WO2010112297A1 - Operating device for a domestic appliance, domestic appliance with such an operating device and method for operating a domestic appliance with an operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for a domestic appliance (1) with an operating element (17), which is designed for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1) on operation, characterised in that the operating element (17) can move along a guide track (16) on the operating device (13) along which at least two different positions (21 to 26) are provided, at each of which at least one specific operating setting possibility for the domestic appliance (1) is defined. The positions (21 to 26) may be adopted by the operating element (17) for selecting the appropriate operating setting and the operating element (17) may also be rotated about the rotational axis (B) thereof for an operating setting, said axis running parallel to the guide track (16). The invention further relates to a domestic appliance with an operating device and a method for operating a domestic appliance with such an operating device.

Description

 Operating device for a domestic appliance, domestic appliance with such an operating device and method for operating a domestic appliance with an operating device

The invention relates to an operating device for a domestic appliance with a control element which is designed for actuation for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a domestic appliance with such an operating device and a method for operating a domestic appliance with an operating device.

Operating devices for household appliances are known in many embodiments. In this connection, fixedly arranged control knobs are known on the domestic appliance, which can be rotated continuously or stepwise in order to be able to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance. In addition, controls are known, which can also be removed from a hob. The known operating devices have a plurality of operating elements in order to be able to select different subunits of a domestic appliance or to be able to make different operating settings. As a result, the operating devices are relatively complex equipped with a variety of components. The adjustment of operating conditions often requires the operation of multiple controls, so this may also be user-unfriendly if necessary. In addition, the controls of these controls are relatively limited operable to make such an operating condition setting can.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device for a domestic appliance as well as a method for operating a domestic appliance with such a control device, which allows a more user-friendly operation and setting of operating conditions. This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of claim 1, a domestic appliance having the features of claim 19, and a method comprising the features of claim 22.

An operating device according to the invention for a domestic appliance comprises an operating element which is designed by actuating for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance. The operating element is movable along a guideway of the operating device, along which guideway at least two different positions are predetermined, at each of which at least one specific operating setting possibility of the domestic appliance for selecting is defined, wherein the positions for selecting the respectively assigned operating setting with the operating element along the guideway can be approached, and the operating element for a further operation setting is also rotatable about its axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is arranged parallel to the guide track. Such a configuration of the operating device, the control can be operated in multi-functional yet highly specific actuation variants and thus the setting of operating conditions are also made more user-friendly. In particular, the manageability and traceability of the settings for a user can be made more catchy, so that incorrect operation can be avoided. Not least can be significantly reduced by such an embodiment, the number of components and in particular the number of controls.

In a further aspect of the invention can be provided that the control element in addition to or instead of the possible rotation about the axis of rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation for operation adjustment can be actuated. In addition to the ever-present movability along the guideway, the actuability about the axis of rotation and / or along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation can then additionally optionally be formed.

The operating element represents an objective element which can be grasped by a user and can be moved.

In particular, the axis of rotation of the operating element represents its longitudinal axis or its axis of rotation. The positions along the guideway through the Control element can be approached, are separate and discrete, trained at different path sections along the guideway or defined positions.

Due to the specific, parallel arrangement of the axis of rotation of the operating element to the longitudinal extension and thus the main axis of the guideway, the variability and operability of the operating element in terms of its operation can be increased.

It is preferably provided that the operating element has dimensions which are dimensioned so that its extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis is greater than its radial extent perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. The control is thus relatively flat construction and elongated.

Preferably, the guideway is a continuous and corner-free path, which runs in particular also completely straight. In particular, the positions along the guideway, which can be approached by the operating element and which represent options for setting available operating settings, can be approached successively on the way in one direction along the guideway. Depending on the sliding position of the operating element along the guideway, different operating settings can thus be approached or selected.

Preferably, the guideway is rectilinear. By this configuration, the movement guidance of the operating element can be simplified and carried out wear. By such a corner-free and also completely rectilinear actuating direction, a rubbing against corners or an abutment against corners in a non-linear guideway can be avoided. In addition to a much gentler and more subdued motion control thus the wear can be reduced. Jamming or spreading of the operating element along the guideway can also be avoided. Last but not least, this ensures a very high level of user-friendliness.

In a particularly advantageous manner, it is provided that the operating device has only a single operating element, with which all operating settings of the domestic appliance are adjustable. By such a configuration, the number of components of the operating device can be minimized in terms of required controls and the Clarity and intuitive traceability of settings for a user to be increased. With a single control element can thus be covered due to the very flexible and highly variable actuation options along the guideway and the axis of rotation of the control and all Betriebseinstellungsmöglichkeiten. This is particularly intuitive because along the guideway the different positions provide operational adjustment possibilities so that the user can intuitively understand the selection in this regard and can easily see and recognize even at a remote distance from the operating device.

