Laundry treating apparatus with operation panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry care device with an operating panel, wherein the operating panel comprises: at least one touch-sensitive operating element for selecting an operating program of the laundry care device; at least one display unit for displaying information; at least one further operating element designed as a key element for selecting operating parameters, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit are arranged adjacent to one another; and a control unit for controlling the laundry care apparatus. The at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit are visually connected by means of at least one linear light-emitting device, and the at least one linear light-emitting device is activated in an operational ready state of the laundry care apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment care device with an operation panel. Background Art

[0002] In a garment treatment device, it is operated by traditional program selection. The traditional program selection is carried out in a ready garment treatment device, where a rotary selector is usually provided to select a program or to select a running program. The rotary selector is arranged on the operation panel. Around the rotary selector on the operation panel of the traditional garment care device, there are visible identifiers for running programs, and an LED is configured for each identifier. Each identifier and / or LED is configured with a running program, or the running programs are stored in the garment care device. If the LED is lit, it means that the currently selected running program is this one. When the garment care device is turned on, by default, the same running program, such as the "standard" running program, is always selected or stored. This means that the LED configured for the "standard" running program is lit. The LEDs configured for other running programs remain unlit. By the movement of the rotary selector, especially rotation, other running programs can be selected. Here, the LED configured for the corresponding running program is lit. In order to select the desired running program, the rotary selector must be rotated for such a long time until the LED of the desired running program is lit.

[0003] The rotary selector is mounted on the operation panel and is operatively connected to a mechanism arranged behind the operation panel. At least one display screen is arranged beside the rotary selector. The display screen can support the user to select a program. Among other things, the display screen can also display the currently selected program and the program parameters on which the selected program is based. Here, the program parameters are the specific data of the program, such as duration, degree, number of revolutions during dehydration, dryness, and so on. In addition, the display screen can also display the current process or status of the garment care device, such as loading the garment care device, dehydration, "how much time is left to complete" or "completed", and so on. There are also more buttons and / or knobs in the area of the display screen, by using which, for example, the program parameters can be changed or the time to start the garment care device can be set.

[0004] Generally, a large number of running program names are arranged around the rotary selector to provide the user with a wide range of selection possibilities. Usually, there are at least 10 visible running program names on the operation panel. The names of the running programs can be printed on the operation panel, or can be glued or arranged on the operation panel by laser technology. However, users are often overwhelmed by the large number of "visible running programs" and feel at a loss about the number of running programs.

[0005] A laundry care device with an operating panel is disclosed in DE102019200708A1, in which a switching element is arranged on the operating panel. The switching element is designed as a rotary selector switch, and the switching area of the switching element is designed as a switching area that can rotate around the rotation axis of the rotary selector switch. For example, by rotating the switching area around the rotation axis, the user can select the operating program of the laundry care device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a laundry care device with a clear operating panel, so that the user can operate the laundry care device quickly and simply.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by a laundry care device according to a preferred technical solution. More advantageous designs of the present invention are given in the alternative technical solutions as well as in the description and the drawings.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the object is solved by a laundry care device with an operating panel, the operating panel comprising: at least one touch-sensitive operating element for selecting the operating program of the laundry care device; at least one display unit for displaying information; at least one further operating element designed as a key element for selecting operating parameters, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit are arranged adjacent to each other; and a control unit for controlling the laundry care device. The at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit are visually connected by at least one linear lighting device, and the at least one linear lighting device is activated in the ready-to-operate state of the laundry care device.

[0009] The at least one linear lighting device provides the user with a visual illustration of the program selection, enabling the user to firmly remember and trigger a memory effect, thus making the operation of the laundry care device simple, fast, intuitive and memorable.

[0010] The laundry care device can be a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a clothes dryer. The laundry care device can care for articles, utensils and / or clothes. These can be clothes, towels and / or other hygiene articles, such as flannel and cleaning cloths, underwear, scarves, fabrics, gloves, shoes and / or headgear.

[0011] The at least one touch-sensitive operating element is preferably designed as a touch-sensitive operating element and has at least one display surface for displaying information to the user. In addition, the laundry care device can be controlled by touching the touch-sensitive operating element or the touch-sensitive operating elements, in particular program selection or program execution can be carried out. The touch-sensitive operating element can include a capacitive proximity switch and / or a touch switch, which can recognize the touch of the board surface related to the capacitive proximity switch and / or the touch switch. The capacitive touch screen and / or proximity and / or touch switch determines the position of the touch by changing the electric field. In this way, the position of the touch can be accurately determined. The capacitive sensor is a sensor that works based on the capacitance change of a single capacitive capacitor or a capacitive capacitor system.

[0012] The at least one light-emitting device is formed in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and / or adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit. For example, the at least one light-emitting device can be arranged in a groove of the operation panel, where the groove is formed in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and / or adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit. The phrase "in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element" should be understood to mean that the at least one light-emitting device or the groove is constructed near the at least one touch-sensitive operating element.

