Includes quick-release handle with light and sound

By designing a quick-release handle assembly and electrical connection assembly, the problem of cumbersome removal of conventional appliance handles is solved, rapid installation and disassembly is achieved, user interaction and aesthetic effects are enhanced, while maintaining the electrical connection function of the appliance.

CN116529547BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-16HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180073515.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-11-04
Filing Date
2021-11-03
Publication Date
2025-09-16
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional appliance handles are cumbersome and time-consuming to remove, and displays require hardwiring, limiting user interaction and aesthetics.

Method used

A quick-release handle assembly is designed that can be removably attached to the front of an appliance drawer. Combined with an electrical connection assembly, the handle can be quickly installed and removed by cooperating with a retaining rod and a receiving tube, and reliable transmission of electrical signals is achieved through the design of a sleeve and cup washer.

Benefits of technology

The handle can be quickly installed and removed, which simplifies user operation, improves user interaction and aesthetics, while maintaining the electrical connection function of the appliance.

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Abstract

A drawer assembly for an appliance includes a drawer front including a retaining rod extending from the drawer front, a handle including an indicator assembly, an attachment assembly for removably attaching the handle to the drawer front, and an electrical connection assembly extending through the attachment assembly to supply power to the indicator assembly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an appliance handle, and more particularly to a quick-release handle with electronic multimedia functionality. Background Art

[0002] Various types of consumer appliances include handles that operate to open and close compartments (e.g., drawers, compartments, etc.). For example, appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers include wide handles that can span the width of the appliance. However, conventional appliance handles are typically secured to the appliance, for example, using mechanical fasteners. Removing these handles is often a tedious and time-consuming process, requiring the use of one or more tools to remove the fasteners and / or handles.

[0003] Conventional appliances also typically include one or more displays or indicators for conveying information to the user of the appliance. These displays require power, and their positioning is typically limited to those parts of the appliance that may be hardwired, such as on the appliance's cabinet or door front.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of an improved handle assembly for an electrical appliance in that one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated. More specifically, the present invention has the particular advantage of a handle assembly for an electrical appliance in that it is quick and easy to remove, promotes improved user interaction, and presents an improved aesthetic effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, a drawer assembly for an electrical appliance is provided. The drawer assembly may include a drawer front including a retaining rod extending from the drawer front, a handle including an indicator assembly, an attachment assembly for removably attaching the handle to the drawer front, and an electrical connection assembly extending through the attachment assembly to supply power to the indicator assembly.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance may include a housing defining a fresh food compartment and a food freezer compartment, and a drawer slidably mounted within one of the fresh food compartment and the food freezer compartment, the drawer being received within a drawer recess. The drawer may include a drawer front including a retaining rod extending from the drawer front, a handle including an indicator assembly, an attachment assembly for removably attaching the handle to the drawer front, and an electrical connection assembly extending through the attachment assembly to supply power to the indicator assembly.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the invention, including the best mode thereof, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings to those skilled in the art.

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigeration appliance according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a drawer front including a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary drawer front;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A top cross-sectional view of an exemplary drawer front connection assembly with a handle attached to the drawer front;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top cross-sectional view of the connection assembly of FIG. 1 with the handle removed from the drawer front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to further generate other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is intended to encompass those modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0016] As used herein, approximate terms such as "substantially," "approximately," or "approximately" include values ​​within 10% greater than or less than that value. When angles or directions are used, these terms include values ​​within 10° greater than or less than that value or direction, for example, "substantially vertical" includes angles of up to 10° clockwise or counterclockwise from the vertical direction V.

[0017] Figure 11 is a front view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Refrigeration appliance 100 extends along a vertical direction V between a top portion 101 and a bottom portion 102. Refrigeration appliance 100 also extends along a transverse direction L between a left side 105 and a right side 106. A longitudinal direction T can also be defined as being perpendicular to both the vertical direction V and the transverse direction L.

[0018] Refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or casing 120 that defines an upper fresh food compartment 122 and a lower freezer or food freezer 124, which is disposed vertically below fresh food compartment 122 along a vertical axis V. Because food freezer 124 is located below fresh food compartment 122, refrigeration appliance 100 is often referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present technology can also be applied to other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-side refrigerators) or freezers. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technology in any respect.

[0019] A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged at an edge of the housing 120 to facilitate access to the fresh food compartment 122. It should be noted that while two doors 128 are shown in a "French door" configuration, any suitable configuration using one, two, or more doors is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. A freezer door 130 is disposed below the refrigerator door 128 to facilitate access to the freezer compartment 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) that is slidably coupled within the freezer compartment 124.

[0020] The refrigeration appliance 100 may include a drawer 125. The drawer 125 may be disposed between a refrigerator door 128 and a freezer door 130. The drawer 125 may be configured to be pulled out of and inserted into the housing 120 of the refrigeration appliance. The drawer 125 may be accommodated in a drawer recess. The drawer recess may be disposed in the fresh food compartment 122. The drawer recess may be disposed in the food freezer compartment 124. In certain embodiments, the drawer recess is disposed in each of the fresh food compartment 122 and the food freezer compartment 124. The drawer 125 may include a drawer front 126 and a handle 140 attached to the drawer front 126. The handle 140 may be designed to be gripped by a user to open and close the drawer 125 (i.e., to pull the drawer 125 out and insert it into the drawer recess).

[0021] The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 134, which is operably connected to a user interface panel 136. The panel 136 provides options for the user to manipulate the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as temperature selection. In response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 136, the controller 134 operates various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. The controller may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, which are operable to execute program instructions or microcontroller codes related to the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory may represent a random access memory such as DRAM, or a read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes program instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a component separate from the processor or may be included in the processor.

[0022] The controller 134 can be arranged at various locations throughout the refrigeration appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 134 can be located within a door 128. In this embodiment, input / output ("I / O") signals can be transmitted between the controller and the various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100. In one embodiment, the user interface panel 136 can represent a general purpose I / O ("GPIO") device or function block. In one embodiment, the user interface panel 136 can include input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices including a rotary dial, buttons, and a touchpad. The user interface 136 can include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user. The user interface panel 136 can communicate with the controller 134 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a drawer front of an exemplary drawer. Drawer 125 may include a drawer front 126. Drawer front 126 may be a panel covering an opening of a drawer recess. As described above, handle 140 is removably attached to drawer front 126. For example, handle 140 may be attached to drawer front 126 via attachment assembly 144, allowing handle 140 to be quickly released from drawer front 126, as will be described in more detail below. Handle 140 may include a handle body 142. In some embodiments, handle body 142 is tubular. However, handle body 142 may be any suitable shape that allows a user to grip handle body 142. In some embodiments, handle body 142 extends in lateral direction L.

[0024] The handle body 142 can be hollow. For example, the tubular handle body 142 can accommodate various components therein. The handle body 142 can further include a transparent portion 148. The transparent portion 148 can be a portion of the handle body 142 through which an observer can observe the interior of the handle body 142. Specifically, the outer surface of the handle body 142 can be cut or etched into various shapes or designs, such as letters, numbers, graphics, or the like. In certain embodiments, the transparent portion 148 is a transparent material (e.g., glass, transparent plastic, etc.). In addition, the transparent portion 148 can be a window in the handle body 142. Therefore, light can pass through the transparent portion 148 (e.g., from the interior of the handle body 142 to its exterior, or vice versa).

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional top view of the drawer front. The handle body 142 may also include an indicator assembly 180 disposed within the handle body 142. The indicator assembly 180 may include a circuit board 182 disposed within the hollow handle body 142. The circuit board 182 may be any suitable circuit board capable of receiving and distributing electrical signals to various electrical outputs, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), etc. The circuit board 182 may be powered by a power supply 188 ( Figure 1 ) receives electrical signals. A power source 188 may be disposed within the housing 120 of the refrigeration appliance 100. Furthermore, the power source 188 may be a household power source, such as a standard electrical grid. Electrical signals may be generated by the power source 188 and transmitted to the circuit board 182 via the electrical connection assembly 171, as described in detail below. For example, the electrical signals may be transmitted via the attachment assembly 144 that connects the handle 140 to the drawer front 126.

[0026] Indicator assembly 180 may also include one or more light sources 184 electrically connected to circuit board 182. Light source 184 may emit light after receiving an electrical signal through circuit board 182. In certain embodiments, light source 184 is a light emitting diode (LED). However, it should be understood that any suitable light source may be used as light source 184. Light source 184 may be directly attached to circuit board 182. In addition, light source 184 may be connected to circuit board 182 via one or more wires. Specifically, light source 184 may be positioned adjacent to transparent portion 148 so that light generated by light source 184 is emitted to the outside of handle body 142 via transparent portion 148. Multiple light sources may be combined and arranged into a preset pattern within handle body 142.

[0027] Indicator assembly 180 may also include one or more speakers 186 electrically connected to circuit board 182. Speaker 186 may emit sound after receiving an electrical signal through circuit board 182. Speaker 186 may be any suitable type of speaker, such as a megaphone, a dynamic speaker, a digital speaker, etc. Speaker 184 may be directly attached to circuit board 182. In addition, speaker 186 may be connected to circuit board 182 via one or more wires. Specifically, speaker 186 may be positioned adjacent to transparent portion 148 (e.g., when transparent portion 148 is a cutout or hole formed on handle body 142). Therefore, the sound generated by speaker 186 may be emitted to the outside of handle body 142. Multiple speakers 186 may be incorporated into handle body 142.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional top view of the attachment assembly and electrical connection assembly of an exemplary drawer assembly of FIG. 1 , wherein the handle is attached to the drawer front. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional top view of the attachment assembly and electrical connection assembly of an exemplary drawer assembly with the handle removed from the drawer front. Figure 4 and 5 The drawer assembly may include an attachment assembly 144 for attaching the handle 140 to the drawer front 126. Advantageously, the attachment assembly 144 may be a quick-connect / release assembly, allowing the user to attach or release the handle 140 from the drawer front 126 without the use of tools. The drawer front 126 may include a retaining rod 146 extending from the drawer front 126. For example, the retaining rod 146 may protrude from the front surface of the drawer front 126 and extend in the longitudinal direction T away from the interior of the cabinet 120 of the refrigeration appliance 100. The retaining rod 146 may be a tube having a circumferential wall and a hollow interior. For example, the retaining rod 146 may be cylindrical about an axis in the longitudinal direction. However, the shape of the retaining rod 146 is not limited to this example. The retaining rod 146 may have an outer diameter D1. The retaining rod may have an inner diameter D2 that is smaller than the outer diameter D1.

[0029] Retaining rod 146 may have a groove 166 formed on its outer circumferential surface. Groove 166 may be an indentation in the outer circumferential surface of retaining rod 146. Groove 166 may be a spherical concave surface. Multiple spherical grooves 166 may be formed equidistantly around the outer circumferential surface of retaining rod 146. Additionally or alternatively, a single circumferential groove 166 may be formed around the entire circumference of retaining rod 146.

[0030] The attachment assembly 144 may include a receiving tube 150 extending from the handle body 142. The receiving tube 150 may extend generally perpendicularly from the handle body 142 such that, when the handle 140 is attached to the drawer front 126, the receiving tube 150 is coaxial with the retaining rod 146. The shape of the receiving tube 150 may be similar to that of the retaining rod 146. The inner diameter of the receiving tube 150 may be within standard engineering tolerances of the outer diameter D1 of the retaining rod such that, when the handle 140 is attached to the drawer front 126, the retaining rod 146 is received within the receiving tube 150. Thus, when the receiving tube 150 is positioned on the retaining rod 146, the outer circumferential surface of the retaining rod 146 may slide along the inner circumferential surface of the receiving tube 150.

[0031] Although the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein includes a retaining rod 146 extending from the drawer front 126 and received in a receiving tube 150 extending from the handle body 142, it should be understood that these components can be reversed according to the exemplary embodiment. In addition, the attachment assembly 144 can make other changes and modifications, but still remain within the scope of the present invention. For example, the direction of the retaining rod 146 relative to the drawer front 126 (or handle body 142) and the direction of the receiving tube 150 relative to the handle body 142 (or drawer front 126) can be modified to any suitable angle (e.g., in the vertical direction V). In addition or alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving tube 150 and / or the retaining rod 146 can be any suitable shape so that the two elements cooperate with each other.

[0032] A through hole 162 may be formed through the receiving tube 150. The through hole 162 may pass through the circumferential wall of the receiving tube 150. The through hole 162 may be located at or near the midpoint of the receiving tube 150. In some embodiments, a plurality of through holes 162 are circumferentially spaced around the circumference of the receiving tube 150. The plug 164 may be movably disposed within the through hole 162. For example, the plug 164 may be radially movable within the through hole 162 (i.e., perpendicular to the axis of the receiving tube 150). Figure 4 As shown, the plug 164 can be a ball (e.g., a steel ball, a ball bearing, etc.) that can be received within the groove 166 of the retaining rod 146 when the handle 140 is in the attached position. Specifically, a first portion of the plug 164 can be received within the groove 166, while a second portion of the plug 164 is retained within the through-hole 162. Thus, the position of the plug within the groove 166 and the through-hole 162 holds the attachment assembly 144 in place, thereby securing the handle 140 to the drawer front 126.

[0033] The attachment assembly 144 may include a tube 154 coaxial with and disposed within the receiving tube 150. The tube 154 may extend from the handle body 142 coaxially with the receiving tube 150. The tube 154 may be tubular and include a hollow interior. For example, the tube 154 may be a hollow cylindrical tube. However, it should be noted that the tube 154 may be of any suitable shape. The tube 154 may include a lip 156 at its distal end (i.e., distal from the handle body 142). The lip 156 may extend radially from the tube 154. The lip 156 may be disposed around the entire circumference of the tube 154. The distal end of the tube 154 may be positioned in the longitudinal direction T between the apex and the bottom of the through hole 162. Additionally or alternatively, the lip 156 may extend radially such that the diameter of the lip 156 is within the engineering tolerance of the inner diameter D2 of the retaining rod 146. Thus, when the handle 140 is in the attached position to the drawer front 126 , the lip 156 may be received within the retaining rod 146 .

[0034] The attachment assembly 144 may include a cup-shaped washer 158 that is radially arranged between the receiving tube 150 and the tube 154. The cup-shaped washer 158 may be cylindrical. The dimensions of the cup-shaped washer 158 may be designed so that its outer circumferential surface contacts the inner circumferential surface of the receiving tube 150, and its inner circumferential surface contacts the outer circumferential surface of the tube 154. The cup-shaped washer 158 is movable. For example, the cup-shaped washer 158 can translate (i.e., reciprocate) in the axial direction of the receiving tube 150. The cup-shaped washer 158 can be constrained by the lip 156 of the tube 154 in the longitudinal direction T. In other words, the cup-shaped washer 158 is disposed between the lip 156 and the handle body 142, and is restrainedly abutted against the bottom surface of the lip 156 when the handle 140 is in the disassembled position.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, when the handle 140 is in the detached position and the cupped washer 158 abuts the lip 156, the cupped washer 158 can contact the plug 164. In some embodiments, as the design dictates, the cupped washer 158 contacts each of the attached plugs. Conversely, when the handle 140 is in the attached position, the distal end of the retaining rod 146 can push the cupped washer toward the handle body 142. Thus, when the groove 166 is aligned with the through-hole 162, the plug 164 is received in the groove 166, locking the handle 140 in the attached position.

[0036] The cup washer 158 can be biased by a cup washer spring 160. The cup washer spring 160 can be a resilient member positioned between the cup washer 158 and the handle body 142. For example, the cup washer spring 160 can be a coil spring, an elastic washer, or the like. The cup washer spring 160 can urge the cup washer 158 away from the handle body 142 in the longitudinal direction T (i.e., toward the lip 156 of the tube 154). Thus, when the handle 140 is in the disassembled position, the cup washer 158 is always biased against the lip 156. Advantageously, this maintains the plug 164 in the retracted position, thereby allowing the receiving tube 150 to be freely inserted into the retaining rod 146.

[0037] The attachment assembly 144 may include a sleeve 152 surrounding the receiving tube 150. The sleeve 152 may be configured to slide axially along the receiving tube 150 (in the longitudinal direction T). The sleeve 152 may be primarily cylindrical. Specifically, the sleeve 152 may have a shape similar to the receiving tube 150. The sleeve 152 may include a first inner circumferential surface 168 and a second inner circumferential surface 170. The first inner circumferential surface 168 may have a first diameter that is within the engineering tolerance of the outer circumferential surface of the receiving tube 150. Therefore, the sleeve 152 can smoothly reciprocate along the outer circumferential surface of the receiving tube 150. The second inner circumferential surface 170 may have a second diameter D4 that is larger than the diameter of the first inner circumferential surface 168. The second inner circumferential surface 170 may be disposed closer to the drawer front 126 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction T) than the first inner circumferential surface 168. The difference between the diameter D3 of the first inner circumferential surface 168 and the diameter D4 of the second inner circumferential surface 170 is sufficient to allow the plug 164 to be disengaged from the groove 166 .

