Operating device with a multi-piece operating element, household appliance, and method for operating a household appliance

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention relates to an operating device (5) for a household appliance (1), the operating device having operating elements (7, 8) and an indicating unit (13), the operating elements having a cylindrical basic part (9), and information being able to be indicated at an indicating area (18) at the circumferential side wall (10) of the basic part (9) by means of the indicating unit. It is characterized in that the operating elements (7, 8) have an adjusting ring (14) which is separate from the basic part (9) and which is arranged so as to surround the basic part (9), wherein the adjusting ring (14) can be displaced relative to the basic part (9) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the operating elements (7, 8) in order to set the operating conditions of the household appliance (1). Further aspects relate to a household appliance (1) and a method.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance. The operating device has an operating element. The operating element has a cylindrical basic part. The operating device furthermore has an indicating unit by means of which information can be indicated at an indicating area on the circumferential side wall of the basic part. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance having such an operating device. Yet another aspect relates to a method for operating a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] Operating devices for household appliances are known in a variety of designs. Thus, it is known that an operating device, for example, has a rotary handle. Such a rotary handle is usually constructed with a cylindrical basic part. This cylindrical basic part can be rotated about a rotation axis. Thereby, operating conditions can be set. In this regard, it is also known that such a rotary handle can be moved axially with its basic part. Thereby, when the rotary handle is not needed, this rotary handle can sink into the operating device itself. In the use position, this rotary handle projects out of this sinking position in the axial direction. However, the operating operation of the household appliance cannot be set by the axial movement.

[0003] It is also known that for such operating elements of household appliances, information can be indicated at the circumferential side wall of this cylindrical shape. This is achieved, for example, in DE 10 2017 218 173 A1 with an external image projector which projects the information optically onto this circumferential side wall from the outside.

[0004] Furthermore, from DE 10 2008 033 793 A1, an illumination operating element for a household appliance is known. There, the circumferential side of the cylindrical rotary handle has at least one light-emitting surface. It is also possible to implement indication at the end face of this cylindrical shape. The corresponding aspect is also known from DE 10 2016 210 171 A1. In the known embodiments, this operating element is only constructed with such a cylindrical basic part. The indication of the information at it can therefore be achieved either only by external, very complex and costly additional components. On the other hand, due to the thus fixed dimensions of the cylindrical basic part, the space requirement is limited, or on the other hand, this circumferential side is dimensioned so large that information indication is still possible. Then such basic parts are relatively large. On the other hand, it may be the case that the user at least partially covers the indicated information when grasping the circumferential side in order to twist this basic part and thereby limits the perceptibility of the indicated information. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to implement an operating device, a household appliance, and a method, wherein the manipulability of the operating element of the operating device is simple and nevertheless the indicated information at the operating element can be perceived in an improved manner.

[0006] This object is solved by an operating device, a household appliance, and a method according to the independent claims.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance. The operating device has at least one operating element. This operating element has a cylindrical basic part. The operating device furthermore has an electronic indicating unit with which information can be indicated visually at an indicating area on the peripheral side wall of the basic part. The operating element has an adjusting ring separate from the basic part. This adjusting ring is arranged at the basic part. The adjusting ring surrounds the basic part in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the operating element. The adjusting ring can be displaced relative to the basic part in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the operating element in order to set the operating conditions of the household appliance. By means of such a design of the operating device, a multi-piece operating element is provided. This multi-piece nature manifests itself in two very specific single pieces. These single pieces are the cylindrical basic part and the separate adjusting ring. Furthermore, these two separate components are also arranged relative to one another individually. That is, the adjusting ring surrounds the basic part on the outer side. In particular, the adjusting ring thus also appears as a covering ring which surrounds the basic part peripherally at the peripheral side wall. By virtue of the defined relative mobility of the adjusting ring relative to the basic part, the manipulability of the operating element can be designed in a very user-friendly manner. Furthermore, a compact structure of the operating element can be achieved. Furthermore, just by means of this design, it is additionally possible to indicate information visually directly at the peripheral side wall of the basic part. By the axial mobility of the adjusting ring, the perceptibility of the indicated information in the indicating area is then also improved. Nevertheless, by means of the adjusting ring, the grasping of this adjusting ring is very simple without the user having to grasp the basic part directly in this regard. Furthermore, a simple and ergonomic operating principle can be achieved by a purely linear displacement of the adjusting ring along the longitudinal axis in order to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance. In this regard, it is therefore just no longer necessary for the basic part to move for this operating scenario. During this manipulation of the adjusting ring, the basic part can remain arranged without a change in position. The operating conditions of the household appliance can be the setting of the functions of the household appliance. The setting can be a selection and / or a start. The function can be a cooking function for food. For this purpose, the required functional units of the household appliance are then set.

