Control panel assembly of dish-washing machine and dish-washing machine

By using a snap-fit ​​fixing mechanism and a light guide frame design, the problem of unstable fixing of the dishwasher's light strip is solved, achieving uniform light propagation and precise control, thus improving the overall aesthetics and user experience of the dishwasher.

CN223994870UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-17QINGDAO HAIER DISHWASHER +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-24
Publication Date
2026-03-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing dishwasher's light strip is not securely fixed and has poor structural strength, resulting in uneven light distribution and affecting the lighting and decorative effects.

Method used

The light-emitting components are connected to the panel body through a snap-fit ​​fixing method, using a light guide frame and a snap-fit ​​structure to ensure the stability of the light-emitting components, and the light guide frame design precisely controls the direction of light propagation.

Benefits of technology

The improved stability and structural strength of the light-emitting components result in more uniform light propagation, enhancing the lighting and decorative effects and improving the visual appeal and user experience of the dishwasher.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a control panel assembly of a dish-washing machine and the dish-washing machine. The control panel assembly comprises a panel body; the decorative plate is arranged on the front side of the panel body; the light-emitting component is clamped and fixed on the panel body and is positioned between the panel body and the decorative plate; the light-emitting component is provided with a light-emitting part and a light guide frame which is used for fixing the light-emitting part and can guide light, and the light guide frame is provided with a display part which extends forwards and is adjacent to the decorative plate. According to the control panel assembly, bonding is replaced by a clamping fixing mode, so that the light-emitting component and the panel body are connected more stably, the structural strength is improved, and the reliability of the whole control panel assembly is improved. The arrangement of the light guide frame enables light emitted by the light emitting part to be better spread and scattered, the light can be more uniform and softer, a better atmosphere lamp effect can be created, and the overall visual aesthetic feeling and use experience of the dish washing machine are improved. The display part of the light guide frame extends forwards and is adjacent to the decorative plate, the propagation direction of the light can be controlled more accurately, waste of the light is reduced, the light is prevented from being scattered to unnecessary areas, and the illumination and decoration effects are more outstanding.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically relating to a control panel assembly for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the control panel assembly. Background Technology

[0002] As a household appliance that automatically washes dishes, dishwashers are becoming increasingly popular as people's living standards improve. Front-loading dishwashers feature a door that opens and closes completely, allowing the dish rack to slide out easily for convenient loading and unloading of dishes.

[0003] Typically, a control panel is installed on the door, allowing users to control the dishwasher's functions. Inside the control panel is the main control board, the crucial core for the dishwasher's operation. The control panel also features multiple button holes for connecting to the main control board, along with a display screen or indicator lights. These components work together to provide users with intuitive operational feedback and status displays.

[0004] Some dishwashers feature lighting effects on their door control panels, typically using LED light beads. However, the concentrated, glaring light from these LED beads is insufficient to achieve an ambient lighting effect. Patent 202322706397.3 discloses a dishwasher door comprising a door body, a control panel, and a light strip. The door body has a first and a second end along its length and a first and a second side along its thickness, with the first side facing the washing chamber. The control panel is located on the end face of the first end of the door body. The light strip is mounted on the door body and configured to emit light towards the second side. This patent does not disclose the method for fixing the light strip; typically, it is glued to the top of the door body. This glued method has significant drawbacks: the fixed light strip lacks stability and structural strength, and is prone to loosening during daily use, affecting its normal lighting and decorative functions.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing a control panel assembly for a dishwasher, which ensures the stable fixation of the light-emitting components, improves structural strength, allows for better light propagation and scattering, and enables precise control of the light direction.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0008] A control panel component for a dishwasher includes:

[0009] Panel body;

[0010] A decorative panel is provided on the front side of the panel body;

[0011] The light-emitting component is snapped and fixed to the panel body and is located between the panel body and the decorative panel;

[0012] The light-emitting component includes a light-emitting element and a light guide frame for fixing the light-emitting element and guiding light. The light guide frame has a display section that extends forward and is adjacent to the decorative panel.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the light guide frame is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the light-emitting element, and the receiving groove is provided with a slot for inserting the light-emitting element.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, a first buckle is provided at the open end of the receiving groove to engage with the light-emitting element, and the first buckle has a first claw portion that engages and stops at the end of the light-emitting element.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, a front-opening mounting groove is provided on the panel body, and a snap-fit ​​fixing structure is provided between the mounting groove and the light guide frame. The snap-fit ​​fixing structure has a second snap hole opened on the rear wall of the mounting groove and a second snap fastener provided on the light guide frame and extending rearward. The second snap fastener and the second snap hole are matched and arranged.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the light guide frame is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the light-emitting element, the second buckle is provided on the groove wall of the receiving groove and extends rearward, and two gap grooves are provided on the groove wall located on the left and right sides of the second buckle.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, a second reinforcing rib extending rearward is provided along the left and right sides of the second card hole.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, a clearance opening is provided on the top wall of the mounting groove, which communicates with the second snap hole and facilitates the disassembly of the second snap fastener.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, a limiting structure is provided between the light guide frame and the panel body. The limiting structure has a limiting groove in the front-to-back direction provided on one of the light guide frame and the panel body, and a limiting rib provided on the other of the light guide frame and the panel body and matched with the limiting groove.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, a retaining rib portion extending to the left and / or right is provided at the end of the defining rib.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, a fixing ear is provided on the light guide frame, and a fixing hole is formed on the fixing ear; a fastening hole matching the fixing hole is formed on the panel body; and a reinforcing rib is provided on the fixing ear.

