Domestic-appliance control device having a manually actuatable operating element with a capacitive touch point formed at a specific location, and domestic appliance
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/057551
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-26
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2026057551_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 202402880
[0002] 1 / 33
[0003] Household appliance control device with a manually operated control element with a locally specifically designed, capacitive touch point, as well as household appliance
[0004] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance control device. This control device has a control element with a support that is at least partially tubular. Furthermore, the control device has an adjustment element separate from the support. This adjustment element is rotatably mounted on the support. Operating conditions can be set by rotating the adjustment element about a longitudinal axis of the control element. These operating conditions are, in particular, the operating conditions of a household appliance to which the household appliance control device belongs. The support has a first control element part. The support also has a separate second control element part. The two control element parts are movable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element.
[0005] Household appliance control devices with operating elements are known in a wide variety of designs. An operating element can be designed solely as a touch-sensitive control area. In this case, it cannot be grasped by a user and its position cannot be precisely changed.
[0006] On the other hand, there are known control elements that are designed to be grasped and moved in a defined manner by a user in order to make a corresponding setting. Such a control element can, for example, be designed as a cylindrical rotary knob. Only a portion of such a control element may be designed for grasping and movement by a user, in particular for rotation around its longitudinal axis. Specific mechanical devices are required, especially when the control element allows relative movements between several parts. However, with known control elements of this type, a relatively large tolerance for movement is present, even perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This makes such a control element appear functionally and qualitatively inferior.
[0007] 2 / 33
[0008] The object of the present invention is to create a household appliance control device in which a multi-part control element is improved with regard to operating flexibility.
[0009] This task is solved by a household appliance control device and a household appliance according to the independent claims.
[0010] An independent aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance control device. This control device has a control element with a support that is at least partially tubular. Furthermore, the control device has an adjustment element separate from the support. This adjustment element is rotatably mounted on the support. Operating conditions can be set by rotating the adjustment element about a longitudinal axis of the control element. These operating conditions are, in particular, the operating conditions of a household appliance to which the household appliance control device belongs. The support has, in particular, a first control element part. The support has, in particular, a second control element part separate from the first. Specifically, the two control element parts are movable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element.
[0011] In this aspect of the invention, the carrier, viewed along its longitudinal axis, has an exposed carrier section as part of the second control element component. This carrier section includes a display unit with which information can be displayed optically and which is visible through a viewing window formed in the carrier section when looking at the carrier section from the outside. The display unit includes a light-generating unit for generating the optical information, wherein, in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the control element, at least one touch-sensitive area is formed as a capacitive contact point next to the viewing window, in particular at two azimuthally opposite ends of the viewing window, each adjacent to which at least one capacitive contact point is formed on the exposed carrier section.
[0012] This improves user flexibility. In particular, it allows for a concentration of functionalities on a specific control element while maintaining excellent clarity and user-friendly operation. 202402880
[0013] 3 / 33
[0014] In particular, the first control element part and the second control element part are movable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis by means of a push and pull mechanism of the control element acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
[0015] In one embodiment, it is provided that this support section is further arranged in the axial direction as a rotatably mounted adjustment element, which is separate from the support and rotatably mounted on the outside of the support. This ensures that the viewing window and the at least one touch-sensitive contact point are always accessible when the control element is extended and thus in the active state, enabling both the adjustment of operating conditions by actuating the adjustment element and, if necessary, the simultaneous observation of the support section in the area of the viewing window to perceive the optical information displayed there.
[0016] In one embodiment, a circuit board is arranged in this second control element part. In one embodiment, at least one flexible printed circuit board, in particular flexible printed circuit boards, is arranged on the circuit board. In one embodiment, at least one electrically conductive pad is arranged on this flexible printed circuit board, in particular at least one, so that a capacitive sensor is formed at the touch-sensitive contact point.
[0017] In one embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board with an electrically conductive pad is assigned to a touch-sensitive touch point, and / or the second flexible printed circuit board with an electrically conductive pad is assigned to a second, opposite touch-sensitive touch point.
[0018] In one embodiment, touching a touch-sensitive contact point is linked to switching displayed information on the display unit, in particular between parameter sizes whose values can be changed by rotating the setting element.
[0019] In one embodiment, a parameter size is at least one from a performance level of a functional unit of the household appliance, in particular a 202402880
[0020] 4 / 33
[0021] Cooking unit, in particular a cooking zone, and / or an adjustable temperature of the functional unit, in particular the cooking unit, in particular a cooking zone, and / or a timer and / or a specific user setting or a user-specific configuration of a display mode and / or an operating mode.
[0022] In particular, these capacitive touch points can function as an on / off switch. This allows, in particular, the control element itself or the operating device of the household appliance to be activated or deactivated.
[0023] The push-pull mechanism, also known as a push-pull mechanism, includes a guide unit in one embodiment. This guide unit enables the two control element parts to be moved axially relative to each other, along the longitudinal axis of the control element. Furthermore, the push-pull mechanism includes at least one spring that is compressible and expandable along the longitudinal axis. This spring is arranged separately from the guide unit, and the axial movement of the control element parts is influenced by the expansion and compression of the spring.
[0024] Such a household appliance control device allows for a more mechanically stable relative movement of the control element's components. This enables improved linear guidance in the axial direction. Any lateral movement of a control element component, particularly the first component, is thereby significantly reduced. Consequently, the wobbling effect of the control element, especially the first component, is considerably diminished when the control is operated. This also facilitates improved and more precise linear guidance of the first component along the longitudinal axis.
