Knob device and electrical equipment

By introducing moving and elastic components into the knob mechanism and utilizing the interlocking structure of protrusions and grooves, the problem of poor knob interactivity is solved, achieving multiple feedbacks of touch and sound, thus improving the user experience.

CN224176926UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-05
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing knob devices in shower equipment have poor interactivity, lack tactile feedback, and result in a poor user experience.

Method used

A knob device is designed, comprising a base, a knob, and a feedback component. The feedback component includes a movable part and an elastic part. Through the snap-fit ​​structure of the protrusion and the groove, the elastic force of the elastic part is used to realize the axial movement of the knob, generating vibration and sound feedback, thereby improving interactivity.

Benefits of technology

It achieves multiple feedback functions for the knob device, providing tactile and auditory feedback to enhance the user experience. It also features a simple and reliable structure at a low cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a knob device and electrical equipment, and relates to the technical field of electrical equipment control. The knob can rotate relative to the base, and the knob is provided with a first end face; the feedback assembly comprises a movable part and an elastic part, the movable part is arranged on the base and can move in the axial direction of the rotary knob, the elastic part is used for providing elastic force enabling the movable part to move towards the first end face, and the movable part is provided with a second end face opposite to the first end face; one of the first end face and the second end face is provided with at least one convex part, and the other one of the first end face and the second end face is provided with a plurality of grooves which are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the knob; when the knob rotates relative to the base, the convex part can be clamped with one of the grooves in sequence; according to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, the knob device has a hand feeling feedback function, the interactivity of the knob can be improved, and the user experience is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical control technology, and in particular to a knob device and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Knobs are common control units widely used in various home appliances to regulate temperature, brightness, water flow, and other settings. Depending on the requirements, knobs can be continuously rotated or rotated in a fixed position. Currently, most knobs used in shower equipment are continuously rotating knobs. These knobs allow for stepless adjustment, but existing knobs have poor interactivity, lack tactile feedback, and result in a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a knob device and electrical equipment, which aims to enable the knob device to have a tactile feedback function, improve the interactivity of the knob, and enhance the user experience.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the knob device proposed in this utility model includes:

[0005] Base;

[0006] A knob, rotatable relative to the base, the knob having a first end face; and

[0007] The feedback component includes a movable element and an elastic element. The movable element is disposed on the base and is movable along the axial direction of the knob. The elastic element is used to provide an elastic force to move the movable element toward the first end face. The movable element has a second end face opposite to the first end face.

[0008] One of the first end face and the second end face is provided with at least one protrusion, and the other is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged at intervals along the circumference of the knob; when the knob is rotated relative to the base, the protrusion can engage with one of the grooves in turn.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first end face is provided with a plurality of first teeth along the circumference of the knob, and the second end face is provided with a plurality of second teeth along the circumference of the knob; each first tooth constitutes a protrusion, and a groove is formed between any two adjacent second teeth; or, each second tooth constitutes a protrusion, and a groove is formed between any two adjacent first teeth; the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of grooves are engaged one-to-one.

[0010] In one embodiment, the groove has two side groove walls arranged circumferentially opposite to each other along the knob, the two side groove walls extending obliquely from one end near the bottom of the groove toward the groove opening and being far apart from each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the end of the first tooth that is away from the first end face is set with a sharp angle, or is set with a flat surface, or is set with an arc surface;

[0012] And / or, the end of the second tooth facing the first end face is set with a sharp angle, or is set with a flat surface, or is set with an arc surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base includes a base body and a mounting portion. The mounting portion protrudes from the side of the base body facing the knob. The movable member includes a cylindrical body and a flange on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is movably fitted onto the mounting portion along the axial direction of the knob. The side of the knob facing the base has a receiving groove. The cylindrical body is at least partially received in the receiving groove. The end face of the open end of the receiving groove forms the first end face, and the side of the flange facing the first end face forms the second end face.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting portion has an insertion hole open on the side opposite to the seat body, and the movable member further includes a plug-in portion disposed in the cylinder body, the plug-in portion being at least partially inserted into the insertion hole, and a sliding groove is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the plug-in portion and the inner peripheral wall of the cylinder body to slide and engage with the mounting portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the insertion part is provided with a limiting groove that opens toward the side of the seat body, the elastic member is pre-compressed and accommodated in the limiting groove, and the two ends of the elastic member elastically abut against the seat body and the movable member, respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, the knob device further includes a panel with a through hole, a base located on one side of the panel, one end of the knob near the base passing through the through hole and rotatable relative to the base, the other end of the knob protruding from the side of the panel away from the base, a fastener being provided at one end of the knob near the base, the fastener engaging with the side of the panel facing the base, and a stop being provided on the side of the panel facing the base, the stop being used to limit the circumferential rotation of the knob by engaging with the fastener.

