Operating device, household appliance and method for contact-based and contactless capacitance change detection for household appliances

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (2) for a household appliance (1), comprising an operating surface (3) configured to adjust at least one operating condition of the household appliance (1) when the operating device (2) is operated by a user (14), wherein a capacitive detection device (5) is configured on the lower side (4) of the operating surface (3) for capacitively detecting an operation, wherein the capacitive detection device (5) is configured as a touch-sensitive detection device (5) and is configured to detect an operation by the user (14) by contacting the upper side (3) via the user (14) based on a contact-based capacitance change, and is additionally configured to detect an operation by the user (14) via an operating element (7) of the operating device (2) operated by the user (14) on the operating surface (3) based on a contactless capacitance change. The invention also relates to a household appliance (1) and a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance, the operating device having an operating surface configured to adjust at least one operating condition of the household appliance when the operating device is operated by a user, wherein a capacitive detection device is configured on the lower side of the operating surface for capacitively detecting the operation, wherein the lower side is configured to lie opposite an upper side, which faces the user during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device. The present invention also relates to a household appliance having the operating device and a method for operating the operating device. Background Art

[0002] Numerous operating devices for operating household appliances have long been known from the prior art. In particular, various touch-sensitive operating devices are known, which can be installed in an operating panel. The corresponding detection device for detecting contact is located, in particular, on the electronics of the operating device. Furthermore, removable operating elements, such as so-called "twist pads," are known, particularly in the case of household appliances that are designed as slots. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device, a domestic appliance and a method by means of which the domestic appliance can be operated in a highly functional manner.

[0004] This object is achieved by an operating device, a domestic appliance and a method. Advantageous embodiments are described in the preferred embodiment.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance, the operating device having an operating surface, which is configured to adjust at least one operating condition of the household appliance when the operating device is operated by a user, wherein a capacitive detection device is configured on the lower side of the operating surface for capacitively detecting the operation, wherein the lower side is configured opposite to an upper side, which faces the user during operation and forms the outer side of the operating device.

[0006] It is provided that the detection device is constructed as a touch-sensitive detection device and is constructed for detecting the user's operation by the user contacting the upper side based on a contact-based capacitance change, and is additionally constructed for detecting the user's operation by the user-operated operating element of the operating device on the operating surface through the operating element based on a contactless capacitance change.

[0007] This allows for operation in two different ways. In particular, for example, an operation on a touch-sensitive detection device can be performed by a user's finger based on contact. Alternatively or additionally, corresponding operation can be performed using an operating element that can be arranged on an operating surface. This allows for highly functional operation of the operating device by the user. Thus, the user can decide, in particular, individually whether they wish to operate the household appliance using the operating element based on contact or contactlessness.

[0008] This makes it possible to design a durable operating device for use in household appliances, in particular when using / evaluating capacitive detection devices, which can also be referred to as touch sensors, where a stable and defined mechanical structure is required, since touch sensors react very sensitively to material and / or distance tolerances between the sensor and the finger. Furthermore, mechanical tolerances between the sensor and the finger are minimized. Furthermore, corresponding operating devices can thus be provided with reduced variations. In particular, panel designs, such as switch fronts of household appliances, which have branding and product-specific embossing of operating devices or operating panels, can be implemented without complex hardware changes. This can also be referred to as a user interface. Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that the operating elements are arranged on the operating surface, in particular "on-screen," that is, operated via or on the display, or also outside the display (that is, "off-screen"), that is, individual buttons and sliders are located next to the display. It is therefore particularly provided that the operating surface can also have a display device on which the corresponding symbols or input options can be displayed.

[0009] As operating elements, mechanical operating elements, such as rotary encoders, program selectors, or pushbutton elements, can be selected in particular. Mechanical operating elements, in particular, do not have any electrical gaps. This allows for high flexibility and high electrical stability, particularly with regard to EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). Furthermore, the operating elements are easy to clean and wear-free.

[0010] The operating surface is preferably made of glass or polymethyl methacrylate. Polymethyl methacrylate is also known as PMMA. This is particularly a user-friendly operating surface. It is particularly easy to manufacture and can be easily operated by the user. Furthermore, it can be easily cleaned by the user, for example.

[0011] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the operating device includes a microcontroller that is designed to generate control signals for adjusting operating conditions based on the detected capacitance change. The microcontroller can, for example, be a so-called "microcontroller logic." To this end, various circuits and electronic components can be incorporated into the microcontroller to enable appropriate evaluation of the control signals and to generate the control signals.

