Washing machine and home appliance comprising PCB for user interface panel supporting both electronic key and mechanical key in single area

Abstract

According to one embodiment disclosed herein, a user interface panel on a washing machine comprising a common mounting area in which a mechanical key and an electronic key can be mounted may include a printed circuit board (PCB), and the PCB may comprise: the common mounting area in which the electronic key or the mechanical key can be mounted; a first jumper connecting the common mounting area and a ground; and a plurality of conductive surfaces to which terminals of the mechanical key can be coupled.

Description

Washing machines and home appliances including PCBs for user interface panels supporting both electronic and mechanical keys in one area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a PCB (printed circuit board) on which a touch key and a tact key, which are input keys that are one of the input interfaces of a home appliance, are mounted.

[0002] Home appliances may include electrical appliances and machines used in the home. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, home appliances may include devices that are fixedly placed in the home or devices that can be moved in the home. Here, the home may mean an indoor space such as an office as well as a home. Televisions, DVD (digital video disk) players, audio equipment, refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, media boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync) TM ), game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic picture frames, speakers, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, PDAs, portable multimedia players (PMPs), MP3 players, medical devices, cameras, etc. Home appliances may include an input interface for receiving input from a user and an output interface for outputting information to the user. At this time, the input interface may include various input interfaces, for example, electronic keys such as touch keys or touch buttons, and mechanical keys such as tact keys, tact buttons, mechanical buttons, or voice input, motion input, etc. However, since the electronic keys and mechanical keys mounted as input interfaces are mounted on the PCB in different ways, the PCB must be manufactured by deciding in advance which key to mount. However, it is difficult to change the mounted or arranged keys in a situation where the PCB pattern is decided.

[0003] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a door for loading or unloading laundry, a drum capable of accommodating laundry, a motor for rotating the drum to wash the laundry, a user interface panel for providing laundry-related information and receiving user input, a processor for driving the motor or controlling the washing according to the user input, and the user interface panel may include a printed circuit board (PCB). According to one embodiment, the washing machine including the common mounting area may include a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key or a mechanical key for an input interface. According to one embodiment, the washing machine including the common mounting area may include a first jumper connecting the common mounting area and a ground. According to one embodiment, in the washing machine including the common mounting area, the common mounting area may include a plurality of conductive surfaces to which terminals of the mechanical key are connectable.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a user interface panel that displays information related to the operation of the home appliance and receives a user input. According to one embodiment, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a processor that controls the home appliance according to a user input. According to one embodiment, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a printed circuit board (PCB) used for a user interface panel. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the PCB may include a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key or a mechanical key for an input interface. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the PCB may include a first jumper connecting the common mounting area and a ground. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the common mounting area of ​​the PCB may include a plurality of conductive surfaces to which terminals of the mechanical key are connectable. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, when an electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area of ​​the PCB, a first jumper is opened, and when a mechanical key is mounted in the common mounting area, the first jumper is short-circuited.

[0005] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a washing machine as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a user interface panel of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a PCB drawing of a user interface panel of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4a is a drawing illustrating a mechanical key as an input key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4b is a drawing illustrating a mechanical key as an input key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical key as an input key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 is a copper foil shape of an electronic key and mechanical key mounting area.

[0014] FIG. 7a is a copper foil shape of a common mounting area that can share an electronic key and a mechanical key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7b is a copper foil shape showing a common mounting area in which an electronic key and a mechanical key can be mounted in common according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mechanical key and an electronic key mounted in a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram including a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram including a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a case where a mechanical key is connected to a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a case where an electronic key is mounted in a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a type of electronic key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a manufacturing process flow diagram of a PCB including a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a vacuum cleaner among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an electric oven among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an induction device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure will be briefly explained, and one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0029] The terms used in this disclosure are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of one embodiment of the disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the disclosure.

[0030] In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” may refer to “a,” “b,” “c,” “a and b,” “a and c,” “b and c,” “all of a, b, and c,” or variations thereof.

[0031] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "module," etc., used in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "part" and "module" may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly describe one embodiment of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar drawing reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

[0033] A washing machine is a device that uses electricity to wash laundry, and may generally include a tank that stores water and a drum that rotates inside the tank to separate dirt from the laundry.

[0034] Washing machines can be divided into washing machines with a rotating pulsator and washing machines with a rotating drum, depending on the washing method.

[0035] Alternatively, there are washing machines that wash laundry by lifting the laundry upward along the inner surface of the drum and dropping it when the drum rotates about a horizontal axis by placing the drum horizontally, and washing machines that wash laundry by utilizing the water current generated by the pulsator when the drum rotates about a vertical axis by placing the drum vertically with a pulsator inside.

[0036] Washing machines in which the drum rotates on a vertical axis are equipped with a drum and a pulsator together to improve washing performance, and the pulsator rotates to wash clothes. Among washing machines, there are also washing machines that rotate the drum together to create a drop in the laundry and rotate the pulsator in the opposite direction to the drum to create friction.

[0037] Throughout this disclosure, the term washing machine may be used interchangeably with the term washing machine device or washing machine appliance.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a PCB design method capable of mounting both a touch key and a tact key on a PCB in which a touch key and a tact key are mounted among input interfaces of a home appliance, and a PCB device manufactured according to such a design method are required.

[0039] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a washing machine as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] A washing machine (1) according to FIG. 1A may include a main body (10), a water tank (not shown) installed inside the main body (10), and a drum (11) installed inside the water tank. A lifter (12) may be installed inside the drum (11) to lift laundry upward while the drum (11) rotates and then drop it by gravity. The drum (11) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating inside a tub described below. The drum (11) may include a hole connecting the internal space of the drum (11) and the internal space of the tub. The drum (11) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one end open.

[0041] The main body (10) may generally have a hexahedral shape, but is not limited thereto. An opening (13) may be formed at the front center of the main body (10) through which laundry can be put into, or loaded into, or taken out of the drum (11), and a door (14) for opening and closing this opening (13) may be rotatably installed. At least a portion of the door (14) may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior surrounding the drum (11) can be seen.

[0042] Although not shown in Fig. 1a, the washing machine (1) may include a tub provided inside the water tank to store water. The tub may be supported inside the water tank. The tub may have a generally cylindrical shape with one end open. The tub may be elastically supported from the water tank by a damper. The damper may connect the water tank and the tub. The damper may be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub and the water tank when vibration generated when the drum (11) rotates is transmitted to the tub and / or the water tank, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0043] A user interface panel (15) may be installed on the front upper side of the main body (10) to display the operating status of the washing machine (1) and / or washing-related information to the user, or to allow the user to directly control the washing operation. The user interface panel (15) may include, for example, an input unit as an input interface for receiving an operation command from the user, and a display unit as an output interface for displaying operation information of the washing machine. The input unit as an input interface may be included in an electronic device that can receive an input and is operated by one or more touch keys that are operated by the user's touch and / or one or more mechanical keys that are operated by the user's physical push. A detailed description of the user interface panel (15) will be provided later.

