EP3447182B1 - Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance - Google Patents
Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3447182B1 EP3447182B1 EP17188024.8A EP17188024A EP3447182B1 EP 3447182 B1 EP3447182 B1 EP 3447182B1 EP 17188024 A EP17188024 A EP 17188024A EP 3447182 B1 EP3447182 B1 EP 3447182B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- knob
- carrier element
- household appliance
- control panel
- cover element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/08—Turn knobs
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
- D06F34/30—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by mechanical features, e.g. buttons or rotary dials
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
- G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
- G05G1/10—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles
- G05G1/12—Means for securing the members on rotatable spindles or the like
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
- F24C7/08—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24C7/082—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices on ranges, e.g. control panels, illumination
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a household appliance, in particular to a laundry treatment appliance, especially a washing machine, dryer or combined washer and dryer, both for domestic and professional use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance comprising a user interface and a rotary user interface element which comprises a knob as well as a method of operation.
- Household appliances especially laundry machines such as washing machines, dryers, especially tumble dryers, and combined washers/dryers
- a user interface which can, for instance, be arranged on a front panel.
- the user interface typically provides several user interface elements for selecting or inputting a desired laundry treatment program and/or related parameters for this program.
- the user interface can also provide symbols, lights, displays or other indicators which allow giving the user a feedback on the selected choices. While switches and push knobs are often used, as a selecting device for a treatment program among a set of available programs, a rotary user interface element such as a rotating or rotary knob, which can also have the functionality of a push button, is often provided. By turning the knob, the user can easily select a desired treatment routine.
- the rotary user interface element or knob is one of the most important element for operating the machine and is used very often. It is therefore of great importance to ensure a long lifetime and also an accurate operation of this user element.
- the rotary user element as the primary interface of the machine transmits the first impression to the user of the quality and handling of the appliance. If the user encounters a user interface element that is easy and convenient to handle and provides tween the several rotational steps during the rotation of the user interface element, she or he gains a good quality impression of the appliance. If otherwise the user interface element has a shaky, unpredictable, or varying response, resulting for example in a rough and variable force needed for the rotation of the user interface element, the user projects this impression on the appliance and gets an impression of overall low quality. Therefore, the user interface should be reliable and should not block.
- knob Since the knob is often a primary user interface element, its frequent use can lead to damages which make a replacement necessary. Since the knob is protruding from the control panel, also during handling or transport, this element can be damaged and needs to be replaced.
- the knob can be assembled from the inside / back of the control panel, whereby the knob passes through a control panel aperture and leaves gap such that there is not visual overlapping between knob and control panel from the machine external side.
- the knob is assembled from the outside / front of the control panel which leads to a visual overlapping between the knob and the control panel, leaving a gap under the knob.
- Document EP 2 933 811 A1 discloses a knob assembly, having a rotary motion and a up-and-down motion, in which in the inserted position it does not protrude from the control panel, and in the extracted position it can be operated, through a rotary motion, by the user.
- the aim of the invention is to provide a household appliance allowing a quick, a robust and a reliable removal of the knob.
- the invention therefor relates to a household appliance, comprising a control panel on which a user interface element is provided which comprises a knob which is associated with a selector, whereby the knob is partially extractable from the control panel from a first inserted position to a second extracted position in which the knob is in a non-operating position but axially constrained by the panel for a complete disassembly from the appliance.
- the invention is based on the consideration that it is desirable to allow a quick and convenient removal of the knob without the need of the disassembly of further components.
- the knob at the same time should still make a qualitatively high and pleasant impression.
- Current solutions make a rather high demand on time and working steps for the removal of the knob.
- the knob in such a way that it can be removed in a two-step process.
- the knob can first be put into a non-operating position in which it is axially constrained. There is thus not the danger that it can be too easily removed or pulled out. In this position, the knob is accessible for dissemble from the panel, preferably by a tool.
- the knob In the first inserted position, the knob, in its normal operating condition, is operational and functions as a user interface element. In the second extracted position, the knob is configured to be detachable but cannot be ditched by further pulling which would eventually destroy the knob. Its detachment is only possible by actively, especially by using a tool, disengaging the knob.
- the knob is at least partially removable from the control panel.
- the knob comprises a knob cover element and a knob carrier element or underknob, whereby the knob cover element is removably attached to the knob carrier element, and whereby the knob carrier element is, especially in an axial direction of the knob, slideably arranged at least partially behind the control panel.
- This design is based on the recognition that damages occur typically on the part of the knob protruding form the control panel.
