Control panel assembly and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the field of knob mounting technology, providing a control panel assembly and a garment processing device. The control panel assembly includes a control panel, a knob, and an encoder. The knob is rotatably mounted on one side of the control panel, and an annular connector is provided on the outer side of the knob. A mounting cavity is formed in the middle of the connector. The encoder is located on the other side of the control panel, fitted into the mounting cavity and abutting against the side wall of the mounting cavity. By providing a connector to the encoder on the outer side of the knob, the contact point between the connector and the encoder is far from the rotation center of the knob, thereby increasing the limiting force arm in the knob's rotation direction. Under the same external force, the horizontal displacement of the knob is reduced, the wobbling amplitude is decreased, the user's operation is more stable and precise, improving the interactive experience and the reliability of the knob.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of knob installation technology, and particularly relates to a control panel assembly and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, control panel assemblies with knobs generally suffer from excessive wobbling during actual use. As a result, when users rotate the knob, it feels shaky, resulting in a poor user experience, significantly affecting the user's operating feel and reducing the interactive experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a control panel assembly and a garment processing device to solve the problem of existing knobs easily shaking during use.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a control board assembly, including:

[0005] control Panel;

[0006] A knob is rotatably mounted on one side of the control panel, and an annular connector is provided on the outer side of the knob, with a mounting cavity formed in the middle of the connector;

[0007] An encoder is located on the other side of the control panel, and the encoder is fitted inside the mounting cavity and abuts against the side wall of the mounting cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, a first limiting part is provided on the outer side of the knob, and the first limiting part is located on the outer side of the connector; the control panel has a first limiting groove, and when the knob is installed on the control panel, the first limiting part is sleeved in the first limiting groove.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the connector is provided with a second limiting part, the control panel is provided with a second limiting groove, and when the knob is installed on the control panel, the second limiting part is located in the second limiting groove.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the connector and the knob are an integral structure;

[0011] And / or, the knob is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part, the connector is provided with a first snap-fit ​​groove, and the first snap-fit ​​part snaps into the first snap-fit ​​groove.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the encoder includes a rotor, and one of the connector and the rotor is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion and the other is provided with a second slot. When the connector is connected to the encoder, the second snap-fit ​​portion snaps into the second slot.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a guide post is provided on the inner side of the connector, and a guide groove is provided on the outer side of the rotor. When the connector is connected to the rotor, the guide post passes through the guide groove.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the control board assembly further includes:

[0015] A circuit board is disposed on the side of the encoder away from the knob;

[0016] The upper and lower covers are positioned opposite each other, defining an installation space for mounting the rotor, and the upper cover is provided with solder pins for connection to the circuit board.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, a limiting rib is provided on the side of the control panel near the encoder, and the limiting rib abuts against the upper cover.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, there are multiple limiting ribs, and the multiple limiting ribs are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the upper cover.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a garment processing device, the garment processing device including the control panel assembly as described in the above embodiments.

[0020] The control panel assembly provided in this application includes a control panel, a knob, and an encoder. The knob is rotatably mounted on one side of the control panel, and an annular connector is provided on the outer side of the knob. A mounting cavity is formed in the middle of the connector. The encoder is located on the other side of the control panel, and is fitted into the mounting cavity and abuts against the side wall of the mounting cavity. By providing a connector to the encoder on the outer side of the knob, the contact point between the connector and the encoder is far from the rotation center of the knob, thereby increasing the limiting force arm in the rotation direction of the knob. Under the same external force, the horizontal displacement of the knob is reduced, the wobbling amplitude is decreased, the user's operation is more stable and precise, the interactive experience is improved, and the reliability of the knob is also improved.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

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

[0023] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the orifice plate assembly provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the control board assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the knob and the encoder provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connection between the knob and the encoder provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 .

[0028] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connection between the knob and the encoder provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the circuit board and the encoder provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the connection between the control panel and the encoder provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 8 A partial schematic diagram of the control panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 100. Control panel; 110. First limit groove; 120. Second limit groove; 130. Limiting rib;

[0034] 200, Knob; 210, Connector; 220, First limiting part; 211, Second limiting part; 212, First slot; 213, Second slot; 214, Guide post; 230, First engaging part;

[0035] 300, Encoder; 310, Stator; 320, Rotor; 321, Second snap-fit ​​part; 322, Guide groove; 330, Upper cover; 340, Lower cover; 331, Welding pin;

[0036] 400. Circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0042] In related technologies, the current mainstream encoders are slender encoders. The knob is fixed by a very thin encoder shaft. This causes the control board assembly with the knob to have excessive wobbling during actual use. Therefore, when the user rotates the knob, the knob has a wobbly feel, resulting in poor usability. This significantly affects the user's operating feel, reduces the interactive experience, and may also cause other potential failures due to structural instability, which will have an adverse impact on the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0043] This application provides a control panel assembly and a garment processing device to solve the problem of existing knobs easily wobbling during use. The following will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-8 Please provide an explanation.

