Household appliance system with multiple household appliances and a common central operating device and method

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance system (1) having a first household appliance (2), at least one second household appliance (3) separate from the first household appliance, and having a common central operating device (6) which is configured and arranged according to a provision for setting operating conditions of the first household appliance (2) and of the second household appliance (3), wherein the operating device (6) has an electronic display area (7) which has a first display field (8) on which information about the first household appliance (2) can be displayed and which has a second display field (9) different from the first display field on which information about the second household appliance (3) can be displayed. One aspect also relates to a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a home appliance system having multiple home appliances. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating the home appliance system. Background Technology

[0002] A wide variety of household appliances are known from the prior art. Each of these appliances is an individual device in itself. For example, a household appliance may be constructed for preparing food. In this context, the appliance may be, for example, a cooking utensil or a stove. Furthermore, household appliances for caring for clothes are also known. Examples include washing machines or dryers. Additionally, household appliances for cleaning dishes are also known. Similarly, household appliances for storing and preserving food are known. For example, cooling devices, freezers, or refrigeration-freezing combinations are known here. Thus, all these devices possess their own individual functionality.

[0003] In this context, it is also known that each device itself has an operating mechanism. This operating mechanism is only configured to operate the corresponding household appliance.

[0004] In this context, it is also known that such operating devices typically have a display unit, particularly a display. It is also possible that such operating devices have additional operating elements that can be removed from the operating element housing of the operating device in a non-destructive, detachable manner and can be repositioned. It is also possible that such operating elements can be placed in different locations on the operating device. For example, reference can be made herein to DE 102014223371A1 or DE 10 2016223476A1.

[0005] It is also known that a household typically contains multiple different household appliances, especially those mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to make the operation and use of multiple household appliances more efficient.

[0007] This task is accomplished by the household appliance system and method as described in the independent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance system. The household appliance system has a first household appliance. The household appliance system also has at least one second household appliance. The two household appliances are separate devices. This specifically means that each household appliance is a closed unit in itself. In particular, each household appliance has its own housing. In particular, this also means that the household appliances are separate not only in appearance but also in function. This is especially true regarding their respective main functions, which are constructed primarily for. The household appliance system also has a central operating device, which is constructed and configured to set the operating conditions of the first household appliance and at least the second household appliance, and is therefore configured accordingly. The operating device has an electronic display area. The electronic display area has a first display area on which information, particularly information relating only to the first household appliance, can be displayed. The electronic display area also has a second display area, distinct from the first display area. Information, particularly information relating only to the second household appliance, can be displayed on the second display area. Therefore, according to the present invention, the two display areas are also separate display areas, each displaying only information relating to the household appliance assigned to that display area. The operating device is a single unit on the object. The operating device is arranged in one location in a manner that is generally considered as a whole. Therefore, the operating device, in particular, does not have a positional... Display areas arranged separately and far apart from each other.

[0009] This home appliance system now makes it highly efficient to operate multiple home appliances within such a complex or system using only a single common central operating device. This has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the number of operating devices required for each of the multiple appliances. Secondly, the operation of multiple appliances can actually be performed from a central location where the common central operating device is located. Thirdly, a very simple, understandable, and intuitive presentation of information about the home appliances is possible, particularly due to the configuration shown in the electronic display area. The presence of display areas that are strictly separated to a certain extent, displaying information specifically for the home appliances assigned to those areas, provides the observer with a very pleasant and clearly structured information transmission.

[0010] In this household appliance system, at least two separate household appliances are independent devices. This means that the household appliances, in particular, each have separate housings and their respective functional units are arranged within those housings. It is possible that the at least two household appliances are positioned directly side-by-side. For example, the housings can then be arranged directly adjacent to each other. In particular, the operating device can then be arranged at one of the two household appliances. However, the operating device can also, for example, be arranged such that it is positioned across both household appliances. In particular, this arrangement can then be understood as being in front of the two household appliances.

[0011] In more modern kitchens, for example, it is stipulated that there are multiple household appliances, such as those mentioned at the beginning, for food preparation. These appliances can also be arranged directly adjacent to each other. In this context, at least two cooking appliances, such as ovens, microwaves, or steam cookers, can be arranged directly adjacent to each other. For example, in this context, the appliances can be mounted on a wall of kitchen appliances or furniture. In this context, the appliances can be built-in appliances. In such embodiments, a common central operating device can then be arranged, for example, directly in front of two adjacent appliances. Simple, user-friendly, and centralized operation of both appliances is possible. On the one hand, the operating process can then be performed more quickly and safely when necessary. This is because the user no longer needs to switch between two operating devices that are, if necessary, even further apart from each other in location, and continuously jump back and forth when necessary. Instead, the user can quickly and safely set the operating conditions for both appliances with a single view of the common central operating device. On the one hand, this provides a clearer overview of the operating conditions set for multiple household appliances. On the other hand, it can also help avoid misoperation of multiple devices, especially in situations where multiple preparation processes are running simultaneously within a household appliance.