[0025] In one embodiment, the spring is a helical spring. This means that it is elongated and the spring coil is helical. Such a spring specification allows for particularly advantageous compression and expansion along the longitudinal axis. This enables a very continuous build-up and release of the spring preload, especially in this direction.
[0026] 5 / 33
[0027] This provides particularly advantageous support for the movement of the control element parts in the direction of the longitudinal axis, especially with regard to precise linear guidance.
[0028] In one embodiment, at least one spring is arranged or mounted on the first control element part. This first control element part is the rear control element part in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element. Therefore, if the household appliance control device also has a control panel on which the control element is arranged or mounted, it is preferably fixed to this control panel.
[0029] In one embodiment, at least one spring is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control element. This can particularly enhance the advantages mentioned above.
[0030] In one embodiment, the spring is wrapped around a separate, rod-shaped spring carrier of the compression and tension mechanism. This is a further advantageous embodiment in that the inherently elastically deformable spring is held particularly precisely linearly in the direction of the longitudinal axis, especially when compression or expansion occurs. This ensures a particularly precise linear application of the preload force. In particular, this also allows for more precise control of the relative movement of the operating element components in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
[0031] In one embodiment, this spring carrier is arranged on the rear first control element part. It is fixed in this position. For example, it can be attached to a base support of this first control element part. It can be separate from this base support or formed integrally with it. The base support is, in particular, a rear, plate-like cover that closes off the control element at the rear.
[0032] In one embodiment, the spring carrier is arranged parallel to a preferably present guide element of the guide unit. The guide element is particularly rod-shaped. Thus, two geometrically highly specified parts of the compression and tension mechanism are spaced apart from each other, but with their elongated
[0033] 6 / 33
[0034] Orientations are positioned in the same direction. This ensures particularly precise guidance of the linear relative movement between the control element components along the longitudinal axis of the control element. Specifically, the guide element of the guide unit is arranged on the first control element component. One end of the rod-shaped guide element can be attached to the rear of a base support of the first control element component. This base support, which is particularly plate-like, can incorporate this rod-shaped guide element integrally. However, it is also possible for this rod-shaped guide element to be separate from the base support and attached to it in another way.
[0035] In particular, it is therefore provided that the base support is arranged further back in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element, and that the rod-shaped guide element on the one hand and the rod-shaped spring support on the other hand extend forward in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Specifically, the guide element is arranged to overlap the rod-shaped spring support at least partially in the direction of the longitudinal axis. It is possible for the rod-shaped guide element and the rod-shaped spring support to be of the same length. However, they can also be designed with different lengths, which preferably differ by a maximum of 10% of the longer of the two parts.
[0036] In one embodiment, the push-pull mechanism includes a shaft arrangement. This shaft arrangement has at least one guide shaft for the spring carrier and / or the guide element of the guide unit. The shaft arrangement is, in particular, arranged on the second control element part. For this purpose, the second control element part can have a base body on which the shaft arrangement is mounted. In particular, the shaft arrangement can be integrally formed with this base body and thus be part of it. The shaft arrangement can, for example, be made of plastic.
[0037] In one embodiment, the shaft arrangement has at least two tube-like shafts. These can also be referred to as receiving shafts or guide shafts. It can be provided that the at least one spring of the push-pull mechanism is arranged to extend axially, and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the operating element, into a first shaft of the shaft arrangement.
[0038] 7 / 33
[0039] This immersion is specifically designed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element. In one embodiment, the guide unit can be arranged to immerse axially into a second shaft of the shaft arrangement, particularly with a rod-shaped guide element. It is specifically provided that this immersion of the guide unit occurs in this second shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element. Such a concept allows for particularly precise control of the relative movement of the control element components in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element. Linear axial guidance is thus particularly advantageous, and lateral movement, especially of the second control element component during relative displacement with respect to the first control element component, is thereby significantly reduced.This type of shaft arrangement allows for the axial interlocking of the corresponding components of the push and pull mechanisms, thus enabling a very smooth and continuous relative movement of the components and resulting in a particularly smooth and consistent operating feel, even for the user. Furthermore, this arrangement also significantly enhances linear guidance.
[0040] In particular, at least two shafts are arranged side by side. They are arranged to overlap, at least partially, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the operating element. The two shafts are completely separated from each other, preventing an element guided in one shaft from entering the other. This avoids any undesirable influence of axial movements of one part in one shaft by another part in the other shaft.
[0041] In one embodiment, two separate springs are provided for the push and pull mechanism. These two springs are arranged with their respective longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control element. This further enhances the advantages mentioned above. Particularly smooth linear guidance without lateral slippage or wobble of a control element component, especially the second control element component, is thereby significantly reduced, and in particular prevented. 202402880
[0042] 8 / 33
[0043] The two springs also allow for a more symmetrical design of the compression and tension mechanism, especially in relation to the central axis formed by the longitudinal axis.
[0044] This also allows the springs to be positioned with their longitudinal axes not coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the control element, or it allows the springs to run parallel to the longitudinal axis and thus be arranged adjacent to and laterally to the longitudinal axis of the control element. In particular, it is provided that these two springs are arranged on opposite sides of the guide unit. This refers to a view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. If the guide unit, in particular with a rod-shaped guide element, is arranged centrally in this direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the two springs can be arranged on opposite sides of this guide element and spaced apart from it. In particular, they are arranged at the same distance from the guide unit and thus symmetrically to the guide unit.This enables a particularly advantageous concept for uniform motion control and thus, in particular, for particularly precise axial, linear motion control.
