DE102009002862A1 - Control element for a domestic appliance, control device with such a control element and domestic appliance with such a control element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating element for a domestic appliance (1), which has a first adjusting element (15) which is rotatable about its axis of rotation (A) for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1) and has a second adjusting element (16) for adjusting operating conditions of the household appliance (1) about its axis of rotation (A) and surrounds the first adjusting element (15) at least partially, wherein the first adjusting element (15) for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1) along its axis of rotation (A) can be pressed and / or the second adjusting element (16) for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1) along its axis of rotation (A) can be pressed. The invention also relates to an operating device (9) having an operating element (11, 12) and a domestic appliance (1) having such an operating element (11, 12).

Description

The Invention relates to a control element for a domestic appliance, which has a first adjusting element for adjusting of operating conditions of the household appliance about its axis of rotation is rotatable. The operating element comprises a second adjusting element, which for setting operating conditions of the household appliance is rotatable about its axis of rotation and the first adjusting element at least partially surrounds. Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating device with such a control and a household appliance with such a control.

Operating devices and controls are known in various configurations of home appliances. From the DE 10 2007 008 893 A1 is a household appliance with a retractable control known. The operating element is automatically extendable and / or automatically retractable depending on operating states of the domestic appliance. In addition, from the DE 10 2007 008 897 A1 a retractable control element for a domestic appliance, which has a movable first and a movable second adjusting part, which are movable relative to each other.

It Object of the present invention, an operating element as well an operating device with such a control element as well to provide a domestic appliance with such a control element, which provides increased variability and flexibility in the View of the setting options.

These Task is by a control element, which features Claim 1, an operating device, the features according to Claim 11, and a household appliance, which features according to claim 14, solved.

One inventive control for a Domestic appliance comprises a first adjusting element, which for Adjusting operating conditions of the household appliance trained is and is rotatable about its axis of rotation. Furthermore the operating element comprises a second adjusting element, which is for Setting operating conditions of the household appliance to its Rotary axis is rotatable and the first adjustment at least partially surrounds. The first adjustment element is for setting operating conditions pressed along a rotation axis. Additionally or instead, the second adjustment element is for setting operating conditions pressed along its axis of rotation. It can thus be a control be provided, which in terms of its operating functionality is extended and thereby a more variable and flexible operating condition setting allows. By the adjustment on the one hand to their Rotary axis operable according to a first degree of freedom are to be able to adjust operating conditions, and at least one of the two adjusting elements according to a second Degree of freedom along its axis of rotation for setting operating conditions can be actuated, a highly flexible adjustment system be guaranteed, which, moreover, also very user-friendly and easy to handle. Also the intuitive Comprehensibility of the operating possibilities increases user-friendliness. With a single control Thus, the highest level of adjustability can be achieved become.

Preferably the second adjusting element is annular and surrounds the first adjustment ring. Preferably the first adjusting element is cylindrical. A Such specific design and arrangement of the adjusting elements to each other and their specific shape increases the Manageability and ensures just with these multifunctional Degrees of freedom for operating condition setting a safe and Precise operation, so that also misadjustments avoided can be. Last but not least, this guarantees Design of the adjusting a particularly compact design of the control panel, making a space-saving and yet for the user has a clear conception.

Preferably the axes of rotation of the two adjusting elements are coaxial with each other arranged.

Preferably are the first adjusting element and / or the second adjusting element designed as retractable in an operating device keypads. Thereby can be retracted at least in the non-required state one of the adjusting elements, preferably both adjusting elements be ensured in the operating device, so that no bumping or unwanted operation of the operating element is performed.

Preferably the adjustment elements are at different levels along the Axis extendable. This allows the control of each Adjustment made very easily without unwanted Operations of the other adjustment would occur. Again, setting undesirable operating conditions be avoided.

Preferably, the adjusting elements between a sinking position and an extended position at least partially independently of each other along the axis movable. For this purpose, a corresponding countersink mechanism is provided, which coupled to each other and given these flexible movement types of the components if at least partially decoupled guaranteed from each other.

Preferably is the pressing and / or turning of the first and / or the second adjusting element for setting operating conditions only feasible in the extended state of the adjustment.

