CA1313217C - Membrane touch control panel assembly for an appliance with a glass control panel - Google Patents
Membrane touch control panel assembly for an appliance with a glass control panelInfo
- Publication number
- CA1313217C CA1313217C CA000607115A CA607115A CA1313217C CA 1313217 C CA1313217 C CA 1313217C CA 000607115 A CA000607115 A CA 000607115A CA 607115 A CA607115 A CA 607115A CA 1313217 C CA1313217 C CA 1313217C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- control panel
- glass
- switch array
- switch
- bezel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
- H01H2203/02—Interspersed fingers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2207/00—Connections
- H01H2207/004—Printed circuit tail
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2209/00—Layers
- H01H2209/002—Materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2223/00—Casings
- H01H2223/034—Bezel
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
- H01H2229/062—Maintenance or repair facilities
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2231/00—Applications
- H01H2231/012—Household appliance
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
- H01H2239/008—Static electricity considerations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
- H01H2239/064—Simulating the appearance of touch panel
Abstract
MEMBRANE TOUCH CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY FOR
AN APPLIANCE WITH A GLASS CONTROL PANEL
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An appliance with a glass control panel is provided with a membrane touch control panel assembly which simulates the appearance of a glass capacitive touch panel, and which can tolerate relatively harsh temperature environments such as on the backsplash of a range.
AN APPLIANCE WITH A GLASS CONTROL PANEL
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An appliance with a glass control panel is provided with a membrane touch control panel assembly which simulates the appearance of a glass capacitive touch panel, and which can tolerate relatively harsh temperature environments such as on the backsplash of a range.
Description
13~3?J~7 - 1 - 09RG~17241 MENBRA~E TO~CH COMTRO~ PANEL A ~B~BLY ~OR
~N APP~I~NCE WIT A ~h~ CONTROL PANEL
BACRGRO~ND OF TNE INVENTIO~
This invention relates to a membrane touch switch control panel assembly for appliances with glass control panels.
Use of glass control panels for appliances such as ranges and wall ovens is well known. Such appliances typically have electromechanical controls with user manipulated control knobs projecting through holes in the glass. Such structural arrangements are inconvenient to clean and also allow soils to enter the area behind the control panel leading to an unsightly appearance and possibly contaminating the control circuitry.
In some instances capacitive touch panel arrays have been used in lieu of mechanical knobs and switches, enhancing appearance and cleanab.lli~y. Such arrays can be ~abricaked directly on the glass panel which serves as the dielectric~ substrate, thereby providing a smooth sur~ace with no openings to collect ~ood soils and a modern high tech appearance. Also such arrays can withstand the relatively high temperature environment to which range and oven controls are exposed. Capaci~ive touch switch arrays have been found to provide æati.sfac~ory performance and pleasing appearance. However, capacitive touch panels while me~hanically simple are electrically relatively ' ~' ~3~3~
~ 2 -complex and have a relatively high system costO
Consequently, such controls generally are provided only on expensive appliances positioned at the high end of the model line.
Membrane kouch switch arrays, which have substantially less system cost than capacitive touch pad arrays, are used in refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave ovens, and laundry appliances which provide a less harsh temperature environment, since materials conventionally used in membrane touch switch arrays do not tolerate high temperatures well.
Therefore, a touch control panel for appliances which has the cost advantages of memhrane switch panels and the appearance and temperature tolerance advantage o~ capacitive touch control arrays would be highly desirable.
It is therefore a primary object o~ the present invention to provide a membrane touch switch ~ control panel assembly for an appliance which provide ; 20 the appearance and cleanability and temperature tolerance bene~its of a capacitive touch panel array.
8UMMARY OF THE~ E~q!ION
In accordance with tha pre3ent inventlon an appliance with a glass control panel is provided with a membrane touch swltch control panel assembly which provides the smooth appearance, easy cleanability o~ a glass capacitive touch panel, and a higher temperature tolerance than that of conventional membrane switch ; array.