- the carrier element can remain behind the control panel since only the cover element needs to be replaced. The two-part structure therefore enables a convenient replacement without trade-offs in stability or reliability of the knob.
- the knob cover element is fully detachable from the knob carrier element by the user in / only in the second position. It thus can be removed and replaced by a new cover element which can be attached / connected to the carrier element.
- knob cover element and the knob carrier element are attached to each other by a snap connection / fastening means. This design allows a quick detachment of these two components.
- the knob carrier element preferably comprises at least one hook seat into which in the attached configuration at least one snap hook of the knob cover element engages.
- the hooks are arranged on the carrier element and engage with hook seats on the cover element.
- the knob carrier element preferably comprises an external flange acting as an axial block when the second extracted position of the knob is reached. In this way, when the knob cover is pulled away from the control panel, a natural stop is realized indicating a second position which is suitable for disengagement of cover and carrier elements.
- This flange in the second extracted position preferably is blocked by blocking means / an abutting element or portion, preferably a sleeve, of the control panel.
- blocking means especially this sleeve is therefore arranged behind an outer surface of the control panel and in front of / in contact of the flange of the carrier element when fully inserted.
- knob carrier element is slidably arranged with respect to / on the selector.
- a, preferably radial, aperture is provided which is configured to allow the insertion of a tool when the knob is arranged on its second extracted position.
- said tool is configured to allow the cover element disassembly, i.e. the removal of the cover element from the carrier element.
- the concrete design of the tool can depend on the concrete attachment of these two components. For example, it can be built as a pen- or bolt-type device for disengaging snap elements, especially hooks.
- the knob cover preferably is non-rotatable mounted on the knob carrier element. Knob cover and knob carrier element in this way rotate together in a collinear way with the same angular velocity, i.e. they don't change their relative orientations during rotation. When the knob cover is turned by the user, the knob cover transmits the same rotational movement to the carrier element.
- the knob carrier element advantageously comprises means interacting with an encoder.
- the encoder is provided on an electronic board provided on the rear side of the knob, said encoder preferably comprising a base connected to the electronic board and a rotatable pin, the rotation of which result in a different signal used by the machine control unit to select the program / parameter.
- the material of the knob cover and/or the knob carrier element is A.B.S. (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
- the household appliance is built as a laundry treatment machine. Most preferably, it is built as a washer, a dryer or combined washer/dryer. It preferably is built as a front-loading washing machine or washer / dryer.
- the invention also relates to a method for operating a household appliance previously described, with the steps of
- the knob cover element is preferably attached to knob carrier element by snap elements or hooks which in the mounted position engage in respective seats.
- the tool is inserted into a, preferably radial, aperture between these two elements which is designed to allow the insertion of a tool when the knob is arranged on its extracted position.
- the tool is inserted for disengaging connection elements located on cover and/or carrier elements such that the cover element is not attached anymore to the carrier element and can be disengaged and removed.
- the respective cover element is attached the carrier element.
- the cover element is then pushed towards the control panel until cover and carrier elements reach the first position in which the knob is operational as a user interface element.
- the advantages of the invention are essentially as follows. Due to the design of the knob which can assume two positions of which the second allows a disassembly of the knob, it can be replaced very quickly, assuring at the same time a easier way of knob disengagement. For its replacement, the control panel and electronic subassemblies do not need to be removed or disassembled. Moreover, the removal of the electronic subassembly from the control panel is made easier since the encoder's pin is not fixed inside the knob.
- a household appliance 2 which is built as a front-loading washing machine and comprises a housing or casing 6 with a preferable parallelepiped shape, the casing 6 comprising a front wall 10, two side walls 14, a cover plate 20 and a rear wall (not shown). Front wall 10 and side walls 14 are preferably part of a cabinet.
- a front door 24 is provided which can be opened for loading or unloading laundry through an opening 28 into a washing drum. Front door 24 comprises a handle 32 for convenient opening and closing.
- a washing tub is contained within casing 6, whereby a rotatable and perforated drum is contained by said washing tub.
- Both washing tub and drum have a substantially cylindrical shape.
- the tub is suspended in a floating manner inside casing 6 by means of a number of coil springs and shock absorbers.
- the drum is rotated by an electric motor (not shown), which transmits the rotating motion of a motor shaft to the drum by a belt/pulley system.
- the motor can be directly associated with the shaft of the drum.
- the tub is preferable connected to casing 6 by means of an elastic bellows or gasket.
- the laundry appliance can be a dryer (in which case the tub is not provided) or a combined washer and dryer.
- the preferred washing machine shown in FIGs 1 and 2 on a front panel 48 comprises a drawer 30 with a front plate 34 and a handle 38 for pulling out and pushing back the drawer 30.
