Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention generally relates to laundry treatment devices, such as front/top
loading washing machines, washers/dryers, dryers, both for domestic and professional
use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a laundry treatment device
including a control-panel assembly.
Background of the invention
[0002] It is known that the aesthetical appearance of laundry treatment devices is important
and represents a characteristic that might determine the appliance's choice by the
user. Generally, laundry treatment devices include a casing defining a front wall.
Front walls formed as a single integral piece, without any visible seam, so as to
appear as a continuous uniform external surface, are increasingly popular and appreciated
by the users.
[0003] In these front walls (see, for example,
EP 2 140 058 B1) also called "full front", an aperture for the loading/unloading of the laundry treatment
device is generally formed, which can be preferably opened/closed by a suitable door,
as well as an additional aperture, to which a control panel is associated. As known,
the control panel of a laundry treatment device typically is connected to an inner
printed circuit board (or PCB) that is electrically connected to electronic components
and control members, as well as a power supply, associated therewith for implementing
corresponding control functionalities, e.g. powering, driving, activation, deactivation
of operative loads including electric, electronic, electro-mechanical and/or electro-hydraulic
parts of the appliance (such as motor, solenoid valve, further PCBs and the like).
[0004] The control panel is operated by the user by means of an outer dashboard, which also
represents the external visible surface of the assembly, positioned at the front wall.
On the dashboard, displays, knobs, touch screens and/or any other input devices are
formed in order to control the operative status of the appliance and/or for example
select the appropriate programs or cycles and the parameters thereof. In addition,
openings are present to visualize light coming from light sources present in the PCB.
[0005] Therefore there should be a spatial correspondence between the push-buttons, knobs,
apertures for light, seats, etc. present in the dashboard and buttons, switches, warning
lights and/or alphanumeric displays all located on a face of the printed circuit board.
[0006] In the mounting of the control panel assembly, therefore, a good alignment between
the various control panel assembly components and between the control panel assembly
and the casing of the appliance where the control panel is attached is required in
order to achieve a good functioning of the appliance itself.
[0007] However, it is known that dryers and/or washing machines are subject to vibrations,
for example in a washing or drying machine in particular due to the rotation of the
drum which can revolve at a rather high speed. Therefore, the required alignment could
be lost during operation, e.g. after many washing and/or drying cycles.
[0008] In addition, an unpleasant noise due to the rattling of the dashboard on the front
wall of the laundry treatment device due to the vibrations of the latter can take
place as well, if the connection between the dashboard and the front wall is not tight
enough.
Summary of the invention
[0009] Applicant has realized that an improvement is needed in the way in which the dashboard
is coupled to the casing of the laundry treatment device. In particular, there is
a need of a coupling which is firm and not subject to vibrations, but at the same
time which is easy to assemble and does not need any special expensive components
for the assembly.
[0010] Moreover, a goal of the invention is to provide a laundry treatment device with a
control panel assembly which is perfectly aligned, i.e., in which the input devices
present in the dashboard are perfectly aligned to the mechanical and/or electrical
components of the rest of the assembly, in particular of a printed circuit board,
and in which such alignment remains stable for a relatively long time.
[0011] Moreover, another aim of the present invention is to provide a control panel assembly
which is cost-effective to produce.
[0012] Not least, another goal is to provide a laundry treatment device which has an improved
aesthetical appearance.
[0013] In compliance with the above aims, according to an aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a laundry treatment device comprising:
- a casing including a front wall defining a continuous front surface and having a panel
aperture;
- a control panel assembly for controlling operation of the laundry treatment device,
said control panel assembly including an outer dashboard which is structured to be
coupled to said front wall at said panel aperture and to be operated by a user;
- wherein it further includes a mechanical coupling device of a first type and a mechanical
coupling device of a second type, said first type being different from said second
type, so configured to couple said outer dashboard to said front wall at said panel
aperture.
[0014] The laundry treatment device of the invention includes for example washing machines,
dryers, combined washer/dryers, etc. Preferably, the laundry treatment device is of
the front loading type.
[0015] The laundry treatment device includes a casing delimiting the appliance and a front
wall of the same. The front wall of the casing has a front surface which is a continuous
surface having at least an aperture which is called panel aperture. This front surface
represents the external front surface of the appliance and it is construed as a single
continuous surface holed by the panel aperture. In other words, there is a single
piece of front wall which hosts, via appropriate opening, a control panel assembly.
"Single piece" means that there are no junctions or seams in the front surface connecting
different pieces together. These front walls are in jargon also called "full front".
However, the front wall can also include additional element(s) separated from the
portion of the front wall defining the continuous front surface. As an example, the
front wall could include a first portion having a panel aperture to host the control-panel
assembly which is positioned in the top-most part of the front wall, and a second
portion, separated from the first, which covers the lowermost part of the front wall.
[0016] The terms "top", "middle" and "bottom" or "upper" and "lower" are herein used with
reference to the standard standing configuration of the laundry treatment device when
in use.
[0017] The control panel assembly is manually operated by a user in order to select the
programs or to input any data relative to the functioning of the appliance. The control
panel assembly can also display warning messages or instruction for maintenance coming
directly from the laundry treatment device.
[0018] In addition, the front wall, in the portion defining the continuous front surface,
preferably includes further apertures. As an example, the front surface includes an
opening for the access into the appliance, e.g. in a washing machine or dryer the
opening is used to load and/or unload the laundry.
[0019] Preferably, the front wall and the dashboard are made of different materials.
[0020] Advantageously, the outer dashboard defines an outer surface which, in an assembled
configuration, preferably substantially forms a geometrical continuation of the front
surface of the front wall, e.g. it does not protrudes or sticks out in a significant
manner, so that the front wall globally has a pleasant aesthetical appearance.
[0021] The two different coupling devices - of the first and second type - used to couple
the dashboard to the front wall are used to satisfy different needs. Having two different
types of mechanical couplings for performing the same connection allows to satisfy
needs which could be conflicting one to the other at the same time, so that the appliance
can include a firm and reliable coupling between the outer dashboard and the front
wall, which is also easy to mount.