[0012] However, this also applies to other household appliances, as mentioned at the beginning above. In this context, a household appliance system can have multiple appliances of the same type. However, it is equally possible, in addition to or alternative to this, that a household appliance system has appliances that are functionally different. Thus, a common central operating device can be used to perform the corresponding operations, especially the setting of operating conditions.

[0013] In one embodiment, the common central operating device is fixedly installed at the location of the first and / or second household appliance. Specifically, this means that the central operating device cannot be reversibly removed and repositioned. This fixed installation ensures that the common central control device remains permanently in the same location relative to the household appliances. Furthermore, it avoids situations where the central operating device becomes undetectable or can no longer be found. This fixed placement of the operating device achieves a compact system integration between the operating device and the household appliances in a common location. Moreover, due to this configuration, the central operating device is also, to some extent, directly located at at least one household appliance. This proximity also advantageously allows for the simultaneous setting and observation of the equipment and, if necessary, the object present in the household appliance, or, if necessary, in both household appliances.

[0014] For example, this is advantageous in the case of household appliances used for food preparation. In this context, settings can be made directly, and the food preparation process in at least one of the appliances can be observed simultaneously if necessary. This is particularly advantageous if the preparation processes in at least two separate appliances can be observed simultaneously, and settings can be made for this via an operating device.

[0015] The operating device is arranged adjacent to or directly in position at at least one of the household appliances, especially at two household appliances simultaneously, thus enabling the aforementioned advantages to a certain extent.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electronic display area is a continuous area. In particular, the electronic display area can be a full-screen display. Therefore, on the one hand, a uniform area geometry is provided for the display area, thereby avoiding separate display areas. On the other hand, this reduces the number of components. Furthermore, this configuration of the electronic display area allows for improved and larger image representation over a larger area. This avoids limited image sizes or limited sizes for optical representation. In particular, this configuration also allows for a more dynamic display of information. This therefore also means that at least two display areas can be represented on the continuous electronic display area. Thus, it is also possible that in one embodiment, the display area is not only rigidly constructed in position and size, but also, consequently, capable of dynamic changes not only in position but also in size. This improves the variability of the operating device, especially in terms of information display, and user flexibility.

[0017] In one embodiment, the operating device has a pre-defined placement area at a first position. This placement area is configured such that an activation element can be placed on it in a touch-sensitive manner. This activation element can be, for example, an operating element. However, the activation element could also be, for example, a user's finger. In one embodiment, the first display area can be automatically activated by placing the activation element on the first placement area. Therefore, it is possible that, through this placement process, the first display area can automatically transition from an inactive state to an active state or from a standby state to an active state. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the operating device may be provided with a pre-defined placement area at a second position. This pre-defined placement area at the second position is also configured such that the activation element can be placed on it. Using this activation element, the second display area can then be automatically activated again by placing it on the second placement area. The two placement areas are separate. In particular, the placement areas are configured at the operating device in a positionally spaced manner. For example, such placement areas could be touch-sensitive areas. The placement area may also be configured, at least partially and especially completely, as at least a portion of the area of ​​the separately allocated display area itself.

[0018] However, the placement area can also be a non-touch-sensitive area. For example, in this context, the placement area could be an operating element receiving portion. Individual operating elements of the operating device can then be arranged on the placement area according to specifications. For example, such operating elements can be secured and held on the operating element receiving portion by magnetic retention force. In this context, the placement area could also be a specific mechanical receiving portion where the operating element is arranged.

[0019] The operating element can typically be constructed, for example, as a flat cylinder or a disk. The operating element may have a holding magnet that magnetically interacts with a countermagnet disposed in the operating element's receiving portion. Thus, the operating element can be magnetically held in the receiving portion. For example, the operating element can rotate about a rotation axis and / or can be tilted to initiate the setting of operating conditions for the assigned household appliance. These relative movements of the operating element relative to the placement area can be detected by a corresponding detection unit of the operating device, and the corresponding desired operating condition setting can be identified. It is also possible that simply placing the activating element, especially the operating element, onto the receiving portion does not automatically activate the corresponding display area. Instead, initial manipulation of the operating element is necessary in the placed state to trigger activation of the display area.

[0020] In one embodiment, activating the associated optical placement area includes magnifying the corresponding placement area. This means that the display area has a larger area on the display region compared to the inactive state of the display area. This process can also be performed automatically by placing the activating element on the placement area. This automatic magnification allows for the assignment of higher importance or weight to the subsequently activated display area, and then a more comprehensive and / or magnified representation of the corresponding information on the magnified display area. This also improves the observer's visual perception. In particular, it makes it intuitive and, if necessary, even simple to identify which display area is active from a greater distance. In particular, the observer can thus easily identify, based solely on this visual representation, which household appliance is being or should be set up using the operating device. In addition to or alternative to this, activating the display area may include changing the brightness of the display area. This also applies to states different from the active state of the display area. The aforementioned advantages can also be achieved through this increase in the brightness of the display area.

[0021] In one embodiment, activating one display area includes shrinking the other display area. Specifically, this shrinking can be performed in a minimum display mode. In this context, the area of ​​the display area can then be smaller than the area of ​​both display areas in their inactive states. This configuration ensures that the total area occupied by the two display areas in their respective common inactive states remains the same on the display area, and that the area as a whole remains the same due to the simultaneous scaling up of one display area and, in particular, the scaling down of the other display area. In minimum display mode, the other display area does not completely disappear but always remains represented on the display area at its corresponding minimum size.

