Casing assembly and water dispenser

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a shell assembly and a water dispenser, the shell assembly comprises a shell body, the shell body is provided with a light guide structure, the light guide structure is arranged at a corresponding position of a light emitting element; a light reflection structure is arranged on a side of the light guide structure away from the light emitting element, the light reflection structure is provided with a light reflection surface, and the light reflection surface is arranged on a light propagation path of the light emitting element. In the use process of the shell assembly, the light emitted by the light emitting element can be irradiated onto the light reflection structure after passing through the light guide structure, so that the light is reflected toward a predetermined direction under the action of the light reflection structure, a light halo is formed in a specific area, and the visual effect is enhanced. Therefore, the shell assembly can guide and control the light emitted by the light guide structure again, and the problem that the light distribution is disordered, the dazzling light spot is formed, the soft atmosphere halo cannot be created, and the visual effect of the shell assembly is not improved is overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a housing assembly and a water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliances, such as water dispensers, include a housing, a light-emitting element, and a light-guiding structure. The light-emitting element is located inside the housing, and the light-guiding structure is located inside the housing. The light emitted by the light-emitting element can pass through the light-guiding structure to form a light spot, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the water dispenser.

[0003] However, the chaotic light generated by the light guide structure often forms glaring spots, failing to create a soft ambient halo and hindering the improvement of the visual effect of the housing components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a housing assembly and a water dispenser to solve the problem in the related art where the light emitted by the light-emitting element is messy and forms glaring light spots when it passes through the light guide structure, which fails to create a soft ambient halo and is not conducive to improving the visual effect of the housing assembly.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a housing assembly, comprising: The housing body has a light guide structure, which is located at the corresponding position of the light-emitting element; The reflective structure is located on the side of the light guide structure away from the light-emitting element. The reflective structure has a reflective surface, which is located on the light propagation path of the light-emitting element.

[0006] Beneficial effects: In the use of the housing assembly of the present invention, the light emitted by the light-emitting element can shine on the reflective structure after passing through the light guide structure, thereby reflecting in a predetermined direction under the action of the reflective structure and forming a halo in a specific area to enhance the visual effect.

[0007] Therefore, the housing assembly of this invention can guide and regulate the light transmitted through the light guide structure, overcoming the problem that the chaotic light distribution leads to the formation of glaring light spots, which cannot create a soft ambient halo and is not conducive to improving the visual effect of the housing assembly.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the housing assembly further includes: A decorative cover is detachably attached to the housing body, and a handle is provided on one edge of the decorative cover.

[0009] Beneficial effects: With this configuration, the decorative cover enhances the overall aesthetics of the housing assembly. The detachable mounting of the decorative cover on the housing body facilitates cleaning of the connection between the decorative cover and the front cover, and simplifies the process of repairing or replacing the internal structure of the housing body.

[0010] Based on this, a handle is set on one edge of the decorative cover. This will not affect the overall visual effect of the decorative cover, and it will make it easier for the operator to grasp the handle and apply force to the decorative cover. This will prevent the operator from relying on brute force to pull, which may cause hand scratches or damage to parts, affecting the user experience or product life.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, a reflective structure is provided on the handle.

[0012] Beneficial effects: With this design, the angled surface of the handle for the operator to apply force can serve as a reflective surface, and can further guide and control the light transmitted through the light guide structure. The handle structure has multiple functions and can reduce the number of parts required for the housing assembly.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the handle is located at the bottom edge of the decorative cover, with the reflective surface tilted downwards in a direction away from the light guide structure.

[0014] Beneficial effect: With this configuration, the light emitted by the light-emitting element can be directed through the light guide structure to the inclined surface of the handle for the operator to apply force, and then scattered downwards through the inclined surface of the handle, forming a halo below the housing assembly.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, one of the housing body and the decorative cover is provided with a magnetic attracting element, and the other of the housing body and the decorative cover is provided with a magnetic engaging element, wherein the magnetic attracting element can be attracted to the magnetic engaging element.

[0016] Beneficial effects: With this setup, the operator only needs to place the decorative cover in the corresponding position on the housing body, and the magnetic component will automatically engage with the magnetic mating component. The operator can then pull the decorative cover away from the housing body to separate it. The disassembly and maintenance process is simple and convenient, requires no tools, and will not lead to a decrease in the reliability of the connection due to long-term use.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, one of the housing body and the decorative cover is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the other of the housing body and the decorative cover is provided with a limiting groove, wherein the limiting protrusion can cooperate with the limiting groove.

[0018] Beneficial effects: With this configuration, the limiting protrusion can overlap with the groove wall of the limiting groove, thereby providing support in the vertical direction, reducing the load that the magnetic attractor and magnetic mating parts need to bear, thereby reducing the number and attraction of the magnetic attractor and magnetic mating parts, and thus reducing the number of parts and cost of the housing assembly.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the decorative cover includes: Decorative cover body; A panel is installed on the side of the decorative cover body that is away from the housing body; An adhesive groove is provided in at least one of the decorative cover body and the panel, and the adhesive groove is used to hold adhesive.