[0012] Preferably, the microcontroller is configured to generate a control signal when a predetermined capacitance change threshold value of the detected capacitance change is exceeded. In other words, the control signal and the operating conditions are adjusted only when the capacitance change threshold value is exceeded. This allows, for example, operation to be performed when an operating surface is unintentionally touched. This allows for reliable operation of the operating device.

[0013] Furthermore, the operating surface is preferably designed to be notch-free. In other words, it is provided that the operating surface has no notches or holes. This provides better protection for the electronics, especially the membrane sensor, from weathering. Furthermore, the electronics are better protected from ESD (electrostatic discharge), and thus also have electrical stability, especially with respect to electromagnetic compatibility. Furthermore, electrical air gaps and creepage distances can be avoided, thus also improving the protection of the operating device from ESD. Furthermore, the operating surface is thus easier for the user to clean.

[0014] According to an advantageous design, the capacitive detection device is constructed as a film sensor. In particular, the film sensor is a so-called two-dimensional film sensor. The film sensor is in particular an integrated film sensor. The film sensor is therefore arranged in particular directly behind the operating surface. The film sensor is in particular glued to the operating surface, that is, the sensor is fixedly connected to the operating surface. The film sensor has the advantage that the film sensor can be produced, for example, using a roll-to-roll method (R2R method). The film sensor is in particular designed to evaluate the position and orientation (Stellung) of a mechanical operating element, such as an incremental encoder or a program selector, and to perform the operation using a person's finger itself. Therefore, the film sensor is in particular constructed as a touch-sensitive film sensor.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the film sensor has a diamond-like structure of the detection element of the capacitive detection device, so that the film sensor has, in particular, a so-called diamond pattern. The diamond pattern makes it possible, in particular, to detect self-capacitance and mutual capacitance. In particular, the diamond pattern enables so-called multi-finger gesture recognition, which can also be referred to as "multi-touch" capability. Furthermore, it enables simultaneous evaluation of different inputs. This makes it possible to detect user operations simply and reliably with high functionality.

[0016] It has also proven advantageous if the film sensor has a plurality of side-by-side detection elements that are evaluated independently of one another by means of a capacitive detection device. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide a backgammon structure of the sensor. The detection elements thus have, in particular, a structure corresponding to a backgammon board. The detection elements have, in particular, a corresponding backgammon geometry. This allows for simple self-capacitance measurements. In particular, the backgammon structure or the plurality of side-by-side detection elements can be divided into so-called logical areas based on the geometry, so that the logical areas can be evaluated independently of one another. This makes it possible to detect user operations simply and reliably.

[0017] Furthermore, the touch-sensitive detection device is advantageously configured as a touch-sensitive display device and is configured to display at least one symbol and detect contact. In other words, the capacitive detection device or the touch-sensitive detection device can be provided as a touch screen. In other words, the touch-sensitive display device can be used to display symbols and detect contact. For example, corresponding operating conditions can be adjusted by a user touching the corresponding symbol.

[0018] It can preferably be provided that the film sensor is larger than the touch-sensitive display device, in other words, the touch-sensitive touchscreen. This makes it possible, for example, to arrange a further area next to the touch-sensitive display area ("off-screen"), on which operating elements for operation can be arranged, for example, without obstructing the view on the touchscreen (on-screen). This makes it possible, in particular, for the operating area to overlap with the operating elements and the touchscreen, thus creating a highly functional operating device.

