Switching device for kitchen appliances and extractor hood

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of switch device and extractor hood for kitchen appliance, switch device includes the switch main body with built-in circuit board and touchpad, kitchen appliance has the mounting panel for being installed with switch device, mounting panel is opened with the mounting hole slot for the touchpad passes, the extension direction of mounting hole slot is perpendicular with the extension direction of mounting panel, the position of switch main body for being connected with the root of touchpad constructs the plug-in convex part for being able to be inserted in the mounting hole slot, and with the profile of this mounting hole slot is matched, extension hole channel is opened in plug-in convex part, for touchpad extends from the inside of switch main body to outside, the extension direction of extension hole channel is arranged with the protruding direction of the plug-in convex part Angle, so that when switch device is on mounting panel in installation in place state, touchpad with the mounting panel is not perpendicular.Advantage is that: switch device can be conveniently installed on the inclined installation surface of product body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a switch device for kitchen appliances and a range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Kitchen appliances, such as range hoods, dishwashers, and steam ovens, typically feature touch-sensitive control panels for user operation and function selection. Taking range hoods as an example, traditional touch-sensitive control panels are usually implemented in a control box with a built-in touch panel or integrated into the hood casing. However, this design often occupies a significant portion of the hood's space, limiting design flexibility, especially for narrower models like top-mounted or side-mounted range hoods, which can negatively impact aesthetics and innovation.

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a pendant-type crystal touch switch has emerged. This type of pendant crystal touch switch comprises a switch body concealed within a housing and a touch portion extending beyond the housing, wherein the touch portion is perpendicular to the mating surface of the switch body. A similar disclosure is made in Chinese utility model patent application CN202420248031.8, entitled "A Glass Touch Switch for a Range Hood."

[0004] However, in some existing switch panels as described in the aforementioned patent application, the touch-sensitive part can only be perpendicular to the mating surface of the body. When the shape of the range hood (the panel used to install the touch switch relative to the horizontal direction) has a certain angle, the operating angle and user viewing angle of this hanging switch are not ergonomic. Furthermore, due to manufacturing process issues, it is difficult to process a slot at a certain angle to the mating surface of the mating surface. In other words, the existing switch device's structural design cannot adapt to situations where the mounting surface of the product's body is at a certain angle to the horizontal plane.

[0005] Therefore, the existing switching devices for kitchen appliances still need further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a switch device for kitchen appliances that can be easily installed on the inclined mounting surface of the product body, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a range hood with the above-mentioned switching device, in view of the current situation of the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem is as follows: a switch device for kitchen appliances, including a switch body with a built-in circuit board and a touch panel extending outward from the switch body. The kitchen appliance has a mounting panel for mounting the switch device. The mounting panel has a mounting slot for the touch panel to pass through. The extension direction of the mounting slot is perpendicular to the extension direction of the mounting panel. The characteristic is that the position where the switch body connects with the root of the touch panel is constructed with a plug-in protrusion that can be inserted into the mounting slot and is adapted to the contour of the mounting slot. The plug-in protrusion has an extension channel for the touch panel to extend outward from the inside of the switch body. The extension direction of the extension channel is arranged at an angle to the protrusion direction of the plug-in protrusion, thereby making the touch panel not perpendicular to the mounting panel when the switch device is installed on the mounting panel.

[0009] The aforementioned "mounting panel" can be understood as a component on a kitchen appliance, typically a flat or angled panel used to mount switches or other components. For example, the front panel or control panel of a range hood.

[0010] Considering that a gap may exist between the switch body and the inner side of the panel when the mounting panel is tilted, leading to loose installation, easy loosening, and affecting aesthetics and reliability, as an improvement, a mating surface is formed on the side of the switch body corresponding to the touch panel, which is aligned with the tilt direction of the inner side of the mounting panel. By designing the mating surface on the side of the switch body where the touch panel is located to be aligned with the tilt direction of the inner side of the mounting panel, the switch body fits tightly against the inner side of the panel, enhancing the stability of the installation and reducing vibration and noise.

