Operating device for household appliance, comprising funnel-shaped ring plate, and household appliance

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a household appliance operating device (5) having an operating panel (6) and an operating and / or display unit (7) which is arranged behind the operating panel (6) such that the operating and / or display unit (7) is completely covered by the operating panel (6) on the front side, the operating and / or display unit (5) having a display (9), the operating and / or display unit (6) has a ring plate (8) which is arranged behind the operating panel (6) and in front of the display (9), the ring plate (8) having a funnel-shaped boundary wall (12) which circumferentially delimits an aperture region (11) of the ring plate (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance-operating device. The household appliance-operating device has an operation panel. Furthermore, the household appliance-operating device has an operation and / or display unit separate from the operation panel. The operation and / or display unit is arranged behind the operation panel, such that the operation and / or display unit is completely obscured from the front by the operation panel. The operation and / or display unit has a display. Background Technology

[0002] Various different designs are known in household appliances – operating devices. For example, DE 10 2010 063188 A1 shows an operating device in which a display device is arranged behind a plate-shaped front window panel.

[0003] A device is known from DE 10 2020 205 864 A1, in which a material groove with a very special geometry is constructed not only on the front side but also on the back side of a plate-shaped cover. This is to allow for the insertion of a conical ring, independent of the cover, on the front side, which serves as a rotating ring or an operating element. Here, a display is also arranged behind the plate-shaped cover. This special ring element, as a deepening portion on the front side of the plate-shaped cover, has a complementary geometric design required for this purpose, and this special ring element is costly to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to realize a household appliance-operating device in which a display scheme behind the operation panel can be easily constructed in terms of manufacturing technology, and the information to be displayed can be perceived in a better manner.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a household appliance-operating device and a household appliance according to the independent claims.

[0006] This invention relates to a household appliance-operating device. The household appliance-operating device has an operation panel. Furthermore, the household appliance-operating device has an operation and / or display unit separate from the operation panel. The operation and / or display unit is arranged behind the operation panel, such that the operation and / or display unit is completely obscured from the front by the operation panel. The operation and / or display unit has a display.

[0007] The operating and / or display unit has a ring plate. The ring plate can also be referred to as a perforated plate with a ring, particularly a rimmed ring. This ring plate is a component of the household appliance-operating device separate from the control panel. When viewed from the front, the ring plate is positioned behind the control panel. Furthermore, the ring plate is positioned in front of the display. Therefore, the ring plate is positioned to a certain extent between the control panel and the display. The ring plate has a funnel-shaped boundary wall. The ring plate has a perforated area that is defined surrounding it by the funnel-shaped boundary wall. The ring plate has continuous perforations. The display is positioned such that at least one sub-area of ​​the display is positioned behind the perforated area and is therefore visible through the perforated area when viewing the control panel from the front.

[0008] This solution for household appliances and operating devices allows for a structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble. Specifically, it enables the manufacture of operating panels without the need for shape-specific recesses. Furthermore, it allows for the particularly advantageous perception of information displayed on the screen through the operating panel. This is achieved through an annular plate with its specific funnel-shaped boundary walls and perforated areas, enabling highly advantageous and focused perception of the information displayed on the screen through the operating panel. The annular plate also serves to some extent in focusing light, thereby improving the avoidance of lateral light scattering effects. In particular, the funnel-shaped boundary walls further enable unrestricted perception of information displayed on the screen behind the perforated areas, even when the operating panel and perforated areas are viewed at a certain angle. Moreover, this geometry, precisely through the funnel-shaped boundary walls, also achieves an optical depth effect and thus a special 3D effect. This, combined with other structures, has inspired an optical funnel. Furthermore, it allows for particularly meaningful focusing of optical information generated by the display and located in the visible spectrum. Furthermore, this geometry of the funnel-shaped boundary walls also creates a three-dimensional enclosed ring for the portion of the display located behind the aperture area. In particular, this characterizes the ring plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, a funnel shape of boundary walls is constructed over at least 50%, particularly at least 80%, and particularly at least 100% of the entire thickness of the base element, especially the plate-shaped element of the annular plate. This particularly supports the advantages mentioned above. Thus, a continuous tapering portion is formed toward the display. Therefore, a boundary wall that is continuous to a certain extent is constructed over the entire thickness.