[0044] An input unit, for example, an input interface, can provide an electrical output signal corresponding to a user input to a control unit (not shown) including a processor. The input unit can include, for example, input buttons, a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The input buttons can include, for example, mechanical keys such as tact keys, push keys, slide switches, toggle switches, and micro switches, and electronic keys such as touch keys.

[0045] The display unit can receive a signal from the processor and display information corresponding to the received signal. The display unit can include a screen that displays a washing course selected by rotating the course selection dial (or pressing the course selection button) and the operating time of the washing machine, and an indicator that displays a washing setting / rinse setting / spin setting selected by the setting button. The display unit can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, etc.

[0046] Although not shown in FIG. 1a, the washing machine (1) may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum (11).

[0047] A driving device (not shown) may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft (not shown) for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum (11). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum (11). The driving device may be arranged to rotate the drum (11) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0048] A water supply device (not shown) can supply water to the tub. The water supply device can include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe can be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe can extend from the external water source to the detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water can be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water can be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0049] A water supply valve (not shown) can open or close the water supply line in response to an electrical signal from the processor. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0050] The washing machine (1) may include a detergent supply device (not shown) configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also a dryer rinse, a deodorizer, a sterilizer, or an air freshener.

[0051] The washing machine (1) may include a drainage device (not shown). The drainage device may be configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drainage pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, and a pump provided on the drainage pipe. The pump may pump water in the drainage pipe to the outside of the tank.

[0052] A drain hole (not shown) may be formed at the bottom of the tub to drain water stored in the tub to the outside of the tub. The drain hole may be connected to a drain pipe. The drain pipe may be provided with a drain valve to open and close the drain pipe.

[0053] A control unit including a processor can control various components of a washing machine (e.g., a drive motor, a water inlet valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input inputted into an input unit of a user interface panel. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of a water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0054] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory as a processor, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include at least one memory that stores program code as data corresponding to an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, a control program, and at least one processor that performs the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may be implemented as separate hardware chips or may be implemented as a single integrated chip. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0055] A front loading washing machine (1) according to Fig. 1a can wash laundry by rotating the drum (11) to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry.

[0056] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine as a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] The washing machine (1) according to Fig. 1b is a top-loading washing machine that has a structure in which laundry is put in and taken out from the top, unlike a front-loading washing machine in which the laundry inlet is arranged to face forward as in Fig. 1a.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 1b, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) forming the exterior of the washing machine, a water tank (20) installed inside the main body (10) to receive washing water, a dewatering tank (30) provided to be rotatable inside the water tank (20), a pulsator (40) provided to be rotatable at the bottom of the dewatering tank (30), and a driving device (50) for driving the dewatering tank (30) or the pulsator (40).

[0059] The main body (10) includes a laundry inlet (16) formed on the upper part of the main body (10) so that laundry can be put in, and a cover (17) that is installed rotatably on the main body (10) and opens and closes the laundry inlet (16).

[0060] The tank (20) has a cylindrical shape with an open top, and is supported in a state of being suspended from the main body (10) by several suspension devices (D) connected to the lower outer surface of the tank (20). By means of these suspension devices (D), vibrations generated in the main body (10) or the tank (20) during washing or dehydration can be attenuated.

[0061] The dehydration tank (30) has a cylindrical shape with an open top and is provided with a number of dehydration holes (31) around the periphery so that its internal space can be communicated with the internal space of the water tank (20).

[0062] The pulsator (40) rotates forward or backward to generate a water current, and the laundry in the dewatering tank (30) is stirred together with the wash water by this water current. The washing machine (1) according to Fig. 2 can wash the laundry by this water current.

[0063] The driving device (50) may include a driving motor (51) that receives power and generates driving force, and a power switching device (52) that transmits the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) to the pulsator (40) alone or simultaneously to the pulsator (40) and the dewatering tank (30). The dewatering shaft (53) represents a hollow shaft that is coupled to the dewatering tank (30), and the washing shaft (54) is installed in the hollow portion so as to be connected to the pulsator (40) by penetrating the water tank (20) and the dewatering shaft (53).

[0064] As shown in Fig. 1a or 1b, a washing machine (1) requires a motor or drive motor (51) to rotate the drum (11) or the pulsator (40). Hereinafter, the motor or drive motor (51) for rotating the drum (11) or the pulsator (40) will be collectively referred to as a motor.

[0065] To drive a motor, home appliances such as a washing machine (1) rectify the input AC power and establish a DC voltage using a DC link capacitor. The established DC voltage can be converted back into AC voltage by an inverter. Home appliances such as a washing machine (1) may also use an IPM (intelligent power module) that integrates a three-phase inverter and a gate driver.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a user interface panel of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, a user interface panel (15) of a washing machine (1) is illustrated. The user interface panel (15) may include an input interface (151) for receiving input or commands from a user and an output interface (153) for outputting information to the user. The input interface (151) may include an input unit. The output interface (153) may include a display unit.

[0068] The input interface (151) may include an input key area (1510) including a plurality of input keys (1511) that transmit a corresponding command to the processor of the washing machine (1) when physically operated by the user by directly pressing or touching, and a rotation key (1519) that transmits a command to the user interface panel (15) through the user's rotation input.

[0069] The plurality of input keys (1511) may include various input keys in the input key area (1510), including a power key, a washing operation key, etc.

[0070] The plurality of input keys (1511) of the input key area (1510) may be configured as mechanical keys and / or electronic keys. The user interface panel (15) of Fig. 2 illustrates a panel used in a washing machine (1), but the user interface panel (15) of Fig. 2 may be used in various home appliances. Of course, the configuration of the input interface (151) and the output interface (153) may vary depending on the home appliance, but the input key area (1510) including at least one input key is usually commonly provided in the user interface panel (15).

[0071] FIG. 3 is a PCB (printed circuit board) drawing of a user interface panel of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] A PCB is a printed circuit board with the wiring and layout space required for electrically connecting components. Circuits can be configured on the PCB using surface mount technology (SMT), which mounts and solders components to the surface. Typically, different PCBs are designed and used depending on the input key method (type) to be mounted. For example, input key methods (types) may include electronic key methods (touch keys) and mechanical keys (tact keys). Electronic keys may include touch switches. Mechanical keys (tact keys) may include tact switches and / or tactile switches.

[0073] The PCB (150) for the user interface panel according to FIG. 3 includes a common mounting area in which mechanical keys and electronic keys can be mounted in the user interface panel (15) according to FIG. 2. The input key area (1510) of the PCB (150) for the user interface panel includes a common mounting area (1513) in which a plurality of input keys (1511) can be mounted. In one embodiment, the common mounting area (1513) includes a PCB pattern in which electronic keys or mechanical keys for a user input interface can be mounted in the PCB (150) for the user interface panel.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a common mounting area (1513) has a plurality of exposed conductive surfaces to allow multiple terminals of a mechanical key to be soldered. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a common mounting area (1513) has a conductive surface capable of detecting or recognizing a touch when an electronic key is mounted. The conductive surface may be coated with an invariant ink so as not to be exposed to the outside. The invariant ink may include a photo solder resist (PSR) or a photoresist.

