Household appliance

Abstract

The present application relates to a household appliance comprising a housing and a panel assembly disposed on the housing and disposed toward a user, where the panel assembly comprises: a panel base configured to be adapted to be disposed on the housing; an operation and / or display panel disposed on the panel base toward a user and configured to be adapted to be input by the user and / or to display information to the user; a computer board assembly disposed on the panel base and configured to be adapted to control operation / display via the operation and / or display panel and to control operation of the household appliance; and a light assembly disposed in an adjacent region of the panel base adjacent to the operation and / or display panel and configured to be adapted to guide light toward an edge of the operation and / or display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliances, and more specifically to a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] As home appliances become more common in households, users' demands for them are constantly increasing.

[0003] Home appliances, such as washing machines or dryers, include user-facing panel components. Users can input control commands or obtain relevant information through these panel components. The panel component includes a panel frame and a control / display panel and a computer board disposed thereon. The control / display panel faces the user.

[0004] Typically, control / display panels only have the function of displaying or not displaying control commands, and only the input and display areas can be illuminated when in operation. This results in a rather simple appearance and visual effect, which also affects product quality and user satisfaction.

[0005] Therefore, there is still a need for further improvement regarding at least some of the aforementioned issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a household appliance. At least one embodiment of this application can not only overcome the shortcomings of existing household appliances, but also improve user experience and product acceptance.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this application, a household appliance is provided, the household appliance comprising:

[0008] shell; and

[0009] A panel assembly disposed on the housing and facing the user, wherein the panel assembly includes:

[0010] A panel base, configured to be disposed on the housing.

[0011] An operation and / or display panel, the operation and / or display panel being arranged on the panel base facing the user and configured to be suitable for user input and / or information display to the user.

[0012] A computer board assembly, disposed on the panel base and configured to control operation / display via the operation and / or display panel and to control the operation of the household appliance.

[0013] A light assembly is disposed in an adjacent area of ​​the panel base adjacent to the operating and / or display panel and configured to direct light toward the edge of the operating and / or display panel.

[0014] This embodiment of the application enables the generation of ambient light in the edge region of the panel assembly without requiring significant modifications to the panel assembly. Therefore, the user can perceive the outline of the operation and / or display panel while facing it, providing visual appeal and thus enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the home appliance.

[0015] The extensions and improvements to the technical solution of this application can be understood from the following optional implementation methods.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a recess is formed in the adjacent area for at least partially accommodating the light component. This embodiment has a simple structure and enables a compact arrangement.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance described in this application, the light assembly includes a light-emitting element for emitting light and a light-scattering element for guiding the light. This embodiment enables soft light scattering and avoids uneven brightness and discomfort caused by point light sources.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the scattering element is housed at the bottom of the recess. This embodiment achieves a reliable arrangement of the heat dissipation element.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a cavity is formed between the scattering element and the groove opening. Thus, light can be guided through this cavity to the edge of the operating and / or display panel, thereby achieving ambient light at the edge and also presenting a wave-like ambient light effect.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance described in this application, the scattering element is fixedly connected to the groove. This embodiment enables simple and reliable installation and fixation of the optical component in the groove.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the groove extends along the extending direction of the operating and / or display panel. Thus, light can be scattered from the edge in accordance with the extending direction of the operating and / or display panel.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, both the light-emitting element and the scattering element are housed within the groove, which spaces the computer board assembly from the light component. This prevents direct contact between the light component and the computer board assembly, allowing the computer board assembly to be easily and reliably sealed.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the scattering element extends along the extending direction of the groove and has a snap-fit ​​portion on its edge, and a latch portion at the bottom of the groove that can form a locking connection with the snap-fit ​​portion. Thus, the scattering element can be secured within the groove through a simple locking connection. Furthermore, this simplifies manufacturing and installation costs.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the light-emitting element is arranged within the scattering element. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element can be integrated into the scattering element without the need for additional components, forming a single pre-installed component. This achieves a particularly compact structure and simplifies installation.

