AU2006328213B2

AU2006328213B2 - Laundry device

Info

Publication number: AU2006328213B2
Application number: AU2006328213A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dong Geun Lee; Ju Han Yoon
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2005-12-23
Filing date: 2006-12-07
Publication date: 2010-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-07
Also published as: AU2006328213A1; US20090133448A1; WO2007073049A1; EP1977031A1; EP1977031B1

Description

C:\NRPonbAD)CC\KLL0957741 DOC-2A0/2010 Description LAUNDRY DEVICE Technical Field 5 [1] The present invention relates to laundry device. For example, the invention generally relates to a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device and a laundry device having the same, and more particularly, to an improved control panel assembly of easy manufacture and recognition of selected operating options and a laundry device having the same. 10 Background of the Invention [2] Generally, a laundry device is a generic term designating a washing machine performing a washing cycle and a dehydrating cycle, a drying machine performing a drying cycle, a washing and drying machine performing both a washing cycle and a drying cycle, and the like. 15 [3] Of the above mentioned machines, the drying machine is configured such that air for drying is heated by a heater and then, blown into a drum, to cause evaporation of moisture contained in an object to be dried. [4] Conventionally, laundry, which has been completely washed, is delivered to a drying rack, so as to be dried naturally. However, in the rainy reason or in days of 20 unsettled weather, the natural drying time of the laundry is delayed, thus inconveniencing modern people that have busy lives. [5] Accordingly, there exists a requirement for an appliance capable of drying laundry regardless of the weather. The drying machine is an appliance developed to fulfill the above requirement. 25 [6] Nowadays, the demand of the drying machine is increasing rapidly for modern people that have busy lives. [7] Of a variety of laundry devices, hereinafter, a conventional drying machine will be described with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2. [8] As shown in FIG. 1, the drying machine comprises a body case I defining the outer 30 appearance of the drying machine, and a control panel 2 provided at an upper CANRPortb1DCCKLLX095774_I DOC-2AM/2OI -2 portion of a front surface of the body case I for the manual operation of the drying machine. [9] The body case I has a door 3 installed at the front surface thereof, and a drum (not shown) is received in the body case 1. Accordingly, laundry is manually put into or 5 taken out of the drum through the door 3. If the laundry is received in the drum, the drum is rotated appropriately to dry the laundry. Of course, in the case of a washing machine, the drum will be used to wash laundry received therein. [10] The control panel 2, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a plurality of buttons 21 corresponding to a variety of operating options, a display window 22 for displaying 10 selected operating options or operating states, and a plurality of LED lamps 23. [II] Specifically, the buttons 21 include optional buttons 21a, a power button 21b, and a pause button 21c. The optional buttons 21a are used to select primary functional items of the drying machine, such as for example, dryness, temperature, drying time, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as "primary operating options"). The 15 power button 21b is used to apply power to the drying machine, and the pause button 21c is used to temporarily stop the operation of the drying machine. [12] The plurality of LED lamps 23 are used to display subordinate functional items of the drying machine, such as for example, the numerical values of the time, temperature, etc. The subordinate functional items indicate the degree of each of 20 the above primary operating options. The LED lamps 23 are subordinated to the optional buttons 21a, respectively, and accordingly, are turned on as the corresponding optional buttons 21a are pressed. In addition, for the discrimination of operating options, lettered marks are printed at an outer surface of the control panel 2 at positions adjacent to the buttons 21 and the LED lamps 23. 25 [13] The above described conventional drying machine, however, has the following problems. [14] Firstly, to select definite subordinate operating options of each primary operating option, it is necessary to repeatedly press the optional buttons 21a, resulting in a troublesome button operation. 30 [15] Furthermore, in the case where any one of the optional buttons 21a is incorrectly pressed and thus, an unwanted subordinate operating option is selected, the optical C.\NRPorbhLDCC\KLLuo9h5774 .DOC-2/0O/2010( -3 button 21a has to be first restored to its initial state via several press operations and then, be again pressed repeatedly to newly select a desired subordinate operating option. [16] Secondly, the printed lettered marks for the discrimination of operating options of 5 the drying machine tend to be erased as they frequently come into contact with the user's fingers. [17] Of course, although there has been developed a letter engraving method using laser to solve the above described problem, this method has problems of an increase in the number of processes and expensive laser engraving costs. 10 [17a] It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above described difficulties, or to at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of Invention [17b] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a laundry device 15 comprising: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, 20 wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons integrated with one another to constitute a single button assembly, the buttons being exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; and 25 a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option, wherein the operating options are classified into primary operating options and a plurality of subordinate operating options belong to each of the primary operating options, a series of buttons are provided to select a subordinate operating option as one of primary operating options, and each button 30 corresponds to a specific subordinate operating option in a one to one ratio.