A laminated membrane switch array is disposed on the out~r surface of the glass con~rol panel. The glass panel has a hole formed therein to allow the ribbon cable for the membrane switch array ko pass ; through the panel to control circuitry positioned behind the panel. A bezel circumscribes the switch .
~31321 ~
array with an inner edge which overlapping}y engagas the array at its periphery to hold the array in position on the panel with its face exposed to permit user actuation of the membrane switches. A gasket may be sandwich~d between the bezel and the glass panel to provide a seal therebetween. The outer graphics layer of the membrane switch axray is formed o~ a flexible, resilient temperature resist~nt material, preferably a hard coat polycarbonate material, capable of withstanding temperature in excess of 220F.
~B23:EF DE:8CRIPTION OF ~HE DRAWINGS
While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated along with other objects and features thereof, from the following description taken in coniunction with the drawings, in which:
FI~. l is a perspective view of the upper portion of a ~ree-standing range illustratively embodying the membrane touch control panel assembly o~
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view o~ the ~ouch panel portion o~ ths control panel o~ Fig. 1:
~IGo 3 i~ an exploded perspective view of the touch panel a~sembly embodied in the range of FIG. 1;
FXG. 4 is a sectional view of the control panel for the range in FIG. 1 taken along lines 4-4;
FIG. 5 i~ an exaggerated sectional view of a switch portion of the laminated membrane swit~h array of FIG. 4 taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2; and FIGS. 6A and 6B show details of the shorting electrode and switching electrodes for the segment o~
the switch array illustrated in FIG. 5.
D~TAILED DB CRIPTION
1.3~32~
O9R~-17241 ~ 4 -Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a free-standing range 10, with four conventional surface units 12, supported from cooktop surface 14, and an oven enclosed by oven door 16. Control knobs 18 ~or the surface units and oven controls comprising a touch switch array 20 are supported from the backsplash comprising glass panel 22~ In order to minimize the exposure of the touch switch array ~o radiant energy from the back two sur~ace units, the switch array is centered horizontally on panel 22 relative to the surface units.
Viewing area 23 on panel 22 exposes an electronic display disposed behind the panel area shown in phantom at 24 in FIG. 3. This display may include a real time clock, an ovPn timer, and oven operating mode indicators and prompts for operation of the oven controls. ~s best seen in FIG. 2, touch swi~ch array 20 includes a graphical overlay 25 with indicia identifying the location and function o~ the various touch switches.
As best seen in FIG. 5, membrane touch switch array 20 i6 a laminated touch switch arra~ which, with the exception o~ the yraphics layer 25 is o~ yenerally conventional construction. FIG. 5 is a greatly expanded sectional view o~ the portion o~ array 20 camprising touch switch ~6 which is representative o~
the other touch switches in th~ membrane touch switch array 20~ The thicknesses are exaggerated for clarity~
Because of the harsh temperature environment due to the proximity of the control panel to the surface units, the graphics overlay for membrane switch array re~uires a flexible, resilient material capable of withstanding the relatively high temp~rature environment at the backsplash proximate the rear surface units. Temperature in this area can be on the .
' . ' ' '` '` ~'' , ' . ..
~L3~L3~ ~ r~
order of 220~F or higher. Thus, suitable matexials must be able to withstand such temperaturesO Materials conventionally used with membrane touch panel arrays cannot tolerate such temperatures. One material found to have characteristics which meet the flexibility, resiliency and temperature requirements for range application is the hard coat polycarbonate material available ~rom General Electric Company under the registered trademark Lexan. In the illustrati~e embodiment graphics overlay layer 25 is formed of Lexan hard coat polycarbonate material with a thickness on the order of .015 inches.