[0013] The term "in the ready-to-run state of the laundry care device" is used herein to describe such a state of the laundry care device in which the laundry care device is switched on or awakened from an inactive state (such as standby mode), so that it represents a ready-to-run laundry care device for the user. In the ready-to-run state of the laundry care device, the at least one linear light-emitting device forms a visual connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit, which means that the running program is visually coupled to the at least one display unit for the user through the at least one light-emitting device.

[0014] The at least one light-emitting device is preferably an active light source or a passive light source, wherein the at least one light-emitting device is constructed to be able to present different colors. Both active and passive light-emitting devices are very suitable for providing visual indication and / or visible display for the user on the laundry care device. An active light-emitting device is a light-emitting device that can emit light actively by itself, such as a lamp, a spotlight or a light-emitting diode. In other words, the active light-emitting device or in other words the active light source belongs to the first-order light source. A passive light-emitting device, also called passive lighting, is a light-emitting device or light-emitting component that reflects light by being irradiated by an external light source. For example, the passive light-emitting device can be a light guide plate or a reflector. The passive light-emitting device or in other words the passive light source belongs to the second-order light source.

[0015] Advantageously, the at least one touch-sensitive operating element is substantially circular, and the at least one linear light-emitting device is arranged in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element. This provides the user with a familiar operating panel layout that the user can operate intuitively, and the operating panel is modeled on the above-mentioned classic laundry care device.

[0016] At least one substantially annular light-emitting ring is preferably formed at least in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element, and the at least one linear light-emitting device is formed adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and / or the at least one display unit so as to form a spatially light-emitting connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit. The light-emitting connection between the at least one annular light-emitting ring and the at least one linear light-emitting device establishes a visual connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit.

[0017] The at least one linear light-emitting device is visually connected to at least one substantially annular light-emitting ring and / or at least one display unit, so that a visual connection is formed between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit. In this way, a clearer visual connection is formed between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit.

[0018] Advantageously, the at least one substantially annular light-emitting ring is formed in at least one touch-sensitive operating element, and at least one annular light-emitting ring of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element is designed to be able to present different colors. In this way, the at least one touch-sensitive operating element can be used both as an operating element itself and as a display device, thus saving the cost of other display media. In addition, the display mode of the at least one light-emitting ring is also particularly advantageous. By using different colors, at least one annular light-emitting ring of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element can visually display or highlight various information and states of the laundry care device to the user. In addition, the costs of various operating programs and imprints and stickers of various languages of the operating programs on the operating panel can also be saved. This in turn means a reduction in the types of laundry care devices provided for one country and different countries, thereby reducing the production cost.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one linear light-emitting device is designed as a strip-shaped light-emitting element and is arranged adjacent to at least one touch-sensitive operating element and / or at least one display unit on the operating panel, wherein the strip-shaped light-emitting element forms a graphic connection or a color connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element and the at least one display unit, and wherein the at least one linear light-emitting device is designed to be able to have different colors or to exhibit different colors. In this way, different aspects, such as information or status, can be conveyed to the user in color. Aspects with a colored background are easier to remember, or easier to perceive, or easier to be perceived by the human brain and are processed faster.

[0020] Each operating program of the laundry care device is assigned a specific color, and the control unit is configured to control at least one linear light-emitting device during the selection of the operating program so that the at least one linear light-emitting device exhibits the specific color according to the operating program. In other words, the at least one linear light-emitting device adopts the color specified by the selected operating program. In this way, the laundry care device can be controlled particularly quickly and intuitively.

[0021] The control device is preferably configured to be able to control at least one annular light-emitting ring of at least one touch-sensitive operating element so that the at least one annular light-emitting ring exhibits a specific color according to the selected operating program, so that at least one linear light-emitting device and / or at least one annular light-emitting ring emits light in the color specified by the selected operating program. This can provide a particularly effective visual connection between the operating program and at least one touch-sensitive operating element and at least one linear light-emitting device.

[0022] Advantageously, the at least one linear light source is adjacent to at least one touch-sensitive operating element, and the control unit is configured to display the at least one linear light source in a predetermined display area according to the operating program selection, and the at least one linear light source has the specific color of the selected operating program. Each operating program has a specific color. In order to enhance the memory effect of the user, it is particularly advantageous to provide a specific display area in which the linear light-emitting device emits light in a specific color. The display areas configured for different operating programs remain closed or deactivated and thus do not light up. The display areas are arranged in the area of at least one touch-sensitive operating element and are arranged around at least one touch-sensitive operating element.

[0023] Preferably, when the laundry care device is activated, a predetermined number of operating programs are stored in the first level, where one operating program can be selected from the predetermined number of operating programs by means of at least one touch-sensitive operating element, and where the first level includes seven or fewer operating programs, preferably five or fewer operating programs, and particularly preferably four or fewer operating programs. Due to the limited selection range of the operating programs, the design of the user interface is particularly clear. In addition, it is well known that users often select several operating programs and rarely or never select other operating programs. Therefore, a limited number of operating programs are stored in the first level, that is, the level that is first displayed to the user, so that the structure of the operating program overview is clear. In addition, the user can quickly select these operating programs because, like current laundry care devices, there are fewer operating programs to run.