C:\NRPorblDC LL\393774_1 DOC-2/Om/2010 -4 [17c] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laundry device comprising: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; 5 a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; 10 a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option; and a lettered mark provided on a front surface of each of the buttons for indicating a specific operating option, wherein at least one of the display portion and the lettered mark is formed on the 15 button by double injection molding, and wherein the operating options are classified into primary operating options and a plurality of subordinate operating options belong to each of the primary operating options, a series of buttons are provided to select a subordinate operating option as one of primary operating options, and each button corresponds to a specific subordinate operating option in a 20 one to one ratio. [18] The present invention is preferably devised to solve one or more of the above problems by including a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device, which has a button assembly capable of achieving a simplified button operation, easy 25 recognition of inputted operating options, and an improved durability of lettered marks provided thereon. [19] The present invention is also preferably devised to solve one or more of the above problems by including a control panel assembly capable of clearly displaying operating options selected by a user and a laundry device having the control panel 30 assembly. [20] The present invention is also preferably devised to solve one or more of the above C:\NRPortbl\DCC0KLL\3J95774_ .DOC-2/PK/2010 -5 problems by including a laundry device in which a plurality of buttons for selecting a variety of operating options are integrated with one another, resulting in the expedient manufacture and use of the laundry device. [21] The present invention preferably solves one or more of the above problems by 5 providing a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device, which comprises a control panel and a button assembly provided at the control panel. [22] Here, the button assembly has an integral structure, and may comprise: a plurality of buttons integrated with one another, the buttons being exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the 10 selection of operating options; and a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option. [23] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided herein is a laundry device having the above described control panel assembly. [24] The laundry device may comprise: a case defining the outer appearance of the 15 laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons integrated with one another, the buttons being exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of 20 operating options; and a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option. [25] Here, the button assembly may further comprise a frame located at a rear surface of the control panel and configured to integrally connect the plurality of buttons therein. 25 [26] The button assembly may further comprise an elastic rib configured to connect the plurality of buttons with one another while allowing the buttons to be pressed under the influence of an elastic force thereof. Here, the plurality of buttons may be connected to one another via the elastic rib, or may be connected to the frame via the elastic rib. 30 [27] The plurality of buttons, the elastic rib, and the frame may be integrally injection molded by use of the same material as one another. With this configuration, the C:\NRPonb\DCC\KLL 95774-I DOC-2A /2010 -6 above mentioned elements constitute a single structure, resulting in easy manufacture and handling thereof. [28] Here, the plurality of buttons, the elastic rib, and the frame may be integrally injection molded by use of an opaque material or transparent material. 5 [29] In the present invention, the display portion may be provided at each of the plurality of buttons. Preferably, the display portion is made of a transparent material for transmitting light therethrough. That is to say, the display portion preferably takes the form of a transparent window. Accordingly, the display portion may be integrally injection molded along with the plurality of buttons, the elastic 10 rib, and the frame. In this case, preferably, a material for use in the injection molding is a transparent material. [30] The button assembly may further comprise a button exterior shell partially formed at an outer surface of each button to block the transmission of light. Specifically, when the button is made of a transparent material, there is a possibility in that light 15 penetrates through the overall front surface of the button. Accordingly, the button exterior shell may be provided to prevent light from penetrating through the button except for the display portion. In this case, the button exterior shell is preferably formed on the button by double injection molding. That is to say, the button exterior shell is an injection molded article rather than a film and has a higher 20 durability than the film. [31] Preferably, the display portion is configured to protrude rearward from the front surface of the button, so as to define a path of light. If there exists a free space between the display portion and the lamp that emits light toward the display portion, there is a potential reduction of visibility due to the dispersion of light. 25 Accordingly, to reduce the free space, the display portion is preferably configured to protrude rearward, more particularly, toward the lamp. [32] In addition, to position the button assembly at the control panel, the control panel may be perforated, through the front surface thereof, with a plurality of mounting holes. Specifically, the mounting holes may be arranged to correspond to the 30 respective buttons. Accordingly, the buttons are inserted into the mounting holes from a rear side of the control panel, so as to be exposed to the outside from the C:\NRPonbl\DCCKl.LOO93774 I DOC-2AMI/20 10 - 6A front surface of the control panel. [33] The laundry device may further comprise a board guide having a plurality of lamps each corresponding to the display portion of each of the buttons. Here, the board guide may further have a plurality of switches corresponding to the buttons, 5 respectively. The board guide is located behind the button assembly. [34] The laundry device may further comprise a lamp supporter provided between the button assembly and the board guide and adapted to support the lamps. The lamp supporter may perform the function of guiding light emitted from each lamp to the display portion. The lamp supporter has an integral single structure. 10 [35] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided herein is a laundry device comprising: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons 15 exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option; and a lettered mark provided on a front surface of each of the buttons for indicating a specific operating option, and wherein at least one of the display portion and the lettered mark is 20 formed on the button by double injection molding. Advantageous Effects [36] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device has a plurality of buttons having the same 25 number as that of a plurality of operating options. Accordingly, the user can select a desired operating option by pressing the corresponding button only one time, resulting in a convenience in the user's button operation. [37] Furthermore, the plurality of buttons are integrated with one another by a frame to constitute a single button assembly. This has the effect of simplifying the 30 attachment and detachment of the button assembly relative to a control panel. [38] Also, by forming lettered marks at front surfaces of the respective buttons or at an C:\NRPoblDCC\KLL\309577J I.DOC-2/A8/2010 - 6B outer surface of the control panel at positions adjacent to the buttons by double injection molding, the lettered marks can achieve an improved durability and thus, have no risk of being erased by frequent contact of the user's fingers. [39] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, each button has a 5 transparent display portion formed at a corner thereof by double injection molding. With the provision of the display portion, the user can easily recognize the selected operating option of the laundry device. Also, employing the double injection molding has the effect of improving the durability of the display portion. [40] Moreover, as a result of forming the display portion to protrude rearward from the 10 front surface of the button, a distance between the display portion and an LED lamp can be reduced. This has the effect of minimizing dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamp and allowing the light to be transmitted to the outside. Brief Description of the Drawings 15 [41] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [42] FIG. I is a perspective view illustrating a conventional drying machine; [43] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a control panel provided in the conventional drying machine; 20 [44] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a control panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [45] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating a button assembly shown in FIG. 3; [46] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the control panel assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention; 25 [47] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a control panel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; and [48] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating a button assembly provided in a control panel assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

