WO2016101971A1 - Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager - Google Patents

Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016101971A1
WO2016101971A1 PCT/EP2014/078980 EP2014078980W WO2016101971A1 WO 2016101971 A1 WO2016101971 A1 WO 2016101971A1 EP 2014078980 W EP2014078980 W EP 2014078980W WO 2016101971 A1 WO2016101971 A1 WO 2016101971A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
separator
panel assembly
control panel
button
touch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/078980
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Salih YILDIRIM
Sema KARACA
Selahattin CORAK
Sevim USTUNER VARDAR
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
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
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to PCT/EP2014/078980 priority Critical patent/WO2016101971A1/fr
Priority to EP14827763.5A priority patent/EP3237668A1/fr
Publication of WO2016101971A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016101971A1/fr

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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
    • D06F34/34—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by mounting or attachment features, e.g. detachable control panels or detachable display panels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control panel assembly involving a liquid insulation arrangement to protect an electronic control card of an electrical household appliance.
  • the household appliances such as laundry washing, drying or washing/drying machines usually accommodate a control panel on the upper front face thereof designed to be facing the user, thereby allowing ease of access.
  • the control panel assembly typically comprises a main body and a plurality of buttons and/or knobs assigned to perform different functions in association with the electrical household appliance.
  • the buttons may be provided to operate tactile switches in the form of on/off electronic switches, operable when a given button is pressed. Therefore the user presses a button and the corresponding function on the control panel assembly of the appliance is executed.
  • buttons of the control panel assembly are typically installed into button recesses of a button bearing portion so as to communicate with an electronic control card of the household appliance.
  • these button recesses increase the risk of water leakage to the electronic control card positioned behind the control panel assembly so that liquid leakage and damage to the electronic control card as well as more dangerous situations such as fire must be avoided.
  • the electronic control card can be disposed behind a protective foil covering the same and preventing liquids to reach the electronic components of the control card.
  • a separate housing can be used to enclose the electronic control card so as to protect the electronic components.
  • a prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention may be referred to as CN203065828, which discloses a control panel and a washing machine.
  • the control panel comprises a panel main body and keys.
  • the panel main body is provided with mounting holes; the keys are inserted into the mounting holes.
  • Water retaining rings are arranged on the reverse side of the panel main body; the mounting holes are surrounded by the water retaining rings.
  • the keys are provided with ring-shaped water retaining slots; the outer rings of the keys are surrounded by the ring-shaped water retaining slots and the water retaining rings are inserted into the ring-shaped water retaining slots.
  • the water retaining rings are arranged on the panel main body, the ring-shaped water retaining slots are formed in the corresponding keys and the water retaining rings are inserted into the ring-shaped water retaining slots, so that after penetrating from gaps between the mounting holes and the keys, water is stopped from flowing into an electric control board in the washing machine along the keys by the ring-shaped water retaining slots.
  • the water in the ring-shaped water retaining slots can flow to the reverse side of the panel main body along the water retaining rings and be drained.
  • the present invention provides a household appliance control panel assembly with an electronic control card which is effectively protected against water intrusion as provided by the characterizing features defined in Claim 1 and subsequent Clams.
  • Primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved protection for the electronic control card of an electrical household appliance against liquid intrusion.
  • the present invention relates to an electrical household appliance with a control panel assembly.
  • the assembly has a panel body and a separator, the latter being placed between the electronic control card and the panel body so as to function as a button carrier without allowing liquid leakage to the electronic control card through openings between and around a plurality of touch buttons.
  • Button recesses of the separator receive the touch buttons to allow mechanical interaction between the buttons and tactile switches of the electronic control card.
  • each touch button press on the tactile switches via resilient engagement portions connected with the separator so that the tactile switches are protected against damaging impacts when the respective button is pressed.
  • each touch button is provided with upper and lower flexible arms extending to lean on the separator surface to provide a smooth pressing effect also protecting the tactile switches.
  • At least two latching members of the touch button interengage with enclosure plates of a supporting enclosure of the separator forming the button recess.
  • the upper and lower enclosure plates of the supporting enclosure are designed such that, they extend to direct liquid flow away from the electronic control card. More specifically, the upper enclosure plate prevent liquid leaked from the gap between a touch button and the neighboring upper panel body portion to reach the control card due to its orientation with respect to the horizontal axis.
  • a beam collector is mounted on the separator behind the panel body while a plurality of light channels thereof serve for guiding light beams from lights sources of the electronic control card.