Especially Advantageously, it is provided that the setting of operating conditions selecting and / or changing and / or confirming of operating functions and / or operating sub-units and / or operating parameters includes.

When Operational function, for example, a specific operating program a cooking appliance may be provided. For example, at an oven also the top heat function or the bottom heat function or called the hot air function as an operating function be. As an operating subunit, for example, the operation of the Cooking chamber or a cooking zone of a hob are called. operating parameters For example, the temperature or a heating power a heating element. In particular, it is provided that by turning and / or pressing only such settings of Operating conditions are provided and basic operating conditions especially not by pressing an adjustment or can be done only in the depressed state. Preferably thus provided that with the first and / or second adjusting element basic settings different from the operating conditions of the domestic appliance are adjustable, the basic settings switching on and off the household appliance and / or setting or disabling a stand-by mode. Especially in the fully extended state of a Setting element can only then pressing and turning to Adjustment of these specific operating conditions.

It can also be provided that the retraction of a setting from the extended to the recessed state by a brief press This adjustment is done, but what about the functionality of setting operating conditions. As a result, can be set by setting operating conditions by on or off multiple pressing an above operation function or an operating sub-unit or operating parameter is selected, changed or confirmed. Should then, for example the home appliance can be turned off, so can by example a short press on one or more adjustment elements this can be effected and preferably additionally the retraction be achieved in the sunk state.

on the other hand can also be provided that in the retracted state of a setting by short pressing along the axis of the setting element this is extended. However, this too has the fundamental Adjustment of operating conditions, as above are called, to a difference and is basically not under an operating condition setting, as described in this To understand context is to do.

So can be made possible by such a configuration, that, for example, starting from a sunk state of both Adjustment of the control element this depends on an operating state of the household appliance both completely be extended and a function selection by pressing of the first adjustment is feasible. After this Function selection is the movement of the first setting element of the Control element automatically controllable by the control unit, that the first adjusting element at least partially, in particular is completely retractable. The second adjusting element is still in the extended state and another shot, For example, a temperature setting or the like can then done by pressing the second adjustment. In the depressed state of the first adjustment is further preferably provided that this by one or more light sources is backlit. Especially with dark rooms or the like can then be signaled that the operating element is almost active.

It can be provided that then also the second adjustment depending on further operating states or operating parameter values of the with the second part adjustable operating parameter automatically is retractable. For this purpose, it can be provided that the household appliance having a plurality of sensors or other detectors, with which values of these operating parameters can be detected and can be transmitted to the control unit.

For example can in a home appliance designed as an oven Functions through a top heat, a bottom heat, a hot air or a circulating air and the like, and the required Heating elements in the oven can be activated. Furthermore you can specific performance levels defined as functions. As operating parameters then, for example, the temperature or the time, how long such a heating element has been activated.

Preferably, the domestic appliance comprises a central operating unit, which may also be a central operating element, for example, with the basic operating states "on" and "off" of the domestic appliance or subunits thereof are adjustable. It can be provided that, by actuating this central operating element for switching on the domestic appliance, a plurality of such retractable operating elements, in particular all such operating elements, can be automatically transferred from the lowered state into the extended state. In an analogous manner, it can be provided that by actuating this central control element for switching off the domestic appliance or subunits thereof, all operating elements still in the extended state can be automatically transferred to the sunk state.

About that In addition, it can be provided that in one embodiment of the household appliance as a hob or oven sensors provided with which is detectable, whether a preparation container such as For example, a pot or a pan or the like on a Cooking zone of the hob or on a baking tray or grid in the Oven is set up. This can be for example a weight sensor or a photodetector or the like. Dependent of such a detection can then one or more this subunit associated controls that for setting of operating parameters of these subunits are activated and automatically transferred from the retracted to the extended state become.