- Drawer 30 preferably comprises at least one compartment for detergent or washing additives.
- a rotatable or rotary knob 44 is arranged for selecting a laundry treatment program and/or at least one parameter of a laundry treatment program.
- Knob 44 is preferably provided on a control panel 62 or user interface which can provide further indicating and/or control elements.
- Knob 44 is preferably arranged on front panel 48 adjacent to drawer 30, whereby preferably no user interface elements such as controls (buttons, dials) or indicating elements (displays, lights) are arranged between drawer 30 and knob 44.
- On a panel 64 which is part of control panel 62 user interface elements such as at least one display and/or buttons and/or indicators can be provided.
- a service hatch 70 is preferably provided on front wall 70 which preferably yields access to a filter unit.
- the knob 44 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 comprises a knob cover element 70 shown in FIG. 3 and a knob carrier element 72 shown in FIG. 4 .
- Knob cover element 70 preferably has a circular shape and preferably comprises at least one region 74, 76 of corrugated surface which allow the user to conveniently operate the knob 44 by preventing that the users fingers slide on the perimeter of the knob 44 when turning it.
- Cover element 70 preferably comprises a further corrugated region 78, whereby centrally in this region 78, an indicating element 82 is arranged which protrudes from an outer perimeter 86 of cover element 70.
- Indicating element 82 is arranged in cover element 70 preferably in such a way that indicating element points vertically upwards when knob 44 does not correspond to a specific setting of an appliance parameter / program.
- Cover element 70 comprises a circular front surface 88 which is preferably concavely shaped (see Figs 5 and 6 ).
- carrier element 72 has a circular base portion or flange 90 from which a first part 94 protrudes. From first part 94 a central part 98 and two pins 100, 102 protrude which are arranged on opposite sides of central part 100.
- Part 94 preferably comprises, preferably on opposing sides, hook seats 110, 112 into which hooks 120, 122 of cover element 70 engage (see Figs 5 and 6 ).
- Pins 100, 102 have two functions: to assist the positioning of cover element 70 on carrier element and to reduce clearances. Regarding the positioning function, pins 100, 102 have different diameter and engage with / are received in two holes provided on a backside of cover element 70 which in the mounted position faces the control panel 62. The two holes have corresponding diameters, resulting in the fact that the cover element 70 can only in one prescribed orientation be mounted on carrier element 72, avoiding mistakes regarding the assembly of these two components.
- the pins 100, 102 additionally serve to reduce clearances between cover element 70 and carrier element 72. Since hooks 120, 122 do not eliminate all possible displacements between elements 70 and 72, the pins 100, 102 together with the respective holes in cover element 70 eliminate possible remaining clearances / play between these two components. They determine the distance between these two components 70, 72 when the pins are fully inserted in the respective holes and prevent also lateral respective movements as well as rotational play.
- knob 44 with cover element 70 and carrier element 72 is shown in a mounted position on control panel 62.
- Carrier element 72 is preferably rotatable mounted on a carrier seat element 130.
- the carrier seat element 130 provides an axial stop in direction opposite to axial direction 160. In this position, the knob 44 is fully functional.
- a rotatable pin 142 being part of a selector which is connected to an electronic board of the appliance 2 is received by central opening preferably provided on central part 98 of the carrier element 72 on its side facing control panel 62. Snap hooks 120, 122 of cover element 70 are engaged in hook seats 110, 112 of carrier element 72.
- the encoder of appliance 2 preferably comprises a base connected to the electronic board and a rotatable pin 142, the rotation of which result in a different signal used by the machine control unit to select the program / parameter.
- the hole in central part 98 has in the preferred embodiment shown an asymmetric cross section throughout its depth, corresponding to the cross section of pin 142.
- the opening on the central part 98 can have a circular cross section in a region facing the control board and a asymmetric cross section in a region opposite to control board in such a way that in the first or fully inserted position, pin 142 engages with the asymmetric part and is turned when cover element 70 is turned. In the second extracted position below described, however, pin 142 is located in the circular region of opening 98 in such a way that a rotation of cover element 70 and carrier element 72 does not lead to a rotation of pin 142.
- the cover element 70 and carrier element 72 are fixed with each other both in an axial direction 160 as well as radial direction, i.e. both elements 70, 72 rotate collinearly with each other with the same angular velocity when the cover element 70 is turned by the user.
- the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is a first, fully inserted configuration of knob 44 in which the household appliance 2 is operated.