[0017] In one embodiment, the knob device further includes a permanent magnet disposed on the knob and a magnetic induction module disposed on the base. The permanent magnet can generate a non-uniform magnetic field as the knob rotates, and the magnetic induction module is used to sense changes in the magnetic field and output corresponding electrical signals.

[0018] In one embodiment, the knob is provided with a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity having a mounting port for inserting the permanent magnet, the permanent magnet being fixed in the mounting cavity, and the knob device further includes an end cap covering the mounting port;

[0019] And / or, the base is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove having a mounting opening for the magnetic induction module to be installed, the magnetic induction module being at least partially housed in the mounting groove, and the base having a limiting buckle for limiting the magnetic induction module on the side near the mounting opening.

[0020] This utility model also proposes an electrical device, including the knob device described above.

[0021] In one embodiment, the electrical device has a water system with a flow regulating valve, and the knob is used to control the flow regulating valve to regulate the flow rate of the water system.

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model allows the knob to rotate relative to the base, and a feedback component is provided between the base and the knob. The feedback component includes a movable member and an elastic member. The movable member is located on the base and can move along the axial direction of the knob. The elastic member provides elastic support to the movable member along the axial direction of the knob. The knob has a first end face, and the movable member has a second end face opposite to the first end face. One of the first and second end faces has at least one protrusion, and the other has multiple grooves spaced apart circumferentially along the knob. Thus, when the knob rotates relative to the base, the knob exerts a compressive force on the movable member, causing the elastic member to compress and deform. This allows the movable member to move along the axial direction of the knob towards the side closer to the base, allowing the protrusion to disengage from one groove and engage with another until the knob is adjusted to the desired position. The elastic member then resets, keeping the protrusion engaged with the groove and preventing further rotation of the knob. During knob adjustment, the collision between the protrusion and the groove wall generates vibration and sound. This vibration is transmitted back to the part of the knob that the user can touch, providing tactile and auditory feedback. This gives the knob tactile feedback, enhancing its interactivity and improving the user experience. Furthermore, this knob, relying on a mechanical structure, can achieve multiple feedback mechanisms—tactile and auditory—without needing additional electronic units, making it simple, reliable, and low-cost. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 An exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the knob device provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the assembled knob device.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The exploded view of the knob device without the panel is shown in the diagram.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The knob device in the diagram is further broken down into structural schematics.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 10. Base; 11. Base body; 12. Mounting part; 121. Insertion hole; 122. Mounting groove; 123. Limiting buckle; 124. Fixing hole; 20. Knob; 201. First end face; 201a. Protrusion; 21. First tooth; 22. Receiving groove; 23. Buckle body; 24. Mounting cavity; 241. Mounting port; 30. Feedback component; 31. Moving part; 301. Second end face; 301a. Groove; 311. Second tooth; 312. Cylinder; 313. Flange; 314. Insertion part; 315. Slide groove; 316. Limiting groove; 32. Elastic element; 40. Panel; 41. Through hole; 42. Stop part; 50. Permanent magnet; 60. Magnetic induction module; 70. End cap.

[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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 scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0034] This utility model proposes a knob device. By optimizing the structure of the knob device, it enables the knob device to have a tactile feedback function, thereby improving the interactivity of the knob and enhancing the user experience.

[0035] This knob is used in electrical appliances, including but not limited to controlling the temperature, brightness, and water flow of the appliance. For example, it can be used in electrical appliances with a water system to adjust the water temperature or flow rate. It can also be used in electrical appliances with a light source to adjust the brightness and color temperature of the light. Of course, this knob can be used in other types of electrical appliances, which will not be listed here. The following explanation primarily uses the use of this knob to adjust the water flow of a shower appliance.