[0038] Specifically, the sleeve 152 can move along the receiving tube 150 in the longitudinal direction T. Figure 4 As shown, when the handle 140 is in the attached position to the handle front portion 126, the sleeve 152 may be in the first position. In the first position, the first inner circumferential surface 168 is adjacent to the through hole 162. Therefore, due to the radially inward pressure from the first inner circumferential surface 168, the plug 164 is retained in place within the groove 166.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, when the handle 140 is in the removed position from the drawer front 126, the sleeve 152 can be in the second position. In the second position, the second inner circumferential surface 170 is adjacent to the through-hole 162. As a result, the plug is disengaged from the groove 166, and the receiving tube 150 can be easily removed from the retaining rod 146. Additionally or alternatively, as described above, when the handle 140 is in the removed position from the drawer front 126, the cup washer 158 can abut the lip 156. As a result, the plug 164 is restrained in the retracted position, abutting the second inner circumferential surface 170. Due to the difference between D4 and D3, the sleeve 152 can remain in the second position until the handle 140 is reattached to the retaining rod 146.

[0040] The attachment assembly 144 may include a sleeve spring 172. The sleeve spring 172 can move the sleeve 152 away from the handle body 142 in the longitudinal direction T. The sleeve spring 172 can be an elastic member capable of biasing the sleeve 152. For example, the sleeve spring 172 can be a coil spring, an elastic washer, etc. In some embodiments, the sleeve spring 172 surrounds the receiving tube 150 and is interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the receiving tube 150 and the second inner circumferential surface 170 of the sleeve 152.

[0041] The drawer assembly may include an electrical connection assembly 171. The electrical connection assembly 171 may include a first electrical connector 174, a second electrical connector 176, and a second electrical connector spring 178. The first electrical connector 174 may be disposed within the drawer front 126. For example, the first electrical connector 174 may be disposed within the retaining rod 146. The first electrical connector 174 may be a terminal capable of transmitting an electrical signal to a coupled connector (e.g., the second electrical connector 176). The first electrical connector 174 may be electrically connected to a power source 188.

[0042] The second electrical connector 176 may be disposed within the handle 140. For example, the second electrical connector 176 may be disposed within the receiving tube 150. The second electrical connector 176 may be a terminal capable of receiving electrical signals from a coupled connector (e.g., the first electrical connector 174). The second electrical connector 176 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 182.

[0043] The second electrical connector spring 178 may be a resilient member configured to move the second electrical connector 176 away from the handle body 142 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction T). The second electrical connector spring 178 may be any suitable spring capable of biasing the second electrical connector 176, such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, an elastic washer, etc. The second electrical connector spring 178 may be disposed at a proximal end of the second electrical connector 176 within the handle body 142.

[0044] When the handle 140 is attached to the drawer front 126 ( Figure 3 and4 ), first electrical connector 174 can contact second electrical connector 176, completing a circuit from power source 188 to circuit board 182. Second electrical connector spring 178 can ensure that second electrical connector 176 maintains electrical contact with first electrical connector 174. Thus, electrical signals from power source 188 can be transmitted to circuit board 182. Consequently, light source 184 can emit light in response to commands from controller 134. Additionally or alternatively, speaker 186 can emit sound in response to commands from controller 134.

[0045] It should be noted that the attachment assembly and electrical connection assembly described above can be integrated into a variety of appliances, such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, ovens, dishwashers, and the like. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the refrigerator described above. Furthermore, it should be understood that the handle assembly described herein can be incorporated into a variety of different handles, particularly handles having different transparent portions formed in different designs. Thus, users can interchange handles to emphasize specific occasions (i.e., birthdays, holidays, etc.). Advantageously, users can easily change handles to suit different needs.