- knob 44 In FIG. 6 , a second configuration of knob 44 is shown. Both cover element 70 as well as carrier element 72 are translated in axial direction 160 compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 5 .
- the maximal stroke by which carrier element 72 can be moved in axial direction 160 is limited by a, preferably circular, sleeve 166 of control panel 62.
- a second positon of knob 44 is defined in which flange 90 touches sleeve 166 by which further movement in axial direction 166 is blocked. In this position, knob 44 is not functional but prepared for full detachment of the knob gaging snap hooks 120, 122 from seats 110, 112.
- Snap hooks 120, 122 and/or seats 110, 112 are built elastically and can be preferably disengaged one after the other or simultaneously. When both hooks 120, 122 are disengaged, cover element 70 is disengaged from carrier element 72 and can be fully removed.
- knob replacement is therefore performed as follows.
- a first step starting from the configuration shown in FIG. 5 , knob cover element 70 is pulled in axial direction 160 until a mechanical resistance is detected when movement of flange 90 is stopped by sleeve 166. Until this position has reached, cover element 70, which is engaged with carrier element 72, and carrier element 72 move together in axial direction 160.
- cover element 70 When this second position is reached, the aperture 170 between cover element 70 and carrier element 72 is accessible.
- a tool preferably a screwdriver, is inserted into aperture for disengaging hooks 120, 122 from respective hook seats 110, 112. Cover element 70 can now be removed, leaving behind carrier element 72.
- the tool is suitable for this disengagement and is preferably provided with the appliance 2 to the user.
- another cover element 70 is connected to carrier element 72 by engaging hooks 120, 122 of cover element 70 with hook seats 110, 112 of carrier element 72.
- Pins 100, 102 described above engage with corresponding holes in cover element 70 and assure a correct rotational orientation of cover element 70 and carrier element 72 with respect to each other. Also they center elements 70, 72 and reduce clearances and play. Both elements 70, 72 can be pushed towards the control board 62 in a direction opposite to axial direction 160 until the first and fully inserted position is reached in which carrier element 72 is seated on carrier seat element 130.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention generally relates to a household appliance, in particular to a laundry treatment appliance, especially a washing machine, dryer or combined washer and dryer, both for domestic and professional use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance comprising a user interface and a rotary user interface element which comprises a knob as well as a method of operation.
- Household appliances, especially laundry machines such as washing machines, dryers, especially tumble dryers, and combined washers/dryers are known which comprise a user interface which can, for instance, be arranged on a front panel. The user interface typically provides several user interface elements for selecting or inputting a desired laundry treatment program and/or related parameters for this program.
- The user interface can also provide symbols, lights, displays or other indicators which allow giving the user a feedback on the selected choices. While switches and push knobs are often used, as a selecting device for a treatment program among a set of available programs, a rotary user interface element such as a rotating or rotary knob, which can also have the functionality of a push button, is often provided. By turning the knob, the user can easily select a desired treatment routine.
- The rotary user interface element or knob is one of the most important element for operating the machine and is used very often. It is therefore of great importance to ensure a long lifetime and also an accurate operation of this user element.
- The rotary user element as the primary interface of the machine transmits the first impression to the user of the quality and handling of the appliance. If the user encounters a user interface element that is easy and convenient to handle and provides tween the several rotational steps during the rotation of the user interface element, she or he gains a good quality impression of the appliance. If otherwise the user interface element has a shaky, unpredictable, or varying response, resulting for example in a rough and variable force needed for the rotation of the user interface element, the user projects this impression on the appliance and gets an impression of overall low quality. Therefore, the user interface should be reliable and should not block.
- Since the knob is often a primary user interface element, its frequent use can lead to damages which make a replacement necessary. Since the knob is protruding from the control panel, also during handling or transport, this element can be damaged and needs to be replaced.
- In common machines, the knob can be assembled from the inside / back of the control panel, whereby the knob passes through a control panel aperture and leaves gap such that there is not visual overlapping between knob and control panel from the machine external side. In other embodiments of machines, the knob is assembled from the outside / front of the control panel which leads to a visual overlapping between the knob and the control panel, leaving a gap under the knob.
- In both cases there are mechanical constraints that prevent the removal of the knob by pulling it by hand. In cases when the knob needs to be exchanged, for example due to quality issues (e.g. scratches made during the assembly phase), the operator must disassemble the control panel assembly from the machine, dissemble the electronic subassembly from the control panel and then remove the knob. This sequence of operations takes usually a comparatively long time to perform, increasing the risks of components damages, due to the control panel/electronic board disassembly.
