Knobs and household appliances

Abstract

The present application discloses a knob and a household appliance, wherein the knob comprises: a first component, the first component comprises a first induction member; a second component, which is sleeved on the first component, the second component comprises a second induction member; wherein when the second component rotates about a rotation axis, the first induction member is fixed relative to the rotation axis, and the second induction member moves around the rotation axis. The knob of the present application realizes the integration of a rotation adjustment function and a key confirmation function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a knob, a control device and a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, the consumer market of household appliances has also developed rapidly. Many household appliances on the market have control structures. For example, in appliances such as water heaters, gas stoves, microwave ovens, washing machines, cooking machines, induction cookers, and rice cookers, the control structure may be a touch panel or a button knob to achieve functions such as adjustment confirmation. For control structures such as knobs, their functions are single and inconvenient to use. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a knob and a household appliance to solve the problem of single function of the knob in the prior art.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a knob, comprising: a first component, the first component including a first sensing part; a second component, which is sleeved on the first component, and the second component includes a second sensing part; wherein, when the second component rotates about a rotation axis, the first sensing part is fixed relative to the rotation axis, and the second sensing part moves around the rotation axis.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a household appliance, including the above-mentioned knob.

[0006] The knob provided by the present application includes a first component and a second component. The second component is sleeved on the first component and rotates about a rotation axis. The first sensing element in the first component is fixed relative to the rotation axis, and the second sensing element in the second component moves around the rotation axis. The rotation adjustment function is realized by the second sensing element, and the button confirmation function of pressing or touching is realized by the first sensing element. The rotation and button functions are integrated to make the operation more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work, among which:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the knob;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the control panel corresponding to the knob shown;

[0011] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the knob;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A bottom view of the second embodiment of the knob shown;

[0014] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the knob;

[0016] Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0017] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the knob;

[0018] Fig.11 is a schematic structural diagram of the fifth embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0019] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a first cross-sectional structure of a fifth embodiment of the knob shown;

[0020] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a second cross-sectional structure of the fifth embodiment of the knob shown;

[0021] Fig.14 is a structural schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0022] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the knob;

[0023] Fig.16 is a structural schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0024] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 A schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the knob;

[0025] Fig.18 is a schematic structural diagram of an eighth embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0026] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the knob shown;

[0027] Fig. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a ninth embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0028] Fig.21 is a structural schematic diagram of the tenth embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0029] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the knob shown;

[0030] Fig.23 is a structural schematic diagram of the eleventh embodiment of the knob of the present application;

[0031] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 A schematic structural diagram of the self-locking portion and the locking portion in the eleventh embodiment of the knob shown;

[0032] Fig.25 yes Fig.23 A schematic cross-sectional view of the eleventh embodiment of the knob;

[0033] Fig.26 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the household appliance of the present application;

[0034] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a household appliance is shown;

[0035] Fig.28 yes Fig.26 A schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an embodiment of a household appliance is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific implementations shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these implementations do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on these implementations are all included in the protection scope of the present application.

[0037] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in the field to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0038] The knob of the present application can be applied to household appliances to control the household appliances, integrating the functions of rotation adjustment and button confirmation, and its specific structure is as follows.

[0039] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the knob of the present application, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the first embodiment of the knob is shown, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the control panel corresponding to the knob shown.

[0040] The knob 100 of this embodiment includes a first component 11 and a second component 12. The second component 12 is sleeved on the first component 11. The second component 12 can rotate about the rotation axis X to achieve the function of rotation adjustment. Specifically, the entire knob 100 can rotate together, that is, the first component 11 can also rotate, or only the second component 12 can rotate.

[0041] The functions of rotation adjustment and key confirmation are realized in the knob 100, specifically, by the sensing element. The first component 11 includes a first sensing element 111, and the second component 12 includes a second sensing element 121. When the second component 12 rotates about the rotation axis X, the first sensing element 111 is fixed relative to the rotation axis X and the position is fixed to realize the key confirmation function of pressing or touching; the second sensing element 121 moves around the rotation axis X to realize the rotation adjustment function.

[0042] The knob 100 of this embodiment realizes the integration of the rotation adjustment and key confirmation functions in the above manner.

[0043] The knob 100 is applied to household appliances and can be used in conjunction with the control panel 900. A corresponding sensor is provided in the control panel 900, and the knob 100 is adsorbed on the sensing position of the control panel 900, and control is achieved through the induction between the sensor elements. This method eliminates the need for slotting the control panel in the household appliance, and can keep the control panel clean.

[0044] There are many induction methods for realizing induction control, such as infrared induction, Hall induction, magnetic resistance induction, etc., and capacitive induction. In this embodiment, capacitive induction is adopted, that is, the first component 11 and the second component 12 are both conductive parts, which serve as induction electrodes and form a capacitor with the induction electrodes in the control panel 900 to realize capacitive induction. With the capacitive induction method, when the knob is not used, the user can also generate induction control on the surface of the control panel 900 by finger operation.

