EP2250442A2

EP2250442A2 - Control device for a household appliance having an actuating toggle and method for operating a control device

Info

Publication number: EP2250442A2
Application number: EP09718244A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Beifuss; Emmanuel D' Andrea; Yves Lebrun; Hermann-Reinhard Segers; Sören STRAYLE
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2008-03-07
Filing date: 2009-03-05
Publication date: 2010-11-17
Also published as: DE102008013003A1; WO2009109623A3; WO2009109623A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for a household appliance having an actuating toggle (2), which can be attached to one side (3) of a panel (4) of the household appliance and has a magnet arrangement (8), by which a magnetic attractive force can be applied onto an armature element (4), which is positioned on the other side (6) of the panel (4) without contact with the actuating toggle (2), such that as a result of the force coupling the movement of the actuating toggle (2) can be transmitted to the armature element (5), wherein the armature element (5) and a switch element (7) are disposed to at least partially overlap in the longitudinal direction (A). The invention also relates to a method for operating a control device for a household appliance.

Description

Operating device for a household appliance with an actuating knob and method for operating a

operating device

The invention relates to an operating device for a domestic appliance with an actuating knob, which is attachable to one side of a plate and having a magnet arrangement with which a magnetic force on a non-contact to the actuating knob positioned on the other side of the plate anchoring element is exercised so that by the Power coupling, the movement of the actuating knob is transferable to the anchor element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an operating device for a domestic appliance.

From DE 103 48 889 A1 an operating device in the form of a slide control is disclosed. On a glass ceramic plate, a sliding knob runs with a sliding magnet. At a below the glass ceramic plate arranged, wave-shaped detent gate with a slide track, a roller-shaped locking magnet can be moved, this movement includes the possibility of rest. By determining the position of the detent magnet, different positions and thus different functions can thus be controlled. The triggering of functions takes place in this context via Hall sensors, which are located below a recess of the detent gate.

Furthermore, from DE 100 63 693 C1 a rotary knob device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known. The structure under the glass ceramic plate is relatively large dimensions and in particular in its height relatively high.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device for a domestic appliance with an actuating toggle, in which the arrangement can be provided with a lower overall height and yet high functional reliability. Furthermore, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method. This object is achieved by an operating device having the features of claim 1, and a method having the features of claim 14.

An operating device according to the invention for a domestic appliance comprises an actuating knob, which is attachable to one side of a plate of the domestic appliance and having a magnet arrangement, with a magnetic attraction on a non-contact to the actuating knob positioned on the other side of the plate anchoring element is exercised so that through the Power coupling, the movement of the actuating knob is transferable to the anchor element. The anchor element and a switching element are arranged at least partially overlapping in the longitudinal direction of the operating device. Due to this configuration of the operating device, in particular below the plate, the overall height can be substantially reduced and yet the functional reliability with regard to the triggering of the switching states can be ensured.

The anchor element is preferably surrounded by a switching element, which is preferably ring-like, at least partially circumferentially. In this embodiment, the switching element is the outer part and the anchor element, the inner part of the overlapping arrangement and thus in the longitudinal or axial direction nested arrangement of these components.

Preferably, the anchor element is designed as a cylinder, which is circumferentially surrounded by a designed as a hollow cylinder or pot switching element. In particular, the shape of the switching element is designed so that the anchor element is held in the direction of the longitudinal axis by the switching element.

It can also be provided that the switching element is surrounded by the anchor element at least partially circumferentially. In this embodiment, the anchor element is the outer part and the switching element is the inner part.

Ring-like embodiments relate in particular to corner-free geometries, but may also be geometries that are angularly formed on the outside and thus on the side facing away from the anchor element. It is essential that the switching element is formed on the armature element side facing so that a relative movement is possible between the parts, in particular a rotational movement about an axis common to the components is possible.

Preferably, the armature element for triggering specific switching states is movable relative to the switching element. In particular, it is provided in this context that the switching element is arranged stationary, in particular fixedly attached to the underside of the plate.

The plate is formed in particular of glass ceramic and represents the cooking plate of the household appliance.

It can be provided that the armature element is arranged contactlessly to the switching element and the triggering of the switching states of the switching element can be effected by a in the relative movement between the armature element and the switch element forming switching force.