[0075] Here, we will describe mechanical keys and electronic keys that can be input keys of a PCB (150) for a user interface panel. As described in detail below, mechanical keys can respond to changes in the applied pressure, while electronic keys can respond to changes in capacitance or resistance.

[0076] FIG. 4a is a drawing illustrating a mechanical key as an input key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] A mechanical key is a switch that is made by processing a thin metal plate into a circular or square dome shape, and when pressed, it physically connects two fixed contacts within the switch body along with a tactile response (e.g., a clicking sensation). A mechanical key may be composed of a cover, a plunger, a contact dome, a base, contacts, and multiple terminals.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 4a, when a user presses a contact dome (1101), which is a thin metal plate on the upper part of a mechanical key (1100), the contact dome (1101) comes into contact with a contact (not shown) on the lower part, thereby transmitting an electrical signal. In Fig. 4a, a switch (1103) is shown as being connected to indicate that an electrical signal is transmitted by the user pressing the mechanical key (1100).

[0079] The mechanical key (1100) may include a plurality of terminals (1110), which may be soldered to a conductive surface on a PCB. Among the plurality of terminals (1110), the upper two terminals and the lower two terminals are always 'internal connected'. As shown in Fig. 4a, when a user presses the contact dome (1101), the upper and lower terminals of the plurality of terminals (1110) are electrically connected to each other.

[0080] FIG. 4b is a drawing illustrating a mechanical key as an input key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Fig. 4b, unlike Fig. 4a, illustrates a situation where the user releases the physical press by taking his hand off the mechanical key (1100).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4b, when the user releases the contact dome (1101), which is a thin metal plate on the top of the mechanical key (1100), the contact dome (1101) no longer makes contact with the contact (not shown) underneath, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection. In FIG. 4b, the switch (1103) is shown to be opened to indicate that the electrical connection is disconnected by the user pressing and releasing the mechanical key (1100) with their finger.

[0083] As seen in FIG. 4b, when the user removes his / her finger from the contact dome (1101), the electrical connection between the upper and lower terminals of the plurality of terminals (1110) is released.

[0084] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical key as an input key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4c, a cross-sectional view of a mechanical key (1100) is illustrated. The mechanical key (1100) may include, but is not limited to, a main body (1120), a plurality of terminals (1110), contacts (1130), a dust cover (1140), a knob (1150), and a cover (1160).

[0086] The plurality of terminals (1110) of the mechanical key (1100) are terminals that are insulated and divided by insert injection from the main body (1120) and are soldered for electrical connection with the PCB (150) for the user interface panel. The plurality of terminals (1110) of the mechanical key (1100) may be classified into U-bending, J-bending, Z-bending, L-bending, gull wing, straight terminal, etc. according to the bending shape. Although the PCB (150) for the user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is separately referred to as the user interface panel, if the user interface panel is part of the main PBA (printed board assembly), the PCB (150) for the user interface panel should be understood to refer to the main PBA of the home appliance. Hereinafter, the PCB (150) for the user interface panel may be simply referred to as a PCB.

[0087] The main body (1120) of the mechanical key (1100) is a basic housing having a fixed contact and a plurality of terminals (1110) connected to the PCB. If the main body (1120) is of the SMD (surface mount device) type, depending on the model, a protrusion (emboss, pilot pin) may be provided to prevent the mechanical key (1100) from being warped when mounted on the PCB.

[0088] The contacts (1130) of the mechanical key (1100) may be referred to as contactors. The contacts are processed from a thin metal plate or a carbon-coated rubber plate and are parts that allow electrical contact (connection) to be made between the fixed contacts of the main body (1120) by the user's pressing motion.

[0089] The dust cover (1140) of the mechanical key (1100) is also called a film cover and is a film tape to prevent dust or flux from penetrating into the interior of the mechanical key (1100). The dust cover (1140) is a thin film tape made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyester, such as Teflon, that is attached along the upper portion of the contact (1130) or the edge of the main body (1120).

[0090] The knob (1150) of the mechanical key (1100) is also called a stem, and is the injection-molded part that the user actually presses to operate the mechanical key (1100). Depending on the mechanical key (1100) model, the knob (1150) may not be present.

[0091] The cover (1160) of the mechanical key (1100) is a metal or plastic plate located on the top of the main body (1120) to restrain the main body (1120) and other components. Depending on the model of the mechanical key (1100), the cover (1160) may not be present. In some SMD type models of the mechanical key (1100), a guide pin that penetrates the PCB from the cover (1160) may be provided to improve soldering pull and shear force.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] The electronic key (1200) is not a key that makes an electrical connection by physical pressing as in the mechanical key (1100), but rather a key that determines the 'user's input intention' by changing the capacitance or resistance of the circuit inside the electronic key (1200) or connected to the electronic key (1200) by the user's touch. The electronic key (1200) can detect the change in capacitance resulting from a change in the dielectric constant of the single-pole plate by bringing a conductor such as the user's finger close to or in contact with the single-pole plate, and can generate a switching signal based on the result.

[0094] The electronic key (1200) can be implemented with a touch panel (1210), a touch gasket (1220), an electrode (1230), and a touch sensor module (1240), as shown in FIG. 5. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic key (1200) includes an input key for touch detection mounted in a common mounting area (1500).

[0095] The touch panel (1210) can detect a user's touch input and output a touch event value corresponding to the detected touch signal. When the touch panel (1210) is combined with a display panel (not shown) to form a touch screen (not shown), the touch screen can be implemented with various types of touch sensor modules (1240), such as a capacitive, pressure-sensitive, or piezoelectric type. The capacitive type uses a dielectric coated on the surface of the touch screen to detect micro-electricity generated by the user's body when a part of the user's body touches the surface of the touch screen, thereby calculating touch coordinates. The pressure-sensitive type includes two electrode plates built into the touch screen, and when the user touches the screen, the upper and lower plates of the touched point come into contact, causing current to flow, thereby calculating touch coordinates. Touch events occurring on the touch screen can be mainly generated by a human finger, but can also be generated by an object made of a conductive material that can apply a change in electrostatic capacity.

[0096] The touch sensed by the touch sensor module (1240) can be processed into data through the touch sensor chip (touch IC, 1250). The touch panel (1210) is an interface part where a user directly touches. When a user touches the touch panel (1210), the touch gasket (1220) acts as an electrode connecting the touch panel (1210) where the touch is made and the touch sensor module (1240) or electrode (1230) in the electrostatic touch input method. In one embodiment, a touch spring or a conductive bar may be used instead of the touch gasket to configure the electronic key (1200).

[0097] The electrode (1230) also serves to electrically connect the touch gasket (1220) and the touch sensor module (1240). The touch IC (1250) can process data based on touch detected by the touch sensor module (1240). For example, the touch IC (1250) can transmit data based on touch detected by the touch sensor module (1240) to the processor (1001) through communication.

