Knob and household appliance

Abstract

This application discloses a knob and a household appliance, wherein the knob includes: a base, a knob portion, a first light guide portion, and a second light guide portion. The base forms a mounting cavity, within which a light source is disposed, emitting a light beam. The knob portion is rotatably mounted on the knob base and forms a receiving cavity. A limiting portion communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side wall of the knob portion. One end of the first light guide portion is located in the mounting cavity, and the other end extends into the receiving cavity of the base. The second light guide portion is located in the limiting portion. The first light guide portion is configured to guide the light beam to the second light guide portion, and the second light guide portion is configured to guide the light beam to the outside of the knob portion. The knob of this application has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to manufacture. When using this knob, users can avoid bending over to operate it, and the knob's settings can be clearly seen even in dark environments.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Knobs, as common control elements, are widely used in various devices, including stoves, household appliances, and industrial equipment. Knobs are key components for controlling various devices and are ubiquitous in our lives. For example, cars, stoves, fans, and washing machines all have knobs with adjustment functions or speed settings. By rotating the knob, we can quickly change and adjust the corresponding function or speed. Knob designs generally require clear markings, non-slip textures, and easy identification of speed settings.

[0003] In the prior art, some devices have knobs located on the vertical surface. Knobs located on the vertical surface usually indicate the gear position to the user through silkscreen printing on the knob or at the base of the knob. Users usually need to bend down to clearly see the gear position of the knob when operating it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a knob and a household appliance to solve the technical problem in the prior art that users generally need to bend down to clearly see the knob's position when operating it.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, this application adopts the following technical solution: A knob is provided, comprising: a base, a knob portion, a first light guide portion, and a second light guide portion. The base has a mounting cavity containing a light source for emitting an illumination beam. The knob portion is rotatably mounted on the knob base and has a receiving cavity. A limiting portion communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side wall of the knob portion. One end of the first light guide portion is located in the mounting cavity, and the other end extends into the receiving cavity of the base. The second light guide portion is located in the limiting portion. The first light guide portion is configured to guide the illumination beam to the second light guide portion, and the second light guide portion is configured to guide the illumination beam to the outside of the knob portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the limiting part includes several openings, which are arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the knob, and the second light guide part includes several light guides, which are respectively embedded in the several openings.

[0007] Furthermore, in the installed state, the other end of the first light guide is positioned close to the upper side of the receiving cavity, so that the other end of the first light guide is stacked with the light guide that has been rotated to the upper side.

[0008] Furthermore, each light guide includes: a fixing block and a character block disposed on the fixing block, the character block being embedded in the opening, and the fixing block abutting against the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the character block includes at least one of numbers and letters.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer surface of the character block is flush with the outer surface of the knob.

[0011] Furthermore, the base includes a bottom shell and an outer edge that is bent and connected to the bottom shell. The bottom shell is provided with a through hole, and the other end of the first light guide extends into the receiving cavity through the through hole.

[0012] Furthermore, a stop is provided at one end of the first light guide, and a notch is provided on the outer edge of the base, with the stop embedded in the notch.

[0013] Furthermore, the knob includes an end cap and a housing, with one end of the end cap connected to one end of the housing, and the end cap and housing forming an accommodating cavity, and a limiting part located on the housing.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a household appliance with a knob in any of the above embodiments.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike the prior art, the knob provided in this application includes: a base, a knob portion, a first light guide portion, and a second light guide portion. The base has a mounting cavity, within which a light source is installed to emit an illumination beam. The knob portion is rotatably mounted on the knob base and has a receiving cavity. A limiting portion communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side wall of the knob portion. One end of the first light guide portion is located in the mounting cavity, and the other end extends into the receiving cavity of the base. The second light guide portion is located in the limiting portion. The first light guide portion is configured to guide the illumination beam to the second light guide portion, and the second light guide portion is configured to guide the illumination beam to the outside of the knob portion. The knob provided in this application has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to assemble. By setting two light guides, the illumination beam can be guided to the outside of the knob. When operating, the user can clearly see the knob's position without bending over. Moreover, by lighting up the corresponding position, the user can get clear feedback and adjust the knob's position even in dark environments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of a knob provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The exploded view of the knob shown;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the knob shown;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a household appliance provided in this application.

[0021] Figure descriptions: 10. Knob; 11. Base; 12. Knob part; 101. Mounting cavity; 102. Receiving cavity; 13. First light guide part; 14. Light guide element; 141. Fixing block; 142. Character block; 121. End cap; 122. Outer shell; 123. Opening; 111. Bottom shell; 112. Outer edge; 113. Notch; 114. Through hole; 131. Stop element; 40. Household appliance. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not the entire structure. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0024] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0025] This application provides a knob and a household appliance. Specifically, this application mainly allows users to adjust the heat level without bending over by embedding a light-emitting element on the side of the knob. When the knob is turned, only the scale position of the correct setting will light up, allowing the user to clearly know the current setting status, and the heat level can be easily adjusted even in relatively dark environments. The structure of the knob provided in this application will be described in detail below.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a knob provided in this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the knob. Specifically, the knob 10 includes: a base 11, a knob portion 12, a first light guide portion 13, and a second light guide portion (including multiple light guide elements 14).

[0027] The base 11 can be fixed to the device to be adjusted. For example, when the knob 10 is applied to a washing machine, the base 11 can be located on the upper or side (vertical) side of the washing machine. When the knob 10 is applied to a stove, the base 11 can be located on the upper or side side of the stove. Here, "upper" refers to the upper surface of the device to be adjusted in its installed state, and "side" refers to the side surface of the device to be adjusted in its installed state.

[0028] The base 11 has a mounting cavity 101, and a lighting lamp (not shown) can be installed in the mounting cavity 101 to emit a light beam.

[0029] The knob 12 is rotatably mounted on the base 11, meaning that the knob 12 can rotate relative to the base 11. For example... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the knob. One end of the base 11 is placed inside the receiving cavity 102, so that the knob part 12 is located on the periphery of the base 11. When it is necessary to adjust the gear through the knob part 12, the user can rotate the knob part 12 so that the knob part 12 rotates relative to the base 11 to adjust the gear.

[0030] Both the base 11 and the knob 12 can be cylindrical. The knob 12 is fitted around the base 11 and can rotate relative to the base 11.

[0031] One end of the first light guide 13 is disposed on the base 11, and at least a portion of the first light guide 13 is disposed within the mounting cavity 101 of the base 11 to guide the illumination beam.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the knob portion 12 forms a receiving cavity 102, and the other end of the first light guide portion 13 extends into the receiving cavity 102. The side wall of the knob portion 12 forms a limiting portion that communicates with the receiving cavity 102. The second light guide portion is embedded in the limiting portion. The first light guide portion 13 is used to guide the illumination beam to the second light guide portion, and the second light guide portion is used to guide the illumination beam to the outside of the knob 10.

[0033] In this way, the two light guide components can guide the illumination beam to the outside of the knob 12, making it convenient for the user to observe the gear position of the knob 10, clarify the power level of the knob 10, and enable the user to operate the knob 10 even in relatively dark conditions.

[0034] In addition, the second light guide is provided on the side of the knob 12, so that when the knob 10 is installed on a vertical surface, the user can observe the gear position of the knob 10 without bending over.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the knob 12 may include an end cap 121 and a housing 122. The end cap 121 is connected to one end of the housing 122, and the end cap 121 and the housing 122 form a receiving cavity. A limiting part is provided on the housing 122. The end cap 121 can be used to press the knob 10. For example, when the knob 10 is applied to a stove, the stove can be turned on by pressing the end cap 121, and the flame of the stove can be adjusted by turning the knob 12.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the second light guide portion includes a plurality of light guide elements 14, and the limiting portion includes a plurality of openings 123 distributed on the sidewall of the knob portion 12. The plurality of light guide elements 14 can be spaced apart on the sidewall of the knob portion 12 so that different light guide elements 14 can correspond to different gear positions. That is, the plurality of light guide elements 14 are spaced apart along the rotation direction of the knob portion 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of light guide elements 14 can be spaced at equal intervals. In other embodiments, the plurality of light guide elements 14 can also be spaced at unequal intervals, specifically according to the actual usage requirements and habits of the knob 10.

[0037] In the installed state, the other end of the first light guide 13 is positioned close to the upper side of the receiving cavity 102, so that the other end of the first light guide 13 can be stacked with the light guide 14 rotated to the upper side. In this way, the first light guide 13 can guide the illumination beam to the light guide 14 rotated to the upper side, so that the upper light guide 14 can emit light, making it convenient for the user to observe the gear position of the knob 10. That is, when the light is on, the first light guide 13 on the base transmits the illumination beam to the other end of the first light guide 13, and the other end of the first light guide 13 then transmits the illumination beam to the upper light guide 14, so that the scale on the light guide 14 can be illuminated, making it convenient for the user to observe the corresponding gear position of the knob 10.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the light guide 14 may include a fixing block 141 and a character block 142. The character block 142 is fixed to the fixing block 141, and the fixing block 141 abuts against the inner wall of the knob part 12. The character block 142 is embedded in the opening of the side wall of the knob part 12. This fixing method is simple to assemble and has high reliability.

[0039] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the upper surface of the character block 142 can be flush with the outer wall of the knob part 12. This reduces the overall volume of the knob 10 and makes it convenient for the user to touch the knob part 12 to rotate it.

[0040] In other embodiments, the character block 142 may also protrude from the outer surface of the knob portion 12, thereby making it convenient for the user to observe the character block 142.

[0041] The character block 142 can be letters, numbers, or other symbols. The character block 142 can serve as a scale for the knob 10, used to mark the gear position of the knob 10. For example, if the character block 142 is a number, when the user rotates the knob 12, the light guide 14 rotates along with the knob 12. When a different light guide 14 rotates to the upper position on the other side of the first light guide 13, it will emit light, while the light guide 14 in other positions will not emit light. For example, when the light guide 14 for the number 1 rotates to the upper side, it will emit light under the conduction of the first light guide 13, while the light guide 14 for the other scales will not emit light. In this way, the user can easily observe that the current gear position of the knob 10 is 1.