[0011] As an improvement, the interior of the switch body, corresponding to the edge of the inner port of the extension channel, also has an extension limiting plate extending inward toward the switch body. The extension direction of the extension limiting plate is consistent with the extension direction of the extension channel. The extension limiting plate extends from the edge of the inner port of the extension channel toward the switch body in the same direction as the extension channel, providing additional support and limiting for the touchpad, preventing the touchpad from shaking or shifting, and ensuring stable transmission of touch signals and long-term durability.

[0012] Considering that if the outer end face of the plug-in protrusion protrudes or is recessed into the outer wall of the mounting panel, it will result in an unsightly appearance, easy dust accumulation, or difficulty in cleaning, as an improvement, the outer end face of the plug-in protrusion is flat. When the plug-in protrusion is in the mounting hole groove of the mounting panel, the outer end face of the plug-in protrusion is flush with the outer wall of the mounting panel. By designing the outer end face of the plug-in protrusion as flat and flush with the outer wall of the mounting panel after installation, seamless installation is achieved, improving the overall appearance and ease of cleaning of the product.

[0013] To further ensure the aesthetics of the switch device after installation, the corresponding plug-in protrusion includes a front plug-in portion on the front side of the extension channel and a rear plug-in portion on the rear side of the extension channel. The dimension of the end wall of the rear plug-in portion in the direction parallel to the outer wall surface of the mounting panel is denoted as 'a', and the dimension of the end wall of the rear plug-in portion in the direction parallel to the extension of the extension channel is denoted as 'b'. The values ​​of a and b are in the range of: 2mm≤a≤5mm, 3mm≤b≤6mm.

[0014] Since the main body of the touchpad is generally made of transparent glass, dimensions a and b should be kept as small as possible. This way, the wedge-shaped plastic structure (i.e., the end wall of the rear connector) can be ignored when viewed from the front, improving the appearance and the overall sophistication of the product.

[0015] As an improvement, the switch body includes an upper switch seat and a lower switch seat that are snapped together, with the aforementioned insertion protrusion provided on the lower switch seat. By adopting a structure where the upper and lower switch seats snap together and integrating the insertion protrusion onto the lower switch seat, mold design and assembly processes are simplified, facilitating mass production and maintenance, and reducing costs.

[0016] As an improvement, a pressure plate is also included to press the switch body against the inside of the mounting panel. By adding the pressure plate, the switch body is pressed firmly against the inside of the mounting panel, providing additional fixing force, enhancing the reliability of the installation, and preventing the switch device from falling off or shifting.

[0017] As an improvement, the touchpad extends at least 25mm beyond the front wall of the mounting panel. By limiting the touchpad's extension length to at least 25mm, sufficient operating space is ensured, allowing users to easily and accurately trigger touch functions, thus improving operational convenience and safety.

[0018] As an improvement, the touchpad includes a front glass panel and a rear glass panel facing each other, with a touch conductive layer embedded between the front and rear glass panels. This touch conductive layer is electrically connected to the circuit board. The structure of the touch conductive layer sandwiched between the front and rear glass panels provides a robust and scratch-resistant touch surface. The electrical connection between the touch conductive layer and the circuit board ensures accurate transmission of touch signals, achieving sensitive and reliable touch operation, and is easy to clean.

[0019] As an improvement, one possible solution is that the connector and the switch body are integrated into one piece; or

[0020] Another alternative is that the connector is a separate component independent of the switch body, the connector abuts against the switch body, and a sealing element is provided at the abutment position.

