Household appliance system having a plurality of household appliances and a common central operating apparatus, and method

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance system (1) having a first household appliance (2), at least one second household appliance (3) separate therefrom, and having a common central operating apparatus (6) which is designed and provided, as intended, for the purpose of setting operating conditions both of the first household appliance (2) and of the second household appliance (3), wherein the operating apparatus (6) has an electronic display area (7) having a first display field (8), in which information relating to the first household appliance (2) can be displayed, and a second display field (9), which differs therefrom and in which information relating to the second household appliance (3) can be displayed. One aspect also relates to a method.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance system comprising several household appliances. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance system.

[0002] A wide variety of household appliances are known from current technology. Each of these is a separate, individual device. For example, a household appliance might be designed for food preparation. This could be, for instance, a cooking appliance or a cooktop. Furthermore, there are household appliances for laundry care, such as washing machines or tumble dryers. There are also household appliances for cleaning dishes. Similarly, there are household appliances for storing and preserving food, such as refrigerators, freezers, or combination refrigerator-freezers. All of these devices thus possess their own individual functionality.

[0003] It is also known in this context that each device, considered individually, has its own operating device. This is intended solely for operating the respective household appliance.

[0004] In this context, it is also known that such operating devices typically include a display unit, in particular a screen. It is also possible that such an operating device includes an additional control element which can be removed and reattached to a control element receptacle of the operating device without causing damage. It is also possible that such control elements can be mounted at different positions on the operating device. For example, reference can be made here to DE 10 2014 223 371 A1 or DE 10 2016 223 476 A1.

[0005] It is also known that a household typically contains several different household appliances, especially those mentioned above.

[0006] Systems with several household appliances operated by a control device are known from DE 10 2018 116 092 A1, EP 2 583 600 A1, EP 3 296 440 A1, US 2017 / 199658 A1 and DE 10 2017 201 661 A1.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to make the operation and handling of several household appliances more efficient.

[0008] This task is solved by a household appliance system and a method according to the independent claims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance system. The household appliance system comprises a first household appliance. The household appliance system also comprises at least one second household appliance. The two household appliances are separate devices. This means, in particular, that they are each, considered on their own, self-contained units. In particular, they each have their own housing. This also means, in particular, that they are both physically and functionally separate. This applies especially with regard to their respective primary functions, for which they are primarily designed. The household appliance system also comprises a central operating device, which is designed and intended for setting the operating conditions of both the first household appliance and the at least second household appliance. The operating device has an electronic display area.This device has a first display field on which information, in particular only information, relating to the first household appliance can be displayed. The electronic display area also has a second display field, distinct from the first. This second display field can show information, in particular only information, relating to the second household appliance. According to the invention, the two display fields are thus separate in this respect as well, each displaying only the information pertaining to the household appliance assigned to that display field. The operating device is, in essence, a single unit. It is arranged as a whole in one location. Therefore, the operating device does not have any display areas that are spatially separated and located far from one another.

[0010] The operating device has a first, fixed contact area. This contact area is designed to allow an activation element to be placed upon it. Such an activation element can be, for example, a control element. However, it can also be, for example, a user's finger. In one embodiment, the activation element automatically activates the first display field when placed upon the first contact area. Thus, it is possible for the first display field to be automatically switched from a deactivated state to an activated state, or from a standby state to an active state, through such a contact process. Additionally or instead of this, an embodiment may provide for the operating device to have a second, fixed contact area. This, too, is designed to allow an activation element to be placed upon it.This activation element can then be used to automatically activate the second display field by placing it on the second contact field. The two contact fields are separate. In particular, they are positioned at a distance from each other on the operating device. Such a contact field can, for example, be a touch-sensitive area. This can also be designed, at least partially, or even completely, as at least a partial area of ​​the respective associated display field.

[0011] On the other hand, a mounting field is a non-touch-sensitive area. According to the invention, a mounting field is therefore a control element receptacle. A separate control element of the operating device can then be arranged on this receptacle as intended. For example, such a control element can then be attached and held on the control element receptacle by magnetic holding force. The mounting field can thus also be a specific mechanical receptacle on which the control element is then arranged.

[0012] At least one mounting field, as already explained above, is a receptacle for a control element of the operating device that can be attached and removed without damage. This allows for the creation of numerous variations of the operating device. In a non-inventive example, it is possible that the electronic area in this context is designed solely with touch-sensitive areas as a display field. In another embodiment, it is possible that all mounting fields are not designed as touch-sensitive areas, but rather are all corresponding receptacles for control elements. In a further embodiment, it is possible that one mounting field is designed as a touch-sensitive area and that at least one other mounting field is designed as a receptacle for a control element.