[0022] The mechanical coupling device of the first type quickly fastens the dashboard in
its correct position, while the mechanical coupling device of the second type securely
fastens the connection which has been made by the mechanical coupling device of the
first type.
[0023] Accordingly, said mechanical coupling device of the first type is a device for automatic
coupling.
[0024] In this application a coupling is said to be automatic when, once the outer dashboard
is positioned into the panel aperture, further actions by the user are not required
in order to make this coupling to operate: in other words, the dashboard is positioned
at the aperture and the coupling "activates" by itself, without the need of specific
method steps for its performance. Or in further other words, the automatic coupling
is "activated" by simply positioning the outer dashboard in the panel aperture. For
example, there is no need of screwing, riveting, etc.
[0025] Therefore, no tools or particularly complex procedure is necessary to fasten the
outer dashboard to the front wall in correspondence to the panel aperture using the
coupling device of the first type. This coupling is relatively "simple" and quick.
[0026] According to the present invention, said mechanical coupling device of the first
type is configured to couple said outer dashboard to said front wall at said panel
aperture by application of pressure on said outer dashboard. This pressure is anyway
necessary to position the outer dashboard into the panel aperture.
[0027] According to an aspect of the present invention, said mechanical coupling device
of the first type includes a snap-on connecting member.
[0028] In this way, the dashboard is coupled in a simple manner and there is no need of
checking the alignment in a stringent way. By application of manual pressure, the
outer dashboard snaps into the front wall at the panel aperture (e.g. snap-on connecting
member could comprise hooking elements that could be in the dashboard or vice-versa,
e.g. hooks could be on the front wall at the panel aperture) and it holds on the same.
[0029] Accordingly, said mechanical coupling device of the first type may include a snap-on
tongue protruding from one of said dashboard and said front wall in proximity of said
aperture and a corresponding flange or seat on the other one of said dashboard and
said front wall in proximity of said panel aperture.
[0030] In order to form the coupling, preferably a flange is formed around the aperture
in the front wall, where the snap-on element can clip on. The vice-versa is feasible
as well.
[0031] More preferably, said outer dashboard includes a rear surface facing, in an assembled
configuration, the internal of the casing and wherein said front wall includes a flange
extending from an edge of said panel aperture, said mechanical coupling device of
the first type includes a plurality of snap-on tongues (preferably disposed along
an edge of said outer dashboard) protruding from said rear surface.
[0032] In order to achieve a stable coupling, it is preferred to provide the dashboard with
a plurality of snap-on tongues around its periphery so that all sides of the dashboard
are coupled in a stable manner to the front wall, without points "weaker" than others.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, said mechanical coupling device of the second type includes
a screw coupling element.
[0034] The mechanical coupling of the first type, as seen, is quick and simple, however,
this type of coupling could suffer from the appliance vibrations, loosening and worsening
the alignment. Additionally, the dashboard itself, if coupled using the mechanical
coupling of the first type only, could rattle against the front wall during for example
drum spinning.
[0035] The mechanical coupling of the second type includes preferably a screw coupling element.
Performing a coupling via screws is generally more complex than performing an automatic,
e.g. snap-fit, connection, because a better alignment is required between the various
elements to be coupled from the beginning (i.e. before applying the screws). On the
other hand, a screw coupling is firm and withstands often rather strong vibrations.
In the present case, the coupling via the screw element is greatly simplified: the
outer dashboard is already coupled to the front wall via the mechanical coupling device
of the first type and therefore the precision of the alignment required is much less,
being the dashboard substantially already in its final position. In other words, the
mechanical coupling of the second type substantially "strengthens" the coupling which
is already in place by firmly fixing and fastening the outer dashboard in its correct
position in the aperture of the front wall.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, said outer dashboard includes a rear surface facing, in
an assembled configuration, said front wall, said front wall including a panel flange
extending from an edge of said panel aperture, and said mechanical coupling device
of the second type including screw threads formed in said rear surface, a hole formed
in said flange and a screw which is inserted in said hole and screwed in said threads
to tighten the coupling of the second type.
[0037] Front walls of the "full front" type are preferably made of metal, for example bending
appropriately a single sheet of metal. Fixing screws on metal is rather complex because
special screws are needed in order to obtain a firm metal-on-metal coupling. On the
other hand, preferably the outer dashboard is made of plastic material, where screws
are much more easily fastened. Thus, it is preferred to form the threads of the screw
elements on the dashboard, preferably made of plastic, and fasten the screw into it,
using standard screw elements.
[0038] Advantageously, said panel flange includes a plurality of spaced apart flaps, and
said mechanical coupling device of the second type includes a plurality of bushings
projecting from said rear surface, a plurality of corresponding holes, each hole being
formed in a single flap, and a plurality of corresponding screws, each screw being
inserted in a corresponding hole and bushing to tighten the coupling of said second
type.
[0039] It is preferred that the tightening of the coupling via the mechanical coupling of
the second type is performed all around the periphery of the outer dashboard.
[0040] Preferably, said front surface includes a drawer aperture for the coupling to a drawer
and said outer dashboard includes a drawer seat for said drawer apt to be coupled
in a retractable manner to said front wall at said drawer aperture.
[0041] The drawer might be a detergent dispenser in case of a washing machine or a water
collector in case of a dryer. Preferably, the dashboard is a single piece and comprises
also the drawer seat.
[0042] According to a different aspect, the invention relates to a method to couple a control-panel
assembly to a front wall of a laundry treatment device at a panel aperture formed
in a continuous front surface of said front wall, said control panel assembly including
an outer dashboard which is structured to be coupled to the front wall at said panel
aperture and operated by a user, the method including the steps of:
- coupling said outer dashboard to said front wall at said panel aperture via a mechanical
coupling device of a first type;
- then coupling said outer dashboard to said front wall at said panel aperture via a
mechanical coupling device of a second type, wherein said first type is different
from said second type.