Corresponding it can be provided that when removing such a preparation container from a cooking zone or from a sheet or grid in the oven This is also detected and the said associated controls are automatically retractable. In particular, it may be provided that the transfer of controls from the extended Condition in the recessed state linked to other conditions is. This can be prevented only in a short-term Remove or lift a preparation container immediately associated controls of this subunit of the domestic appliance be lowered, although this is not yet desired. Thus it can be provided in this regard that only after a predeterminable time after removal of such a preparation container from a subunit the automatic sinking of the assigned one or more Controls done. In addition, in addition or instead of being provided for further operating parameters, such as a temperature of a cooking zone or an oven be considered and for a decision, whether a control element from the extended to the recessed state transferred should be taken into account. The ones mentioned here Criteria or conditions, which alone or in combination for a decision as to whether an operating element deployed are or will be sunk, are merely exemplary. They can be supplemented in any way or replaced. In particular, it should be noted that home appliances specifically most diverse and most diverse such operating parameters can be taken as basis and thus a variety different decision criteria can exist, to automatically extend a control and / or automatically to sink.

Prefers is the automatic movement of the control element in the longitudinal axis direction controlled by a control unit. Preference is given to pressing a central operating element a plurality, in particular all, automatically extended by controls of the household appliance and / or automatically sunk. Especially if the central Control element for basic activation or deactivation of the household appliance can then be provided that automatically several of the controls at the same time or in time subsequently extended or sunk. Even so can the operation is much easier and faster. Especially at It is a plurality of such trained controls particularly advantageous because not every control separately an operator must be manually pressed to do this extend or sink.

About that In addition, in such a plurality of controls the clarity in Considerably easier and safer in terms of operation be, since automatically in principle those controls extended or sunk, which for further adjustment of functions or operating parameters for a selected one Subunit of the household appliance, such as a cooking zone or a stovepipe, be actively provided. The other controls, which for these operating parameters and this subunit not are required or not assigned to this, even not first extended, so that a malfunction or a long search, which of the variety of controls now for the other settings are necessary, is eliminated.

Depending on a selected operating function of the domestic appliance and / or depending on the selection of a subunit of the domestic appliance intended for performing a specific function, the operating elements assigned to carry out this operating function and / or the further setting of the subunit are preferably automatically moved, in particular extended. Preferably, extended operating elements are automatically sunk depending on whether actual values deviate from predefinable desired values of predefinable operating parameters of the assigned subunit of the domestic appliance. Thus, it can be provided that, for example example, with the removal of a preparation container from a cooking zone, the assigned extended controls are automatically sunk. In addition, it can be provided that in addition to or instead of further criteria are provided to perform such a sinking of the controls. Thus, in particular, it may be provided that after removal of a preparation container from a cooking zone, the operating elements associated with this cooking zone are only automatically sunk when the cooking zone falls below a predefinable threshold temperature. Likewise, in addition or instead be provided that after removing a preparation container from a cooking zone, the associated extended controls are only sunk when a predetermined period of time has passed after this removal of the preparation container, without further setting up a preparation container was performed on the cooking zone and / or without changing operating parameter settings for that cooking zone.

Prefers An operating element has two adjusting elements which can be moved relative to each other on, with the one adjusting a function and with the another setting element of the first function associated operating parameters can be adjusted. Likewise, it can be provided that with the a setting a specific function can be set can and thus carried out a selection of a plurality of functions can be.

Especially upon actuation of a central operating element for switching on or turning off the home appliance or subunits thereof or for transferring the household appliance into a stand-by mode is provided that all retractable controls or the specific Subunit associated controls extended or sunk become. It can also be provided that controls with special features are occupied. For example, it can be provided here that with such a control set a clock or the like can be. Because these controls relatively rarely needed may be preferably provided that they only under specific Operating conditions automatically from the sunk state in be transferred to the extended state. In particular, it can be provided that operating elements, which with such special functions are assigned, with the actuation of the central operating element for switching on the domestic appliance for a short predetermined period from the sunk into the extended state automatically transferred become. After this relatively short period of time then this Control element, if it is not operated in the meantime was retracted, automatically.

Preferably is provided that an adjustment for setting operating functions as Operating conditions is formed and the other adjustment for setting operating parameters and / or operating parameter values is trained. Due to this separation, that one adjustment element only for selection and confirmation of operating functions is formed and the other for setting the operating parameters or assigned to this selected operating function Operating parameters allows for a separation, which is the more user-friendly Operation guaranteed.

