Domestic appliance with a control device with dual ring operating element

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (5) for a household appliance (1), with an operating element (7) which has a frontally visible inner part on which an adjusting ring (10) is arranged which circumferentially surrounds the inner part, wherein the adjusting ring (10) is rotatably mounted relative to the inner part and is designed to be gripped by a user for adjusting the rotational position, wherein the inner part is an inner ring (9), wherein the operating element (5) has a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the adjusting ring (10) is adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the inner ring (9) for adjusting operating conditions.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with a control device. The control device has a control element which has a front-facing inner part. The control element also has an adjustment ring that circumferentially engages the separate inner part. The adjustment ring is rotatably mounted relative to the inner part. The adjustment ring is designed to be gripped by a user to adjust the rotational position. This inner part is an inner ring.

[0002] Operating devices for household appliances are known in a wide variety of designs. In this context, operating elements designed as rotary rings are also known. Reference may be made in this regard to DE 10 2018 215 828 A1. There, the operating element is formed solely by this single, one-piece rotary ring.

[0003] A multi-component design of a control element with corresponding rings is known, for example, from EP 3 312 862 A1.

[0004] Household appliances with control rings arranged rotatably around an inner ring are known from CN 109 915 862 A and US 2016 / 333990 A1.

[0005] However, the functionality of these well-known rotary rings is limited in terms of usability.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create a household appliance in which the functionality of a ring-shaped control element is improved.

[0007] This task is solved by a household appliance in accordance with the independent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance with a control device. The control device includes a control element. The control element is movable to select or adjust the operating conditions of the household appliance. The control element has a front-facing inner part. This means that this inner part is a visible component of the control element and can only be described as internal with respect to its radial arrangement relative to other components of the control element. The control element also includes an adjustment ring. This adjustment ring is a separate component from the inner part. The adjustment ring surrounds the inner part circumferentially. The adjustment ring is rotatably mounted relative to the inner part. The adjustment ring is designed and intended for gripping by a user to adjust the rotational position. The inner part is designed as an inner ring.This design creates a control element consisting of two separate rings: the inner ring and the adjustment ring. It therefore forms a double-ring structure for the control element.

[0009] The control element has a longitudinal axis. This is also the axis of rotation around which the adjustment ring can be turned. The adjustment ring is adjustable relative to the inner ring along this longitudinal axis. This means that the adjustment ring is also axially movable relative to the inner ring. This design creates a geometrically very specific control element with two such separate, coaxially arranged rings, whereby the adjustment ring can be rotated and axially displaced. A combined movement is also possible. This can result, for example, in a movement corresponding to a helical turn. The adjustment ring can also perform this third movement optionally. This design makes a ring-shaped control element more versatile. Very simple operating movements enable more comprehensive adjustment scenarios.By designing the inner part as an inner ring, a delicate internal structure is created. This also reduces the weight of the control element. Additionally, the area formed by the hole in the inner ring can be used for other components and / or to display information. Finally, this inner ring can also serve as a carrier for the adjustment ring. The result is a highly functional and geometrically highly customizable control element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inner ring is fixed in place. This increases the robustness of the entire operating element. The rotational movement of the adjusting ring, as well as its axial displacement, is thus more defined and precise, particularly when the inner ring serves as a support ring and / or guide ring for the adjusting ring.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inner ring has a conically inclined inner surface. This inner surface faces radially inwards and is thus oriented towards the longitudinal axis or the axis of rotation. This specific inclined, exposed inner surface makes the inner ring mechanically more stable and robust. In one embodiment, the inner ring is funnel-shaped in this respect. Its radial thickness therefore increases from its freely projecting front end to its rear end, which faces a control panel of the operating device. This improves its stiffness and mechanical support function. This design is also particularly advantageous because the inner surface can be used for additional purposes. For example, it can serve as an ergonomic support surface for a user's finger. Furthermore, it can also function as a customizable display area.This allows information, especially visual information, to be displayed on the control element itself as needed. This transforms a specific area of ​​the control element into an improved display area that is easier for an observer to perceive.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adjusting ring has a height, viewed along its longitudinal axis, that is at least equal to the height of the inner ring. This ensures that the inner ring is completely covered by the adjusting ring over its axial height. Undesirable protrusions or exposure of the inner ring to the outside are thus avoided. This also provides improved protection for the inner ring against the ingress of dust, dirt, or similar contaminants.

