WO2009124880A1

WO2009124880A1 - Household appliance comprising a plurality of key zones in an control panel

Info

Publication number: WO2009124880A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/053983
Authority: WO
Inventors: Florian Metz; Robert Sachon; Ralph Staud; Thomas Tischer
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2008-04-11
Filing date: 2009-04-03
Publication date: 2009-10-15
Also published as: EP2269308A1; RU2010142995A; DE102008018616A1; CN101999208A

Abstract

Disclosed is a household appliance (KG) comprising a plurality of touch-sensitive key zones (TA1 to TA8) in a control panel (BF1). Contact with said key zones (TA1 to TA8) can be sensed by at least one electronic touch sensor element (KTS2) behind the control panel (BF1). Each key zone (TA2) is formed by a partially or entirely opaque planar element that is electrically separated from the partially or entirely opaque planar element of at least one other key zone (TA1) and/or from at least one external covering frame (MIN1) by means of at least one separating web (MTS1, VTS11). The planar element of each key zone (TA2) and each separating web (MTS1, VTS11) and/or the covering frame (MIN1) sit on a joint support plate (TP) such that the external surfaces of the planar elements and separating webs and/or covering frame are substantially flush.

Description

Home appliance with a variety of key zones in a control panel

The invention relates to a household appliance with a plurality of touch-sensitive key zones in a control panel, the touch of which is detectable by at least one electronic touch sensor element behind the control panel.

In addition to conventional lifting buttons for operating household appliances such. As household refrigerators, stoves, etc. have also touch-sensitive sensor buttons and so-called "touch screens", ie established touch-sensitive display / control panels in the manner of a screen in recent years -Sensorik ", in particular a capacitive proximity sensor, behind a transparent display or display window plate. This is in particular made of transparent plastic material such. B. Plexiglas or made of real glass. By illuminating certain subareas or zones of such a display / control panel from behind with the aid of at least one display unit and / or lighting elements, these operating areas can be identified as touch-sensitive buttons for an operator. Behind the respective key zone sits a corresponding sensor or "touch" element, which, for example, responds to electrical field changes or changes associated with the touch when touching the outer surface of the respectively assigned key zone of this transparent display / control panel. In such a transparent display / control panel, which has substantially a plane, closed outer surface, in practice, the display of the key function of sub-areas or certain zones may be difficult Since the respective touch-sensitive surface and its associated key function by means of at least one display unit and / or one or more extra light emitting elements such as LEDs, which are located behind the transparent display / control panel window, an operator visu often, it is difficult for them to recognize or identify this touch zone with key function under a variety of circumstances. This is the case, for example, in very bright ambient light. Because at least one more Part surface of the transparent front panel in such a display image / control panel also serves as a display or display window for a display unit behind this transparent front panel to non-key functions such. Temperature, mode of operation, and other functions of the domestic appliance, it may be ambiguous or difficult for an operator to distinguish a touch-sensitive key zone from a normal display zone on that transparent front panel. This applies in particular all the more functions or display variants of a single key zone or display window zone are assigned by the respective display unit behind the transparent front panel of the display / control panel and displayed or visualized to a user.

The invention is based on the object to provide a household appliance with a largely plane surface control panel, the key zones improved recognizable or identifiable. This object is achieved in a household appliance of the type mentioned above in that the respective key zone is formed by a partially or completely opaque surface element by at least one separation web of the partially or completely opaque surface element of at least one other key zone and / or at least one outer Aperture is electrically separated, and that the surface element of the respective key zone and the respective separation web and / or the bezel enclosure with respect to their outer surface substantially flush with a common carrier plate sit.

On the one hand, the partially or completely opaque surface element or covering element of the respective key zone is functionally unambiguously separated by one or more surface elements of other key zones and / or at least one outer diaphragm surround of the control panel and is thereby improved over an existing operator Touchscreen operator panels selectively recognizable and identifiable. On the other hand, at the same time, the outer surface of this control panel according to the invention remains largely plane surface, since the surface element of the respective key, the respective separation web, and / or the outer bezel of the control panel sit substantially flush with respect to their outer surface on a common support plate. The area or cover elements of the one or more key zones are defined by one or more Web elements or spacer webs of the common carrier plate against each other and / or electrically insulated from an outer bezel or an aperture frame. In particular, the area or BZw. Covering element of the respective key zone surrounded by one or more web elements. In other words, the Flächenbzw. Covering the respective key zone bordered by one or more web elements edge. In this case, the outer surfaces of the surface or cover elements of the one or more key zones, of the respective web element and / or of the respective diaphragm surround are essentially in the same positional plane, so that the control panel as a whole has a uniform, homogeneous outer surface.