[0045] In one embodiment, the push-pull mechanism includes a locking unit. This locking unit, in particular, maintains a retracted position in which the control element components are arranged in an axially compressed position. In this thus length-minimized position of the control element, with respect to the arrangement of the control element components relative to each other, a self-retaining concept is provided. In another embodiment, the push-pull mechanism may also include at least one motion damper. This motion damper dampens the axial relative movement between the control element components. In particular, it dampens the relative movement of the control element components from the retracted position to the fully extended position. This prevents the second control element component from springing forward out of the retracted position.This supports a low-wear motion control concept. 202402880.
[0046] 9 / 33
[0047] In one embodiment, the locking unit has a spring-loaded locking bar. This locking bar preferably has an engagement pin. In one embodiment, this engagement pin engages in a locking groove, thus maintaining at least the recessed position. The locking bar can be arranged, in particular, on the first operating element part. The locking groove is preferably arranged on the second operating element part. In particular, it can be integrally arranged in a base body. The advantageously provided shaft arrangement already mentioned above can also be formed in the base body. This enables a compact design and a particularly localized centering of essential functionalities of the push and pull mechanism.Even under very confined installation space conditions inside the control element itself, these various functionalities can be realized and provided with high functional precision.
[0048] In one embodiment, the locking lever is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The spring of the locking unit can act in both directions of rotation about this pivot axis. In particular, the locking lever has a home position. From this position, it can be moved clockwise or counterclockwise about the pivot axis. Corresponding preload forces can build up in the spring in each case.
[0049] The spring of the locking unit can, for example, be an elongated, coiled spring. In particular, the coiling can be helical. Thus, in one embodiment, the spring is a helical spring. Furthermore, the spring can also have at least one projecting, and therefore cantilevered, support rib. In particular, two such support ribs are provided. They are oriented in different directions and project from different ends of the helical coil or turn. This allows the spring to be supported particularly advantageously and to build up the respective preload force very continuously and precisely when the locking lever is moved.
[0050] In one embodiment, the motion damper only dampens the movement of the control elements from the retracted position to an axially extended position. This achieves the feat of using a relatively simple motion damper.202402880
[0051] 10 / 33
[0052] can be used. In this context, functionality is maintained and a space-saving concept is implemented. On the other hand, as already explained above, at least one spring of the push-pull mechanism makes it possible to dampen the movement of the control elements from the extended position to the retracted position and thus to the recessed position. This is achieved by compressing the axially oriented spring of the push-pull mechanism during this retraction, thereby building up the corresponding preload force. This also prevents an undesirable, rapid, and excessive movement of the second control element into the retracted position and thus an undesirable impact of the second control element in the final retracted position.The motion damper is particularly advantageous when the control elements are being pushed apart, as it prevents the otherwise pre-tensioned spring of the push-pull mechanism, which is maximally compressed in the recessed position of the control elements, from being unloaded excessively and thus expanding abruptly axially. This would otherwise cause the second control element to be flung outwards very quickly from its recessed position and result in a relatively hard impact of the second control element in the final position of the pushed-apart state.
[0053] In one embodiment, the first control element part is closed at its end facing away from the second control element part with a plate-like cover. This plate-like cover can be formed by the plate-like base support mentioned above. The spring of the push-and-pull mechanism is supported, in particular, on this cover. Specifically, the rod-shaped guide element of the guide unit is also fixedly arranged on this cover, as already mentioned above as an example.
[0054] The guide unit features, in particular, a rod-shaped guide element which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control element and cantilevers freely towards the second control element element. This enables a particularly precise axial coupling with a counterpart, especially a shaft of the preferably existing shaft arrangement. This cantilevered arrangement is precisely what makes it so effective.
[0055] 11 / 33
[0056] It also enables a particularly low-play interlocking of the aforementioned elements, thus supporting particularly precise linear guidance.
[0057] In particular, this rod-shaped guide element is supported by a support structure, specifically several support pins, and in particular two support pins, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the control element. This support structure thus acts radially to the longitudinal axis of the control element. Specifically, it is designed in the vertical direction of the control device and thus supports this rod-shaped guide element from below. This prevents undesired deflection or tilting of the longitudinal axis of this rod-shaped guide element relative to the longitudinal axis of the control element. This also enables particularly precise coupling and linear guidance, and supports particularly smooth relative movement between the control element components.
[0058] In one embodiment, the control element includes at least one acoustic communication unit. This unit is thus designed to output acoustic signals. These can be simple tones. However, a specific sequence of signals is also possible as an acoustic signal. Output of speech signals is also possible. In particular, this acoustic communication unit can include at least one loudspeaker. It is also possible for this acoustic communication unit to be designed for bidirectional acoustic communication. In that case, it can include at least one loudspeaker and at least one microphone.
[0059] In one embodiment, the control element includes evaluation electronics for evaluating operating positions. In particular, this may enable rotational movements and / or rotational positions of an adjustment element arranged on and rotatably mounted on the carrier. This adjustment element may, in particular, be a rotary ring.