[0022] In one embodiment, in addition to or alternative to this, activating a display area may include reducing the brightness of another display area. In particular, this may be reduced to a minimum brightness mode. However, this is not necessarily zero brightness. This may also occur automatically and simultaneously as the brightness of the selected display area increases.

[0023] In one embodiment, as stated above, at least one placement area is configured as a touch-sensitive area. Alternatively, as just stated above, at least one placement area may be an operating element receiving portion of the operating device for non-destructively placing and removable operating elements. This allows for a wide variety of variations of the operating device. In this context, it is possible that the electronic area may be configured as a display area using only the touch-sensitive area. In another embodiment, it is possible that none of the placement areas are configured as touch-sensitive areas, but rather as corresponding operating element receiving portions. In yet another embodiment, it is possible that one placement area is configured as a touch-sensitive area, and at least one other placement area is configured as an operating element receiving portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first placement area, configured as an operating element receiver for an operating element, is positioned adjacent to the side of the first display area facing away from the second display area. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the second placement area, configured as an operating element receiver for an operating element, may be positioned adjacent to the side of the second display area facing away from the first display area. This allows the two display areas to be advantageously arranged and represented directly adjacent to each other. Areas that would be disruptive to the display if necessary, located between them, can thus be avoided, as these areas cannot be used to display information. Furthermore, this positional arrangement enables a visually intuitive and easily understandable allocation between the placement area and its associated display area. In this context, this understandability is thus simpler than when, for example, only one placement area would be arranged or constructed between the two display areas.

[0025] In one embodiment, the placement area and the display area are arranged in a row. Specifically, in one embodiment, the placement area is constructed first in the row, followed immediately by the area or display area assigned to the placement area, then other display areas separate from it are arranged, and finally, the placement area follows the other display area in the row. This achieves a very compact and space-saving arrangement of these components. In particular, the aforementioned components are also directly adjacent to each other in this order. However, at least the display areas are always positioned without overlap in their different display modes, if necessary. Similarly, the placement area can be constructed directly adjacent to the display areas. The placement area can be arranged, in particular, without overlap or partially overlapping with these display areas.

[0026] In one embodiment, the display area is simultaneously displayed on the display area. Specifically, the display area is thus represented on the display area not only in the active state but also in, for example, the standby state. In particular, the display of these display areas on the display area is only set when the operating device is completely turned off, wherein the display areas cannot be recognized.

[0027] In one embodiment, the display area is displayed in a standby mode in a non-setting state where the operating conditions of the two household appliances are not set. Specifically, this non-setting state is a state where the display area is not activated and is therefore inactive. In this non-setting state, in one embodiment, the display areas are represented on the display area in terms of equal area. Specifically, the display areas are also displayed directly side-by-side and directly adjacent to each other on the display area. Specifically, the display areas are represented here in terms of basic size or base size and / or basic brightness or base brightness.

[0028] Household appliances can be those used for preparing food. In this context, for example, a household appliance can be a cooking appliance. A cooking appliance can be, for example, an oven, a microwave, or a steam cooker. It is also possible that a household appliance used for preparing food is, for example, a stove. However, a household appliance used for preparing food can also be, for example, a fully automatic coffee maker, a toaster, or an electric kettle. This particularly relates to small household appliances. Household appliances can also be constructed for storing and preserving food. In this context, for example, a household appliance can be a cooling device, a freezer, or a refrigeration-freezing combination unit. For example, a household appliance can also be constructed for cleaning dishes. In this context, the household appliance can be, for example, a dishwasher. Household appliances can also be constructed for caring for clothes. In this context, for example, the household appliance can be a dryer or a washing machine. A dryer can also be provided for this purpose. It is also possible, as stated above, that a household appliance is a small household appliance. A household appliance can also be a range hood.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a home appliance system, for which the home appliance system is constructed according to the above aspects or advantageous embodiments. The method comprises the following steps:

[0030] - Display the display area in stay mode on the display area;

[0031] - Select a home appliance by touching the placement area using the activation element to set its operating conditions;

[0032] - The size and / or brightness of at least the display area belonging to the selected home appliance is automatically changed by touching the placement area or by manipulating the activation element;

[0033] -Execute the operating condition settings for the selected home appliance and display information about it on the corresponding active display area.

[0034] The advantages of using this method for home appliance systems have been described. Thus, simple, location-based operation of multiple individual home appliances, along with the setting of operating conditions, can be achieved in a functionally safe and user-friendly manner.

[0035] It is also possible that the home appliance system has more than two individual home appliances, and thus the method can also be used to operate more than two individual home appliances using a single common central operating device.

[0036] In one embodiment of the method, when the display area belonging to the selected home appliance is automatically changed, the area size of the display area is enlarged and / or the brightness is increased. In another embodiment, when the display area belonging to the selected home appliance is automatically, particularly simultaneously with the change, the size of another display area is automatically reduced and / or the brightness of that other display area is automatically decreased.

