DE102015003337B4 - Display and / or control device for an electronic household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Display and / or control device for an electronic household appliance (10), having an operating panel (12) which is attached to a device housing (16), and a main switch (32) for switching on the household appliance (10), in which
a functional section (14) of the control panel (12), which has at least one display or control element (30), is movable relative to the device housing (16) between a rest position and a use position,
characterized in that
the at least one display or control element (30) is inactive in the rest position of the functional section and is activated in the use position of the functional section; and
the main switch (32) is designed and arranged in such a way that it is actuated to switch on the household appliance (10) when the functional section (14) is transferred from its rest position to its use position.

Description

The present invention relates to a display and / or control device for an electronic household appliance.

Display and / or control device for electronic household appliances usually have a control panel which is attached to a device housing and has at least one display or control element, and a main switch for switching the household appliance on and off. In the development of such display and / or control devices, particular attention should be paid to ease of use for the user, a simple and inexpensive structure and possible variations in the design.

Conventional display and / or operating devices for electronic household appliances have, for example, mechanical operating elements (e.g. pressure switches, toggle switches, etc.) as main switches for switching the household appliance on and off. Alternatively, capacitive operating elements can also be used as main switches, but they require a battery to provide the energy for a first switch-on pulse.

In this context, display and / or control devices are also known which have a display or control section that can be pivoted between an inactive rest position and an active use position (see e.g. US 2012/0002361 A1 and JP 2007-078245 A ).

Furthermore, the DE 35 20 272 A1 a household appliance with a control panel which is mounted pivotably about an axis lying horizontally in its upper area. The control panel can thus be moved between a non-swiveled, vertical rest position and a swiveled-out angular position in order to adapt the control panel to the visibility of a user, the control elements being able to be operated in both positions.

The GB 2 265 158 A describes a washing machine with a remote control. The remote control is part of an operator panel that can be pulled out of a recess in the device housing. If the control panel is pushed into the recess, the user must have removed the remote control from the control panel in order to operate it, which is why a first receiver is activated on the outside of the device housing. If, on the other hand, the control panel is pulled out of the recess, the user can use the remote control inserted in the control panel, which is why a second receiver is activated within the recess. The selective activation of the two receivers takes place automatically when the control panel is moved into or out of the recess by means of appropriate switching means in the recess.

It is the object of the invention to create an improved display and / or control device for electronic household appliances which enables increased ease of use for the user and an expansion of the design freedom.

This object is achieved by a display and / or operating device for electronic household appliances with the features of claim 1. Particularly preferred configurations and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The display and / or control device for an electronic household appliance has an operating panel which is attached to a device housing, and a main switch for switching on the household appliance. A functional section of the control panel, which has at least one display or control element, can be moved relative to the device housing between a rest position and a use position, the at least one display or control element being inactive in the rest position of the function section and activated in the use position of the function section. In addition, the main switch is designed and arranged in such a way that it is actuated to switch on the household appliance when the functional section is transferred from its rest position to its use position.

The control panel of the display and / or control device according to the invention is designed so that a functional section of the control panel, which has at least one display or control element, can be moved between an inactive rest position and an active use position. These two positions can each be optimized accordingly with regard to ease of use for the user and design development. Since the main switch for switching on the household appliance is automatically actuated when the functional section is transferred from its rest position to its position of use, an additional main switch or an additional actuation of a main switch can be dispensed with. Since the main switch does not have to be operated by the user, it can be placed hidden and does not have to be taken into account when developing the design.

In the display and / or operating device of the invention, the main switch is a main switch for switching on the entire household appliance and not a main switch only for switching on the functional section or its display or control elements. It is thus possible to dispense with an additional main switch for switching on the household appliance in the case of the display and / or operating device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display and / or operating device also has a locking mechanism for locking the functional section in its rest position.

This locking mechanism is preferably designed in such a way that the locking of the functional section in its rest position can be released by overpressing.

The functional section is preferably biased into its position of use.

The locking mechanism for the functional section of the control panel is particularly preferably designed in the manner of a so-called push-push locking mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main switch is integrated into the locking mechanism.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the functional section of the control panel has an actuating element which comes into operative connection with the main switch when the functional section is transferred from its rest position to its use position. This actuating element is preferably integrated into the locking mechanism.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism is designed and arranged separately from the main switch.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the main switch is also designed and arranged in such a way that it is actuated to switch off the household appliance when the functional section is transferred from its position of use to its rest position.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the display and / or operating device also has a pivot mechanism for pivoting the functional section relative to the device housing about a pivot axis.

