WO2017005306A1

WO2017005306A1 - Improved control panel assembly for electrical household appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2017005306A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/065495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Salih YILDIRIM; Sema KARACA
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2015-07-07
Filing date: 2015-07-07
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2018-01-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control panel assembly for an electrical household appliance involving a liquid insulation arrangement to protect an electronic control card of the appliance. More particularly, a household appliance is proposed, comprising a control panel body (1) and a plurality of buttons to effect control of the household appliance, the buttons being pressed to interact with an electronic control card (5). The household appliance further comprises a separator (8) protecting the electronic control card (5) against liquid leakage.

Description

IMPROVED CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRICAL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

The present invention relates to a control panel assembly for an electrical household appliance involving a liquid insulation arrangement to protect an electronic control card of the appliance.

Electrical household appliances having different structural forms, such as laundry washing machines, drying machines 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 of the household appliance typically comprises a main body and a plurality of buttons and/or knobs assigned to perform different functions. The buttons, operable when pressed by the user, may be provided to operate tactile switches in the form of on/off electronic switches. So, when the user presses a button, the corresponding function on the control panel assembly of the appliance is executed.

The buttons on the control panel are typically installed into button recesses of a button carrying portion so as to communicate with the electronic control card of the household appliance. However, these button recesses increase the risk of water leakage to the electronic control card positioned behind the control panel due to the intermediate openings on the control panel body. Therefore, liquid leakage and damage to the electronic control card as well as more dangerous situations such as fire is needed to be avoided.

To address the above mentioned risks, the electronic control card can be disposed behind a protective foil covering the same and preventing liquids to reach the electronic components of the card. Or alternatively, a separate housing can be designed to enclose the electronic control card so as to protect its electronic components. A prominent disadvantage in this approach lies in that additional costs are unavoidable and basically more complicated manufacturing and mounting schemes are needed, which are also likely to lead to further quality-related issues.

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 involving a single unit separator provides a barrier against liquid leakage to the electronic control card and also functions as a light barrier preventing light beams from reaching to the neighboring parts of the panel body. The separator, involving no additional light carrier is lighter and the structure thereof allows the production with a cheaper material reducing the overall cost.

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 Claims.

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 proposes an electrical household appliance with a control panel body having a plurality of buttons. A separator is placed between an inner-side electronic control card and the control panel body as a solid barrier preventing liquid passage other than through button recess blocks respectively receiving connection extensions of control buttons.

Each button recess block has a central recess receiving a connection extension and a frame portion around the central recess. Likewise, each button has a body dimensioned to peripherally fully enclose the frame portion of the respective button recess block so that no fluid leakage is allowed into the electronic control card as no passage other than through the central recesses is provided. Liquids spilling over the buttons or around the same can only reach the inner closed surface of the separator as the central recesses are first enclosed by the frame portion of the respective button recess block and then by the body of the button itself.

Accordingly, the separator is provided with closed-end inner spaces defined between two neighboring button recess blocks such that intermediate gaps between neighboring buttons leads to these closed-end inner spaces through where no further flow into the electronic control card is possible.

The buttons are structured as first type and second type buttons, all having inner connection extensions as linear tubular portions extending into the central recesses. The second type buttons press tactile switches indirectly by means of an impact imparting means of the separator.

Accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying a household appliance control panel, whose advantages over prior art were outlined above and will be explained in brief hereinafter.

The drawings are not meant to delimit the scope of protection as identified in the claims nor should they be referred to alone in an effort to interpret the scope identified in the claims without recourse to the technical disclosure in the description of the present invention.

Figure 1 demonstrates a front view of a control panel according to the present invention.

Figure 2a demonstrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 according to the present invention.

Figure 2b demonstrates an enlarged view of detail X of Figure 2a and Figure 2c demonstrates an enlarged view of detail Y of Figure 2a according to the present invention.

Figure 3a demonstrates a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 1 according to the present invention.

Figure 3b demonstrates an enlarged view of detail W of Fig. 3a according to the present invention.

Figure 4a demonstrates a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. 1 according to the present invention.

Figure 4b demonstrates a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 1 according to the present invention.

Figure 5 demonstrates a perspective view of the control panel components in an unassembled manner according to the present invention.

