WO2022029173A1

WO2022029173A1 - Furniture component and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022029173A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/071763
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norbert Poppenborg; Gerhard Götz; Oliver Schael; Jan-Hendrik BÖKE; Dirk RODAX
Original assignee: ambigence GmbH & Co. KG; Coko-Werk GmbH & Co. KG
Priority date: 2020-08-07
Filing date: 2021-08-04
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: EP4192307A1; EP4192309A1; DE102020120930A1; WO2022029171A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a furniture component (1) and a method for controlling electrical appliances (200), such as domestic appliances, integrated appliances and multimedia appliances, comprising a furniture top panel (2) which is situated above a movable furniture front panel (3) and is intended for closing off the top of a storage space (40) that is partitioned by the movable furniture front panel (3), wherein the furniture top panel (2) comprises an upper face (4), which has an upper cover surface (4a), and a lateral narrow face (5, 6). An operating strip (10) fitted with a data interface (7) for communication with electrical appliances (200) is situated on a narrow face (5, 6) of the furniture top panel (2). The operating strip (10) comprises a surface portion (11) which extends obliquely to the upper cover surface (4a) of the furniture top panel (2) and has an operating portion (12) and operating and/or information elements (13, 14) situated thereon.

Description

Furniture component and method

description

The present invention relates to a furniture component with at least one furniture panel and with at least one additional function. A furniture component according to the present invention comprises at least one furniture panel arranged above a movable furniture front panel for the upper closure of a storage space separated by the movable furniture front panel and has an additional function. The furniture component can be designed as kitchen furniture, for example, and can be set up in the work area of a kitchen. The furniture component can also be used in a workshop. However, it is also possible for the furniture component to form part of a chest of drawers or a base cabinet or be designed as a table or cabinet. In the course of automation and the mechanization of households and companies, it is advantageous if furniture components have additional functions.

Various furniture components that offer additional functions have become known in the prior art. For example, the as yet unpublished DE 10 2019 120 956.0 discloses a furniture component with a worktop, with a recess being provided from below in the core of the worktop, while the top surface is designed to be continuous and seamless. A weighing device is arranged in the recess. This enables an additional weighing function with a continuous and seamless surface of the worktop.

DE 10 2015 117 125 discloses a furniture panel with a transparent edge strip and a lighting device, wherein the light emitted by the lamps enters the edge strip and illuminates it.

Likewise, DE 20 2014 100 735 U1 shows a lighting device with a light guide plate and at least one lamp, a resilient edge band being disclosed.

The known state of the art shows advantageous solutions. However , the usability and possible functions can still be expanded and improved .

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a furniture component which provides extended functions.

This object is achieved by a furniture component having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 28. Preferred developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

A furniture component according to the invention for controlling electrical and in particular electronic devices, such as in particular domestic and household appliances, built-in devices and multimedia devices, comprises a furniture panel arranged above a movable furniture front panel. The furniture panel is used to close off the top of a storage space separated by the movable furniture front panel. The furniture panel has an upper side with an upper (and preferably essentially horizontal) top surface and at least one lateral narrow side. A control strip equipped with at least one data interface for communication with at least one electrical device is arranged on at least one narrow side of the furniture panel. The data interface can in particular in a Electronic module can be arranged within the control panel or on or within a receiving space of the furniture panel. The control strip has at least one surface section running obliquely and in particular inclined to the top surface of the furniture panel with at least one operating section (correspondingly inclined or obliquely accessible or visible from above) and operating elements and/or information elements arranged thereon.

The furniture component according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the furniture component can offer additional functions in addition to its basic function. Thus, a furniture component that provides a furniture panel and storage space underneath it can perform additional functions via the control bar and control electrical and, in particular, electronic devices that are accommodated on the furniture component or also separate from it. For example, electronic modules can be provided as operating elements on the control strip in order to switch on and off and to control electrical devices provided on the furniture component or also remote devices. However, other and remote devices can also be controlled via the operating elements of the operating bar. For example, a roller shutter control for a roller shutter of a window or the control of a blind is also possible.

Preferably, the upper side of the furniture panel provides a surface for storing objects or a work surface on its top surface. The top surface regularly provides a storage area. The top surface can be formed by a separate top layer. However, the top surface can also not be a separate layer.

The top surface is preferably aligned essentially horizontally and in particular almost horizontally and particularly preferably (completely) horizontally. In the kitchen area e.g. B. such a work surface can be used in many ways. the Usability is increased even further if other electrical devices can be controlled via the control bar. It is also possible for information elements to be provided on the control bar, which output information acoustically and/or visually.

In particular, the control bar is oriented obliquely and preferably at an angle to the upper cover surface and/or to the horizontal. This makes it easier for the user to operate and read information. Due to the inclined arrangement, a user standing in front of the furniture component can access different operating elements and read information from different information elements.

In preferred developments, the surface visible from above is inclined overall and aligned obliquely to the horizontal and has an essentially homogeneous angle of inclination. The surface section with the operating section preferably forms a significant part of the surface of the operating bar, which is always visible from above and also from the front.

The operating section with the operating and information elements is preferably aligned at an angle to the top surface of the furniture panel and is preferably at an angle of between 10° and 80° and particularly preferably between 20° and 70° and in particular between 25° and 65° to the top surface of the Furniture board arranged. Particularly advantageous angles are between 30° and 60°. As a result, information elements and control elements on the control bar that are easy to read are made available to the user.

In all configurations, the control bar can form a housing or be accommodated on a housing.

If the housing or the control panel is arranged at the height of a tabletop or a worktop in a kitchen, allowed a control surface oriented upwards easy access to the electronic modules and easy operation and easy reading of the electronic modules.