Alternatively or additionally, the display and / or operating device also has a guide for linear displacement of the functional section relative to the device housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the functional section is at least partially received in its rest position in a recess of the control panel.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the functional section is formed by the entire control panel. In other words, the entire control panel can be moved relative to the device housing between a rest position and a position of use.

The invention also relates to an electronic household appliance with an above-described display and / or operating device according to the invention.

The invention can in principle be applied to any electronic household appliances. It is preferably used in large electronic household appliances such as laundry treatment machines (washing machines, tumble dryers, etc.), dishwashers, refrigerators and / or freezers (refrigerators, freezers, etc.), cooking appliances (stoves, hobs, etc.) and the like.

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht eines elektronischen Haushaltsgeräts mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung;
• 2A eine Schnittansicht einer Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Ruhestellung;
• 2B eine Schnittansicht der Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung von 2A mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Gebrauchsstellung;
• 2C eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht der Einzelheit C in 2A;
• 3A eine Schnittansicht einer Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Ruhestellung;
• 3B eine Schnittansicht der Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung von 3A mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Gebrauchsstellung;
• 4A eine Schnittansicht einer Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Ruhestellung;
• 4B eine Schnittansicht der Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung von 4A mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Gebrauchsstellung;
• 5A eine Schnittansicht einer Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Ruhestellung;
• 5B eine Schnittansicht der Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung von 5A mit dem Funktionsabschnitt in seiner Gebrauchsstellung
• 6A eine Schnittansicht einer Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und
• 6B eine Schnittansicht einer Anzeige- und/oder Bedienvorrichtung gemäß einer Modifikation von 6A.

The above and further features and advantages of the invention can be better understood from the following description of preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it show, mostly schematically:

• 1 a perspective view of an electronic household appliance with a display and / or operating device according to the invention;
• 2A a sectional view of a display and / or operating device according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the functional section in its rest position;
• 2 B a sectional view of the display and / or operating device of 2A with the functional section in its position of use;
• 2C an enlarged sectional view of detail C in 2A ;
• 3A a sectional view of a display and / or operating device according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the functional section in its rest position;
• 3B a sectional view of the display and / or operating device of 3A with the functional section in its position of use;
• 4A a sectional view of a display and / or operating device according to a third embodiment of the invention, with the functional section in its rest position;
• 4B a sectional view of the display and / or operating device of 4A with the functional section in its position of use;
• 5A a sectional view of a display and / or operating device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with the functional section in its rest position;
• 5B a sectional view of the display and / or operating device of 5A with the functional section in its position of use
• 6A a sectional view of a display and / or operating device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and
• 6B a sectional view of a display and / or operating device according to a modification of FIG 6A .

The invention is explained in more detail below using the example of a laundry treatment device such as a washing machine. The washing machine 10 usually has a control panel on its front side facing the user 12 on. In this control panel 12 there is a functional section next to the detergent drawer 14th .

The functional section 14th is used for communication between the user and the control of the washing machine 10 . For this purpose, the functional section 14th for example one or more display elements (e.g. display, light emitting diodes, etc.) and one or more operating elements (e.g. pushbuttons, rotary knobs, etc.). The functional section 14th is wired or wireless with the control of the washing machine 10 connected. Via the function section 14th the control panel 12 the user can enter the desired washing programs and parameters and the current settings and operating states can be displayed to the user.

Optionally, two or more such functional sections can also be used 14th in the control panel 12 be provided. It is also possible that the entire control panel 12 such a functional section 14th forms within the meaning of the invention (see third embodiment).

Referring to 2A to C. a first embodiment of the display and / or operating device of the invention will now be explained in more detail.

As in 2A and B illustrates is the control panel 12 directly or indirectly on the device housing 16 of the washing machine 10 appropriate. The control panel 12 is on its outside facing the user with a recess 18th for at least partially accommodating the functional section 14th educated. The functional section 14th has at least one display or control element 30th in this exemplary embodiment on the outside of the functional section facing the user 14th or the control panel 12 is arranged.

The functional section 14th is via a connecting line 24 with a circuit board 22nd electrically connected. Via this connection line 24 becomes the functional section 14th supplied with energy and data and control signals with the functional section 14th exchanged. The circuit board 22nd is with the control of the washing machine 10 connected or formed with this. The circuit board 22nd is on the control panel 12 or the device housing 16 attached.

