US20090133448A1 - Laundry device - Google Patents

Laundry device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20090133448A1
US20090133448A1 US12/097,775 US9777506A US2009133448A1 US 20090133448 A1 US20090133448 A1 US 20090133448A1 US 9777506 A US9777506 A US 9777506A US 2009133448 A1 US2009133448 A1 US 2009133448A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
buttons
button
control panel
laundry device
display portion
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/097,775
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ju Han Yoon
Dong Geum Lee
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020050128595A external-priority patent/KR20070067367A/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020050128724A external-priority patent/KR20070067432A/ko
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC. reassignment LG ELECTRONICS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, DONG GEUN, YOON, JU HAN
Publication of US20090133448A1 publication Critical patent/US20090133448A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F34/32—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
    • 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
    • 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
    • D06F2101/16—Target humidity for the drying process, e.g. very-dry cycles
    • 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/12—Humidity or dryness of laundry
    • 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
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/014—LED
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/01—Mounting on appliance
    • H01H2223/012—Snap mounting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/044—Injection moulding
    • H01H2229/046—Multi-colour or double shot injection moulding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/012—Household appliance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device and a laundry device having the same, and more particularly, to an improved control panel assembly of easy manufacture and recognition of selected operating options and a laundry device having the same.
  • a laundry device is a generic term designating a washing machine performing a washing cycle and a dehydrating cycle, a drying machine performing a drying cycle, a washing and drying machine performing both a washing cycle and a drying cycle, and the like.
  • the drying machine is configured such that air for drying is heated by a heater and then, blown into a drum, to cause evaporation of moisture contained in an object to be dried.
  • the drying machine is an appliance developed to fulfill the above requirement.
  • the drying machine comprises a body case 1 defining the outer appearance of the drying machine, and a control panel 2 provided at an upper portion of a front surface of the body case 1 for the manual operation of the drying machine.
  • the body case 1 has a door 3 installed at the front surface thereof, and a drum (not shown) is received in the body case 1 . Accordingly, laundry is manually put into or taken out of the drum through the door 3 . If the laundry is received in the drum, the drum is rotated appropriately to dry the laundry. Of course, in the case of a washing machine, the drum will be used to wash laundry received therein.
  • the control panel 2 includes a plurality of buttons 21 corresponding to a variety of operating options, a display window 22 for displaying selected operating options or operating states, and a plurality of LED lamps 23 .
  • buttons 21 include optional buttons 21 a , a power button 21 b , and a pause button 21 c .
  • the optional buttons 21 a are used to select primary functional items of the drying machine, such as for example, dryness, temperature, drying time, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as “primary operating options”).
  • the power button 21 b is used to apply power to the drying machine
  • the pause button 21 c is used to temporarily stop the operation of the drying machine.
  • the plurality of LED lamps 23 are used to display subordinate functional items of the drying machine, such as for example, the numerical values of the time, temperature, etc.
  • the subordinate functional items indicate the degree of each of the above primary operating options.
  • the LED lamps 23 are subordinated to the optional buttons 21 a , respectively, and accordingly, are turned on as the corresponding optional buttons 21 a are pressed.
  • lettered marks are printed at an outer surface of the control panel 2 at positions adjacent to the buttons 21 and the LED lamps 23 .
  • the optical button 21 a has to be first restored to its initial state via several press operations and then, be again pressed repeatedly to newly select a desired subordinate operating option.
  • An object of the present invention devised to solve the above problems lies on a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device, which has a button assembly capable of achieving a simplified button operation, easy recognition of inputted operating options, and an improved durability of lettered marks provided thereon.
  • Another object of the present invention devised to solve the above problems lies on a control panel assembly capable of clearly displaying operating options selected by a user and a laundry device having the control panel assembly.
  • Yet another object of the present invention devised to solve the above problems lies on a laundry device in which a plurality of buttons for selecting a variety of operating options are integrated with one another, resulting in the expedient manufacture and use of the laundry device.
  • control panel assembly for use in a laundry device, which comprises a control panel and a button assembly provided at the control panel.
  • the button assembly has an integral structure, and may comprise: a plurality of buttons integrated with one another, the buttons being exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; and a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option.
  • a laundry device having the above described control panel assembly.
  • the laundry device may comprise: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons integrated with one another, the buttons being exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; and a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option.