[0037] Advantageous embodiments of a household appliance system can be considered advantageous embodiments of this method. In this context, components, particularly components of the operating device, are constructed individually or in combination with other components to perform the corresponding method steps. In particular, the position and positional arrangement of these components relative to each other are advantageous for performing the corresponding method steps, as necessary for this purpose.

[0038] Letters and / or symbols and / or numbers can be represented on the display area. For example, these letters and / or symbols and / or numbers can be symbols for the operating procedures of home appliances. They can also be parameter values ​​for the operating parameters of home appliances. Similarly, the operating parameters and / or operating parameter values ​​for the operating functions of home appliances can be displayed accordingly. It is also possible to display menus on the display area. In this context, if the display area is configured as a touch-sensitive area, the menu area can be easily selected, for example, by touch. The menu representation can also have sub-menus. These sub-menus are displayed if the parent menu position is activated or selected. This scenario of menu representation and selection is also possible by correspondingly manipulating the operating elements arranged on the placement area. These are examples of operating conditions that can be set.

[0039] For example, in this context, in the case of a household appliance used for food preparation, the menu may indicate different operating modes of the cooking appliance. In particular, this could include different operating modes of different heating elements of the cooking appliance. Operating parameters could then be, for example, temperature and / or humidity, especially within the cooking chamber of the appliance.

[0040] In one embodiment where display areas are arranged directly side-by-side on the display area, the enlargement of the display areas can be in the width direction of the operating device, i.e., the horizontal direction. Alternatively, enlargement in the height direction may also be provided. It is also possible to enlarge the display areas only in one of these two directions, for example, only in the width direction or only in the height direction. In one embodiment, the reduction of one display area can occur in the direction in which the other display area is enlarged. For example, this means that if one display area is enlarged only in the width direction, then the other display area is simultaneously reduced only in the width direction.

[0041] This is advantageous in terms of the ease of user perception. Instead of extensive and abrupt fade-in / fade-out in other areas when necessary, the size changes of two or more display areas are made very easily perceptible and understandable. However, in one embodiment, all display areas maintain the same common area on the display surface. Thus, dynamic changes to the display areas and the user-friendly perception of the desired information representation are possible in a very simple and understandable way.

[0042] The advantageous embodiments of the aspects mentioned above can be regarded as advantageous embodiments of other independent aspects.

[0043] The terms "above", "below", "in front", "behind", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth", "width", and "height" are used to indicate the position and orientation given when using and positioning the equipment according to regulations.

[0044] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and accompanying drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the specification, as well as those mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in combinations as described separately, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, embodiments of the invention not explicitly shown and illustrated in the drawings, but arising from and potentially resulting from separate combinations of features in the illustrated embodiments, can also be considered inclusive and disclosed. Thus, embodiments and combinations of features that do not possess all the features of the initially expressed independent claims can also be considered disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic front view showing one embodiment of a home appliance system;

[0047] Figure 2A simplified front view showing another embodiment of a home appliance system;

[0048] Figure 3 A simplified illustration showing the operation of one embodiment of a common central operating device for a home appliance system;

[0049] Figure 4 A simplified illustration of another embodiment showing a possible operating flow utilizing a common central operating device; and

[0050] Figure 5 A simplified illustration of another embodiment of a public central operating device showing one embodiment of the operating procedure is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0052] exist Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrates one embodiment of a household appliance system 1. A simplified front view of the household appliance system 1 is shown. Here, the household appliance system 1 has a first household appliance 2. Furthermore, the household appliance system has a second household appliance 3. The second household appliance 3 is an appliance separate from the first household appliance 2. This means that the first household appliance and the second household appliance are functionally and / or physically separate. For example, at least two household appliances 2 and 3 may have their own separate housing spaces 4 and 5. These housing spaces can be closed by their own separate doors.

[0053] Household appliances 2 and 3 generally, and especially in all embodiments, effectively each have their own separate external housings.

[0054] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic front view of the household appliance system 1. The separation of the two household appliances 2 and 3 also means that if, for example, one of the two household appliances 2 and 3 is active and running and its operating function is being performed, then the other household appliance 2 and 3 is independent of it. This means that the other household appliance 2 and 3 can, for example, also be in an active operating state, or can be deactivated or turned off.

[0055] Therefore, household appliances 2 and 3 also have their own separate functional units, which enable them to operate independently of the corresponding other household appliance 2 or 3, and in particular to perform the corresponding functions provided.

[0056] The home appliance system 1 also has a common central operating device 6. This means that only this single central operating device 6 is configured to operate the two home appliances 2 and 3 according to regulations. Therefore, the central operating device 6 is configured to set the operating conditions of the first home appliance 2 and the second home appliance 3 according to regulations. In this embodiment, the two home appliances 2 and 3, each with its respective separate housing, are arranged directly adjacent to or close to each other. Here, the home appliances are positioned side by side in the width direction. For this purpose, the home appliances are preferably arranged at the same height. It is understood only by way of example and not definitively that, when viewed from the front, the central operating device 6 is arranged not only at the first home appliance 2 but also at the second home appliance 3. In particular, here, the central operating device 6 is centrally located between the two home appliances 2 and 3 in the width direction. The central operating device 6 has an electronic display area 7. The display area 7 is a continuous single display area. The display area is specifically configured as a full-screen display. In the illustrated embodiment, the display area 7 has a first display area 8 and a second display area 9 separate from it. Here, the first display area 8 is assigned to the first household appliance 2. Here, the second display area 9 is assigned to the second household appliance 3. The two display areas 8 and 9 are respectively set up to display information about the respective assigned household appliances 2 and 3, according to regulations.