The remaining structure of the membrane switch array is generally conventional in nature and will be only briefly described. A layer of aluminum foil 28 on the order o~ .35 mils in thickness serves as an electrostatic shield for the switch array. As best seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, switch 26 comprises a p~ir o~
printed circuit electrodes or contacts 30 and 32 formed on switch layer 34, and a shorting contact or electrode 36 formed on switch layer 38L Switch layers 34 and 38 are formed of polyester material. The conductive patterns for the switch contaats are deposited on the circuit boards u~ing conventional printed circuit techniques. Each o~ con~acts 30 an~ 32 have a plurality o~ ~ingers interleasred with and spaced apart ~rom the finyers ~rom the other contact. Shorting contact 36 is disposed in juxtaposition with contacts 30 and 32. Insulating spacers ~o between circuit boards 34 and 38 establish a gap between contact 36 and contacts 30 and 32. Switch 26 is actuated by pressing the switch area above contact 3~, which urges contact 36 into electriral contact across contacts 30 and 32 thereby closing the switch.
AS best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the touch panel .. . ........... . .
.... .. .. .
~ 313~7 assembly comprises membrane switch array 20 and bezel 42. Optional gasket 44 provides a seal between bezel 42 and panel 22; however, it has been found that bezel 42 can be sufficiently secured to panel 22 to provide an adequate seal therebetween. Thus, gasket 44 is not necessary for satis~actory performance. Membrane swikch array 20 is secured on the outer surface of glass panel 22 by a plastic bezel 42 which circumscribes membrane switch array 26. Bezel 42 includes a rectangular opening 46 to accommodate switch array 20. A flange 48 formed along the inner edge of bezel 42 surrounding rectangular opening 46, overlappingly engages the peripheral edges of switch array 20 to retain array 20 in position on control panel 22. A second opening 50 in bezel 42 exposes viewing area 23 for the digital display (not shown) mounted behind the glass panel and visible therethrough.
A plurality o~ mounting studs 52 project ~rom bezel 42. A plurality of small holes 54 are ~ormed in glass panel 22 ~or receiving studs 52 to locate bezel 42 on panel 22. Optional gasket 44 is shown s~ndwiched between bezel 42 and glass panel ~2 to provide a seal therebetween. Openings 56 in gasket ~4 align with openings 54 in panel 22 to accommodate mounting studs 52.
Membrane switch panel array 20 includes a ribbon cable 58 which carries conductors ~or connecting the touch panel array to control circuitry (not shown) disposed behind panel 22. Glass panel 22 has an op~ning 60 to accommodate ribbon cable 58 which passes therethrough to the control circuitry behind the panel.
As best seen in FIG~ 4, mounting studs 52 project through the glass panel. Fastening means such as push-on lock nuts 62 attached to the ends of studs . . .
,, . . ,:
"
~1 3:L32:~Lrl 52 behind panel 22 snugly secure bezel 42 against gasket 44 and the periphery o~ membrane switch array 20.
~hen fully assembled, bezel 42 appears as simply a trim piece on the glass surface to set off the touch switches, the overall effect heing to simulate the appearance of a capacitive touch panel.
While in accordance with the Patent 5tatutes a specific embodiment of the present invention has ~een illustrated and described h~rein, it is realized that numerous modifications and changes will occur to $hose skilled in the art. For example, the touch panel aæsembly is described ~or use in a free-standing range.
However, the touch panel assembly can be readily employed with other appliances equipped with glass ~ontrol panes such as, for example, built-in wall ovens. It is therefore to be understood.that the appended claims are .intended to co~er all modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
~N APP~I~NCE WIT A ~h~ CONTROL PANEL
BACRGRO~ND OF TNE INVENTIO~
This invention relates to a membrane touch switch control panel assembly for appliances with glass control panels.
Use of glass control panels for appliances such as ranges and wall ovens is well known. Such appliances typically have electromechanical controls with user manipulated control knobs projecting through holes in the glass. Such structural arrangements are inconvenient to clean and also allow soils to enter the area behind the control panel leading to an unsightly appearance and possibly contaminating the control circuitry.