  • the button assembly may further comprise a frame located at a rear surface of the control panel and configured to integrally connect the plurality of buttons therein.
  • the button assembly may further comprise an elastic rib configured to connect the plurality of buttons with one another while allowing the buttons to be pressed under the influence of an elastic force thereof.
  • the plurality of buttons may be connected to one another via the elastic rib, or may be connected to the frame via the elastic rib.
  • the plurality of buttons, the elastic rib, and the frame may be integrally injection molded by use of the same material as one another. With this configuration, the above mentioned elements constitute a single structure, resulting in easy manufacture and handling thereof.
  • the plurality of buttons, the elastic rib, and the frame may be integrally injection molded by use of an opaque material or transparent material.
  • the display portion may be provided at each of the plurality of buttons.
  • the display portion is made of a transparent material for transmitting light therethrough. That is to say, the display portion preferably takes the form of a transparent window.
  • the display portion may be integrally injection molded along with the plurality of buttons, the elastic rib, and the frame.
  • a material for use in the injection molding is a transparent material.
  • the button assembly may further comprise a button exterior shell partially formed at an outer surface of each button to block the transmission of light.
  • the button exterior shell may be provided to prevent light from penetrating through the button except for the display portion.
  • the button exterior shell is preferably formed on the button by double injection molding. That is to say, the button exterior shell is an injection molded article rather than a film and has a higher durability than the film.
  • the display portion is configured to protrude rearward from the front surface of the button, so as to define a path of light. If there exists a free space between the display portion and the lamp that emits light toward the display portion, there is a potential reduction of visibility due to the dispersion of light. Accordingly, to reduce the free space, the display portion is preferably configured to protrude rearward, more particularly, toward the lamp.
  • the control panel may be perforated, through the front surface thereof, with a plurality of mounting holes.
  • the mounting holes may be arranged to correspond to the respective buttons. Accordingly, the buttons are inserted into the mounting holes from a rear side of the control panel, so as to be exposed to the outside from the front surface of the control panel.
  • the laundry device may further comprise a board guide having a plurality of lamps each corresponding to the display portion of each of the buttons.
  • the board guide may further have a plurality of switches corresponding to the buttons, respectively.
  • the board guide is located behind the button assembly.
  • the laundry device may further comprise a lamp supporter provided between the button assembly and the board guide and adapted to support the lamps.
  • the lamp supporter may perform the function of guiding light emitted from each lamp to the display portion.
  • the lamp supporter has an integral single structure.
  • a laundry device comprising: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; a control panel provided at a side of the case; and a button assembly provided at the control panel, wherein the button assembly comprises: a plurality of buttons exposed to the outside from a front surface of the control panel, so as to be pressed manually for the selection of operating options; a display portion provided on each of the buttons and used to display the selected operating option; and a lettered mark provided on a front surface of each of the buttons for indicating a specific operating option, and wherein at least one of the display portion and the lettered mark is formed on the button by double injection molding.
  • a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device has a plurality of buttons having the same number as that of a plurality of operating options. Accordingly, the user can select a desired operating option by pressing the corresponding button only one time, resulting in a convenience in the user's button operation.
  • buttons are integrated with one another by a frame to constitute a single button assembly. This has the effect of simplifying the attachment and detachment of the button assembly relative to a control panel.
  • the lettered marks can achieve an improved durability and thus, have no risk of being erased by frequent contact of the user's fingers.
  • each button has a transparent display portion formed at a corner thereof by double injection molding.
  • the display portion With the provision of the display portion, the user can easily recognize the selected operating option of the laundry device. Also, employing the double injection molding has the effect of improving the durability of the display portion.
  • a distance between the display portion and an LED lamp can be reduced. This has the effect of minimizing dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamp and allowing the light to be transmitted to the outside.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional drying machine
  • FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a control panel provided in the conventional drying machine
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a control panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating a button assembly shown in FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the control panel assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a control panel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating a button assembly provided in a control panel assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 a laundry device, more particularly, a control panel assembly of the laundry device, according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 .
  • the present invention is applicable to a washing machine for the washing of laundry, a drying machine for the drying of laundry, a washing and drying machine performing both the washing and drying of laundry, and the like.
  • a washing machine for the washing of laundry a drying machine for the drying of laundry
  • a washing and drying machine performing both the washing and drying of laundry, and the like.
  • the following description is limited to the drying machine as one example of the laundry device.
