Panel module for household appliance and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to a panel module for a household appliance. The panel module (1) comprises a circuit board (2) and a transparent panel (3) which is arranged on one side of the circuit board in the normal direction of the circuit board. Wherein at least one light-emitting element (4) is arranged on the circuit board along an edge (E) of the transparent panel, from which the light can be incident into the transparent panel in order to illuminate one or more icons (L) on the transparent panel, an infrared operating unit (5) is associated on the circuit board for each icon (L), the infrared operation unit and the light-emitting element are arranged on the side close to a user in a spaced mode so as to detect touch operation of the user on a corresponding icon, therefore, the operation function can be simply achieved for the transparent panel, the perspective visual effect of the transparent panel is not affected, and meanwhile cost is low. In addition, the utility model also relates to a household appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a panel module for a household appliance and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Driven by both consumption upgrades and aesthetic iterations, people are increasingly pursuing quality and design in their daily lives. Home appliances, especially their panels, have become aesthetic vehicles for showcasing personal taste and enhancing the ritual of life. People are increasingly seeking novel and unique designs for them. Among these, transparent panels stand out with their highly forward-thinking design concepts, enabling home appliances to exude a strong sense of technology and futurism.

[0003] However, how to achieve operational functions in a simple and cost-effective manner without affecting the visual effect of such a transparent panel has become a pressing technical problem. Utility Model Content

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a panel module for a household appliance and a household appliance that can easily implement operational functions on a transparent panel without affecting its transparent visual effect, while also being inexpensive.

[0005] One aspect of this utility model relates to a panel module for household appliances, wherein the panel module comprises:

[0006] Circuit boards; and

[0007] A transparent panel is disposed on one side of the circuit board, perpendicular to the circuit board.

[0008] At least one light-emitting element is arranged on the circuit board along one edge of the transparent panel. The light from the light-emitting element can enter the transparent panel from the edge of the transparent panel to illuminate one or more icons on the transparent panel. An infrared operation unit is provided for each icon on the circuit board. The infrared operation unit is arranged at a distance from the light-emitting element and is located on the side closer to the user to detect the user's touch operation on the corresponding icon.

[0009] Within the scope of this invention, the transparent panel is disposed normally to one side of the circuit board. This can be understood as the transparent panel standing upright on the circuit board, perpendicular or orthogonal to the circuit board, on one side of the circuit board's plane. This means that one edge, side, or panel edge of the transparent panel is adjacent to the plane of the circuit board.

[0010] To illuminate the transparent panel and one or more icons on it, at least one light-emitting element is arranged on the circuit board along one edge of the transparent panel, allowing light from the light-emitting element to enter the transparent panel from that edge. This means that the light-emitting element on the circuit board is aligned with the edge characterizing the thickness of the transparent panel, allowing light from the light-emitting element to enter the transparent panel from the side. Advantageously, the light incident on the transparent panel can undergo total internal reflection on both the front and back sides of the transparent panel until it reaches the other edges of the transparent panel or undergoes diffuse reflection at the icons on the transparent panel.

[0011] To enable operational functionality within the panel module, an infrared operating unit is installed on the circuit board for each icon. This infrared operating unit is positioned at a distance from the light-emitting element, closer to the user, to detect user touch operations on the corresponding icon. Since the user's finger approaches and touches the transparent panel from the user-facing side, this touch operation can be effectively detected by the infrared operating unit on the circuit board. Therefore, the infrared operating unit reliably detects the user's finger movements without obstructing the transparent surface's visual transparency. Furthermore, as a conventional electronic component, the infrared operating unit is less expensive than cameras or non-fully transparent touch-sensing circuits. Moreover, the fact that the infrared operating unit and the light-emitting element are located on the same circuit board further facilitates the assembly and manufacturing of the panel module.

