Washing machine with device for data exchange to/from external device

• US 7,509,824 B2
• Filed: 06/26/2007
• Issued: 03/31/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Park, Hye Yong, Hong, Kwon-Ki, Jo, Seong-Jin
• Primary Examiner(s): Perrin; Joseph L
• Application Number:
  US11/819,303
• Publication Number:
  US 20080006064A1
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 68/3.R, 68/120.1, 68/121.6, 68/122.3, 68/13.R
• US Class Current: 68/12.23
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/05 for wireless communication between components, e.g. for remote monitoring or control
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2633 Washing, laundry

Abstract

The object of the present invention lies on providing a washing machine with a device for connection to an outside required for connecting to wire/wireless communication and Internet technologies. The washing machine includes a controller fitted to a body for washing control, and a device fitted at one side of the body for exchange washing related data between the controller and an external device.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a controller fitted to a body of the washing machine for washing control; and

a device provided at one side of the body for exchange of washing related data between the controller and an external device, wherein the device includes;

a circuit board connected for transmission/reception of an electrical signal to/from the controller;

a connection port fitted to the circuit board for exchange of washing related data with external device;

a coating material coated on an upper surface and bottom surface of the circuit board for cutting off water infiltration into circuit lines on the circuit board, and

a waterproof shell surrounding an outside of the connection port for cutting off inflow of the water into inside of the connection port.

2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection port is hook coupled to the circuit board for transmission of a load exerted to the connection port to the circuit board when the cable is connected/disconnected to the connection port.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is an opening on the control panel over the connection port for access to the connection port, and

a rubber plug in the opening for plugging the opening when the cable is not connected to prevent inflow of the water.