[0008] Preferably, in the initial axial position of the adjusting ring at the basic component, the indicating area is covered by the adjusting ring. This is another very advantageous embodiment. On the one hand, the axial extension of the entire operating element is minimized in this initial position. Because in this initial position, the adjusting ring and the basic component overlap axially to the greatest extent. A very special advantage is achieved in this initial position because the indicating area is protected by the adjusting ring. Thus, damage or other impairments to the indicating area, such as contamination for example, can be particularly advantageously avoided. The adjusting ring thus has versatility. On the one hand, the adjusting ring can be moved in such a way that defined operating conditions can be set, and on the other hand, in this regard, the adjusting ring also serves as a protective element in its initial position. This applies to the indicating area on the one hand. On the other hand, the basic component is thus also protected at least at the circumferential sidewall because the adjusting ring surrounds this basic component at the peripheral side.

[0009] It is feasible that the adjusting ring and the basic component are constructed of different materials. The adjusting ring can for example be constructed of plastic. However, the adjusting ring can also be constructed of wood or of metal for example. Through this separation of the two components of the operating element, different visual appearances of the operating element can thus also be achieved. It is also feasible that in this regard the basic component can be used as the same component for different variants of the operating element. In an advantageous embodiment, the difference is then achieved by the individualized adjusting ring. In this regard, an individualized color design and / or a design in terms of material and / or structuring of the adjusting ring can be provided. The adjusting ring can also be mechanically more robust than the basic component with regard to its design and can thus be loaded more.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the indicating area is released in the axial displacement position of the adjusting ring at the basic component. This means that in this at least one axial displacement position (which is different from the initial axial position of the adjusting ring), the indicating area can then be seen. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, on the one hand, the operating conditions of the household appliance are set along with this displacement position, and on the other hand, the indicating area is no longer covered compared to the initial position of the adjusting ring. Thus, the exposure of the indicating area is automatically carried out by means of this axial displacement of the adjusting ring for setting the operating conditions.

[0011] This axial displacement position is considered in particular in the depth direction of the operating device such that the adjusting ring is positioned further forward than in its initial position.

[0012] It can be provided that in its initial axial position, the adjustment ring is arranged flush with the front side of the cylindrical basic component with its front edge. Thus, the entire continuous front surface of the operating element is obtained. However, it can also be provided that in the initial position of the adjustment ring, the front edge of the adjustment ring is positioned further forward than the front side of the basic component. It is also feasible that in this initial position of the adjustment ring, the front edge of the adjustment ring is positioned further rearward than the front side of the cylindrical basic component in the axial direction. The concept of "positioned further forward or further rearward" relates to the view from the front side of the operating element, so that "positioned further forward" means that this element is arranged closer to the observer positioned at the front side than other elements.

[0013] In particular, the initial position of the adjustment ring is not associated with the setting of the operating conditions of the household appliance. In this axial position, therefore, no association with the setting of the operating conditions is provided. However, it can be provided that in this axial initial position, the adjustment ring can rotate relative to the basic component about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the operating conditions can be set in this axial initial position by means of such a rotational movement.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the axial displacement position is a position of the adjustment ring relative to the basic component that is displaced forward compared to the axial initial position. It can also be provided that at least two defined axial displacement positions of the adjustment ring can be set. Thus, these axially defined displacement positions are considered to be completely separate axial positions of the adjustment ring relative to the basic component along the longitudinal axis.