[0012] The panel module according to this utility model can easily realize the operation function of the transparent panel without affecting its perspective visual effect, and at the same time, it is inexpensive.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this utility model, each infrared operating unit may include at least one infrared emitter and one infrared receiver. To ensure reliable detection of user touch operations when the icon is large (e.g., a width of approximately 2 cm or more), each infrared operating unit may, for example, include two infrared emitters and one infrared receiver. Specifically, the two infrared emitters and one infrared receiver may be arranged in a straight line parallel to the edge of the transparent panel, with the two infrared emitters arranged on either side of the infrared receiver. Not limited to this, other arrangements of the infrared emitters and receivers are also possible, such as arranging the infrared emitters and receivers perpendicular to the edge of the transparent panel, or arranging two or more infrared emitters perpendicular to the edge of the transparent panel with infrared receivers positioned on either side of these emitters.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this utility model, multiple infrared operating units can be arranged parallel to the edge of the transparent panel. Here, multiple infrared operating units, each assigned to a multiple icon, are arranged in a straight line parallel to the edge of the transparent panel to detect user actions on these icons.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the infrared emitting tubes and infrared receiving tubes in the plurality of infrared operating units can be arranged parallel to the edge of the transparent panel. This embodiment reduces the thickness of the panel assembly. Furthermore, to detect user operations, only a slit needs to be made in the housing containing the circuit board, thus maintaining the simplicity of the panel module's appearance.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of this invention, the plurality of infrared operating units can additionally detect user gesture operations. Here, a single panel assembly, particularly the same group of infrared operating units, can detect both touch operations on various icons and non-contact gesture operations, thereby enriching the operational functions of home appliances and facilitating user control. Here, gestures specifically refer to the movement of the user's hand within the operating range of the aforementioned plurality of infrared operating units, particularly movement toward or along the outer edge of the transparent panel opposite the edge adjacent to the light-emitting element. Exemplarily, the gestures may include, for example, sliding, waving, hovering, tapping, lifting, pressing, etc.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the panel module may include a signal processing circuit, which is configured to: distinguish between touch operations and gesture operations based on the received signal strength of the infrared receiver; and / or identify gesture operations based on changes in the received signal of the same infrared operating unit; and / or identify gesture operations based on changes in the received signals of multiple infrared operating units. Here, unlike touch operations targeting icons, gesture operations are further away from the infrared operating units. Therefore, for example, received signals with a received signal strength weaker than a preset threshold can be processed as gesture operation signals. It is also possible to determine the position change of the user's hand below an icon by examining the received signal curve of the same infrared operating unit, thereby identifying the user's tapping, lifting, or pressing gestures. Not limited to this, since only one infrared operating unit receives a signal during touch operations, the user's swiping, waving, and other gestures can be identified by jointly examining changes in the received signals of multiple infrared operating units.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the panel module includes a control circuit configured to: control the switching on and off of infrared emitting diodes and infrared receiving diodes according to a predetermined timing sequence; and / or alternately drive the infrared emitting diodes with different currents. Here, the predetermined timing sequence allows for time-division multiplexing of the infrared emitting diodes and infrared receiving diodes in each infrared operating unit. For example, the control circuit can simultaneously turn on all infrared receiving diodes while sequentially turning on each infrared emitting diode; or sequentially turn on one or more infrared operating units; or sequentially turn on multiple non-adjacent infrared operating units. It is also possible to alternately drive the infrared emitting diodes with different currents, thereby detecting touch operations when the infrared emitting diodes are driven with a weak current, and detecting gesture operations when the infrared emitting diodes are driven with a strong current.