[0021] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem is: a range hood, including a body and a switch device, the body including a mounting panel, the mounting panel being inclined downward from front to back, the switch device being the above-mentioned switch device for kitchen appliances, and the touch panel of the switch device being vertically extended.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The switch body of the switching device features a plug-in protrusion that fits into the slot of the mounting panel. The extended channel forms an angle with the protruding direction, ensuring the touchpad is not perpendicular to the inclined mounting surface after installation. This structural design significantly improves ergonomics, allowing the touchpad angle to adapt to different mounting panel angles and user operating habits, ensuring a comfortable operating angle even on inclined mounting surfaces. Furthermore, the installation process is more convenient; the plug-in structure simplifies assembly and eliminates the need for complex adjustments. Additionally, the extended channel is independently machined on the plug-in protrusion, avoiding the difficulties of directly drilling angled holes on the panel and reducing processing complexity. This invention enhances the design flexibility of kitchen appliances, enabling more aesthetically pleasing and innovative designs for kitchen appliances (such as narrow-body range hoods), overcoming the limitations of traditional switches on inclined surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the switching device according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the switching device and the mounting panel of the range hood in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the switching device and the mounting panel of the range hood in embodiment 1 of this utility model, taken from another angle.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the switch device of Embodiment 1 of this utility model, which is assembled with the mounting panel of the range hood and cut along the front-back direction.

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A diagram showing the state of the switch device after it has been separated from the mounting panel of the range hood;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the switch device of Embodiment 2 of this utility model, which is assembled with the mounting panel of the range hood and cut along the front-to-back direction. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] In the specification and claims of this utility model, terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," are used to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of this utility model. However, the use of these terms is merely for the purpose of explanation and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this utility model can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] Figures 1-5 This illustration shows a preferred embodiment of the switch device for kitchen appliances and a range hood according to the present invention. The kitchen appliance can be a range hood, integrated cooktop, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc. The switch device of this embodiment is particularly suitable for range hoods where the mounting panel 2 is tilted downwards from front to back. The switch device is described below using a range hood as an example; it includes a switch body 1, a touch panel 13, and a pressure plate 14.

[0033] The switch body 1 contains a circuit board 10 for processing touch signals and controlling the relevant functions of kitchen appliances. The switch body 1 is formed by snapping together an upper switch base 11 and a lower switch base 12 using clips or screws, facilitating assembly and maintenance. The lower switch base 12 has a mating surface 123 on the side corresponding to the touch panel 13. The inclination direction of this mating surface 123 is consistent with the inclination direction of the inner side of the mounting panel 2, ensuring that the switch body 1 fits tightly against the inner side of the mounting panel 2 during installation, reducing gaps.

[0034] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The switch base 12 has a plug-in protrusion 121 (i.e., the plug-in part is integrated with the switch body). This plug-in protrusion 121 is designed to be plugged into the rectangular mounting hole 20 on the mounting panel 2. The plug-in protrusion 121 includes a front plug-in portion 1211 located in front of the extension channel 120 and a rear plug-in portion 1212 located behind the extension channel 120. The outer end face of the plug-in protrusion 121 is flat. After installation, the outer end face is flush with the outer wall surface of the mounting panel 2, achieving seamless installation and improving aesthetics and ease of cleaning.

[0035] An extension channel 120 is provided on the insertion protrusion 121, allowing the touch panel 13 to extend outward from inside the switch body 1. The extension direction of the extension channel 120 is arranged at an angle to the protrusion direction of the insertion protrusion 121 (for example, the angle is acute, and the specific angle can be adjusted according to the tilt angle of the mounting panel 2), so that when the switch device is mounted on the tilted mounting panel 2, the touch panel 13 is not perpendicular to the mounting panel 2, but tilted towards the user, which is ergonomic. The length of the touch panel 13 extending relative to the front wall of the mounting panel 2 is not less than 25mm, ensuring ease of operation.

[0036] The touchpad 13 includes a front glass panel 131 and a rear glass panel 132 facing each other. A touch conductive layer 133 (such as an ITO film) is embedded between the front glass panel 131 and the rear glass panel 132. The touch conductive layer 133 is electrically connected to the circuit board 10 inside the switch body 1 through a flexible circuit board 10. The touchpad 13 extends vertically as a whole, which is convenient for users to touch and operate.

[0037] To enhance stability, an extension limiting plate 124 is provided at the inner port edge of the extension channel 120 inside the switch body 1. The extension limiting plate 124 extends toward the inside of the switch body 1 and the extension direction is consistent with the extension direction of the extension channel 120, providing additional support and limiting for the touch panel 13 to prevent shaking.

[0038] During installation, first, insert the sealing ring 15 into the annular groove on the mating surface 123 of the switch lower seat 12. Then, insert the insertion protrusion 121 of the switch body 1 into the mounting hole groove 20 of the mounting panel 2 from the inside, making the outer end face of the insertion protrusion 121 flush with the outer wall surface of the mounting panel 2. Next, place the pressure plate 14 behind the switch body 1. The pressure plate 14 has a receiving groove to accommodate at least the upper switch seat 11 of the switch body 1. The left and right ends of the pressure plate 14 are provided with lugs, and the lugs have connecting holes. The pressure plate 14 is fixed to the inner wall of the mounting panel 2 or the internal bracket of the kitchen appliance by screws, thereby pressing the switch body 1 tightly against the inner side of the mounting panel 2 to ensure a firm installation. The sealing ring 15 serves to prevent dust and absorb shock.

[0039] See Figure 4 In this embodiment, the dimension a of the end wall of the rear insertion portion 1212 of the insertion protrusion 121 ranges from 2mm ≤ a ≤ 5mm in the direction parallel to the outer wall of the mounting panel 2, and the dimension b ranges from 3mm ≤ b ≤ 6mm in the direction parallel to the extension channel 120 (generally the vertical direction). This design makes the end wall dimension of the rear insertion portion 1212 small, almost invisible when viewed from the front, reducing the visual impact of the plastic structure and improving the overall refinement and appearance.

[0040] This embodiment also provides a range hood, including a body and the aforementioned switch device. The mounting panel 2 of the body is inclined downwards from front to back (for example, at an angle of 10° to 30° with the horizontal plane), and the switch device is mounted on the inclined mounting panel 2.

[0041] The mounting panel 2 has a rectangular mounting slot 20. The plug-in protrusion 121 of the switch device is inserted into the slot and fixed to the inside by the pressure plate 14. The touch panel 13 extends vertically, and due to the angled design of the extension channel 120, the touch panel 13 is not perpendicular to the mounting panel 2 after installation, but tilted towards the user, so that the user has a more comfortable viewing angle and touch angle when operating while standing, which conforms to the ergonomic principle.

[0042] Other components of the range hood, such as the fan and smoke hood, can adopt conventional designs and will not be described in detail here. The range hood in this embodiment uses a switch device adapted to the tilted panel, resulting in a simpler and more aesthetically pleasing overall appearance, making it particularly suitable for narrow-body top-mounted or side-mounted range hoods.

[0043] The range hood in this embodiment can also be controlled by a voice module, which is equipped with a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the range hood to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the range hood and improving the user experience.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] Figure 6 This illustration shows another preferred embodiment of the switch device for kitchen appliances and the range hood of this utility model. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the connector is a separate component independent of the switch body 1. After the connector 12a's insertion protrusion 121 is assembled in the mounting hole groove 20, it is pressed and fixed by the switch body 1. The switch body 1 and the connector 12a are in planar contact, and a sealing element 151 is provided at the position where the two abut. The sealing element 51 is a rubber ring surrounding the touch panel 13.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, other embodiments can be obtained by replacing and improving the relevant technical features. For example, the shape of the insertion protrusion 121 can be designed according to the change of the mounting hole groove 20. For example, when the mounting hole groove 20 is circular or elliptical, the insertion protrusion 121 is adjusted to be a circular or elliptical protrusion accordingly. The angle between the extension channel 120 and the protruding direction of the insertion protrusion 121 can be flexibly set according to the tilt angle of the mounting panel 2. For example, when the angle between the mounting panel 2 and the horizontal plane is large, the angle of the extension channel 120 is increased accordingly to ensure that the touch panel 13 always faces the user. Furthermore, the composition of the touch panel 13 can also be changed to other structures. For example, the front glass panel 131 and the rear glass panel 132 are made of tempered glass to enhance durability, and the touch conductive layer 133 can be made of materials such as metal mesh or nano-silver wires. The extension length of the touch panel 13 can be adjusted according to the specific application, but the minimum length is kept not less than 25mm to ensure operating space. In addition to the pressure plate 14, the switch body 1 can also be directly connected to the mounting panel 2 via magnetic attraction or clips, but a tight seal must be ensured. The sealing ring 15 can be made of silicone or rubber to adapt to high temperature and high humidity environments.