[0019] It has also been shown to be advantageous that the operating element is configured to be placed on the operating surface without damage and can be removed. This results in, in particular, that the operating element is not fixedly connected to the operating device, but can be removed. If a fault occurs in this operating element, the operating element can be simply replaced. For example, such an operating element can be a so-called "torsion pad". For this purpose, the operating element can, for example, be mechanically locked on the operating surface and still be removable. For this purpose, the operating element can, for example, have an electrode, for example a metal surface, arranged near the operating surface so that it is connected to the contactable operating surface, so that, for example, a single electrode in self-capacitance mode or an electrode pattern in mutual capacitance mode (thereby, for example, also providing multi-touch capability) generates a corresponding intensity pattern on the touch sensor when contacting / operating the operating element, and the intensity pattern is, for example, evaluated by a microcontroller and converted into an operating operation, in particular into the regulation of the operating conditions.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the operating element can be designed to be freely movable on the operating surface. This allows, in particular, personalized operation by the user. The user can freely move the operating element on the operating surface and even select the location at which the corresponding operation can be performed. The film sensor design makes it possible, in particular, to design the operating surface relatively large, so that the user can operate the operating device from different locations.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the operating element is magnetically configured and retained on the operating surface by means of a magnetic arrangement of the operating device. In other words, the operating element can be magnetically secured to the operating surface. To this end, both the operating element and the operating surface can include corresponding magnetic elements, enabling a corresponding securement. This allows, in particular, damage-free installation and removal of the operating element. Furthermore, the magnetic arrangement allows for free movement of the operating element relative to the operating surface. Furthermore, this prevents the operating element from falling, for example, when the operating device is normally positioned vertically.

[0022] According to another advantageous design, the capacitive detection device is constructed to detect self-capacitance and / or mutual capacitance, thereby detecting capacitance changes. In other words, the capacitive detection device is not only "self-capacitive" but also "mutual-capacitive". As a result, the operating device can be operated in different ways and methods. In particular, it can be achieved that it can be operated reliably not only by contact but also contactlessly. In particular, in mutual capacitance detection, complex operating elements can be implemented. In particular, different functions in the operating device or in the household appliance can be operated using the operating element. The electrical function of the operating element is thus separated as much as possible from mechanical influences.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, the capacitive detection device is configured to detect the relative position of the operating element and adjust at least one operating condition based on the detected position. In other words, the operating condition can be adjusted based on the position relative to the operating surface. For example, it can be configured such that if the operating element is located on a first side of the operating surface, such as the left side of the operating surface, a first operating condition can be adjusted. If the operating element is located on a second side of the operating surface, such as the right side of the operating surface, a second operating condition can be adjusted.

[0024] In particular, in mutual capacitance mode, the intensity pattern measured by the detection device can be realized parallel to the operating surface based on the size and shape of the corresponding electrodes in the operating element, thereby determining the absolute position, in particular the absolute angular position, of the operating element. As already mentioned, the operating conditions can be adjusted accordingly.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, it has proven advantageous that the capacitive detection device is designed to detect the relative position of the operating element relative to the operating surface and to adjust at least one operating condition as a function of the detected position. In mutual capacitance mode, the detection device can detect a corresponding capacitance change, for example, based on the measured intensity pattern, based on the distance between the electrode and the operating surface, whereby a distance change can be implemented, in particular, as in button operation, for example, in a "tactile switch". By varying the distance to the operating surface, a torsion pad can also be used, for example. This makes it possible to adjust the corresponding operating condition, for example, when the torsion pad is tilted relative to the operating surface. This makes it possible to use different operating elements in a highly functional manner and thereby to adjust different operating conditions of the household appliance in a highly functional manner.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the capacitive detection device is designed to detect multi-finger gesture control. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust different operating conditions of a household appliance using different finger gestures. For example, a first operating condition can be adjusted by touching two fingers, while another operating condition can be adjusted by touching only one finger. Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example, a "zoom-out" movement allows selection of a higher-level menu of the operating device. A "zoom-in" movement allows access to a submenu.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, the operating element includes multiple electrodes that interact with a capacitive detection device and detect contactless operation based on this interaction. This allows evaluation of not only the position of the operating element but also its orientation. Thus, using multiple electrodes, which can be arranged in a ring, for example, within the operating element, multiple different adjustments can be made, which in turn can adjust multiple different operating conditions on the household appliance. Thus, multiple different operating conditions can be adjusted using this operating element, allowing the user to operate the operating device with high functionality.

[0028] According to another advantageous embodiment, the capacitive detection device is configured to detect both contact-based and contactless capacitance changes. In other words, it can be provided that the user not only touches the operating surface with a finger and adjusts an operating condition, but also simultaneously adjusts a corresponding other operating condition using the operating element, or that the operating condition can be adjusted not only by contact but also by the operating element. This allows for a highly functional and user-friendly operating device.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance with an operating device, wherein the household appliance is in particular a cooking appliance according to the aforementioned aspect. For example, the cooking appliance can be configured as an oven or a cooking sink.