[0025] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a through hole is provided in the bottom of the recess for the wires of the optical component to pass through, and the wires are electrically connected to the computer board assembly via the through hole. This simplifies the wiring of the optical component through a simple structure.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the scattering element includes a channel for accommodating the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element being embedded in the channel along the extending direction of the scattering element, and light being able to be scattered through the bottom of the channel. This embodiment has a simple structure, is easy to install, and ensures the guidance and scattering of light.

[0027] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a seal is provided between the edge of the groove opening and the bottom of the recess. With the light-emitting element and the scattering element housed in the recess, the seal seals the groove relative to the external environment. By providing the seal, external dirt and water can be prevented from entering the light assembly and the computer board assembly, ensuring the reliable function of the light assembly and the computer board assembly.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the channel is continuous along the extension direction of the scattering element. This simplifies the embedding of the light-emitting element in the channel.

[0029] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a support guide extending along the extending direction of the scattering element is constructed on the bottom of the channel, and a folded edge extending along the extending direction of the scattering element is constructed on the opposite sidewall of the channel. The light-emitting element is secured in the channel by means of the support guide and the folded edge. This embodiment achieves reliable installation and fixation of the light-emitting element in the scattering element through the corresponding structure constructed on the scattering element.

[0030] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, with the light-emitting element and the scattering element housed in the groove, the light-emitting element does not contact the bottom of the groove. This prevents the light-emitting element from being damaged due to contact with or even pressure on the bottom of the groove.

[0031] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the scattering element further includes a light guiding portion for guiding light. With the scattering element housed in the recess, the light guiding portion extends towards the edge of the operating and / or display panel so that light rays emitted through the edge of the light guiding portion can be directly seen by the user. Thus, a visible light line is achieved at the edge of the operating and / or display panel through the light guiding portion, improving the aesthetics of the household appliance.

[0032] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the surface of the operation and / or display panel is constructed at an angle relative to the vertical direction, wherein the edges of the light guide portion, the edges of the adjacent area, and the edges of the operation and / or display panel are arranged flush with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface. This not only achieves a more ergonomic arrangement of the operation and / or display panel but also improves aesthetics.

[0033] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the edge of the light guide portion at least partially covers the edge of the adjacent area. This allows for intuitive visualization of the edge of the adjacent area.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, with the scattering element housed in the groove, the light guiding portion is attached to the inner wall of the groove near the operating and / or display panel. This achieves a particularly compact structure and improves aesthetics.

[0035] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a cavity is formed between the light guide portion and the inner wall of the groove away from the operating and / or display panel. This embodiment not only enables light to be guided by the light guide portion, but also ensures that light is scattered from the bottom of the scattering element, thereby simultaneously achieving the atmospheric effect of visible light lines and scattered light, and also presenting a wave-like ambient light sensation.

[0036] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the groove opening is oriented downwards relative to the operation and / or display panel. This achieves an ambient effect at the lower edge of the operation and / or display panel.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the recess is disposed adjacent to the lower edge of the operating and / or display panel and extends over the entire length of the lower edge. This achieves a particularly simple and compact construction.

[0038] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the panel assembly further includes a pull-out box body, which is pull-outably arranged in the panel base, and the panel of the pull-out box body is arranged adjacent to the operation and / or display panel along the extension direction of the groove, wherein the pull-out box body includes a handle groove, and the opening of the groove communicates with the handle groove along the extension direction of the groove. This achieves an integral structure, simplifying installation and improving aesthetics.

[0039] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, a door is provided on the front panel of the housing, and the panel assembly is arranged on the front panel and located above the door. This facilitates user operation of the household appliance.

[0040] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance described in this application, the household appliance is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer combo. This allows for flexible and wide application of the solution to various household appliances.

[0041] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance described in this application, the light-emitting element is an LED light strip. This embodiment has a long service life and low cost.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance described in this application, the scattering element is a scattering support made of polymethyl methacrylate. This embodiment provides a degree of deformability while ensuring sufficient strength.