  • the laundry device comprises: a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device; a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein; and a control panel provided at a side of the case.
  • a case defining the outer appearance of the laundry device
  • a drum provided in the case and configured to receive laundry therein
  • a control panel provided at a side of the case.
  • the control panel assembly of the present invention may basically comprise a control panel 100 , a button assembly 200 , a board guide 300 , and a lamp supporter 400 .
  • the control panel 100 defines the outer appearance of the control panel assembly and is provided at a side of the drying machine. Of course, as shown in FIG. 1 , the control panel 100 may be detachably coupled to a front surface of the drying machine.
  • the control panel 100 is perforated with a plurality of mounting holes 110 so that a variety of input elements, a display element, etc. are inserted through the mounting holes 110 to thereby be mounted to the control panel 100 .
  • the control panel 100 may be provided, at an outer surface thereof at positions adjacent to the mounting holes 110 , with lettered marks that indicate operating options.
  • the operating options may be classified into primary operating options (for example, dryness, drying time, temperature, and so on) and a plurality of subordinate operating options belonging to each of the primary operating options (for example, perfect drying, 60 min., high temperature, and so on).
  • a lettered mark “DRYNESS” may be provided at the outer surface of the control panel 100 at a position adjacent to the series of buttons.
  • additional lettered marks which indicate the definite different subordinate operating options, may be provided at the outer surface of the control panel 100 at positions adjacent to the respective buttons. The lettered marks are clearly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the lettered marks may be formed on the control panel 100 by double injection molding, to prevent the lettered marks from being erased by frequent contact of the user's fingers. More particularly, it is preferable that the control panel and the lettered marks may be doubly injection molded by use of different materials from each other, or by use of the same material having different colors from each other.
  • the lettered marks are preferably formed on the control panel by double injection molding when the control panel is injection molded.
  • the control panel 100 is also provided, at a side of the front surface thereof, with a display window 120 for displaying the operating situation of the drying machine.
  • the display window 120 is made of a transparent material, and a display device (not shown) for providing a user with a variety of information is provided at a rear side of the transparent display window 120 .
  • the display device is an LCD device, to display a variety of image information.
  • the button assembly 200 is configured to allow the user to easily command operating options to the drying machine.
  • the button assembly 200 includes a frame 210 , a plurality of buttons 220 , an elastic rib 230 , and display portions 240 .
  • the frame 210 defines a periphery of the button assembly 200 and preferably, has a rectangular shape suitable to provide the button assembly 200 with an aesthetic value.
  • the buttons 220 are used to input operating options and the outer appearance of the button assembly 200 is determined by the respective buttons 220 arranged inside the frame 210 .
  • each of the buttons 220 has a rectangular shape, to match with the outer appearance of the frame 210 .
  • the plurality of buttons 220 constitute the single button assembly 200 and this has the effect of significantly simplifying the manufacture of the control panel assembly.
  • each button corresponds to a specific subordinate operating option in a one to one ratio. Therefore, if the user presses a specific button, a corresponding specific subordinate operating option is selected. This enables a very easy selection of a desired operating option.
  • each of the buttons 220 is integrally formed, at a rear surface thereof, with a pressure protrusion 221 .
  • the pressure protrusion 221 is adapted to be moved as a front surface of the button 220 is pressed.
  • the pressure protrusion 221 is configured to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the button 220 . Accordingly, if the user presses the button 220 , the pressure protrusion 221 is moved rearward and acts to press an associated one of tact switches 310 .
  • the pressure protrusion 221 may be omitted.
  • a press portion 420 of the lamp supporter 400 which will be described hereinafter, may have a relatively long length, such that it can be directly pressed by the rear surface of the button 220 when the button 220 is pressed.
  • the elastic rib 230 serves to integrally connect the frame 210 and the respective buttons 220 with one another. Accordingly, when an excessive force beyond a pre-determined level is applied to the respective buttons 220 , the elastic rib 230 can act to move the buttons 220 forward and rearward by use of an elastic force thereof while being supported by the frame 210 . Of course, some of the buttons 220 , which are located far away from the frame 210 , may be connected only to the elastic rib 230 without being connected to the frame 210 .
  • the elastic rib 230 has a thinner thickness than that of the frame 210 , to optimize the elastic force thereof. Specifically, when a certain button 220 is pressed, the button 220 is able to be moved forward and rearward of the button assembly 200 while being elastically supported by the elastic rib 230 .
