A combination knob for electric heaters

Abstract

This utility model provides a modular knob for an electric heater, including a knob panel, a knob mounting groove on one side of the knob panel, a thermostat fixed to the lower end of the knob mounting groove, a check spring fixed inside the knob mounting groove, a knob bracket snapped into the knob mounting groove, and a knob housing snapped into the knob bracket. The bottom of the knob mounting groove and the check spring are both provided with through holes. The adjusting rod of the thermostat passes through the through holes and is fixedly connected to the knob bracket. The knob bracket is provided with a gear ring that matches the check spring. This utility model has advantages such as effectively preventing water from entering the electric heater, providing a tactile feedback during rotation, improving the user experience, and facilitating assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electric heater knob technology, and in particular relates to a combination knob for electric heaters. Background Technology

[0002] Most household appliances have knobs for adjusting parameters during use, such as convection heaters. However, the knobs currently used on convection heaters have the following problems: 1. The sealing strip at the joint between the knob and the adjustment rod is used as a waterproof structure. After a period of time, the strip oxidizes, resulting in a poor seal. Water can enter the adjustment rod and the heater, causing the rotating part of the adjustment rod to rust and making it difficult to turn. 2. The adjustment relies solely on the silent rotation of the adjustment rod itself, providing poor information and a weak user experience. 3. The knob has a zero-gap surface contact with the appliance surface, making assembly difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a combination knob that can effectively prevent water from entering the electric heater, has a tactile feedback when rotating, enhances the user experience, and is easy to assemble.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a combination knob for an electric heater, including a knob panel, a knob mounting groove disposed on one side of the knob panel, a thermostat fixed at the lower end of the knob mounting groove, a check spring fixed inside the knob mounting groove, a knob bracket snapped to the knob mounting groove, and a knob housing snapped to the knob bracket. The bottom of the knob mounting groove and the check spring are provided with through holes. The adjusting rod of the thermostat passes through the through holes and is fixedly connected to the knob bracket. The knob bracket is provided with a gear ring that matches the check spring.

[0005] Furthermore, a waterproof wall is provided around the knob mounting slot, the height of which is higher than the upper plane of the knob panel. The bottom of the knob mounting slot is provided with a first connection hole for fixed connection with the thermostat, as well as a positioning post and positioning block for the installation and positioning of the check spring.

[0006] Furthermore, the anti-return spring includes a mounting part, an arc-shaped spring tongue integrally formed with the mounting part, and a limiting piece disposed on the mounting part opposite to the arc-shaped spring tongue. The arc-shaped spring tongue is located above the mounting part, and both ends of the arc-shaped spring tongue are provided with protruding points that match the gear ring. The through hole is located on the mounting part. The mounting part is also provided with a positioning hole corresponding to the positioning post and a second connecting hole corresponding to the first connecting hole. The limiting piece is disposed on the side close to the positioning block.

[0007] Furthermore, the thermostat has two connecting plates arranged opposite each other, and each of the two connecting plates has a third connecting hole corresponding to the first connecting hole. The anti-return spring and the thermostat are fixedly connected to the knob mounting slot by fixing bolts passing through the second connecting hole, the first connecting hole and the third connecting hole in sequence.

[0008] Furthermore, the knob housing includes a housing panel and a housing sidewall surrounding the housing panel. The upper surface of the housing panel is provided with machined texture, and the lower surface of the housing panel is provided with a retaining spring positioning groove. The inner wall of the housing sidewall is provided with a first positioning rib, a second positioning rib, and a plurality of first buckles. The lower surface of the housing panel is provided with a first arrow pointing to the first positioning rib.

[0009] Furthermore, the knob bracket includes a bracket panel and a bracket sidewall surrounding the bracket panel. The bracket panel is provided with a plurality of second buckles that match the first buckle. The upper surface of the bracket panel is provided with a plurality of protrusions. The bracket sidewall is provided with a first positioning groove corresponding to the first positioning rib, a second positioning groove corresponding to the second positioning rib, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs. The upper surface of the bracket panel is provided with a second arrow pointing to the first positioning groove.