-
Document EP 2 933 811 A1 discloses a knob assembly, having a rotary motion and a up-and-down motion, in which in the inserted position it does not protrude from the control panel, and in the extracted position it can be operated, through a rotary motion, by the user. - The aim of the invention is to provide a household appliance allowing a quick, a robust and a reliable removal of the knob.
- It is a further aim of the invention to provide a method for operating a household appliance which yields a quick, a robust and a reliable knob removal.
- The invention therefor relates to a household appliance, comprising a control panel on which a user interface element is provided which comprises a knob which is associated with a selector, whereby the knob is partially extractable from the control panel from a first inserted position to a second extracted position in which the knob is in a non-operating position but axially constrained by the panel for a complete disassembly from the appliance.
- The invention is based on the consideration that it is desirable to allow a quick and convenient removal of the knob without the need of the disassembly of further components. The knob at the same time should still make a qualitatively high and pleasant impression. Current solutions make a rather high demand on time and working steps for the removal of the knob.
- Applicant has found that these demands can be met by designing the knob in such a way that it can be removed in a two-step process. The knob can first be put into a non-operating position in which it is axially constrained. There is thus not the danger that it can be too easily removed or pulled out. In this position, the knob is accessible for dissemble from the panel, preferably by a tool.
- In the first inserted position, the knob, in its normal operating condition, is operational and functions as a user interface element. In the second extracted position, the knob is configured to be detachable but cannot be ditched by further pulling which would eventually destroy the knob. Its detachment is only possible by actively, especially by using a tool, disengaging the knob.
- According to the invention, especially only, in the second position, the knob is at least partially removable from the control panel.
- According to the invention, the knob comprises a knob cover element and a knob carrier element or underknob, whereby the knob cover element is removably attached to the knob carrier element, and whereby the knob carrier element is, especially in an axial direction of the knob, slideably arranged at least partially behind the control panel. This design is based on the recognition that damages occur typically on the part of the knob protruding form the control panel. When the knob is built in the described two-part design, the carrier element can remain behind the control panel since only the cover element needs to be replaced. The two-part structure therefore enables a convenient replacement without trade-offs in stability or reliability of the knob.
- According to the invention, the knob cover element is fully detachable from the knob carrier element by the user in / only in the second position. It thus can be removed and replaced by a new cover element which can be attached / connected to the carrier element.
- Preferably the knob cover element and the knob carrier element are attached to each other by a snap connection / fastening means. This design allows a quick detachment of these two components.
- The knob carrier element preferably comprises at least one hook seat into which in the attached configuration at least one snap hook of the knob cover element engages. In another embodiment, the hooks are arranged on the carrier element and engage with hook seats on the cover element.
- The knob carrier element preferably comprises an external flange acting as an axial block when the second extracted position of the knob is reached. In this way, when the knob cover is pulled away from the control panel, a natural stop is realized indicating a second position which is suitable for disengagement of cover and carrier elements.
- This flange in the second extracted position preferably is blocked by blocking means / an abutting element or portion, preferably a sleeve, of the control panel. These means, especially this sleeve is therefore arranged behind an outer surface of the control panel and in front of / in contact of the flange of the carrier element when fully inserted.
- Advantageously the knob carrier element is slidably arranged with respect to / on the selector.
- Preferably, in the assembled position of the knob cover element and the knob carrier element, between these two elements a, preferably radial, aperture is provided which is configured to allow the insertion of a tool when the knob is arranged on its second extracted position.
- Preferably, said tool is configured to allow the cover element disassembly, i.e. the removal of the cover element from the carrier element. The concrete design of the tool can depend on the concrete attachment of these two components. For example, it can be built as a pen- or bolt-type device for disengaging snap elements, especially hooks.
- The knob cover preferably is non-rotatable mounted on the knob carrier element. Knob cover and knob carrier element in this way rotate together in a collinear way with the same angular velocity, i.e. they don't change their relative orientations during rotation. When the knob cover is turned by the user, the knob cover transmits the same rotational movement to the carrier element.
- The knob carrier element advantageously comprises means interacting with an encoder. Preferably, the encoder is provided on an electronic board provided on the rear side of the knob, said encoder preferably comprising a base connected to the electronic board and a rotatable pin, the rotation of which result in a different signal used by the machine control unit to select the program / parameter.
- Preferably the material of the knob cover and/or the knob carrier element is A.B.S. (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
- Advantageously, the household appliance is built as a laundry treatment machine. Most preferably, it is built as a washer, a dryer or combined washer/dryer. It preferably is built as a front-loading washing machine or washer / dryer.