[0042] The light guide 14 located on the upper side can be stacked with the other end of the first light guide 13, thereby improving the reliability of light guiding.

[0043] The first light guide 13 can be U-shaped. One end of the first light guide 13 is fixed to the base 11, and the other end of the first light guide 13 is used to abut against the light guide 14 to guide the illumination beam to the light guide 14.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the base 11 includes a bottom shell 111 connected in sequence and an outer edge 112 connected to one end of the bottom shell 111 by bending. The knob part 12 is located on the periphery of the bottom shell 111.

[0045] The bottom shell 111 has a through hole 114, and the other end of the first light guide 13 is located at the through hole 114. The other end of the first light guide 13 is stacked with the light guide 14 located on the upper side through the through hole 114. The through hole 114 is located at one end of the bottom shell 111 near the knob portion 12. The shape of the through hole 114 is adapted to the shape of the other end of the first light guide 13.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, a notch 113 can be provided on the outer edge 112. A stop member 131 is provided at one end of the first light guide 13. The stop member 131 is located inside the notch 113 and can be used to limit the first light guide 13. In addition, when the knob 10 is installed, the stop member 131 on the first light guide 13 is located on the upper side of the knob 10. In this way, the outer side of the knob 10 can also be illuminated through the stop member 131, making it convenient for the user to see the scale on the knob part 12.

[0047] The first light guide 13 is fixed to the base 11 via the notch 113 and through hole 114 on the bottom shell 111. This method facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the first light guide 13.

[0048] In the above embodiment, light guides are installed on the side wall of the knob 12 and the base 11, respectively, and a light is installed inside the base 11 so that the exterior of the knob 10 can be illuminated. When the user presses the stove knob 10 (for example, during ignition), the light inside the base 11 can turn on, emitting a beam of light. The first light guide 13 on the base 11 transmits the beam of light to the second light guide of the knob 12 to illuminate the gear position on the side of the knob 10. This allows the user to clearly see the gear position on the side of the knob 10, enabling the user to adjust the gear even in a dark environment.

[0049] In summary, the knob 10 of this application has a simple structure, low cost, and is convenient for production and assembly. Moreover, the knob 10 provided by this application also has the following beneficial effects: (1) When the knob 10 is installed on a vertical surface, it allows the user to operate without bending over. By setting the scale on the side of the knob part 12, the user can clearly know the current knob 10 gear position (e.g., the firepower gear) without bending over. (2) Clear gear feedback: When the user rotates the knob part 12, the corresponding gear light illuminates, and the user can clearly know the current gear status. (3) Easy to operate in dark environments: When the knob 10 is set on the vertical surface of the device to be controlled, the light during daily operation is easily blocked by the user and the device to be controlled itself, and the operating environment is dark. By lighting up the corresponding gear, the user can get clear feedback.

[0050] This application also provides a household appliance; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a household appliance provided in this application. Specifically, the household appliance 40 includes a knob 10 from any of the above embodiments.

[0051] For details on the specific structure of knob 10, please refer to the description of any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0052] The knob 10 is used to control the household appliance 40. Specifically, the household appliance 40 may include a stove, washing machine, blender, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0053] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A knob, characterized in that, The knob includes: The base has a mounting cavity, and a lighting lamp is provided inside the mounting cavity to emit a light beam. A knob portion is rotatably disposed on the base, the knob portion forms a receiving cavity, and the side wall of the knob portion is provided with a limiting portion communicating with the receiving cavity; A first light guide portion, one end of which is disposed in the mounting cavity, and the other end of which extends into the receiving cavity of the base; A second light guide is provided on the limiting portion. The first light guide is configured to guide the illumination beam to the second light guide, and the second light guide is configured to guide the illumination beam to the outside of the knob portion.

2. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting part includes a plurality of openings, which are arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the knob. The second light guide part includes a plurality of light guides, which are respectively embedded in the plurality of openings.

3. The knob according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the knob is in the installed state, the other end of the first light guide is positioned close to the upper side of the accommodating cavity, so that the other end of the first light guide is stacked with the light guide that has been rotated to the upper side.

4. The knob according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the light guides includes: a fixing block and a character block disposed on the fixing block, the character block being embedded in the opening, and the fixing block abutting against the inner wall of the accommodating cavity.

5. The knob according to claim 4, characterized in that, The character block includes at least one of numbers and letters.

6. The knob according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer surface of the character block is flush with the outer surface of the knob.

7. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a bottom shell and an outer edge that is bent and connected to the bottom shell. The bottom shell is provided with a through hole, and the other end of the first light guide is located at the through hole.

8. The knob according to claim 7, characterized in that, A stop is provided at one end of the first light guide, and a notch is provided on the outer edge of the base, with the stop embedded in the notch.

9. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob includes an end cap and a housing. The end cap is connected to one end of the housing, and the end cap and the housing together form the receiving cavity. The limiting part is provided on the housing.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliance includes the knob as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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