Decorative components and household appliances

Abstract

This application relates to the field of household appliances, and more specifically to a decorative component for a household appliance, comprising a main body (3), wherein a decorative component (2) is disposed on at least one end side (31) of the main body (3) of the household appliance (1), the decorative component (2) being modularly constructed and comprising a plurality of modular units (21), the plurality of modular units (21) being arranged independently and adjacent to each other, the plurality of modular units (21) being arranged in a planar manner with respect to at least one end side (31) and forming a decorative surface in the state of being disposed on at least one end side (31). This application also relates to a household appliance. Through the embodiments of this application, it is possible to provide an integrated decorative appearance at least on the user-facing end side of the household appliance while realizing the various functional zones on that end side and the independent operation of each functional zone. Thus, not only is the overall aesthetic appearance improved, but independent zone functions are also realized, thereby improving user satisfaction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliances, and more specifically to a decorative component for a household appliance. Furthermore, this application also relates to a household appliance having such a decorative component. Background Technology

[0002] As garment care appliances, such as dryers or washer-dryers, gradually become a part of people's lives, people have higher requirements for the decorative appearance of garment care appliances.

[0003] Therefore, there is still a need for improvements to decorative components used in household appliances. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a decorative component for a household appliance and a household appliance itself. At least one embodiment of the solution provided by this application can offer a decorative component with a unified style and flexible functional partitioning, thereby improving user experience and satisfaction.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a decorative component for a household appliance is provided, the household appliance including a body, the decorative component being disposed on at least one end side of the body of the household appliance, wherein the decorative component is modularly constructed and includes a plurality of modular units arranged independently and adjacent to each other, wherein the plurality of modular units are arranged in a planar manner with respect to the at least one end side and constitute a decorative surface in the state of being disposed on the at least one end side.

[0006] In this embodiment of the application, by providing the aforementioned decorative component on at least one end side of the household appliance, particularly the user-facing front side, it is possible to flexibly divide and decorate different functional areas on that end side while decorating it to form a decorative surface. This creates unified functional areas that operate independently of each other, improving the overall appearance and ease of operation of the household appliance, and enhancing user experience and satisfaction. Furthermore, the modular construction of the decorative component simplifies assembly and transportation, reduces requirements for installation tolerances, and at least minimizes damage to the decorative component due to vibration.

[0007] The extensions and improvements to the technical solution of this application can be understood from the following optional implementation methods.

