HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a household appliance according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From EP 1 651 022 A2, a holding unit for a printed circuit board of a touch switch unit of a glass ceramic hob is known, which has a plurality of matrix-shaped, flexible projections which are intended to support the printed circuit board.

[0003] EP 2 849 532 A1, FR 2 895 047 A1 and EP 2 843 315 A2 each disclose holding units for household appliances for pressing control elements against a control panel of the household appliance.

[0004] From US 6 295 701 B1, a holding unit is known which is intended to secure an operating element.

[0005] US patent 2004 / 021123 A1 discloses an ortho-planar spring unit which is designed as a one-piece component to provide a restoring or clamping force and enables linear movement without significant rotation.

[0006] DE 10 2015 214882 A1 discloses a cooktop with a user interface element which is pressed against the underside of a cooktop plate by means of several spring elements.

[0007] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved design characteristics. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a hob, with a household appliance device, in particular a hob device, wherein the household appliance device has a holding unit which is provided to hold at least one user interface element, in particular a touch-sensitive sensor, wherein the holding unit has a base element and at least one rigid holding element which is provided for holding the user interface element and is movable relative to the base element.

[0009] Such a design allows, in particular, a household appliance of this type with improved structural properties. This preferably enables a flexible design of the holding unit. This allows, especially preferably, different types of user interface elements to be held by adapting the holding element, requiring no or only minor modifications to the base element. This, in particular, facilitates simple assembly of the household appliance. Specifically, a first position of the holding element relative to the base element can be used to place the user interface element onto it, after which the holding element is moved to a second position relative to the base element, in which the user interface element is held and, in particular, pressed against a cover element.

[0010] The term "household appliance device," in particular a "cooktop device," is understood to mean at least a part, especially a subassembly, of a household appliance, particularly a cooktop. For example, a household appliance comprising the household appliance device could be a chest freezer, and advantageously a refrigerator and / or freezer. Alternatively or additionally, a household appliance comprising the household appliance device could be, for example, a dishwasher and / or a washing machine and / or a dryer. Advantageously, a household appliance comprising the household appliance device is a cooking appliance. A household appliance designed as a cooking appliance could, for example, be an oven and / or a microwave and / or a grill and / or a steam cooker. Advantageously, a household appliance designed as a cooking appliance is a cooktop, and preferably an induction cooktop.In particular, the household appliance may include the user interface element.

[0011] The holding unit is preferably arranged in an assembled state within an electronic housing of the household appliance or of a household appliance comprising the household appliance. Particularly preferably, the holding unit has at least one fastening means, for example, a hook, a projection, a bulge, and / or a locking element, for attaching the holding unit to the electronic housing. In particular, the fastening means serves to fix the holding unit at least parallel to a principal plane of extension of the holding unit. A "principal plane of extension" of a component is understood to be a plane that is parallel to a largest side face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the component and, in particular, passes through the center of the cuboid. Specifically, the base element of the holding unit is fixed in any direction by means of the fastening elements.The holding element could possibly be rotatable relative to the base element; preferably, the holding element is movable translationally relative to the base element perpendicular to the main extension plane of the holding unit.

[0012] Preferably, the holding unit is designed to fix the user interface element relative to a cover element of the household appliance device or of a household appliance comprising the household appliance device, and particularly preferably to press it against the cover element. The cover element could, for example, be designed as a control panel, a cooktop panel, or a kitchen worktop.

[0013] It is conceivable that the holding unit is designed to hold a plurality of identical or different user interface elements. Preferably, the holding unit is designed to hold exactly one user interface element. The user interface element preferably has at least one, and particularly preferably exactly one, printed circuit board, which rests directly on the holding element in the assembled state. Preferably, the user interface element is designed as a sensor, particularly preferably as a touch-sensitive sensor. Preferably, the user interface element is designed as part of a touch display. The user interface element is advantageously part of a user interface of the household appliance or of a household appliance comprising the household appliance.The user interface is advantageously positioned facing the user with respect to the depth of the cover element during operation of the household appliance. In particular, the user interface is designed to be spaced away from the heating element of a cooktop or the doors of refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, or dryers.