[0013] The inner ring is designed as an optical display ring. Optical information can be displayed, at least on its inner surface, particularly by backlighting display symbols on the inner side.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least in certain areas, display symbols are arranged on this inner surface. In particular, these display symbols are integrated into this inner surface. With this design, the inner ring not only serves as a geometrically specified support and hole delimiter, but its inner surface can also be used for other purposes due to its ring shape. In this respect, the inner surface can essentially serve as a display unit. This is particularly advantageous because the inclined orientation of the inner surface makes it especially easy for a user to perceive these display symbols. The inner surface of the inner ring is thus funnel-shaped. This inclination provides a particularly advantageous perspective for an observer, thus greatly improving the visibility of the display symbols arranged and formed on it.In particular, this allows the optical display of the symbols to be integrated into the inner ring itself in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the geometry of the adjustment ring also allows for a certain degree of shading, making the inner side particularly advantageous for clearly perceiving the display symbols.

[0015] Even under specific environmental conditions, such as individual lighting conditions or the like, this position of the display symbols on the conically inclined inner side of the inner ring enables a simple optical presentation and reliable perception by a user.

[0016] The inner ring can be at least partially transparent. This allows it to be backlit, thus enabling it to function as a light ring. It can be backlit, or even be backlit, particularly in the area of ​​the display symbols.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inner ring is hollow, at least in part. In particular, it is open at the rear. This means that it is preferably closed on the front side facing the user. On the rear side facing away from the user, the inner ring is open. This design also reduces the weight of the inner ring. Furthermore, this geometric specification allows the inner ring to also serve as a receptacle and / or support element. Other components of the operating device can thus extend into or be accommodated within the cavity, at least in part. This further enhances the compact design of the operating device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the operating device has at least one light guide. In this embodiment, the light guide projects into the inner ring from the rear. This is a further particularly advantageous embodiment, as it allows the inner ring and the light guide to be positioned within each other. In particular, this makes it possible to efficiently backlight the display symbols on the inner ring with light guided through the light guide. This further improves the visibility of the optically backlit display symbols. Furthermore, this design also allows for a space-saving arrangement of the light guide. Due to its close proximity to the inner ring and the display symbols formed thereon, precise, high-intensity backlighting of individual display symbols is possible.This can better prevent unwanted light scattering effects or the illumination of multiple display symbols when only a limited number of symbols are intended to be illuminated. This also helps to avoid misinterpretations of backlit display symbols by users.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control element is arranged on a control panel of the control device. The control panel is, in particular, a plate-shaped part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the operating device includes a display unit. The display has at least one display field. This display field is arranged on the control panel in a surface area framed by the inner ring. The perforated area of ​​the inner ring is thus positioned to accommodate the display field. This surface area is also advantageously utilized, as it allows the electronically generated optical information from the display to be shown. Especially when the inner ring has a conically inclined inner surface, the viewing and perception of this information on the display are improved. Because this inner ring widens towards the observer, the field of view of this perforated area, and therefore of this display field, is enhanced.On the other hand, this inner ring also creates a kind of aperture for the display. This improves the visibility of the displayed information, especially when, for example, light falls on the control panel. Unwanted reflections or similar issues can thus be better avoided, and the display's visibility is enhanced.

[0021] In one embodiment, this area has a tinted cover. When the display is deactivated, this prevents the human eye from seeing through the area. This also effectively prevents components behind the area from being perceived when the display is deactivated. In particular, this creates a visually calmer appearance when the display is deactivated, conveying a high-quality impression.

[0022] In one embodiment, the display behind the control panel is arranged, at least in part, in a plane parallel to the control panel, offset from the adjustment ring. This offset is provided so that, on the one hand, the display field is located in the aforementioned advantageous area, and on the other hand, a rotation position detection device of the control unit can be advantageously positioned to reliably and securely detect the rotation position of the adjustment ring. In particular, this allows for short paths between the adjustment ring and the rotation position detection device. This also contributes to the compact design of the control unit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inner ring is made of a transparent material, allowing light from a light source in the control device to be seen through it in the visible spectral range. In this embodiment, the inner ring also serves as an optically effective element. In particular, backlighting or illumination of the inner ring allows for the visual indication of individual operating states of the control device. This also applies to the visual indication of operating states of the household appliance. Alternatively, or in addition, a unique visual appearance can be created for the control element, especially for its components, namely the inner ring. Finally, this also visually distinguishes the inner ring from the adjustment ring.

