A push-button knob module and washing equipment

Abstract

This invention discloses a press-type knob module and a washing device. The press-type knob module includes: a button, which is pressable; a knob, which is pressable; a locking structure for locking the knob in a pressed state; a push rod on the button that unlocks the locking structure; when the button is pressed to trigger the touch switch, the locking structure is unlocked, causing the knob to pop out. By setting the knob to be pressable, it can be rotated and pressed simultaneously. The locking structure ensures the knob is in a pressed state, allowing it to pop out of the control panel when needed. The knob is normally pressed, preventing accidental contact and increasing safety, while also improving aesthetics. The button, when pressed, simultaneously unlocks the locking structure, simplifying the structure and operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of knob technology, specifically relating to a press-type knob module and a washing device having the press-type knob module. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a washing machine includes a cabinet, a door, an outer drum, an inner drum, a drive system, and a control system. The door is located on the front or top of the cabinet for opening and closing. The outer drum is fixed inside the cabinet by a suspension mechanism, and the inner drum is installed inside the outer drum. Opening the door allows you to put clothes into the inner drum or take them out. The drive system drives the motor to rotate. A control panel is located on the front or top of the cabinet for users to select washing programs, and the control system controls the washing process of the washing machine.

[0003] Existing washing machine control panels have multiple control buttons and a display window showing the washing machine's operating status. Inside the control panel is a computer board used to control the washing machine's operation. The control buttons are used for starting, pausing, setting water volume, temperature, time, washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. The display window is linked to the control buttons to show information such as the washing machine's settings and operating status.

[0004] To simplify washing machine operation and reduce the number of buttons, most modern washing machines use encoders. The encoder is fixed to the control board and connected to the main control board via signal cables. Rotating the encoder selects various washing modes, and the signal is transmitted to the main control board to control the washing program. Typically, the encoder is fixedly connected to the knob, and both can rotate together. Users can rotate the encoder by turning the knob to select different washing modes as needed.

[0005] The encoders used in current washing machines consist of two layers. The outer layer is a rotatable part that is fixed to the knob and can rotate together with the knob to select the washing mode. The inner layer is a stationary part. To save space and reduce the number of operating parts, a touch switch is also installed inside the inner layer of the encoder. This touch switch, like the encoder, is fixed to the control board and is usually used as the main power switch or pause button for the washing machine.

[0006] Currently, washing machines employ a rotary and pressable knob / button structure. This includes a knob fixedly connected to and rotating with the encoder's rotatable part. In the center of the knob, a vertically extending contact assembly is located. From top to bottom, the contact assembly includes a pressing part for receiving user pressure, a contact plate, and a button post. The button plate can move vertically relative to the button post. The button post is a hollow cylindrical structure with a columnar structure in its center for triggering a touch switch. This columnar structure is connected to the inner wall of the button post via a cantilever. When the user presses the pressing part at the top, the button post moves downwards, pressing the columnar structure within the button post, causing it to move downwards and triggering the touch switch. After the action is complete, the rebound force of the touch switch resets the columnar structure, the button plate, and the pressing part.

[0007] Currently, the knob and button structure protrudes from the control panel. During daily use or transport, the knobs located on the outside are frequently touched, sometimes even resulting in damage. Furthermore, this structure relies on the rebound force of a touch switch to reset the entire button assembly. However, the rebound force of the touch switch itself is relatively small, and its travel distance is short, resulting in poor tactile feedback and low structural reliability.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a push-button knob module. By setting the knob to be push-button, the control panel can be popped out only when needed, avoiding touching the knob. Furthermore, the structure is simplified and the operation steps are easy.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0011] A push-button knob module, comprising:

[0012] A button that can be pressed;

[0013] A knob, which is rotatably fitted on the outside of the button and is pressable;

[0014] A locking structure is provided to lock the knob in the pressed state.

[0015] The computer board is equipped with a touch switch that matches the key.

