WO2016151070A1 - User interface system operable to select working parameters of an appliance - Google Patents

User interface system operable to select working parameters of an appliance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016151070A1
WO2016151070A1 PCT/EP2016/056491 EP2016056491W WO2016151070A1 WO 2016151070 A1 WO2016151070 A1 WO 2016151070A1 EP 2016056491 W EP2016056491 W EP 2016056491W WO 2016151070 A1 WO2016151070 A1 WO 2016151070A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
appliance
user interface
control button
interface system
window
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/056491
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dieter Johann Maier
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2016151070A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016151070A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0362—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H9/181—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks using a programmable display, e.g. LED or LCD

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a user interface system and, more particularly, to a user interface system comprising a control button for selection of working parameters of an appliance.
  • Appliances are commonly provided with a user interface system to enable a user to select operating parameters of the appliance.
  • a user interface system may be provided to select parameters such as temperature and cooking duration.
  • Such user interfaces commonly include buttons, which may include one or more of push buttons or rotary buttons.
  • a display may be located on the appliance which shows the selected operating parameters. Additionally, the display may give feedback on the appliance operation, for example, in a cooking appliance, feedback on the cooking process may be displayed, such as remaining cooking duration, kind of cooking process, current temperature and appliance errors.
  • a user interface system for use with an appliance and operable to select working parameters of the appliance, the user interface system comprising a control button including a window formed of a light- transmissive material, and a display unit disposed behind the window such that the display unit is visible through the window, wherein the control button together with the window is rotatable relative to the display unit to effect a first selection control of working parameters of the appliance as a rotary button, and wherein the control button is also moveable in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation to effect a second selection control of working parameters of the appliance as a push button, wherein the user interface system comprises an axis-type rotary encoder connected to the control button, wherein the control button includes a recess, the display unit being disposed at least partially within the recess and mounted separately to the control button so that it is received further within the recess when the control button is moved in a direction parallel to its axi
  • the display unit may be disposed entirely within the recess. This enables a space-efficient configuration of the user interface.
  • the rotary encoder comprises a rotatable element which is connected to the control button and which is rotatable about an axis which extends through the rotatable element.
  • the rotatable element of the rotary encoder is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the control button.
  • the user interface system comprises a PCB with first and second display units mounted on the PCB, and the rotary encoder is mounted to the PCB between the first and second display units. This enables a space-efficient configuration of user interface, as well as enabling the rotary encoder to be centrally located with respect to the control button.
  • the user interface system further comprises a switch which is activated by movement of the control button in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation between a rest position and a depressed position.
  • a switch which is activated by movement of the control button in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation between a rest position and a depressed position. This enables the dual functionality of rotation and push-button function of the user interface. This also provides a user with a tactile sensation that confirms proper operation of the user interface system in use.
  • the window is formed integrally with the control button. This enables cost-effective and quicker manufacturing process for the control button.
  • the or each display unit comprises an LED display. This may advantageously enable low energy lighting with high brightness for the display, in a space- efficient configuration.
  • the present invention also provides an appliance comprising a housing and a user interface system as described above mounted to the housing and operable to select working parameters of the appliance.
  • the window lies flush with an outer surface of the housing. This provides improved user ergonomics and cleaner appearance of the appliance. It also helps prevent the user accidentally snagging on the user interface.
  • the appliance comprises a cooking appliance.
  • Having a domestic appliance implementing the user interface system according to the invention defines a friendly and cost-effective means to select various working parameters used by the appliance.
  • a cooking parameter chosen among a set of parameters defined by cooking duration and cooking temperature of the appliance is selected by rotation of the control button, and confirmation of the selected cooking parameter is effected by pressing the control button.
  • the appliance further comprises a controller connected to the user interface system and to one or more functional elements of the appliance, and the controller is configured to receive control signals from the user interface system and to operate the one or more functional elements of the appliance in dependence on the received control signals.