It is preferably provided that the triggering of switching states takes place mechanically or electromechanically by a simple mechanical switch. In this context, it may be provided that the switching element and / or the anchor element, for example, cam, rockers or plunger, which then depending on the relative movement between the anchor element and the switching element for actuation and thus trigger the switching states. In this embodiment, the triggering of switching states is thus not generated without contact but by mechanical contact.

In addition to a mechanical or electromechanical triggering of switching states and the underlying design of the armature element and the switching element, the above-mentioned non-contact triggering of switching states between the armature element and the switching element magnetically, for example via Hall sensors, capacitive, for example via variable capacitors or else electro-optically.

Preferably, the switching element is fixedly arranged on the plate on the side on which the anchor element is positioned. Preferably, the anchor element has a plurality of magnets, which are provided for force coupling with the actuating element.

In this context, it can be provided that both the actuating element and the anchor element each have a central magnet, which in particular by a plurality of outer magnets, which also respectively on the

Actuator and the anchor element are arranged, are surrounded. By such a configuration, the required holding force can be generated through the plate and a safe and reliable transmission of the movement of the actuating element can be made possible on the anchor element.

Preferably, the anchor element is designed as a cylinder, which is surrounded by a designed as a hollow cylinder switching element. This ensures an extremely compact design, both in terms of height and on the width of the design. It can also be provided that the switching element is formed so that it holds the anchor member in the direction of the common axis, however, in the direction of rotation about this axis, a relative movement is feasible. By this embodiment, the switching element is designed to be multifunctional. It can then also be designed as a pot-like part.

Not least can be protected by this arrangement, the anchor element quasi by the surrounding switching element, so that even here a low wear and yet a high functionality can be guaranteed.

In particular, the actuating element is designed as a rotary knob. Rotational movements, which are carried out by the rotary knob, are thus also transmitted to the armature element, so that this also performs the analog rotary motion and thereby corresponding switching states can be triggered via the switching element.

It can also be provided that the actuating element has at least one operating element and / or a display unit and / or an identification system and / or is illuminatable. In this context, the actuating element thus be designed multifunctional and the variable and flexible operation as well as the handling can be improved.

In a method according to the invention for operating a control device for a domestic appliance, an actuating element which can be attached to one side of a plate is coupled with a magnetic attraction force generated by a magnet arrangement with a contactless contact element arranged on the other side of the plate relative to the actuating element. Through the coupling, the movement generated by the actuating element is transmitted to the anchor element. Depending on the movement of the anchor element, a force is generated between the anchor element and a switching element arranged at least partially overlapping with the anchor element in the longitudinal direction or axial direction of the operating device for triggering switching states. In addition to a highly functional design, this also ensures a compact design and a simple operating concept and functional concept can be realized.

In particular, the triggering of switching states is effected by the forces generated due to the relative movement between the anchor element and the switching element, in particular mechanical or electromechanical forces.

Preferably, the plate is designed as a cooking plate of a cooking appliance, such as an oven, a hob, etc., and designed in particular of glass ceramic.

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

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a view from below of an actuating element of the operating device; FIG. and Fig. 3 is a plan view of an anchor element and a switching element of the operating device.

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

In Fig. 1, a control device 1 is shown for a domestic appliance in a schematic side view. The domestic appliance can be designed, for example, as a hob, as an oven or the like. In principle, the operating device is possible for every household appliance in which operating states can be set.

The operating device 1 comprises an actuating element, which is designed as a rotary knob 2 in the embodiment. The rotary knob 2 is arranged on one side 3 of a plate 4 of a household appliance. The plate 4 is formed in the embodiment of the cooking plate of the hob and in particular of glass ceramic. On the side 3, which is the top of the plate 4, can be provided off the control device 1 cooking zones on which preparation container for food can be attached or placed.

The rotary knob 2 is cylindrical and can be removed from the plate 4 and in particular the top 3.

In addition, the operating device 1 comprises an anchor element 5, which is arranged on the opposite side 6 of the plate 4. The anchor member 5 and the rotary knob 2 are thus positioned on the opposite side of the plate 4 and arranged contactlessly to each other.

