above and thus in front of the operating device 1 in front of the operator support 8 ", below or behind the operator support 8" a printed circuit board (not shown) is arranged. This is connected to connecting elements for a main switch or rotary selector switch 19, which extends with its connecting element through openings 20 and 21 of the flexible film 18 and the operator support 8 "therethrough.

The operator support 8 "is designed with respect to its outer geometry equal to the operator support 8 'according to the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 3. Here too, it is provided that the operator support 8" represents that component of the electronic module with respect to the second operator support 9', which the Attachment with the control panel 2 mainly guaranteed and with the webs 6 and 7 in conjunction. On the front side 22 of the flexible film turn displays 15 and 16 are shown. The electronic components such as buttons, switches, potentiometers and light sources and the like are integrated in the flexible film 18. In this regard, the controls 12 and the rotary selector switch 19 are exemplified.

Breakthroughs of the flexible film are provided only for the displays and main or rotary selector switch in conjunction with a printed circuit board. In this second type of operating support 9 ', the operating support 8 "is designed without printing, but a printing 14 is formed on the flexible film 18.

In all embodiments, printing may consist of both numbers and letters and / or symbols and may give information as to the manufacturer, operating settings, and the like.

In Fig. 5, another embodiment of an operating device 1 is shown in a further perspective view, in this context, in turn, the same in all embodiments control panel 2 is shown with the same recess 3. In the illustration according to FIG. 5, a third operator carrier type 9 "with a third operator carrier 8"'is shown. The operator support 8 "'is formed with respect to its plate-like structure with its outer geometry equal to the operator supports 8' and 8". In contrast to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4, in which on the one hand an operating concept based on a printed circuit board technology according to FIG. 3 or as a membrane keyboard according to FIG. 4 is formed, an operating concept which functions on the basis of a touch-sensitive attachment.

5, in which the operating device 1 is shown in the separated state, a touch-sensitive control panel 23 and a print 14 are formed on the upper side 13 of the operating support 8 "' Circuit board 24 is arranged, via which the desired by the touch of the control panel 13 operating settings are detected and controlled. In addition, in this operator support 8 "'there is also an opening 25 for connecting elements of a rotary selector switch or a main switch In this embodiment according to Fig. 5, components such as keys, switches, rotary voters, potentiometers or light sources are not required because they are touch-sensitive Control panel 23. Only the main switch is arranged separately over the opening 25.

With regard to the main switch or rotary voter design conventional or contactless versions can be provided with a detent in the operator support.

By this high possible variety of variants through the modular design a variety of control devices 1 can be quickly generated and adapted to the household appliance type and created.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

operating device

control panel

recess

electronic module

front

, 7 bars

, 8 ', 8 ", 8'" operator

, 9 'Operator Carrier Types

0 circuit board

1, 12 controls

3 front side

4 prints

5, 16 display units

7 breakthrough

8 foil

9 Rotary selector switch

0, 21 breakthroughs

2 front side

3 touch-sensitive control panel4 printed circuit board

5 breakthrough

Claims

claims

Operating device for a domestic appliance with a control panel (2) and an electronic module (4), wherein the electronic module (4) has a plate-like operator support (8, 8 ', 8 ", 8"') for operating elements and / or electronic components of the electronic module (4 ), and the control panel (2) has a continuous recess (3), which for the compatible recording of the operator support (8, 8 ', 8 ", 8"') is formed, characterized in that the operator support (8, 8 ' , 8 ", 8" ') is selected as a function of an operating concept provided for the operating device (1) from a group of at least two different operating carrier types (9, 9', 9 "), and that the group comprises at least a first, a second and / or a third operator support type (9, 9 ', 9 "), wherein

- In the first operator support type (9) a circuit board (10) of the electronic module (4) is formed separately from the operator support (8 ') and the electronic components on the circuit board (10) and the controls (1 1, 12) on the operator support ( 8 ') are formed

- In the second operator support type (9 ') a flexible film (18) is formed separately from the operator support (8 ") and the electronic components (12) are integrated in the film (18) and

- In a third type of operator support (9 ") of the operator support (8" ') a touch-sensitive control panel (23).

Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (3) is a framed breakthrough in the control panel (2).

Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an operator support (8, 8 ', 8 ", 8"') of an operator support type (9, 9 ', 9 ") on the control panel (2) is releasably attached.

4. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first operator support type (9), the printed circuit board (10) under the operator support (8 ') is arranged and the operator support (8') at least one opening (17) for connections between a control element (1 1) and the circuit board (10).

5. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first operator support type (9) the top (13) of the operator support (8 ') is printed with letters and / or symbols and / or numbers, which in the installed state of the operator support (8 ') are visible in the recess (3) when viewed from the front.

6. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the second operator support type (9 '), the film (18) on the operator support (8 ") is arranged.

7. Operating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the operator support (8 ") is formed without printing.

8. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the third operator support type (9 ") in the assembled state of the operator support (8" ') with the control panel (2) the top (13) of the operator support (8 "' ) makes the front.

9. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator support (8, 8 ', 8 ", 8"') has at least one opening (17, 21) for a main switch.

10. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in all types of operator support (9, 9 ', 9 "), the outer geometries of the operator supports (8, 8', 8", 8 "') are the same.

1. domestic appliance with an operating device with a control panel (2) and an electronic module (4), characterized in that the operating device is designed according to one of the preceding claims.