[0022] Based on the aforementioned control panel assembly for a dishwasher, this utility model also provides a dishwasher having the aforementioned control panel assembly, which makes the light-emitting component more secure, improves structural strength, allows light to propagate and scatter better, and enables precise control of the light direction.

[0023] A dishwasher has a cabinet and a door located on the front side of the cabinet, on which the aforementioned control panel assembly is provided.

[0024] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows: The use of a snap-fit ​​fixing method instead of adhesive bonding makes the connection between the light-emitting component and the panel body more stable, which helps to improve structural strength and enhance the reliability of the entire control panel assembly. The light guide frame allows for better propagation and scattering of light emitted by the light-emitting component, resulting in more uniform and softer light, which helps to create a better ambient lighting effect and enhances the overall visual appeal and user experience of the dishwasher. The display section of the light guide frame extends forward and is adjacent to the decorative panel, allowing for more precise control of the light propagation direction, reducing light waste and scattering to unnecessary areas, and making the lighting and decorative effects more prominent.

[0025] Other features and advantages of this utility model will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of a dishwasher control panel assembly proposed in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the rear view;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of region B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A structural diagram showing the middle decorative panel in disassembled state;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of region C in the middle;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of region D in the middle;

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of region E in the middle;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the panel body;

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified structural diagram of region F in the middle;

[0037] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a light-emitting component;

[0038] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified structural diagram of the G region;

[0039] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A vertical sectional view of part of the structure;

[0040] Among them, control panel component 100;

[0041] Panel body 10; mounting groove 11; second snap hole 111; second reinforcing rib 112; clearance opening 113; clearance groove 114; limiting groove 12; fastening hole 13;

[0042] 20 decorative panels;

[0043] Light-emitting component 30; light-emitting element 31; light guide frame 32; display part 321; receiving groove 322; slot 323; first buckle 324; first claw part 3241; second buckle 325; limiting rib 326; blocking rib part 3261; gap groove 327; fixing ear 328; fixing hole 3281; reinforcing rib 3282. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, with the direction closer to the inner cylinder axis being "inner," and the opposite being "outer." These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0049] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied individually, and these individual aspects can serve as the subject of a divisional application.

[0050] See Figures 1-13 This is an embodiment of a dishwasher control panel assembly proposed in this utility model. The dishwasher control panel assembly 100 includes: a panel body 10, a decorative panel 20, and a light-emitting component 30. The decorative panel 20 is located on the front side of the panel body 10 and can be made of a transparent material, such as glass. The light-emitting component 30 is snapped and fixed to the panel body 10, and is located between the panel body 10 and the decorative panel 20. The light-emitting component 30 has a light-emitting element 31 and a light guide frame 32 for fixing the light-emitting element 31. The light guide frame 32 can be used to guide the light emitted by the light-emitting element 31. The light guide frame 32 has a forward-extending display portion 321, which is adjacent to the edge of the decorative panel 20. The display portion 321 protrudes from the outer surface and can be located on the upper, lower, left, or right side of the decorative panel 20.

