Household appliance with user interface

Abstract

A domestic appliance (2) having a user interface (20) comprising: - a display (64), - a switch element (56) associated with the display (64) and comprising at least one capacitive sensing element (58) having a sensing surface, - a capacitive sensing circuit (62), - a control unit (68) connected to the display (64) and to the capacitive sensing circuit (62) and configured to control the domestic appliance (2) and / or the display (64) as a function of signals received from the capacitive sensing circuit (62) following an interaction of a user on the capacitive sensing element (58) of the switch element (56), wherein the capacitive sensing element (58) is built as a PCB (60) on which the capacitive sensing circuit (62) is arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to refrigeration and / or freezing appliances. In particular, this invention relates to household appliances with user interfaces. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliances for cooling or freezing can be constructed as standalone units or in combination, where items such as vegetables and dairy products are cooled in the refrigerated compartment, and items such as ice cream or frozen foods are stored in the freezer compartment. Such appliances include a cooling / freezing circuit with a refrigerant and compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. The cooling system is typically designed to allow cooling or freezing effects throughout the compartment, largely independent of the specific location of the items to be cooled or frozen.

[0003] Users typically interact with the appliance and set temperatures, for example, for the freezer and refrigerator compartments. To enable user interaction, capacitive sensing elements can be used. These elements allow for user-friendly operation because a finger's proximity or slight touch is sufficient to generate a control signal. These sensing elements can be associated with the overall operation of the machine and / or displays and / or switching elements. Sensing elements can be associated with specific displays, particularly those arranged adjacent to or overlapping with the sensing elements. In this way, the user immediately understands the impact of interaction with the sensing elements on quantities or symbols displayed on adjacent displays.

[0004] Capacitive sensing elements are typically made of metal and are custom-designed for specific devices, resulting in high production costs.

[0005] Patent EP 1 030 536 A2 discloses a touch switch for an electronic device. This touch switch has a sensing element with a sensing surface made of a flat metal material and is associated with a corresponding display. Depending on the machine model, displays with different sizes and different values ​​(i.e., two or more digits) must be used. Therefore, it can be difficult to create / manage multiple metal plate sensing surfaces, each custom-made for each specific model. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a household appliance having an improved design of a corresponding capacitive sensing element.

[0007] Another objective of the invention is to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the appliance while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0008] Another objective is to optimize the manufacturing management process.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the necessary installation space and the number of components.

[0010] Brief description of the invention

[0011] Therefore, the present invention relates to a household appliance having a user interface, the household appliance comprising: a display; a switching element associated with the display and including at least one capacitive sensing element having a sensing surface; a capacitive sensing circuit; and a control unit connected to the display and the capacitive sensing circuit, and configured to control the household appliance and / or the display based on a signal received from the capacitive sensing circuit after a user interacts with the capacitive sensing element of the switching element, wherein the capacitive sensing element is constructed as a PCB on which the capacitive sensing circuit is disposed.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in conjunction with the dependent claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] This invention is based on the following considerations: capacitive sensing elements, which are typically constructed as metal parts, involve considerable production costs and require the manufacture of different and individual components. Production costs increase particularly when capacitive sensing elements require custom shapes.

[0014] The applicant has discovered that improved user interface designs can be achieved by constructing the corresponding capacitive sensing elements as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). While reducing the production cost of these components, the PCB can be used to hold the sensing circuitry, thus reducing the total number of required parts. Therefore, the corresponding PCB performs a dual function by carrying the required circuitry and simultaneously acting as an input component for that circuitry.

[0015] The term "association" in claim 1 refers to the change in information on the display caused by the commutation of the switching element.

[0016] In claim 1, the term "interaction" means that a user's action causes a change in the signal from the switching element. Such an action is, for example, placing the user's finger in an area close to the front of the capacitive sensing element or the user's finger touching the capacitive sensing element.

[0017] Preferably, the display and the capacitive sensing element are respectively arranged on the display carrier element. The display carrier element preferably acts as a carrier, which can be mounted on the display motherboard or another component that forms the base of the electronic components of the user interface. The display carrier element can be easily assembled / replaced when the display needs to be assembled / replaced. In this way, the display carrier element is the carrier element for the sub-assembly on which the sensing element is mounted. Therefore, the entire sub-assembly can also be easily assembled / replaced.

[0018] The display carrier element advantageously includes at least one recess, within which at least one capacitive sensing element is disposed. The capacitive sensing element is preferably disposed within the recess so as to be flush with the surface of the display. In this way, a comfortable user experience is achieved because there is no edge interference between the display and the capacitive sensing element that would hinder finger movement or touch, especially when a shared film covers the respective display, the respective sensing element, and at least a portion of the display carrier element.