  • Figure 1 demonstrates a general perspective view of a control panel assembly in an unassembled manner according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 demonstrates a front view of the control panel assembly according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 demonstrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2 according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4a demonstrates an enlarged view of detail X of Fig. 3 and Figure 4b demonstrates an enlarged view of detail Y of Fig. 3 according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 demonstrates a perspective view of a beam collector according to the present invention.
  • Figure 6a demonstrates a general perspective view of a first side of a separator according to the present invention.
  • Figure 6b demonstrates a general perspective view of the second side of the separator according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 demonstrates an enlarged view of detail X of Fig. 3 where the control panel assembly’s inclined configuration as mounted is seen.
  • Figure 8a and Figure 8b respectively demonstrates a front and a rear view of touch buttons according to the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to a control panel assembly (1) for an electrical household appliance
  • the control panel assembly (1) comprises a panel body (2) attached to an electronic control card (3) by means of a separator (4) on the inner side of the assembly.
  • the separator (4) mounted directly in front of the electronic control card (3) provides protection to ensure impermeability against liquid passage and associated electronic card damages.
  • the separator (4) is positioned behind the panel body (2) of the control panel assembly (1) while a beam collector (5) with a plurality of light channels (17) is disposed between the panel body (2) and the separator (4).
  • the present invention provides a control panel assembly (1) for an electrical household appliance for instance a laundry washing machine, drying machine, washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, comprises an electronic control card (3) attached on the inner side of the panel body (2), the separator (4) performing such that the user operates the control panel assembly (1) by way of pressing touch buttons (6) installed so as to communicate with the electronic control card (3) in a preserved manner, i.e. without allowing liquid flow into the control card.
  • the beam collector (5) is positioned in front of the separator (4) to guide light beams through light channels (17) so that the specific areas on the control panel body (2) are illuminated.
  • the touch buttons (6) when pressed, transfer the applied force to tactile switches (9) of the electronic control card (3), upon which the function chosen by the user is executed.
  • the present invention overcomes the problem of liquid leakage through the intermediate spaces in between and around the touch buttons (6) to the electronic control card (3) by way of placing a separator (4) in front of the card, the separator (4) comprises an improved structural design with button recesses (10) receiving and mechanically communicating with the touch buttons (6) without creating water flowing paths in the direction of the electronic control card (3).
  • the separator (4) is positioned in front of the electronic control card (3) to be functioning as a physical separator, light carrier and liquid leakage barrier preventing liquids reaching to the circuit elements of the electronic control card (3) as will be delineated hereinafter.
  • the separator (4) is made of a non-transparent material, it additionally acts so as to intercept light beams from different parts of the electronic control card (3) and prevent them to be reflected at the inner regions of the control panel assembly (1).
  • the separator (4) when the user presses a button dedicated to execute a specific function of the household appliance, an indication in the form of an illuminated portion appears proximate the pressed button.
  • the light beams are directed from the light source (11) on the electronic control card (3) to the panel body (2) through the beam collector (5) to provide an indicator of the specified function to the user.
  • the beam collector (5) mounted on the separator (4) therefore ensures propagation of the light beams homogenously through lights channels (17) without reflections along other portions of the surface area of the electronic control card (3) until the light beam reaches to the outer wall of panel body (2).
  • connection extensions (8) which are tubular elongated body portions integral with the touch buttons (6), into the button recesses (10) of the separator (4).
  • the connection extensions (8) lean on engagement portions (7) providing the mechanical interaction between the electronic control card (3) and the touch buttons (6) by means of the connection extensions (8), pressing on the engagement portions (7) and the latter in turn applying an operating force to the tactile switches (9). Therefore, the engagement portions (7) of the separator (4) press on the respective tactile switches (9) of the electronic control card (3).
  • the installation of the touch buttons (6) into the separator (4) is ensured by the engagement of the latching members (14) of the touch button (6) with a supporting enclosure (16) of the separator (4) so as to have a mutually interengaged connection.
  • the latching members (14) are positioned within the inner region of the touch buttons (6) to be oppositely extending neighboring the outer surfaces of the supporting enclosure (16), in contact with upper and lower enclosure plates (19) thereof.
  • the mating relationship of the respective parts, i.e. the latching members (14) and the supporting enclosure (16) serve for providing a leakage barrier preventing liquid flow to the electronic control card (3).
  • the upper and lower parts of the supporting enclosure (16) in the form of opposite enclosure plates (19) as seen as arm portions in the cross-section of Fig. 7, slightly moving away from each other starting from the planar body portion of the separator (4) to form a larger outer opening ensures that liquids leaking through the small opening between a given touch button (6) and the panel body (2) portion above the button will be trapped by the upper enclosure plate (19) as seen in Fig. 7, because the latter extending in an inclined manner with respect to the horizontal axis prevents liquid flow in the reverse direction, i.e. in the direction of the outer portion of the touch button (6), which would otherwise allow liquids to reach the region around the connection extension (8) and subsequently the engagement portion (7) and the respective tactile switch (9).
