Knob assembly and laundry treatment device

Abstract

A knob assembly and a laundry treatment device. The knob assembly comprises an electronic control assembly, a metal ring and a transmission structure, wherein the metal ring is directly or indirectly connected to the transmission structure, and the transmission structure is configured to rotate along with the metal ring so as to trigger the electronic control assembly to generate an electrical signal; and a patterned structure area is provided on a circumferential outer surface of the metal ring, the patterned structure area is arranged in the circumferential direction of the metal ring, and the ratio of the depth of a patterned structure of the patterned structure area to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 0.03-0.5. A substantial tactile feel is achieved by means of the self-weight of the metal ring, without requiring frictional damping, thus reducing the wear of components and prolonging the service life of the knob assembly; the radial thickness of the metal ring endows the metal ring with an appropriate structural strength, so that the metal ring is less prone to deform during the machining of the patterned structure; and the depth of the patterned structure makes the patterned structure have a better appearance and tactile feel, and the requirements for the structural strength of the metal ring are also met.

Description

Knob assembly and clothing processing device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202311099177.7 and application date August 29, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of clothing washing and care equipment, and in particular to a knob assembly and clothing processing equipment. Background Art

[0004] Taking a clothes processing device as an example, in the related art, a knob assembly is provided on the outer shell of the clothes processing device. The knob assembly is usually a plastic part. The user can select the corresponding washing program by rotating the knob. However, the rotation feel of the existing knob is poor.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, embodiments of the present application aim to provide a knob assembly and a clothing processing device that improve the rotational damping of the metal ring.

[0007] An embodiment of the present application provides a knob assembly, comprising:

[0008] Electronic control components,

[0009] a metal ring and a transmission structure, wherein the metal ring is directly or indirectly connected to the transmission structure, and the transmission structure is configured to rotate with the metal ring to trigger the electronic control component to generate an electrical signal;

[0010] The circumferential outer surface of the metal ring has a pattern structure area, the pattern structure area is arranged along the circumference of the metal ring, and the ratio of the depth of the pattern structure of the pattern structure area to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 0.03 to 0.5.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ratio of the depth of the pattern structure to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 0.06 to 0.3.

[0012] In some embodiments, the depth of the pattern structure is 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, and the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 1.5 mm to 6 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plating layer is provided on the surface of the metal ring.

[0014] In some embodiments, the metal ring is a zinc alloy component or an aluminum alloy component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the metal ring is 30 mm to 100 mm; and / or the weight of the metal ring is 20 g to 100 g.

[0016] In some embodiments, a single pattern structure has a contact plane along the radial outer side of the metal ring, and the area of ​​the contact plane is 0.5 mm 2 ~1.5mm 2 .

[0017] In some embodiments, the area between the edge of at least one side of the pattern structure area along the axial direction and the axial end surface of the metal ring has a blank area where no pattern structure is provided.

[0018] In some embodiments, a chamfered structure is provided on the circumferential outer side of at least one axial end of the metal ring, and the chamfered structure is located in the blank area.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ratio of the axial length of the pattern structure region to the axial length of the metal ring is 30% to 90%.

[0020] In some embodiments, the knob assembly includes a window cover, which is disposed in the metal ring and remains relatively stationary with the electronic control assembly;

[0021] The knob assembly includes a display assembly, which is arranged inside the metal ring and located on the side of the window cover facing the electronic control assembly. The display assembly is used to display information; the window cover is used to see through the information displayed by the display assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electronic control component includes a circuit board and an encoder electrically connected to the circuit board, the circuit board is arranged on one axial side of the metal ring, the encoder is arranged on the side of the circuit board facing the metal ring, the transmission structure has a through hole, and the encoder is passed through the through hole.

[0023] An embodiment of the present application provides a clothes processing device, comprising:

[0024] shell;

[0025] a barrel assembly, disposed in the housing;

[0026] control devices;

[0027] And the knob assembly described in any embodiment of the present application, wherein the knob assembly is arranged on the housing, the electronic control assembly is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device is used to select the corresponding washing program and / or adjust the washing parameters according to the electrical signal generated by the electronic control assembly.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing includes a box body and a control panel, the control panel is arranged on the box body, a portion of the control panel is recessed toward the interior of the housing and forms a recessed cavity, the electronic control component is arranged in the recessed cavity, and the knob component covers the recessed cavity.

