DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to household appliances and more particularly, relates to a lighting unit for a knob assembly of the household appliances.

BACKGROUND

Generally, various household appliances are deployed with switches, such as knob-based rotary switches, for controlling the operation/functionality of such appliances. The knob-based rotary switches are usually provided with a lighting unit to visually indicate different positions of the knob or to indicate different operational/functional status of the appliance based on the received inputs to the knob. For instance, if the knob-based rotary switch is operated to a first rotary position, then the lighting unit can illuminate a portion of the switch to indicate the first rotary position. Similarly, if the knob-based rotary switch is switched to a second position, then the lighting unit can illuminate another portion of the switch to indicate the second rotary position. However, the existing switches lack any provision to optimally illuminate an entire portion with uniform intensity and, also lack any provision to ensure visual segmentations when only a single portion is needed to be illuminated.

Therefore, a knob assembly for household appliances is desirable that can solve the above-mentioned problems related to the knob assemblies.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a knob assembly for a household appliance. The knob assembly includes a knob adapted to receive an input, and a control switch coupled with the knob to detect the inputs received by the knob. In addition, the knob assembly includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) electrically coupled with the control switch. The PCB comprises a plurality of light sources to generate light based on the received inputs by the knob. Further, the knob assembly includes a lighting unit having an interface member positioned between the knob and the control switch having an interface light ring to allow transmission of light therethrough for illumination, and a light guide disposed between the interface member and the PCB. The light guide is adapted to channelize and guide the light from the plurality of light sources to the interface member to illuminate the interface light ring based on the received inputs by the knob.

The knob assembly is adapted to illuminate an entire interface light ring with uniform intensity. In particular, the light generated by each light source may be uniformly dispersed such that the entire interface light ring is illuminated with the uniform intensity without any visible segmentations. The design of the knob assembly ensures that light is effectively channel and distribute without unnecessary loss. The lighting unit of the knob assembly also minimizes light waste and ensures that the light produced by the sources is used optimally.

Further, the light guide may include a plurality of ribs which restricts the leakage of light from one portion to another portion on the interface light ring. The constructional aspects of the ribs ensure that clear segmentation is visible when a single portion of the interface light ring is illuminated. The segmentation of the visible region creates a clear boundary between the illuminated portion with the other portion of the light ring thereby enhancing the users ability to identify the different positions of the knob of the knob assembly. The uniform and clear segmentation of the lighting unit of the knob assembly improves the user experience by providing intuitive feedback.

Therefore, the knob assembly of the present disclosure offers a blend of aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and user-centric design, an efficient assembly that is user-friendly, reliable cost-effective, and convenient to use. The knob assembly providing uniform illumination, clear segmentation, and effective light management, enhances both the functionality and visual attractiveness of household appliances while being cost-effective and easy to use.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a knob assembly for a household appliance, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 2a illustrate an exploded view of the knob assembly along a side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 2b illustrate an exploded view of the knob assembly along a perspective, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a planar view of the knob assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a planar view of a light guide of the knob assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate different perspective views of the light guide, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . .” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skills in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a knob assembly 100 for a household appliance, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 2a and 2b illustrate exploded views of the knob assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2a illustrates an exploaded view of the knob assembly 100 along a side, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b illustrates an exploded view of the knob assembly 100 along a perspective, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the household appliance may include, but is not limited to, a mixer grinder, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a ceiling fan, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and a cooking stove, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the knob assembly 100 may be deployed for controlling various operational characteristics/functions of the household appliance. The knob assembly 100 may be adapted to be operated in different positions to select one of a plurality of operational characteristics/functions associated with the household appliance.

As shown in Figures 1, 2a, and 2b, the knob assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a knob 102, a control switch 104, a lighting unit, and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 106, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the PCB 106 is electrically coupled with the control switch 104. In an embodiment, the PCB 106 includes a plurality of light sources 114 to generate light based on the received inputs by the knob 102. In an embodiment, received inputs by the knob 102 includes but is not limited to a rotation, a pushing, a pulling, a toggling, a twisting, a tilting, a revolution of the knob 102.

In an embodiment, the knob 102 may be adapted to be rotated to select one of the plurality of operational characteristics/functions associated with the household appliance. In one or more embodiments, the knob 102 may be adapted to be rotated in a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction to a plurality of rotary positions. Each rotary position of the knob 102 may correspond to one of the plurality of characteristics/functions associated with the household appliance.