[0010] Furthermore, a mounting post is vertically fixed to the lower end face of the bracket panel. The mounting post has a mounting hole that matches the adjusting rod inside. The mounting hole penetrates the bracket panel. A retaining spring mounting groove is provided on the side wall of the mounting hole. A retaining spring is fixedly installed in the retaining spring mounting groove. A third buckle is provided on the side wall of the mounting post. A fourth buckle that matches the third buckle is vertically provided on the circumference of the through hole of the knob mounting groove. The gear ring is fixedly installed on the lower end face of the bracket panel. A first limiting post is provided on the bracket panel between the gear ring and the mounting post. A second limiting post that contacts the waterproof wall is provided on the lower end face of the bracket panel. The contact point between the second limiting post and the waterproof wall is a spherical structure.

[0011] Furthermore, a protective film is affixed to the knob panel.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. The modular knob of this utility model is installed by snapping together the knob shell and the knob bracket, then fixing the anti-return spring and the thermostat to the knob mounting slot, and finally snapping together the knob bracket and the knob mounting slot. At the same time, the adjusting rod of the thermostat is fixedly connected to the knob bracket, thereby completing the installation of the modular knob. The installation structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0014] 2. The combined knob of this utility model is equipped with a check spring and a gear ring. When the knob is rotated, the gear ring will drive the spring tongue of the check spring to undergo corresponding elastic deformation, thereby producing a sound and a tactile feedback, which improves the user experience.

[0015] 3. The combined knob of this utility model can effectively prevent water from entering the adjusting rod and the inside of the electric heater by setting a waterproof wall around the knob mounting groove, thus extending the service life of the knob. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a combination knob for an electric heater according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point AA.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure after removing the knob's outer casing.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram at point B in the middle.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob panel for a combination knob used in an electric heater according to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a combination knob panel, anti-return spring, and thermostat for an electric heater according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the knob shell and knob bracket of a combination knob for an electric heater according to this utility model.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-return spring of a combination knob for an electric heater according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the knob shell of a combination knob for an electric heater according to this utility model.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob support for a combined knob used in an electric heater, according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 11A schematic diagram of the structure viewed from below.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermostat with a combined knob for an electric heater, according to this utility model.

[0029] In the diagram: 1-Knob panel; 2-Knob mounting slot; 3-Thermostat; 4-Check spring; 5-Knob bracket; 6-Knob housing; 7-Through hole; 8-Adjusting rod; 9-Gear ring; 10-Waterproof wall; 11-First connecting hole; 12-Positioning post; 13-Positioning block; 14-Mounting part; 15-Arc-shaped spring tongue; 16-Limiting piece; 17-Protruding point; 18-Positioning hole; 19-Second connecting hole; 20-Connecting plate; 21-Third connecting hole; 22-Fixing bolt; 23-Housing panel; 24-Housing side wall; 25-Turned Texture; 26-Snap ring positioning groove; 27-First positioning rib; 28-Second positioning rib; 29-First buckle; 30-First arrow mark; 31-Bracket panel; 32-Bracket side wall; 33-Second buckle; 34-Boss; 35-First positioning groove; 36-Second positioning groove; 37-Reinforcing rib; 38-Second arrow mark; 39-Mounting post; 40-Mounting hole; 41-Snap ring mounting groove; 42-Snap ring; 43-Third buckle; 44-Fourth buckle; 45-First limiting post; 46-Second limiting post; 47-Protective film. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figures 1-13 As shown, a combination knob for an electric heater includes a knob panel 1, a knob mounting groove 2 disposed on one side of the knob panel 1, a thermostat 3 fixed to the lower end of the knob mounting groove 2, a check spring 4 fixed inside the knob mounting groove 2, a knob bracket 5 snapped into the knob mounting groove 2, and a knob housing 6 snapped into the knob bracket 5. The bottom of the knob mounting groove 2 and the check spring 4 are both provided with through holes 7. The adjusting rod 8 of the thermostat 3 passes through the through holes 7 and is fixedly connected to the knob bracket 5. The knob bracket 5 is provided with a gear ring 9 that matches the check spring 4.