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, the decorative component is disposed on the user-facing end side of the household appliance to form at least a portion of the front surface of the household appliance, and at least one transverse dividing line parallel to the ground is formed between the plurality of modular units, the transverse dividing line extending through the front surface in an extending direction. This allows for clear separation between the plurality of modular units and thereby achieves the separation and differentiation of functional areas corresponding to the modular units.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, at least one of the plurality of modular units is movable relative to the other modular units. This enables the mobility of the modular units, thereby fulfilling the corresponding functions of the front surface of the household appliance.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, at least one of the plurality of modular units is configured as a touch and / or display panel. This allows for the illumination and concealment of the modular units, thereby providing an integrated appearance and independent functional operation.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, at least one of the plurality of modular units includes an opening structure, wherein the inner cavity of the body is accessible via the opening structure, and the opening structure can be released and closed by the door of the household appliance.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, the substrates of the plurality of modular units have similar and / or identical and / or consistent material properties, including material composition and / or color and / or transparency and / or thickness. This embodiment enables simple and cost-effective manufacturing. Furthermore, standardized and lightweight manufacturing can be achieved, and damage to the modular units can be reduced or even avoided through the selection of substrate material and thickness.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, similar and / or identical and / or consistent decorative layers are formed on the substrates of the plurality of modular units. This embodiment allows for flexible arrangement of the decorative layers, simplifying manufacturing and layout.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative components of this application, the plurality of modular units have similar and / or identical and / or consistent visual characteristics. This provides the user with a clearly defined functional layout while maintaining a unified visual appearance, facilitating user operation and providing an aesthetically pleasing look.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, the outer surfaces of the plurality of modular units are on the same plane. This allows for a full-surface visual appearance of the decorative component in a first state.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the decorative component of this application, at least one of the plurality of modular units is connected and positioned on the at least one end side via a flexible connector. This not only achieves a simple and reliable positioning connection, but also, through the flexible connector, at least partially overcomes the shrinkage and expansion problems of the modular unit's substrate caused by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, and at least partially absorbs vibrations that may occur during the operation of household appliances. This reduces or even avoids the cumulative effect on positioning dimensions due to changes in the substrate.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, at least one of the plurality of modular units is connected to a metal or plastic sheet. This enables simple and reliable connection and positioning of the decorative component.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, the thickness of each of the plurality of modular units is 2mm to 5mm. This ensures the structural strength and functional requirements of the modular units while also achieving a simple and space-saving arrangement.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the decorative component of this application, the spacing between adjacent modular units is 0.5mm to 3mm. This embodiment, by rationally arranging multiple modular units, ensures sufficient installation clearance between the modular units while avoiding excessively large gaps that could negatively impact the overall visual effect of the decorative component. This spacing range ensures that different modular units will not interfere with each other due to deformation.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment of the decorative component of this application, the decorative component is constructed flush with the at least one end side along the circumferential direction of the at least one end side. In this embodiment, the decorative component can visually completely cover the edge of the end side, thereby achieving an overall aesthetic effect for the end side.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this application, a household appliance is provided, the household appliance comprising a body and a decorative component of one of the above embodiments.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the decorative component is disposed on the user-facing end side of the household appliance to form at least a portion of the front surface of the household appliance, and a plurality of functional areas are provided on the end side where the decorative component is disposed, wherein the plurality of modular units of the decorative component are adapted to and correspondingly arranged on the plurality of functional areas.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the household appliance of this application, the household appliance is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer combo. The functional area includes at least two of the following areas: a pull-out drawer area, a door panel area for installing the household appliance and forming an opening that can be released and closed by the door of the household appliance, a maintenance door area that can be opened to maintain the functional modules inside the household appliance, and a touch and / or display area. This allows for flexible functional zoning and modular arrangement of decorative components.

[0024] Further features of this application become apparent from the claims, drawings, and description of the figures. Features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown only in the figures, can be used not only in the correspondingly specified combinations, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, the following are also considered to be covered and disclosed by this application: those not explicitly shown in the figures and not explicitly interpreted, but rather derived from and produced by combinations of separate features derived from the interpreted content. The following combinations of features are also considered to be disclosed: those that do not possess all the features of the originally drafted independent claims. Furthermore, the following combinations of features are considered to be disclosed, especially those exceeding or deviating from the feature combinations defined in the reference relationships of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings include:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the household appliance of this application is shown, wherein the decorative component is in a first state;

[0027] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Another perspective view of the household appliances, in which the decorative components are in a second state;

[0028] Figure 3 A perspective view of one embodiment of a modular unit of a decorative component is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Another perspective view of the modular unit;

[0030] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A front view of a household appliance;

[0031] Figure 6 A perspective view of another embodiment of the decorative component is shown;

[0032] Figure 7 A perspective view of another embodiment of the household appliance is shown, wherein the decorative component is in a first state; and

[0033] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Another perspective view of the household appliances, in which the decorative components are in a second state.

[0034] List of reference numerals

[0035] 1. Household appliances

[0036] 2 Decorative Components

[0037] 3. Main Body

[0038] 4. Door body

[0039] 21 Modular Units

[0040] 22 First horizontal dividing line

[0041] 23 Second horizontal dividing line

[0042] 24 Third horizontal dividing line

[0043] 25 Vertical dividing lines

[0044] 26 First Opening

[0045] 27 Open structure

[0046] 31 End side

[0047] 32 Flexible connection part

[0048] 211 Slide-out box decorative surface

[0049] 212 Maintenance of door decorative surface

[0050] 213 Touch and / or display panel

[0051] 214 Door panel decorative surface

[0052] 215 Door body decorative surface

[0053] 311 Pull-out box area

[0054] 312 Maintenance Door Area

[0055] 313 Touch and / or display area

[0056] 314 Door panel area

[0057] 315 Door Area

[0058] XYZ coordinate system Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0060] To better understand the aforementioned household appliances, exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the directional terms used in the description refer to the conventional use of the household appliances for ease of description and should not be construed as absolute limitations on the corresponding features.