[0043] Preferably, the coupling of the outer dashboard to the front wall is performed in
two steps. First, a coupling of a first type is made, followed then by a coupling
of the second type, in order to provide a strong and easily obtainable overall final
coupling.
[0044] Preferably, said step of coupling said outer dashboard via a mechanical coupling
device of a first type includes snapping said outer dashboard on a panel flange extending
from an edge of said panel aperture.
[0045] The first coupling is thus made just by snapping the dashboard on the front wall's
aperture.
[0046] Advantageously, the step of coupling the outer dashboard via a mechanical coupling
device of a second type includes screwing a screwing element into threads formed in
the outer dashboard.
[0047] In order to strengthen the already made coupling, screws are preferably used.
Brief description of the drawings
[0048] Further features and advantages of the present invention shall become clearer from
the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference
to the attached drawings and given as an indication and not for limiting purposes.
[0049] In particular, the attached drawings are included to provide a further understanding
of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.
The drawings together with the description explain the principles of the invention.
In the drawings, corresponding characteristics and/or components are identified by
the same reference numbers. In such drawings:
- figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a laundry treatment device according
to the invention;
- figure 2 shows a perspective view of the laundry treatment device of fig. 1 wherein
the panel control assembly is in a disassembled configuration;
- figure 3 shows a perspective view of a front wall of the laundry treatment device
of figs. 1-2 in a disassembled configuration;
- figure 4 show a front view of the front wall of fig. 3;
- figures 5-7 show three different perspective views of the coupling of an outer dashboard
to the front wall of the laundry treatment device of figs. 1-4;
- figure 8 schematically shows a lateral view in section along line A-A of fig. 7;
- figure 9a and 9b show in an enlarged view a detail of fig. 5-7;
- figure 10 shows a perspective view of front wall and dashboard in a disassembled configuration
with some elements removed;
- figure 11 shows a lateral view in section of the laundry treatment device of fig.
10 in an assembled configuration;
- figure 12 shows an en enlarged view of a detail of fig. 10 in a partially assembled
configuration; and
- figure 13 is a schematic view of an element of figs. 10-12.
[0050] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a laundry
treatment device 100 according to the present invention.
[0051] As it will be better understood by the following description, the teaching of the
present invention may be applied to substantially any appliance for laundry treatment,
e.g. to washer/dryers, washing machines (as exemplary illustrated in the figures and
to which reference will be made in the following by way of a non-limiting example
only), dryers, etc.
[0052] The device 100 comprises a casing 2, preferably substantially parallelepiped-shaped,
which encloses an inner compartment comprising a laundry treatment chamber, for example
a rotating drum 12 for housing the laundry to be treated and, in the case of a washing
machine or a washer/drier, a tub encasing the drum 12 (tub is not visible in the appended
drawings). Moreover, the device includes an access door 3 provided on a front wall
4 of the casing for accessing the laundry treatment chamber 12 thereby allowing loading/unloading
of the laundry by a user.
[0053] The casing 2 preferably also includes a bottom wall or basement 7, a top wall 6,
a back wall (not visible), and two opposite lateral walls (only lateral wall 9 is
visible in the drawings). Preferably, lateral walls, front and rear walls, top wall
and basement are separated pieces which are then assembled together via suitable fastening
means. However, it is also encompassed by the present invention that some of these
walls can be a single piece, for example lateral walls and back wall can be a single
U-shaped piece. Walls are preferably made of metal, however also plastic is possible.
Also, in a non-depicted embodiment, some of the walls can be made of a material, and
some other(s) can be made of a different material.
[0054] By the device 100 itself, in a standard operative position, a horizontal plane is
defined (plane (XY) in Figure 1), which is generally the plane on which the bottom
wall or basement 7 lies and generally it is also parallel to the top wall 6 of the
casing 2 in a mounted configuration. The device 100 also extends along a vertical
direction denoted with Z (see Figure 1).
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the front wall 4 of the casing includes an external continuous
surface 4a having a plurality of apertures, as better detailed below. According to
a preferred embodiment, the front external surface is the external front surface of
the device 100.
[0056] Front wall 4 is preferably made of a metallic material, for example in stainless
steel.
[0057] The front surface 4a is preferably continuous and even more preferably seamless,
at least in the visible portion(s) of the same. Continuous surface means that the
surface is formed as a single member. "Seamless" means that, in addition to be continuous,
there are no seams which indicate that for example welding has been used to join together
different parts. In the covered (i.e. not visible from outside the laundry treatment
device 100 in the assembled condition of the latter) portions of the front wall 4,
seams can be present. The absence of seams improves the overall appearance of the
laundry treatment device 100.
[0058] In addition, the front wall 4 preferably includes four rounded corners 4b, 4c, 4d,
4e along its outer edge. "Rounded corner" means a corner which does not include sharp
and abrupt changes in directions of the surfaces forming the same; on the contrary
in a rounded corner the surfaces merges smoothly and with continuity. The round corners
give a more aesthetically pleasant look to the device 100, and they also make the
use of the device safer for the user, which could be injured by sharp corners.
[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the front wall 4 can be obtained by a single sheet
of metal. For example, it can be obtained by a sheet of stainless steel. In addition,
the front wall can be coated by suitable coating to prevent corrosion. Moreover, the
front wall can be colored of any color and gloss.
[0060] Preferably, the front wall 4 defines a top portion 4a', a middle portion 4a'" and
a bottom portion 4a", the terms "top", "middle" and "bottom" used with reference to
the standard standing configuration of the laundry treatment device 100 when in use.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, not depicted in the drawings, only the top portion 4a'
and the middle portion 4a'" of the front wall 4 are a single (or one-piece) element,
i.e., having a continuous and/or seamless front surface 4a, while the bottom portion
4a" can be permanently fixed to it, for example welded to it, or it can even be added
as an additional element which can be disassembled from the rest of the front wall.