[0060] In one embodiment, the control element is provided to include all electronics necessary for evaluating operating operations of the control element, in particular for evaluating actuations of the adjustment element. Thus, in one embodiment, signal acquisition and / or signal evaluation can be performed in the 202402880
[0061] 12 / 33
[0062] The control element itself is used for this purpose. The results obtained can then be transmitted, for example, via a communication line from the control element to a control unit of the household appliance's operating device or appliance itself. This makes it possible to create a control element that is essentially highly functional and therefore intelligent in its own right, capable of performing virtually all evaluation and processing within the control element itself. This allows the control element to be used and installed in a wide variety of household appliance operating devices, as it requires virtually no external evaluation systems or similar components to fully analyze and evaluate the detected actions and conditions. This results in a particularly advantageous concept with regard to the highest possible level of integration within the control element itself.This also makes it possible for the control element to potentially only require a very simple external interface to communicate with other devices. For example, such a communication interface can be wireless or wired. This could, for instance, allow the control element to be connected to a bus system of the household appliance's control unit or the appliance itself.
[0063] Another aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance, in particular for preparing food. The household appliance preferably has a household appliance control device according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof.
[0064] In one embodiment, the household appliance control device has a control panel. This panel can, for example, be plate-like. The control panel can be a visible component of the control device. Furthermore, the household appliance control device has at least one control element according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The control element can, in particular, be a so-called rotary knob. In its basic dimensions and geometry, it is a cylindrical component. The control element is arranged on the control panel. In particular, it is arranged on the control panel such that, viewed as a whole, it is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element relative to the control panel. In particular, this longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the
[0065] 13 / 33
[0066] The plane in which the control panel is mounted is oriented. The control panel can be a plate.
[0067] As explained above, the viewing window can be an external viewing area as part of the support section. It can therefore also be a surface of the support section, or this area can also be referred to as a surface.
[0068] As explained above, the viewing window is at least partially transparent to light in the visible spectral range. It can therefore be transparent or translucent. It can be opaque when the display unit is not activated and at least partially transparent to light in the visible spectral range when the display unit is activated.
[0069] The viewing window can be made of plastic or metal. It can also be customized in color. For example, it can be black, especially matte black.
[0070] Generally, the viewing window can be integrated and thus formed as a single piece with the support section. However, it can also be a separate insert.
[0071] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance control device. This control device has a control element with a support that is at least partially tubular. Furthermore, the control device has an adjustment element separate from the support. This adjustment element is rotatably mounted on the support. Operating conditions can be set by rotating the adjustment element about a longitudinal axis of the control element. These operating conditions are, in particular, the operating conditions of a household appliance to which the household appliance control device belongs. The support has a first control element part. The support also has a separate second control element part. The two control element parts are movable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element.In particular, the first control element part and the second control element part are displaceable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis by means of a push and pull mechanism of the control element acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis. 202402880.
[0072] 14 / 33
[0073] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance control device. This control device has a control element with a support that is at least partially tubular. Furthermore, the control device has an adjustment element separate from the support. This adjustment element is rotatably mounted on the support. Operating conditions can be set by rotating the adjustment element about a longitudinal axis of the control element. These operating conditions are, in particular, the operating conditions of a household appliance to which the household appliance control device belongs. The support has, in particular, a first control element part. The support has, in particular, a second control element part separate from the first. Specifically, the two control element parts are movable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control element.In particular, the first control element part and the second control element part are movable relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis by means of a push and pull mechanism of the control element acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
[0074] In this independent aspect of the invention, the control element comprises an acoustic communication unit, in particular at least one loudspeaker, and / or the control element comprises evaluation electronics for evaluating operating positions of at least one adjustment element, in particular a rotary ring, rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis on the carrier, in particular on a control element part.
[0075] Embodiments of the first independent aspect relating to a household appliance control device are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the further independent aspects of the household appliance control device.
[0076] Another aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance for preparing food. The household appliance has a household appliance control device according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In addition or instead of this, the household appliance can have at least one control element according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. Thus, it is possible for a household appliance to also have a control element.
[0077] 15 / 33
[0078] It may have a control element that is not located on a control panel. Conversely, it is also possible for a household appliance to have such a control panel on which such a control element is located.
[0079] In particular, the household appliance is a cooktop system. This cooktop system specifically includes a cooktop. This cooktop is designed and arranged so that cookware, such as pans, pots, or the like, can be placed on its upper surface for the purpose of preparing food. The cooktop preferably has one or more cooking zones on which the cookware can be placed. Furthermore, the cooktop system includes heating elements for heating the cooking zones and / or the cookware. These heating elements can be, for example, radiant heaters or inductors. The cooktop system preferably includes at least one control panel, which is separate from the cooktop.In particular, this control panel, which is preferably a plate, can be arranged in a plane oriented at an angle to the plane in which the cooktop is mounted. These two planes can, for example, be perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the control panel can be positioned below the cooktop when viewed vertically. This means that, in the vertical direction, the control panel extends downwards at least in some areas further than the cooktop. Specifically, in the depth direction of the cooktop system, the control panel is positioned in a depth position located in the front third of the depth of the cooktop. In particular, the control panel can also be positioned in a depth position located further forward than the front edge of the cooktop.The orientation with regard to "front" is to be understood as meaning that when the cooktop system is arranged as intended, the "front" of the cooktop system faces a user who is usually positioned in front of it.
[0080] The cooktop surface can be made of glass or glass-ceramic, for example. The control panel can be made of glass, metal, wood, or plastic. It can be adapted to the surrounding environment, both materially and / or visually. This means that if the cooktop system is installed in a kitchen unit, the control panel should match the adjacent furniture components.