[0032] This utility model's modular knob is installed by snapping together the knob housing 6 and the knob bracket 5, then fixing the check spring 4 and the thermostat 3 to the knob mounting slot 2, and finally snapping the knob bracket 5 to the knob mounting slot 2. Simultaneously, the adjusting rod 8 of the thermostat 3 is fixedly connected to the knob bracket 5, thus completing the installation of the modular knob. The installation structure is simple and easy to assemble. Furthermore, by setting the check spring 4 and the gear ring 9 to cooperate, when the knob is rotated, the gear ring 9 will drive the spring tongue of the check spring 4 to undergo corresponding elastic deformation, thereby producing a sound and a tactile feedback, improving the user experience.

[0033] Furthermore, a waterproof wall 10 is provided around the knob mounting groove 2. The height of the waterproof wall 10 is higher than the upper plane of the knob panel 1. By setting the waterproof wall 10, water can be effectively prevented from entering the adjustment rod 8 and the interior of the electric heater, thus extending the service life of the knob. The bottom of the knob mounting groove 2 is provided with a first connection hole 11 for fixed connection with the thermostat 3, as well as a positioning post 12 and a positioning block 13 for the installation and positioning of the anti-return spring 4.

[0034] Furthermore, the anti-return spring 4 includes a mounting part 14, an arc-shaped spring tongue 15 integrally formed with the mounting part 14, and a limiting piece 16 disposed opposite to the arc-shaped spring tongue 15 on the mounting part 14. The arc-shaped spring tongue 15 is located above the mounting part 14, and both ends of the arc-shaped spring tongue 15 are provided with protrusions 17 that match the gear ring 9. The through hole 7 is located on the mounting part 14. The mounting part 14 is also provided with a positioning hole 18 corresponding to the positioning post 12 and a second connecting hole 19 corresponding to the first connecting hole 11. The limiting piece 16 is located on the side close to the positioning block 13.

[0035] Specifically, when installing the check spring 4 in the knob mounting slot 2, the installation position of the check spring 4 is determined by bringing the limiting piece 16 of the check spring 4 close to the positioning block 13 and then fitting the positioning hole 18 into the positioning post 12. This ensures that when the knob is rotated to the two end points, the limiting piece 16 can accurately play a limiting role.

[0036] Furthermore, the thermostat 3 is provided with two connecting plates 20 facing each other, and each of the two connecting plates 20 is provided with a third connecting hole 21 corresponding to the first connecting hole 11. The anti-return spring 4 and the thermostat 3 are fixedly connected to the knob mounting groove 2 by passing through the second connecting hole 19, the first connecting hole 11 and the third connecting hole 21 in sequence by fixing bolts 22.

[0037] Specifically, after the check spring 4 is correctly placed into the knob mounting slot 2, the second connecting hole 19 on the check spring 4 is set to correspond with the first connecting hole 11. At the same time, after the third connecting hole 21 on the thermostat 3 is aligned with the first connecting hole 11, the thermostat 3 is fixed below the knob mounting slot 2 by the fixing bolt 22, and the check spring 4 is fixed in the knob mounting slot 2. Meanwhile, the adjusting rod 8 of the thermostat 3 passes through the knob mounting slot 2 and the through hole 7 on the check spring 4 and is located in the knob mounting slot 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the knob housing 6 includes a housing panel 23 and a housing sidewall 24 surrounding the housing panel 23. The upper end surface of the housing panel 23 is provided with machining lines 25, and the lower end surface of the housing panel 23 is provided with a retaining spring positioning groove 26. The inner wall of the housing sidewall 24 is provided with a first positioning rib 27, a second positioning rib 28 and a plurality of first buckles 29. The lower end surface of the housing panel 23 is provided with a first arrow mark 30 pointing to the first positioning rib 27.

[0039] Specifically, the knob housing 6 is made of heat-resistant ABS material. ABS material is easy to paint. By setting machining texture 25 on the surface of the knob housing 6 and combining it with a metallic color coating, the metallic texture of the knob housing 6 is enhanced. The first positioning rib 27 and the second positioning rib 28 are used to position the knob bracket 5 during installation and to prevent relative rotation between the two after installation. Multiple first buckles 29 are used to snap together with the knob bracket 5.

