Electric towel rack

Abstract

This application relates to an electric heated towel rack. The electric heated towel rack includes a mounting frame, glass, and an electric heating element. The glass is mounted on the mounting frame; the electric heating element includes a metal mesh disposed on the glass, the visible light transmittance of the metal mesh being TL1, where TL1 ≥ 80%, ≥ 85%, or ≥ 90%. In the above-mentioned electric heated towel rack, when the electric heating element is energized, it heats the glass, which is then used to heat the towels. Because the electric heating element includes a metal mesh, different parts of the glass are heated evenly, resulting in a large heating area and relatively high heating uniformity, thereby improving heating uniformity and drying efficiency, and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance TL1 of the metal mesh is relatively high and will not be observed, thus not affecting the product's appearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of towel rack technology, and in particular to an electric heated towel rack. Background Technology

[0002] An electric towel rack is a bathroom appliance that dries towels using electric heating. It is primarily used in home bathrooms, hotels, and medical facilities. Its core functions include temperature control and antibacterial properties, auxiliary heating, and bathroom dehumidification, while also providing storage. Some products boast high antibacterial rates.

[0003] Most electric towel racks in related technologies use metal tubes or resistance wires for heating, which are linear heat source structures. However, electric towel racks in related technologies suffer from problems such as small heating area, large heat loss, low drying efficiency, uneven temperature, and high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electric towel rack that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies, improving heating uniformity and drying efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

[0005] This application provides an electric towel rack, comprising:

[0006] Mounting rack;

[0007] Glass, the glass being mounted on the mounting bracket; and

[0008] An electric heating element, comprising a metal mesh disposed on the glass, wherein the visible light transmittance of the metal mesh is TL1, TL1≥80%, or ≥85%, or ≥90%.

[0009] In one embodiment, the glass includes a first glass plate, an adhesive layer, and a second glass plate stacked sequentially; the first glass plate has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, the second glass plate has a third side and a fourth side disposed opposite to each other, and the second side and the third side are connected by the adhesive layer; the electric heating element is disposed on the second side or the third side.

[0010] In one embodiment, the line width of the metal mesh is 8 μm to 20 μm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the glass is formed with grooves, and the metal mesh is filled within the grooves.

[0012] In one embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the glass is TL2, TL2 ≥ 80%, or ≥ 85%, or ≥ 90%.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electric heating element further includes electrodes and wires, wherein there are two electrodes, the metal mesh is connected between the two electrodes, and the electrodes are electrically connected to the wires for accessing a power source.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electric towel rack further includes a temperature indicator component mounted on the mounting bracket, the temperature indicator component being used to acquire and indicate the temperature of the glass.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electric towel rack further includes a controller, wherein the temperature indicator component and the electric heating element are both electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control the operation of the electric heating element according to the temperature of the glass.

[0016] In one embodiment, the temperature indicating component includes a light-emitting element and a temperature sensor; both the light-emitting element and the temperature sensor are electrically connected to the controller, the temperature sensor is used to acquire the temperature of the glass, and the controller is used to control the light-emitting element to emit light according to the temperature of the glass.

[0017] In one embodiment, the light-emitting element is disposed at the edge of the glass; and / or, the mounting bracket includes a frame that surrounds the periphery of the glass, and the light-emitting element and the temperature sensor are both disposed inside the frame.

[0018] In the aforementioned electric towel rack, the electric heating element heats the glass when energized, and the glass is used to heat the towels. Because the heating element includes a metal mesh, the metal mesh ensures that different parts of the glass are heated evenly, resulting in a large heating area and relatively high heating uniformity. This improves heating uniformity and drying efficiency while reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the metal mesh has a high visible light transmittance (TL1), which is not observable and therefore does not affect the product's appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an electric towel rack according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the electric heating element in an electric towel rack according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the electric heating element in an electric towel rack according to another embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the joint position between the glass and the mounting bracket according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 10. Mounting bracket; 11. Frame; 20. Glass; 21. First glass plate; 211. First surface; 212. Second surface; 22. Adhesive layer; 23. Second glass plate; 231. Third surface; 232. Fourth surface; 30. Electric heating element; 31. Metal mesh; 32. Electrode; 40. Temperature indicating component; 41. Light emitting element; 42. Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0026] As mentioned in the background art, electric towel racks in related technologies have problems such as small heating area, large heat loss, low drying efficiency, uneven temperature, and high energy consumption. The reason for these problems is that the spacing between adjacent metal tubes or resistance wires in the electric towel rack is large, and the area between adjacent metal tubes or resistance wires cannot heat the towels.