Figure 6 demonstrates a rear side perspective view of the control panel components in an unassembled manner according to the present invention.

Control panel body
Panel screen
First type button
Second type button
Electronic control card
Light channel
Support element
Separator
Tactile switch
Light source
Intermediate gap
Centering element
Connection extension
Connection extension tab
Support element extension
Button recess arm
Impact imparting means
Button recess block
Fixation means
Antireflection housing
Flexible arms
Button recess extension
Closed-end inner space
Central recess
Frame portion

The present invention relates to a control panel body (1) for an electrical household appliance, the control panel body (1) having a panel screen (2), a plurality of buttons (3, 4) on the outside surface attached to the control panel body (1), an electronic control card (5) and a separator (8) on the inner side of the body. The separator (8) mounted directly in front of the electronic control card (5) provides protection to ensure impermeability against liquid passage and associated electronic card damages. The separator (8) is positioned behind the control panel body (1) with a plurality of button recess blocks (18) and at least one antireflection housing (20) preventing light leakage from the inside of the control panel body (1).

The present invention provides a control panel body (1) for a household appliance such as a laundry washing machine, drying machine, washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, and an electronic control card (5) attached on the inner side of the control panel body (1). Said separator (8) performing such that the user operates the household appliance by way of pressing touch buttons (first type button (3), second type button (4)) installed so as to communicate with the electronic control card (5) in a preserved manner, i.e. without allowing liquid flow into the control card.

The antireflection housing (20) is positioned on the separator (8) to guide light beams through a light channel (6) so that only specific areas on the control panel body (1) are illuminated. The light leakage is prevented by employing the antireflection housing (20) on the separator (8) so that the light beams originated from the light source (10) only pass through the specific light guide as restricted by the antireflection housing (20).

Touch buttons extending outwardly from the front surface of the control panel body (1) in a neighboring manner are separated by intermediate gaps (11) in between, which ensures that leaked fluids are prevented from reaching to the inner components of the household appliance as explained hereinafter.

The present invention overcomes the problem of liquid leakage through the intermediate gaps (11) in between and around the touch buttons (3, 4) by way of placing a separator (8) in front of the card, the separator (8) having an improved structure with button recess blocks (18) receiving and mechanically communicating with the touch buttons without creating water flowing paths in the direction of the electronic control card (5). This is accomplished such that the intermediate gap (11) between each of the neighboring touch buttons leads to a closed-end inner space (23) defined between two neighboring button recess blocks (18) from where no direct flow path to the proximity of the electronic control card (5) is provided.

The separator (8) is positioned in front of the electronic control card (5) 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 (5) as will be delineated hereinafter.

First type buttons (3) are secured by placing connection extensions (13) in the form of elongated tubular body portions integral therewith into the button recess blocks (18) of the separator (8), whereby installation of the first type buttons (3) is ensured. The connection extensions (13) have connection extension tabs (14), in the mounted state thereof, leaning on the button recess arms (16) -integral with the button recess blocks (18)- in an interengaged manner and thereby preventing reverse movement of the first type buttons (3) out from inside the button recess blocks (18). The mechanical interaction between the electronic control card (5) and the first type buttons (3) is provided by means of the connection extensions (13), pressing on tactile switches (9).

At least one second type button (4) according to the present invention communicates with an impact imparting means (17) of the separator (8). The impact imparting means (17) is an elongate plate-like structure integral to the rear side of the separator (8) so as to facilitate a mechanical communication between the second type button (4) and a given tactile switch (9) so that the mechanical impact by the button can be transferred to the electronic control card (5) independent from the point of contact of the connection extension (13) of the button (4) with the impact imparting means (17). In other words, whether the impact by the connection extension (13) will be applied on the center or on the sides of the impact imparting means (17) away from the center thereof does not change the activation effect on the electronic control card (5) because the impact imparting means (17), when pushed inwards by the connection extension (13), unavoidably presses on the respective tactile switch (9), thereby ensuring activation of the tactile switch (9) irrespective of its exact location, which might change in the case of different electronic control cards (5) depending on specific household appliance models. In sum, when the user presses a touch button corresponding to a specific function on the control panel body (1), the respective tactile switch (9) on the electronic control card (5) is pressed either directly by the connection extension (13) as in the case of first type buttons (3) or by the impact imparting means (17) in the case of second type buttons (4).