[0040] Furthermore, the knob bracket 5 includes a bracket panel 31 and a bracket sidewall 32 surrounding the bracket panel 31. The bracket panel 31 is provided with a plurality of second buckles 33 that match the first buckle 29. The upper surface of the bracket panel 31 is provided with a plurality of bosses 34. The bracket sidewall 32 is provided with a first positioning groove 35 corresponding to the first positioning rib 27, a second positioning groove 36 corresponding to the second positioning rib 28, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 37. The upper surface of the bracket panel 31 is provided with a second arrow mark 38 pointing to the first positioning groove 35.

[0041] Furthermore, a mounting post 39 is vertically fixed to the lower end face of the bracket panel 31. The mounting post 39 has a mounting hole 40 that matches the adjusting rod 8 inside. The mounting hole 40 penetrates the bracket panel 31. A retaining spring mounting groove 41 is provided on the side wall of the mounting hole 40. A retaining spring 42 is fixedly installed in the retaining spring mounting groove 41. A third buckle 43 is provided on the side wall of the mounting post 39. A fourth buckle 44 that matches the third buckle 43 is vertically provided on the circumference of the through hole 7 of the knob mounting groove 2. The gear ring 9 is fixedly installed on the lower end face of the bracket panel 31. A first limiting post 45 is provided on the bracket panel 31 between the gear ring 9 and the mounting post 39. A second limiting post 46 that contacts the waterproof wall 10 is provided on the lower end face of the bracket panel 31. The contact point between the second limiting post 46 and the waterproof wall 10 is set as a spherical structure.

[0042] Specifically, the installation process between the knob housing 6 and the knob bracket 5 is as follows: First, the retaining spring 42 is installed into the retaining spring mounting groove 41. Then, the first arrow mark 30 and the second arrow mark 38 are aligned to fix the relative installation position of the knob housing 6 and the knob bracket 5. At this time, the first positioning rib 27 on the knob housing 6 corresponds to the first positioning groove 35 on the knob bracket 5, the second positioning rib 28 corresponds to the second positioning groove 36, and the first buckle 29 and the second buckle 33 correspond. By pressing, the first buckle 29 and the second buckle 33 are connected, completing the installation of the knob housing 6 and the knob bracket 5. At this time, the top of the retaining spring 42 is located in the retaining spring positioning groove 26 of the knob housing 6, where a boss 34 and a reinforcing rib 37 are provided. These are mainly used to improve the tightness of the connection between the knob housing 6 and the knob bracket 5, restrict the freedom of movement up, down, left, and right, and prevent shaking. In addition, the knob bracket 5 is made of heat-resistant and wear-resistant POM material to improve the temperature resistance and wear resistance of the knob.

[0043] Install the assembled knob housing 6 and knob bracket 5 into the knob mounting slot 2 and connect them to the thermostat 3. The specific installation process is as follows: Align the adjusting rod 8 of the thermostat 3 with the mounting hole 40 of the mounting post 39, and press down on the knob bracket 5 so that the third buckle 43 on the mounting post 39 engages with the fourth buckle 44 in the knob mounting slot 2. At this time, the adjusting rod 8 and the mounting hole 40 are interference-fitted. At the same time, the elastic deformation of the retaining spring 42 makes the mounting hole 40 and the adjusting rod 8 fit more firmly, effectively preventing the knob from loosening due to the increased gap between the knob and the adjusting rod 8 after a period of time. At the same time, the first limiting post 45 cooperates with the limiting piece 16 of the anti-return spring 4. For example, when the surface of the knob housing 6 is marked with a gear position, when the knob is rotated to the gear position at both ends... The first limiting post 45 of the knob bracket 5 will contact the limiting piece 16 of the check spring 4 to prevent excessive force from damaging the thermostat 3. In addition, after installation, the second limiting post 46 contacts the upper surface of the waterproof wall 10, which can effectively prevent the knob from moving down and contacting the knob panel 1 when rotating the knob, thus affecting the smoothness of rotation. At the same time, the contact point between the second limiting post 46 and the waterproof wall 10 is set as a spherical structure, making the rotation smoother. Finally, after installation, the arc-shaped spring tongue 15 of the check spring 4 contacts and engages with the gear ring 9. The protrusion 17 on the arc-shaped spring tongue 15 engages with the gear structure. When the knob is rotated, the gear ring 9 causes the arc-shaped spring tongue 15 to undergo corresponding elastic deformation through the engagement of the protrusion 17 and the gear structure, thereby producing a sound and a tactile feedback, improving the user experience.