  • Figure 1 shows an appliance including a user interface system according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the user interface system shown in Figure 1 in a first operative position
  • Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the user interface system shown in
  • Figure 4 shows a plan view a button of the user interface system shown in
  • Figure 5 shows a plan view of a display window of a button of the user interface system shown in Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a control system of the appliance of
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an appliance 1 including a user interface system 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the user interface system 3 is operable to select working parameters of the appliance.
  • the user interface 3 comprises a control button 4 including a window 5 formed of a light-transmissive material.
  • a display unit 6, 7 is disposed behind the window 5 such that the display unit 6, 7 is visible through the window 5.
  • the control button 4 together with the window 5 is rotatable relative to the display unit 6, 7 to effect a first selection of working parameters of the appliance as a rotary button.
  • the control button 4 is also moveable relative to the display unit 6,7 in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation X-X to effect a second selection of working parameters of the appliance as a push button.
  • the user interface system 3 comprises an axis-type rotary encoder 9 connected to the control button 4.
  • the control button 4 includes a recess 8, and the display unit 6, 7 is disposed at least partially within the recess 8 and mounted separately to the control button 4 so that it is received further within the recess 8 when the control button 4 is moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation (X-X).
  • the appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 and the user interface system 3 is mounted to the housing 2.
  • the user interface system 3 is shown in Figure 1 as being mounted to a top surface of the housing 2, the user interface system 3 may be mounted to any other surface of the housing 2.
  • the user interface system 3 is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, which show the user interface system 3 in cross-section.
  • Figure 2 shows the user interface system 3 in a first, rest position PI
  • Figure 3 shows the user interface system 3 in a second, depressed position P2, described in more detail below.
  • the control button 4 is rotatable about a central axis of rotation X-X.
  • the control button 4 is preferably of a generally cup-shaped configuration with the window 5 forming a substantially planar outer surface of the control button 4 and with a circumferential side wall 13 depending from the perimeter edge of the window 5.
  • the control button 4 may further comprise a flange 14 extending outwardly from a perimeter of the side wall 13 opposite to the window 5.
  • the window 5 and side wall 13 may thereby define a recess 8.
  • the control button 4 is mounted on a printed circuit board ("PCB") 11 by the rotary encoder 9.
  • the rotary encoder is an "axis- type" rotary encoder, that is, is includes a rotatable element 10 which is rotatable about a central axis X-X which extends through the rotatable element 10 itself.
  • This configuration of rotary encoder 9 is contrary to other types of rotary encoders known as "ring-type" rotary encoders.
  • Such ring-type encoders comprise a moveable ring defining a central aperture, the ring mounted in an annular housing and being rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends through the central aperture.
  • Ring type encoders are generally move complex and expensive than axis-type encoders, and may also be more fragile and susceptible to breakage or wear in use.
  • the rotatable element 10 of the encoder 9 is connected to the centre of the window 5 of the control button 4 such that the control button 4 is rotatable about the axis X- X relative to the PCB 11.
  • the display unit preferably comprises a first display 6 and a second display 7, both of which are mounted to the PCB 11.
  • the displays 6, 7 may be generally located at least partially within the recess 8 of the button, and may be entirely within the recess 8, and are disposed so as to be visible through the window 5.
  • Figure 4 which shows a plan view from above of the button, also showing the displays 6, 7 and the encoder 9 with rotatable element 10, and Figure 5 which shows how, in use, the displays 6, 7 are visible through the window 5.
  • the exemplary user interface system 3 of the invention is shown as part of a cooking appliance and in which the first display indicates a cooking temperature and the second display 7 indicates a cooking duration.
  • the control button 4 is mounted to the encoder 9 so as to be moveable as a push-button in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation X-X.
  • the control button 4 is therefore moveable between the rest position PI shown in Figure 2, and a depressed position P2 shown in Figure 3.
  • the window 5 of the control button 4 is preferably flush with the outer surface of the housing 2, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the encoder 9 is preferably mounted to the PCB 11 , and may be disposed between the first display 6 and the second display 7, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. This enables the encoder 9 to be mounted at the axis of rotation X-X of the control button 4 and for the displays 6, 7 to be arrange in a space-efficient manner, within the recess 8 of the control button 4 to be visible through the window 5.
