HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY AND TOUCH MODULE THEREOF

A household appliance, a control panel assembly and a touch module thereof are provided. The control panel assembly of the household appliance includes a touch panel and a touch module. The touch module includes a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. The touch sensor group includes one or more touch sensors. One side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module abuts against the touch panel, so that the other side of the touch sensor is attached to the touch panel. This provides a novel control panel assembly of a household appliance.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of household appliances, and in particular, to a household appliance and a control panel assembly and a touch module thereof.

Related Art

As the intelligentization of household appliances becomes popular, an increasingly number of household appliances are controlled by a touch control panel.

Currently, the touch control panel usually includes a touch panel, a touch film, and the like. The touch film is attached to the touch panel. Because the touch panel usually contributes to the overall appearance of the touch control panel, the touch panel has a large size and a flat and smooth surface. When being attached to the touch panel, the touch film has a higher requirement for attachment precision. When a smaller touch film is attached to a larger touch panel with a flat and smooth surface, bubbles are likely to form, resulting in a higher discard rate of the touch film and further higher costs of the touch control panel. In addition, when the touch panel is damaged, because the touch film attached to the touch panel cannot be removed from the faulty touch panel for reuse, the touch panel and the touch film need to be replaced together, causing higher maintenance costs of the control panel.

SUMMARY

An objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a novel control panel assembly of a household appliance.

To resolve the foregoing technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a control panel assembly of a household appliance. The control panel assembly includes a touch panel and a touch module. The touch module includes a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. The touch sensor group includes one or more touch sensors. One side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module abuts against the touch panel, so that the other side of the touch sensor is attached to the touch panel.

Compared with the prior art, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

The control panel assembly of the household appliance includes the touch module and the touch panel. The touch module includes the touch sensor group and the structural support frame. One side of the touch sensor in the touch sensor group is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module abuts against the touch panel, so that the other side of the touch sensor is attached to the touch panel. In view of that it is not necessary for the structural support frame to contribute to the overall appearance, the size of the structural support frame may be adjusted according to the size of the touch sensor, and a hole is usually provided in the surface of the structural support frame. Therefore, when the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, bubbles are not likely to form. Even if bubbles form, it is easy to eliminate the bubbles through the hole, thereby effectively reducing a discard rate of the touch sensor and reducing costs by improving a yield. In addition, when the touch panel is damaged, it is only necessary to separately replace the touch panel without needing to replace the touch sensor. When the touch sensor is faulty, the touch sensor can be separately replaced. Furthermore, in some application scenarios, when a component adhered to the touch sensor needs to be replaced together, because the costs of the structural support frame are lower than those of the touch panel, the maintenance costs can be reduced. In summary, the costs can be reduced during both the production and maintenance of the control panel assembly.

Optionally, the structural support frame is made of a flexible material. Under the abutting action of an external force, the structural support frame tends to deform, and the deformation pushes the touch sensor, to enable the touch sensor to be as close to the touch panel as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel, or to reduce a gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor, so that the gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance. In this way, when a user operates the touch panel, the touch module can effectively perceive a touch operation, thereby enhancing the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly.

Optionally, the structural support frame includes a support portion and an elastic portion, where the elastic portion is fixed to the support portion, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion. Under the abutting of an external force, the elastic portion of the structural support frame deforms, to enable the touch sensor adhered to the elastic portion to be as close to the touch panel as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel, or to reduce a gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor, so that the gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance. In this way, when a user operates the touch panel, the touch module can effectively perceive a touch operation, thereby enhancing the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly.

Optionally, the elastic portion is integrally formed with the support portion, or the elastic portion is detachably connected to the support portion.

Optionally, the touch module further includes an electronic board for providing a light source, where the electronic board is fixed to the structural support frame, and the structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board.

Optionally, the touch module includes a first touch module, and the first touch module includes a first touch sensor and a first structural support frame, where the first touch module is configured to control procedure selection.