[0016] The button is equipped with a push rod that can unlock the locking structure; when the button is pressed to trigger the touch switch, the locking structure can be unlocked, causing the knob to pop out.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0018] The control panel has a through hole for the knob to pop out;

[0019] When the knob is pressed, the upper surface of the knob is flush with the upper surface of the control panel.

[0020] Furthermore, the locking structure has a radially retractable locking rod, a locking groove on the knob that matches the extended end of the locking rod, and a push rod on the button that can push the locking rod to retract radially to disengage from the locking groove.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a first fixing frame, on which a radially extending fixing block is fixed, and a first receiving cavity for accommodating the locking rod is formed on the fixing block.

[0022] Furthermore, a first through hole communicating with the first receiving cavity is provided on the fixing block, and the push rod can extend into the first through hole and push the locking rod to retract radially.

[0023] Furthermore, a third spring is provided in the first receiving cavity for pushing the locking rod to extend radially.

[0024] Furthermore, a second through hole communicating with the first receiving cavity is provided on the fixing block, and a limiting clamp for limiting the extension and retraction of the locking rod is fitted in the second through hole.

[0025] Furthermore, the lower end of the locking groove is matched with the protruding end of the locking rod. When the knob is pressed, the lower end of the locking groove can push the locking rod inward, causing the locking rod to extend into the locking groove.

[0026] Furthermore, a first limiting structure is provided between the button and the knob to limit the button's pop-out position. When the button is in the pop-out state, the upper surface of the button is flush with the upper surface of the knob.

[0027] Furthermore, the first limiting structure consists of a limiting claw extending downward from the button and a limiting hole matching the limiting claw on the knob.

[0028] Furthermore, it also includes a first fixing bracket, and a first spring is provided between the first fixing bracket and the button to push the button out. The button has a first pop-out state when the knob is in the pressed state and a second pop-out state when the knob is in the pop-out state.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes a second fixing bracket, on which the knob can be axially pressed and mounted, and a second spring is provided between the second fixing bracket and the knob.

[0030] Furthermore, it also includes a computer board box for housing the computer board, with the first fixing bracket mounted on the computer board box.

[0031] Furthermore, the button has a planar first pressing portion and a push rod extending downward along the first pressing portion.

[0032] Furthermore, the button also has a limiting claw extending downward along the first pressing portion.

[0033] Furthermore, the knob has an annular second pressing portion and a mounting groove located inside the second pressing portion, and the button is located in the mounting groove.

[0034] Furthermore, a third clearance hole is provided on the bottom wall of the mounting groove to avoid the first spring receiving cavity.

[0035] Furthermore, the knob also has a sidewall extending downward along the outer edge of the second pressing part, and the locking groove is provided on the sidewall and protrudes outward.

[0036] Furthermore, the knob also has a limiting water-blocking edge that extends radially outward along the side wall.

[0037] Furthermore, an outwardly extending limiting flange is provided at the lower end of the side wall, and a limiting slot for blocking the limiting flange is provided on the second fixing frame.

[0038] Furthermore, the first fixing bracket is located inside the knob, and the first fixing bracket has a first cylindrical body and is disposed on the top wall of the first cylindrical body, and a first spring receiving cavity extending upward is provided on the first top wall.

[0039] Furthermore, the second fixing frame has a second cylinder and an annular second spring receiving groove disposed at the upper end of the second cylinder.

[0040] Furthermore, a downwardly extending limiting cylinder is provided along the limiting water-blocking edge, and the limiting cylinder is disposed adjacent to the inner wall of the second spring receiving groove.

[0041] Based on the aforementioned push-button knob module, the present invention also provides a washing device having the push-button knob module. By setting the knob to be push-button, the control panel can be popped out only when needed, avoiding touching the knob; and the structure is simple and the operation is simplified.

[0042] A washing device includes a housing, a control panel disposed on the housing, and the aforementioned push-button knob module disposed on the control panel.

[0043] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are as follows: By setting the knob to a press-type configuration, the knob can be rotated and pressed simultaneously. Furthermore, a locking structure locks the knob in the pressed state, allowing it to pop out of the control panel when needed. The knob's normal pressed state prevents accidental contact, increasing safety and enhancing aesthetics. The button, when pressed, simultaneously unlocks the locking structure, causing the knob to pop out. This eliminates the need for a dedicated component for unlocking the locking structure, simplifying the structure and simplifying operation.

[0044] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the push-button knob module proposed in this invention;

[0047] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-section structure;

[0048] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of the middle section;

[0049] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after the middle button is pressed;

[0051] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-section structure;

[0052] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram of the middle section;

[0053] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified structural diagram of region B in the middle;

[0054] Figure 9 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure after the middle button pops up;

[0055] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-section structure;

[0056] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged structural diagram of the middle section;

[0057] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified structural diagram of region C in the middle;

[0058] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure;

[0059] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the button structure;

[0060] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the knob's structure;

[0061] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the first fixing frame;

[0062] Figure 17 for Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing block and locking rod;

[0063] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central fixing block;

[0064] Figure 19 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the locking lever. Detailed Implementation

[0065] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, with the direction closer to the axis of the push-button knob module being "inner," and the opposite being "outer." These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0067] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] See Figures 1-19 This is an embodiment of the push-button knob module proposed in this invention. A push-button knob module 100 is used in washing equipment, such as washing machines, dryers, and garment care machines. To facilitate the description of the relative positional relationship, the direction closer to the axis of the push-button knob module is referred to as "inner," and the opposite direction is referred to as "outer." Regarding the relative relationship between the computer board 30 and the control panel 40, the computer board is located below, and the control panel is located above.

[0069] See Figure 1 and Figure 13As shown, the push-button knob module 100 includes: a button 10, a knob 20, a computer board 30, a control panel 40, a first fixing frame 51, and a second fixing frame 52. The button 10 is pressable, and the knob 20 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the button 10, and the knob 20 is also pressable. The computer board 30 is equipped with a touch switch 31 that matches the button 10, and an encoder 32 is provided between the computer board 30 and the knob 20. A locking structure is used to lock the knob 20 in the pressed state. The button 10 is equipped with a push rod 12 that can unlock the locking structure and a touch rod 13 that triggers the touch switch. When the button 10 is pressed, the touch rod 13 on the button 10 will trigger the touch switch 31, and the push rod 12 can unlock the locking structure, causing the knob 20 to pop out. The program can be selected by rotating the knob 20. By setting the knob 20 to a press-type configuration, it can be both rotated and pressed. A locking mechanism secures the knob 20 in the pressed state, allowing it to pop out of the control panel 40 when needed. Normally, the knob 20 is in the pressed state, preventing accidental contact and increasing safety, while also enhancing aesthetics. Pressing the button 10 triggers the touch switch 31 and simultaneously unlocks the locking mechanism, causing the knob 20 to pop out. This eliminates the need for a dedicated component for unlocking the locking mechanism, simplifying the design and operation.

[0070] A through hole 41 is provided on the control panel 40 for the knob 20 to pop out. The control panel shown in the figure is its decorative panel, and other structures of the control panel are not shown. When the knob 20 is in the pressed state, the upper surface of the knob 20 is flush with the upper surface of the control panel 40. In the normal state, the knob 20 is in the pressed state, the button 10 is in the pop-out state, and the upper surface of the button 10 is flush with the upper surface of the knob 20. That is, the upper surface of the button 10, the upper surface of the knob 20, and the upper surface of the control panel 40 are all flush.

[0071] Preferably, the first fixing frame 51 and the second fixing frame 52 are mounted on the computer board box. The locking structure has a radially retractable locking rod 515 and a locking groove 24 on the knob 20 that matches the extended end of the locking rod 515. The locking rod 515 extends radially outward and retracts radially, with the extended end of the locking rod 515 being its outer end. The button 10 has a push rod 12 that can push the locking rod 515 radially retract to disengage from the locking groove 24. When the button 10 is pressed and moved downward, the push rod 12 and the trigger rod 14 also move downward together. The push rod 12 pushes the locking rod 515 inward, causing the locking rod 515 to disengage from the locking groove 24, thus unlocking the knob 20 and causing it to move upward. At the same time, the trigger rod 14 presses against the trigger switch 31, thus triggering the trigger switch 31.

[0072] See Figures 1-4 , Figures 17-19 As shown, a radially extending fixing block 514 is fixed on the first fixing frame 51. A first receiving cavity 5141 for accommodating a locking rod 515 is formed on the fixing block 514. The locking rod 515 is telescopically disposed within the first receiving cavity 5141 of the fixing block 514. A third spring 516 for pushing the locking rod 515 radially outward is provided within the first receiving cavity 5141. A first through hole 5142 communicating with the first receiving cavity 5141 is formed on the fixing block 514, into which the pushing rod 12 can extend. A pushing groove 5151 matching the pushing rod 12 is formed on the locking rod 515, pushing the locking rod 515 radially retract. Matching inclined end faces are provided on both the pushing groove 5151 and the pushing rod 12, enabling the locking rod 515 to retract inward when the pushing rod 12 moves downward. A second through hole 5143 communicating with the first receiving cavity 5141 is provided on the fixing block 514. A limiting clip 517 is fitted into the second through hole 5143. The limiting clip 517 is used to limit the extension and retraction of the locking rod 515. A limiting groove 5152 is provided on the locking rod 515, and the limiting clip 517 extends into the limiting groove 5152.

[0073] After knob 20 pops out, the user releases button 10, which pops out under the push of the first spring 15, causing the push rod 12 to move upward. This causes the locking rod 515 to extend radially outward under the action of the third spring 516. At this time, the extended end of the locking rod 515 is located below the locking groove 24, and knob 20 protrudes from the control panel 40, which facilitates rotation operation. After rotating knob 20 to select a program, pressing knob 20 resets it to its initial state, or normal state, and knob 20 is locked in the pressed state. The extended end of locking rod 515 is provided with a first inclined surface 5153 that matches the lower end of locking groove 24. When knob 20 is pressed, the lower end of locking groove 24 can push locking rod 515 inward, causing locking rod 515 to extend into locking groove 24, thereby resetting knob 20.

[0074] A first limiting structure 13 is provided between the button 10 and the knob 20 to limit the pop-out position of the button 10. When the button 10 is in the pop-out state, the upper surface of the button 10 is flush with the upper surface of the knob 20. The first limiting structure consists of a limiting claw 13 extending downward on the button 10 and a limiting hole 222 on the knob 20 that matches the limiting claw 13. By setting the first limiting structure, the upward direction of the button 10 relative to the knob 20 is limited; that is, the first spring 15 provides an upward pushing force to the button 10. Due to the limitation of the first limiting structure, the relative distance between the button 10 and the knob 20 is fixed in the pop-out state. A first spring 15 is provided between the first fixing bracket 51 and the button 10 to push the button 10 out. The pop-out state of the button 10 includes a first pop-out state where the knob 20 is in the pressed state and a second pop-out state where the knob 20 is in the pop-out state.

[0075] The knob 20 is axially pressable and mounted on the second fixing bracket 52. A second spring 27 is provided between the second fixing bracket 52 and the knob 20. The second spring 27 is used to push the knob 20 to pop out.

[0076] The specific structural arrangement of each component can take various forms. The button 10 has a planar first pressing portion 11, multiple push rods 12 extending downwards along the first pressing portion 11, multiple limiting claws 13 extending downwards along the first pressing portion 11, and a trigger post 14 extending downwards along the first pressing portion 11. The upper end surface of the first pressing portion 11 is the upper end surface of the button 10, which is the end surface used for pressing. The push rods 12 are used to unlock the locking structure, and the limiting claws 13 are used to limit the upward movement of the button 10 relative to the knob 20.

