EP1523022B1 - Key assembly for a control panel - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key arrangement for a control panel, in particular for domestic appliances such as washing machines, dryers, etc.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a diaphragm arrangement with such a button arrangement.

Home appliances such as washing machines and dryers are nowadays only produced by a few manufacturers and only in a few basic variants. In the market, however, these machines are in various variants and offered under different brand names. The demarcation of brands and variants from each other is done, inter alia, by the control panel. The operator panels differ from the outside in terms of design and functionality. Often, however, the control panels based on similar basic elements such as switches, buttons, etc. Only the exterior of the control panel switch and key panels are again different in design.

Almost all household machines of this type have keys on their control panel for triggering certain functions. The keys are biased elastically against their operating direction usually and are designed to operate micro-switches that are set behind the control panel. Some keys have a translucent section (light guide). The light guide is then usually behind the control panel, a light source, e.g. an LED, assigned. The condition of the respective function can be made visible via the light guide.

The keys are often not operated exactly centrally. An operation on the edge of the button can lead to tilting or even jamming. This is difficult to avoid.

Also, as different as possible button designs should be connected as possible with a uniform switching and display technology behind the control panel.

Finally, the problem of tightness is not insignificant. In the environment of household appliances such as washing machines and dryers are often carelessly handled with liquids such as detergents or water. The penetration of such liquids in the area of the keys should not cause a functional impairment.

Out DE 198 17 369 A1 is a switch assembly, in particular for household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers or the like. The switch assembly has a housing with at least one switching element located inside the housing. At least one actuator is disposed on the housing for actuation of the switching element. Next, the housing has a support member having a receptacle for the actuator. The receptacle in the support part has on the housing interior side facing an opening which is associated with the switching element. At the opening in the support part, a resilient in the direction of movement of the actuating member is mounted between the switching element and the actuating member, wherein the actuating member acts on the switching element via the elastic sealing element. The sealing element is molded onto the carrier part in the manner of a two-component part.

Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved key arrangement for a control panel or a control panel with such a key arrangement.

• wenigstens einer Taste mit einer vorderen Bedienfläche und wenigstens einem nach hinten vorstehenden Vorsprung,
• einem Tastenträger, der wenigstens eine Öffnung aufweist, durch die der Vorsprung hindurchtritt, und
• elastischen Mitteln, die an der Rückseite des Tastenträgers gelagert sind,

wobei die elastischen Mittel an dem durch die Öffnung hindurchtretenden Vorsprung angreifen und die Taste gegenüber dem Tastenträger nach vorne vorspannen, und an der Rückseite des Tastenträgers eine Leiterplatte mit wenigstens einem Schalter angeordnet ist, der mittels der Taste betätigbar ist, wobei der Schalter an der Rückseite der Leiterplatte angeordnet ist und wobei der Vorsprung der Taste einen Hebel betätigt, der den Schalter betätigt und der an dem Tastenträger gelagert ist.This object is achieved by a key arrangement for a control panel, in particular for household appliances such as washing machines, dryers, etc. with

• at least one button with a front control surface and at least one projection projecting rearward,
• a key support having at least one opening through which the projection passes, and
• elastic means which are mounted on the back of the button carrier,

wherein the resilient means engage the protrusion passing through the opening and bias the key forwardly with respect to the key support, and at the back of the key support a printed circuit board is arranged with at least one switch operable by means of the key, the switch on the back the circuit board is arranged and wherein the projection of the button actuates a lever which actuates the switch and which is mounted on the key support.

Due to the idea of providing a separate key support, it is possible to arrange the associated switch and display technology on the key support. Such a key support may also be provided for a single key. In general, however, a key support for a plurality of keys is provided.

By means of the elastic means mounted on the rear side of the button carrier, the button is generally biased forward relative to the button carrier to a basic position. As a result, it is not necessary to provide such elastic means on the control panel.

The combination of probe carrier and printed circuit board allows the entire switch and display technology to be modular yet compact. In this case, the circuit board, for example, be equipped differently depending on the functionality.

The arrangement of the switch on the back of the circuit board, the circuit board can be closely assembled with the keyhole. The lever makes it possible to operate the switch located on the back. The actuator of the switch is usually opposite to that of the key aligned.

The fact that the lever is mounted on the probe carrier, the total number of parts is reduced.

The above object is further achieved by an aperture assembly for a household appliance, which has a control panel and a key arrangement according to the invention.