[0014] The holding unit could have exactly one retaining element for holding the user interface element. To allow for a flexible design of the holding unit, it is proposed that the holding unit have a plurality of retaining elements, in particular at most four retaining elements, which are designed to fully absorb the weight of the user interface element. It would also be conceivable that the retaining elements could each be assigned to a user interface element. In particular, some or all of the retaining elements could be identical to each other. Advantageously, at least two of the retaining elements are designed and positioned such that the weight of the user interface element is distributed essentially equally across the respective retaining elements.In particular, the retaining elements differ from a retaining matrix with a multitude of, in particular, identical retaining elements for holding the user interface element. This advantageously allows the number and arrangement of the retaining elements to be adapted to a specific application, preferably without requiring significant modification of the base element. This also advantageously allows the manufacturing effort for producing the retaining unit to be kept low despite the increased flexibility.

[0015] The retaining element could potentially have any number of rest positions relative to the base element. Preferably, the retaining element has exactly one rest position relative to the base element, wherein when the retaining element is positioned in a position other than the rest position relative to the base element, a restoring force acts on the retaining element in the direction of the rest position.

[0016] The retaining element is particularly flexible by at most 20%, advantageously by at most 10%, preferably by at most 5%, and most preferably by at most 2% of its extension in a further direction perpendicular to that direction, without damage and preferably reversibly. In particular, greater bending of the retaining element, such as folding it, leads to permanent deformation, for example, by breaking it. Advantageously, the retaining element is free of spongy and / or flexible materials such as elastomers, foams, or textiles. The retaining element is particularly advantageous in contrast to components that are flexible due to their thinness, such as films and sheets. Preferably, the retaining element has a plate-shaped base body.The plate-shaped base body has, in particular, a substantially cuboid shape, wherein the length and width of the plate-shaped base body correspond to at least five times, advantageously at least ten times, and particularly advantageously at least fifteen times, the thickness of the plate-shaped base body. It is conceivable that the plate-shaped base body completely forms the retaining element. Preferably, the retaining element has at least one projection arranged on the plate-shaped base body, which is intended, in particular, to directly contact and / or grip and / or penetrate the user interface element in the assembled state.

[0017] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0018] In an unstressed embodiment, it would be conceivable for the holding unit to be formed from several individual parts attached to one another by force-fit and / or form-fit; in particular, the base element and the holding element could be formed as separate individual parts. To achieve a simple and easily manufactured design of the holding unit, it is proposed that the holding unit be formed as a single piece. For example, the holding unit could be formed from several individual parts that are glued and / or injection-molded and / or welded together. Preferably, the holding unit is formed as a single piece, which is particularly preferably manufactured using a one- or multi-component injection molding process or, alternatively, using a casting process. According to the invention, the holding unit is made of plastic.This can advantageously reduce a number of process steps for manufacturing the holding unit, in particular eliminating additional steps for attaching individual parts to each other.

[0019] The retaining element could potentially rest on the base element in at least one position and be liftable relative to the base element, for example, via a hinge element. To achieve a simple and compact design of the retaining unit, it is proposed that the retaining element be arranged in a recess of the base element when viewed from above. A top view is understood to be a view along a direction corresponding to a user's line of sight while operating the household appliance. For example, if the household appliance is a cooktop appliance, the top view corresponds to a view from above. Preferably, the retaining element can be lowered into the recess and, more preferably, lifted out of the recess. It would be conceivable for the recess to have a rear wall that forms a stop for the retaining element.Advantageously, the recess is free of back walls and, in particular, allows a view through the holding unit in an imaginary top view without the holding element. Furthermore, it would be possible for the recess and the holding element to be abutting each other in the top view; preferably, a gap is arranged between the recess and the holding element in the top view. This advantageously increases the mobility of the holding element and reduces the height of the holding unit.