[0061] Below, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 8 A detailed description of embodiments of the household appliance 1 of this application is provided. For clarity, in... Figures 1 to 8 The XYZ coordinate system is illustrated in the example. In the case of the conventional placement of the household appliance 1, the X direction represents the direction facing the user, the Y direction represents the horizontal direction of the household appliance 1, and the Z direction represents the vertical direction of the household appliance 1.

[0062] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the household appliance 1 of this application is shown, wherein the decorative component 2 is in a first state. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Another perspective view of the household appliance 1, in which the decorative component 2 is in a second state.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, a household appliance 1 is illustrated by way of example. The household appliance 1 includes a body 3, which has an exemplary hexahedral structure and a decorative component 2 is provided on at least one end side 31 of the body 3 of the household appliance 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, the end side 31 is configured as a user-facing end face (along the X direction) and forms the front surface of the household appliance 1. Alternatively or additionally, decorative components 2 may be provided on other end sides, such as the upper end side or the side end side.

[0065] Also Figure 2 As shown, exemplarily, the household appliance 1 includes a door 4 capable of opening or closing the interior cavity of the main body 3. A decorative assembly 2 is disposed on the same end side 31 as the door 4 and forms the entire outer surface of that end side.

[0066] Decorative component 2 is modularly constructed and includes multiple modular units 21. The multiple modular units 21 are arranged independently of each other and adjacent to each other. The multiple modular units 21 are arranged in a planar manner with respect to the end side 31 and form a decorative surface when arranged on the end side 31.

[0067] For example, multiple functional areas are provided at the end side 31. Multiple modular units 21 of the decorative component 2 are arranged on the multiple functional areas in a way that fits them.

[0068] exist Figure 1 Three modular units 21 are illustrated in the example. The three modular units 21 are respectively constructed on three different functional areas of the end side 31 and correspond to the corresponding functions of the functional areas.

[0069] According to this embodiment, three adjacent functional areas are provided at the end side 31: a pull-out box area 311, a maintenance door area 312 that can be opened to maintain the functional modules inside the household appliance 1, and a door area 315 with a door 4. Figure 1 or Figure 2 As can be seen, when viewed along the Z direction, the pull-out box area 311 is located at the upper part of the end side 31, the door area 315 is located at the middle part of the end side 31, and the maintenance door area 312 is located at the lower part of the end side 31.

[0070] Accordingly, three modular units 21 exemplarily constitute the pull-out box decorative surface 211, the maintenance door decorative surface 212, and the door decorative surface 215, and are respectively arranged on the pull-out box area 311, the maintenance door area 312, and the door area 315.

[0071] The three modular units 21 each include a first state and a second state. In the first state, the three modular units 21 can form a monolithic appearance. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the decorative component 2 is constructed flush with the end side 31 along its circumferential direction. Thus, in this first state, a single decorative surface is formed facing the user. The user experiences a unified visual effect when facing the end side 31.

[0072] In the second state, such as Figure 2 As shown, modular unit 21 can be distinguished from other modular units 21 in appearance. In this embodiment, each of the three modular units 21 can differ from the others, for example, in position.