[0062] In addition, the front wall 4 includes an outer edge which can be divided in a top
edge 50a, which is the portion of the outer edge comprised between corners 4b and
4c, a bottom edge 50b, which is the portion of the edge located between corners 4d
and 4e, and two lateral opposite edges, 50c and 50d which are the portions of outer
edge present between corners 4b and 4e, and 4c and 4d, respectively.
[0063] Front surface 4a includes a laundry opening 3a for the access into the laundry treatment
device 100, in particular to the laundry treatment chamber 12 so that laundry can
be loaded or unloaded to/from the laundry treatment device 100. The opening 3a is
openable and closable by the door 3, which is advantageously hinged to front wall
4.
[0064] Preferably, the door 3 is coupled to a recessed portion 3b of the front wall 4a:
in this embodiment, the front wall 4 includes the recessed portion (see figures 3
and 4) in the center of which the door opening 3a is formed. The dimensions of the
opening 3a are such to be suitable to accommodate the door 3. The door is then rotatably
coupled to the door opening and, when mounted and in a closed position, it preferably
does not project substantially beyond the front surface 4a due to the recess presence.
In other words, an outer surface of door 3 preferably matches the front surface 4a
of front wall 4.
[0065] Preferably, but not necessarily, the door 3 and the recessed portion 3b are located
in the middle portion 4a'" of the front wall.
[0066] Advantageously, the front wall 4 is not flat, i.e., it does not lie completely on
a single plane. On the contrary, it includes a concavity pointing, in the assembled
condition, towards the inside of the casing 2, being convex on the outside. In the
depicted embodiment, the front wall 4 - in a section along a plane parallel to plane
YZ- has substantially a smoothed trapezoidal shape, the top 4a', the bottom 4a" and
the middle portion 4a'" lying on three different planes which form an angle one with
respect to the other(s) and also with the vertical direction Z defined by the casing
2, forming in this way the inward concavity. The three planes are preferably connected
smoothly and without sharp corners, as clearly visible in figure 3. However, other
layouts of the front wall 4 are possible as well, for example the front wall can include
a substantially constant curvature, the concavity still oriented towards the inside
of the cabinet. For example, the front wall could be a portion of a cylindrical mantel.
[0067] Preferably, a first and a second side walls 8a, 9a of the front wall 4, extend from
its side edges 50c and 50d and are delimited between corners 4b-4e and 4c-4d, respectively.
[0068] When the laundry treatment device is in assembled configuration, i.e., when all elements
of the casing 2 are mounted, the side walls 8a, 9a are substantially a geometrical
continuation of the lateral walls of casing 2. More preferably, side walls 8a, 9a
and front wall 4 are formed continuously as one body, i.e., they are not an assembly
of different pieces but they are integral one to the others, and more preferably there
are no seams of welding separating the front from the side walls. Side walls and front
walls are thus formed as a single piece and even more preferably the front surface
4a of the front wall is smoothly connected to the front surfaces 8a',9a' of the side
walls 8a and 9a, e.g. no sharp curvature changes are present.
[0069] Preferably, also an upper wall 6a and a bottom wall 7a extend from the top and bottom
edge, 50a and 50b, respectively, of the front wall. Preferably, upper wall and bottom
wall are continuous with the front wall. In this way, corners 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e formed
where side walls and upper/bottom walls merge into the front wall are seamless, because
they are not formed by joining different elements, but they are formed during a single
process of forming of the front wall, for example by pressing a single metallic sheet.
[0070] The two side walls 8a, 9a extend from the side edges 50c and 50d of the front wall
4 substantially perpendicularly to the front wall 4 towards the lateral walls 9 ,
so as to be aligned to the latter. Analogously, also upper and bottom walls 6a, 7a
extend from the top edge 50a and bottom edge 50b substantially perpendicularly to
the front wall 4, respectively towards the top and bottom walls 6,7 of the casing,
preferably so as to be aligned with the latter. At least one of bottom wall 7a and
side walls 8a, 9a, more preferably all of them, includes a flange to secure the front
wall 4 to the rest of the casing 2.
[0071] Preferably, at least a flange, more preferably each flange, respectively called side
flanges 19a, 19b, and bottom flange 19c, extends substantially perpendicularly to
the side walls 8a, 9a, or bottom wall 7a, respectively, from which it departs. At
least one, preferably all, flanges 19a, 19b, 19c, abuts against a corresponding flange,
not visible in the drawings, present respectively on the lateral walls 9 and bottom
wall or basement 7 of the casing 2. Flanges can be formed continuously with the wall
from which they extend, or they can be welded to the same. In a different embodiment,
only some of the flanges are formed continuously while others are fixed to the front
wall 4. These flanges are not visible from the outside of the appliance when the front
wall 4 is assembled to the rest of the casing, being hidden inside the casing 2 itself.
[0072] Preferably, flanges 19a, 19b, 19c, include coupling holes, all indicated with 39
in the appended drawings, in order to couple the flanges 19a, 19b, 19c of walls 7,9
to the flanges of the rest of the casing, so that the front wall is coupled to the
rest of the casing 2 via suitable fastening elements (not visible) inserted or otherwise
coupled to the holes 39.
[0073] Further, front wall 4 includes a second aperture 15, called panel aperture. Preferably,
the front wall 4 includes also a third aperture, called drawer aperture 60.
[0074] Preferably, the panel aperture 15 and/or the drawer aperture 60 is (are) located
at the top portion 4a' of the front wall.
[0075] In a preferred embodiment, better visible in figs. 3 and 4, the panel aperture 15
and the drawer aperture 60 are each substantially a through hole within the front
wall, in other words the panel aperture and/or the drawer aperture is(are) completely
surrounded in all directions by the front wall. In this way, the panel aperture 15
and/or the drawer aperture 60 includes each an outer edge, 15a and 60a, respectively,
which defines a closed curve, such as a loop.
[0076] Preferably, panel aperture 15 and drawer aperture 60 are located one adjacent to
the other substantially at the same height along the Z direction on the front wall
4.
