DE102015220427A1 - Household appliance with improved display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance 1 with a housing 2, a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit 4 for opening and closing the treatment room, wherein the door unit 4 includes a the treatment room final door insert 5, a display device 6, a control unit, as an external Touchscreen 8 configured first operating unit 7, wherein the control unit is adapted to display on the touch screen 8 at least two screen displays 9 B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance 1, and an interface for communication between the control unit and the first operating unit 7, and wherein the display device 6 is attached to the door unit 4 and the control unit is set up to display inputs on the first operating unit 7 and / or feedback to such inputs on the display device 6. The invention also relates to a method for operating this household appliance.

Description

The invention relates to a domestic appliance with a housing, a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit for opening and closing the treatment room, the door unit containing a treatment room final door insert, a display device, a control unit, designed as an external touch screen first control unit, said the control unit is set up to display on the touchscreen at least two screen displays B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance, as well as an interface for communication between the control unit and the first operating unit. The invention also relates to a method for operating this household appliance.

To operate household appliances such as washing machines, dryers or stoves, it has become increasingly popular in recent years to use external touch-sensitive controls. Such a touch-sensitive operating device may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. These generally have a touch screen, which combines a display device with an operating device. The operation of the household appliance then usually takes place via an app. Although a quick operation of the household appliance is possible in this way, the touchscreens available on smartphones and tablet PCs are usually very small. However, the technology available in household appliances has become more and more sophisticated over the years and the operation has thus become more and more complex. The clear presentation of complex contents on small touchscreens therefore presents a challenge. It would thus be desirable to additionally provide a possibility on a household appliance to display complex contents on a larger area.

A home appliance with a transparent display is already known.

The publication WO 2010/128729 A2 describes a washing machine comprising a housing which forms the external appearance of the washing machine and includes an opening. A drum is rotatably mounted within the housing and is loaded with laundry through the opening. The housing also has a door for opening and closing the opening, wherein a display unit is provided for displaying washing information on the door. The position of the display unit can correspond to the position of the opening.

The publication WO 2006/021936 A1 describes a home appliance comprising a housing, a door which is attached to the housing and allows a user to access the interior of the housing, and a window which is positioned on the housing and / or on the door and allows a user, the Watch the inside of the case. The household appliance also includes a control card, which allows the control of the household appliance. A display unit is mounted on the window which allows the user to simultaneously observe the interior of the housing through the window and the data provided by the control card.

The publication EP 1 489 364 A1 describes a cooking, refrigerating and / or washing appliance, in particular a household appliance such as stove, hob or extractor hood, with at least one projection device for projection of representable information about at least one function of this device on a projection screen. The projection of displayable information of connected devices is also disclosed. The projection surface may be formed on the same and / or another device and / or on a piece of furniture or devices accommodating the device and / or on a space accommodating the devices and / or furniture.

The publication DE 10 2012 103 684 A1 describes a display device in a household appliance in the form of a mounted in a housing of the household appliance projector. In operation, a projection image is projected onto an outer surface of the housing by means of the projector, wherein the projector is associated with an optics which effects an at least one deflection for light rays emanating from the projector, so that the light rays are conducted through an interior of a door element of the household appliance. A resulting projection image is projectable onto an inner surface of a viewing window of the door element. The optics comprises a light-guiding element which effects a projection of the projection image into a viewing area formed in the viewing window.

The publication EP 2 542 139 B1 describes a projector adapted for installation on a household appliance, for projecting visual information onto a projection screen external to the household appliance. The projector has a focusing device that is adapted to focus a light beam that radiates from a light source onto the projection surface. The focusing device further comprises at least one fixing element, which is adapted for arranging the focusing device in at least two different focusing positions within the projector. The projector also has at least one flexible, light-conducting cable which is connected to the at least one light source such that the light source emitted light is conducted to a free cable end of the light-conducting cable, from where it is projected onto the projection field. The free cable end is arranged in a housing, wherein the housing is arranged in a longitudinal direction adjustable in a carrier element.

Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to provide a household appliance with an improved display device. In particular, it should be made possible to increase the safety of operation and operation of the household appliance, as well as to make the display of information on the display more user-friendly. The object of the invention was also to provide a method for operating such a household appliance.

The solution of this object is achieved according to this invention by a household appliance and a method suitable for this purpose with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the household appliance according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly stated herein.

The invention thus relates to a household appliance with a housing, a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit for opening and closing the treatment room, wherein the door unit includes a door insert terminating the treatment room, a display device, a control unit, a first operating unit designed as an external touch screen wherein the control unit is arranged to display on the touchscreen at least two screen displays B1 and B2 for controlling the domestic appliance, and an interface for communication between the control unit and the first operating unit, and wherein the display device is mounted on the door unit and the control unit is set up to represent inputs on the first operator panel and / or feedback to such inputs on the display device.