  • the display portions 240 serve to assist the user to easily recognize selected operating options via the buttons 220 on the basis of light penetrated therethrough.
  • Each of the display portions 240 may be formed at a corner of a front surface of each of the buttons 220 .
  • the display portions 240 are made of a transparent material capable of transmitting light to the outside therethrough, and are integrally formed with the respective buttons 220 by double injection molding to improve the durability thereof. Also, the display portions 240 are preferably configured to protrude rearward from the front surfaces of the respective buttons 220 . With this configuration, a distance between the display portions 240 and LED lamps, which will be described hereinafter, is reduced to minimize the dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamps.
  • the plurality of buttons 220 , the elastic rib 230 , and the frame 210 are integrally injection molded by use of the same material as one another. That is to say, the buttons 220 , elastic rib 230 , and frame 210 may constitute a single member to facilitate the handling and manufacture thereof.
  • the injection molding material is an opaque material to avoid transmission of light.
  • the display portions 240 which are injection molded by use of a transparent material, may be formed at the buttons 220 by double injection molding. Consequently, the plurality of buttons 220 , the elastic rib 230 , the frame 210 , and the display portions 240 may be formed as a single member by double injection molding.
  • the board guide 300 is configured to constitute the rearmost portion of the control panel assembly. Adjacent to the board guide 300 is installed a circuit board (not shown) on which circuit elements (not shown) for controlling the drying machine are mounted.
  • the board guide 300 serves to transmit operating options of the drying machine, which are selected as specific buttons 220 are pressed, to the circuit board (not shown).
  • the board guide 300 has a plurality of tact switches 310 that are electrically connected to the circuit elements (not shown), and lamps 320 having the same number as that of the tact switches 310 .
  • the lamps 320 may be LED lamps and consequently, be provided to correspond to the buttons 220 , respectively.
  • the LED lamps 320 are installed to emit light if the associated tact switches 310 are pressed.
  • the LED lamps 320 are also installed to correspond to the display portions 240 of the button assembly 200 , respectively.
  • the board guide 300 is formed, near the edge thereof, with coupling holes 330 for the coupling of the lamp supporter 400 .
  • the lamp supporter 400 serves to prevent the dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamps 320 and to transmit operating options, which are selected as specific buttons 210 are pressed, to the associated tact switches 310 .
  • the lamp supporter 400 is installed to the board guide 300 so that it is interposed between the button assembly 200 and the board guide 300 .
  • the lamp supporter 400 has lamp guide bosses 410 and press portions 420 .
  • the lamp guide bosses 410 are preferably configured to protrude rearward from a rear surface of the lamp supporter 400 , so as to enclose the LED lamps 320 , respectively.
  • a length of the lamp guide bosses 410 is preferably determined in such a manner that a front end of each LED lamp 320 slightly protrudes out of the lamp guide boss 410 when the LED lamp 320 is enclosed by the lamp guide boss 410 . This is to prevent the dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamps 320 and to guide the light to the display portions 240 .
  • Each press portion 420 is configured in such a manner that a rear surface of the press portion 420 can press the associated tact switch 310 as the press portion 420 is pressed by the associated pressure protrusion 221 of the button assembly 200 .
  • the press portion 420 is configured to protrude forward from a front surface of the lamp supporter 400 . This is to allow the plurality of pressure protrusions 221 to accurately correspond to the respective press portions 420 .
  • each press portion 420 is incised. This is to allow the press portion 420 to move forward and rearward with an increased elasticity by virtue of the incised region.
  • the lamp supporter 400 is preferably provided, at a rim thereof, with a plurality of hooks 430 to be caught by the coupling holes 330 of the board guide 300 .
  • other coupling means rather than the hooks may be provided as means for coupling the lamp supporter 400 with the board guide 300 .
  • the lamp supporter 400 for supporting the plurality of lamps 320 has an integral structure. This has the effect of facilitating the assembling of the control panel assembly.
  • the button assembly 200 is disposed inside the control panel 100 .
  • the respective buttons 220 are inserted into the mounting holes 110 of the control panel 100 .
  • the frame 210 is secured to an inner rear surface of the control panel 100 by use of coupling means, such as hooks, formed at the frame 210 .