The task is therefore completely solved.

It is particularly advantageous if the probe carrier is plate-shaped. As a result, the key support can be easily manufactured, for example, from a plastic material.

According to a further embodiment, the key support has a plurality of openings for supporting a plurality of keys.

It is of particular advantage if the openings have a regular distance.

As a result, the keys can be arranged on the one hand in a regular pattern. On the other hand, the regular distance can be used to arrange keys of different dimensions on the key support.

Thus, it is of particular advantage if the keys have different dimensions and if the dimensions of the keys and the position of the projections on the keys to each other are tuned that the positioning of the keys on the key support is variable.

In other words, a modular system is established via the positioning of the openings and the projections and the dimensions of the keys. This makes it possible to equip a key support with different combinations of keys.

According to a further preferred embodiment, latching projections are provided on the rear side of the key support, to which the printed circuit board is latched.

This results in a simple, uncomplicated connection between the probe carrier and circuit board.

The latching projections may also be designed for mounting the lever.

It is also advantageous if a number of openings is provided on the key support and if the printed circuit board is arranged offset from the row of openings parallel to the plane of the key support.

This makes it possible to pass the projections of the keys passing through the openings on the printed circuit board. This simplifies the overall structure, especially when switches are arranged on the back of the circuit board.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, the key support is made of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic.

This makes it possible to provide light sources such as LEDs on the circuit board. Their light then passes through the button carrier on the back of the button and thus on the light guide used.

Thus, it is of particular advantage if at least one visual display or a lighting means, in particular an LED, is arranged on the front side of the printed circuit board.

Further, it is advantageous if the elastic means are designed as a rearwardly projecting hood made of an elastic material into which engages the projection.

As a result, the restoring force can be applied directly to the projection when the key is pressed. This allows a safe, deadlock-free reset, even if the button is not operated centrally.

Of particular advantage is when the hood is closed.

This makes it possible to seal the outside with the button opposite the inside with the switch and display technology.

It is particularly advantageous if the hood is made of an elastic plastic and if the key support is made of a stiffer plastic material.

As a result, the key support forms a kind of "anchor" for the elastic hood.

It is particularly advantageous if the probe carrier and the hood are firmly bonded together.

As a result, the key support and the hood or the plurality of hoods can be made as a part. Furthermore, it is even easier to seal the outside from the inside.

It is of great advantage in this case if the key support and the elastic means are produced in a two-component injection molding process.

In this type of injection molding method, the key support and the hood can be manufactured as one part, although they are made of different plastics.

In the case of the diaphragm arrangement according to the invention, it is of great advantage if a key carrier of the key arrangement is materially connected to the rear side of the control panel.

As a result, it is possible in a simple manner to attach the button carrier to the control panel. As a result, the key and the switch and display technology are indirectly stored on the control panel.

It is particularly advantageous if an edge section of the key-holder is welded in a line-shaped manner to the rear side of the control panel.

This results in a compact design. A linear weld is easy to produce.

It is particularly advantageous in this case if the edge of the key-holder is welded completely in a line-shaped manner to the rear side of the control panel.

In this embodiment, the "outside" is completely sealed from the "inside" of the appliance.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Blendenanordnung für eine Haushaltsmaschine gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

die Blendenanordnung der Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von hinten;

Fig. 3

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Tastenanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

die Explosionsdarstellung der Fig. 3 von hinten;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht durch eine Blendenanordnung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Tastenanordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung im zusammengebauten Zustand; und

Fig. 7

unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen von erfindungsgemäßen Tastenanordnungen.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a panel assembly for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

the aperture arrangement of Fig. 1 in a view from behind;

Fig. 3

an exploded view of a button assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

the exploded view of Fig. 3 from the back;

Fig. 5

a schematic cross-sectional view through a diaphragm assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a button assembly according to the present invention in the assembled state; and

Fig. 7

different embodiments of key arrangements according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 an embodiment of the diaphragm assembly according to the invention is generally designated 10. The diaphragm assembly 10 is provided for a household appliance such as a washing machine or a tumble dryer and includes the operating and display elements for operating the household appliance or for displaying their respective state.

The diaphragm assembly 10 has an aperture 12 which is formed as a plastic plate with peripheral edge. In the Fig. 1 shown front of the panel 12 is provided with a high-quality surface to give the household machine a high quality.