C:\NRPonbl\DCC\L.Lu1095774 IDOC.2/1)/2111 - 6C [491 Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention [50] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [51] Now, a laundry device, more particularly, a control panel assembly of the laundry 5 device, according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGs. 3 to 5. [52] The present invention is applicable to a washing machine for the washing of laundry, a drying machine for the drying of laundry, a washing and drying machine performing both the washing and drying of laundry, and the like. However, for the 10 convenience of explanation, the following description is limited to the drying machine as one example of the laundry device. [53] Accordingly, the laundry device according to the present invention comprises: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; and a control panel provided at a 15 side of the case. Herein, the description of the case and the drum is omitted. [54] The control panel assembly of the present invention may basically comprise a control panel 100, a button assembly 200, a board guide 300, and a lamp supporter 400. [55] The control panel 100 defines the outer appearance of the control panel assembly 20 and is provided at a side of the drying machine. Of course, as shown in FIG. I, the control panel 100 may be detachably coupled to a front surface of the drying machine. The control panel 100 is perforated with a plurality of mounting holes 110 so that a variety of input elements, a display element, etc. are inserted through the mounting holes 1 10 to thereby be mounted to the control panel 100. 25 [56] The control panel 100 may be provided, at an outer surface thereof at positions WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 adjacent to the mounting holes 110, with lettered marks that indicate operating options. The operating options may be classified into primary operating options (for example, dryness, drying time, temperature, and so on) and a plurality of subordinate operating options belonging to each of the primary operating options (for example, perfect drying, 60min., high temperature, and so on). [57] For example, in the case where a series of buttons are provided to select a subordinate operating option, which indicates a definite degree of "DRYNESS" as one of the primary operating options, a lettered mark "DRYNESS" may be provided at the outer surface of the control panel 100 at a position adjacent to the series of buttons. Of course, additional lettered marks, which indicate the definite different subordinate operating options, may be provided at the outer surface of the control panel 100 at positions adjacent to the respective buttons. The lettered marks are clearly shown in FIG. 1. [58] Preferably, the lettered marks may be formed on the control panel 100 by double injection molding, to prevent the lettered marks from being erased by frequent contact of the user's fingers. More particularly, it is preferable that the control panel and the lettered marks may be doubly injection molded by use of different materials from each other, or by use of the same material having different colors from each other. [59] In other words, instead of attaching films and the like, on which the lettered marks are printed, to the front surface of the control panel, the lettered marks are preferably formed on the control panel by double injection molding when the control panel is injection molded. [60] The control panel 100 is also provided, at a side of the front surface thereof, with a display window 120 for displaying the operating situation of the drying machine. The display window 120 is made of a transparent material, and a display device (not shown) for providing a user with a variety of information is provided at a rear side of the transparent display window 120. Preferably, the display device is an LCD device, to display a variety of image information. [61] The button assembly 200 is configured to allow the user to easily command operating options to the drying machine. [62] The button assembly 200 includes a frame 210, a plurality of buttons 220, an elastic rib 230, and display portions 240. [63] The frame 210 defines a periphery of the button assembly 200 and preferably, has a rectangular shape suitable to provide the button assembly 200 with an aesthetic value. The buttons 220 are used to input operating options and the outer appearance of the button assembly 200 is determined by the respective buttons 220 arranged inside the frame 210. Preferably, each of the buttons 220 has a rectangular shape, to match with the outer appearance of the frame 210.

WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 [64] Accordingly, in the present invention, the plurality of buttons 220 constitute the single button assembly 200 and this has the effect of significantly simplifying the manufacture of the control panel assembly. Also, in the present invention, each button corresponds to a specific subordinate operating option in a one to one ratio. Therefore, if the user presses a specific button, a corresponding specific subordinate operating option is selected. This enables a very easy selection of a desired operating option. [65] Referring to FIG. 4, each of the buttons 220 is integrally formed, at a rear surface thereof, with a pressure protrusion 221. The pressure protrusion 221 is adapted to be moved as a front surface of the button 220 is pressed. Specifically, the pressure protrusion 221 is configured to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the button 220. Accordingly, if the user presses the button 220, the pressure protrusion 221 is moved rearward and acts to press an associated one of tact switches 310. However, it will be appreciated that the pressure protrusion 221 may be omitted. In other words, a press portion 420 of the lamp supporter 400, which will be described hereinafter, may have a relatively long length, such that it can be directly pressed by the rear surface of the button 220 when the button 220 is pressed. [66] The elastic rib 230 serves to integrally connect the frame 210 and the respective buttons 220 with one another. Accordingly, when an excessive force beyond a pre determined level is applied to the respective buttons 220, the elastic rib 230 can act to move the buttons 220 forward and rearward by use of an elastic force thereof while being supported by the frame 210. Of course, some of the buttons 220, which are located far away from the frame 210, may be connected only to the elastic rib 230 without being connected to the frame 210. [67] Preferably, the elastic rib 230 has a thinner thickness than that of the frame 210, to optimize the elastic force thereof. Specifically, when a certain button 220 is pressed, the button 220 is able to be moved forward and rearward of the button assembly 200 while being elastically supported by the elastic rib 230. [68] The display portions 240 serve to assist the user to easily recognize selected operating options via the buttons 220 on the basis of light penetrated therethrough. Each of the display portions 240 may be formed at a corner of a front surface of each of the buttons 220. In the present invention, it is preferable that the display portions 240 be directly formed at the buttons 220. This is because there is a risk in that the user has a difficulty to match a specific button to a specific display portion in a one to one ratio if the display portions are provided at the front surface of the control panel rather than being provided at the buttons. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described mismatch risk can be eliminated if the display portion provided on the specific button emits light when the user presses the specific button. [69] Preferably, the display portions 240 are made of a transparent material capable of WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 transmitting light to the outside therethrough, and are integrally formed with the respective buttons 220 by double injection molding to improve the durability thereof. Also, the display portions 240 are preferably configured to protrude rearward from the front surfaces of the respective buttons 220. With this configuration, a distance between the display portions 240 and LED lamps, which will be described hereinafter, is reduced to minimize the dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamps. [70] Preferably, the plurality of buttons 220, the elastic rib 230, and the frame 210 are integrally injection molded by use of the same material as one another. That is to say, the buttons 220, elastic rib 230, and frame 210 may constitute a single member to facilitate the handling and manufacture thereof. Preferably, the injection molding material is an opaque material to avoid transmission of light. In this case, the display portions 240, which are injection molded by use of a transparent material, may be formed at the buttons 220 by double injection molding. Consequently, the plurality of buttons 220, the elastic rib 230, the frame 210, and the display portions 240 may be formed as a single member by double injection molding. [71] The board guide 300 is configured