[0010] In one embodiment, the boundary wall is constructed with a glossy finish. Specifically, the boundary wall has a lower surface roughness compared to the surface area adjacent to the ring plate. This allows light emitted from the display through the aperture area to be advantageously reflected onto the operation panel. The glossy boundary wall also forms a reflector. Furthermore, a unique optical depth effect can be achieved in the arrangement of the structure and the presentation of information. Moreover, the funnel-shaped boundary wall itself is visually highlighted relative to other areas, thus perceiving the boundary wall as a corresponding sloping annular region.

[0011] In one implementation, the boundary wall can be coated. As an additional or alternative solution, the boundary wall can be specifically structured. This can, for example, create or inspire personalized color designs and / or personalized material designs. The coating can, in this respect, represent a metallic appearance, for example. The metallic appearance can be high-gloss or highly reflective. For example, a stainless steel appearance can be achieved through coating. This stainless steel appearance can, for example, be designed as brushed stainless steel or high-gloss stainless steel.

[0012] Thus, this region of the funnel-shaped boundary wall also forms a specific framework for clearly defining the pore region.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ring plate is at least partially transmissive or transparent to light in the visible spectrum. Thus, in one embodiment, this particular surface itself can also be used for optical information representation. Therefore, in a simple embodiment, the boundary wall itself can be illuminated, for example, with a solid color. However, in other embodiments, other information, such as numbers and / or letters, can also be displayed through such basic illumination. It is also possible to illuminate in a static manner, or, however, to construct the illumination dynamically.

[0014] In one embodiment, the annular plate is at least partially transmissive or transparent to light in the visible spectrum. This allows other sub-regions of the annular plate (regions that do not involve the funnel-shaped boundary wall, but rather, for example, regions radially outward adjacent to the funnel-shaped boundary wall) to also be correspondingly transparent. This is another highly advantageous embodiment, as optical information representation can thus be achieved through the annular plate outside the aperture region. If the display has an area larger than the aperture region, and especially larger than the adjacent funnel-shaped boundary wall, then the display can also be achieved through the other sub-regions of the annular plate and then through the operation panel also arranged in front of the annular plate. This allows for a wide variety of variable schemes for displaying information. However, only one display is required. If the display and its illumination area are angular, such as quadrilateral, and the aperture region is a face without corners, then a larger illumination area is advantageous for further optical display.

[0015] Therefore, in one embodiment, the surface region of the annular wall adjacent to the boundary wall is also transparent to the visible spectrum.

[0016] In one embodiment, the display can be specified to extend behind the surface area of ​​the ring plate, and thus the information of the display can be displayed on the surface area when viewing the household appliance-operating device from the front.

[0017] In one embodiment, the display panel of the display is defined by a perforated area in a ring plate, at which information can be displayed.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ring plate is held securely fastened to a separate display and / or a separate operation panel. This facilitates easy manufacturing and assembly, as all these components can be manufactured individually in terms of geometry and / or material. Subsequent assembly of these components relative to each other is then relatively easy. The operation panel, precisely because it lacks material recesses on the front and / or back sides in the area of ​​the ring plate and / or display, can be manufactured and supplied very easily.

[0019] For example, the ring plate can be secured to the display and / or control panel via adhesive bonding. However, unlike such a non-releasable connection, a reversibly releasable connection can also be provided, for example. This can be achieved, for example, through interlocking connections, plug-in connections, or clamping connections.

[0020] In one embodiment, the annular plate can have a base plate, a perforated area, and funnel-shaped boundary walls integrated into and thus integrally constructed therewith. The base plate is held securely fastened to the display by a releasable connection. For this purpose, the base plate can, for example, have a mechanical coupling element. This can be an engaging element, a clamping element, or a hooking element.

[0021] Alternatively, the ring plate can be mechanically connected to different components of the operation panel and / or display via coupling elements, such as coupling elements protruding from the base plate. In this respect, interlocking connections and / or clamping connections and / or hook connections can also be provided. However, threaded connections are also possible.

[0022] The coupling element can be oriented at a 90° angle relative to the surface plane on which the base plate unfolds.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one spacer element can be constructed for the household appliance-operating device, which allows setting the distance between the ring plate and the display and / or the distance between the ring plate and the back of the operation panel. This also allows for setting certain positions of these components relative to each other in a very demanding and durable manner.

[0024] In one embodiment, the spacer element is a spring element. This allows for a very consistent setting of the desired position, achieved through the preload subsequently reached by the spring element.