[0098] Figure 6 is a copper foil shape of an electronic key and mechanical key mounting area.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, the mounting area on the left represents a PCB pattern (1550) for an electronic key, and the mounting area on the right represents a PCB pattern (1570) for a mechanical key.

[0100] In general, when manufacturing a PCB, the PCB pattern (1570) for a mechanical key and the PCB pattern (1580) for an electronic key must be provided differently, as shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the PCB pattern (1580) for an electronic key on which the electronic key (1200) is mounted and the PCB pattern (1570) for a mechanical key on which the mechanical key (1100) is mounted must be designed and manufactured differently. In this way, an electronic key cannot be mounted on the PCB pattern (1570) for a mechanical key at the same location on a single PCB that is designed and manufactured differently, and a mechanical key cannot be mounted on the PCB pattern (1580) for an electronic key. This is because, when an electronic key is mounted on the PCB pattern (1570) for a mechanical key, multiple conductive surfaces on the PCB pattern (1570) for a mechanical key may be short-circuited with each other, preventing the proper input key function from being performed. Accordingly, if the types of input keys included in the PCB (150) for the user interface panel are different, there is an inconvenience in that the PCB pattern must be manufactured differently accordingly.

[0101] According to the PCB pattern (1580) for the electronic key, it can be seen that copper is etched on the PCB in almost all of the areas where the electronic key is mounted. The PCB pattern (1570) for the mechanical key is provided on the PCB with conductive surfaces (1571) corresponding to the number of terminals of the mechanical key (1100) so that multiple terminals of the mechanical key (1100) can be soldered. Since the PCB pattern (1580) for the electronic key and the PCB pattern (1570) for the mechanical key according to FIG. 6 cannot be used interchangeably, before manufacturing the PCB (150) for the user interface panel, the designer must first decide what type of each input key is and design the PCB pattern to match the decided input key. Therefore, once the PCB (150) for the user interface panel is manufactured, there is a disadvantage in that the type of the input key cannot be changed from an electronic key (1200) to a mechanical key (1100) or from a mechanical key (1100) to an electronic key (1200). Therefore, it is necessary to design a common mounting area in which an electronic key (1200) and a mechanical key (1100) can be mounted in one mounting area at any time without deciding in advance whether to use an electronic key (1200) or a mechanical key (1100) as the input key on a PCB (150) for a user interface panel.

[0102] FIG. 7a is a copper foil shape of a common mounting area that can share an electronic key and a mechanical key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The common mounting area (1500) mounted on the PCB (150) for the user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a copper foil surface or a copper foil pattern according to the hatched area as shown in FIG. 7A. If a copper foil pattern such as the common mounting area (1500) according to FIG. 7A is used, the manufacturer can first manufacture the PCB (150) for the user interface panel and then later decide whether to use a mechanical key (1100) or an electronic key (1200) in the common mounting area (1500). In other words, any type of input key, either an electronic key (1200) or a mechanical key (1100), can be mounted and used in the common mounting area (1500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] In one embodiment, the common mounting area (1500) includes a plurality of conductive surfaces (1550) to which a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key (1100) can be soldered. The plurality of conductive surfaces (1550) are conductive surfaces exposed to the outside so that the mechanical key (1100) can be soldered to the surface of a PCB through surface mount technology (SMT). For convenience of explanation, the plurality of conductive surfaces (1550) will be referred to as a first conductive surface (1550).

[0105] In one embodiment, the plurality of conductive surfaces (1550) of the common mounting area (1500) are insulated from each other by the remaining conductive surfaces (1560) in the common mounting area (1500) except for the plurality of conductive surfaces (1550). For convenience of explanation, the remaining conductive surfaces (1560) are referred to as second conductive surfaces (1560). In one embodiment, the second conductive surface (1560) of the common mounting area (1500) except for the first conductive surface (1550) is in the same layer as the first conductive surface (1550) and is a conductive surface for the electronic key (1200). The second conductive surface (1560), which is a conductive surface for the electronic key (1200), may be a conductive surface used for touch recognition of a touch key that is the electronic key (1200). In a PCB used in a home appliance, an invariant ink such as photoresist may be applied to the second conductive surface (1560) excluding the first conductive surface (1550), so that the second conductive surface may not be exposed to the outside.

[0106] FIG. 7b is a copper foil shape showing a common mounting area in which an electronic key and a mechanical key can be mounted in common according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 7b, in a common mounting area (1500) included in a PCB (150) for a user interface panel used in a home appliance, an invariant ink such as photoresist is applied to a second conductive surface (1560) excluding a first conductive surface (1550), so that the copper foil of the second conductive surface (1560) is not exposed. Even if the second conductive surface (1560) excluding the first conductive surface (1550) is applied with the invariant ink, there is no problem in recognizing a touch by a touch key.

[0108] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mechanical key and an electronic key mounted in a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the common mounting area (1500) is applied to at least a portion of the PCB (150) for the user interface panel, and that a mechanical key (1100) is mounted in the upper common mounting area and an electronic key (1200) is mounted in the lower common mounting area. As seen in FIG. 9, any input key, whether a mechanical key (1100) or an electronic key (1200), can be mounted in the common mounting area (1500) provided in the PCB.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram including a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, a circuit diagram for processing a user's input signal is illustrated when a mechanical key (1100) or an electronic key (1200) is mounted in a common mounting area (1500). In one embodiment, when a mechanical key (1100) is mounted in the common mounting area (1500), the first jumper (1005) is connected to ground (SGND) through a 0-ohm resistor (R3).

[0112] A "jumper" (or "jumper connector"), including the first jumper (1005), is a circuit component that is connected to components to form a circuit and helps the circuit operate. In the present disclosure, a "jumper" may include a circuit path that may or may not be electrically connected across the circuit, and the electrical connection across the circuit may be made through a resistor, a jumper connector, or soldering.

[0113] In the present disclosure, since a 0-ohm resistor (R3) is mounted on the first jumper (1005) so that an electrical connection can be made, the first jumper (1005) may be referred to as a 0-ohm jumper. When the mechanical key (1100) is pressed by a user, the contacts inside the mechanical key (1100) are connected and simultaneously a low signal is transmitted as a mechanical key signal to the processor (1001). In one embodiment, the signal input of this mechanical key (1100) may be processed in the opposite way - when the contacts inside are connected, a high signal is transmitted to the processor (1001).

[0114] In one embodiment, when an electronic key (1200) is mounted in a common mounting area (1500), when a user touches the electronic key (1200), the touch is transmitted as an electronic key signal to the touch IC (1250), and the touch IC (1250) processes the electronic key signal into touch data. The touch data processed by the touch IC (1250) can be transmitted from the touch IC (1250) to the processor (1001) through communication. In one embodiment, the communication may use I2C communication, but is not limited thereto, and other communication methods may also be used. When the electronic key (1200) is mounted in the common mounting area (1500), the electronic key (1200) can come into contact with the first conductive surface (1550) provided to be connected to multiple terminals of the mechanical key (1100), so that the connection with the ground (SGND) can be prevented by removing the 0-ohm resistor from the first jumper (1005). However, opening the first jumper (1005) (removing the 0-ohm resistor) is applied when the electronic key (1200) has a size that brings into contact with the multiple conductive surfaces (1550) provided for the mechanical key (1100) in the common mounting area (1500). In other words, if the size (cross-sectional area) of the electronic key (1200) is sufficiently small so that the bottom portion of the electronic key (1200) does not come into contact with the first conductive surface (1550) provided for the mechanical key (1100), the first jumper (1005) may be short-circuited.