[0043] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the outer surface of the scattering element is constructed to be matte. This allows for effective light guidance, achieving the desired luminous effect and thus improving aesthetics.

[0044] Further features of this application become apparent from the claims, drawings, and description of the figures. Features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown only in the figures, can be used not only in the correspondingly specified combinations, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, the following are also considered to be covered and disclosed by this application: those not explicitly shown in the figures and not explicitly interpreted, but rather derived from and produced by combinations of separate features derived from the interpreted content. The following combinations of features are also considered to be disclosed: those that do not possess all the features of the originally drafted independent claims. Furthermore, the following combinations of features are considered to be disclosed, especially those exceeding or deviating from the feature combinations defined in the reference relationships of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings include:

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic front view showing one embodiment of a household appliance;

[0047] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partial 3D view of a household appliance;

[0048] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a panel assembly for a household appliance;

[0049] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 Another perspective view of the panel components;

[0050] Figure 5 A perspective view showing one embodiment of the panel base of the panel assembly;

[0051] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Another perspective view of the panel base of the panel assembly;

[0052] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 A partial 3D view of the panel base;

[0053] Figure 8 Show Figure 5Another partial perspective view of the panel base;

[0054] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 Another partial perspective view of the panel base;

[0055] Figure 10 A perspective view showing one embodiment of the light component of the panel assembly;

[0056] Figure 11 Show Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the panel assembly along the YZ plane;

[0057] Figure 12 Show Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the panel assembly along the XZ plane;

[0058] Figure 13 A perspective view showing another embodiment of the light assembly of the panel assembly; and

[0059] Figure 14 A perspective view showing another embodiment of the panel assembly is shown.

[0060] List of reference numerals

[0061] 1. Home appliances

[0062] 2. Shell

[0063] 3 Panel Components

[0064] 4. Pull-out box

[0065] 5 doors

[0066] 21 front panel

[0067] 22 Side panels

[0068] 23 Base Plate

[0069] 24 Top Plate

[0070] 31 Panel Base

[0071] 32. Operation and / or display panel

[0072] 33 Computer board components

[0073] 34 Optical Components

[0074] 41. Panel of the pull-out box

[0075] 42 Handle groove

[0076] 311 Adjacent area of ​​panel base

[0077] 312 Groove

[0078] 313 Checkpoint

[0079] 314 through hole

[0080] 315 Frame Section

[0081] 321 Edges of the operation and / or display panel

[0082] 341 Light-emitting element

[0083] 342 Scattering element

[0084] 343 Buckle section

[0085] 344 Channel

[0086] 345 Seals

[0087] 346 Supporting guide section

[0088] 347 Folded edge

[0089] 348 wire

[0090] 3421 Light guiding section

[0091] 3422 Edge of the light guide

[0092] A. Groove direction

[0093] XYZ coordinate system Detailed Implementation

[0094] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0095] The exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the directional terms used in the description refer to the normal usage state of household appliances for ease of description and should not be construed as absolute limitations on the corresponding features.

[0096] Figure 1 A schematic front view of one embodiment of a household appliance 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the household appliance 1 is exemplaryly configured as a washing machine. The household appliance 1 includes a housing 2, a panel assembly 3, and a door 5. Of course, the household appliance 1 can also be configured as a dryer or a washer-dryer, or as other types of household appliances.

[0097] The housing 2 is cubic in shape and has a front panel 21 facing the user, a back panel opposite to the front panel 21, two side panels 22, a bottom panel 23, and a top panel 24. Due to the angle of the illustration, only the front panel 21, side panels 22, bottom panel 23, and top panel 24 are schematically marked.

[0098] exist Figure 1 The diagram also schematically illustrates the XYZ coordinate system, where the X direction represents the lateral direction of household appliance 1, the Y direction represents the direction of household appliance 1 towards the user, and the Z direction represents the vertical direction.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the panel assembly 3 is arranged on the front panel 21 of the housing 2 and faces the user. The door 5 is arranged generally in the center on the front panel 21, and the panel assembly 3 is located above the door 5. In addition, the panel assembly 3 includes a pull-out box 4, which can be pulled out by the user in the Y direction and is configured, for example, for replenishing cleaning agent.

[0100] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partial 3D view of household appliance 1. Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the panel assembly 3 of the household appliance 1, and Figure 4 Show Figure 3 Another perspective view of panel component 3.

[0101] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, panel assembly 3 includes panel base 31, operation and / or display panel 32, and computer board assembly 33. Panel base 31 is disposed on housing 2. Panel base 31 can be integrally constructed with housing 2 or mounted on housing 2. Operation and / or display panel 32 is disposed on panel base 31 facing the user and configured to allow the user to input information and / or display information to the user. In this embodiment, operation and / or display panel 32 is configured as a touchscreen, allowing the user to input information by touching or clicking virtual function keys correspondingly provided on operation and / or display panel 32. Computer board assembly 33 is disposed on panel base 31 and configured to control the operation of home appliance 1 by the user via operation and / or display panel 32.

[0102] In addition, panel assembly 3 also includes light assembly 34, which is disposed in an adjacent area 311 of panel base 31 adjacent to operation and / or display panel 32 (see Figure 3 or Figure 4 It is configured to direct light toward the edge of the operation and / or display panel 32.

[0103] like Figure 3 or Figure 4As shown, a recess 312 for accommodating the light component 34 is constructed in the adjacent region 311. In this embodiment, the recess 312 is exemplary constructed in the adjacent region 311 of the panel base 31, which is adjacent to the edge 321 of the operating and / or display panel 32, and has a depth of, for example, 20 mm.

[0104] In this embodiment, the edge 321 is as follows: Figure 3 or Figure 4 The lower edge of the operation and / or display panel 32 is shown. Therefore, the groove direction A of the recess 312 points downwards relative to the operation and / or display panel 32. The light component 34 arranged in the recess 312 can guide light towards the lower edge of the operation and / or display panel 32, and the user can see the ambient light guided towards the lower edge of the operation and / or display panel 32 from the front of the home appliance 1, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the home appliance 1 and making the virtual function keys on the operation and / or display panel 32 clear in low-light environments. Of course, in other embodiments, the recess 312 can also be constructed in the area of ​​the panel base 31 adjacent to other edges of the operation and / or display panel 32, such as side edges or the entire perimeter.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the recess 312 is provided adjacent to the edge 321 of the operating and / or display panel 32 and extends along the entire length of the edge 321 in the X direction. Figure 3 or Figure 4 In this context, the extension direction of groove 312 corresponds to the X direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown, the panel 41 of the pull-out box 4 and the operation and / or display panel 32 are arranged adjacent to each other along the extending direction of the recess 312. The pull-out box 4 includes a handle groove 42, which allows the user to pull out the pull-out box 4. Figure 4 As can be seen, the groove opening of the groove 312 is connected to the handle groove 42 along the extension direction of the groove 312.

[0106] Figure 5 A perspective view showing one embodiment of the panel base 31 of the panel assembly 3. Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Another perspective view of the panel base 31 of the panel assembly 3.

[0107] exist Figure 5 The front of the panel base 31 is shown, i.e., facing the user. Figure 6The diagram shows the rear side of the panel base 31, i.e., the side facing away from the user. The panel base 31 includes a frame portion 315 for arranging an operation and / or display panel 32 and a computer board assembly 33. The operation and / or display panel 32 is arranged on the front side of the frame portion 315 facing the user, and the computer board assembly 33 is arranged on the rear side of the frame portion 315 facing away from the user (see also...). Figure 2 ).

[0108] like Figure 5 The light assembly 34 in a disassembled state is also shown, with a wire 348 provided at one end of the light assembly 34.

[0109] A through hole 314 is provided in the bottom of the recess 312 for the wires 348 of the optical assembly 34 to pass through (see also...). Figure 6 The wire 348 is electrically connected to the computer board assembly 33 via the through hole 314, thereby providing power to the optical assembly 34.