[0024] The predetermined number of programs or operating programs preferably includes standard programs and personalized programs or operating programs, where the personalized programs are operating programs defined or already defined and stored in the laundry care device or in the cloud. In addition, it is well known that users often select some standard programs and rarely or never select other standard programs. Standard programs or standard operating programs are programs defined by the manufacturer of the laundry care device and can perform particularly beneficial processing on the items to be cared for.

[0025] A large number of operating programs can be stored in the second level, and these operating programs can be selected by means of at least one touch-sensitive operating element and / or at least one display unit and / or at least one other operating element designed as a button element. Therefore, the user can also access and display all currently available operating programs and select other or more specific programs or operating programs. This means that the user is not limited by the number of operating programs on the current market. Due to the division into a first level and a second level, the user can select a limited number of laundry programs, but due to the division into two different levels, the user can clearly see a large number of programs on the laundry treatment device, especially on the operation panel or at least one touch-sensitive operating element and at least one display unit. However, more levels can also be set up, determined or stored by the user himself / herself in advance and / or more operating programs can be grouped, that is, specific operating programs are stored in each level.

[0026] Preferably, at least one further operating element configured as a button element is used to select and set operating parameters and is configured as a button and / or a key and / or a knob and / or a switch and / or a sensor. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention result from the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1Schematically shows a laundry care device having at least one operation panel;

[0029] Figure 2 An enlarged partial view showing an embodiment of the operation panel of the laundry treatment device;

[0030] Figure 3a Shows another embodiment of the operation panel of the laundry care device;

[0031] Figure 3b Shows Figure 3a Another embodiment of the shown operation panel;

[0032] Figure 4 Shows another embodiment of the operation panel of the laundry care device;

[0033] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the operation panel of the laundry care device;

[0034] Figure 6a Shows another embodiment of the operation panel of the laundry care device;

[0035] Figure 6b Shows Figure 6a Another embodiment of the shown operation panel;

[0036] Figure 6c Shows Figure 6a Or Figure 6b Another embodiment of the shown operation panel. Detailed implementation

[0037] In Figure 1 Schematically shows a laundry care device 1 with an operation panel 3. The laundry care device 1 has a housing 5. In the housing 5, a receiving container 6 is arranged. In this embodiment, the receiving container 6 substantially houses utensils to be washed and / or dried, such as clothes. The housing 5 has a front wall 7 and side walls 9. In this embodiment, the loading side 11 corresponds to the front wall 7 of the laundry care device 3. An opening 13 is formed in the front wall 7 or the loading side 11 of the housing 5. Utensils to be washed and / or dried can be put into the receiving container 6 through the opening 13. A door unit 15 is arranged on the housing 5, and the door unit can close the opening 13 and the receiving container 6.

[0038] It is also conceivable that the loading side 11 and the opening 13 of the laundry care device 1 are formed on the upper side 17 of the housing 5 of the laundry care device 1. The opening 13 can be closed by a door unit 15. For example, the door unit 15 is pivotably or rotatably or tiltably fixed to the housing 5 of the laundry care device 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, a flushing-in housing device 19 is also shown in the area of the operation panel 3. In addition, the laundry care device 1 further includes a control unit 20: The control unit 20 is basically used to control the laundry care device 1.

[0039] Figure 2 An enlarged partial top view showing an embodiment of the operation panel 3 of the laundry care device 1. The operation panel 3 is shown in the shutdown state of the laundry care device 1. Figure 2 The structure of the shown operation panel 3 is the same as Figures 3a to 6c the shown operation panels 3, 303, 403, 503 and 603. In the installed state, the operation panels 3, 303, 403, 503, 603 are respectively at least connected to the control unit 20 of the laundry care device 1, so that the control unit 20 can send and receive signals to and from the components of the operation panels 3, 303, 403, 503, 603, and / or control the operation panels 3, 303, 403, 503, 603. Here, the installed state refers to the state where the operation panels 3, 303, 403, 503, 603 are installed on the laundry care device 1.

[0040] In Figure 2 the embodiment of Figure 1 as shown, the operation panel 3 is arranged on the front wall 7 of the laundry care device 1. The operation panel 3 includes at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21 for selecting the operating program of the laundry care device 1. The at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21 is preferably configured as a touch-sensitive operation element and has at least one display surface 22. The at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21 is substantially circular, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21 is preferably designed after a classic rotary selector, and the classic rotary selector is designed as a knob. On the at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21, the operating program can be selected by at least one indicated rotational movement, or the operating program can also be selected by at least one indicated pressing movement.