[0051] In this embodiment, the light-emitting component 30 is fixed by a snap-fit ​​method, which, compared to adhesive fixing, makes the connection between the light-emitting component 30 and the panel body 10 more stable, which helps to improve structural strength and enhance the reliability of the entire control panel assembly 100. The light guide frame 32 allows the light emitted by the light-emitting component 31 to propagate and scatter better, making the light more uniform and softer, which helps to create a better ambient lighting effect and enhances the overall visual aesthetics and user experience of the dishwasher. The display part 321 of the light guide frame 32 extends forward and is adjacent to the decorative panel 20, which allows for more precise control of the direction of light propagation, reducing light waste and scattering to unnecessary areas, making the lighting and decorative effects more prominent.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the light guide frame 32 is provided with a receiving groove 322 for accommodating the light-emitting element 31. The receiving groove 322 is open at the rear, and a slot 323 for inserting the light-emitting element 31 is provided within the receiving groove 322. The receiving groove 322 confines the light-emitting element 31 within a specific space, which helps guide the light to propagate better within the light guide frame, reduces light leakage and loss, and improves light utilization. The design of the slot 323 can precisely fix the light-emitting element 31, keeping it in a stable position within the receiving groove, preventing the light-emitting element 31 from shifting due to vibration, collision, or other factors during use, ensuring the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting element 31 and the light guide frame 32, thereby ensuring that the light can propagate and scatter along the expected path and maintain a stable light-emitting effect. The insertion method enhances the connection strength between the light-emitting element 31 and the light guide frame 32, better withstands external forces, is less prone to loosening or falling off, extends the service life of the entire light-emitting component, and improves the durability and reliability of the product.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, a first latch 324 is provided at the open end of the receiving groove 322 to engage with the light-emitting element 31. The first latch 324 has a first claw portion 3241 that engages and stops at the rear end of the light-emitting element 31. The first latch 324, combined with the insertion of the slot 323, achieves multi-directional limitation of the light-emitting element 31. The first claw portion 3241 engaging and stopping at the rear end of the light-emitting element 31 effectively prevents the light-emitting element 31 from falling out of the open end of the receiving groove 322 during use, further improving the stability and firmness of the installation of the light-emitting element 31. When installing the light-emitting element 31, simply bring it close to the receiving groove 322, insert it into the slot 323, and continue pushing to engage the rear end of the light-emitting element 31 with the first latch 324, completing the installation. No additional tools or complicated operating steps are required, which improves installation efficiency and reduces labor costs while ensuring the fixing effect.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, a front-opening mounting groove 11 is provided on the panel body 10, and the light-emitting component 30 is fixed in the mounting groove 11. A locking and fixing structure is provided between the mounting groove 11 and the light guide frame 32. The locking and fixing structure has a second locking hole 111 on the rear wall of the mounting groove 11 and a second latch 325 on the light guide frame 32. The second latch 325 extends rearward and is matched with the second locking hole 111. The first latch 324 is also set rearward. The front-opening mounting groove 11 allows the light-emitting component 30 to be conveniently inserted into the mounting groove 11 from the front. The second latch 325 and the second locking hole 111 in the locking and fixing structure are matched. During installation, it is only necessary to align the second latch 325 on the light guide frame 32 with the second locking hole 111 on the rear wall of the mounting groove 11 and insert and lock it in to complete the fixing of the light-emitting component 30. The operation is simple and does not require complicated tools. During disassembly, simply apply a certain external force to the second latch 325 to separate it from the second latch hole 111, and the light-emitting component 30 can be easily removed. This facilitates subsequent maintenance, repair, or replacement of the light-emitting component 30, reducing maintenance costs and difficulty. The latching and fixing structure provides a reliable fixing method for the light-emitting component 30, effectively preventing it from loosening or shifting due to external forces such as vibration or collision during use.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, second reinforcing ribs 112 extending rearward are provided along the left and right sides of the second locking hole 111, which helps to increase the structural strength of the second locking hole 111, reduce the possibility of damage caused by external forces, and enable the second locking hole 111 to maintain good shape and dimensional accuracy for a long time; it also helps to maintain a stable engagement relationship between the second buckle 325 and the second locking hole 111, ensuring that the light-emitting component 30 always remains firmly fixed during long-term use.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, a clearance opening 113 communicating with the second latch 111 is provided on the top wall of the mounting groove 11. The clearance opening 113 facilitates the disassembly of the second latch 325. The presence of the clearance opening 113 provides the second latch 325 with a larger deformation space, making the disassembly and installation of the light-emitting component 30 more convenient. The setting of the clearance opening 113 does not negatively affect the overall structural strength and function of the mounting groove 11; on the contrary, it improves the ease of disassembly of the product without adding too much complexity to the structure.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the second latch 325 is disposed on the upper groove wall of the receiving groove 322 and extends rearward. Two gap grooves 327 are provided on the upper groove wall of the receiving groove 322, located on the left and right sides of the second latch 325, which facilitates the upward movement and deformation of the second latch 325 during engagement. The presence of the gap grooves 327 allows the second latch 325 to move and deform more easily when subjected to external force. When installing the light-emitting component 30, when the second latch 325 engages with the second latch hole 111 on the panel body 10, the second latch 325 can smoothly pass through the second latch hole 111 by upward deformation, and then return to its original shape to achieve a secure engagement. A reasonable deformation space helps reduce stress concentration experienced by the second latch 325 during engagement.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, a limiting structure is provided between the light guide frame 32 and the panel body 10. This limiting structure includes a limiting groove 12 on the light guide frame 32 and a limiting rib 326 on the panel body 10. The limiting groove 12 and the limiting rib 326 are matched and the limiting rib 326 extends in the front-rear direction. When installing the light-emitting component 30, simply aligning the limiting rib 326 with the limiting groove 12 ensures that the light guide frame 32 is accurately installed in the predetermined position, avoiding problems such as abnormal light propagation and uneven appearance caused by positional deviations during installation. The limiting structure and the locking and fixing structure cooperate to further enhance the connection stability between the light guide frame 32 and the panel body 10. During installation, the cooperation between the limiting rib 326 and the limiting groove 12 provides clear installation guidance for the installer.