  • the user interface system 3 preferably includes a switch 12 which is actuated when the control button 4 is moved into the depressed position P2.
  • the control button 4 may thereby enable selection of a working parameter as a push button by being moved from the rest position PI to the depressed position P2.
  • the switch 12 may be disposed proximate the encoder 9, or may be formed integrally with the encoder 9.
  • FIG. 6 shows an exemplary schematic control system 14 of an appliance 1 incorporating a user interface system 3 of the present invention.
  • the control system 14 includes a controller 15 which is connected to the user interface system 3.
  • the controller 15 is connected to the first and second display 6, 7, the encoder 9 and the switch 12.
  • the controller 15 is also connected to various appliance elements 16 of the appliance 1 that the user interface system 3 is to control.
  • the appliance elements may include a heating element and a fan.
  • control signals are generated from the rotary encoder 9 and switch 12 by user operation of the control button 4.
  • the control signals are received by the controller 15 and the controller 15 actuates the appliance elements 16 in dependence on the control signals received.
  • the controller 15 also controls the first and second displays 6, 7 to indicate to the user the selected working parameters and/or the current operational status of the appliance.
  • a user may perform a first selection control of a working parameter of an appliance to which the user interface system 3 may be connected by rotation of the control button 4.
  • the controller 15 receives control signals from the rotary encoder 9 and displays the selected working parameter on the first display 6.
  • a user may then effect a second selection control of the selected working parameter by pressing the control button 4 into the depressed position P2.
  • the switch 12 is thereby actuated and a second control signal is sent to the controller 15 which stores the selected working parameter.
  • a user may then perform a second selection control of a second working parameter of the appliance by rotation of the control button 4.
  • the controller 15 receives control signals from the rotary encoder 9 and displays the second selected working parameter on the second display 7.
  • a user may then effect a second selection control of the second selected working parameter by pressing the control button 4 into the depressed position P2.
  • the switch 12 is thereby actuated and a second control signal is sent to the controller 15 which stores the second selected working parameter.
  • the controller 15 may then actuate the appliance elements 16 in dependence on the working parameters of the appliance 1 selected by the user.
  • the user interface system 3 may continue to display the status of the appliance on one of both of the first and second displays 6, 7 during operation of the appliance 1.
  • the control button 4 is rotatable relative to the displays 6, 7 so that as a user rotates the control button 4, the displayed working parameters on the displays 6, 7 are visible and do not move relative to the appliance, so that it is easy for the user to read.
  • At least a portion of the window 5 is preferably transparent or translucent to enable the displays 6, 7 to be visible through the window 5.
  • the window 5 may be formed integrally with the rest of the control button, such as the side wall 13 and flange 14.
  • the window 5 may be a separate component connected or bonded to the remaining parts of the control button 4.
  • the display unit 6, 7 may comprise LEDs, organic LEDs, LCD or thin film transistor (TFT) display within the scope of the invention.
  • TFT thin film transistor
  • the user interface system 3 of the present invention may be provided on an appliance 1 corresponding to any domestic appliance, such as a cooking appliance (for example but not limited to, air-based fryer, oven, cooking blender, grill, toaster, kettle, rice cooker, soy milk maker, soup maker), and non-cooking appliances (for example but not limited to audio player/recorder, video player/recorder, garment care devices).