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this utility model, the knob device includes a base 10, a knob 20, and a feedback component 30. The knob 20 is rotatable relative to the base 10 and has a first end face 201. The feedback component 30 includes a movable member 31 and an elastic member 32. The movable member 31 is disposed on the base 10 and is movable along the axial direction of the knob 20. The elastic member 32 is used to provide an elastic force to move the movable member 31 toward the first end face 201. The movable member 31 has a second end face 301 opposite to the first end face 201. One of the first end face 201 and the second end face 301 is provided with at least one protrusion 201a, and the other is provided with a plurality of grooves 301a arranged at intervals along the circumference of the knob 20. When the knob 20 rotates relative to the base 10, the protrusion 201a can engage with one of the grooves 301a in turn.

[0037] In practical applications, the base 10 remains fixed. For example, the base 10 may have a fixing hole 124, through which a fastener is passed to fix the base 10 to the carrier. The knob 20 can be rotatably connected to the base 10 or other carriers (e.g., panel 40) so that the knob 20 can rotate relative to the base 10. The user can rotate the knob 20 to a preset target position according to the target adjustment amount to adjust the target parameters of the electrical equipment (e.g., the water output of a shower device). The base 10 constitutes the main support structure of the knob device. The base 10 can be a one-piece structure or can be formed by combining multiple parts. The knob 20 and the base 10 can be rotatably connected directly or indirectly so that the knob 20 can rotate relative to the base 10. Optionally, the knob 20 is cylindrical to provide a better feel when turning it. Of course, the knob 20 can also be a square column, a sphere, or other irregular shapes. Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the knob 20 is provided with markings (such as scale lines or raised ridges) so that the user can clearly understand the rotation position of the knob 20.

[0038] Through the cooperation of the knob 20 and the feedback component 30, the knob device has a feedback function, allowing the user to clearly feel the vibration feedback when rotating the knob 20. The knob 20 has a first end face 201, and the movable component 31 has a second end face 301. One of the first end face 201 and the second end face 301 has at least one protrusion 201a, and the other has multiple grooves 301a. It should be noted that "multiple" can be understood as two or more. The number of protrusions 201a can be one or more, and the number of grooves 301a can be multiple. The number of protrusions 201a can be less than or equal to the number of grooves 301a, as long as it ensures that the protrusions 201a can be accommodated within the grooves 301a after the knob 20 is rotated to its final position. For example, the knob 20 has a first end face 201 on the side facing the base 10, and the movable member 31 has a second end face 301 on the part opposite to the first end face 201. The first end face 201 may have one or more protrusions 201a, and the second end face 301 may have multiple grooves 301a; or, the second end face 301 may have one or more protrusions 201a, and the first end face 201 may have multiple grooves 301a. The shape of the protrusions 201a includes, but is not limited to, teeth, bumps, ball bearings, etc., and the shape of the grooves 301a is adapted to the shape of the protrusions 201a so that the protrusions 201a can engage within the grooves 301a. Only when a certain circumferential force is applied to the knob 20 can the protrusions 201a disengage from the corresponding grooves 301a and enter into an adjacent groove 301a. Optionally, the number of protrusions 201a is the same as the number of grooves 301a, so that when the knob 20 is adjusted to any position, the protrusions 201a and grooves 301a can engage one-to-one, making the overall structure more stable. Furthermore, taking a first end face 201 with a protrusion 201a and a second end face 301 with a groove 301a as an example, the protrusion 201a can be integrally formed on the first end face 201, or a structural component with a protrusion 201a can be assembled and fixed on the first end face 201. The groove 301a can be integrally formed on the second end face 301, or a structural component with a groove 301a can be assembled and fixed on the second end face 301.

[0039] To ensure smooth rotation of the knob 20, the movable part 31 is designed to move axially relative to the base 10 along the knob 20, and the elastic element 32 provides elastic force to the movable part 31. Initially, the elastic element 32 has a certain pre-compression. When the knob 20 rotates, it compresses the movable part 31, further compressing the elastic element 32, allowing the movable part 31 to move relative to the knob 20 towards the side closer to the base 10. After the knob 20 is rotated to its final position, the elastic element 32 returns to its original shape and applies an elastic force to the movable part 31, moving it towards the first end face 201, so that the protrusion 201a and the groove 301a remain engaged. The elastic element 32 and the movable part 31 can be separately molded, meaning they are two independent components. The elastic element 32 can be a compression spring, an elastic column, or other elastic structure. The elastic element 32 can be made of metal or plastic. Alternatively, the elastic element 32 and the movable part 31 can be integrally molded, meaning they are constructed as a single unit. For example, the movable part 31 can be made of plastic, and the elastic part 32 can be made of metal. During manufacturing, one end of the elastic part 32 can be integrally molded with the movable part 31 by insert injection molding. Alternatively, part or all of the movable part 31 can be made of elastic material. In this case, the elastic part of the movable part 31 is the elastic part 32.