Because of this plane surface of the outer surface of the control panel according to the invention this is easy to clean and dirt insensitive. Any dirt particles, e.g. Splashes of grease or dust particles can not settle as in the case of separation joints because of the remaining separation webs between the area or cover elements of the key zones and / or between the area element of the respective key zone and the outer diaphragm border. At the same time, it is also ensured that the control panel according to the invention is largely leakproof from the outside as regards the penetration of moisture or liquid. In addition, the control panel according to the invention has a visual homogeneity and optically quiet at the same time clear demarcation, i. selective identification of the individual partially or completely opaque key zones and / or the outer bezel.

The respective, partially or completely opaque cover element can also be advantageously labeled, i. provided with a lettering as information.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is preferably a transparent material, in particular transparent plastic such as Plexiglas, or real glass, used for the common support plate. Preferably, the common carrier plate is formed by a transparent display window element. This makes it advantageously possible to integrate in the panel according to the invention in addition to the one or more key zones and / or the outer bezel, and the one or more separation webs additionally at least one blank, remaining free display window. This way is a single compact Assembly comprising a combination of one or more partially or completely opaque cover elements of the key zones, one or more display windows, and / or at least one outer bezel integrally includes.

For the common carrier plate is preferably an electrically non-conductive, i. electrically insulating material such. B. Plexiglas used. In particular, the one or more separation webs of an electrical insulation material such. B. plexiglass. Thereby, the one or more cover elements of the key zones can be electrically isolated from each other and / or the one or more key zones of at least one outer panel surround. This largely ensures that when touching a single specific key zone only their associated touch sensor element responds behind the common carrier plate. In general terms, this ensures that the touch of a single key zone can be detected individually or key-specific by a correspondingly assigned touch sensor unit.

The area or cover elements of the one or more key zones and / or the outer panel edging may be formed according to an expedient development of the invention, in particular by insert elements between the one or more web elements of the common carrier plate, which are largely integrated into the planar outer surface of the control panel. The electrically effective web separation of the cover elements of the individual key zones from each other as well as with respect to a possibly present outer bezel enclosure allows in an advantageous manner to provide metal key elements as key zones in particular. In a corresponding manner, the outer diaphragm surround may likewise be formed by a metal insert element. Preferably, stainless steel or an aluminum alloy may be used for the respective metal insert member of the respective key zone and / or outer bezel. In this way, a "metal look", ie a metallic appearance, can be ensured both for the key zones and for the diaphragm holder, which is particularly advantageous if a control panel designed in this way fits into a recess of a metallic housing part of the household appliance, since then its Design from the control panel can be continued or adopted. In general terms, according to an expedient development of the invention, the one or more key zones as well as the outer diaphragm surround can thus be made of the same material, in particular metal, preferably stainless steel. In other words, the one or more cover elements of the key zones may be advantageously adapted to the material and appearance of an outer bezel. In particular, if the outer bezel is made of metal, preferably stainless steel, due to the electrically insulating one or more separating webs, this "metal look", ie the metallic appearance of the control panel can also be transferred to the one or more key zones, so that the outer surface of the The one or more web elements between the individual key zones and / or between the respective key zone and the outer bezel surround ensure that a touch of the surface or cover element of the respective key zone by means of at least one touch sensor element If the one or more web elements were not present, touching the cover element of a single key zone would result due to the then resulting electrical coupling to the cover elements of the adjacent key zones in that a simultaneous contact of adjacent key zones would be registered by the respectively assigned touch sensor element behind the common carrier plate. In a corresponding manner, a contact of the possibly existing outer bezel could lead to the fact that because of the electrical coupling to one or more key zones whose contact would be incorrectly registered by appropriate touch sensor elements behind the common support plate. It would therefore come without the one or more web elements as bordering one or more key zones to unwanted malfunction of the panel. Since the cover element of the respective key zone is electrically separated by one or more separation ribs from the cover elements of the one or more adjacent key zones and / or at least one outer bezel surround, their contact by an operator's finger is unambiguous, ie selectively from their associated touch - Sensor element behind the common support plate registered or detectable. The respective key zone is thus selectively addressable. As an alternative to metallic cover elements of the key zones, plastic cover elements may optionally also be provided as key zones. These can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner and with a large scope for design or geometry in terms of geometry shapes, dimensions, colors, etc. Additionally or independently thereof, if appropriate, a plastic cover element, in particular insert element, can also be provided for the outer panel edging. In particular, a combination of metal insert elements and plastic insert elements for the plurality of key zones and the outer bezel enclosure may be useful. Even then, the separating webs on the common carrier plate are used to separate the individual key zones from each other as well as with respect to the any existing diaphragm surround.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, as the respective touch sensor element preferably a capacitively acting transmission element, in particular a capacitive proximity switch, is used, as is commonly used in touch-screen technology. In particular, it detects an electric field change between the respective key zone on the outside of the control panel and the associated capacitive sensor element behind the common carrier plate when touching this key zone. Of course, it is also possible to assign other contactless and helpless sensor elements behind the common carrier plate the cover elements of the one or more key zones on the front side.