Two rotary switches are provided on the right side of the bezel. For example, one of the rotary switches is configured to preselect a program of the washing machine or tumble dryer. Another rotary switch, for example, the Preselection of a certain spin speed or a certain temperature to be formed.

Furthermore, an unspecified display is provided on the aperture 12. For this purpose, a bar with light sources (such as LEDs) is mounted on the back of the panel 12.

Furthermore, the diaphragm assembly 10 includes a key arrangement incorporated in US Pat Fig. 1 generally designated 14.

The key assembly 14 includes five keys that are divided into two groups. One group contains three keys and the other group contains two keys. The two groups are spatially spaced apart. Accordingly, two differently sized cutouts for the key groups are provided in the aperture 12.

Fig. 2 shows the shutter assembly 10 in an assembled state from the back.

You can see the two rotary switches on the left side. On the right side, the button assembly 14 is attached to the back of the panel 12. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 illustrated that the different control and display elements of the diaphragm assembly 10 are connected by cabling with each other or with a higher-level control electronics and a power supply.

In the Figures 3 and 4 a further embodiment of a key arrangement according to the invention is generally designated 14.

The key arrangement 14 has a key support 20. The key support 20 is generally plate-shaped and is configured to support a plurality of keys 22.

In Fig. 3 and 4 In this embodiment, four narrow keys 22b and a wide key 22a are shown, which are mounted on the key support 20.

The keys 22 are on their in Fig. 3 to be seen front with a control surface 26. At their rear side, the keys 22 each have four pin-like projections 24. The buttons 22 are each formed approximately rectangular in plan view. The four projections 24 are provided approximately in the region of the four corners and project backwards.

In the key support 20, two rows of openings 28 are provided. The button carrier is generally elongated. A series of openings 28 are provided along an upper edge. The other row of openings 28 is provided along the lower edge.

The openings 28 are at a regular distance. The spacing of the openings 28 is selected so that two upper projections 24 of a narrow key 22b fit into two adjacent openings 28 of an opening row. Similarly, two lower projections 24 of the same key 22b fit into two adjacent openings 28 of the lower row.

The spacing of the projections 24 of the wider key 22a is chosen so that they fit into two openings 28 which are twice the distance. In other words, between the two openings 28 a further (not used) opening 28 is arranged.

It will be understood that other types of keys could have projections 24 even further apart.

The shape of the control surface 26 is largely decoupled from the arrangement of the projections of the respective keys 22. In the case shown, the operating surface 26 is shaped so that it archs approximately convexly in cross section to the outside. However, the shape of the keys could also be oval or circular. It is understood only that the shape of the key must be adapted to corresponding cutouts in an associated aperture 12. However, oval or circular keys may also have four projections 24 which fit into the openings 28 of the key support 20.

In other words, the key support 20 is universally formed. Buttons used in conjunction with this button carrier 20 need only have four projections 24 whose spacing fits into the grid of the openings 28 of the button carrier 20.

At the back of the key support 20, a circuit board 30 is arranged. The circuit board 30 is also approximately rectangular and has a height such that it is located between the two opposite rows of openings 28. In other words, the printed circuit board 30 does not cover the openings 28 from the backside.

The key assembly 14 further includes a series of key levers 32, for each key 22 an associated key lever 32nd

The key levers 32 are provided on the back side of the circuit board 30. Each key lever 32 has a central portion and two opposite lever portions. An upper lever portion is connected to the middle portion via a rotation axis 33-1. A lower lever portion is connected to the middle portion via another rotation axis 33-2.

The key levers 32 are mounted in the region of the rear side of the printed circuit board 30 such that the lever sections lie behind the openings 28 through which the projections 24 of the associated key 22 engage.

Further, the central portion is provided with return springs 34, which are supported on the back of the circuit board 30. As a result, the central portions of the key lever 32 are biased in a basic position from the back of the circuit board 30 away.

At the back of the key support 20, a plurality of hoods 36 are arranged from a resilient plastic material. Preferably, the hoods 36 are manufactured in a two-component injection molding process together with the key support 20.

The hoods 36 are closed and form a closed receptacle for the respective projections 24. The length of the projections 24 and the hoods 36 are coordinated so that the keys 22 are biased due to the elasticity of the hoods 36 generally in a basic position of the key support 20 away.

In Fig. 3 It can be seen that the keys 22 at their upper and lower ends each have a (unspecified) approach. This approach is in the installed state at the back of a panel 12. This investment position determines the rest position of the keys 22.