In an embodiment, the knob 102 may be adapted to be pushed and pulled directly or in steps without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the knob 102 may be adapted to be twisted/tilted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the knob 102 may be adapted to be revolved along the three-axis without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The knob 102 may be adapted to be coupled to the control switch 104 such that the received inputs of the knob 102 may operate the control switch 104. As shown, the control switch 104 may include a shaft 108 (shown in Figure 2a) adapted to be mechanically coupled to the knob 102. Based on the received inputs to the knob 102, the shaft 108 of the control switch 104 may be switched to select one of the plurality of operational characteristics/functions of the household appliance.

Figure 3 illustrates a planar view of the knob assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1-3, the lighting unit may be adapted to generate illumination based on the received inputs to the knob 102 or the operation of the household appliance. In one or more embodiments, the lighting unit may include, but is not limited to, an interface member 110, and a light guide 112. In an embodiment, the light guide 112 is disposed between the interface member 110 and the PCB 106. In an embodiment, the light guide 112 is adapted to channelize and guide the light from the plurality of light sources 114 to the interface member 110 to illuminate the portions of the interface member 110 based on the received inputs to the knob 102.

In one or more embodiments, the interface member 110 may be disposed between the knob 102 and the control switch 104. In an embodiment, the interface member 110 may include a depressed portion 110-1 having an opening 110-2 to allow the insertion of the shaft 108 of the control switch 104 therethrough. In an embodiment, the control switch 104 may be positioned such that the shaft 108 may be inserted, within the opening 110-2, from a rear side 110-3 of the interface member 110. In an embodiment, the knob 102 may be positioned on a front side 110-4 of the interface member 110 and coupled to the shaft 108 of the control switch 104. In one or more embodiments, the knob 102 may be positioned on the depressed portion 110-1 such that the shaft 108 inserted through the opening 110-2 may be coupled to the knob 102.

In one or more embodiments, the interface member 110 may include an interface light ring 116 formed of a transparent material or a translucent material to allow transmission of light therethrough for illumination. In one embodiment, the interface member 110 and the interface light ring 116 may be formed as an integral part. In another embodiment, the interface member 110 and the interface light ring 116 may be formed as separate parts adapted to be coupled to each other. In an embodiment, the light guide 112 is adapted to channel and guide the light from the plurality of light sources 114 to the interface member 110 to illuminate the interface light ring 116 based on the received inputs to the knob 102.

Further, in one embodiment, the interface light ring 116 may be covered with a film from the front side 110-4 of the interface member 110. In such an embodiment, the film may be formed of a transparent material or a translucent material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the interface light ring 116 may not be covered with any film from the front side of the interface member 110.

In one or more embodiments, the interface member 110 may have a curved contour, a flat contour, or an irregular contour, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The front side 110-4 of the interface member 110 may be provided with a plurality of markings 110-5 based on the plurality of rotary positions of the knob 102. In one embodiment, the plurality of markings 110-5 may be formed at an equidistance from each other. In another embodiment, the plurality of markings 110-5 may be formed at a variable distance from each other. The plurality of markings 110-5 may be distributed around the interface light ring 116 of the interface member 110.

Referring to Figures 2b and 3, the plurality of light sources 114 may be disposed on the PCB 106 and adapted to generate light based on the received inputs to the knob 102 or operation of the household appliance. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of light sources 114 may be adapted to illuminate the interface light ring 116. In one embodiment, the plurality of light sources 114 may be operated to illuminate the entire interface light ring 116 of the interface member 110. In another embodiment, at least one light source 114 may be operated to illuminate a portion of the interface light ring 116. In such an embodiment, the illuminated portion of the interface light ring 116 may indicate the rotary position of the knob 102 corresponding to one of the operational characteristics/functions of the household appliance.

Further, the lighting unit may include the light guide 112 adapted to channel/guide the light from the plurality of light sources 114 to the interface light ring 116. The light guide 112 may be positioned between the PCB 106 and the interface member 110. The light guide 112 may be adapted to be coupled to the interface member 110. Further, light guide 112 may define housing to accommodate control switch 104. In one or more embodiments, the control switch 104 may be coupled to the light guide 112. The constructional details of the light guide 112 are explained in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a planar view of the light guide 112 of the knob assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5a and 5b illustrate different perspective views of the light guide 112, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 4, 5a, and 5b, the light guide 112 may have a cylindrical body, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The light guide 112 may include an outer wall 112-1 defining an outer circumference of the light guide 112. Further, the light guide 112 may include an inner wall 112-2 concentrically formed with respect to the outer wall 112-1. In one or more embodiments, a height of the inner wall 112-2 is greater than a height of the outer wall 112-1 such that the inner wall 112-2 may extend beyond a top periphery of the outer wall 112-1. In an embodiment, the light guide 112 defines a hollow cylindrical body having the outer wall 112-1 defining an outer circumference, and the inner wall 112-2 concentrically formed with respect to the outer wall 112-1.