[0040] The technical solution of this utility model allows the knob 20 to rotate relative to the base 10, and provides a feedback component 30 between the base 10 and the knob 20. The feedback component 30 includes a movable member 31 and an elastic member 32. The movable member 31 is disposed on the base 10 and can move along the axial direction of the knob 20. The elastic member 32 is used to provide elastic support force for the movable member 31 along the axial direction of the knob 20. The knob 20 has a first end face 201, and the movable member 31 has a second end face 301 opposite to the first end face 201. One of the first end face 201 and the second end face 301 is provided with at least one protrusion 201a, and the other is provided with a plurality of grooves 301a arranged at intervals along the circumference of the knob 20. Thus, when the knob 20 rotates relative to the base 10, it exerts a squeezing force on the movable part 31, causing the elastic part 32 to compress and deform. This allows the movable part 31 to move along the axial direction of the knob 20 towards the side closer to the base 10, enabling the protrusion 201a to disengage from one groove 301a and engage with the other groove 301a. This continues until the knob 20 is properly adjusted, at which point the elastic part 32 resets, keeping the protrusion 201a engaged with the groove 301a and preventing further rotation of the knob 20. During the adjustment of the knob 20, the collision between the protrusion 201a and the groove wall of the groove 301a generates vibration and sound. This vibration is transmitted back to the part of the knob 20 that can be touched, providing the user with tactile and auditory feedback. This gives the knob device a tactile feedback function, enhancing its interactivity and improving the user experience. Furthermore, this knob device achieves multiple feedback mechanisms (tactile and auditory) through its mechanical structure, eliminating the need for additional electronic units, making it simple, reliable, and low-cost.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the first end face 201 is provided with a plurality of first teeth 21 along the circumference of the knob 20, and the second end face 301 is provided with a plurality of second teeth 311 along the circumference of the knob 20; each first tooth 21 constitutes a protrusion 201a, and a groove 301a is formed between any two adjacent second teeth 311; or, each second tooth 311 constitutes a protrusion 201a, and a groove 301a is formed between any two adjacent first teeth 21; the plurality of protrusions 201a and the plurality of grooves 301a are engaged one-to-one.

[0042] In this embodiment, multiple first teeth 21 are arranged circumferentially along the knob 20 on the first end face 201 to form a first end face gear structure, and multiple second teeth 311 are arranged circumferentially along the knob 20 on the second end face 301 to form a second end face gear structure. The first end face gear structure and the knob 20 can be integrally formed or separate structures that are then assembled; the second end face gear structure and the movable part 31 can be integrally formed or separate structures that are then assembled. Optionally, the first end face gear structure and the knob 20 are integrally formed, and the second end face gear structure and the movable part 31 are integrally formed, making the overall structure more stable and easier to manufacture. Each first tooth 21 can be considered a protrusion 201a, and the groove between two adjacent second teeth 311 can be considered a recess 301a. Alternatively, each second tooth 311 can be considered a protrusion 201a, and the groove between two adjacent first teeth 21 can be considered a recess 301a. The number of protrusions 201a and recesses 301a are matched. Thus, when the knob 20 is adjusted to the correct position, the multiple protrusions 201a and multiple recesses 301a engage one-to-one, causing the first end face gear structure and the second end face gear to mesh with each other. Without the application of external force, the knob 20 will not rotate arbitrarily, making the overall structure more stable. The shapes of the first teeth 21 and the second teeth 311 include, but are not limited to, triangles, trapezoids, hemispheres, etc.

[0043] To make the rotation of knob 20 smoother, such as Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the groove 301a has two side groove walls arranged opposite each other circumferentially along the knob 20, the two side groove walls extending obliquely from one end near the bottom of the groove toward the groove opening and being far apart from each other.

[0044] In this embodiment, taking the groove 301a between any two adjacent second teeth 311 on the second end face 301 as an example, the opening of the groove 301a near the first end face 201 is the groove opening position of the groove 301a, and the end of the groove 301a opposite to its groove opening is the groove bottom of the groove 301a. The two side walls of the groove 301a extend obliquely from the end near the groove bottom toward the groove opening position and are far apart from each other, so that the groove 301a presents a V-shaped groove structure, making the groove 301a flared. In this way, when the knob 20 is rotated, the first tooth 21 can slide upward along one of the side walls and pass over the second tooth 311, and then slide downward along one of the side walls of the second tooth 311 into the next groove 301a, so that the knob 20 can slide out and slide into the corresponding groove 301a more smoothly, making the rotation of the knob 20 smoother.

[0045] There are various shapes for the first tooth 21. In one embodiment, the end of the first tooth 21 facing away from the first end face 201 is set with a pointed angle, or it is set as a plane, or it is set as an arc surface. For example, when the end of the first tooth 21 facing away from the first end face 201 is set with a pointed angle, the projection shape of the first tooth 21 on the plane parallel to the axis of the knob 20 is a triangle. When the end of the first tooth 21 facing away from the first end face 201 is set as a plane, the projection shape of the first tooth 21 on the plane parallel to the axis of the knob 20 is a trapezoid. When the end of the first tooth 21 facing away from the first end face 201 is set as an arc, the projection shape of the first tooth 21 on the plane parallel to the axis of the knob 20 can be a hemispherical shape or a trapezoidal structure with an arc-shaped apex. Optionally, the end of the first tooth 21 facing away from the first end face 201 is either flat or curved. This ensures that when the first tooth 21 is engaged in the groove 301a, there is a certain space between the end of the first tooth 21 and the bottom of the groove 301a, thus preventing interference between the first tooth 21 and the bottom of the groove 301a.

[0046] There are various shapes for the second tooth 311. In one embodiment, the end of the second tooth 311 facing the first end face 201 is set with a pointed angle, a flat surface, or an arc surface. For example, when the end of the second tooth 311 facing the first end face 201 is set with a pointed angle, the projection shape of the second tooth 311 on the plane parallel to the axis of the knob 20 is triangular. When the end of the second tooth 311 facing the first end face 201 is set with a flat surface, the projection shape of the second tooth 311 on the plane parallel to the axis of the knob 20 is trapezoidal. When the end of the second tooth 311 facing the first end face 201 is arc-shaped, the projection shape of the second tooth 311 on the plane parallel to the axis of the knob 20 can be hemispherical or a trapezoidal structure with an arc-shaped apex. Optionally, the end of the second tooth 311 facing the first end face 201 is either flat or curved. This ensures that when the second tooth 311 is engaged in the groove 301a, there is a certain space between the end of the second tooth 311 and the bottom of the groove 301a, thus preventing interference between the second tooth 311 and the bottom of the groove 301a.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the base 10 includes a base body 11 and a mounting portion 12. The mounting portion 12 protrudes from the base body 11 on the side facing the knob 20. The movable member 31 includes a cylindrical body 312 and a flange 313 provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 312. The cylindrical body 312 is movably fitted onto the mounting portion 12 along the axial direction of the knob 20. The side of the knob 20 facing the base 10 is provided with a receiving groove 22. The cylindrical body 312 is at least partially received in the receiving groove 22. The end face of the open end of the receiving groove 22 forms the first end face 201, and the side of the flange 313 facing the first end face 201 forms the second end face 301.

[0048] In this embodiment, the seat body 11 and the mounting part 12 can be integrally formed or they can be separate structures assembled separately. Optionally, the seat body 11 and the mounting part 12 can be integrally formed, for example, by injection molding, resulting in a more stable overall structure and a simpler manufacturing process. The seat body 11 can be configured as a square seat, a round seat, or other irregularly shaped structures as needed. The mounting part 12 is located on the side of the seat body 11 facing the knob 20 and protrudes a certain height relative to the seat body 11 to facilitate the sleeve of the cylindrical body 312 of the movable part 31. The movable part 31 includes a cylindrical body 312 and a flange 313 provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 312. The shape of the cylindrical body 312 includes, but is not limited to, a round cylinder, a square cylinder, or other irregularly shaped structures. The shape of the mounting part 12 is adapted to the inner cavity shape of the cylindrical body 312, so that the movable part 31 can move along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 312. The knob 20 has a receiving groove 22 on the side facing the base 10, and the cylinder 312 is at least partially received within the receiving groove 22, making the overall structure more compact. For example, the knob 20 may include a knob body and a sleeve disposed on the side of the knob body facing the base body 11. The sleeve is open on the side facing the base body 11, and the inner cavity of the sleeve forms the receiving groove 22. The end face of the open end of the receiving groove 22 (that is, the end face of the sleeve away from the knob body) forms a first end face 201. A flange 313 may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the cylinder 312 away from the knob 20, and the side of the flange 313 facing the first end face 201 forms a second end face 301. The sleeve and the cylinder 312 are coaxially arranged, and their axial direction is also the axial direction of the knob 20. Optionally, the first end face 201 may be provided with a plurality of first teeth 21 along the circumference of the sleeve, and the second end face 301 may be provided with a plurality of second teeth 311 along the circumference of the cylinder 312, wherein the plurality of first teeth 21 and the plurality of second teeth 311 mesh with each other.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4In one embodiment, the mounting portion 12 has an insertion hole 121 that is open to the side opposite to the seat body 11. The movable member 31 also includes an insertion portion 314 disposed in the cylindrical body 312. The insertion portion 314 is at least partially inserted into the insertion hole 121. A groove 315 is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the insertion portion 314 and the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical body 312 to slide and engage with the mounting portion 12.

[0050] In this embodiment, the insertion part 314 extends from the middle of the top wall of the cylinder 312 toward the base body 11. An annular groove 315 is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the insertion part 314 and the inner peripheral wall of the cylinder 312. The mounting part 12 is hollow columnar, allowing the peripheral wall of the mounting part 12 to be inserted into the annular groove 315. Simultaneously, the insertion part 314 can be inserted into the insertion hole 121 of the mounting part 12. This simplifies the overall assembly structure. Furthermore, the sliding engagement between the groove 315 and the mounting part 12 guides the movement of the movable part 31 along the axial direction of the knob 20, resulting in smoother movement of the movable part 31. The insertion part 314 can be either a solid columnar shape or a hollow columnar shape.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the insertion part 314 is provided with a limiting groove 316 that is open to one side of the seat body 11. The elastic member 32 is pre-compressed and accommodated in the limiting groove 316. The two ends of the elastic member 32 elastically abut against the seat body 11 and the movable member 31, respectively.

[0052] In this embodiment, the insertion part 314 has a hollow columnar structure, and a limiting groove 316 extending axially along the knob 20 is formed inside it. The limiting groove 316 is open towards the base body 11. The elastic member 32 is accommodated in the limiting groove 316. The limiting groove 316 can limit the elastic member 32, allowing it to extend and retract along the axial direction of the knob 20 without offset in other directions. Furthermore, the elastic member 32 is at least partially accommodated in the limiting groove 316, making the overall structure more compact. The elastic member 32 has a certain amount of compression in the initial state. Both ends of the elastic member 32 elastically abut against the base body 11 and the movable member 31, respectively, so that the elastic member 32 can apply an elastic force to the movable member 31 toward the side away from the base body 11. Optionally, one end of the elastic member 32 is fixedly connected to the movable member 31, so that the elastic member 32 and the movable member 31 can be assembled with the base 10 as a whole, simplifying the assembly steps.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the knob device further includes a panel 40, which has a through hole 41. The base 10 is located on one side of the panel 40. One end of the knob 20 near the base 10 passes through the through hole 41 and can rotate relative to the base 10. The other end of the knob 20 protrudes from the side of the panel 40 away from the base 10. One end of the knob 20 near the base 10 has a fastener 23, which fastens to the side of the panel 40 facing the base 10. The side of the panel 40 facing the base 10 has a stop portion 42, which is used to limit the circumferential rotation of the knob 20 by engaging with the fastener 23.

[0054] In this embodiment, the panel 40 can be a thin plate structure. The panel 40 has through holes 41 extending through both sides of its thickness. The knob 20 has fasteners 23 on opposite sides of its end near the base 10. These fasteners 23 are capable of elastic deformation. During assembly, the end of the knob 20 with the fasteners 23 is pressed into the side of the panel 40 near the base 10 through the through holes 41, allowing the knob 20 to rotate relative to the base 10. The fasteners 23 engage with the panel 40, limiting the axial displacement of the knob 20 and preventing it from coming out of the through holes 41. Furthermore, the panel 40 has a stop 42 on the side facing the base 10. For example, the stop 42 can be a rib around the through holes 41. When the knob 20 rotates to a preset position, one of the fasteners 23 engages with the stop 42, thereby limiting the circumferential rotation of the knob 20.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the knob device further includes a permanent magnet 50 disposed on the knob 20 and a magnetic induction module 60 disposed on the base 10. The permanent magnet 50 can generate a non-uniform magnetic field as the knob 20 rotates, and the magnetic induction module 60 is used to sense changes in the magnetic field and output corresponding electrical signals.

[0056] In this embodiment, the knob device is an electromagnetic induction knob 20, with a permanent magnet 50 mounted on it. The permanent magnet 50 is fixed relative to the knob 20, and when the knob 20 rotates, it drives the permanent magnet 50 to rotate as well. The permanent magnet 50 is designed to generate a non-uniformly changing magnetic field; for example, it can be a T-shaped structure or other irregularly shaped structure. The magnetic induction module 60 is fixed to the base 10. The magnetic induction module 60 contains electronic components and control circuits that can sense changes in the magnetic field. When the knob 20 drives the permanent magnet 50 to rotate, the magnetic induction module 60 can sense changes in the magnetic field lines in space and output corresponding control signals. Thus, when the user adjusts the knob 20, the knob 20 drives the permanent magnet 50 to rotate, and the permanent magnet 50 generates a non-uniform magnetic field. After sensing the change in the magnetic field, the magnetic induction module 60 can output corresponding electrical signals to regulate target parameters such as water output, brightness, and temperature of the electrical equipment. By using an irregularly shaped permanent magnet 50 to generate a non-uniform magnetic field as the knob 20 rotates, the magnetic induction module 60 can be simplified, its size reduced, and its cost lowered.

[0057] The permanent magnet 50 can be located inside the knob 20, exposed on the outside of the knob 20, or inserted into the surface of the knob 20, as long as the permanent magnet 50 and the knob 20 remain relatively fixed, that is, their relative positions remain stationary when the knob 20 is rotated. There are various ways to fix the permanent magnet 50 to the knob 20, including but not limited to using adhesive, glue sealing, screw fixing, clips, and magnet injection molding.

[0058] To facilitate the installation of the permanent magnet 50, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the knob 20 has a mounting cavity 24 with a mounting opening 241 for inserting a permanent magnet 50. The permanent magnet 50 is fixed inside the mounting cavity 24. The knob device also includes an end cap 70 covering the mounting opening 241. In this embodiment, fixing the permanent magnet 50 within the mounting cavity 24 formed by the knob 20 and the end cap 70 provides waterproofing and dustproofing for the permanent magnet 50. Optionally, the end of the knob 20 near the mounting opening 241 has a stepped surface, and the end cap 70 abuts against the stepped surface and covers the mounting opening 241. The knob 20 and the end cap 70 can be two separate entities or an inseparable entity.

[0059] To facilitate the installation of the magnetic induction module 60, such as Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the base 10 is provided with a mounting groove 122, which has a mounting opening for the magnetic induction module 60 to be inserted. The magnetic induction module 60 is at least partially accommodated within the mounting groove 122. A limiting buckle 123 for limiting the magnetic induction module 60 is provided on the side of the base 10 near the mounting opening. In this embodiment, the mounting groove 122 is provided on the side of the base 10. During assembly, the magnetic induction module 60 is inserted from the mounting opening into the mounting groove 122. The limiting buckle 123 limits the magnetic induction module 60, preventing it from detaching from the mounting groove 122. This assembly structure also facilitates the removal of the magnetic induction module 60 from the base 10.

[0060] This utility model also proposes an electrical device including a knob device. The specific structure of the knob device is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electrical device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here. The knob device includes, but is not limited to, functions for controlling the flow rate, temperature, brightness, etc., of the electrical device. For example, the knob device can be applied to electrical devices with a water system to adjust the water temperature or flow rate of the water system. As another example, the knob device can be applied to electrical devices with a light source to adjust the brightness, color temperature, etc., of the light source.

[0061] In one embodiment, the electrical equipment has a water system, which is equipped with a flow regulating valve. A knob is used to control the flow regulating valve to regulate the flow rate of the water system.