In some instances capacitive touch panel arrays have been used in lieu of mechanical knobs and switches, enhancing appearance and cleanab.lli~y. Such arrays can be ~abricaked directly on the glass panel which serves as the dielectric~ substrate, thereby providing a smooth sur~ace with no openings to collect ~ood soils and a modern high tech appearance. Also such arrays can withstand the relatively high temperature environment to which range and oven controls are exposed. Capaci~ive touch switch arrays have been found to provide æati.sfac~ory performance and pleasing appearance. However, capacitive touch panels while me~hanically simple are electrically relatively ' ~' ~3~3~
~ 2 -complex and have a relatively high system costO
Consequently, such controls generally are provided only on expensive appliances positioned at the high end of the model line.
Membrane kouch switch arrays, which have substantially less system cost than capacitive touch pad arrays, are used in refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave ovens, and laundry appliances which provide a less harsh temperature environment, since materials conventionally used in membrane touch switch arrays do not tolerate high temperatures well.
Therefore, a touch control panel for appliances which has the cost advantages of memhrane switch panels and the appearance and temperature tolerance advantage o~ capacitive touch control arrays would be highly desirable.
It is therefore a primary object o~ the present invention to provide a membrane touch switch ~ control panel assembly for an appliance which provide ; 20 the appearance and cleanability and temperature tolerance bene~its of a capacitive touch panel array.
8UMMARY OF THE~ E~q!ION
In accordance with tha pre3ent inventlon an appliance with a glass control panel is provided with a membrane touch swltch control panel assembly which provides the smooth appearance, easy cleanability o~ a glass capacitive touch panel, and a higher temperature tolerance than that of conventional membrane switch ; array.
A laminated membrane switch array is disposed on the out~r surface of the glass con~rol panel. The glass panel has a hole formed therein to allow the ribbon cable for the membrane switch array ko pass ; through the panel to control circuitry positioned behind the panel. A bezel circumscribes the switch .
~31321 ~
array with an inner edge which overlapping}y engagas the array at its periphery to hold the array in position on the panel with its face exposed to permit user actuation of the membrane switches. A gasket may be sandwich~d between the bezel and the glass panel to provide a seal therebetween. The outer graphics layer of the membrane switch axray is formed o~ a flexible, resilient temperature resist~nt material, preferably a hard coat polycarbonate material, capable of withstanding temperature in excess of 220F.
~B23:EF DE:8CRIPTION OF ~HE DRAWINGS
While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated along with other objects and features thereof, from the following description taken in coniunction with the drawings, in which:
FI~. l is a perspective view of the upper portion of a ~ree-standing range illustratively embodying the membrane touch control panel assembly o~
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view o~ the ~ouch panel portion o~ ths control panel o~ Fig. 1:
~IGo 3 i~ an exploded perspective view of the touch panel a~sembly embodied in the range of FIG. 1;
FXG. 4 is a sectional view of the control panel for the range in FIG. 1 taken along lines 4-4;
FIG. 5 i~ an exaggerated sectional view of a switch portion of the laminated membrane swit~h array of FIG. 4 taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2; and FIGS. 6A and 6B show details of the shorting electrode and switching electrodes for the segment o~
the switch array illustrated in FIG. 5.
D~TAILED DB CRIPTION
1.3~32~
O9R~-17241 ~ 4 -Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a free-standing range 10, with four conventional surface units 12, supported from cooktop surface 14, and an oven enclosed by oven door 16. Control knobs 18 ~or the surface units and oven controls comprising a touch switch array 20 are supported from the backsplash comprising glass panel 22~ In order to minimize the exposure of the touch switch array ~o radiant energy from the back two sur~ace units, the switch array is centered horizontally on panel 22 relative to the surface units.