[0013] The first mounting field, which serves as a receptacle for a control element, is located adjacent to the side of the first display field facing away from the second display field. In addition, or instead, an embodiment may provide that the second mounting field, which also serves as a receptacle for a control element, is located adjacent to the side of the second display field facing away from the first display field. This allows the two display fields to be advantageously arranged and displayed directly adjacent to each other. Intermediate areas that might interfere with the display and thus cannot be used to show information are thereby avoided. Furthermore, such a spatial arrangement also results in a very intuitive and easily understandable association between a mounting field and its corresponding display field.In this context, the meaning is easier to understand than if, for example, only a placeholder field were arranged or formed between the two display fields.

[0014] This household appliance system now makes it highly efficient to operate multiple appliances within a single, shared central control unit. This offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need for separate control units for each appliance. Secondly, it allows multiple appliances to be operated from a single, central location where the shared control unit is situated. Finally, the design of the electronic display enables a very clear and intuitive presentation of information about the appliances.By having strictly separated display fields on the display area, each of which displays only the information of the household appliance assigned to that display field, a very tidy and clearly structured information presentation can be created for an observer.

[0015] In this household appliance system, the at least two separate household appliances are distinct devices. This means that they each have a separate housing, and within this housing are the respective functional units of the household appliance. It is possible that the at least two household appliances are positioned directly next to each other. For example, the housings can then be arranged immediately adjacent to one another. In particular, the control device can then be located on one of the two household appliances. However, the control device can also be arranged, for example, in such a way that it is shared by both household appliances. In particular, such an arrangement is understood to be on the front side of both household appliances.

[0016] Especially in modern kitchens, it is common to find several appliances, such as those mentioned earlier, for food preparation. These appliances can be arranged in close proximity. For example, at least two cooking appliances, such as ovens, microwave ovens, or steam ovens, can be placed directly next to each other. They might be integrated into a kitchen unit or wall unit. In this case, they can be built-in appliances. In such a configuration, a shared, central control panel can be located directly on the front of both adjacent appliances. This allows for simple, user-friendly, and centralized operation of both appliances.On the one hand, operating procedures can then be carried out more quickly and safely. This is because a user no longer needs to switch between two control devices, which may even be located far apart, and constantly jump back and forth. Instead, they can quickly and reliably adjust the operating conditions for both appliances with a single glance at the shared central control device. This provides a clearer overview of the operating condition settings for multiple appliances. On the other hand, it also helps prevent incorrect operation of multiple appliances, especially when several cooking processes are running simultaneously.

[0017] However, this also applies to other household appliances, as mentioned at the beginning above. In this context, household appliance systems can include several appliances of the same type. Likewise, or alternatively, it is also possible for the household appliance system to include appliances that are functionally different. Even then, a common central control unit can be used to operate the respective appliances, in particular to adjust operating conditions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the common, central control unit is permanently installed on the first and / or the second household appliance. This means, in particular, that this central control unit cannot be reversibly removed and reattached. This permanent installation also ensures that the common central control unit remains in the same position relative to the household appliances. Furthermore, it prevents the central control unit from being misplaced or lost. This type of permanent installation creates a compact system unit between the household appliances and the control unit at a single location. Moreover, this design effectively places the central control unit directly on at least one of the household appliances.This proximity advantageously allows for the simultaneous adjustment and observation of the appliance, as well as any objects present in the appliance, or potentially in both appliances. This is particularly beneficial for food preparation appliances. Settings can be adjusted directly, and the preparation process of a food item can be observed simultaneously in at least one of the appliances. This is especially advantageous if preparation processes in at least two separate appliances can be observed at the same time, and adjustments can be made via the control panel.

[0019] The immediate proximity or direct location of the operating device on at least one of the household appliances, especially simultaneously on both household appliances, thus enables the aforementioned advantages to a particular degree.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electronic display area is a continuous, cohesive surface. In particular, the electronic display area can be a full-surface display. This provides a uniform surface geometry for the display area, thus avoiding separate, individual display areas. On the one hand, this reduces the number of components. On the other hand, such a design of the electronic display area enables improved and larger image representation across larger areas. Limited image sizes or dimensions for optical display can thus be avoided. In particular, such a design also allows for a more dynamic display of information. This also means that at least two display fields can be represented on this continuous electronic display area.This also makes it possible for the display fields in an exemplary embodiment to not only be fixed in location and size, but also to allow dynamic variations in both position and size. This increases the variability and user flexibility of the operating device, particularly with regard to the display of information.

[0021] The control element can be designed in a general way, for example, as a flat cylinder or disc-shaped. It can have a holding magnet that interacts magnetically with a counter magnet located in the control element receptacle. This allows the control element to be magnetically held in the receptacle. The control element can, for example, be rotated around a pivot axis and / or tilted to initiate operating condition settings of the associated household appliance. These relative movements of the control element to the mounting surface can be detected by corresponding sensing units of the operating device, and the corresponding, desired operating condition setting can be recognized.It is also possible that simply placing the activation element, in particular the control element, onto the control element receptacle does not automatically activate the associated display field. Instead, it is possible that, once placed, the control element must first be actuated to activate the display field.

