A protection structure for a control board

Abstract

The present invention discloses a protection structure suitable for use in assembling a control board (K) in a washing device and protecting the control board (K) against external factors. Said protection structure comprises at least one board box (1) with at least one rear wall (3), at least one front wall (4), and at least one base wall (2) connecting the front wall (4) and the rear wall (3), wherein the base wall (2) is suitable for the placement of said control board (K) beneath the base wall (2); at least one connection slot (2a) located on the base wall (2); at least one sealing element (5) for preventing liquid passage through the connection slot (2a), wherein the sealing element (5) has at least one sealing element body (5a) connected to the connection slot (2a) and providing transmission of a force to at least one control board (K) element provided beneath the connection slot (2a); at least one drain hole (3b) provided on said rear wall (3) for sending liquids from the base wall (2) out of the board box (1).

Description

[0001] A PROTECTION STRUCTURE FOR A CONTROL BOARD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a protection structure for protecting a control board used in a washing device, such as a dishwasher.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] A washing device, such as a dishwasher, typically comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment provided within the body, in which a washing process is conducted; and at least one door which is movably attached to the body for providing access to the inner compartment. In particular, a dishwasher uses movable rack structures to efficiently utilize the volume of the inner compartment and to allow largesized items to be easily placed in and removed from the inner compartment. For the racks to move out of the inner compartment easily, the door used in such a washing device is designed to cover nearly the entire front surface of the body and is attached to the body on the lower part to perform a rotational movement in a horizontal axis.

[0006] A washing device may have various washing programs based on parameters such as the type, quantity, and level of dirtiness of the items to be washed. In order for a user to select at least one of these washing programs, the washing device comprises a control panel with a user interface such as a button, a switch, or a touch panel. Said control panel is typically located on the door, ensuring easy access to the control panel, especially when the door covers the front surface of the washing device.

[0007] In conventional applications, components such as buttons or switches on the control panels are provided at an upper section of the front surface of the door. However, in case of a built-in washing device, when a decorative panel is mounted on the door, said components can negatively affect the visual integrity of the decorative panel. Similarly, in case of a standalone washing device, components like buttons or switches on the front surface of the door do not only disrupt the door's appearance but also negatively impact operation of the washing device if users accidentally touch these components.

[0008] To solve this issue, in the known-art, washing devices with buttons or switches provided on the upper surface of the door are known. In such applications, when the door is closed, said components are concealed beneath a top panel of the washing device. Thus, visual integrity of the door can be maintained while preventing users from accidentally contacting with buttons or switches. However, such applications still present problems, such as the risk of liquid reaching the control board through buttons or switches, as well as the difficulty in installing these components.

[0009] Brief Description of the Invention

[0010] The present invention discloses a protection structure suitable for use in assembling a control board in a washing device and protecting the control board against external factors. Said protection structure comprises at least one board box with at least one rear wall, at least one front wall, and at least one base wall connecting the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the base wall is suitable for the placement of said control board beneath the base wall; at least one connection slot located on the base wall; at least one sealing element for preventing liquid passage through the connection slot, wherein the sealing element has at least one sealing element body connected to the connection slot and providing transmission of a force to at least one control board element provided beneath the connection slot; at least one drain hole provided on said rear wall for sending liquids from the base wall out of the board box.

[0011] In the protection structure according to the present invention, a control board can be provided beneath base wall, thereby protecting the control board against external environment. Here, the connection slot located on the base wall, along with the sealing element body connected to said connection slot, allows a force to be applied to components such as buttons on the control board while preventing liquids from reaching these components. Moreover, the drain hole provided on the rear wall prevents liquid accumulation on the base wall, thereby ensuring more reliable protection of the control board. Object of the Invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a protection structure for a control board suitable for use in a washing device.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a protection structure for a control board that is reliable and easy-to-install.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the protection structure for a control board according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a top view of a board box of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rear detail of a board box of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sealing element of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is another perspective view of the sealing element of the protection structure for a control board according to the invention.

