DE102007029193A1 - operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The operating device for an electrical appliance, in particular a domestic appliance, has a plurality of groups each having at least two keys, wherein the keys of a group have a different optical configuration to the keys of the at least one other group.

Description

The The invention relates to an operating device, and more particularly to a Operating device for a household appliance, z. As a stove or oven.

In modern household appliances / ovens rises on the one hand through the use of electronics the number of device functions or choices continuously, causing the number of controls increases. On the other hand wants the user does not rely on intuitive handling, without studying manuals and refrain from easy cleaning. The increased number of controls However, it gives the impression of a complex operation. At a Purchase decision is a deterrent. In some devices (eg. As the consumer electronics) this problem is solved in that a part of the controls is mounted behind a flap. adversely it is that the area of the flap is more easily polluted and the flap also interferes with the operation.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a possibility a simple and very user-friendly user guidance also at to create a high number of controls, especially at Household appliances.

These Task is solved by an operating device according to claim 1. advantageous Embodiments are in particular the dependent claims.

The Operating device has several groups, each with at least two Keys, whereby the keys of a group one to the keys of at least one other group different optical design exhibit. Two groups of keys are preferred, namely one Group for primary, especially important keys and a group for secondary keys, as below will be explained in more detail. Under key is understood in particular a control that by pressing is operated and returns to the initial state when released. The operating device is not on a specific type of buttons limited and may include, for example, mechanical keys, membrane keys, and touch keys include. The operating device is particularly suitable for household appliances. The operating device preferably comprises a front panel.

By the operating device results in a modern for a server seemingly and also with many keys clearly structured and simple operable user interface. Because arises for the user not only in use, but also at first Impression the feeling a simple, tidy Operating logic without superfluous functions and controls.

The Structuring can preferably be achieved in that the Keys of the first group and the keys of the second group one different surface design exhibit. This could also keys of the same shape (eg with the same outline) and size of each other be differentiated.

Preferably The different surface design includes a use each different surface materials, z. B. of metal, plastic and glass.

alternative or additionally can the different surface design include a use of different surface textures, z. B. smooth or textured surfaces, such as smooth or brushed Metal.

alternative or additionally For example, the different optical design can be used different height from the user interface of the operating device projecting Include controls, z. B. by using protruding Short-stroke keys on the one hand and behind a cover lying keys on the other hand.

The different optical design of the controls different Phrases can be one Use of differently shaped controls include, for. B. with rectangular or round outline or a height relief.

Prefers are the keys of at least one group as sensor keys, in particular Touch-control keys, designed, in particular with capacitive, piezoelectric, infrared or impedance sensitive switching elements.

Preferably are the keys of at least one group as mechanical short-stroke keys formed, which particularly preferably protrude from the user interface can.

In In an alternative embodiment, the keys are at least one Group preferably formed as a membrane keys.

to further structuring, the controls are at least one Group preferably illuminated.

In addition to the keys of these groups, the operating device preferably further comprises at least one further operating element, preferably with at least two switching settings, in a different design to the keys of the above groups, for. B. a specially designed ON / OFF switch or a selector switch. Preferably, the at least one further operating element comprises a rotary knob, a rotary selector or a circular slider. This operating element is preferably used for value adjustment. The operating device is described schematically in more detail in the following exemplary embodiments.

1 shows in front view of a control panel of a baking oven according to a first embodiment;

2 shows in front view of a control panel of a baking oven according to a second embodiment.

1 shows a control panel 1 a baking oven in a first embodiment.

The control panel 1 consists of two sets or groups of several keys 2 . 3 , The two groups 2 . 3 are realized in a mutually different optical design, which is optimal for the respective function and provides a clear structuring from the customer's point of view. The first group includes primary buttons 2 for basic functions of the oven, which are necessary for each operation, eg main switch ON / OFF, start / stop, groups of heating elements (right three buttons 2 ), Program style, menu navigation, and so on. The second group includes secondary keys 3 for special features or options that are not needed on a regular basis, such as B. Setting the clock function (time, alarm, etc.), oven lamp, Info.

Specifically, the first group includes eight controls 2 which are designed as metallic Kurzhubtasten. The second group has six controls 3 in the form of touch-control buttons, behind a common cover plate 4 are arranged in glass. The touch control buttons 3 For example, they may include capacitive, infrared sensing or piezoelectric switching elements. The touch control buttons 3 are also illuminated.

Due to the different surface materials of the key groups 2 . 3 (Metal or glass) and the different circuit technology (short stroke or touch control), which also affects the geometric design, the user is the structurability of the operation easier to convey, firstly the keys of a group 2 . 3 be perceived as a unit and secondarily the secondary keys 3 less noticeable. This is how the short-stroke keys occur 2 as individual elements from the user interface 1 and are therefore perceived stronger than those behind the common smooth glass plate 4 lying touch control buttons 3 ,

The structure is further characterized by the different sensitivity of the keys 2 . 3 on contact (eg a different contact pressure of the short-stroke buttons 2 and touch control buttons 3 supports, so that even better distinction can be made between main and secondary functions.