The second type of touch button (second type button (4)) is interconnected with a button recess extension (22) within the respective button recess block (18) in the manner that when a connection extension tab (14) of the connection extension (13) mechanically engages with the button recess extension (22) in the mounted position of the second type button (4), the button is prevented from moving out from the button recess block (18). The button recess extension (22) is a substantially planar element extending parallel to the surface of the control panel body (1).

The first and second type buttons (3, 4) have a pair of flexible arms (21) along inner edges thereof in the direction of the electronic control card (5) and serving for flexibly contacting the separator (8) body so as to provide stretching support when a given button is pushed, resiliently moving towards the electronic control card (5) and protecting the tactile switches (9) by restricting the amount of force applied on the same.

The electronic control card (5) is additionally protected by a support element (7) which is disposed behind the control card. A plurality of support element extensions (15) structured to have semi-circular cross-sections support the electronic control card (5) and preserve its planar form by preventing bending thereof as a result of the mechanical impact by the connection extensions (13) or the impact imparting means (17).

A plurality of fixation means (19) are provided on the separator (8), leaning on the electronic control card (5) in the mounted state of the separator (8) under the control panel body (1). Further, a plurality of centering elements (12) serving to the purpose of relative positioning of the buttons with respect to the button recess blocks (18) are provided.

In summary, the present invention proposes a household appliance comprising a control panel body (1) and a plurality of buttons to effect control of the household appliance. The buttons being pressed to interact with an electronic control card (5), the household appliance further comprising a separator (8) protecting the electronic control card (5) against liquid leakage.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator (8) is interposed between the electronic control card (5) and the control panel body (1) as a physical barrier thereinbetween, the separator (8) being provided with button recess blocks (18) receiving and mechanically communicating with the buttons, each button recess block (18) having a central recess (24) communicating with a button and a frame portion (25) surrounding the central recess (24) such that the frame portion (25) is peripherally fully enclosed by the body of the button in operational state.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the separator (8) is provided with closed-end inner spaces (23) defined between two neighboring button recess blocks (18) such that an intermediate gap (11) between two neighboring buttons leads to a respective closed-end inner space (23) between two neighboring button recess blocks (18).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the control panel body (1) has buttons in the form of first type buttons (3) and second type buttons (4), the first type and second type buttons (3, 4) comprising inner connection extensions (13) in the form of elongated body portions and extending in the direction of the electronic control card (5) through the button recess blocks (18).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control card (5) comprises a plurality of tactile switches (9) either pressed directly by the connection extension (13) of the first type buttons (3) or indirectly by the second type buttons (4).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the tactile switch (9) is pressed by a connection extension (13) of a second type button (4) by way of communicating with an impact imparting means (17) of the separator (8).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the impact imparting means (17) is an elongate structure joined to the rear side of the separator (8) at one longitudinal side thereof, thereby being flexibly movable in the direction of the respective tactile switch (9).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first type and second type buttons (3, 4) comprise a pair of flexible arms (21) along inner edges thereof in the direction of the electronic control card (5) and serving for flexibly contacting the separator (8) body so as to be leaning on the wall of the same.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first type buttons (3) mechanically communicate with the button recess blocks (18) in an interengaged manner such that a connection extension tab (14) of the connection extension (13) leans on a button recess arm (16) of the button recess block (18) in the mounted state of the first type buttons (3).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the second type buttons (4) mechanically communicate with the button recess blocks (18) in an interengaged manner such that that a connection extension tab (14) of the connection extension (13) leans on a button recess extension (22) of the button recess block (18) in the mounted position of the second type buttons (4).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a support element (7) disposed behind the electronic control card (5) is provided with a plurality support element extensions (15) structured as ridge-formed extensions to support the electronic control card (5), preserve its planar form and prevent bending thereof.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one antireflection housing (20) is provided on the separator (8) to guide light beams originated from a light source (10) of the electronic control card (5).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, light beams are carried by a light channel (6) extending from the immediate vicinity of the light source (10) to the surface of the electronic control card (5).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fixation means (19) are provided on the separator (8), leaning on the electronic control card (5) in the mounted state thereof under the control panel body (1).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the separator (8) is made from a non-transparent material.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance is a laundry washing machine, drying machine, washing/drying machine or a dishwasher.