[0115] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram including a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In Fig. 10, it can be seen that among the plurality of conductive surfaces (1550) included in the mechanical key (1100), the upper conductive surface (1551) and the lower conductive surface (1553) are electrically separated. When a user presses the mechanical key (1100), the upper conductive surface (1551) and the lower conductive surface (1553) are electrically connected to each other. It can be seen that among the plurality of conductive surfaces (1550), the lower conductive surface (1553) is connected to the ground (SGND) through the first jumper (1005).

[0117] In one embodiment, the electronic key (1200) may be electrically connected to the upper conductive surface (1551) of the first conductive surface (1550). Accordingly, the first jumper (1005) may be opened to prevent the electronic key (1200) from being connected to the ground (SGND) by touching the lower conductive surface (1553) when it is actually mounted on the PCB. However, this assumes that the electronic key (1200) touches the lower conductive surface (1553) of the first conductive surface (1550). Accordingly, if the size (cross-sectional area) of the electronic key (1200) is sufficiently small so that the electronic key (1200) does not touch the lower conductive surface (1553) of the first conductive surface (1550), a short-circuited state may be maintained without the need to open the first jumper (1005).

[0118] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a case where a mechanical key is mounted in a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit diagram when a mechanical key (1100) is mounted in a common mounting area (1500). When the mechanical key (1100) is mounted in the common mounting area (1500), the first jumper (1005) is short-circuited to electrically connect the ground and the mechanical key (1100). In addition, in one embodiment, when the mechanical key (1100) is mounted in the common mounting area (1500), the connection between the mechanical key (1100) and the touch IC (1250) may be opened through the second jumper (1006) to prevent data from being input to the touch IC (1250).

[0120] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a case where an electronic key is mounted in a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] FIG. 12 illustrates a circuit diagram when an electronic key (1200) is mounted in a common mounting area (1500). When the electronic key (1200) is mounted in the common mounting area (1500), the first jumper (1005) is opened so that no electrical connection is established between the electronic key (1200) and the ground. Of course, as described above, if the electronic key (1200) has a cross-sectional area that does not come into contact with the first conductive surface (1550) of the common mounting area (1500), the first jumper (1005) does not need to be opened. In addition, in one embodiment, when the electronic key (1200) is mounted in the common mounting area (1500), the connection between the electronic key (1200) and the processor (1001) may be opened via the third jumper (1007) to prevent data from being transmitted to the processor (1001). In addition, since connection with the power supply (Vcc) is necessary for the operation of the mechanical key (1100), the fourth jumper (1008) may be opened to also cut off the connection between the electronic key (1200) and the power supply (Vcc).

[0122] When the touch gasket is mounted in the common mounting area (1500) as an electronic key (1200), double-sided tape may be attached to the touch gasket so that it can be mounted in the common mounting area (1500).

[0123] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a type of electronic key according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] When a user touches the touch panel (1210), which is an interface part that the user directly touches, the touch gasket (1220) acts as an electrode that connects the touch panel (1210) where the touch is made and the touch sensor module (1240) or electrode (1230) in the electrostatic touch input method. In one embodiment, a touch spring (1203) or a conductive bar (1205, steel bar) may be used instead of the touch gasket (1201) as illustrated in FIG. 13 to configure an electronic key (1200).

[0125] In one embodiment, the touch gasket (1201), the touch spring (1203), and the conductive bar (1205) may all serve to transmit a user's touch made on the touch panel to a common mounting area (1500) of a PCB used in the user interface panel.

[0126] FIG. 14 is a manufacturing process flow diagram of a PCB including a common mounting area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] In the following, a manufacturing process is described to enable a common mounting area (1500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to be included in a PCB used for a user interface panel.

[0128] Step S1401 is the step where a CCL (copper clad laminate) plate is produced. The CCL plate is made by laminating copper foil on the upper and lower parts of prepreg containing epoxy or phenolic resin to glass fiber. Prepreg (or 'prepreg layer' in the same sense) is an intermediate substrate for fiber-reinforced composite materials, and is a molding material in which glass (reinforced) fibers are pre-impregnated with a matrix resin such as epoxy or phenolic resin.

[0129] Step S1403 is the step of processing a working panel. The previously generated CCL plate can be cut to an appropriate size to fit the processing equipment. A CCL plate cut to an appropriate size can be called a working panel.

[0130] Step S1405 is a preprocessing step. This preprocessing step is a process for forming roughness on the copper surface of the previously generated working panel to increase adhesion with the dry film. Additionally, reference holes used during lamination of the working panel may be processed. The dry film is a coating agent that laminates a photosensitive film specifically designed for the manufacture of PCBs or other chemically processed components, and is a material that can withstand various electroplating solutions or etching solutions. The dry film may include a photoresist. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dry film is necessary to protect the circuit during panel etching.

[0131] Step S1407 is a dry film lamination step, which includes a process of laminating a dry film on a working panel on which a roughness has been formed. The working panel on which the dry film has been laminated may be referred to as a substrate or PCB substrate hereinafter.

[0132] Step S1409 is a dry film exposure step, which is a process of placing an artwork film including a circuit image on a dry film laminated on a substrate and irradiating UV (ultraviolet) to form a circuit image on the dry film. In one embodiment, the artwork film may include a circuit including a common mounting area (1500). In one embodiment, the artwork film may include the circuit shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 including the common mounting area (1500). The dry film exposure step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of curing the dry film by irradiating UV to a hatched portion of the common mounting area (1500) shown in FIG. 7A.

[0133] Step S1411 is a dry film development step, which is a process of removing uncured portions of a dry film on which a circuit image has been formed through exposure using a developer. The dry film development step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of removing uncured dry film in portions other than the hatched portion of the common mounting area (1500) illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0134] Step S1413 is a substrate etching step. This step is used to remove portions of the copper foil that do not have a dry film after dry film development, using an etching solution, to form a circuit on the substrate. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate etching step includes removing the copper foil from portions other than the hatched portion of the common mounting area (1500) illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0135] Step S1415 is a dry film stripping step. This is a process of removing the dry film that acted as a protective film during the etching according to the previous etching step from the substrate using an alkaline solution such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The dry film stripping step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of removing the dry film remaining in the hatched portion of the common mounting area (1500) illustrated in FIG. 7A so that the copper foil remains only in the hatched portion of the common mounting area (1500).