Preferably, the guideway has a length which is at least three times as long, in particular at least five times as long, preferably at least eight times as long as the maximum extent of the operating element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the

Guideway is dimensioned. As a result, a relatively long guideway is provided, which thus provides the option of as many positions as possible which can be approached by the operating element along the guideway. Not least can be ensured by this design, the targeted selection or the start of such a position along the guideway.

Preferably, the control element is movable along its axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. By this embodiment, a further spatial direction is given, which offers an adjustment by the control. The degrees of freedom of mobility of the control are thus increased and the types of operation are relatively simple and intuitive for a user traceable and feasible.

It is preferably provided that the operating element of the guideway is non-destructive solvable. In such an embodiment, the complete removability of the operating element is given by the guideway, so that this is then arranged virtually separated and non-contact to the guideway and in particular to the entire operating device. In particular, for example, be provided that in such a detachable embodiment, the control element is held on the guideway via magnetic holding forces. It can also be provided a purely mechanical arrangement, which latching, for example via spring elements, the control element holds on the guideway, which can be solved to decrease this latching in a simple manner by the user. By such a releasable design, on the one hand, a child safety device can be made possible, so that the operating element can be removed and stored in a safe place, and so the unwanted operation can be avoided by a child. In addition, such a detachable connection can also be advantageous for cleaning purposes or assembly purposes, as this accessibility can be improved.

It can also be provided that the control element is arranged undetachably on the guideway. An undesirable misplacement or loss of the control element can be avoided.

Preferably, the control element has an integrated control button, by which the basic functions switching on and off of the domestic appliance, in particular only these basic functions, as operating settings are adjustable. By such an additional control button increased security can be ensured to the effect that no unwanted switching on or off of the domestic appliance is caused by unconscious displacement of the control element along the guideway or by turning the control.

The operating element preferably has an integrated operating button, by the actuation of which the operating setting selected by approaching a position along the guideway with the operating element and / or by actuating the operating element about its axis of rotation and / or along an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation can be activated. This also makes it possible to provide an additional securing mechanism, so that upon actuation of the operating element by moving along the guideway and / or by rotating and / or pressing about its axis of rotation or along the axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, such an operating setting is started automatically. In this embodiment, the user can thus explicitly and deliberately activate this selected operating setting by actuating this integrated operating key.

It can also be provided that an expiring from the end of an operation of the control element period is predetermined, after its expiration by Approaching a position along the guideway with the control element and / or by operating the control element about its axis of rotation and / or along the axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation selected operating setting can be activated. With such a configuration, it is no longer necessary for a user to additionally actuate an operating button in order to be able to start the selected operating setting. This automatic process reduces the demand on the user for his active activities. Nevertheless, created by the created buffer time nor a security mechanism to avoid unwanted settings or their course.

It can also be provided that at least one operating position of the domestic appliance marked for selection by a specific position along the guideway is automatically selected when the operating element is displaced in a defined path section of the guideway assigned to this operating position. By this advantageous embodiment can be achieved that a path tolerance along the guideway is created, so that even relatively quickly required settings or changes in the operation setting this can be done relatively quickly by the user. An extremely accurate displacement of the operating element along the guideway for the discrete selection of a position and an associated possible repeated shifting and adjustment of the operating element on the guideway to select the desired position can be avoided. This also significantly increases the user-friendliness.

Preferably, the path tolerance in both directions to the exact position on the guideway is less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm.

Preferably, a position along the guideway by starting with the control element and haptic perceptible by a user. Thus, it can be provided that the user perceives a retraction into the position by feeling a resistance when moving. This may be similar to a gentle snap provided. For example, it can be provided that when the operating element is held by magnetic holding forces on the guideway, this Einrastgefühl is generated by the magnets. The control element can then be activated by the magnetic forces to be virtually trapped in the position and the user perceives this catching haptic. By applying a relative to a required for a normal displacement on the guideway displacement force comparatively greater force then this holding resistance can be overcome and a further shift to another position along the guideway are performed.

Preferably, at least one operating setting of the domestic appliance marked by a specific position along the guideway for selection is selected in that the operating element is displaced in a defined path section of the guideway assigned to this operating position and the operating element is rotated by a user about his axis of rotation and / or along an axis is actuated perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The actuation of the operating element about its axis of rotation and / or along the axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation takes place in particular after reaching the specific position along the guide track. This also makes it possible to create a further advantageous embodiment with regard to increased safety. By turning and / or pressing the control element after reaching a position along the guideway, the user must explicitly confirm the selected operating setting in order to be able to activate it.