At the back of the key support 20, a plurality of locking projections 38 is formed. In a corresponding manner, a plurality of slots 40 are arranged in the printed circuit board 30. The position and size of the slots 40 corresponds to that of the locking projections 38.

To assemble the key support 20 and circuit board 30, the circuit board is pressed onto the key support 20 so that the locking projections 38 penetrate into the slots 40. The latching projections 38 have suitable latching means, so that the circuit board 30 is thereby latched to the key support 20.

The locking projections 38 are further adapted to support the key lever 32. More specifically, the key lever 32 unspecified detent eyes on to set the key lever 32 at the opposite the back of the circuit board 30 projecting locking projections 38. The locking projections 38 serve at the same time as bearing points for setting up the axes of rotation 33-1 and 33-2.

In Fig. 4 For reasons of clarity, not all latching projections 38 are shown. In general, however, it is preferred that the locking projections 38 parallel to the openings 28 form two rows each with uniform intervals.

This makes it possible to store on the locking projections 38 both narrow key lever 32b and wider key lever 32a.

In the case of the wide key levers 32a, a cutout is present between two bearing points in order to receive an unused locking projection 38 without contact.

At the back of the circuit board 30 microswitch 42 are arranged. The number of microswitches 42 corresponds to that of the keys 22.

The microswitches are arranged in a middle region of the printed circuit board 30, in each case between slots 40, which are associated with a key 22.

The direction of actuation of the microswitch 42 is opposite to the direction of actuation of the keys 22.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the button assembly 14 of Figures 3 and 4 installed in a state at a diaphragm 12 of a diaphragm assembly 10th

The operation of this diaphragm assembly 10 and the associated key arrangement 14 will be described below with reference to the Fig. 5 explained.

The key support 20 is fixed to the back of the aperture 12. The illustrated button 22 protrudes through an opening in the aperture 12. An upwardly and downwardly protruding approach prevents the key 22 from falling forward.

To actuate the microswitch 42, the key 22 can be pressed at any point. If the key 22 is pushed back at its upper end, as indicated by an arrow, the upper projection 24 presses against the hood 36 from the inside. As a result, the lever portion of the key lever 32 is pivoted backwards, as indicated by another arrow is shown. As a result, the central portion of the button lever 32 is pushed forward, as shown by another arrow. As a result, the micro-switch 42 is actuated. If the key 22 is operated centrally, the upper and the lower lever portion of the key lever 32 are actuated. When the lower part of the key 22 is operated, the operation of the microswitch 42 is carried out only via the lower lever portion, which is pivoted about the rotation axis 33-2.

Since the key 22 has not only two projections 24 but four projections, the operation of the key 22 in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane of the Fig. 5 take place at any point. The middle portion of the button lever 32 is in any case safely and without jamming on the micro-switch 42 moves to operate it.

The pushed back projections or projections 24 abut the bottom of the respective hood 36 made of elastic material. The Hood 36 and the hoods 36 are then deflected upon actuation of the button 22 elastic to the rear.

Once the button 22 is no longer touched, the button 22 is pushed back to the front, due to the elastic restoring force of the hoods 36th

The central portion of the button lever 32 is returned to its home position by the return springs 34, in which it does not actuate the microswitch 42. The return springs 34 are supported on the back of the circuit board 30.

In Fig. 5 is schematically shown that the axes of rotation 33-1 and 33-2 are supported by a relation to the back of the printed circuit board 30 protruding projection, which differs from the projection 38 of the button carrier 20. However, it is understood that the axes of rotation can also be mounted directly on the latching projections 38.

At the front of the circuit board 30 may be arranged for display purposes, one or more LEDs. For example, each microswitch 42 may be assigned an LED 44, which indicates its operating state.

The key support 20 is preferably made of a transparent material. The light emitted by the LED 44 thus falls on the back of the key 22. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide 20 corresponding recesses for the LED light on the key support.

The LED light falling on the back of the key 22 is shown at 46.

The button 22 has a central opening 48, in which a transparent insert 50 is clipped.

As a result, the LED light 46 is visible from the front of the button 22 through the insert 50.

Alternatively, it is possible to make the entire key 22 of a transparent material.

The material of the key support 20 may be for example ABS. The buttons 22 may also be formed without a translucent insert (or light guide) 50.

In Fig. 5 it is further shown that the key support 20 is attached to the back of the panel 12 via a line weld 60.