[0030] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous if the operating surface is arranged horizontally and / or vertically on the household appliance during conventional use of the household appliance. In other words, the operating device can be arranged both horizontally and vertically on the household appliance. This allows for different usage possibilities for the operating device.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an operating device for a household appliance, wherein at least one operating condition of the household appliance is adjusted by means of an operating surface when the operating device is operated by a user, wherein a capacitive detection device is provided on the lower side of the operating surface for capacitively detecting the operation, and the operation is capacitively detected by means of the capacitive detection device, wherein the lower side is provided opposite to the upper side, which faces the user during operation and forms the outer side of the operating device, so that the detection device is provided as a touch-sensitive detection device and detects the user's operation by contacting the upper side via the user based on a contact-based capacitance change, and additionally detects the user's operation by the user's operating element of the operating device operated by the user based on a contact-free capacitance change via the operating element.

[0032] An advantageous embodiment of the operating device can be regarded as an advantageous embodiment of the domestic appliance and the method. For this purpose, the operating device and the domestic appliance have objective features that enable the implementation of the method or an advantageous embodiment of the method.

[0033] The expressions “above”, “below”, “rear”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction” etc. describe positions and orientations which are given when the device or household appliance is used and arranged in a normal manner.

[0034] Additional features of the invention are derived from the claims, the drawings, and the accompanying descriptions. Features and feature combinations mentioned previously in the description, as well as features and feature combinations mentioned later in the description of the drawings and / or shown solely in the drawings, may be used not only in the combination described, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. Therefore, embodiments of the invention that are not explicitly shown or described in the drawings, but that are derived and can be derived from the illustrated embodiments by individual feature combinations, are also considered to be included and disclosed. Therefore, embodiments and feature combinations that do not have all the features of the originally drafted independent claims are also considered to be disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to schematic diagrams.

[0036] Here:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance;

[0038] Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of an operating device;

[0039] Figure 3 shows yet another schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an operating device;

[0040] Figure 4 shows yet another schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an operating device;

[0041] Figure 5 shows yet another schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an operating device;

[0042] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an operating element;

[0043] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 6 Further schematic diagrams of embodiments of the operating elements of ; and

[0044] Figure 8 Another view shows the Figure 6 and / or Figure 7 Further schematic illustrations of the operating elements of .

[0045] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 The present invention shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a domestic appliance 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the domestic appliance 1 is designed in particular as a cooking appliance. Figure 1 In particular, it is shown that the domestic appliance 1 can be designed as an oven. Alternatively or in addition, the domestic appliance 1 can also be designed as a cooking sink, for example in a combination appliance.

[0047] The domestic appliance 1 has an operating device 2 . Figure 1 In particular, it is shown that the operating device 2 can have an operating surface 3. In conventional use of the domestic appliance 1, the operating surface 3 is arranged in particular horizontally and / or vertically relative to the domestic appliance 1, in the present case horizontally.

[0048] Figure 2 An embodiment of the operating device 2 is shown in a schematic exploded view. The operating device 2 has an operating surface 3 which is designed to be operated by a user 14 (not shown). Figure 4 ) adjusts at least one operating condition of the domestic appliance 1 when the operating device 2 is operated, wherein a capacitive detection device 5 is formed on the lower side 4 of the operating surface 3 for capacitively detecting the operation, wherein the lower side 4 is formed opposite an upper side 6, which faces the user 14 during operation and forms the outer side of the operating device 2. It is provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed as a touch-sensitive detection device 5 and is designed to detect an operation by the user 14 by contacting the upper side 6 via the user 14 based on a contact-based capacitance change, and is additionally designed to detect an operation by the user 14 via an operating element 7 of the operating device 2, which is operated by the user 14, on the operating surface 3 with a contactless capacitance change.

[0049] This allows operation to be performed in two different ways. In particular, for example, a finger of the user 14 can perform a contact-based operation on the touch-sensitive detection device 5. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding operation can be performed using an operating element 7 that can be arranged on the operating surface 3. This allows the user 14 to operate the operating device 2 in a highly functional manner. The user 14 can thus decide, in particular, individually whether they wish to operate the domestic appliance 1 using the operating element 7 in a contact-based or contactless manner.