A household appliance according to the invention is a household appliance for the treatment of objects, but otherwise not limited. Such a household appliance may e.g. a washer, a dryer, a washer dryer, but also a microwave or a stove. For receiving and for treating the objects, the household appliance comprises a treatment room. If the household appliance is, for example, a washing machine, a dryer or a washer-dryer, then the treatment room can be a drum. If the appliance is a stove, then the treatment room can also be a furnace muffle. Preferably, the household appliance is a water-conducting household appliance, selected from the group consisting of washing machine, washer-dryer and dryer.

To accommodate objects to be treated, the treatment room has an opening through which it can be equipped with objects. The objects are generally treated under the influence of certain process conditions, be it dry-warm process air in a dryer or heat in an oven or washing liquor in a washing machine. It is thus generally necessary that the treatment room can be closed during the treatment of objects. Therefore, the household appliance according to the invention has a door unit for opening and closing the treatment room. The design of such a door unit is not limited, but generally dependent on the type of household appliance and thus on the type of treatment that takes place in the treatment room.

The door unit may include several components, such as a door panel and a user of the household appliance facing cover plate. In this case, the cover plate and / or the door insert can be configured as a display device, in particular for the representation of information for a user.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the door insert is designed as a display device. This is particularly advantageous if the door unit has no cover plate and thus the door insert is visible to a user of the household appliance during its operation.

The door insert may be opaque, translucent, i. be transparent or partially translucent, depending on the extent to which a user of the household appliance, the interior of the treatment room should be visible. According to the invention it is preferred that the door insert is at least partially transparent, so that it allows the observation of the treatment room by a user.

A door unit according to the invention preferably has at least one door frame, a hinge and at least a first transparent door insert, wherein the hinge is mounted such that it allows the opening and closing of the door unit on the household appliance. The transparent door insert preferably used in this case generally serves to ensure that a user Observe treatment room even when the door unit is closed, for example, to control the treatment progress.

A transparent door insert can be made of any transparent material. The transparent material must only be suitable for meeting the respective process conditions during the treatment of the objects in the treatment room, depending on the type of household appliance. In general, transparent door inserts are made of one or more glasses. However, the resistance of a transparent door insert to the respective process conditions present in the treatment space can also be given by a specific thickness of the door insert. For example, the transparent door insert of a oven door unit, which is generally exposed to high temperatures, have a greater thickness than, for example, a door unit of a washing machine.

The shape of the door insert, in particular a transparent door insert, may vary depending on the type of household appliance and design of the treatment room. Thus, the transparent door insert in the door unit of a washing machine usually has the shape of a porthole, whereas the transparent door insert in an oven generally has a rectangular, flat shape. In any case, the material, thickness and shape of the transparent door insert are dependent on the type of household appliance in which the transparent door insert is used.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance, the household appliance contains a second operating unit embodied as an internal touchscreen, which is attached to the door unit. Here, the expression "attached to the door unit" is to be interpreted broadly. For example, the second operating unit can be mounted on or integrated in a cover plate for a door insert. If no cover plate is present, the second operating unit can also be a touch-sensitive disc or foil on the door insert. In addition, the door insert can be touch-sensitive by the attachment of sensor electrodes directly on its surface.

In the latter case, therefore, the door unit itself can act as a second operating unit, in particular as a touchscreen. A touchscreen generally has a display and a control unit. In this embodiment, the touch screen preferably comprises the transparent display device arranged on the first transparent door insert. The designed as an internal touch screen second control unit is usually arranged on the user-facing side of the first transparent door insert. In this way, operation by touch signals from a user can be done easily. The second control unit can be connected wirelessly or via a cable connection to the control unit. Like the first operating unit, the optional second operating unit allows control of the household appliance. In this way, a higher security can be realized in the operation of the household appliance according to the invention, since the household appliance can still be controlled by a user even in the event of failure of the first external control unit.

The household appliance according to the invention, however, allows the control and operation of the household appliance without a further control unit is attached to the household appliance. For this purpose, in particular serves the first, designed as an external touch screen control unit. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the household appliance therefore has no further operating unit, in particular also no further display device. In the last embodiment, the display device in the door unit thus serves as the only display device. This advantageously complements the first control unit on which the display is usually smaller for a user of the household appliance and thus less clear and clear than in the door unit.