It is preferably provided that at least one operating function of the domestic appliance marked for selection is defined as an operating condition setting by a first position along the guideway and at least one operating parameter setting designated by a second to the first different position along the guideway is defined as the operating condition setting. It can thus be distinguished between an operating function and an operating parameter. For example, it should be mentioned at this point that, for example, a grill function, a circulating air function or a hot air function can be provided in an oven as an operating function. Also, a pyrolysis function or the like may be provided accordingly. In addition, as an operating function, the selection of the oven or an associated cooking zone, can be placed on the preparation container such as pots or pans or the like, are selected. As an operating parameter, for example, a temperature to be set or a required power of a heating device of the domestic appliance, for example for generating corresponding heat, can be set in a cooking chamber. Both the said operating functions and the operating parameters are merely exemplary and are intended to demonstrate the differences between the terms operating function and operating parameters in the understanding of the invention. Corresponding operating functions and operating parameters can also be provided and defined for a large number of other household appliances. At this point, home appliances for the care of laundry items, such as washing machines or clothes dryers should be mentioned only as an example in addition to the already mentioned home appliances for food preparation. Furthermore, home appliances for storage and / or preservation of foods such as refrigerators or freezers or equivalent combi devices may be mentioned. In addition, a domestic appliance can also be provided for cleaning dishes, for example a dishwasher or the like. In particular, however, other household appliances which serve the purpose of household management may also be provided.

It can be provided that the operating parameter is assigned to the selected operating function.

Likewise, it can be provided particularly advantageously that at least two operating functions can be selected in a first position along the guideway. In such an embodiment, it can be provided that the corresponding position is approached by the displacement of the operating element along the guideway, and one of the at least two operating functions is subsequently selected, for example, by turning the operating element or by pressing. Of course, it can also be provided in this embodiment, that in each case the selection takes place immediately after the direct operation of the control element automatically and the activation is started automatically. Likewise, however, it can also be provided that one of the alternatives already explained above for additional confirmation of the user, for example for actuating an integrated control key, and / or after a predefinable period of time, enables activation of the selected operating function.

In a corresponding manner, this can also be performed at a different position along the guideway, in which at least two operating parameters can be selected. Again, for example, be provided that by pressing the Operating parameters can be displayed and selected and then by rotating the control element, the value of the selected specific operating parameter is changeable.

It is preferably provided that by moving the operating element along the guideway, a value of an operating parameter can be changed as a function of the displacement path. In such an embodiment, therefore, a value change of the parameter is not performed at a fixed position along the guideway by turning and / or pressing the operating element, but the value is defined by the length of the displacement and changed accordingly.

Preferably, it can be provided that an operating function can be selected by rotating about the axis of rotation of the operating element. Thus, for example, it may be provided that initially a displacement of the operating element takes place along the path of the guideway and thereby a value of a previously displayed or selected operating parameter is changed. If the desired value is reached, the operating element is left at this point of the guideway and rotated to select an operating function and / or pressed.

It is preferably provided that an optical display device is formed adjacent to the guide track. In particular, it is provided that this optical display runs directly above the guide track parallel to the guide track. The corresponding operation setting options at the specific discrete positions along the guideway may be indicated or symbolized by symbols and / or letters and / or numbers. Similarly, a ticker or dynamically moving symbols can be displayed. Preferably, the optical display is formed with light sources which backlight these symbols and the like and thus indicate to a user. It is preferably provided that a selected operating setting lights up more than the adjacently optically displayed operating settings which are not selected. The user is thus clearly signaled when the desired operating setting is selected correctly. Thus, it can also be provided that after such a prominent flashing and thus a signaled for the user selecting after a predeterminable lead time then the actual activation of this selected operating setting takes place or is activated only after actually active confirmation of this selection by the user. Preferably, a display panel extends next to the guideway, in particular directly above the guideway and in particular over the entire length of the guideway.

It is preferably provided that the guideway has at least one reference position that can be approached by the operating element. It is preferably provided that along the guide track a first reference position is formed, by which an on / off state of the domestic appliance is characterized. In this embodiment, the domestic appliance is thus automatically transferred when starting this reference position in one of these basic functions. Especially when transferring from the on state to the off state by approaching this specific reference position by the control element, a corresponding safety mechanism may additionally be present which warns the user of this switch off or it may be an additional, additional measure by the user be required to actually bring this off-state then. This is advantageous when the domestic appliance is in operation and a program is still running, so that an undesired interruption of this program sequence can be avoided.

Preferably, it is provided that the domestic appliance additionally or instead has a second reference position along the guideway through which a stand-by mode of the domestic appliance is characterized. This energy consumption of the domestic appliance reducing state can also be secured in its setting and activation accordingly.

Preferably, no adjustment and / or selection of an operating function or an operating parameter is possible in a reference position.

Preferably, the operating element is formed in a deviating from the zero position first rotational position about its axis of rotation or in a deviating from the normal position first pressing position along the axis of rotation for activating the optical display of the positions along the guideway. As a result, the visual display can be activated and deactivated in a simple and fast manner. The operating element can be designed in such a way that continuous rotational movements or discrete rotational position adjustments are possible around the axis of rotation.