[0029] Compared with plastic parts of the same size, the knob assembly of the embodiment of the present application has a metal ring with a higher density and a heavier weight, which can give people a thick and heavy feel and enhance the user experience; in addition, the heavy feel is obtained by the weight of the metal ring itself, and no friction damping is required, which reduces the wear of parts and increases the service life of the knob assembly; the radial thickness of the metal ring can make the metal ring have suitable structural strength, and it is not easy to deform during the processing of the pattern structure. In addition, the depth of the pattern structure makes the pattern have a better appearance and touch, while also taking into account the requirements for the structural strength of the metal ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a metal ring assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in FIG1 from another perspective;

[0032] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction in FIG2 ;

[0033] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a metal ring according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG4;

[0035] FIG6 is an exploded schematic diagram of the structure shown in FIG4 ;

[0036] FIG7 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point C in FIG6;

[0037] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG6;

[0038] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in FIG8 from another perspective;

[0039] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a transmission structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the metal ring assembly and the control panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in FIG11 from another perspective;

[0042] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction in FIG12 .

[0043] Explanation of the reference numerals: knob assembly 1; metal ring 111; accommodating groove 111a; spiral groove 111b; pit 111c; pattern structure area 1111; contact plane 1111a; chamfer structure 1112; first blank area 111da; second blank area 111db; connecting structure 112; connecting ring 1121; hook 1122; protrusion 11211; transmission structure 12; slot 12a; through hole 12b; electronic control assembly 13; circuit board 131; encoder 132; window cover 14; display assembly 15; LED assembly 16; control panel 2; recessed cavity 2a; through hole 2b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0045] The specific technical features described in the specific embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner, unless they are inconsistent. For example, different embodiments and technical solutions may be formed by combining different specific technical features. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in the embodiments of the present invention will not be described separately.

[0046] In the following description, the terms "first, second, ..." are used solely to distinguish different objects and do not imply any similarities or connections between the objects. It should be understood that the directions "above," "below," "outside," and "inside" refer to directions during normal use. The directions "left" and "right" refer to the left-right directions shown in the corresponding schematic diagrams, which may or may not be the left-right directions during normal use.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising that element. "A plurality" means greater than or equal to two.

[0048] An embodiment of the present application provides a knob assembly 1 , which includes an electric control assembly 13 , a metal ring 111 and a transmission structure 12 , as shown in FIG1 , FIG3 and FIG4 .

[0049] The user can hold the metal ring 111 and drive the metal ring 111 to rotate.

[0050] The metal ring 111 is directly or indirectly connected to the transmission structure 12. The transmission structure 12 rotates with the metal ring 111 to trigger the electronic control component 13 to generate an electrical signal. In other words, the transmission structure 12 is a passive component. When the metal ring 111 rotates, it drives the transmission structure 12 to rotate with it. When the transmission structure 12 rotates with the metal ring 111, the transmission structure 12 triggers the electronic control component 13 to generate an electrical signal.

[0051] In the related art, the knob is made of plastic as a whole, and a damping structure is set at the rotation center of the knob to obtain a damping feel. However, the damping force arm at the rotation center is small, and a significant damping force needs to be set to obtain the damping feel. In addition, the friction resistance of the knob during rotation is relatively large, and the components are prone to wear. When the wear of the components reaches a certain level, the damping feel will be reduced or even disappear.