  • each touch button (6) comprises positioning extensions (15) ensuring appropriate positioning relative to a supporting enclosure (16).
  • connection extension (8) positioned centrally within the inner region of the touch button (6) is responsible for imparting a triggering movement to interact with the respective tactile switch (9) of the electronic control card (3).
  • the beam collector (5) is connected to the separator (4) to guide the light from the light source (11) on the electronic control card (3) towards a limited surface area on the wall of the panel body (2), illuminating the buttons being pressed as an indication of the chosen function for the user.
  • the beam collector (5) is mounted on the separator (4) such that the light channels (17) fit into the apertures (18) of the separator (4), extending outwardly towards the panel body (2) and directing the light beam homogenously to the surface area of the front wall of the panel body (2).
  • neighboring light channels (17) are preferably separated from each other by an additional antireflection plate (12) to prevent light leakage. This is advantageous as an additional measure because it might happen that light from the light sources (11) leaks out through a small gap where the light channels (17) enclose the light sources (11).
  • the present invention provides an electrical household appliance comprising a control panel assembly (1).
  • the control panel assembly (1) comprises a panel body (2) provided with a plurality of touch buttons (6) to effect control of the electrical household appliance, the touch buttons (6) being pressed to interact with an electronic control card (3).
  • a separator (4) is interposed between the electronic control card (3) and the panel body (2).
  • the separator (4) comprises button recesses (10) receiving the touch buttons (6) and the touch buttons (6) mechanically interacting with the electronic control card (3) by means of tactile switches (9) on the electronic control card (3).
  • the touch button (6) comprises an inner connection extension (8) extending in the direction of an engagement portion (7) that is resiliently connected with the separator (4).
  • connection extension (8) is in the form of an elongate body portion mechanically interacting with the tactile switch (9) by way of the engagement portion (7) resiliently pressing on the tactile switch (9).
  • the touch button (6) comprises flexible arms (13) extending out on upper and lower parts of the touch button (6) and resiliently leaning on the wall of the separator (4).
  • the touch button (6) mechanically communicate with the button recess (10) such that at least two latching members (14) of the touch button (6) interengage with a supporting enclosure (16) of the button recess (10) so as to have a mutually interengaged connection.
  • the supporting enclosure (16) of the button recess (10) is in the form of a rectangular cross-section body portion.
  • the supporting enclosure (16) has an upper and a lower part in the form of opposite enclosure plates (19) moving away from each other starting from the wall of the separator (4).
  • the latching members (14) are positioned within the inner region of the touch button (6) so as to be positioned in contact with the enclosure plates (19) in engaging relationship therewith.
  • each touch button (6) fully encloses a respective supporting enclosure (16) such that the gap between two neighboring touch buttons (6) opens to the separator (4) wall between two neighboring supporting enclosures (16).
  • a beam collector (5) is fitted to the separator (4) between the panel body (2) and the separator (4).
  • the beam collector (5) comprises a plurality of light channels (17) to guide light beams from lights sources (11) on the electronic control card (3).
  • neighboring light channels (17) are separated from each other by an antireflection plate (12) extending out from the separator (4).
  • the separator (4) is made from a non-transparent material.
  • the electrical household appliance is a laundry washing machine, drying machine, washing/drying machine or a dishwasher.
  • the present invention therefore provides a separator (4) functioning as a button carrier without allowing liquid leakage to the electronic control card (3) through openings between and around a plurality of touch buttons (6).
  • the touch buttons (6) press on the tactile switches (9) via resilient engagement portions (7) connected with the separator (4) so that the tactile switches (9) are protected against damaging impacts when the respective button is pressed.
  • each touch button (6) is provided with upper and lower flexible arms (13) to provide a smooth pressing effect also protecting the tactile switches (9).
  • the upper and lower enclosure plates (19) of the supporting enclosure (16) are designed such that, they extend to direct liquid flow away from the electronic control card (3). More specifically, the upper enclosure plate (19) prevent liquid leaked from the gap between a touch button (6) and the neighboring upper panel body (2) portion to reach the control card due to its orientation with respect to the horizontal axis.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble panneau de commande (1) comprenant un système d'isolation vis-à-vis des liquides pour protéger une carte de commande électronique (3) d'un appareil électroménager. La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un appareil électroménager, comprenant un ensemble panneau de commande (1), l'ensemble comprenant un corps de panneau (2) pourvu d'une pluralité de boutons tactiles (6) pour commander l'appareil électroménager, une pression exercée sur les boutons tactiles (13) permettant à ces derniers d'interagir avec une carte de commande électronique (6).
PCT/EP2014/078980 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager WO2016101971A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/078980 WO2016101971A1 (fr) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager
EP14827763.5A EP3237668A1 (fr) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/078980 WO2016101971A1 (fr) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016101971A1 true WO2016101971A1 (fr) 2016-06-30