to constitute the rearmost portion of the control panel assembly. Adjacent to the board guide 300 is installed a circuit board (not shown) on which circuit elements (not shown) for controlling the drying machine are mounted. [72] The board guide 300 serves to transmit operating options of the drying machine, which are selected as specific buttons 220 are pressed, to the circuit board (not shown). [73] The board guide 300 has a plurality of tact switches 310 that are electrically connected to the circuit elements (not shown), and lamps 320 having the same number as that of the tact switches 310. Here, the lamps 320 may be LED lamps and con sequently, be provided to correspond to the buttons 220, respectively. [74] In this case, the LED lamps 320 are installed to emit light if the associated tact switches 310 are pressed. The LED lamps 320 are also installed to correspond to the display portions 240 of the button assembly 200, respectively. [75] Preferably, the board guide 300 is formed, near the edge thereof, with coupling holes 330 for the coupling of the lamp supporter 400. [76] The lamp supporter 400 serves to prevent the dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamps 320 and to transmit operating options, which are selected as specific buttons 210 are pressed, to the associated tact switches 310. [77] The lamp supporter 400 is installed to the board guide 300 so that it is interposed between the button assembly 200 and the board guide 300. The lamp supporter 400 has lamp guide bosses 410 and press portions 420. [78] The lamp guide bosses 410 are preferably configured to protrude rearward from a rear surface of the lamp supporter 400, so as to enclose the LED lamps 320, re- WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 spectively. Here, a length of the lamp guide bosses 410 is preferably determined in such a manner that a front end of each LED lamp 320 slightly protrudes out of the lamp guide boss 410 when the LED lamp 320 is enclosed by the lamp guide boss 410. This is to prevent the dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamps 320 and to guide the light to the display portions 240. [79] Each press portion 420 is configured in such a manner that a rear surface of the press portion 420 can press the associated tact switch 310 as the press portion 420 is pressed by the associated pressure protrusion 221 of the button assembly 200. Preferably, the press portion 420 is configured to protrude forward from a front surface of the lamp supporter 400. This is to allow the plurality of pressure protrusions 221 to accurately correspond to the respective press portions 420. [80] Preferably, a partial region around each press portion 420 is incised. This is to allow the press portion 420 to move forward and rearward with an increased elasticity by virtue of the incised region. [81] The lamp supporter 400 is preferably provided, at a rim thereof, with a plurality of hooks 430 to be caught by the coupling holes 330 of the board guide 300. Of course, other coupling means rather than the hooks may be provided as means for coupling the lamp supporter 400 with the board guide 300. [82] In the present invention, the lamp supporter 400 for supporting the plurality of lamps 320 has an integral structure. This has the effect of facilitating the assembling of the control panel assembly. [83] Hereinafter, the assembling procedure of the control panel assembly including the above described constituent elements will be described. [84] First, the button assembly 200 is disposed inside the control panel 100. [85] In this case, the respective buttons 220 are inserted into the mounting holes 110 of the control panel 100. Although not shown, the frame 210 is secured to an inner rear surface of the control panel 100 by use of coupling means, such as hooks, formed at the frame 210. [86] After being inserted into the control panel 100, a front surface of each of the buttons 220 is exposed out of the control panel 100. Accordingly, the front surface of the button 220 preferably has the same color as that of the control panel 100. [87] In the present invention, since the buttons 220 constitute the single button assembly 200 through the use of the frame 210, all the buttons 220 can be simultaneously inserted into the mounting holes 110 of the control panel 100 rather than being inserted individually. [88] Then, the lamp supporter 400 is mounted on the board guide 300 as the hooks 430 of the lamp supporter 400 are coupled to the coupling holes 330 of the board guide 300.

WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 [89] In this case, the LED lamps 320, provided on the board guide 300, are inserted into the lamp guide bosses 410 provided on the lamp supporter 400. [90] Also, the tact switches 310 of the board guide 300 are arranged, respectively, adjacent to the rear surfaces of the press portions 420 of the lamp supporter 400. [91] The board guide 300 is installed at a rear side of the control panel 100. [92] In this case, the lamp guide bosses 410, which enclose the LED lamps 320, are installed horizontally adjacent to rear surfaces of the respective display portions 240. In this way, the assembling of the control panel assembly, for use in a laundry device according to the embodiment of the present invention, is completed. [93] Now, the operational sequence of the control panel assembly, which is assembled in the above described manner, will be described. [94] First, if a certain button 220 corresponding to a desired operating option is pressed, the button 220 is moved rearward of the button assembly 200 while being elastically supported by the elastic rib 230. [95] In this case, since the frame 210 is secured to the inner surface of the control panel 100, there is no risk of unintentional separation of the button assembly 200 when the button 220 is pressed. [96] As the button 220 is pressed, the pressure protrusion 221, formed at the rear surface of the button 220, acts to press the front surface of the associated press portion 420 of the lamp supporter 400. [97] Subsequently, the press portion 420, which is pressed by the pressure protrusion 221, acts to press the associated tact switch 310 as being moved rearward of the lamp supporter 400. [98] In this case, since the press portion 420 has an incised region therearound, the press portion 420 is elastically moved rearward of the lamp supporter 400 by virtue of the incised region. [99] Thereby, as the tact switch 310 is pressed by the press portion 420, the tact switch 310 transmits an operating signal to the circuit board (not shown) and simultaneously, light is emitted from the associated LED lamp 320. [100] In this case, the light from the LED lamp 320 is emitted out of the button assembly 200 through the display portion 240. Accordingly, by recognizing the emitted light, the user is able to discriminate whether or not a correct operating command is input to the drying machine. [101] In the above described embodiment of the present invention, the lettered marks are provided on the outer surface of the control panel 100 at positions adjacent to the button assembly 200, to display the selected operating options of the drying machine. [102] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 [103] Similar to the above described embodiment, a control panel assembly for use in the drying machine according to the present embodiment may comprise the control panel 100 (See FIG. 3), a button assembly 500, the board guide 300 (See FIG. 3), and the lamp supporter 400 (See FIG. 4). [104] That is to say, all constituent elements of the present embodiment except for the button assembly 500 are equal to those of the above described embodiment. [105] The button assembly 500 includes buttons 510 and lettered marks 520 provided on front surfaces of the respective buttons 510 for indicating specific operating options, respectively. Preferably, the lettered marks 520 are formed on the front surfaces of the buttons 510 by double injection molding, for the purpose of improving the durability thereof. [106] As shown in FIG. 6, the button assembly 500 according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of buttons having an array of 4 X 4. In the present embodiment, for example, the leftmost four buttons may be used to select different subordinate operating options, which indicate definite degrees of "dryness" as one of primary operating options of the drying machine. These subordinate operating options are indicated in the lettered marks 520 provided on the respective buttons 510. Also, the primary operating options, including "DRYNESS" and so on, may be indicated in the lettered marks 520, which are provided on the front surface of the control panel at positions above or below a plurality of rows of the buttons 510. Accordingly, the user is able to expediently select a specific operating option, for example, "VERY DRY" by pressing the corresponding button on which the lettered mark "VERY DRY" is provided. [107] Similar to the above described embodiment, each button 510 may be formed, at the corner of the front surface thereof, with the display portion 240 by double injection molding, to display the selected operating option. Accordingly, the button assembly 500 according to the present embodiment provides the user with easy recognition of the selected operating option. Here, the lettered marks 520 may be made of the same material as that of the buttons 510. However, for the sake of more clear recognition of the lettered marks 520, it is preferable that the lettered marks 520 and the buttons 510 have different colors from each other. [108] In the control panel assembly of the drying machine according to the present embodiment, the display portions and/or lettered marks, which indicate the operating options of the drying machine, are formed at the buttons by double injection molding, for the purpose of allowing the user to easily recognize the operating options via the buttons and achieving an improvement in the durability of the display portions and the lettered marks. [109] Hereinafter, yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described with WO 2007/073049 PCT/KR2006/005300 reference to FIG. 7. [1101 The present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the above described embodiment except for only one difference in that a button exterior shell 640 is provided at a front surface of each button 620. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a plurality of buttons 620, a frame 610, and an elastic rib may be integrally injection molded by use of a transparent material. Of course, a display portion 650 may be injection molded at each button 620 by use of the transparent material. Preferably, all the above mentioned elements, i.e. the frame 610, button 620, elastic rib, and display portion 650, are integrally injection molded by use of a transparent material. [1111 However, in this case, there is a problem in that light emitted from the rear side of the button assembly 600 penetrates to the outside through the front surface of the overall button assembly 600 and this makes the existence of the display portion 650 to be meaningless. Accordingly, to allow the light to be transmitted to the front surface of the control panel only through the display portion, the front surface of each button except for the display portion, which is exposed to the outside from the front surface of the control panel, has to be covered with an opaque material. [112] For this, in the present embodiment, a part of each button, that is to say, the front surface of the button except for the display portion, is covered with the button exterior shell 640 made of an opaque material. The button exterior shell 640 may be obtained by attaching an opaque film, etc. to the front surface of the button. However, in the view of high durability, the button exterior shell 640 is preferably formed on the front surface of the button by double injection molding. In this case, of course, the button exterior shell 640 has to be injection molded by use of an opaque material. [113] Meanwhile, although the above embodiments of the present invention are described in relation with the drying machine, the present invention is not limited thereto and for example, may be applied to a washing machine. [114] The above described primary operating options and subordinate operating options related to the drying machine may be applied similarly to the washing machine. For example, assuming a washing time or RPM of a drum during a dehydration cycle as a primary operating option, definite numerical values may be set as definite subordinate operating options thereof. [115] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modi fications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