[0052] Compared with plastic parts of the same size, the knob assembly 1 in the embodiment of the present application has a metal ring 111 with a higher density and a heavier weight, which can give people a thicker feel and enhance the user experience; in addition, the thick feel is obtained by the weight of the metal ring 111 itself, and no friction damping is required, which reduces the wear of components and increases the service life of the knob assembly 1.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 6 , the circumferential outer surface of the metal ring 111 includes a patterned structure region 1111, such as knurling. The patterned structure region 1111 is disposed along the circumference of the metal ring 111. In some embodiments, the circumferential arrangement of the patterned structure region 1111 along the metal ring 111 means starting from a starting point of the metal ring 111 and extending along the circumference of the metal ring 111 until returning to the starting point. In other embodiments, the circumferential arrangement of the patterned structure region 1111 along the entire axial surface of the metal ring 111 may be discontinuous, for example, two or more discontinuous segments of the patterned structure region 1111 may be disposed along the circumference of the metal ring 111.

[0054] It should be noted that the area where the patterned structure is located forms the patterned structure area 1111. The patterned structure refers to an uneven structure. The process for producing the patterned structure is not limited. For example, knurling can be used to produce the knurling, which is considered a patterned structure. The patterned structure can increase friction when the user's hand contacts the metal ring 111, reducing the chance of finger slippage and improving the hand feel. In addition, it can also provide a good aesthetic effect.

[0055] The ratio of the depth of the pattern structure of the pattern structure region 1111 to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring 111 is 0.03 to 0.5, for example, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, etc. The maximum wall thickness of the metal ring 111 refers to the thickness of the thickest part of the metal ring 111 along the radial direction.

[0056] The depth of the pattern structure refers to the radial dimension of the pattern structure along the metal ring 111 .

[0057] In this embodiment, the inventors discovered that the radial thickness of the metal ring 111 provides the metal ring 111 with suitable structural strength, making it less susceptible to deformation during the patterning process. For example, to achieve a stronger friction feel, the depth of the patterned area is often increased in related art. However, the inventors discovered that excessively deep patterned areas require greater processing pressure during patterning, which can cause deformation of the metal ring. Furthermore, increased pattern depth can cause stinging to the user's hand. Therefore, the inventors discovered that a suitable patterned depth ensures a better visual and tactile feel while also meeting the structural strength requirements of the metal ring.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the depth of the pattern structure of the pattern structure area 1111 to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring 111 is 0.06-0.3, for example, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, etc.

[0059] For example, referring to FIG9 , the depth of the pattern structure in the pattern structure area is 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, for example, 0.2 mm, 0.24 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.43 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.48 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.62 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.74 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.83 mm, 0.86 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.91 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, etc. Moreover, the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 1.5 mm to 6 mm, for example, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, etc.

[0060] For example, referring to FIG7 , a single pattern structure has a contact plane 1111 a along the radial outer side of the metal ring 111 , and the area of ​​the contact plane 1111 a is 0.5 mm 2 ~1.5mm 2 , for example, 0.5mm 2 , 0.6mm 2 , 0.7mm2 , 0.8mm 2 , 0.9mm 2 , 1.0mm 2 , 1.1mm 2 , 1.2mm 2 , 1.3mm 2 , 1.4mm 2 , 1.5mm 2 In this embodiment, when a user touches the metal ring 111, the contact plane 111a has an appropriate area, so that the pattern structure area 1111 is smoother as a whole, alleviating or even eliminating the prickly touch feeling, thereby improving the user experience.

[0061] For example, the metal ring 111 is provided with a coating. The coating may have a good glossiness, enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the metal ring. In some embodiments, the coating may also have anti-corrosion and anti-rust effects.

[0062] The material of the metal ring 111 is not limited. For example, the metal ring 111 can be a zinc alloy or an aluminum alloy. In other words, the metal ring 111 can be made of a zinc alloy or an aluminum alloy. In this embodiment, the zinc alloy or aluminum alloy has good machinability, facilitating the production of the aforementioned deep pattern structure while also providing suitable structural strength and good resistance to deformation.

[0063] In some preferred embodiments, the metal ring 111 is a zinc alloy component. Zinc alloy has a relatively high density, which can make the metal ring 111 have a heavy feel with a suitable weight.

[0064] Exemplarily, the weight of the metal ring 111 is 20g to 100g, for example, 20g, 30g, 40g, 50g, 60g, 70g, 80g, 90g, 100g, etc. The weight of the metal ring 111 can give it a good heavy feel and better conform to ergonomics.