[0020] According to the invention, the holding unit has at least one flexible connecting element by means of which the holding element is movably mounted on the base element. The flexible connecting element is made of plastic. In an unclaimed embodiment, it would be conceivable that the flexible connecting element could be part of a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection that connects the holding element to the base element. According to the invention, the base element, the connecting element, and the holding element are formed integrally. The connecting element could potentially be arranged below the holding element when viewed from above. Advantageously, the connecting element is arranged between the holding element and the base element when viewed from above, and particularly advantageously within the gap between the recess of the base element and the holding element.This allows the mobility of the holding element relative to the base element to be provided in a simple way.

[0021] It is conceivable that the connecting element could be spirally shaped. To achieve a compact design, it is proposed that the connecting element be meandering. Preferably, the connecting element has at least two straight sections and at least one curved section connecting one end of a first section to the end of a second section. Alternatively, the connecting element could be free of straight sections and consist of a plurality of differently curved sections, with the connecting element having an outer contour shaped as an irregular meander in plan view. Preferably, the straight sections have substantially the same length; more preferably, the straight sections are identical to each other. Preferably, the curved section is formed as an arc with an angle of substantially 180°.For example, the straight sections could be aligned parallel to each other; preferably, the straight sections are aligned at an angle to each other. It is possible that the sections of the connecting element overlap when viewed from above; preferably, the sections of the connecting element abut each other when viewed from above. In particular, an outer contour of the connecting element is designed as a regular meander with any number of turns when viewed from above. This allows the connecting element to be advantageously accommodated in a small space, even when it is very long.

[0022] To achieve simple and secure assembly of the household appliance device, it is proposed that the connecting element be deflectable relative to the base element. Advantageously, the maximum distance between the connecting element and the base element can be varied by deforming the connecting element, for example, by bending, folding, and / or unfolding it. In the rest state of the connecting element, the retaining element could be arranged in the recess of the base element; alternatively, in the rest state of the connecting element, the retaining element could be arranged above the recess. Preferably, the straight sections are rotatably connected to the curved section, possibly via a hinge or a transition area with reduced thickness. Particularly advantageously, the connecting element has a serpentine shape in a state where the retaining element is spaced away from the recess.In particular, the connecting element exhibits a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing profile in this state. This advantageously allows the connecting element to provide a clamping force for the user interface element when the household appliance is assembled. This particularly advantageously prevents rotational or lateral displacement of the retaining element during movement relative to the base element and ensures straight movement of the retaining element perpendicular to the main extension plane of the holding unit. Alternatively, the connecting element could have non-deformable components that are displaceable relative to each other for the purpose of moving the retaining element; for example, the connecting element could be telescopically designed.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting element be deflectable relative to the retaining element. Advantageously, the maximum distance between the connecting element and the retaining element can be varied by deforming the connecting element, for example, by bending, folding, and / or unfolding. In particular, the connecting element is deflectable to move the retaining element along the vertical direction. Preferably, the connecting element prevents rotation and displacement parallel to the main extension plane of the retaining element. In particular, the connecting element defines a region within which the retaining element is movable, and the extent of this region parallel to the main extension plane of the retaining element is at most 20%, advantageously at most 15%, and most advantageously at most 10% of the region's extent along the vertical direction. This allows for even simpler and more secure assembly of the household appliance device.Advantageously, the connecting element can be designed in such a way that slippage of the retaining element during assembly is prevented and additional components for guiding the retaining element can be dispensed with.