[0050] This allows for the design of a durable operating device 2 for use in a household appliance 1, particularly when using / evaluating a capacitive detection device 5. This detection device, which can also be referred to as a touch sensor, requires a stable and defined mechanical design, as touch sensors react very sensitively to material and / or distance tolerances between the sensor and the finger. Furthermore, mechanical tolerances between the sensor and the finger are minimized. Furthermore, this allows the corresponding operating device 2 to be provided with reduced variations. This allows, in particular, for panel designs, such as the switch front of a household appliance 1, to be implemented without complex hardware modifications. The household appliance can include branding and product-specific imprinting of the operating device 2 or operating panel, which can also be referred to as a user interface. Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating elements 7 are arranged on the operating surface 3, particularly "on-screen," i.e., operated via or on a display, or also externally (i.e., "off-screen," i.e., individual buttons and sliders are located next to the display. It is therefore particularly provided that the operating surface 3 can also include a display 9 on which corresponding symbols 11 or input options can be displayed.

[0051] As operating element 7 , a mechanical operating element 7 , such as a rotary encoder, a program selector, or a push button element, can be selected in particular. Mechanical operating elements, in particular, do not have any electrical gaps. This allows for high flexibility and high electrical stability, particularly with respect to EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). Furthermore, operating element 7 is easy to clean and wear-free.

[0052] In the present exemplary embodiment, in particular six operating elements 7 are arranged on the operating surface 3 , in particular on the top side 6 . Figure 2 In particular, it is shown that different operating elements 7 can be arranged on the upper side 6. In this case, the operating elements can be, in particular, so-called rotary switches and tilt switches or pushbutton switches. The operating elements 7 can also be, in particular, so-called torsion pads.

[0053] also, Figure 2 In particular, the capacitive detection device 5 is shown as a film sensor 8. It can be provided in particular that the film sensor 8 is arranged as a two-dimensional film sensor directly behind the operating surface 3. The film sensor 8 is in particular adhesively bonded directly to the operating surface 3, so that the film sensor 8 is firmly connected to the operating surface 3. The film sensor 8 can be produced using a so-called roll-to-roll method.

[0054] also, Figure 2 In particular, it is shown that the operating surface 3 is formed in particular from glass or polymethyl methacrylate. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is also known as Plexiglas. This makes it possible to provide a particularly simple and nevertheless reliable operating surface 3.

[0055] Furthermore, it can be provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is configured to detect self-capacitance and / or mutual capacitance in order to detect capacitance changes. In other words, the capacitive detection device 5 is not only capable of "self-capacitance" but also capable of "mutual capacitance." This allows the operating device 2 to be operated in different ways and methods. This makes it possible, in particular, to reliably operate not only by contact but also contactlessly. In particular, in mutual capacitance detection, complex operating elements 7 can be implemented. This makes it possible, in particular, to operate different functions within the operating device 2 or within the household appliance 1 using the operating element 7. The electrical function of the operating element 7 is thus particularly separated from mechanical influences as much as possible.

[0056] also, Figure 2 In particular, it is shown that the touch-sensitive detection device 5 can also be designed as a touch-sensitive display device 9. For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the touch-sensitive detection device has a display area 10. The display area 10 is also touch-sensitive. This allows, for example, at least one symbol 11 to be displayed on the display area 10. By touching the symbol 11, operating conditions can be adjusted, for example. It can be provided in particular that the film sensor 8 is larger than the display area 10. Therefore, in particular, the operating element 7 can be provided next to the display area 10. This allows, in addition to the display area 10, corresponding operations of the operating device 2 to be performed via the operating element 7 next to the display area 10.

[0057] Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating device 2 can include a microcontroller 12 that is designed to generate a control signal for adjusting the operating conditions based on the detected capacitance change. In particular, it can be provided that the microcontroller 12 is designed to generate the control signal when a predetermined capacitance change threshold value of the detected capacitance change is exceeded.

[0058] In a method for operating an operating device 2 for a household appliance 1, at least one operating condition of the household appliance 1 is adjusted by means of an operating surface 3 when the operating device 2 is operated by a user 14, wherein a capacitive detection device 5 is provided on the lower side 4 of the operating surface 3 for capacitively detecting the operation, and the operation is capacitively detected by means of the capacitive detection device, wherein the lower side 4 is provided relative to an upper side 6, which faces the user 14 during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device 2, wherein the detection device 5 is provided as a touch-sensitive detection device 5 and detects the operation of the user 14 by contacting the upper side 6 via the user 14 on the basis of a contactless capacitance change, and additionally, detects the operation of the user 14 by means of an operating element 7 of the operating device 2 operated by the user 14 on the basis of a contactless capacitance change.

