Light-emitting button knob and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of luminous button knob and life electric appliance, it is related to electronic device field.The luminous button knob includes circuit board, button knob assembly and at least two light guides, and circuit board is equipped with luminous body;Button knob assembly is set on the circuit board;Light-transmitting top cover is connected to the end of button knob assembly away from the circuit board;At least two light guides are spaced apart and set on the outside of button knob assembly along the length direction of button knob assembly, and between light-transmitting top cover and the circuit board;Wherein, the light guide cover near the circuit board is equipped with luminous body;Each light guide is used to sequentially gather the light of luminous body inward and direct light-transmitting top cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular relates to an luminous button knob and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In the electronics industry, taking audio equipment as an example, knobs and buttons are key components for user interaction. Their design must not only meet functional requirements but also be aesthetically pleasing. However, traditional knob and button designs are often monotonous, lacking visual appeal and failing to meet consumers' desire for personalization and a modern, technological feel. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an illuminated button knob, which aims to meet functional requirements while improving the user experience.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] This utility model provides a light-emitting button knob, comprising: a circuit board with a light-emitting element; a button knob assembly disposed on the circuit board; a light-transmitting top cover connected to the end of the button knob assembly away from the circuit board; and at least two light guide rings spaced apart along the length direction of the button knob assembly on the outer side of the button knob assembly and located between the light-transmitting top cover and the circuit board; wherein the light guide ring closer to the circuit board covers the light-emitting element; each of the light guide rings is used to sequentially focus the light of the light-emitting element inward and guide it to the light-transmitting top cover. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0007] Figure 1 A first-view view of an embodiment of the luminous button knob provided by this utility model;

[0008] Figure 2 A second-view view of an embodiment of the luminous button knob provided by this utility model;

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Overall sectional view.

[0010] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0011] 1. Circuit board; 11. Mounting through hole; 2. Button and knob assembly; 21. Button lever; 22. Knob; 23. Fixing part; 3. Light-transmitting top cover; 31. Annular rib; 32. Light-shielding layer; 4. Light guide ring; 4A. First light guide ring; 4A1. Light guide part; 4B. Second light guide ring; 4B1. Light guide part; 5. Light-emitting body; 6. First housing; 61. Support part; 62. Extension part; 7. Second housing; 71. Annular receiving groove; 72. Shielding part. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0013] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0014] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0015] In the electronics industry, taking audio equipment as an example, knobs and buttons are key components for user interaction. Their design must not only meet functional requirements but also be aesthetically pleasing. However, traditional knob and button designs are often monotonous, lacking visual appeal and failing to meet consumers' desire for personalization and a modern, technological feel.

[0016] In view of this, this utility model embodiment provides an illuminated button knob, which aims to meet functional requirements while improving the user experience.

[0017] This illuminated button knob can be used in a variety of electrical appliances, such as stereos, televisions, and electric fans, providing users with a more intuitive and technologically advanced operating experience.

[0018] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illuminated button / knob includes a circuit board 1, a button / knob assembly 2, a light-transmitting top cover 3, and at least two light guide rings 4. A light-emitting element 5 is mounted on the circuit board 1, emitting light to provide a light source for the entire knob 22. This light-emitting element 5 can be an LED bulb, etc. The button / knob assembly 2 is mounted on the circuit board 1 to realize button and rotation functions, and also supports the structural connection between the light guide rings 4 and the light-transmitting top cover 3. The light-transmitting top cover 3 is connected to the end of the button / knob assembly 2 furthest from the circuit board 1; that is, the light-transmitting top cover 3 is located at the top of the button / knob assembly 2, working in conjunction with the light guide rings 4 to evenly distribute and project light to the outside, enhancing the visual effect. At least two light guide rings 4 are fitted onto the outside of the button / knob assembly 2, and are spaced apart along the length direction of the button / knob assembly 2 (represented by the dashed line a), with each light guide ring 4 positioned between the light-transmitting top cover 3 and the circuit board 1.

[0019] The function of each light guide ring 4 is to guide the light from the light source 5 inwards (inwards, which can be understood as towards the central axis of the button and knob assembly 2) and diffuse it outwards through the light-transmitting top cover 3 to enhance the light effect. The light guide ring 4 closest to the circuit board 1 completely covers the light source 5 to maximize the collection and conduction of light, while the other light guide rings 4 sequentially transmit and focus the light, thereby improving the overall brightness and aesthetics. In other words, the light guide ring 4 closest to the circuit board 1 plays a preliminary role in adjusting the light from the light source 5, while the other light guide rings 4 play a further role in adjusting the light.

[0020] It is understandable that by guiding and focusing the light through the light guide ring 4 in stages, a soft and uniform light emission effect can be achieved, making the illuminated button knob more recognizable in low-light environments. In specific implementation, the substrate of the light guide ring 4 can be made of PMMA material, which has a refractive index of up to 1.49. This material has good light transmittance and weather resistance, which can effectively reduce light loss during transmission, thereby further improving the visual effect of the illuminated button knob.

[0021] The illuminated button knob can also be customized according to specific application scenarios. For example, in audio equipment, different sound effect modes can be matched by adjusting the color or brightness of the light source 5; in home appliance control panels, the illuminated knob 22 can provide intuitive operation prompts, enhancing the convenience of human-computer interaction.

[0022] The luminous button knob provided in this embodiment of the utility model includes a circuit board 1, a button knob assembly 2, a light-transmitting top cover 3, and at least two light guide rings 4. The circuit board 1 is provided with a light-emitting element 5; the button knob assembly 2 is disposed on the circuit board 1; the light-transmitting top cover 3 is connected to the end of the button knob assembly 2 away from the circuit board 1; and at least two light guide rings 4 are spaced apart along the length direction of the button knob assembly 2 on the outside of the button knob assembly 2, and are located between the light-transmitting top cover 3 and the circuit board 1; wherein, the light guide ring 4 closer to the circuit board 1 covers the light-emitting element 5; each light guide ring 4 is used to sequentially focus the light of the light-emitting element 5 inward and guide it to the light-transmitting top cover 3. In this embodiment of the utility model, by having multiple light guide rings 4 spaced apart along the length direction of the button knob assembly 2 on its outside, and each light guide ring 4 located between the light-transmitting top cover 3 and the circuit board 1, the button knob assembly 2, which has the functions of buttons and knobs 22, can radiate the light of the light-emitting element 5. Furthermore, by covering the light-emitting element 5 with the light guide ring 4 near the circuit board 1, and designing each light guide ring 4 to concentrate the light from the light-emitting element 5 inward and guide it to the light-transmitting top cover 3, each layer of light guide ring 4 can effectively focus and transmit light, further improving the efficiency of light transmission. This design not only enhances the overall brightness of the knob 22, but also achieves uniform light distribution, allowing users to clearly identify the position and status of the knob 22 under various lighting conditions.

[0023] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 Each light guide ring 4 has a light guide portion for guiding the light from the light-emitting body 5 inward. This light guide portion is part of the light guide ring 4, and may specifically be a ring-shaped structure. Along the radial direction of the button and knob assembly 2 (the radial direction of the button and knob assembly 2 is indicated by the dashed line b in the figure), and in the direction from the outside to the inside, the light guide portion is gradually thickened.

[0024] The gradually increasing thickness of the light guides 4A1 and 4B1 allows for better control of the light propagation path. Specifically, this thickening design gradually changes the refraction angle of the light, causing it to be more concentrated and directed inwards, thereby reducing light loss and improving the uniformity of light efficiency. Simultaneously, the thickness variation of the light guides 4A1 and 4B1 also enhances the structural strength of the light guide ring 4 to a certain extent, ensuring stable optical performance during long-term use. The light propagation path, in... Figure 3 The arrow is used to illustrate this.

[0025] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 At least two light guide rings 4 include a first light guide ring 4A close to the circuit board 1 and a second light guide ring 4B far from the circuit board 1; the minimum thickness of the light guide portion 4A1 of the first light guide ring 4A is greater than half the maximum thickness of the light guide portion 4B1 of the second light guide ring 4B.

[0026] This design ensures that the first light guide ring 4A has sufficient thickness to collect and guide the light from the light source 5 during light transmission, while the second light guide ring 4B, with its relatively thinner design, further focuses and transmits the light. This differentiated thickness design not only optimizes the light transmission efficiency but also enhances the uniformity and layering of the overall light effect.

[0027] Of course, in practical applications, this design of light guide rings with varying thicknesses can be flexibly adjusted according to specific needs. For example, in some scenarios requiring high brightness, the thickness of the first light guide ring 4A can be increased to further enhance light collection capabilities; while in scenarios where softness of light is emphasized, the thickness of the second light guide ring 4B can be appropriately reduced to achieve a more uniform light distribution.

[0028] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 To simplify the overall structure, two light guide rings 4 are provided: a first light guide ring 4A and a second light guide ring 4B. Specifically, the first light guide ring 4A is closer to the circuit board 1, and the second light guide ring 4B is farther away from the circuit board 1. Given that the light guide rings 4 consist of the first light guide ring 4A and the second light guide ring 4B, the illuminated button knob also includes a first housing 6 and / or a second housing 7. That is, the illuminated button knob may include only the first housing 6, only the second housing 7, or both the first housing 6 and the second housing 7.

[0029] The first housing 6 and the second housing 7 are specifically configured as follows: The first housing 6 is sandwiched between the outer edges of the first light guide ring 4A and the second light guide ring 4B, thus serving a supporting and light-blocking function between the first light guide ring 4A and the second light guide ring 4B. The top of the second housing 7 has an annular receiving groove 71, and the outer end of the light-transmitting top cover 3 has an annular protrusion 31 extending into the annular receiving groove 71; thus, the second housing 7 also serves a light-blocking function. Since the light-transmitting top cover 3 is used to receive pressing pressure, the second housing 7 also has a limiting or supporting function to achieve stability during the pressing process. The assembly between the second housing 7 and the light-transmitting top cover 3 is achieved through the cooperation of the annular protrusion 31 and the annular receiving groove 71, enhancing the stability and sealing of the structure. This design not only effectively prevents external dust or liquid from entering the internal components but also reduces light leakage to a certain extent, thereby improving the concentration and uniformity of light efficiency.

[0030] In the specific implementation process, the first housing 6 and the second housing 7 can be made of appropriate materials according to different usage scenarios. For example, in products that require lightweight design, engineering plastics can be selected as the main material; while in environments with high durability requirements, metal materials such as aluminum alloys or stainless steel can be used.

[0031] To further optimize the user experience, the outer surface of the second housing 7 in the circumferential direction can also be provided with an anti-slip texture or coating. This design not only improves the feel during operation but also effectively prevents slippage caused by sweaty or oily hands, making the operation of the knob 22 more precise and comfortable. At the same time, the anti-slip texture design can be customized to match the overall style of the product, such as using wavy, diamond-shaped grids, or other geometric patterns to enhance the product's aesthetics and recognizability.

[0032] For some specific application scenarios, please refer to Figure 3 Furthermore, a flexible sealing ring can be embedded within the annular receiving groove 71 of the second housing 7. This sealing ring, made of silicone or rubber, possesses excellent elasticity and sealing performance, further enhancing the waterproof and dustproof rating of the illuminated button knob. This improvement is particularly suitable for humid or dusty working environments, such as kitchen appliances and outdoor equipment, providing additional assurance for product reliability.

[0033] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 To prevent leakage of internal light from the illuminated button knob, the outer side of the second housing 7 has a shielding portion 72. Specifically, the shielding portion 72 is arranged around the outer side of the second light guide ring 4B and extends toward the circuit board 1.

[0034] The extension length of the shielding part 72 can be adjusted according to the specific usage scenario. For example, in a strong light environment, the length of the shielding part 72 can be appropriately increased to enhance the light blocking effect; while in a situation where a soft light effect is required, the extension range of the shielding part 72 can be shortened to make the light present a more natural transition effect.

[0035] This embodiment of the invention effectively avoids disordered scattering of internal light by providing the shielding part 72. In this way, the overall visual purity of the illuminated button knob is improved.

[0036] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The second housing 7 and the second light guide ring 4B are injection molded as a single unit. By employing injection molding to integrally form the second housing 7 and the second light guide ring 4B, this design not only simplifies the assembly process but also enhances the overall integrity and stability of the structure. Because the two are tightly bonded during the molding process, loosening or misalignment caused by long-term use or external impacts can be effectively avoided, thereby extending the product's lifespan.

[0037] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The first housing 6 includes a support portion 61 and an extension portion 62. The support portion 61 is sandwiched between the first light guide ring 4A and the second light guide ring 4B; the extension portion 62 connects to the periphery of the support portion 61 and extends in a direction away from the button and knob assembly 2, so as to block the light emitted by the light source 5 in the length direction of the button and knob assembly 2.

[0038] The shape and size of the extension 62 can be adjusted according to specific application scenarios to meet the appearance and function requirements of different devices. For example, in compact devices, the size of the extension 62 can be reduced to save space, while in scenarios where decoration needs to be emphasized, the range of the extension 62 can be increased to enhance the overall aesthetics.

[0039] This embodiment of the invention, through the provision of the extension portion 62, can effectively control the propagation range of light, preventing light from scattering in unwanted directions, thereby improving the overall light concentration of the illuminated button knob and enhancing the purity of the visual effect. Simultaneously, the presence of the support portion 61 not only provides a stable connection foundation for the first light guide ring 4A and the second light guide ring 4B, but also can, to a certain extent, share external pressure and protect internal components from damage.

[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 A gasket is added between the support portion 61 of the first housing 6 and the second light guide ring 4B.

[0041] The gasket further enhances the sealing and stability between the first housing 6 and the second light guide ring 4B. Specifically, the gasket can be made of a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber, which has good elasticity and durability, and can maintain stable performance during long-term use. By adding a gasket between the support 61 and the second light guide ring 4B, not only can light leakage from the gap between them be effectively prevented, but the impact of external vibration or impact on internal components can also be reduced, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the product.

[0042] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The circuit board 1 is provided with a mounting through hole 11. The specific shape of the mounting through hole 11 can be circular, elliptical or square, and the specific shape can be adjusted according to the actual design requirements. In the length direction of the button knob assembly 2, the light-emitting body 5 has a corresponding insertion end and abutting end; the insertion end is inserted into the mounting through hole 11, and the abutting end abuts and is exposed on the back of the circuit board 1.

[0043] Specifically, during installation, the light-emitting element 5 is installed from the back of the circuit board 1 into the mounting through-hole 11. Since the light-emitting element 5 is installed from the back of the circuit board 1 into the mounting through-hole 11, it can be installed after the knob 22 button assembly, light guide ring 4, housing, and other components are installed. This installation method not only improves assembly flexibility but also facilitates later maintenance and replacement of the light-emitting element 5. Installing it from the back of the circuit board 1 avoids interference with other components during front-side operation and also reduces the risk of structural loosening due to repeated disassembly and reassembly.

[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The assembly includes at least two light guide rings 4, one a first light guide ring 4A closer to the circuit board 1 and the other a second light guide ring 4B farther from the circuit board 1. The button and knob assembly 2 includes a button lever 21, a knob 22, and a fixing part 23. The button lever 21 is connected to the light-transmitting top cover 3 and can reciprocate with the light-transmitting top cover 3; the knob 22 is movably sleeved on the outside of the button lever 21 and connected to the second light guide ring 4B; the knob 22 can rotate with the second light guide ring 4B; the fixing part 23 is sleeved on the outside of the button lever 21 and fixed to the circuit board 1. In this way, the button and knob assembly 2 can simultaneously realize the functions of the button and the knob 22.

[0045] The button lever 21 may have an embedded elastic element, such as a spring, to provide a rebound force when pressed. The elastic element inside the button lever 21 can provide different levels of feedback according to the user's pressing pressure, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and comfort of operation. The button lever 21 can provide an on / off switch for sound and / or light, while the knob 22 can provide adjustment for the volume of sound and / or light. The movable sleeve design of the knob 22 allows it to rotate freely outside the button lever 21 without affecting the button's function.

[0046] The fixing part 23 is designed to ensure a secure connection between the button and knob assembly 2 and the circuit board 1, while providing necessary support for the movement of the button lever 21 and the knob 22. The fixing part 23 is typically made of high-strength materials, such as metal or engineering plastics, to ensure its stability and durability during long-term use. Furthermore, the bottom of the fixing part 23 has multiple pins that can be inserted into corresponding holes on the circuit board 1. After the pins of the fixing part 23 are inserted into the circuit board 1, they can be further reinforced by soldering or snap-fitting to prevent loosening due to external forces.

[0047] The button and knob assembly 2 of this utility model has a separate design of button rod 21, knob 22 and fixing part 23, which not only improves the flexibility of operation, but also facilitates later maintenance and replacement of parts.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The light-transmitting top cover 3 includes a cover body and a light-shielding layer 32 disposed on the cover body. The light-shielding layer 32 is partially hollowed out to form a light-transmitting area.

[0049] The design of the light-transmitting area allows light to be evenly emitted through the perforated parts, thus visually forming specific patterns or markings. This design not only enhances the aesthetics of the illuminated buttons and knobs but also provides intuitive functional cues, such as distinguishing different button functions through different light-transmitting patterns. The light-shielding layer 32 can be made of an opaque material, and its thickness and shape can be adjusted according to actual needs to achieve the best balance between light-shielding and light-transmitting effects.

[0050] In practical implementation, the substrate of the translucent top cover 3 can be a high-transmittance plastic, with 0.1% light diffusing agent added to enhance the uniform diffusion effect of the light. To further enhance aesthetics, the top surface of the translucent top cover 3 can be sprayed with black ink and illuminated characters can be printed using laser engraving technology.

[0051] This embodiment of the invention, through the partial perforation of the light-shielding layer 32 of the light-transmitting top cover 3, not only precisely controls the area of ​​light transmission but also presents clear and aesthetically pleasing patterns or logos in low-light environments. This design is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring rapid identification of operational status, such as in complex industrial control panels or high-end home appliances, where users can intuitively understand the current device's operating mode or function options through the patterns displayed in the light-transmitting area.

[0052] This utility model embodiment also provides a household appliance. This appliance includes the luminous buttons and knobs found in any of the above embodiments to improve the ease of operation and aesthetics of the device. This appliance can be a kitchen appliance, such as a microwave oven, oven, or coffee maker, or it can be a home audio system, washing machine, or other intelligent device requiring human-computer interaction. By integrating luminous buttons and knobs into these devices, users can easily identify and operate the control panel under different lighting conditions, thereby significantly improving the user experience.

[0053] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A light-emitting button knob, characterized in that, include: The circuit board is equipped with a light-emitting element; The button and knob assembly is mounted on the circuit board; A light-transmitting top cover is connected to the end of the button and knob assembly furthest from the circuit board; and... At least two light guide rings are spaced apart on the outside of the button and knob assembly along the length of the button and knob assembly, and are located between the light-transmitting top cover and the circuit board; The light-emitting element is covered by a light guide ring near the circuit board; each light guide ring is used to sequentially gather the light from the light-emitting element inward and guide it to the light-transmitting top cover.

2. The luminous button knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the light guide rings has a light guide portion for guiding the light of the light-emitting body inward; the light guide portion is gradually thickened along the radial direction of the button knob assembly and in the direction from the outside to the inside.

3. The luminous button knob according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two light guide rings include a first light guide ring close to the circuit board and a second light guide ring away from the circuit board; the minimum thickness of the light guide portion of the first light guide ring is greater than half the maximum thickness of the light guide portion of the second light guide ring.

4. The luminous button knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two light guide rings include a first light guide ring close to the circuit board and a second light guide ring away from the circuit board, and the illuminated button knob further includes a first housing and / or a second housing, wherein: The first housing is sandwiched between the outer edge of the first light guide ring and the outer edge of the second light guide ring; The second housing is connected to the outer edge of the second light guide ring. An annular receiving groove is formed at the top of the second housing. An annular rib is formed at the outer end of the light-transmitting top cover facing the circuit board. The annular rib extends into the annular receiving groove.

5. The luminous button knob according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side of the second housing has a shielding portion; the shielding portion is disposed around the outer side of the second light guide ring and extends toward the circuit board; and / or, The second housing and the second light guide ring are injection molded as a single unit.

6. The luminous button knob according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first housing includes: A support portion is sandwiched between the first light guide ring and the second light guide ring; and, An extension portion connects to the periphery of the support portion and extends in a direction away from the button knob assembly to block the light emitted by the light source in the length direction of the button knob assembly.

7. The luminous button knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is provided with mounting through holes; along the length of the button and knob assembly, the light-emitting element has an insert end and an abutting end; the insert end is inserted into the mounting through hole, and the abutting end abuts against and is exposed on the back of the circuit board.

8. The luminous button knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two light guide rings include a first light guide ring close to the circuit board and a second light guide ring away from the circuit board, and the button knob assembly includes: The button lever is connected to the light-transmitting top cover and can reciprocate with the light-transmitting top cover; A knob, movably sleeved on the outside of the button lever, and connected to the second light guide ring; the knob can rotate with the second light guide ring; and, The fixing part is sleeved on the outside of the button rod and fixed to the circuit board.

9. The luminous button knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting top cover includes a cover body and a light-shielding layer disposed on the cover body. The light-shielding layer is partially hollowed out to form a light-transmitting area.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that, Including the illuminated button knob as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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