The configured as an external touch screen first control unit is in particular selected from the group comprising a smartphone and a tablet computer, which are each configured to control the household appliance.

When this is referred to as an "operating unit", it refers to an operating device, in particular the control of the household appliance with regard to programs to be implemented therein. In addition, switching on the household appliance and / or connecting to a network may also be possible via such an operating unit.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the door insert has a display which is selected from the group consisting of an LED display, an OLED display, an LCD display and a 3D display. In this case, a display device is preferably arranged on a first transparent door insert of the door unit. The transparent display device allows the display of content, while maintaining the transparency of the door unit for observing the interior of the treatment room.

According to the invention, the transparent display device is designed to display text, symbols, patterns and / or images. Texts include Letters, numbers and special characters. The representation can be done both in colors, in grayscale and / or in black and white. The presentation can also be done statically or animated. The term "animation" is broadly defined herein and is not limited thereto. According to the invention, it comprises all types of dynamic representations, for example simple flashing sequences, moving patterns, images and / or texts, but also, for example, video sequences.

Preferably, the area A is _display, which occupies the transparent display device on a transparent door insert, adapted to the surface of the first transparent door deployment _door A, such that A _display <A _door. The shape and arrangement of the transparent display are not limited. Thus, the area of the display A _{display can} correspond to the area of the first transparent _door insert A _door to 100% and cover them all. However, the area of the display A _display can also occupy only 50% of the area of the first transparent _door insert A _door , wherein in a preferred embodiment, the transparent display device and thus the display is arranged in the center of the first transparent door insert. Moreover, the area of the transparent display A _{display can} also occupy 30% of the area of the first transparent _door insert A _door . The transparent display device can then be arranged, for example, in the upper half of the first transparent door insert.

According to the invention, the door unit of the domestic appliance can also comprise a second transparent door insert. This is inventively limited only insofar as that material, shape and thickness meet the requirements of the treatment room in the respective household appliance. Thus, if the household appliance is, for example, a washing machine, then the first transparent door insert can be designed as a cover glass. The second transparent door insert can be configured as a sight glass, which is connected via a spacer with the cover glass. The display can then also be arranged on the second transparent door insert.

The generally transparent display according to the invention can also be a projection. The household appliance may in particular have a projection device for this purpose. The projection device generally comprises a projector or a projector, as well as optical means for positioning the projection. Optical means are generally e.g. Reflectors, lenses and collimators. The positioning of the projector or projector within the housing of the household appliance is not limited according to the invention, but is usually realized so that a projection with high optical quality is achieved. It is preferred that the light of the projector or projector for the production of the projection is radiated laterally into the door unit.

In a preferred embodiment, a projection device for reproducing information about the household appliance and / or a program running in it is therefore arranged in the household appliance.

In a supplementary or alternative embodiment, an electronic control device for the display device, in particular for a display is arranged in the household appliance, which allows to display information about the household appliance and / or running in it program on the display.

The household appliance according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a household in which several household appliances are networked together and can be controlled in particular by means of a central control unit.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the household appliance therefore has a network interface, by means of which it can be integrated into a home network having at least one second household appliance, wherein the control device is set up to display information about the second household appliance on the household appliance and / or to display a running in the second household appliance program on the display device. In such a case, it is particularly advantageous if the display device on the household appliance according to the invention directly information about this home appliance and / or running in it program, especially treatment program, can be obtained without on a central control unit, especially on the external touchscreen designed first operating unit, which then generally allows the control of the second and possibly even further household appliances, only after the first household appliance must be searched. Due to the generally clearly visible on the door panel display shown for a user in this way a particularly simple control and monitoring of various household appliances in the home network is possible.

According to the type and number of integrable in a home network home appliances are not limited. In any case, by means of the first operating unit and / or if the first household appliance has a second internal operating unit, the at least second household appliance in the home network can also be accessed by means of the second operating unit. The term "access" This means, for example, establishing and / or disconnecting a wireless connection with the control unit of the at least second household appliance, making an input by a user for controlling the at least second household appliance and / or querying an operating state of the at least second household appliance. Preferably, the control device of the first household appliance is set up, at a time t _{input 2,} the display screen Bx, 2 representing a user on the touchscreen of the respective first and / or second operating unit, for controlling the at least second household appliance at the same time and by a preset factor F _display enlarged display on the transparent display of the first domestic appliance, and / or t _{Feedback, 2>} t _{input, 2} is a feedback corresponding to the transparent at a time at the time t _{input, 2} carried input with respect to the at least second household appliance by a user, for example, a Display device of the first household appliance to represent. The control device is also set up to display an operating time of the at least second domestic appliance t _{operation, 2} ≠ t _{input, 2} operating states and / or special operating states of the at least second household appliance on the transparent display of the first domestic appliance.