[0136] Step S1417 is a solder resist drying step, which is a process of coating the substrate surface (including the common mounting area (1500)) on which the dry film peeling step has been completed with solder resist ink. The solder resist can protect the substrate surface circuit by preventing oxidation, maintain electrical insulation stability by preventing short circuits between the substrate surface circuits, and prevent solder (lead) from attaching to parts other than the components mounted on the substrate surface. The solder resist drying step includes a step of volatilizing a solvent component in the solder resist and drying the solder resist at a temperature of about 80 degrees Celsius.

[0137] Step S1419 is a solder resist exposure step. The solder resist exposure step includes a process of placing an artwork film on a substrate coated with solder resist and irradiating it with UV (ultraviolet rays). The solder resist exposure step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of irradiating the second conductive surface (1560) excluding the first conductive surface (1550) among the hatched portions of the common mounting area (1500) illustrated in FIG. 7A with UV to harden it.

[0138] Step S1421 is a solder resist development step. The solder resist development step includes a process of removing uncured portions of a UV-irradiated substrate that have not been exposed to UV using a developer. The solder resist development step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of removing the solder resist of the uncured first conductive surface (1550) among the hatched portions of the common mounting area (1500) illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0139] Step S1423 is a solder resist curing step. The solder resist curing step includes a process of finally curing the solder resist using UV and heat. The solder resist development step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of finally curing the common mounting area (1500) illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[0140] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance (2000) according to FIG. 15 may include a processor (1001), a user interface (2100), a communication unit (2200), and a memory (2300). In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance (2000) according to FIG. 15 may further include a motor (not shown), an inverter circuit (not shown) for driving the motor, an SMPS (not shown) for supplying power to a PBA (printed board assembly) including the inverter circuit and the processor (1001), depending on the function required by the home appliance.

[0142] The processor (1001) is a hardware device that controls the overall operation of the home appliance (2000). The processor (1001) may include one processor or may include multiple processors. The processor (1001) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a hardware processing circuit including at least one of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an integrated circuit, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The processor (1001) may be implemented in the form of an integrated system on a chip (SoC) including one or more electronic components. When the processor (1001) includes multiple processors, each processor may be implemented as a separate hardware (H / W). The processor (1001) may also be expressed as a Microprocessor controller (MICOM), a Micro Processor unit (MPU), or a Micro Controller Unit (MCU). The processor (1001) according to the present disclosure is a hardware device that may be implemented as a single core processor or a multicore processor.

[0143] The home appliance (2000) may optionally include a communication unit (2200) for performing internal communication with an external device. For example, the home appliance (2000) may perform communication with an external server (not shown) and / or a user terminal (not shown) through the communication unit (2200). In this case, the communication unit (2200) may communicate with the server through a first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi communication method) and communicate with the user terminal through a second communication method (e.g., BLE communication method).

[0144] The communication unit (2200) may include a short-range wireless communication interface (2210), a long-range wireless communication interface (2220), etc. The short-range communication unit (2210) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication unit, a near field communication interface (NFC), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared data association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The long-range communication unit (2220) may be used for the home appliance (2000) to remotely communicate with a server or a user terminal. The long-range communication unit (2220) may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communications unit may include, but is not limited to, 3G modules, 4G modules, 5G modules, LTE modules, NB-IoT modules, LTE-M modules, etc.

[0145] The communication unit (2200) can transmit data to the processor (1001) through, for example, a UART (Universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter) protocol, which is an asynchronous communication, but the communication method is not limited thereto.

[0146] A user interface (2100) of a home appliance (2000) may be implemented on a PCB (150) for a user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The user interface (2100) may include an output interface (2120) and an input interface (2110). The input interface (2110) may be a channel through which a user may input a command to the home appliance (2000). The input interface (2110) may include, but is not limited to, a touch screen, a voice input, a physical button, etc. The input interface (2110) may include a washing start operation button, a drying start button, a mode selection button, etc. The washing start operation button, the drying start button, the mode selection button, etc. may be implemented by an input key (2111), and the input key (2111) may include a mechanical key (1100) and / or an electronic key (1200). The PCB used for the user interface panel (15) on which the user interface (2100) is implemented may include a common mounting area (1500) on which any key among the mechanical key (1100) and the electronic key (1200) can be mounted.

[0147] The output interface (2120) may include a display (2121), such as an LED, LCD, or touch screen. The output interface (2120) may further include, but is not limited to, a voice output device. The output interface (2120) may display, but is not limited to, software update progress information, operation event information, overheating information, and whether overheating is occurring at a certain point.

[0148] The memory (2300) of the home appliance (2000) may store a program (e.g., one or more commands) for the processor (1001) to control the overall operation of the home appliance (2000), or may store input / output data. For example, the memory (2300) of the home appliance (2000) may store data or programs such as software related to the control of the home appliance (2000), overheating status data, error occurrence data (failure history data), and types of operation events, but is not limited thereto. The memory (2300) of the home appliance (2000) may also store data received from an external user terminal.

[0149] The memory (2300) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The programs stored in the memory (2300) may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

[0150] A home appliance (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include not only a washing machine (1) but also various home appliances. According to one embodiment, a home appliance (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electric oven, an air conditioner such as an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, an electric rice cooker, a TV, an induction cooker, and the like.

[0151] Not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 15 are essential components. The home appliance (2000) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated in FIG. 15, or may be implemented with fewer components.

[0152] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an air conditioner among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] An air conditioner (3000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can absorb heat from an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor") and release heat from the outside of the air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor") for cooling the air-conditioned space, which is the target of air conditioning. In addition, the air conditioner (3000) can absorb heat from the outdoors and release heat to the indoors for heating the indoor space.

[0154] The air conditioner (3000) may include one or more outdoor units (3100) installed outdoors and one or more indoor units (3200) installed indoors. The outdoor unit (3100) may be electrically connected to the indoor unit (3200). For example, a user may input information (or commands) for controlling the indoor unit (3200) through a user interface panel (3220), and the outdoor unit (3100) may operate in response to the user input of the indoor unit (3200).

[0155] The outdoor unit (3100) can be fluidly connected to the indoor unit (3200) through a refrigerant pipe.

[0156] The outdoor unit (3100) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (3100) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). This heat exchange can be achieved through an outdoor heat exchanger included in the outdoor unit (3100). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor unit (3100), the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air. While the refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor unit (3100), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0157] An indoor unit (3200) is installed indoors. The indoor unit (3200) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). At this time, the heat exchange can be performed through an indoor heat exchanger included in the indoor unit (3200). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit (3200), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space can be cooled. While the refrigerant condenses in the indoor unit (3200), the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor space can be heated. The air conditioner (3000) can include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner (3000) can include a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0158] An indoor unit (3200) of an air conditioner (3000) may include a user interface panel (3220) that displays operation information of the air conditioner (3000) and can receive commands from a user. A display unit of the user interface panel (3220) may receive information regarding the operation of the air conditioner (3000) from a processor that controls the operation of the air conditioner (3000) and display information corresponding to the received information. The display unit may include an indicator that displays an operation type of the air conditioner (3000) selected by a user or whether the power of the indoor unit (3200) is on / off. The indicator may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a plurality of LEDs.