[0022] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0023] Control board (K)

[0024] Board box (1)

[0025] Base wall (2) Connection slot (2a)

[0026] Connection protrusion (2b)

[0027] First connection hole (2c)

[0028] Rear wall (3)

[0029] Second connection hole (3a)

[0030] Drain hole (3b)

[0031] Surrounding wall (3c)

[0032] Inclined surface (3d)

[0033] Front wall (4)

[0034] Sealing element (5)

[0035] Sealing element body (5a)

[0036] Connection recess (5b)

[0037] First connection section (5c)

[0038] First connection plug (5d)

[0039] Second connection plug (5e)

[0040] Second connection section (5f)

[0041] Collection section (6)

[0042] Collection channel (6a)

[0043] Drain opening (6b)

[0044] Socket opening (7)

[0045] Socket protection protrusion (8)

[0046] Light carrier (9) of the Invention

[0047] A washing device such as a dishwasher comprises at least a body; at least one inner compartment within the body; a door providing access to the inner compartment; and at least one control panel located on the door. The control panel includes control elements such as buttons and / or switches. To maintain the visual integrity of the door and prevent accidental contact with the control elements by users, said control elements can be positioned to remain on an upper surface of the door. However, in such applications, issues arise, such as water reaching the control board on the control panel, which comprises various electronic components. Therefore, the present invention provides a protection structure for a control board to address these problems. The protection structure according to the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1-7, is suitable for use in assembling a control board (K) in a washing device and protecting the control board (K) against external factors, said protection structure comprising at least one board box (1) with at least one rear wall (3), at least one front wall (4) preferably parallel to the rear wall (3), and at least one base wall (2) connecting the front wall (4) and the rear wall (3), wherein the base wall (2) is suitable for the placement of said control board (K) beneath the base wall (2); at least one connection slot (2a) located on the base wall (2); at least one sealing element (5) for preventing liquid passage through the connection slot (2a), wherein the sealing element (5) has at least one sealing element body (5a) connected to the connection slot (2a) and providing transmission of a force to at least one control board (K) element (e.g. a push button) provided beneath the connection slot (2a); at least one drain hole (3b) provided on said rear wall (3) for sending liquids from the base wall (2) out of the board box (1).

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said protection structure is used in a washing device, such as a dishwasher. The protection structure ensures that the control board (K) is protected, especially from liquids caused by the external environment. The control board (K) may comprise at least one button for receiving user commands, or at least one control unit for controlling the information displayed to the users via a screen. In this case, an external force should be applied to the button to activate the button. However, while this force is applied, it is essential to prevent liquid from reaching the control board (K) from the external environment. To achieve this, the base wall (2) comprises at least one connection slot (2a), in which a flexible sealing element body (5a) is provided. The sealing element body (5a), due to its flexible structure, moves up and down, enabling the force necessary to activate the button to be transmitted to the button. This flexible structure also provides sealing, preventing the passage of liquid through the connection slot (2a). Therefore, while a force can be applied to components such as the button on the control board (K), the passage of liquid into the control board (K) is prevented. Additionally, when a liquid is present on the base wall (2), it is directed out of the board box (1) via a drain hole (3b) provided on the rear wall. This prevents the accumulation of liquid on the base wall (2), ensuring better protection of the control board (K). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protection structure comprises at least one collection section (6) extending outward from the front wall (4) as a protrusion, and provided at a lower section of an external surface of the front wall (4) that is farther from the rear wall (3). The collection section (6) comprises at least one collection channel (6a) which is formed as a recess (e.g., 1 mm deep). In this embodiment, liquids reaching the external surface of the front wall (4) are directed by gravity towards the collection section (6), where they are gathered in the collection channel (6a). The collection section (6) also comprises at least one drain opening (6b) provided on a section of the collection channel (6a) farther from the front wall (4) in order to drain the liquid collected in the collection channel (6). In this embodiment, the collection channel (6a) is preferably inclined towards the drain opening (6b). The drain opening (6b) is preferably formed as an aperture on a wall of the collection section (6) outside the collection channel (6a). This allows the liquid collected in the collection channel (6a) to be drained from a section farther from the front wall (4).