Viewing area 23 on panel 22 exposes an electronic display disposed behind the panel area shown in phantom at 24 in FIG. 3. This display may include a real time clock, an ovPn timer, and oven operating mode indicators and prompts for operation of the oven controls. ~s best seen in FIG. 2, touch swi~ch array 20 includes a graphical overlay 25 with indicia identifying the location and function o~ the various touch switches.
As best seen in FIG. 5, membrane touch switch array 20 i6 a laminated touch switch arra~ which, with the exception o~ the yraphics layer 25 is o~ yenerally conventional construction. FIG. 5 is a greatly expanded sectional view o~ the portion o~ array 20 camprising touch switch ~6 which is representative o~
the other touch switches in th~ membrane touch switch array 20~ The thicknesses are exaggerated for clarity~
Because of the harsh temperature environment due to the proximity of the control panel to the surface units, the graphics overlay for membrane switch array re~uires a flexible, resilient material capable of withstanding the relatively high temp~rature environment at the backsplash proximate the rear surface units. Temperature in this area can be on the .
' . ' ' '` '` ~'' , ' . ..
~L3~L3~ ~ r~
order of 220~F or higher. Thus, suitable matexials must be able to withstand such temperaturesO Materials conventionally used with membrane touch panel arrays cannot tolerate such temperatures. One material found to have characteristics which meet the flexibility, resiliency and temperature requirements for range application is the hard coat polycarbonate material available ~rom General Electric Company under the registered trademark Lexan. In the illustrati~e embodiment graphics overlay layer 25 is formed of Lexan hard coat polycarbonate material with a thickness on the order of .015 inches.
The remaining structure of the membrane switch array is generally conventional in nature and will be only briefly described. A layer of aluminum foil 28 on the order o~ .35 mils in thickness serves as an electrostatic shield for the switch array. As best seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, switch 26 comprises a p~ir o~
printed circuit electrodes or contacts 30 and 32 formed on switch layer 34, and a shorting contact or electrode 36 formed on switch layer 38L Switch layers 34 and 38 are formed of polyester material. The conductive patterns for the switch contaats are deposited on the circuit boards u~ing conventional printed circuit techniques. Each o~ con~acts 30 an~ 32 have a plurality o~ ~ingers interleasred with and spaced apart ~rom the finyers ~rom the other contact. Shorting contact 36 is disposed in juxtaposition with contacts 30 and 32. Insulating spacers ~o between circuit boards 34 and 38 establish a gap between contact 36 and contacts 30 and 32. Switch 26 is actuated by pressing the switch area above contact 3~, which urges contact 36 into electriral contact across contacts 30 and 32 thereby closing the switch.
AS best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the touch panel .. . ........... . .
.... .. .. .
~ 313~7 assembly comprises membrane switch array 20 and bezel 42. Optional gasket 44 provides a seal between bezel 42 and panel 22; however, it has been found that bezel 42 can be sufficiently secured to panel 22 to provide an adequate seal therebetween. Thus, gasket 44 is not necessary for satis~actory performance. Membrane swikch array 20 is secured on the outer surface of glass panel 22 by a plastic bezel 42 which circumscribes membrane switch array 26. Bezel 42 includes a rectangular opening 46 to accommodate switch array 20. A flange 48 formed along the inner edge of bezel 42 surrounding rectangular opening 46, overlappingly engages the peripheral edges of switch array 20 to retain array 20 in position on control panel 22. A second opening 50 in bezel 42 exposes viewing area 23 for the digital display (not shown) mounted behind the glass panel and visible therethrough.
A plurality o~ mounting studs 52 project ~rom bezel 42. A plurality of small holes 54 are ~ormed in glass panel 22 ~or receiving studs 52 to locate bezel 42 on panel 22. Optional gasket 44 is shown s~ndwiched between bezel 42 and glass panel ~2 to provide a seal therebetween. Openings 56 in gasket ~4 align with openings 54 in panel 22 to accommodate mounting studs 52.