[0073] In the first state, the decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box is flush with the surfaces of the other modular units 21 (212, 215) in the X direction, thus forming a unified appearance facing the user. In the second state, the decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box protrudes outward relative to the other modular units 21 in the X direction as the pull-out box area 311 is pulled out. This is for example, by pulling the box outward, causing the decorative surface 211 to translate relative to the other modular units 21, or by the pull-out handle popping outward, causing the decorative surface 211 to protrude from the other modular units 21. Therefore, the decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box area 311 is visually prominent, making it easy for the user to identify the pull-out box area 311 and its function, and facilitating user operation.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that, in the first state, the door decorative surface 215 is flush with the surface of other modular units 21 (211, 212) in the X direction, thus forming a user-facing integrated appearance with the other modular units 21. In the second state, the door decorative surface 215 protrudes outward (towards the user) relative to the other modular units 21 in the X direction as the door 4 moves. This is, for example, by the door decorative surface 215 protruding from the other modular units 21 as the door 4 pivots about the Z direction.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first state, the maintenance door decorative surface 212 is flush with the surface of other modular units 21 (211, 215) in the X direction. In the second state, the maintenance door decorative surface 212 protrudes outward relative to other modular units 21 as the maintenance door area 312 is opened. This protrusion is achieved, for example, by the pivoting movement of the maintenance door area 312 about the Y direction.

[0076] According to other embodiments, in a first state, modular units 21 (211, 212, 215) may correspond to other modular units 21 in terms of color and / or brightness and / or pattern and / or transparency. In a second state, one or more of the modular units 21 may differ from other modular units 21 in terms of color and / or brightness and / or pattern and / or transparency.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the substrates of the three modular units 21 have the same and consistent material properties, including material composition and / or color and / or transparency and / or thickness. This simplifies the manufacturing of the modular units 21, reduces costs, and achieves visual consistency and overall aesthetics. For example, the substrate is an impact-resistant resin material with good ductility and strength, enabling the three modular units 21 to be constructed as thin-walled structures. This not only achieves a lightweight design for the decorative component 2 but also saves installation space. Furthermore, the resin material allows for corresponding pattern designs, such as those achieved through back-printing or semi-transparent printing processes. For example, the thickness of these modular units 21 is 2mm to 5mm, for example, 3mm. This achieves a lightweight construction while meeting the strength requirements and functional needs (such as touch, display, and printing) of the modular units 21, and also correspondingly reduces assembly costs.

[0078] For example, the main body 3 may include a metal or plastic sheet. Three modular units 21 may be attached to the metal or plastic sheet. This simplifies the installation of the modular units 21.

[0079] Figure 3 A perspective view of one embodiment of the modular unit 21 of the decorative component 2 is shown. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Another perspective view of modular unit 21.

[0080] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the modular unit 21, which serves as the decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box, can be connected and positioned on the pull-out box area 311 via the flexible connecting part 32. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the connection before it is made. Figure 4 (See diagram for connection). For example, the flexible connection 32 can be an adhesive, through which the modular unit 21 is bonded and positioned on the pull-out box area 311, or the end side 31. Therefore, with the flexible connection of the flexible connection 32, the modular unit 21 can not only be reliably positioned on the end side 31, but also at least partially overcome the shrinkage and expansion problems of the substrate of the modular unit 21 caused by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, and at least partially absorb vibrations that may occur during the operation of the household appliance 1. This reduces or even avoids the cumulative effect on the positioning dimensions due to changes in the substrate.

[0081] like Figure 4 As can be seen, the modular unit 21 can be made of at least partially transparent material, such as a translucent material.

[0082] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is merely an illustrative example illustrating the connection between modular unit 21 and its corresponding functional area; it can also be applied to other modular units 21, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The maintenance door decorative surface 212 and the door body decorative surface 215.

[0083] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A front view of household appliance 1 in the image. As previously described and also see... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Three modular units 21 are arranged independently and adjacent to each other on the end side 31. For example, the spacing between any two adjacent modular units 21 is 0.5mm to 3mm. Therefore, the user will not perceive a significant and large gap when facing the end side 31 or the decorative component 2. This not only satisfies assembly tolerance requirements and the formation of individual dividing lines, but also achieves an overall visual style and aesthetic effect. Simultaneously, this spacing range ensures that the different modular units 21 will not interfere with each other due to deformation.