[0015] It can be provided that this axial displacement position can be perceived haptically. For example, in this regard, an engagement of the adjustment ring at the axial displacement position can be provided.

[0016] It can also be provided that the adjustment ring has a height measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which corresponds to the height of the circumferential side wall of the basic component. Thus, in the initial position of the operating element (in which the adjustment ring is also arranged in its axial initial position), a maximally compact structure in the axial direction can be achieved. Additionally, by means of this design, it can then also be achieved that the entire circumferential side wall of the basic component is completely covered by the adjustment ring in this axial initial position of the adjustment ring. Preferably, this height of the adjustment ring is less than the height of the circumferential side wall. In particular, in the axial initial position of the adjustment ring, the rear edge of the adjustment ring is spaced apart from the front side of the operating panel of the operating device. The operating element is preferably arranged at this operating panel.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in at least one defined axial displacement position of the adjustment ring (which displacement position is different from the axial initial position of the adjustment ring), the associated function of the household appliance is automatically set. This means that with the arrival at this defined axial displacement position, the associated operating condition setting is then also selected or activated. The function can in this regard be a specific operating function. For example, this can be the selection of a functional unit of the household appliance. For example, this can be provided in a cooking appliance. The functional unit can for example be a fan or a heating unit of the household appliance. In the case of a cooking hob - which is another embodiment of a cooking appliance compared to an oven - the functional unit can for example be the heating unit of the cooking zone.

[0018] This exemplary description for a cooking appliance should be understood in a non - restrictive manner. Correspondingly, the operating device can also be provided in other household appliances for example for care cleaning products, such as a washing machine or a clothes dryer or a washer - dryer. In another household appliance, such as for example a range hood or a deep - fryer or a fully automatic coffee machine or the like, such an operating device can also be provided. Similarly, the household appliance can be provided for storing and preserving food and for example be a cooling device or a freezer or a cooling - freezer combination appliance. Similarly, the household appliance can for example be a dishwasher.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least one axial displacement position of the adjustment ring (which displacement position is different from the axial initial position of the adjustment ring), the adjustment ring is axially position - fixed. Thereby the user does not have to hold the adjustment ring in this defined axial displacement position on their part. For example, a positioning unit can be provided for this axial position - fixing. This positioning unit can also be a locking unit. Such a unit can for example be a push - pull mechanism.

[0020] Thus it can be achieved that in the axial displacement position the adjustment ring also maintains its axial position and can for example then also be released by the user.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in an axial displacement position different from the axial initial position (in which displacement position the adjustment ring is axially displaced relative to the basic part), the adjustment ring can be rotated about a longitudinal axis in order to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance. In an advantageous embodiment, the longitudinal axis also forms the axis of rotation in this regard. For example, it can be provided that a defined function of the household appliance can be selected using the axial displacement position. Using the subsequent rotation of the adjustment ring about the longitudinal axis relative to the basic part, operating parameters can for example be set in terms of values. This operating parameter can be the operating parameter of the previously selected function.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the display area is a touch-sensitive display area. Operation can be achieved by direct touching. The display area can be a touch display, for example.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a plurality of function symbols for the functions of the household appliance are indicated at the indicator area. In an advantageous embodiment, these function symbols can be arranged at the indicator area in particular in the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. They are therefore arranged in series relative to each other in this orientation direction. Thus, a structure of the indicator area that is as compact as possible can be achieved in the axial direction. Visibility and perceptibility for the user are also improved by this orientation arrangement.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the function symbols can be changed in their oriented sequential position. In an advantageous embodiment, such a change in the order of the function symbols can also be realized automatically. This can be realized, for example, by actuating the adjustment ring. In the setting of the first axial displacement position of the adjustment ring, the order of the arrangement of the function symbols in this respect can then be different, for example, from the initial position. As a supplement or alternative to this, in an advantageous embodiment in which the second axial displacement position can be set in a prescribed manner, this order of the arrangement of the function symbols can also be different again.

