Piezoelectric ceramic-based household appliance switch with tactile feedback

By integrating sensors and heaters into household appliance switches, the environment is automatically adjusted, solving the problem of piezoelectric ceramics being susceptible to extreme environments and achieving stability and reliability of tactile feedback.

CN223843764UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27BESTAR HLDG
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520377552.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-04
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Piezoelectric ceramics are susceptible to the effects of ambient temperature and humidity, and their performance is unstable in extreme environments, resulting in weak tactile feedback.

Method used

By integrating temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and heaters into household appliance switches, and combining them with a miniature fan, the control unit automatically adjusts the ambient temperature and humidity to ensure a stable working environment for the piezoelectric ceramic sheet.

Benefits of technology

This effectively reduces the impact of extreme external environments on piezoelectric ceramics, ensuring the reliability and stability of tactile feedback and improving the interactive experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of household electrical appliance switches, in particular to a piezoelectric ceramic-based household electrical appliance switch with tactile feedback, which comprises a panel provided with a plurality of touch keys; a cavity is formed between the rear housing and the panel; the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic pieces are fixed below the panel; the control unit is used for processing a touch signal of a user and driving the corresponding piezoelectric ceramic piece to generate vibration feedback; a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a heater and a miniature fan are installed in the cavity, and the control unit is electrically connected with the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the heater and the miniature fan and used for starting the miniature fan and / or the heater according to detection signals of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. According to the utility model, the control unit automatically controls the starting of the miniature fan and the heater according to the monitoring data of the sensor, thereby realizing the automatic adjustment of the temperature and humidity in the cavity, providing a relatively stable working environment for the piezoelectric ceramic piece, and effectively ensuring the reliability of tactile feedback.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance switch technology, and in particular to a household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliance switches utilize the inverse piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric ceramics to convert electrical energy into mechanical vibrations, thereby providing tactile feedback. However, because piezoelectric ceramics are susceptible to changes in ambient temperature and humidity, their performance becomes unstable under extreme conditions, leading to weak tactile feedback. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics, which effectively solves the problems in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics, comprising:

[0005] The panel features multiple touch buttons;

[0006] The rear cover forms a cavity with the panel;

[0007] Multiple piezoelectric ceramic sheets are arranged and fixed below the panel, corresponding to multiple touch buttons;

[0008] The control unit, located inside the cavity, is used to process the user's touch signals and drive the corresponding piezoelectric ceramic sheet to generate vibration feedback;

[0009] The cavity contains a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a heater. At least one miniature fan is provided on the rear cover. The control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, heater, and miniature fan, respectively, and is used to turn on the miniature fan and / or the heater based on the detection signals from the temperature sensor and humidity sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, the rear cover is provided with a ventilation grille corresponding to the position of the miniature fan.

[0011] Furthermore, the panel is equipped with status indicator lights.

[0012] Furthermore, a vibration isolation plate is fixedly connected to the lower part of the panel, and the vibration isolation plate is provided with multiple mounting slots, into which the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is embedded.

[0013] Furthermore, the edge of the vibration damping plate bends and extends toward the rear cover to form a first edge;

[0014] The outer edge of the rear cover extends outward in a horizontal direction to form a support surface. The edge of the support surface bends and extends toward the panel to form a second edge, which is embedded in the first edge.

[0015] Furthermore, a damping column is provided in the gap between the vibration isolation plate and the supporting surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit includes a signal generation module and a signal amplifier, wherein the signal generation module is electrically connected to the touch button and the signal amplifier, respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit also includes a power module, which is electrically connected to the micro fan and the heater.

[0018] Furthermore, the outer edge of the vibration isolation plate is flush with the outer edge of the panel.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In this utility model, the control unit automatically controls the opening of the micro fan and heater according to the monitoring data of the sensor, realizing the autonomous adjustment of temperature and humidity in the cavity, providing a relatively stable working environment for the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, reducing the influence of external extreme environment, and effectively ensuring the reliability of tactile feedback. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of a portion at point A;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the mounting grooves on the vibration isolation plate in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Reference numerals: 1. Panel; 11. Touch button; 2. Rear cover; 21. Ventilation grille; 22. Support surface; 23. Second edge; 24. Shock-absorbing column; 3. Piezoelectric ceramic sheet; 4. Temperature sensor; 5. Humidity sensor; 6. Heater; 7. Miniature fan; 8. Indicator light; 9. Vibration damping plate; 91. Mounting slot; 92. First edge. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4The illustrated household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics includes: a panel 1, a rear cover 2, multiple piezoelectric ceramic plates 3, and a control unit. The panel 1 has multiple touch buttons 11. A cavity is formed between the rear cover 2 and the panel 1. The multiple piezoelectric ceramic plates 3 correspond to the multiple touch buttons 11 and are fixed below the panel 1. The control unit is placed in the cavity and is used to process the user's touch signals and drive the corresponding piezoelectric ceramic plates 3 to generate vibration feedback. A temperature sensor 4, a humidity sensor 5, and a heater 6 are installed in the cavity. At least one miniature fan 7 is provided on the rear cover 2. The control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 4, the humidity sensor 5, the heater 6, and the miniature fan 7, respectively, and is used to turn on the miniature fan 7 and / or the heater 6 according to the detection signals of the temperature sensor 4 and the humidity sensor 5. It should be noted that the number of temperature sensor 4, humidity sensor 5 and heater 6 is unlimited, and the installation position depends on the position of touch button 11. In this utility model, temperature sensor 4 is set on both sides of touch button 11 and fixed on the rear cover 2, while humidity sensor 5 is set on the central axis, and heater 6 is set between two adjacent piezoelectric ceramic plates 3.

[0030] In the specific implementation process, when the cavity is in a low temperature environment, the control unit turns on the heater 6, and when the cavity is in a high temperature environment, the control unit turns on the micro fan 7; and when the humidity in the cavity is high, the control unit controls the heater 6 and the micro fan 7 to turn on simultaneously.

[0031] In this invention, the control unit automatically controls the operation of the micro fan 7 and the heater 6 based on sensor monitoring data, achieving autonomous regulation of temperature and humidity within the cavity. This provides a relatively stable working environment for the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3, reduces the impact of extreme external environments, and effectively ensures the reliability of tactile feedback. Furthermore, the control unit can drive the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3 to generate vibration feedback of varying intensities based on the user's touch pressure, enhancing the interactive experience.

[0032] In this invention, the rear cover 2 is provided with a ventilation grille 21 at the position corresponding to the miniature fan 7, which ensures gas flow, optimizes the heat distribution in the cavity, avoids local overheating, and provides a certain degree of protection for the miniature fan 7.

[0033] In this invention, a status indicator light 8 is provided on the panel 1 to display the on / off status of the heater 6 or the miniature fan 7. Users can quickly understand the working status of the heater 6 or the miniature fan 7 through the indicator light 8, providing clear visual feedback and increasing the interactivity and ease of use of the product.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, a vibration isolation plate 9 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the panel 1. The vibration isolation plate 9 has multiple mounting slots 91, and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3 is embedded in the corresponding mounting slot 91. Through the isolation effect of the vibration isolation plate 9, each piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3 can only drive the area of ​​the panel 1 connected to it, thereby achieving local vibration of a designated area of ​​the panel 1. This design effectively reduces the diffusion of vibration energy and improves the vibration effect and accuracy of touch feedback.

[0035] Based on the above scheme, the edge of the vibration isolation plate 9 bends and extends toward the rear cover 2 to form a first edge 92; the outer edge of the rear cover 2 extends outward in the horizontal direction to form a support surface 22, and the edge of the support surface 22 bends and extends toward the panel 1 to form a second edge 23, which is embedded in the first edge 92.

[0036] The tight fit of the first edge 92 and the second edge 23 forms an effective sealing barrier to prevent moisture, dust or other contaminants from entering the device. In addition, the interlocking design of the first edge 92 and the second edge 23 makes the connection between the panel 1 and the rear cover 2 tighter, reducing the loss of vibration energy of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3 and improving the tactile feedback effect.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment of the above solution, a damping column 24 is provided in the gap between the vibration isolation plate 9 and the support surface 22. The damping column 24 can effectively absorb and isolate the vibration generated by the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3, prevent the vibration energy from being transmitted to the rear cover 2 or other non-target areas, and ensure that the vibration is concentrated only in the panel 1 area corresponding to the touch button 11.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the control unit includes a signal generation module and a signal amplifier. The signal generation module is electrically connected to the touch button 11 and the signal amplifier, respectively. The touch button 11 detects the pressing action of a human hand and converts it into an electrical signal. The signal generation module receives the electrical signal generated by the touch button 11, generates an original drive waveform signal, and sends a control signal to the signal amplifier. After receiving the control signal, the signal amplifier amplifies the original drive waveform signal into a high-power drive waveform signal, ensuring that the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 3 can generate sufficiently strong vibrations, thereby providing clear tactile feedback. In addition, the signal generation module can generate different drive waveforms to achieve diverse tactile feedback effects, further enhancing the user interaction experience.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the control unit further includes a power module, which is electrically connected to the miniature fan 7 and the heater 6. Using an independent power module reduces power noise interference to other signals, thereby improving the system's anti-interference capability and overall stability. Furthermore, when the control unit detects that the device has not been used for an extended period, it automatically enters a sleep mode, shutting down unnecessary peripherals such as the miniature fan 7 and the heater 6, significantly reducing power consumption and achieving energy-saving effects.

[0040] In this invention, the outer edge of the vibration isolation plate 9 is flush with the outer edge of the panel 1 to ensure that vibration energy can be efficiently transmitted to the touch area of ​​the panel 1, thereby improving the intensity and clarity of tactile feedback.

[0041] Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics, characterized in that, include: The panel (1) has multiple touch buttons (11); The rear cover (2) forms a cavity with the panel (1); Multiple piezoelectric ceramic sheets (3) are disposed and fixed below the panel (1) corresponding to multiple touch buttons (11); The control unit, located inside the cavity, is used to process the user's touch signals and drive the corresponding piezoelectric ceramic sheet (3) to generate vibration feedback; The cavity is equipped with a temperature sensor (4), a humidity sensor (5), and a heater (6). At least one miniature fan (7) is provided on the rear cover (2). The control unit is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (4), humidity sensor (5), heater (6), and miniature fan (7) respectively, and is used to turn on the miniature fan (7) and / or the heater (6) according to the detection signals of the temperature sensor (4) and humidity sensor (5).

2. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear cover (2) is provided with a ventilation grille (21) at the position corresponding to the micro fan (7).

3. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel (1) is equipped with a status indicator light (8).

4. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 1, characterized in that, A vibration isolation plate (9) is fixedly connected below the panel (1). The vibration isolation plate (9) is provided with multiple mounting slots (91), and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet (3) is embedded in the corresponding mounting slot (91).

5. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 4, characterized in that, The edge of the vibration isolation plate (9) is bent and extended toward the rear cover (2) to form a first edge (92); The outer edge of the rear cover (2) extends outward in the horizontal direction to form a support surface (22), and the edge of the support surface (22) bends and extends toward the panel (1) to form a second edge (23), which is embedded in the first edge (92).

6. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 5, characterized in that, A damping column (24) is provided in the gap between the vibration isolation plate (9) and the support surface (22).

7. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes a signal generation module and a signal amplifier, wherein the signal generation module is electrically connected to the touch button (11) and the signal amplifier respectively.

8. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit also includes a power module, which is electrically connected to the micro fan (7) and the heater (6).

9. The household appliance switch with tactile feedback based on piezoelectric ceramics according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer edge of the vibration isolation plate (9) is flush with the outer edge of the panel (1).