In all configurations it is preferred that the operating section is accommodated on a hollow operating profile. In particular, the control bar is designed as a control profile. The operating profile can partially or (almost) completely consist of extrusion profiles or coextrusion profiles. This also allows relatively large lengths of 1 m or a few meters or more without a visible edge in between.

The operating profile can be composed of several extruded components.

The control bar preferably has a substantially triangular cross section. A rounding can be provided at one or more corners. An underside of the control strip is preferably aligned essentially parallel to the top surface of the furniture panel.

In advantageous developments, the control bar has a seal against the ingress of dirt and/or moisture, at least on its upper abutting edge to the furniture panel. This ensures a permanent function. In addition, a high-quality visual impression can be guaranteed over the long term.

The abutting edge preferably runs transversely between the control strip and the furniture panel and in particular approximately perpendicularly or perpendicularly to the upper cover surface of the furniture panel. Such configurations are easy to manufacture.

In another preferred variant, the abutting edge between the control strip and the furniture panel has an acute angle to the upper cover surface of the furniture panel. at Configurations with an acute angle between the abutting edge of the control strip and the furniture panel preferably overhangs the front end of the furniture panel. The longest edge and extent of a control bar that is approximately triangular in cross section in the transverse direction is then preferably formed on the underside. Such configurations increase the space available inside the control panel. As a result, even with small thickness dimensions of the furniture panel, a sufficient volume inside the control strip can be ensured in order to accommodate all components.

The control strip and/or the housing preferably terminates flush with the front side of the furniture front panel, at least in sections. It is also preferred that the control strip and/or the housing protrudes at least in sections over the front of the furniture front panel.

In advantageous configurations, the control strip and/or the housing has at least one drip nose projecting beyond the front side of the furniture front panel. Alternatively, it is also possible for the underside of the operating profile to slope down towards the distal end or for a groove or the like to be provided near the distal end of the underside of the operating profile, with the result that a drip nose is formed in the end region of the operating profile. Such configurations prevent dripping liquids from entering, for example, into a drawer below the furniture panel or the liquid from dripping onto the panel.

In all of the configurations, it is possible for two, three or more drip noses to be distributed over the length of the control bar. A drip nose particularly preferably extends essentially continuously or completely continuously and forms at least one drip edge.

In all configurations it is preferred that the furniture board designed as a tabletop or worktop. A length and/or width of the furniture board is preferably at least 500 mm or more. In particular, the furniture panel has a thickness between 15 mm and 60 mm and preferably between 18 mm and 40 mm. However, smaller or larger thicknesses are also possible. Furniture components for the kitchen area can also have furniture panels of 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 5 m in length. Even longer furniture panels are possible and preferred. Likewise, a depth of the furniture board can also vary and be 400 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, 700 mm, 800 mm or 900 mm or 1200 mm or more. In particular, if the furniture component as a whole forms a type of cooking island, for example, and is accessible from two or more sides, there can also be an even greater depth.

In preferred configurations, the control strip and/or the housing extends over a substantial part of the length of at least one narrow side. It is also possible for the control bar and/or the housing to extend over essentially the entire length of the narrow side or even several or all of the narrow sides. In the case of a free-standing furniture component, the control panel and/or the housing can also extend around the furniture panel.

The control bar and/or the housing preferably has a mechanical coupling interface for further connection elements on at least one end of the control bar. In particular, at least one attachment element is taken from a group of attachment elements, which includes end caps, angle elements, adapter elements and extension elements. Such connection elements allow a flexible and modular design of the furniture component.

The end caps are preferably shaped in such a way that they encompass the end of the operating profile or the housing. This also has the advantage that thermal expansion does not lead to gaps. In addition, there are preferably areas for attachment of the end caps on the operating profile or housing so that there are no gaps between the end cap and the operating profile. It is also possible to route the energy or voltage supply through the end caps. The housing or the operating profile of the housing can in particular be designed as an aluminum profile or the like.

Preferably, the control unit (or a corresponding electronic module) is suitable and designed to display data from a connected electrical device, such as a time, a program selection, a weight of a scale, a radio frequency, the name of a station, the name of a song or the lyrics of the same, a device status etc.

In all of the configurations, it is particularly preferred that at least one operating element comprises a touch sensor or a contactless sensor. The touch sensor can be designed as a touch sensor. A sensor with a multi-touch function is also possible. A non-contact sensor can e.g. B. be designed as a radar or ultrasonic sensor. A non-contact sensor can also be referred to as a distance sensor. A non-contact sensor can e.g. B. detect a gesture near the control bar and can transmit the desired change to a device. It is also possible to use proximity sensors and gesture sensors. It is also possible that part of the surface of the control bar or the control bar as a whole is touch-sensitive. It is also conceivable that mechanical rotary elements are arranged on the operating section. The operating section can also include lamps or can be illuminated by appropriately arranged lamps. LEDs or other electrical light sources are preferably used.

In particular, the control bar has at least one electronic module in the form of a data memory and/or a microcontroller. The data memory is particularly suitable for receiving programs and/or data. A data interface can be arranged in particular on or in the control panel or the housing. The data interface can be cable-connected or wire-connected and/or designed for a wireless radio connection. A (or the) data interface preferably has at least one network interface. The typical current data interfaces for devices in the home are preferably provided. Such a data interface also allows a data connection to the electronic modules. A software update of the electronic modules on or in the control panel or the housing is preferably also possible, in particular automatically, via at least one data interface. For this purpose, it is possible for the microcontroller or another electronic module to call up possible updates as required or at fixed or variable time intervals provided and, in particular, to install them automatically.

External devices and in particular external mobile and/or stationary devices can preferably be connected to the or at least one electronic module of the control panel by means of the data interface. External and preferably external mobile and/or external stationary devices can preferably be controlled by means of the electronic modules of the control panel or the housing. For example, the room lighting can be controlled or electrical and electronic devices in a living room can be controlled. The roller shutters in the room or other components and devices can also be controlled. In the kitchen, devices for cooking, baking and washing up can be controlled.

