CN113545175A - Control panel for an appliance, in particular for a household appliance, and method for assembling said control panel - Google Patents
Control panel for an appliance, in particular for a household appliance, and method for assembling said control panel Download PDFInfo
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- CN113545175A CN113545175A CN202080019126.7A CN202080019126A CN113545175A CN 113545175 A CN113545175 A CN 113545175A CN 202080019126 A CN202080019126 A CN 202080019126A CN 113545175 A CN113545175 A CN 113545175A
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- support frame
- inner panel
- front panel
- control panel
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a control panel for an appliance, in particular for a household appliance. The control panel (10) comprises at least one front panel (12) comprising at least one cut-out (14). The control panel (10) includes at least one inner panel (16) including a peripheral slot (18). The peripheral notch (18) at least partially closes the perimeter of the inner panel (16) such that a smaller flat front portion and a larger flat rear portion of the inner panel (16) are formed. The control panel (10) comprises at least one support frame (20) comprising at least one recess (22) at a front side thereof. The support frame (20) is connected or connectable to the rear side of the front panel (12). The inner panel (16) is arranged or arrangeable between the front panel (12) and the support frame (20) such that a flat front portion of the inner panel (16) is or can be received by the cut-out (14) of the front panel (12) and a flat rear portion of the inner panel (16) is or can be received by the recess (22) of the support frame (20). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a control panel for an apparatus, in particular for a household appliance.
Description
The present invention relates to a control panel for an appliance, in particular for a household appliance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a control panel for an apparatus, in particular for a household appliance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device, in particular a household appliance.
Generally, a control panel for a home appliance includes a transparent or partially transparent inner panel disposed behind a cutout of a front panel. Fig. 21 shows a schematic exploded perspective front view of the control panel 10 according to the prior art. The control panel 10 includes a front panel 12, an inner panel 16, a support frame 20, and a user interface 24. The front panel 12 includes a cutout 14. The inner panel 16 is transparent or at least partially transparent. An inner panel 16 is attached at the rear side of the front panel 12 and behind the cutout 14. The support frame 20 is fixed at the rear side of the inner panel 16. In turn, the user interface 24 snaps into place at the support frame 20. However, the cut-out 14 forms an edge in front of the inner panel 16.
EP 1990698 a1 discloses a control panel wherein an inner panel comprises a peripheral notch closing the perimeter of the inner panel. The inner panel is comprised of a flat front portion and a flat rear portion, wherein the large area side of the flat front portion is smaller than the large area side of the flat rear portion. The flat front portion corresponds to the cut-out of the front portion and the flat rear portion corresponds to the support frame. To assemble the control panel, the flat rear portion of the inner panel is snapped into the support frame, and the support frame is then glued with adhesive tape at the rear side of the front panel. The control panel provides a flush surface on the front side of the front panel and the front side of the inner panel. However, the control panel cannot be assembled automatically.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a control panel for an appliance that provides a flush surface on the front side of the front panel and the front side of the inner panel, wherein the control panel can be assembled automatically.
The object of the invention is achieved by a control panel according to claim 1.
According to the invention, a control panel for a device, in particular for a household appliance, is provided, wherein:
the control panel comprises at least one front panel comprising at least one cut-out,
the control panel comprises at least one inner panel comprising a peripheral notch,
-the peripheral notch at least partially closes the perimeter of the inner panel so as to form a smaller flat front portion and a larger flat rear portion of said inner panel,
the control panel comprises at least one support frame comprising at least one recess at a front side thereof,
the support frame is connected or connectable to the rear side of the front panel,
the inner panel is arranged or arrangeable between the front panel and the support frame such that a flat front portion of the inner panel is or can be received by the cut-out of the front panel and a flat rear portion of the inner panel is or can be received by the recess of the support frame.
The gist of the invention is that the support frame is directly connected to the rear side of the front panel, wherein the inner panel is arranged between the support frame and the front panel. No separate fixation of the inner panel is required. The peripheral notch enables the inner panel to be composed of the flat front portion and the flat rear portion, wherein said flat front portion and flat rear portion form a single piece component. The flat front portion of the inner panel is complementary to the cutout of the front panel and the flat rear portion of said inner panel is complementary to the recess of the support frame. The flat front portion of the inner panel inside the cutout of the front panel will form a flush surface at the front side of the front panel and the front side of the inner panel. The control panel may be assembled automatically by the robot.
