Knob assembly and gas appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of gas appliances, and particularly discloses a knob assembly and a gas appliance. The knob assembly comprises a knob cap, a mounting seat and a display, an accommodating groove is formed in the top surface of the knob cap, the display is fixed on the mounting seat, the mounting seat is arranged in the accommodating groove and can rotate relative to the knob cap, and the rotating axis of the mounting seat relative to the knob cap and the rotating axis of the knob cap are coaxially arranged; a limiting piece is arranged on the mounting base, a through avoiding groove is formed in the bottom wall of the containing groove, and the avoiding groove is arranged to be in an arc shape with the rotating axis of the knob cap as the circle center; the limiting piece downwards extends out of the avoiding groove and is used for being matched with an external alignment structure in a limiting mode so as to limit rotation of the installation base. The display does not rotate along with the knob cap, so that the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas appliance technology, and in particular to a knob assembly and a gas appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Gas appliances, such as household gas stoves, gas water heaters, gas heaters, and gas boilers, are indispensable heating devices in modern life. These appliances are generally equipped with knobs, which users can turn to adjust the heat or change the operating mode of the gas appliance.

[0003] In recent years, with the development of intelligent control technology, some gas appliances have integrated displays on their knobs to intuitively show the appliance's working status, parameters, and other information, improving the convenience of human-computer interaction. However, the displays on these existing knobs rotate synchronously with the knob. When the user rotates the knob to different angles according to the actual situation, the display also tilts, causing the display's orientation to constantly change. Users need to observe the screen information from non-direct viewing angles, resulting in visual recognition difficulties and inconvenient reading of the displayed content, which undoubtedly affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a knob assembly and a gas appliance, the display of which does not rotate with the knob cap, thus improving the user experience.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: According to a first aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides a knob assembly, including a knob cap, a mounting base, and a display; the top surface of the knob cap is provided with a receiving groove, the display is fixed on the mounting base, the mounting base is disposed in the receiving groove and is rotatable relative to the knob cap, the rotation axis of the mounting base relative to the knob cap is coaxially arranged with the rotation axis of the knob cap itself; a limiting member is provided on the mounting base, and a through clearance groove is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove, the clearance groove being configured as an arc centered on the rotation axis of the knob cap; the limiting member extends downward into the clearance groove and is used to limit and cooperate with an external alignment structure to restrict the rotation of the mounting base.

[0006] In some embodiments, the alignment structure includes a socket, and the limiting member is used to be inserted into the socket; or, the alignment structure includes a connector, and the limiting member is used to be fixed on the connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, the device further includes a bearing disposed in a receiving groove, and the outer ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the knob cap; a connecting rod is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting base, the connecting rod is coaxially arranged with the rotation axis of the knob cap, and the inner ring of the bearing is sleeved on the outside of the connecting rod.

[0008] In some embodiments, the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod is provided with a convex ring, the outer diameter of the convex ring is larger than the inner diameter of the bearing inner ring, and the convex ring is located below the bearing; The connecting rod can be elastically deformed and snapped into the inner ring of the bearing, or the surface of the connecting rod is provided with a convex ridge extending along the axial direction, and the inner ring of the bearing is snapped into the convex ridge.

[0009] In some embodiments, the top surface of the mounting base is provided with a mounting groove, the display is fixed on the circuit board, and the circuit board is fixed in the mounting groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the circuit board is provided with a terminal block, the terminal block is connected to a wire, the bottom wall of the mounting groove is provided with a through wiring hole, and the wire extends out from the wiring hole and the clearance groove in sequence.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mounting base is placed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove, the bottom surface of the mounting base is provided with a connecting rod, the bottom wall of the receiving groove is provided with a connecting groove, and the connecting rod is inserted into the connecting groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, a light-transmitting knob cover is fixed on the mounting base, and the knob cover seals the mounting groove; or, a light-transmitting knob cover is fixed in the receiving groove, and the knob cover is located above the display and closes the receiving groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the knob cap is provided with a downwardly extending rotating shaft, the axis of the rotating shaft being coaxial with the axis of rotation of the knob cap; the rotating shaft is used to connect to the valve stem of the gas valve so as to drive the valve stem to rotate when the knob cap is rotated.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides a gas appliance, including a housing, a fixed cover, and a knob assembly as described in any of the first aspects above, wherein the fixed cover is mounted on the outer surface of the housing, the knob assembly is disposed on the fixed cover, and the alignment structure is disposed on the fixed cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, a gas valve disposed within a housing is further included. The gas valve has a valve stem. An opening is provided on the housing. A fixing cover is fixed to the opening and has a through hole. A downwardly extending rotating shaft is provided on the bottom surface of the knob cap. The axis of the rotating shaft is coaxially arranged with the axis of rotation of the knob cap. The rotating shaft passes through the through hole and the opening and is connected to the valve stem so that the valve stem rotates when the knob cap is rotated.

[0016] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The display of the present invention is fixed on the mounting base, which is disposed in the receiving groove and can rotate relative to the knob cap. The rotation axis of the mounting base relative to the knob cap is coaxial with the rotation axis of the knob cap itself. A limiting member is provided on the mounting base, and a through clearance groove is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The clearance groove is configured as an arc with the rotation axis of the knob cap as the center. The limiting member extends downward into the clearance groove and is used to limit the rotation of the mounting base by engaging with an external alignment structure. Thus, when the user rotates the knob cap, the mounting base does not rotate due to the limiting member engaging with the external alignment structure. Consequently, the display does not rotate with the knob cap, allowing the user to observe the information on the display normally, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mounting base according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob cap according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting base according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention after the knob assembly has been disassembled; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention after the knob assembly and fixing cover have been removed; Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a gas appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The attached figures are labeled as follows: Knob cap 100, receiving groove 110, clearance groove 120, connecting groove 130, rotating shaft 140; Mounting base 200, limiting component 210, connecting rod 220, hollow groove 221, protruding ring 222, protruding ridge 223, mounting groove 230, support column 231, first buckle 232, wiring hole 240; Display 300, circuit board 310, terminal block 320; Bearing 400; Knob cover 500, second buckle 510; Housing 600, gas valve 610, valve stem 620, opening 630; Fixed cover 700, alignment structure 710, perforation 720, groove 730. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention provide a knob assembly, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the device includes a knob cap 100, a mounting base 200, and a display 300. The top surface of the knob cap 100 has a receiving groove 110 to accommodate other components. The display 300 is fixed to the mounting base 200, which provides mounting space for it. The mounting base 200 is disposed in the receiving groove 110 and can rotate relative to the knob cap 100. The mounting base 200 can be rotatably connected to the knob cap 100 or not. Since the knob cap 100 itself can rotate and has its own axis of rotation, and the mounting base 200 is coaxially arranged with the axis of rotation of the knob cap 100 relative to its own axis of rotation, this allows the mounting base 200 to not rotate with the knob cap 100.

[0023] The mounting base 200 is provided with a limiting member 210, and the bottom wall of the receiving groove 110 is provided with a through clearance groove 120. The clearance groove 120 is set as an arc with the rotation axis of the knob cap 100 as the center. The limiting member 210 extends downward into the clearance groove 120, so as to cooperate with the external structure. The limiting member 210 extending out of the clearance groove 120 is used to limit the cooperation with the external alignment structure to restrict the rotation of the mounting base 200.

[0024] When the user rotates the knob cap 100, the mounting base 200 does not rotate due to the limiting component 210's engagement with the external alignment structure. Consequently, the display 300 does not rotate with the knob cap 100, allowing the user to observe the information on the display 300 normally, thus improving the user experience. Simultaneously, because the clearance groove 120 is designed as an arc centered on the rotation axis of the knob cap 100, the limiting component 210 slides within the clearance groove 120 when the knob cap 100 rotates relative to the mounting base 200, preventing interference with the rotation of the knob cap 100.

[0025] In some embodiments, the alignment structure includes a socket, and a limiting member 210 is used to insert into the socket. The inner wall of the socket will block the rotation of the limiting member 210, thereby limiting the rotation of the mounting base 200.

[0026] In other embodiments, the alignment structure includes a connecting seat, and the limiting member 210 can be fixed on the connecting seat to fix the limiting member 210 in place and restrict the rotation of the mounting seat 200.

[0027] In the above embodiments, the limiting member 210 can be a limiting rod, which can easily pass through the clearance groove and can be stably inserted into the socket or stably fixed on the connector.

[0028] The limit rod and the mounting base 200 can be integrally molded for easy overall manufacturing.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2-5 As shown, the knob assembly also includes a bearing 400, which is disposed within the receiving groove 110, and the outer ring of the bearing 400 is fixedly connected to the knob cap 100. A connecting rod 220 is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting base 200, and the connecting rod 220 is coaxially arranged with the rotation axis of the knob cap 100. The inner ring of the bearing 400 is sleeved on the outer side of the connecting rod 220.

[0030] When the knob cap 100 rotates, it drives the outer ring of the bearing 400 to rotate, while the inner ring of the bearing 400 does not rotate. Correspondingly, the connecting rod 220 and the mounting base 200 also do not rotate. In this embodiment, the bearing 400 achieves the rotational connection between the mounting base 200 and the knob cap 100. The bearing 400 can also bear the weight of the mounting base 200 and other weights loaded on it, providing effective support for the mounting base 200. This avoids friction between the mounting base 200 and the inner wall of the receiving groove 110, ensuring that the knob cap 100 can rotate smoothly relative to the mounting base 200.

[0031] To achieve the inner ring of bearing 400 fitting onto the outside of connecting rod 220, two implementation methods will be provided below.

[0032] In one implementation, such as Figure 2-4 As shown, the connecting rod 220 is elastically deformable and snap-fitted into the inner ring of the bearing 400. This embodiment uses a snap-fit ​​method to connect the connecting rod 220 to the inner ring of the bearing 400. This snap-fit ​​method is simple in structure and easy to operate. Furthermore, because the connecting rod 220 is elastically deformable, it is easy to insert into the inner ring of the bearing 400, allowing operators to more conveniently insert the connecting rod 220 into the inner ring of the bearing 400, making the operation more labor-saving.

[0033] The bottom surface of the connecting rod 220 may be provided with a hollow groove 221 to enhance the elastic deformation characteristics of the connecting rod 220.

[0034] In another implementation, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the surface of the connecting rod 220 is provided with an axially extending protrusion 223, and the inner ring of the bearing 400 is secured to the protrusion 223. The protrusion 223 effectively increases the outer diameter of the connecting rod 220, forming an interference fit connection structure. The bottom surface of the protrusion 223 can be provided with a guide slope to facilitate the insertion of the connecting rod 220 into the inner ring of the bearing 400.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2-5 As shown, a convex ring 222 is provided around the outer circumference of the connecting rod 220. The convex ring 222 can surround the connecting rod 220 for one circumference. The outer diameter of the convex ring 222 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner ring of the bearing 400, and the convex ring 222 is located below the bearing 400. The convex ring 222 can prevent the bearing 400 from disengaging from the connecting rod 220, so that the connecting rod 220 and the inner ring of the bearing 400 remain stably connected.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the bottom wall of the receiving groove 110 is provided with a connecting groove 130. At least a portion of the bearing 400 is located within the connecting groove 130, and the outer ring of the bearing 400 is interference-fitted with the connecting groove 130. Thus, the outer ring of the bearing 400 is fixedly connected to the knob cap 100. The interference fit method results in a simple structure and easy assembly.

[0037] Of course, depending on actual needs, the outer ring of the bearing 400 can also be fixedly connected to the knob cap 100 in other ways.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2-4 As shown, the top surface of the mounting base 200 has a mounting groove 230, on which the monitor 300 is fixed. This eliminates the need for wiring between the monitor 300 and the circuit board 310, saving installation space. The circuit board 310 is fixed in the mounting groove 230, thus fixing the monitor 300 to the mounting base 200. Compared to directly fixing the monitor 300, the circuit board 310 provides a better mounting structure, avoiding damage to the monitor 300.

[0039] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the circuit board 310 is provided with a terminal block 320, to which wires are connected. The bottom wall of the mounting groove 230 is provided with a through-hole 240, from which wires extend sequentially. This allows the wires to be connected to an external power source to transmit electrical energy to the circuit board 310, enabling the electronic components and display 300 on the circuit board 310 to operate. Simultaneously, since the wires extend from the recessed groove 120, when the knob cap 100 is rotated, the wires move within the recessed groove 120, preventing twisting and ensuring stable transmission of electrical signals.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2-4 As shown, an upwardly protruding support post 231 is provided in the mounting groove 230, and a first buckle 232 is provided on the side wall of the mounting groove 230. The bottom surface of the circuit board 310 abuts against the support post 231, and the first buckle 232 is fastened to the top surface of the circuit board 310. The first buckle 232 and the support post 231 will clamp the circuit board 310, thereby fixing the circuit board 310.

[0041] Of course, the circuit board 310 can also be fixed in the mounting slot 230 by other methods such as screw fixing or adhesive fixing.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2-4As shown, a light-transmitting knob cover 500 is fixed on the mounting base 200, which covers the mounting groove 230. This provides dust protection for the circuit board 310 and display 300 within the mounting groove 230, reducing interference or damage to the circuit board 310 and display 300. Simultaneously, the knob cover 500 is light-transmitting, allowing light emitted from the display 300 to pass through it without affecting the user's viewing of information on the display 300.

[0043] A second snap-fit ​​510 can be provided on the knob cover 500. The second snap-fit ​​510 is snap-fitted to the mounting base 200 to install the knob cover 500. The snap-fit ​​connection facilitates the installation and removal of the knob cover 500 and makes it convenient for operators to assemble.

[0044] Of course, the knob cover 500 can also be fixed to the mounting base 200 by other means such as threaded connection or screw fixing.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a light-transmitting knob cover 500 is fixed inside the receiving slot 110. The knob cover 500 is located above the display 300 and closes the receiving slot 110. The knob cover 500 provides dust protection for components such as the circuit board 310, display 300, and mounting base 200 inside the receiving slot 110, reducing interference or damage to the circuit board 310 and display 300. At the same time, the knob cover 500 is light-transmitting, allowing light emitted from the display 300 to pass through it without affecting the user's viewing of information on the display 300.

[0046] A third snap fastener can be provided on the knob cover 500. The inner wall of the receiving groove 110 can be provided with a slot that matches the third snap fastener. The third snap fastener is snapped into the corresponding slot to install the knob cover 500. The snap fastener connection facilitates the installation and removal of the knob cover 500 and makes it convenient for operators to assemble.

[0047] Of course, the knob cover 500 can also be fixed in the receiving groove 110 by other means such as threaded connection or screw fixation.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mounting base is placed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. A connecting rod is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting base, and a connecting groove is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The connecting rod is inserted into the connecting groove, and the mounting base is mounted by means of the connecting rod, restricting the radial movement of the mounting base. When the knob cap is rotated, the bottom surface of the mounting base rotates relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a downwardly extending rotating shaft 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the knob cap 100, and the axis of the rotating shaft 140 is coaxially arranged with the axis of rotation of the knob cap 100. The rotating shaft 140 is used to connect to the valve stem of the gas valve. On the one hand, the entire knob assembly is mounted through the valve stem; on the other hand, when the user rotates the knob cap 100, the rotating shaft 140 drives the valve stem to rotate, thereby directly controlling the gas valve, changing the opening degree of the gas valve, and adjusting the gas flow.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention provide a gas appliance, such as Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, it includes a housing 600, a fixed cover 700, and a knob assembly of any of the above embodiments. For a detailed description of the knob assembly, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0051] A fixed cover 700 is mounted on the outer surface of the housing 600, a knob assembly is mounted on the fixed cover 700, and an alignment structure 710 is mounted on the fixed cover 700. When the user rotates the knob cap 100, the mounting base 200 does not rotate due to the limiting engagement between the limiting member 210 and the alignment structure 710. Consequently, the display 300 does not rotate with the knob cap 100, allowing the user to normally observe the information on the display 300, thus improving the user experience.

[0052] In some embodiments, the knob cap 100 can be rotatably connected to the fixed cover 700 so that the knob cap 100 is mounted on the fixed cover 700 and the knob cap 100 can rotate.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, a groove 730 can be provided on the surface of the fixed cover 700, and a part of the knob cap 100 can be embedded in the groove 730. The installation position of the knob cap 100 can be positioned through the groove 730, which facilitates the quick installation of the knob cap 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9-11 As shown, the gas appliance also includes a gas valve 610 disposed within a housing 600. The gas valve 610 has a valve stem 620. An opening 630 is provided on the housing 600. A fixing cover 700 is fixed at the opening 630, and the fixing cover 630 is provided with a through hole 720. A downwardly extending rotating shaft 140 is provided on the bottom surface of the knob cap 100. The axis of the rotating shaft 140 is coaxially arranged with the axis of rotation of the knob cap 100. The rotating shaft 140 passes through the through hole 720 and the opening 630 and is connected to the valve stem 620. On the one hand, the entire knob assembly is mounted through the valve stem 620. On the other hand, when the user rotates the knob cap 100, the rotating shaft 140 drives the valve stem 620 to rotate, thereby directly controlling the gas valve 610 and changing the opening degree of the gas valve 610 to regulate the gas flow.

[0055] The terms and words used in the foregoing description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the applicant to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention is illustrative only and not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, characterized by: The knob cap, the mounting base and the display are included; the top surface of the knob cap is provided with a containing groove; the display is fixed on the mounting base; the mounting base is arranged in the containing groove and can rotate relative to the knob cap; the rotation axis of the mounting base relative to the knob cap is coaxial with the rotation axis of the knob cap itself; the mounting base is provided with a limiting piece; the bottom wall of the containing groove is provided with a through avoiding slot; the avoiding slot is arranged in the shape of an arc with the rotation axis of the knob cap as the center; the limiting piece extends downward out of the avoiding slot and is used for limiting cooperation with an external alignment structure to limit the rotation of the mounting base.

2. The knob assembly of claim 1, wherein: The alignment structure includes a jack, and the limiting piece is used for being inserted in the jack; or the alignment structure includes a connecting seat, and the limiting piece is used for being fixed on the connecting seat.

3. The knob assembly of claim 1, wherein: A bearing is further included; the bearing is arranged in the containing groove; and the outer ring of the bearing is fixedly connected with the knob cap; the bottom surface of the mounting base is provided with a connecting rod; the connecting rod is coaxial with the rotation axis of the knob cap; and the inner ring of the bearing is sleeved on the outer side of the connecting rod.

4. The knob assembly of claim 2, wherein: The outer peripheral surface of the connecting rod is annularly provided with a convex ring; the outer diameter of the convex ring is greater than the inner diameter of the inner ring of the bearing; and the convex ring is located below the bearing. The connecting rod can be elastically deformed and clamped and fixed in the inner ring of the bearing; or the surface of the connecting rod is provided with a convex rib extending in the axial direction; and the inner ring of the bearing is clamped and fixed on the convex rib.

5. The knob assembly of claim 1, wherein: The top surface of the mounting base is provided with a mounting groove; the display is fixed on a circuit board; and the circuit board is fixed in the mounting groove.

6. The knob assembly of claim 1, wherein: The mounting base is placed on the bottom wall of the containing groove; the bottom surface of the mounting base is provided with a connecting rod; the bottom wall of the containing groove is provided with a connecting groove; and the connecting rod is inserted into the connecting groove.

7. The knob assembly of claim 5, wherein: A light-transmissive knob cover is fixed on the mounting base; and the knob cover covers the mounting groove; or a light-transmissive knob cover is fixed in the containing groove; the knob cover is located above the display and closes the containing groove.

8. The knob assembly of any of claims 1-7, wherein: The bottom surface of the knob cap is provided with a downward extending rotation shaft; the axis of the rotation shaft is coaxial with the rotation axis of the knob cap; and the rotation shaft is used for being connected with a valve rod of a gas valve; so that the valve rod is driven to rotate when the knob cap rotates.

9. A gas appliance characterised in that: The shell, a fixed cover and the knob assembly of any one of claims 1-7 are included; the fixed cover is mounted on the outer surface of the shell; the knob assembly is arranged on the fixed cover; and the alignment structure is arranged on the fixed cover.

10. A gas appliance as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that: A gas valve is further included and arranged in the shell; the gas valve has a valve rod; the shell is provided with an opening; the fixed cover is fixed at the opening; the fixed cover is provided with a through hole; the bottom surface of the knob cap is provided with a downward extending rotation shaft; the axis of the rotation shaft is coaxial with the rotation axis of the knob cap; the rotation shaft passes through the through hole and the opening and is connected with the valve rod; so that the valve rod is driven to rotate when the knob cap rotates.

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