Membrane switch panel array 20 includes a ribbon cable 58 which carries conductors ~or connecting the touch panel array to control circuitry (not shown) disposed behind panel 22. Glass panel 22 has an op~ning 60 to accommodate ribbon cable 58 which passes therethrough to the control circuitry behind the panel.
As best seen in FIG~ 4, mounting studs 52 project through the glass panel. Fastening means such as push-on lock nuts 62 attached to the ends of studs . . .
,, . . ,:
"
~1 3:L32:~Lrl 52 behind panel 22 snugly secure bezel 42 against gasket 44 and the periphery o~ membrane switch array 20.
~hen fully assembled, bezel 42 appears as simply a trim piece on the glass surface to set off the touch switches, the overall effect heing to simulate the appearance of a capacitive touch panel.
While in accordance with the Patent 5tatutes a specific embodiment of the present invention has ~een illustrated and described h~rein, it is realized that numerous modifications and changes will occur to $hose skilled in the art. For example, the touch panel aæsembly is described ~or use in a free-standing range.
However, the touch panel assembly can be readily employed with other appliances equipped with glass ~ontrol panes such as, for example, built-in wall ovens. It is therefore to be understood.that the appended claims are .intended to co~er all modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (8)
1. In a cooking appliance having a plurality of surface units and a glass control panel disposed proximate the surface units a membrane touch switch control panel assembly comprising:
a laminated membrane switch array disposed on the outer surface of the glass control panel having a ribbon cable for connecting said switch array to control the circuitry disposed behind the glass control panel, the glass control panel having a hole formed therein to allow said ribbon cable to pass therethrough;
a bezel which circumscribes said switch array having an inner edge which overlappingly engages said switch array at the periphery thereof;
means for securing said bezel to the outer surface of the glass control panel, said switch array being sandwiched between said inner edge of said bezel and outer face of the glass control panel;
whereby said membrane touch switch control panel assembly simulates the appearance of a glass capacitive touch panel.
a laminated membrane switch array disposed on the outer surface of the glass control panel having a ribbon cable for connecting said switch array to control the circuitry disposed behind the glass control panel, the glass control panel having a hole formed therein to allow said ribbon cable to pass therethrough;
a bezel which circumscribes said switch array having an inner edge which overlappingly engages said switch array at the periphery thereof;
means for securing said bezel to the outer surface of the glass control panel, said switch array being sandwiched between said inner edge of said bezel and outer face of the glass control panel;
whereby said membrane touch switch control panel assembly simulates the appearance of a glass capacitive touch panel.
2. The membrane touch switch control panel assembly of claim 1 wherein the glass control panel has formed therein a plurality of holes and wherein said securing means comprises mounting studs projecting from the inner surface of said bezel for receiving said studs thereby locating said switch array on the glass control panel.
3. The membrane touch switch control panel assembly of claim 1 wherein said switch array includes an outer graphics layer comprising a flexible resilient material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 220°F.
4. The membrane touch switch control panel assembly of claim 3 wherein said outer graphics layer is formed of hard coat polycarbonate material.
5. A membrane touch switch control panel assembly for a cooking appliance having a plurality of surface units and a glass control panel disposed proximate at least one of the surface units, said assembly comprising:
a laminated membrane switch array disposed on the outer surface of the glass control panel;
said switch array including an outer appearance graphics layer formed of a flexible resilient material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 220°F.;
mounting means circumscribing said switch array for sealingly securing said switch array at the edges thereof to the glass control panel;
said outer appearance graphics layer and said mounting means together simulating the appearance of a glass capacitive touch panel;
a laminated membrane switch array disposed on the outer surface of the glass control panel;
said switch array including an outer appearance graphics layer formed of a flexible resilient material capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 220°F.;
mounting means circumscribing said switch array for sealingly securing said switch array at the edges thereof to the glass control panel;
said outer appearance graphics layer and said mounting means together simulating the appearance of a glass capacitive touch panel;
6. The membrane touch switch control panel assembly of claim 5 wherein said mounting means comprises a bezel which circumscribes said switch array having an inner edge which overlappingly engages said switch array at the periphery thereof, said bezel having mounting studs projecting from the inner surface thereof, the glass control panel having a plurality of holes formed therein for receiving said mounting studs to locate said bezel and said switch array and secure said bezel to the glass control panel.