Preferably, the inner panel is at least partially transparent.
Furthermore, the control panel may comprise at least one user interface, which is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the support frame.
In particular, the user interface is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the support frame by at least one snap-in mechanism. The snap-in mechanism allows the user interface to be automatically fixed at the rear side of the support frame so that the entire control panel can be automatically assembled.
Further, the cutout of the front panel is slightly larger than the flat front portion of the inner panel such that a narrow gap is formed between the perimeter of the cutout of the front panel and the perimeter of the flat front portion of the inner panel. In this way, the front side of the front panel and the front side of the inner panel look like a uniform surface.
In addition, the recess of the support frame is larger than the flat rear portion of the inner panel such that a gap is formed between a perimeter of the recess of the support frame and a perimeter of the flat rear portion of the inner panel. This clearance allows manufacturing tolerances of the inner panel and/or the support frame to be compensated for. The gap facilitates automated assembly of the control panel.
In particular, the gap between the perimeter of the recess of the support frame and the perimeter of the flat rear portion of the inner panel is greater than the narrow gap between the perimeter of the cutout of the front panel and the perimeter of the flat front portion of the inner panel.
According to one embodiment, the support frame is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the front panel by gluing. Optionally, one or more boundaries of the flat rear portion of the inner panel comprise corrugations. The waviness improves the following: a portion of the glue flows into the space between the recess of the support frame and the boundary of the flat rear portion of the inner panel.
According to another embodiment, the support frame is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the front panel by clamping the support frame between two opposite folds arranged at the rear side of the front panel, wherein preferably the folds are arranged at two opposite borders of the front panel.
For example, the support frame comprises hook elements and/or snap-in elements for hooking and/or snapping said support frame into the fold of the front panel, respectively. A hooking and/or snapping-in mechanism is formed between the support frame and the front panel.
Preferably, the support frame comprises at least one positioning pin inserted or insertable in a corresponding notch formed in the fold of the front panel. The locating pin and the notch facilitate easy automatic assembly of the control panel.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a control panel for a device, in particular for a household appliance, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
-providing at least one front panel comprising at least one cut-out,
-providing at least one inner panel comprising a peripheral notch at least partially closing the perimeter of said inner panel so as to form a smaller flat front portion and a larger flat rear portion of said inner panel,
providing at least one support frame comprising at least one recess at a front side thereof,
-inserting the flat front portion of the inner panel into the cut-out of the front panel,
-connecting the support frame to the rear side of the front panel such that the flat rear portion of the inner panel is received by the recess of the support frame and the inner panel is arranged between the front panel and the support frame.
The method allows for automated assembly of the control panel with a robot. The support frame is directly connected to the rear side of the front panel. The inner panel is disposed between the support frame and the front panel. No separate fixation of the inner panel is required.
According to one embodiment, the support frame is connected to the rear side of the front panel by:
-depositing at least one glue track onto the rear side of the front panel, and
-arranging the support frame onto said glue track.
Alternatively, the glue track may be deposited on the front side of the support frame.
According to another embodiment, the support frame is connected to the rear side of the front panel by clamping said support frame between two opposite folds arranged at the rear side of the front panel, wherein preferably the folds are arranged at two opposite borders of said front panel.
The method may be provided for assembling the above-described control panel.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a device, in particular a household appliance, wherein the device comprises the above-mentioned control panel and/or the control panel is assembled by the aforementioned method.
The novel and inventive features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.
The invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
figure 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective front view of a control panel according to a first embodiment of the invention,
figure 2 shows a schematic rear view of a front panel and an inner panel for a control panel according to a first embodiment of the invention,
figure 3 shows a schematic rear view of the front panel, the inner panel and the support frame for the control panel according to a first embodiment of the invention,
figure 4 shows a schematic rear view of a front panel and an inner panel for a control panel according to a first embodiment of the invention,
figure 5 shows a schematic rear view of the front panel, the inner panel and the support frame for the control panel according to the first embodiment of the invention,
figure 6 shows a schematic detailed rear view of a control panel according to a first embodiment of the invention,
figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel according to a first embodiment of the invention,
figure 8 shows a schematic exploded perspective rear view of a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 9 shows a schematic rear view of a front panel and an inner panel for a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 10 shows a schematic perspective rear view of a front panel, an inner panel and a support frame for a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 11 shows a schematic rear view of a front panel, an inner panel and a support frame for a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 12 shows a schematic detailed rear view of a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 14 shows a further schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel according to a second embodiment of the invention,
figure 15 shows a schematic exploded perspective rear view of a control panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention,
figure 16 shows a schematic detailed rear view of a control panel according to a third embodiment of the invention,
figure 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel according to a third embodiment of the invention,
figure 18 shows a further schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel according to a third embodiment of the invention,
figure 19 shows a schematic front view of a support frame and an inner panel according to the invention,
FIG. 20 shows a schematic front view of a front panel and an inner panel according to the present invention, and
fig. 21 shows a schematic exploded perspective front view of a control panel according to the prior art.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective front view of a control panel 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For example, the control panel 10 is provided for a household appliance. In general, the control panel 10 may be provided for any device.
The control panel 10 includes a front panel 12, an inner panel 16, a support frame 20, and a user interface 24. The front panel 12 is made of metal, for example. Further, the front panel 12 may be made of plastic. Preferably, the inner panel 16 is transparent or at least partially transparent. For example, the inner panel 16 is made of glass or plastic. In particular, the user interface 24 comprises at least one control and/or display device. The front panel 12 includes a cutout 14. In this example, the cutout 14 is rectangular and is arranged in the center of the front panel 12. In general, the incision 14 may have any shape. Further, the front panel 12 includes a fold 30 at the border.
The inner panel 16 includes a peripheral notch 18. The peripheral notch 18 at least partially encloses the perimeter of the inner panel 16. In this example, the peripheral notch 18 completely closes the perimeter of the inner panel 16. The front side of the inner panel 16 is smaller than the rear side of said inner panel 16. The inner panel 16 is composed of a flat front portion and a flat rear portion, wherein the large area side of the flat front portion is smaller than the large area side of the flat rear portion. Preferably, the inner panel 16 is at least partially transparent.
The support frame 20 comprises a recess 22 at its front side. The user interface 24 is fastened or fixable at the rear side of the support frame 20. Preferably, the user interface 24 is fastened or fixable at the rear side of the support frame 20 by at least one snap-in mechanism. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is received or receivable by the recess 22 of the support frame 20, while the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received or receivable by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12.
The large area side of the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is slightly smaller than the area of the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. Preferably, the thickness of the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 corresponds to the thickness of the front panel 12. In this case, when the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12, the front side of the inner panel 16 and the front side of the front panel 12 are arranged in the same plane.
The depth of the recess 22 of the support frame 20 corresponds to the thickness of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16, so that the inner panel 16 can be pressed against the rear side of the front panel 12 by said support frame 20. The large area side of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is smaller than the large area side of the recess 22 of the support frame 20 so that manufacturing tolerances of the inner panel 16 and/or the support frame 20 can be compensated.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic rear view of the front panel 12 and the inner panel 16 for the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The inner panel 16 is aligned at the front panel 12 with a flat front portion of the inner panel 16 received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. Two glue tracks 26 are deposited at the rear side of the front panel 12, wherein said glue tracks 26 partially close the inner panel 16 and the cut-out 14. In general, any number of glue tracks 26 may close the inner panel 16 and the cutout 14.
Fig. 2 shows a first step of the method for assembling the control device 10. First, the inner panel 16 is aligned at the front panel 12 and then the glue track 26 is deposited at the rear side of said front panel 12. Alternatively, the glue track 26 is first deposited at the rear side of the front panel 12 and then the inner panel 16 is aligned at the front panel 12. In both cases, the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic rear view of the front panel 12, the inner panel 16 and the support frame 20 for the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The support frame 20 is attached at the rear side of the front panel 12 by glue rails 26. The inner panel 16 is secured between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12 with the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 being received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20 and the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 being received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 3 shows a further step of the method for assembling the control device 10. A support frame 20 is placed to the rear side of the front panel 12 with the recess 22 of the support frame 20 receiving the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16. In this way, the inner panel 16 is secured between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic rear view of the front panel 12 and the inner panel 16 for the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The front panel 12 and glue track 26 in fig. 4 are similar to those in fig. 2. However, the boundary of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 includes the corrugations 28. In this example, the upper and lower boundaries of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 include corrugations 28. The corrugations 28 are optional for the boundaries of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16. The corrugations 28 improve the following: a portion of the glue from the glue track 26 flows into the space between the recess 22 of the support frame 20 and the boundary of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16.
Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic rear view of a front panel, an inner panel and a support frame for a control panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is similar to fig. 3 in that the boundary of the flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 includes corrugations 28.
The support frame 20 is attached at the rear side of the front panel 12 by glue rails 26 so that the inner panel 16 is fastened between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20, while the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 6 shows a schematic detailed rear view of the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The support frame 20 is glued at the rear side of the front panel 12. The inner panel 16 is secured between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20, while the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. The user interface 24 is attached at the support frame 20 by at least one snap-in mechanism.
Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the control panel 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view along the line a-a in fig. 6.
The inner panel 16 is fastened between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12, wherein the support frame 20 is glued at the rear side of the front panel 12. The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 and the cutout 14 of the front panel 12 are complementary to each other. The front side of the inner panel 16 and the front side of the front panel 12 are in the same plane. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 and the recess 22 of the support frame 20 are complementary to each other. The user interface 24 is attached at the support frame 20 by one or more snap-in mechanisms.
Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective rear view of the control panel 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The control panel 10 includes a front panel 12, an inner panel 16, a support frame 20, and a user interface 24. The front panel 12 includes a cutout 14. In this example, the cutout 14 is rectangular and is arranged in the center of the front panel 12. Further, the front panel 12 includes a fold 30 at the border. In each case, the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12 form a recess.
The support frame 20 includes a hook member 32, a snap-in member 34, and a positioning pin 36. In this example, the support frame 20 comprises two hook elements 32 at the upper side and two snap-in elements 34 at the lower side. Two positioning pins 36 are arranged at the center of the upper side and the lower side, respectively. A notch 28 is formed in the upper fold 30 of the front panel 12. A further recess 38 is formed in the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12. In each case, the recesses 38 are provided for receiving the positioning pins 36 of the support frame 20. Two flaps 40 are formed in the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12. In each case, a tab 40 is provided for receiving the snap-in element 34 of the support frame 20. The snap-in element 34 and the tab 40 form a snap-in mechanism. The recess of the upper fold 30 of the front panel is provided for receiving the hook element 32 of the support frame 20. The support frame 20 is clamped or clampable between the upper and lower folds 30, 30 of the front panel 12 with the inner panel 16 supported between the front panel 12 and the support frame 20.
Fig. 9 shows a schematic rear view of the front panel 12 and the inner panel 16 for the control panel 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
A notch 28 is formed in the center of the upper and lower folded portions 30 of the front panel 12. In the lower folded portion 30 of the front panel 12, flaps 40 are formed on both sides of the recess 38 in the lower folded portion 30.
Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic perspective rear view of the front panel 12, the inner panel 16 and the support frame 20 for the control panel 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. The support frame 20 is partially installed at the rear side of the front panel 12. The hook elements 32 of the support frame 20 are received by the recesses formed by the upper fold 30 of the front panel. The upper locating pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by the notches 38 in the upper fold 30 of the front panel 12. The snap-in elements 34 of the support frame 20 are arranged in front of the corresponding tabs 40. The lower locating pins 36 of the support frame 20 are disposed in front of the notches 38 in the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 10 shows the step of fastening the support frame 20 at the rear side of the front panel 12, wherein the hook elements 32 and the upper positioning pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by the upper fold 30 of the front panel 12, while the snap-in elements 34 and the lower positioning pins 36 are not yet received by the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic rear view of the front panel 12, the inner panel 16 and the support frame 20 for the control panel 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The support frame 20 is completely installed at the rear side of the front panel 12. The hook elements 32 of the support frame 20 are received by the recesses formed by the upper fold 30 of the front panel. The locating pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by notches 38 in the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The snap-in elements 34 of the support frame 20 are received by corresponding tabs 40 in the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 11 shows a step in which the support frame 20 has been fastened at the rear side of the front panel 12. According to the second embodiment, first, the upper portion of the support frame 20 is received by the upper folded portion 30 of the front panel 12, and then the lower portion of the support frame 20 is received by the lower folded portion 30 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 12 shows a schematic detailed rear view of the control panel 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The support frame 20 is clamped at the rear side of the front panel 12. The hook elements 32 of the support frame 20 are received by the upper fold 30 of the front panel 12. The locating pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by notches 38 in the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The snap-in elements 34 of the support frame 20 are received by corresponding tabs 40 in the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12. The user interface 24 is fixed at the support frame 20 by a snap-in mechanism.
Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view along the line B-B in fig. 12.
The inner panel 16 is secured between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12 with the support frame 20 being clamped between the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 and the cutout 14 of the front panel 12 are complementary to each other. The front side of the inner panel 16 and the front side of the front panel 12 form a common plane. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 and the recess 22 of the support frame 20 are complementary to each other. The user interface 24 is attached at the support frame 20 by one or more snap-in mechanisms.
The upper and lower positioning pins 36 of the support frame 20 are aligned at the inner sides of the upper and lower folded portions 30 of the front panel 12, respectively. In addition, the locating pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by notches 38 in the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 14 shows a further schematic cross-sectional side view of the control panel 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view along the line C-C in fig. 12.
The hook elements 32 of the support frame 20 are aligned at the inner side of the upper fold 30 of the front panel 12. The snap-in elements 34 of the support frame 20 are aligned at the inner side of the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12.
The first section of the lower fold 30 forms a right angle with the front side of the front panel 12. The first section of the lower fold 30 is directly connected to the front side of the front panel 12. The second section of the lower fold 30 forms a right angle with the first section. A second section of the lower fold 30 is directly connected to the first section and is opposite the front side of the front panel 12. Instead, the flap 40 forms an obtuse angle with the second section of the lower fold 30.
Fig. 15 shows a schematic exploded perspective rear view of the control panel 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The control panel 10 includes a front panel 12, an inner panel 16, a support frame 20, and a user interface 24. The front panel 12 includes a cutout 14. In this example, the cutout 14 is rectangular and is arranged in the center of the front panel 12. Further, the front panel 12 includes a fold 30 at the border. In each case, the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12 form a recess.
The support frame 20 includes snap-in elements 34 and locating pins 36. In this example, the support frame 20 comprises two snap-in elements 34 at the upper side and two snap-in elements 34 at the lower side. Furthermore, the support frame 20 comprises in each case three positioning pins 36 at the upper side and the lower side. Corresponding notches 28 are formed in the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The recesses 38 are provided for receiving corresponding positioning pins 36 of the support frame 20. Two flaps 40 are formed in the lower fold 30 of the front panel 12. In each case, a tab 40 is provided for receiving the snap-in element 34 in the underside of the support frame 20. The snap-in element 34 and the tab 40 form a snap-in mechanism. The recess of the upper fold 30 of the front panel is provided for receiving a snap-in element 34 in the upper side of the support frame 20. The support frame 20 is clamped or clampable between the upper and lower folds 30, 30 of the front panel 12 with the inner panel 16 supported between the front panel 12 and the support frame 20.
Fig. 16 shows a schematic detailed rear view of the control panel 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The support frame 20 is clamped at the rear side of the front panel 12. The snap-in elements 34 of the support frame 20 are received by the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The locating pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by notches 38 in the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The user interface 24 is fixed at the support frame 20 by a snap-in mechanism.
Fig. 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a control panel 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view along the line D-D in fig. 16.
The inner panel 16 is secured between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12 with the support frame 20 being clamped between the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the cutout 14 of the front panel 12. The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 and the cutout 14 of the front panel 12 are complementary to each other. The front side of the inner panel 16 and the front side of the front panel 12 form a common plane so that the front side of the control panel 10 is smooth. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 is received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20. The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 and the recess 22 of the support frame 20 are substantially complementary to each other. The user interface 24 is attached at the support frame 20 by one or more snap-in mechanisms.
The upper and lower positioning pins 36 of the support frame 20 are aligned at the inner sides of the upper and lower folded portions 30 of the front panel 12, respectively. Further, the positioning pins 36 of the support frame 20 are received by corresponding notches 38 in the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12.
Fig. 18 shows a further schematic cross-sectional side view of the control panel 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view along the line E-E in fig. 16.