[0044] It is understood that clothing processing equipment may include, but is not limited to, dryers, washing machines, washer-dryer combos, dryers, etc., and this embodiment does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0045] The control board assembly provided in this application embodiment is referenced from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control panel 100, knob 200, and encoder 300 are included. Knob 200 is rotatably disposed on one side of the control panel 100, and an annular connector 210 is provided on the outer side of the knob 200. A mounting cavity is formed in the middle of the connector 210. Encoder 300 is disposed on the other side of the control panel 100. Encoder 300 is sleeved in the mounting cavity and abuts against the side wall of the mounting cavity.

[0046] For example, the control panel 100 serves as the mounting base for the entire assembly and can be part of the device's housing or operating section. The control panel 100 has through holes for the encoder 300 to pass through and mounting holes for fixing the encoder 300 body. The knob 200 is located on the user-operated side of the control panel 100 and is the part that the user directly contacts and rotates. An annular connector 210 is provided on the outer side of the knob 200, and a mounting cavity is formed in the middle of the connector 210. The encoder 300 can be fitted into the mounting cavity, thereby fixing the knob 200 and the encoder 300 together. The encoder 300 can detect the rotation angle of the knob 200 and send it to the controller, so that the controller can respond with corresponding operations based on the rotation angle of the knob 200.

[0047] It is understood that in this embodiment, the connection 210 is located on the outer side of the knob 200, meaning that the distance between the annular sidewall of the connection 210 and the outer sidewall of the knob 200 is smaller than the distance between the annular sidewall of the connection 210 and the center of the knob 200. In other words, the diameter of the mounting cavity is larger, and correspondingly, the shaft of the encoder 300 (i.e., the rotor 320 mentioned later) is also designed to be larger.

[0048] By connecting the connector 210 to the encoder 300 on the outer side of the knob 200, the contact point between the connector 210 and the encoder 300 is far away from the rotation center of the knob 200, thereby increasing the limiting force arm in the rotation direction of the knob 200.

[0049] When a user rotates the knob 200, some lateral or uneven force is inevitably applied. In traditional structures, the encoder 300 shaft is designed to be relatively thin, and even a small lateral force can cause the knob 200 to produce a large horizontal displacement, resulting in wobbling. However, in this design, due to the long limiting lever arm, the interaction between the connector 210 and the encoder 300 generates a larger reaction force to resist wobbling, thereby limiting the horizontal displacement of the knob 200 to a very small range and reducing the back-and-forth and left-and-right wobbling of the knob 200 device. This reduction in wobbling allows the user to obtain more stable and precise operational feedback when rotating the knob 200, improving the operating feel and interactive experience. On the other hand, it also reduces wobbling and the abnormal friction and collision that may result between the knob 200 and the control panel 100, improving the stability and reliability of the knob 200 during long-term use.

[0050] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, a first limiting part 220 is also provided on the outer side of the knob 200. The first limiting part 220 is located on the outer side of the connector 210. The control panel 100 has a first limiting groove 110. When the knob 200 is installed on the control panel 100, the first limiting part 220 is fitted into the first limiting groove 110.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first limiting part 220 can be an annular protrusion extending downward below the knob 200. The first limiting part 220 is located further outward of the connector 210, forming a limiting structure with a larger diameter. A first limiting groove 110 is provided on the control panel 100. The first limiting groove 110 can be an annular groove that matches the shape of the first limiting part 220, used to accommodate and guide the first limiting part 220.

[0052] By setting the limiting cooperation between the first limiting part 220 and the first limiting groove 110, the possibility of the knob 200 shaking during use is further reduced. When the user rotates the knob 200, he / she can get more stable and accurate operation feedback, improving the operation feel and interactive experience.

[0053] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the connector 210 is provided with a second limiting part 211, and the control panel 100 is provided with a second limiting groove 120. When the knob 200 is installed on the control panel 100, the second limiting part 211 is located in the second limiting groove 120.

[0054] For example, the second limiting part 211 can be a stepped structure located between the knob 200 and the encoder 300. The control panel 100 has an annular second limiting groove 120, the shape of which is adapted to the second limiting part 211.