Preferably, a control unit is provided, which detects the movement of the operating element and performs the associated operating stone positions or activates the components required for this purpose. In particular, the optical display device is connected to the control unit and controlled by this.

Preferably, the operating device has an emergency stop function, which is provided for emergency switching off the domestic appliance. The emergency stop function can preferably be activated by releasing the operating element from the operating device, in particular from the guide track. This allows a user to react very quickly and practically only needs to separate the operating element from the operating device, in particular the guideway, and thus to set virtually non-contact to the guideway in order to be able to trigger this emergency stop function directly. This also high safety requirements can be met and by a relatively simple and fast action for a user action can be responded to undesirable operating conditions.

Preferably, the operating device has a reminder function, with which at an interruption at an interruption point of a running operation setting by removing the control element of the guideway, the operation setting is continued at this point of interruption when the control element is again arranged on the guideway. This also makes it possible to create a highly functional system, which is also intelligently designed, and it can be continued seamlessly after an interruption, for example due to an emergency stop operation and in particular a decrease of the operating element of the guideway at this point of interruption. The user therefore does not have to remember the operating settings or, if appropriate, an already expired program sequence, but by simply re-setting the operating element onto the guideway, the program continues at the interruption point. For this purpose, the control unit preferably has a memory device which precisely detects these already expired program states and also knows which ones Procedures are to be carried out in the further program sequence. It is preferably provided that this continuation takes place at the point of interruption only within a predefinable period of time after the interruption. This may avoid undesirable or conflicting operating condition settings or operations. Such a predefinable time period is preferably less than ten minutes, in particular less than five minutes. Just by such periods of time an interruption time is given, in which the already performed and set operating conditions and the associated exposure to the asset are not changed so that a subsequent continuation of the rest of the program flow leads only to significantly inadequate results.

It is preferably provided that the operating element can be moved along the guideway and a value change of an operating parameter of the domestic appliance or of an operating subunit thereof can be changed as a function of the displacement path. This means that, for example, a temperature value can be changed as a function of the displacement path of the operating element along the guideway and thus can be set larger or smaller.

In particular, it is provided that after setting an operating parameter value by moving the operating element along the guideway, an operating function of the domestic appliance can be selected and / or activated and / or an operating subunit of the domestic appliance can be selected and / or activated. For this purpose, it may be provided that, at the point at which the operating element is located along the guideway after setting the operating parameter value, the operating element can be actuated about its axis of rotation and / or along an axis perpendicular to this axis of rotation. Thus, after the operation parameter value setting, the operation function can be selected and activated, or the associated operation part unit can be selected and activated.

It can also be provided that a plurality of operating functions can be selected and / or a plurality of operating subunits of the domestic appliance can be selected and activated at a position along the guideway after setting an operating parameter value at this point of the guideway. In order to be able to select the desired operating function or the desired operating sub-unit at this point on the guideway, it is preferably provided that the operating element be about its axis of rotation and / or along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation can be actuated. Thus, it can be provided that the control element can be rotated, for example, about its axis of rotation and then the possible operating functions depending on the rotational position can be displayed on the display panel. Furthermore, it can then be provided that the operating function, which is then displayed, is confirmed and activated for selection. For example, this can be done by pressing the control element along the axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

The same can be provided with an operating subunit for selection.

A confirmation or activation can also be done by an integrated control button on the control. It can also be provided that the successive display of several possible operating function or several possible operating sub-units at a location of the guideway at which the value of the operating parameter that is desired is achieved by repeated pressing of the control key on the operating element. It can also be provided that for this successively displaying the possible operating functions or the possible operating sub-units that are possible at the location of the guideway at which the desired value of the operating parameter is achieved by pressing the control element along the axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a Confirm by the integrated control button on the control element.

It is preferably provided that the movement of the operating element along the guideway and the associated change in value of an operating parameter for the user can be displayed in a traceable manner in the display field. It can be provided that for this purpose the value change is displayed at a fixed position on the display panel. Preferably, it is provided that the changing value of the operating parameter is correlated to the movement of the operating element along the guideway on the display panel and the display of the respective current value on the display panel at the location adjacent to the operating element just on the guideway located. In such an embodiment, it is thus provided that the respectively current value on the display panel moves quasi with the movement of the guide element and preferably practically always located directly above the currently current position of the control element and is displayed. It is preferably provided that, in such an accompanying embodiment of the value display of the operating parameter, the respectively possible operating functions which can be selected and / or the possible operating subunits which can be selected are also displayed on the display field. It proves to be particularly advantageous if these optional operating functions and / or optional operating subunits are likewise displayed on the display field as part of the movement of the operating element. By such a configuration, a particularly user-friendly presentation can be carried out, since even with the motion control of the operating element also at the respective point observed by the user on the display panel, the essential information is displayed there. Especially with a relatively wide display panel and relatively long guideway thus the user does not have to deviate from the guide element or in the region of the guide element with his view in order to recognize corresponding changes in value and / or other choices on the display panel. This is particularly advantageous in terms of avoiding misadjustments or unwanted selection. Especially with a variety of possible operating functions and other settings so unnecessary confusion and unwanted settings and, where appropriate, corrections of settings can be avoided.