  • the front surface of the button 220 After being inserted into the control panel 100 , a front surface of each of the buttons 220 is exposed out of the control panel 100 . Accordingly, the front surface of the button 220 preferably has the same color as that of the control panel 100 .
  • buttons 220 constitute the single button assembly 200 through the use of the frame 210 , all the buttons 220 can be simultaneously inserted into the mounting holes 110 of the control panel 100 rather than being inserted individually.
  • the lamp supporter 400 is mounted on the board guide 300 as the hooks 430 of the lamp supporter 400 are coupled to the coupling holes 330 of the board guide 300 .
  • the LED lamps 320 provided on the board guide 300 , are inserted into the lamp guide bosses 410 provided on the lamp supporter 400 .
  • the tact switches 310 of the board guide 300 are arranged, respectively, adjacent to the rear surfaces of the press portions 420 of the lamp supporter 400 .
  • the board guide 300 is installed at a rear side of the control panel 100 .
  • the lamp guide bosses 410 which enclose the LED lamps 320 , are installed horizontally adjacent to rear surfaces of the respective display portions 240 . In this way, the assembling of the control panel assembly, for use in a laundry device according to the embodiment of the present invention, is completed.
  • the button 220 is moved rearward of the button assembly 200 while being elastically supported by the elastic rib 230 .
  • the pressure protrusion 221 formed at the rear surface of the button 220 , acts to press the front surface of the associated press portion 420 of the lamp supporter 400 .
  • the press portion 420 which is pressed by the pressure protrusion 221 , acts to press the associated tact switch 310 as being moved rearward of the lamp supporter 400 .
  • the press portion 420 since the press portion 420 has an incised region therearound, the press portion 420 is elastically moved rearward of the lamp supporter 400 by virtue of the incised region.
  • the tact switch 310 transmits an operating signal to the circuit board (not shown) and simultaneously, light is emitted from the associated LED lamp 320 .
  • the light from the LED lamp 320 is emitted out of the button assembly 200 through the display portion 240 . Accordingly, by recognizing the emitted light, the user is able to discriminate whether or not a correct operating command is input to the drying machine.
  • the lettered marks are provided on the outer surface of the control panel 100 at positions adjacent to the button assembly 200 , to display the selected operating options of the drying machine.
  • a control panel assembly for use in the drying machine may comprise the control panel 100 (See FIG. 3 ), a button assembly 500 , the board guide 300 (See FIG. 3 ), and the lamp supporter 400 (See FIG. 4 ).
  • the button assembly 500 includes buttons 510 and lettered marks 520 provided on front surfaces of the respective buttons 510 for indicating specific operating options, respectively.
  • the lettered marks 520 are formed on the front surfaces of the buttons 510 by double injection molding, for the purpose of improving the durability thereof.
  • the button assembly 500 may include a plurality of buttons having an array of 4 ⁇ 4.
  • the leftmost four buttons may be used to select different subordinate operating options, which indicate definite degrees of “dryness” as one of primary operating options of the drying machine. These subordinate operating options are indicated in the lettered marks 520 provided on the respective buttons 510 .
  • the primary operating options including “DRYNESS” and so on, may be indicated in the lettered marks 520 , which are provided on the front surface of the control panel at positions above or below a plurality of rows of the buttons 510 . Accordingly, the user is able to expediently select a specific operating option, for example, “VERY DRY” by pressing the corresponding button on which the lettered mark “VERY DRY” is provided.
  • each button 510 may be formed, at the corner of the front surface thereof, with the display portion 240 by double injection molding, to display the selected operating option. Accordingly, the button assembly 500 according to the present embodiment provides the user with easy recognition of the selected operating option.
  • the lettered marks 520 may be made of the same material as that of the buttons 510 . However, for the sake of more clear recognition of the lettered marks 520 , it is preferable that the lettered marks 520 and the buttons 510 have different colors from each other.
  • the display portions and/or lettered marks which indicate the operating options of the drying machine, are formed at the buttons by double injection molding, for the purpose of allowing the user to easily recognize the operating options via the buttons and achieving an improvement in the durability of the display portions and the lettered marks.
  • the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the above described embodiment except for only one difference in that a button exterior shell 640 is provided at a front surface of each button 620 .
  • a plurality of buttons 620 , a frame 610 , and an elastic rib may be integrally injection molded by use of a transparent material.
  • a display portion 650 may be injection molded at each button 620 by use of the transparent material.