[0024] To achieve a secure design of the household appliance device, the invention provides that the device has a spring unit which, particularly in a top view, is arranged below the retaining element and is designed to provide a contact force for the user interface element. Advantageously, the spring unit provides at least a large part and particularly advantageously the entire contact force for the user interface element. Preferably, the retaining element is arranged above the recess when the spring unit is at rest. Preferably, assembly of the household appliance device includes pressing down on the retaining element to support the user interface element and then pressing the user interface element against the cover element by restoring forces of the spring unit.The spring unit could, for example, comprise a bending spring, in particular a leaf spring, parabolic spring, wave spring, or torsion spring, and / or a torsion spring, in particular a rod spring or helical spring, and / or a disc spring, and / or an volute spring, and / or a ring spring. Furthermore, the spring unit could be spiral or meandering, or at least have a spring leg that is rotatable to deflect relative to a base body of the spring unit. Preferably, the spring unit is supported on a base of the electronic housing in the assembled state of the household appliance; alternatively, the spring unit could be supported on a base of the holding unit in the assembled state. Particularly preferably, the assembly of the household appliance includes deflecting the spring unit to support the user interface element.This can increase the contact force for the user interface element and prevent the user interface element from slipping.

[0025] To achieve a durable construction of the household appliance, the invention provides that the spring unit is made entirely of metal, specifically spring steel. In an unstressed embodiment, it would be conceivable, for example, that only the spring arms of the spring unit are made of metal. This advantageously prevents material fatigue and a corresponding reduction in contact force during prolonged use of the household appliance. This particularly minimizes the occurrence of creep, which would significantly reduce the contact force of the spring unit during prolonged use if plastics or elastomers were used.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the spring unit could be formed separately from the holding unit and attached to the holding unit by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. For example, the holding unit could have retaining tongues onto which the spring unit can be slid. To simplify the manufacture of the household appliance device and to increase safety, it is proposed that the spring unit be formed together with the holding unit. In particular, after the holding unit has been formed, the spring unit is at least partially embedded in the holding unit, advantageously such that non-destructive separation of the spring unit from the holding unit is prevented. In particular, the base body of the spring unit is embedded in the holding unit. The spring unit could possibly be movably embedded in the holding unit; preferably, the spring unit is fixed by the holding unit.It is particularly advantageous if, during an injection molding or casting process for manufacturing the holding unit, the spring unit is positioned in such a way that the raw material of the holding unit flows at least partially around the spring unit. This eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps to attach the spring unit to the holding unit. This also advantageously prevents play between the spring unit and the holding unit, and thus avoids any resulting slippage of the spring unit during and / or after it is attached to the holding unit.

[0027] In a method for assembling a household appliance device, in particular the household appliance device, with a holding unit, at least one user interface element is placed on the holding unit, wherein the holding unit has a base element and at least one rigid holding element which is moved relative to the base element. This provides a generic method with improved properties regarding simple and safe assembly.

[0028] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 a household appliance with a household appliance device in a top view, Fig. 2 the household appliance device with a holding unit and a user interface element held by the holding unit in an oblique view, Fig. 3 the holding unit and spring units of the household appliance device in an oblique view, Fig. 4 the holding unit and the spring units in a top view, Fig. 5 the holding unit and the spring units in a bottom view, Fig. 6 a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the household appliance device, Fig. 7 a further embodiment of a spring unit of the household appliance device, Fig. 8 a further embodiment of a spring unit of the household appliance device, Fig. 9 a further embodiment of a spring unit of the household appliance device and Fig. 10 a further embodiment of a spring unit of the household appliance device.

[0030] Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol.

[0031] Figure 1 Figure 26 shows a household appliance 26. The household appliance 26 is configured as a cooktop. Alternatively, the household appliance 26 could be configured as an oven, a microwave, a refrigerator, a freezer, a washing machine, a dishwasher, or a dryer. The household appliance 26 has a user interface 28. The user interface 28 is used for inputting operating commands by a user to control the household appliance 26. The user interface 28 has a touch display 48. The household appliance 26 has a household appliance device 10. The household appliance device 10 is configured as a cooktop device.