Optionally, the touch module further includes a second touch module connected to the first touch module, and the second touch module includes a second touch sensor, a second structural support frame, and a display portion, where the display portion is configured to display setting content.

Optionally, the control panel assembly of the household appliance further includes a positioning identifier, where the positioning identifier is located on either the touch sensor or the structural support frame, and is configured to locate an adhesion position of the touch sensor, so that the touch sensor can be precisely adhered at a position corresponding to the structural support frame.

Optionally, the control panel assembly of the household appliance further includes a printed pattern, where the printed pattern is located on a side, facing the touch sensor, of the touch panel, or the printed pattern is located on the structural support frame, or the printed pattern is located on the touch sensor.

Optionally, the control panel assembly of the household appliance further includes a housing, where the housing is provided with a receiving cavity, the touch module is located in the receiving cavity, and the touch panel is connected to the housing.

Optionally, the housing includes a front housing and a rear housing, where the front housing is provided with a mounting opening, and the touch panel abuts against the touch module through the mounting opening; and the rear housing is detachably connected to the front housing, and the rear housing abuts against the touch module to apply pressure to the touch module, so that the touch sensor abuts against the touch panel, thereby enhancing fitness between the touch sensor and the touch panel.

Optionally, a side, facing the front housing, of the rear housing is provided with an abutting portion, and the abutting portion abuts against the touch module, thereby further enhancing the fitness between the touch sensor and the touch panel.

Optionally, the abutting portion is elastic, to implement flexible abutting, thereby avoiding damaging the touch module.

Optionally, the abutting portion includes any one of the following: an elastic abutting column, an elastic sheet, and a spring.

Optionally, one of an inner edge of the mounting opening and an outer edge of the structural support frame is provided with an inlay bayonet, and the other of the inner edge of the mounting opening and the outer edge of the structural support frame is provided with an inlay protrusion adapted to the inlay bayonet.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a household appliance, including any foregoing control panel assembly.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a touch module of a household appliance, including a touch sensor group and a structural support frame, where the touch sensor group includes one or more touch sensors, and one side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame.

Optionally, the structural support frame is made of a flexible material.

Optionally, the structural support frame includes a support portion and an elastic portion, where the elastic portion is fixed to the support portion, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion.

Optionally, the elastic portion is integrally formed with the support portion, or the elastic portion is detachably connected to the support portion.

Optionally, the touch module further includes an electronic board for providing a light source, the electronic board is fixed to the structural support frame, and the structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board.

Optionally, the touch module includes a first touch module, and the first touch module includes a first touch sensor and a first structural support frame, where the first touch module is configured to control procedure selection.

Optionally, the touch module further includes a second touch module connected to the first touch module, and the second touch module includes a second touch sensor, a second structural support frame, and a display portion, where the display portion is configured to display setting content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To make the objectives, features, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention more comprehensible, specific embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a front view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.2is a rear view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view ofFIG.2in a direction A-A.FIG.4is a partial enlarged view of a position B ofFIG.3.FIG.5is an exploded view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.6is a partial exploded view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the structure of a control panel assembly100of the household appliance with reference toFIG.1toFIG.6.

During specific implementation, the control panel assembly100of the household appliance may include a touch panel10and a touch module20. The touch panel10provides a user operation region. A user may operate the touch module20by touching, clicking/tapping, or pressing the touch panel10.

The touch module20may include a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. The touch sensor group may include one or more touch sensors. One side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module20abuts against the touch panel10, so that the other side of the touch sensor is attached to the touch panel10.

During specific implementation, the touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor or a pressure type touch sensor, among other types of touch sensors. Examples are not described herein again one by one.

The size and shape of the structural support frame may be set according to the size of the touch sensor and the setting of other components.