The outer wall 112-1 and the inner wall 112-2 may be formed in such a manner that a gap 118 may be defined between the outer wall 112-1 and the inner wall 112-2 of the light guide 112. The gap 118 may be provided to channel/guide the light from the plurality of light sources 114 to the interface light ring 116 of the interface member 110. Further, the light guide 112 may include a plurality of connecting portions 120 extending from the inner wall 112-2. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of connecting portions 120 may be formed in proximity to a lower peripheral surface of the inner wall 112-2. The plurality of connecting portions 120 may enable the fastening of the control switch 104 with the light guide 112.

Further, in one or more embodiments, a gap 122 may be defined between a first end 124 of the inner wall 112-2 and a second end 126 of the inner wall 112-2. The gap 122 may be adapted to receive at least one portion of the control switch 104 when the control switch 104 is coupled to the light guide 112.

Referring to Figures 4, 5a, and 5b, the light guide 112 may include a plurality of ribs 128 formed between the inner wall 112-2 and the outer wall 112-1 of the light guide 112. In one embodiment, the plurality of ribs 128 may be positioned at equidistance from each other. In another embodiment, the plurality of ribs 128 may be positioned at variable distances from each other. The plurality of ribs 128 may divide the gap 118, between the inner wall 112-2 and the outer wall 112-1, in a plurality of segments 130. Each segment 130 may be defined between adjacent ribs 128. Each segment 130 may correspond to a rotary position of the knob 102 and the respective operational characteristics/feature of the household appliance. In one or more embodiments, a distance between the adjacent ribs 128 may depend on an angular distance between the adjacent rotary positions of the knob 102.

The light guide 112 may be attached to the interface member 110 in such a manner that the plurality of segments 130 may align with the interface light ring 116 of the interface member 110. Further, the light guide 112 may be attached to the PCB 106 in such a manner that each light source 114 may align with one of the plurality of segments 130. The plurality of ribs 128 may ensure that the light transmitted through one segment 130 may not be leaked in adjacent segments 130 of the light guide 112. For instance, based on the rotary position of the knob 102, one of the light sources 114 may be illuminated corresponding to the rotary position of the knob 102. In such an instance, the segment 130 is adapted to be aligned with the illuminated light source 114 and may guide the light to a portion of the interface light ring 116. In an embodiment, the ribs 128 defining such a segment may ensure that the light guide 112 may not leak in adjacent segments 130, thereby ensuring the optimal illumination of the portion of the interface light ring 116.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the plurality of ribs 128 may have variable lengths or similar lengths, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface member 110 may have a curved contour. In such an embodiment, the plurality of ribs 128 may have variable lengths. In one or more embodiments, the length of each rib 128 may depend on at least a plurality of physical parameters associated with the interface member 110 of the knob assembly 100. The plurality of physical parameters may include, but are not limited to, a contour of the interface member 110, a thickness of the interface light ring 116, a material of the interface member 110, a material of the interface light ring 116, a thickness of a film provided over the interface light ring 116, and a material of the film, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5a-5b, the light guide 112 may be attached to the interface member 110 such that a predefined gap may be defined between a top portion of each rib 128 and the rear side 110-3 of the interface member 110. In particular, the predefined gap may be defined between the top portion of each rib 128 and the interface light ring 116 of the interface member 110. The predefined gap may be defined to ensure that the entire interface light ring 116 is optimally illuminated when each light source 114 is operated. The predefined gap may depend on the plurality of physical parameters associated with the interface member 110 of the knob assembly 100.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the first end 124 and the second end 126 of the inner wall 112-2 may include a cut-out section 132 that allows the illumination of the entire interface light ring 116 when each light source 114 is operated/illuminated.