[0022] In one embodiment, activating a corresponding optical display field results in an enlargement of the field. This means that the area of ​​the display field is larger compared to when the field is not activated. This process can also occur automatically when the activation element is placed on the placement field. Such automatic enlargement allows the now-active display field to be assigned greater significance or importance, and the information displayed on the enlarged field can then be more comprehensive and / or larger. This also improves the observer's visual perception. In particular, it makes it intuitively and, if necessary, easily recognizable, even from a greater distance, which display field is active.In particular, an observer can easily identify, based solely on this visual representation, which household appliance is currently being, or is about to be, adjusted using the control panel. Additionally, or alternatively, activating a display field can result in a change in its brightness. This also applies when the display field is in a different state than when it is active. This increase in display brightness can also provide the aforementioned advantages.

[0023] In one embodiment, activating one display field causes the other display field to shrink. In particular, this shrinking can result in a minimal display mode. In this context, the area of ​​the activated display field can then be smaller than the area in which both display fields are in an inactive state. Such a design ensures that the total area occupied by the two display fields in their respective, shared, inactive states remains constant, and that, due to the simultaneous enlargement of one display field and the simultaneous shrinking of the other, this area as a whole remains unchanged.In minimal display mode, however, the other display field does not disappear completely, but is still shown on the display area with a corresponding minimum size.

[0024] In one embodiment, activating one display field can additionally or instead reduce the brightness of the other display field. In particular, this reduction can be to a minimum brightness mode. However, this is not necessarily zero brightness. This can also occur automatically and simultaneously with the brightness increase of the selected display field.

[0025] In one embodiment, the mounting fields and the display fields are arranged in a row. In particular, this embodiment provides that in this row, a mounting field is formed first, followed by the area or display field associated with the mounting field, then the separate display field, and finally, the next mounting field follows this display field. This arrangement results in a very compact and space-saving configuration of these components. In particular, these components are directly adjacent to each other in this sequence. Specifically, at least the display fields, in their potentially different display modes, are always positioned without overlapping. Likewise, the mounting fields can be directly adjacent to the display fields.They can be arranged in a way that is either non-overlapping or partially overlapping with these display fields.

[0026] In one embodiment, the display fields are shown simultaneously on the display area. Specifically, they are thus displayed both in an active state and in, for example, a standby state. Displaying these fields on the display area is only intended when the operating device is completely switched off, in which case the fields are not visible.

[0027] In one embodiment, the display fields are shown in a static mode when no operating conditions of either household appliance are being set. This static state is, in particular, a state in which the display fields are not activated and are therefore inactive. In this static state, the display fields are shown with the same area on the display area. They are also displayed directly next to each other and immediately adjacent to one another. Specifically, they are shown with a basic size and / or a basic brightness.

[0028] A household appliance can be a device used for preparing food. For example, it could be a cooking appliance. A cooking appliance could be an oven, a microwave oven, or a steamer. It's also possible that a household appliance for preparing food could be a cooktop. However, a household appliance for preparing food could also be, for example, a fully automatic coffee machine, a toaster, a kettle, or similar items. This particularly applies to small household appliances. A household appliance can also be designed for storing and preserving food. For example, it could be a refrigerator, a freezer, or a fridge-freezer. A household appliance can also be designed for cleaning dishes. In this context, it could be, for example, a dishwasher.A household appliance can also be designed for the care of laundry. For example, this could be a tumble dryer or a washing machine. A washer-dryer can also be designed for this purpose. It is also possible that a household appliance, as already mentioned above, is a small household appliance. A range hood can also be a household appliance.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance system, which is configured according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The method comprises the following steps: Displaying the display fields in a dwell mode on the display area; selecting a household appliance to set its operating conditions by touching a placement field with an activation element; automatically changing the size and / or brightness of at least the display field belonging to the selected household appliance, caused by touching the placement field or by pressing the activation element; performing the operating condition setting of the selected household appliance and displaying information about it on the associated activated display field.

[0030] The advantages achievable with this method have already been outlined in relation to the household appliance system. Simple, location-based operation, and thus also the setting of operating conditions for several separate household appliances, are thereby enabled in a reliable and user-friendly manner.

[0031] It is also possible that the household appliance system has more than two separate household appliances and that, therefore, more than two separate household appliances can be operated with the single common central control device using the method.

[0032] In one embodiment of the method, when the display field belonging to the selected household appliance is automatically changed, the size of the display field is increased and / or its brightness is enhanced. In another embodiment, when the display field belonging to the selected household appliance is automatically changed, the size of the other display field is automatically reduced, particularly simultaneously with the change in the display field, and / or its brightness is automatically reduced.