[0110] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 A partial perspective view of the panel base 31. Figure 8 Show Figure 5 Another partial perspective view of the panel base 31. Figure 9 Show Figure 8 Another partial perspective view of the panel base 31.

[0111] Also combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,exist Figure 7 The diagram shows the lower right portion of the panel base 31, including the right side region of the recess 312. Figure 8 The diagram shows the lower left portion of the panel base 31, which shows the left side region of the recess 312.

[0112] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at the bottom of the groove 312, a latch 313 is provided on both sides of the groove 312 along the extension direction of the groove 312, and the optical component 34 can be fixedly connected in the groove 312 by means of the latch 313.

[0113] In other embodiments, latches 313 may also be provided on other sides of the groove 312, such as on the bottom side or on both sides along the extension direction perpendicular to the groove 312. Alternatively or additionally, other types of connections may be constructed on these sides.

[0114] See also Figure 2The recess 312 separates the computer board assembly 33 from the optical assembly 34. As mentioned earlier, a through hole 314 is provided on the bottom right side of the recess 312, through which the wires 348 of the optical assembly 34 can pass to the computer board assembly 33. This saves space and enables reliable wiring.

[0115] Figure 10 A perspective view showing one embodiment of the light component 34 of the panel assembly 3 is shown. Figure 11 Show Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of panel assembly 3 along the YZ plane, and Figure 12 Show Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of panel assembly 3 along the XZ plane.

[0116] like Figure 10 As shown, the light assembly 34 includes a light-emitting element 341 for emitting light and a light-scattering element 342 for guiding light.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the light-emitting element 341 is arranged in the scattering element 342 and forms an integral pre-mounted component. The scattering element 342 includes a channel 344 for receiving the light-emitting element 341, and the light-emitting element 341 is embedded in the channel 344 along the extending direction of the scattering element 342. Thus, light can be scattered out through the bottom of the channel 344.

[0118] A sealing element 345 is also provided between the edge of the groove 344 and the bottom of the recess 312. When the light-emitting element 341 and the scattering element 342 are accommodated in the recess 312, the sealing element 345 seals the groove 344 relative to the external environment.

[0119] like Figure 10 or Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the seal 345 is integrally formed on the periphery of the channel 344. This forms an integral pre-installed part and simplifies installation. Furthermore, the channel 344 is continuous along the extending direction of the scattering element 342, thus allowing the light-emitting element 341 to be easily embedded laterally into the scattering element 342.

[0120] To ensure reliable mounting of the light-emitting element 341 within the scattering element 342, such as Figure 11 As shown, a support guide portion 346 extending in the extending direction of the scattering element 342 is formed on the bottom of the channel 344, and a folded edge portion 347 extending in the extending direction of the scattering element 342 is formed on the opposite side wall of the channel 344. The light-emitting element 341 can be guided and embedded into the channel 344 by means of the support guide portion 346, and the light-emitting element 341 can be clamped in the channel 344 by means of the folded edge portion 347.

[0121] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 341 is configured as an LED strip, and the scattering element 342 is a scattering bracket made of polymethyl methacrylate. Therefore, the scattering element 342 has a certain deformability while having sufficient strength, especially the flanging portion 347 has a certain deformability. Thus, when the light-emitting element 341 is embedded in the channel 344, the flanging portion 347 is slightly deformed and thus clamps the light-emitting element 341 in the channel 344.

[0122] In Figure 10 and Figure 12 also see Figure 3 or Figure 4 , the scattering element 342 extends along the extension direction of the groove 312, and snap portions 343 are provided on both sides respectively at the edge of the scattering element 342 along the extension direction. The snap portions 343 can be respectively snapped into the corresponding bayonet portions 313 of the groove 312 to form a snap connection. Thereby, the optical component 34 can be reliably fixed in the groove 312.