[0046] Various aspects of the invention described herein facilitate user interaction with an easily removable and attachable handle assembly that includes a display, indicator, speaker, and / or other devices for improved user interaction. By using an attachment assembly, attachment and removal of the handle assembly are simplified. As described above, a user can attach a compatible handle by pulling back a sleeve to release a plug from a groove formed in a retaining rod. Thus, the handle assembly can be easily removed from a drawer front without the use of tools. Similarly, the user can position the handle so that the retaining rod slides into the receiving tube, which in turn pushes the cup washer into a retracted position, allowing the plug to be received in the groove once the retaining rod is fully engaged. The user can then release the sleeve to lock the plug in the retaining rod and secure the handle to the drawer front. This also establishes an electrical connection via the electrical connection assembly, thereby powering indicator components such as a light source and speaker.

[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples would be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A drawer assembly for an electrical appliance, characterized in that: The drawer assembly comprises: a drawer front, the drawer front including a retaining rod extending from the drawer front; a handle including an indicator assembly, the handle further comprising a receiving tube, a sleeve, and a handle body extending in a first direction, the receiving tube extending from the handle body in a second direction and defining an adapting cavity to receive the retaining rod, the sleeve surrounding the receiving tube and configured to slide axially along the receiving tube; an attachment assembly for removably attaching the handle to the drawer front; an electrical connection assembly passing through the attachment assembly to supply power to the indicator assembly, the electrical connection assembly comprising a first electrical connector disposed within the retaining rod and a second electrical connector disposed within the receiving tube, wherein when the retaining rod is received within the receiving tube, the first electrical connector contacts the second electrical connector to form a complete electrical circuit.

2. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The handle further includes an elastic member configured to move the second electrical connector away from the handle body in a second direction.

3. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The indicator assembly includes a circuit board electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

4. The drawer assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The first electrical connector is electrically connected to a power source through the electrical appliance.

5. The drawer assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The handle body includes a transparent portion.

6. The drawer assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The indicator assembly further includes a light source electrically connected to the circuit board and positioned adjacent the transparent portion.

7. The drawer assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The indicator assembly further includes a speaker electrically connected to the circuit board.

8. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The attachment assembly further includes a tube coaxial with and disposed within the receiving tube, the tube including a lip at a distal end thereof extending radially outward.

9. The drawer assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The attachment assembly further comprises: a cup-shaped gasket disposed radially between the receiving tube and the tube; and A resilient member biases the cup-shaped washer in the second direction, wherein the cup-shaped washer is restrained by the lip of the tube.

10. The drawer assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The receiving tube defines a through hole extending through a circumferential wall of the receiving tube, and wherein the drawer assembly further includes a plug movably received in the through hole.

11. The drawer assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The stopper is a ball bearing.

12. The drawer assembly according to claim 10, wherein: An outer circumferential surface of the retaining rod defines a groove, wherein the groove is configured to receive the plug.

13. The drawer assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The sleeve includes a first inner circumferential surface defining a first diameter and a second inner circumferential surface defining a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter.

14. The drawer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The invention further includes an elastic member configured to move the sleeve away from the handle body in the second direction.

15. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that: include: A cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; as well as A drawer is slidably mounted in one of the fresh food compartment and the food freezer compartment and is received in the drawer recess, wherein the drawer comprises: a drawer front, the drawer front including a retaining rod extending from the drawer front; a handle including an indicator assembly, the handle further comprising a receiving tube, a sleeve, and a handle body extending in a first direction, the receiving tube extending from the handle body in a second direction and defining an adapting cavity to receive the retaining rod, the sleeve surrounding the receiving tube and configured to slide axially along the receiving tube; an attachment assembly for removably attaching the handle to the drawer front; and an electrical connection assembly passing through the attachment assembly to supply power to the indicator assembly, the electrical connection assembly comprising a first electrical connector disposed within the retaining rod and a second electrical connector disposed within the receiving tube, wherein when the retaining rod is received within the receiving tube, the first electrical connector contacts the second electrical connector to form a complete electrical circuit.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that: The handle further comprises: a circuit board electrically connected to the second electrical connector; a light source electrically connected to the circuit board; and A speaker is electrically connected to the circuit board.

Citation Information

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