[0159] The outdoor unit (3100) includes an outdoor unit body (3101) forming the exterior of the outdoor unit (3100), and an outdoor unit fan (3102) provided on one side of the outdoor unit body (3101) to discharge heat-exchanged air.

[0160] The indoor unit (3200) may include an indoor unit body (3201) forming the exterior of the indoor unit (3200), an indoor unit discharge port (3202) provided on the front of the indoor unit body (3201) for discharging heat-exchanged air, and a user interface panel (3220) for receiving operation commands for the air conditioner (3000) from a user.

[0161] The user interface panel (3220) according to FIG. 16 may use a PCB (150) for a user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the PCB (150) for a user interface panel may include a common mounting area (1500) on which a mechanical key (1100) and an electronic key (1200) may be mounted.

[0162] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a vacuum cleaner among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 17, a home appliance (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vacuum cleaner (4000). The vacuum cleaner (4000) may include a built-in rechargeable battery and may include a cordless vacuum cleaner that does not require a power cord to be connected to an outlet during cleaning. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (4000) may include a corded vacuum cleaner that is used by connecting a power cord to an outlet during cleaning. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 17 will focus on a cordless vacuum cleaner. A user may move the vacuum cleaner (4000) back and forth using a handle mounted on the main body of the vacuum cleaner, thereby causing the brush device (vacuum cleaner head) to suck up dust or debris from the surface to be cleaned.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 17, a vacuum cleaner (4000) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a stick-type vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner body (4100), a brush device (4200), and an extension tube (4300). However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 17 are essential components. The vacuum cleaner (4000) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated in FIG. 14, or may be implemented with fewer components. For example, the vacuum cleaner (4000) may be implemented with a vacuum cleaner body (4100) and a brush device (4200), excluding the extension tube (4300). In addition, the vacuum cleaner (4000) may further include a station (not illustrated) for dust discharge and battery charging of the vacuum cleaner body (4100).

[0165] The suction motor (4500) included in the main body (4100) of the vacuum cleaner (4000) performs a motion to suck up dust during cleaning.

[0166] The vacuum cleaner (4000) may include a user interface panel (4400). The user interface panel (4400) may allow a user to selectively input a cleaning intensity during cleaning, and a charging status or cleaning mode may be displayed through a display included in the user interface panel (4400).

[0167] The user interface panel (4400) according to FIG. 17 may use a PCB (150) for a user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the PCB (150) for the user interface panel may include a common mounting area (1500) on which a mechanical key (1100) and an electronic key (1200) may be mounted.

[0168] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an electric oven among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] A home appliance (2000) employing a user interface panel including a common mounting area (1500) according to the present disclosure is not limited to a washing machine (1), and can be applied to various home appliances.

[0170] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric oven (5000) as a home appliance (2000) may include a user interface panel (5100). The user interface panel (5100) may include a display as an output interface (5110) that can show an internal state from the outside and an input interface (5120) that can transmit a user's command to the electric oven (5000). For example, the home appliance (2000) according to FIG. 18 may be not only an electric oven (5000), but also a dishwasher, a small refrigerator, etc. The small refrigerator may include, for example, a cosmetics refrigerator, a wine refrigerator (also called a wine cellar, a CAVE, a cabinet cellar, a wine cooler, etc.). If the home appliance (2000) according to Fig. 18 is an oven, the internal space can be expressed as a cooking room, if the home appliance (2000) according to Fig. 18 is a small refrigerator, the internal space can be expressed as a storage, and if the home appliance (2000) according to Fig. 18 is a dishwasher, the internal space can be expressed as a container.

[0171] The user interface panel (5100) according to FIG. 18 may use a PCB (150) for a user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the PCB (150) for the user interface panel may include a common mounting area (1500) on which a mechanical key (1100) and an electronic key (1200) may be mounted.

[0172] Fig. 19 is an induction device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 19, a home appliance (2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be represented as an induction device (6000). The induction device (6000) may also be referred to as an induction heating device, an induction heating device, or an induction cooking device.

[0174] An induction device (6000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a device that wirelessly transmits power to a heated object (e.g., a cooking vessel (6001)) positioned on a top plate using electromagnetic induction. The induction device (6000) may include a working coil that generates a magnetic field for inductively heating the cooking vessel (6001).

[0175] Generating a magnetic field by an operating coil may mean transmitting power by utilizing a magnetic field induced in an IH metal (e.g., iron) through self-induction. For example, an induction device (6000) may generate eddy currents in a cooking vessel (6001) by flowing a current through the operating coil to form a magnetic field.

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the induction device (6000) can display information related to the cooking vessel (6001) through the user interface panel (6100). For example, when the cooking vessel (6001) is detected, the induction device (6000) can display identification information of the cooking vessel (6001) and position information of the cooking vessel (6001) on the output interface (6110) included in the user interface panel (6100). In addition, the induction device (6000) can transmit a user command to the processor of the induction device (6000) through the input interface (6120) included in the user interface panel (6100).

[0177] The user interface panel (6100) according to FIG. 19 may use a PCB (150) for a user interface panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the PCB (150) for a user interface panel may include a common mounting area (1500) on which a mechanical key (1100) and an electronic key (1200) may be mounted.

[0178] Although a user interface panel including a common mounting area (1500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described in FIGS. 16 to 19, the home appliance (2000) according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to various home appliances including a user interface panel.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a door for loading or unloading laundry, a drum capable of accommodating laundry, a motor for rotating the drum to wash the laundry, a user interface panel for providing laundry-related information and receiving user input, a processor for driving the motor or controlling the washing according to the user input, and a printed circuit board (PCB) used in the user interface panel. According to one embodiment, the washing machine including the common mounting area may include a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key or a mechanical key for an input interface. According to one embodiment, the washing machine including the common mounting area may include a first jumper connecting the common mounting area and a ground. According to one embodiment, in the washing machine including the common mounting area, the common mounting area may include a plurality of conductive surfaces to which terminals of the mechanical key are connectable.

[0180] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, when a machine key is mounted in the common mounting area, the first jumper is short-circuited.

[0181] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, when an electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area, the first jumper is opened.

[0182] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, an electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area, and when the electronic key does not come into contact with the plurality of conductive surfaces, the first jumper may be opened or shorted.

[0183] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, the common mounting area has a copper surface to which an electronic key is electrically connected and a plurality of conductive surfaces to which a mechanical key is connected, which are insulated from each other.

[0184] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, a copper surface to which an electronic key is electrically connected and a plurality of conductive surfaces to which a mechanical key is connected form the same layer.

[0185] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, a plurality of conductive surfaces to which a machine key is connected are electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of the machine key when the machine key is mounted on a PCB.

[0186] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected is a conductive surface other than a plurality of conductive surfaces connected to a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key.

[0187] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, a copper surface to which an electronic key is connected is treated so as not to be exposed to the outside by coating it with an invariant ink.

[0188] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, the electronic key may include a touch key that generates a signal upon a user's touch.