[0065] For example, referring to FIG2 , the outer diameter D of the metal ring 111 is 30 mm to 100 mm, i.e., 30 mm ≤ D ≤ 100 mm. For example, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, etc. This outer diameter range is convenient for human hand gripping, conforms to ergonomics, and enhances the user experience.

[0066] The area between at least one axial edge of the patterned structure region 1111 and the axial end surface of the metal ring 111 comprises a blank area (e.g., first blank area 111da and / or second blank area 111db hereinafter) without knurling. In this embodiment, during the processing of the patterned structure, the machining tool maintains a certain distance from the axial end surface of the metal ring 111. Within this distance range, no patterned structure is machined, thus forming a blank area. This provides mechanical protection for the axial end of the metal ring 111, reducing the likelihood of cracking or plastic deformation at the axial end of the metal ring 111. Furthermore, the blank area reduces the likelihood of the patterned structure region 1111 scratching the user's hand at its edge.

[0067] For example, referring to FIG8 , a chamfered structure 1112 is provided on the circumferential outer side of at least one axial end of the metal ring 111. Chamfered structure 1112 is located within the blank area. Chamfered structure 1112 makes the axial end of the metal ring 111 smoother, eliminating sharp corners and reducing the chance of scratching the user's hand.

[0068] It should be noted that a blank area may be provided on either axial side of the pattern structure area 1111. Alternatively, blank areas may be provided on both axially opposite sides of the pattern structure area 1111. This can better protect the metal ring 111 during processing and also better protect the user's hand.

[0069] For example, referring to Figures 4 and 8, in an embodiment in which blank areas are provided on both axially opposite sides of the pattern structure area 1111, for the convenience of description, the blank area located on the side of the pattern structure area 1111 away from the electronic control component 13 is recorded as the first blank area 111da, and the blank area on the other side is recorded as the second blank area 111db.

[0070] The first blank area 111da is the side close to the user.

[0071] The sizes of the first blank area 111da and the second blank area 111db along the axial direction may be the same or different.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9 , the axial length L3 of the first blank area 111da is greater than the axial length L4 of the second blank area 111db. Since the second blank area 111db is located away from the user, the axial length of the second blank area 111db can be appropriately shorter, while the first blank area 111da, located closer to the user, can be appropriately longer to provide a better feel and appearance.

[0073] For example, referring to Figure 9 , the ratio of the axial length L1 of the patterned structure region 1111 to the axial length L2 of the metal ring 111 is 30% to 90%, i.e., 30% ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 90%. Examples include 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc. In this embodiment, the patterned structure region 1111 is relatively long, allowing a user to engage the patterned structure over a wide area when gripping the metal ring 111, reducing the chance of slipping.

[0074] In some preferred embodiments, 50%≤L1 / L2≤80%.

[0075] Exemplarily, the axial length L2 of the metal ring 111 is 7 mm to 20 mm, for example, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, etc.; the axial length of the blank area is no less than 1 mm, i.e., the axial length of the blank area on either side is no less than 1 mm; and the axial length L1 of the patterned structure area 1111 is no less than 5 mm. In this embodiment, the blank area has an appropriate length, which also ensures an appropriate distance between the patterned structure area 1111 and the axial end surface of the metal ring 111. The length of the patterned structure area 1111 is ergonomically designed to meet the needs of human fingers for gripping.

[0076] In some embodiments, the length L3 of the blank area along the axial direction is 1 mm to 3 mm, for example, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.7 mm, 3 mm, etc. In this embodiment, the length of the blank area along the axial direction is appropriate to protect the user's hand.

[0077] In some embodiments, the axial length L1 of the patterned structure region 1111 is 5 mm to 17 mm, for example, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, etc. In this embodiment, the axial length of the patterned structure region 1111 is appropriate to facilitate user gripping and reduce the chance of slipping.

[0078] The metal ring 111 may be directly or indirectly connected to the transmission structure 12 .