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base wall (2) comprises at least one connection protrusion (2b) surrounding the connection slot (2a). In this embodiment, the sealing element (5) comprises at least one connection recess (5b) on the sealing element body (5a), which is suitable for receiving the connection protrusion (2b). By having the connection protrusion (2b) fit into the connection recess (5b), the sealing element body (5a) is securely attached to the connection slot (2a), thereby improving the durability and effectiveness of the sealing feature. In this embodiment, the sealing element (5) and the board box (1) may be independently produced to be connected later, or the board box (1) may be produced such that the sealing element body (5a) remains within the connection slot (2a) and is attached to the sealing element (5) during a plastic injection molding process.

[0050] Control boards (K) may comprise multiple components, such as buttons, to receive various user commands. For this reason, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base wall (2) comprises at least two connection slots (2a). In this embodiment, the sealing element (5) comprises at least two sealing element bodies (5a); and at least a first connection section (5c), preferably in a strip-like structure, connecting the sealing element bodies (5a) together. The protection structure further comprises at least a first connection hole (2c) provided on the base wall (2), between the connection sockets (2a); and at least a first connection plug (5d) in the first connection section (5c), which is suitable for connecting to the first connection hole (2c). By placing the first connection plug (5d) into the first connection hole (2c), the sealing element (5) is securely attached to the base wall (2), and the passage of liquid through the first connection hole (2c) is prevented.

[0051] Yet in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the protection structure comprises at least a second connection hole (3a) provided on the rear wall (3); and at least a second connection plug (5e) on the sealing element (5), which is suitable for connecting to the second connection hole (3a). In this embodiment, said sealing element (5) also comprises at least a second connection section (5f), preferably in a strip-like structure, for connecting the second connection plug (5e) to the sealing element body (5a). In this embodiment, since the sealing element (5) can be securely attached not only to the base wall (2) but also to the rear wall (3), the connection with the board box (1) is rendered more reliable.

[0052] Still in another preferred embodiment of the invention, said rear wall (3) comprises at least one surrounding wall (3c) provided at an outer surface thereof that is farther from the front wall (4), wherein the surrounding wall (3c) at least partially (preferably completely) surrounds the drain hole (3b). In this embodiment, since the liquid directed out of the board box (1) through the drain hole (3d) is expelled through the surrounding wall (3c), it can be drained without contacting the outer surface of the rear wall (3). In another preferred embodiment, said drain hole (3b) comprises at least one inclined surface (3d) on a lower section thereof. Thanks to the inclined surface (3d) preferably in a chamfered shape, the liquid from the base wall (2) can be directed more effectively out of the board box (1).

[0053] Said control board (K) may comprise at least one socket connection for connecting various components, such as a screen and sensors. In this embodiment, said protection structure comprises at least one socket opening (7) provided on a lower section of the front wall (4). Here, a socket that will be connected to a socket slot on the control board (K) passes through the socket opening (7). In this embodiment, the protection structure further comprises at least one socket protection protrusion (8) provided on the socket opening (7). The socket protection protrusion (8) prevents liquids from reaching the socket that passes through the socket opening (7), ensuring that the sockets are reliably connected to the control board (K). The control board (K) may also comprise at least one light source for displaying information, such as indicating when a button has been pressed. In this embodiment, the light generated by the light source on the control board (K) located beneath the bottom wall (2) needs to be visible to the users. Therefore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said protection structure comprises at least one light carrier (9) provided at the bottom wall (2). The light carrier (9), preferably in the form of a transparent plastic protrusion, allows the light to be directed outside the board box (1). In this embodiment, the light carrier (9) can either be produced together with the board box (1) or manufactured independently and later attached to the board box (1).

[0054] The present invention also discloses a washing device comprising said protection structure. This washing device is preferably a dishwasher and comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment provided within the body, in which a washing process is conducted; at least one door which is movably attached to the body for providing access to the inner compartment, wherein said protection structure is provided at an upper section of the door; and at least one control board (K) provided in the card box (1), beneath the bottom wall (2). Here, the control board (K) comprises at least one button and / or at least one light source (e.g., a LED), and / or at least one socket connection.