CAIRPorbhDCC\KLL\095774-I DOC-2101/2010 - 14 Industrial Applicability [116] According to the present invention, a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device has a plurality of buttons having the same number as that of a plurality of operating options. Accordingly, the user can select a desired operating option by 5 pressing the corresponding button only one time, resulting in a convenience in the user's button operation. [117] Furthermore, the plurality of buttons are integrated with one another by a frame to constitute a single button assembly. This has the effect of simplifying the attachment and detachment of the button assembly relative to a control panel. 10 [118] Also, by forming lettered marks at front surfaces of the respective buttons or at an outer surface of the control panel at positions adjacent to the buttons by double injection molding, the lettered marks can achieve an improved durability and thus, have no risk of being erased by frequent contact of the user's fingers. [119] According to the present invention, each button has a transparent display portion 15 formed at a corner thereof by double injection molding. With the provision of the display portion, the user can easily recognize the selected operating option of the laundry device. Also, employing the double injection molding has the effect of improving the durability of the display portion. [120] Moreover, as a result of forming the display portion to protrude rearward from the 20 front surface of the button, a distance between the display portion and an LED lamp can be reduced. This has the effect of minimizing dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamp and allowing the light to be transmitted to the outside. [121] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and 25 "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [122] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an 30 acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

1. A laundry device comprising: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; 5 a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons integrated with one another to constitute a single button 10 assembly, the buttons being exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; and a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option, wherein the operating options are classified into primary 15 operating options and a plurality of subordinate operating options belong to each of the primary operating options, a series of buttons are provided to select a subordinate operating option as one of primary operating options, and each button corresponds to a specific subordinate operating option in a one to one ratio. 20