  • a cooking appliance for example but not limited to, air-based fryer, oven, cooking blender, grill, toaster, kettle, rice cooker, soy milk maker, soup maker
  • non-cooking appliances for example but not limited to audio player/recorder, video player/recorder, garment care devices.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

A user interface system (3) operable to select working parameters of an appliance comprises a control button (4) including a window (5) formed of a light-transmissive material, and a display unit (6, 7) disposed behind the window. The control button together with the window is rotatable relative to the display unit to effect a first parameter selection control as rotary button. The control button is also moveable relative to the display unit in a direction parallel to its rotational axis to effect a second parameter selection control as push button. An axis-type rotary encoder (9) is connected to the control button. The display unit is disposed at least partially within a recess (8) of the control button and mounted separately to the control button so that it is received further within the recess when the control button is moved in a direction parallel to its rotational axis.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
User Interface System Operable to Select Working Parameters of an
Appliance
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a user interface system and, more particularly, to a user interface system comprising a control button for selection of working parameters of an appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Appliances are commonly provided with a user interface system to enable a user to select operating parameters of the appliance. For example, in a cooking appliance, a user interface system may be provided to select parameters such as temperature and cooking duration. Such user interfaces commonly include buttons, which may include one or more of push buttons or rotary buttons.
To enable a user to see the chosen operating parameters, a display may be located on the appliance which shows the selected operating parameters. Additionally, the display may give feedback on the appliance operation, for example, in a cooking appliance, feedback on the cooking process may be displayed, such as remaining cooking duration, kind of cooking process, current temperature and appliance errors.
However, some known configurations of user interfaces have a complicated construction or use relatively expensive components (such as ring-type encoders) in order to provide a user interface system of compact dimensions with the necessary functionality. Such known user interfaces may also be fragile and suffer premature wear or breakage in repeated use.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a user interface system which substantially alleviates or overcomes one or more of the problems mentioned above.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments. According to the present invention, there is provided a user interface system for use with an appliance and operable to select working parameters of the appliance, the user interface system comprising a control button including a window formed of a light- transmissive material, and a display unit disposed behind the window such that the display unit is visible through the window, wherein the control button together with the window is rotatable relative to the display unit to effect a first selection control of working parameters of the appliance as a rotary button, and wherein the control button is also moveable in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation to effect a second selection control of working parameters of the appliance as a push button, wherein the user interface system comprises an axis-type rotary encoder connected to the control button, wherein the control button includes a recess, the display unit being disposed at least partially within the recess and mounted separately to the control button so that it is received further within the recess when the control button is moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation. The architecture of the proposed invention makes it possible to using an axis- type rotary encoder, this solution being cost-effective compared to prior arts solutions, while offering user an easy way to select working parameters of the appliance.
Advantageously, the display unit may be disposed entirely within the recess. This enables a space-efficient configuration of the user interface.
Advantageously, the rotary encoder comprises a rotatable element which is connected to the control button and which is rotatable about an axis which extends through the rotatable element.
Advantageously, the rotatable element of the rotary encoder is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the control button. This helps provide an advantageous configuration of user interface system which utilises an axis-type rotary encoder. Advantageously, the user interface system comprises a PCB with first and second display units mounted on the PCB, and the rotary encoder is mounted to the PCB between the first and second display units. This enables a space-efficient configuration of user interface, as well as enabling the rotary encoder to be centrally located with respect to the control button.
Advantageously, the user interface system further comprises a switch which is activated by movement of the control button in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation between a rest position and a depressed position. This enables the dual functionality of rotation and push-button function of the user interface. This also provides a user with a tactile sensation that confirms proper operation of the user interface system in use.
Advantageously, the window is formed integrally with the control button. This enables cost-effective and quicker manufacturing process for the control button.
Advantageously, the or each display unit comprises an LED display. This may advantageously enable low energy lighting with high brightness for the display, in a space- efficient configuration.
The present invention also provides an appliance comprising a housing and a user interface system as described above mounted to the housing and operable to select working parameters of the appliance.
Advantageously, the window lies flush with an outer surface of the housing. This provides improved user ergonomics and cleaner appearance of the appliance. It also helps prevent the user accidentally snagging on the user interface.
Advantageously, the appliance comprises a cooking appliance. Having a domestic appliance implementing the user interface system according to the invention defines a friendly and cost-effective means to select various working parameters used by the appliance.