[0123] In other embodiments, the scattering element 342 can also be provided with corresponding snap portions 343 at other positions corresponding to the positions of the bayonet portions 313 of the groove 312, for example, snap portions 343 are provided on both sides respectively at the edge perpendicular to the extension direction of the scattering element 342. Alternatively or additionally, other types of connecting portions can also be constructed at these positions.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the size of the outer contour of the scattering element 342 is slightly larger than the size of the inner contour of the groove 312. When the scattering element 342 is embedded in the groove 312, an interference fit is formed between the scattering element 342 and the groove 312, thereby the scattering element 342 can also be reliably fixedly connected to the groove 312 together with the light-emitting element 341.

[0125] As Figure 11 shown, the scattering element 342 is accommodated at the bottom of the groove 312, and a cavity is formed between the scattering element 342 and the notch of the groove 312. Light can be scattered towards the lower edge of the operation and / or display panel 32 via the cavity and form ambient light.

[0126] According to one embodiment, at least the outer side of the scattering element 342 is configured as a matte surface. The light emitted by the light-emitting element 341 is scattered out through the outer side of the scattering element 342 and undergoes diffuse reflection on this outer side. Thereby, the light can be effectively guided, the required light-emitting effect is achieved, and the aesthetics is improved accordingly.

[0127] As Figure 11 and Figure 12It can also be seen that, with the light-emitting element 341 and the scattering element 342 housed in the groove 312, the light-emitting element 341 does not contact the bottom of the groove 312. This ensures that the light-emitting element 341 will not be squeezed due to contact with the bottom, thereby avoiding damage to the light-emitting element 341.

[0128] Figure 13 A perspective view showing another embodiment of the light component 34 of the panel assembly 3 is provided, and Figure 14 A perspective view of another embodiment of panel assembly 3 is shown.

[0129] and Figure 10 The difference in the light assembly 34 is that the scattering element 342 also includes a light guide 3421 for guiding light rays, such as when the scattering element 342 is accommodated in the groove 312. Figure 14 As shown, the light guide portion 3421 extends toward the edge 321 of the operation and / or display panel 32 so that the light emitted through the edge 3422 of the light guide portion 3421 can be directly seen by the user.

[0130] like Figure 14 As can be seen, with the scattering element 342 housed in the groove 312, the light guide portion 3421 adheres to the inner wall of the groove 312 near the operation and / or display panel 32, and a cavity is formed between the light guide portion 3421 and the inner wall of the groove 312 away from the operation and / or display panel 32. Furthermore, the surface of the operation and / or display panel 32 is constructed at an angle relative to the vertical direction Z, wherein the edge 3422 of the light guide portion 3421, the edge of the adjacent area 311, and the edge 321 of the operation and / or display panel 32 are arranged flush with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface. Therefore, when facing the operation and / or display panel 32, the user can not only see the ambient light scattered through the edge of the operation and / or display panel 32, but also directly see the light lines guided by the edge 3422 of the light guide portion 3421 at the edge of the operation and / or display panel 32. This improves the aesthetics and texture of the home appliance 1.

[0131] In another embodiment, the edge 3422 of the light guide portion 3421 at least partially covers the edge of the adjacent region 311. Therefore, the user can directly see the edge 3422 of the light guide portion 3421 and the light lines guided therefrom at the edge of the operating and / or display panel 32.

[0132] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this application are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In practice, multiple features can be combined with each other as needed and where technically feasible. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are also conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliance (1) includes: Shell (2); and A panel assembly (3) disposed on the housing (2) and facing the user, wherein the panel assembly (3) comprises: A panel base (31) configured to be disposed on the housing (2), An operation and / or display panel (32) is arranged on the panel base (31) facing the user and configured to allow the user to input information and / or display information to the user. A computer board assembly (33) is disposed on the panel base (31) and configured to control the operation / display via the operation and / or display panel (32) and control the operation of the household appliance (1). A light component (34) is disposed in an adjacency region (311) of the panel base (31) adjacent to the operating and / or display panel (32) and configured to direct light toward the edge of the operating and / or display panel (32).