The display and / or control device has a pivot mechanism so that the functional section 14th the control panel 12 between the in 2A rest position shown and the in 2 B shown position of use about a pivot axis 20th relative to the device housing 16 can be pivoted. The functional section is in the rest position 14th in the recess 18th in the control panel 12 and are its display or control elements 30th inactive or switched off. In the position of use of 2 B is the functional section 14th from the recess 18th the control panel 12 swiveled out so that the display or control elements 30th of the functional section 14th obliquely above a user of the washing machine 10 are facing, and are the display or control elements 30th activated. The display or control elements 30th of the functional section 14th are easier to see and operate for the user in this position of use than in the rest position of 2A .

The display and / or operating device is also provided with a locking mechanism in the form of a so-called push-push locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first locking element on the housing side 26th , for example on the circuit board 22nd is attached, and a second, functional portion-side locking element 28 , for example at the functional section 14th is attached, which are movable relative to each other. By moving the second locking element 28 in the direction of the first locking element 26th get the two locking elements 26th , 28 engaged with each other. The two locking elements can be in this locking position 26th , 28 do not move apart in opposite directions. The functional section 14th the control panel 12 is so in its rest position of 2A held or locked.

To unlock the second locking element 28 be overpressed, ie a short way beyond the locking position in the direction of the first locking element 26th be moved. The two locking elements come here 26th , 28 disengaged and the second locking element 28 can then of the first locking element 26th be moved away. So can the functional section 14th the control panel 12 unlocked and in its use position of 2 B be swiveled.

In addition, there is the functional section 14th preferably biased into its position of use, for example with the aid of a corresponding spring element. Also is for the functional section 14th preferably a stop is provided in order to limit the pivoting movement in the position of use.

As in 2A to C. is shown, for example, in the control panel 12 a breakthrough 36 formed in which the first locking element 26th off the board 22nd protrudes into it. In the rest position of 2A the second locking element also protrudes 28 at the functional section 14th into this breakthrough 36 in to with the first locking element 26th to get into engagement. In other embodiments of the invention it is also possible, for example, that the first locking element 26th all the way through the breakthrough 36 protrudes through, completely behind the control panel 12 is arranged or on the control panel 12 designed or attached itself.

In the first embodiment it is also provided that the main switch 32 for switching the washing machine on and off 10 is integrated into the locking mechanism described above. As in 2C illustrated is the main switch 32 for this purpose in the first locking element 26th arranged and via a connecting line 34 electrically conductively connected to the board and serves the second locking element 28 at the same time as the operating element of the main switch 32 .

Becomes the functional section 14th from its rest position of 2A in its use position of 2 B transferred, the second locking element arrives 28 when overpressing to unlock with the main switch 32 in contact and operated this to the washing machine 10 and thus also the functional section 14th turn on. It is also optionally possible to use the second locking element 28 also to turn off the main switch 32 to use when the functional section 14th is pivoted back into its rest position.

As from the representations of 2A to 2C you can see the main switch 32 behind the swing-open functional section 14th hidden and does not have to be accessible to the user at the functional section 14th be attached.

This gives you more degrees of freedom in the design of the control panel 12 to disposal. The washing machine is also switched on 10 automatically when the user enters the functional section 14th unlocked and then moved into its position of use without the user having to operate a special control element.

The locking mechanism is not limited to a push-push locking mechanism and a mechanical lock. Magnetic locking systems are also conceivable, for example.

Referring to 3A and B a second embodiment of the display and / or operating device of the invention will now be explained in more detail. The same or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numbers as in the first exemplary embodiment.

The display and / or operating device of the second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the functional section 14th the control panel 12 from the rest position of 3A relative to the device housing 16 is moved essentially in a straight line into its position of use. As in 3B illustrates the functional section 14th in its position of use something of the control panel 12 and the device housing 16 in front.

Otherwise, the display and / or operating device of the second exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to that of the first exemplary embodiment.

As a further embodiment of the invention, the two types of movement of the first and second embodiment can also be combined with one another.

Referring to 4A and B a third embodiment of the display and / or operating device of the invention will now be explained in more detail. The same or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numbers as in the first exemplary embodiment.

The display and / or operating device of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the entire control panel 12 the functional section 14th the control panel 12 forms, ie the entire control panel 12 around the pivot axis 20th is pivotable.

Otherwise, the display and / or operating device of the third exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to that of the first exemplary embodiment.