In a further preferred embodiment, the household appliance contains a motion sensor that can detect the presence of a user in the vicinity of the household appliance, and the control device is set up to cause a predetermined operation of the display device for a detected presence in this case. Here, "proximity" may be a fixed or adjustable by a user depending on the site size, where appropriate, the distance and / or the size of the moving object (user) can be considered. Optionally, such a motion sensor also allows the detection of gestures. In any case, this embodiment allows the operation of the display device to be adapted to the user.

The control device can also be set up to switch on the domestic appliance when the motion sensor responds, that is to say in the case of a positive detection signal, or to end a stand-by mode and / or to increase the brightness of the transparent display. This provides in particular the security that in case of light failure in a dark room, the operation of the household appliance can still be monitored or the household appliance can be operated safely.

For example, in a home network, it may be possible for multiple home appliances to be used by different users. If the identity of a user moving in front of the domestic appliance or the motion sensor can then be determined by means of a motion sensor, an indication of properties of the domestic appliance used by this user can be made. In this case, the household appliance according to the invention, on which the display is made, does not have to be the household appliance actually used by the user. The household appliance according to the invention, if it is integrated into a home network, can also reproduce the corresponding information of another household appliance.

Also preferred according to the invention is a household appliance which contains a light sensor which can detect the light intensity L _U in an environment of the household appliance, and the control device is set up in order to increase and / or _{reduce the} brightness of the display of the display device _{if the} minimum value L _{Umin is undershot} when the maximum value L _{Umax is exceeded,} the contrast of the display of the display device is increased. To determine the maximum and minimum light level, a comparison between a stored light value in the control device L or L _{setmin SetMax} and the ambient light value L _U is preferably carried out by the control device. Thus, a user can be provided with pleasant ambient light for the eye perception of the display, for example, in dark locations and / or at nightfall.

Finally, in a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance, the door unit additionally has a door sensor and the display device allows an ON mode and an OFF mode of the display, wherein the control device is set up, the display when opening the door unit by a user in an OFF- Mode and closing the door unit to an ON mode. In this way it can be avoided that a user in an open door unit is disturbed by a brightly lit display and possibly irritated. For the same reason, the two modes referred to as OFF and ON modes may also be associated with different representations of the display, e.g. different brightness or contrast values.

In a specific embodiment, the household appliance according to the invention comprises a housing, a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit for opening and closing the treatment room, comprising at least one hinge, a door frame and at least one transparent door insert (also denominated "cover glass"), which the Observation of the Treatment room by a user, a transparent display device, a control unit, and a first operating unit designed as an external touch screen, wherein the control unit is set up to display on the touch screen at least two screen displays B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance, wherein the control device is further set up, at a time t _input, the display Bx representing a user on the touch screen is enlarged at the same time and by a preset factor F _display on the transparent display and / or _inputting a feedback corresponding to the time t _input at a time t _feedback entered by a user on the transparent display device, wherein the control device is further set, at an operating time of the household appliance t _operation ≠ t _input operating conditions, Sonderbetriebszuständ e and / or preset display options on the transparent display device. In this case, the transparent display device is arranged on the user-facing side of the at least one transparent door insert of the door unit and the surface of the transparent display A _display is <the surface of the at least one transparent _door insert A _door .

If the operating unit is an internal operating unit, that is to say an operating unit which is firmly positioned on the household appliance, then the connection between the control unit and the operating unit can be realized, for example via cable connections, but a wireless connection for data exchange is also conceivable. If the operating unit is an external operating unit, that is to say an operating unit which is not fixedly positioned on the household appliance, for example the first operating unit designed as a touchscreen according to the invention, the connection between the control unit and the operating unit will generally be a wireless connection for data exchange. Such a connection can be made for example via WLAN, Bluetooth, etc. According to the type of wireless connection is not limited. In any case, data is exchanged between the control unit and the external operating unit by means of this connection. The first operating unit is designed as a touchscreen. In a touchscreen, a display is usually combined with an operating unit.

An external operating unit may be an independent device or a user terminal in which operating functions for the household appliance are integrated. The type of user terminal is not limited in any case, at least it is set up to control the household appliance and has a touch screen. Such a user terminal may therefore be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet PC set up to control the household appliance. The control of the household appliance can then be done for example via an app.

