Knob lifting structure and electric kettle base

Abstract

The utility model discloses a knob lifting structure and an electric kettle base, and relates to the technical field of household appliances. The lifting mechanism is mounted in the mounting bracket, the lifting mechanism comprises a rotating end and a lifting end, and the rotating end is in driving connection with the lifting end; the driving mechanism is mounted in the mounting bracket, and the output end of the driving mechanism is connected with the rotating end; the knob cap is rotationally mounted at the lifting end; and the control unit is electrically connected with the driving mechanism. The rotary knob lifting structure is simple, practical, low in cost, designed into an independent assembly, wide in application range and capable of effectively solving the problems that a rotary knob which cannot be lifted is prone to being collided and damaged and an existing rotary knob lifting structure is large in occupied space, complex in structure and high in cost, the safety and economical efficiency of products are greatly improved, and the market competitiveness of the products is remarkably enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a knob lifting structure and an electric kettle base. Background Technology

[0002] Knobs are common control components in many electrical appliances. For example, kettle bases are used to adjust water filling and heating, microwave ovens are used to set heating time and power, and ovens are used to adjust temperature and cooking modes. However, most household appliances currently lack adjustable knobs; they are fixed to the appliance surface, which can be inconvenient in some applications.

[0003] Taking the base of a kettle as an example, some traditional kettle bases use a protruding knob design, where the knob protrudes directly outward from the base. In daily use, whether accidentally touched while placed on a table or scratched by other objects during movement, the protruding knob is easily damaged by impact. Once damaged, the knob may become deformed or broken, affecting the user's normal operation and experience of using the kettle.

[0004] Furthermore, the few existing structures with control knob lifting functions often face the problem of complex control. Their lifting control mechanisms are cumbersome, involving numerous mechanical transmission components and complex electronic control circuits. This not only results in a large overall lifting control structure occupying significant space within the appliance, limiting the flexibility of the overall structural design, but also leads to high manufacturing costs due to the numerous components. For appliance manufacturers, this increases production costs and complexity; for consumers, the high cost also raises the price, reducing the product's cost-effectiveness and market competitiveness. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model proposes a knob lifting structure and an electric kettle base. This knob lifting structure is simple, practical, and low in cost. It can also be designed as an independent component, making it widely applicable. It effectively solves the problems of non-liftable knobs in household appliances being easily damaged by impacts, as well as the problems of existing knob lifting structures occupying a large space, having a complex structure, and being costly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a knob lifting structure is provided, comprising:

[0008] Mounting bracket;

[0009] A lifting mechanism is installed in the mounting bracket. The lifting mechanism includes a rotating end and a lifting end, and the rotating end is drivenly connected to the lifting end.

[0010] A drive mechanism is installed inside the mounting bracket. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the rotating end. The drive mechanism drives the rotating end to rotate, thereby causing the rotating end to drive the lifting end to rise and fall.

[0011] A knob cap, rotatably mounted on the lifting end; and

[0012] A control unit, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the mounting bracket is provided with a first opening, the mounting bracket includes a fixed groove and a movable groove, the fixed groove communicates with the movable groove, the movable groove communicates with the first opening, the drive mechanism is installed in the fixed groove, the lifting mechanism is installed in the movable groove, and the bottom of the knob cap covers the first opening.

[0014] Preferably, the lifting end includes a lifting bracket, the rotating end includes an output screw, the output screw is threadedly connected to the lifting bracket, the output screw is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive mechanism, and the mounting bracket is provided with a limiting member for limiting the lifting end to move vertically.

[0015] Preferably, the limiting member includes a sliding groove disposed on the inner sidewall of the movable groove and a protrusion movably connected to the sliding groove, the sliding groove having a vertical length, and the protrusion being integrally formed with the lifting bracket.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit is a control board located at the top of the lifting end. The top of the control board is equipped with an encoder, and the top of the encoder is rotatably equipped with a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the knob cap, and the control board is electrically connected to the drive mechanism and the encoder respectively.

[0017] Preferably, the drive mechanism is a geared motor.

[0018] In a second aspect, an electric kettle base is provided, including a heating base and a knob lifting structure as described in the first aspect. The heating base includes a mounting groove, and the top surface of the heating base is provided with a second opening, which communicates with the mounting groove. The knob lifting structure is installed in the mounting groove, and the second opening is adapted to the knob cap.

[0019] Preferably, the heating base further includes a limiting groove, the limiting groove having a vertical length, the limiting groove communicating with the mounting groove, and a limiting ring connected to the outer wall of the knob cap, the limiting ring being slidably connected to the limiting groove.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] By integrating the lifting mechanism and drive mechanism into the mounting bracket, and connecting the lifting end to the rotating end, when the user needs to operate the knob cap, the control unit receives the corresponding instruction (such as the user pressing a specific button or the device being in a specific working state). The control unit then sends a signal to control the drive mechanism, which drives the rotating end to rotate, causing the fixed drive lifting end to rise and fall, thereby raising and lowering the knob cap mounted on the lifting end. This liftable knob cap effectively avoids the problem of traditional non-liftable knobs in household appliances being easily damaged by impacts. For example, during daily use or movement, the knob cap can be lowered using the knob lifting structure, reducing the risk of collision and ensuring product safety. Furthermore, the knob lifting structure of this invention is relatively simple, without too many complex parts. Since the lifting mechanism and drive mechanism are integrated into the mounting bracket, the knob lifting structure can be designed as a small and independent component, which helps reduce production costs and enhances the product's market competitiveness. The independent component design also makes the knob lifting structure more widely applicable, allowing for flexible application in various household appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a knob lifting structure according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a knob lifting structure according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a mounting bracket in a knob lifting structure according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an electric kettle base according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 For along Figure 4A sectional view of line A-A in the middle.

[0028] Attached image labels:

[0029] 1. Lifting mechanism; 11. Rotating end; 111. Output screw; 112. External thread; 12. Lifting end; 121. Lifting bracket; 122. Internal thread; 13. Protruding bar;

[0030] 2. Drive mechanism;

[0031] 3. Knob cap; 31. Limiting ring;

[0032] 4. Mounting bracket; 41. First opening; 42. Fixing groove; 43. Movable groove; 44. Sliding groove;

[0033] 51. Control panel; 52. Rotating shaft; 53. Encoder;

[0034] 6. Heating base; 61. Mounting slot; 62. Second opening; 63. Limiting circular groove; Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] See Figures 1-3 This utility model, embodiment 1, discloses a knob lifting structure applicable to household appliances such as electric kettles, microwave ovens, and ovens. It includes a lifting mechanism 1, a drive mechanism 2, a knob cap 3, a mounting bracket 4, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism 2. The control unit is electrically connected to the drive mechanism 2. Both the lifting mechanism 1 and the drive mechanism 2 are mounted within the mounting bracket 4. The top of the mounting bracket 4 has a first opening 41. The mounting bracket 4 includes a fixed groove 42 and a movable groove 43, which communicate with each other. The movable groove 43 communicates with the first opening 41. The drive mechanism 2 is fixedly installed in the fixed groove 42, and the lifting mechanism 1 is movably installed in the movable groove 43. The lifting mechanism 1 includes a rotating end 11 and a lifting end 12, which are drivenly connected. The lifting end 12 is movably connected to the movable groove 43. The knob cap 3 is rotatably mounted on the top of the lifting end 12, located at the first opening 41, and its bottom covers the first opening 41. The rotating end 11 is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 2. The drive mechanism 2 drives the rotating end 11 to rotate, thereby causing the rotating end 11 to drive the lifting end 12 and the knob cap 3 to rise and fall. This design of a liftable knob can effectively avoid the problem of traditional non-liftable knobs in household appliances being easily damaged by collisions. For example, during daily use or movement, the knob cap can be lowered through the knob lifting structure to reduce the risk of collision and ensure the safety of the product.

[0040] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lifting end 12 includes a lifting bracket 121, and the rotating end 11 includes an output screw 111. The output screw 111 is threadedly connected to the lifting bracket 121 and fixedly connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 2. The mounting bracket 4 is provided with a limiting component for limiting the vertical movement of the lifting end 12. The drive mechanism 2 drives the rotating end 11 to rotate, thereby driving the lifting end 12 to move up and down. Specifically, the lifting bracket 121 is movably connected to the movable groove 43. The lifting bracket 121 is cylindrical, and the output screw 111 is located inside the lifting bracket 121. The drive mechanism 2 is a geared motor. In this embodiment, the inner sidewall of the lifting bracket 121 is provided with an internal thread 122, and the outer wall of the output screw 111 is provided with an external thread 112 that is threadedly connected to the internal thread 122. When it is necessary to raise the knob cap 3, the control unit controls the drive mechanism 2 to drive the output screw 111 to rotate in the forward direction. Through the threaded engagement and the setting of the limiting component, the lifting bracket 121 moves upward in the vertical direction, thereby driving the knob cap 3 to rise, making it convenient for the user to operate. When it is necessary to lower the knob cap 3, the control unit controls the drive mechanism 2 to drive the output screw 111 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the lifting bracket 121 and the knob cap 3 fall down accordingly.

[0041] Compared with traditional knob-lifting structures, this invention has significant advantages. Traditional knob-lifting structures often suffer from large size, occupying too much space in applications such as electric kettle bases, affecting the overall compactness of the layout. Moreover, their complex structure leads to high costs, hindering the product's market competitiveness. The knob-lifting structure of this invention is ingeniously designed, simple, and practical. Through the threaded connection between the output screw 111 and the lifting bracket 121, and the constraint of the lifting end 12 by the internal limiting component of the mounting bracket 4, this concise design ensures reliable function while greatly simplifying the structure and reducing production costs. Furthermore, this structure is designed as an independent component, flexibly adaptable to various types of household appliances, providing greater flexibility in appliance layout and optimizing the appearance.

[0042] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The limiting component includes a sliding groove 44 located on the inner wall of the movable groove 43 and a protruding strip 13 movably connected to the sliding groove 44. The sliding groove 44 has a vertical length, and the protruding strip 13 is integrally formed with the lifting bracket 121. During the raising and lowering of the knob cap 3, the protruding strip 13 slides up and down along the sliding groove 44. The limiting component provides precise guidance for the raising and lowering of the lifting end 12, ensuring that the lifting bracket 121 can only move in the vertical direction.

[0043] See Figure 2 The control unit is a control board 51 fixedly mounted on the top of the lifting end 12. An encoder 53 is mounted on the top of the control board 51, and a rotating shaft 52 is rotatably mounted on the top of the encoder 53. The rotating shaft 52 is fixedly connected to the knob cap 3. The control board 51 is electrically connected to the drive mechanism 2 and the encoder 53. When the user rotates the knob cap 3, the rotating shaft 52 rotates accordingly. The encoder 53 can accurately detect the rotation angle and direction information of the rotating shaft 52 and convert it into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the control board 51. The control board 51 then controls the operation of the corresponding functions of the household appliances, such as adjusting the heating power of the electric kettle and setting the heating time.

[0044] Implementation principle of Example 1:

[0045] When the user needs to operate the knob cap 3, the control unit receives the corresponding instruction (such as the user pressing a specific button or the device being in a specific working state) and sends a signal to control the drive mechanism 2 to start working. The drive mechanism 2 acts as a power source, and its output end drives the output screw 111 to rotate. Since the output screw 111 is threadedly connected to the lifting bracket 121, the lifting bracket 121 rises and falls vertically under the action of the threaded connection and the limiting components. When the control unit controls the drive mechanism 2 to drive the output screw 111 to rotate forward, the lifting bracket 121 moves upward along the slide groove 44, thereby causing the knob cap 3 mounted on its top to rise, facilitating various operations by the user, such as adjusting the heating temperature of an electric kettle or setting the heating time of a microwave oven. When the operation is completed or when the knob cap 3 needs to be retracted, the control unit sends a signal to control the drive mechanism 2 again, causing the drive mechanism 2 to drive the output screw 111 to rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the lifting bracket 121 and the knob cap 3 descend, returning to their initial or retracted positions.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 Embodiment 2 of this utility model discloses an electric kettle base, including a heating base 6 and a knob lifting structure as described in Embodiment 1. The heating base 6 includes a mounting groove 61, and a second opening 62 is provided on the top surface of the heating base 6, which communicates with the mounting groove 61. The knob lifting structure is installed in the mounting groove 61, and the size of the second opening 62 is adapted to the size of the knob cap 3. When the heating base 6 is not in use, the knob lifting structure is located in the mounting groove 61, and the top surface of the knob cap 3 is flush with the second opening 62, which helps to maintain the flatness of the electric kettle base and avoids the knob cap 3 protruding and causing collisions or affecting the overall aesthetics. When the heating base 6 needs to be used, the drive mechanism 2 drives the output screw 111 to rotate, thereby driving the lifting bracket 121 and the knob cap 3 to rise, making it convenient for users to operate the relevant functions of the electric kettle, such as adjusting the heating power and setting the timer heating time. When the user rotates the knob cap 3, the rotating shaft 52 rotates accordingly. The encoder 53 can accurately detect the rotation angle and direction information of the rotating shaft 52 and convert it into an electrical signal to be transmitted to the control board 51. The control board 51 can accurately control the switching between different functions and the setting of operating parameters of the electric kettle base according to this information to meet the diverse usage needs of the user.