- The invention also relates to a method for operating a household appliance previously described, with the steps of
- pulling the knob cover element away from the control panel until the knob reaches the second extracted position;
- detaching the knob cover element from the knob carrier element.
- The knob cover element is preferably attached to knob carrier element by snap elements or hooks which in the mounted position engage in respective seats.
- Preferably the tool is inserted into a, preferably radial, aperture between these two elements which is designed to allow the insertion of a tool when the knob is arranged on its extracted position.
- Preferably the tool is inserted for disengaging connection elements located on cover and/or carrier elements such that the cover element is not attached anymore to the carrier element and can be disengaged and removed. For initial assembly or replacement, the respective cover element is attached the carrier element. The cover element is then pushed towards the control panel until cover and carrier elements reach the first position in which the knob is operational as a user interface element.
- The advantages of the invention are essentially as follows. Due to the design of the knob which can assume two positions of which the second allows a disassembly of the knob, it can be replaced very quickly, assuring at the same time a easier way of knob disengagement. For its replacement, the control panel and electronic subassemblies do not need to be removed or disassembled. Moreover, the removal of the electronic subassembly from the control panel is made easier since the encoder's pin is not fixed inside the knob.
- Further features and advantages of the present invention shall become clearer from the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, made with reference to the attached schematic drawings and given as an indication and not for limiting purposes.
- In particular, the attached drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings together with the description explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components are identified by the same reference numbers. In these drawings:
- FIG. 1
- shows a household appliance with a knob in a preferred embodiment in a perspective view;
- FIG. 2
- shows the household appliance according to
FIG. 1 in a frontal view; - FIG. 3
- shows a knob cover element;
- FIG. 4
- shows a knob carrier element;
- FIG. 5
- shows knob cover element and knob carrier element mounted on the control panel of the household appliance in a first position;
- FIG. 6
- shows knob cover element and knob carrier element mounted on the control panel of the household appliance in a second position;
- In
FIGs 1 and2 , ahousehold appliance 2 is shown which is built as a front-loading washing machine and comprises a housing orcasing 6 with a preferable parallelepiped shape, thecasing 6 comprising afront wall 10, twoside walls 14, acover plate 20 and a rear wall (not shown).Front wall 10 andside walls 14 are preferably part of a cabinet. Afront door 24 is provided which can be opened for loading or unloading laundry through anopening 28 into a washing drum.Front door 24 comprises ahandle 32 for convenient opening and closing. - Advantageously a washing tub is contained within
casing 6, whereby a rotatable and perforated drum is contained by said washing tub. Both washing tub and drum have a substantially cylindrical shape. Advantageously the tub is suspended in a floating manner insidecasing 6 by means of a number of coil springs and shock absorbers. The drum is rotated by an electric motor (not shown), which transmits the rotating motion of a motor shaft to the drum by a belt/pulley system. In a different embodiment of the invention, the motor can be directly associated with the shaft of the drum. The tub is preferable connected tocasing 6 by means of an elastic bellows or gasket. Alternatively, the laundry appliance can be a dryer (in which case the tub is not provided) or a combined washer and dryer. - The preferred washing machine shown in
FIGs 1 and2 on afront panel 48 comprises adrawer 30 with afront plate 34 and ahandle 38 for pulling out and pushing back thedrawer 30.Drawer 30 preferably comprises at least one compartment for detergent or washing additives. Preferably, adjacent todrawer 30, a rotatable orrotary knob 44 is arranged for selecting a laundry treatment program and/or at least one parameter of a laundry treatment program.Knob 44 is preferably provided on acontrol panel 62 or user interface which can provide further indicating and/or control elements.Knob 44 is preferably arranged onfront panel 48 adjacent todrawer 30, whereby preferably no user interface elements such as controls (buttons, dials) or indicating elements (displays, lights) are arranged betweendrawer 30 andknob 44. On apanel 64 which is part ofcontrol panel 62, user interface elements such as at least one display and/or buttons and/or indicators can be provided. Aservice hatch 70 is preferably provided onfront wall 70 which preferably yields access to a filter unit. - The
knob 44 shown inFIGs. 1 and2 comprises aknob cover element 70 shown inFIG. 3 and aknob carrier element 72 shown inFIG. 4 .Knob cover element 70 preferably has a circular shape and preferably comprises at least oneregion knob 44 by preventing that the users fingers slide on the perimeter of theknob 44 when turning it.Cover element 70 preferably comprises a furthercorrugated region 78, whereby centrally in thisregion 78, an indicatingelement 82 is arranged which protrudes from anouter perimeter 86 ofcover element 70. Indicatingelement 82 is arranged incover element 70 preferably in such a way that indicating element points vertically upwards whenknob 44 does not correspond to a specific setting of an appliance parameter / program.Cover element 70 comprises a circularfront surface 88 which is preferably concavely shaped (seeFigs 5 and6 ). - As can be seen in