[0055] By setting the limiting cooperation of the second limiting part 211 and the second limiting groove 120, and cooperating with the connector 210 and the first limiting part 220 in the above embodiment, the possibility of the knob 200 shaking during use is further reduced. When the user rotates the knob 200, he can get more stable and accurate operation feedback, and improve the operation feel and interactive experience.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the connector 210 and the knob 200 are an integral structure, for example, the knob 200 can be integrally injection molded with the connector 210.

[0057] The integrated structure improves the connection rigidity and stability between the knob 200 and the connector 210, preventing loosening or breakage between the knob 200 and the connector 210 during long-term use. The integrated structure also improves assembly efficiency and reduces costs.

[0058] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the knob 200 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part 230, and the connector 210 is provided with a first slot 212. The first snap-fit ​​part 230 snaps into the first slot 212.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first snap-fit ​​portion 230 can be a plurality of snaps or hooks arranged in a ring, and the first slot 212 is correspondingly located on the outer edge or top of the connector 210, and is a groove or hole that matches the shape of the first snap-fit ​​portion 230. During assembly, simply align the knob 200 with the connector 210 and apply a certain pressure, and the first snap-fit ​​portion 230 will elastically deform and cross the edge of the first slot 212, and then spring back, forming a firm mechanical lock with the first slot 212. The snap-fit ​​method facilitates the installation and disassembly of the connector 210, and makes maintenance and replacement easier.

[0060] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the encoder 300 includes a rotor 320, a connector 210, and one of the rotors 320 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion 321 and the other is provided with a second slot 213. When the connector 210 is connected to the encoder 300, the second snap-fit ​​portion 321 snaps into the second slot 213.

[0061] In this embodiment, optionally, the second latching part 321 is a latching claw, and the second latching groove 213 is a latching slot. When the connector 210 is connected to the encoder 300, the latching claw engages with the latching slot. This allows the connector 210 to engage with the rotor 320 of the encoder 300. When the knob 200 rotates, it drives the rotor 320 to rotate through the connector 210. The encoder 300 can determine the rotation angle of the knob 200 by detecting the rotation angle of the rotor 320.

[0062] Optionally, there can be multiple second snap-fit ​​components, which are spaced apart circumferentially, and the second snap-fit ​​slots 213 are correspondingly arranged with the second snap-fit ​​components. The snap-fit ​​design between the connector 210 and the rotor 320 improves the ease of disassembly and assembly between the connector 210 and the encoder 300, making it convenient for users to perform maintenance or replacement.

[0063] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a guide post 214 is provided on the inner side of the connector 210, and a guide groove 322 is provided on the outer side of the rotor 320. When the connector 210 is connected to the rotor 320, the guide post 214 passes through the guide groove 322.

[0064] In this embodiment, the number of guide posts 214 can be one or more, and the cross-section of the guide posts 214 can be cylindrical, rectangular, or other shapes. A guide groove 322 is provided on the outer side of the rotor 320, and the position, shape, and number of the guide grooves 322 correspond one-to-one with those of the guide posts 214. The guide groove 322 can be a through groove or a blind groove; this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0065] In one optional implementation, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the control board assembly also includes a circuit board 400 and an upper cover 330 and a lower cover 340 disposed opposite to each other. The circuit board 400 is disposed on the side of the encoder 300 away from the knob 200. An installation space for mounting the rotor 320 is defined between the upper cover 330 and the lower cover 340, and the upper cover 330 is provided with solder pins 331 for connecting to the circuit board 400.

[0066] In this embodiment, the knob 200 is installed on the front of the control panel 100, and the circuit board 400 and the encoder 300 are connected as one unit and placed on the rear side of the control panel 100. The two are connected to each other and are snapped onto the control panel 100.

[0067] It is understood that the encoder 300 may also include a stator 310, on which the rotor 320 is rotatably disposed.

[0068] The upper cover 330 and the lower cover 340 are interlocked, defining an installation space for mounting the stator 310 and the rotor 320. The stator 310 and the rotor 320 are at least partially located within the installation space. The rotor 320 is clamped in the middle by the upper cover 330 and the lower cover 340 of the encoder 300, and then fixed to the flexible circuit board 400 by welding pins 331. This tightens the upper cover 330 and fixes it together with the lower cover 340, improving the overall rigidity and stability of the encoder 300 and enhancing its long-term reliability and durability.

[0069] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a limiting rib 130 is provided on the side of the control panel 100 near the encoder 300, and the limiting rib 130 abuts against the upper cover 330.

[0070] Understandably, after the knob 200 is assembled with the encoder 300, it needs to be disassembled for both production and after-sales maintenance. When a worker pries off the knob 200 or forcibly pulls it out, the knob 200 will carry the stator 310 and rotor 320, and then transmit the force to the upper cover 330 of the encoder 300. This causes the solder pins 331 of the upper cover 330 of the encoder 300 to come off the circuit board 400. At this point, the upper cover 330 and the lower cover 340 of the encoder 300 will no longer fit together, the rotor 320 will wobble between the two, and this will lead to rotation failure, making repair impossible.