[0084] A transverse dividing line 22 and 23, parallel to the ground, is formed between the three modular units 21. Both transverse dividing lines 22 and 23 extend through the front surface along the extension direction (in the X direction).

[0085] For example, a first horizontal dividing line 22, parallel to the ground, is formed between the door decorative surface 215 and the maintenance door decorative surface 212, extending through the front surface in the X direction. Furthermore, a second horizontal dividing line 23, also parallel to the ground, is formed between the door decorative surface 215 and the pull-out box decorative surface 211, also extending through the front surface in the X direction. Therefore, the two horizontal dividing lines 22 and 23 extend parallel to each other, forming a simple and continuous dividing line, reducing the impact of modular division on the overall appearance. Simultaneously, users can clearly and explicitly perceive the independent functional areas corresponding to different modular units 21 on this end side 31 of the household appliance 1, thus facilitating user operation and improving user satisfaction.

[0086] Figure 6 A perspective view of another embodiment of the decorative component 2 is shown. This decorative component 2 also includes three modular units 21. The modular units 21 are respectively configured as a pull-out box decorative surface 211, a touch and / or display panel 213, and a door decorative surface 215. They are correspondingly disposed on the pull-out box area 311, the touch and / or display area 313, and the door area 315, which are not shown in detail (see dashed arrows).

[0087] For details regarding the decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box and the decorative surface 215 of the door, please refer to the above text, and we will not repeat them here.

[0088] like Figure 6 As can be seen, the substrate of the door decorative surface 215 is exemplary made of a translucent material, and a corresponding pattern / texture is printed on its inner side away from the user, thereby achieving a decorative appearance corresponding to the door area 315. The user can thus intuitively perceive this functional area, thereby facilitating user operation and providing an aesthetically pleasing effect.

[0089] Furthermore, the pull-out box area 311, the door area 315, and the touch and / or display area 313 are arranged adjacent to each other and vertically. The substrate of the touch and / or display area 313 is made by semi-transparent printing and can achieve a hidden display function. In the first state, the touch and / or display panel 213 is outwardly concealed from the touch and / or display area 313. In the second state, the touch and / or display area 313 is activated by touch of the touch and / or display panel 213, so that the touch and / or display panel 213 is illuminated relative to the other modular units 21 by the touch and / or display area 313.

[0090] Thus, in the first state, the three modular units 21 present an overall appearance, while in the second state, one or more of the modular units 21 can independently and visually distinguish themselves from the other modular units 21, thereby enabling independent operation of the functional areas.

[0091] Figure 7 A perspective view of another embodiment of the household appliance 1 is shown, wherein the decorative component 2 is in a first state. Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Another perspective view of the household appliance 1, in which the decorative component 2 is in a second state.

[0092] In this embodiment, the household appliance 1 is exemplaryly constructed as a clothes handling device, such as a dryer. Of course, the household appliance 1 can also be a washing machine or a washer-dryer combo.

[0093] Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the household appliance 1 includes a body 3. The body 3 includes a user-facing end 31, which thus forms the front surface of the household appliance 1. This end 31 includes multiple functional areas: a pull-out box area 311, a maintenance door area 312, a touch and / or display area 313, and a door panel area 314. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the pull-out box area 311 and the touch and / or display area 313 are arranged side-by-side and adjacent to each other along the Y direction. The door panel area 314 is arranged along the Z direction below and adjacent to the pull-out box area 311 and the touch and / or display area 313. The maintenance door area 312 is arranged along the Z direction below and adjacent to the door panel area 314. Therefore, the pull-out box area 311 and the touch and / or display area 313 are located at the upper part of this end side 31, the door panel area 314 is located at the middle of this end side 31, and the maintenance door area 312 is located at the lower part of this end side 31 and is exemplary close to the ground.