[0033] Advantageous embodiments of the household appliance system are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method. In this context, components, in particular the operating device, are designed, alone or in combination with other components, to carry out the respective method steps. In particular, the positions and positional assignments of these components relative to each other are also advantageous for carrying out the respective method steps.

[0034] A display field can show letters, symbols, and / or numbers. These could, for example, be symbols for the operating programs of a household appliance. They could also be parameter values ​​of an appliance's operating parameters. Similarly, operating parameters and / or parameter values ​​of an appliance's operating function could be displayed. It is also possible for the display field to show a menu. In this case, if the display field is designed as a touch-sensitive area, a menu item can be easily selected by touch. The menu display can also include submenus. These are displayed when a higher-level menu item is activated or selected. This menu display and selection scenario is also possible by pressing a control element located on the display field.These are examples of operating conditions that can be set.

[0035] For example, in the context of a household appliance for food preparation, a menu display might show different operating modes of the cooking appliance. In particular, this could include different operating modes for the various heating elements of the appliance. Operating parameters could then include, for example, temperature and / or humidity, especially within the cooking chamber of this appliance.

[0036] In one embodiment where the display fields are arranged directly next to each other on the display area, enlarging a display field can be in the width direction, i.e., in the horizontal direction of the control device. Additionally or instead, enlarging in the height direction can also be provided. It is also possible for a display field to be enlarged in only one of these two directions, for example, only in the width direction or only in the height direction. In another embodiment, a display field can be reduced in size in the same direction as the enlargement of the other display field. For example, if one display field is enlarged only in the width direction, then the other display field is simultaneously reduced only in the width direction.

[0037] This is advantageous in terms of the resulting ease of perception for the user. Instead of a comprehensive and potentially abrupt overlap of other areas, there is a very subtle and easily perceptible change in the size of two or more display fields. Nevertheless, in one embodiment, the area occupied jointly by all display fields on the display remains the same. This also makes it very easy and understandable for the user to perceive dynamic changes in the display fields and the respective desired information presentation.

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the above-mentioned aspect are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the further independent aspect.

[0039] The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "latitude direction", "height direction" indicate the positions and orientations given when the device is used and positioned as intended.

[0040] Examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic front view of an embodiment of a household appliance system; Fig. 2 a simplified front view of another embodiment of a household appliance system; Fig. 3 a simplified representation of operating procedures of an embodiment of a common, central operating device of a household appliance system; Fig. 4 a simplified representation of another embodiment of a possible operating sequence with another embodiment of a common, central operating device; and Fig. 5 a simplified representation of a non-inventive embodiment of a common, central operating device with an embodiment of operating sequences.

[0041] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0042] In Fig. 1 A schematic representation shows an embodiment of a household appliance system 1. A simplified front view of the household appliance system 1 is depicted. The household appliance system 1 comprises a first household appliance 2 and a second household appliance 3. The second household appliance 3 is separate from the first household appliance 2. This means that they are functionally and / or physically separate. The at least two household appliances 2 and 3 can, for example, have their own separate compartments 4 and 5. These compartments can be closed by separate doors.

[0043] Generally speaking, and particularly valid for all embodiments, the household appliances 2, 3 each have their own separate outer casings.

[0044] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of the household appliance system 1. The separation of these two household appliances 2 and 3 also means that if, for example, one of the two household appliances 2, 3 is active and operating and performing a function, the other household appliance 2, 3 is independent. This means that the other household appliance 2, 3 can also be in an active operating state, or it can be deactivated or switched off.

[0045] The household appliances 2, 3 therefore also have their own separate functional units, which enable the respective operation, in particular the performance of the respective provided functions, independently of the respective other household appliance 2, 3.

[0046] The household appliance system 1 also features a common, central control device 6. This means that only this single, central control device 6 is intended to operate both household appliances 2 and 3. The central control device 6 is thus designed to set the operating conditions of both the first household appliance 2 and the second household appliance 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the two household appliances 2 and 3, with their respective separate housings, are arranged directly adjacent to each other. They are positioned side by side in the width direction. In this respect, they are preferably arranged at the same height. This central control device 6 is shown here, in this front view, arranged on both the first household appliance 2 and the second household appliance 3, but this is only an example and not an exhaustive representation.In particular, this central control device 6 is arranged centrally, in the width direction, between these two household appliances 2 and 3. The central control device 6 has an electronic display area 7. The display area 7 is a single, continuous display area. It is designed as a full-surface display. In the illustrated embodiment, this display area 7 has a first display field 8 and a different second display field 9. The first display field 8 is assigned to the first household appliance 2. The second display field 9 is assigned to the second household appliance 3.