[0077] The first fixing bracket 51 is located inside the knob 20. The first fixing bracket 51 has a first cylindrical body 511 and a top wall 512 disposed at the upper end of the first cylindrical body 511. A first spring receiving cavity 513 extending upward is provided on the first top wall 512. The first spring 15 is located in the first spring receiving cavity 513.

[0078] The knob 20 has an annular second pressing part 21 and a mounting groove 22 located inside the second pressing part 21. The button 10 is located in the mounting groove 22. The upper end surface of the second pressing part 21 is the upper end surface of the knob 20. The bottom wall of the mounting groove 22 is provided with a third clearance hole 223 for avoiding the first spring receiving cavity 513, a first clearance hole 221 for avoiding the push rod 12, and a limiting hole 222 that matches the limiting claw.

[0079] The knob 20 also has a side wall 23 extending downward along the outer edge of the second pressing part 21, and a locking groove 24 is provided on the side wall 23, which protrudes outward. The knob 20 also has a limiting water-blocking edge 25 extending radially outward along the side wall 23; a limiting flange 231 extending outward is provided at the lower end of the side wall 23, and a limiting slot 523 for blocking the limiting flange 231 is provided on the second fixing frame 52 to limit the knob 20 when it pops up.

[0080] The second fixing frame 52 has a second cylinder 521 and an annular second spring receiving groove 522 disposed at the upper end of the second cylinder 521. A limiting cylinder 26 extending downward is provided along the limiting water-blocking edge 25, and the limiting cylinder 26 is disposed adjacent to the inner wall of the second spring receiving groove 522.

[0081] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A push-button knob module, characterized in that, include: A button that can be pressed; A knob, which is rotatably fitted on the outside of the button and is pressable; A locking structure is provided to lock the knob in the pressed state. The computer board is equipped with a touch switch that matches the key. The button is equipped with a push rod that can unlock the locking structure; when the button is pressed to trigger the touch switch, the locking structure can be unlocked, causing the knob to pop out. The locking structure has a radially retractable locking rod, a locking groove on the knob that matches the extended end of the locking rod, and a push rod on the button that can push the locking rod to retract radially to disengage from the locking groove.

2. The push-button knob module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control panel has a through hole for the knob to pop out; When the knob is pressed, the upper surface of the knob is flush with the upper surface of the control panel.

3. The push-button knob module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first fixing frame, on which a radially extending fixing block is fixed, and a first receiving cavity for accommodating the locking rod is formed on the fixing block; a first through hole communicating with the first receiving cavity is formed on the fixing block, and the pushing rod can extend into the first through hole and push the locking rod to retract radially.

4. The push-button knob module according to claim 3, characterized in that, A third spring is provided in the first receiving cavity to push the locking rod to extend radially; a second through hole communicating with the first receiving cavity is provided on the fixing block, and a limiting clamp for limiting the extension and retraction of the locking rod is fitted in the second through hole.

5. The push-button knob module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A first limiting structure is provided between the button and the knob to limit the button's pop-out position. When the button is in the pop-out state, the upper surface of the button is flush with the upper surface of the knob.

6. The push-button knob module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first limiting structure consists of a limiting claw extending downward from the button and a limiting hole matching the limiting claw on the knob.

7. The push-button knob module according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a first fixing bracket, and a first spring is provided between the first fixing bracket and the button to push the button out. The pop-out state of the button has a first pop-out state when the knob is in the pressed state and a second pop-out state when the knob is in the pop-out state.

8. The push-button knob module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a second fixing bracket, on which the knob can be axially pressed and mounted, and a second spring is provided between the second fixing bracket and the knob.

9. A washing device, characterized in that, It has a housing, a control panel disposed on the housing, and a push-button knob module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 disposed on the control panel.

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