According to the invention, the control device is set up to display at least two screen displays B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance on the touchscreen of the external operating unit in order to enable a user to operate the household appliance. In this case, different contents can be displayed on the two screen displays. For example, treatment programs that can be performed on the household appliance can be displayed on a first screen B1 and treatment program parameters on a screen B2. Corresponding relationships can be stored in the control unit. The type of presentation of content on the screen is not limited according to the invention. For example, content may be displayed in color, in grayscale or in black and white, in the form of text comprising letters, numbers and special characters, symbols, patterns and / or images, static or animated. The design of the content will certainly be based on the respective customer group, whether they prefer, for example, more traditional, functional or modern ways of presentation.

In one embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, it is preferred that the at least two screen displays B1 and B2 have a different hierarchy. "Hierarchy" means the order of the arrangement of screen displays. For example, a screen display with a higher hierarchy is initially displayed. Touching controls on a screen display with a higher hierarchy then results in the display (also referred to as "opening") of a screen display having a lower hierarchy. Screen displays may follow each other immediately, i. without an additional screen display being interposed, or indirectly, i. with one or more intermediate screen displays.

In order to control the household appliance, it is also preferred in a further embodiment for controllable variables that are adjustable on the at least two screen displays B1 and B2 to be shown as flat, touch-sensitive operating elements delimited from one another. The term "touch-sensitive" in this case comprises the conversion of any contact with an external input unit into an electrical signal. An external input unit may for example be the finger of a user and / or a pen. Accordingly, a touch in general with a Input unit are made. In this way, touch signals may be generated by the external input unit on the touch screen, wherein touch signals typically include movements such as pushing, pulling, wiping and / or rotating. By means of touch signals, a user can thus make inputs on the touch screen.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, it is preferable to distinguish between first and second adjustable control variables, wherein first adjustable control variables are then treatment programs for the objects to be treated and are represented by first operating elements. Second adjustable control variables are program parameters associated with the treatment programs with variable parameter values and are represented by second operating elements.

The term "treatment programs" is generally broad. Treatment programs may include programs that can be performed by default in a home appliance whose parameters are pre-stored in the controller as default values, so-called standard treatment programs, as well as treatment programs with additional options, i. with program parameters modified by a user compared to standard settings. Additional options may include defaults such as delayed start, program execution designed to meet other requirements such as speed, in a washing machine, e.g. a washing program that runs as quickly as possible, or a washing program designed for energy efficiency, a hygiene step or, for example, a washing program adapted to individual soiling, such as, for example, blueberry or red wine stains.

In a further embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, it is therefore preferred that dependencies between program parameters and / or additional options are stored in the control device, which prevent unfavorable or even damaging input to combinations of parameter values for various parameters or other inputs by a user , The parameter values which can not be entered can then be shown optically reset on the touchscreen, for example, and in addition the selectability can be blocked by the control device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, the hierarchically higher screen display B1 can indirectly or directly follow the hierarchically lower screen display B2 if an input is made via a first operating element by a touch signal. At least a part of the second operating elements can have elongated sensor elements, in the longitudinal direction of which an assigned parameter value changes continuously or suddenly, so that the parameter value can be adjusted and entered by touching the elongated sensor element. In this embodiment, then in principle two possibilities for use are available. Thus, in a first possibility, a substantially locally fixed contact with an operating unit, in particular with a finger, that is to say no pulling or laterally running movement, can be evaluated as a point-like contact. The location of the point-like actuation is then generally associated with a particular parameter value which is thereby input. In the second option, a finger can be applied for actuation and above all moved in a pulling movement along the elongated sensor element. The operation can therefore go beyond a point-like touch. Depending on the length and / or the starting point and end point of the actuation or the pulling elongate movement, a corresponding parameter value can thereby be entered. The elongate sensor element can in particular be a segmented slider which can be displaced by a touch, wherein the segments as such can be visible to a user or else can follow one another continuously.

In a further preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, a representation of standard programs as a rule in the form of a list of delimited, touch-sensitive operating elements can take place with uniformly distributed surface sections. During the further determination of a treatment program or program parameter selected by a user, for example the input of a temperature, the area distribution can then preferably be weighted in favor of this treatment program or program parameter. That is, the control element or its associated surface, in which e.g. The temperature and its input options are shown, the percentage may be the largest percentage to allow the greatest possible clarity and ease of use for a user. Accordingly, at the same time, other, non-selected operating functions can be displayed and / or hidden in a smaller area proportion.