[0045] Since the second component 12 and the first component 11 are both conductors, an insulating member 13 is provided between them to avoid interference between them.

[0046] In order to realize the key confirmation function, the first sensing element 111 is fixed relative to the rotation axis X. In this embodiment, the first sensing element 111 is specifically a conductive column with the rotation axis X as the central axis. In this embodiment, the first component 11 as a whole can be used as the first sensing element 111 and is arranged in the second component 12. When in use, the user can change the capacitance generated by the first sensing element 111 by touching or pressing the first component 11, thereby realizing induction.

[0047] The second component 12 includes a conductive ring 122 with the rotation axis X as the central axis, and the second sensing member 121 is a conductive block 121 arranged on the inner wall of the conductive ring 122. When the second component 12 rotates, the conductive block 121 moves around the rotation axis X, thereby realizing rotation sensing. The second component 12 is in the shape of a ring, and the second component 12 is sleeved on the first component 11, that is, the entire knob is in the shape of a cylinder.

[0048] The assembly between the second component 12, the first component 11 and the insulating member 13 is mainly achieved by structural design to achieve fixed installation.

[0049] Specifically, the conductive ring 122 includes an upper opening 1221 and a lower opening 1222 that are opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis. When the knob 100 is in use, the lower opening 1222 faces the control panel 900. The inner wall of the conductive ring 122 is provided with a protrusion 123 protruding toward the rotation axis X. The upper surface of the protrusion 123 facing the upper opening 1221 forms a step surface 1231. The first component 11 is clamped on the step surface 1231, and an insulating member 13 is provided between the first component 11 and the step surface 1231. Furthermore, the upper surface of the conductive block 121 facing the upper opening 1221 and the upper surface 1231 of the protrusion 123 are located in the same plane, and together constitute the step surface 1231.

[0050] The lower surface of the protrusion 123 facing the lower opening 1222 forms a contact surface 1232, and the lower surface of the conductive block 121 facing the lower opening 1222 is closer to the lower opening 1222 than the lower surface 1232 of the protrusion 123. Furthermore, the lower surface of the conductive block 121 can be flush with the lower surface of the conductive ring 122, that is, the conductive block 121 serves as the second sensing element, which is arranged close to the control panel 900; the conductive column serves as the first sensing element 111 and is penetrated through the conductive ring 122, and is also arranged close to the control panel 900, so as to facilitate sensing detection.

[0051] Due to the structural design of the raised portion 123 of the conductive ring 122 in the second component 12, for ease of assembly, the insulating member 13 between the second component 12 and the first component 11 includes a first insulating ring 131 and a second insulating ring 132. The first insulating ring 131 is assembled in the conductive ring 122 through an upper opening 1221, and the second insulating ring 132 is assembled in the conductive ring 122 through a lower opening 1222.

[0052] The first insulating ring 131 includes a receiving portion 1311 and a perforated portion 1312 connected to each other, and the receiving portion 1311 is placed on the step surface 1231 through the upper opening 1221; the second insulating ring 132 includes a covering portion 1321 and an opening portion 1322 connected to each other, and the covering portion 1321 is abutted against the abutting surface 1232 through the lower opening 1222, and the perforated portion 1312 and the opening portion 1322 are connected.

[0053] The first component 11 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 1311 and penetrates the through-hole portion 1312 and the opening portion 1322. After the first insulating ring 131 and the second insulating ring 132 are installed, the first component 11 is installed in the insulating member 13.

[0054] A slot 1323 is further provided on the cover portion 1321 , and the conductive block 121 is clamped in the slot 1323 . The conductive block 121 can directly sense the control panel and avoid being covered by the cover portion 1321 .

[0055] When in use, the knob 100 needs to be adsorbed on the control panel 900 , so an adsorption member 14 is also provided on the first component 11 or the second component 12 , and the adsorption member 14 can be a magnetic member or adsorption glue.

[0056] In this embodiment, the adsorption member 14 is a magnetic member, which is arranged on the first component 11. The first component 11 in the middle of the knob 100 is adsorbed on the control panel 900. In this embodiment, the first component 11 includes a button top surface 112 and a button bottom surface 113 opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis X, and the second component 12 also includes a knob top surface 124 and a knob bottom surface 125 opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis X. The first component 11 is inserted into the second component 12, and the button bottom surface 113 extends out of the knob bottom surface 125. When the first component 11 contacts the control panel 900, there is a certain interval between the second component 12 and the control panel 900, which can reduce the friction between the knob 100 and the control panel 900 when the knob 100 rotates.