[0057] The central control unit 6 is fixedly installed at the first household appliance 2 and / or the second household appliance 3. The electronic display area 7 is a continuous and therefore uninterrupted area.

[0058] exist Figure 2 Another embodiment of the household appliance system 1 is illustrated schematically in the diagram. In this embodiment, at least two separate household appliances 2 and 3 are also provided. Here, the household appliances are not arranged side by side in the width direction, but rather side by side in the height direction. The common central operating device 6 is also exemplarily arranged between the household appliances 2 and 3, which also relates to the front view of the household appliance system 1.

[0059] In addition, Figure 2 Another embodiment regarding the arrangement and orientation of the operating device 6 is shown, as illustrated in the dashed diagram. This means that the operating device 6 is not horizontally oriented, but rather vertically oriented. In this context, the display areas 8 and 9 are not arranged side-by-side in the width direction, but rather side-by-side or overlapping in the height direction.

[0060] In this embodiment, the operating device 6 preferably also has a pre-defined placement area at a first position, where a separate activation element can be placed. In one embodiment, the first display area 8 can be activated by placing the activation element, which can be a finger or a separate operating element, on the first placement area. The activation state of the first display area 8 can therefore be automatically set by this placement. Alternatively, the operating device 6 may have a pre-defined placement area at a second position, where an activation element, such as a finger or a separate operating element, can be placed. In one embodiment, the second display area 9 can also be automatically activated by the activation element when placed on the second placement area.

[0061] In this context, the placement area can be, for example, a touch-sensitive area of ​​the operating device 6. This touch-sensitive area can be constructed within the electronic display area 7. The placement area can also be constructed adjacent to such display areas 8 or 9.

[0062] In another embodiment, the placement area may be a non-touch-sensitive area. In this context, the placement area may, for example, be the operating element receiving portion of the operating device 6. By design, a separate operating element of the operating device 6 may be placed on the operating element receiving portion. Specifically, operating condition setting can only be performed when the operating element is placed on the operating element receiving portion.

[0063] In this context, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an embodiment of the operating device 6 of a home appliance system 1. In particular, the following embodiment is shown where display areas 8 and 9 are initially displayed in a non-activated state. This means, for example, that two home appliances 2 and 3 are still inactive or in standby mode. In one embodiment, display areas 8 and 9 are in a dwell mode, which is not their active state. In this dwell mode, in one embodiment, the two display areas 8 and 9 are the same size. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the display areas are shown side-by-side and adjacent to each other in the width direction on the display area 7. Furthermore, a first placement area 10 is shown in this embodiment. Here, the first placement area is configured as an operating element receiving portion. Here, in the width direction, the first placement area is arranged next to the side 8a of the first display area 8 opposite to the second display area 9. It can be specified that the placement area 10 is arranged directly adjacent to the first display area 8. The first placement area 10 can also be arranged overlapping the first display area 8.

[0064] In addition, Figure 3A separate operating element 11 is shown. This can be a flat cylinder. The operating element 11 can be disc-shaped. The operating element can be removably and non-destructively placed in the operating element receiving portion. For example, the operating element can be held there by magnetic retention force. In this arrangement, the operating conditions of the household appliance 2 can be set by manipulating the operating element 11, for example by rotating it about a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and / or by tilting the operating element 11.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, based on the schematic diagram, the operating element 11 is first placed on the first placement area 10. Due to this placement, the electronic device of the operating device 6 identifies that the first household appliance 2 should be selected and operated. In one embodiment, this placement can then automatically switch the first display area 8 from a standby mode to an active state.

[0066] In another embodiment, it is also possible that the transition of the first display area 8 from the unset state to the activated state occurs only when the already positioned operating element 11 is manipulated, for example, rotated, as in this case... Figure 3 As shown in step S2 following step S1. In this embodiment, the manipulation of the operating element 11 preferably increases the brightness of the first display area 8 and / or changes, i.e., enlarges the area size of the first display area 8 according to step S3 shown. In this embodiment, the area size of the second display area 9 is simultaneously reduced for this purpose. However, the second display area 9 is also displayed, but in this minimum display mode. Information can still be displayed and perceived on the second display area 9. However, as can be seen in the embodiment shown here, the total area size of the two display areas 8 and 9 is not changed when such size changes occur in display areas 8 and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, where display areas 8 and 9 are arranged side by side in the width direction, during this size change, the first display area 8 is enlarged only in the width direction and the second display area 9 is reduced only in the width direction. In particular, for example, the display area 8 is enlarged by at least 30%, especially at least 40%, of the base size shown in step S1. In particular, in one embodiment, it can be specified that such area enlargement is performed by a maximum of 80%, especially a maximum of 90%, of the original base size or foundation size.