[0094] Corresponding to these functional areas, the decorative component 2 is modularly constructed and, exemplarily, includes at least four modular units 21: a pull-out box decorative surface 211, a maintenance door decorative surface 212, a touch and / or display panel 213, and a door panel decorative surface 214. Each modular unit 21 corresponds to one functional area. Therefore, these modular units 21 are arranged independently and adjacent to each other on the end side 31.

[0095] The substrates of these four modular units 21 have the same and consistent material properties. Exemplarily, these material properties include material composition and / or color and / or transparency and / or thickness. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, in the first state, the outer surfaces of all modular units 21 are on the same plane, or flush along the X direction. Therefore, the modular units 21 form a unified appearance, thus providing the user with a visually cohesive overall effect.

[0096] The household appliance 1 also includes a door 4, which is capable of opening or closing the inner cavity of the main body 3. This inner cavity is used to accommodate, for example, clothes to be dried or washed. Therefore, both the decorative assembly 2 and the door 4 are disposed on the end side 31 and are capable of forming the outer surface of the end side 31 excluding the door 4.

[0097] The door panel area 314 is used to mount the door body 4 and forms a first opening 26 that can be released and closed by the door body 4. A door panel decorative surface 214 is disposed on the door panel area 314, and an opening structure 27 corresponding to the door body 4 is formed on the door panel decorative surface 214. Therefore, the inner cavity of the main body 3 of the household appliance 1 can be accessed through the first opening 26 and the opening structure 27. The door panel area 314 is particularly made of metal to support the door body.

[0098] The decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box and the touch and / or display panel 213 are arranged side by side adjacent to each other along the Y direction and form a vertical dividing line 25 perpendicular to the ground (Z direction) between them.

[0099] A first horizontal dividing line 22, parallel to the ground (Y direction), is formed between the door panel decorative surface 214 and the maintenance door decorative surface 212. A second horizontal dividing line 23, parallel to the ground (Y direction), is formed between the door panel decorative surface 214 and the touch and / or display panel 213, and a third horizontal dividing line 24, parallel to the ground (Y direction), is formed between the door panel decorative surface 214 and the pull-out box decorative surface 211.

[0100] The second transverse dividing line 23 and the third transverse dividing line 24 are on a straight line and together form a dividing line that extends through the front surface along the extension direction. Similarly, the first transverse dividing line 22 also forms a dividing line that extends through the front surface along the extension direction.

[0101] Therefore, it can form simple and coherent horizontal dividing lines, reducing the impact of module division on the user's overall appearance. At the same time, these dividing lines can clearly define functional areas, allowing users to intuitively perceive these functional areas and operate accordingly to achieve the desired functions.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the modular unit 21 is connected and positioned on the end side 31 by a flexible connection 32, for example, adhesive. This allows for at least partial absorption of volume changes (expansion or contraction) of the substrate caused by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and ensures reliable positioning. Furthermore, the flexible connection also allows for at least partial absorption of vibrations generated during the operation of the household appliance 1.

[0103] and Figures 1 to 6 Similarly, in other embodiments, such as Figure 7 and 8 As shown, in the first state, the decorative surface 211 of the pull-out box is flush with the other modular units 21 in appearance; in the second state, the decorative surface 211 protrudes outward relative to the other modular units 21. In this embodiment, the decorative surface 211 can be translated relative to the other modular units 21 by pulling the pull-out box. Alternatively, the decorative surface 211 can protrude relative to the other modular units 21 by moving the handle of the pull-out box.

[0104] Furthermore, in the first state, the maintenance door decorative surface 212 is flush with the other modular units 21; in the second state, the maintenance door decorative surface 212 protrudes outward relative to the other modular units 21 as the maintenance door area 312 is opened. Here, a defined shape can be machined onto the maintenance door decorative surface 212, for example... Figure 8 The circular grille shown serves, for example, to create a ventilation function.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first state, the touch and / or display panel 213 is visually concealed from the touch and / or display area 313. In the second state, the touch and / or display area 313 is activated by touching the touch and / or display panel 213, causing the touch and / or display panel 213 to be illuminated relative to the other modular units 21 by the touch and / or display area 313.