[0079] For example, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the knob assembly 1 includes a connecting structure 112 disposed radially inwardly of the metal ring 111. The connecting structure 112 is a plastic part injection-molded onto the inner side of the metal ring 111. In other words, the metal ring 111 and the connecting structure 112 are injection-molded into an integral structure. For example, during the manufacturing process, after the metal ring 111 is machined, the metal ring 111 is placed in an injection mold, and molten resin is injected into the mold. After the mold is opened, the resin cools to form the aforementioned connecting structure 112. The resin and metal ring 111 are then bonded together, eliminating the need for additional fasteners.

[0080] In this embodiment, the connection structure 112 is connected to the transmission structure 12, eliminating the need to machine the connection structure 112 on the metal ring 111 to meet assembly precision requirements. This reduces the manufacturing requirements for the metal ring 111, saves materials, and reduces costs. Only the connection structure 112 needs to be manufactured to the designed shape. Therefore, the knob assembly 1 of this embodiment of the present application has a substantial feel while also taking into account manufacturing costs and process requirements.

[0081] The specific connection method between the connection structure 112 and the transmission structure 12 is not limited.

[0082] Illustratively, one of the transmission structure 12 and the connecting structure 112 is provided with a plurality of latching slots 12a (see FIG. 10 ), while the other is provided with a plurality of latching hooks 1122 (see FIG. 6 ). The plurality of latching hooks 1122 are arranged along the circumference of the ring body 111, and the latching hooks 1122 engage with the latching slots 12a. For example, in some embodiments, the transmission structure 12 is provided with the latching hooks 1122, and the connecting structure 112 is provided with the latching slots 12a. In other embodiments, the transmission structure 12 is provided with the latching slots 12a, and the connecting structure 112 is provided with the latching hooks 1122. In some other embodiments, the transmission structure 12 is provided with a portion of a hook 1122 and a portion of a slot 12a, and the connecting structure 112 is provided with another portion of a hook 1122 and another portion of a slot 12a. The hook 1122 on the connecting structure 112 is engaged with the slot 12a on the transmission structure 12, and the slot 12a on the connecting structure 112 is engaged with the hook 1122 on the transmission structure 12.

[0083] In this embodiment, the hook 1122 cooperates with the slot 12a to achieve quick connection without the need for special tools, making assembly simple and quick.

[0084] In some embodiments, in which the ring body 111 and the connecting structure 112 are injection-molded into an integral structure, as shown in Figures 6 and 8 , the ring body 111 is provided with a receiving groove 111a, into which at least a portion of the connecting structure 112 is filled. The receiving groove 111a increases the contact area and bonding strength between the plastic and the metal, thereby reducing the probability of axial loosening of the connecting structure 112 and the ring body 111.

[0085] The specific shape of the receiving groove 111 a is not limited.

[0086] For example, referring to Figures 6 and 8 , accommodating groove 111a is an annular groove surrounding ring body 111, i.e., accommodating groove 111a is connected end to end, and the central angle corresponding to accommodating groove 111a is 360°. Connecting structure 112 includes connecting ring 1121, which is filled in the annular groove. During the injection molding process, the molten resin poured into accommodating groove 111a forms connecting ring 1121 after cooling and molding. In this embodiment, the structural form of connecting ring 1121 can enhance the structural strength of connecting structure 112, thereby improving reliability.

[0087] It is understandable that when the connection structure 112 is provided with a slot 12 a, the slot 12 a can be formed on the connection ring 1121 . When the connection structure 112 is provided with hooks 1122 , each hook 1122 is connected to the connection ring 1121 .

[0088] For example, referring to Figures 6 and 8 , a spiral groove 111b is provided on the radial side of the ring body 111. This spiral groove 111b extends in a spiral direction around the groove wall, and a portion of the connecting ring 1121 is filled in the spiral groove 111b. This spiral groove 111b further strengthens the injection molding bond between the plastic and metal, improving reliability.

[0089] It should be noted that the dimension of the spiral groove 111b along the axial direction of the ring body 111 is smaller than the dimension of the annular groove along the axial direction. For example, the dimension of the spiral groove 111b along the axial direction of the ring body 111 is 1 / 3 to 1 / 6 of the dimension of the annular groove along the axial direction.

[0090] Exemplarily, the radial dimension of the spiral groove 111 b along the ring body 111 is smaller than the radial dimension of the annular groove, so as to reduce the influence of the spiral groove 111 b on the structural strength of the ring body 111 .

[0091] For example, referring to Figure 8 , any one of the groove walls of the annular groove is provided with at least one recess 111c, and at least a portion of the connecting ring 1121 is filled in the recess 111c. For example, recesses 111c are provided on the axial sidewalls of the annular groove and / or the radial sidewalls of the annular groove. Referring to Figure 6 , the structure filled in recess 111c forms a protrusion 11211. The combination of protrusion 11211 and recess 111c can prevent relative rotation between the connecting structure 112 and the ring body 111. It should be noted that during the injection molding process, the molten resin poured into the recess 111c forms the protrusion 11211 after cooling and molding.

[0092] The number of the pits 111c is not limited, and may be one, or two or more.

[0093] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 3 , the knob assembly 1 includes a window cover 14, which is disposed within the metal ring 111 and remains stationary relative to the electronic control assembly 13. In other words, the metal ring 11 does not cause the window cover 14 to rotate; during the rotation of the metal ring 11, the metal ring 11 and the window cover 14 move relative to each other.

[0094] The material of the window cover 14 is not limited, for example, it can be light-transmitting plastic.

[0095] 3 , the knob assembly 1 includes a display assembly 15 , which is disposed inside the metal ring 111 and located on the side of the window cover 14 facing the electronic control assembly 13 . That is, the metal ring 111 surrounds the display assembly 15 .

[0096] The display assembly 15 is used to display information; the window cover 14 is used to see through the information displayed by the display assembly 15.

[0097] The type of information displayed by the display component 15 is not limited, for example, it can be text, pattern, symbol, etc., which is not limited here.

[0098] The type of the display component 15 is not limited, and may be, for example, an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) component.

[0099] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the knob assembly 1 further includes an LED assembly 16 having at least one light source. The portion of the window cover 14 corresponding to the light source of the LED assembly 16 may be preset with text or patterns. When the light source is turned on, the corresponding text area or pattern area on the window cover 14 may appear highlighted.

[0100] The specific type of the electronic control component 13 is not limited.

[0101] For example, referring to FIG3 , the electronic control assembly 13 includes a circuit board 131 and an encoder 132 electrically connected to the circuit board 131. The circuit board 131 is disposed on one axial side of the metal ring 111, and the encoder 132 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 131 facing the metal ring 111. Specifically, the encoder 132 is located between the circuit board 131 and the window cover 14.

[0102] Referring to Figures 3 and 10 , the transmission structure 12 has a through hole 12b through which the encoder 132 is disposed. As the transmission structure 12 rotates with the metal ring 11, the transmission structure 12 can trigger the encoder 132 at different angles, generating different electrical signals depending on the rotation angle of the metal ring 111.

[0103] The encoder 132 may adopt any suitable structure in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] The application scenarios of the knob assembly 1 in the embodiment of the present application are not limited, for example, household appliances.

[0105] The embodiment of the present application is described by taking the application of the knob assembly 1 in a clothing processing device as an example.

[0106] An embodiment of the present application provides a clothing processing device, including a housing, a drum assembly, a control device, and a knob assembly 1 of any embodiment of the present application.

[0107] The shell serves as the exterior part of the clothing processing device.

[0108] The barrel assembly is arranged in the shell and has a clothes processing chamber.

[0109] The type of the clothes processing apparatus is not limited, for example, it can be a drum-type clothes processing apparatus, that is, the axis of the drum assembly is arranged substantially along the front-to-back direction.

[0110] The knob assembly 1 is arranged on the housing.

[0111] The electronic control assembly 13 is electrically connected to the control device, that is, signals can be transmitted between the two. The control device is used to select a corresponding washing program and / or adjust washing parameters according to the electrical signals generated by the electronic control assembly 13.

[0112] In some embodiments, the clothing processing device may be a dryer or a washer-dryer. In this embodiment, the knob assembly 1 is disposed on the housing, and the electronic control assembly 13 is electrically connected to the control device, i.e., signals can be transmitted therebetween. The control device is configured to select a corresponding drying program and / or adjust drying parameters based on the electrical signals generated by the electronic control assembly 13.

[0113] For example, the user selects the corresponding washing program and washing parameters by rotating the metal ring 11. Specifically, taking the selection of the washing program as an example, when the user rotates the metal ring 11, it rotates at different angles, and the electronic control component 13 generates different electrical signals. Different electrical signals correspond to different washing programs. The control device controls the clothing processing equipment to enter the corresponding washing program according to different electrical signals.

[0114] For example, referring to Figures 11, 12 and 13, the housing includes a box body and a control panel 2, which is disposed on the box body. For example, the top side of the front plate of the box body has a vacancy, and the control panel 2 is disposed in the vacancy.

[0115] Referring to Figure 13 , a portion of the control panel 2 is recessed toward the interior of the housing, forming a recessed cavity 2a. The electronic control assembly 13 is disposed within the recessed cavity 2a, and the metal ring 11 covers the recessed cavity 2a. In other words, the projection of the metal ring 11 on the surface of the control panel 2 covers the projection of the recessed cavity 2a, making the recessed cavity 2a virtually invisible to the user.

[0116] It can be connected that the cavity wall of the recessed cavity 2a is provided with a through hole 2b for passing the cable of the electronic control component 13.

[0117] In the description of this application, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this application, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this application and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0118] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, wherein: include: Electronic control components, A metal ring and a transmission structure, wherein the metal ring is directly or indirectly connected to the transmission structure, and the transmission structure is used to rotate with the metal ring to trigger the electric control component to generate an electrical signal; The circumferential outer surface of the metal ring has a pattern structure area, the pattern structure area is arranged along the circumference of the metal ring, and the ratio of the depth of the pattern structure of the pattern structure area to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 0.03 to 0.

5.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The ratio of the depth of the pattern structure to the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 0.06 to 0.

3.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The depth of the pattern structure is 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, and the maximum wall thickness of the metal ring is 1.5 mm to 6 mm.

4. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The surface of the metal ring is provided with a plating layer.

5. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The metal ring is a zinc alloy component or an aluminum alloy component.

6. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The outer diameter of the metal ring is 30 mm to 100 mm; and / or the weight of the metal ring is 20 g to 100 g.

7. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: A single pattern structure has a contact plane along the radial outer side of the metal ring, and the area of ​​the contact plane is 0.5 mm 2 ~1.5mm 2 .

8. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The area between the edge of at least one side of the pattern structure area along the axial direction and the axial end surface of the metal ring has a blank area where no pattern structure is set.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, wherein: A chamfered structure is provided on the circumferential outer side of at least one axial end of the metal ring, and the chamfered structure is located in the blank area.

10. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The ratio of the length of the pattern structure area along the axial direction to the length of the metal ring along the axial direction is 30% to 90%.

11. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The knob assembly includes a window cover, which is disposed in the metal ring and remains relatively stationary with the electric control assembly; The knob assembly includes a display assembly, which is arranged inside the metal ring and located on the side of the window cover facing the electric control assembly. The display assembly is used to display information; the window cover is used to see through the information displayed by the display assembly.

12. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The electronic control component includes a circuit board and an encoder electrically connected to the circuit board. The circuit board is arranged on one axial side of the metal ring, and the encoder is arranged on a side of the circuit board facing the metal ring. The transmission structure has a through hole, and the encoder is inserted into the through hole.

13. A clothes processing device, wherein: include: shell; A cylinder assembly is disposed in the housing; Control devices; And the knob assembly according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the knob assembly is arranged on the housing, the electronic control assembly is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device is used to select a corresponding washing program and / or adjust washing parameters according to the electrical signal generated by the electronic control assembly.

14. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The shell includes a box body and a control panel, wherein the control panel is arranged on the box body, a part of the control panel is recessed toward the inside of the shell to form a recessed cavity, the electric control component is arranged in the recessed cavity, and the knob component covers the recessed cavity.

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