Instead of the cover elements, in particular insert elements, which uniformly produce one or more key zones and / or the outer panel edging of the same material, it may alternatively be expedient, if appropriate, to produce the one or more key zones and the outer panel edging of different materials. In particular, it may be advantageous to provide the cover elements of the one or more key zones with a color layer. This results in a wide variation of design options for the appearance of the panel.

According to an expedient development, the web width of the respective separation web is chosen smaller than 1 mm. As a result, the respective key zone appears as Extension or component of the outer panel edging. Thus, a connection of the respective key zone to the outer panel border is visually effected, although the respective key zone is electrically separated therefrom by one or more partition webs.

According to a further expedient development, the respective key zone as well as the possibly provided outer diaphragm border are each formed by a depositor element that is inserted into an associated recessed recess or into a lowered cutout in the outer wall of the carrier plate. As a result, the insert element of the respective button zone and / or the outer panel border can be particularly reliably bordered by the one or more separating webs and integrated into the outer surface of the control panel.

Expediently, the respective cover element, in particular insert element, has a layer thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm for the respective key zone and / or for the outer diaphragm border. In particular, with metal insert elements, this results in an appealing tactile feeling for the respective operator when touching the respective key zone / or the outer panel border.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, the common carrier plate within the outer bezel enclosure in addition to the respective

Button zone and the respective separation web at least one surface elevation of the common support plate as a blank, non-remaining display window, whose

Outer surface substantially flush with the outer surface of the respective

Button zone and the outer bezel surround is located. This results in a compact operating unit, the outer surface of which has a planar surface and which can simultaneously contain a plurality of functional components, namely one or more key zones, one or more display windows and an aperture surround.

This compact control panel can be advantageously fit into at least one recess of a housing part of the household appliance without further effort as a single component or individual component. At the same time, the bearing holder is simplified, since only a single component needs to be kept as a control panel. Because of the high

Integration density and the largely closed outer surface is this Control panel also largely insensitive to stresses, such as scratches, during assembly and / or operation of the household appliance.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, the cover elements, in particular insert elements, of the one or more key zones and / or the outer panel edging can be glued into corresponding recessed recesses in the outer wall of the common carrier board. Adhesion means, in particular adhesives, result in a particularly reliable connection between the respective cover element and the carrier plate.

It can also be advantageous, in particular, to pour the cover elements of the key zones and / or the outer panel border into the carrier material of the common carrier board. Alternatively, the cover elements of the one or more key zones and / or the outer panel edging can also be back-injected from behind with carrier material in a corresponding molding tool.

For an enhancement of the visual separation of the individual key zones from one another and / or the respective key zone from any outer diaphragm surround, it may be particularly expedient to backlight the respective separating web by at least one luminous element, preferably at least one light-emitting diode, from the rear wall of the common carrier plate , In particular, the respective luminous element can also be partially or completely introduced into the carrier material of the common carrier bar.