[0081] 16 / 33
[0082] The kitchen unit is adapted accordingly. In one embodiment, the control panel can be designed solely as a mechanical support component for the control element. In another embodiment, however, the control panel can have additional functionalities, for example, a display unit and / or an operating system on the control panel side, particularly in addition to a control element as described above.
[0083] In one embodiment, the carrier can have at least one touch-sensitive operating area. This gives the display unit an operating function as well. It is then designed as an operating and display unit. The touch-sensitive operating area can, for example, be an on / off switch. It is preferably located adjacent to the viewing window on the carrier section. In particular, it can be arranged in the same axial position as the viewing window and azimuthally offset from the viewing window in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis, especially directly adjacent to such a viewing window. It is also possible for two such discrete and locally limited touch-sensitive operating areas to be arranged on the carrier section. For example, these two touch-sensitive operating areas can each be configured with a specific function.The respective functionality can then be selected, activated, and / or changed simply by touching the surface. It may be provided that these two touch-sensitive control panels are arranged in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis at positions opposite the viewing window, in particular, each directly adjacent to such an azimuthally shaped edge of a viewing window.
[0084] The household appliance can also be a range hood. This can have a control element according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. This range hood can have a household appliance control device according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The range hood can be part of a household appliance system. The cooktop system can also be part of the household appliance system.
[0085] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: 202402880
[0086] 17 / 33
[0087] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention with an embodiment of a household appliance control device according to the invention;
[0088] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance control device according to the invention, with an embodiment of a control element according to the invention;
[0089] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective sectional view through an embodiment of a control element of a household appliance control device according to the invention;
[0090] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective sectional view through an embodiment of a control element of a household appliance control device according to the invention;
[0091] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view through an embodiment of a control element of a household appliance control device according to the invention in the axially separated state of the control element parts;
[0092] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view through the control element according to Fig. 5 in the axially compressed state of the control element parts;
[0093] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of a section of the control element with components of a locking unit;
[0094] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a base body of a second control element part of the control element with a shaft arrangement;
[0095] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a support section of a carrier of the control element with a display unit; 202402880
[0096] 18 / 33
[0097] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a circuit board of the control element with capacitive sensors for touch-sensitive contact points on the carrier section; and
[0098] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the control element in subcomponents with an acoustic communication unit and evaluation electronics.
[0099] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.
[0100] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance 1. The household appliance 1 is designed for preparing food. It is a cooktop system 2. The cooktop system 2 has a cooktop 3. Cooking zones 4, 5, 6, and 7 are shown here by way of example, and their number, position, and geometry are not exhaustive. Cookware can be placed on these zones from above. The cooktop system 2 also has further functional units. These functional units are energy generation units 8, 9, 10, and 11, which generate energy to heat cookware. For example, these energy generation units 8 to 11 can be heating elements such as radiant heaters or inductors. In one embodiment, the cooktop system 2 also has a control unit 12, which is shown only symbolically.
[0101] Furthermore, the cooktop system 2 includes a household appliance control device 13. In the exemplary embodiment, this device has a control panel 14. The control panel 14 is a separate component from the cooktop 3. Here, the control panel 14 is designed as a plate. The plate extends in a plane that differs from the plane in which the cooktop 3 extends. In the exemplary embodiment, several control elements or household appliance control elements are arranged on this control panel 14. At least one control element 15 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis A with a sub-element. The control element 15 can, in particular, be a rotary knob. Its basic geometry is cylindrical.
[0102] 19 / 33
[0103] In particular, the additional control elements shown in Fig. 1 and not further designated with a reference numeral, which are arranged on the control panel 14, can also be designed accordingly.
[0104] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a section of the household appliance control device 13. An embodiment of a control element 15 is also shown. This control element 15 has a tubular support 16. It also has an adjustment element 17, which is separate from the support 16. The adjustment element 17 is rotatably mounted on the support 16 so that it can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A. Operating conditions can be set depending on the rotational movement and / or position of the adjustment element 17. These are, in particular, the operating conditions of the household appliance 1, in this case, the cooktop system 2. The control element 15 as a whole can be fixed in the axial direction. However, it is also possible for the control element 15 as a whole to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis A. This allows it to be moved axially relative to the control panel 14.
[0105] In particular, it can also be recessed in this context, so that in the recessed state it no longer protrudes forward beyond a front surface 14a of the control panel 14. Figure 2 shows an operating state of the control element 15, which is the operating state and thus the active state. This means that the adjustment element 17 is accessible and can be grasped to rotate it. The adjustment element 17 is a ring. In the axial direction, the adjustment element 17 has a dimension that is smaller than the dimension of the support 16. The support 16 has a support section 18. This support section 18 is hollow, at least in part. In particular, this support section 18 is arranged further back, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, than the adjustment element 17.The support section 18 is therefore located in this operating state of the control element 15 between the adjustment element 17 and the front 14a of the control panel 14. This exposed support section 18, which is thus exposed both axially and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and therefore radially, therefore constitutes a visible component in this respect. 202402880.
[0106] 20 / 33
[0107] The carrier 16 has a display unit 19. This display unit 19 can show optical information on the outer wall of the carrier section 18. In particular, the carrier section 18 has a viewing window 20. This window is curved, especially convexly curved. When viewed from the outside of the carrier section 18, as shown in Fig. 2, the optically displayed information can be seen and perceived at the viewing window 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the optical information 21 is characterized by numbers. However, it can also be formed additionally or instead by letters and / or symbols or a full-surface image.