The invention also relates to a domestic appliance, in particular for preparing food, which has an operating device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

In particular, the domestic appliance can be designed as a baking oven, which has a front control panel which is arranged above a door of the household appliance and which has the operating device. In particular, in such a

Design the operating device fixedly arranged on a base body of the domestic appliance, wherein the door is struck on this base body and can move relative to this body. Preferably, the door is designed for closing a cooking chamber.

It can also be provided that the household appliance has a door for closing a receiving space, for example a cooking chamber or a laundry drum or a otherwise receiving space for food. The operating device can also be arranged on the door and / or on a door handle of the door.

Preferably, it can also be provided that the household appliance is designed as a hob.

In particular, a one-button operation by means of a control element is thus provided by the invention in a preferred manner, in which all operating conditions can be set only with an actuator. Preferably, this control element or the operating element is mounted magnetically and / or by another holding device on the operating device or at another suitable location on the front side of a control panel. Preferably, the switching on of the device is done by moving the control element from a zero position or a first reference position out to the first operating condition to be set. In this position can be done by turning and / or pressing the control element another setting.

In a method according to the invention for operating a domestic appliance, operating conditions of the domestic appliance can be set by actuating an operating element of an operating device. The operating element is moved along a guideway of the operating device for operating condition adjustment, along which guideway at least two different positions being specified, at which in each case at least one specific operating setting possibility of the domestic appliance for selecting is defined. The positions along the guideway are approached for further selection of the respectively associated operating setting with the operating element or can be approached, and the operating element can be rotated for further operation setting also about its axis of rotation, which is arranged parallel to the guideway.

The operating element is preferably displaced along the guide track to a first position for selecting an operating function representing an operating setting and for setting an operating parameter representing an operating setting, in particular one associated with the selected operating function Operating parameters, the operating element is moved to a second position along the guideway.

The value of the operating parameter in the approached second position along the guide track is preferably adjusted by rotating the operating element about its axis of rotation.

In particular, it is provided that an optical display unit for displaying selectable operating functions and / or operating parameters and / or operating parameter values is activated by the operating element is positioned in a third position along the guideway and from a zero position to a light-activated position its axis of rotation is turned. Preferably, this third position is the base home position when the control is at rest and the domestic appliance is off. In particular, this third position is thus formed as a reference position.

Preferably, the started operating settings are interrupted when the operating element is disconnected from the operating device, wherein the operating settings are preferably continued after the coupling of the operating element to the operating device at the point of interruption.

Advantageous embodiments of the operating device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features mentioned above in the description and

Feature combinations as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures are not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in others

Combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it: 1 shows a perspective schematic representation of a domestic appliance according to the invention; and

Fig. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, a household appliance for household management is shown in a schematic representation, which is an oven 1 in the specific embodiment. The oven 1 comprises a main body 2, in which a cooking chamber 3 is formed, wherein the cooking chamber 3 is delimited by a muffle 4. On the front side, the muffle 4 and the cooking chamber 3 have a feed opening, which can be closed by a door 5 which is struck on the main body 2. The door 5 is shown in the embodiment shown in the closed state and has a door handle 6.

In addition, the oven 1 comprises exemplary cooking zones 7, 8, 9 and 10, on which preparation containers for preparing food can be set up and can be heated by means of heating devices arranged below the cooking zones 7 to 10.

In addition, the oven 1 comprises a control module 11, which is fixedly arranged on the main body 2 and has a front panel 12 and, moreover, an operating device 13. In addition, the oven 1 comprises a schematically illustrated control unit 14, which is electrically connected to the operating device 13. In addition, a plurality of further components such as radiators and the like are connected to the control unit 14, which are controlled by the control unit 14.

The operating device 13 comprises an optical display device 29, which has a plurality of light sources not shown in FIG. 1, which are arranged behind a display panel 15 and backlit this. The display panel 15 extends in horizontal direction (z-direction) and may optionally be formed substantially over the entire width of the oven 1. By this relatively large width, the display panel 15 is strip-like, since its extension in the vertical direction (y-direction) is substantially smaller than the extension in the horizontal direction.