As a further embodiment of the invention, other relative movements, such as those of the second embodiment, can also be provided for the third embodiment.

Referring to 5A and B a fourth embodiment of the display and / or operating device of the invention will now be explained in more detail. The same or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numbers as in the first exemplary embodiment.

The display and / or operating device of the fourth exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the functional section 14th the control panel 12 from the rest position of 5A relative to the device housing 16 is folded down into its position of use. The display or control elements 30th of the functional section 14th are therefore in the rest position of 5A on its inside facing away from the user.

In addition, the main switch is in the fourth embodiment 32 for switching the washing machine on and off 10 provided separately from the locking mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the main switch 32 directly through the inside of the functional section 14th operated, ie the functional section 14th also forms the actuating element for the main switch 32 .

Otherwise, the display and / or operating device of the fourth exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to that of the first exemplary embodiment.

The exemplary embodiments described above can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in household appliances other than washing machines. In this context, it should be pointed out that the functional section - depending on the type of household appliance - is preferably provided separately from a handle for opening a door or the like.

Referring to 6A and B a fifth embodiment of the display and / or operating device of the invention will now be explained in more detail. The same or corresponding components are identified by the same reference numbers as in the first exemplary embodiment.

The control panel 12 is with a functional section 14th in the form of a rotary selector switch. The rotary selector switch has a range of rotation 38 and a display or control element 30th on. By pressing the function section 14th can be a main switch 32 switch on or off. To do this, turn the rotary selector switch towards the control panel 12 moved towards.

This in 6A Display or control element shown 30th is relative to the grip area 38 of the functional section 14th movable. By pressing the display or control element 30th this can be moved in the direction of the arrow. The grip area 38 remains at a constant distance from the control panel 12 .

In contrast, this is in 6B Display or control element shown 30th with the grip area 38 of the functional section 14th connected. When the display or control element is actuated 30th becomes this together with the grip area 38 on the control panel 12 to moved and the main switch 32 on or off.

With regard to the other features, what is stated in the description for the previous exemplary embodiments applies analogously.

List of reference symbols

10

Home appliance

12

Control panel

14th

Functional section

16

Device housing

18th

Recess

20th

Swivel axis

22nd

Circuit board

24

Connecting line

26th

first locking element

28

second locking element

30th

Display or control element

32

Main switch

34

Connecting line

36

Breakthrough

38

Grip area

Claims (14)

Display and / or operating device for an electronic household appliance (10), having an operating panel (12) which is attached to a device housing (16), and a main switch (32) for switching on the household appliance (10), in which a functional section ( 14) the control panel (12), which has at least one display or control element (30), is movable relative to the device housing (16) between a rest position and a use position, characterized in that the at least one display or control element (30) is in the rest position of the functional section is inactive and is activated in the use position of the functional section; and the main switch (32) is designed and arranged in such a way that it is actuated when the functional section (14) is transferred from its rest position to its use position to switch on the household appliance (10). Display and / or control device according to Claim 1 , further comprising: a locking mechanism (26, 28) for locking the functional section (14) in its rest position. Display and / or control device according to Claim 2 , in which the locking mechanism (26, 28) is designed to release the locking of the functional section (14) in its rest position by overpressing. Display and / or control device according to Claim 2 or 3 , in which the functional section (14) is biased into its position of use. Display and / or control device according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , in which the main switch (32) is integrated in the locking mechanism (26, 28). Display and / or control device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the functional section (14) of the control panel (12) has an actuating element (28) which is activated by the main switch ( 32) comes into operative connection. Display and / or control device according to Claim 6 and one of the Claims 2 to 5 , in which the actuating element (28) is integrated into the locking mechanism (26, 28). Display and / or control device according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th and 6th , in which the locking mechanism (26, 28) is designed and arranged separately from the main switch (32). Display and / or operating device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main switch (32) is further designed and arranged in such a way that it is actuated to switch off the household appliance (10) when the functional section (14) is transferred from its position of use to its rest position becomes. Display and / or control device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a pivot mechanism for pivoting the functional section (14) relative to the device housing (16) about a pivot axis (20). Display and / or control device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a guide for moving the functional section (14) in a straight line relative to the device housing (16). Display and / or control device according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , in which the functional section (14) in its rest position is at least partially received in a recess (18) of the control panel (12). Display and / or control device according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , in which the functional section (14) is formed by the entire control panel (12). Electronic household appliance (10) with a display and / or operating device according to one of the preceding claims.

Images