  • all the above mentioned elements, i.e. the frame 610 , button 620 , elastic rib, and display portion 650 are integrally injection molded by use of a transparent material.
  • each button that is to say, the front surface of the button except for the display portion, is covered with the button exterior shell 640 made of an opaque material.
  • the button exterior shell 640 may be obtained by attaching an opaque film, etc. to the front surface of the button.
  • the button exterior shell 640 is preferably formed on the front surface of the button by double injection molding. In this case, of course, the button exterior shell 640 has to be injection molded by use of an opaque material.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto and for example, may be applied to a washing machine.
  • the above described primary operating options and subordinate operating options related to the drying machine may be applied similarly to the washing machine. For example, assuming a washing time or RPM of a drum during a dehydration cycle as a primary operating option, definite numerical values may be set as definite subordinate operating options thereof.
  • a control panel assembly for use in a laundry device has a plurality of buttons having the same number as that of a plurality of operating options. Accordingly, the user can select a desired operating option by pressing the corresponding button only one time, resulting in a convenience in the user's button operation.
  • buttons are integrated with one another by a frame to constitute a single button assembly. This has the effect of simplifying the attachment and detachment of the button assembly relative to a control panel.
  • the lettered marks can achieve an improved durability and thus, have no risk of being erased by frequent contact of the user's fingers.
  • each button has a transparent display portion formed at a corner thereof by double injection molding.
  • the display portion With the provision of the display portion, the user can easily recognize the selected operating option of the laundry device. Also, employing the double injection molding has the effect of improving the durability of the display portion.
  • a distance between the display portion and an LED lamp can be reduced. This has the effect of minimizing dispersion of light emitted from the LED lamp and allowing the light to be transmitted to the outside.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
US12/097,775 2005-12-23 2006-12-07 Laundry device Abandoned US20090133448A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2005-0128724 2005-12-23
KR1020050128595A KR20070067367A (ko) 2005-12-23 2005-12-23 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리
KR1020050128724A KR20070067432A (ko) 2005-12-23 2005-12-23 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리
KR10-2005-0128595 2005-12-23
PCT/KR2006/005300 WO2007073049A1 (fr) 2005-12-23 2006-12-07 Machine a laver

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090133448A1 true US20090133448A1 (en) 2009-05-28

Family

ID=38188783

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/097,775 Abandoned US20090133448A1 (en) 2005-12-23 2006-12-07 Laundry device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20090133448A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1977031B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2006328213B2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007073049A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080259548A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2008-10-23 Hyo-Jin Kim Apparatus for coupling display window and buttons for clothing handler
US20090057117A1 (en) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-05 Ho-Sung Jang Button for control panel assembly and clothes handling apparatus having the same
US20120162075A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2012-06-28 Crucial Tec Co., Ltd. Ultra thin optical pointing device and personal portable device having the same

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007075038A1 (fr) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Ensemble panneau de commande pour machine a laver
EP2012334B1 (fr) * 2007-07-06 2013-11-13 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Panneau de contrôle intégré pour appareils domestiques
ES2436276T3 (es) * 2011-11-21 2013-12-30 Miele & Cie. Kg Equipo de mando para un aparato doméstico, como máquina para el tratamiento de la colada o lavavajillas

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4163883A (en) * 1977-12-30 1979-08-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard with illuminated keys
US4315114A (en) * 1980-03-24 1982-02-09 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Keyboard switch assembly
US4418398A (en) * 1979-09-04 1983-11-29 General Electric Company Manual reset control circuit for microprocessor controlled washing appliance
US4510778A (en) * 1983-12-27 1985-04-16 The Maytag Company Control system for a combined appliance
US5477024A (en) * 1993-04-29 1995-12-19 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Back-lit button assembly
US5500497A (en) * 1993-12-07 1996-03-19 At&T Corp. Rubber dome/mylar switch