[0025] It is also possible that this change of the oriented sequential position of the function symbol is realized by the user himself. This can be realized, for example, in such a way that when the display area is touch-sensitive, the user then touches the function symbol and moves it to the desired oriented position at the display area.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the function symbol can be moved, for example, to the 12 o'clock position by rubbing along the indication area with a finger. Thus, the function symbol can then be particularly advantageously and simply identified and seen by the observer.

[0027] Preferably, provision is made that a function symbol of the function by which the selection can be made with the adjusting ring and / or an operating parameter of this function can be set by actuating the adjusting ring is arranged at the 12 o'clock position on the display area.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the display unit is arranged in the base component. Preferably, the base component is hollow. Thus, this cavity can be particularly advantageously used to accommodate further components in this regard. Thus, a particularly compact structure of the operating device can be achieved.

[0029] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a household appliance having an operating device according to the above-mentioned aspect or its advantageous design. The household appliance can be configured to cook food or to care for cleaning supplies or to clean tableware or to store and preserve food as already explained above. The household appliance can also be a small household appliance in this regard, as already explained above.

[0030] Advantageously, it is provided that this household appliance has an indication which is located on the peripheral side wall of the basic part of the operating element. It can also be provided that, as an additional solution thereto, an indication area is constructed on the front side or the front wall of the operating element, in particular of the basic part. As a supplementary or alternative solution thereto, the front edge of the adjustment ring can also be constructed as an indication area. In particular, this indication is also generated electronically here. Thereby, electronically generated optical information can be shown. It can be provided that the indication areas are dynamic and can therefore change the information to be indicated by them. In particular, this peripheral side of the basic part is used for the main interaction with the household appliance. The possible indication areas in front of the operating element can be mainly used for generating a long-distance effect. This means that even at a certain distance from the household appliance, the indication in this regard can be perceived by the user. In an advantageous embodiment, to switch on the household appliance or a functional unit of the household appliance, the adjustment ring of the operating element is brought into an axial displacement position.

[0031] The core of the operating element formed by the basic part is held in a fixed position. The fixed arrangement of the basic part is preferably in all positions of the adjustment ring. The basic part can therefore not rotate about the longitudinal axis. The basic part therefore only serves as a carrier for the adjustment ring and as a carrier for the indication area in an advantageous embodiment.

[0032] It can be provided that the entire operating element can be arranged in a use position and in a non-use position. In the non-use position, the entire operating element can, for example, sink in the axial direction. In particular, in the operating panel of the operating device. This operating element is arranged at the operating panel. In order to use the operating element, the operating element can be pulled out forward as a whole from this sunken position in the operating panel, such that the operating element projects forward. Only in this use position can actuation then be effected in order to be able to set the operating conditions of the household appliance. It can be provided, for example, that a first axial displacement position is provided for a specific function of the household appliance and is correlated in this respect. It can also be provided that at least a second further axial displacement position of the adjusting ring is provided. In this second further axial displacement position, a function can then be selected directly, for example. It can be provided that, in the case of a cooking appliance, when the adjusting ring is rotated, the power position is in direct access and is directly adjustable. In the case of other household appliances which can be, for example, a ventilation device, the main function can be adjusted in this respect.

[0033] In order to select or set a further function of the household appliance in addition, when this indication area is touch-sensitive, the user can tap the corresponding function on the right or on the left close to this main function, which main function can be indicated by a function symbol on the indication area. In this respect, a change in the sequential position can then be effected by the user in a personalized manner as already described above. The user can then move this function symbol to the position where the user desires this function symbol. The function can then be selected or adjusted by means of the adjusting ring. A timing function can be involved in this respect. Thus, for example, the duration of the selected cooking program can be set here. It can be provided that this adjustment of the function symbol in terms of its sequence is only temporary. This means that after a pre-given duration, this moved function symbol reverts again to the position which has this function symbol in the initial position of the function symbol. In this respect, a basic setting for the sequential position of the function symbol can thus be pre-given on the appliance side. However, it can also be provided that this user-side change in the sequential position of the function symbol is retained until the user effects a personalized change in this respect again.