[0019] The surface of the capacitive sensing element is preferably flush with the outer surface of the display carrier element. In this way, a comfortable user experience is achieved because there is no edge interference between the display carrier element and the capacitive sensing element that would hinder finger movement or touch, especially when the shared film covers the respective display, the respective sensing element, and at least part of the display carrier element.

[0020] Preferably, the display and / or switching elements are mechanically connected to the display carrier element.

[0021] Preferably, the household appliance includes a display motherboard, a display, and switching elements connected to the display motherboard. In this way, the motherboard can act as a carrier for other components and can contain additional user interface elements.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the display motherboard includes at least one additional switching element and / or at least one additional display element. The corresponding switching element is preferably a capacitive sensing element.

[0023] Advantageously, the household appliance includes a light-emitting element for a display. The light-emitting element is preferably associated with openings disposed on the display carrier element, these openings being configured so that a beam of light from the light-emitting element is visible from the front side of the user interface. This means that a beam of light from the light-emitting element can pass through these openings substantially / completely unobstructed. In this way, the light-emitting element can illuminate the display in a dedicated area.

[0024] Advantageously, the household appliance includes a sub-board on which the light-emitting elements of the display are preferably assembled, and the sub-board is electrically and / or mechanically connected to the main board of the display.

[0025] Advantageously, the household appliance includes a sub-board on which the light-emitting elements of the display are assembled. The sub-board is electrically and / or mechanically connected to the mainboard of the display. This configuration allows for convenient assembly of the user interface. In the event of failure of some or all of the light-emitting elements, only the sub-board needs to be replaced. The sub-board is preferably mechanically attached to the mainboard of the display by means of snap-fit ​​elements that engage in corresponding recesses on the mainboard of the display, and vice versa. The electrical connection between the sub-board and the display is preferably achieved through pins on the sub-board that engage in corresponding openings on the mainboard of the display.

[0026] The opening on the display carrier element preferably defines one or more 7-digit displays visible from the front of the user interface.

[0027] Advantageously, the sub-board is at least partially covered by / at least partially arranged within the display carrier element. In this way, the electronic components of the sub-board are protected, and the installation space is reduced.

[0028] The corresponding light-emitting element is preferably constructed as an LED because LEDs have a long lifespan, which is preferred.

[0029] Preferably, the display includes an LCD and / or a touch display. In this way, an intuitive user interface can be achieved.

[0030] The capacitive sensing element and at least part of the display are advantageously covered, at least partially, by a film that is at least partially transparent, the film serving to provide a convenient user touch experience and to protect the display and the capacitive sensing element.

[0031] Advantageously, the corresponding capacitive sensing element at least partially surrounds / encircles / surrounds the display area, which allows the user to intuitively associate the sensing element with the display to focus on this part of the user interface. Furthermore, the total area of ​​the user interface can be optimally utilized. The capacitive sensing element preferably has a C-shape, with the display at least partially arranged inside the C-shape.

[0032] The capacitive sensing element preferably includes a recessed region that surrounds the display portion / display element of the display.

[0033] Preferably, the display is constructed as a 7-digit display.

[0034] Advantageously, two capacitive sensing elements are provided. These two sensing elements can be associated with two displays / two display sections, allowing for different operations on the appliance.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the household appliance is constructed as a refrigeration appliance or a refrigeration / freezing appliance.

[0036] The advantages of this invention are particularly as follows. Implementing the capacitive sensing element on a printed circuit board (PCB) saves production costs and allows the user interface circuitry to be mounted on the PCB, thereby reducing the need for additional components. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, taken with reference to the illustrative drawings and given as indicated and not for limiting purposes.

[0038] In particular, the accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. These drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, corresponding features and / or components are identified by the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a household appliance with a user interface is shown;

[0040] Figure 2 An exploded view of the user interface is shown;

[0041] Figure 3 An exploded view of the user interface components is shown; and

[0042] Figure 4 The user interface components are shown in an assembled state.

[0043] The same parts in all the accompanying drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0044] exist Figure 1 The image shows a household appliance 2, which is constructed as a refrigeration and freezing combination appliance with a housing 6. The illustrated appliance 2 includes an upper front door 10 and a lower front door 14. The upper front door provides access to the refrigeration compartment 12, and the lower front door provides access to the freezer compartment 16. Alternatively, the appliance 2 may have only one door or multiple doors.

[0045] The illustrated household appliance 2 includes a user interface 20 on the upper front door 10. The user interface is used to interact with the household appliance 2 and to obtain information displayed on the user interface 20. The user interface 20 is shown in an exploded view within box 26. In other preferred embodiments, the user interface 20 may be located on the bottom door or lower front door 14 or on the housing (behind the door).