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, A groove (312) for at least partially accommodating the optical component (34) is formed in the adjacent region (311); and / or The light component (34) includes a light-emitting element (341) for emitting light and a light-scattering element (342) for guiding light.

3. The household appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scattering element (342) is housed at the bottom of the groove (312); and / or A cavity is formed between the scattering element (342) and the groove (312); and / or The scattering element (342) is fixedly connected to the groove (312); and / or The groove (312) extends along the extension direction of the operation and / or display panel (32).

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the light-emitting element (341) and the scattering element (342) are housed within the groove (312), which separates the computer board assembly (33) from the light assembly (34); and / or The scattering element (342) extends along the extension direction of the groove (312) and a latching part (343) is provided on the edge of the scattering element (342). A latching part (313) is provided at the bottom of the groove (312) to form a locking connection with the latching part (343).

5. The household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light-emitting element (341) is arranged in the scattering element (342); and / or A through hole (314) is provided at the bottom of the groove (312) for the wire (348) of the optical component (34) to pass through, and the wire (348) is electrically connected to the computer board assembly (33) via the through hole (314).

6. The household appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The scattering element (342) includes a channel (344) for accommodating the light-emitting element (341). The light-emitting element (341) is embedded in the channel (344) along the extending direction of the scattering element (342), and light can be scattered out through the bottom of the channel (344); and / or A sealing element (345) is provided between the groove edge of the channel (344) and the bottom of the recess (312). With the light-emitting element (341) and the scattering element (342) housed in the recess (312), the sealing element (345) seals the channel (344) relative to the external environment; and / or The channel (344) is continuous along the extension direction of the scattering element (342).

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, A support guide (346) extending in the extending direction of the scattering element (342) is constructed on the bottom of the channel (344), and a folded edge (347) extending in the extending direction of the scattering element (342) is constructed on the opposite sidewall of the channel (344). The light-emitting element (341) is fastened in the channel (344) by means of the support guide (346) and the folded edge (347); and / or With the light-emitting element (341) and the scattering element (342) housed in the groove (312), the light-emitting element (341) does not contact the bottom of the groove (312).

8. The household appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The scattering element (342) further includes a light guide (3421) for guiding light. When the scattering element (342) is housed in the groove (312), the light guide (3421) extends toward the edge (321) of the operation and / or display panel (32) so that the light drawn out through the edge (3422) of the light guide (3421) can be directly seen by the user.

9. The household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The surface of the operation and / or display panel (32) is constructed at an angle relative to the vertical direction, wherein the edges (3422) of the light guide (3421), the edges of the adjacent area (311), and the edges (321) of the operation and / or display panel (32) are arranged flush with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface; or The edge (3422) of the light guide (3421) at least partially covers the edge of the adjacent region (311).

10. The household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, With the scattering element (342) housed in the groove (312), The light guide portion (3421) is attached to the inner wall of the groove (312) near the operation and / or display panel (32); and / or A cavity is formed between the light guide portion (3421) and the inner wall of the groove (312) away from the operation and / or display panel (32).

11. The household appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, 9 and 10, characterized in that, The groove (312) points downward relative to the operation and / or display panel (32); and / or The recess (312) is disposed adjacent to the lower edge of the operating and / or display panel (32) and extends over the entire length of the lower edge; and / or The panel assembly (3) further includes a pull-out box (4), which is slidably arranged in the panel base (31), and the panel (41) of the pull-out box (4) is arranged adjacent to the operation and / or display panel (32) along the extension direction of the groove (312), wherein the pull-out box (4) includes a handle groove (42), and the opening of the groove (312) communicates with the handle groove (42) along the extension direction of the groove (312); and / or A door (5) is provided on the front panel of the housing (2), and the panel assembly (3) is arranged on the front panel and located above the door (5); and / or The household appliance (1) is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer combo.

12. The household appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, 9 and 10, characterized in that, The light-emitting element (341) is an LED light strip; and / or The scattering element (342) is a scattering support made of polymethyl methacrylate; and / or The outer surface of the scattering element (342) is matte.

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