[0034] Function symbols and / or letters and / or numbers can be indicated on the indication area. They can be indicated in a personalized manner in terms of their size and / or color in this respect. The indication can be static in this respect. However, there can also be a dynamic indication. Thereby, for example, the color and / or size of the information to be indicated can be changed in a personalized manner.

[0035] If the use of the operating element is ended, the adjusting ring can then be guided back into the initial position again. This can be achieved, for example, by the user himself. Thereby, the user can proceed in such a way that he directly grasps the adjusting ring and pushes the adjusting ring from the displaced position back into the initial position in the axial direction. For example, this can be achieved by a push-pull mechanism. In this regard, it is also possible to provide for the release of the snap connection.

[0036] It is also possible to implement that the adjusting ring automatically travels into the initial position. This can be achieved, for example, in such a way that the front side or the front wall of the basic part is a touch-sensitive area. If the user presses on this touch-sensitive area of the basic part, it is then possible to achieve that the adjusting ring is automatically displaced from the axial displaced position into the axial initial position. Thus, the adjusting ring then does not have to be directly grasped and pressed into the initial position by the user. Rather, this is then achieved by a motor. The motor can be arranged, for example, in the operating element.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance. In this method, an operating device according to the above-mentioned aspect or its advantageous design is used in particular. The operating element of the operating device is manipulated and the operating conditions of the household appliance are set depending on the manipulation. During the manipulation, the adjusting ring of the operating element is pulled axially forward relative to the basic part of the operating element and thereby the operating conditions of the household appliance are set.

[0038] An advantageous embodiment of the operating device can be regarded as an advantageous embodiment of the method. Here, the specific components of the operating device are provided individually or in operative connection with other specific components of the operating device and are suitable for performing the corresponding method steps for the purpose of setting.

[0039] The positions and directions given during the proper use and proper positioning of the device are explained using terms such as "above", "below", "in front", "behind", "horizontally", "vertically", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction", etc.

[0040] Further features of the present invention are derived from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned previously in the description and those mentioned and / or shown individually in the description of the drawings and / or in the drawings below can be used not only in the correspondingly proposed combinations, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following embodiments of the present invention can therefore also be considered as included and disclosed, which embodiments are not explicitly shown and explained in the drawings, but are known and can be obtained by combining separate features from the explained embodiments. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features that do not have all the features of the initially expressed independent claims can also be considered as disclosed. In addition, the following embodiments and combinations of features can be considered as disclosed in particular by the embodiments described above, which embodiments and combinations of features go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features described in the reference relationship of the claims. Description of the Drawings

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. Among them:

[0042] Figure 1 A simplified view showing an embodiment of a household appliance according to the present invention, which household appliance has an embodiment of an operating device according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 A view showing an operating element of an operating device, which operating device has an adjusting ring in an axial initial position and another operating element with the adjusting ring in an axial displacement position; and

[0044] Figure 3 Another view showing a partial area of a household appliance with an operating element, wherein the adjusting ring is arranged in an axial displacement position. Detailed Description of the Invention

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

[0046] In Figure 1 a household appliance 1 is shown schematically. The household appliance 1 is a cooking appliance here. The household appliance is in particular an oven. The household appliance 1 has a housing 2 in the shown embodiment. A cooking space 3 is constructed in the housing 2. This cooking space can be closed by a door 4. The household appliance 1 further has an operating device 5. The operating device 5 has an operating panel 6 in an advantageous embodiment. The operating device 5 further has at least one operating element 7. At least two operating elements 7 and 8 are constructed in the embodiment. The operating elements 7 and 8 can be constructed identically. However, they can also be constructed differently. More than two operating elements can also be provided.

[0047] In Figure 2 a magnified view of the sub-components of the operating device 5 is shown. The operating element 7 has a cylindrical basic part 9. The cylindrical basic part 9 is arranged in a position-fixed manner, in particular. The cylindrical basic part is arranged in a position-fixed manner at the operating panel 6, in particular. The cylindrical basic part 9 has a circumferential side wall 10. In addition, the cylindrical basic part has a front side 11. An electronic indicating area 12 can be configured at the front side 11. The indicating area 12 can be configured to be touch-sensitive. It can also be provided that no indicating area 12 is configured at the front side 11. However, this front side 11 is nevertheless configured to be touch-sensitive at least in part.