The present invention involving a single unit separator (8) provides a barrier against liquid leakage to the electronic control card (5) by effectively directing spilled liquids to inner areas of the separator (8) where no direct path to the electronic control card (5) is available.

The separator (8) also functions as a light barrier preventing light beams from reaching to the neighboring parts of the panel body. The separator (8), involving no additional light carrier is lighter and the structure thereof allows the production with a cheaper material reducing the overall cost.

Claims

A household appliance comprising a control panel body (1) and a plurality of buttons to effect control of the electrical household appliance, the buttons being pressed to interact with an electronic control card (5), the electrical household appliance further comprising a separator (8) protecting the electronic control card (5) against liquid leakage, characterized in that

the separator (8) is interposed between the electronic control card (5) and the control panel body (1) as a physical barrier thereinbetween, the separator (8) being provided with button recess blocks (18) receiving and mechanically communicating with the buttons, each button recess block (18) having a central recess (24) communicating with a button and a frame portion (25) surrounding the central recess (24) such that the frame portion (25) is peripherally fully enclosed by the body of the button in operational state.
A household appliance as in Claim 1, characterized in that the separator (8) is provided with closed-end inner spaces (23) defined between two neighboring button recess blocks (18) such that an intermediate gap (11) between two neighboring buttons leads to a respective closed-end inner space (23) between two neighboring button recess blocks (18).
A household appliance as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control panel body (1) has buttons in the form of first type buttons (3) and second type buttons (4), the first type and second type buttons (3, 4) comprising inner connection extensions (13) in the form of elongated body portions and extending in the direction of the electronic control card (5) through the button recess blocks (18).
A household appliance as in Claim 3, characterized in that the electronic control card (5) comprises a plurality of tactile switches (9) either pressed directly by the connection extension (13) of the first type buttons (3) or indirectly by the second type buttons (4).
A household appliance as in Claim 4, characterized in that the tactile switch (9) is pressed by a connection extension (13) of a second type button (4) by way of communicating with an impact imparting means (17) of the separator (8).
A household appliance as in Claim 5, characterized in that the impact imparting means (17) is an elongate structure joined to the rear side of the separator (8) at one longitudinal side thereof.
A household appliance as in Claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the first type and second type buttons (3, 4) comprise a pair of flexible arms (21) along inner edges thereof in the direction of the electronic control card (5) and serving for flexibly contacting the separator (8) body so as to be leaning on the wall of the same.
A household appliance as in Claim 3, characterized in that the first type buttons (3) mechanically communicate with the button recess blocks (18) in an interengaged manner such that a connection extension tab (14) of the connection extension (13) leans on a button recess arm (16) of the button recess block (18) in the mounted state of the first type buttons (3).
A household appliance as in Claim 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the second type buttons (4) mechanically communicate with the button recess blocks (18) in an interengaged manner such that that a connection extension tab (14) of the connection extension (13) leans on a button recess extension (22) of the button recess block (18) in the mounted position of the second type buttons (4).
A household appliance as in any preceding Claims, characterized in that a support element (7) disposed behind the electronic control card (5) is provided with a plurality support element extensions (15) structured as ridge-formed extensions to support the electronic control card (5), preserve its planar form and prevent bending thereof.
A household appliance as in any preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one antireflection housing (20) is provided on the separator (8) to guide light beams originated from a light source (10) of the electronic control card (5).
A household appliance as in Claim 11, characterized in that light beams are carried by a light channel (6) extending from the immediate vicinity of the light source (10) to the surface of the electronic control card (5).
A household appliance as in any preceding Claims, characterized in that a plurality of fixation means (19) are provided on the separator (8), leaning on the electronic control card (5) in the mounted state thereof under the control panel body (1).
A household appliance as in any preceding Claims, characterized in that the separator (8) is made from a non-transparent material.
A household appliance as in any preceding Claims, characterized in that the electrical household appliance is a laundry washing machine, drying machine, washing/drying machine or a dishwasher.