7. The membrane touch switch control panel assembly of claim 6 wherein said switch array includes a ribbon cable for connecting said switch array to control circuitry disposed remote from said switch array, and wherein the glass control panel has formed therein a hole for permitting said cable to pass therethrough.
8. The membrane touch switch control panel assembly of claim 7, wherein said outer appearance graphics layer is formed of hard coat polycarbonate material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/267,507 US4894493A (en) | 1988-11-04 | 1988-11-04 | Membrane touch control panel assembly for an appliance with a glass control panel |
| US267,507 | 1988-11-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1313217C true CA1313217C (en) | 1993-01-26 |
Family
ID=23019080
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000607115A Expired - Fee Related CA1313217C (en) | 1988-11-04 | 1989-07-31 | Membrane touch control panel assembly for an appliance with a glass control panel |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4894493A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1313217C (en) |
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| US5087825A (en) * | 1990-02-15 | 1992-02-11 | Nartron Corporation | Capacity responsive keyboard |
| US5153572A (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1992-10-06 | Donnelly Corporation | Touch-sensitive control circuit |
| US5157273A (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1992-10-20 | Donnelly Corporation | Modular power outlet strip |
| US5189417A (en) * | 1990-10-16 | 1993-02-23 | Donnelly Corporation | Detection circuit for matrix touch pad |
| US5239152A (en) * | 1990-10-30 | 1993-08-24 | Donnelly Corporation | Touch sensor panel with hidden graphic mode |
| US5235217A (en) * | 1991-07-24 | 1993-08-10 | Isb Ltd. | Capacitive press control actuation system |
| DE4202438C2 (en) * | 1992-01-29 | 1993-12-09 | Siemens Ag | Control panel for a dental device |
| US5572205A (en) * | 1993-03-29 | 1996-11-05 | Donnelly Technology, Inc. | Touch control system |
| DE19717909C2 (en) * | 1997-04-24 | 2001-07-05 | Siemens Ag | Electric device |
| DE19907226A1 (en) * | 1999-02-19 | 2000-08-24 | Ego Elektro Geraetebau Gmbh | Touch switch for an electrical device |
| US7190251B2 (en) * | 1999-05-25 | 2007-03-13 | Varatouch Technology Incorporated | Variable resistance devices and methods |
| US6137072A (en) * | 1999-05-26 | 2000-10-24 | Ferro Corporation | Control panel |
| US6331928B1 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2001-12-18 | Storage Technology Corporation | ESD-protected interface panel and associated methods |
| ES2246000T3 (en) * | 2001-05-07 | 2006-02-01 | E.G.O. Elektro-Geratebau Gmbh | TACTILE SWITCH PROVISION AND TOUCH SWITCH CONTROL PROCEDURE. |
| EP1514257A4 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2015-12-30 | Henry K Obermeyer | Multi-axis joystick and transducer means therefore |
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| US20050230228A1 (en) * | 2004-04-19 | 2005-10-20 | Smith John G | Touch control switch assembly with digital display for a food heating or warming cabinet |
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| US7417202B2 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2008-08-26 | White Electronic Designs Corporation | Switches and systems employing the same to enhance switch reliability and control |
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| JP4665701B2 (en) * | 2005-10-13 | 2011-04-06 | パナソニック株式会社 | Cooker |
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| WO2007097979A2 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-30 | Atrua Technologies, Inc. | Systems using variable resistance zones and stops for generating inputs to an electronic device |