[0046] exist Figure 2 In the middle, it is shown in more detail. Figure 1 An exploded view of frame 26. The user interface 20 preferably includes an electronics section 26, a housing section 32, two inserts 36, and a cover section 40. The door 10 preferably has a groove. The cover section 40 preferably includes teeth. Therefore, preferably, the electronics section 26 is first assembled with the housing section 32, and then with the cover section 40. Finally, preferably, the sub-assemblies of components 26, 38, 36, and 40 are assembled into the groove provided within the door 10. Preferably, the teeth provided on the cover section 40 engage with a suitable seat provided on the door groove.

[0047] The cover portion 40 is preferably snapped onto the housing portion 32. The cover portion 40 is advantageously made of a transparent and / or at least partially opaque material. As an example, the cover portion may be painted black, but at least a portion allows light to pass through. In this way, the cover portion 40 simultaneously fulfills both aesthetic and protective functions.

[0048] The aesthetic / transparent insert 36 is positioned in a corresponding recess 38 provided on the housing portion 32, and is sandwiched between the housing portion 32 and the cover portion 40 when the cover portion 40 is assembled to the housing portion 32.

[0049] Electronic Components Division 26 Figure 3 The diagram is shown in the exploded view. Figure 4 The image is shown in its assembled state. In the installed position, the housing portion 32 preferably surrounds the electronic component portion 26 at the front and sides.

[0050] exist Figure 3 The electronic device section 26 shown in the exploded view is preferably ( Figure 3 The system (from bottom to top) includes a display mainboard 44, a sub-board 50, a display carrier element 54, and a film 70. Two switching elements, each including a capacitive sensing element 58, are preferably arranged on the display carrier element 54, and these capacitive sensing elements are each constructed as a PCB 60. Alternatively, two displays 64 are preferably arranged on the display carrier element 54. The displays 64 and the PCB 60 are preferably covered by a shared, at least partially transparent film 70. Capacitive sensing circuits 62 are arranged on the respective PCB 60. The respective capacitive sensing elements are connected to a control unit 68, which is preferably mounted on the display mainboard 44. Alternatively, the control unit may be a machine main control unit, suitably connected to the capacitive sensing elements.

[0051] The monitor motherboard 44 is essentially a carrier element for other components and can be arranged within the appliance. Figure 3Other components shown are attached directly or via other components to the display motherboard. The display motherboard 44 preferably includes one or more, preferably six, switching elements 72, each preferably including a spring, preferably a square spring, which is preferably used for functions that cannot be directly linked to the two displays 64. In a preferred embodiment, the first display 64, including a sensing element 58, can display the temperature of the food storage compartment. By touching the sensing element 58, the user can change the corresponding set temperature. The second display, also including a sensing element 58, can be used to display the temperature of the freezer compartment. By touching the sensing element 58, the user can change the corresponding set temperature. Other switches can be used for functions such as: ECO mode, air distribution adjustment, additional cooling, additional freezing, connection, and filter reset. In the mounting configuration, these functions are preferably arranged above and below the displays 64, see [link to installation configuration]. Figure 1 .

[0052] More preferably, each spring includes a light-emitting element at its center, such that when the electronics 26 is assembled with the housing 32, each light-emitting element provides a light beam when illuminated (i.e., when a user's finger touches / approaches the corresponding spring), the light beam passing through a corresponding opening on the housing 32, preferably a square opening.

[0053] The sub-board 50 preferably includes a plurality of conductive pins 80, of which only two conductive pins are shown in the figure. The pins electrically connect the sub-board 50 to the display mainboard 44. The sub-board 50 is preferably connected to a carrier element 54, which is preferably connected to the mainboard 44 via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0054] The sub-plate 50 further preferably includes two sets of light-emitting elements 82 for illuminating the display portion 64. Additional light-emitting elements 86 (six in this embodiment) are preferably arranged on the sub-plate 50, and these additional light-emitting elements are associated with openings 90 in the display carrier element 54. In a mounting configuration, the sub-plate 50 is preferably received by the display carrier element 54.

[0055] The display carrier element 54 is preferably connected to the display motherboard 54 via a snap-fit ​​connection. Preferably, the display carrier element 54 includes snap-fit ​​elements at its four corners, which engage with corresponding recesses in the display motherboard 44, and vice versa.

[0056] The display carrier element preferably includes two recesses 94, each of which receives a PCB 60. The depth of the respective recess 94 preferably corresponds to the depth of the respective PCB 60, such that in the fully assembled state, the corresponding display surface is flush with the surface of the PCB 60. In this way, the film 70 flatly covers the display 64 and the PCB 60, resulting in a premium appearance and user experience.