US5585704A (en) * 1994-01-28 1996-12-17 Elzind; Adel H. Computer means for commercial washing machines
US6169256B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2001-01-02 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Panel switch and method of mounting the same
US6326569B1 (en) * 1998-03-31 2001-12-04 Key Plastics, Inc. Control panel assembly and method of making same
US20020021562A1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-02-21 Team Light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages, in particular for an aviation equipment panel, and a strip constituted by such keys
KR20040059681A (ko) * 2002-12-28 2004-07-06 엘지전자 주식회사 전자레인지의 콘트롤러 조립체
US20050145468A1 (en) * 2003-08-26 2005-07-07 Kim Jae M. Control panel assembly and method for controlling thereof

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4163883A (en) * 1977-12-30 1979-08-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard with illuminated keys
US4418398A (en) * 1979-09-04 1983-11-29 General Electric Company Manual reset control circuit for microprocessor controlled washing appliance
US4315114A (en) * 1980-03-24 1982-02-09 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Keyboard switch assembly
US4510778A (en) * 1983-12-27 1985-04-16 The Maytag Company Control system for a combined appliance
US5477024A (en) * 1993-04-29 1995-12-19 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Back-lit button assembly
US5500497A (en) * 1993-12-07 1996-03-19 At&T Corp. Rubber dome/mylar switch
US5585704A (en) * 1994-01-28 1996-12-17 Elzind; Adel H. Computer means for commercial washing machines
US6326569B1 (en) * 1998-03-31 2001-12-04 Key Plastics, Inc. Control panel assembly and method of making same
US6169256B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2001-01-02 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Panel switch and method of mounting the same
US20020021562A1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-02-21 Team Light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages, in particular for an aviation equipment panel, and a strip constituted by such keys
US6558013B2 (en) * 2000-08-11 2003-05-06 Team Light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages, in particular for an aviation equipment panel, and a strip constituted by such keys
KR20040059681A (ko) * 2002-12-28 2004-07-06 엘지전자 주식회사 전자레인지의 콘트롤러 조립체
US20050145468A1 (en) * 2003-08-26 2005-07-07 Kim Jae M. Control panel assembly and method for controlling thereof

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120162075A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2012-06-28 Crucial Tec Co., Ltd. Ultra thin optical pointing device and personal portable device having the same
US20080259548A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2008-10-23 Hyo-Jin Kim Apparatus for coupling display window and buttons for clothing handler
US7787241B2 (en) * 2007-04-20 2010-08-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Apparatus for coupling display window and buttons for clothing handler
US20090057117A1 (en) * 2007-09-03 2009-03-05 Ho-Sung Jang Button for control panel assembly and clothes handling apparatus having the same
US8049124B2 (en) * 2007-09-03 2011-11-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Button for control panel assembly and clothes handling apparatus having the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007073049A1 (fr) 2007-06-28
AU2006328213A1 (en) 2007-06-28
EP1977031B1 (fr) 2018-11-14
EP1977031A1 (fr) 2008-10-08
AU2006328213B2 (en) 2010-09-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1977031B1 (fr) Lave-linge
US8616026B2 (en) Control panel assembly for laundry device and laundry device including the same
US6750407B2 (en) Control panel assembly for home appliances and method for manufacturing the same
US7135650B2 (en) Control panel assembly and method of manufacturing for the same
US7875816B2 (en) Control panel assembly for laundry device
US20050194241A1 (en) Button assembly for home appliance
US20060207121A1 (en) Laundry dryer including control panel
AU2002314591A1 (en) Control panel assembly for home appliances and method for manufacturing the same
KR20050086199A (ko) 세탁기의 컨트롤 장치
JP2016036498A (ja) 操作パネル及び洗濯機
KR20070071021A (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리
CN101346505B (zh) 洗衣设备
KR20070067432A (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리
KR101341455B1 (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리 및 이를 포함하는세탁장치
KR101276813B1 (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리 및 이를 포함하는세탁장치
KR101276812B1 (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리 및 이를 포함하는세탁장치
JP2004073706A (ja) 洗濯機等の操作表示装置
KR100432717B1 (ko) 가전기기의 콘트롤패널조립체 및 그 제조방법
KR100593634B1 (ko) 가전기기의 콘트롤패널조립체
KR100797153B1 (ko) 가전기기의 콘트롤패널조립체 및 그 제조방법
KR101265589B1 (ko) 세탁장치의 버튼 설치 구조
KR101199377B1 (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리
KR20070071022A (ko) 세탁장치의 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리
KR101053594B1 (ko) 컨트롤 패널 어셈블리 및 이를 구비한 세탁기
KR101275197B1 (ko) 콘트롤 패널의 ｐｃｂ 어셈블리

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YOON, JU HAN;LEE, DONG GEUN;REEL/FRAME:021463/0763

Effective date: 20080801

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION