Molex's breakthrough capacitive switch design is adopted by high-end washing machines

Probe domestic switch needle KG-300K needle head diameter is 3.0mm normally open switch needle

Photocoupler

Molex , a leading global provider of complete interconnect products, has partnered with a major multinational electrical appliance manufacturer to develop capacitive touch panels for two high-end Class A energy-efficient washing machines. Molex capacitive switches and panels use capacitive electric field sensing. (capacitive-field-sensing) technology to implement user interfaces without moving parts for a range of medical, industrial, consumer, and home appliance applications.

Molex Engineering Manager Steve Fulton said: " Capacitive switching technology provides a proven mechanical control upgrade for electronic product user interfaces. The user panel of the washing machine contains imaginative concepts and powerful engineering features for enhanced functionality. And provide excellent product reliability and energy saving features."

The capacitive switch panel design incorporates solid state circuitry in a robust interface that is highly resistant to multiple button presses, water, dust, contaminants and EMI. Molex capacitive overlays and panels allow for easy cleaning of appliances and are available in a variety of decorative options, including in-mold decoration (IMD), glass or virtually any non-conductive material.

Both washing machines have a variety of washing options, requiring many compact capacitive button sensors and icons, while the Molex solution uses a single 44-pin microcontroller to handle all panel functions. Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter communication for sensor reporting and lighting control ensures consistent response and panel illumination levels, both in user-controlled bright and dim modes. The power button is already integrated into the Molex capacitive panel, providing more power-saving features when the washing machine is not in use, and the icon is hidden as the control panel goes out until the power button is activated.

Type A Molex Capacitive Interface Panel – Key Features

• IMD with curved front end surface finish
• 17 enhanced user touch buttons and a touch-sensing dial with 16 user options
• Eye-catching custom LED illuminated display with 13 digits and 29 icons
• Provides illumination and capacitive sensing from the rear of the IMD frame with 42 additional backlight options via light pipe and side-emitting LEDs
• Bright and dim mode for various lighting components

Type B Molex Capacitive Interface Panel – Key Features

• Reinforced glass panel with secondary surface printing for a mirror-like touch panel appearance
• 16 attractive user touchpad buttons and a touch-sensing dial with 10 user options
• Eye-catching custom LED display with 16 digits and 17 icons
• Illumination and capacitive sensing from the rear of the glass with 31 additional backlight options via light pipe and side flashing LEDs
• Convenient dimming for progressive brightness changes

Fulton added: "Customers trust leading branded electrical products and rely on the reputation and quality of high-end products. As a design-to-launch partner, Molex uses a global network to deliver cost-effective, innovative panels. Design and options to match the customer's innovative concepts, timelines and budget requirements."

Molex switch products are engineered and manufactured in a vertically integrated environment consisting of electrical, mechanical and process engineers all over the world. All of Molex's manufacturing facilities are ISO9000 and ISO 14000 certified, and its capacitive switch components meet test certifications based on the American Society of Testing and Material standards.