[0057] Figure 3 The configuration of the sensing elements in the control panel 900 is presented, including a third sensing element 911 corresponding to the first sensing element 111, at least two fourth sensing elements 912 corresponding to the second sensing element 121, and at least two fourth sensing elements 912 corresponding to the second sensing element 121. When the knob 100 is operated, the rotation adjustment function or the key confirmation function is determined by detecting the changes in the sensing amounts of the third sensing element 911 and the fourth sensing element 912.

[0058] When capacitive sensing is used, the third sensing element 911 and the fourth sensing element 912 can be good conductors such as springs, ITO, coatings, PCB copper sheets, conductive sponges, etc. In order to interact with the magnetic element 14 in the knob 100, a magnet 92 is also provided in the control panel 900.

[0059] The knob 100 of this embodiment realizes the knob adjustment and key confirmation functions respectively through the first sensing element and the second sensing element.

[0060] In order to make the rotation of the knob and the use of the buttons more convenient, the present application further improves the structure of the knob.

[0061] For the rotation function, when the user performs the rotation operation, the rotation frustration is not obvious enough, so the user lacks a sense of touch and is prone to misoperation. To solve this problem, the present application adopts a magnetic structure and an elastic structure to achieve the rotation frustration.

[0062] For the magnetic structure, this application proposes Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 The three embodiments have roughly similar structures, so the same set of reference numerals are used in the following description.

[0063] The knob 200 of the three embodiments includes a first component 21, a second component 22 and a seat 23. The seat 23 is formed with a receiving cavity, the first component 21 is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the second component 22 is rotatably sleeved on the seat 23. The seat 23 is located between the first component 21 and the second component 22 and can be an insulator.

[0064] In the three embodiments, the second component 22 includes a first surface 221 relative to the base 23, and the base 23 includes a second surface 231 relative to the first surface 221; one of the first surface 221 and the second surface 231 is provided with a first magnetic component group, including at least one first magnetic component 24; the other of the first surface 221 and the second surface 231 is provided with a second magnetic component group, including at least two second magnetic components 25 arranged at intervals. When the second component 22 rotates relative to the base 23, the interaction force between the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group changes.

[0065] When the rotating assembly 22 rotates relative to the seat 23, the rotation position is different, and the attraction between the first magnetic component group and the corresponding second magnetic component group also changes accordingly, and then the rotation resistance of the user rotating the knob 200 also changes accordingly. When the first magnetic component 24 in the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component 25 in the second magnetic component group are close to each other, the attraction between the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group drives the two to have a tendency to fit each other, and at this time, the rotation resistance of the user rotating the knob 200 is small; when the first magnetic component 24 in the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component 25 in the second magnetic component group fit each other, due to the attraction between the two, the rotation resistance of the user rotating the knob 200 and separating the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group is large.

[0066] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the rotational resistance changes regularly when the user rotates the knob 200, the magnetic strength of the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group, the arrangement spacing and number of the first magnetic component 24 in the first magnetic component group, and the arrangement spacing and number of the second magnetic component 25 in the second magnetic component group all change regularly. In detail, the greater the magnetic strength of the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group, the greater the rotational resistance, the greater the hand feel of the user, and the more obvious the rotational frustration; the greater the arrangement spacing of the first magnetic component 24 in the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component 25 in the second magnetic component group, the longer the interval between the two frustrations when the user rotates the knob 200 at a constant speed. Therefore, the magnetic strength of the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group, the arrangement spacing and number of the first magnetic component 24 in the first magnetic component group, and the arrangement spacing and number of the second magnetic component 25 in the second magnetic component group can be adjusted and set according to specific usage needs, and no further restrictions are made here. In addition, the button provided in this embodiment realizes the frustration feeling when the user rotates the knob 200 through the gentle change of magnetic force. The friction is small during the entire rotation process, and the user rotates the knob 200 more gently and smoothly.

[0067] Furthermore, the knob 200 provided in the three embodiments can be set to multiple gears corresponding to the positions where the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group are attracted and attached to each other. The attraction between the first magnetic component group and the second magnetic component group is used to drive the knob 200 to rotate to the corresponding gear, thereby achieving accurate adjustment of multiple gears, avoiding the situation where the user rotates the knob 200 excessively or the knob 200 is not rotated to the right position, so that the gear sense of the embodiment is clear.

[0068] In the three embodiments, the second magnetic component group is arranged with the rotation axis X of the second component 22 as the central axis, and the angle between adjacent second magnetic components 25 in the second magnetic component group is 5° to 180°. For example, the angle between adjacent second magnetic components 25 in the second magnetic component group is 10°, 40°, 80°, or 120°, etc.

[0069] The differences between the three embodiments are further described below.

[0070] See also Figure 4-Figure 6 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the knob of the present application, Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the second embodiment of the knob is shown in FIG. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the second embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0071] The second component 22 includes an inner side surface of the knob around the rotation axis, and the first surface 221 is the inner side surface of the knob; correspondingly, the seat body 23 includes an outer side surface of the seat body around the rotation axis, and the outer side surface of the seat body is the second surface 231. Specifically, the first magnetic component group is arranged on the first surface 221, that is, on the inner side surface of the knob; the second magnetic component group is arranged on the second surface 231, that is, on the outer side surface of the seat body.