[0108] Furthermore, Fig. 2 also shows an end face 22 of the control element 15. The end face 22 can also be the end face of the carrier 16. The end face 22 can have a control and / or display device. The end face 22 can be touch-sensitive, at least in part. Thus, in one embodiment, in addition to the display unit 19 on the carrier section 18, further operation and / or display of information is possible. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the adjustment element 17 is arranged without axial overlap with the viewing window 20.
[0109] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a control element 15 in a perspective sectional view. The control element 15 comprises the components already mentioned. In this context, the support 16 and also the adjustment element 17 are part of a second control element part 23. Furthermore, the control element 15 comprises a first control element part 24. The control element parts 23 and 24 are separate. They are movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis A, in particular, they are displaceable. It is specifically provided that the second control element part 24 is fixedly arranged on the control panel 14.
[0110] In the exemplary embodiment, the first control element 14 is arranged to protrude only by a collar 25 beyond the front 14a of the control panel 14. Otherwise, it extends in the depth direction of the household appliance control device 13 behind the control panel 14.
[0111] In the exemplary embodiment, the first control element part 24 has a tubular casing or sleeve 26. The control element 15 also has a pressure-202402880
[0112] 21 / 33
[0113] and tension mechanism 27. This pressure and tension mechanism 27 allows the two control element parts 23 and 24 to be axially displaced relative to each other. The pressure and tension mechanism 27 includes a guide unit 28. This guide unit enables the two control element parts 23 and 24 to be moved axially relative to each other. Furthermore, the pressure and tension mechanism 27 includes at least one spring 29. The spring 29 is compressible and expandable in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Thus, the movement of the control element parts 23 and 24 can be influenced by expansion and compression. In particular, the movement of the two control element parts 23 and 24 from a state that is completely separated in the axial direction to a state that is compressed can be influenced. Specifically, the spring 29 is compressed in this process, so that a greater preload force of the spring 29 builds up as the parts are compressed.
[0114] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the guide unit 28 has a rod-shaped guide element 30. This element is straight and extends along the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the compression and tension mechanism 27 has a spring carrier 31. The spring carrier 31 is also rod-shaped and extends along its longitudinal axis along the longitudinal axis A. Specifically, the rod-shaped spring carrier 31 is arranged parallel to the rod-shaped guide element 30. The spring 29 is wound around this rod-shaped spring carrier 31. The spring 29 is a helical spring.
[0115] In one embodiment, a spring system is designed redundantly. This means that the compression and tension mechanism 27 has a second spring 32. This spring is also a helical spring. The second spring 32 is elongated and extends with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the second spring 32 is also arranged parallel to the first spring 29. Specifically, this spring 32 is also wound around another rod-shaped spring carrier 33. The second rod-shaped spring carrier 33 is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Specifically, the two spring carriers 31 and 33 are arranged parallel to each other. In this embodiment, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, they are arranged on opposite sides of the rod-shaped guide element 30, which is positioned centrally.
[0116] 22 / 33
[0117] As can also be seen in Fig. 3, the push-pull mechanism 27 has a shaft arrangement 34. This shaft arrangement 34 is, in particular, a component of the second control element part 23. It can be integrated into a base body 35 of the second control element part 23. In the exemplary embodiment, the shaft arrangement 34 has a first shaft 36. The shaft 36 is oriented with its shaft axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A. As can be seen, the first spring 29 and, in particular, also the preferably present first spring carrier 31, extend into this first shaft 36. In one exemplary embodiment, a second shaft 37 is provided. This second shaft 37 is, in particular, separate from the first shaft 36. The second shaft 37 is also designed with its shaft axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The rod-shaped guide part 30 preferably extends into this second shaft 37.
[0118] In an embodiment in which a further spring 32 and preferably a further spring support 33 are provided, a third shaft 38 is also formed. The third shaft 38 is again formed separately from the further shafts 36 and 37. The shaft axis of this third shaft 38 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The further spring 32 and preferably also the further spring support 33 are inserted axially into this third shaft 38.
[0119] As can be seen, shafts 36, 37, and 38 are arranged in the same axial position along the longitudinal axis A. They therefore overlap, at least partially, in the direction of this longitudinal axis A. In particular, they are preferably of the same length or substantially the same length. Specifically, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, they are arranged side by side.
[0120] As can also be seen in Fig. 3, in an advantageous embodiment the rod-shaped guide element 30 is supported by a support structure 39. In this embodiment, the support structure 39 has two support feet 40 and 41. Viewed vertically, the support feet 40 and 41 are arranged below the rod-shaped guide element 28. Therefore, in this embodiment, they support the guide element 30 from below.
[0121] 23 / 33
[0122] Furthermore, Fig. 3 also shows that the control element 15, in particular the first control element part 24, has a rear cover. This rear cover is a lid 42. It is an embodiment of a base body. In the aforementioned embodiments, the guide part 30, the springs 29 and 32, and in particular the spring carriers 31 and 33 are arranged on this lid 42. In particular, the spring carriers 31 and 33 can also be formed integrally with this plate-like lid 42.
[0123] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control element 15 has a locking unit 43. This locking unit 43 can, in particular, maintain the fully retracted state between the control element parts 23 and 24. In the embodiment shown here, the locking unit 43 has a locking arm 44. A pin 45 is formed on this arm, pointing downwards. When locked, this pin 45 engages in a locking groove 46 (Fig. 7). This, in particular, ensures that an axially acting push-pull principle is realized.