[0025] In one embodiment, a sealing portion is arranged between the ring plate and the operation panel. As a supplementary or alternative solution, a sealing portion can be arranged between the ring plate and the display.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance. The household appliance is particularly constructed for cooking food. The household appliance is thus specifically configured for cooking food. The household appliance can be, for example, a cooking appliance. In this respect, the household appliance can be, for example, an oven, a microwave cooking appliance, or a steam cooking appliance. It is also possible that the household appliance is, for example, a deep fryer or a fully automatic coffee maker. It is also possible that the household appliance is constructed for storing and preserving food. The household appliance can thus be, for example, a cooling device, a freezing device, or a cooling-freezing combination appliance. If such a household appliance (which can thus also be called a household refrigeration appliance) has an ice and / or liquid dispensing unit, then such a household appliance-operating device can be provided. Such an ice and / or liquid dispensing unit can be constructed together with the household appliance-operating device at the door of the household refrigeration appliance. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to schematic diagrams. Wherein: Figure 1A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A front view of an embodiment of a household appliance-operating device is shown; Figure 3 It is shown as according to Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the ring plate and display of the sub-components of the operating device of a household appliance. Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of the ring plate; and Figure 5 It shows crossing Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a sub-region of the component arrangement structure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, elements that are identical or have the same function are given the same reference numerals.

[0029] exist Figure 1 An embodiment of a household appliance 1 according to the invention is shown in perspective view. Household appliance 1 is constructed, for example, for cooking food. This household appliance can be, for example, a cooking appliance. This household appliance can be, for example, an oven, a microwave cooking appliance, or a steam cooking appliance. It is also possible that household appliance 1 is a household appliance having at least two of the functions mentioned herein (regarding microwave function, steam cooking function, and oven function).

[0030] The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. At least one receiving space 3 is provided within the housing 2. The receiving space 3 is specifically designed for food preparation. This receiving space is particularly designed for cooking food. This receiving space can be, for example, a cooking space. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a door 4. This door is designed to close the receiving space 3. The household appliance 1 also has a household appliance operating device 5. This household appliance operating device has an operating panel 6. An operating and / or display unit 7 of the household appliance operating device 5 is arranged at its rear along the depth direction (z-direction) of the household appliance 1.

[0031] exist Figure 2 The image shows a front view of the household appliance - operating device 5. A ring plate 8 is also arranged behind the operating panel 6.

[0032] For this reason Figure 3 As can be seen, the ring plate 8 is arranged in front of the display 9 of the operation and / or display unit 7. The display 9 is in particular a full-screen display, which can be, for example, a TFT display.

[0033] The annular plate 8 has a base plate 10. A perforated region 11 is formed in the base plate 10. The perforated region is defined by a surrounding, closed boundary wall 12. The boundary wall 12 is funnel-shaped. This means that the boundary wall 12 preferably extends over the entire thickness of the base plate 10 and narrows or gradually decreases from the front side 13 to the back side 14 facing the display 9.

[0034] The ring plate 8 can also be referred to as a perforated plate with a binding ring formed by the boundary wall 12, and the binding ring does not extend in the plane of the perforated region 11.

[0035] exist Figure 4 In this regard, the annular plate 8 is shown in three dimensions. Correspondingly, the funnel-shaped boundary wall 12 can be seen.

[0036] Furthermore, it is specified here that the base plate 10 is angular, and in particular quadrilateral. It can be seen that, outwardly, another sub-region 10a of the base plate 10 is connected to a funnel-shaped boundary wall 12. This sub-region 10a can be a corner region of the base plate 10, here four corner regions. It is feasible that the funnel-shaped boundary wall 12, representing a ring, is transparent in the visible spectrum. However, the boundary wall 12 can also be translucent or opaque. The boundary wall 12 can be coated and / or structured.

[0037] Specifically, the ring plate 8 is made of plastic. This ring plate can be manufactured as a one-piece component. For example, the ring plate can be an injection-molded component.

[0038] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the display 9 is arranged behind the ring plate 8 such that the sub-region 15 of the display 9 is aligned with the hole region 11.

[0039] It is stipulated that the funnel shape of the boundary wall 12 shall be constructed on at least 50%, at least 80%, and at least 100% of the entire thickness of the ring plate 8, especially the bottom plate 10.

[0040] The boundary wall 12 can also be constructed with a smooth finish. In one embodiment, the boundary wall can have a lower surface roughness than the surface region of the ring plate 8 adjacent to the boundary wall 12 (e.g., sub-region 10a of the base plate 10).