In preferred developments, the control bar or the housing can be configured using at least one program on an external and in particular external mobile and/or stationary device. For example, the electronic modules of the control panel or the housing can be configured via computers in the local network or possibly also via the Internet. It is also possible that the electronic modules of the control panel can be controlled via a portable computer, a tablet or a smartphone. It is also conceivable that, if required or during the initial setup, the manufacturer can carry out remote control and basic programming. In preferred configurations, a configuration on the bar itself is also possible. B. by holding a control on the bar and z. B. a control element at z. B. a radio. The connection is then preferably established automatically. An intermediary such as a smartphone etc. is not absolutely necessary.

Preferably, the control panel or the housing has an energy source that is independent of the mains, such as an energy store, or one is assigned such that it can be operated independently of the mains.

In advantageous developments, the control strip or the housing has a cable bushing or cable bushing for the power supply on the side facing the furniture component (e.g. the narrow side of the furniture panel), the furniture component having an opening for the passage of a line or several lines or a cable having. In all of the configurations, cables and/or lines can be used for current and signal routing. Sheathed or non-sheathed cables can be used, e.g. B. be embedded in the extrusion profile or Coextrusionsprof il. Sheathed cables can also be inserted loosely in the housing or the control panel.

In particular, at least one electronic module of the housing or in the control panel can be connected to at least one voice-controlled input device or output device. As a result, voice control can take place on the one hand. On the other hand, acoustic information, music, news and the like can also be output via an associated output device. Also an integration of at least one microphone and/or also at least one loudspeaker is possible. About it z. B. the function of an intercom can be implemented.

The control bar or the electronic modules can preferably display data from the voice-controlled input or output device. For example, the lyrics of a song or a timer can be displayed on a display unit. It is also possible that messages can be output from other devices coupled to the control bar.

In advantageous developments, at least the surface of the control strip is resistant to the permanent effects of heat and preferably resistant to the effects of temperatures of up to or above 90°C. Such configurations are advantageous for use in the kitchen area.

In all of the configurations, it is possible and preferred for the furniture board to have a core which consists at least partially of a wood-based material or of a wood-based material. For example, the core can consist at least partially of chipboard or of medium-density or high-density fiberboard (MDF—Medium Density Fiber, HDF—High Density Fiber). It is also possible that the core consists partially or completely of a natural stone or an artificial stone, granite, glass or concrete or of metal or a biopolymer. The top surface of the furniture board can be made in one piece with the core or can also consist of a different material.

The method according to the invention serves to operate a furniture component for controlling electrical and, in particular, electronic devices, such as in particular for controlling domestic and household appliances, built-in devices, multimedia devices and the like. In this case, the furniture component has at least one furniture panel, which has a control strip arranged on the narrow side of the furniture panel and a control strip below the control strip arranged moveable furniture front panel includes . The control bar has at least one interface for communication with electrical devices, with the control bar establishing a data connection and in particular a radio connection with at least one electrical device during operation, and with data being exchanged between the electrical device and the control bar and with at least part of the data is output on the control bar as information on an information element and visual information is displayed for the user at a relative angle of in particular between 10° and 80° to the upper cover surface of the furniture panel.

Other features of the furniture components that can be partly and, if necessary, fully taken into account during implementation are:

Furniture component with a furniture board, whereby the furniture board can also be called "digital worktop". Other features can be:

Production of the mounting surface o Subsequent milling and/or subsequent coating

Operation invisible o Foil element o Capacitive element o Dielectric element o Radar or high frequency element

Operation visible o switch element o touch element o non-contact input sensor element, gesture sensor element

Display operating area o Color marking element o Foil element o Engraving element Internal information display o Display element (e .g . OLED, LED, LCD, E-Ink) o Foil element

External information display o display element o projection element o acoustic element o device element

Ensure smart home operation o smartphone element, tablet element o voice assistant element o SmartHome central element establish smart connectivity o ZigBee element , Z-Wave element , Bluetooth element o WLAN element o KNX element o LAN element o 6LoWPAN element o HomeMatic o EnOcean element o DECT ULE element o Home Connect element

- Establish a connection between the worktop and the control bar o adhesive element, screw element, dowel element o tongue and groove element o clamping element o alignment element

- Make worktop control bar seal o laser edge element o sealing element o sealing adhesive element o silicone sealing element o labyrinth sealing element

Establish power supply o energy storage element o battery element o mains power element o low voltage element o busbar element

Ensure functional safety o Update element

Support the control panel o Support element o Bracing element

Integrate additional functions o clock element, signal element, memory element, timer element o voice function element o battery indicator element o USB connection element

- Ensure the furniture concept o Front panel spacer element o Projection element o Fluid drain element o Worktop thickness compensation element Ensure operator visibility most o Angle element o Swivel element o Light protection element

- Ensure modularity o module plug-in element o all-in-one element, module device element o module group element o device recognition module element

Provide a strip o Seamless strip element o Multiple strip element o Corner connection element o Closing element

All variations of the furniture components can be used in the kitchen, in the living area or in the workshop or laboratory. In preferred configurations, the furniture component also comprises one, two or more walls and can, for example, have a number of compartments that can be separated off. Furthermore, the furniture component can have flaps, doors, pull-outs or covers or drawers.

In preferred refinements, the operating elements and the information elements are constructed as electronic modules, in particular in a modular manner. As a result, the control bar can be freely configurable, so that the position of the control elements and/or the information elements can be selected freely or in predetermined steps within the control bar. In this way, the control bar can have sections that do not have any electronic modules or control elements and/or information elements. And in this way the control bar can have sections that include electronic modules such as control elements and/or information elements. Due to the configurability, the control bar can be optimally adapted to the furniture component.

In advantageous versions, the surface of the control bar is provided with a scratch-resistant layer. This layer can be made of e.g. Gorilla glass or sapphire glass or a coated plastic e.g. B. a PMMA, PET, PS, SAN, ABS or PC or another scratch-resistant material.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the control strip can be cut so that it can be adapted to the furniture panel. In particular, the profiles can also be adjusted on site.

In a preferred embodiment, a film is applied to the electronics module (and not to the extrusion profile). The film then preferably forms the decoration. Symbols are particularly preferably provided (at the same time) at the intended locations. The symbols are preferably recognizable when the film is transilluminated. The symbols can be printed by appropriate printing methods be raised. Another layer of the foil can integrate conductor tracks for the touch sensors and/or proximity sensors and/or the illumination of the symbols and/or can have antennas for possible and preferably existing radio modules. In this case, foil back injection allows a great deal of freedom and miniaturization.

It is possible that the extrusion profiles and/or the foil affect the optics. For example, the profiles can be partially colored or colored throughout. Then the joints between the electronic modules become less visible. A homogeneous illumination of the symbols can be achieved through the diffusive effects of the film.

The control strip or the housing can preferably be attached to the furniture panel by means of screws, adhesives, magnets or magnetic forces, tongue and groove connections or z. B. be attached via clips. Preferably, an adjustment and z. B. a height adjustment is possible to align the components appropriately.

Other possible uses include use with or as an intercom system, use to operate a television, e.g. B. in the kitchen or kitchen, the operation of a timer z. B. as a replacement for an egg timer, to display the remaining time of household appliances such. B. the washing machine and other devices, to monitor, control and also set the alarm system, to operate and as a status display of kitchen appliances, to set and display the air conditioning and / or heating, to control and display the status of sockets (on / off / condition), for displaying the temperature, humidity, room climate and air quality, for displaying and operating the entertainment system, for displaying and controlling music and for operating streaming services, for setting the acoustic properties of loudspeakers, for acoustic output and for display current news or as a live ticker for stock prices, etc., for the output of Weather reports, stock market data and disaster warnings, for issuing messages from messenger services or emails, for issuing advertising, as a display of the filling level or for filling level warning (e.g. for food such as flour or for toilet paper), for displaying recipes, for Operate the faucet or the coffee maker or the awning, to view surveillance video or a baby monitor.

Gesture recognition is preferably included, which recognizes various gestures (e.g. swiping, swiping, zooming, rotating movements, linear movements) in the case of contactless and/or touching operation.

At least one safety function is preferably implemented. So z. For example, two confirmation buttons are regularly held when switching on the oven or pressed one after the other.

If liquid overflows or is spilled, it would have to overflow at exactly two defined points at the same time, e.g. B. turn on the oven. To further increase security, a further sensor could be queried between the two sensors required to operate the oven. If liquid overflows everywhere, the middle sensor would also show this and could prevent a start.

Furthermore, at least one sensor for detecting objects and in particular for detecting objects on the top of the furniture panel or devices arranged thereon such. B. be provided a hob. E.g. to reliably detect overheating or objects being parked. z. B. nowadays regularly a detection of whether something is on the control panel and can give an acoustic feedback if necessary.

In all configurations, it is preferred that at least one Electronic module is directly or indirectly connected to a hub, gateway, bridge or a smart home center. In general, such hubs, gateways, bridges or smart home centers can also be designed as central modules and integrated in the housing. It is also possible and preferred that hubs, gateways, bridges or z. B. smart home centers are arranged outside of the housing and outside of the furniture component.

With an indirect connection to a hub, gateway, bridge or a smart home center, the electronics module can be part of a mesh network and can thus be connected to the hub, gateway, bridge or smart home center via other components of the mesh network. Central be connected. Other electronic modules can be connected to the same hub, gateway, bridge or smart home center or to another hub, gateway, bridge or another smart home center. At least one external device is also connected to a hub, gateway, bridge or smart home center. In this way, the electronic modules form a wireless connection with the external devices via hubs, gateways, bridges or smart home centers. The electronic modules and the external devices in the common smart home radio network can have different radio standards. It is also possible for different external devices to be assigned to an electronic module within the smart home network, so that multiple external devices can be operated with one electronic module, or data can be received from different external devices. For example, it is possible for various external devices, e.g. radiator thermostats, to be operated in different rooms via an electronic module. At the same time, various information, e.g. temperatures or temperature settings from different rooms, can be displayed.

At least one electronic module is advantageously connected indirectly to at least one external module via a hub or via a gateway or via a bridge and/or via a smart home center device connected. The external device is indirectly connected to at least one electronic module via the same or a different hub or via the same or a different gateway or via the same or a different bridge and/or via the same or a different smart home center. It is thus possible for the at least one electronic module, which is connected to at least one external device, to have a different wireless standard than at least one external device. The electronic module can thus communicate with the external device via the hub or hubs or via the gateway or gateways or via the bridge or bridges and/or via the smart home control center or smart home control centers.

The electronic module is advantageously connected to the internet via a hub, gateway, bridge or a smart home control center. This means that the electronic module does not have to have its own WLAN or mobile radio standard, but an energy-saving radio standard can be used. An energy-saving radio standard enables longer operation using an independent energy storage device, such as a battery.

The electronic modules can preferably differ in terms of their size and their lengthwise extension in the housing. Depending on the function performed by the electronics module, the electronics module can be relatively short in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the housing, for example if only one control element is provided, or can be relatively long if several control elements and, for example, an additional information display are integrated in the electronics module . A ratio of the respective lengths can reach and exceed a factor of 2, 3 or 5 and more.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the enclosed figures. In the figures show :

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a furniture component according to the invention;

FIG. 2 Details of the furniture component according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows different frontal views of the furniture component according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a section through a first variant of a furniture component according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a section through a second variant of a furniture component according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a section through a third variant of a furniture component according to the invention;

FIGS. 7-9a show different cross sections of operating strips for a furniture component according to the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a highly schematic perspective representation of a furniture component according to the invention in the kitchen area;

FIG. 11 shows a highly schematic representation of a house and the data connections originating from the furniture component;

FIG. 12 shows a highly schematic representation of a control bar and the electronic modules with the associated data connections;

FIG. 13 shows a highly schematic perspective view of a z. B. furniture component according to the invention designed as a base cabinet; FIG. 14 shows a highly schematic illustration of a further furniture component according to the invention.

The furniture component 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic perspective view is designed here, for example, as kitchen furniture 100 or as a kitchenette or the like. The furniture component 1 has various electrical devices 200 here, for example a hob. In particular, separate electrical or electronic devices 200 can also be assigned or assigned to the furniture component 1, which can be operated and controlled by means of the control panel 10 or the electronic modules 9 on the housing 50 of the furniture component 1. For example, the room lighting can be controlled.

The furniture component 1 has a furniture panel 2, which also serves as a worktop in the kitchen. Various storage spaces 40 are provided underneath the furniture panel 2, each of which forms a receiving compartment 30 for various objects. The furniture front panels 3 below the furniture panel 2 can be designed as a pivoting door or sliding door or as a drawer front panel.

The furniture panel 2 has an upper side 4 with an upper cover surface 4a, which can be formed in one piece with the furniture panel 2. The top surface 4a can also be applied as a separate top layer.

The furniture board 2 has in particular a core 2b. The core 2b preferably consists at least partially of a wood-based material or of a wood-based material. It is also possible that the core 2b consists partially or completely of a natural stone or an artificial stone, granite, glass or concrete or of metal or a biopolymer.

The top surface 4a of the furniture panel can be integral with the Core 2b can be made or can also consist of a different material.

At least on the front narrow sides 5 and 6 and, if necessary, also on the rear narrow sides 5, 6 of the furniture component 1, there is a housing 50 with a continuous control panel 10, on which a control section 12 or also several control sections 12 are attached on the surface section 11 the control panel ste 10 are arranged. The surface section 11 has an essentially constant angle 12a between the surface section 11 and the operating section 12 and the vertical orientation on . Correspondingly, an angle 12b relative to the horizontal can also be measured and correspondingly converted into the angle 12a. The upper cover surface 4a of the furniture panel 2 of the furniture component 1 is preferably aligned almost horizontally or (completely) horizontally.

Operating elements 13 are visible on the operating section 12 on the surface section 11 above the pivotable door. The operating elements are part of electronic modules 9 which are accommodated in an accommodation space 51 inside the housing 50 . The controls can always be visible. However, it is also possible and preferred for the operating elements 13 to become visible only after activation, for example by lighting or a proximity sensor. The operating elements 13 are then only visible when the associated electrical device 200 is being operated.

On another section of the control bar 10 , information elements 14 of electronic modules 9 can also be seen on the control section 12 in addition to control elements 13 . Different information can be output via the information elements 14 . The information can concern or describe the state of the associated electrical device's 200, but can also include general information such as the song title or contain the lyrics of a piece of music being played or general news, weather forecast data or the like.

Connection elements 16 are used here for coupling different operating profiles 20 of the operating bar 10 of the housing 50 . For example, the connection elements 16 can be used on sections that are angled correspondingly to one another, in order to connect different operating profiles 20 to one another.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a connection element 16 for an outer angle and a corresponding connection element 16 for an inner angle. The connection elements 16 are attached to the corresponding coupling interfaces 10c.

FIG. 3 shows a front view from the right and a front view from the left of the furniture component 1 according to FIG. Below the furniture panel 2 with a thickness 2a are the furniture front panels 3 of the drawers or. to recognize the swing door. In these hori zontal views are on the narrow sides 5 or 6 the operating sections 12 of the operating panel 10 can be seen. The control bar 10 extends here over the entire length 6a of the respective narrow sides 5 or 6 .

FIG. 4 shows a cross section through a first variant of a furniture component 1, with a section through the furniture panel 2 with the control panel 10 or 10 attached to the narrow side 5. the housing 50 with the operating bar ste 10 can be seen i st. Below the furniture board 2 are the furniture carcass 8 and the furniture front panel 3 which is movably accommodated on the furniture carcass 8 .

The housing of the operating strip 10 is designed as an operating profile 20 and here also as an extrusion profile or coextrusion profile 21 and is approximately triangular in cross section. Here lies between tween the abutting edge 15, which is on the narrow side 5 of the Furniture panel 2 rests and which is connected there to the furniture panel 2, and the surface portion 11 with the operating portion 12 is preferably essentially a right angle. The bottom 10a of the control bar 10 thus practically forms the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle and preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the upper cover surface 4a of the top 4 of the furniture panel 2.

In order to increase the stability of the connection of the control bar 10 to the furniture panel 2, a tongue and groove connection is implemented here by way of example, with a groove 24 being formed and in particular milled in the furniture panel 2 on the narrow side 5, into which a protruding web is positively fitted as a spring 25 of the housing 50 of the control bar 10 engages. This increases the stability of the connection and provides a positioning and assembly aid.

The angle 15a between the abutting edge 15 and the upper cover surface 4a is preferably formed as an acute angle and is preferably 35° plus/minus 15° here.

At least the distal lower end of the control panel 10 is preferably rounded. The surface of the surface section 11 and thus of the operating section 12 are aligned at an angle 12a to a perpendicular on the upper cover surface 4a. The angle 12a is preferably between 10° and 80° and in particular between 20° and 70° and particularly preferably between 25° and 65°. Here in the exemplary embodiment, the angle is approximately 55°. However, larger and smaller angles are also possible.

The surface section 11 is preferably transparent or partially transparent in whole or in part, so that the injection molding module 28 and electronic module 9 can output or display information on the operating section 12 of the operating bar 10 of the housing 50 . The electronic module 9 is held by the holder, which is designed here as an injection molded component 28, inside the operating profile 20 in the receiving space 51 of the housing 50, with the latching hooks 29 or the like serving to fasten the injection molded component. It is also possible that z. B. by clipping contacts are closed and the module is supplied directly with voltage and data.

The injection-molded component 28 consists in particular of a film and a plastic that can be processed in an injection-molding process. Optionally, further layers can also be present. The multi-layer film preferably comprises a transparent carrier film onto which two or more layers (multi-layer) are printed as layers responsible for the function and the decoration. This film includes at least one and in particular a plurality of sensor elements, preferably in the form of capacitive sensor surfaces. The film can also include lighting elements. The lighting elements can preferably be light-emitting diodes. Laser diodes or laser elements are also possible. Together with the electronic modules 9, the sensor surfaces serve as operating elements 13.

The electronics module 9 includes in particular a printed circuit board and/or lighting elements and can also include sensor elements that serve as operating elements 13 .

An enlarged detail of the distal end of the operating profile 20 is shown in the left-hand area of FIG. The gap heights are matched to one another in such a way that the furniture front panel 3 can be opened reliably even if there is a drip nose 10b. Such a drip nose or drip edge 10b reliably prevents liquid dripping down from above from entering the interior of a receiving compartment 30 or dripping onto the top of the furniture front panel 3 . In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the furniture panel 2 with the control strip 10 protrudes outwards beyond the receiving compartments 30 of the furniture component 1.

In contrast to the configuration according to FIG. 4, the furniture component 1 in the cross section according to FIG. 5 does not have such a projection. The distal end of the control strip 10 ends practically flush with the front side 3a of the furniture front panel 3 .

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the cables or lines 23 for supplying power to the electronics module 9 are routed in a line bushing 22 .

The data interface 7, the data memory 17, the microcontroller 18 and an energy source 19 are shown schematically in FIG. 5 on the electronic module 9 as an example. The energy source 19 or the energy store enable the electronic module to be operated at least temporarily, even without an external power supply.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, the distal end of the control bar 10 again protrudes forwards over the front side 3a of the front panel 3 of the furniture. The data interface 7, the data memory 17, the microcontroller 18 and the energy source 19 can also be accommodated separately from the electronics module 9 inside the control panel 10.

In FIG. 6, on the underside 10a of the control bar 10 at the distal outer end, a variation is drawn in with a dotted line, in which a groove 10d is introduced into the control bar 10 on the underside. Such a groove 10d can also ensure that the outer end of the underside 10a of the control bar 10 serves as a drip nose or drip edge. The injection-molded component has the film or the film is attached to it. In particular, the electronic module 9 can only be used to evaluate the signals from the foil and, if necessary, to provide the lighting by means of LEDs applied to the circuit board or another circuit board. Preferably, the LEDs can also be on the foil.

In the figures 7 to 9 different variations of the structure of a control panel 10 are shown in cross section. The different configurations each have an operating profile 20 which is formed as an extrusion profile or coextrusion profile 21 or by profile parts 26 and 27 . It is also possible that more than two profile parts form an operating profile 20 .

In FIG. 7, the profile part 26 forms a covering and holding profile and is produced in particular in an extrusion process or coextrusion process. The profile part 27 is also an extruded part and serves as a closure profile. In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, a horizontally protruding web can also be designed as a tongue 25 which engages in a correspondingly horizontally designed groove 24 in the furniture panel 2 .

In FIG. 8, the profile part 26 serves as a cover profile, while the profile part 27 serves as a closure and holding profile. The web 25, which fits exactly into the groove 24 in the furniture panel 2, is formed on the profile part 27 in FIG.

A variant is shown in FIG. 9 in which the profile part 27 is attached to the furniture panel 2 . Here the abutting edge 15, as well as in Figures 7 and 8 between the control strip 10 and the furniture panel 2 runs perpendicular to the upper cover surface 4a.

The electronics module 9 is attached to the underside of the profile part 26, which is transparent here. It is also possible and preferred that the electronic module 9 forms the surface of the operating section 12 practically directly. Then no separate profile part 26 is necessary. The electronics module 9 is attached to the underside of the injection-molded component, which is transparent or partially transparent here. The injection molded component can form the surface practically directly.

In FIG. 9, the injection molded component forms the surface and not the extrusion/coextrusion profile. In this exemplary embodiment, the extrusion or coextrusion profile acts only as a holder!

9a shows the housing 50 with the control bar 10 in a cross section. The furniture board 2 is cut here and only a (small) part is visible. The housing 50 or the control panel 10 adjoins the end face or the narrow side 5 of the furniture panel 2 . A sealing element 33 is arranged on the upper side at the abutting edge 15 between the furniture panel 2 and the control strip 10 or the housing 50 . The extrusion profile or coextrusion profile 21 here comprises a support rail 19b with a cable bushing 22 and a suitable number of cables 23. A light source 34 is accommodated in a housing section here in the form of an LED light strip, which emits light downwards through the transparent cover 34a. to provide backlighting (ambient lighting). Flexible and compressible spacer elements 32, which carry a display 31 or a display unit 14a, are accommodated in the housing 50 here. The spacer elements 32 press the display unit(s) 14a against the end strip of the operating profile 20 with slight pressure. The profile 21 is bent at the lower end here and forms a drip nose 10b on the underside 10a (possibly also in the form of a continuous drip edge). or a groove lOd out. This provides a defined dripping option. In this arrangement, the operating section 12 of the operating bar 10 can be pushed through the user at an angle from above detectable. Operating and reading information is convenient for the user.

FIG. 10 shows a furniture component 1 in the kitchen area in a highly schematic perspective illustration, with two different electrical devices 200 being formed on the furniture panel 2 of the furniture component 1 . On the scales as an electrical device 200, some foodstuffs 201 are shown in a highly schematic manner as an example. The measured weight, which is 795 grams here, is output as an information element 14 on the operating section 12 of the operating bar 10 by the display unit 14a.

A user's hand, shown schematically, touches a finger with an operating element 13 , shown in broken lines.

The control section 12 of the control bar 10 of the housing 50 is aligned at an angle to the horizontal and to the vertical, so that a user standing in front of it can see the various information elements 14 and display units 14a at a glance from an angle.

In the front area, for example, a signal strength of a reception is plotted on an information element 14 in the form of a bar. A controller for the volume of an acoustic output unit or a controller for a hob is shown next to it, for example.

An external device 150 can be seen in the background on the upper side 4 of the furniture panel 2, which is only shown very schematically here. The external device 150 can be embodied here, for example, as a tablet or as a smartphone or as a digital terminal device 210 or the like. It is possible to control the electronics module 9 via the digital terminal device 210 . It is also possible, for example, for the volume of a music playback to be changed via the operating elements 13, with the music being called up via the external device 150 and the acoustic output taking place via coupled loudspeakers.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 show highly schematic representations of the data connections originating from the furniture component 1 within a house and the data connections of the electronic modules 9 of a control panel 10.

FIG. 11 shows various rooms in the basement, ground floor and first floor of a detached house in section, with various external devices (external to the furniture component) being present in the different rooms. So e.g. B. a washing machine and the heating in the basement or an oven or a lamp on the ground floor. An electrically driven roller shutter is shown on a window on the first floor. There is a car in the garage. All of these external devices 150 can be coupled to the furniture component 1 (e.g. a cooking island in the cooking/living area) via data connections (usually wireless). For this purpose, the housing 50 accommodates various electronic modules, each with adapted radio units, in order to use the operating and information elements 13, 14 to call up data from the corresponding external devices 150 and/or to control them. Operation can in turn take place via the digital terminal 210 from FIG. B. is connected to the roller shutter control or the heating. A multiplicity of external devices 150 in the house can thus be radio-controlled via the electronic modules 9 .

As FIG. 12 shows, different electronic modules 9 can set up data connections to different or the same external devices 150 one after the other or simultaneously keep. The data connections can be transmitted on different frequencies and with different standards. The corresponding electronic modules 9 ensure the appropriate connection.

The data connections between the electronic modules 9 and the external devices can be established via a hub 60, a gateway 60, a bridge 60 and/or via a smart home center 60. As shown in FIG. 12, the hub, the gateway, the bridge or the smart home center 60 can be located outside of the housing 50 . It is also possible for an electronics module 9 to serve as the central module. The central module 9a can be designed as a hub, gateway, bridge or smart home center 60 . This central module 9a can communicate directly with an external device 150 and/or in turn itself be connected to an externally arranged hub, gateway, a bridge or a smart home center. This additional connection can then be used to communicate with one or more external devices 150 . The hubs, gateways, bridges or smart home centers 60 can be connected to an intranet or the Internet 70 . The communication paths 80 between the individual electronic modules 9, the hubs, gateways, bridges, smart home centers 60, 9a, the external devices 150, the Internet 70 and the digital terminals 210 are shown here as a dashed line by way of example.

In all of the configurations, the electronic modules 9 can be replaced individually if required, for example if a module is defective or if a transmission standard changes. If required, an additional new electronic module 9 with a new standard or another type of connection can also be added at any time. The furniture components as a whole do not have to be replaced.

FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment, with the furniture component 1 being designed as a base cabinet 110 . About it an overhead cabinet 120 can optionally be provided. The base cabinet 110 has a body 8 and an upper furniture panel 2 here, the z. B. can be used as a worktop. At the front of a furniture front panel 3 is provided, the z. B. can be designed as a door, behind which a receiving compartment 30 is provided. A housing 50 or a control strip 10 is arranged and fastened on the narrow side 5 of the front edge of the furniture panel 2 . In the right-hand part of FIG. 13, the control bar 10 is shown enlarged. Two electronic modules 9 are accommodated here on the mounting rail 19b. The mounting rail 19b can also be used for power supply. The control section 12 is formed on the control bar 10 and is directed obliquely upwards in order to control external devices 150 that may be removed. The electronic modules 9 and other parts in the receiving space 51 can be exchanged if necessary or on request. In this way , the functionality can also be expanded afterwards .

The housing 50 with the electronic modules 9 can also be accommodated in another wall 35 of the furniture component or attached thereto.

A furniture component 1 designed as a base cabinet 110 is shown in FIG. The furniture panel 2 is provided above the storage compartment 30 . A continuous mounting rail 19b carries the various modules 9. An energy store 19a in the form of z. B. a battery can ensure the operation of at least one electronic module 9, even if the external power supply fails planned or unplanned.

The surface section 11 with the operating section 12 is oriented obliquely upwards. This enables convenient operation from diagonally above.

The electronic modules 9 can be accommodated and arranged in the housing 50 at predetermined or selectable intervals. Each electronic module 9 can have its own transmitter-receiver unit 7a in order to set up radio connections to one another and to external devices 150 in a targeted manner and independently of one another using the same or different radio standards. An electronics module 9 can be in the form of a central module 9a and can also establish a data connection with other central modules 9a, if necessary via the Internet.