Advantageously, a cooking parameter chosen among a set of parameters defined by cooking duration and cooking temperature of the appliance is selected by rotation of the control button, and confirmation of the selected cooking parameter is effected by pressing the control button. Advantageously, the appliance further comprises a controller connected to the user interface system and to one or more functional elements of the appliance, and the controller is configured to receive control signals from the user interface system and to operate the one or more functional elements of the appliance in dependence on the received control signals.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an appliance including a user interface system according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the user interface system shown in Figure 1 in a first operative position; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the user interface system shown in
Figure 2 in a second operative position;
Figure 4 shows a plan view a button of the user interface system shown in
Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 5 shows a plan view of a display window of a button of the user interface system shown in Figures 1 to 3; and
Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a control system of the appliance of
Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an appliance 1 including a user interface system 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The user interface system 3 is operable to select working parameters of the appliance. The user interface 3 comprises a control button 4 including a window 5 formed of a light-transmissive material. A display unit 6, 7 is disposed behind the window 5 such that the display unit 6, 7 is visible through the window 5. The control button 4 together with the window 5 is rotatable relative to the display unit 6, 7 to effect a first selection of working parameters of the appliance as a rotary button. The control button 4 is also moveable relative to the display unit 6,7 in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation X-X to effect a second selection of working parameters of the appliance as a push button. The user interface system 3 comprises an axis-type rotary encoder 9 connected to the control button 4. The control button 4 includes a recess 8, and the display unit 6, 7 is disposed at least partially within the recess 8 and mounted separately to the control button 4 so that it is received further within the recess 8 when the control button 4 is moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation (X-X).
The appliance 1 comprises a housing 2 and the user interface system 3 is mounted to the housing 2. Although the user interface system 3 is shown in Figure 1 as being mounted to a top surface of the housing 2, the user interface system 3 may be mounted to any other surface of the housing 2.
The user interface system 3 is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, which show the user interface system 3 in cross-section. Figure 2 shows the user interface system 3 in a first, rest position PI, and Figure 3 shows the user interface system 3 in a second, depressed position P2, described in more detail below.
The control button 4 is rotatable about a central axis of rotation X-X. The control button 4 is preferably of a generally cup-shaped configuration with the window 5 forming a substantially planar outer surface of the control button 4 and with a circumferential side wall 13 depending from the perimeter edge of the window 5. The control button 4 may further comprise a flange 14 extending outwardly from a perimeter of the side wall 13 opposite to the window 5. The window 5 and side wall 13 may thereby define a recess 8.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control button 4 is mounted on a printed circuit board ("PCB") 11 by the rotary encoder 9. The rotary encoder is an "axis- type" rotary encoder, that is, is includes a rotatable element 10 which is rotatable about a central axis X-X which extends through the rotatable element 10 itself. This configuration of rotary encoder 9 is contrary to other types of rotary encoders known as "ring-type" rotary encoders. Such ring-type encoders comprise a moveable ring defining a central aperture, the ring mounted in an annular housing and being rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends through the central aperture. Ring type encoders are generally move complex and expensive than axis-type encoders, and may also be more fragile and susceptible to breakage or wear in use.
The rotatable element 10 of the encoder 9 is connected to the centre of the window 5 of the control button 4 such that the control button 4 is rotatable about the axis X- X relative to the PCB 11.
The display unit preferably comprises a first display 6 and a second display 7, both of which are mounted to the PCB 11. The displays 6, 7 may be generally located at least partially within the recess 8 of the button, and may be entirely within the recess 8, and are disposed so as to be visible through the window 5. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 4 which shows a plan view from above of the button, also showing the displays 6, 7 and the encoder 9 with rotatable element 10, and Figure 5 which shows how, in use, the displays 6, 7 are visible through the window 5. In Figures 4 and 5, the exemplary user interface system 3 of the invention is shown as part of a cooking appliance and in which the first display indicates a cooking temperature and the second display 7 indicates a cooking duration. The control button 4 is mounted to the encoder 9 so as to be moveable as a push-button in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation X-X. The control button 4 is therefore moveable between the rest position PI shown in Figure 2, and a depressed position P2 shown in Figure 3. When the user interface system 3 of the invention is provided in an appliance 1 according to one aspect of the invention, in the rest position, the window 5 of the control button 4 is preferably flush with the outer surface of the housing 2, as shown in Figure 2.