Claims

1. A switch device for a kitchen appliance, comprising a switch body (1) with a built-in circuit board (10) and a touch panel (13) extending outward from the switch body (1), the kitchen appliance having a mounting panel (2) for mounting the switch device, the mounting panel (2) having a mounting slot (20) for the touch panel (13) to pass through, the extending direction of the mounting slot (20) being perpendicular to the extending direction of the mounting panel (2), characterized in that: It also includes a connector (12a) that connects to the switch body (1). The connector (12a) has a connector protrusion (121) that can be inserted into the mounting slot (20) and is adapted to the contour of the mounting slot (20). The connector protrusion (121) has an extension channel (120) for the touch panel (13) to extend outward from the inside of the switch body (1). The extension direction of the extension channel (120) is arranged at an angle to the protrusion direction of the connector protrusion (121), so that when the switch device is installed on the mounting panel (2), the touch panel (13) is not perpendicular to the mounting panel (2).

2. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch body (1) has a mating surface (123) on the side corresponding to the touch panel (13) that is inclined in the same direction as the inner side of the mounting panel (2).

3. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inside of the switch body (1) is provided with an extension limiting plate (124) extending toward the inside of the switch body (1) at the edge of the inner port of the extension channel (120), and the extension direction of the extension limiting plate (124) is consistent with the extension direction of the extension channel (120).

4. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end face of the plug-in protrusion (121) is a plane. When the plug-in protrusion (121) is installed in the mounting hole (20) of the mounting panel (2), the outer end face of the plug-in protrusion (121) is flush with the outer wall surface of the mounting panel (2).

5. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to claim 4, characterized in that: The corresponding insertion protrusion (121) includes a front insertion portion (1211) on the front side of the extension channel (120) and a rear insertion portion (1212) located on the rear side of the extension channel (120). The dimension of the end wall of the rear insertion portion (1212) in the direction parallel to the outer wall surface of the mounting panel (2) is denoted as a, and the dimension of the end wall of the rear insertion portion (1212) in the extension direction parallel to the extension channel (120) is denoted as b. The values ​​of a and b are in the range of: 2mm≤a≤5mm, 3mm≤b≤6mm.

6. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The switch body (1) includes an upper switch seat (11) and a lower switch seat (12) that are fastened together. The lower switch seat (12) is provided with the aforementioned plug-in protrusion (121).

7. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also includes a pressure plate (14) for pressing the switch body (1) against the inside of the mounting panel (2).

8. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The length of the touch panel (13) extending from the front wall of the mounting panel (2) is not less than 25 mm.

9. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The touch panel (13) includes a front glass panel (131) and a rear glass panel (132) that are opposite each other. A touch conductive layer (133) is embedded between the front glass panel (131) and the rear glass panel (132), and the touch conductive layer (133) is electrically connected to the circuit board (10).

10. The switching device for kitchen appliances according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connector (12a) and the switch body (1) are an integral part; or The connector (12a) is a separate component independent of the switch body. The connector abuts against the switch body (1), and a sealing element (151) is provided at the position where the two abut against each other.

11. A range hood, comprising a body and a switch device, the body including a mounting panel (2), the mounting panel (2) being inclined downwards from front to back, characterized in that: The switching device is a kitchen appliance switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the touch panel (13) of the switching device extends vertically.

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