[0077] A crosspiece 66 advantageously separates the panel aperture 15 from the drawer aperture
60 (and vice-versa). The crosspiece 66 has preferably an elongated shape with two
distal opposite ends 66b, 66c. As visible in the figures, preferably the crosspiece
66 has an elongated shape and has a longitudinal extension substantially parallel
to the vertical axis Z. Crosspiece 66 includes a portion of the edge 60a of the drawer
aperture 60 and a portion of the edge 15a of the panel aperture 15a, corresponding
to its longitudinal opposite edges. Furthermore, crosspiece 66 includes a front surface
66a which is oriented towards the outside of the casing 2.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the front surface 66a of the crosspiece 66 and the front
surface 4a of the front wall 4 are a continuous uniform surface, and even more preferably
this continuous uniform surface is also seamless. In this case, the crosspiece 66
is substantially an integral part of the front wall 4: in the front wall 4 there are
two apertures , the drawer and panel aperture, and the crosspiece is the "remaining"
portion of front wall (for example during a punching procedure of a metal sheet for
obtaining the apertures) between the two.
[0079] In a different embodiment, no visible in the drawings, the crosspiece 66 is attached,
for example by means of its opposite longitudinal ends 66b, 66c, to the front wall
separating the two apertures 60, 15. In this case, the crosspiece is not an integral
piece to the front wall, but a separated element which is then fixed to the front
wall 4.
[0080] In a different embodiment, not shown, drawer aperture and panel aperture might be
the same aperture, e.g. a single "bigger" aperture can be obtained on the front wall,
having the function of the panel and drawer apertures.
[0081] Preferably, but not necessarily, the front wall may comprise a service aperture 99,
(shown only in figure 1) preferably covered by a service aperture cover 99a, so that
a filter (not visible) of the laundry treatment device 100 might be easily accessible.
Preferably, the service aperture 99 is provided at the bottom portion 4a" of the front
wall 4.a
Laundry treatment device 100 further includes a panel control assembly 1.
[0082] In figures 1 and 2, an exemplary control panel assembly 1 in accordance to the invention
is shown. The control panel assembly 1 includes an outer dashboard 11, which in the
depicted embodiment spans for most of the width of the front surface 4a of the appliance.
Preferably, although not necessarily, the dashboard is substantially a basin-shaped
rigid shell. The dashboard 11 is structured for being coupled to the outer front wall
4 of the appliance. Preferably, the dashboard 11 is made of plastic material.
[0083] The dashboard 11 is preferably configured for allowing the user to manually control
operation of the appliance and ascertain an operational state thereof. The dashboard
includes a portion 11 ext, external to the casing 2 when laundry treatment device
100 is in the assembled condition (as shown in figure 1), which is the portion of
the dashboard 11 visible and operable by the user. The dashboard external portion
11 ext is an exposed part of the control panel assembly also when the device 100 is
fully assembled. The dashboard external portion 11ext advantageously includes a plurality
of apertures and/or input areas 38 through which manually-operable control members
38a are visible or operable.
[0084] For example, received within, or in registry with, the various apertures 38 formed
in the dashboard external portion 11 ext, there are a main push button used as a main
power control, a plurality of operation push-buttons, control knobs and illumination
elements. Although not depicted, the dashboard external portion 11ext might include
also a display screen and one or more control knobs.
[0085] The control knob might be rotatable in order to permit the user to select operation
cycle settings and other control parameters, with reference to selections indicated
by words, icons or other indicia that may be arranged, in printed form or otherwise,
on the dashboard.
[0086] Apertures 38 in the dashboard, for example covered by a transparent plastic cover,
can also render visible illumination of elements (also called light indicators) to
provide a visual indication of a particular operation selection corresponding to a
knob or push button position. Alternatively, illumination of elements may indicate
the current operation state in the case of a progressive wash/dry operation comprising
multiple sequential cycles or stages.
[0087] In the depicted embodiment, the dashboard advantageously includes several arrays
of apertures for different light indicators. The light visible within the aperture
could be either present or absent, in an on/off manner, or follow a determined pattern,
e.g. blinking, can have different intensity, or can change color. The light coming
from different apertures can also have different intensity or color one from the other(s).
[0088] Push buttons, display and apertures to visualize light indicators are known in the
art and will not be further detailed below.
[0089] Outer dashboard 11 also includes a rear surface 11 r facing the internal of the casing
2, when device 100 is in an assembled configuration. In the latter configuration,
the rear surface 11r is located in front of the panel aperture 15 substantially covering
(or overlapping) the same. Rear surface 11 r is preferably substantially flat.
[0090] Referring now to figure 2, it is shown a perspective exploded view of the control
panel assembly 1. As visible from the figures, the control panel assembly 1 also includes
a printed circuit board (PCB) 14 for electrically connecting, on a corresponding active
surface thereof, the rotatable knobs, the buttons, the display, etc., mentioned with
reference to the dashboard.
[0091] Moreover, as generally known in the art, the PCB electrically connects functional
components, e.g. electronic circuitry components (not visible in the figures), for
implementing corresponding control functionalities of the control panel assembly.
Such functionalities can be one or more of powering, driving, activation, deactivation
of one or more operative load including electric, electronic, electro-mechanical and/or
electro-hydraulic parts of the appliance, such as motor(s), solenoid valve(s), further
PCB, all not shown.
[0092] PCB 14 is connected to the rear surface 11r once the control panel assembly is in
an assembled configuration, and when the control panel assembly is mounted on casing
2, it is located internally to the casing 2.
[0093] Many other elements can be included in the panel control assembly as well, which
are not relevant for the present invention.
[0094] Control panel assembly 1 is coupled to the front wall 4 at the panel aperture 15.
The PCB 14 and other possible elements are inserted into the aperture 15. The outer
dashboard 11 is then fastened onto the front wall 4. The external portion 11ext preferably
remains outside the casing 2, for example abutting against the front surface 4a and/or
onto a surface 18 in proximity of the edge 15a of the aperture 15.
[0095] With now reference to figures 2, 10, 11, 12 and 13, the appliance 100 further includes
a sealing element 40 interposed between the outer dashboard 11 and the abutment surface
18 (see figure 11) at the edge 15a of the panel aperture 15.