[0059] Figure 3An embodiment of the operating device 2 is shown in a schematic perspective view. Figure 3 In particular, a film sensor 8 is shown. In the present exemplary embodiment, the film sensor 8 is particularly designed in a diamond-like manner. In other words, the film sensor 8 has a diamond-like structure of the detection element 13 of the capacitive detection device 5. The diamond-like structure makes it possible, in particular, to carry out self-capacitance measurements. The diamond-like structure can also be referred to as a diamond pattern. This makes it possible, in particular, to realize so-called multi-finger gesture recognition. In other words, different inputs can be evaluated simultaneously.

[0060] Figure 4 A further schematic diagram shows an embodiment of the operating device 2 . Figure 4 In particular, it is shown that the operating device 2 is designed to place and remove an operating element 7 on the operating surface 3 without damage. The operating element 7 is in particular designed to be magnetic and can be held on the operating surface 3 by means of a magnet arrangement 15 of the operating device 2. In addition, Figure 4 In particular, it is shown that the operating element 7 is designed to be freely movable on the operating surface 3 .

[0061] Furthermore, it can be provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed to detect the relative position of the operating element 7 relative to the operating surface 3 and to adjust at least one operating condition based on the detected position. This can be implemented in particular by mutual capacitance measurement of the operating device 2, in particular in mutual capacitance mode. To this end, the intensity pattern measured by the detection device 5 can be measured parallel to the operating surface 3 based on the size and shape of the electrodes 16, thereby determining the absolute position, in particular the absolute angular position, of the operating element 7. Based on this, the operating conditions of the household appliance 1 can be adjusted.

[0062] also, Figure 4 The capacitive detection device 5 is shown as being designed to detect multi-finger gestures. In other words, the operating surface 3 is designed to be multi-touchable. To this end, the operating device 2 can be designed in particular in mutual capacitance mode. Touching or operating the operating element 7 generates a corresponding intensity pattern, which is evaluated by the microcontroller 12 and converted into a corresponding operating operation.

[0063] also, Figure 4 In particular, it is shown that the operating surface 3 is designed without cutouts. In other words, the operating surface 3 has no cutouts, so that the electronic components behind the operating surface 3 are particularly protected from weather conditions.

[0064] Furthermore, it can be provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed to detect both contact-based and contactless capacitance changes. In other words, mixed operation can be implemented. Thus, in particular, operation can be performed not only by means of the operating element 7 but also by contact by the user 14 on the display area 10.

[0065] Figure 5 A further schematic diagram shows an embodiment of the operating device 2 . Figure 5 In particular, the operating surface 3 is shown. Figure 5 In particular, it is shown that film sensor 8 has a plurality of detection elements 13 situated next to each other, which are evaluated independently of one another by means of capacitive detection device 5 . Figure 5 In particular, it is shown that the film sensor 8 can be designed with a so-called backgammon structure. The so-called backgammon structure is in particular a structure of the film sensor 8 that corresponds to a backgammon board. This makes it possible to reliably detect the self-capacitance. This makes it possible to divide the operating surface 3 into logical areas according to the geometry, so that the logical areas can be evaluated independently of each other. In addition, Figure 5 The operating element 7 is shown in dashed lines and can have a plurality of electrodes 16. Depending on the respective electrodes 16, in particular depending on the respective position of the electrodes 16, a corresponding evaluation of the control signal can thus be carried out.

[0066] Figures 6 to 8 The operating element 7 is shown in different variants or in different positions, wherein the different positions are implemented by different movements B. Figures 6 to 8 The different movements B can be executed both individually and jointly, whereby different operating conditions can also be adjusted. Figure 6 In particular, it is shown that the operating element 7 can be rotated, for example, whereby a corresponding operating or operating setting can be adjusted. Figure 7 It is shown that by touching, for example, in a side region of the operating element 7 , the operating element 7 can be tilted, whereby the operating conditions of the domestic appliance 1 can also be adjusted. Figure 8 It is shown that the operating conditions can also be adjusted by pressing the center of the operating element 7. In particular, a pressing movement can be achieved in this way, for example.