As would be gathered the present disclosure offers the lighting unit for the knob assembly 100 of the household appliances. The lighting unit may be adapted to illuminate the entire interface light ring 116 with uniform intensity. In particular, owing to the constructional aspects of the light guide 112 as explained in the previous paragraphs, the light generated by each light source 114 may be uniformly dispersed such that the entire interface light ring 116 is illuminated with the uniform intensity without any visible segmentations. The design of the knob assembly 100 ensures that light is effectively channeled and distributed without unnecessary loss. The lighting unit of the knob assembly 100 also minimizes light waste and ensures that the light produced by the light source 114 is used optimally.

Further, the light guide 112 may include the plurality of ribs 128 to restrict the leakage of light from one portion to another portion on the interface light ring 116. The constructional aspects of the ribs 128 ensure that clear segmentation is visible when a single portion of the interface light ring 116 is illuminated. The segmentation of the visible region creates a clear boundary between the illuminated portion with the other portion of the light ring 116 thereby enhancing the users ability to identify the different positions of the knob 102 of the knob assembly 100. The uniform and clear segmentation of the lighting unit of the knob assembly 100 improves the user experience by providing intuitive feedback.

Therefore, the knob assembly 100 of the present disclosure offers a blend of aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and user-centric design, an efficient assembly that is user-friendly, reliable, cost-effective, and convenient to use. The knob assembly 100 providing uniform illumination, clear segmentation, and effective light management, enhances both the functionality and visual attractiveness of household appliances while being cost-effective and easy to use.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:1. A knob assembly (100) for a household appliance, the knob assembly (100) comprising:
a knob (102) adapted to receive an input;
a control switch (104) coupled with the knob (102) to detect the received input to the knob (102);
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (106) electrically coupled with the control switch (104), wherein the PCB (106) comprises a plurality of light sources (114) to generate light based on the received inputs by the knob (102); and
a lighting unit comprising:
an interface member (110) positioned between the knob (102) and the control switch (104) having an interface light ring (116) to allow transmission of light therethrough for illumination; and
a light guide (112) disposed between the interface member (110) and the PCB (106), wherein the light guide (112) is adapted to channel and guide the light from the plurality of light sources (114) to the interface member (110) to illuminate the interface light ring (116) based on the received inputs by the knob (102).

2. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the received inputs of the knob (102) includes at least one of a rotation, a pushing, a pulling, a toggling, a twisting, a tilting, a revolution of the knob (102).

3. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface member (110) comprises a depressed portion (110-1) having an opening (110-2) to allow the insertion of a shaft (108) of the control switch (104) therethrough the opening (110-2), wherein the interface light ring (116) of the interface member (110) is formed of at least one of a transparent material and a translucent material.

4. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the interface member (110) defines at least one of a curved contour, a flat contour, and an irregular contour, wherein the interface member (110) includes a plurality of markings (110-5) based on the plurality of rotary positions of the knob (102).

5. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light guide (112) defines a hollow cylindrical body having an outer wall (112-1) defining an outer circumference, and an inner wall (112-2) concentrically formed with respect to the outer wall (112-1).

6. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a gap (118) is defined between the outer wall (112-1) and the inner wall (112-2) of the light guide (112) thereby facilitating the channelization of the light to the interface member (110) from the light sources (114).

7. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a height of the inner wall (112-2) of the light guide (112) is greater than a height of the outer wall (112-1) such that the inner wall (112-2) is adapted to extend beyond a top periphery of the outer wall (112-1).

8. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light guide (112) includes a plurality of connecting portions (120) extending from the inner wall (112-2) to enable the fastening of the control switch (104) with the light guide (112).

9. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the light guide (112) includes a plurality of ribs (128) disposed inside the gap (118) formed between the inner wall (112-2) and the outer wall (112-1) and divides the gap (118) into a plurality of segments (130), wherein each segment (130) may correspond to the rotary position of the knob (102).

10. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein a length of each rib (128) is conformed with a plurality of physical parameters associated with the interface member (110), wherein the plurality of physical parameters include a contour of the interface member (110), a thickness of the interface light ring (116), a material of the interface member (110), a material of the interface light ring (116), a thickness of a film provided over the interface light ring (116), and a material of the film.

11. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the light guide (112) is coupled to the interface member (110) such that a predefined gap is defined between each rib (128) and the interface member (110), wherein the predefined gap facilitates the entire interface light ring (116) to illuminate upon the operation of the light source (114).

12. The knob assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner wall (112-2) of the light guide (112) includes a first end (124) and a second end (126) disposed opposite to the first end (124), wherein the first end (124) and the second end (126) include a cut-out section (132) to facilitate the illumination of the entire interface light ring (116) when the light source (114) is illuminated.