[0047] The two display fields 8 and 9 are each intended to display information about the respective assigned household appliance 2, 3.

[0048] The common, central operating device 6 is permanently installed on the first household appliance 2 and / or on the second household appliance 3. The electronic display area 7 is, in particular, a continuous and therefore uninterrupted area.

[0049] In Fig. 2 A further embodiment of a household appliance system 1 is shown in a schematic representation. In this embodiment, at least two separate household appliances 2, 3 are also provided. Here, they are not arranged directly next to each other in the width direction, but rather directly next to each other in the height direction. The common, central operating device 6 is again, by way of example, arranged between the household appliances 2, 3, with this also referring to the front view of the household appliance system 1.

[0050] In Fig. 2 Furthermore, another embodiment regarding the arrangement and orientation of the operating device 6 is shown, as indicated in the dashed schematic representation. This means that the operating device 6 is then not oriented horizontally, but vertically. In this context, the display fields 8 and 9 are not arranged side by side in the width direction, but side by side or one above the other in the height direction.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiments, the operating device 6 preferably also has a first, locally defined contact surface onto which a separate activation element can be placed. In one exemplary embodiment, the activation element, which can be a finger or a separate control element, can activate the first display field 8 by placing it onto the first contact surface. In this way, the active state of the first display field 8 can be automatically set by this placement. Additionally or instead, the operating device 6 can have a second, locally defined contact surface onto which an activation element, such as a finger or a separate control element, can be placed. In one exemplary embodiment, the second display field 9 can also be automatically activated by placing this activation element onto the second contact surface.

[0052] In this context, a surface-mounted area can, for example, be a touch-sensitive area of ​​the operating device 6. This touch-sensitive area can be formed within the electronic display area 7. It can also be formed next to such a display area 8, 9.

[0053] According to the invention, a mounting field is a non-touch-sensitive area, namely a control element receptacle of the operating device. 6.

[0054] A separate control element of the operating device 6 is to be attached to this as intended. In particular, operating condition settings can only be adjusted when the control element is attached to the control element receptacle.

[0055] In this context, Fig. 3 A schematic representation of an embodiment of an operating device 6 of the household appliance system 1 is shown. In particular, an embodiment is shown in which the display fields 8 and 9 are initially shown in a non-setting state. This means that, for example, both household appliances 2 and 3 are still deactivated or in a standby mode. In this embodiment, the display fields 8 and 9 are in a dwell mode, which is not their active state. In this dwell mode, the two display fields 8 and 9 are of the same size in this embodiment. According to the embodiment, they are in Fig. 3 Then, viewed in the width direction, they are shown directly next to and adjacent to each other on the display area 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first mounting field 10 is shown. This is designed here as a control element receptacle. Viewed in the width direction, it is arranged next to a side 8a of the first display field 8, which faces away from the second display field 9. The mounting field 10 can be arranged directly adjacent to the first display field 8. This first mounting field 10 can also be arranged overlapping with the first display field 8.

[0056] In Fig. 3 Furthermore, a separate control element 11 is shown. This can be a flat cylinder. The control element 11 can be disc-shaped. It can be attached to the control element receptacle in a non-destructive manner. For example, it can be held there by magnetic holding forces. In the arranged state, the operating conditions of the associated household appliance 2 can be adjusted by actuating the control element 11, for example by rotating it about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the figure and / or by tilting this control element 11.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, starting from the schematic representation, the control element 11 is first placed onto this first mounting field 10. This placement triggers the electronics of the control device 6 to recognize that the first household appliance 2 is to be selected and operated. In one embodiment, this placement then automatically switches the first display field 8 from standby mode to the active state.

[0058] In another embodiment, it is also possible that this transition of the first display field 8 from the non-setting state to the active state only occurs when the already attached control element 11 is actuated, for example, rotated, as is the case in step S2 following step S1 in Fig. 3 As shown, in this embodiment, actuating the control element 11 preferably increases the brightness of the first display field 8 and / or, according to step S3 shown, changes the area of ​​the first display field 8, namely enlarging it. Simultaneously, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the second display field 9 is reduced. The second display field 9 continues to be displayed, but in this minimal display mode. Information can still be displayed and perceived on this second display field 9. As can be seen in the embodiment shown here, this change in the size of the display fields 8 and 9 does not alter the overall area of ​​both display fields 8 and 9.In the illustrated embodiment, where display fields 8 and 9 are arranged side by side in the width direction, this size change results in the first display field 8 being enlarged only in this width direction and the second display field 9 being reduced only in this width direction. In particular, for example, display field 8 is enlarged by at least 30 percent, and more specifically by at least 40 percent, of the base area shown in steps S1. In particular, an embodiment may provide that this area enlargement is limited to a maximum of 80 percent, and more specifically by a maximum of 90 percent, of this original base size.