[0041] The annular plate 8 can be at least partially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. Specifically, the boundary wall 12 can, for example, be transparent to light in the visible spectrum. It is also possible that other surface areas, particularly sub-regions 10a of the base plate 10, are at least partially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. Specifically, the operation panel 6 is constructed without holes. This operation panel preferably completely covers the annular plate 8 from the front and therefore also covers the perforated area 11. Specifically, the display 9 is completely covered from the front by the operation panel 6.

[0042] As in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the image, the ring plate 8 can have coupling elements 16, 17, 18, and 19. These coupling elements can be configured for mechanical coupling. Thus, the ring plate 8 can be precisely positioned at another component of the household appliance 1.

[0043] Thus, the ring plate 8 can, for example, engage and / or hook into and / or adhere to and / or screw onto other additional components.

[0044] Alternatively, the ring plate 8 can be directly and persistently connected to the display 9 and / or directly and persistently connected to the operation panel 6. Releasable connections, such as interlocking and / or clamping and / or hook-and-loop connections, can also be provided. Adhesive connections can also be provided as an additional or alternative solution to this.

[0045] Alternatively, the device may be constructed with at least one spacer element (not shown), which allows for the precise setting of the distance between the ring plate 8 and the display 9, and / or the distance between the ring plate 8 and the back side of the operation panel 6. Such a spacer element could be, for example, a spring element.

[0046] Alternatively, a sealing portion may be arranged between the ring plate 8 and the operation panel 6, and / or between the ring plate 8 and the display 9.

[0047] exist Figure 5 The vertical cross-section diagram shows Figure 3 Sub-regions of the components within. This is shown along... Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the section line VV. The funnel-shaped boundary wall 12 with a ring structure can be seen.

[0048] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Household appliances 2. Shell 3. Acceptance Space 4 doors 5. Household appliances - operating equipment 6. Operation Panel 7. Operation and / or display unit 8 ring plates 9. Monitors 10. Base plate 10a subregion 11-hole area 12 Boundary walls 13 Front 14. Dorsal side 15 sub-regions 16 Coupling elements 17. Coupling element 18 Coupling elements 19. Coupling element z represents the depth direction.

Claims

1. A household appliance-operating device (5) having an operating panel (6) and an operating and / or display unit (7) arranged behind the operating panel (6), such that the operating and / or display unit (7) is completely covered from the front by the operating panel (6), wherein, The operation and / or display unit (5) has a display (9), characterized in that the operation and / or display unit (6) has a ring plate (8) arranged behind the operation panel (6) and in front of the display (9), wherein the ring plate (8) has a funnel-shaped boundary wall (12) that circumferentially defines the hole area (11) of the ring plate (8).

2. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 1, wherein, The funnel shape of the boundary wall (12) is constructed on at least 50%, especially at least 80%, especially 100% of the entire thickness of the ring plate (8).

3. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The boundary wall (12) is constructed in a bright manner, and in particular has a lower surface roughness than the surface region (14) of the ring plate (8) adjacent to the boundary wall (12).

4. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The boundary wall (12) is coated and / or structured.

5. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ring plate (8) is at least partially transparent to the visible spectrum.

6. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The boundary wall (12) is at least partially transparent to the visible spectrum.

7. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The surface region (10a) of the ring plate (8) adjacent to the boundary wall (12) is transparent in the visible spectrum range.

8. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The display (9) extends behind the surface area (10a), and thus when the household appliance-operating device (5) is viewed from the front, the information of the display (9) can be displayed on the surface area (10a) through the operation panel (6).

9. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The display panel (15) of the display (9) is defined by the hole area (11), at which the information can be displayed.

10. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The ring plate (8) is securely fastened to the display (9) and / or the operation panel (6).

11. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ring plate (8) has a base plate (10) in which the hole region (11) and the funnel-shaped boundary wall (12) are integrated.

12. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device is constructed with at least one spacer element, which allows setting the distance between the ring plate (8) and the display (9) and / or the distance between the ring plate (8) and the back side of the operation panel (6).

13. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The spacer element is a spring element.

14. The household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A sealing portion is arranged between the ring plate (8) and the operation panel (6), and / or a sealing portion is arranged between the ring plate (8) and the display (9).

15. A household appliance (1), particularly for cooking food, the household appliance having a household appliance-operating device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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