Key assembly and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of home appliance accessories, provide a key assembly and home appliance, include: key, have the light -transmitting position on it, circuit board is opposite to the setting with key, and the light -emitting piece is arranged on the circuit board, and the light -emitting piece can send different color light, cover, it is set between key and circuit board, the cover surrounds the light -emitting piece setting, and form the light -transmitting area and shading area in the periphery of light -emitting piece, the light -transmitting area is opposite to the setting with the light -transmitting position on key, and the shading area is used for shielding light, through the light -transmitting area and shading area cooperation effect, realize the directional guidance and even distribution of light, avoid using traditional light guide column to reduce manufacturing cost to improve the flexibility of light efficiency control and user's visual experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of home appliance accessories technology, specifically relating to a button assembly and a home appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Home appliance panels typically feature illuminated buttons. In current technology, these buttons generally incorporate a light guide post as an optical transmission structure within the button body. The light guide post is usually made of transparent plastic and operates based on total internal reflection.

[0003] Its optical transmission process is as follows:

[0004] LEDs emit light as a light source;

[0005] Light enters from the bottom of the light guide column;

[0006] The light is guided to the top or side through multiple total internal reflections inside the light guide column;

[0007] The top or surface of the light guide column is equipped with a diffusion structure (such as dots, frosted surface, etc.) to scatter the light evenly.

[0008] Although light guides can effectively improve the uniform distribution of light and the aesthetics of products, their manufacturing process is relatively complex, resulting in high overall manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing technology, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to propose a button assembly and home appliance, which realizes the directional guidance and uniform distribution of light by setting an outer cover between the button and the circuit board and utilizing the light-transmitting area and light-blocking area formed by the outer cover around the light-emitting element, thereby avoiding the use of traditional light guide columns, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving the flexibility of light effect control and the user's visual experience.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is to propose a button assembly, comprising:

[0011] The button has a light-transmitting section;

[0012] A circuit board is disposed opposite to the button, and the circuit board is provided with a light-emitting element that can emit light of different colors;

[0013] An outer cover is disposed between the button and the circuit board. The outer cover surrounds the light-emitting element and forms a light-transmitting area and a light-blocking area around the light-emitting element. The light-transmitting area is disposed opposite to the light-transmitting position on the button, and the light-blocking area is used to block light.

[0014] The light emitted by the light-emitting element can be changed when the button is pressed, and the changed light passes through the light-transmitting area and the light-transmitting position on the button in sequence to shine outward.

[0015] In one of the button assemblies described above, the outer cover is made of closed-cell foam.

[0016] In one of the button assemblies described above, a push switch is also provided on the circuit board. The push switch is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to control the light-emitting element to emit light of different colors.

[0017] In one of the button assemblies described above, a pressing rod is provided on one side of the button. One end of the pressing rod is connected to the button, and the other end is movably abutted against the push-button switch for pressing the push-button switch.

[0018] In one of the button assemblies described above, a bracket is also included, and both the button and the circuit board are connected to the bracket.

[0019] In one of the above-mentioned button assemblies, the button has an integrally formed connecting part and a pressing part, and the light-transmitting position is located in the pressing part.

[0020] In one of the button assemblies described above, the bracket is provided with a hollow portion, the connecting portion is connected to the side wall of the bracket, and the pressing portion passes through the hollow portion.

[0021] In one of the button assemblies described above, the bracket is provided with a connecting protrusion, and the connecting part is provided with a first connecting hole. The first connecting hole is sleeved on the connecting protrusion for connecting the button to the bracket.

[0022] In one of the button assemblies described above, a connecting post is provided on the bracket, and a stepped shaft structure is provided at the end of the connecting post away from the bracket. A second connecting hole is provided on the circuit board, and the second connecting hole is sleeved on the small end of the stepped shaft structure and abuts against one side of the large end of the stepped shaft structure, for connecting the circuit board to the bracket.

[0023] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is to also propose a home appliance, including one of the above-mentioned button assemblies.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] (1) The traditional light guide column structure is eliminated and the design of direct illumination between the outer cover and the light-emitting component is adopted. This not only significantly reduces the manufacturing cost, but also achieves uniform light distribution through the synergistic effect of the light-blocking area and the light-transmitting area. Dynamic color switching can also propagate along the predetermined path, which improves the user's visual experience and enhances the aesthetics and practicality of the product.

[0026] (2) The outer cover uses closed-cell foam as the optical structure material, which has both good light-shielding performance and processability. It can achieve light guidance without the need for light guide pillars, and innovatively combines optical design and current compensation mechanism to improve light quality and enhance the user's visual experience.

[0027] (3) A pressing rod is provided on one side of the button, and its end forms a contactable abutment structure with the push-button switch on the circuit board. When the button is pressed, the pressing rod simultaneously presses the push-button switch, realizing the trigger control of the color switching of the light-emitting element. This structure realizes the linkage between button operation and light effect feedback, enhancing the operation feedback effect and interactive experience. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the proposed solution;

[0029] Figure 2 This is the floor plan according to this plan;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view of AA;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the hidden buttons and stand;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the buttons in this solution;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the support structure in this design.

[0034] In the diagram, 1. Button; 2. Light-transmitting position; 3. Circuit board; 4. Light-emitting component; 5. Outer cover; 6. Light-transmitting area; 7. Light-blocking area; 8. Switch; 9. Press rod; 10. Bracket; 11. Connecting part; 12. Pressing part; 13. Hollowed-out part; 14. Connecting protrusion; 15. First connecting hole; 16. Connecting post; 17. Stepped shaft structure; 18. Second connecting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0036] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this solution mainly targets a button assembly used in home appliances, such as air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this solution provides a button assembly, comprising: a button 1 having a light-transmitting position 2; a circuit board 3 disposed opposite to the button 1, and a light-emitting element 4 disposed on the circuit board 3, the light-emitting element 4 emitting light of different colors; and an outer cover 5 disposed between the button 1 and the circuit board 3, the outer cover 5 surrounding the light-emitting element 4, and forming a light-transmitting area 6 and a light-blocking area 7 around the light-emitting element 4, the light-transmitting area 6 being opposite to the light-transmitting position 2 on the button 1, and the light-blocking area 7 being used to block light.

[0039] When button 1 is pressed, the light-emitting element 4 switches to a different color, and the switched light passes through the light-transmitting area 6 and the light-transmitting position 2 of button 1 in sequence to shine outward. During this process, the light-blocking area 7 can effectively block light from non-target directions, allowing the light to propagate along a predetermined path. The control system increases the operating current of the light-emitting element 4 to enhance brightness, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the overall light effect.

[0040] Compared to traditional structures, this solution eliminates the light guide column and adopts a structural design where the outer cover 5 and the light-emitting component 4 directly cooperate. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also achieves directional propagation and uniform distribution of light through the synergistic effect of the light-shielding area 7 and the light-transmitting area 6. Simultaneously, dynamic color switching can also propagate along a predetermined path, effectively improving the user's visual experience and enhancing the product's aesthetics and practicality.

[0041] Among them, the light-emitting element 4 is preferably an LED lamp. An LED, or Light Emitting Diode, is a semiconductor electronic component that can convert electrical energy into light energy. The core of an LED is a semiconductor chip, typically composed of two different types of semiconductor materials: P-type and N-type semiconductors. When current passes through this chip, electrons move from the N-type region to the P-type region, recombine with holes at the PN junction, and release energy to emit light in the form of photons. Different colors of light can be produced due to the different semiconductor materials used, including red, green, and blue. By using different materials or combinations (e.g., RGB LEDs), multiple colors of light output can also be achieved.

[0042] More preferably, the outer casing 5 is made of closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam is a type of foam material composed of many independent, closed air bubbles that are not interconnected, forming a closed structure. Due to its excellent light-blocking properties, light can be guided along a predetermined path by designing light-transmitting areas 6 and light-blocking areas 7 on the outer casing 5, improving the controllability of light distribution. Compared to other materials such as metal casings, closed-cell foam has lower manufacturing costs, helping to reduce the overall production cost of the product. Furthermore, this material is easy to process and mold, and can be customized into different shapes and sizes according to specific design requirements, adapting to various complex geometric structural requirements.

[0043] More preferably, the circuit board 3 is also provided with a push switch 8, which is electrically connected to the circuit board 3 and is used to trigger a signal when pressed to control the light-emitting element 4 to switch to different colors of light output.

[0044] In order to synchronously trigger the push-button switch 8 when button 1 is pressed, a pressing rod 9 is provided on one side of button 1. One end of the pressing rod 9 is connected to button 1, and the other end is in contact with the push-button switch 8. When button 1 is pressed, the pressing rod 9 moves synchronously with button 1 and presses the push-button switch 8, thereby controlling the light-emitting element 4 to switch to a preset color.

[0045] To enhance structural stability and assembly precision, the button 1 assembly in this design also includes a bracket 10 for mounting the button 1 and circuit board 3 together. By setting the bracket 10, the relative position between the button 1 and circuit board 3 is precisely fixed, effectively improving the overall structural stability and assembly consistency. The bracket 10 not only provides support and positioning but also enhances the durability and reliability of the button assembly under frequent pressing operations, reducing the failure rate caused by assembly deviations such as optical path misalignment or poor contact. Furthermore, the bracket 10 simplifies the assembly process, improves production efficiency, and provides a good mounting foundation for the button 1, outer cover 5, and other components, further ensuring the sealing and stability of the optical path system.

[0046] More preferably, the button 1 has an integrally formed connecting part 11 and a pressing part 12, with the light-transmitting position 2 located on the pressing part 12. The integrally formed structure avoids assembly errors that may arise from a separate structure, effectively enhancing the overall structural strength and stability of the button 1. The light-transmitting position 2, located on the pressing part 12, allows the user to directly see the change in light effect when pressing the button 1, enhancing the operational feedback and improving the product's aesthetics and user experience.

[0047] More preferably, the bracket 10 has a hollow portion 13, the connecting portion 11 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the bracket 10, and the pressing portion 12 passes through the hollow portion 13. The connection between the connecting portion 11 and the side wall of the bracket 10 improves the installation firmness of the button 1, thereby enhancing the stability of the overall structure and the durability of the product. The hollow portion 13 on the bracket 10 not only provides movement space for the pressing portion 12, but also plays a limiting and guiding role, ensuring that the button 1 moves smoothly and does not deviate during the pressing process.

[0048] To allow the connecting part 11 to connect to the bracket 10, a connecting protrusion 14 is provided on the bracket 10, and a first connecting hole 15 is provided on the connecting part 11. The first connecting hole 15 is fitted onto the connecting protrusion 14, thereby achieving a stable and reliable connection between the button 1 and the bracket 10. This connection method has the following advantages: the plug-in engagement of the connecting protrusion 14 and the connecting hole enables quick assembly between the button 1 and the bracket 10, simplifying the installation process and improving assembly efficiency; the engagement of the connecting protrusion 14 and the first connecting hole 15 provides good positioning, effectively preventing the button 1 from shifting or loosening during use, thus enhancing the stability of the overall structure. The plug-in connection eliminates the need for screws or other fasteners, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, and helping to lower manufacturing costs. This connection method is a detachable structure, allowing the button 1 to be easily removed from the bracket 10 when replacement or maintenance is required, improving the convenience of product maintenance.

[0049] More preferably, the bracket 10 is provided with a connecting post 16, and the circuit board 3 is connected to the connecting post 16. The connecting post 16 enables precise positioning and stable fixation of the circuit board 3, improving the reliability and assembly efficiency of the overall structure, while facilitating later maintenance and enhancing the practicality and safety of the product.

[0050] More preferably, the end of the connecting post 16 furthest from the bracket 10 is provided with a stepped shaft structure 17, and the circuit board 3 is provided with a second connecting hole 18. The second connecting hole 18 is fitted onto the small end of the stepped shaft structure 17 and abuts against one side of the large end, realizing a stable connection of the circuit board 3 on the bracket 10. The stepped shaft structure 17 inserts into the connecting hole of the circuit board 3 through its small end, and the large end acts as a limiting surface to contact the circuit board 3, forming an axial limit, thereby ensuring that the circuit board 3 is accurately positioned and does not shift during installation, improving assembly accuracy. The large end of the stepped shaft structure 17 and the circuit board 3 are in surface contact for limiting, effectively avoiding deformation or damage to the circuit board 3 caused by local stress, thereby extending the service life of the circuit board 3. This structure not only realizes the precise positioning and axial limiting of the circuit board 3, improving assembly accuracy and structural stability, but also facilitates disassembly and assembly operations, enhancing the maintainability and practicality of the product.

[0051] This solution also proposes a home appliance that includes the aforementioned button assembly.

[0052] It should be noted that in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0054] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that, include: The button has a light-transmitting section; A circuit board is disposed opposite to the button, and the circuit board is provided with a light-emitting element that can emit light of different colors; An outer cover is disposed between the button and the circuit board. The outer cover surrounds the light-emitting element and forms a light-transmitting area and a light-blocking area around the light-emitting element. The light-transmitting area is disposed opposite to the light-transmitting position on the button, and the light-blocking area is used to block light. The color of the light emitted by the light-emitting element can be changed by pressing the button, and the changed light passes through the light-transmitting area and the light-transmitting position on the button in sequence to shine outward.

2. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cover is made of closed-cell foam.

3. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is also equipped with a push-button switch, which is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to control the light-emitting element to emit light of different colors.

4. The button assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A pressing rod is provided on one side of the button. One end of the pressing rod is connected to the button, and the other end is movably abutted against the push switch for pressing the push switch.

5. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bracket, on which both the button and the circuit board are connected.

6. The button assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The button has an integrally formed connecting part and a pressing part, and the light-transmitting position is located in the pressing part.

7. The button assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The bracket has a hollow section, the connecting part is connected to the side wall of the bracket, and the pressing part passes through the hollow section.

8. The button assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with a connecting protrusion, and the connecting part is provided with a first connecting hole. The first connecting hole is sleeved on the connecting protrusion for connecting the button to the bracket.

9. The button assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with a connecting post, and a stepped shaft structure is provided at the end of the connecting post away from the bracket. The circuit board is provided with a second connecting hole, which is sleeved on the small end of the stepped shaft structure and abuts against one side of the large end of the stepped shaft structure, for connecting the circuit board to the bracket.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that, Includes a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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