[0024] In one embodiment, the transparent material is tinted so that when the light source is deactivated, the human eye cannot see through the inner ring.

[0025] In one embodiment, the adjusting ring is mounted directly on the inner ring.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the adjusting ring is rotatably and / or axially displaceably mounted on another component of the operating device. A corresponding bearing assembly may be provided in this context. This may be located on the control panel. With regard to axial adjustability, a push-button function of the operating element can thus also be generated. It may be provided that this axial movement defines at least two axial positions. Different operating condition settings may be correlated with these at least two defined axial positions. In this context, it is possible that a user can grasp this adjusting ring and move it manually between these two axial positions. It may be provided that the adjusting ring remains in each of these two axial positions independently.However, it is also possible for the operating device to have a return mechanism. This mechanism can, for example, be designed to automatically return the adjusting ring from one axial position to another. The return mechanism can, for instance, incorporate a spring. This allows the adjusting ring to be manually moved from one axial position to at least a second axial position by a user. In this second axial position, the return mechanism can be pre-tensioned so that when the adjusting ring is released, it automatically returns to its initial axial position. This automatic movement can be damped by a damping unit in the operating device. This ensures that the adjusting ring is preferably always in its initial axial position.In one embodiment, this can be the position in which the adjusting ring can be rotated. In particular, it can be provided that a rotational movement of the control element can only be performed in this axial home position. This enables a very reliable design to prevent undesired misalignments of the control element, especially the adjusting ring. However, the feedback unit can also be a push-pull device.

[0027] However, it is also possible that if such a reset unit is present and the adjusting ring is in the second axial position, a rotational movement is also possible if the user continues to grip the adjusting ring, holds it in this second axial position and then performs the rotational movement.

[0028] In one embodiment, these two different position adjustment options—rotation on the one hand and axial displacement on the other—allow for very convenient operation of different user interfaces and user guidance systems for the control device. In particular, these two individual movement options are sufficient for operating household appliances. It can be further specified that start and / or stop functions and any special functions can then be additionally set, if necessary, by operating the control element in a different way. In one embodiment, this can also be achieved by not moving the control element, especially the adjustment ring, but rather by selecting or setting these additional functions, for example, by touching a touch-sensitive control panel on the control device.For example, in this context, a hole area of ​​the control element can be provided with a touch-sensitive control panel, so that when the hole area of ​​the control element is pressed, a separate touch-sensitive control element can be activated.

[0029] This touch-sensitive control panel can be surrounded or limited in area by the ring-shaped control element.

[0030] The inner ring can be arranged on the control panel, particularly in a fixed position. Especially if this inner ring has a transparent base, it can also allow a view through this base. In one embodiment, this allows a display located behind it to be viewed through this base. This is particularly advantageous when control panel variants are used that have displays of different sizes.

[0031] It is possible that the adjusting ring of the control element is movably mounted on the control panel by means of guide elements. These could, for example, be radially projecting engagement elements. Corresponding retaining elements or snap-in elements may also be provided. It is also possible that the inner ring is screwed to the control panel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the offset arrangement of the display relative to the control element also makes it possible to route the cabling for controlling the control element past the display to the electronics located behind it via short paths.

[0033] Due to its compact design and small footprint, even large displays can be positioned and used behind the control panel. They can also be mounted below or behind the adjustment ring. In this case, the adjustment ring can be designed so that it appears to float in front of the display and, when activated, is positioned in front of a homogeneous, uninterrupted display area. This allows for advantageously larger displays, especially if the adjustment ring and / or the inner ring are at least partially transparent, so that the visual display behind it is visible through at least one of these components.

[0034] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth", "width", "height", etc. indicate the positions and orientations given when the operating device or the equipment is used and arranged as intended.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention with an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention; Fig. 2 an enlarged representation of a partial area of ​​the household appliance according to Fig. 1 with perspective view of sub-components of the operating device; Fig. 3 a view according to Fig. 2 with one Fig. 2 different embodiments of the operating device; and Fig. 4 a perspective view according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 with one Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 further different embodiments of the operating device.