In addition, the operating device 13 comprises a guide track 16, which extends in the horizontal direction and is formed directly below the display panel 15. Along this guideway 16, an operating element 17 is movable. The oven 1 includes only this one single control element 17 for setting all operating conditions of the oven 1. In addition to its mobility along the fully rectilinear guide track 16, the control element 17 can also be moved about an axis perpendicular to this guideway 16 and along this axis. This axis A (extension in the x-direction) represents the longitudinal axis of the operating element 17. The operating element 17 can thus be rotated about this axis A and also be pressed along this axis A. The operating element 17 is designed as a flat cylinder, as is indicated by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The operating element 17 is movable along the guideway 16 of the operating device 13, along which guideway 16 at least two different, separate and discretely formed at different path portions of the guideway 16 positions are given, each defining at least one specific Betriebsseinstellungsmöglichkeit the oven 1 for further selection is. These positions along the guideway 16 can be approached along the guideway to select the respective associated operating setting with the operating element 17, it being provided in this regard that the positions are arranged successively along the guideway 16. The control element 17 is also rotatable about its axis A in addition to this rectilinear movement along the guideway 16 for a further operational setting, this axis A being arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis A of this guideway 16 in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows the operating device 13 in FIG. 1 in an enlarged schematic plan view. In the exemplary illustration, the operating element 17 is shown in a reference position, which is characterized in that it is positioned at a left end 18 of the guideway 16. The guideway 16 is completely rectilinear and extends over a relatively large area of the horizontal dimensions of the oven 1. The guide track 16 is disposed with its opposite ends 18 and 19 relatively close to the edges of the front of the oven 1. The guideway 16 has a longitudinal axis A, wherein the operating element 17 can be moved along this axis A.

The control element 17 is cylindrical in shape and has a longitudinal axis, which also represents an axis of rotation B of the operating element 17 at the same time. This axis of rotation B is oriented parallel and in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis A. About this axis of rotation B, the control element 17 can be rotated. The dimensions of the operating element 17 in the horizontal direction and thus in the z-direction are dimensioned such that the length L2 is a multiple of the length L1 of the operating element 17. Preferably, the length L2 is at least five times greater than the length L1. In addition, the shape of the operating element 17 is dimensioned such that the radial dimensions perpendicular to the axis of rotation B are much smaller than the length L1. The operating element 17 thus presents itself as a roller-shaped part, which is movable in different spatial directions and thus has different actuation degrees of freedom. In addition to the already explained possibilities of movement along the guide track 16 and the possibility of rotational movement about the rotation axis B is preferably provided that the operating element 17 along the axis C, which extends perpendicular to the plane and perpendicular to the axes A and B, movable is. As a result, a pressing of the operating element 17 along this axis C is possible.

In addition, it can be provided that the operating element 17 has an integrated control button 20, which is preferably designed for pressing.

The operating element 17 can also work as a capacitively designed proximity switch, so that an approach of a finger or a hand to the operating element ensures detection of a correspondingly associated setting request.

The possibility of movement of the operating element 17 along the guideway 8 is indicated by positions 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 shown in different dashed lines. The displaceability of the operating element 17 is along the guideway 16 continuously possible. Thus, on the one hand, it may be provided that, for example, the operating element 17 is displaced from the reference position shown into the position 21. In this position 21, an associated operational adjustment can take place. In this context, for example, an operating function and / or an operating sub-unit can be activated. This can be done, for example, at this position 21 in that the operating button 20 is actuated or the operating element 17 is pressed, for example, along the axis C. In addition, at this point 21, one of the operating function or the operating subunit associated operating parameters can be selected and set. This can also be done on the basis of the possible actuation degrees of freedom of the operating element 17 or via the operating key 20.

Corresponding configurations and setting options are also possible at positions 22 to 26.

As can further be seen from the illustration in FIG. 2, elements 21 a, 22 a, 23 a, 24 a, 25 a and 26 a are each formed directly above the positions 21 to 26 in the display panel 15, which are provided for optical display and symbolically operating subunits and / or operating functions and / or operating parameters. The operation setting options correlated with the positions 21 to 26 are then illustrated by the elements 21 a to 26 a at the respectively assigned points in the display field 15. In this context, it can be provided that the elements 21a to 26a after activation of the operating device 13 light up or are backlit and, with a corresponding selection and activation of this lighting up or backlighting, takes place more intensively or brighter. A color change can also be provided for identification or selection.

As indicated in the illustration in FIG. 2, a further element 27 is shown symbolically on the display panel 15, which can be, for example, the display of a clock. In addition to or instead of this, a further element may be provided which allows the display of an adjustable period of time, for example a preparation process or the like. It is preferably provided that in the reference position shown, in which the operating element 17 is located as shown in FIG. 2, only basic functions in the form of switching on or completely switching off the operating device 13 and the baking oven 1 are possible. If appropriate, a stand-by mode can also be set in this reference position and / or, if appropriate, the activation or deactivation of the optical display device 28 can take place. It is preferably provided that the selection of operating subunits or the selection of operating functions and / or the setting of operating parameters in this reference position with the operating element 17 are not possible. This can be countered high security requirements and unwanted settings.

It can be provided that the activation of the optical display device 28 takes place in the reference position by pressing the operating button 20 or by pressing the operating element 17 along the axis C. It can also be provided that this activation of the optical display device 28 takes place automatically in that the operating element 17 is displaced from this reference position into one of the positions 21 to 26.