[0059] In step S3, one embodiment may provide for the automatic display of predefined menus for selection. These could be operating functions. Alternatively, or in addition to these, automatically selectable operating parameters could also be displayed.

[0060] On the other hand, in one embodiment, only the essential settings are visible on the second display field 9.

[0061] By further actuating the control element 11, a corresponding operating condition setting for the household appliance 2 can then be made in step S3. For this purpose, the control element 11 can be rotated and / or tilted. Additionally, a corresponding setting can also be made, if necessary, by touch-sensitively selecting a displayed option on the display field 8.

[0062] For example, in Fig. 3 It has also been shown that if no setting is made within a predetermined time window after reaching the state in step S3, one embodiment automatically reverts to step S1 or S2. This means that the enlarged first display field 8 is then automatically reduced in size. It can be provided that during this reduction to the basic size, the first display field 8 remains active or is reset to the non-setting state as shown in S1. In this regard, this change occurs according to step S4, as already explained above, after the time window T has elapsed.

[0063] However, regardless of this, as already explained above, the S3 step can then be used to adjust operating conditions.

[0064] In Fig. 3 Furthermore, a further embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, for example, following step S3 or step S4, the single operating element 11 of this operating device 6 can be removed from the first mounting field 10 and placed onto a preferably existing second mounting field 12. This second mounting field 12 is associated with the second display field 9. In particular, it is arranged adjacent to a side 9a of the second display field 9, which faces away from the first display field 8.

[0065] The possible procedure for operation and activation, as described in steps S1 to S4, can then be carried out as shown in Fig. 3 As shown, the same sequence applies to the second display field 9. The explanations for steps S1 to S4 therefore also apply to steps S5, S6, S7 and S8 in this exemplary embodiment.

[0066] In principle, this representation of the processes can be varied and modified in many ways. Naturally, in an exemplary implementation, steps S5 to S8 can be performed first. Steps S1 to S4 can then be carried out subsequently, if necessary and depending on the situation. Likewise, in the exemplary implementations, it is also possible to perform only some of the described steps at any given time. In particular, it is possible, for example, to switch to steps S5 immediately after performing steps S1 to S3. Similarly, after performing steps S1 to S3, other steps can also be carried out.

[0067] As shown in the exemplary embodiment, in one exemplary embodiment, when a control element 11 is removed from a mounting field 10 or 12, the display fields 8 and 9 are preferably automatically restored to their non-setting state, as explained in steps S1 and S5.

[0068] Furthermore, it may also be provided that, for example, after performing step S3 and further actuating the control element 11 and / or touching the first display field 8 to set operating conditions, the household appliance 2 is started accordingly with these set operating conditions. It may then be provided that the display fields 8 and 9 automatically rescale to the initial values ​​or basic values ​​according to step S1 even if no further active setting has been made for a period of time T after the household appliance 2 has started operating.

[0069] In one embodiment, it can be provided that when a user starts one of the two household appliances 2, a corresponding moving screen is displayed on the respective side of the display field 8 or 9. This means that relevant information or selectable options are dynamically displayed or shown. For example, current temperature values ​​and remaining time of a cooking process can be displayed if the household appliance 2 is, for instance, a food preparation appliance. In particular, the standard settings are then displayed and accessible on the other display field 8, 9.

[0070] In another embodiment, as it appears in Fig. 4 As shown, the following can be Fig. 3 The operating device 6 described above is not only equipped with a single operating element 11, but according to the further embodiment, it is designed with two separate operating elements 11 and 13. These can then also be mounted simultaneously on the mounting surfaces 10 and 12. This is shown, for example, in step S1' in Fig. 4 As shown. In an exemplary embodiment, if the left-hand control element 11 is then actuated, the same scenario occurs in steps S2' and S3' as described for steps S2 and S3. The same applies to a possible step S4'.

[0071] In one embodiment, the second control element 13 can also be actuated, as shown in step S5'. Starting from step S4', the second display field 9 is then brought into the active state. In particular, in one example, a corresponding automatic enlargement also occurs, as shown in step S6'. Additionally, the brightness of the display on the display field 9 can also be increased. Likewise, it is also possible that in step S7, an automatic return to the state according to S4' or S1' occurs if a time window T has elapsed in which no operation took place.

[0072] Also, the process according to the description in Fig. 4 There are many different ways this can be done, as is also possible with regard to... Fig. 3 As explained above, for example, the operating element 13 can be activated first, thus initially performing steps S5' to S7'. If necessary, steps S2' to S3', and especially S4', can then be performed subsequently. This naturally depends on which of the household appliances 2, 3 is to be operated or activated, and when and how.

[0073] As explained above, depending on the type of household appliance 2, 3 belonging to the household appliance system 1, individual primary functions can be displayed and executed. Accordingly, the respective specific functional units of the respective household appliance 2, 3 can be activated or adjusted.