In particular, when the cover element of the respective key zone is formed substantially rectangular, this cover is separated or separated by one or more substantially rectilinear, in particular horizontally or vertically extending separating webs of one or more adjacent key zones and / or from the outer bezel. This course of the separation webs indexes for a user increases the key function of a particular zone or partial area of the control panel, since they act as dividing lines. If the control panel has circular key zones, the separating webs are preferably designed accordingly as circular border lines. The same applies, of course, also for other geometric shapes of key zones in the control panel of a household appliance.

The structural design of the control panel according to the invention is particularly suitable for installation in a household refrigeration appliance or household cooking appliance, preferably stove. The common support plate makes it possible in an advantageous manner that, especially in the edge region of the outer diaphragm surround, its outer contour shape can be adapted to the inner contour shape of at least one recess in at least one housing part of the household appliance and therefore can be inserted flush into this recess substantially flush. In this way, the constructed control panel according to the invention can advantageously be largely planar z. B. in the front wall of a household appliance, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance such. As refrigerators, refrigerators, freezers, fridge / freezers or a household cooking appliance such. B. cookers or ovens integrate.

Other developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The invention and its developments are explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a control panel for a household refrigerating appliance, which is constructed according to the inventive design principle,

Figure 2 in a schematic sectional view perpendicular to the image plane of

FIG. 1 shows the layer structure of the control panel of FIG. 1,

3 is a front view of an embodiment of a control panel for a domestic cooking appliance, which is constructed according to the inventive design principle, and Figure 4 in a schematic sectional view perpendicular to the image plane of

FIG. 3 views the layer structure of the control panel of FIG. 3

Elements with the same function and mode of operation are each provided with the same reference numerals in FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic frontal view of a control panel BF1, which is integrated into the outer wall AW of the door TU1 of a household refrigerating appliance KG in a largely planar manner. It sits here in the embodiment of Figure 1 preferably above the trough MU of the water and / or ice cube dispensing unit of the household refrigerating appliance KG. The control panel BF1 has a substantially rectangular geometry shape. It comprises an outer bezel frame or outer bezel frame MIN1 enclosing a centrally located display window or display window DF all around. Two overlapping key zones TA1, TA2 and TA3, TA4 are respectively provided on both sides of the display window DF. Each key pair TA1 / TA2 and TA3 / TA4 is arranged such that it is the outer edge of the display window DF in the transverse direction, d. H. extended in width and substantially flush with its upper edge and lower edge completes. Each key pair TA1 / T A2 and TA3 / TA4 thus continues the transverse extent of the display window DF left side and right side. With respect to the center axis MA1, which is perpendicular to the upper and lower edge of the display window DF, the two key pairs TA1 / TA2 and TA3 / TA4 are substantially achsymetrisch to each other. Along the lower edge of the outer bezel BF1, a plurality of key zones TA5 having TA8 are arranged substantially in a straight line in a row next to each other. The left-side key zones TA5, TA6 lie substantially axially symmetrically with respect to the center axis MA1 to the key zones TA7, TA8 arranged on the right-hand side.

The individual key zones TA1 to TA8 are associated with various functions of the household refrigerating appliance KG, which are triggered by touching touchless sensor elements behind the control panel BF1. In detail, the freezer compartment or the freezer of the household refrigerating appliance KG can be switched on and off and its temperature adjusted by means of the first key zone TA1. The second key zone TA2 is a quick freeze function of the freezer of the Refrigerating appliance KG assigned. By means of the third button zone TA3, the refrigerator compartment or the refrigerator of the household refrigerating appliance can be activated, deactivated and set its temperature. The fourth key zone TA4 is used to set other functions of the household refrigerating appliance KG. With their help, for example, lighting in the freezer or refrigerator of the household refrigerating appliance KG can be switched on or off, a water filter for the water dispenser of the household refrigerating appliance KG can be switched on or off, or defrosting the freezer and / or the refrigerator of the domestic appliance. Refrigerating device KG are initiated. The key zone strip with the key zones TA5 with TA8 below the outer panel surround MIN1 serves to operate a water / ice cube dispenser of the household refrigeration unit KG, which is integrated in the trough MU. For the sake of clarity, details of this water / ice cube dispenser or water / ice cube dispenser have been omitted in FIG. The key zone TA5 is occupied with a defrost function of this water / ice cube dispenser, the key zone TA6 is used for the discharge of cooled water from the water dispenser. With the aid of the key zone TA7, ice cubes can be dispensed from the dispensing device. The key zone TA8 is assigned an alarm and security function, in particular a child safety device.