2. The laundry device according to claim 1, wherein the button assembly further comprises a frame located at a rear surface of the control panel and configured to integrally connect the plurality of buttons therein.

3. The laundry device according to claim 2, wherein the button assembly further 25 comprises an elastic rib configured to connect the plurality of buttons with one another while allowing the buttons to be pressed under the influence of an elastic force thereof.

4. The laundry device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of buttons, the 30 elastic rib, and the frame are integrally injection molded by use of the same material as one another. C:NRPonblDCC\KLL 095774_ .DOC-2OV 20 10 -16

5. The laundry device according to claim 4, wherein the material is an opaque material.

6. The laundry device according to claim 5, wherein each of the buttons has a lettered 5 mark indicating a specific subordinate operating option, and the lettered mark is formed on a front surface of the button by double injection molding.

7. The laundry device according to claim 4, wherein the display portion is integrally injection molded at each button and is made of a transparent material for 10 transmitting light therethrough.

8. The laundry device according to claim 4 or claim 7, wherein the button assembly further comprises a button exterior shell partially formed at an outer surface of each button to block the transmission of light. 15

9. The laundry device according to claim 8, wherein the button exterior shell is formed on the button by double injection molding.

10. The laundry device according to claim 1, wherein the display portion is made of a 20 transparent material for transmitting light therethrough.

11. The laundry device according to claim 10, wherein the display portion is a transparent window formed at a front surface of each of the plurality of buttons made of an opaque material. 25

12. The laundry device according to claim 11, wherein the display portion is configured to protrude rearward from the front surface of the button, so as to define a path of light. 30

13. The laundry device according to claim 10, wherein the display portion is formed at the button by double injection molding. C\NRPonb\DCC\KLL\3N5774 I DOC-2/U'I/2011 - 17

14. The laundry device according to any one of claims I to 13, wherein the control panel is perforated, through the front surface thereof, with a plurality of mounting holes, to allow the plurality of buttons to be inserted, respectively, into the mounting holes from a rear side of the control panel so as to be exposed to the 5 outside from the front surface of the control panel.

15. The laundry device according to any one of claims I to 14, further comprising: a board guide provided behind the button assembly and having a plurality of lamps, each lamp corresponding to the display portion of each of the buttons. 10

16. The laundry device according to claim 15, further comprising: a lamp supporter provided between the button assembly and the board guide and adapted to support the lamps. 15

17. The laundry device according to claim 16, wherein the lamp supporter has an integral structure.

18. A laundry device comprising: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; 20 a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control 25 panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option; and a lettered mark provided on a front surface of each of the buttons for indicating a specific operating option, 30 wherein at least one of the display portion and the lettered mark is formed on the button by double injection molding, and wherein the operating options are C:\NRPortbl\DCC\KLL\30)57741.DOC-2A)/2011) - 18 classified into primary operating options and a plurality of subordinate operating options belong to each of the primary operating options, a series of buttons are provided to select a subordinate operating option as one of primary operating options, and each button corresponds to a specific subordinate operating option in a 5 one to one ratio.

19. A laundry device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.