[0074] For example, a cooking appliance allows the selection and setting of various operating functions and thus also cooking programs. This involves specific settings for the heating elements of the household appliance, whether it's a cooking appliance or a cooktop. In this context, it's also possible to select or switch between different heating modes, such as a "Plus" heating mode, temperature settings, and time settings.

[0075] In all embodiments described so far and those described below, it is also possible for the control device 6 to have an additional optical symbol. This optical symbol can visually indicate which of the household appliances 2, 3 is currently active, in particular, which is being set. For example, such an optical symbol could be an illuminated line or dot, or the like, on the display area 7. A separate optical symbol on the display area 7 can be activated for each of the individual appliances 2, 3 when the respective appliance 2, 3 is being set. This optical symbol can also be located next to the display field 8 or the display field 9. This allows the user to see even more clearly which of the household appliances 2, 3 is currently being set or is active.In particular, the symbol can also light up actively when the display fields 8, 9 are back in mode according to S1, S1', S1" after a setting.

[0076] For example, such a line can extend across the entire width of the associated display field 8, 9.

[0077] In Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a non-inventive embodiment of an operating device 6. In this embodiment, the operating device 6 does not have any contact areas 10 and / or 12. The activation elements in this embodiment are therefore not operating elements 11, 13. Instead, such activation elements are, for example, a finger that can press onto the display fields 8 and 9, which are designed as touch-sensitive areas, particularly across their entire surface. This means that activation and / or selection of a household appliance 2, 3 is achieved by touching the respective associated position of a display field 8, 9. For example, in Fig. 5 The operating device 6 is shown in step S1 in its non-setting state. If, for example, a finger is pressed on the display field 8, the corresponding activation and selection of the household appliance 2 takes place. In step S2, the first display field 8 is then activated and switched from the non-setting state to the active state. In step S3, the display field 8 is then enlarged, for example. Additionally, the brightness of the display field 8 can also be increased.

[0078] As in Fig. 5 As shown in another embodiment, starting from step S3, in which, for example, operating conditions for the first household appliance 2 were set, the second household appliance 3 can then be set immediately. This can be done by touching the reduced size of the second display field 9. Then, according to step S4, the area of ​​the second display field 9 is automatically enlarged to a size larger than the original size in step S1. Simultaneously, the area of ​​the first display field 8 is automatically reduced, as also shown in step S4. In particular, a reduction is provided here so that the area of ​​the display field 8 is smaller than its original size according to step S1.

[0079] As in Fig. 5 As also shown, if no further action is taken after setting the second household appliance 3 for a period of time T, an automatic change from the display of fields 8 and 9 according to step S4" to step S5" can occur. The respective size and state of display fields 8 and 9 then correspond again to that in step S1".

[0080] In all embodiments, it is also possible that when a display field 8, 9 has been selected, and thus a corresponding household appliance 2, 3 has been selected for activation and setting operating conditions, a selection menu is visually displayed on the corresponding display field 8, 9. Submenus can then be selected from this menu. Within such submenus, a user can then make selections. For example, in the case of a cooking appliance, the user can select between heating modes, desired operating function favorites, cleaning programs, etc.

[0081] The other display field 8, 9 can then shrink or even fan out. This is also a minimal display. In particular, only the essential information is visually displayed in this reduced view.

[0082] For example, if a user selects a submenu item related to the possible heating modes of the cooking appliance or hob in an open submenu on display field 8 or 9, they can then choose between different heating modes. Once a mode is selected, parameters such as temperature, duration, etc., can be set in a further submenu.

[0083] The same process can then be repeated subsequently, before, or only for at least one other household appliance if the other display field 8, 9 is selected. As already explained by the embodiments and variants shown above, this can be done either by means of a control element 11, 13 or by touching a touch-sensitive area, in particular the display field 8, 9.

[0084] In the exemplary embodiment, the selected or set operating state or operating condition of the household appliance 2, 3 can be started by additionally activating a start signal. This can be done, for example, by appropriately activating a control element and / or by activating an additional control element of the operating device 6. For example, this could also be a touch-sensitive control element of the operating device 6.

[0085] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that, starting from the examples in Fig. 3 The operating device 6 has at least two display fields 8 and 9 for the at least two household appliances 2 and 3, but only a single mounting field, for example, mounting field 10 or 12, and only a single control element 11 or 13. In such an embodiment, the control element is placed on the mounting field using a single control element and a single mounting field, and both display fields 8 or 9 can then be selected selectively, but not simultaneously. The selection can then be made, for example, by tapping the respective display field 8 or 9, thus enabling touch-sensitive activation. It is also possible that a specific actuation of the control element selects the first display field 8, and a different specific actuation of the control element activates the other display field 9.