[0020] Beneficial effect: With this setup, the adhesive groove is used to hold the adhesive, thereby bonding the panel to the decorative cover body.

[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the light guide structure includes a light guide plate, which is formed on the housing body by insert injection molding.

[0022] Beneficial effects: This design reduces the number of assembly steps for the housing body and ensures the positioning accuracy between the housing body and the light-emitting element.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the light guide structure further includes: The lampshade, which surrounds the outer periphery of the light-emitting element, can block the gap between the light guide plate and the light-emitting element.

[0024] Beneficial effect: By setting it up in this way, the lampshade can seal the gap between the light guide plate and the light-emitting element to prevent light leakage.

[0025] In one alternative implementation, the reflective surface is textured or polished.

[0026] Secondly, the present invention also provides a water dispenser, comprising: The housing assembly provided in the first aspect of the present invention; The light-emitting element is located inside the housing assembly and is configured to correspond to the light-guiding structure of the housing assembly.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The water dispenser of the second aspect of the present invention includes or uses the housing component of the first aspect of the present invention, and therefore has its beneficial effects, namely, the housing component can guide and regulate the light transmitted through the light guide structure again, overcoming the problem that the light distribution is disordered, resulting in the formation of glaring light spots, which cannot create a soft ambient halo and is not conducive to improving the visual effect of the housing component. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the diagram; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part B in the diagram; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a decorative cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a decorative cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a housing body according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a front view of a housing body according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a side view of a housing body according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a rear view of a housing body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Housing body; 101. Light guide structure; 1011. Light guide plate; 1012. Lampshade; 102. Magnetic suction component; 103. Limiting groove; 104. Mounting port; 2. Reflective structure; 201. Reflective surface; 3. Light-emitting element; 4. Decorative cover; 401. Handle; 402. Magnetic mating part; 403. Limiting protrusion; 404. Adhesive groove. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] The following is combined Figures 1 to 10 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a housing assembly is provided, including a housing body 1 and a reflective structure 2.

[0034] The housing body 1 is provided with a light guide structure 101, which can be located at the corresponding position of the light-emitting element 3. The reflective structure 2 is provided on the side of the light guide structure 101 away from the light-emitting element 3, and the reflective structure 2 is provided with a reflective surface 201, which is located on the light propagation path of the light-emitting element 3.

[0035] In the use of the housing assembly of this embodiment, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 3 can be directed onto the reflective structure 2 after passing through the light guide structure 101, thereby being reflected in a predetermined direction under the action of the reflective structure 2 to form a halo in a specific area to enhance the visual effect.

[0036] Therefore, the housing assembly of this embodiment can guide and regulate the light transmitted through the light guide structure 101, overcoming the problem that the light distribution is disordered, resulting in glaring light spots, failing to create a soft ambient halo, and not improving the visual effect of the housing assembly.

[0037] In one embodiment, the reflective surface 201 is made of polycarbonate material, which has advantages such as high strength, high light transmittance, impact resistance and high temperature resistance.

[0038] As an alternative implementation, the reflective surface 201 may also be made of metal or glass.

[0039] The housing body 1 of the present invention is preferably, but not limited to, used in water dispensers or coffee machines.

[0040] In one embodiment, the housing body 1 includes a front shell, a light guide structure 101 is disposed on the front shell, and the light-emitting element 3, the light guide structure 101 and the reflective surface 201 can cooperate with each other to enhance the aesthetics of the housing body 1.

[0041] In one embodiment, the front shell is connected to the water purifier bracket or body via a snap-fit ​​assembly or a bolt connection assembly.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing assembly also includes a decorative cover 4. The decorative cover 4 is detachably attached to the housing body 1, and a handle 401 is provided on one side edge of the decorative cover 4.

[0043] With this configuration, the decorative cover 4 can enhance the overall aesthetics of the housing assembly. The decorative cover 4 is detachably mounted on the housing body 1 of the housing assembly, which makes it easier for the operator to clean the connection between the decorative cover 4 and the front cover, and simplifies the process of repairing or replacing the internal structure of the housing body 1.

[0044] Based on this, a handle 401 is provided on one side edge of the decorative cover 4. This will not damage the overall visual effect of the decorative cover 4, and it will make it easier for the operator to grasp the handle 401 and apply force to the decorative cover 4. This will prevent the operator from relying on brute force to pull, which could cause hand injuries or damage to parts, affecting the user experience or product lifespan.

[0045] As an alternative embodiment, in an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the decorative cover 4 has a handle on the side surface away from the housing body 1.