[0124] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control element 15 has a motion damper 47. This motion damper 47 dampens, in particular, the relative movement between the control element parts 23 and 24, which occurs in the direction of the longitudinal axis A and causes the control element parts 23 and 24 to slide apart. Specifically, this axial sliding apart of the control element parts 23 and 24 is dampened by this motion damper 47. In particular, the preload force of the springs 29 and 32 built up during the sliding together is also dampened, thus preventing the two control element parts 23 and 24 from snapping apart axially. Specifically, the motion damper 47 only dampens this sliding apart between the control element parts 23 and 24.
[0125] Fig. 4 shows the control element 15 in another perspective sectional view. The section plane is shifted closer to the longitudinal axis A compared to Fig. 3; in particular, the section plane contains the longitudinal axis A. In this context, the axially cantilevered, forward-oriented orientation of the rod-shaped guide element 28 can be seen in Fig. 4.
[0126] 24 / 33
[0127] Furthermore, Fig. 4 also shows an example of an evaluation electronics unit 48. This unit is part of the control element 15. The evaluation electronics unit 48 can be arranged, at least with partial components, in the first control element part 24. For example, it can be arranged with a circuit board, as shown here, in the rear area of the first control element part 24. In particular, this circuit board can be arranged on the cover 42.
[0128] Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the control element 15, depicting the fully separated state of the control element parts 23 and 24. For illustrative purposes, a section plane is chosen that passes through the first shaft 36 of the shaft arrangement 35.
[0129] In contrast, Fig. 6 shows the state in which the control element parts 23 and 24 are depicted in their maximally retracted position. This is also a recessed state of the control element 15. This maximally retracted state according to Fig. 6 is held in particular by the locking unit 43, which is arranged in the locked position.
[0130] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of a section of the operating element 15. The locking unit 43 is shown here. As can be seen, the locking arm 44 is coupled to a spring 49. This allows the locking arm 44 to be pre-tensioned by the spring 49 about a pivot axis B, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. This is possible in both directions about the pivot axis B. The spring 49 can be a helical spring. As shown here, it can have two straight end pieces as legs 50 and 51. These are each mechanically supported by specific components. This allows the respective pre-tension force to build up when the locking arm 44 is moved.
[0131] When the operating element parts 23 and 24 are axially pushed together, the locking arm 44 contacts the pin 45 on a corresponding guide track, thereby moving the locking arm 44 out of its initial position shown in Fig. 7, and the preload force builds up accordingly around axis B. With further pushing together, the engagement pin slides, or 202402880
[0132] 25 / 33
[0133] The pin 45 engages the locking groove 46 via one end 46a. Due to the pre-tensioned position already reached there, the pin 45 snaps into this locking groove 46 when it axially reaches the end 46a. It then remains held at point 46b, particularly due to the contour of the locking groove 46, or rather, abuts the corresponding limiting wall there. This is the position of the pin 45 in the maximally compressed position of the operating element parts 23 and 24 shown in Fig. 6.
[0134] Starting from this state, as previously explained, when this compressed state is released, the second control element part 23 is pushed further towards the first control element part 24 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. This causes the pin 45 to move out of position 46b and snap over the cam tip 46c. Due to the still-existing preload from the spring 49, the pin 45 then moves to another lateral end 46d, or a corresponding opening in the locking groove 46, and slides out laterally, so that the control element parts 23 and 24 are automatically pushed apart axially. This is due to the compressed state of the springs 29 and 32, which then expand axially.
[0135] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the base body 35. The shaft arrangement 34 is also shown here.
[0136] As can also be seen in Fig. 8, this base body 35 has axial, here cantilevered support webs 52. In this exemplary embodiment, each of these support webs 52 has an engagement groove, in particular an axially straight engagement groove, which is bounded by, for example, U-shaped limiting webs 53. These grooves enable the base body 35 to engage with engagement webs that can be formed, for example, on the inside of the sleeve 26 of the first control element part 24. This further supports the relative movement of the second control element part 23 relative to the first control element part 24, particularly with regard to achieving the most linear movement possible. In this respect, the base body 35 is a component of the second control element part 23, and is arranged therein in a fixed position. The base body 35 can be a component of the support 16.In particular, it may also include the support section 18 or accommodate it if it is designed separately from the base body 35. 202402880.
[0137] 26 / 33
[0138] Figure 9 shows a perspective partial view of a section of the control element 15, in particular the second control element part 23. The support section 18, the adjustment element 17, and the previously described viewing window 20 of the display unit 19 are shown. In the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis A, a touch-sensitive operating area, in particular a touch-sensitive control point 54, can be formed adjacent to and following the viewing window 20 in the azimuthal direction. This can, for example, implement an on / off switch.
[0139] In this context, for example, a circuit board 55, as shown in Fig. 10, can be arranged in this second control element part 53. As can be seen here, flexible printed circuit boards 56 and 57 are arranged on the circuit board 55. An electrically conductive pad 58 or 59 can be arranged on these. This forms a capacitive sensor at the touch-sensitive contact point 54. In particular, two such touch-sensitive contact points 54 are formed at these opposite ends of the viewing window 20. One flexible printed circuit board 56 with the electrically conductive pad 59 is assigned to each touch-sensitive contact point 54, whereas the second flexible printed circuit board 57 with the electrically conductive pad 58 is assigned to a second, opposite touch-sensitive contact point (not shown in Fig. 9).