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2014/078980 WO2016101971A1 (fr) 2014-12-22 2014-12-22 Ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau pour un appareil électroménager

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3237668A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016101971A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018065202A1 (fr) 2016-10-07 2018-04-12 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil électroménager doté d'un ensemble tableau de commande
WO2018083067A1 (fr) * 2016-11-07 2018-05-11 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil électroménager comprenant un ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau
CN110331559A (zh) * 2019-06-28 2019-10-15 无锡小天鹅电器有限公司 显示装置及衣物处理装置、加工模具
CN110438742A (zh) * 2018-05-04 2019-11-12 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机主控板

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2256969A (en) * 1991-05-24 1992-12-23 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Waterproof push button switches.
EP1176619A2 (fr) * 2000-07-27 2002-01-30 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Gmbh Unité de commande électronique
WO2013098389A1 (fr) * 2011-12-30 2013-07-04 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil électroménager
WO2013105494A1 (fr) * 2012-01-13 2013-07-18 パナソニック株式会社 Lave-linge

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2256969A (en) * 1991-05-24 1992-12-23 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Waterproof push button switches.
EP1176619A2 (fr) * 2000-07-27 2002-01-30 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Gmbh Unité de commande électronique
WO2013098389A1 (fr) * 2011-12-30 2013-07-04 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil électroménager
WO2013105494A1 (fr) * 2012-01-13 2013-07-18 パナソニック株式会社 Lave-linge

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018065202A1 (fr) 2016-10-07 2018-04-12 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil électroménager doté d'un ensemble tableau de commande
WO2018083067A1 (fr) * 2016-11-07 2018-05-11 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Appareil électroménager comprenant un ensemble panneau de commande étanche à l'eau
CN110438742A (zh) * 2018-05-04 2019-11-12 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机主控板
CN110438742B (zh) * 2018-05-04 2021-10-29 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 一种洗衣机主控板
CN110331559A (zh) * 2019-06-28 2019-10-15 无锡小天鹅电器有限公司 显示装置及衣物处理装置、加工模具

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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