List of references:

1 furniture component 19a energy storage, battery

2 furniture panel, worktop 19b support rail

2a thickness of 2 20 operating profile

2b core of 2 21 extrusion profile, co-extrusion

3 furniture front panel sion profile

3a Front of 3 22 cable entry

4 top of 2 23 line

4 a top surface 24 groove in 2

4b bottom of 2 25 spring on 10

5 narrow side of 2 26 profile part

6 narrow side of 2 27 profile part

6a Length of 6 28 holder, injection molded part

7 data interface 29 locking hook

7a transmitter-receiver unit 30 receiving compartment

8 furniture body 31 display

9 electronic module 32 spacer element

9a central module 33 sealing element

10 control bar 34 light source

10a bottom of 10 34a cover

10b drip nose 35 wall

10c coupling interface 40 storage space l Od groove 50 housing

11 Surface section 50a top surface

12 operation section 51 receiving space, cavity

12a Angle 60 Hub , Gateway, Bridge ,

12b Winkel Smart home headquarters

13 Control element 70 Internet

13a sensor 80 communication path

14 Information element 100 kitchen furniture

14a display unit 110 base cabinet

15 hem 120 wall unit

15a acute angle 150 external device

16 connection element 200 electrical cal device

17 data store 201 food

18 microcontroller 210 digital terminal

19 energy source

Claims

Expectations :

1. Furniture component (1) for controlling electrical devices

(200), such as in particular domestic and household appliances, built-in appliances and multimedia devices, with a furniture panel (2) arranged above a movable furniture front panel (3) for the upper closure of a storage space (40) separated by the movable furniture front panel (3), the furniture panel ( 2) has an upper side (4) with an upper cover surface (4a) and at least one lateral narrow side (5, 6) and wherein on at least one narrow side (5, 6) of the furniture panel (2) there is one with at least one data interface (7) for Communication with at least one electrical device (200) equipped control panel (10) is arranged, characterized in that the control panel (10) has at least one surface section (11) running obliquely to the upper cover surface (4a) of the furniture panel (2) with at least one control section ( 12) and operating and/or information elements (13, 14) arranged thereon.

2. Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating section (12) with the operating and information elements (13, 14) is inclined to the upper cover surface (4a) and at an angle (12a) of between 10° and 80° or is arranged between 25 ° and 65 ° to the top surface (4a) of the furniture panel (2).

3. furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating section (12) is accommodated on a hollow operating profile (20).

4. furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) has a substantially triangular cross-section.

5. furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, an underside (10a) of the control bar (10) running essentially parallel to the top surface (4a). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control strip (10) has a seal against the ingress of dirt and/or moisture at least on its upper abutting edge (15) to the furniture panel (2). . Furniture component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the abutting edge (15) between the control strip (10) and furniture panel (2) runs approximately perpendicular to the upper cover surface (4a) of the furniture panel (2) or wherein a abutting edge (15) between the control strip (10 ) and furniture panel (2) has an acute angle (15a) to the upper cover surface (4a) of the furniture panel (2). . Furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control strip (10) at least partially with the front side (3a) of the furniture front panel (3) is flush. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control strip (10) protrudes at least in sections over the front side (3a) of the furniture front panel (3). . Furniture component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control strip (10) has at least one drip nose (10b) projecting beyond the front side (3a) of the furniture front panel (3) and/or wherein the underside of the control profile slopes down towards the distal end. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture panel (2) is designed as a table or worktop, the length and/or width of the furniture panel (2) being greater than 500 mm and the furniture panel having a thickness (2a) between 15 mm and 60 mm or between 18 mm and 40 mm. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) extends over essentially the entire length (6a) of the narrow side (6). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) at the end of the control bar has a mechanical coupling interface (10c) for further connection elements (16), with at least one connection element

(16) is taken from a group of connection elements, which includes end caps, angle elements and extension elements. . Furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating section (12) is suitable and designed to display data of a connected electrical device (200), such as. B. a time, a program selection, a weight of a scale, a device status, etc. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one operating element (12) comprises at least one sensor which is taken from a group of sensors comprising touch sensors and non-touch sensors, proximity sensors and gesture sensors (13a). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control panel (10) has a data memory (17) and a microcontroller (18). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) has the data interface (7) and wherein at least one data interface (7) is wired and / or designed for wireless radio connection. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a software update of the control bar (10) is possible via a data interface (7). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) by means of the data interface

(7) can be connected to external devices (150, 200). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein external devices (150) can be controlled by means of the control panel (10). . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) can be configured by means of a program on an external device (150). . Furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control panel (10) has a mains-independent energy source (19), so that a mains-independent operation is possible. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control strip (10) has a cable bushing on the side pointing towards the narrow side (5, 6) of the furniture panel (2).

(22) for power supply, wherein the furniture panel (2) has an opening for the cable (23) to pass through.. Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control strip (10) can be connected to a voice-controlled input or output device is. . Furniture component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control bar (10) can display data from the voice-controlled input or output device. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the surface of the control strip (10) is designed to be resistant to permanent exposure to heat and temperatures of up to or above 90°C. . Furniture component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture panel (2) has a core (2b) which consists at least partly of a material based on wood or of a wood-based material, such as a chipboard or a medium density or high density

fibreboard (MDF - Medium Density Fiber, HDF - High Density Fiber) or made of natural or artificial stone, granite, glass or concrete or of metal or biopolymer. . Method for operating a furniture component (1) for controlling electrical devices (200) such. B. of domestic and household appliances, built-in appliances, multimedia devices, wherein the furniture component (1) at least one furniture panel (2), on the narrow side (5, 6) of the furniture panel (2) arranged control bar (10) and below the control bar ( 10) movable furniture front panel (3) and the control panel

(10) has at least one interface (7) for communication with electrical devices (200), wherein

- the control bar (10) establishes a data connection with at least one electrical device (200) during operation,

- data being exchanged between the electrical device (200) and the control panel (10),

- where at least part of the data on the control bar

(10) is output as information on an information element (14),

- and wherein visual information is displayed to the user at an angle of between 10° and 80° to the top surface (4a) of the furniture panel (2).