The outer panel surround MIN1 and the plurality of key zones TA1 with TA8 sit on a common support plate TP. This illustrates schematically the sectional view of Figure 2 along a section line BB perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1. The common carrier plate TP is made of a transparent material having electrically non-conductive, ie electrically insulating properties. For the common carrier plate TP is preferably a transparent plastic such as Plexiglas used. Alternatively, real glass for the common carrier plate can be used as a transparent material. Viewed along the section line BB, which runs along a subsection of the display window DF, the second key zone TA2, the outer bezel enclosure MIN1 and a subsection of the outer wall AW of the door TU1, the common carrier plate TP has recessed cut-outs BE2 for the key zones TA2 as well as BEI for the outer bezel mount MIN1 on. The key zone TA2 and the outer panel enclosure MIN1 are formed by partially or completely opaque cover elements, in particular insert elements, which in their associated recessed recesses BE2, BE with respect to the outer surface of the display window DF sit largely flush and cover the transparent support plate TP outside. The second key zone TA2 in its recessed recess or its bed BE 2 in the outer wall of the common carrier plate TP is separated from the recessed recess BEI of the outer panel enclosure MIN1 by a separation web VTS11. This separation land VTS11 also electrically separates the key area TA2 from the outer face border MIN1. He fills the narrow gap between the key zone TA2 and the outer panel mount MIN1 largely free of play. Its ridge height is selected such that it is largely flush with the outside surface of the display window DF and the outer surfaces of the key zone TA2 and the outer panel enclosure MIN1. The outer edge of the diaphragm surround MIN1 is also electrically delimited from the outer wall AW of the door TU1 by a separating web VTS21. This separating web VTS21, the outer diaphragm border BEI, the separating web VTS11 between the key zone TA2 and the outer diaphragm border MIN1, the key zone TA2 and the display window DF form a common, largely plane surface outer surface for the control field BF1. The cover element, in particular insert element of the key zone TA2 as well as the cover element, in particular insert element, of the outer diaphragm surround MIN1 are thus integrated or fitted in their associated recessed recesses BE2, BEI largely flush with the outer surface of the display window DF with respect to their outer surface. In other words, the common carrier plate TP within the outer bezel MIN1 in addition to the TastenzoneTA2 and the respective separation land VTS11, VTS21 a surface elevation as a blank, remaining free display window whose outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the key zone TA2 and the outer bezel enclosure MIN1.

In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, a metal plate is provided as Einlegerelement each for the key zone TA2 and for the outer bezel enclosure MIN1. In particular, a stainless steel plate is selected for the respective insert element. For the outer wall AW of the door TU1 a stainless steel sheet is used. In the outer wall AW a recess AUS is provided, in which the control panel BF1 is inserted with its common support plate TP largely flush with the outer surface of the outer wall AW. The common carrier plate TP of the control panel BF1 is at her Outer edges with respect to their outer contour shape SR adapted to the inner contour UB of the recess AUS in the joint gap area. Here in the embodiment of Figure 2, the outer wall AW is flanged with a convex outer contour shape. This is a correspondingly concave outer edge zone SR of the support plate TP is largely flush. Since its separation web VTS21 largely fills the gap between the outer edge of the outer panel surround MIN1 and the inner edge of the recess OUT in the outer wall AW in the insertion area, a substantially closed, dense outer surface results between the control panel BF1 and the outer wall AW.