[0036] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0037] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance 1. The household appliance 1 can be designed, for example, for preparing food. It can be, for example, a cooking appliance. In this context, it can be, for example, an oven, a microwave oven, or a steam oven. The household appliance 1 can also be, for example, a dishwasher. Likewise, it is possible that the household appliance 1 is designed for storing and preserving food and is, in this respect, a household refrigeration appliance. In this context, it can be a refrigerator, a freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 can also be designed for the care of laundry. In this respect, it can be, for example, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, or a washer-dryer. The household appliance 1 can, however, also be designed for preparing food in other ways.In this context, it could be a small household appliance. For example, it could be a fully automatic coffee machine, a deep fryer, or something similar.

[0038] The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. A receiving compartment 3 is formed in the housing 2. This receiving compartment 3 can, for example, be the cooking chamber of a cooking appliance. The household appliance 1 also has a door 4. The receiving compartment 3 is closed by the door 4. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a control device 5. The control device 5 has a control panel 6. It also has at least one control element 7. In one embodiment, the control device 5 has at least one display 8. In this embodiment, the control device 5 is then a control and display device 5.

[0039] In Fig. 2 An enlarged view shows a perspective view of some components of the household appliance 1. In particular, the operating device 5 is shown. The manually movable control element 7 is a ring-shaped control element. In the exemplary embodiment, it has a front-visible inner part. This is formed here by an inner ring 9. Furthermore, the control element 7 has an adjustment ring 10. This adjustment ring 10 is a separate component from the inner ring 9. The adjustment ring 10 surrounds the inner ring 9 circumferentially. The adjustment ring 10 is designed for direct gripping by a user to adjust the rotational position of the adjustment ring 10. For this purpose, the adjustment ring 10 is rotatable about a rotational axis A. The rotational axis A is horizontally oriented. In the exemplary embodiment, it is oriented in the depth direction, which is Fig. 1 The x-direction represents the spatial direction oriented perpendicular to the plane of the figure. In this context, the x-direction represents the width direction of the household appliance 1, and the y-direction represents its height direction. The axis of rotation A also defines a longitudinal axis of the control element 7. The adjusting ring 10 is designed to perform axial movement in addition to its rotational movement. Thus, the adjusting ring 10 can also be moved in the direction of the axis of rotation A. These movement possibilities of the adjusting ring 10 are to be understood as being relative to the inner ring 9. In particular, the inner ring 9 is fixed in position. It is possible for the adjusting ring 10 to perform only a rotational movement about the axis of rotation A in order to adjust the operating conditions of the household appliance 1.It is also possible for the adjusting ring 10 to perform only an axial movement to adjust the operating conditions of the household appliance 1. In another embodiment, it is also possible for the adjusting ring 10 to perform a combined rotary and axial movement. In particular, a movement corresponding to a helical path can thus be performed. In one embodiment, the inner ring 9 has a conically inclined inner surface 9a. This inner surface 9a can be designed, at least in part, as a display area. Thus, optically displayed information can be shown on this inner surface 9a. The aforementioned movement options are selectable, depending on which setting is required.

[0040] Furthermore, in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the adjusting ring 10, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation A, has an axial height that corresponds at least to the corresponding axial height of the inner ring 9. Thus, in this embodiment, the inner ring 9 is completely covered circumferentially by the adjusting ring 10. The operating element 7 is arranged on the control panel 6, as already explained above. In one embodiment, the operating device 5 also includes a display unit or a display 8. In this embodiment, this display 8 is rectangular. Its size is such that the ring body of the operating element 7 is completely or substantially completely located within this area of ​​the display 8. It may be provided that only a small, lower ring segment of the operating element 7 is not located within this area of ​​the display 8.In particular, it is provided that a surface area representing the hole area 11 of the control element 7, especially the hole area of ​​the inner ring 9, is arranged completely within the surface area of ​​the display 8. As shown in the illustration in . Fig. 2 As can be seen, the display 8 is therefore fully formed in this hole area 11. Therefore, optical information from the display 8 can also be perceived in this hole area 11. Im In the illustrated embodiment, the display 8 extends beyond the dimensions of the control element 7 on both sides in the width direction and upwards in the height direction.