According to the invention, the control unit is generally connected to the display device, preferably a transparent display device, on the first transparent door unit and is set up, a screen display Bx representing the user on the touch screen of the first external operating unit on the transparent screen Display and / or, according to the input by a user to give a feedback on the transparent display. The display of the screen Bx is preferably carried out simultaneously with the time of input t _input by a user and updated accordingly at a next input by a user at a subsequent time t _next E _ingabe . The feedback corresponding to the input occurs at a later time t _Feedback > t _input, but the time of the feedback is upstream of the time of the next input, ie t _Feedback <t _{next input} . In this way, two-way communication of input and feedback between a user and the home appliance can be realized.

The representation of a screen display Bx on the preferably transparent display device is generally increased by a factor F _display . The factor F _display is determined insofar as it depends on the ratio of the area of the touch screen to the area of the display. The decisive factor here is that the screen display Bx is completely and relatively reproduced on the transparent display. In this way, a much greater clarity and readability can be achieved and thus a safer and faster operation of the household appliance by a user.

The term "input" is to be interpreted broadly herein. An input characterizes quite generally a touch signal which is carried out by a user on the touch screen of the first external operating unit and which serves to control the household appliance. The touch signal is then transmitted via the wireless connection to the control unit and evaluated. For example, an input may initially relate to the establishment of the wireless connection between the first external operating unit and the control device. An input can still include the input of treatment programs.

The term "feedback" is also to be interpreted broadly herein. In general, a response corresponds to a response to an input made by the user via the touch screen of the first external control unit. This can be, for example, the confirmation of a setting made of a program parameter or also the confirmation of a selection of a treatment program, the announcement of a program start or also confirming the production / disconnection of the wireless connection with the first external operating unit.

However, feedback can also generally be information. For example, information that can be input to treatment programs on the transparent display can also be displayed, such as a runtime, which, for reasons of clarity, can not be displayed on the smaller touchscreen area. However, information can also indicate, for example, that an input made is not possible because, for example, due to the selected program parameters, damage to objects to be treated would be expected. Based on the user input, however, information can also be a recommendation, for example to carry out a specific treatment program. Feedback can also be simple speeches, such as a greeting or a farewell.

In this case, it is preferred according to the invention that the control device first registers and evaluates an input made by a user and selects an appropriate feedback based on stored relationships. Therefore, the time of feedback t _{feedback is} usually downstream of the time of input t _input .

In any case, the feedback of the control device over the preferably transparent display of improved communication between home appliance and user.

According to the invention, the control device is furthermore set up to display operating states, special operating states and / or preset display options at an operating time t _operation . According to the invention this can be done after a successful user input or independently of a user input based on stored in the controller contexts. An operating time usually characterizes a point in the current operation of a household appliance, that is, for example, a program step in the implementation of a treatment program. An operating time t _operation is thus different from an input time t _input .

The term "operating conditions" is to be interpreted broadly herein. Thus, the term "operating states" includes both the result of an initiated switch-on or switch-off process and a stand-by mode of the household appliance, as well as different steps of a treatment program carried out. According to the invention, a special operating state, which results from a malfunction of the domestic appliance, for example a failure of a drain pump in a washing machine and / or a defective fresh water inlet valve, applies according to the invention in particular. A special operating condition is determined depending on the type of household appliance, for example, it may be an improper operation of the Home appliance act, for example, excessive foam generation or excessive temperatures.

The default display options are user-defined or factory-set representations that are generally different from operating conditions or special operating conditions. Display options can also be context-remote. It may be the representation of a pattern, a preset text, a symbol or even an image stored in the control device. An illustration option can also be an animation, such as playing a video sequence. In any case, can be achieved by a display option, for example in an otherwise used installation room, such as a kitchen, a higher aesthetics during operation.

According to the invention, the representation of operating states, special operating states and / or display options can vary at preset time intervals, for example in a 5-minute cycle. However, a user can also initiate the display of operating states, special operating states and / or display options via an input on the touchscreen of the first external operating unit. In this way, at any time a control of the operation of the household appliance is possible, so that a higher security can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the household appliance according to the invention, it is preferred that to increase the contrast of the transparent display, a first transparent door insert is darkened or colored at least in a partial area. Preferably, the darkened or colored portion corresponds to the location on which the transparent display is arranged. The realization of the darkening or coloring is not restricted according to the invention. This may be a modification of the material of the transparent door insert, for example glass in the case of a transmission change, but also an additional application of material, for example in the form of a coating or film. Finally, the darkening or coloring can also be realized by a modification of the material of the transparent display.