FIG. 4 ,carrier element 72 has a circular base portion orflange 90 from which afirst part 94 protrudes. From first part 94 acentral part 98 and twopins central part 100.Part 94 preferably comprises, preferably on opposing sides, hook seats 110, 112 into which hooks 120, 122 ofcover element 70 engage (seeFigs 5 and6 ). -
Pins cover element 70 on carrier element and to reduce clearances. Regarding the positioning function, pins 100, 102 have different diameter and engage with / are received in two holes provided on a backside ofcover element 70 which in the mounted position faces thecontrol panel 62. The two holes have corresponding diameters, resulting in the fact that thecover element 70 can only in one prescribed orientation be mounted oncarrier element 72, avoiding mistakes regarding the assembly of these two components. - The
pins cover element 70 andcarrier element 72. Sincehooks elements pins cover element 70 eliminate possible remaining clearances / play between these two components. They determine the distance between these twocomponents - In
FIG. 5 ,knob 44 withcover element 70 andcarrier element 72 is shown in a mounted position oncontrol panel 62.Carrier element 72 is preferably rotatable mounted on acarrier seat element 130. Thecarrier seat element 130 provides an axial stop in direction opposite toaxial direction 160. In this position, theknob 44 is fully functional. Arotatable pin 142 being part of a selector which is connected to an electronic board of theappliance 2 is received by central opening preferably provided oncentral part 98 of thecarrier element 72 on its side facingcontrol panel 62. Snap hooks 120, 122 ofcover element 70 are engaged inhook seats carrier element 72. - The encoder of
appliance 2 preferably comprises a base connected to the electronic board and arotatable pin 142, the rotation of which result in a different signal used by the machine control unit to select the program / parameter. - The hole in
central part 98 has in the preferred embodiment shown an asymmetric cross section throughout its depth, corresponding to the cross section ofpin 142. When in the mountedconfiguration pin 142 is received by opening on thecentral part 98, whencover element 70 andcarrier element 72 co-rotate,pin 142 is rotated. In the second extracted position ofknob 44 below described, thepin 142 is still at least partially located in opening 98. Thus, whencover element 70 is rotated, still thepin 142 is rotated. - In an alternative embodiment, the opening on the
central part 98 can have a circular cross section in a region facing the control board and a asymmetric cross section in a region opposite to control board in such a way that in the first or fully inserted position, pin 142 engages with the asymmetric part and is turned whencover element 70 is turned. In the second extracted position below described, however, pin 142 is located in the circular region of opening 98 in such a way that a rotation ofcover element 70 andcarrier element 72 does not lead to a rotation ofpin 142. - In the configuration displayed, the
cover element 70 andcarrier element 72 are fixed with each other both in anaxial direction 160 as well as radial direction, i.e. bothelements cover element 70 is turned by the user. The configuration shown inFIG. 5 is a first, fully inserted configuration ofknob 44 in which thehousehold appliance 2 is operated. - In
FIG. 6 , a second configuration ofknob 44 is shown. Bothcover element 70 as well ascarrier element 72 are translated inaxial direction 160 compared to the configuration shown inFIG. 5 . The maximal stroke by whichcarrier element 72 can be moved inaxial direction 160 is limited by a, preferably circular,sleeve 166 ofcontrol panel 62. At this maximal stroke a second positon ofknob 44 is defined in which flange 90 touchessleeve 166 by which further movement inaxial direction 166 is blocked. In this position,knob 44 is not functional but prepared for full detachment of the knob gaging snap hooks 120, 122 fromseats seats cover element 70 is disengaged fromcarrier element 72 and can be fully removed. - The knob replacement is therefore performed as follows. In a first step, starting from the configuration shown in
FIG. 5 ,knob cover element 70 is pulled inaxial direction 160 until a mechanical resistance is detected when movement offlange 90 is stopped bysleeve 166. Until this position has reached,cover element 70, which is engaged withcarrier element 72, andcarrier element 72 move together inaxial direction 160. - When this second position is reached, the
aperture 170 betweencover element 70 andcarrier element 72 is accessible. A tool, preferably a screwdriver, is inserted into aperture for disengaginghooks respective hook seats Cover element 70 can now be removed, leaving behindcarrier element 72. The tool is suitable for this disengagement and is preferably provided with theappliance 2 to the user. - For initial assembly and/or replacement, another
cover element 70 is connected tocarrier element 72 by engaginghooks cover element 70 withhook seats carrier element 72.Pins cover element 70 and assure a correct rotational orientation ofcover element 70 andcarrier element 72 with respect to each other. Also they centerelements elements control board 62 in a direction opposite toaxial direction 160 until the first and fully inserted position is reached in whichcarrier element 72 is seated oncarrier seat element 130. - The invention thus conceived can be subjected to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.
