×

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE HAVING A USER INTERFACE WITH A USER-EXCHANGEABLE TOUCH WHEEL AND ROTARY ENCODER

  • US 20130062176A1
  • Filed: 09/12/2011
  • Published: 03/14/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A user interface for an appliance, comprising:

  • a printed circuit board having a microprocessor for executing an operating program to implement a cycle of operation;

    a face plate overlying the printed circuit board and having indicia corresponding to user inputs;

    a rotary encoder having a knob located relative to the face plate such that a rotational position of the knob provides for selecting one of the indicia and is electrically coupled to the microprocessor to provide a first output indicative of the selected indicia; and

    a touch panel having multiple switches located relative to the face plate such that each of the switches corresponds to one of the indicia and is electrically coupled to the microprocessor to provide a second output indicative of selected indicia;

    wherein the knob is removably mounted and configured in size and location relative to the multiple switches to block access to the multiple switches thereby providing a user with the ability to select either the rotary encoder or touch panel for user input of the indicia depending on the user'"'"'s preference by removing or installing the knob.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×