A quantity of touch sensors in the touch sensor group may be configured according to the type of the touch sensor, a quantity of touch points supported by each touch sensor, a quantity of control procedures corresponding to functions to be implemented by the control panel assembly100, a quantity of control items of the control procedures, a functional partition implemented by a control panel, among other factors.

In some embodiments, a power switch60may be disposed on the touch panel10. The power switch60is configured to turn on or off the control panel assembly100, so as to correspondingly turn on or off the household appliance.

It can be learned from the above that, the control panel assembly of the household appliance includes the touch module and the touch panel. The touch module includes the touch sensor group and the structural support frame. One side of the touch sensor in the touch sensor group is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module abuts against the touch panel, so that the other side of the touch sensor is attached to the touch panel. In view of that it is not necessary for the size of the structural support frame to contribute to the overall appearance, the size of the structural support frame may be adjusted according to the size of the touch sensor, and a hole is usually provided in the surface of the structural support frame. Therefore, when the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, bubbles are not likely to form. Even if bubbles form, it is easy to eliminate the bubbles through the hole, thereby effectively reducing a discard rate of the touch sensor during mounting and reducing costs by improving a yield. In addition, when the touch panel is damaged, it is only necessary to separately replace the touch panel without needing to replace the touch sensor. When the touch sensor is faulty, the touch sensor can be separately replaced. Furthermore, in some application scenarios, when a component adhered to the touch sensor needs to be replaced together, because the costs of the structural support frame are lower than those of the touch panel, the maintenance costs can be reduced. In summary, the costs can be reduced during both the production and maintenance of the control panel assembly.

During actual application, an assembly error may occur during the assembly of the control panel assembly100of the household appliance, or during use, other components for assembling the touch module20may deform. Due to various factors, a gap may exist between the touch panel10and the touch sensor. When the gap between the touch panel10and the touch sensor is large, the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly100may be affected or even a touch failure may occur.

To solve the problem that the large gap between the touch panel10and the touch sensor affects the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly100or even leads to a touch failure, in the embodiments of the present invention, the following manners may be used to reduce the gap between the touch panel10and the touch sensor, thereby enhancing fitness between the touch sensor and the touch panel10.

In an embodiment of the present invention,FIG.7andFIG.8are exploded views of the touch module20from different perspectives according to this embodiment of the present invention. The structural support frame may be made of a flexible material. Under the abutting action of an external force, the structural support frame tends to deform, and the deformation pushes the touch sensor, to enable the touch sensor to be as close to the touch panel10as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel10, or to reduce a gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor, so that the gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance. In this way, when the user touches, presses, or clicks/taps the touch panel10, the touch sensor can detect an operation of the user and maintain particular touch sensitivity. The set tolerance is related to the type of the touch sensor. For example, the set tolerance may be 0.2 mm. The structural support frame made of a flexible material may also provide flexible support, thereby avoiding damaging the touch sensor. The flexible material may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon or rubber, or the like.

In another embodiment of the present invention,FIG.9andFIG.10are exploded views of another touch module from different perspectives according to this embodiment of the present invention. The structural support frame may include a support portion231and an elastic portion232. The elastic portion232is fixed to the support portion231. The touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion232. Under the abutting of an external force, the elastic portion232of the structural support frame deforms, to enable the touch sensor adhered to the elastic portion232to be as close to the touch panel10as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel10, or to reduce a gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor, so that the gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance. In this way, when a user operates the touch panel10, the touch module20can effectively perceive a touch operation, thereby enhancing the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly100.

The elastic portion232may be made of rubber, silicon, or foam, among other flexible materials.

During specific implementation, the elastic portion232may be integrally formed with the support portion231, for example, with a mold. The structural support frame is integrally formed through molding. In another example, based on the support portion231, the elastic portion232is formed through foaming.

During specific implementation, the elastic portion232is detachably connected to the support portion231. For example, the elastic portion232is adhered to the support portion231. In another example, the elastic portion232is snapped into the support portion231. It may be understood that, the elastic portion232may be alternatively detachably connected to the support portion231in other manners. Examples are not described herein again one by one.

During specific implementation, the shape and structure of the elastic portion232may be the same as or adapted to the shape and structure of the support portion231, thereby avoiding interfering with other components.

During specific implementation, in consideration of the beautiful appearance and overall design of the control panel, the touch panel10is usually black and transparent. For the user to intuitively learn operations, referring toFIG.7toFIG.10, the touch module20may further include an electronic board24. The electronic board24is fixed to the structural support frame. The structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board24. That is, one side of the structural support frame is configured to adhere the touch sensor, and the other side of the structural support frame is configured to fix the electronic board24. The electronic board24may illuminate a particular area by using a light source241disposed on the electronic board, so that the user intuitively learns a touch operation. The light source241may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or another type of light-emitting apparatus. For example, the light source241is an LED. When being turned on, the LED may illuminate a position corresponding to the touch panel10.

During specific implementation, the touch module20may further include a control module25. The control module25may be disposed on the electronic board24. Specifically, the control module may be disposed on the other side, on which the light source241is not disposed, of the electronic board24. The control module25is separately connected to the touch sensor and the electronic board24, so that the control module25controls the light source241for the area corresponding to the electronic board24according to the touch of the touch sensor to be turned on.

The control module25may control, according to a control instruction sent by a terminal device interconnected with the household appliance, the household appliance to perform a corresponding procedure, and turn on a corresponding light source241according to a procedure option designated by the control instruction. Alternatively, the control module25may control the light source241for the area corresponding to the electronic board24according to the touch operation of the user to be turned on, and control the household appliance to perform the corresponding procedure, or the like.

During specific implementation, each touch sensor may be provided with a plurality of touch points. Each touch point may correspond to at least one light source241. The corresponding light source241is controlled according to a triggered touch point to be turned on.

For example, the control panel assembly100of a washing machine may be configured with the following procedure options: start, cotton, mix, down jacket, wool, one-touch smart wash, wash/dry, rinse/spin, and the like. The procedure options separately correspond to touch points of the touch sensor one by one. When the user touches a procedure option of down jacket disposed on the touch panel10, the light source241corresponding to the procedure option of down jacket is turned on. When the user touches the procedure option of one-touch smart wash disposed on the touch panel10, the light source241corresponding to the procedure option of one-touch smart wash is turned on.

During specific implementation, the structural support frame may be used as a light guide plate, so that the structural support frame may support the electronic board24and may allow the passage of light from the light source241. In addition, it should be considered to avoid optical crosstalk in design. To avoid optical crosstalk between light from the light sources241, the structural support frame may be designed in the form of a plurality of boxes. The light sources241corresponding to each touch point are disposed in the same box. The light sources241corresponding to different touch points are disposed in different boxes.

During specific implementation, according to different functions of the touch module20, the touch module20may include a first touch module21. The first touch module21may be configured to control procedure selection. Referring toFIG.7toFIG.10, the first touch module21may include a first touch sensor211and a first structural support frame212. The first touch sensor211may be one touch sensor in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include the first structural support frame212.

During specific implementation, the first touch sensor211is provided with a first connection portion213. The first touch module21is provided with a first plug interface214adapted to the first connection portion213. The first plug interface214is coupled to the control module25, so that the control module25receives touch information of the first touch sensor211, and the control module25controls the light source241of a corresponding area according to the touch information of the first touch sensor211to be turned on, and controls the household appliance to perform a corresponding procedure.

During specific implementation, the touch module20further includes a second touch module22. Referring toFIG.6, the second touch module22is connected to the first touch module21. The second touch module22may include a second touch sensor221, a second structural support frame222, and a display portion. The display portion is configured to display setting content. The second touch sensor221may be one touch sensor in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include the second structural support frame222.

During specific implementation, the second touch module22may be configured to control or adjust partial items of a procedure. For example, an item of the second touch module22for a washing procedure is the number of rinse cycles. The number of rinse cycles may be adjusted by using the second touch module22. In another example, items of the second touch module22for a wash/dry procedure are wash and dry, wash only, dry only, dry duration, and the like. The user may operate the second touch module to choose the wash and dry, the wash only, the dry only, or the like.

Referring toFIG.6andFIG.10, a second connection portion223is disposed on the second touch module22. The first touch module21is provided with a second plug interface215fitting the second connection portion223. The first touch module21may be connected to the second touch module22through the fitting between the second connection portion223and the second plug interface215. Through the connection between the first touch module21and the second touch module22, items in a procedure supported by the first touch module21and a procedure supported by the second touch module22can interact with each other.

Specifically, the second touch sensor is provided with a third connection portion. A third plug interface fitting the third connection portion is disposed on the second touch module22. The third plug interface may be connected to the second connection portion223, so that the control module25is connected to the second touch module22. In this way, the control module25may control the second touch module22and receive touch information of the second touch module22.

For example, the control module25can activate, according to a procedure chosen by the user by touching the first touch module21, an item that is in the second touch module22and is related to the chosen procedure. After the user touches the first touch module21to choose the “wash/dry” procedure, items such as the wash and dry, the wash only, the dry only, a dry level, a wash duration, and the dry duration corresponding to the “wash/dry” procedure in the second touch module22are activated. The user may operate the activated items by touching the second touch module22, while inactivated items are in a state of idle operation, to avoid misoperations.

The setting content displayed on the display portion may be content related to the control procedure after the first touch module21is triggered, or may be content related to the items of the procedure after the second touch module22is triggered, or may be content sent by the terminal device interconnected with the household appliance.

In a scenario that the household appliance is a washing machine, the setting content may be the weight of laundry placed in the drum of the washing machine, a motor speed, a remaining time for a selected procedure to be completed, a temperature of water added to the washing machine, or the like. It may be understood that, according to different types of household appliances, the setting content displayed on the second touch module22is correspondingly different. Therefore, the settings are specifically provided according to requirements of an actual application scenario.

The display portion may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and another component having a display function. The display portion may be detachably connected to the second structural support frame222, or may be integrally formed on the second structural support frame222.

It may be understood that, according to the different types of household appliances and the requirements of an actual application scenario, the touch module20may include the first touch module21or may include the first touch module21and the second touch module22.FIG.7andFIG.10are exemplarily exploded views of the first touch module21. The specific structure of the second touch module22is similar to that of the first touch module21. Details are not described herein again.

During specific implementation, the control panel assembly100of the household appliance may further include a positioning identifier. The positioning identifier may be located on either the touch sensor or the structural support frame, and configured to locate an adhesion position of the touch sensor. The positioning identifier may be a pattern, a symbol, or the like. When the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, by way of image identification, the adhesion position of the touch sensor may be determined or located according to a result of the image identification of the positioning identifier, so that the touch sensor can be precisely adhered to the position corresponding to the structural support frame.

During specific implementation, for ease of user operations, the control panel assembly100may include a printed pattern. The printed pattern may be an icon corresponding to a control procedure. The icon may be a character, a pattern, a combination of a character and a pattern, or the like.

The printed pattern may be located on a side, facing the touch sensor, of the touch panel10, may be located on the structural support frame, or may be located on the touch sensor.

During specific implementation, the printed pattern may be printed on the side, facing the touch sensor, of the touch panel10in a laser manner. Alternatively, the printed pattern may be printed on a film, and the film provided with the printed pattern is adhered to the side, facing the touch sensor, of the touch panel10. Alternatively, the printed pattern may be disposed on the side, facing the touch sensor, of the touch panel10in other manners. When the printed pattern is disposed on the side, facing the touch sensor, of the touch panel10, the definition is high, so that in a case that a touch or control panel assembly is not turned on, the user may learn positions of the procedure options on the touch panel10more intuitively.

During specific implementation, the printed pattern may be printed on a film, and the film printed with the pattern is adhered to the structural support frame. This manner facilitates the adhesion operation of the printed pattern.

During specific implementation, the printed pattern may be printed on the touch sensor in a laser manner. Alternatively, the printed pattern may be printed on a film, and the film provided with the printed pattern is adhered to the touch sensor. The integration of the printed pattern into the touch sensor facilitates the assembly of the control panel assembly100.

During specific implementation, the control panel assembly100may further include a housing30. The housing30is provided with a receiving cavity. The touch module20is located in the receiving cavity. The touch panel10is connected to the housing30.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the housing30includes a front housing31and a rear housing32. The front housing31is provided with a mounting opening311. The touch panel10abuts against the touch module20through the mounting opening311. The rear housing32is detachably connected to the front housing31. The rear housing32abuts against the touch module20to apply pressure to the touch module20, so that the touch sensor abuts against the touch panel10.

During specific implementation,FIG.11is a schematic structural diagram of a rear housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.12is a schematic structural diagram of another rear housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. A side, facing the front housing31, of the rear housing32is provided with an abutting portion321. The abutting portion321abuts against the touch module20, thereby further enhancing the fitness between the touch sensor and the touch panel10.

It should be noted that, in the rear housing32, other components apart from the abutting portion321described in the embodiments of the present invention may be disposed according to the requirements.FIG.11andFIG.12are merely schematic structural diagrams in some scenarios, and do not limit the specific structure of the rear housing32. During actual application, there may be other cases.

During specific implementation, the abutting portion321is elastic, to implement flexible abutting, thereby avoiding damaging the touch module20when the abutting portion321abuts against the touch module20. For example, when the elastic abutting portion321abuts against the electronic board24of the touch module20, the electronic board24is relatively thin, and some electronic components are usually disposed on the electronic board24. Therefore, when the elastic abutting portion321abuts against the electronic board24, the abutting portion321can both provide a particular abutting force and effectively avoid damaging the electronic board24.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the abutting portion321may be completely elastic. Alternatively, the abutting portion321may be partially elastic. Referring toFIG.11, the abutting portion321may include an elastic abutting column3211. The abutting portion321may include a matrix3212connected to the housing30and the elastic abutting column3211connected to the matrix3212. The matrix3212and the elastic abutting column3211may be connected in many manners. For example, a connecting hole may be provided in the matrix3212, and the elastic abutting column3211is inserted into the connecting hole. In another example, the elastic abutting column3211is adhered to the matrix3212. The elastic abutting column3211may be made of rubber, silicon, or foam, among other flexible materials.

Referring toFIG.12, the abutting portion321may include an elastic sheet. One end of the elastic sheet is fixed to the rear housing32, and the other end is freely movable. When the elastic sheet is in a free state, the freely movable end of the elastic sheet stretches away from the rear housing32. When the rear housing32is assembled on the front housing31, the freely movable end of the elastic sheet abuts against the touch module20.

In the specific embodiment, the abutting portion321may further include a spring, or the like.

During specific implementation, there may be a plurality of abutting portions321, and the quantity of the abutting portions321and arrangement positions of the abutting portions on the rear housing32may be set according to the size and arrangement position of the touch module20, arrangement of other components, among other factors, provided that the abutting portions can evenly abut against the touch module20.

During specific implementation, when the rear housing32is connected to the front housing31, a contacting edge of the rear housing is provided with a flexible layer322. The flexible layer322may implement the sealing of the housing30and may implement flexible mounting of the rear housing32and the front housing31, thereby avoiding mutual damage during mounting of the rear housing32and the front housing31.

The flexible layer322may be integrally formed on the rear housing32or may be detachably connected to the rear housing32. The flexible layer322may be made of rubber, silicon, or foam, among other flexible materials.

During specific implementation, referring toFIG.6, one of an inner edge of the mounting opening311and an outer edge of the structural support frame is provided with an inlay bayonet33, and the other of the inner edge of the mounting opening311and the outer edge of the structural support frame is provided with an inlay protrusion34adapted to the inlay bayonet33. Specifically, the inner edge of the mounting opening311is provided with the inlay bayonet33, and the outer edge of the structural support frame is provided with the inlay protrusion34adapted to the inlay bayonet33. Alternatively, the outer edge of the structural support frame is provided with the inlay bayonet33, and the inner edge of the mounting opening311is provided with the inlay protrusion34adapted to the inlay bayonet33.

There may be a plurality of inlay protrusions34. The inlay protrusions34may have the same outer contour shape or different outer contour shapes. An inner contour shape of the inlay bayonet33may be configured according to the outer contour shape of the corresponding inlay protrusion34, provided that the inlay protrusion34is adapted to the inlay bayonet33.

During specific implementation, one of a side, facing the touch panel10, of the front housing31and a side, facing the front housing31, of the touch panel10is provided with a slot36, and the other of the side, facing the touch panel10, of the front housing31and the side, facing the front housing31, of the touch panel10is provided with a clamping portion37adapted to the slot36. The touch panel10is connected to the front housing31through the fitting connection between the slot36and the clamping portion37.

During specific implementation, referring toFIG.5, the control panel assembly100of the household appliance may further include a communication module40. The communication module40may be coupled to the touch module20, and configured to establish a communication connection between the household appliance and an interconnected terminal device. In this way, the control module25of the touch module20can receive the control instruction sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device can obtain operation information of the household appliance by using the control module25, thereby remotely controlling the household appliance by using the terminal device. The communication module40may be a wireless communication module.

During specific implementation, the control panel assembly100may further include a chrome-plated strip50. The chrome-plated strip50is detachably connected to the touch panel10, to decorate the control panel assembly100. The chrome-plated strip50may be connected to the touch panel10in an engagement manner.

During specific implementation, according to application requirements, the control panel assembly100of the household appliance may further include some other components. For example, the control panel assembly100of the household appliance may include a drawer70and a drawer panel80connected to the drawer70. The front housing31is provided with a mounting opening312for mounting the drawer70. During specific implementation, a bottom end of the drawer panel80may further be detachably connected to a chrome-plated strip90.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a household appliance. The household appliance may include the control panel assembly100. The control panel assembly100may use the control panel assembly100provided in any one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. For a description of the control panel assembly100, reference may be made to the description in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. Details are not described herein again.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a touch module of a household appliance. Referring toFIG.1toFIG.12, the touch module20may include a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. The touch sensor group includes one or more touch sensors. One side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame.

One side of the touch sensor in the touch sensor group is adhered to the structural support frame. In view of the structure of the structural support frame, it is easy to better adhere the touch sensor to the structural support frame, and bubbles are not likely to form.

When the touch sensor group and the structural support frame are used as one integral touch module20, during assembly or maintenance, the touch sensor group and the structural support frame may be replaced as a whole, to facilitate mounting and maintenance.

During specific implementation, the structural support frame is made of a flexible material. For example, when the touch module20is used in the touch or control panel assembly, the structural support frame, under the abutting action of an external force, a deformation tends to enable the touch sensor to be as close to the touch panel10as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel10, or to reduce a gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor, so that the gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor is less than the set tolerance. In this way, when the user touches, presses, or clicks/taps the touch panel10, the touch sensor can detect an operation of the user and maintain particular touch sensitivity. The set tolerance is related to the type of the touch sensor. The structural support frame made of a flexible material may also provide flexible support, thereby avoiding damaging the touch sensor. The flexible material may be PVC, silicon or rubber, or the like.

During specific implementation, the structural support frame may include a support portion231and an elastic portion232. The elastic portion232is fixed to the support portion231. The touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion232. For example, when the touch module20is used in the touch or control panel assembly, under the abutting of an external force, the elastic portion232of the structural support frame deforms, to enable the touch sensor adhered to the elastic component to be as close to the touch panel10as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel10, or to reduce a gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor, so that the gap between the touch panel10and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance. In this way, when a user operates the touch panel10, the touch module20can effectively perceive a touch operation, thereby enhancing the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly100.

The elastic portion232may be made of rubber, silicon, or foam, among other flexible materials.

During specific implementation, the elastic portion232is integrally formed with the support portion231. For example, with a mold, the structural support frame is integrally formed through molding. In another example, based on the support portion231, the elastic portion232is formed through foaming.

During specific implementation, the elastic portion232is detachably connected to the support portion231. For example, the elastic portion232is adhered to the support portion231. In another example, the elastic portion232is snapped into the support portion231. It may be understood that, alternatively, the elastic portion232may be detachably connected to the support portion231in other manners. Examples are not described herein again one by one.

During specific implementation, the touch module20may further include an electronic board24. The electronic board24is fixed to the structural support frame. The structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board24. That is, one side of the structural support frame is configured to adhere the touch sensor, and the other side of the structural support frame is configured to fix the electronic board24. The electronic board24may illuminate a particular area by using a light source241disposed on the electronic board, so that the user intuitively learns a touch operation.

The light source241may be an LED or another type of light-emitting apparatus.

During specific implementation, the touch module20includes a first touch module21. The first touch module21includes a first touch sensor211and a first structural support frame212. The first touch module21is configured to control procedure selection. The first touch sensor211may be one touch sensor in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include the first structural support frame212.

During specific implementation, the first touch sensor211is provided with a first connection portion213. The first touch module21is provided with a first plug interface214adapted to the first connection portion213. The first plug interface214is coupled to the control module25, so that the control module25receives touch information of the first touch sensor211, and the control module25controls the light source241of a corresponding area according to the touch information of the first touch sensor211to be turned on, and controls the household appliance to perform a corresponding procedure.

During specific implementation, the touch module20may further include a second touch module22connected to the first touch module21. The second touch module22includes a second touch sensor221, a second structural support frame222, and a display portion. The display portion is configured to display setting content. The second touch sensor221may be one touch sensor in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include a second structural support frame222.

Referring toFIG.6andFIG.10, a second connection portion223is disposed on the second touch module22. The first touch module21is provided with a second plug interface215fitting the second connection portion223. The first touch module21may be connected to the second touch module22through the fitting between the second connection portion223and the second plug interface215. Through the connection between the first touch module21and the second touch module22, items in a procedure supported by the first touch module21and a procedure supported by the second touch module22can interact with each other.

Specifically, the second touch sensor is provided with a third connection portion. A third plug interface fitting the third connection portion is disposed on the second touch module22. The third plug interface may be connected to the second connection portion223, so that the control module25is connected to the second touch module22. In this way, the control module25may control the second touch module22and receive touch information of the second touch module22.

The setting content displayed on the display portion may be content related to the control procedure after the first touch module21is triggered, or may be content related to the items of the procedure after the second touch module22is triggered, or may be content sent by the terminal device interconnected with the household appliance.

The display portion may include an LCD or another component having a display function. The display portion may be detachably connected to the second structural support frame222or may be integrally formed on the second structural support frame222.

During specific implementation, for the structure and description of the touch module20, reference may be made to the description of the control panel assembly100provided in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. Details are not described herein again.

Although specific implementations have been described above, these implementations are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even if only one implementation is described with respect to specific features. The feature examples provided in the present invention are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, unless different expressions are made. During specific implementation, according to an actual requirement, if technically feasible, the technical features of one or more dependent claims may be combined with the technical features of the independent claims, and the technical features from the corresponding independent claims may be combined in any appropriate way instead of using just specific combinations listed in the claims.

Although the present invention is disclosed above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention, and therefore the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the scope defined by the claims.