In addition, the operating device 1 comprises a switching element 7, which is also positioned on the side 6 of the plate 5. The switching element 7 is formed in the embodiment as a hollow cylinder and thus as a closed ring, which surrounds the anchor member 5. The anchor member 5 is arranged relatively movable to the switching element 7, wherein the switching element 7 is fixed to the underside 6 of the plate 4. The overall height (y-direction) can be kept relatively low by this design and in particular the components under the plate 4 can be arranged so that minimal space is required under the plate 4 and yet a flexible and highly reliable operating principle of the control device 1 can be ensured can.

The rotary knob 2 comprises a plurality of magnets, which result in a magnet arrangement 8. In this context, a central magnet 9 and four outer magnets 10, 11, 12 and 13 (FIG. 2) are arranged on the underside of the rotary knob 2. The outer magnets 10 to 13 are positioned equidistantly around the central magnet 9 in the circumferential direction. In the illustration according to FIG. 1, the central magnet 9 projects further downwards in the direction of the plate 4 than the outer magnets 10 to 13. It can also be provided that the outer magnets 10 to 13 protrude exactly as far down as the central magnet 9.

Correspondingly, the anchor element 5 comprises a central magnet 14 and external magnets 15, 16, 17 and 18 (FIG. 3).

It is preferably provided that the switching element 7 is cup-shaped, so that it serves as a container-like receptacle for the anchor element 5. As a result, even when the actuating element or rotary knob 2 is removed and thus when the holding force between the magnet arrangement 8 of the rotary knob 2 and the magnets 14 to 18 of the armature element 5 is released, the armature element 5 or an undesired position of the armature element 5 can be prevented from falling off. In this context, it may be provided that the anchor element 5 is completely closed on its underside and thus on its side facing away from the side 6 of the plate 4 or is also open throughout. It can thus be provided on this underside, that an at least partially encircling web or otherwise mechanical holding device is provided, so that the armature element 5 does not fall down in the negative y-direction with the rotary knob 2 and thus dissolved magnetic holding force.

If the rotary knob 2 is placed on the upper side 3 of the plate 4, then a magnetic holding force builds up between the magnet arrangement 8 and the magnets 14 to 18 of the anchor element 5. Through this power coupling is a movement of the Rotary knob 2, in particular a rotational movement about the axis A undelayed and transmitted in a corresponding manner to the anchor member 5, so that this moves with a corresponding rotational movement relative to the switching element 7. By this rotational movement switching states can be generated and thus desired operating state settings of the domestic appliance can be performed.

It is preferably provided that the triggering of switching states is generated by mechanical or electromechanical forces, in which connection this triggering takes place by means of the relative movement between the anchor element 5 and the switching element 7. For this purpose, elements, such as cams or the like may be provided, which are mechanically touched and activated upon rotation of the anchor member 5, whereby the switching states are generated.

Likewise, however, it can also be provided that the triggering of switching states is realized by a non-contact embodiment between the armature element 5 and the switching element 7. For example, magnetic, electromagnetic, capacitive or electro-optical configurations may be provided here.

According to the illustration shown in FIG. 1, it is preferably provided that the overall height of the switching element 7 corresponds approximately to the overall height of the anchor element 5. The anchor element δ thus does not extend beyond the switching element 7 in the negative y-direction. Both the individual components and the arrangement of these to each other allows a very compact and space-minimized structure of the operating device 1, in particular below the plate. 4

2, the rotary knob 2 is shown in a perspective view from below, in which representation the central magnet 9 and the outer magnets 10 to 13 arranged thereon can be seen.

In Fig. 3 is a plan view of the anchor member 5 and the switching element 7 is shown with removed actuator or rotary knob 2 and 4 removed plate. Again, the arrangement can be recognized, wherein the ring-like structure or cup-like structure of the switching element 7 in which the anchor element 5 is arranged, is shown.