[0019] Here, the implementation of the infrared operation unit can be referenced to the technical content disclosed in the patent documents CN111487878A and CN113495615A published by the applicant.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this utility model, each icon is equipped with at least one light-emitting element. By configuring a light-emitting element for each icon, the display of the icon can be controlled in a targeted manner, thereby providing users with richer interactive information.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this utility model, each icon is equipped with a light-emitting element of a different color. This embodiment allows the corresponding icon to be illuminated with different colored light, thereby indicating to the user different states of the corresponding function, such as standby state, active state, deactivated state, etc.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the icon can be applied to or onto a transparent panel by at least one of laser engraving (internal laser engraving), laser external engraving, ink printing, and machining. Here, in order to cause diffuse reflection of light from the light-emitting element at the icon, various methods can be used to apply the icon to the transparent panel. It should be noted that, to maintain the flatness of the transparent panel surface and facilitate user cleaning, laser engraving is preferably used to apply the icon. Alternatively or additionally, the transparent panel can be made of inorganic glass, transparent plastic, transparent ceramic, natural crystal, or synthetic crystal.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the infrared operating unit and the light-emitting element can be spaced at least 3 mm apart. Considering the size of the various electronic components, the infrared operating unit and the light-emitting element are preferably spaced at 5 mm apart. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the transparent panel can be 2 to 6 mm, particularly 3 to 5 mm. In particular, the thickness can be adaptively selected according to the material of the transparent panel.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the panel module may include a housing, the circuit board may be housed within the housing, and the transparent panel may extend beyond the housing. Exemplarily, two slots may be formed on the surface of the housing, one slot for attaching, particularly clamping, or pasting the transparent panel, and the other slot for transmitting infrared light from the infrared operating unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this utility model, a transparent or translucent plastic piece is placed between the light-emitting element and the edge of the transparent panel; and / or a lens or a baffle that transmits infrared light can be provided above the infrared operating unit. Here, to ensure that the light from the light-emitting element is uniformly incident into the transparent panel, a transparent or translucent plastic piece can be placed between the light-emitting element and the edge of the transparent panel, so that the light from the light-emitting element, as a point light source, is uniformly incident into the edge of the transparent panel. The plastic piece preferably has a light-diffusing effect, for example, by incorporating scattering particles. Furthermore, to prevent the light from the infrared emitting tube in one infrared operating unit from diffusing into the range of other infrared operating units and / or to improve the received signal strength of the infrared receiving tube, a lens, particularly a convex lens, can also be provided for the infrared operating unit. Alternatively, a baffle that transmits infrared light can also be provided above the infrared operating unit to prevent dust, fumes, and / or moisture from entering the panel module.

[0026] The second aspect of this utility model relates to a household appliance, wherein the household appliance includes a panel module according to this utility model.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the household appliance can be a range hood, stove, integrated stove, air conditioner, water heater, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, food processor, washing machine, dryer, audio system, television, smart faucet, or smart toilet.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the transparent panel of the panel module can extend vertically, horizontally, or obliquely outside the household appliance. Here, the orientation of the transparent panel can be selected according to the structure of the household appliance itself to facilitate user observation and operation. Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinal extension length of the transparent panel of the panel module can be greater than the longitudinal extension length of the circuit board. Here, the longitudinal extension length of the transparent panel can be designed to fit the size of the household appliance itself, while the icons and circuit board of the panel module are concentrated in only one area, such as centrally located in the center of the transparent panel. This design advantageously allows the transparent panel to be endowed with other functions, such as the smoke guiding function in a range hood or integrated stove.

[0029] Other features of this invention are derived from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description. All features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, as well as features and combinations thereof mentioned below in the detailed description and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations given, but also in other combinations, or in their individual states. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of a panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a panel module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a panel module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between infrared operation units and icons in a panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 A side sectional view of a panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] according to Figure 1 The panel module 1 for use in household appliances includes:

[0037] Circuit board 2; and

[0038] A transparent panel 3 is disposed on one side of the circuit board 2 in the direction normal to the circuit board 2;