[0067] In step S3, in one embodiment, it may be specified that a pre-defined menu may be automatically displayed for selection, for example. This could be a running function. Similarly, in addition to or instead of this, selectable running parameters may be automatically displayed.

[0068] On the other hand, in one embodiment, only basic settings are displayed visually on the second display area 9.

[0069] By further manipulating the operating element 11, the corresponding operating conditions of the household appliance 2 can be set in step S3. For this purpose, the operating element 11 can be rotated and / or tilted. Additionally, if necessary, the corresponding settings can also be made by touch-sensitively selecting the displayed options on the display area 8.

[0070] exist Figure 3 The document also illustrates, by way of example, that if no setting is made within a predetermined time window after reaching the state in step S3, in one embodiment, the process automatically returns to step S1 or S2. This means that the enlarged first display area 8 is then automatically reduced in size again. Here, it can be specified that when this size is reduced to the basic size, the first display area 8 remains active or is reset to a non-setting state according to the indication in S1. For this purpose, as stated above, after the time window T has elapsed, this change is made according to step S4.

[0071] However, unrelated to this, as stated above, the operating conditions can also be set subsequently using step S3.

[0072] In addition, Figure 3 Another embodiment is shown. In this other embodiment, for example after step S3 or even after step S4, the individual operating element 11 of the operating device 6 can be removed from the first placement area 10 and placed on the preferably present second placement area 12. The second placement area 12 is assigned to the second display area 9. The second placement area is arranged adjacent, in particular, to the side 9a of the second display area 9 facing away from the first display area 8.

[0073] As in Figure 3 As shown, the second display area 9 can also be processed in the same order as the operations and manipulations described for steps S1 to S4. Therefore, the description of steps S1 to S4 in this embodiment also applies to steps S5, S6, S7 and S8 accordingly.

[0074] In principle, this representation of the process can be varied and changed in a variety of ways. Of course, in one embodiment, it may also additionally begin from steps S5 to S8. Thus, steps S1 to S4 may be performed subsequently as needed and as appropriate. Similarly, in the case of these embodiments, it is also possible, in various and variable ways, to perform only some of the described steps respectively. In particular, it is also done as follows: thus, for example, after performing steps S1 to S3, it has been changed to step S5. Similarly, after performing steps S1 to S3, other steps may be performed, for example.

[0075] As shown in this embodiment, in one embodiment, when the operating element 11 is removed from the placement area 10 or 12, the non-set state of the display areas 8 and 9 is preferably automatically indicated and set again, as described in steps S1 and S5.

[0076] Furthermore, it can be stipulated that, for example, after performing step S3 and further manipulating the operating element 11 and / or touching the first display area 8 in a tactile manner to set operating conditions, the household appliance 2 is started accordingly with these set operating conditions. It can then be stipulated that if no other valid settings are made within a duration T after the household appliance 2 has started operating, the display areas 8 and 9 are also automatically scaled back to the initial or basic size according to step S1.

[0077] In one embodiment, it can be specified that if a user activates one of the two household appliances, appliance 2, the corresponding operating screen is also displayed on the corresponding side associated with display area 8 or 9. This means that the corresponding information or selectable options are displayed or faded in a dynamically moving manner. For example, if appliance 2 is, for instance, an appliance used for food preparation, the current temperature value and remaining duration of the preparation process can be displayed. In particular, standard settings are then displayed and operable on another display area 8, 9.

[0078] In another embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, for Figure 3 The described operating device 6 can be equipped not only with a single operating element 11, but also, according to another embodiment, can be constructed using two separate operating elements 11 and 13. Thus, these operating elements can also be simultaneously placed on the placement areas 10 and 12. This is, for example, in... Figure 4 This is illustrated in step S1′. In one embodiment, if the operating element 11 on the left is then manipulated, then in steps S2′ and S3′, for example, the same scenario described for steps S2 and S3 is performed. This then also applies to the possible step S4′.

[0079] In one embodiment, the second operating element 13 can also be manipulated, as shown in step S5'. Starting from step S4', the second display area 9 is then switched to the active state. In particular, corresponding automatic magnification is also performed here in one example, as shown in step S6'. Additionally, the brightness of the display on display area 9 can also be increased. Thus, it is also possible here that if the time window T in which no operation has occurred has passed, the system automatically returns to the state according to S4' or S1' in step S7.

[0080] It can also be based on Figure 4 The flowchart in the diagram can be modified in various ways, such as this also for Figure 3 As already explained. For example, here the operating element 13 can be manipulated first, and therefore steps S5′ to S7′ can be performed first. Then steps S2′ to S3′, especially to S4′, can be performed afterwards if needed. This, of course, depends on which of the household appliances 2 and 3 should be operated or activated, when and how.

[0081] As stated above, depending on the type of household appliances 2 and 3 belonging to household appliance system 1, individual main functions can be represented and executed. Consequently, specific functional units of the respective household appliances 2 and 3 can be activated or set.