The key zones TA1 to TA8 of the control panel BF1 of Figure 1 are substantially rectangular in shape. For each key zone a recessed recess in the outer wall of the support plate TP is provided analogous to the recessed recess BE2 the key zone TA2. Each key zone TA1 with TA4 is in the embodiment of Figure 1 with respect to the outer panel enclosure MIN1 electrically separated by a respective horizontally extending separation web and a vertically extending separation web, which are formed according to the separation web VTS11 of Figure 2. For the first key zone TA1, a horizontally extending, upper separation web OTS1 and a vertically extending separation web VTS1 1 are provided for delimitation from the diaphragm mount. For the second key zone TA2 a horizontally extending, lower separation web UTS1 and a vertically extending separation web VTS1 1 are provided for delimitation from the diaphragm border. Each two adjacent key zones are also separated from each other by a separating web in an analogous manner. In the figure 1, for example, the horizontally extending separating web between the two juxtaposed key zones TA2, TA1 is designated MTS1. It sits according to the separation web VTS11 for the key zone TA2 with respect to its outer surface substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the key zones TA2, TA1 and the outer bezel enclosure MIN1 on the common support plate TP, so that overall, a substantially planar outer surface results for the control panel BF1 , In an analogous manner, the two key zones TA3, TA4 are electrically separated from one another by a correspondingly formed separating web TS2. This second pair of keys TA3 / TA4 is compared to the outer panel enclosure MIN1 by analogously formed web elements or separation webs TS2 as the first button pair TA1, TA2 separated. The lower button bar of the single button zones TA5 with TA8 of the control panel BF1 is also electrically separated from the overlying bezel MIN1 by a separating web HTS running along the transverse width of the control panel BF1. It is also edged by a lower, horizontally extending divider. These individual four key zones TA5 with TA8 are electrically separated from one another by vertical separating webs VTSI, which are respectively formed in a similar manner as the separating web VTS1 1.

In this way, the metallic insert elements of all individual key zones TA1 with TA8 lie substantially flush with the surface of the display window DF and the outer surface of the outer panel surround MIN1. This results in a substantially planar outer surface of the control panel BF1. The individual components of the control panel BF1, d. H. the display window DF, the single key zones TA1 with TA8, the outer bezel MIN1 and the subdividing or separation webs between the individual key zones, between the respective key zone and the outer bezel MIN1 and between the bezel and the outer wall AW thus form a common largely planar and smooth outer wall of the common carrier plate TP.

By separating webs such. B. VTS11, VTS21 is largely ensured that the touch sensor element below the support plate TP, which is assigned to the respective individual key zones, can be selectively triggered or actuated. Only when the outer surface of the individual insert element is touched does the capacitive, electronic touch sensor element associated therewith respond behind the carrier plate TP. It responds to electrical field changes associated with touching the respective key pad element. In FIG. 2, for example, a capacitive touch sensor element TS2 is provided below the insert element for the second key zone TA2, behind the carrier plate TP, which detects or registers an electric field change when the outer surface of the key zone TA2 is touched.

Behind the common support plate TP, a display device DIS is provided in the region of the display window DF. From the front of the display window DF For example, the information visualized by the display device DIS can be read by an operator due to the transparent material of the carrier plate TP.

The cover elements for the single key zones TA1 with TA8 are preferably glued into their respective recesses recessed in the support plate TP. Optionally, it may also be appropriate to introduce the insert elements of the individual key zones by laminating or filming in their associated recording beds.

Generally speaking, therefore, the cover, in particular insert element, each single key zone is surrounded by a strip-like border around, which with the

Outside surface of the key pad element, the display window and the outer

Panel surrounds largely flush. If the key depositors are each formed substantially rectangular, so is the respective

Stegumrandung composed of substantially rectilinear, in particular horizontally and vertically extending web sections together. For example, for the key zone TA2, the vertically extending web section with VTS1 1 and the upper and lower, horizontally extending web section are designated MTS1, UTS1.

Due to the respective web separation, the individual key zone is clearly visualized for an operator. By the web separation, the individual key zones against each other and against the outer bezel enclosure are electrically isolated. As a result, operating errors are largely avoided. The capacitive touch sensor element behind the common carrier plate TP, which is assigned to the respective key cover element on the front side of the common carrier plate TP, reacts exclusively when touching its outer surface. It is thus ensured a decoupling of the individual contact surfaces of the key cover elements against each other and with respect to the outer panel border through the surrounding separation webs. All cover elements for the key zones as well as the cover element of the diaphragm border can therefore also be designed as metallic platelets, in particular stainless steel platelets. As a result, the control panel as a whole can also be visually integrated into the outer wall of the respective household appliance, which here is made of a stainless steel sheet in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, so that a homogeneous, largely planar common outer surface is integrated of the control panel and outer wall as here AW of the door TU1 is formed. This results in a smooth, easy-to-clean exterior door surface. Dirt particles such. As dust or fat splashes can thereby set much less or not at all in gaps or gaps between the individual key zones or in the insertion gap between the control panel and the outer wall as here the door TU1.