Furthermore, it can be provided that when a program sequence is started and the operating element 17 is outside the reference position on the guideway 16, an automatic shutdown of the operating device 13 and the oven 1 does not result if this control element 17 back into the shown reference position is pushed back. Since this also high safety requirements are taken into account in order to avoid unwanted switching off can. Preferably, it is provided that when this control element 17 is pushed back into the reference position shown and a program, in particular a preparation process in the oven 1, is still running, explicitly a further active manual operation must be performed by a user. For example, the single or multiple actuation of the operating key 20 can then be provided here or a single or repeated pressing of the operating element 17 along the axis C can be provided.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment it is provided that an adjustment of a value of an operating parameter and thus also a change of a value of an operating parameter is effected in that the operating element 17, starting from its shown reference position along the guide track 16 is moved. As a result, a continuous change in value can be achieved. If the desired value of the operating parameter is then reached, it is then preferably then possible to select a desired operating function and / or a desired operating sub-unit at the reached position of the operating element 17 on the guideway 16. For this purpose, it can preferably be provided that the operating element 17 is rotated about its axis B in order to be able to select the desired operating function and / or the desired operating subunit and then to activate it.

In such an embodiment, it is particularly advantageous for the changing value of the operating parameter to be displayed continuously on the display element 15. Particularly advantageous is provided that the changing value on the display panel 15 mitwandert with the movement of the operating element 17 on the guideway 16. It is thus the respective current value of the operating parameter immediately adjacent to the operating element 17, regardless of where this is currently located and pushed. In addition, it proves to be advantageous if, in addition to the possible selectable operating functions and / or operating subunits of the oven are displayed on this display panel 15. In particular, these are also mitwandernd displayed on the display panel 15 with the movement of the operating element 17 on the guideway 16. Thus, for example, it can be achieved that when a desired value of an operating parameter is reached it is displayed immediately adjacent to the control element 17 on the display panel 15 and optionally immediately above this value of this operating parameter the possible selectable operating functions and / or possible selectable operating subunits are displayed become. This dynamic Mitbewegbarkeit the display information with the movement of the control element 17 is particularly user-friendly.

Preferably, the movement of the dynamically traveling display on the display panel 15 is coupled to the movement of the control element 17 on the guideway 16.

However, it may also be provided that the change in the value of the value occurring on the guide track 16 depends on the movement of the operating element 17 Operating parameters is displayed at a fixed location on the display panel 15. Accordingly, it can also be provided that the then associated selection options of an operating function and / or an operating subunit can be displayed in a stationary manner on the display panel 15.

It can also be provided that, after the selection of the operating parameter, its value setting and the selection of an operating function and an operating subunit for performing this function, the operating element 17 is again shifted to the reference position shown in FIG. 2 and then automatically a specific standpoint. by-mode is set. This specific stand-by mode is preferably characterized by the fact that the necessary for the proper performance of the selected program components are operated unimpaired, but other components are converted into an energy consumption reduced state. Thus, for example, the optical display device 28 can be operated in this respect energy-reduced, in which only the information displayed on the display panel 15 and backlit, which are essential for the information about the running program flow.

The operating element 17 is detachably arranged on the guideway 16 and can thus be mounted on it non-destructively reversible and removed again. This is preferably associated with an emergency stop function, so that with a removal of the control element 17, such an emergency stop can be realized. It is also provided that the operating device 13 has a reminder function, so that after removing the operating element 17, the interrupted program sequence at the point of interruption can be continued after the operating element 17 has been added to the guide track 16 at the point of interruption. Preferably, this reminder function is maintained until a predetermined time interval expires after removal of the operating element 17. If this has elapsed without the operating element 17 being placed back on the guideway 16, a continuation of the program sequence at the point of interruption is no longer provided.

It should be explicitly mentioned at this point that a multiplicity of further design possibilities is possible, which result from the combination of one or more features of an exemplary embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. In this regard, it should be explicitly mentioned that the explained respective embodiments or individual features thereof can be combined in a variety of ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 oven