[0027] Based on the above reasons, this application provides an electric towel rack that can improve heating uniformity and drying efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

[0028] The following will combine Figures 1 to 4 A detailed description of an embodiment of the electric towel rack of this application is provided below:

[0029] See Figure 1 An embodiment of this application provides an electric towel rack, comprising: a mounting frame 10, a glass panel 20, and an electric heating element 30. The glass panel 20 is mounted on the mounting frame 10. The mounting frame 10 is, but is not limited to, being installed on a wall to support and bear the glass panel 20. The mounting frame 10 is, but is not limited to, a metal frame, a plastic frame, a wooden frame, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0030] Please see Figure 4For example, glass 20 may be, but is not limited to, single-layer glass or laminated glass, etc., without limitation. Glass 20 may be a single-layer glass sheet, including but not limited to ordinary glass or tempered glass. Of course, glass 20 may also be at least two layers of glass sheets stacked together. In other words, glass 20 may be laminated glass. Taking double-laminated glass as an example, laminated glass includes a first glass sheet, an adhesive layer 22, and a second glass sheet stacked sequentially. The first glass sheet has a first surface 211 and a second surface 212 facing away from each other, and the second glass sheet has a third surface 231 and a fourth surface 232 facing away from each other, with the second surface 212 and the third surface 231 opposite each other. The interior of glass 20 refers to the area on glass 20 corresponding to the area between the first surface 211 and the fourth surface 232, specifically, the second surface 212, the third surface 231, or the adhesive layer 22, etc.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "inner" and "outer" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0032] Optionally, the adhesive layer 22 may be made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polycarbonate (PC), sound-insulating PVB, light-shielding PVB, heat-controlling PVB, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ionomers, thermoplastic materials, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene vinyl acetate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyacrylate (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR), ionomer interlayer (SGP), and combinations thereof.

[0033] Please see Figures 2 to 4 For example, the electric heating element 30 includes a metal mesh 31 disposed on the glass 20. The mesh of the metal mesh 31 is not limited to polygonal or circular or other regular and irregular shapes, and is not limited here. It can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs.

[0034] For example, the electric heating element 30 also includes an electrode 32 and a wire. The electrode 32 includes, for example, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and is electrically connected to the metal mesh 31. The electrode 32 is electrically connected to the wire for connecting a power source through the wire. The power source supplies electricity to the electrode 32 through the wire, and the electrode 32 correspondingly supplies electricity to the metal mesh 31, causing the metal mesh 31 to generate heat.

[0035] The visible light transmittance of the metal mesh 31 is TL1. TL1 includes, but is not limited to, 80%, 82%, 83%, 85%, 86%, 88%, 90%, 92%, or 95%, etc., and can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. Specifically, TL1 ≥ 80%. More specifically, TL1 ≥ 85%. More specifically, TL1 ≥ 90%.

[0036] To ensure that the visible light transmittance TL1 of the metal mesh 31 is ≥80%, the linewidth of the metal mesh 31 is, for example, including but not limited to, 8μm to 20μm, specifically 8μm, 10μm, 12μm, 15μm, 16μm, 17μm, 18μm, or 20μm. This achieves complete transparency when viewed at close range with the naked eye, providing excellent visual effects while also exhibiting high electrical conductivity and heat dissipation performance. When the linewidth of the metal mesh 31 is less than 8μm, the visible light transmittance TL1 of the metal mesh 31 increases as the linewidth decreases, but the manufacturing difficulty also increases. When the linewidth of the metal mesh 31 is greater than 20μm, the visible light transmittance TL1 of the metal mesh 31 decreases as the linewidth increases, resulting in a visible light transmittance TL1 below 8%, which does not meet the requirements.

[0037] For example, the electric heating element 30 can be disposed on the first surface 211, the second surface 212, the third surface 231, or the fourth surface 232. Specifically, the electric heating element 30 is disposed on the second surface 212 or the third surface 231. In this way, the electric heating element 30 is disposed inside the glass 20, which can prevent it from being exposed and thus avoid damage. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 22 completely covers and seals the electric heating element 30 and the wires, forming a safe sandwich structure that is electrically insulating, leak-proof, scald-proof, and impact-resistant, meeting the bathroom waterproof rating of IPX4 or higher.