[0096] The sealing element 40 preferably includes a gasket. The sealing element 40 is preferably
formed as a strip element and even more preferably it has an annular shape. Advantageously,
it is made of an elastic material, so that, under stress, it can undergo a certain
amount of elastic deformation.
[0097] Referring to fig. 13, a schematic representation of sealing element 40 is depicted.
Preferably, the sealing element 40 includes at least a boss 41, more preferably a
plurality of bosses, located around its perimeter. Correspondingly to the boss (or
bosses 41), on the abutment surface 18, e.g. on the portion 18a, a notch (or notches)
(not illustrated) is(are) formed, in order to house the boss(es) 41. The design, form
and shape of the boss and the notch allow a good positioning of the sealing element
on the ridge, facilitating installation in the correct position. The boss/notch coupling
also prevents the sealing element to be misplaced during the appliance functioning,
which could be caused by vibrations of the appliance.
[0098] During assembly, the outer dashboard 11 and the front surface 4a are pressed together,
so that a portion of the rear surface of the external portion 11 ext of the outer
dashboard and the abutment surface 18 are in turn deforming the sealing element 40
interposed therebetween. Due to the pressure and deformation, the sealing element
40 fills any possible gap present between the rear surface of the external portion
11 ext of dashboard and the abutment surface 18 achieving a sealing function.
[0099] In order to support the sealing element 40, from the rear surface 11 r of the dashboard
11, a ridge 19 extends: when the control panel assembly 1 is in an assembled configuration
on the casing 2, the sealing element 40 is mounted on the ridge 19.
[0100] Advantageously, the ridge 19 is located substantially in proximity of an edge 11ed
of the rear surface 11r of the outer dashboard and it follows the same creating an
annular ridge, e.g. it forms a closed-loop on the rear surface 11 r of the dashboard
11. Preferably, ridge 19 defines two opposite surfaces 19e, 19f, both substantially
perpendicular to the rear surface 11 r, on one of which, surface 19e, the sealing
element 40 abuts. Surface 19f is an inner surface of the ridge 19, e.g. it is the
surface that faces itself being in the inside of the loop, while surface 19e is the
external surface of the loop.
[0101] Preferably the dimensions of the loop formed by the sealing element 40 are slight
smaller than the dimensions of the loop formed by ridge 19, so that the sealing element
40 is mounted with interference on the ridge 19 and the risk of accidental unwanted
removals is minimized.
[0102] In the depicted embodiment of figures 10 and 11, sealing element 40 is a separated
element from ridge 19 and it has to be assembled on the latter when the panel control
assembly 1 is to be mounted on the casing 2. In a different embodiment, not shown
in the appended drawings, the sealing element 40 can be over-molded on the surface
19e of the ridge 19, so that fewer elements have to be assembled.
[0103] At the front wall 4, from edge 15a of panel aperture 15, a flange 16 extends. The
flange 16 includes the abutments surface 18. Flange 16 has substantially an L-shape,
with a first portion 18a substantially parallel to the external surface 19e of the
ridge 19, and a second portion 18b substantially parallel to the rear surface 11r,
when the laundry treatment device is in an assembled configuration.
[0104] The flange 16 and the ridge 19 are so dimensioned that, in an assembled configuration,
the sealing element 40 is sandwiched and compressed between the external surface 19e
of the ridge 19 and the first portion 18a of abutment surface 18.
[0105] According to the present invention, in order to securely fasten the control panel
assembly 1 to the panel aperture 15, mechanical coupling device of the first and the
second type 20, 30 are preferably used. In the mentioned drawings, sealing element
40 is not shown (anyway it can be provided or not), for clarity purposes to better
visualize the mechanical coupling devices now described.
[0106] The mechanical coupling device of the first and second type 20, 30 couples the outer
dashboard 11 to flange 16 extending from the edge 15a of panel aperture 15.
[0107] In the depicted embodiment, the mechanical device of the first type 20 is an automatic
coupling device that simply requires pressure on the dashboard when the latter is
positioned in front of the aperture 15. It includes one or more snap-on connecting
member 21, such as snap-on tongues 22 provided on the dashboard 11, which are - in
an assembled configuration of the laundry treatment machine - clipping on flange 16
formed around the edge 15a of said panel aperture 15.
[0108] Preferably, as visible in figure 8, tongues 22 protrude from the inner surface 19f
of the ridge 19 and hook the flange 16 in a plurality of different positions around
the end 15a of aperture 15, in an assembled configuration. Thus, when the ridge 19
is inserted inside aperture 15, it is located internally to flange 16 and a simple
application of pressure on dashboard 11 couples the outer dashboard 11 to the front
wall 4 due to the fact that tongues 22, which are inwardly elastically bended during
the insertion, as soon as they reach the free space behind flange 16, snap on the
latter, thereby locking the dashboard onto the front wall 4 in its correct position.
[0109] Moreover, the device 100 includes the mechanical coupling device of the second type
30, which preferably is activated, e.g. it is used to fasten the dashboard onto the
front wall, after the coupling is already obtained by the mechanical coupling device
of the first type 20. The device of the second type 30 includes preferably a screw
element, such as, in the depicted embodiment, screw threads 31 provided in the rear
surface 11r of the dashboard 11, a hole 32 provided in the flange 16 formed around
the panel aperture 15, and a screw 33 which is inserted in the hole and screwed in
the threads to tighten the already obtained coupling.
[0110] Preferably, more than such a device 30 is provided, and even more preferably a plurality
of devices of the second type are arranged in proximity of the outer edge 11ed of
the rear surface 11 a of dashboard 11, so that a strong and firm "double" coupling
is present along the whole edge 11 ed of the dashboard 11.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the screw threads 31 are obtained in a bushing protruding
substantially in a perpendicular manner from rear surface 11 r. Bushing 31 (bushing
and screw threads have the same reference number in the drawings) is preferably located
within the loop formed by ridge 19. Preferably bushing is integral with the dashboard.