[0189] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, the touch key may include at least one of a touch gasket, a touch spring, and a conductor bar as an electrode connecting a touch panel on which a touch is made in a touch input method and a PCB used in a user interface panel.

[0190] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, a touch IC for detecting a touch is further included, and a signal generated according to a user's touch can be detected by the touch IC and transmitted to a processor through communication.

[0191] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, the machine key may include a tact key that generates a signal upon a physical push by a user.

[0192] In a washing machine including a common mounting area according to one embodiment, a signal generated in response to a physical push by a user can be received by a processor to perform an operation in response to the user's input.

[0193] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a user interface panel that displays information related to the operation of the home appliance and receives a user input. According to one embodiment, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a processor that controls the home appliance according to a user input. According to one embodiment, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key may include a printed circuit board (PCB) used for a user interface panel. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the PCB may include a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key or a mechanical key for an input interface. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the PCB may include a first jumper connecting the common mounting area and a ground. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the common mounting area of ​​the PCB may include a plurality of conductive surfaces to which terminals of the mechanical key are connectable. According to one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, when an electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area of ​​the PCB, a first jumper is opened, and when a mechanical key is mounted in the common mounting area, the first jumper is short-circuited.

[0194] According to one embodiment, a common mounting area of ​​a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key is formed such that a copper surface to which an electronic key is electrically connected and a plurality of conductive surfaces to which a mechanical key is connected are insulated from each other.

[0195] In one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, a plurality of conductive surfaces to which the mechanical key is connected are electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key when the mechanical key is mounted on a PCB.

[0196] In one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected is a conductive surface other than a plurality of conductive surfaces connected to a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key.

[0197] In one embodiment, in a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key, a copper surface to which the electronic key is connected is coated with an invariant ink and treated so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0198] According to one embodiment, a home appliance including a common mounting area capable of mounting a mechanical key and an electronic key further includes a touch IC for detecting a touch, and when an electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area, a signal generated by a user's touch on the electronic key is detected by the touch IC and transmitted to a processor through communication.

[0199] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a PCB (printed circuit board) including a common mounting area where an electronic key and a mechanical key can be mounted in a washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a door for loading or unloading laundry, a drum capable of accommodating the laundry, a motor for rotating the drum to wash the laundry, a user interface panel for providing laundry washing-related information and receiving user input, and a PCB (printed circuit board) used in the user interface panel and including a common mounting area where an electronic key and a mechanical key can be mounted. In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a PCB (printed circuit board) including a common mounting area where an electronic key and a mechanical key can be mounted in a washing machine may include a step of forming a copper foil on the upper and lower parts of a prepreg insulating layer and compressing the copper foil to form a copper clad laminate (CCL) panel. In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a PCB (printed circuit board) including a common mounting area where an electronic key and a mechanical key can be mounted in a washing machine may include a step of forming roughness on the formed CCL panel and laminating a dry film. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine may include a step of placing a film including the common mounting area on a dry film and irradiating it with ultraviolet rays to form a circuit image.

[0200] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine includes a copper surface to which a mechanical key is connected in a common mounting area, the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected includes a plurality of conductive surfaces connected to a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key, and the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected is a remaining area excluding the plurality of conductive surfaces.

[0201] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine includes a plurality of conductive surfaces connected to a plurality of terminals of a mechanical key in a common mounting area, and the remaining area except for the plurality of conductive surfaces is insulated from each other, and the plurality of conductive surfaces and the remaining area form the same layer.

[0202] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine further includes a step of coating the remaining area of ​​the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected with an invariant ink so that it is not exposed to the outside.

[0203] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine comprises the step of removing at least a portion of a dry film with an alkaline solution on a CCL panel on which a circuit image is formed.

[0204] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine comprises the step of coating a CCL panel surface with solder resist ink.

[0205] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) including a common mounting area capable of mounting an electronic key and a mechanical key in a washing machine includes a step of removing solder resist ink coated on a plurality of conductive surfaces so that a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key can be soldered to the plurality of conductive surfaces.

[0206] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present disclosure or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0207] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer.

[0208] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. Door for loading or unloading laundry; A drum capable of accommodating the above laundry; A motor for rotating the drum to wash the laundry; A user interface panel providing laundry-related information for the laundry and receiving user input; and Including a processor that controls the motor to drive the motor or perform washing according to the user input, The above user interface panel comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB comprises: A common mounting area where electronic or mechanical keys for input interfaces can be mounted; Including a first jumper connecting the above common mounting area and ground, A washing machine wherein the above common mounting area includes a plurality of challenging surfaces.

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple challenge surfaces are capable of connecting the terminals of the machine key, A washing machine, wherein when the machine key is mounted in the public mounting area, the first jumper is short-circuited.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, A washing machine, wherein when the electronic key is mounted in the public mounting area, the first jumper is opened.

4. In paragraph 1, A washing machine, wherein the electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area, and when the electronic key does not come into contact with the plurality of conductive surfaces, the first jumper is opened or short-circuited.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above common mounting area is a washing machine, wherein the copper surface to which the electronic key is electrically connected and the plurality of conductive surfaces to which the mechanical key is connected are insulated from each other.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A washing machine, wherein the copper surface to which the electronic key is electrically connected and the plurality of conductive surfaces to which the mechanical key is connected form the same layer.

7. In paragraph 6, A washing machine, wherein the plurality of conductive surfaces to which the mechanical key is connected are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals of the mechanical key when the mechanical key is mounted on the PCB.

8. In paragraph 7, A washing machine, wherein the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected is a conductive surface other than the plurality of conductive surfaces connected to the plurality of terminals of the mechanical key.

9. In paragraph 8, A washing machine in which the copper surface to which the electronic key is connected is coated with an invariable ink so as not to be exposed to the outside.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A washing machine including a touch key that generates a signal according to the user's touch, wherein the electronic key is above.

11. In Article 10, A washing machine in which the above touch key is an electrode connecting the touch panel on which touch is made in the touch input method and the PCB used in the user interface panel, and includes at least one of a touch gasket, a touch spring, and a conductor bar.

12. In paragraph 10, It further includes a touch IC that detects touch, A washing machine, wherein the signal generated by the user's touch is detected by the touch IC and transmitted to the processor through signal communication.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A washing machine comprising a tact key that generates a signal according to a physical push of a user.

14. In paragraph 13, A washing machine, wherein the signal generated in response to the physical push of the user is received by the processor and an operation is performed in response to the input of the user.

15. A user interface panel that displays information related to the operation of the home appliance and receives user input; and Including a processor that controls the home appliance according to the user input, The above user interface panel comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB comprises: A common mounting area where electronic or mechanical keys for input interfaces can be mounted; Including a first jumper connecting the above common mounting area and ground, A home appliance, wherein the common mounting area includes a plurality of conductive surfaces to which a plurality of terminals of the mechanical key can be connected, and when the electronic key is mounted in the common mounting area, the first jumper is opened, and when the mechanical key is mounted in the common mounting area, the first jumper is short-circuited.

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