In a preferred embodiment, the first household appliance is a dryer which is integrated into a home network via a network interface, and the at least second household appliance is a washing machine, or vice versa. The dryer then has, for example, a door unit with a transparent cover glass, on which a transparent OLED display is arranged. The first external operating unit is a smartphone, by means of which both household appliances can be accessed. In this case, the control device of the dryer is set up to display at a time t _{input, 2} the display Bx, 2 representing a user on the touch screen for controlling the washing machine at the same time and by a preset factor F _display , on the transparent OLED display of the dryer and / or at a time t _{Feedback, 2} > t _{input, 2 to represent} a response corresponding to the _input at the time t _{input, 2} input to the washing machine. Preferably, the control device of the dryer is also set up to display an operating time of the washing machine t _{operation, 2} ≠ t _{input, 2} operating states and / or special operating states of the washing machine on the transparent OLED display.

• (a) Einschalten des Haushaltsgeräts und Herstellen einer Verbindung zwischen der Steuereinheit und der ersten Bedieneinheit über die Schnittstelle;
• (b) Anzeigen von Informationen über das Haushaltsgerät und/oder einem darin ablaufenden Programm auf der Anzeigevorrichtung, wobei eine Anzeige auf der Anzeigevorrichtung über die erste Bedieneinheit gesteuert werden kann; und
• (c) Durchführen eines durch die Steuereinrichtung gesteuerten Programms zur Behandlung der Gegenstände.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a household appliance with a housing, a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit for opening and closing the treatment room, wherein the door unit includes a treatment room final door insert, a display device, a control unit, as an external Touchscreen configured first operating unit, and wherein the control unit is adapted to display on the touchscreen at least two screen displays B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance, and an interface for communication between the control unit and the first operating unit, wherein the display device is attached to the door unit and the control device is set up to display inputs on the first operating unit and / or feedback to such inputs on the display device, comprising the steps

• (A) switching on the household appliance and establishing a connection between the control unit and the first operating unit via the interface;
• (b) displaying information about the household appliance and / or a program running therein on the display device, wherein a display can be controlled on the display device via the first operating unit; and
• (c) performing a program controlled by the controller to handle the items.

The invention has numerous advantages. A transparent display device, for example, mounted on the transparent door insert can be designed over a large area and, because of its transparency, nevertheless allows observation of the interior of a treatment room by a user at the same time. On the comparatively larger surface of the transparent display device content can also be in a pleasant represent perceptible size. This is often not possible on small touchscreens, such as those found on smartphones or tablet PCs. The enlarged representation of special operating conditions in particular additionally increases the operational safety of the household appliance. A user can also immediately recognize from a distance if there is a malfunction on the device and can take appropriate action. Even in a dark room, in the event of light failure or at nightfall, a large and legible presentation of content is an advantage. Last but not least, an enlarged display of content on the transparent display facilitates the operation of the household appliance for persons who are handicapped in their eyesight. Finally, the invention is particularly well suited for use in a home network, which has several household appliances.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments. Here, reference is made to the 1 and 2 ,

In 1 is the household appliance 1 in a non-limiting embodiment, a washing machine. The washing machine has a housing 2 on which a door unit 4 for opening and closing a drum, not shown here as a treatment room for laundry is attached as the objects to be treated. The door unit 4 includes a transparent cover glass 5 on which a transparent OLED display 6 is arranged. Furthermore, in 1 one as an external touch screen 8th designed operating unit 7 shown in the form of a smartphone. The control device of the household appliance 1 is connected to the smartphone via Wi-Fi and set up, at least two screen displays 9 B1 and B2 on the touch screen 8th display. This happens according to the invention preferably in the form of an app. The on the touch screen 8th displayed screen 9 in this non-limiting embodiment has spaced-apart, surface-sensitive, touch-sensitive symbols. Each symbol is a treatment program of the washing machine 1 assigned. Through a touch signal on a touch screen control 8th For example, a user may make an entry which is registered by the controller. The control device of the washing machine is set up at the same time as the input of the user on the touchscreen 8th , which is the user on the touch screen 8th performing screen display 9 on the transparent OLED display 6 display. The OLED display 6 is larger in area than the touchscreen 8th , The presentation of the screen display 9 is therefore increased by a factor F _A , which the size ratios of the touch screen 8th to the display 6 considered. If the control device has registered an input by a user at a time t _input , then it can be evaluated. For this purpose, relationships can be stored in the control device which indicate the output of a feedback corresponding to the input on the display 6 at a time t _feedback , which follows the time t _input allows.