Advantageously, the number of bushings is equal to the number of mechanical coupling
devices of the second type 30.
[0112] Flange 16 further preferably includes one or more flaps 34 protruding from the same,
and advantageously they extends from its second L portion 18b parallel to the rear
surface 11 r. The number of flaps 34 is preferably equal to the number of devices
of the second type, so that each flap 34 is perforated by the hole 32 in which screw
33 is inserted and then screwed into bushing 31.
[0113] Thus, using a plurality of screwing elements 31, 32, 33 around the whole edge 11ed
of dashboard 11, the fastening of the dashboard on the flange 16 is secured in all
directions.
[0114] During the mounting of the dashboard on the front wall, first of all the sealing
element 40 is mounted on the ridge 19. Then the dashboard is brought in contact to
the flange 16 and pressure is applied to the same towards the front wall, till the
snap-on tongues snap onto the flange. Then, screws 33 are inserted into holes 32 and
screwed into bushings 31.
[0115] Furthermore, with reference to figures 5-7, the outer dashboard 11 is preferably
fastened to the crosspiece 66 via a first mechanical coupling system 67. The crosspiece
66 advantageously comprises at least an element, part or portion of such first mechanical
coupling system. In this specific embodiment, the crosspiece includes a hole 64 of
the first mechanical coupling system 67, on which a screw 69 is inserted and fastened
into a screw thread 68 provided on the rear surface 11 a of the outer dashboard 11.
More preferably, two holes 64, preferably one on top of the other in the vertical
direction Z, are provided also on the crosspiece 66, on which two screws are inserted,
which are then screwed into two screw threads formed on the rear surface 11 r of the
outer dashboard.
[0116] Preferably, when the dashboard 11 is coupled to the front wall 4 and it is partly
inserted in the casing, the external portion 11ext of the dashboard 11 is flush-mounted
on the front wall 4, being flush with the front surface 4a. The aesthetical appearance
of the assembled dashboard 11 on the front wall 4 is that of a substantially continuous
surface where the external portion 11 ext matches the external surface 4a of front
wall 4.
[0117] Referring back to figure 2, laundry treatment device 100 also includes a detergent
drawer 63. Detergent drawer 63 is retractably mounted to said front wall 4 so that
it can be opened and closed. The detergent drawer is generally used to introduce detergents
or other products in order to perform a proper washing cycle. Detergent drawer includes
a detergent drawer front wall 63a, which also remains external to the casing 2 when
the laundry treatment device is in an assembled configuration, and it is so shaped
to be easily gripped by the user in order to open and/or close the drawer 63.
[0118] Drawer 63 is coupled to drawer aperture 60 of front wall 4. In order to couple the
drawer to the front wall 4 in a retractable manner, a drawer seat 61 is provided,
whose dimensions are optimal to house the drawer 63 in a slidable manner. The drawer
seat 61 is thus fixed to the front wall 4 at the drawer aperture 60.
[0119] Drawer seat 61 is preferably made of plastic material.
[0120] Drawer seat 61, after being mounted on the drawer aperture 60, is then covered by
the drawer front wall 63a so that drawer seat becomes substantially invisible when
the laundry treatment device 100 is in an assembled configuration. Drawer front wall
63a thus is positioned in front of the drawer aperture 60 closing the same. Preferably,
the front wall 63a of the drawer is mounted on the drawer seat so that it is substantially
flush-mounted on the front wall, i.e., the front surface 4a of the front wall is substantially
flush with a front surface of the drawer front wall 63a.
[0121] In an alternative embodiment, non-depicted in the drawings, a single "larger" aperture
is provided, as mentioned previously, to house both the control panel assembly 1 and,
adjacent to the latter, the detergent drawer 63 (so the crosspiece is not present).
[0122] Drawer seat 61 is inserted into drawer aperture 60 and then fixed to the same. In
order to fix the drawer seat 61 to the front wall 4, a mechanical coupling 65 is used.
Mechanical coupling 65 includes for example a screw 65a inserted into a hole provided
in proximity of the edge 60a of the drawer aperture 60. The screw 65a is thus screwed
into a screw thread (not shown) of the drawer seat 61. Any other mechanical coupling
can be used as well, in order to firmly fasten the drawer seat to the drawer aperture
60, preferably in proximity of the drawer aperture edge 60a.
[0123] In the depicted embodiment, drawer seat 61 and the external portion 11ext of the
outer dashboard 11 form an integral piece. Therefore, mechanical system 67 also fastens
the drawer seat to the crosspiece automatically means.
[0124] Preferably, the external portion 11ext of the dashboard 11 and drawer seat 61 are
molded together and are made of plastic material.
[0125] General operation of the laundry treatment device 100 is substantially identical
to that of a conventional laundry treatment device; therefore no further explanation
is required.
[0126] It has thus been shown that the present invention allows all the set objects to be
achieved.
[0127] Clearly, changes may be made to the rotatable drum and to the laundry treating machine
(including such a rotatable drum) as described herein.
[0128] Although an illustrative embodiment of the present invention have been described
herein with reference to the attached drawings, it is to be understood that the present
invention is not limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described herein,
and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. All such changes and
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined
by the following claims.
1. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100), umfassend:
o ein Gehäuse (2), das eine Frontwand (4) einschließt, die eine kontinuierliche Frontfläche
(4a) definiert und eine Tafelblende (15) aufweist;
o eine Steuertafelanordnung (1) zum Steuern des Betriebs der Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung
(100), wobei die Steuertafelanordnung ein äußeres Armaturenbrett (11) einschließt,
das zum Koppeln an die Frontwand (4) an der Tafelblende (15) und zum Bedienen durch
einen Anwender strukturiert ist;
o eine mechanische Koppelvorrichtung eines ersten Typs (20) und eine mechanische Koppelvorrichtung
eines zweiten Typs (30), wobei sich der erste Typ von dem zweiten Typ unterscheidet,
die so ausgestaltet sind, um das äußere Armaturenbrett (11) an die Frontwand (4) an
der Tafelblende (15) zu koppeln,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mechanische Kopplungsvorrichtung eines ersten Typs (20) und die mechanische Kopplungsvorrichtung
eines zweiten Typs (30) ausgestaltet sind, um das äußere Armaturenbrett (11) an die
Frontwand (4) an der Tafelblende (15) zu koppeln, indem Druck auf das äußere Armaturenbrett
ausgeübt wird, wobei die mechanische Koppelvorrichtung des ersten Typs (20) eine Vorrichtung
ist, die selbstaktiviert wird, indem das äußere Armaturenbrett (11) in der Tafelblende
(15) positioniert wird, wobei die mechanische Koppelvorrichtung des ersten Typs (20)
ein Aufschnappverbindungselement (21), das Hakenelemente umfasst, in dem Armaturenbrett
(11) und/oder an der Frontwand (4) an der Plattenblende (15) einschließt, so dass
das äußere Armaturenbrett (11) an der Blende (15) in die Frontwand schnappt.
2. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mechanische Koppelvorrichtung
des ersten Typs (20) eine Aufschnappzunge (22), die von einem von dem äußeren Armaturenbrett
(11) und der Frontwand (4) in der Nähe der Blende vorsteht, und einen entsprechenden
Plattenflansch (16) oder Sitz auf dem anderen von dem Armaturenbrett und der Frontwand
(4) in der Nähe der Plattenblende (15) einschließt.
3. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 2, wobei das äußere Armaturenbrett
(11) eine hintere Fläche (11 r) einschließt, die in montierter Konfiguration zum Inneren
des Gehäuses (2) weist, und wobei die Frontwand (4) einen Flansch (16) einschließt,
der sich von einem Rand (15a) der Plattenblende (15) erstreckt, wobei die mechanische
Koppelvorrichtung des ersten Typs (20) eine Vielzahl von Aufschnappzungen (22) einschließt,
die von der hinteren Fläche (11 r) vorstehen.
4. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei
Frontwand (4) einen Plattenflansch (16) einschließt, der sich von einem Rand der Plattenblende
(15) erstreckt, und wobei die mechanischen Koppelvorrichtungen des ersten und zweiten
Typs (20, 30) so ausgestaltet sind, um das äußere Armaturenbrett (11) an den Plattenflansch
(16) zu koppeln.
5. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei
die mechanische Koppelvorrichtung des zweiten Typs (30) ein Schraubkoppelelement einschließt.
6. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 5, wobei das äußere Armaturenbrett
(11) eine hintere Fläche (11 r) einschließt, die zu der Frontwand (4) weist, wobei
die Frontwand (4) einen Plattenflansch (16) einschließt, der sich von einem Rand (15a)
der Plattenblende (15) erstreckt, und wobei die mechanische Koppelvorrichtung des
zweiten Typs (30) Schraubgewinde (31), das in der hinteren Fläche (11 r) gebildet
ist, ein Loch (32), das in dem Plattenflansch (16) gebildet ist, und eine Schraube
(33) einschließt, die in das Loch (32) eingesetzt und in das Gewinde (31) geschraubt
wird, um die Kopplung vom zweiten Typ festzuziehen.
7. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Plattenflansch (16)
eine Vielzahl beabstandeter Laschen (34) einschließt und die mechanische Koppelvorrichtung
des zweiten Typs (30) eine Vielzahl von Buchsen (31), die aus der hinteren Fläche
(11 r) vorstehen, eine Vielzahl entsprechender Löcher (32), wobei jedes Loch in einer
einzelnen Lasche (34) gebildet wird, und eine Vielzahl entsprechender Schrauben (33)
einschließt, wobei jede Schraube in ein entsprechendes Loch und eine entsprechende
Buchse eingesetzt wird, um die Kopplung vom zweiten Typ festzuziehen.
8. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei
die Frontfläche (4a) eine Schubladenblende (60) zum Koppeln an eine Schublade (63)
einschließt und das äußere Armaturenbrett einen Schubladensitz (61) für die Schublade
(63) einschließt, so dass die Schublade in versenkbarer Weise an der Schubladenblende
an die Frontwand (4) gekoppelt werden kann.
9. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei
das äußere Armaturenbrett (11) aus einem Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt ist und die
Frontwand (4) aus einem Metallmaterial hergestellt ist.
10. Verfahren zum Koppeln einer Steuerplattenanordnung (1) an eine Frontwand (4) einer
Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung (100) an einer Plattenblende (15), die in einer kontinuierlichen
Frontfläche (4a) der Frontwand gebildet ist, wobei die Steuerplattenanordnung (1)
ein äußeres Armaturenbrett (11) einschließt, das zum Koppeln an die Frontwand an der
Plattenblende (15) und zum Bedienen durch einen Anwender strukturiert ist, wobei das
Verfahren die folgenden Schritte einschließt:
o Koppeln des äußeren Armaturenbretts (11) an die Frontwand (4) an der Plattenblende
(15) mittels einer mechanischen Koppelvorrichtung eines ersten Typs (20);
o danach Koppeln des äußeren Armaturenbretts an die Frontwand (4) an der Plattenblende
(15) mittels einer mechanischen Koppelvorrichtung eines zweiten Typs (30), wobei der
erste Typ sich von dem zweiten Typ unterscheidet.
11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Schritt des Koppelns des äußeren Armaturenbretts
(11) mittels einer mechanischen Koppelvorrichtung eines ersten Typs (20) Aufschnappen
des äußeren Armaturenbretts (11) auf einen Plattenflansch (16) einschließt, der sich
von einem Rand der Plattenblende (15) erstreckt.
12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, wobei der Schritt des Koppelns des äußeren Armaturenbretts
(11) mittels einer mechanischen Koppelvorrichtung eines zweiten Typs (30) Schrauben
eines Schraubelements (33) in ein Gewinde (31) einschließt, das in dem äußeren Armaturenbrett
(11) bereitgestellt wird.