Claims (12)
- Household appliance (2), comprising a control panel (62) on which a user interface element is provided which comprises a knob (44) which is associated with a selector, whereby said knob (44) comprises a knob cover element (70) and a knob carrier element (72), whereby said knob cover element (70) is removably attached to said knob carrier element (72), and whereby said knob carrier element (72) is slidably arranged at least partially behind said control panel (62),
characterized in that said knob (44) is partially extractable from said control panel (62) from a first inserted position to a second extracted position in which said knob (44) is in a non-operating position but axially constrained by said panel (62) for a complete disassembly from said appliance (2), whereby in said second position, said knob (44) is at least partially removable from said control panel (62), whereby said knob cover element (70) is fully detachable from said knob carrier element (72) by the user in / only in said second position. - Household appliance (2) according to claim 1, whereby said knob cover element (70) and said knob carrier element (72) are attached to each other by a snap connection/fastening means.
- Household appliance (2) according to claim 2, whereby said knob carrier element (74) comprises at least one hook seat (110, 112) into which in the attached configuration at least one snap hook (120, 122) of said knob cover element (70) engages.
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, whereby said knob carrier element (72) comprises an external flange (90) acting as an axial block when said second extracted position of said knob (44) is reached.
- Household appliance (2) according to claim 4, whereby said flange (90) in said second extracted position is blocked by a blocking means (166) of said control panel (62).
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, whereby said knob carrier element (72) is slidably arranged with respect to / on said selector.
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, whereby in the assembled position of said knob cover element (70) and said knob carrier element (72), between said two elements (70, 72) an aperture (170) is provided which is configured to allow the insertion of a tool when said knob (44) is arranged on said second extracted position.
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, whereby said knob cover element (70) is non-rotatable mounted on said knob carrier element (72).
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, whereby said knob carrier element (72) comprises means interacting with an encoder.
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, whereby the material of the knob cover and/or the knob carrier element is A.B.S. (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
- Household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which is built as a laundry treatment machine.
- Method for operating a household appliance (2) according to one of the preceding claims, with the steps of• pulling said knob cover element (70) away from said control panel (62) until said knob (44) reaches said second extracted position;• detaching said knob cover element (70) from said knob carrier element (72).
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17188024.8A EP3447182B1 (en) | 2017-08-25 | 2017-08-25 | Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance |
PL17188024T PL3447182T3 (en) | 2017-08-25 | 2017-08-25 | Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance |
PCT/EP2018/071078 WO2019038056A1 (en) | 2017-08-25 | 2018-08-02 | Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17188024.8A EP3447182B1 (en) | 2017-08-25 | 2017-08-25 | Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3447182A1 EP3447182A1 (en) | 2019-02-27 |
EP3447182B1 true EP3447182B1 (en) | 2021-08-04 |
Family
ID=59702646
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP17188024.8A Active EP3447182B1 (en) | 2017-08-25 | 2017-08-25 | Household appliance and method for operating a household appliance |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3447182B1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3447182T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019038056A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112030468A (en) * | 2020-09-27 | 2020-12-04 | 南京创维家用电器有限公司 | Optimized structure for shaking of control panel knob of drum washing machine |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3803356A1 (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1989-08-17 | Bauknecht Hausgeraete | CONTROL KNOB FOR CONTROL UNITS OR THE LIKE |
DE19951422B4 (en) * | 1999-10-26 | 2006-04-06 | AEG Hausgeräte GmbH | Retractable rotary control unit |
KR20150120120A (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-10-27 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Rotary knob assembly capable of moving up and down |
WO2017044059A1 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2017-03-16 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | A household appliance comprising a decorative element that can be attached to/detached from the knob |
-
2017
- 2017-08-25 EP EP17188024.8A patent/EP3447182B1/en active Active
- 2017-08-25 PL PL17188024T patent/PL3447182T3/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-08-02 WO PCT/EP2018/071078 patent/WO2019038056A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
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Also Published As
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WO2019038056A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 |
PL3447182T3 (en) | 2022-01-03 |
EP3447182A1 (en) | 2019-02-27 |
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