[0038] In the aforementioned electric towel rack, the electric heating element 30 heats the glass 20 when energized, and the glass 20 is used to heat the towels. Since the electric heating element 30 includes a metal mesh 31, the metal mesh 31 ensures that different parts of the glass 20 are heated evenly, resulting in a large heating area and relatively high heating uniformity. This improves heating uniformity and drying efficiency, and reduces energy consumption. Furthermore, the visible light transmittance TL1 of the metal mesh 31 is high and will not be noticeable, thus not affecting the product's appearance.

[0039] In some embodiments, the thickness of the glass 20 is, but is not limited to, 1.5mm to 15mm, specifically, 1.5mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, or 15mm. The visible light transmittance of the glass 20 is TL2, which is, but is not limited to, 80%, 82%, 83%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 90%, 92%, 93%, or 95%, and can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. Specifically, the visible light transmittance TL2 of the glass 20 is ≥80%. More specifically, TL2 is ≥85%. Further, TL2 is ≥90%. Thus, the thickness of the glass 20 is small, and the visible light transmittance of the glass 20 is large, achieving an ultra-thin, transparent, and invisible appearance.

[0040] Optionally, a metal mesh 31 is arranged over 80% of the surface area of ​​the glass 20. Specifically, a metal mesh 31 is arranged over 85% of the surface area of ​​the glass 20. More specifically, a metal mesh 31 is arranged over 90% of the surface area of ​​the glass 20. Further, a metal mesh 31 is arranged over 95% of the surface area of ​​the glass 20. In this way, the heating area of ​​the glass 20 surface is large, enabling uniform heating, and the temperature uniformity is ≤ ±5℃.

[0041] Because the linewidth of the metal mesh 31 is small, in order to ensure that the metal mesh 31 is stably disposed on the glass 20, grooves are formed in the glass 20, for example. The grooves are mesh-like, and the shape of the grooves determines the shape of the metal mesh 31. Therefore, the shape of the metal mesh 31 is adjusted accordingly by controlling and adjusting the shape of the grooves. The grooves are formed on the glass 20, for example, by laser etching, specifically on the first surface 211, the second surface 212, the third surface 231, or the fourth surface 232 of the glass 20, preferably on the second surface 212 or the third surface 231, but there is no particular limitation. The grooves have a micron-level structure, and there is no stress residue after processing.

[0042] For example, the metal mesh 31 is filled into the groove. Specifically, the metal mesh 31 can be filled into the groove by scraping a metal paste in the range of 0.1µm to 10µm, and then fixed to the glass 20 by low-temperature baking or high-temperature sintering, forming a continuous conductive path. This constitutes a micron-scale patterned planar heating structure of the metal mesh 31, which can balance the visible light transmittance and conductivity of the material, enabling the visible light transmittance to be greater than 85%, achieving complete transparency when viewed at close range with the naked eye. It provides excellent visual effects while also possessing high conductivity and heating performance. The patterned design allows the heating area to precisely match the actual heating requirements, achieving full contact with the wet towel and reducing ineffective heat loss.

[0043] For example, the electrode 32 can be formed on the glass 20 by printing, specifically on the first surface 211, the second surface 212, the third surface 231 or the fourth surface 232 of the glass 20. There are no special restrictions here, and it can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs.

[0044] In some embodiments, the electric towel rack further includes a temperature indicating component 40. The temperature indicating component 40 is mounted on the mounting bracket 10 and is used to acquire and indicate the temperature of the glass 20. The temperature indicating component 40 can indicate the temperature through various means such as light, display, and sound, without particular limitation. Indicating the temperature of the glass 20 through the temperature indicating component 40 improves product performance.

[0045] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the electric towel rack also includes a controller. The temperature indicator component 40 and the electric heating element 30 are both electrically connected to the controller, which controls the operation of the electric heating element 30 according to the temperature of the glass 20. When the temperature of the glass 20 is too high, the controller reduces the operating power of the electric heating element 30, thereby lowering the temperature of the glass 20; conversely, when the temperature of the glass 20 is too low, the controller increases the operating power of the electric heating element 30, thereby raising the temperature of the glass 20. In this way, constant temperature control of the glass 20 can be achieved.

[0046] In some embodiments, the temperature indicating component 40 includes a light-emitting element 41 and a temperature sensor 42. The light-emitting element 41 includes, but is not limited to, an LED light, specifically an LED light strip. Both the light-emitting element 41 and the temperature sensor 42 are electrically connected to a controller. The temperature sensor 42 is used to acquire the temperature of the glass 20. The temperature sensor 42 acquires the temperature of the glass 20 by contacting it. The controller is used to control the light-emitting element 41 to emit light according to the temperature of the glass 20. Specifically, the light-emitting element 41 emits different colors of light according to different temperatures of the glass 20, thus determining the temperature of the glass 20 based on the different colors of light. Furthermore, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 41 also functions as an ambient light and a night light. In one embodiment, when the temperature of the glass 20 is determined to be low, the light-emitting element 41 is controlled to emit blue light; when the temperature of the glass 20 is determined to be medium, the light-emitting element 41 is controlled to emit warm yellow light; when the temperature of the glass 20 is determined to be high, the light-emitting element 41 is controlled to emit warm red light; and when a fault or overheating is detected, the light-emitting element 41 is controlled to flash red light.

[0047] For example, the light-emitting element 41 is disposed at the edge of the glass 20. Thus, when the light-emitting element 41 emits light, the glass 20, having grooves filled with metal mesh, acts as a light guide, achieving uniform light emission on its surface through the light-guiding effect, and also functions as an ambient light.

[0048] For example, the mounting bracket 10 includes a frame 11 that surrounds the periphery of the glass 20, and the light-emitting element 41 and the temperature sensor 42 are both disposed inside the frame 11. In this way, they are not exposed and have a better protective effect.

[0049] For example, the electric towel rack also includes an intelligent temperature control drive module. This module supports both high-voltage mains power and low-voltage safety power supply, and includes NTC temperature measurement, PID constant temperature control, over-temperature power-off, anti-dry-burning, overcurrent protection, touch control adjustment, or remote control via an app. The intelligent temperature control drive module is electrically connected to the controller, enabling wide-voltage power supply, constant temperature control, and multiple safety protections.

[0050] In summary, the electric towel rack of this application embodiment has the following technical effects:

[0051] (1) Using a micron-level metal mesh 31 to achieve patterned surface uniform heating, the heat utilization rate is high, the drying speed is fast, the ineffective loss is low, and it is more energy-efficient;

[0052] (2) The adhesive layer 22 is fully encapsulated, providing insulation, explosion protection, leakage prevention, and burn prevention, significantly improving safety;

[0053] (3) The edge light guide and temperature status indicator are integrated without compromising the transparency of the glass 20, resulting in a better visual effect;

[0054] (4) The ultra-thin and transparent design is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for various high-end bathroom decoration styles;

[0055] (5) Intelligent wide-voltage temperature control, adaptable to various power supply scenarios, simple to operate, safe and reliable, suitable for use in homes, hotels, high-end decoration projects and other scenarios.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0057] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0060] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0061] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0062] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric towel rack, characterized in that, include: Mounting rack; Glass, which is mounted on the mounting bracket; and An electric heating element, comprising a metal mesh disposed on the glass, wherein the visible light transmittance of the metal mesh is TL1, TL1≥80%, or ≥85%, or ≥90%.

2. The electric towel rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass comprises a first glass plate, an adhesive layer, and a second glass plate stacked sequentially; the first glass plate has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other, and the second glass plate has a third side and a fourth side arranged opposite to each other, the second side and the third side being connected by the adhesive layer; the electric heating element is disposed on the second side or the third side.

3. The electric towel rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line width of the metal mesh is 8 μm to 20 μm.

4. The electric towel rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass has grooves formed in it, and the metal mesh fills the grooves.

5. The electric towel rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visible light transmittance of the glass is TL2, which is ≥80%, ≥85%, or ≥90%.

6. The electric towel rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric heating element also includes electrodes and wires. There are two electrodes, and the metal mesh is connected between the two electrodes. The electrodes are electrically connected to the wires so that they can be connected to a power source.

7. The electric towel rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric towel rack also includes a temperature indicator component, which is mounted on the mounting bracket and is used to acquire and indicate the temperature of the glass.

8. The electric towel rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electric towel rack also includes a controller, and the temperature indicator component and the electric heating element are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the operation of the electric heating element according to the temperature of the glass.

9. The electric towel rack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The temperature indicating component includes a light-emitting element and a temperature sensor; both the light-emitting element and the temperature sensor are electrically connected to the controller. The temperature sensor is used to acquire the temperature of the glass, and the controller is used to control the light-emitting element to emit light according to the temperature of the glass.

10. The electric towel rack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The light-emitting element is disposed at the edge of the glass; and / or, the mounting frame includes a frame that surrounds the periphery of the glass, and the light-emitting element and the temperature sensor are both disposed inside the frame.

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