Furthermore, the control panel includes 1 a display unit 6 in the form of a LCD display, which can also be segmented. The lighting of one or more of the groups of buttons 2 . 3 is designed so that they visually, in particular color, the display unit 6 similar to the ad unit 6 in the switched on and / or off state. These can be the key groups 2 . 3 also be illuminated with changing colors.

The control panel 1 additionally includes another control that in one of the above buttons 2 . 3 different configuration is formed, namely as a rotary control element in the form of a rotary selector 5 made of plastic with several switching positions (for example, incrementing and decrementing or graduated in a range of values, such as from 0 to 6) for value adjustment. This distinguishes the rotary selector 5 again clearly from the keys 2 . 3 ,

2 shows a control panel 7 in a further embodiment. Unlike the control panel off 1 is the display field 6 now centrally located. The control panel 7 now has two rotary voters 5 on. Sideways outside to the respective rotary selector 5 is an associated primary control 8th available. These two primary buttons 8th This group are designed as metallic touch control buttons with impedance circuit. The secondary keys 9 are now in two sub-groups at the side of the display field 6 arranged. They can, as shown, covered by a respective plastic cover and be designed as a capacitive or piezoelectric touch control button. Alternatively, a single cover can both the display panel 6 as well as the group of secondary keys 9 cover what visually sets this still further.

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

For example, the buttons of all groups can be configured as touch control buttons, but z. B. behind cover plates of different material for each group. It is alternatively possible to form the groups of control elements by a same technology and with the same surface material, but this is structured differently depending on the group membership, thus, the controls of one group may have a surface of polished metal and the controls of another group may have a brushed metal surface. Alternatively, the keys may differ only by circuit technology, e.g. As metallic short-stroke keys and metallic touch-control buttons.

The Cover material of the touch control buttons is not limited and can z. As glass, plastic or metal. To be favoured Combinations of groups with a surface of glass or metal; plastic or metal; or plastic or glass.

alternative are membrane keyboards used.

any Sets of Controls can be lighted for further distinction. Every key can do this or can each group always be lit or for navigation and outline support in dependence be lit by the current input process only temporarily.

The at least one further operating element, in particular for value selection, is preferably a rotary control element and can, for example, a conventional rotary voter, be a ring slider or a rocker, so in particular one of the versions use the groups of controls of dissimilar technology, particularly preferred as a control element that is not a button.

The Invention generally also encompasses more than two groups of keys, in particular of pressure or sensor keys.

The Rotary control element can also have a rotary axis position, not perpendicular to the surface the control panel is aligned and can also provide additional, possibly executed as a mechanical button executed acknowledgment elements.

Also includes is a combination of mechanical buttons or at least a mechanical, non-rotating control for navigation (eg a cross-type rocker) with operating sensor elements behind at least two different surface materials are arranged.

moreover includes a combination of at least one rotary control element with mechanical buttons and with operating sensor elements behind arranged one or more different surface materials are.

Also includes a combination of at least two rotary control elements, one of which is a ring slider with operating sensor elements which arranged behind one or more different surface materials are.

1

control panel

2

short-stroke

3

Touch control button

4

cover

5

rotary knobs

6

display

7

control panel

8th

Touch control button

9

Touch control button

Claims (13)

Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) for an electrical appliance, in particular domestic appliance, comprising a plurality of groups of at least two buttons ( 2 . 3 ; 8th . 9 ), characterized in that the keys ( 2 ; 8th ) a group one to the keys ( 3 ; 9 ) of the at least one other group have different optical design. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the keys ( 2 ; 8th ) of a group and the keys ( 3 ; 9 ) of another group have a different surface design. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the different surface design comprises a use of different surface materials. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface materials comprise glass, plastic or metal. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the different surface design comprises a use of different surface textures. Operating device ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the different optical design makes use of keys of different height ( 2 . 3 ). Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keys ( 3 ; 8th . 9 ) of at least one group are designed as sensor keys, in particular with capacitive, piezoelectric or impedance-sensitive switching elements. Operating device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keys ( 2 ) of at least one group are designed as mechanical short-stroke keys. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keys of at least one group are formed as membrane keys. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the different optical design comprises a use of differently shaped keys. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keys of at least one group ( 3 ; 9 ) and are illuminated. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one further operating element ( 5 ), in particular for value adjustment, in one of the keys ( 2 . 3 ; 8th . 9 ) of the at least two groups deviating configuration, in particular an operating element ( 5 ) with more than one switch position. Operating device ( 1 . 7 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one further operating element ( 5 ) has a rotary knob, a ring slider or a rocker switch.