[0086] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to transfer the single control element to different mounting fields when different household appliances are to be selected and set; instead, a corresponding operating condition setting for different household appliances of the household appliance system 1 can be made with this single control element and the single mounting element.

[0087] In general, this makes it possible to operate and adjust several separate household appliances 2, 3 with a single control device 6 and thus with a single electronic display area 7, and to display the corresponding information on these settings of the household appliances 2, 3 together on this single electronic display area 7. In this context, it is also generally possible to enable a corresponding "split-screen" display of the display fields 8 and 9. Bezugszeichenliste

[0088] 1 Household appliance system 2 First household appliance 3 Second household appliance 4 Recording space 5 Recording space 6 Control device 7 Display area 8 First display field 8a Page 9 Second display field 9a Page 10 First attachment field 11 Control element 12 Second attachment field 13 Control element S1 First step S1' Step S1" Step S2 Second step S2' Step S3 Third step S3' Step S3" Step S4 Fourth step S4' Step S4" Step S5 Fifth step S5' Step S5" Step S6 Sixth step S6' Step S7 Seventh step S7' Step S8 Eighth step T Time window

Claims

1. Household appliance system (1) with a first household appliance (2), at least one second household appliance (3) that is separate therefrom, and with a shared central operating apparatus (6) which, in intended use, is embodied and provided to set operating conditions of both the first household appliance (2) and the second household appliance (3), wherein the operating apparatus (6) has an electronic display region (7), which has a first display field (8) on which it is possible to display information regarding the first household appliance (2), and a second display field (9) different therefrom on which it is possible to display information regarding the second household appliance (3), wherein the operating apparatus (6) has a first attachment field (8, 10) at a predefined location, to which it is possible to attach an activation element (11, 13), with which the first display field (8) can be activated, and / or the operating apparatus (6) has a second attachment field (9, 12) at a predefined location, to which it is possible to attach an activation element (11, 13), with which the second display field (9) can be activated automatically, characterised in that at least one attachment field (10, 12) is an operating element receptacle for at least one operating element (11, 13), which can be attached and detached again in a non-destructive manner, of the operating apparatus (6), and wherein the first attachment field (10) is embodied for an operating element (11) adjacent to the side (8a) of the first display field (8) remote from the second display field (9), and / or the second attachment field (12) is embodied for an operating element (13) adjacent to the side (9a) of the second display field (9) remote from the first display field (8).

2. Household appliance system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shared central operating apparatus (6) is installed at a fixed location on the first household appliance (2) and / or the second household appliance (3).

3. Household appliance system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic display region (7) is a region over a contiguous area, in particular a full-surface display.

4. Household appliance system () according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation of a display field (8, 9) features an increase in size of the respective display field (8, 9) and / or a change in brightness of the display field (8, 9).

5. Household appliance system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the activation of a display field (8, 9) features a reduction in size, in particular to a minimum display mode, of the other display field (8, 9) and / or the activation of a display field (8, 9) features a lowering of the brightness, in particular to a minimum displaying brightness mode, of the other display field (8, 9).

6. Household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one other attachment field (8, 9) is a touch-sensitive region (8, 9).

7. Household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment fields (10, 12) and the display fields (8, 9) are arranged in a line with one another.

8. Household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display fields (8, 9) are embodied as directly adjacent to one another on the display region (7), in particular are displayed simultaneously.

9. Household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a not-set state, in which no operating conditions of both household appliances (2, 3) are set, the display fields (8, 9) are in a rest mode, in which the display fields (8, 9) are displayed with the same size and directly next to one another on the display region (8, 9).

10. Household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating apparatus (6) has at least one discus-like operating element (11, 13).

11. Household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for the preparation of food and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for storing and preserving of food and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for cleaning dishes and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a household appliance for caring for laundry items and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a small appliance and / or at least one household appliance (2, 3) is a vapour extraction hood.

12. Method for operating a household appliance system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having the following steps: - displaying the display fields (8, 9) in a rest mode on the display region (7); - selecting a household appliance (2, 3) for setting operating conditions thereof by touching an attachment field (8, 9, 10, 12) with an activation element (11, 13); - automatically altering the size and / or the brightness of at least the display field (8, 9) associated with the selected household appliance (2, 3), caused by the touching of the attachment field (8, 9, 10, 12) or by actuating the activation element (11, 13); - performing the setting of the operating conditions of the selected household appliance (2, 3) and displaying information relating thereto on the associated activated display field (8, 9).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein, when the display field (8, 9) associated with the selected household appliance (2, 3) is automatically altered, the size is increased and / or the brightness is raised, and when the display field (8, 9) associated with the selected household appliance (2, 3) is automatically altered, the size of the other display field (8, 9) is reduced automatically and / or the brightness is lowered.

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