Preferably the first adjusting element has a cross-sectional radius, so that it is completely in the second annular Setting element is retractable and in particular the front sides the adjusting elements are flush. Preferably, the outer radius of the cylindrical first adjustment via its entire length is smaller than the inner radius of the second Adjustment member.

The Control device according to the invention comprises at least an inventive control element or a advantageous embodiment thereof. The operating device has an opening in a control panel, through which the control element retractable and extendable.

Preferably is the first and / or the second adjustment in the retracted Condition of the control element flush with the front of the control panel arranged.

One Household appliance according to the invention, in particular for preparing foodstuffs, comprises an inventive Operating element or an advantageous embodiment thereof and / or includes an operating device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. Preferably that is Household appliance designed as oven.

in principle However, the operating element can also be used for other household appliances, which are intended for financial management be. At this point, for example, a tumble dryer, a washing machine, a fridge, a freezer and a dishwasher. These devices are just examples of other devices called for the care of laundry items or for storage and preservation of food or for preparation of food or for cleaning dishes and provided can be used.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the ge in the figure description named features and combinations of features and / or the features and combinations of features shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention.

One Embodiment of the invention will be described below schematic drawings explained in more detail. It demonstrate:

1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a domestic appliance according to the invention;

2 a partial section of an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention with an embodiment of an operating element according to the invention in a first state; and

3 a corresponding representation as in 2 in which the operating element is shown in a second state.

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

In 1 is shown in a schematic representation of a domestic appliance for preparing food, which is used as an oven 1 is trained. The oven 1 includes a cooking space 2 into which food can be incorporated for preparation. The cooking space 2 is through a muffle 3 limited, with a front opening through a door 4 is closable. The oven 1 also includes a hob with four cooking zones as an example 5 . 6 . 7 and 8th on which preparation containers with foodstuffs can be positioned for their preparation.

In addition, the oven includes 1 an operating device 9 , which exemplifies a display panel 10 and in the number and position exemplified controls 11 and 12 having. The operating device 9 also includes a control panel 13 , In the embodiment shown, the operating device 9 above the door 4 or arranged above the upper edge in the closed state. The operating device 9 But it can also be at least partially in the door 4 be arranged.

In 2 is a partial section of the operating device 9 shown on the front side. The operating element 12 is shown in the fully retracted state, with the front of the control element 12 essentially flush with the front 14 the control panel 13 is arranged.

The operating element 12 includes a first adjustment 15 , which is cylindrical. The first adjustment element 15 is for setting operating conditions of the oven 1 educated. For this purpose it can be actuated both about its longitudinal axis A and along its longitudinal axis A. In addition, the operating element includes 12 a second adjusting element 16 , which is formed like a ring and the first adjusting element 15 surrounds like a ring. The longitudinal axes of the adjustment elements 15 and 16 are coaxial with each other and extend along the axis A. The second adjustment 16 is designed to set operating conditions and also about the axis A and along the axis A actuated. Both adjustment elements 15 and 16 can thus be rotated about the axis A or pressed along the axis A.

Starting from the in 2 shown fully sunk state of the control 12 is in 3 the fully extended state of the control 12 shown. It can be seen that the two adjustment elements 15 and 16 can be extended to different levels along the axis A, wherein the first adjustment 15 further forward than the second adjustment 16 , The rotatability about the axis A is symbolized by the arrow P1, whereby the compressibility along the axis A is symbolized by the arrow P2.

Only in 3 shown fully extended state can by pressing the first and / or the second adjustment 15 respectively 16 the setting of an operating condition take place. Im in 2 this is not possible sunken state shown recessed. There, preferably, for example, by pressing for a predetermined period of time, an extension of the first and / or second adjusting element 15 respectively. 16 but no operating condition setting in the sense understood here be effected.