In 2 is the household appliance 1 in a non-limiting embodiment also a washing machine. The washing machine in turn has a housing 2 on which a door unit 4 is attached to open and close the drum, not shown here. The door unit 4 includes a transparent cover glass 5 on which a transparent OLED display 6 is arranged. The washing machine 1 in 2 is in operation and is currently running a washing program. The control device is set up, the phases of the individual program steps of the performed washing program on the OLED display 6 display. Shown is the operating state "Washing" 10 , which is presented in the form of text. This is not a limitation. In alternative embodiments, it would also be conceivable to display in the form of a symbol or an animated pattern, for example a wave, which performs wave movements. Should the washing machine 1 have a malfunction, so for example, a special operating state can be displayed in this way.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 household appliance

2

 casing

3

 panel

4

 door unit

5

 Cover glass, door insert

6

 Display device; transparent OLED display with screen display

7

 first operating unit; Smartphone

8th

 touchscreen

9

 display

10

 Operating condition washing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2010/128729 A2 [0004]
• WO 2006/021936 A1 [0005]
• EP 1489364 A1 [0006]
• DE 102012103684 A1 [0007]
• EP 2542139 B1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Household appliance ( 1 ) with a housing ( 2 ), a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit ( 4 ) for opening and closing the treatment room, wherein the door unit ( 4 ) a final use of the treatment room door insert ( 5 ), a display device ( 6 ), a control unit, one as an external touchscreen ( 8th ) configured first control unit ( 7 ), whereby the control unit is set up on the touchscreen ( 8th ) at least two screen displays ( 9 ) B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance ( 1 ) and an interface for communication between the control unit and the first operating unit ( 7 ), characterized in that the display device ( 6 ) at the door unit ( 4 ) and the control unit is set up for input on the first control unit ( 7 ) and / or feedback on such inputs on the display device ( 6 ). Household appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the door insert as a display device ( 8th ) is configured. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the door insert is at least partially transparent, so that it allows the observation of the treatment room by a user. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 1 ) contains a configured as an internal touch screen second operating unit, which at the door unit ( 4 ) is attached. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has no further operating unit. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that as an external touch screen ( 8th ) configured first operating unit ( 7 ) is selected from the group comprising a smartphone ( 7 ) and a tablet computer, each adapted to control the home appliance ( 1 ). Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door insert as a display device ( 6 ) has a display selected from the group consisting of an LED display, an OLED display, an LCD display and a 3D display. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the household appliance ( 1 ) a projection device for reproducing information about the household appliance ( 1 ) and / or a running in it program is arranged Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the household appliance ( 1 ) an electronic control device for the display device ( 6 ), which allows information about the household appliance ( 1 ) and / or a program running in it on the display. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 1 ) has a network interface via which it can be integrated into a home network having at least a second household appliance, and the control device is set up to display information on the household appliance about the second domestic appliance and / or a program running in the second domestic appliance on the display device ( 6 ). Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 1 ) includes a motion sensor that detects the presence of a user in the vicinity of the household appliance ( 1 ), and the control device is set up, in the case of a detected presence, a mode of operation of the display device predetermined for this case ( 6 ). Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 1 ) contains a light sensor, which the light intensity L _U in an environment of the household appliance ( 1 ) and the control device is set up in _such a way that when the minimum value L _{Umin is undershot} a brightness of the display of the display device ( 6 ) and / or when exceeding a maximum value L _Umax the contrast of the display of the display device ( 6 ) increase. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door unit ( 4 ) additionally has a door sensor and the display device ( 6 ) allows an ON-mode and an OFF-mode of the display, wherein the control device is set up, the display when opening the door unit ( 4 ) by a user in an OFF mode and when closing the door unit ( 4 ) in an ON mode. Household appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the domestic appliance ( 1 ) is a water-conducting household appliance selected from the group consisting of washing machine, washer-dryer and dryer. Method for operating a household appliance ( 1 ) with a housing ( 2 ), a treatment room for objects to be treated, a door unit ( 4 ) for opening and closing the treatment room, wherein the door unit ( 4 ) contains a treatment room final door insert, a display device ( 6 ), a control unit, one as an external touchscreen ( 8th ) configured first control unit ( 7 ), and wherein the control unit is set up on the touchscreen ( 8th ) at least two screen displays ( 9 ) B1 and B2 for controlling the household appliance ( 1 ) and an interface for communication between the control unit and the first operating unit, wherein the display device ( 6 ) at the door unit ( 4 ) and the control device is set up to make entries on the first operating unit ( 7 ) and / or feedback on such inputs on the display device ( 6 ), comprising the steps of (a) switching on the household appliance ( 1 ) and establishing a connection between the control unit and the first operating unit ( 7 ) via the interface; (b) display of information about the household appliance ( 1 ) and / or a program running in it on the display device ( 6 ), wherein a display on the display device ( 6 ) via the first control unit ( 7 ) can be controlled; and (c) performing a program controlled by the controller for handling the items.

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