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| DE102007049571A1 (en) * | 2007-10-16 | 2009-04-23 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Home appliance control device |
| SI22686A (en) | 2007-12-04 | 2009-06-30 | Gorenje Gospodinjski Aparati, D.D. | Electronic controller for household appliances, particularly stoves and ovens |
| TWI374379B (en) | 2007-12-24 | 2012-10-11 | Wintek Corp | Transparent capacitive touch panel and manufacturing method thereof |
| US8017884B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2011-09-13 | Wintek Corporation | Integrated touch panel and electronic device using the same |
| DE102008049176B4 (en) * | 2008-09-26 | 2011-01-27 | Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg | Control panel for a household appliance and household appliance with such a control panel |
| US9595960B2 (en) | 2010-05-04 | 2017-03-14 | Whirlpool Corporation | Dead-front user interface |
| US9030837B2 (en) * | 2011-06-10 | 2015-05-12 | Scott Moncrieff | Injection molded control panel with in-molded decorated plastic film that includes an internal connector |
| KR101626490B1 (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2016-06-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Cooking appliance and Method for controling it |
| US9976754B2 (en) | 2014-12-30 | 2018-05-22 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Backguard panel with integrated proud glass control mount |
| CN105590775B (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2018-12-14 | 上海意力寰宇电路世界有限公司 | Thin film switch with window anti-static function |
| US20170353014A1 (en) * | 2016-06-07 | 2017-12-07 | Belden Canada Inc. | Rackmount case for the accommodation of optical equipment |
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| US3811025A (en) * | 1973-05-17 | 1974-05-14 | Lockheed Electronics Co | Touch panel switch assembly |
| US4056699A (en) * | 1975-11-13 | 1977-11-01 | Essex International, Inc. | Touch plate assembly |
| US4145584A (en) * | 1976-04-28 | 1979-03-20 | Otterlei Jon L | Flexible keyboard switch with integral spacer protrusions |
| US4071718A (en) * | 1976-10-22 | 1978-01-31 | Bowmar Instrument Corporation | Flat keyboard assembly having cover type membrane with protrusions to align switch components |
| US4060703A (en) * | 1976-11-10 | 1977-11-29 | Everett Jr Seth Leroy | Keyboard switch assembly with tactile feedback having illuminated laminated layers including opaque or transparent conductive layer |
| US4128744A (en) * | 1977-02-22 | 1978-12-05 | Chomerics, Inc. | Keyboard with concave and convex domes |
| US4149217A (en) * | 1977-07-26 | 1979-04-10 | Rangaire Corporation | Touch control panel for induction heating cook-top |
| US4163138A (en) * | 1978-03-17 | 1979-07-31 | Bowmar Instrument Corporation | Flush lighted flat keyboard assembly |
| US4228330A (en) * | 1978-07-10 | 1980-10-14 | Litton Systems, Inc. | Touch panel mechanism |
| US4220815B1 (en) * | 1978-12-04 | 1996-09-03 | Elographics Inc | Nonplanar transparent electrographic sensor |
| US4356755A (en) * | 1980-01-11 | 1982-11-02 | Cbs Inc. | Organ stop control panel |
| US4264797A (en) * | 1980-01-21 | 1981-04-28 | W. H. Brady Co. | Elongated key membrane switch |
| US4377049A (en) * | 1980-05-22 | 1983-03-22 | Pepsico Inc. | Capacitive switching panel |
| US4320272A (en) * | 1981-01-26 | 1982-03-16 | Oak Industries Inc. | Connector for attaching an electrical component to a flat sheet |
| US4362954A (en) * | 1981-09-25 | 1982-12-07 | The Maytag Company | Power-up control for microprocessor based appliance |
| US4526332A (en) * | 1984-06-18 | 1985-07-02 | The Maytag Company | Control panel clock lens arrangement |
-
1988
- 1988-11-04 US US07/267,507 patent/US4894493A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1989
- 1989-07-31 CA CA000607115A patent/CA1313217C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4894493A (en) | 1990-01-16 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |