Knob, clothing handling device, and knob mold

Abstract

The present invention discloses a knob, a clothing processing device, and a knob mold. The knob includes: a knob body, which is an integral injection-molded part; the knob body includes: a knob body side panel; the knob body side panel has one end and the other end along its axial direction; the end surface of the other axial end of the knob body side panel is provided with at least one knob gate molding area suitable for corresponding to the knob gate of the knob mold; the outer peripheral wall of the knob body side panel is an appearance surface; the knob body side panel has a knob equal wall thickness area; the knob equal wall thickness area extends in the entire axial direction of the knob body side panel; the knob equal wall thickness area is provided with a knob gate molding area; other areas of the knob body side panel other than the knob equal wall thickness area are knob variable wall thickness areas; the wall thickness of the knob equal wall thickness area is not less than the maximum wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area. According to the knob of the present invention, costs are reduced and the use needs of users are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing processing equipment, and in particular to a knob, clothing processing equipment and a knob mold. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a laundry processing appliance such as a drum washing machine uses a knob to control the selection of a laundry program, which has both functional and aesthetic requirements.

[0003] In the related art, the knob includes a knob body. When the knob body is injection molded, flow mark defects are likely to appear on the product. When heavier flow marks appear on the appearance of the product, it not only leads to a low product qualification rate and high cost, but also fails to meet the user's usage needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a knob with a high yield rate.

[0005] The present invention also provides a clothes processing device, which includes the above-mentioned knob.

[0006] The present invention also provides a knob mold, which is used to form the knob body of the above-mentioned knob, or to form the above-mentioned knob.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the knob comprises: a knob body, which is an integral injection-molded part, and the knob body comprises: a knob body side panel, the knob body side panel having one end and the other end along its axial direction, the end face of the other axial end of the knob body side panel is provided with at least one knob gate molding area suitable for corresponding to the knob gate of the knob mold, the outer peripheral wall of the knob body side panel is the appearance surface, the knob body side panel has a knob equal wall thickness area, the knob equal wall thickness area extends in the entire axial direction of the knob body side panel, the knob equal wall thickness area is provided with the knob gate molding area, and other areas of the knob body side panel other than the knob equal wall thickness area are knob variable wall thickness areas, and the wall thickness of the knob equal wall thickness area is not less than the maximum wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area.

[0008] According to the knob of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a knob gate molding area in the wall thickness area such as the knob, the flow lines of the side panels of the knob body can be reduced to at least a certain extent, and the flow lines can be prevented from appearing on the appearance surface of the side panels of the knob body to at least a certain extent, thereby improving the qualified rate of the side panels of the knob body to at least a certain extent, reducing costs, and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body includes a knob body connecting plate, the knob body side plate extends into a ring shape in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate, one axial end of the knob body side plate is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the knob body connecting plate, and the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area is the smallest at the end away from the knob body connecting plate.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob's variable wall thickness region gradually decreases in a direction away from the knob body connecting plate.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area adjacent to one end of the knob body connecting plate ranges from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region at one end away from the knob body connecting plate ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body connecting plate does not have an appearance surface, and the wall thickness of one end of the knob body connecting plate connected to the knob body side plate is smaller than the wall thickness of one end of the knob wall thickness changing area adjacent to the knob body connecting plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob body connecting plate ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body includes: a knob body reinforcement rib, which is arranged on the inner circumferential wall of the knob body side plate and extends into a sheet shape in the axial direction of the knob body, and the knob body reinforcement rib is located in the area where the knob wall becomes thicker.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knob includes: a knob cover plate, wherein the knob cover plate is provided on a side surface of the knob body connecting plate away from the knob body side plate.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a latch hole is provided on the knob body connecting plate, and a latch hook cooperating with the latch hole is provided on the knob cover; or, the knob is an integral injection-molded part.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body is a spray-free part, and the spray-free part includes a resin matrix and metal particles distributed in the resin matrix.

[0019] A clothes treating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned knob.

[0020] According to the laundry processing device of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the aforementioned knob and providing a knob gate molding area in a thick wall area such as the knob, flow lines on the knob body side plate can be reduced to at least a certain extent, at least to a certain extent, preventing flow lines from appearing on the exterior surface of the knob body side plate, at least to a certain extent, improving the qualified rate of the knob body side plate 302 to at least a certain extent, reducing costs, and meeting user needs.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a knob mold comprises: a knob mold core, the knob mold core having a knob cavity, the knob cavity comprising a knob body side plate knob cavity, the knob body side plate knob cavity having one end and the other end along its axial direction, the knob mold core having a knob gate located on the wall surface of the other axial end of the knob body side plate knob cavity, the knob body side plate knob cavity having a knob equal thickness region, the knob gate located in the knob equal thickness region, the knob equal thickness region extending in the entire axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity, the other regions of the knob body side plate knob cavity other than the knob equal thickness region are knob variable thickness regions, and the thickness of the knob equal thickness region is not less than the maximum thickness of the knob variable thickness region.

[0022] According to the knob mold of the embodiment of the present invention, since the knob gate is located in the knob equal thickness area, and the thickness of the knob equal thickness area is not less than the maximum thickness of the knob variable thickness area, it is beneficial to ensure the stability of material flow to a certain extent, thereby reducing the flow lines on the side panels of the knob body, at least to a certain extent, improving the yield of the knob product and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob cavity includes a knob body connecting plate cavity, the knob body side plate knob cavity extends into a ring shape along the circumference of the knob body connecting plate cavity, one axial end of the knob body side plate knob cavity is connected to the knob body connecting plate cavity along the entire circumference of the knob body connecting plate cavity, and the thickness of the knob variable thickness area at the end away from the knob body connecting plate cavity is the smallest.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the knob variable thickness region gradually decreases in a direction away from the knob body connecting plate cavity.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the knob variable thickness region adjacent to one end of the knob body connecting plate cavity ranges from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob variable thickness region at one end away from the knob body connection plate cavity ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of one end of the knob body connecting plate cavity communicating with the knob body side plate cavity is smaller than the thickness of one end of the knob variable thickness region adjacent to the knob body connecting plate cavity.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the knob body connecting plate cavity ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob cavity includes a knob body reinforcement rib cavity, which is located on the inner periphery of the knob body side plate cavity and is connected to the knob body side plate cavity. The knob body reinforcement rib cavity extends into a sheet shape in the axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity, and the knob body reinforcement rib cavity is located in the knob thickness variable area.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob mold has a knob cover plate cavity, which is arranged on a side of the knob body connecting plate cavity away from the knob body side plate cavity and is connected to the knob cavity.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a knob body according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 1a is based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the knob body in another direction is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 In the cross-sectional view taken along the NN direction, the axial direction C1 of the arrow in the figure is the axial direction of the side plate of the knob body;

[0036] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view in the OO direction is shown;

[0037] Figure 4 is based on Figure 3 An enlarged view of the circled portion at P shown;

[0038] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a knob mold according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 is based on Figure 5 The cross-sectional view in the QQ direction is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 is based on Figure 6 An enlarged view of the circled portion at T shown;

[0041] Figure 8 is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view in the RR direction is shown;

[0042] Figure 9 is based on Figure 8 An enlarged view of the circled portion at position U shown;

[0043] Figure 10 is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view in the SS direction is shown;

[0044] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the flow of materials in the cavity of the side plate of the knob body according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the flow of materials in the cavity of the side plate of the knob body according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the flow of materials in the panel side plate cavity according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the flow of materials in the panel side plate cavity according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of materials in the cavity in the related art;

[0049] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a knob cover according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 17 is based on Figure 16 An enlarged view of the circled portion at D shown;

[0051] Figure 18 is based on Figure 17 The cross-sectional view along direction II is shown in the figure, in which the arrow thickness B1 is the thickness direction of the cover plate connecting portion, and the arrow thickness B2 is the thickness direction of the cover plate body;

[0052] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a knob cover mold according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 20is based on Figure 19 A cross-sectional view in the KK direction is shown;

[0054] Figure 21 is based on Figure 19 A cross-sectional view in the JJ direction is shown;

[0055] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a knob cover according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 23 is based on Figure 22 Schematic diagram of the knob cover in another direction.

[0057] Reference numerals:

[0058] Knob cover 20; cover body 203; cover gate molding area 2031; cover connecting rib 204; cover connecting rib body 2041; cover connecting portion 2042;

[0059] Knob cover mold 2; knob cover mold core 21; cover body cavity 213; cover connecting rib cavity 214; cover connecting rib body cavity 2141; cover connecting part cavity 2142;

[0060] Knob body 30; knob body connecting plate 301; knob body side plate 302; knob constant wall thickness area 3021; knob variable wall thickness area 3022; knob gate molding area 3023;

[0061] Knob mold 3; knob mold core 31; knob body connecting plate cavity 311; knob body side plate knob cavity 312; knob constant thickness area 3121; knob variable thickness area 3122. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0063] Generally, a laundry processing appliance such as a drum washing machine uses a knob to control the selection of a laundry program, which has both functional and aesthetic requirements.

[0064] The knob includes a knob body 30, which is typically manufactured using a combination of injection molding and spray coating. This coating creates a stunning metallic appearance. However, the spray coating process has drawbacks such as high pollution, high cost, low yield rate, and non-recyclability. This severely impacts the environment and the health of production workers, and is inconsistent with the concept of green manufacturing. To address these shortcomings, spray-free thermoplastic engineering materials have emerged. Spray-free injection molding can achieve a metallic appearance, eliminating the need for spray coating, reducing production costs, and avoiding pollutant emissions during the spray coating process.

[0065] Regardless of whether the knob body 30 is injection molded with a spray-free material or manufactured by an injection molding + spraying process, for materials with poor fluidity, especially spray-free materials containing metal particles, due to the presence of metal particles and other substances in the spray-free material, the material encounters obstacles during the flow process during the injection molding process, which will cause uneven distribution of metal particles. In this way, when the product is injection molded, light scattering occurs under the irradiation of light, and the product visually forms flow lines, resulting in flow line defects in the product. When flow lines appear on the appearance of the product, it not only leads to a low product qualification rate, but also fails to meet the user's usage needs. In the following description, a spray-free material containing metal particles is used as an example. That is, the following knob body 30 can be a spray-free part, and the spray-free part includes a resin matrix and metal particles distributed in the resin matrix. Optionally, the metal particles are copper, aluminum or silver.

[0066] The following describes a knob, a clothes treating device and a knob mold 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Optionally, the clothes treating device is a washing machine, a clothes dryer or a washer-dryer.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 1a As shown, the knob according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a knob body 30, which is an integral injection-molded part, that is, the knob mold 3 can be used to at least mold the knob body 30. Therefore, the one-piece structure can not only ensure the structural and performance stability of the knob body 30, but also facilitate molding and simple manufacturing, and eliminate unnecessary assembly parts and connection processes, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection of the knob body 30. Furthermore, the overall strength and stability of the one-piece structure are higher, the assembly is more convenient, and the service life is longer.

[0068] like Figure 1 、 Figure 1a as well as Figure 2 As shown, the knob body 30 includes a knob body connecting plate 301 and a knob body side plate 302 .

[0069] Reference Figure 1As shown, the knob body side plate 302 extends in a ring shape in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate 301. In other words, the knob body side plate 302 is annular and surrounds the knob body connecting plate 301. One axial end of the knob body side plate 302 is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the knob body connecting plate 301. The other axial end of the knob body side plate 302 is provided with at least one knob gate molding area 3023 adapted to correspond to the knob gate of the knob mold 3.

[0070] Specifically, after the knob body blank is injection molded using the knob mold 3 and ejected from the knob mold, a portion of the material at the knob gate of the knob mold 3 remains on the knob body blank, forming a knob gate forming portion. The knob gate forming area 3023 of the knob body blank is the area where the knob gate forming portion is located. It is understood that the knob body blank can be reprocessed to remove or partially remove the knob gate forming portion. Alternatively, the knob gate forming portion of the knob body blank can be left unprocessed, i.e., the knob gate forming portion remains on the knob body. This is not specifically limited and can be configured based on actual production needs.

[0071] Here, it can be understood that one axial end of the knob body side plate 302 is the end connected to the outer peripheral wall of the knob body connecting plate 301 , and the other axial end of the knob body side plate 302 is the end away from the knob body connecting plate 301 .

[0072] The outer circumferential wall of the knob body side plate 302 is the exterior surface, the surface of the knob body connecting plate 301 and the inner circumferential wall of the knob body side plate 302 are the non-exterior surfaces, and the end surface of the knob body side plate 302 away from the knob body connecting plate 301 is the non-exterior surface. The exterior surface refers to the surface that is exposed when the knob is used in the clothes handling device. The non-exterior surface refers to the surface that is not exposed when the knob is used in the clothes handling device.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the knob body side plate 302 has a knob equal wall thickness area 3021, and the knob equal wall thickness area 3021 extends in the entire axial direction of the knob body side plate 302, that is, in the entire axial direction of the knob body side plate 302, the knob equal wall thickness area 3021 extends to both ends of the knob body side plate 302, and the wall thickness at any position of the knob equal wall thickness area 3021 is equal.

[0074] like Figure 3-Figure 4As shown, the knob and other wall thickness regions 3021 are provided with knob gate molding areas 3023. The areas of the knob body side plate 302 other than the knob and other wall thickness regions 3021 are knob variable wall thickness regions 3022. The wall thickness of the knob and other wall thickness regions 3021 is not less than (i.e., equal to or greater than) the maximum wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness regions 3022. The wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness regions 3022 is smallest at the end away from the knob body connecting plate 301. This can at least somewhat reduce flow marks on the knob body side plate 302 and at least somewhat prevent flow marks from appearing on the exterior surface of the knob body side plate 302. This can at least somewhat improve the pass rate of the knob body side plate 302, reduce costs, and meet user needs.

[0075] To facilitate explanation of the reason why the knob body side plate 302 exhibits reduced surface rippling, the following describes a knob mold 3 used to form the knob body 30 or knob according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the knob mold 3 is then used to explain the principle behind the reduced surface rippling.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the knob mold 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a knob mold core 31, and the knob mold core 31 has a knob cavity.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the knob cavity includes a knob body side plate cavity 312 and a knob body connecting plate cavity 311. The knob body side plate cavity 312 extends into a ring along the circumference of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311. One axial end of the knob body side plate cavity 312 is connected to the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 along the entire circumference of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311. The knob mold core 31 has a knob gate located on the other axial end wall of the knob body side plate cavity 312.

[0078] like Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the knob body side plate cavity 312 has a knob equal thickness area 3121, the knob gate is located in the knob equal thickness area 3121, the knob equal thickness area 3121 extends in the entire axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity 312, and the other areas of the knob body side plate cavity 312 other than the knob equal thickness area 3121 are the knob variable thickness areas 3122. The thickness of the knob equal thickness area 3121 is not less than the maximum thickness of the knob variable thickness area 3122, and the thickness of the knob variable thickness area 3122 is the smallest at the end away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311.

[0079] Specifically, during injection molding, as the material flows through the knob gate and into the knob cavity of the knob mold, the hot melt comes into contact with the cooler inner wall of the knob cavity, rapidly freezing there and forming a thin solidified layer. The arrangement of metal particles in this solidified layer determines the appearance of the spray-free product. Stable flow ensures consistent metal particle orientation, resulting in a superior appearance. In the present application, since the knob gate molding area 3023 is located in the knob equal wall thickness area 3021, and the thickness of the knob equal wall thickness area 3021 is not less than the maximum thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022, when the material flows out from the knob gate of the knob mold 3, the material can flow directly to the knob equal thickness area 3121 and fill the knob equal thickness area 3121. After that, most of the material flows along the circumference of the knob body side plate cavity 312 from both sides of the knob equal thickness area 3121 toward the knob variable thickness area 3122, which is conducive to the material being formed preferentially in the knob body side plate cavity 312, thereby reducing the flow lines of the knob body side plate 302 to a certain extent, preventing flow lines from appearing on the appearance surface of the knob body side plate 302, improving the product qualification rate, reducing costs, and meeting user usage needs.

[0080] Furthermore, since the thickness of the knob variable thickness region 3122 is smallest at the end away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, that is, along the axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity 312, the thickness of the portion of the knob variable thickness region 3122 adjacent to the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 and directly connected to the smallest thickness of the knob variable thickness region 3122 (called the large thickness portion) must be greater than the thickness of the knob variable thickness region 3122 at the end away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311. In this way, in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, when the material flows, it is easier for the material to flow at the large thickness portion and the flow rate is faster, and the material at the large thickness portion is It has a convex tendency, and there is an obvious front flow in the large thickness part. The actual flow direction of the material at each point on the front surface is along the outward direction perpendicular to the tangent of the front surface. Therefore, the flow direction of each point on the front surface is divergent and will not intersect, so that curling and flipping will not occur. This is beneficial to avoid curling and flipping of the material at the large thickness part and the material at the small thickness part at the front to a certain extent, further ensuring the stability of the material flow, thereby reducing the flow lines at the positions corresponding to the large thickness part and the small thickness part of the side plate 302 of the knob body, at least to a certain extent, improving the yield of the knob product and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0081] The relationship between the knob wall thickness variable area 3022 of the knob body side plate 302 can be changed in the following ways:

[0082] The first type: along the axial direction of the knob body side plate 302, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate 301, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022 gradually decreases. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, the thickness of the knob variable thickness area 3122 gradually decreases. In this way, in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, when the material flows along the knob body side plate cavity 312, based on the thickness change of the knob variable thickness area 3122, the material is easier to flow at the location with larger thickness, and the flow resistance is smaller, so the front surface of the material flow will show the following Figure 11 In the inclined surface method shown in , the actual flow direction of the material at each point on the front surface is along the outward direction perpendicular to the tangent of the front surface. Therefore, the flow direction of each point on the front surface is divergent and will not intersect, so that the materials at the front will not curl or flip each other, and the flow of the material is more stable. In this way, the flow lines of the side plate 302 of the knob body can be further reduced, and the flow lines can be further prevented from appearing on the appearance surface of the side plate 302 of the knob body, thereby further improving the qualified rate of the knob, reducing costs, and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0083] The second type: along the axial direction of the knob body side plate 302, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate 301, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022 first remains unchanged and then gradually decreases. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, the thickness of the knob variable thickness area 3122 first remains unchanged and then gradually decreases. In this way, in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, when the material flows, based on the thickness change of the knob variable thickness area 3122, the material is easier to flow at the location with larger thickness, and the flow resistance is smaller, so the front surface of the material flow will show the following Figure 13 As shown, at the position with the same thickness, there is a surface that is roughly parallel to the axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity 312. At the position where the thickness gradually decreases, there will be a surface inclined toward the upstream of the material flow. The actual flow direction of the material at each point on the leading edge surface is along the outward direction perpendicular to the tangent of the leading edge surface. Therefore, the flow direction of each point on the leading edge surface is divergent and will not intersect, so that the materials at the leading edge will not curl or flip each other, and the flow of the material is more stable. In this way, the flow lines of the knob body side plate 302 can be further reduced, and the flow lines can be further prevented from appearing on the appearance surface of the knob body side plate 302, thereby further improving the qualified rate of the knob, reducing costs, and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0084] The third type is that along the axial direction of the knob body side plate 302, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate 301, the wall thickness of the knob body side plate 302 first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, the thickness of the knob body side plate cavity 312 first gradually increases and then gradually decreases. In this way, in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, when the material flows, based on the thickness change of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022, the material is easier to flow at the location with larger thickness and the flow resistance is smaller, so that the front surface of the material flow will show the following Figure 12 In the convex type shown in the figure, the actual flow direction of the material at each point on the front surface is along the outward direction perpendicular to the tangent of the front surface. Therefore, the flow direction of each point on the front surface is divergent and will not intersect. There will be no curling or flipping between the materials at the front, and the flow of the material is more stable. In this way, the flow lines of the side plate 302 of the knob body can be further reduced, and the flow lines can be further prevented from appearing on the appearance surface of the side plate 302 of the knob body, thereby further improving the qualified rate of the knob, reducing costs, and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0085] The fourth method is that along the axial direction of the knob body side plate 302, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate 301, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022 first gradually increases, then remains unchanged, and then gradually decreases. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, in the direction away from the knob body connecting plate 301, the thickness of the knob variable thickness area 3122 first gradually increases, then remains unchanged, and then gradually decreases. In this way, in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311, when the material flows, based on the thickness change of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022, the material is easier to flow at the location with larger thickness and the flow resistance is smaller, so that the front surface of the material flow will show the following Figure 14 In the convex type shown, the actual flow direction of the material at each point on the front surface is along the outward direction perpendicular to the tangent of the front surface. Therefore, the flow direction of each point on the front surface is divergent and will not intersect. There will be no curling or flipping between the materials at the front, and the flow of the material is more stable. In this way, the flow lines of the side plate 302 of the knob body can be further reduced, and the flow lines can be further prevented from appearing on the appearance surface of the side plate 302 of the knob body, thereby further improving the qualified rate of the knob, reducing costs, and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0086] Therefore, compared with the related art, Figure 15 In terms of the concave leading edge surface shown, the above embodiment in the present application is more conducive to reducing the flow lines of the knob body side plate 302.

[0087] The following explains that the thicker the wall, the faster the material flow rate.

[0088] When the material is injected into the knob mold 3 under certain conditions, the temperature of the cold wall surface of the knob body cavity drops sharply when the material contacts it, and a solidified layer forms. The flow area of the knob body cavity decreases as the thickness of the solidified layer increases, so the thickness of the solidified layer has a significant impact on the flow resistance. The relationship between flowability s and the thickness h of the panel cavity is expressed as Formula 1:

[0089]

[0090] Among them, η rep is the viscosity of the material.

[0091] According to the fluidity formula, fluidity (s) is proportional to the cube of thickness (h). For example, a 50% reduction in thickness reduces fluidity by one-eighth, equivalent to an eightfold increase in flow resistance. Therefore, a thicker knob body side plate cavity reduces flow resistance, improves fluidity, and increases flow rate.

[0092] In summary, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the knob mold 3 for molding the knob or knob body 30 of the clothing processing device, since the knob gate is located in the knob equal thickness area 3121, and the thickness of the knob equal thickness area 3121 is not less than the maximum thickness of the knob variable thickness area 3122, thereby reducing the flow lines on the side panel of the knob body, at least to a certain extent, improving the yield of the knob product and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0093] According to the knob of the clothing processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a knob gate molding area 3023 is provided in the knob wall thickness area 3021, and the wall thickness of the knob wall thickness area 3021 is not less than the maximum wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area 3022. In this way, the flow lines of the knob body side panel 302 can be reduced to at least a certain extent, and the flow lines can be prevented from appearing on the appearance surface of the knob body side panel 302 to at least a certain extent, and the qualified rate of the knob body side panel 302 can be improved to at least a certain extent, thereby reducing costs and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob wall thickness region 3021 has a dimension ranging from 10 mm to 50 mm in the circumferential direction of the knob body side plate 302. For example, the knob wall thickness region 3021 has a length of 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, or 49 mm.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob gate molding area 3023 is located circumferentially on the knob body side plate 302 at the center of the knob's equal-thickness region, away from the knob body connecting plate 301. Thus, in the knob mold 3, the knob gate is located circumferentially on the knob body side plate cavity 312 at the center of the knob's equal-thickness region 3121, making it easier for the material to preferentially fill the entire knob's equal-thickness region 3121.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region 3022 adjacent to the knob body connecting plate 301 ranges from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region 3122 adjacent to the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 ranges from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm. This helps ensure the flow rate of the material, ensures that the material fills the entire knob body side plate cavity 312, and helps ensure the structural strength of the knob body 30. For example, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region 3022 adjacent to the knob body connecting plate 301 is 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, or 3.1 mm.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region 3022 at the end away from the knob body connecting plate 301 ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, the thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region 3122 at the end away from the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm. This helps to ensure the flow rate of the material, ensures that the material fills the entire knob body side plate cavity 312, and helps to ensure the structural strength of the knob body 30. For example, the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness region 3022 at the end away from the knob body connecting plate 301 is 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, or 2.1 mm.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body connecting plate 301 does not have an exterior surface, and the wall thickness of the knob body connecting plate 301 at the end connected to the knob body side plate 302 is thinner than the wall thickness of the knob body connecting plate 301 at the end adjacent to the knob thickness varying region 3022. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, the thickness of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 at the end connected to the knob body side plate cavity 312 is thinner than the thickness of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 at the end adjacent to the knob thickness varying region 3122. As a result, when material flows out of the knob gate of the knob mold 3, more material can flow directly into the knob body side plate cavity 312, further ensuring stable material flow and reducing flow obstructions, thereby reducing flow lines on the knob side plate.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body connecting plate 301 does not have an exterior surface, and its wall thickness is less than the minimum wall thickness of the knob's variable wall thickness region 3022. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, the wall thickness of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 is less than the minimum thickness of the knob's variable thickness region 3122. As a result, when material flows out of the knob gate of the knob mold 3, more material can flow directly into the knob body side plate cavity 312, further ensuring stable material flow and reducing flow obstructions, thereby reducing flow marks on the knob side plates.

[0100] In some specific examples, the knob body connecting plate 301 is a connecting plate with a uniform wall thickness, thereby simplifying the structure of the knob mold 3 .

[0101] In some specific examples, the wall thickness of the knob body connecting plate 301 ranges from 1.5mm to 2.0mm. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, the thickness of the knob body connecting plate cavity 311 ranges from 1.5mm to 2.0mm. This allows more material to flow directly into the knob body side plate cavity 312 as it flows from the knob gate of the knob mold 3, further ensuring stable material flow and reducing flow obstructions, thereby reducing flow marks on the knob side plates.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body 30 includes a knob body reinforcing rib 304. The knob body reinforcing rib 304 is provided on the inner circumferential wall of the knob body side plate 302 and extends in a sheet-like shape in the axial direction of the knob body side plate 302. The knob body reinforcing rib 304 is located in the knob variable wall thickness region 3022. Specifically, in the knob mold 3, the knob cavity includes a knob body reinforcing rib cavity. The knob body reinforcing rib cavity is located on the inner circumference of the knob body side plate cavity 312 and communicates with the knob body side plate cavity 312. The knob body reinforcing rib cavity extends in a sheet-like shape in the axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity 312. The knob body reinforcing rib cavity is located in the knob variable wall thickness region 3122.

[0103] When the knob body side plate cavity 312 is connected to the knob body reinforcement rib cavity, when the material flows through the connection position of the knob body reinforcement rib cavity and the knob body side plate cavity 312, the material flow direction is divided into two, one part continues to flow in the knob body side plate cavity 312 along the original flow direction, and the other part flows to the knob body reinforcement rib 304 button cavity. The material flowing into the knob body reinforcement rib cavity will flow back from the knob body reinforcement rib cavity to the knob body side plate cavity 312. For the case where the knob body reinforcement rib cavity extends into a long strip along the circumference of the knob body side plate 302, the flow direction of the material is roughly the same as the length direction of the knob body reinforcement rib cavity, and the material enters the knob. In the button body reinforcement rib cavity and when the button body reinforcement rib cavity is not filled, the material flows back from the button body reinforcement rib cavity to the knob body side plate cavity 312, and the material in the remaining positions of the knob body side plate cavity 312 may enter the knob body reinforcement rib cavity again and then flow back again. In other words, when the material flows along the length direction of the knob body reinforcement rib cavity, there is a situation where the material flows back from the knob body reinforcement rib cavity to the knob body side plate cavity 312 many times, resulting in serious damage to the solidification layer at the connection between the knob body reinforcement rib cavity and the knob body side plate cavity 312, and then serious flow lines are formed at the position of the knob body side plate 302 corresponding to the knob body reinforcement rib 304. In the present application, the knob body reinforcement rib cavity is extended in the axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity 312 in a sheet shape, and the knob body reinforcement rib cavity is located in the knob variable thickness area 3122. After the material flows out of the knob gate, the material flows along the circumferential direction of the knob body side plate cavity 312, that is, it flows along the thickness direction of the knob body reinforcement rib cavity, which helps to reduce the number of times the material flows back from the knob body reinforcement rib cavity to the knob body side plate cavity 312, thereby improving the yield, reducing costs, and meeting the user's usage needs.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob includes a knob cover plate, which is disposed on a surface of the knob body connecting plate 301 that is away from the knob body side plate 302. The surface of the knob cover plate that faces away from the knob body 30 serves as the exterior surface. Thus, the knob cover plate improves the knob's aesthetic appearance.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob is an integral injection molded part, that is, the knob mold core 31 has a knob cover plate cavity, and the knob cover plate cavity is arranged on the side of the knob body connecting plate cavity away from the knob body side plate cavity and is connected to the knob cavity. Thus, the knob cover plate and the knob body 30 are integrally formed by the injection molding process, and the two are made of the same material, that is, the knob can be further processed by using the above-mentioned knob mold 3. Therefore, the structure of the integral part can not only ensure the structural and performance stability of the knob body 30 and the knob cover plate, and is convenient for molding and simple to manufacture, but also eliminates unnecessary assembly parts and connection processes, greatly improving the assembly efficiency of the knob body 30 and the knob cover plate, and ensuring the reliability of the connection between the knob body 30 and the knob cover plate. Furthermore, the overall strength and stability of the integrally formed structure are higher, assembly is more convenient, and the service life is longer.

[0106] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the knob body 30 and the knob cover plate can be processed separately and then assembled. Specifically, the knob body connecting plate 301 is provided with a latch hole, and the knob cover plate is provided with a latch hook that cooperates with the latch hole, thereby facilitating disassembly and assembly.

[0107] A clothes treating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned knob.

[0108] According to the laundry processing device of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the aforementioned knob, the knob gate molding area 3023 is provided in the knob wall thickness region 3021, and the knob wall thickness region 3022 has the smallest wall thickness at the end away from the connecting plate. This can at least somewhat reduce the flow marks on the knob body side plate 302, at least to a certain extent preventing the appearance of flow marks on the exterior surface of the knob body side plate 302. This improves the pass rate of the knob body side plate 302, reduces costs, and satisfies user needs.

[0109] Next, the knob cover 20 will be described.

[0110] Generally, a laundry processing appliance such as a drum washing machine uses a knob to control the selection of a laundry program, which has both functional and aesthetic requirements.

[0111] The knob includes a knob cover 20, which is typically manufactured using a combination of injection molding and spray coating. This coating creates a stunning metallic appearance, but the spray coating process has drawbacks such as high pollution, high cost, low yield rate, and non-recyclability. This severely impacts the environment and the health of production personnel, and is inconsistent with the concept of green manufacturing. To address these shortcomings, spray-free thermoplastic engineering materials have emerged. Spray-free injection molding can achieve a metallic appearance, eliminating the spray coating process and reducing production costs. This also avoids pollutant emissions during the spray coating process.

[0112] Regardless of whether the knob cover 20 is injection molded with a spray-free material or manufactured by an injection molding + spraying process, for materials with poor fluidity, especially spray-free materials containing metal particles, due to the presence of metal particles and other substances in the spray-free material, the material encounters obstacles during the flow process during the injection molding process, which will cause uneven distribution of metal particles. In this way, when the product is injection molded, light scattering occurs under the irradiation of light, and the product visually forms flow lines, resulting in flow line defects in the product. When flow lines appear on the appearance of the product, it not only leads to a low product qualification rate, but also fails to meet the user's usage needs. In the following description, a spray-free material containing metal particles is used as an example. That is, the knob cover 20 can be a spray-free part, and the spray-free part includes a resin matrix and metal particles distributed in the resin matrix. Optionally, the metal particles are copper, aluminum or silver.

[0113] The following describes the knob cover 20, knob, clothing processing device and knob cover mold 2 for forming the knob cover 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Thus, the knob cover 20 is an integral injection molded part. As a result, the integral structure not only ensures the structural and performance stability of the knob cover 20, but also facilitates molding and simplifies manufacturing. It also eliminates unnecessary assembly parts and connection processes, ensuring the reliability of the connection of the knob cover 20. Furthermore, the integrally formed structure has higher overall strength and stability, is more convenient to assemble, and has a longer service life. Optionally, the clothing processing device is a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer.

[0114] like Figure 16 、 Figure 22 as well as Figure 23 As shown, the knob cover 20 of the clothes processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cover body 203 and a cover connecting rib 204.

[0115] One side of the cover body 203's thickness direction surface is the exterior surface, while the other side of the cover body 203's thickness direction surface is the non-exterior surface. The fact that the other side of the cover body 203's thickness direction surface is the non-exterior surface means that, when the knob cover 20 is installed in the knob, the other side of the cover body 203's thickness direction surface is not exposed; the fact that one side of the cover body 203's thickness direction surface is the exterior surface means that, when the knob cover 20 is installed in the knob, the one side of the cover body 203's thickness direction surface is exposed.

[0116] like Figure 16As shown, a cover gate molding area 2031 suitable for corresponding to the cover gate of the knob cover mold 2 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cover body 203 and / or at the center of the other side surface in the thickness direction of the cover body 203. In other words, the cover gate molding area 2031 suitable for corresponding to the cover gate of the knob cover mold 2 may be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cover body 203, the cover gate molding area 2031 suitable for corresponding to the cover gate of the knob cover mold 2 may be provided at the center of the other side surface in the thickness direction of the cover body 203, or the cover gate molding area 2031 suitable for corresponding to the cover gate of the knob cover mold 2 may be provided on both the outer peripheral wall of the cover body 203 and the center of the other side surface in the thickness direction of the cover body 203.

[0117] Specifically, after the knob cover blank is injection molded using the knob cover mold 2 and the knob cover blank is ejected from the knob cover mold 2, a portion of the material at the cover gate of the knob cover mold 2 will remain on the knob cover blank and form a cover gate molding portion. The cover gate molding area 2031 of the knob cover 20 is the area where the cover gate molding portion is located. It is understandable that the knob cover blank can be reprocessed to remove or partially remove the cover gate molding portion. Of course, the cover gate molding portion of the knob cover 20 blank can also be left unprocessed, that is, the cover gate molding portion is retained on the knob cover 20. There is no specific limitation on this and it can be set according to actual production needs.

[0118] Furthermore, it is understood that there is only one cover plate gate located at the center of the other side surface in the thickness direction of the cover plate body 203. However, there can be one or more cover plate gates located on the outer peripheral wall of the cover plate body 203, with the multiple cover plate gates being spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cover plate body 203.

[0119] The cover connecting rib 204 is provided on the other side surface of the cover body 203 in the thickness direction. Thus, the provision of the cover connecting rib 204 is conducive to improving the structural strength of the knob cover 20 .

[0120] Specifically, if Figure 16-17 As shown, in a plane parallel to the cover plate body 203, the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover plate gate molding area 2031 and the projection of the center of the cover plate connecting rib 204 is L1, the width direction of the cover plate connecting rib 204 is L2, and the value range of the angle β between L1 and L2 is 80° to 100°. For example, β is 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, 96°, 97°, 98°, or 99°.

[0121] To facilitate explanation of the reason why the flow lines on the cover body 203 are reduced, the knob cover mold 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below, and the reason why the flow lines on the appearance surface of the cover body 203 are reduced is explained in principle in combination with the structure of the knob cover mold 2.

[0122] like Figure 4-Figure 5 As shown, the knob cover plate mold 2 for molding the knob cover plate 20 of the clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a knob cover plate mold core 21.

[0123] The knob cover mold core 21 has a knob cover cavity, which includes a cover body cavity 213 and multiple cover connecting rib cavities 214. One side wall of the cover body cavity 213 in the thickness direction is used to form the exterior surface of the cover body 203. The cover connecting rib cavities 214 are located on the other side wall of the cover body cavity 213 in the thickness direction and are connected to the cover body cavity 213. The knob cover mold core 211 has a cover gate located on the peripheral wall of the cover body cavity 213 and / or has a cover gate located at the center of the other side wall of the cover body cavity 213 in the thickness direction.

[0124] In a plane parallel to the cover plate body cavity 213, the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover plate gate and the projection of the center of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 is L1', the width direction of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 is L2', and the angle between L1' and L2' ranges from 80° to 100°. For example, the angle between L1' and L2' is 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, 96°, 97°, 98°, or 99°.

[0125] Specifically, during injection molding, as the hotter melt flows through the cover gate and into the knob cover mold 2, it comes into contact with the cooler cavity wall, rapidly freezing on the knob cover cavity wall, forming a thin solidified layer. The direction of the metal particles in this solidified layer determines the appearance of the spray-free product. Stable flow ensures consistent metal particle orientation, resulting in a better appearance. However, when the cover plate body cavity 213 is connected to the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214, when the material flows through the connecting position of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover plate body cavity 213, the material flow is divided into two, one part continues to flow along the original flow direction in the cover plate body cavity 213, and the other part flows to the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214. The material flowing into the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 will flow back from the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover plate body cavity 213. Under the continuous flow of the subsequent molten material, an unstable flow field is formed near the root of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214. Under the continuous action of the fluid pressure, the solidification layer of the corresponding position of the cover plate body cavity 213 and the corresponding position of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 on the appearance surface is destroyed, resulting in disordered orientation of the metal particles in the solidification layer in this area, which is manifested as flow marks on the appearance surface.

[0126] In particular, for the manner in which the flow direction of the material is substantially in the same direction as the width direction of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214, since the width of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 is greater than the thickness of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214, in the width direction of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214, the material enters the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 and flows back from the cover plate connecting rib 204 to the cover plate body cavity 213 when the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 is not filled. The material at the remaining position may enter the cover connecting rib cavity 214 again and then flow back again. In other words, when the material flows along the width direction of the cover connecting rib cavity 214, there is a situation where the material flows back from the cover connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover body cavity 213 many times, resulting in the solidification layer at the connection point between the cover connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover body cavity 213 being severely damaged, and then the flow lines are serious at the position of the cover body 203 corresponding to the cover connecting rib 204.

[0127] In the present application, since the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover gate and the projection of the center of the cover connecting rib cavity 214 in a plane parallel to the cover body cavity 213 is L1', the width direction of the cover connecting rib cavity 214 is L2', and the angle between L1' and L2' ranges from 80° to 100°, since the material generally flows divergently after flowing out of the cover gate, this is conducive to the material flowing along the thickness direction of the cover connecting rib cavity 214, thereby helping to reduce the number of times the material flows back from the cover connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover body cavity 213, which is conducive to reducing the flow lines on the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, improving the yield of the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, reducing costs, and meeting user needs.

[0128] According to the knob cover mold 2 of the knob cover 20 for forming a clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since in a plane parallel to the cover body cavity 213, the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover gate and the projection of the center of the cover connecting rib cavity 214 is L1', the width direction of the cover connecting rib cavity 214 is L2', and the angle between L1' and L2' ranges from 80° to 100°, since the material generally flows divergently after flowing out of the cover gate, this is conducive to the flow of the material along the thickness direction of the cover connecting rib cavity 214, thereby helping to reduce the number of times the material flows back from the cover connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover body cavity 213, thereby helping to reduce the flow lines on the cover body 203 to at least a certain extent, improve the yield of the cover body 203 to at least a certain extent, reduce costs, and meet user usage needs.

[0129] According to the knob cover 20 of the clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a plane parallel to the cover body 203, the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover gate molding area 2031 and the projection of the center of the cover connecting rib 204 is L1, the width direction of the cover connecting rib 204 is L2, and the angle between L1 and L2 ranges from 80° to 100°, which is beneficial to reducing the flow lines on the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, improving the yield of the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, reducing costs, and meeting user needs.

[0130] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the cover plate connecting rib 204 includes: a cover plate connecting rib body 2041 and a cover plate connecting portion 2042, and the cover plate connecting portion 2042 is connected between the cover plate connecting rib body 2041 and the cover plate body 203. Specifically, in the knob cover plate mold 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5-Figure 6As shown, the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 includes a cover plate connecting rib body cavity 2141 and a cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142. The cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142 communicates between the cover plate connecting rib body cavity 2141 and the cover plate body cavity 213. Thus, the structure is simple.

[0131] Alternatively, as Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the cover plate connecting portion 2042 is less than the thickness of the end of the cover plate connecting rib body 2041 connected to the cover plate connecting portion 2042. Specifically, in the knob cover plate mold 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the thickness of the cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142 is smaller than the thickness of the end of the cover plate connecting rib body cavity 2141 that is connected to the cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142. During injection molding, since the wall surface of the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 does not have a cover gate, when the material flows in the cavity, it will first flow through the cover plate body cavity 213, and then flow to the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 through the cover plate body cavity 213. By making the thickness of the cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142 smaller than the thickness of the cover plate connecting rib body cavity 2141, The flow area and the number of backflows of the material from the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover plate body cavity 213 can be reduced, and an unstable flow field can be further avoided at the connection point between the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover plate body cavity 213, and the material intersection caused by the material in the cover plate connecting rib body cavity 2141 flowing back to the cover plate body cavity 213 through the cover plate connecting part cavity 2142 can be further avoided, thereby avoiding the flow pattern problem generated at the connection point between the cover plate body 203 and the cover plate connecting rib 204.

[0132] Optionally, the thickness of the cover plate connecting portion 2042 is smaller than the thickness of the cover plate connecting rib body 2041. This can reduce the flow area and the number of backflows of material from the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover plate body cavity 213, further preventing the formation of an unstable flow field at the connection point between the cover plate connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover plate body cavity 213, and further preventing the material from flowing back from the cover plate connecting rib body cavity 2141 to the cover plate body cavity 213 through the cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142, thereby avoiding the problem of flow lines at the connection point between the cover plate body 203 and the cover plate connecting rib 204.

[0133] Optionally, a portion of the surface of the cover connecting portion 2042 facing the cover body 203 is recessed away from the cover body 203 to form a cover through-hole, which extends through the cover connecting portion 2042 in the thickness direction. Specifically, when corresponding to the knob cover mold 2, the cover connecting portion cavity 2142 is provided with a cover column structure for forming the cover through-hole, and the cover column structure extends throughout the thickness direction of the cover connecting portion cavity 2142. In this way, since the cover connecting rib cavity 214 does not have a cover gate, when the material flows in the cavity of the knob cover mold 2, it will first flow through the cover body cavity 213, and then flow to the cover connecting rib cavity 214 after passing through the cover body cavity 213. By setting up the cover column structure, the cover column structure can reduce the flow area of the material flowing back from the cover connecting rib cavity 214 to the cover body cavity 213, and can further avoid the formation of an unstable flow field at the connection point between the cover connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover body cavity 213, and further avoid the material in the cover connecting rib body cavity 2141 flowing back to the cover body cavity 213 through the cover connection part cavity 2142, thereby avoiding the flow pattern problem generated at the connection point between the cover body 203 and the cover connecting rib 204.

[0134] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the cover plate connecting portion 2042 ranges from 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm, that is, the thickness of the cover plate connecting portion cavity 2142 ranges from 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the thickness is 0.16 mm, 0.17 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.19 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.21 mm, 0.22 mm, 0.23 mm, 0.24 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.26 mm, 0.27 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.29 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.31 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.33 mm, 0.34 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.36 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.39 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.41 mm, 0.42 mm, 0.43 mm, 0.44 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.46 mm, 0.47 mm, 0.48 mm, 0.49 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.51 mm, 0.52 mm, 0.53 mm, 0.54 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.56 mm, 0.57 mm, 0.58 mm, 0.59 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.61 mm, 0.62 mm, 0.63 mm, 0.64 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.66 mm, 0.67 mm, 0.68 mm, 0.69 mm, 7mm, 0.38mm, 0.39mm, 0.4mm, 0.41mm, 0.42mm, 0.43mm, 0.44mm, 0.45mm, 0.46mm, 0.47mm, 0.48m m, 0.49mm, 0.5mm, 0.51mm, 0.52mm, 0.53mm, 0.54mm, 0.55mm, 0.56mm, 0.57mm, 0.58mm or 0.59mm. In this way, not only can the structural strength of the cover connecting part 2042 be guaranteed, but also to a certain extent, the formation of an unstable flow field at the connection point between the cover connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover body cavity 213 caused by setting the thickness of the cover connecting part cavity 2142 too thick can be avoided, and the material in the cover connecting rib body cavity 2141 can be further avoided from flowing back to the cover body cavity 213 through the cover connecting part cavity 2142, thereby avoiding the flow pattern problem generated at the connection point between the cover body 203 and the cover connecting rib 204.

[0135] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the cover body 203 ranges from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, that is, the thickness of the cover body cavity 213 ranges from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. For example, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, or 3.5 mm. This ensures the structural strength of the cover body 203.

[0136] In some embodiments of the present invention, under the condition that the thickness range of the cover body 203 is not less than 2.5 mm, the thickness range of the cover connecting part 2042 is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, that is, under the condition that the thickness range of the cover body cavity 213 is not less than 2.5 mm, the thickness range of the cover connecting part cavity 2142 is 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm; under the condition that the thickness range of the cover body 203 is less than 2.5 mm, the thickness range of the cover connecting part 2042 is 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, that is, under the condition that the thickness range of the cover body cavity 213 is less than 2.5 mm, the thickness range of the cover connecting part cavity 2142 is 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm. Therefore, by combining the thickness of the cover body 203 with the thickness of the cover connecting part 2042, it is possible to avoid, to a certain extent, the formation of an unstable flow field at the connection point between the cover connecting rib cavity 214 and the cover body cavity 213 caused by setting the thickness of the cover connecting part cavity 2142 too thick, and further avoid the material in the cover connecting rib body cavity 2141 flowing back to the cover body cavity 213 through the cover connecting part cavity 2142, thereby avoiding the flow line problem generated at the connection point between the cover body 203 and the cover connecting rib 204.

[0137] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the cover plate connection portion 2042 is thinner than that of the cover plate body 203. In the knob cover plate mold 2, the thickness of the cover plate connection portion cavity 2142 is thinner than that of the cover plate body cavity 213. This facilitates preferential filling of the cover plate body cavity 213 with material, thereby reducing flow marks on the cover plate body 203.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cover plate connecting ribs 204 are multiple and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cover plate body. For example, Figure 16 Three are shown.

[0139] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cover plate connecting ribs 204 are multiple and evenly spaced along the circumference of the cover plate body. Optionally, within a plane parallel to the cover plate body 203, the projections of the multiple cover plate connecting ribs 204 lie on a circle centered on the center of the other side surface of the cover plate body 203. This simplifies the structure.

[0140] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cover body 203 is set to have a constant thickness, thereby simplifying the structure and facilitating the processing and manufacturing of the knob cover mold.

[0141] The knob of the clothes processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises: a knob body and the knob cover 20. The knob body is provided with a latch hole, and the cover connecting rib 204 is configured as a latch hook engaging with the latch hole.

[0142] According to the knob of the clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, by setting the above-mentioned knob cover 20 of the clothing processing device, in a plane parallel to the cover body 203, the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover gate molding area 2031 and the projection of the center of the cover connecting rib 204 is L1, the width direction of the cover connecting rib 204 is L2, and the angle between L1 and L2 ranges from 80° to 100°, which is beneficial to reducing the flow lines on the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, improving the yield of the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, reducing costs, and meeting user needs.

[0143] In some embodiments of the present invention, the knob body is a spray-free part, which includes a resin matrix and metal particles distributed in the resin matrix.

[0144] The knob body is an integral injection-molded part. Thus, the integral structure not only ensures the structural and performance stability of the knob body, but also facilitates molding and simplifies manufacturing. It also eliminates unnecessary assembly parts and connection processes, ensuring the reliability of the knob body connection. Furthermore, the integrally formed structure has higher overall strength and stability, is more convenient to assemble, and has a longer service life.

[0145] A clothes treating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned knob.

[0146] According to the clothing processing device of an embodiment of the present invention, by setting the above-mentioned knob and the knob cover 20 of the above-mentioned clothing processing device, in a plane parallel to the cover body 203, the line connecting the projection of the center of the cover gate molding area 2031 and the projection of the center of the cover connecting rib 204 is L1, the width direction of the cover connecting rib 204 is L2, and the value range of the angle between L1 and L2 is 80°~100°, which is beneficial to reduce the flow lines on the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, improve the yield of the cover body 203 at least to a certain extent, reduce costs, and meet the user's usage needs.

[0147] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate positions or locations based on the positions or locations shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In the description of the present invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of these features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more. In the description of the present invention, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. In the description of the present invention, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature.

[0148] Other components of the clothes treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, such as a motor and a control system, and operations are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0149] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative uses of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0150] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A knob for a clothes processing device, characterized in that: include: The knob body is an integral injection-molded part, and the knob body includes: a knob body side panel, the knob body side panel has one end and the other end along its axial direction, and the end face of the other axial end of the knob body side panel is provided with at least one knob gate molding area suitable for corresponding to the knob gate of the knob mold, the outer peripheral wall of the knob body side panel is the appearance surface, the knob body side panel has a knob equal wall thickness area, the knob equal wall thickness area extends in the entire axial direction of the knob body side panel, the knob equal wall thickness area is provided with the knob gate molding area, and the other areas of the knob body side panel other than the knob equal wall thickness area are knob variable wall thickness areas, and the wall thickness of the knob equal wall thickness area is not less than the maximum wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area.

2. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob body includes a knob body connecting plate, the knob body side plate extends into a ring shape in the circumferential direction of the knob body connecting plate, one axial end of the knob body side plate is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the knob body connecting plate, and the wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area is the smallest at the end away from the knob body connecting plate.

3. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: In a direction away from the connection plate of the knob body, the wall thickness of the knob wall thickness changing area gradually decreases.

4. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area adjacent to one end of the knob body connecting plate ranges from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm.

5. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the knob variable wall thickness area at one end away from the knob body connecting plate ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm.

6. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The knob body connecting plate has no appearance surface, and the wall thickness of one end of the knob body connecting plate connected to the knob body side plate is smaller than the wall thickness of one end of the knob variable wall thickness area adjacent to the knob body connecting plate.

7. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the knob body connecting plate ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

8. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob body includes a knob body reinforcement rib, which is arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the knob body side plate and extends into a sheet shape in the axial direction of the knob body. The knob body reinforcement rib is located in the knob wall thickness area.

9. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: include: The knob cover plate is arranged on a side surface of the knob body connecting plate away from the knob body side plate.

10. The knob of the clothes processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The knob body connecting plate is provided with a latching hole, and the knob cover is provided with a latching hook that cooperates with the latching hole; or, the knob is an integral injection-molded part.

11. The knob of the clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The knob body is a spray-free part, and the spray-free part includes a resin matrix and metal particles distributed in the resin matrix.

12. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: Comprising a knob according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. A knob mold, characterized in that: include: A knob mold, wherein the knob mold has a knob cavity, the knob cavity includes a knob body side plate knob cavity, the knob body side plate knob cavity has one end and the other end along its axial direction, the knob mold has a knob gate located on the wall surface of the other axial end of the knob body side plate knob cavity, the knob body side plate knob cavity has a knob equal thickness area, the knob gate is located in the knob equal thickness area, the knob equal thickness area extends in the entire axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity, the other areas of the knob body side plate knob cavity outside the knob equal thickness area are knob variable thickness areas, and the thickness of the knob equal thickness area is not less than the maximum thickness of the knob variable thickness area.

14. The knob mold according to claim 13, characterized in that: The knob cavity includes a knob body connecting plate cavity, and the knob body side plate knob cavity extends into a ring along the circumference of the knob body connecting plate cavity. One axial end of the knob body side plate knob cavity is connected to the knob body connecting plate cavity along the entire circumference of the knob body connecting plate cavity, and the thickness of the knob variable thickness area is the smallest at the end away from the knob body connecting plate cavity.

15. The knob mold according to claim 14, characterized in that: In a direction away from the knob body connecting plate cavity, the thickness of the knob variable thickness area gradually decreases.

16. The knob mold according to claim 15, characterized in that: The thickness of the knob variable thickness area adjacent to one end of the knob body connecting plate cavity ranges from 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm.

17. The knob mold according to claim 15, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the knob variable thickness area at one end away from the knob body connection plate cavity ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm.

18. The knob mold according to claim 14, characterized in that: The thickness of one end of the knob body connecting plate cavity communicating with the knob body side plate cavity is smaller than the thickness of one end of the knob variable thickness region adjacent to the knob body connecting plate cavity.

19. The knob mold according to claim 14, characterized in that: The thickness of the knob body connecting plate cavity ranges from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

20. The knob mold according to claim 13, wherein: The knob cavity includes a knob body reinforcement rib cavity, the knob body reinforcement rib cavity is located on the inner periphery of the knob body side plate cavity and is connected to the knob body side plate cavity, the knob body reinforcement rib cavity extends into a sheet shape in the axial direction of the knob body side plate cavity, and the knob body reinforcement rib cavity is located in the knob thickness variable area.

21. The knob mold according to claim 14, wherein: The knob mold core has a knob cover plate cavity, which is arranged on a side of the knob body connecting plate cavity away from the knob body side plate cavity and is communicated with the knob cavity.

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