The encoder 9 is preferably mounted to the PCB 11 , and may be disposed between the first display 6 and the second display 7, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. This enables the encoder 9 to be mounted at the axis of rotation X-X of the control button 4 and for the displays 6, 7 to be arrange in a space-efficient manner, within the recess 8 of the control button 4 to be visible through the window 5.
The user interface system 3 preferably includes a switch 12 which is actuated when the control button 4 is moved into the depressed position P2. The control button 4 may thereby enable selection of a working parameter as a push button by being moved from the rest position PI to the depressed position P2. The switch 12 may be disposed proximate the encoder 9, or may be formed integrally with the encoder 9.
Figure 6 shows an exemplary schematic control system 14 of an appliance 1 incorporating a user interface system 3 of the present invention. The control system 14 includes a controller 15 which is connected to the user interface system 3. In particular, the controller 15 is connected to the first and second display 6, 7, the encoder 9 and the switch 12. The controller 15 is also connected to various appliance elements 16 of the appliance 1 that the user interface system 3 is to control. For example, in a cooking appliance 1, the appliance elements may include a heating element and a fan.
In use, control signals are generated from the rotary encoder 9 and switch 12 by user operation of the control button 4. The control signals are received by the controller 15 and the controller 15 actuates the appliance elements 16 in dependence on the control signals received. The controller 15 also controls the first and second displays 6, 7 to indicate to the user the selected working parameters and/or the current operational status of the appliance.
In use of the user interface system 3 of the invention, a user may perform a first selection control of a working parameter of an appliance to which the user interface system 3 may be connected by rotation of the control button 4. The controller 15 receives control signals from the rotary encoder 9 and displays the selected working parameter on the first display 6. A user may then effect a second selection control of the selected working parameter by pressing the control button 4 into the depressed position P2. The switch 12 is thereby actuated and a second control signal is sent to the controller 15 which stores the selected working parameter. A user may then perform a second selection control of a second working parameter of the appliance by rotation of the control button 4. The controller 15 receives control signals from the rotary encoder 9 and displays the second selected working parameter on the second display 7. A user may then effect a second selection control of the second selected working parameter by pressing the control button 4 into the depressed position P2. The switch 12 is thereby actuated and a second control signal is sent to the controller 15 which stores the second selected working parameter. The controller 15 may then actuate the appliance elements 16 in dependence on the working parameters of the appliance 1 selected by the user. The user interface system 3 may continue to display the status of the appliance on one of both of the first and second displays 6, 7 during operation of the appliance 1. The control button 4 is rotatable relative to the displays 6, 7 so that as a user rotates the control button 4, the displayed working parameters on the displays 6, 7 are visible and do not move relative to the appliance, so that it is easy for the user to read.
At least a portion of the window 5 is preferably transparent or translucent to enable the displays 6, 7 to be visible through the window 5. The window 5 may be formed integrally with the rest of the control button, such as the side wall 13 and flange 14.
Alternatively, the window 5 may be a separate component connected or bonded to the remaining parts of the control button 4.
The display unit 6, 7 may comprise LEDs, organic LEDs, LCD or thin film transistor (TFT) display within the scope of the invention.
The user interface system 3 of the present invention may be provided on an appliance 1 corresponding to any domestic appliance, such as a cooking appliance (for example but not limited to, air-based fryer, oven, cooking blender, grill, toaster, kettle, rice cooker, soy milk maker, soup maker), and non-cooking appliances (for example but not limited to audio player/recorder, video player/recorder, garment care devices).