[0055] In the protection structure according to the present invention, a control board (K) can be provided beneath base wall (2), thereby protecting the control board (K) against external environment. Here, the connection slot (2a) located on the base wall (2), along with the sealing element body (5a) connected to said connection slot (2a), allows a force to be applied to components such as buttons on the control board (K), while preventing liquids from reaching these components. Moreover, the drain hole (3b) provided on the rear wall (3) prevents liquid accumulation on the base wall (2), thereby ensuring more reliable protection of the control board (K).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A protection structure suitable for use in assembling a control board (K) in a washing device and protecting the control board (K) against factors, characterized by comprising: at least one board box (1) with at least one rear wall (3), at least one front wall (4), and at least one base wall (2) connecting the front wall (4) and the rear wall (3), wherein the base wall (2) is suitable for the placement of said control board (K) beneath the base wall (2); at least one connection slot (2a) located on the base wall (2); at least one sealing element (5) for preventing liquid passage through the connection slot (2a), wherein the sealing element (5) has at least one sealing element body (5a) connected to the connection slot (2a) and providing transmission of a force to at least one control board (K) element provided beneath the connection slot (2a); at least one drain hole (3b) provided on said rear wall (3) for sending liquids from the base wall (2) out of the board box (1).

2. A protection structure according to claim 1 , characterized in that said front wall (4) is parallel to the rear wall (3).

3. A protection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protection structure comprises at least one collection section (6) extending outward from the front wall (4) as a protrusion, and provided at a lower section of an external surface of the front wall (4) that is farther from the rear wall (3).

4. A protection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that said collection section (6) comprises at least one collection channel (6a) which is formed as a recess.

5. A protection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that said collection section (6) comprises at least one drain opening (6b) provided on a section of the collection channel (6a) farther from the front wall (4) in order to drain the liquid collected in the collection channel (6).

6. A protection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that said collection channel (6a) is inclined towards the drain opening (6b).

7. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base wall (2) comprises at least one connection protrusion (2b) surrounding the connection slot (2a).

8. A protection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that said sealing element (5) comprises at least one connection recess (5b) on the sealing element body (5a), which is suitable for receiving the connection protrusion (2b).

9. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base wall (2) comprises at least two connection slots (2a).

10. A protection structure according to claim 9, characterized in that said sealing element (5) comprises at least two sealing element bodies (5a); and at least a first connection section (5c) connecting the sealing element bodies (5a) together.

11. A protection structure according to claim 10, characterized in that the protection structure comprises at least a first connection hole (2c) provided on the base wall (2), between the connection sockets (2a); and at least a first connection plug (5d) in the first connection section (5c), which is suitable for connecting to the first connection hole (2c).

12. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection structure comprises at least a second connection hole (3a) provided on the rear wall (3); and at least a second connection plug (5e) on the sealing element (5), which is suitable for connecting to the second connection hole (3a).

13. A protection structure according to claim 12, characterized in that the sealing element (5) comprises at least a second connection section (5f) for connecting the second connection plug (5e) to the sealing element body (5a).

14. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rear wall (3) comprises at least one surrounding wall (3c) provided at an outer surface thereof that is farther from the front wall (4), wherein the surrounding wall (3c) at least partially surrounds the drain hole (3b).

15. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said drain hole (3b) comprises at least one inclined surface (3d) on a lower section thereof.

16. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection structure comprises at least one socket opening (7) provided on a lower section of the front wall (4).

17. A protection structure according to claim 16, characterized in that the protection structure comprises at least one socket protection protrusion (8) provided on the socket opening (7).

18. A protection structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection structure comprises at least one light carrier (9) provided at the bottom wall (2).

19. A washing device comprising a protection structure according to any of the preceding claims.

20. A washing device according to claim 19, characterized in that the washing device comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment provided within the body, in which a washing process is conducted; at least one door which is movably attached to the body for providing access to the inner compartment, wherein said protection structure is provided at an upper section of the door; and at least one control board (K) provided in the card box (1), beneath the bottom wall (2).

21. A washing device according to claim 20, characterized in that said control board (K) comprises at least one button.

22. A washing device according to claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that said control board (K) comprises at least one light source.

23. A washing device according to any of the claims 20 to 22, characterized in that said control board (K) comprises at least one socket connection.

24. A washing device according to any of the claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the washing device is a dishwasher.

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