[0041] In addition, the operation panel 3 further includes at least one display unit 23 for displaying information. The at least one display unit 23 has a first display area 25a and a second display area 25b. In the present embodiment, the at least one display unit 23 includes two display areas 25, but it is also conceivable that the at least one display unit 23 includes more than two display areas 25, 25b. The at least one display unit 23 is adjacent to at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21 on the operation panel 3.

[0042] In the area of the at least one display unit 23, at least one additional operating element designed as a key element 27 is constructed on the operation panel 3 for selecting operating parameters of the running program. In the present embodiment, there are three key elements 27 for selecting operating parameters beside the at least one display unit 23 on the operation panel 3, and the words "Options" are marked on the key elements 27. In addition, an additional key element 29 is arranged on the operation panel 3, which is designed as an operating element and is adjacent to the at least one display unit 23 on the operation panel 3. For example, the words "More" are on the additional key element 29. Additional settings can be made by using the additional key element 29. The at least one additional key element 27 and the additional key element 29 can be designed as buttons and / or keys and / or knobs and / or switches and / or sensors. Key elements 27 and 29 with different designs can also be combined together.

[0043] In addition, Figure 2 In the embodiment of, an "ON" key 31 and a "START" key 33 are shown, where the laundry care device 1 can be turned on or transferred from an inactive state to an active or ready state by the "ON" key 31 and started by the "START" key 33. However, it can also be imagined that, as shown in the following Figure 3a , neither the "ON" key 31 nor the "START" key 33 is provided on the operation panel 3, and the laundry care device 1 is only controlled by the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 21.

[0044] Figure 3a and Figure 3b show another embodiment of the operation panel 303 of the laundry care device 1. The design of the operation panel 303 is basically the same as that of the operation panel 3 shown in Figure 2 .

[0045] Figure 3a and 3bAt least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 shown in [description] has at least one light-emitting ring 335. For example, the at least one light-emitting ring 335 is shown, for example, in the edge region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321. In addition, at least one linear light-emitting device 337 is arranged in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321. Preferably, the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 is arranged on the operating panel 303 between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 and the at least one display unit 323, thereby forming a light-emitting connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 and the at least one display unit 323. Advantageously, the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 is constructed on the operating panel 303 such that it at least visually connects the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 and the at least one display unit 323 to each other. The at least one linear light-emitting device 337 can also be directly connected to the at least one display unit 323, which means that it gives the user at least the visual impression that the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 is connected to the at least one display unit 323.

[0046] The at least one linear light-emitting device 337 is preferably designed as an active or passive light source. The at least one light-emitting ring 335 is also designed as an active or passive light source. In the installed state of the operating panel, the at least one light-emitting ring 335 and the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0047] The at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 can be designed to display different colors by the at least one light-emitting ring 335. In other words, the at least one light-emitting ring 335 can display different colors. The colors that can be displayed include all additive and subtractive primary colors as well as mixed colors. The at least one linear light-emitting device 337 is designed such that different colors can be displayed by the at least one linear light-emitting device 337. In other words, the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 can display different colors. The at least one linear light-emitting device 337 can display all additive and subtractive primary colors as well as mixed colors.

[0048] In addition, a section is at least partially displayed in color on the at least one display unit 323, or at least one partial region of at least one display area 325a, 325b is displayed in color. For example, in [description], for example, the word "automatic" (here referring to automatic or motorized) is displayed in color in the second partial region 325b. Figure 3a In [description], for example, the word "automatic" (here referring to automatic or motorized) is displayed in color in the second partial region 325b.

[0049] Each operating program of the laundry care device 1 is assigned a specific color. The control unit 20 is configured to control the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 when a program is selected such that the at least one linear light-emitting device 337 assumes a specific color according to the operating program. In addition, the control unit 20 is configured to control at least one annular light-emitting ring 335 of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 such that the at least one annular light-emitting ring 335 assumes a specific color according to the selected operating program. In addition, the control unit 20 is configured such that at least one section of at least one display area 325a, 325b of the at least one display unit 323 assumes a specific color according to the selected operating program. In Figure 3a the embodiment, the at least one linear light-emitting device 337, the at least one annular light-emitting ring 335 and the at least one "Automatic" text in the second display area 325b of the display unit 323 emit light in the color assigned to the selected operating program. As described above, the at least one linear light-emitting device 337, the at least one annular light-emitting ring 335 and the at least one "Automatic" text in the second display area 325b are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0050] For example, in Figure 3a the embodiment, the operating program "Cotton" is selected, which is displayed in the first display area 325a. In addition, a temperature value (here 40 °C) and a remaining operating time (here 1:23 h) are assigned to the cotton operating program, which are also displayed in the first display area 325a. "Automatic" and "Personalized" are displayed in the second display area 325b. A specific color is assigned to the cotton program, which is output by the control unit 20 to the at least one linear light-emitting device 337, at least one annular light-emitting ring 335 in the second display area 325b of the display unit 323 and at least output to the "Automatic" text.