[0048] This operating element 7 has a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A is oriented in the depth direction (z-direction) in the embodiment. The longitudinal axis A is also the cylinder axis of the basic part 9. In particular, the cylindrical basic part 9 is configured hollow. Thereby, other components of the operating device 5, in particular of the operating element 7, can be accommodated in the cylindrical basic part. This can be, for example, components of the indicating unit 13. The indicating unit 13 is a component of the operating device 5. In an advantageous embodiment, this indicating unit 13 is a component of the operating element 7. The operating element 7 furthermore has an adjusting ring 14. The adjusting ring 14 is a component separate from the basic part 9. The adjusting ring 14 is completely closed in a surrounding manner. The adjusting ring 14 surrounds the basic part 9 at the peripheral side. This means that the adjusting ring 14 surrounds the circumferential side wall 10 of the basic part 9. In Figure 2 the operating element 7 is arranged in the initial position. This means that the adjusting ring 14 is arranged in the axial initial position. In an advantageous embodiment, in this axial initial position of the adjusting ring 14, the operating conditions of the household appliance 1 cannot be set using the adjusting ring 14.

[0049] It is preferably provided that in this axial initial position of the adjusting ring 14, this adjusting ring is arranged axially overlapping with the basic part 9, in particular the circumferential side wall 10, over the entire height h thereof.

[0050] It is preferably provided that the front edge 15 of the adjusting ring 14 is arranged flush with the front side 11 in this initial position. It can be provided that the rear edge 16 of the adjusting ring 14 is arranged spaced apart from the operating panel 6 in this initial position. In the embodiment shown here, it can therefore be provided that the height h of the adjusting ring 14 is less than the extension measured in this depth direction of the circumferential side wall 10 in front of the operating panel 6.

[0051] The adjusting ring 14 is supported at the basic component 9 by means of a supporting device 17. This supporting device 17 can be, for example, a push-pull mechanism. However, the supporting device 17 can also be designed in other ways. The supporting device can also have other types of devices with which the adjusting ring 14 is supported at the basic component 9. This supporting device 17 is in particular constructed such that the adjusting ring 14 can move relative to the basic component 9 in the state of being arranged at the basic component 9. In particular, movement can be achieved here in the direction of the longitudinal axis A and thus axially. Additionally, it is also provided that by means of this supporting device 17 a rotational movement of the adjusting ring 14 about the longitudinal axis A and thus also relative to the basic component 9 can be achieved.

[0052] It can be provided that such a rotational movement of the adjusting ring 14 in the initial position of the adjusting ring 14 (as shown in FIG. 2) is not feasible. However, in an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that in this axial initial position of the adjusting ring 14 a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis A and relative to the basic component 9 can be achieved.

[0053] Starting from the initial position shown in Figure 2 the adjusting ring 14 of the operating element 7 can be pushed axially. The adjusting ring then, for example, is pushed from the shown initial position into at least one axial displacement position. This axial displacement position is displaced forward in the positive z-direction relative to the initial position. In this regard, Figure 2 also shows another operating element 8 together with the axial displacement position of the adjusting ring 14 in this regard. This other operating element is in a favorable embodiment correspondingly constructed like the operating element 7. Since the operating element 8 is correspondingly constructed like the operating element 7 in the shown embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the operating element 8 as to the operating element 7 for further explanation. As can be recognized for the operating element 8 in FIG. 2, an indicating region 18 is constructed at the circumferential side wall 10. The indicating region 18 is a component of the indicating unit 13. Information can be indicated visually by means of this electronic indicating region 18. As can be recognized, this indicating region 18 cannot be recognized in the initial position of the adjusting ring 14 and is covered by the adjusting ring 14, in particular completely covered. If the adjusting ring 14 is then in the axial displacement position, as shown in the operating element 8, then this indicating region 18 is automatically released at the circumferential side wall 10 and can be automatically seen. In this axial displacement position, the adjusting ring 14 is positioned protruding forward relative to the front side 11.