The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technique approaches of the present invention, which will also fall into the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

A user interface system (3) for use with an appliance (1) and operable to select working parameters of the appliance (1), the user interface system (3) comprising a control button (4) including a window (5) formed of a light- transmissive material, and a display unit (6, 7) disposed behind the window (5) such that the display unit (6, 7) is visible through the window (5), wherein the control button (4) together with the window (5) is rotatable relative to the display unit (6, 7) to effect a first selection control of working parameters of the appliance as a rotary button, and wherein the control button (4) is also moveable relative to the display unit (6,7) in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation (X-X) to effect a second selection control of working parameters of the appliance as a push button, wherein the user interface system (3) comprises an axis-type rotary encoder (9) connected to the control button (4), and the control button (4) includes a recess (8), the display unit (6, 7) being disposed at least partially within the recess (8) and mounted separately to the control button (4) so that it is received further within the recess (8) when the control button (4) is moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation (X-X).
A user interface system (3) according to claim 1 wherein the display unit (6, 7) is disposed entirely within the recess (8) of the control button (4).
A user interface system (3) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the rotary
encoder (9) comprises a rotatable element (10) which is connected to the control button (4) and which is rotatable about an axis (X-X) which extends through the rotatable element (10).
4. A user interface system (3) according to claim 3 wherein the rotatable element
(10) of the rotary encoder (9) is coaxial with the axis of rotation (X-X) of the control button (4).
5. A user interface system (3) according to any preceding claim wherein the user interface system (3) comprises a PCB (11) with first and second display units (6, 7) mounted on the PCB (11), and the rotary encoder (9) is mounted to the PCB (11) between the first and second display units (6, 7).
6. A user interface system (3) according to any preceding claim further
comprising a switch (12) which is activated by movement of the control button (4) in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation (X-X) between a rest position (PI) and a depressed position (P2).
7. A user interface system (3) according to any preceding claim wherein the window (5) is formed integrally with the control button (4).
8. A user interface system (3) according to any preceding claim wherein the display unit (6, 7) comprises an LED display.
9. An appliance (1) comprising a housing (2) and a user interface system (3) according to any preceding claim mounted to the housing (2) and operable to select working parameters of the appliance (1).
10. An appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein the window (5) lies flush with an outer surface of the housing (2).
11. An appliance (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10 comprising a domestic appliance.
12. An appliance (1) according to claim 11 wherein the domestic appliance is a cooking appliance, and a cooking parameter chosen among a set of parameters defined by cooking duration and cooking temperature of the appliance (1) is selected by rotation of the control button (4), and confirmation of the selected cooking parameter is effected by pressing the control button (4).
13. An appliance (1) according to any of claims 9 to 12 further comprising a controller (15) connected to the user interface system (3) and to one or more functional elements (16) of the appliance (1), the controller (15) configured to receive control signals from the user interface system (3) and to operate the one or more functional elements (16) of the appliance (1) in dependence on the received control signals.
An appliance (1) according to claim 11 taken among the set of appliances defined by air-based fryer, oven, cooking blender, grill, toaster, kettle, cooker, soy milk maker, soup maker, audio player/recorder, video player/recorder, and garment care devices.
PCT/EP2016/056491 2015-03-26 2016-03-24 User interface system operable to select working parameters of an appliance WO2016151070A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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EP15161078.9 2015-03-26
EP15161078 2015-03-26

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12053134B2 (en) 2021-08-12 2024-08-06 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher

Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2093240A (en) * 1981-02-07 1982-08-25 Horn Hans Joachim Knob position indicator
US20050001821A1 (en) * 2003-07-02 2005-01-06 Low Tse How Option selector and electronic device including such an option selector
US20070188024A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Hitokazu Shitanaka Switch device and input device using the same

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2093240A (en) * 1981-02-07 1982-08-25 Horn Hans Joachim Knob position indicator
US20050001821A1 (en) * 2003-07-02 2005-01-06 Low Tse How Option selector and electronic device including such an option selector
US20070188024A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Hitokazu Shitanaka Switch device and input device using the same

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12053134B2 (en) 2021-08-12 2024-08-06 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher

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