[0039] At least one light-emitting element 4 is arranged on the circuit board 2 along one edge E of the transparent panel 3. The light from the light-emitting element can enter the transparent panel 3 from the edge E to illuminate one or more icons L on the transparent panel 3. An infrared operation unit 5 is provided on the circuit board 2 for each icon L. The infrared operation unit 5 is arranged at a distance from the light-emitting element 4 on the side closer to the user to detect the user's touch operation on the corresponding icon L.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the transparent panel 3 stands upright on the circuit board 2, perpendicular to or orthogonal to the circuit board 2, on one side of the board's plane. This means that one edge E, side, or edge of the transparent panel 3 is adjacent to the planar arrangement of the circuit board 3. To illuminate the transparent panel 3 and one or more icons L on it, at least one light-emitting element 4 is arranged on the circuit board 2 along one edge E of the transparent panel 3. The light-emitting element 4 is aligned with the edge E representing the thickness of the transparent panel 3, so that the light from the light-emitting element 4 can enter the transparent panel 3 from the edge E. To implement the operation function in the panel module 1, an infrared operation unit 5 is provided on the circuit board 2 for each icon L. The infrared operation unit 5 is positioned at a distance from the light-emitting element 4 on the side closer to the user to detect the user's touch operation on the corresponding icon L, i.e., the user's finger F will approach and touch the transparent panel 3 from the user-facing side of the upright transparent panel 3 towards the icon L. Thus, as Figure 1 The panel module 1 shown can easily realize the operation function without affecting its perspective visual effect, and at a low cost.

[0041] Optionally, the icon L can be applied to or onto the transparent panel 3 by at least one of laser engraving (internal or external), ink printing, and machining. Exemplarily, the transparent panel 3 can be made of inorganic glass, transparent plastic, transparent ceramic, natural crystal, or synthetic crystal.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the infrared operating unit 5 and the light-emitting element 4 can be spaced at least 3 mm, for example, 5 mm apart. Furthermore, the thickness of the transparent panel can be 2 to 6 mm, particularly 3 to 5 mm.

[0043] exist Figure 1 It is also shown that the panel module 1 may include a housing 6, in which the circuit board 2 can be housed, and the transparent panel 3 can extend beyond the housing 6. Exemplarily, two slots may be formed on the surface of the housing 6, one slot for attaching, particularly clamping, or pasting the transparent panel 3, and the other slot for transmitting infrared light from the infrared operating unit 5. Advantageously, a lens 10, particularly a convex lens, may be provided above the infrared operating unit 5 to limit the detection range of each infrared operating unit 5 and enhance the received signal strength. Furthermore, a transparent or translucent plastic element 7 is placed between the light-emitting element 4 and the edge E of the transparent panel 3. The plastic element 7 allows the light from the light-emitting element 4, which is a point light source, to be incident parallel and uniformly onto the edge E of the transparent panel 3. Preferably, the plastic element 7 may have a light-diffusing effect, for example, by incorporating scattering particles.

[0044] Figure 2A perspective view of a panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, it can be seen that the transparent panel 3 of the panel module 1 extends vertically upwards outside the housing 6 of the panel module 1. A slot S for an infrared operating unit 5 is provided on the user-facing side of the housing, allowing infrared light from the infrared operating unit 5 to be transmitted through the housing. Advantageously, a baffle for transmitting infrared light can be provided above the infrared operating unit to prevent dust, fumes, and / or moisture from entering the panel module.

[0045] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This cross-sectional view shows only the circuit board 2 together with the light-emitting element 4 disposed thereon (here, an LED) and the transparent panel 3 coplanar with the light-emitting element 4. Unlike Figure 2 In one embodiment, a plurality of icons L are provided on the transparent panel 3. In this embodiment, each icon L can be equipped with at least one light-emitting element 4. Here, it is particularly advantageous to equip each icon L with five light-emitting elements 4 to ensure the brightness of the icon display. Figure 3 The colors in the text represent that each icon L is equipped with a different colored light-emitting element 4, namely a red light-emitting element and a blue light-emitting element. Thus, by using different colors and, when necessary, color superposition, the user can be represented to the user the different states of the corresponding function, such as standby state, active state, deactivated state, etc.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between the infrared operation unit and the icon in a panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the transparent panel 3, along with the icon L on it, and... Figure 3 The embodiments are the same, but in Figure 4 The image shows a transparent panel 3 with front-to-back misalignment and an infrared operating unit 5. (See image for details.) Figure 4As shown, each infrared operation unit 5 includes at least one infrared emitter T and one infrared receiver R. To ensure reliable detection of user touch operations on icons with a diameter of approximately 2.5 cm, each infrared operation unit 5 may include, for example, two infrared emitters T and one infrared receiver R. Particularly advantageously, the two infrared emitters T and the infrared receiver R can be arranged in a straight line parallel to the edge E of the transparent panel 3, with the two infrared emitters T positioned on either side of the infrared receiver R. Furthermore, the plurality of infrared operation units 5 shown are preferably also arranged parallel to the edge E of the transparent panel 3 to detect user operations on these icons individually. To reduce the width of the slot S in the panel module 1 and maintain the simplicity of the panel module 1's appearance, the infrared emitters T and infrared receiver R in the plurality of infrared operation units 5 are all arranged parallel to the edge E of the transparent panel 3. However, it is not limited to this arrangement; different configurations can also be considered for each individual infrared operation unit 5. Figure 4 The layout shown can also be considered for multiple infrared operation units 5 to be configured differently. Figure 4 The layout scheme shown.