[0032] The household appliance device 10 has a cover element 30. The cover element 30 is designed as a cooktop panel. Alternatively, the cover element 30 could be designed as a control panel or a kitchen worktop. The household appliance device 10 has an electronics housing (not shown). The electronics housing and the cover element 30 define an interior (not shown) of the household appliance device 10. The household appliance device 10 has a holding unit 12, which is located in the Figures 2 to 5The household appliance 10 has a user interface element 14. The user interface element 14 is part of the user interface 28. The holding unit 12 and the user interface element 14 are arranged inside the interior. The user interface element 14 is designed as a touch-sensitive sensor. The user interface element 14 is designed as part of the touch display 48. The holding unit 12 serves to hold the user interface element 14. The holding unit 12 provides a contact force for the user interface element 14. The holding unit 12 presses the user interface element 14 against the cover element 30. The holding unit 12 prevents the user interface element 14 from slipping relative to the cover element 30 and ensures that the user interface element 14 correctly detects operating commands from the user.

[0033] The holding unit 12 has a base element 16. The base element 16 rests on a base of the electronics housing. The base element 16 has fastening elements 34. The fastening elements 34 serve to fasten the holding unit 12 to the electronics housing. The fastening elements 34 fix the holding unit 12 parallel to a main extension plane of the holding unit 12. The holding unit 12 has three rigid holding elements 18. Alternatively, the holding unit 12 could have any other number and arrangement of holding elements 18. The holding elements 18 serve to hold the user interface element 14. The holding elements 18 completely absorb the weight of the user interface element 14. The holding elements 18 are configured differently from one another; alternatively, two or all of the holding elements 18 could be identical.Since the retaining elements 18 are identical in terms of their function, only one of the retaining elements 18 will be described below, whereby the mentioned properties apply to all of the retaining elements 18.

[0034] The retaining element 18 has a plate-shaped base body. Projections 32 are arranged on the plate-shaped base body. The user interface element 14 rests on the projections 32. Alternatively, the retaining element 18 could also be free of projections 32.

[0035] The base element 16 has a recess 20. The recess 20 has a substantially rectangular shape; alternatively, the recess 20 could have other shapes, for example, an oval shape. The retaining element 18 is shown in a top view, as shown in Figure 4 is shown, arranged in recess 20.

[0036] The holding unit 12 has a plurality of flexible connecting elements 22. Four of the connecting elements 22 are assigned to the holding element 18. The four connecting elements 22 are arranged at the corner regions of the holding element 18. The four connecting elements 22 are identical to each other. Alternatively, the holding unit 12 can have any other number, assignment, and arrangement of connecting elements 22, which could optionally be identical or different to each other. Since the connecting elements 22 are identical with respect to their function, only one of the connecting elements 22 will be described below, although the aforementioned properties apply to all of the connecting elements 22.

[0037] The holding unit 12 is a single piece. The holding unit 12 is made of plastic.

[0038] The holding unit 12 is manufactured using an injection molding process. Alternatively, the holding unit 12 could be manufactured using a casting process. The base element 16, the connecting element 22, and the holding element 18 are formed integrally. In an unstressed embodiment, it would also be conceivable that the base element 16, the connecting element 22, and the holding element 18 are formed separately from one another and can be fastened together, for example, by plug connections, snap-fit ​​connections, screw connections, and / or adhesive connections.

[0039] The retaining element 18 is movably mounted on the base element 16 by means of the connecting element 22. The retaining element 18 is movable relative to the base element 16 along a vertical direction 36. The connecting element 22 is meander-shaped. In plan view, the connecting element 22 has an outer contour shaped like a meander. The connecting element 22 has two straight sections 38. The straight sections 38 are essentially identical to each other; alternatively, the straight sections 38 could be different from each other. The connecting element 22 has a curved section 40. The curved section 40 is formed as an arc with an angle of approximately 180°; alternatively, the curved section 40 could have other angles. The straight sections 38 are connected to each other by the curved section 40.It would be possible for the connecting element 22 to have any number of other straight sections 38 of any length and curved sections 40, wherein two straight sections 38 are always connected to each other by a curved section 40.