[0051] If a change is made via the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321, for example a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, another operating program appears. For example, in Figure 3b the other operating program is the "Easy Care" operating program. The color assigned to this operating program is different from that of the "Cotton" program. For example, the cotton program can be stored in the system or in the laundry care device 1 in blue, while the easy care program is stored in yellow. In the second display area 325b of the display unit 323, the at least one linear light-emitting device 337, the at least one annular light-emitting ring 335 and at least the "Automatic" text assume the corresponding color, Figure 3a blue in Figure 3b yellow in

[0052] InFigure 3b In this case, the currently selected running program and its parameters are displayed on at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321 beside a light-emitting ring 335. For this purpose, on at least one display unit 323 of the first display area 325a or on this at least one display unit, the selected running program is also displayed.

[0053] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the operating panel 403 of the laundry care device 1 is shown. The structure of the operating panel 403 is substantially the same as Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figure 3b the structures of the operating panels 3, 303 shown.

[0054] Figure 4 The operating panel 403 in [reference] includes at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421. The at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 has at least one light-emitting ring 435. In this embodiment, the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 has two light-emitting rings 435, namely a first light-emitting ring 435.1 and a second light-emitting ring 435.2. The first and second light-emitting rings 435.1, 435.2 are, for example, displayed in the edge region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421. In this embodiment, the second light-emitting ring 435.2 is formed more outwardly on the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 than the first light-emitting ring 435.1, or the second light-emitting ring 435.2 is displayed more outwardly on the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 than the first light-emitting ring 435.1.

[0055] Preferably, the at least one linear light-emitting device 437 is arranged on the operating panel 403 between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 and the at least one display unit 423, so as to form a light-emitting connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 and the at least one display unit 423. Advantageously, the at least one linear light-emitting device 437 is formed on the operating panel 403 such that it visually connects at least the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 and the at least one display unit 423. The at least one linear light-emitting device 437 can also be directly connected to the at least one display unit 423, which means that at least visually gives the user an impression that the at least one linear light-emitting device 437 is connected to the at least one display unit 423, thereby displaying a specific program to the user in color.

[0056] In Figure 4 the embodiment, the at least one linear light-emitting device 437 is connected to the first and second light-emitting rings 435.1, 435.2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the at least one linear light-emitting device 437, the first and second light-emitting rings 435.1, 435.2, and at least the word "Automatic" have a specific color in the second display area 425b of the display unit 423 according to the running program, or display a specific color according to the running program. In this embodiment, the selected running program "Mix" and the related running program parameters are displayed in the first display area 425a of the at least one display unit 423. In the installed state of the operation panel 403, the at least one linear light-emitting device 437, the first and second light-emitting rings 435.1, 435.2, and at least the at least one display unit 423 are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0058] Furthermore, it is conceivable that Figure 4 at least one of the touch-sensitive operating elements 421 in has a display surface 422 and displays information such as the status of the laundry care device 1 or the currently selected running program on the display surface 422, as Figure 3b exemplarily shown in.

[0059] Figure 5a and Figure 5b show another embodiment of the operation panel 503 respectively. The design of the operation panel 503 is basically the same as that of the operation panels 3, 303, 403 shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figure 3b and the operation panel 3, 303, 403 shown in Figure 4 .

[0060] Figure 5a The operation panel 503 in includes at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521. The at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521 has at least one light-emitting ring 535. The at least one light-emitting ring 535 is displayed in the edge region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521.

[0061] Furthermore, the operation panel 521 has at least one linear light-emitting device 537 in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521. In the embodiments of Figure 5a and 5b , preferably, four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d are arranged on the operation panel 503 around the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521. The four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d are evenly arranged around the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521.

[0062] In particular, the four linear light-emitting devices 537 can be mirrored on the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H where the vertical axis MV and the horizontal axis M H are perpendicular to each other and extend through the center of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521. Compared with a clock, the first linear light-emitting device 537a is arranged in the area between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock, the second linear light-emitting device 537b is arranged in the area between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock, the third linear light-emitting device 537c is arranged in the area between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and the fourth linear light-emitting device 537d is arranged in the area between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. Other arrangement schemes can also be considered.

[0063] In this embodiment, the four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, at least one light-emitting ring 535 and at least the word "automatic" have specific colors according to the running program in the second display area 525b of the display unit 523, or display specific colors according to the running program. In this embodiment, the selected "easy care" running program and related running program parameters are displayed in the first display area 525a of at least one display unit 523. In the installation of the operation panel 503, the four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, at least one light-emitting ring 535 and at least the word "automatic" in the second display area 525b of the display unit 523 are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0064] By the four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, at least one light-emitting ring 535 and at least the word "automatic" in the second display area 525b of the display unit 523 emitting light according to the running program, a light-emitting connection is created for the user between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521 and the at least one display unit 523. This means that at least visually, it gives the user the impression that the four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d and at least one light-emitting ring 535 are connected to at least one display unit 523 and intuitively indicate a specific running program to the user in color. Therefore, the user can quickly select the running program without having to read too much content or confirm, because the user only needs to select the required color configured for the running program and then can start the laundry care device 1.