[0067] In particular, it can be provided that the capacitive detection device 5 is designed to detect the relative position of the operating element 7 relative to the operating surface 3 and to adjust at least one operating condition as a function of the detected position. Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating element 7 has a plurality of electrodes 16 that interact with the capacitive detection device 5 and detect contactless operation based on the interaction.

[0068] on the whole, Figures 1 to 8 A suitable user interface is shown.

[0069] Reference Signs List

[0070] 1Household appliances

[0071] 2Operating equipment

[0072] 3 operating surfaces

[0073] 4 Lower side

[0074] 5. Capacitive detection device

[0075] 6 Upper side

[0076] 7 operating elements

[0077] 8 membrane sensors

[0078] 9Display device

[0079] 10 display areas

[0080] 11 symbols

[0081] 12 microcontrollers

[0082] 13 Detection elements

[0083] 14 users

[0084] 15Magnetic device

[0085] 16 electrodes

[0086] B exercise.

Claims

1. An operating device (2) for a household appliance (1), comprising an operating surface (3) which is configured to adjust at least one operating condition of the household appliance (1) when the operating device (2) is operated by a user (14), wherein a capacitive detection device (5) is configured on the lower side (4) of the operating surface (3) for capacitively detecting the operation, wherein the lower side (4) is configured opposite an upper side (6) which faces the user (14) during operation and forms an outer side of the operating device (2), characterized in that The capacitive detection device (5) is designed as a touch-sensitive detection device (5) and is designed to detect an operation of a user (14) by contacting the upper side (6) via the user (14) based on a contact-based capacitance change, and is additionally designed to detect an operation of the user (14) via an operating element (7) of the operating device (2) operated by the user (14) on the operating surface (3) via an operating element (7) on the basis of a contactless capacitance change, The capacitive detection device (5) is configured as a film sensor (8), The film sensor (8) has a diamond-like structure, i.e., a diamond pattern, of the detection element (13) of the capacitive detection device (5) for detecting self-capacitance and mutual capacitance in such a way that multi-finger gesture recognition can be provided in order to simultaneously evaluate different inputs. The film sensor (8) has a plurality of adjacent detection elements (13) which are evaluated independently of one another by means of a capacitive detection device (5). The touch-sensitive detection device (5) is designed as a touch-sensitive display device (9) and is designed to display at least one symbol (11) and detect contact, The operating element (7) is designed to be placed on the operating surface (3) and removed without damage, and / or the operating element (7) is designed to be freely movable on the operating surface (3), and / or the operating surface (3) is designed without a gap, and The capacitive detection device (5) is designed to detect multi-finger gesture recognition.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating element (7) is designed to be magnetic and is held on the operating surface (3) by means of a magnet arrangement (15) of the operating device (2).

3. The operating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The capacitive detection device (5) is configured to detect self-capacitance and / or mutual capacitance, thereby detecting a capacitance change.

4. The operating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The capacitive detection device (5) is configured to detect the relative position of the operating element (7) relative to the operating surface (3) and to adjust at least one operating condition based on the detected position, and / or the capacitive detection device (5) is configured to detect the relative orientation of the operating element (7) relative to the operating surface (3) and to adjust at least one operating condition based on the detected orientation.

5. The operating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The operating element (7) has a plurality of electrodes (13) which interact with a capacitive detection device (5) and detect contactless operation based on the interaction.

6. The operating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The capacitive detection device (5) is designed to simultaneously detect contact-based and contactless capacitance changes.

7. Household appliance (1) having an operating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the household appliance (1) is a cooking appliance.

8. The household appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The operating surface (3) is arranged horizontally and / or vertically on the domestic appliance (1) during normal use of the domestic appliance (1).

9. A method for operating an operating device (2) for a household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one operating condition of the household appliance (1) is adjusted by means of an operating surface (3) when the operating device (2) is operated by a user (14), wherein a capacitive detection device (5) is provided on the lower side (4) of the operating surface (3) for capacitively detecting the operation, and the operation is capacitively detected by means of the capacitive detection device, wherein the lower side (4) is provided opposite to the upper side (6), which faces the user (14) during operation and forms the outer side of the operating device (2), characterized in that The capacitive detection device (5) is provided as a touch-sensitive detection device (5) and detects an operation of a user (14) by contacting the upper side (6) via the user (14) based on a contact-based capacitance change, and additionally detects an operation of the user (14) via an operating element (7) of the operating device (2) operated by the user (14) based on a contactless capacitance change via the operating element (7).

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