[0140] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a control element 15 in sub-components in a perspective view. The tubular component 26 is not shown here.
[0141] The control element 15 can, for example, also include an acoustic communication unit 60. This could be a loudspeaker. However, it is also possible that a loudspeaker and a microphone are implemented here.
[0142] In particular, the different embodiments described, along with their respective components and specifications, can also be combined in other ways to create other embodiments. In particular, 202402880
[0143] 27 / 33
[0144] Alternatively, a control element can be provided that has all the aforementioned specifications. 202402880
[0145] 28 / 33
[0146] Reference symbol list
[0147] 1 household appliance
[0148] 2 hob systems
[0149] 3 hob plates
[0150] 4 cooking zones
[0151] 5 cooking zones
[0152] 6 cooking zones
[0153] 7 cooking zones
[0154] 8 Energy generation unit 9 Energy generation unit 10 Energy generation unit 11 Energy generation unit 12 Control unit
[0155] 13 Household appliance control device 14 Control panel
[0156] 14a Front
[0157] 15 Control element
[0158] 16 carriers
[0159] 17 Adjustment element
[0160] 18 Carrier section
[0161] 19 Display unit
[0162] 20 viewing windows
[0163] 21 Information
[0164] 22 Front
[0165] 23 Control element part
[0166] 24 Example of implementation
[0167] 25 collars
[0168] 26 sleeve
[0169] 27 Tension Mechanics
[0170] 28 Command Unit
[0171] 29 spring
[0172] 30 Management section 202402880
[0173] 29 / 33
[0174] 31 spring carriers
[0175] 32 springs
[0176] 33 Locking unit
[0177] 34 Shaft arrangement
[0178] 35 Basic bodies
[0179] 36 Shaft
[0180] 37 Shaft
[0181] 38 Shaft
[0182] 39 Support structure
[0183] 40 support leg
[0184] 41 Support leg
[0185] 42 lids
[0186] 43 Locking unit
[0187] 44 Locking arm
[0188] 45 cones
[0189] 46 Locking groove
[0190] 46a End
[0191] 46b Position
[0192] 46c Scenery peak
[0193] 46d End
[0194] 47 motion dampers
[0195] 48 Evaluation electronics
[0196] 49 springs
[0197] 50 thighs
[0198] 51 thighs
[0199] 52 T support bridges
[0200] 53 boundary walkways
[0201] 54 Control point
[0202] 55 circuit board
[0203] 56 circuit board
[0204] 57 Circuit board
[0205] 58 Pad
[0206] 59 Pad
[0207] 60 communication units
Claims
202402880 30 / 33 Patent claims 1. Household appliance control device (13) with a control element (15) having a support (16) that is at least partially tubular and with an adjustment element (17) rotatably arranged on the support (16), with which operating conditions can be adjusted depending on a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis (A) of the control element (15), wherein the support (16) has a first control element part (24) and a separate second control element part (23) which is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the first control element part (24), characterized in that the support (16) has an exposed support section (18) as part of the second control element part (23) when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), and the support section (18) has a display unit (19) with which information can be displayed optically and which is visible through a viewing window (20) formed in the support section (18).are perceptible when looking from the outside at the carrier section (18), wherein the display unit (19) has a light generation unit (24) for generating the optical information, wherein at least one touch-sensitive area is formed as a capacitive touch point (54) in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis (A) of the control element (15) next to the viewing window (20).
2. Household appliance operating device (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one capacitive contact point (54) is formed on the exposed support section (18) at each of the two ends of the viewing window (20) opposite each other in an azimuthal direction about the longitudinal axis (A).
3. Household appliance control device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circuit board (55) is arranged in this second control element part (23).
4. Household appliance control device (13) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one flexible printed circuit board (56, 57), in particular flexible printed circuit boards (56, 57), is arranged on the circuit board (55). 202402880 31 / 33 5. Household appliance control device (13) according to claim 4, characterized in that an electrically conductive pad (58, 59) is arranged on this flexible circuit board (56, 57), in particular at least, so that a capacitive sensor is formed at the touch-sensitive contact point (54).
6. Household appliance control device (13) according to claim 2 and according to one of the preceding claims 4 or 5, characterized in that a flexible circuit board (56) with the electrically conductive pad (59) is assigned to a touch-sensitive touch point (54), and / or the second flexible circuit board (57) with the electrically conductive pad (58) is assigned to an opposite second touch-sensitive touch point.
7. Household appliance control device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that touching a touch-sensitive touch point (54) is linked to switching of displayed information on the display unit (1), in particular between parameter sizes whose values can be changed by turning the setting element (17).
8. Household appliance control device (13) according to claim 7, characterized in that one parameter size is at least one consisting of a power level, a temperature, a timer and a user setting.
9. Household appliance control device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (15) has an acoustic communication unit (60), in particular at least one loudspeaker and / or evaluation electronics (48) for evaluating operating positions of at least one adjustment element (17), in particular a rotary ring, which is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis (A) on the carrier (16), in particular on the second control element part (23).
10. Household appliance (1) for preparing food, comprising a household appliance control device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular a hob system (2) comprising a hob plate (3), wherein the hob plate (3) is a component separate from a control panel (6) of the household appliance control device (13), 202402880 32 / 33 in particular the plate-like control panel (6) is stretched in a plane different from the hob plate (3).