[0059] In other embodiments of this application, the limiting structure may also be a limiting rib provided on the light guide frame 32 and a limiting groove provided on the panel body 10.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, a baffle portion 3261 extending in a left-right direction is provided at the end of the limiting rib 326; the limiting rib 326 extends upward along the light guide frame 32, and the baffle portion 3261 is located on the upper side of the mounting groove 11. The limiting rib 326 itself is used to cooperate with the limiting groove 12 on the light guide frame 32 to achieve precise positioning of the light guide frame 32 on the panel body 10; the baffle portion 3261 extends in a left-right direction, which can further restrict the position of the light guide frame 32 in the vertical direction, preventing the light guide frame 32 from shifting left or right after installation, thereby more accurately determining the installation position of the light guide frame 32 and ensuring the accuracy of the installation of the light-emitting component 30.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, a fixing ear 328 is provided on the light guide frame 32, and a fixing hole 3281 is formed on the fixing ear 328; a fastening hole 13 matching the fixing hole 3281 is formed on the panel body 10; and reinforcing ribs 3282 are provided on the left and right sides of the fixing ear 328. A clearance groove 114 for avoiding the fixing ear 328 is formed in the groove wall of the mounting groove 11. By using screws or other fastening components passing through the fixing hole 3281 and the fastening hole 13, the light guide frame 32 can be firmly fixed to the panel body 10. This, together with the snap-fit ​​fixing structure and the limiting structure, forms multiple fixing guarantees, greatly improving the stability of the installation of the light-emitting component 30. The reinforcing ribs 3282 on the left and right sides of the fixing ear 328 increase the structural strength of the fixing ear. During the fastening process, the fixing ear 328 needs to withstand a certain amount of tension and pressure. The reinforcing rib 3281 can effectively disperse these forces, preventing the fixing ear 328 from deforming or being damaged due to excessive force, thereby ensuring the reliability of the fixed connection and extending the service life of the entire structure.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A control panel assembly for a dishwasher, characterized in that, The control panel assembly comprises: a panel body; a decorative plate arranged on the front side of the panel body; a light-emitting component snap-fitted on the panel body and located between the panel body and the decorative plate; the light-emitting component has a light-emitting piece and a light guide frame for fixing the light-emitting piece and capable of guiding light, the light guide frame has a display part extending forward and arranged adjacent to the decorative plate.

2. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein, An accommodating groove for accommodating the light-emitting piece is arranged on the light guide frame, and a plug-in groove for plug-in connection of the light-emitting piece is arranged in the accommodating groove.

3. The control panel assembly of claim 2, wherein, A first buckle snap-fitted with the light-emitting piece is arranged at the open end of the accommodating groove, and the first buckle has a first claw part snap-stopping at the end of the light-emitting piece.

4. The control panel assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A mounting groove with a front opening is arranged on the panel body, and a snap-fitting structure is arranged between the mounting groove and the light guide frame, the snap-fitting structure has a second buckle arranged on the light guide frame and extending backward and a second buckle hole arranged on the rear wall of the mounting groove, and the second buckle and the second buckle hole are arranged in matching mode.

5. The control panel assembly of claim 4, wherein, A second buckle extending backward is arranged on the groove wall of the accommodating groove, and two gap grooves located on the left and right sides of the second buckle are arranged on the groove wall.

6. The control panel assembly of claim 4, wherein, An avoiding opening in communication with the second buckle hole and facilitating dismounting of the second buckle is arranged on the top wall of the mounting groove, and a second reinforcing rib extending backward is arranged on the left and right sides of the second buckle hole.

7. The control panel assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A limiting structure is arranged between the light guide frame and the panel body, and the limiting structure has a limiting groove arranged on one of the light guide frame and the panel body and extending in the front-rear direction and a limiting rib arranged on the other of the light guide frame and the panel body and arranged in matching mode with the limiting groove.

8. The control panel assembly of claim 7, wherein, A blocking rib part extending leftward and / or rightward is arranged at the end of the limiting rib.

9. The control panel assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A fixing lug is arranged on the light guide frame, a fixing hole is arranged on the fixing lug, a fastening hole arranged in matching mode with the fixing hole is arranged on the panel body, and a reinforcing rib is arranged on the fixing lug.

10. A dishwasher having a cabinet, a door body located at a front side of the cabinet, characterized in that, The door body is provided with the control panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Door body of dish washing machine and dish washing machine

    CN220800958U