[0082] For example, in the case of cooking appliances, various operating functions and therefore preparation programs can be selected and set. This serves the specific settings of the heating element of a household appliance constructed as a cooking appliance or stove. In this context, various heating types, such as temperature and time settings, can be selected, or even "heating type +" can be changed.

[0083] In all embodiments already stated and still described below, the operating device 6 may additionally have an optical symbol. This optical symbol can also visually indicate which of the household appliances 2 or 3 is currently active, or in particular, set. For example, such an optical symbol could be a light-emitting line or dot on display area 7. When the corresponding household appliance 2 or 3 happens to be set, this optical symbol can be activated on display area 7 for each of the individual devices 2 or 3. The optical symbol can also be arranged in a positional manner next to display area 8 or display area 9. Therefore, the user can more clearly identify which of the household appliances 2 or 3 is currently set or correspondingly active. In particular, if display areas 8 or 9 are again in the mode according to S1, S1', S1'' after being set, the symbol can also actively emit light.

[0084] For example, the lines associated with this can extend over the entire width of the allocated display areas 8 and 9.

[0085] exist Figure 5 Another embodiment of the operating device 6 is shown. In this embodiment, the operating device 6 does not have placement areas 10 and / or 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the activation element is not the operating elements 11, 13. For this purpose, such an activation element could be, for example, a finger that can press onto display areas 8 and 9, which are specifically constructed as touch-sensitive areas. Thus, this means that household appliances 2 and 3 are activated and / or selected by touching the respective assigned positions on display areas 8 and 9. For example, in... Figure 5In step S1″, the operating device 6 is shown in a non-setting state. If, for example, a finger is then pressed on the display area 8, it is activated accordingly and the home appliance 2 is selected. Here, the first display area 8 is then activated according to step S2″ and changes from a non-setting state to an activated state. According to step S3″, the display area 8 is then, by way of example, enlarged. Additionally, the brightness of the display area 8 can also be increased.

[0086] As in Figure 5 As shown in another embodiment, starting from step S3″, where the operating conditions for, for example, the first household appliance 2 have been set, the same settings can then be applied to the second household appliance 3. Here, the second display area 9 can be selected by touching the reduced second display area 9. Then, according to step S4″, the area of ​​the second display area 9 is automatically enlarged to a size larger than the basic size in step S1″. At the same time, the area of ​​the first display area 8 is automatically reduced, as also shown in step S4″. In particular, the reduction is set here so that the area of ​​the display area 8 is smaller than the basic size according to step S1″.

[0087] As in Figure 5 It is also shown that if no further operation is performed within time T after setting the second household appliance 3, the representation of display areas 8 and 9 according to step S4″ can be automatically changed to step S5″. The corresponding size and state of display areas 8 and 9 then correspond again to the corresponding size and state in step S1″.

[0088] Therefore, especially in all embodiments, it is also possible that if display areas 8 and 9 have been selected, and thus the corresponding household appliances 2 and 3 have also been selected for activation and setting operating conditions, the selection menu is optically represented and displayed on the corresponding display areas 8 and 9. Sub-menus can then be accessed. In the case of such sub-menus, the user can then make selections. In this context, for example in the case of cooking appliances, selections can be made between heating type, desired operating function preferences, cleaning programs, etc.

[0089] Then the other display areas 8 and 9 can be scaled down or expanded together into a fan shape. This is also a minimal representation. In particular, in this scaled-down view, only important information is represented optically.

[0090] If, for example, a user selects a submenu point related to the possible heating type of a cooking appliance or stove from the open submenu on display areas 8 and 9, the user can then choose between different heating types. If one is selected, parameters such as temperature and duration can then be set in another submenu.

[0091] If another display area 8, 9 is selected, the same content can be performed subsequently, previously, or only for at least one other household appliance. As illustrated by the embodiments and variations shown above, this can be done by operating elements 11, 13 or by touching the touch-sensitive areas, particularly display areas 8, 9.

[0092] In this embodiment, the selected or set operating state or operating conditions of the household appliances 2 and 3 can be activated by additionally manipulating the start signal. This can be done, for example, by correspondingly manipulating an operating element and / or by manipulating an additional operating element of the operating device 6. For example, this could also be a touch-sensitive operating element of the operating device 6.

[0093] In another embodiment, it may be specified that, based on Figure 3 In the example, the operating device 6 has at least two display areas 8 and 9 for at least two household appliances 2 and 3, but only a single placement area, such as placement area 10 or 12, and only a single operating element 11 or 13. In this embodiment, the operating element is placed on the single placement area using a single operating element and a single placement area, and then both display areas 8 or 9 can be selected optionally, but not simultaneously. Selection can then be made, for example, by tapping the corresponding display area 8, 9, and thus touch-sensitive activation is possible. It is also possible that selection of the first display area 8 occurs through a specific operation of the operating element, and activation of the other display area 9 occurs with a specific other operation of the operating element.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, if different household appliances need to be selected and set, it is not necessary to move the individual operating element to different placement areas. Instead, the operating conditions of different household appliances in the household appliance system 1 can be set accordingly using the individual operating element and the individual placement element.