The snap-in elements 34 of the support frame 20 are aligned at the inner sides of the upper and lower folds 30 of the front panel 12. The control panel 10 according to the third embodiment allows connection between the support frame 20 and the front panel 12 by linear movement of the support frame 20 towards the front panel 12.
Fig. 19 shows a schematic front view of the support frame 20 and the inner panel 16 according to the invention.
The flat rear portion of the inner panel 16 with the peripheral notch 18 is received by the recess 22 of the support frame 20, while the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is arranged in front of said recess 22. A gap 42 is formed between the peripheral notch 18 and the perimeter of the recess 22 so that manufacturing tolerances of the inner panel 16 and/or the support frame 20 can be compensated for.
Fig. 20 shows a schematic front view of the front panel 12 and the inner panel 16 according to the present invention.
The flat front portion of the inner panel 16 is disposed in the cutout 18 of the front panel 12. A narrow gap 44 is formed between the perimeter of the flat front portion of the inner panel 16 and the perimeter of the cutout 18 of the front panel 12 so that the front side of the front panel 12 and the front side of the inner panel 16 look like a uniform surface.
Fig. 21 shows a schematic exploded perspective front view of the control panel 10 according to the prior art.
The control panel 10 includes a front panel 12, an inner panel 16, a support frame 20, and a user interface 24. The front panel 12 includes a cutout 14. The inner panel 16 is transparent or at least partially transparent. An inner panel 16 is attached at the rear side of the front panel 12 and behind the cutout 14. The support frame 20 is fixed at the rear side of the inner panel 16. In turn, the user interface 24 snaps into place at the support frame 20. However, the cut-out 14 forms an edge in front of the inner panel 16.
In contrast, the control panel 10 according to the present invention includes flush surfaces at the front side of the front panel 12 and the front side of the inner panel 16. Further, the control panel 10 of the present invention may be automatically assembled by a robot.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
List of reference numerals
10 control panel
12 front panel
14 cuts
16 inner panel
18 peripheral notch
20 support frame
22 recess
24 user interface
26 glue rail
28 wave
30 folding part
32 hook element
34 snap-in element
36 positioning pin
38 recess
40 wing
42 gap
44 narrow gap
Claims (15)
1. A control panel (10) for an apparatus, in particular for a household appliance, wherein:
the control panel (10) comprises at least one front panel (12) comprising at least one cut-out (14),
the control panel (10) comprises at least one inner panel (16) comprising a peripheral notch (18),
-the peripheral notch (18) at least partially closes the perimeter of the inner panel (16) so as to form a smaller flat front portion and a larger flat rear portion of said inner panel (16),
the control panel (10) comprises at least one support frame (20) comprising at least one recess (22) at a front side thereof,
-the support frame (20) is connected or connectable to the rear side of the front panel (12),
-the inner panel (16) is arranged or arrangeable between the front panel (12) and the support frame (20) such that a flat front portion of the inner panel (16) is or can be received by the cut-out (14) of the front panel (12) and a flat rear portion of the inner panel (16) is or can be received by the recess (22) of the support frame (20).
2. The control panel as set forth in claim 1,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the inner panel (16) is at least partially transparent.
3. The control panel according to claim 1 or 2,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the control panel (10) comprises at least one user interface (24) which is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the support frame (20).
4. The control panel as set forth in claim 3,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the user interface (24) is fastened or fixable at the rear side of the support frame (20) by at least one snap-in mechanism.
5. The control panel of any one of the preceding claims,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the cutout (14) of the front panel (12) is slightly larger than the flat front portion of the inner panel (16) such that a narrow gap (44) is formed between the perimeter of the cutout (14) of the front panel (12) and the perimeter of the flat front portion of the inner panel (16).
6. The control panel of any one of the preceding claims,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the recess (22) of the support frame (20) is larger than the flat rear portion of the inner panel (16) such that a gap (42) is formed between a perimeter of the recess (22) of the support frame (20) and a perimeter of the flat rear portion of the inner panel (16).
7. The control panel according to claim 5 and 6,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the gap (42) between the perimeter of the recess (22) of the support frame (20) and the perimeter of the flat rear portion of the inner panel (16) is greater than the narrow gap (44) between the perimeter of the cutout (14) of the front panel (12) and the perimeter of the flat front portion of the inner panel (16).