[0062] In this embodiment, when a user needs to adjust the flow rate of the water system (e.g., inlet or outlet flow rate), they can turn the knob 20, which in turn moves the valve core of the flow regulating valve to achieve flow regulation. Optionally, when the knob device has a built-in permanent magnet 50 and a magnetic induction module 60, the flow regulating valve can be an electric regulating valve electrically connected to the magnetic induction module 60. When the user adjusts the knob 20, the knob 20 drives the permanent magnet 50 to rotate, generating a non-uniform magnetic field. After sensing the change in the magnetic field, the magnetic induction module 60 can output a corresponding electrical signal, which is transmitted to the flow regulating valve to regulate the flow rate of the water system. The electrical equipment with the water system includes, but is not limited to, shower equipment, washing machines, water heaters, and water purifiers.

[0063] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A knob device, characterized in that, include: Base; A knob, rotatable relative to the base, the knob having a first end face; as well as The feedback component includes a movable element and an elastic element. The movable element is disposed on the base and is movable along the axial direction of the knob. The elastic element is used to provide an elastic force to move the movable element toward the first end face. The movable element has a second end face opposite to the first end face. One of the first end face and the second end face is provided with at least one protrusion, and the other is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged at intervals along the circumference of the knob; when the knob is rotated relative to the base, the protrusion can engage with one of the grooves in turn.

2. The knob device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first end face is provided with a plurality of first teeth along the circumference of the knob, and the second end face is provided with a plurality of second teeth along the circumference of the knob; each first tooth constitutes a protrusion, and a groove is formed between any two adjacent second teeth; or, each second tooth constitutes a protrusion, and a groove is formed between any two adjacent first teeth; the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of grooves are engaged one-to-one.

3. The knob device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The groove has two side walls that are arranged opposite each other circumferentially along the knob. The two side walls extend obliquely from one end near the bottom of the groove toward the opening and are far apart from each other.

4. The knob device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the first tooth that is away from the first end face is set at a sharp angle, or is set as a plane, or is set as an arc surface; And / or, the end of the second tooth facing the first end face is set with a sharp angle, or is set with a flat surface, or is set with an arc surface.

5. The knob device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a base body and a mounting part. The mounting part protrudes from the side of the base body facing the knob. The movable part includes a cylindrical body and a flange on the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is movably fitted onto the mounting part along the axial direction of the knob. The side of the knob facing the base has a receiving groove. The cylindrical body is at least partially received in the receiving groove. The end face of the open end of the receiving groove forms the first end face, and the side of the flange facing the first end face forms the second end face.

6. The knob device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting portion has an opening facing away from the seat body. The movable member also includes a plug-in portion disposed in the cylinder body. The plug-in portion is at least partially inserted into the insertion hole. A sliding groove is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the plug-in portion and the inner peripheral wall of the cylinder body to slide and engage with the mounting portion.

7. The knob device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The insertion part is provided with a limiting groove that opens towards the side of the seat body. The elastic member is pre-compressed and accommodated in the limiting groove. The two ends of the elastic member elastically abut against the seat body and the movable member, respectively.

8. The knob device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The knob device also includes a panel with a through hole. The base is located on one side of the panel. One end of the knob near the base passes through the through hole and can rotate relative to the base. The other end of the knob protrudes from the side of the panel away from the base. One end of the knob near the base has a fastener that engages with the side of the panel facing the base. The side of the panel facing the base has a stop that engages with the fastener to limit the circumferential rotation of the knob.

9. The knob device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The knob device also includes a permanent magnet disposed on the knob and a magnetic induction module disposed on the base. The permanent magnet can generate a non-uniform magnetic field as the knob rotates, and the magnetic induction module is used to sense changes in the magnetic field and output corresponding electrical signals.

10. The knob device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The knob is provided with a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity having a mounting port for inserting the permanent magnet, the permanent magnet being fixed inside the mounting cavity, and the knob device further includes an end cap covering the mounting port; And / or, the base is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove having a mounting opening for the magnetic induction module to be installed, the magnetic induction module being at least partially housed in the mounting groove, and the base having a limiting buckle for limiting the magnetic induction module on the side near the mounting opening.

11. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the knob device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The electrical equipment as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The electrical equipment has a water system, which is equipped with a flow regulating valve. The knob is used to control the flow regulating valve to regulate the flow of the water system.