[0047] In the current embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the plurality of infrared operating units 5 can additionally detect user gesture operations. That is, a single panel assembly 1, particularly the plurality of infrared operating units 5 as shown, can both detect user touch operations on the various icons L and enable non-contact gesture operations, thereby enriching the operational functions of the home appliance. Here, gestures can specifically refer to the movement of the user's hand within the operating range of these infrared operating units 5, particularly movement toward or along the outer edge EE of the transparent panel 3 opposite to the edge E adjacent to the light-emitting element 4. Gestures may include, for example, sliding, waving, hovering, tapping, lifting, etc.

[0048] Therefore, the panel module 1 may include a signal processing circuit 9, which is configured to: distinguish between touch operations and gesture operations based on the received signal strength of the infrared receiver R; and / or identify gesture operations based on changes in the received signal of the same infrared operating unit 5; and / or identify gesture operations based on changes in the received signals of multiple infrared operating units 5. Distinguished from Figure 1 The touch operation shown is for icon L. Since the gesture operation is further away from the infrared operating unit 5, for example, a received signal with a strength weaker than a preset threshold can be processed as a gesture operation signal. Alternatively, by examining the received signal curve of the same infrared operating unit 5, the position change of the user's hand below a certain icon L can be determined, thereby recognizing the user's tapping, lifting, or other gesture operations. Not limited to this, by jointly examining the received signal changes of multiple infrared operating units 5, the user's swiping, waving, or other gesture operations can be recognized.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the panel module 1 may include a control circuit 8 configured to: control the switching on and off of infrared emitters T and infrared receivers R according to a predetermined timing sequence; and / or alternately drive the infrared emitters T with different currents. This allows for time-division multiplexing of the infrared emitters T and infrared receivers R in each infrared operating unit 5. For example, the control circuit 8 may simultaneously turn on all infrared receivers R on the circuit board 2, while sequentially turning on each infrared emitter T; or sequentially turning on one or more infrared operating units 5; or sequentially turning on multiple non-adjacent infrared operating units 5. It is also possible that the control circuit 8 alternately drives the infrared emitters T with different currents, thereby detecting touch operations when the infrared emitters T are driven with a weak current, and detecting gesture operations when the infrared emitters T are driven with a strong current.

[0050] Here, the implementation of the infrared operation unit can be referenced to the technical content disclosed in the patent documents CN111487878A and CN113495615A published by the applicant.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the household appliance H is exemplarily an integrated stove, i.e., a one-piece household appliance including a stove and a range hood. The panel module 1, outlined by a dashed frame, is located at its top. The transparent panel 3 of the panel module 1 extends vertically downwards over the exterior of the household appliance. Figure 5 The detection range R of the infrared operation unit 5 of the panel module 1, schematically shown with dotted lines, is visible in the diagram. This detection range R includes not only the area of ​​the user's touch operation on the transparent panel 3, but also the area of ​​the user's gesture operation below the transparent panel 3.