[0054] It is provided that, in at least one defined axial displacement position of the adjusting ring 14 (which displacement position is different from the axial initial position of the adjusting ring 14), the associated function of the household appliance 1 is automatically selected and thus also automatically set.

[0055] It can be provided that at least one axial displacement position of the adjusting ring 14 (which displacement position is different from the axial initial position of the adjusting ring 14) is set, and the adjusting ring 14 is axially position-fixed. This can also be achieved by means of the support device 17. This support device 17 thus also acts as a positioning unit. This support device can also be referred to as a locking unit. It can be provided that, in an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting ring 14 can rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the axial displacement position. Herein, the basic component 9 remains position-fixed. Thus, a relative rotation of the adjusting ring 14 relative to the basic component 9 is achieved. Thereby, the operating conditions of the household appliance 1 can also be set by means of this rotational movement of the adjusting ring 14. For example, the parameter values of the operating parameters of the functional units of the household appliance 1 can be set here.

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment, the indicating area 18 is a touch-sensitive indicating area. It can be provided that at least one function symbol 19, in particular a plurality of function symbols 19, is indicated or can be indicated at this indicating area 18. In an advantageous embodiment, these function symbols 19 can be arranged in sequence in the azimuthal direction about the longitudinal axis A. It can be provided that these function symbols 19 can change in their azimuthal sequence positions. This can be achieved, for example, automatically depending on the manipulation of the adjusting ring 14. As a supplementary or alternative solution thereto, it can be provided that such a change in the sequence position is carried out by the user himself. For example, when the indicating area 18 is touch-sensitive, the user can then press with a finger on a specific function symbol 19 and can then slide along the circumferential side wall 10 to move it to the desired position at the indicating area 18.

[0057] Then, the function symbol 19 can be moved, for example, to the 12 o'clock position.

[0058] It can also be provided that the function whose function symbol 19 is arranged at the 12 o'clock position at the indicating area 18 can be selected by means of the adjusting ring 14, and / or the operating parameters of this function can be set by manipulating the adjusting ring 14. Such a manipulation can be, for example, a further pull in the axial direction and / or a rotation about the longitudinal axis A.

[0059] In Figure 3 a further illustration of a partial area of the household appliance 1 shows the operating element 7 in an arrangement in which the adjusting ring 14 is arranged in the axial displacement position. InFigure 3 It can be recognized that multiple such functional symbols 19, here three such functional symbols 19, are arranged relative to each other in this orientation sequence position. In particular, the functional symbol here is also the specific parameter value "210".

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, it can also be provided that the visual indication on the indication area 18 is to a certain extent a dynamic running indication. This means that, for example, in the orientation sequence, the specific numerical value on the indication area 18 can be indicated. If the adjustment ring 14 rotates around the longitudinal axis A, then this electronically generated representation of the parameter value can rotate together with the rotational movement of the adjustment ring 14. Depending on the rotational position, such a parameter value actually set is then always indicated at the 12 o'clock position. Therefore, at least multiple parameter values are always indicated simultaneously at this indication area 18. In particular, the parameter value can be enlarged and / or indicated in a different color and / or more brightly at the 12 o'clock position.

[0061] Alternatively, it can also be provided that only the specifically set value of the operating parameter is always indicated at the indication area 18, especially at this 12 o'clock position. In this embodiment, when the adjustment ring 14 rotates, therefore, the simultaneous rotation or rotation of the indicated and different parameter values is not achieved at the indication area 18.

[0062] If the setting is ended with the operating element 7, then the adjustment ring 14 can be pushed back from the axial displacement position into the initial position again. This can be achieved by the direct manual manipulation of the user. However, in an alternative solution, it can also be autonomously linearly returned to the initial position. This can be the case, for example, when a push-pull mechanism is constructed with respect to the support device 17. As a complementary or alternative solution to this, if at least one spring with a certain pre-tension is already constructed when the adjustment ring 14 is brought into the axial displacement position, then the initial position of the adjustment ring 14 can also be set by means of the automatic return of this spring element. However, it can also be provided that the operating element 7 and / or 8 has a motor, with which the adjustment ring 14 can be axially displaced. Then, for example, the movement of the adjustment ring 14 from the initial position to a discrete specified axial displacement position can be achieved by pressing on the front side 11, and the user does not have to directly manually grasp and pull the adjustment ring 14. As a complementary or alternative solution to this, the corresponding situation can also be achieved when the adjustment ring 14 is brought from the axial displacement position to the initial position.

[0063] List of reference numerals:

[0064] 1 Household appliance

[0065] 2 Housing

[0066] 3 Cooking space

[0067] 4 Door

[0068] 5 Operating device

[0069] 6 Operating panel

[0070] 7 Operating element

[0071] 8 Operating element

[0072] 9 Cylindrical basic component

[0073] 10 Peripheral side wall

[0074] 11 Front side

[0075] 12 Indication area

[0076] 13 Indication unit

[0077] 14 Adjustment ring

[0078] 15 Front edge

[0079] 16 Rear edge

[0080] 17 Support device

[0081] 18 Indication area

[0082] 19 Function symbol

[0083] A Longitudinal axis

[0084] h Height

[0085] z Depth direction.

Claims

1. An operating device (5) for a household appliance (1), the operating device having operating elements (7, 8) and having an electronic indicating unit (13), the operating elements having a cylindrical basic part (9), and information being able to be indicated at an indicating area (18) on the circumferential side wall (10) of the basic part (9) by means of the indicating unit. It is characterized in that the operating elements (7, 8) have an adjusting ring (14) separate from the basic part (9), the adjusting ring being arranged so as to surround the basic part (9), wherein the adjusting ring (14) can be displaced relative to the basic part (9) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the operating elements (7, 8) in order to set operating conditions of the household appliance (1), and wherein in an axial initial position of the adjusting ring (14), the indicating area (18) is covered by the adjusting ring (14) at the basic part (9).

2. The operating device (5) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that in an axial displacement position of the adjusting ring (14), the indicating area (18) can be freely seen at the basic part (9).

3. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that the adjusting ring (14) has a height (h) measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), and this height is less than the height of the circumferential side wall (10).

4. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that in at least one specified axial displacement position of the adjusting ring (14), a function associated with the household appliance (1) is automatically set, the axial displacement position being different from the axial initial position of the adjusting ring (14).

5. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that in at least one axial displacement position of the adjusting ring (14), the adjusting ring (14) is axially position-fixed, the axial displacement position being different from the axial initial position of the adjusting ring (14).

6. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that in an axial displacement position different from the axial initial position, the adjusting ring (14) can be rotated about the longitudinal axis (A) in order to set at least one operating condition of the household appliance (1), and in the axial displacement position, the adjusting ring (14) is displaced axially relative to the basic part (9).

7. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that the indicating area (18) is a touch-sensitive indicating area (18).

8. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that at the indicating area (18), a plurality of function symbols (19) for functions of the household appliance (1) are indicated in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis (A).

9. The operating device (5) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that the function symbols (19) can vary in their oriented sequential positions.

10. The operating device (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that the function symbol of the function is arranged at the 12 o'clock position in the indication area (18), the function can be selected by means of the adjusting ring (14), and / or the operating parameters of this function can be set by operating the adjusting ring (14).

11. The operating device (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that the function symbol (19) can be pushed by rubbing with a finger in the indication area (18) into the 12 o'clock position.

12. The operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the indicating unit (13) is arranged in the basic component (9).

13. A household appliance (1) having an operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A method for operating a household appliance (1), in which an operating device (5) of the household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 of the preceding claims is operated and the operating conditions of the household appliance (1) are set depending on the operation, wherein, during the operation, the adjusting ring (14) of the operating elements (7, 8) is axially pulled forward relative to the basic component (9) of the operating elements (7, 8) and the operating conditions of the household appliance (1) are thereby set.

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