[0040] The connecting element 22 is deflectable relative to the base element 16. The connecting element 22 is deflectable relative to the retaining element 18. The connecting element 22 is deformable to cause movement of the retaining element 18 relative to the base element 16. The straight sections 38 are rotatable relative to the curved section 40. In a first state of the connecting element 22, the recess 20, the retaining element 18, and the connecting element 22 are arranged in one plane. During a transition of the connecting element 22 from the first state to a second state, the straight sections 38 rotate relative to the curved section 40, causing the curved section 40 to shift translationally. In the second state, the retaining element 18 can be arranged above or below the recess 20. In the second state, the connecting element 22 has a serpentine shape.In the second state, the connecting element 22 exhibits a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing profile.

[0041] The connecting element 22 is in the Figures 2 to 5 The connecting element 22 is shown in its assembled state. The assembled state differs from its resting state. The connecting element 22 can be moved from its resting state to its assembled state by pressing it down. The connecting element 22 provides a contact force for the user interface element 14. This contact force acts as a restoring force for the connecting element 22. Alternatively, the assembled state and the resting state could be identical.

[0042] The household appliance 10 has three spring units 24. Each spring unit 24 is assigned to one of the retaining elements 18. Alternatively, the household appliance 10 could have any other number and arrangement of spring units 24. Since the spring units 24 are functionally identical, only one of the spring units 24 will be described below, although the aforementioned properties apply to all of the spring units 24. The spring unit 24 is arranged below the retaining element 18. The spring unit 24 is made of spring steel. The spring unit 24 has a base body 46. The base body 46 has two recesses. The spring unit 24 has two spring legs 42. Alternatively, the spring unit 24 could have any other number of spring legs 42. The spring legs 42 are movably connected to the base body 46.The spring arms 42 are rotatable relative to the base body 46. In a top view, the spring arms 42 are arranged within the recesses of the base body 46. The spring arms 42 are identical to each other. Each spring arm 42 has a contact surface 44 at one end facing away from the base body 46. The spring arms 42 rest on the base of the electronics housing with their contact surface 44.

[0043] Spring unit 24 provides a contact force for the user interface element 14. Spring unit 24 provides a large part of the total contact force for the user interface element 14. Spring unit 24 is located in the Figures 2 to 5The spring unit 24 is shown in its assembled state. The assembled state differs from the resting state of the spring unit 24. The spring unit 24 can be moved from its resting state to its assembled state by pressing down on the base body 46. The spring unit 24 provides a contact force for the user interface element 14. This contact force is designed as a restoring force of the spring unit 24.

[0044] The spring unit 24 is formed together with the holding unit 12. The spring unit 24 is fixed relative to the holding unit 12. The base body 46 of the spring unit 24 is partially embedded in the holding element 18. The spring unit 24 is connected to the holding unit 12 by overmolding the spring unit 24 with a raw material from the holding unit 12.

[0045] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a process for assembling the household appliance device 10. In a first connection step 100, the holding unit 12 is attached to the electronics housing by means of the fastening elements 34. In a placement step 110, the user interface element 14 is placed onto the holding unit 12 and held by the holding unit 12. The placement step 110 follows the connection step 100.

[0046] In a second connection step 120, the electronics housing is connected to the cover element 30. For this purpose, the retaining element 18 is first pressed down. Pressing down the retaining element 18 causes the connecting element 22 and the spring unit 24 to move from their resting state to their assembled state. The cover element 30 is then placed onto the user interface element 14 and connected to the electronics housing. Placing the cover element 30 on the cover element 30 prevents the connecting element 22 and the spring unit 24 from moving from their assembled state to their resting state. Following the second connection step 120, the user interface element 14 is pressed against the cover element 30 by the retaining unit 12 and the spring unit 24.