[0065] In Figure 5b the embodiment of, the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 521 is not designed with a light-emitting ring 535. Compared with Figure 5a ... Figure 5bAt least one touch-sensitive operating element 421 among them has a display surface 522. For example, information such as the status of the laundry care device 1 or the currently selected operating program can be displayed on the display surface 522. In the present embodiment, the selected operating program "easy care" and related operating program parameters are shown on the display screen 522. However, it is also conceivable that only at least part of the four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d and at least one display unit 523 has a specific color according to the selected operating program, or presents or displays a specific color according to the selected operating program.

[0066] Figures 6a to 6b Another embodiment of the operation panel 603 is respectively shown. The design of the operation panel 603 is Figure 2 and Figure 3a and 3b 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5a and 5b basically the same as the designs of the operation panels 3, 303, 403 and 503 shown.

[0067] Figures 6a to 6c The operation panel 603 in includes at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621. At least one linear light-emitting device 637 is formed in the area of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621.

[0068] In Figure 6a the embodiment of, the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 does not have a light-emitting ring 635. Four linear light-emitting devices 637, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d are preferably formed.

[0069] The four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d are arranged around the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 such that the four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d can be mirrored on the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H where the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H are perpendicular to each other and extend through the center of the circle. Compared with a clock, the first linear light-emitting device 637a is arranged in the area between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock, the second linear light-emitting device 637b is arranged in the area between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock, the third linear light-emitting device 637c is arranged in the area between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and the fourth linear light-emitting device 637d is arranged in the area between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. Other arrangement possibilities are also conceivable.

[0070] One of the four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d (i.e., Figure 6aThe linear light-emitting devices 637d) in and the word "Automatic" in at least the second display area 625b of the display unit 623 have specific colors according to the running program, or present specific colors according to the running program. In the present embodiment, the selected running program "Mix" and the relevant running program parameters are displayed in the first display area 625a of at least one display unit 623. The four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d (only one of the linear light-emitting devices 637d emits light) and at least the at least one display unit 623 are controlled by the control unit 20 in the mounted state of the operation panel 603.

[0071] In Figure 6b the embodiment of, the operation panel 603 includes at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621. The at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 has at least one light-emitting ring 635. The at least one light-emitting ring 635 is displayed in the edge area of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621.

[0072] The four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d are arranged around at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 such that the four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d can be mirrored on the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H where the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H are perpendicular to each other and extend through the center of the circle. Compared with a clock, the first linear light-emitting device 637a is arranged in the area between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock, the second linear light-emitting device 637b is arranged in the area between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock, the third linear light-emitting device 637c is arranged in the area between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and the fourth linear light-emitting device 637d is arranged in the area between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. Other arrangement possibilities are also conceivable.

[0073] In Figure 6b it, one of the four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d, namely the linear light-emitting device 637b, at least one light-emitting ring 635 of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621, and the word "Automatic" in at least the second display area 625b of the at least one display unit 623 have specific colors according to the running program, or present specific colors according to the running program. In the present embodiment, the selected running program "Cotton" and the relevant running program parameters are displayed in the first display area 625a of at least one display unit 623. The four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d (only one of the linear light-emitting devices 637b emits light) and at least the at least one display unit 623 are controlled by the control unit 20 in the mounted state of the operation panel 603.

[0074] In addition, in the embodiment of Figure 6b , the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 includes a display surface 622. For example, information such as the status of the laundry care device 1 or the currently selected operating program can be displayed on the display surface 522. In this embodiment, the selected operating program "Cotton" and the associated operating program parameters are displayed on the display surface 622. However, it is also conceivable that at least one partial area of the four linear light-emitting devices 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d and the at least one display unit 523 has a specific color or presents a specific color according to the selected operating program.

[0075] In Figure 6c 's embodiment, the operation panel 603 includes at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621. The at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 has at least one light-emitting ring 635. The at least one light-emitting ring 635 is displayed in the edge region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621.

[0076] Four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d are arranged around the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 621 such that the four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d can be mirrored on the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H , the vertical axis M V and the horizontal axis M H are perpendicular to each other and extend through the center of the circle. Compared with a clock, the first linear light-emitting device 637a is arranged in the area between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock, the second linear light-emitting device 637b is arranged in the area between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock, the third linear light-emitting device 637c is arranged in the area between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and the fourth linear light-emitting device 637d is arranged in the area between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. Other arrangement possibilities are also conceivable.

[0077] In Figure 6cAmong them, one of the four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d, namely the linear light-emitting device 637a, at least one light-emitting ring 635 of the at least one touch-sensitive operation element 621, and the word "Personalized" in at least the second display area 625b of the at least one display unit 623 have specific colors according to the running program, or present specific colors according to the running program. In this embodiment, the selected running program "Cotton" and related running program parameters are displayed in the first display area 625a of the at least one display unit 623. The four linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d (only one of which, the linear light-emitting device 637a, emits light) and the at least one display unit 623 are controlled by the control unit 20 in the installed state of the operation panel 603.