[0044] Furthermore, a protective film 47 is attached to the knob panel 1. The protective film 47 can be made of frosted material, which improves scratch resistance, user experience, and appearance.

[0045] The above description provides a detailed account of one embodiment of the present invention. However, this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent variations and improvements made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should still fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A combined knob for an electric heater, characterized in that: The device includes a knob panel, a knob mounting slot on one side of the knob panel, a thermostat fixed to the lower end of the knob mounting slot, a check spring fixed inside the knob mounting slot, a knob bracket snapped into the knob mounting slot, and a knob housing snapped into the knob bracket. The bottom of the knob mounting slot and the check spring are both provided with through holes. The adjusting rod of the thermostat passes through the through holes and is fixedly connected to the knob bracket. The knob bracket is provided with a gear ring that matches the check spring.

2. The combined knob for an electric heater according to claim 1, wherein: A waterproof wall is provided around the knob mounting slot, the height of which is higher than the upper plane of the knob panel. The bottom of the knob mounting slot is provided with a first connection hole for fixed connection with the thermostat, as well as a positioning post and positioning block for the installation and positioning of the check spring.

3. The combination knob for an electric heater as defined in claim 2, wherein: The anti-return spring includes a mounting part, an arc-shaped spring tongue integrally formed with the mounting part, and a limiting piece disposed on the mounting part opposite to the arc-shaped spring tongue. The arc-shaped spring tongue is located above the mounting part, and both ends of the arc-shaped spring tongue are provided with protruding points that match the gear ring. The through hole is located on the mounting part. The mounting part is also provided with a positioning hole corresponding to the positioning post and a second connecting hole corresponding to the first connecting hole. The limiting piece is located on the side close to the positioning block.

4. The combined knob for an electric heater according to claim 3, wherein: The thermostat has two connecting plates arranged opposite each other. Each of the two connecting plates has a third connecting hole corresponding to the first connecting hole. The anti-return spring and the thermostat are fixedly connected to the knob mounting slot by fixing bolts passing through the second connecting hole, the first connecting hole and the third connecting hole in sequence.

5. The combination knob for an electric heater as defined in claim 2, wherein: The knob housing includes a housing panel and a housing sidewall surrounding the housing panel. The upper surface of the housing panel is provided with machined texture, and the lower surface of the housing panel is provided with a retaining spring positioning groove. The inner wall of the housing sidewall is provided with a first positioning rib, a second positioning rib, and a plurality of first buckles. The lower surface of the housing panel is provided with a first arrow pointing to the first positioning rib.

6. A combined knob for an electric heater according to claim 5, characterized in that: The knob bracket includes a bracket panel and a bracket sidewall surrounding the bracket panel. The bracket panel has multiple second buckles that match the first buckle. The upper surface of the bracket panel has multiple protrusions. The bracket sidewall has a first positioning groove corresponding to the first positioning rib, a second positioning groove corresponding to the second positioning rib, and multiple reinforcing ribs. The upper surface of the bracket panel has a second arrow pointing to the first positioning groove.

7. The combination knob for an electric heater as defined in claim 6, wherein: A mounting post is vertically fixed to the lower end face of the bracket panel. The mounting post has a mounting hole that matches the adjusting rod inside. The mounting hole penetrates the bracket panel. A retaining spring mounting groove is provided on the side wall of the mounting hole. A retaining spring is fixedly installed in the retaining spring mounting groove. A third buckle is provided on the side wall of the mounting post. A fourth buckle that matches the third buckle is vertically provided on the circumference of the through hole of the knob mounting groove. The gear ring is fixedly installed on the lower end face of the bracket panel. A first limiting post is provided on the bracket panel between the gear ring and the mounting post. A second limiting post that contacts the waterproof wall is provided on the lower end face of the bracket panel. The contact point between the second limiting post and the waterproof wall is a spherical structure.

8. The combination knob for an electric heater as defined in claim 1, wherein: A protective film is affixed to the knob panel.

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