[0072] Furthermore, the first magnetic member 24 in this embodiment is a permanent magnet inserted at intervals on the second component 22, the second magnetic member 25 is configured as a plurality of magnetizable protrusions formed at intervals on the second surface 231, and the first magnetic member 24 is vertically inserted on the second component 22.

[0073] Of course, in other application scenarios, the first magnetic member group can also be arranged on the second surface 231, that is, on the outer side of the seat body, and correspondingly, the second magnetic member group is arranged on the first surface 221. Specifically, four first magnetic members 24 are arranged. Of course, in other application scenarios, the number of the first magnetic members 24 can also be any other number greater than 1, as long as it can cooperate with the second magnetic member 25 on the seat body 1 to make the user feel a sense of frustration when rotating the second component 2.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one first magnetic component 24 is evenly distributed around the rotation axis X of the second component 22, and at least two second magnetic components 25 are also evenly distributed around the rotation axis X. When the user rotates the knob 200, the rotation resistance changes in a wave-like pattern.

[0075] Of course, in other embodiments, the first magnetic member 24 and the second magnetic member 25 may also be distributed non-uniformly with the rotation axis X as the central axis, which can also achieve the purpose of improving the user's feel and avoiding misoperation.

[0076] See also Figure 7-Figure 8 , Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third embodiment of the knob of the present application, Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the third embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0077] The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that the second magnetic member 25 in the present embodiment is a permanent magnet inserted at intervals on the seat body 23, and the second magnetic member 25 is vertically inserted on the seat body 23. Therefore, when the user rotates the second component 22, the attraction or repulsion between the first magnetic member 24 and the second magnetic member 25 also changes accordingly, and the specific principle will not be repeated. However, compared with the second embodiment, the setting of the second magnetic member 25 in the present embodiment has a larger change in the force between the second component 22 and the seat body 23, and thus the user's sense of frustration when rotating the knob 200 is more obvious, and the gear position sense is further clearer.

[0078] See also Figure 9-10 , Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the fourth embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0079] The difference of the fourth embodiment is that the seat body 23 includes a plug-in portion 232 and a sleeve portion 233 connected to each other, and the second component 22 includes a step portion 222 and an outer ring portion 223 connected to each other, wherein the plug-in portion 232 is inserted into the step portion 222, and the outer ring portion 223 is sleeved in the sleeve portion 233. The step surface of the step portion 222 is the first surface 221, and the surface of the sleeve portion 233 opposite to the step surface is the second surface 231. Specifically, a plurality of first magnetic members 24 of the first magnetic member group are flatly arranged on the first surface 221 on the second component 22, and a plurality of second magnetic members 25 of the second magnetic member group are flatly arranged on the second surface 231 on the seat body 23.

[0080] The above three embodiments further enhance the rotation frustration feeling of the user during use based on the first embodiment, and avoid the problem of misoperation.

[0081] For the elastic structure, this application proposes Fig.11 , Fig.14 and Fig.16 There are three embodiments, and the general structures of the three embodiments are similar, so the same group of numbers are used in the following description.

[0082] The knobs 300 of the three embodiments also include a first component 31 , a second component 32 and a seat body 33 .

[0083] The second component 32 includes a first surface 321 opposite to the base body 33, and the base body 33 includes a second surface 331 opposite to the first surface 321; one of the first surface 321 and the second surface 331 is provided with at least one elastic protrusion 34; the other of the first surface 321 and the second surface 331 is formed with a concave-convex structure 35. When the second component 32 rotates relative to the base body 33, the elastic protrusion slides along the concave-convex structure.

[0084] Specifically, the concave-convex structure 35 includes a plurality of protrusions arranged at intervals, and a groove is formed between two adjacent protrusions. When the protrusion height of the protrusion in the concave-convex structure 35 is higher, the rotation resistance is greater, the user's hand feel strength is greater, and the rotation frustration is more obvious. When the gap between adjacent protrusions is larger, the interval time between the two frustrations when the user rotates the knob 300 at a constant speed is longer; on the contrary, when the protrusion height of the protrusion in the concave-convex structure 35 is lower, the rotation resistance is smaller, the user's hand feel strength is smaller, and the rotation frustration is less obvious. When the gap between adjacent protrusions is smaller, the interval time between the two frustrations when the user rotates the knob 300 at a constant speed is shorter. Therefore, the protrusion height of the protrusion in the concave-convex structure 35 and the size of the gap between adjacent protrusions can be adjusted and set according to specific usage requirements, and no further restrictions are made here.

[0085] Furthermore, in order to make the rotation resistance when the user rotates the knob 300 change regularly, the protrusion height of the protrusion and the gap between adjacent protrusions may change regularly.

[0086] In the following embodiments, the concave-convex structure 35 is arranged with the rotation axis of the second component 32 as the central axis, and the angle between adjacent protrusions in the concave-convex structure 35 is 1.5° to 180°. For example, the angle between adjacent protrusions in the concave-convex structure 35 can be 20°, 50°, 80°, 100°, etc.

[0087] The elastic protrusion slides along the concave-convex structure 35, so that the elastic protrusion moves several protrusions in the concave-convex structure 35 along the rotation direction. Every time the elastic protrusion rotates from the protrusion in the concave-convex structure 35 to the groove, or from the groove in the concave-convex structure 35 to the protrusion, the rotational resistance of the user rotating the knob 300 changes.

[0088] Furthermore, when the second component 32 is not rotated, the elastic protrusion can stay in the groove in the concave-convex structure 35, that is, the groove has a certain limiting effect on the rotational position of the second component 32. Therefore, the knob 300 can be set with multiple gears corresponding to the groove in the concave-convex structure 35, and the above-mentioned limiting effect of the groove in the concave-convex structure 35 can be used to achieve accurate adjustment of multiple gears, thereby avoiding the situation where the knob 300 is over-rotated or the knob 300 is not rotated into place.

[0089] In addition, the number of elastic protrusions can also be adjusted according to the size of the rotation resistance required by the knob 300. In theory, the more elastic protrusions are set, the greater the maximum value of the rotation resistance required to rotate the knob 300, the more obvious the rotation frustration, and the clearer the gear position.

[0090] The differences between the three embodiments are further described below.

[0091] See also Figure 11-13 , Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig.12 yes Fig.11 The first cross-sectional structure diagram of the fifth embodiment of the knob is shown, Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the second cross-sectional structure of the fifth embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0092] The second component 32 includes an inner side surface of the knob around the rotation axis, which is the first surface 321; the seat body 33 includes an outer side surface of the seat body around the rotation axis, which is the second surface 331. Specifically, the inner side surface of the knob, i.e., the first surface 321, is formed with a concavo-convex structure 35, and the outer side surface of the seat body, i.e., the second surface 331, is provided with at least one elastic protrusion 34. Of course, the inner side surface of the knob, i.e., the first surface 321, may also be provided with at least one elastic protrusion, and correspondingly, the outer side surface of the seat body, i.e., the second surface 331, is formed with a concavo-convex structure 35.

[0093] Furthermore, at least one reed 36 is disposed on the outer side surface of the seat body, that is, the second surface 331, and each reed 36 is formed with an elastic protrusion 34. Fig.12 As shown, the reed 36 is extended in a bent strip shape, and the number is 2, and accordingly, the number of the elastic protrusions 34 is also 2. In addition, the surface where the concave-convex structure 35 in this embodiment is located is a vertical surface parallel to the rotation axis, that is, the inner side of the knob is a vertical surface, and the elastic protrusion of the reed 36 is also arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis and protrudes from the reed 36 so as to be able to slide along the concave-convex structure 35.

[0094] Of course, the reed 36 may be provided in other shapes, and the number of the reeds 36 and the number of the elastic protrusions may be any other number, as long as the elastic protrusion 34 slides along the concave-convex structure 35 when the second component 32 rotates relative to the seat body 33 .

[0095] See also Figure 14-15 , Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sixth embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig.15 yes Fig.14 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the sixth embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0096] The difference between the sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment is that at least one elastic member 37 is provided on the outer side of the seat body, i.e., the second surface 331, and each elastic member 37 is connected to a sphere 38, which protrudes from the second surface 331, i.e., the elastic protrusion in this embodiment is the sphere 38. When the user rotates the knob 300, the sphere 38 moves closer to or away from the seat body 33 under the action of the elastic member 37, and at the same time slides along the concave-convex structure 35 under the external force of the user, so that the rotation resistance changes.

[0097] Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic member 37 is a spring, and of course it can be other elastic structures, as long as the effect of changing the rotation resistance is achieved when the ball 38 slides along the concave-convex structure 35. In addition, the ball 38 connected to the elastic member 37 can also be other shapes, such as a cube, a hexahedron, etc.

[0098] See also Figure 16-Figure 17 , Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seventh embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig.17 yes Fig.16 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the seventh embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0099] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that the seat body 33 includes a plug-in portion 332 and a sleeve portion 333 that are interconnected, and the second component 32 includes a step portion 322 and an outer ring portion 323 that are interconnected, the plug-in portion 332 is inserted into the step portion 322, the outer ring portion 323 is sleeved in the sleeve portion 333, the step surface of the step portion 322 is the first surface 321, and the surface of the sleeve portion 333 opposite to the step surface is the second surface 331.

[0100] In the embodiment, the concave-convex structure 35 is arranged on the first surface 321, i.e., the step surface, the reed 39 is arranged on the second surface 331, and at least one elastic arm 391 is arranged on the periphery of the reed 39, and an elastic protrusion 34 is formed on the free end of one elastic arm 391. Specifically, the reed 39 is a flat closed annular structure, and has two elastic arms 391, and correspondingly, two elastic protrusions 34 are also provided. And, specifically, in the present embodiment, the first surface 321 on which the concave-convex structure 35 is formed is a horizontal surface perpendicular to the rotation axis. Of course, in other application scenarios of the present embodiment, the first surface 321 can also be set as an inclined surface.

[0101] Of course, the spring 39 may also be provided in other shapes, and the number of the elastic arms 391 and the elastic protrusions 34 may also be any other number, as long as the elastic protrusions 34 can slide along the concave-convex structure 35 when the second component 32 rotates relative to the seat body 33 .

[0102] The above three embodiments further enhance the rotation frustration feeling of the user during use based on the first embodiment, and avoid the problem of misoperation.

[0103] For the button function, when using it, the user only needs to touch and click the first component, which lacks force and feel, and is prone to misoperation. To solve this problem, this application proposes Fig.18 , Fig. 20 , Fig.21 and Fig.23 The four embodiments are described below using the same set of reference numerals.

[0104] The knob 400 includes a first component 41, a second component 42 and a seat body 43. The seat body 43 includes a seat body top surface and a seat body bottom surface opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis X. An elastic element 44 connected to the first component 41 is arranged in the accommodating cavity. The first component 41 is movably arranged in the accommodating cavity and moves relative to the seat body 43 along the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0105] When the user operates the first component 41, the first component 41 moves toward the bottom surface of the seat body, and the elastic element 44 undergoes elastic deformation. Therefore, the user needs to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 44 to press the first component 41 to adjust the corresponding function. The first component 41 has a stroke change, which allows the user to have a good sense of force and hand feeling, and effectively avoids the problem of misoperation. In addition, when the user has finished operating the button 400, the first component 41 can return to its original state under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 44 itself.

[0106] Four embodiments are further described below.

[0107] See also Figure 18-19 , Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eighth embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig.19 yes Fig.18 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the eighth embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0108] The seat body 43 includes a base portion 432 and a sleeve portion 433 that are interconnected, the base portion 432 is formed with a first slot hole 4321, the sleeve portion 433 is formed with a second slot hole 4331, the first slot hole 4321 and the second slot hole 4331 constitute the above-mentioned accommodating cavity 431; correspondingly, the first component 41 includes a connecting portion 411 and a button portion 412 that are interconnected, the connecting portion 411 is embedded in the base portion 432, and the button portion 412 is embedded in the sleeve portion 433.

[0109] In this embodiment, the elastic element 44 is connected between the button portion 412 and the base portion 432, and is located in the second slot 4331. Specifically, the elastic element 44 is a spring, which is connected between the button portion 412 and the base portion 432 and sleeved on the connecting portion 411. Of course, the elastic element 44 can also be other elastic structures, such as an elastic cantilever, a spring, etc., as long as the elastic element 44 is elastically deformed when the user presses the button 400.

[0110] It should be noted that, since different types of elastic elements 44 have different elastic forces, the maximum deformation degree of the elastic element 44 and the pressing force of the user pressing the button 400 are also different, and thus the user's force sense and hand feeling experience are also different. In addition, as the distance of the first component 41 moving toward the bottom surface of the seat body increases, that is, the pressing stroke increases, the pressing force of the user pressing the button 400 changes in a different way. Therefore, the type of elastic element 44 used in the button 400 can be determined according to specific usage needs, and the maximum pressing stroke and the change in the size of the pressing force can also be adjusted and set according to specific usage needs.

[0111] For example, a spring-type elastic element can achieve a larger pressing stroke, while a spring-type elastic element or a silicone-type elastic element can only achieve a smaller pressing stroke. In this embodiment, the pressing stroke range is 0.15mm to 20mm, for example, the pressing stroke is 0.15mm or 10mm or 15mm or 20mm, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the pressing stroke range is 0.2mm to 10mm, which has better performance.

[0112] See also Fig. 20 , Fig. 20 It is a structural schematic diagram of the ninth embodiment of the knob of the present application.

[0113] The difference between this embodiment and the eighth embodiment is that the seat body 43 includes a base portion 432 and a sleeve portion 433 connected to each other, the base portion 432 is formed with a first slot 4321, the sleeve portion 433 is formed with a second slot 4331, and the first slot 4321 and the second slot 4331 constitute the above-mentioned accommodating cavity 431; accordingly, the first component 41 includes a connecting portion 411 and a button portion 412 connected to each other, the connecting portion 411 is embedded in the base portion 432, the button portion 412 is embedded in the sleeve portion 433, and the elastic element 44 is connected between the connecting portion 411 and the sleeve portion 433, and is located in the first slot 4321. Specifically, see Fig. 20 The elastic element 44 is a spring, which is connected between the connecting portion 411 and the sleeve portion 433 and sleeved on the button portion 412. In the eighth embodiment, the spring is compressed and deformed, and in the ninth embodiment, the spring is stretched and deformed.

[0114] See also Figure 21-22 , Fig.21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tenth embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the tenth embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0115] In this embodiment, the accommodating cavity 431 is a through-hole structure. One end of the elastic element 44 is connected to the first component 41 , and the other end is in the same plane as the bottom surface of the base.

[0116] Furthermore, the elastic element 44 includes a fixing portion 441 and an outer ring portion 442 connected to the fixing portion 441 and arranged in a hollow state, and the fixing portion 441 is connected to the first component 41. Therefore, when the first component 41 moves toward the bottom surface of the seat body along the first direction, the outer ring portion 442 moves toward the bottom surface of the seat body along the first direction, that is, when the user presses the first component 41, the elastic force of the elastic element 44 needs to be overcome to make the outer ring portion 442 move toward the bottom surface of the seat body along the first direction. On the contrary, when the user does not apply a pressing force to the button 400, when the first component 41 moves away from the bottom surface of the seat body, the elastic element 44 returns to its original state under the action of its own elastic force, and then the fixing portion 441 and the first component 41 connected to the fixing portion 441 both move away from the bottom surface of the seat body, so that the first component 41 returns to its original position.

[0117] Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic element 44 may be made of, but not limited to, elastic silicone or rubber.

[0118] See also Figure 23-25 , Fig.23 is a structural schematic diagram of the eleventh embodiment of the knob of the present application, Fig.24 yes Fig.23 The schematic diagram of the structure of the self-locking part and the locking part of the eleventh embodiment of the knob is shown in FIG. Fig.25 yes Fig.23 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the eleventh embodiment of the knob is shown.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first component 41 includes a self-locking portion 413 and a locking portion 414. The locking portion 414 is arranged closer to the bottom surface of the seat body than the self-locking portion 413, and the elastic element 44 is connected to the locking portion 414; the end surface where the self-locking portion 413 and the locking portion 414 are connected is provided with a first V-shaped protrusion 4131 and a second V-shaped protrusion 4132; the end surface where the locking portion 414 and the self-locking portion 413 are connected is provided with a first V-shaped groove 4141, a second groove 4142 and a second The mating surface 4143, the first V-shaped groove 4141 includes a first inclined surface 41411 and a second inclined surface 41412 forming a V shape, the second mating surface 4143 is connected to the second inclined surface 41412, and is located in the same plane as the second inclined surface 41412, and the second mating surface 4143 is connected to the notch of the second slot 4142; the first V-shaped protrusion 4131 is embedded in the first V-shaped groove 4141, and the second V-shaped protrusion 4132 abuts against the second mating surface 4143.

[0120] When in use, under the first pressing force, the second V-shaped protrusion 4132 of the self-locking part 413 acts on the second matching surface 4143, and the locking part 414 rotates under the action of the elastic element 44, and the second V-shaped protrusion 4132 is embedded in the second slot 4142; under the second pressing force, the first V-shaped protrusion 4131 of the self-locking part 413 acts on the first inclined surface 41411, and the locking part 414 rotates under the action of the elastic element 44, and the second V-shaped protrusion 4132 abuts against the second matching surface 4143. Therefore, when the user presses for the first time, the first component 41 moves toward the bottom surface of the seat body to a position to achieve the self-locking function. At this time, if the user removes the first pressing force, the first component 41 still stays at the aforementioned position and does not move, which is convenient for the user to operate; when the operation is completed, when the user presses again, the self-locking is released, and the first component 41 moves away from the bottom surface of the seat body under the elastic action of the elastic element 44 to restore to its original state.

[0121] The above four embodiments further enhance the keystroke feeling of the user on the basis of the first embodiment and avoid the problem of misoperation.

[0122] The eleven embodiments of the knobs mentioned above can be used in combination if their structural features are not contradictory to each other, so as to achieve the best effect in all aspects. The knobs mentioned above can be used in household appliances in conjunction with a control panel, so the present application further proposes a household appliance.

[0123] See also Figure 26-Figure 28 , Fig.26 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the household appliance of the present application, Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 The structural diagram of an embodiment of a household appliance is shown in FIG. Fig.28 yes Fig.26 The cross-sectional structure diagram of an embodiment of a household appliance is shown. The household appliance 800 of this embodiment includes a knob 81 and a control panel 82. The knob 81 may be the knobs 100-400 described above, and the control panel 82 may be the control panel 900 described above.

[0124] The knob 81 includes a first induction member 811 and a second induction member 812. The knob 81 is adsorbed on the control panel 82 and senses the third induction member 821 and the fourth induction member 822 in the control panel 82 to realize induction control. The third induction member 821 and the fourth induction member 822 are specifically induction springs, and conductive plastics can also be used in other embodiments.

[0125] The first sensing element 811 and the third sensing element 821 form a capacitor. When the user operates, the capacitance change of the third sensing element 821 is detected, so as to determine whether the confirmation function of pressing or touching occurs; the second sensing element 812 and the fourth sensing element 822 form a capacitor, and at least two fourth sensing elements 822 are distributed in a surrounding manner, so detecting the capacitance of the fourth sensing element 822 can determine the rotation of the knob 81.

[0126] The household appliance 800 may be a controllable appliance such as a water heater, a gas stove, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an oven, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a water dispenser, etc. The knob 81 is adsorbed on the control panel 82, and the control of the household appliance is realized through the control panel 82, and the control functions of rotation adjustment and key confirmation can be performed.

[0127] It should be understood that although the present specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0128] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation examples of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any equivalent implementation examples or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A knob, characterized in that: The knob comprises: A first component, the first component comprising a first induction member; A second component is sleeved on the first component, and the second component includes a second induction element; Wherein, when the second component rotates about a rotation axis, the first sensing element is fixed relative to the rotation axis, and the second sensing element moves around the rotation axis; The first component and the second component are both conductive components, and an insulating component is provided between the second component and the first component; The first induction element is a conductive column with the rotation axis as the central axis and passing through the second component; The second component comprises a conductive ring with the rotating shaft as the central axis, and the second induction element is a conductive block arranged on the inner wall of the conductive ring; The conductive ring comprises an upper opening and a lower opening opposite to each other along the direction of the rotating shaft, the inner wall of the conductive ring is provided with a protruding portion protruding toward the rotating shaft, the protruding portion forms a step surface on the upper surface facing the upper opening, the first component is clamped on the step surface, and the insulating member is provided between the first component and the step surface; The lower surface of the protrusion facing the lower opening forms an abutting surface; the upper surface of the conductive block facing the upper opening is located in the same plane as the upper surface of the protrusion, and the lower surface of the conductive block facing the lower opening is closer to the lower opening than the lower surface of the protrusion; The insulating member comprises a first insulating ring and a second insulating ring, the first insulating ring comprises a receiving portion and a perforated portion connected to each other, the receiving portion is placed on the step surface through the upper opening; the second insulating ring comprises a cover portion and an opening portion connected to each other, the cover portion is abutted against the abutting surface through the lower opening; the perforated portion is in communication with the opening portion; The first component is accommodated in the accommodation portion and penetrates the perforated portion and the opening portion.

2. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover portion is provided with a slot, and the conductive block is clamped in the slot.

3. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first component or the second component is also provided with an adsorption component.

4. The knob according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adsorption part is arranged on the first component; the first component includes a button top surface and a button bottom surface opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis, and the second component includes a knob top surface and a knob bottom surface opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis; the first component is passed through the second component, and the button bottom surface extends out of the knob bottom surface.

5. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob further includes a seat body, the seat body forms a receiving cavity, the first component is arranged in the receiving cavity, and the second component is sleeved on the seat body.

6. The knob according to claim 5, characterized in that: The seat body comprises a seat body top surface and a seat body bottom surface which are opposite to each other along the direction of the rotation axis, and an elastic element connected to the first component is arranged in the accommodating cavity; The first component is movably disposed in the accommodating cavity and moves relative to the base along the direction of the rotating axis. When moving toward the bottom surface of the base, the elastic element is elastically deformed.

7. The knob according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second component is rotatably sleeved on the base, the second component includes a first surface opposite to the base, and the base includes a second surface opposite to the first surface; One of the first surface and the second surface is provided with a first magnetic member group, including at least one first magnetic member; the other of the first surface and the second surface is provided with a second magnetic member group, including at least two second magnetic members arranged at intervals; When the second component rotates relative to the base body, the interaction force between the first magnetic attraction component group and the second magnetic attraction component group changes.

8. The knob according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second component is rotatably sleeved on the base, the second component includes a first surface opposite to the base, and the base includes a second surface opposite to the first surface; One of the first surface and the second surface is provided with at least one elastic protrusion, and the other of the first surface and the second surface is formed with a concavo-convex structure; When the second component rotates relative to the seat body, the elastic protrusion slides along the concave-convex structure.

9. A household appliance, characterized in that: The household appliance comprises the knob according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that: The household appliance includes a control panel, and the knob is adsorbed on the control panel; the control panel is provided with a third sensing element corresponding to the first sensing element, and at least two fourth sensing elements corresponding to the second sensing element; the at least two fourth sensing elements are distributed in a surrounding path corresponding to the second sensing element.

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first induction element and the third induction element are respectively used as two electrodes of a first capacitor, and the second induction element and the fourth induction element are respectively used as two electrodes of a second capacitor.

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