[0057] At least one pin 92 preferably extends from each capacitive sensing circuit 62, and the pin is preferably supported by a hole on the carrier element 54 and preferably electrically connected to the motherboard 44.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment shown, the respective PCB 60 preferably has a cross-section resembling a capital letter "C". Each PCB 60 surrounds / encloses the adjacent display 64 in this manner. In this way, the PCB 60 can be arranged directly adjacent to the display 64, clearly indicating to the user which sensing element 58 is linked to which display. Furthermore, each PCB 60 preferably includes a recess 100 on one wing of the "C" shape, the recess surrounding the corresponding display portion 104 in the mounted state, the display portion preferably being associated with a light-emitting element disposed on the sub-board 50. As an example, the illumination of this light-emitting element can be controlled to flicker until the set / displayed temperature in the corresponding compartment is reached.

[0059] The at least partially transparent film 70 preferably includes embossed symbols 108, which are arranged on top of the corresponding display 84 and combined with the display 84 and the light-emitting element 82 to allow the display of numbers. Preferably, an embossed rectangle 110, designed as a square, is combined with the light-emitting element 86 to allow indication of various system states.

[0060] Therefore, the present invention is conceived to be subject to a variety of modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention concept.

[0061] Furthermore, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all materials used, as well as the shape and possible dimensions, can be changed as required without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0062] List of reference numerals

[0063] 2 Household appliances

[0064] 6. Outer shell

[0065] 10. Go to Qianmen

[0066] 12 Refrigerated Compartments

[0067] 14. Go to the front door.

[0068] 16 Freezer compartments

[0069] 20 User Interface

[0070] 26 Electronic Components Division

[0071] 32. Shell section

[0072] 36 Inlays

[0073] 38 recess

[0074] 40 Cover section

[0075] 44 Monitor motherboard

[0076] 50 sub-board

[0077] 54 Display carrier components

[0078] 56 Switching elements

[0079] 58 Capacitive sensing elements

[0080] 60 PCB

[0081] 62 Capacitive Sensing Circuit

[0082] 64 monitors

[0083] 68 Control Unit

[0084] 70 membrane

[0085] 72 Switching elements

[0086] 80 pins

[0087] 82 Light-emitting elements

[0088] 86 Light-emitting elements

[0089] 90° opening

[0090] 92 pins

[0091] 94 recess

[0092] 100 recess

[0093] 104 Display Section

[0094] 108 Imprinted Symbols

[0095] 110 Imprinted Rectangle

Claims

1. A household appliance (2) having a user interface (20), the household appliance comprising: - Display (64) - A switching element (56) associated with the display (64) and including at least one capacitive sensing element (58) having a sensing surface. - Capacitive sensing circuit (62). - A control unit (68), connected to the display (64) and the capacitive sensing circuit (62), and configured to control the household appliance (2) and / or the display (64) based on signals received from the capacitive sensing circuit (62) after a user interacts with the capacitive sensing element (58) of the switching element (56), characterized in that, The capacitive sensing element (58) is constructed as a PCB (60), on which the capacitive sensing circuit (62) is disposed, wherein the display (64) and the capacitive sensing element (58) are respectively arranged on the display carrier element (54).

2. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The display carrier element (54) includes at least one recess (94), wherein at least one capacitive sensing element (58) is placed in the recess (94).

3. The household appliance (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The surface of the capacitive sensing element (58) is flush with the outer surface of the display carrier element (54).

4. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The display (64) and / or the switching element (56) are mechanically connected to the display carrier element (54).

5. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, the household appliance comprising a display motherboard (44), the display (64) and the switching element (56) being connected to the display motherboard.

6. The household appliance (2) according to claim 5, wherein, The display motherboard (44) includes at least one additional switching element (72) and / or at least one additional display element.

7. The household appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the household appliance comprising a light-emitting element (82) for the display (64).

8. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7 when it is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The light-emitting element (82) is associated with an opening provided on the display carrier element (54), the opening being configured to allow the light beam of the light-emitting element (82) to be seen from the front side of the user interface (20).

9. The household appliance (2) according to claim 8, wherein, The opening on the display carrier element (54) defines one or more 7-digit displays (64) visible from the front of the user interface (20).

10. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein the household appliance includes a sub-panel (50), wherein, The sub-plate (50) is at least partially covered by / at least partially arranged within the display carrier element (54).

11. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The light-emitting element (82) is constructed as an LED.

12. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The display (64) includes an LCD and / or a touch display.

13. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The capacitive sensing element (58) and at least part of the display (64) are each at least partially covered by a film (70) that is at least partially transparent.

14. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The capacitive sensing element (58) at least partially surrounds the display area.

15. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The capacitive sensing element (58) includes a recessed region (100) surrounding a portion (104) of the display (64).

16. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The display (64) is constructed as a 7-digit display.

17. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein, It is equipped with at least two capacitive sensing elements (58).

18. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, wherein the household appliance is constructed as a refrigeration appliance or a refrigeration / freezing appliance.

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