[0047] In Figures 7 to 10Four further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 5 Reference can be made to the following. To distinguish the embodiments, the reference numerals of the embodiments are as follows: Figures 7 to 10 Each is marked with a different number of lines. Regarding identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment. Figures 1 to 5 be referred.

[0048] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a spring unit 24'. The spring unit 24' can be part of the household appliance device 10 of the Figures 1 to 5or be part of another household appliance (not shown). The spring unit 24' has a base body 46'. The base body 46' is free of recesses. The spring unit 24' has two spring legs 42'. The spring legs 42' are connected to the base body 46' at opposite edges.

[0049] Figure 8 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a spring unit 24". The spring unit 24" can be part of the household appliance device 10 of the Figures 1 to 5 or be part of another household appliance (not shown). The spring unit 24" has a base body 46". The base body 46" has a recess. The spring unit 24" has two spring legs 42". The spring legs 42" are connected to the base body 46" at opposite edges of the recess.

[0050] Figure 9Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a spring unit 24‴. The spring unit 24‴ can be part of the household appliance device 10 of the Figures 1 to 5 or be part of another household appliance (not shown). The spring unit 24‴ is spirally shaped.

[0051] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a spring unit 24". The spring unit 24ʺʺ can be part of the household appliance device 10 of the Figures 1 to 5 or be part of another household appliance device (not shown). The spring unit 24ʺʺ is designed analogously to a tripod. The spring unit 24ʺʺ has a base body 46ʺʺ. The spring unit 24ʺʺ has three spring legs 42ʺʺ. Alternatively, the spring unit 24ʺʺ could have any other number of spring legs 42ʺʺ. The spring legs 42ʺʺ are connected to the base body 46ʺʺ via an edge of the base body 46ʺʺ. The spring legs 42ʺʺ are evenly distributed over the edge. Reference sign

[0052] 10 Appliance device 12 Mounting unit 14 User interface element 16 Base element 18 Mounting element 20 Recess 22 Connecting element 24 Spring unit 26 Appliance 28 User interface 30 Cover element 32 Projection 34 Fastening element 36 Vertical direction 38 Straight section 40 Curved section 42 Spring leg 44 Support surface 46 Base body 48 Touch display 100 First connection step 110 Support step 120 Second connection step

Claims

1. Household appliance (26), in particular hob, having a household appliance apparatus (10), in particular hob apparatus, wherein the household appliance apparatus (10) has a holding unit (12), which is provided to hold at least one user interface element (14), wherein the holding unit (12) has a base element (16) and at least one rigid holding element (18), which is provided to hold the user interface element (14) and is movable relative to the base element (16), wherein the household appliance apparatus (10) has a spring unit (24; 24', 24", 24"', 24ʺʺ), which is arranged below the holding element (18) and is provided to supply a contact force for the user interface element (14), wherein the holding unit (12) has at least one flexible connecting element (22), by means of which the holding element (18) is supported movably on the base element (16), wherein the holding unit (12) consists of plastic, and wherein the base element (16), the connecting element (22) and the holding element (18) are embodied in one piece with one another, characterised in that the spring unit (24; 24', 24", 24"', 24ʺʺ) consists entirely of metal, namely of spring steel.

2. Household appliance (26) according to claim 1, characterised in that the holding unit (12) is embodied in one piece.

3. Household appliance (26) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the holding element (18) is arranged in a recess (20) of the base element (16) when the top of the holding element (12) is viewed.

4. Household appliance (26) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (22) is embodied to be meander-shaped.

5. Household appliance (26) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (22) can be deflected relative to the base element. 16.

6. Household appliance (26) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (22) can be deflected relative to the holding element (18).

7. Household appliance (26) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring unit (24; 24', 24", 24"', 24ʺʺ) is moulded together with the holding unit (12).

8. Household appliance (26) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holding unit (12) has a plurality of holding elements (18), which are provided to completely receive a weight force of the user interface element (14).