2 main body

3 cooking space

4 muffles

5 door

6 door handle

7, 8, 9, 10 cooking zones

11 operating module

12 front panel

13 operating device

14 control unit

15 display field

16 guideway

17 control element

18, 19 ends

20 control button

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 positions

21a, 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a elements

27 element

28 display device

A longitudinal axis

B rotation axis

C axis

Claims

claims 1. Operating device for a household appliance (1) with an operating element (17) which is formed by actuation for setting operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1), characterized in that the operating element (17) along a guide track (16) of the operating device (13 ) is movable, along which at least two different positions (21 to 26) are predetermined, at each of which at least one specific Betriebseinstellungsmöglichkeit the home appliance (1) is defined, wherein the positions (21 to 26) for selecting the respectively associated operating setting with the control element (17) are approachable, and the operating element (17) is also rotatable about an operating setting about its axis of rotation (B), which extends parallel to the guide track (16). 2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating device (13) only one operating element (17), with which all Operating settings of the domestic appliance (1) are adjustable. 3. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (16) is rectilinear. 4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (16) has a length (L2) which is at least three times as long, in particular at least five times as long as the maximum external dimension (L1) of the operating element (17). in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the guide track (16) is dimensioned. 5. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (17) along an axis perpendicular to its axis of rotation (B) oriented axis (C) is movable. 6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (17) of the guide track (16) is releasable. 7. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating element (17) is arranged undetachably on the guide track (16). 8. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (17) has an integrated control button (20) through which the basic functions switching on and off of the domestic appliance (1), in particular only these basic functions, as operating settings are adjustable. 9. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (17) has an integrated control button (20), by the actuation of which by approaching a position (21 to 26) along the guide track (16) with the operating element (17 ) and / or by operating the operating element (17) about its axis of rotation (B) and / or along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation (B) oriented axis (C) selected operating setting can be activated. 10. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that one of the end of an actuation of the operating element (17) from the current period of time is predetermined, after its expiry by approaching a position along the guide track (16) with the operating element (16). 17) and / or by operating the operating element (17) about its axis of rotation (B) and / or along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation (B) oriented axis (C) selected operating setting can be activated. 1 1. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one by a specific position (21 to 26) along the guideway (16) for selection marked operation setting of the domestic appliance (1) is automatically selected when the operating element (17) in a defined path section assigned to this operating setting Guideway (16) is shifted. 12. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one by a specific position (21 to 26) along the guide track (16) for selection marked operating setting of Domestic appliance (1) is selected in that the operating element (17) in a defined, this operating setting associated Wegabschnitt the guideway (16) is displaced and the operating element (17) by a user about its axis of rotation (B) and / or along a perpendicular to the axis of rotation (B) oriented axis (C) is actuated. 13. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by a first position (21 to 26) along the guideway (16) at least one marked for selection operating function of the domestic appliance (1) is defined as an operating setting and by a second, the first different position (21 to 26) along the guideway (16) at least one marked for selection operating parameters is defined as an operating setting. 14. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (16) has at least one by the operating element (17) approachable reference position, wherein a first reference position is formed, through which an on / off state of the domestic appliance (1), and / or has a second reference position, by which a stand-by mode of the domestic appliance (1) is characterized. 15. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (17) in a deviating from the zero position first rotational position about its axis of rotation (B) or in one of the Normal position deviating first pressing position along an axis (C) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (B) for activating an optical display device (28) for displaying the positions (21 to 26) along the guideway associated operating settings is formed. 16. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an emergency stop function is formed, which can be activated by a release of the operating element (17) of the operating device (13), in particular of the guide track (16). 17. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reminder function is formed, with which at an interruption at an interruption point of an expiring Operation setting by removing the operating element (17) from the guide track (16), the operation setting at the point of interruption is continued, when the operating element (17) is again arranged on the guide track (16). 18. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (17) on the guide track (16) is displaceable and a change in a value of an operating parameter of the domestic appliance (1) depends on the displacement of the operating element (17). 19. Domestic appliance, in particular for preparing food, with an operating device (13) according to one of the preceding claims. 20. Domestic appliance according to claim 19, which is an oven (1) which has a front panel (1 1), which above a door (5) of the domestic appliance (1) is arranged and which the operating device (13). 21. Domestic appliance according to claim 19, which has a door (5) for closing a cooking chamber (3), wherein the operating device (13) on the door (5) and / or on a door handle (6) of the door (5) is arranged , 22. A method for operating a household appliance (1) with an operating device (13) with a control element (17), by the operation of operating conditions of Domestic appliance (1) are set, characterized in that the Operating element (17) for operating condition adjustment along a guide track (16) of the operating device (13) is moved, along which at least two different positions (21 to 26) are given, at each of which at least one specific Betriebseinstellungsmöglichkeit the home appliance (1) is defined for selecting , wherein the positions (21 to 26) for Selection of the respective associated operating setting with the operating element (17) can be approached, and the operating element (17) for operating adjustment also about its axis of rotation (B), which is arranged parallel to the guide track (16) can be rotated. 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the operating element (17) for adjusting a value of an operating setting representing operating parameter along the guide track (16) is moved and the value change is set depending on the displacement. 24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that an operation setting representing an operating function of the domestic appliance (1) by rotating the control element (17) about its axis of rotation (B) is selected. 25. The method according to claim 23 and 24, characterized in that the selection of the operating function at the location of the displacement path along the guideway (16) takes place at which the value of the operating parameter has been reached. 26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that an optical display device (28) for the display of selectable Operating functions and / or operating parameters and / or of Operating parameter values is activated by the operating element (17) from a Reference position on the guideway (16) is moved out or disabled by the operating element (17) is moved to this reference position on the guideway (16).