[0071] By setting a limiting rib 130 on the control panel 100, when an external force pulls the knob 200 upward, the force will attempt to push the encoder 300 top cover 330 upward. The limiting rib 130 can hold the encoder 300 top cover 330 in place, preventing the encoder 300 top cover 330 from deforming upward. This greatly weakens the force transmitted to the solder pin 331, reducing the possibility of desoldering.

[0072] On the other hand, in mass production, manufacturing tolerances exist for any component. Some encoders 300 may have a certain gap at the time of manufacture due to injection molding or stamping precision issues of the upper cover 330 and lower cover 340, resulting in slight wobble of the rotor 320.

[0073] During assembly, the limiting rib 130 applies a slight, continuous preload force to the upper cover 330, pressing it downwards. This force is transmitted through the upper cover 330 to the lower cover 340, thereby actively eliminating or reducing the initial gap between the upper cover 330 and the lower cover 340, improving the initial stability of the encoder 300 itself.

[0074] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, there are multiple limiting ribs 130, and the multiple limiting ribs 130 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the upper cover 330.

[0075] Multiple limiting ribs 130 can improve the uniformity of force distribution on the upper cover 330, increase the constraint force on the upper cover 330, and reduce the possibility of deformation.

[0076] The control panel assembly provided in this application includes a control panel 100, a knob 200, and an encoder 300. The knob 200 is rotatably disposed on one side of the control panel 100, and an annular connector 210 is provided on the outer side of the knob 200. A mounting cavity is formed in the middle of the connector 210. The encoder 300 is disposed on the other side of the control panel 100, and the encoder 300 is sleeved in the mounting cavity and abuts against the side wall of the mounting cavity. By providing the connector 210 and the encoder 300 on the outer side of the knob 200, the contact point between the connector 210 and the encoder 300 is far away from the rotation center of the knob 200, thereby increasing the limiting force arm in the rotation direction of the knob 200. Under the same external force, the horizontal displacement of the knob 200 is reduced, the shaking amplitude is reduced, the user's operation is more stable and precise, the interactive experience is improved, and the reliability of the knob 200 is also improved.

[0077] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a garment processing device, which includes a control panel assembly as described in the above embodiments.

[0078] It is understood that the clothing processing equipment in this embodiment may include, but is not limited to, household appliances such as dryers, top-loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, and washer-dryer combos.

[0079] It is understood that since the control panel assembly has the beneficial effects of the above embodiments, the garment processing equipment will have the corresponding beneficial effects of the above embodiments. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above embodiments, and this embodiment will not repeat the details.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control board assembly, characterized in that, include: control Panel; A knob is rotatably mounted on one side of the control panel, and an annular connector is provided on the outer side of the knob, with a mounting cavity formed in the middle of the connector; An encoder is located on the other side of the control panel, and the encoder is fitted inside the mounting cavity and abuts against the side wall of the mounting cavity.

2. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein, The knob is further provided with a first limiting part on its outer side, and the first limiting part is located on the outer side of the connector; the control panel is provided with a first limiting groove, and when the knob is installed on the control panel, the first limiting part is fitted into the first limiting groove.

3. The control board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a second limiting part, and the control panel is provided with a second limiting groove. When the knob is installed on the control panel, the second limiting part is located in the second limiting groove.

4. The control board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector and the knob are an integral structure; And / or, the knob is provided with a first snap-fit ​​part, the connector is provided with a first slot, and the first snap-fit ​​part snaps into the first slot.

5. The control board assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The encoder includes a rotor. One of the connector and the rotor is provided with a second snap-fit ​​portion, and the other is provided with a second slot. When the connector is connected to the encoder, the second snap-fit ​​portion snaps into the second slot.

6. The control panel assembly of claim 5, wherein, The connector has a guide post on its inner side and a guide groove on its outer side. When the connector is connected to the rotor, the guide post passes through the guide groove.

7. The control panel assembly of claim 5, wherein, The control board assembly also includes: A circuit board is disposed on the side of the encoder away from the knob; The upper and lower covers are positioned opposite each other, defining an installation space for mounting the rotor, and the upper cover is provided with solder pins for connection to the circuit board.

8. The control board assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control panel is provided with a limiting rib on the side near the encoder, and the limiting rib abuts against the upper cover.

9. The control panel assembly of claim 8, wherein, The number of limiting ribs is multiple, and the multiple limiting ribs are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the upper cover. 10.A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, The garment processing equipment includes the control panel assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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