[0048] See Figure 4 and Figure 5The heating base 6 also includes a limiting groove 63, which has a vertical length and communicates with the mounting groove 61. A limiting ring 31 is connected to the outer wall of the knob cap 3, and the limiting ring 31 is slidably connected to the limiting groove 63. During the lifting and lowering of the knob cap 3 and its use, the limiting ring 31 slides up and down along the limiting groove 63, effectively preventing the knob cap 3 from shifting during lifting and lowering, ensuring its stable movement in the vertical direction. It also prevents the knob cap 3 from falling out of the second opening 62 due to accidental events, further improving the stability and reliability of the knob lifting structure in the electric kettle base and ensuring normal use by the user.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A knob lifting structure characterized by, The knob lifting structure comprises: a mounting bracket (4); a lifting mechanism (1) mounted in the mounting bracket, the lifting mechanism (1) comprising a rotating end (11) and a lifting end (12), the rotating end (11) being drivingly connected with the lifting end (12); a driving mechanism (2) mounted in the mounting bracket, an output end of the driving mechanism (2) being connected with the rotating end (11); a knob cap (3) rotatably mounted on the lifting end (12); and a control unit electrically connected with the driving mechanism (2). The mounting bracket (4) is provided with a first opening (41) at the top thereof, the mounting bracket (4) comprising a fixed groove (42) and a movable groove (43), the fixed groove (42) being in communication with the movable groove (43), the movable groove (43) being in communication with the first opening (41), the driving mechanism (2) being mounted in the fixed groove (42), the lifting mechanism (1) being mounted in the movable groove (43), and the bottom of the knob cap (3) covering the first opening (41).

2. The knob lifting structure according to claim 1, wherein The lifting end (12) comprises a lifting bracket (121), the rotating end (11) comprises an output lead screw (111), the output lead screw (111) being threadedly connected with the lifting bracket (121), the output lead screw (111) being fixedly connected with the output end of the driving mechanism (2), and the mounting bracket (4) being provided with a limiting member for limiting the lifting end (12) to lift in the vertical direction.

3. The knob lift structure of claim 2, wherein, The limiting member comprises a sliding groove (44) provided on the inner side wall of the movable groove (43) and a protruding strip (13) movably connected with the sliding groove (44), the sliding groove (44) having a vertical length, and the protruding strip (13) being integrally formed with the lifting bracket (121).

4. The knob lift structure of claim 3, wherein, The control unit is a control panel (51) provided on the top of the lifting end (12), the control panel being provided with an encoder (53) at the top thereof, the encoder (53) being rotatably provided with a rotating shaft (52) at the top thereof, the rotating shaft (52) being fixedly connected with the knob cap (3), and the control panel (51) being electrically connected with the driving mechanism (2) and the encoder (53) respectively.

5. The knob lift structure of claim 1, wherein, The driving mechanism (2) is a speed-reducing motor.

6. The knob lift structure of claim 1, wherein, The knob lifting structure comprises:

7. An electric kettle stand, characterized in that a heating seat (6) and the knob lifting structure according to any one of claims 1-6, the heating seat (6) comprising a mounting groove (61), the heating seat (6) being provided with a second opening (62) at the top surface thereof, the second opening (62) being in communication with the mounting groove (61), the knob lifting structure being mounted in the mounting groove (61), and the second opening (62) being adapted to the knob cap (3).

8. The electric kettle stand according to claim 7, characterized in that The heating seat (6) further comprises a limiting circular groove (63) having a vertical length, the limiting circular groove (63) being in communication with the mounting groove (61), the outer side wall of the knob cap (3) being connected with a limiting circular ring (31), and the limiting circular ring (31) being slidably connected with the limiting circular groove (63).

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