By this cohesive connection can be ensured on the one hand, that the key support 20 is held captive on the panel 12. On the other hand, such a line weld 60 is relatively easy to manufacture.

The line weld 60 can, as in Fig. 5 shown to be provided only in an upper region of the key support 20. For example, welding points may be provided on the underside in order to achieve a good fastening.

If a liquid such as liquid detergent or water penetrates between the button 22 and the diaphragm 12, this can not reach the rear side of the button arrangement 20. Because the hoods 36 are closed. Accordingly, the penetrating liquid can not reach via the openings 28 to the back of the key support 20 and thus not to the circuit board 30.

In order to avoid that such liquid accumulates in a cavity between the key support 20 and the key 22, the lower edge of the key support 20 can not be at least partially welded to the diaphragm 12, as it is in Fig. 5 is shown. The incoming liquid can therefore run down to the inside of the aperture 12.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the line weld 60 rotates completely to avoid that liquid passes behind the aperture 12.

In Fig. 6 is the key assembly 14 of Figures 3 and 4 shown in the assembled state.

It can be seen that the projections 24 of the keys 22b are spaced apart from one another. On the other hand, the projections 24 of the wider key 22a are spaced apart by twice the value 2a.

In Fig. 7 Furthermore, some variants of the key arrangement according to the invention are shown.

In the variant on the top right, only three particularly wide keys are provided on the key support 20.

The variant below corresponds to the arrangement of five keys in two groups of Fig. 1 , To the left is the variant of Figures 3 and 4 shown.

The lower illustrations of the Fig. 7 show different forms of keys, for example with a circular projection or keys (on the right side), which are preferably operated at its lower end.

In general, the key support 20 is designed to accommodate a maximum of six keys, each with a width of about 17 mm.

Claims (18)

1. Button arrangement (14) for a control panel (12), in particular for household appliances such as washing machines, dryers, etc., comprising

   - at least one button (22) having a front control surface (26) and at least one projection (24) projecting to the rear,

   - a button support (20) having at least one opening (28), which is penetrated by the projection (24), and

   - elastic means (36) which are arranged at the rear side of the button support (20),

   wherein the elastic means (36) are connected to the projection (24), which penetrates the opening (28), and are pre-stressing the button (22) to the front in relation to the button support (20), and wherein at the rear side of the button support (20) a printed circuit board (30) with at least one key (42) is arranged, which can be actuated via the button (22),
   characterized in that
   the key (42) is arranged at the rear side of the printed circuit board (30) and that the projection (24) of the button (22) acts on a lever (32), which acts on the key (42) and which is arranged at the button support (20).
2. Button arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the button support (20) is plate-like.
3. Button arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the button support (20) comprises a plurality of openings (28) for supporting a plurality of buttons (22).
4. Button arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the openings (28) have a regular distance.
5. Button arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the buttons (22) have different dimensions and wherein the dimensions of the buttons (22) and the position of the projections (24) at the buttons (22) are coordinated in such a manner that the positioning of the buttons at the button support (20) is variable.
6. Button arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein notch projections (38) are provided at the rear side of the button support (20), which are latched onto the printed circuit board (30).
7. Button arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a row of openings (28) is provided at the button support (20) and wherein the printed circuit board (30) is arranged in a shifted manner in comparison to the row of openings (28) in the plane of the button support (20).
8. Button arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the button support (20) is made of a transparent material.
9. Button arrangement according to claim 1 and 8, wherein a display (44), in particular an LED (44), is provided at the front side of the printed circuit board (30).
10. Button arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elastic means are embodied as a rearward projecting hood (36) of an elastic material, into which the projection (24) reaches.
11. Button arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the hood (36) is closed.
12. Button arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the hood (36) is made of an elastic plastic material and wherein the button support (20) is made of a firmer plastic material.
13. Button arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the button support (20) and the hood (36) are connected to one another by material engagement.
14. Button arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the button support (20) and the elastic means (36) are made by a two component injection molding process.
15. Panel arrangement (10) for a household appliance having a control panel (12) and a button arrangement (14) according to any of claims 1 to 14.
16. Panel arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the button support (20) and the button arrangement (14) are connected to the rear side of the control panel (12) by material engagement.
17. Panel arrangement according to claim 16, wherein a peripheral section of the button support (20) is linearly welded with the rear side of the control panel (12).
18. Panel arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the periphery of the button support (20) is linearly welded with the rear side of the control panel (12) along the full periphery.

Images