8. The control panel of any one of the preceding claims,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the support frame (20) is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the front panel (12) by gluing.
9. The control panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the support frame (20) is fixed or fixable at the rear side of the front panel (12) by clamping said support frame (20) between two opposite folds (30) arranged at the rear side of the front panel (12), wherein preferably the folds (30) are arranged at two opposite borders of said front panel (12).
10. The control panel as set forth in claim 9,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the support frame (20) comprises hook elements (32) and/or snap-in elements (34) for hooking and/or snapping said support frame (20) into the fold (30) of the front panel (12), respectively, wherein preferably the support frame (20) comprises at least one positioning pin (36) inserted or insertable into a corresponding notch (38) formed in the fold (30) of the front panel (12).
11. Method for assembling a control panel (10) for an apparatus, in particular for a household appliance, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
-providing at least one front panel (12) comprising at least one cut-out (14),
-providing at least one inner panel (16) comprising a peripheral notch (18) at least partially closing the perimeter of said inner panel (16) so as to form a smaller flat front portion and a larger flat rear portion of said inner panel (16),
-providing at least one support frame (20) comprising at least one recess (22) at a front side thereof,
-inserting the flat front portion of the inner panel (16) into the cut-out (14) of the front panel (12),
-connecting the support frame (20) to the rear side of the front panel (12) such that the flat rear portion of the inner panel (16) is received by the recess (22) of the support frame (20) and the inner panel (16) is arranged between the front panel (12) and the support frame (20).
12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the support frame (20) is connected to the rear side of the front panel (12) by:
-depositing at least one glue track (26) onto the rear side of the front panel (12), and
-arranging the support frame (20) onto said glue track (26).
13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the support frame (20) is connected to the rear side of the front panel (12) by clamping said support frame (20) between two opposite folds (30) arranged at the rear side of the front panel (12), wherein preferably the folds (30) are arranged at two opposite borders of said front panel (12).
14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the method is provided for assembling a control panel (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10.
15. An apparatus, in particular a domestic appliance,
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the device comprises a control panel (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control panel (10) is preferably assembled by a method according to any of claims 11 to 14.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP16026506 | 2019-03-13 | ||
| EP191626506 | 2019-03-13 | ||
| PCT/EP2020/055221 WO2020182487A1 (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2020-02-28 | Control panel for an apparatus, in particular for a domestic appliance, and a method for assembling said control panel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN113545175A true CN113545175A (en) | 2021-10-22 |
| CN113545175B CN113545175B (en) | 2023-09-05 |
Family
ID=78094439
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202080019126.7A Active CN113545175B (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2020-02-28 | Control panel for an appliance, in particular for a household appliance, and method for assembling said control panel |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN113545175B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP4246044A1 (en) * | 2022-03-15 | 2023-09-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Console assembly for a cooking appliance |
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| DE19723403A1 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 1998-12-10 | Eaton Gmbh | Case for domestic oven timer clock |
| EP1990698A1 (en) * | 2007-05-10 | 2008-11-12 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Improved modular control panel for a household appliance |
| CN102149997A (en) * | 2008-09-09 | 2011-08-10 | 阿塞里克股份有限公司 | A household appliance |
| EP2360308A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-24 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | A control panel for a household appliance |
| EP3028127A1 (en) * | 2013-08-01 | 2016-06-08 | Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG | Contact and/or proximity-sensitive input device |
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2020
- 2020-02-28 CN CN202080019126.7A patent/CN113545175B/en active Active
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19723403A1 (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 1998-12-10 | Eaton Gmbh | Case for domestic oven timer clock |
| EP1990698A1 (en) * | 2007-05-10 | 2008-11-12 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Improved modular control panel for a household appliance |
| CN102149997A (en) * | 2008-09-09 | 2011-08-10 | 阿塞里克股份有限公司 | A household appliance |
| EP2360308A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-24 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | A control panel for a household appliance |
| EP3028127A1 (en) * | 2013-08-01 | 2016-06-08 | Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG | Contact and/or proximity-sensitive input device |
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| EP4246044A1 (en) * | 2022-03-15 | 2023-09-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Console assembly for a cooking appliance |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN113545175B (en) | 2023-09-05 |
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