In the context of the present exemplary embodiment, it is provided that, under the setting of operating conditions, the selection and / or modification and / or confirmation of operating functions and / or operating subunits and / or operating parameters is provided, wherein these operating conditions and their settings are to be distinguished from basic settings of the domestic appliance , Under the basic settings, the basic switching on and the basic switching off of the oven 1 and / or setting a stand-by mode, which represents an energy-reduced mode of operation understood. In particular, therefore, with the general concept of the setting Lens of operating conditions understood at least in addition to this basic setting that also explicit operating functions in terms of the top heat, the bottom heat or the hot air of the oven 1 are possible. In particular, this can be achieved, for example, by pressing the first and / or the second adjusting element 15 respectively 16 respectively. The same applies to the selection, the setting and the confirmation of an operating parameter or an operating parameter value. It is provided that at least one of the adjusting elements 15 or 16 can be automatically transferred by briefly pressing along the axis A from the extended to the retracted state or from the retracted state to the extended state, it is also additionally provided in the present invention that in the extended state of the respective adjustment 15 respectively 16 Such an adjustment of an operating sub-unit, an operating function or an operating parameter is additionally made possible. The same applies to the functionality of the rotatability of a setting 15 respectively 16 about the axis A, so that here too at least the setting of operating conditions, as it is to be understood in the context of execution is possible. It can also be provided here in addition that by turning the axis A in addition basic settings of the domestic appliance can be made possible and / or the transfer of an adjustment of the extended in the recessed or from the retracted in the extended state is effected.

1

oven

2

oven

3

muffle

4

door

5, 6, 7, 8

cooking zones

9

operating device

10

display

11 12

controls

13

control panel

14

front

15 16

adjustment

A

longitudinal axis

P1, P2

arrows

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007008893 A1 [0002]
• DE 102007008897 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Control element for a domestic appliance ( 1 ), which is a first adjustment element ( 15 ), which is used to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) is rotatable about its axis of rotation (A), and a second adjusting element ( 16 ), which is used to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) is rotatable about its axis of rotation (A), and the first adjusting element ( 15 ) at least partially surrounds, characterized in that the first adjusting element ( 15 ) for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) is pressed along its axis of rotation (A) and / or the second adjusting element (A) 16 ) for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) along its axis of rotation (A) can be pressed. Operating element according to claim 1, characterized in that the second adjusting element ( 16 ) is annular and the first adjusting element ( 15 ) surrounds like a ring. Operating element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axes of rotation (A) of the adjusting elements ( 15 . 16 ) are arranged coaxially. Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first adjusting element ( 15 ) and / or the second adjustment element ( 16 ) as in an operating device ( 9 ) Retractable controls are formed. Operating element according to claim 4, characterized in that the adjusting elements ( 15 . 16 ) are extendable to different levels along the axis (A). Operating element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the adjusting elements ( 15 . 16 ) between a sinking position and an extended position at least partially independent of each other along the axis (A) are movable. Operating element according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the pressing and / or turning of the first ( 15 ) and / or the second adjusting element ( 16 ) for setting operating conditions only in the extended state of the adjusting elements ( 15 . 16 ) is feasible. Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the setting of operating conditions of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) comprises selecting and / or changing and / or confirming operating functions and / or operating sub-units and / or operating parameters. Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the first ( 15 ) and / or the second adjusting element ( 16 ) are also adjustable in addition to the operating conditions of the operating conditions basic settings of the domestic appliance, the basic settings switching on and off the home appliance ( 1 ) and / or a stand-by mode of the domestic appliance ( 1 ) and / or adjusting the extended or retracted position of a setting element ( 15 . 16 ). Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adjusting element ( 15 . 16 ) is designed to set operating functions as operating conditions and the other adjusting element ( 15 . 16 ) is configured for setting operating parameters and / or operating parameter values. Operating element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting elements ( 15 . 16 ) are guided into each other and in particular in the retracted state of the adjusting elements ( 15 . 16 ) whose front sides are substantially flush. Operating device with at least one operating element ( 11 . 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which is defined by an opening in a control panel ( 13 ) is retractable and extendable. Operating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first ( 15 ) and / or the second adjustment element ( 16 ) in the retracted state of the operating element ( 11 . 12 ) flush with the front ( 14 ) of the control panel ( 13 ) are arranged. Domestic appliance, in particular for preparing food, which has an operating element ( 11 . 12 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or an operating device ( 9 ) according to one of claims 11 or 12. Domestic appliance according to claim 14, which has an oven ( 1 ).