Optionally, it may be appropriate to the respective separation web by at least one light source, such. B. backlight at least one light emitting diode from the bottom of the common carrier plate TP forth. In FIG. 2, by way of example, the separating web VTS1 1 is backlit from behind by means of a light-emitting diode LED 2 from the underside of the common carrier plate TP. As a result, the contact surfaces of the key cover elements, in particular key insert elements, can be even better visualized for an operator.

Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of a stove cover HB for a household stove HE, which is installed above the door in the front wall. The control panel BF2 of the hearth panel HB is formed with respect to its layer structure in an analogous manner to the control panel BF1 of the refrigerator KG of Figures 1, 2. As a modification to this, it now has two display windows AF1, AF2. The two display windows AfF1, AF2 are separated from each other by a centrally arranged control module. This central control assembly comprises an approximately circular rotary selector DW, which sits in a rectangular panel cover or enclosure MEI. Above this rotary switch enclosure MEI are two key zones MT3. On the left-hand outside of the first display window AF1 three key zones MT1 are arranged one above the other. At the outer edge of the second display window AF2 two key zones MT2 are placed one above the other. The two display windows AF1, AF2, their central control module and the externally arranged key zone groups MT1, MT2 are framed by an outer panel enclosure MIN2. The cover elements, in particular insert elements, of the individual key zones MT1, MT2, MT3, are separated by web elements against each other and with respect to the outer diaphragm surround MIN2, which are formed according to the inventive principle as in the control panel BF1 of Figures 1, 2. FIG. 4 shows the hearth cover HB of FIG. 3 along a section line AA perpendicular to the drawing plane of FIG. 3 in the region of the lower key zone of the left-hand group of individual key zones MT1. Behind the common carrier plate TP1 associated display devices, in particular displays DIS1, DIS2 are provided in the region of the display window AF1, AF2. The cover elements, in particular insert elements, the key zone MT1 and the outer diaphragm surround MIN2, the diaphragm surround MEI of the rotary selector DW and the divider TS1 between the recessed recess for the key zone MT1 and the outer diaphragm surround MIN2 lie with respect to their outer surfaces and the outer surfaces of the display window AF1, AF2 largely flush with each other next to each other and form a common, substantially planar outer surface. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, the rotary selector DW is also largely flush-mounted with respect to the outer surface of the display windows AF1, AF2 and the other components in a recess of its diaphragm frame MEI.

In this way, a stovetop HB is provided which has a substantially full-surface, flat outer surface, which selectively visualizes touch zones by means of remaining partitions between their key zones, however, to an operator in an unambiguous manner. By the electrically and visually separating separating webs, a touch of the outer surface of the respective key insert element can be selectively registered or detected by an associated touch sensor element that sits behind the common support plate TP1 of the hearth HB. For example, in FIG. 4, the lower key zone of the first group MT1 is assigned a capacitive touch sensor element KTS1 1 behind the common carrier plate TP1.

If the outer panel edging is made of a stainless steel sheet, as in the exemplary embodiment, the cover elements, in particular insert elements of the individual key zones and the surround of the rotary selector, can each be produced from a stainless steel plate in this way. This makes it possible to achieve a uniform, homogeneous, metallic outer surface of the HB cooker hood. At the same time, due to the inventively embodied separation webs between the individual cover elements, in particular insert elements of the key zones and between the respective key zone and the outer bezel enclosure, the contact zones of the individual key zones remain for one Operator clearly recognizable and functionally safe to operate. Because by the electrical decoupling means of the respective separation web which the respective Tastenabdeckelement associated, capacitive sensor element reacts behind the common support plate only when the contact surface of this key insert element is touched outside. So it is a selective operation of each key zone allows.