[0041] The display 8 is, in particular, a full-surface display. It may be provided that the inner ring 9 and / or the adjustment ring 10 are at least partially made of a transparent material. This ensures that information displayed on the display 8, and shown in the area of ​​the arrangement of the inner ring 9 and / or the adjustment ring 10, can be perceived through the inner ring 9 and / or the adjustment ring 10. In particular, the display 8 has a display field 8a, which is arranged in a surface area that is framed or bounded by the hole or hole area 11 of the inner ring 9.

[0042] This area may be provided with a tinted cover, so that when the display 8 is deactivated, visibility through the display field 8a is prevented. The tinted cover could, for example, be a film on the surface of the display 8. However, it is also possible that an additional base element forms this cover, which is axially much thinner than the corresponding axial height of the inner ring 9 and the adjustment ring 10.

[0043] It is also possible that the inner ring 9 and / or the setting ring 10 are at least partially made of a tinted, transparent material, so that when the display 8 is deactivated, a view through the inner ring 9 and / or the setting ring 10 is prevented.

[0044] In Fig. 3 is a corresponding representation as in Fig. 2 shown. In contrast to the design in Fig. 2 The geometry of display 8 is a narrower rectangle. The rectangular shape is narrower in the vertical direction, so that display field 8a is arranged only as a strip within the perforated area 11. Display field 8a is therefore smaller than the area enclosed by the perforated area 11.

[0045] Due to this narrower strip than Display 8, Display 8 only extends laterally (in the x-direction) to the left and right of Control Element 7. No overhang above or below is provided.

[0046] In Fig. 4 is in accordance with a further representation as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 Another embodiment of the operating device 5 is shown. Here too, the only difference is that the geometry of the display 8 differs from that shown. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 In particular, the display 8 is designed here as a square area. The hole area 11 can be seen here, whereby the display field 8a is also exactly the same size as the hole area 11. Bezugszeichenliste

[0047] 1 Household appliance 2 Housing 3 Receiving chamber 4 Door 5 Control device 6 Control panel 7 Control element 8 Display 8a Display field 9 Inner ring 9a Inside 10 Adjustment ring 11 Hole range x Width direction y Height direction A Rotation axis

Claims

1. Household appliance (1) with a control apparatus (5), with a control element (7) which has an inner part which is visible at the front in a front view of the household appliance (1) in which the control apparatus (5) is arranged at the front, on which inner part an adjusting ring (10) is arranged which surrounds the inner part peripherally, wherein the adjusting ring (10) is mounted in a rotatable manner relative to the inner part and according to its intended use is embodied for gripping by a user in order to adjust the rotational position, wherein the inner part is an inner ring (9), wherein the control element (7) has a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the longitudinal axis (A) is the axis of rotation about which the adjusting ring (10) can be rotated, characterised in that the adjusting ring (10) can be adjusted in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the inner ring (9) in order to adjust operating conditions.

2. Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner ring (9) is arranged in a stationary manner.

3. Household appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the inner ring (9) has an inner face (9a) which is inclined in a cone-shaped manner.

4. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjusting ring (10) has a height in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) which amounts at least to the height of the inner ring (9) so that the inner ring (9) is completely covered by the adjusting ring (10) across its axial height.

5. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control element (7) is arranged on a control panel (6) of the control apparatus (5).

6. Household appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the control apparatus (5) has a display (8), which has at least one display field (8a), which is arranged on the control panel (6) in a surface area which is framed by the inner ring (9).

7. Household appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that a tinted cover is arranged in the surface area so that in the deactivated state of the display (8), inspection through the surface area of the control panel (6) is prevented.

8. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the display (8) behind the control panel (6) is arranged offset with respect to the adjusting ring (10) at least in regions in a plane parallel to the control panel (6).

9. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner ring (9) is formed from a transparent material, so that light from a light source of the control apparatus (5), in particular a display (8) of the control apparatus (5), in the visible spectral range is visible through the inner ring (9).

10. Household appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the transparent material is tinted, so that in the deactivated state of the light source, inspection through the inner ring (9) is prevented.

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