By the invention, the mechanical connection of the action element and the switching element is resolved and it is the adhesion generated by a magnetic field system according to magnet arrangements in the rotary knob 2 and the anchor member 5. In this context, the magnets 9 to 13 and 14 to 18 are preferably designed as permanent magnets with north-south pole orientation. The magnetic coupling is thus produced by a remote action with magnetic forces exerting a corresponding force or moment on the switching element or the switching elements 7 and set them in the haptic actuation of the action element in motion, which in turn the switching operations on mechanical, electrical or electronic way triggers. The action element, namely the rotary knob 2, can also be designed as a slide switch, switch or linear displacement sensor. Preferably, the rotary knob 2 can also be illuminated and / or an identification system and / or operating elements, such as a push button or the like, include. In addition, it can also be provided that the rotary knob 2 has other conventional switching elements that can be detected electronically.

The switching element 7 with its annular structure can be formed, for example, from plastic or else from another material. Between the rotary knob 2 and the switching element 7 no connecting parts, no openings through apertures, fronts or a breakthrough of the plate 4 are formed. The housing surface also remains unbreakable. The magnetic axis A is at the same time a fixation of the rotary knob 2 on the surface third

The operating device 1 operates in any position and can be used in the horizontal arrangement shown as well as in a vertical arrangement or in an arbitrarily inclined arrangement.

By the operating device 1 can be created by the arrangement of the switching element 7 and the anchor member 5 quasi a rotor-stator assembly, due to the relative mobility between the anchor element 5 and the switching element 7, the switching states can be generated.

It can also be provided that the anchor element 5 is held independently of the switching element 7 in the axial direction A and a positionally secure arrangement of the anchor element 5 is ensured even with the rotary knob 2 and thus dissolved magnetic holding force.

Claims

claims

1. Operating device for a domestic appliance with an actuating knob (2) which on one side (3) of a plate (4) of the domestic appliance can be attached and a magnet assembly (8), with a magnetic attraction on one on the other side (6 ) of the plate (4) contactless to the actuating knob (2) positioned anchor element (5) is exercisable so that by the power coupling, the movement of the actuating knob (2) on the anchor element (5) is transferable, characterized in that the anchor element (5) and a switching element (7) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) are arranged at least partially overlapping.

2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the armature element (5) for triggering specific switching states relative to the switching element (7) is movable.

3. Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the triggering of the switching states of the switching element (7) by a in the relative movement between the anchor element (5) and the switching element (7) forming mechanical or electro-mechanical switching force is effected.

4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element (7) is fixedly arranged on the plate (4) on the side (6) of the anchor element (5).

5. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor element (5) has a plurality of magnets (14 to 18), which are designed for power coupling with the magnet arrangement (8) of the actuating element (2).

6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor element (5) of the switching element (7) is at least partially surrounded circumferentially.

7. Operating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the

Anchor element (5) is designed as a cylinder, which is surrounded by a designed as a hollow cylinder or pot switching element (7) at least circumferentially.

8. Operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the

Shape of the switching element (7) is formed so that the anchor element (5) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) by the switching element (7) is held.

9. Operating device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the switching element (7) is designed like a ring and the anchor element (5) circumferentially completely surrounds.

10. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switching element (7) of the anchor element (5) is at least partially surrounded circumferentially.

1 1. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (2) and the anchor element (5) each have a central magnet (9, 14) and a plurality, in particular four, peripherally to the central magnet (9, 14) arranged outer magnets ( 10 to 13, 15 to 18) for

Generating a holding force between the anchor element (5) and the actuating element (2).

12. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element is designed as a rotary knob (2).

13. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (2) has at least one operating element and / or a display unit and / or an identification system and / or is illuminated.

14. Method for operating an operating device (1) for a domestic appliance, in which an actuating element (2) which can be attached to one side (3) of a plate (4) is provided is coupled with a magnetic attraction force generated via a magnet arrangement (8) with an armature element (5) which is arranged without contact on the other side (6) of the plate (4) to the actuating element (2), and by the coupling which is actuated by the actuating element (2). generated movement is transmitted to the anchor element (5), characterized in that depending on the movement of the anchor element (5), a force between the anchor element (5) and one with the anchor element (5) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) at least partially overlapping arranged switching element (7) is generated to trigger switching states.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the triggering of switching states by the due to the relative movement between the armature element (5) and the switching element (7) generated forces, in particular mechanical or electromechanical forces occurs.