[0052] Not limited to Figure 5 As shown, the household appliance H can also be a range hood, stove, air conditioner, water heater, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, food processor, washing machine, dryer, stereo, television, smart faucet, or smart toilet.

[0053] exist Figure 5 It is not shown in the diagram, but it is equally advantageous that the longitudinal extension length of the transparent panel 3 of the panel module 1 is greater than the longitudinal extension length of the circuit board 2, thereby enabling the smoke guiding function in the integrated stove to be realized by means of the transparent panel 3.

[0054] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims. The positional descriptions chosen in the specification, such as, for example, top, bottom, left, right, etc., refer to the direct description and the accompanying drawings, and can be adapted to new positions according to their meaning when the positions change.

[0055] The features disclosed in this application are important for the implementation of embodiments in different design aspects, not only individually but also in any combination.

[0056] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A panel module for household appliances, characterized in that, The panel module (1) includes: Circuit board (2); and A transparent panel (3) is disposed on one side of the circuit board (2) in the direction normal to the circuit board (2); At least one light-emitting element (4) is arranged on the circuit board (2) along one edge (E) of the transparent panel (3). The light from the light-emitting element can enter the transparent panel (3) from the edge (E) to illuminate one or more icons (L) on the transparent panel (3). An infrared operation unit (5) is provided on the circuit board (2) for each icon (L). The infrared operation unit (5) is arranged at a distance from the light-emitting element (4) on the side closer to the user to detect the user's touch operation on the corresponding icon (L).

2. The panel module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each infrared operating unit (5) includes at least one infrared transmitter (T) and one infrared receiver (R).

3. The panel module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple infrared operating units (5) are arranged parallel to the edge (E) of the transparent panel (3).

4. The panel module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The infrared emitting tubes (T) and infrared receiving tubes (R) in the plurality of infrared operating units (5) are arranged parallel to the edge (E) of the transparent panel (3).

5. The panel module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of infrared operation units (5) additionally detect the user's gesture operation.

6. The panel module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The panel module (1) includes a signal processing circuit (9), which is configured to: distinguish between touch operation and gesture operation based on the received signal strength of the infrared receiver (R); and / or identify gesture operation based on the received signal change of the same infrared operating unit (5); And / or recognize gesture operations based on changes in received signals from multiple infrared operating units (5).

7. The panel module according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The panel module (1) includes a control circuit (8) configured to: control the infrared emitting tube (T) and the infrared receiving tube (R) to turn on and off according to a predetermined timing sequence; and / or alternately drive the infrared emitting tube (T) with different currents.

8. The panel module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Each icon (L) is equipped with at least one light-emitting element (4).

9. The panel module according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each icon (L) is equipped with a different colored light-emitting element (4).

10. The panel module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The icon (L) is applied to or onto the transparent panel (3) by at least one of laser engraving, laser engraving, ink printing and machining; and / or the transparent panel (3) is made of inorganic glass, transparent plastic, transparent ceramic, natural crystal or synthetic crystal.

11. The panel module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The infrared operating unit (5) is spaced at least 3 mm from the light-emitting element (4); and / or the thickness of the transparent panel is 3 to 6 mm.

12. The panel module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The panel module (1) includes a housing (6), the circuit board (2) is housed in the housing (6), and the transparent panel (3) extends out of the housing (6).

13. The panel module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, A transparent or translucent plastic piece (7) is placed between the edge (E) of the light-emitting element (4) and the transparent panel (3); and / or a lens (10) or a baffle that transmits infrared light is provided above the infrared operating unit (5).

14. A household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliance includes a panel module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The household appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that, The household appliances mentioned include range hoods, stoves, integrated stoves, air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, food processors, washing machines, dryers, stereos, televisions, smart faucets, or smart toilets.

16. The household appliance according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The transparent panel (3) of the panel module (1) extends vertically, horizontally, or obliquely outside the household appliance; and / or the longitudinal extension length of the transparent panel (3) of the panel module (1) is greater than the longitudinal extension length of the circuit board (2).

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