[0078] Generally speaking, it can be said that the at least one linear light-emitting device 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d is formed adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operation element 621. The control unit 20 is designed such that in the installed state of the operation panel 603, the at least one linear light-emitting device 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d is displayed on the predetermined display areas 639a, 639b, 639c, 639d according to the selected running program, where the at least one linear light-emitting device 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d presents the specific color of the selected program. The arrangement of the predetermined display areas 639a, 639b, 639c, 639d is the same as the arrangement of the linear light-emitting devices 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d.

[0079] The at least one linear light-emitting device 37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d can be designed as strip-shaped light-emitting elements and arranged adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21, 321, 421, 521, 621 and / or the at least one display unit 23, 323, 423, 523, 623 on the operation panels 3, 303, 403, 503, 603. The strip-shaped light-emitting elements or light-emitting elements form a graphic connection or a color connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operation element 21, 321, 421, 521, 621 and the at least one display unit 23, 323, 423, 523, 623, where the at least one linear light-emitting device 37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d or the strip-shaped light-emitting elements present different colors.

[0080] When the laundry care device 1 is activated, a predetermined number of operating programs are stored in the first level. One operating program is selected from the predetermined number of operating programs via the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 21, 321, 421, 521, 621. To ensure that the number of operating programs is clear to the user, the number of operating programs displayed in the first level is seven or less, preferably five or less, especially four or less. If the user wishes to call more operating programs or operating programs not displayed in the first level, this can be achieved via the additional key element 29 or via the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 21, 321, 421, 521, 621, etc. This opens the second level. A large number of operating programs are stored in the second level.

[0081] Each operating program (which may also be simply referred to as a program) is associated with a specific color or can be associated with a specific color. This association is stored in the laundry care device 1. For example, the program named "Mix" is stored in "blue". For example, the operating program "Easy Care" is stored in "green", the operating program "Cotton" is stored in "orange", and the operating program "Sports" is stored in "purple" in the laundry care device 1.

[0082] When the laundry care device 1 is switched on or activated, the user sees, for example, the four programs or operating programs mentioned above. For example, the first selected operating program, i.e., the program that is always displayed first when the laundry care device 1 is switched on, is the "Mix" program. This means that at least one section of at least one annular light-emitting ring 335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635 of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321, 421, 521, 621 and / or at least one linear light-emitting device 337, 437, 537, 637 and at least one section of the second display area 325b, 425b, 525b, 625b of the at least one display unit 323, 423, 523, 623 lights up "blue". If the user operates the touch-sensitive operating element 321, 421, 521, 621 to select another program, at least one section of at least one annular light-emitting ring 335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635 of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element 321, 421, 521, 621 and / or at least one linear light-emitting device 337, 437, 537, 637 and at least one section of the second display area 325b, 425b, 525b, 625b of the at least one display unit 323, 423, 523, 623 displays the "green" color for the "Easy Care" program or the "orange" color for the "Cotton" program or the "purple" color for the "Sports" program.

[0083] For example, if the user wants to select the "Cotton" program, he only needs to quickly select the program stored in the laundry care device 1 in "orange". In this way, the user can quickly select the operating program because only a specific color needs to be searched for, and once this color is displayed, the program can be confirmed, for example, by pressing at least one of the touch-sensitive operating elements 321, 421, 521, 621. Through this design, a visual and color-matching connection according to the operating program is provided between at least one annular light-emitting ring 335, 435, 435.2, 535, 635 of at least one of the touch-sensitive operating elements 321, 421, 521, 621 and / or at least one linear light-emitting device 337, 437, 537, 637 and at least one section of the second display area 325b, 425b, 525b, 625b of at least one of the at least one display unit 323, 423, 523, 623, thereby also generating a slight memory effect. If the laundry care device 1 is operated multiple times, the selection of the operating program is intuitive because the combination of the program or operating program and a specific color will soon be remembered and remain in memory.

[0084] List of reference numerals:

[0085] 1 Laundry care device

[0086] 2 Operating panel

[0087] 5 Housing

[0088] 6 Receiving container

[0089] 7 Front wall

[0090] 9 Side wall

[0091] 11 Loading side

[0092] 13 Opening

[0093] 15 Door unit

[0094] 17 Upper side

[0095] 19 Flushing shell device

[0096] 20 Control unit

[0097] 21 Touch-sensitive operating element

[0098] 22 Display surface

[0099] 23 Display unit

[0100] 25a First display area

[0101] 25b Second display area

[0102] 27 Button element

[0103] 29 Additional button element

[0104] 31 On button

[0105] 33 Start button

[0106] 303 Operating panel

[0107] 321 Touch-sensitive operating element

[0108] 322 Display surface

[0109] 323 Display unit

[0110] 325a First display area

[0111] 325b Second display area

[0112] 335 Light-emitting ring

[0113] 337 Linear light-emitting device

[0114] 403 Operating panel

[0115] 421 Touch-sensitive operating element

[0116] 422 Display surface

[0117] 423 Display unit

[0118] 425a First display area

[0119] 425b Second display area

[0120] 435 Light-emitting ring

[0121] 435.1 First light-emitting ring

[0122] 435.2 Second light-emitting ring

[0123] 437 Linear light-emitting device

[0124] 503 Operating panel

[0125] 521 Touch-sensitive operating element

[0126] 522 Display surface

[0127] 523 Display unit

[0128] 525a First display area

[0129] 525b Second display area

[0130] 535 Light-emitting ring

[0131] 537 Linear light-emitting device

[0132] 537a Linear light-emitting device

[0133] 537b Linear light-emitting device

[0134] 537c Linear light-emitting device

[0135] 537d Linear light-emitting device

[0136] 603 Operation panel

[0137] 621 Touch-sensitive operation element

[0138] 622 Display surface

[0139] 623 Display unit

[0140] 625a First display area

[0141] 625b Second display area

[0142] 635 Light-emitting ring

[0143] 637 Linear light-emitting device

[0144] 637a Linear light-emitting device

[0145] 637b Linear light-emitting device

[0146] 637c Linear light-emitting device

[0147] 637d Linear light-emitting device

[0148] 639a Predetermined display area

[0149] 639b Predetermined display area

[0150] 639c Predetermined display area

[0151] 639d Predetermined display area

[0152] M V Vertical axis

[0153] M H Horizontal axis.

Claims

1. A clothing care device (1) with an operating panel (3, 303, 403, 503, 603), wherein the operating panel (3, 303, 403, 503, 603) comprises: At least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) for selecting an operating program of a laundry care device (1); at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623) for displaying information; at least one further operating element designed as a key element (27) for selecting operating parameters, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623) are arranged adjacent to each other; and a control unit (20) for controlling the laundry care device (1), It is characterized in that The at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623) are visually connected via at least one linear lighting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d), and the at least one linear lighting device (377, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is activated when the clothing care device (1) is in a ready-to-operate state.

2. The clothing care device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one linear light-emitting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is an active light source or a passive light source, wherein the at least one light-emitting device is designed to be able to present different colors.

3. The clothing care device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) is designed to be essentially circular, wherein the at least one linear lighting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is arranged in the area of ​​the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621).

4. The clothing care device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one substantially annular luminous ring (335, 434, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) is formed at least in the region of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621), wherein the at least one linear luminous device (377, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is provided. d) being configured adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and / or adjacent to the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623), thereby forming a spatial luminous connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623).

5. The clothing care device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one linear light-emitting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is visually connected to the at least one substantially annular light-emitting ring (335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) and / or the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623), thereby forming a visual connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623).

6. The clothing care device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The at least one annular light ring (335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) is constructed in the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621), wherein the at least one annular light ring (335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) is designed to be able to present different colors.

7. The clothing care device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The at least one linear lighting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is designed as a strip lighting element and is arranged adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and / or the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623) on the operating panel (3, 303, 403, 503, 603), wherein the strip-shaped light-emitting element forms a graphic connection or a color connection between the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and the at least one display unit (23, 323, 423, 523, 623), and wherein the at least one linear light-emitting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) presents different colors.

8. The laundry care device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A specific color is configured for each operating program of the clothing care device (1), wherein the control unit (20) is constructed to control the at least one linear light-emitting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) when the operating program is selected so that the at least one linear light-emitting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) presents a specific color according to the operating program.

9. The laundry care device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control unit (20) is configured such that the at least one annular light ring (335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) of the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) is controlled in such a way that the at least one annular light ring (335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) presents a specific color according to a selected operating program, so that the at least one linear light device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) and / or the at least one annular light ring (335, 435, 435.1, 435.2, 535, 635) emits light in the color assigned to the selected operating program.

10. The laundry care device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one linear lighting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is configured adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621), and the control unit (20) is configured such that the at least one linear lighting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) is configured adjacent to the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621). 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) are displayed at a predetermined display area (639a, 639b, 639c, 639d) according to the running program selection, wherein at least one linear light-emitting device (37, 337, 437, 537, 537a, 537b, 537c, 537d, 637a, 637b, 637c, 637d) presents a specific color of the selected program.

11. The laundry care device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the clothing care device (1) is activated, a predetermined number of operating programs are stored in a first level, wherein an operating program can be selected from the predetermined number of operating programs via the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621), wherein the first level includes seven or fewer operating programs, preferably five or fewer operating programs, particularly preferably four or fewer operating programs.

12. The laundry care device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A plurality of operating programs are stored in the second level, which can be selected via the at least one touch-sensitive operating element (21, 321, 421, 521, 621) and / or the at least one further operating element designed as a pushbutton element (27, 29).

13. The laundry care device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one further operating element designed as a key element (27, 29) is provided for selecting and setting operating parameters of an operating program and is designed as a button and / or a key and / or a rotary knob and / or a switch and / or a sensor.

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