[0095] Generally, this makes it possible to operate and set multiple individual home appliances 2 and 3 using a single operating device 6 and therefore a single electronic display area 7, and to do so, to jointly display corresponding information about these settings of home appliances 2 and 3 on the single electronic display area 7. Therefore, in this context, it is also generally possible to achieve a corresponding "split-screen" representation of display areas 8 and 9.

[0096] List of reference numerals

[0097] 1. Home appliance system

[0098] 2. The first household appliance

[0099] 3 Second household appliance

[0100] 4. Capacity

[0101] 5. Capacity

[0102] 6. Operating device

[0103] 7 Display Area

[0104] 8 First display area

[0105] 8a side

[0106] 9 Second display area

[0107] 9a side

[0108] 10 First Placement Area

[0109] 11 Operating elements

[0110] 12 Second Placement Area

[0111] 13 Operating elements

[0112] S1 First Step

[0113] S1′ Step

[0114] S1″ Step

[0115] S2 Second Step

[0116] S2′ Step

[0117] S3 Third Step

[0118] S3′ Step

[0119] S3″ Step

[0120] S4 Fourth Step

[0121] S4' Step

[0122] S4″ Step

[0123] S5 Fifth Step

[0124] S5' Step

[0125] S5″ Step

[0126] S6 Sixth Step

[0127] S6′ Step

[0128] S7 Step Seven

[0129] S7′ Step

[0130] S8 Eighth Step

[0131] T time window.

Claims

1. A home appliance system (1), the home appliance system having a first home appliance (2), at least one second home appliance (3) separate from the first home appliance, and a common central operating device, the common central operating device being constructed and configured according to regulations for setting the operating conditions of the first home appliance (2) and the second home appliance (3), wherein the operating device (6) has an electronic display area (7), the electronic display area (7) having a first display area (8) thereon capable of displaying information about the first home appliance (2) and a second display area (9) thereon different from the first display area capable of displaying information about the second home appliance (3), characterized in that, The operating device (6) has a pre-defined placement area at a first position, on which an activation element can be placed, and the first display area (8) can be activated by the activation element. And / or the operating device (6) has a pre-defined placement area at a second position, on which an activation element can be placed, and the second display area (9) can be automatically activated by the activation element. At least one placement area (10, 12) is an operating element receiving portion for at least one operating element (11, 13) of the operating device (6) that can be placed in a non-destructive manner and can be removed again. The first placement area (10) for the operating element (11) is adjacent to the side (8a) of the first display area (8) away from the second display area (9). And / or the second placement area (12) for the operating element (13) is adjacent to the side (9a) of the second display area (9) away from the first display area (8).

2. The home appliance system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the common central operating device is installed in a fixed position at the first home appliance (2) and / or the second home appliance (3).

3. The household appliance system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic display area (7) is a region that is continuous in area.

4. The home appliance system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the electronic display area (7) is a full-screen display.

5. The household appliance system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein activation of the display area (8, 9) includes magnification of the corresponding display area (8, 9) and / or change of brightness of the display area (8, 9).

6. The home appliance system (1) according to claim 5, wherein activation of the display area (8, 9) includes shrinking the other display area (8, 9), and / or activation of the display area (8, 9) includes reducing the brightness of the other display area (8, 9).

7. The home appliance system (1) according to claim 6, wherein activation of the display area (8, 9) includes shrinking another display area (8, 9) in the minimum display mode.

8. The home appliance system (1) according to claim 6, wherein activation of the display area (8, 9) includes reducing the brightness of another display area (8, 9) in the minimum brightness mode of the display.

9. The household appliance system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one placement area is a touch-sensitive area.

10. The household appliance system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the placement area (10, 12) and the display area (8, 9) are arranged in a row with each other.

11. The household appliance system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the display areas (8, 9) are directly adjacent to each other and the electronic display area (7).

12. The home appliance system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the display area (8, 9) and the electronic display area (7) are displayed simultaneously.

13. The household appliance system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the display areas (8, 9) are in a non-setting state, wherein the operating conditions of the two household appliances (2, 3) are not set; in a stay mode, wherein the display areas (8, 9) are of the same size and are displayed directly side by side on the display areas (8, 9).

14. The household appliance system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the operating device (6) has at least one disc-shaped operating element.

15. The household appliance system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for preparing food and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for storing and preserving food and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for cleaning tableware and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for caring for clothing and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a small device and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a range hood.

16. A method for operating a household appliance system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - Display the display area (8, 9) in the dwell mode on the electronic display area (7); - Select the home appliance (2, 3) by touching the placement area (10, 12) using the activation element to set its operating conditions; - The size and / or brightness of the display area (8, 9) belonging to at least the selected household appliance (2, 3) is automatically changed by touching the placement area (10, 12) or by manipulating the activation element; -Execute the operating condition settings for the selected home appliances (2, 3) and display information about them on the corresponding active display area (8, 9).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein when the display area (8, 9) belonging to the selected household appliance (2, 3) is automatically changed, the size is enlarged and / or the brightness is increased, and when the display area (8, 9) belonging to the selected household appliance (2, 3) is automatically changed, the size of another display area (8, 9) is automatically reduced and / or the brightness is decreased.

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