[0106] Furthermore, according to an embodiment not shown, the functional area may also include a door area 315 formed by the door 4. The modular unit 21 may also include a door decorative surface 215.

[0107] For example, the thickness of these modular units 21 is 2mm to 5mm, such as 3mm. This achieves a lightweight structure while meeting the strength requirements and functional requirements (such as touch, display, and printing) of the modular units 21, and also reduces assembly costs accordingly.

[0108] For example, the spacing between these modular units 21 is 0.5mm to 3mm. Therefore, the user will not perceive a significant and large gap when facing the end side 31 or the decorative component 2. This not only meets the requirements of assembly tolerances and the formation of individual dividing lines, but also achieves an overall visual style and aesthetic effect. At the same time, this spacing range ensures that the different modular units 21 will not interfere with each other due to deformation.

[0109] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the household appliance 1 is constructed as an embedded clothing handling device, such as a washing machine or dryer, which can be embedded in a cabinet or wall, and can achieve an integrated style and visual effect with the surrounding home environment through the decorative component 2 provided on the end side 31.

[0110] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this application are intended for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, unless otherwise stated. In practice, multiple features may be combined with each other as needed and where technically feasible. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are also conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A trim assembly for a domestic appliance, the domestic appliance (1) comprising a main body (3), characterized in that, The decorative component (2) is disposed on at least one end side (31) of the body (3) of the household appliance (1), wherein the decorative component (2) is modularly constructed and includes a plurality of modular units (21) arranged independently and adjacent to each other, wherein the plurality of modular units (21) are arranged in a planar manner with respect to the at least one end side (31) and constitute a decorative surface in the state of being disposed on the at least one end side (31).

2. The decorative component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decorative component (2) is disposed on the user-facing end side (31) of the household appliance (1) to form at least a portion of the front surface of the household appliance (1), and at least one transverse dividing line parallel to the ground is formed between the plurality of modular units, the transverse dividing line extending through the front surface in an extending direction.

3. The decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of modular units (21) is movable relative to the other modular units (21).

4. The decorative component according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of modular units (21) is configured as a touch and / or display panel; and / or At least one of the modular units (21) includes an opening structure (27) through which the inner cavity of the body (3) can be accessed, and the opening structure (27) can be released and closed by the door (4) of the household appliance (1).

5. The decorative component according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The substrates of the plurality of modular units (21) have similar and / or identical and / or consistent material properties, including material composition and / or color and / or transparency and / or thickness; and / or Similar and / or identical and / or consistent decorative layers are formed on the substrates of the plurality of modular units (21); and / or The plurality of modular units (21) have similar and / or identical and / or consistent visual characteristics; and / or The outer surfaces of the multiple modular units (21) are on the same plane.

6. The decorative component according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of modular units (21) is connected and positioned on at least one end side (31) via a flexible connector (32); and / or At least one of the plurality of modular units (21) is connected to a metal or plastic plate.

7. The decorative component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of each of the plurality of modular units (21) is 2 mm to 5 mm; and / or The spacing between adjacent modular units (21) is 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

8. The decorative component according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 7, characterized in that, The decorative component (2) is constructed flush with the at least one end side (31) along the circumferential direction of the at least one end side (31).

9. A household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliance (1) includes a main body (3) and a decorative component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The decorative component (2) is disposed on the user-facing end side (31) of the household appliance (1) to form at least a portion of the front surface of the household appliance (1). A plurality of functional areas are provided on the end side (31) where the decorative component (2) is disposed, wherein the plurality of modular units (21) of the decorative component (2) are arranged in a corresponding manner to the plurality of functional areas.

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The household appliance (1) is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer combo. The functional area includes at least two of the following areas: a pull-out box area (311), a door panel area (314) for installing the household appliance (1) and forming a first opening (26) that can be released and closed by the door (4) of the household appliance (1), a maintenance door area (312) that can be opened and maintained for the functional modules inside the household appliance (1), and a touch and / or display area (313).

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