If necessary, it is of course also possible to choose a plastic material for the cover elements of the individual key zones in order to meet various requirements for the design of the respective control panel.

By means of the separating webs, key cover elements, in particular insert elements, with different geometrical shapes, and materials, surface structures, etc., can be integrated into the control panel of a household appliance in a largely planar manner as well as selectively responsive in a variety of ways.

Claims

1. Household appliance (KG) with a plurality of touch-sensitive key zones (TA1 with TA8) in a control panel (BF1), the touch of which is detectable by at least one electronic touch sensor element (KTS2) behind the control panel (BF1), characterized in that the respective key zone (TA2) is formed by a partially or completely opaque surface element which is defined by at least one separating web (MTS1, VTS1 1) of the partially or completely opaque surface element of at least one other key zone (TA1) and / or at least one outer diaphragm surround (MIN1 ) is electrically separated, and that the surface element of the respective key zone (T A2) and the respective separation web (MTS1, VTS1 1) and / or the diaphragm surround (MIN1) with respect to their outer surface substantially flush with a common carrier plate (TP) sit.

2. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that an electrical insulation material is used for the respective separation web (MTS1).

3. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective separation web (MTS1) has a web width of at most 1 mm.

4. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element of the respective Tastzone (TA2) and the outer

Bezel (MIN1) are each made of the same material uniformly.

5. Household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that for the surface element of the respective key zone (TA2) and the outer bezel enclosure

(MIN1) a metallic material, in particular stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, or a plastic is used.

6. Household appliance according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface element of the respective key zone (TA2) and the outer diaphragm surround (MIN1) are each made of different materials.

7. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the common carrier plate (TP) consists of a transparent material, in particular transparent plastic or real glass.

8. Household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the common carrier plate (TP) is formed by at least one transparent display window element.

9. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element of the respective key zone (TA2) and the outer diaphragm surround (MIN1) in associated recessed recesses (BE2, BEI) are embedded in the outer wall of the common carrier plate (TP).

10. Household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the respective separation web (VTS11) between each two recesses (BE2, BEI) in the outer wall of the carrier plate (TP) is formed on this as a vertical elevation.

11. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element of the respective key zone (TA2) and the outer panel enclosure (MIN1) is formed in each case by a metal insert element or plastic insert element, which in an associated recessed

Recess (BE2, BEI) in the outer wall of the support plate (TP) is inserted.

12. Household appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the respective metal insert element or plastic insert element has a layer thickness between 0.1 and 0.5 mm.

13. Household appliance according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that for the metal insert element or plastic insert element of the respective Key zone (T A2) and the outer bezel (MIN1)

Stainless steel plate or an aluminum plate is used.

14. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that behind the common support plate (TP) in the border zone of the respective key zone (T A2) at least one touch sensor element (KTS2), in particular capacitive proximity switch, is provided.

15. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the common carrier plate (TP) within the outer diaphragm surround (MIN1) in addition to the respective key zone (T A2) and the respective separation web

(VTS11) has at least one surface elevation of the common carrier plate (TP) as a blank display window (DF), whose outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the respective key zone (TA2) and the outer bezel (MIN1).

16. Household appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that behind the common support plate (TP) in the region of the respective display window (DF), a display device (DIS) is provided.

17. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective separation web (VTS11) is backlit by at least one luminous element (LED2), in particular at least one light emitting diode.

18. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface elements of the key zones (TA2) and / or the outer

Aperture (MIN1) in the carrier material of the common carrier plate (TP) are molded or back-injected from this substrate, that the respective key zone (TA2) by at least one separation web (MTS1, VTS1 1) of at least one other key zone (TA1) and / or is electrically separated from the outer bezel (MIN1).

19. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective separation web (MTS1) is formed as a largely rectilinear, in particular horizontally or vertically extending, dividing line.

20. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the common carrier plate (TP) in the edge region of its outer

Bezel (MIN1) with its outer contour shape (SR) in the inner contour shape

(UB) of a recess (AUS) of a housing part (AW) is inserted substantially flush.

21. Household appliance according to claim 20, characterized in that the material of the outer diaphragm surround (MIN1) is adapted to the material of the housing part (AW).

22. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the design as household refrigeration appliance or household cooking appliance, in particular stove.