[0046] In one embodiment, the reflective structure 2 is provided on the handle 401.

[0047] With this configuration, the inclined surface of the handle 401, which allows the operator to apply force, can serve as a reflective surface 201 and further guide and regulate the light transmitted through the light guide structure 101. The handle 401 structure has multiple functions and can reduce the number of parts required for the housing assembly.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the handle 401 is located at the bottom edge of the decorative cover 4, and the reflective surface 201 is tilted downward in the direction away from the light guide structure 101.

[0049] With this configuration, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 3 can be directed through the light guide structure 101 to the inclined surface of the handle 401 for the operator to apply force, and then scattered downwards by the inclined surface on the handle 401 to form a halo below the housing assembly.

[0050] As an alternative implementation, in embodiments not shown in other figures, the handle 401 may also be located on the top edge or one side edge of the decorative cover 4.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, one of the housing body 1 and the decorative cover 4 is provided with a magnetic attracting member 102, and the other of the housing body 1 and the decorative cover 4 is provided with a magnetic mating member 402. The magnetic attracting member 102 can be attracted to the magnetic mating member 402.

[0052] With this setup, the operator only needs to place the decorative cover 4 in the corresponding position on the housing body 1, and the magnetic suction component 102 can automatically attract the magnetic mating component 402.

[0053] The operator can separate the decorative cover 4 from the housing body 1 by pulling it away from the housing body 1. The disassembly and maintenance process is simple and convenient, without the need for tools, and the reliability of the connection will not decrease due to long-term use.

[0054] Among them, magnetic component 102 refers to a component that has its own magnetism and can actively generate a magnetic field, such as a magnet or lodestone.

[0055] Magnetic mating part 402 refers to a component that can be attracted in a magnetic field, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, etc.

[0056] As an alternative implementation, in an embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the connection between the decorative cover 4 and the housing body 1 can also be a snap-fit, riveting, or bolt connection, etc.

[0057] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the number of magnetic components 102 is not limited, as long as the reliability of the connection between the housing body 1 and the decorative cover 4 can be guaranteed.

[0058] For example, in an optional embodiment, there are four magnetic suction elements 102, which are respectively located at the four corners of the housing body 1. This ensures that the decorative cover 4 will not have a large gap when assembled with the housing body 1, thus affecting the aesthetics of the housing assembly.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one of the housing body 1 and the decorative cover 4 is provided with a limiting protrusion 403, and the other of the housing body 1 and the decorative cover 4 is provided with a limiting groove 103. The limiting protrusion 403 can cooperate with the limiting groove 103.

[0060] With this configuration, the limiting protrusion 403 can overlap with the groove wall of the limiting groove 103, thereby providing support in the vertical direction, reducing the load that the magnetic attractor 102 and the magnetic mating member 402 need to bear, thereby reducing the number and attraction of the magnetic attractor 102 and the magnetic mating member 402, and thus reducing the number of parts and cost of the housing assembly.

[0061] In one embodiment, the decorative cover 4 includes a decorative cover body, a panel, and an adhesive groove 404.

[0062] The panel is disposed on the side of the decorative cover body away from the housing body 1. An adhesive groove 404 is provided in at least one of the decorative cover body and the panel, and the adhesive groove 404 is used to contain adhesive.

[0063] With this configuration, the adhesive groove 404 can be used to hold the adhesive, thereby bonding the panel to the decorative cover body.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the adhesive is double-sided adhesive tape.

[0065] As an alternative implementation, the adhesive may also be a silicone sealant, a polyurethane structural adhesive, or an acrylic adhesive, etc.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the panel is a glass panel.

[0067] As an alternative implementation, the panel can also be a plastic panel or a metal panel, etc.

[0068] As an alternative implementation, in embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the connection between the panel and the decorative cover body can also be selected as snap-fit, riveting, bolt connection or magnetic connection, etc.

[0069] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 1 is provided with a mounting port 104, and the light guide structure 101 includes a light guide plate 1011 disposed in the mounting port 104.

[0070] In one embodiment, the light guide plate 1011 is directly integrated into the housing body 1 by insert injection molding. This arrangement reduces the assembly steps of the housing body 1 and ensures the positioning accuracy between the housing body 1 and the light-emitting element 3.

[0071] As a possible implementation, a mounting port 104 is formed on the housing body 1, and the light guide plate 1011 is mounted on the mounting port 104.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the light guide structure 101 also includes a lampshade 1012.

[0073] The lampshade 1012 is arranged around the outer periphery of the light-emitting element 3, which can block the gap between the light guide plate 1011 and the light-emitting element 3.

[0074] With this configuration, the lampshade 1012 can seal the gap between the light guide plate 1011 and the light-emitting element 3 to prevent light leakage.

[0075] In one embodiment, the lampshade 1012 is a rubber part and is fixed to the light guide plate 1011 by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0076] In one embodiment, the surface of the light guide plate 1011 away from the light-emitting element 3 is planar.

[0077] As a possible implementation, in an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the surface of the light guide plate 1011 away from the light-emitting element 3 is an arc-shaped surface.

[0078] As an alternative implementation, in an embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the lampshade 1012 may also be made of materials such as plastic, ceramic, or metal.

[0079] As an alternative implementation, in an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the lampshade 1012 may also be fixed to the light guide plate 1011 by bolts or rivets.

[0080] As an alternative implementation, in another embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the snap-fit ​​structure may also be fixed to the light-emitting element 3.

[0081] In one embodiment, the reflective surface 201 is textured or polished.

[0082] Textured treatment is a process that uses chemical etching, mechanical imprinting, or other methods to create regular or random micro-textures on the surface of a material. When the reflective surface 201 undergoes textured treatment, the light passing through the light guide structure 101 is reflected and dispersed by the reflective surface 201, making the overall brightness of the halo more uniform and preventing local over-brightness or under-brightness, resulting in a gentler visual experience.

[0083] When the reflective surface 201 is polished, its surface is processed to be flat and smooth. When light shines on the reflective surface 201 through the light guide structure 101, the reflected halo can present a cool metallic luster, which can enhance the texture of the product.

[0084] In one embodiment, the reflective surface 201 is coated with an anti-fingerprint nano-coating, which can reduce stain adhesion and prevent the operator from leaving stains or fingerprints on the reflective surface 201 during the process of removing and installing the decorative cover 4 by using the handle 401, thus avoiding additional cleaning burden for the user.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a water dispenser, including a housing assembly and a light-emitting element 3.

[0086] The housing assembly is the housing assembly of the first aspect of the present invention. The light-emitting element 3 is disposed inside the housing assembly and is correspondingly disposed with respect to the light guide structure 101 of the housing assembly.

[0087] The water dispenser of the second aspect of the present invention includes or uses the housing component of the first aspect of the present invention, and thus has the beneficial effect that the housing component can guide and regulate the light transmitted through the light guide structure 101, overcoming the problem that the light distribution is disordered, resulting in the formation of glaring light spots, failing to create a soft ambient halo, and not conducive to improving the visual effect of the housing component.

[0088] In one embodiment, the light-emitting element 3 is an LED light strip located near the control panel of the water dispenser.

[0089] As an alternative implementation, in embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the light-emitting element 3 may also be selected as an incandescent lamp, a neon lamp, or a fluorescent lamp, etc.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, characterized in that, Includes a housing assembly, the housing assembly comprising: The housing body (1) is provided with a light guide structure (101), which is located at the corresponding position of the light-emitting element (3). The housing body (1) includes a front shell, and the light guide structure is located on the front shell. The front shell is connected to the water purifier bracket or the machine body by a snap-fit ​​assembly or a bolt connection assembly. A reflective structure (2) is provided on the side of the light guide structure (101) away from the light-emitting element (3). The reflective structure (2) is provided with a reflective surface (201). The reflective surface (201) is provided on the light propagation path of the light-emitting element (3). A decorative cover (4) is detachably covered on the housing body (1). A handle (401) is provided on one side edge of the decorative cover (4). The reflective structure (2) is provided on the handle (401). The handle (401) is provided on the bottom edge of the decorative cover (4). Along the direction away from the light guide structure (101), the reflective surface (201) is inclined downward. The reflective surface can serve as a handle for the operator to apply force and can guide and control the light transmitted through the light guide structure again. The light emitted by the light-emitting element (3) can be directed to the inclined surface of the handle for the operator to apply force through the light guide structure (101), and then scattered downwards through the inclined surface of the handle to form a halo below the housing assembly; The light guide structure (101) includes a light guide plate (1011), which is formed on the housing body (1) by insert injection molding. The light guide structure (101) also includes a lampshade (1012), which is arranged around the outer periphery of the light-emitting element (3) and can block the gap between the light guide plate (1011) and the light-emitting element (3). One of the housing body (1) and the decorative cover (4) is provided with a magnetic attracting member (102), and the other of the housing body (1) and the decorative cover (4) is provided with a magnetic mating member (402). The magnetic attracting member (102) can be attracted to the magnetic mating member (402). One of the housing body (1) and the decorative cover (4) is provided with a limiting protrusion (403), and the other of the housing body (1) and the decorative cover (4) is provided with a limiting groove (103). The limiting protrusion (403) can be engaged with the limiting groove (103).

2. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decorative cover (4) includes: Decorative cover body; A panel is provided on the side of the decorative cover body away from the housing body (1); An adhesive groove (404) is provided in at least one of the decorative cover body and the panel, the adhesive groove (404) being used to contain adhesive.

3. The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, The reflective surface (201) is textured or polished.

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