CN218893858U - Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine - Google Patents

Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN218893858U
CN218893858U CN202222698395.XU CN202222698395U CN218893858U CN 218893858 U CN218893858 U CN 218893858U CN 202222698395 U CN202222698395 U CN 202222698395U CN 218893858 U CN218893858 U CN 218893858U
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
washing machine
main control
control board
board module
mounting opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CN202222698395.XU
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
周炳衡
黄涛
孙广彬
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Foshan Haier Drum Washing Machine Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Foshan Haier Drum Washing Machine Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Foshan Haier Drum Washing Machine Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd filed Critical Foshan Haier Drum Washing Machine Co Ltd
Priority to CN202222698395.XU priority Critical patent/CN218893858U/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN218893858U publication Critical patent/CN218893858U/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02BCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B40/00Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Landscapes

  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, and discloses a main control board module of a washing machine and the washing machine. The main control board frame is arranged on the box body of the washing machine, and a first mounting opening and a second mounting opening are arranged on the main control board frame at intervals. The detergent box is arranged in the first mounting opening, and a handle structure is arranged on one side of the detergent box, which is close to the second mounting opening. The turning plate is rotatably arranged in the second mounting opening, and can be switched between a first position for sealing the second mounting opening and shielding the handle structure and a second position for rotating to open the second mounting opening and expose the handle structure. The main control board module of the washing machine completely conceals the handle structure of the detergent box, so that the front side of the main control board module is smooth and has no protruding parts, thereby effectively improving the overall aesthetic degree of the washing machine, simultaneously not affecting the normal opening and closing of the detergent box and improving the use experience of users.

Description

Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine
Technical Field
The utility model relates to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, in particular to a main control board module of a washing machine and the washing machine.
Background
A washing machine is a commonly used home appliance for washing laundry. The washing machine comprises a box body, wherein a main control board module is arranged on the front end face of the box body, and a mounting opening is formed in the main control board module and used for mounting a detergent box, and the detergent box is opened or closed in a drawing mode.
In the prior art, a handle is generally provided on the detergent box, and the detergent box is opened and closed by pulling the handle to add detergent to the detergent box. Because the handle is generally arranged on the surface of the detergent box in a protruding way, the front side surface of the main control board module is not smooth enough, and the whole appearance of the washing machine is not attractive.
Therefore, a main control board module of a washing machine and the washing machine are needed to solve the above problems.
Disclosure of Invention
Based on the problems, the utility model aims to provide a main control board module of a washing machine and the washing machine, wherein the main control board module of the washing machine is smooth in the outside and can improve the overall attractiveness of the washing machine.
In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme:
in one aspect, a main control board module of a washing machine is provided, including:
the main control board frame is arranged on a box body of the washing machine, and a first mounting port and a second mounting port are arranged on the main control board frame at intervals;
the detergent box is arranged in the first mounting opening, and a handle structure is arranged on one side, close to the second mounting opening, of the detergent box;
the turning plate is rotatably arranged in the second mounting opening, and can be switched between a first position for sealing the second mounting opening and shielding the handle structure and a second position for rotatably opening the second mounting opening and exposing the handle structure.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the main control board module of the washing machine also comprises a rotary support arranged in the second mounting port, and the turning plate is rotationally connected with the rotary support.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the rotating support is provided with the first connecting part, the first connecting part is provided with the first rotating hole, one side of the turning plate, which faces the rotating support, is provided with the first rotating shaft, and the first rotating shaft stretches into the first rotating hole and is in rotating fit with the first rotating hole.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the main control board module of the washing machine further comprises an elastic resetting piece, wherein the elastic resetting piece is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, one end of the elastic resetting piece is connected with the turning plate, and the other end of the elastic resetting piece is connected with the first connecting part.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the rotary support is provided with the mounting seat, the mounting seat is provided with the mounting groove, and the first connecting part is detachably arranged in the mounting groove.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the rotating support is provided with the second connecting part, the second connecting part is provided with the second rotating hole, one side of the turning plate, which faces the rotating support, is provided with the second rotating shaft, and the second rotating shaft stretches into the second rotating hole and is in rotating fit with the second rotating hole.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the rotary support is provided with the buckle, and the buckle can be hooked on the main control board frame.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the rotary support is provided with the supporting ribs, and the supporting ribs are used for supporting the turning plate.
As the preferable scheme of the main control board module of the washing machine, the handle structure is a handle groove arranged at one side of the detergent box.
On the other hand, a washing machine is provided, which comprises the box body and the main control board module of the washing machine.
The beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows:
according to the main control board module of the washing machine and the washing machine, in an initial state, the turning plate is located at the first position, and the handle structure of the detergent box is shielded by the turning plate. When the detergent is required to be added into the detergent box of the washing machine, one side edge of the turning plate is pressed by a hand, so that the turning plate rotates from the first position to the second position, at the moment, the second mounting opening is opened, the handle structure beside the detergent box is exposed, and then the handle structure is pressed by the hand of the turning plate to exert force outwards, so that the detergent box can be pulled outwards. After the hand leaves the turning plate, the force applied to the turning plate disappears, and the turning plate is automatically switched from the second position to the first position. After the detergent box is filled with the detergent, the hand applies force inwards to push the detergent box, so that the detergent box can be pushed back into the first mounting opening, and at the moment, the handle structure can be shielded by the turning plate again because the turning plate is restored to the first position. Namely, the main control board module of the washing machine completely conceals the handle structure of the detergent box, so that the front side of the main control board module is smooth and has no protruding parts, thereby effectively improving the overall aesthetic degree of the washing machine, simultaneously not affecting the normal opening and closing of the detergent box and improving the use experience of users.
Drawings
In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present utility model, the following description will briefly explain the drawings needed in the description of the embodiments of the present utility model, and it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and other drawings may be obtained according to the contents of the embodiments of the present utility model and these drawings without inventive effort for those skilled in the art.
Fig. 1 is a first schematic structural diagram of a main control board module of a washing machine (a turning board is at a second position) according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a back structure of a main control board module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
fig. 3 is a second schematic structural view of a main control board module of a washing machine (the turning board is at the first position) according to the embodiment of the utility model;
fig. 4 is a third structural schematic diagram (hidden main control board frame) of a main control board module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
FIG. 5 is a first exploded view of FIG. 4;
fig. 6 is a second exploded view of fig. 4.
In the figure:
1-a main control board frame; 2-a detergent box; 3-turning plates; 4-rotating the support; 5-an elastic restoring member;
11-a first mounting port; 12-a second mounting port;
a 21-handle structure;
31-a first rotating shaft; 32-a second rotating shaft;
41-a first connection; 42-mounting seats; 43-a second connection; 44-a buckle; 45-supporting ribs;
411-first rotation hole; 412-a connection hole; 421-mounting slots; 431-second rotation hole.
Detailed Description
In order to make the technical problems solved by the present utility model, the technical solutions adopted and the technical effects achieved more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, but not all embodiments. All other embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the utility model without making any inventive effort, are intended to fall within the scope of the utility model.
In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, are merely for convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like, are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Wherein the terms "first position" and "second position" are two different positions.
In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may be either fixed or removable, for example; can be mechanically or electrically connected; can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be communication between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present utility model will be understood in specific cases by those of ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in fig. 1 to 6, the present embodiment provides a main control board module of a washing machine, which can be applied to a washing machine. The main control board module of the washing machine comprises a main control board frame 1, a detergent box 2 and a turning plate 3.
Wherein, the main control board frame 1 is disposed on a casing of the washing machine, and a first mounting opening 11 and a second mounting opening 12 are disposed on the main control board frame 1 at intervals (as shown in fig. 1 and 2). The detergent box 2 is arranged in the first mounting opening 11, and a handle structure 21 is arranged on one side of the detergent box 2, which is close to the second mounting opening 12. The turning plate 3 is rotatably arranged in the second mounting opening 12, and the turning plate 3 can be switched between a first position for covering the second mounting opening 12 and shielding the handle structure 21 and a second position for rotatably opening the second mounting opening 12 and exposing the handle structure 21.
Referring to fig. 3, in the initial state, the flap 3 is located at the first position, and the handle structure 21 of the detergent box 2 is blocked by the flap 3. When it is necessary to add detergent to the detergent box 2 of the washing machine, one side of the turning plate 3 is pressed by hand, so that the turning plate 3 rotates from the first position to the second position, at this time, the second mounting opening 12 is opened, the handle structure 21 beside the detergent box 2 is exposed (as shown in fig. 1), and then the hand pressing the turning plate 3 holds the handle structure 21 to apply force outwards, so that the detergent box 2 can be pulled outwards. After the hand leaves the flap 3, the force exerted on the flap 3 is removed and it is automatically switched from the second position to the first position. After the detergent box 2 is filled with the detergent, the hand applies force inwards to push the detergent box 2, so that the detergent box 2 can be pushed back into the first mounting opening 11, and at the moment, the handle structure 21 can be blocked by the turning plate 3 again (the state shown in fig. 3) because the turning plate 3 is restored to the first position. That is, the main control board module of the washing machine of the embodiment completely conceals the handle structure 21 of the detergent box 2, so that the front side of the main control board module is flat and has no protruding parts, thereby effectively improving the overall aesthetic degree of the washing machine, simultaneously not affecting the normal opening and closing of the detergent box 2 and improving the use experience of users.
Alternatively, referring to fig. 4, the handle structure 21 is a handle groove provided at one side of the detergent box 2. When the hand-press turning plate 3 rotates, the setting of the handle groove is convenient for a user to put fingers into the handle groove, and the operation is more convenient and labor-saving.
Referring to fig. 1, in this embodiment, two detergent boxes 2 are provided, and one handle structure 21 is provided at each side of each detergent box 2. Two detergent boxes 2 are arranged one above the other for containing different detergents (such as laundry detergent, softener, bleach, etc.).
Optionally, referring to fig. 1 and 4, the main control board module of the washing machine further includes a rotating support 4 disposed in the second mounting port 12, and the flap 3 is rotatably connected with the rotating support 4. The swivel support 4 provides a supporting basis for the rotation of the flap 3, so that the flap 3 can be swivelled between a first position and a second position. Specifically, referring to fig. 4 and 5, a first connection portion 41 is provided on the rotation support 4, a first rotation hole 411 is provided on the first connection portion 41, a first rotation shaft 31 is provided on a side of the turning plate 3 facing the rotation support 4, and the first rotation shaft 31 extends into the first rotation hole 411 and is in rotation fit with the first rotation hole 411, so that the turning plate 3 is in rotation connection with the rotation support 4.
Optionally, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the main control board module of the washing machine further includes an elastic reset member 5, where the elastic reset member 5 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 31, and one end of the elastic reset member is connected with the turning plate 3, and the other end of the elastic reset member is connected with the first connecting portion 41. When one side edge of the turning plate 3 is pressed by hand, so that the turning plate 3 rotates relative to the first connecting part 41 through the first rotating shaft 31, the elastic reset piece 5 compresses and stores energy, after the hand leaves the turning plate 3, the acting force on the turning plate 3 disappears, and the elastic reset piece 5 releases elastic energy, so that the turning plate 3 reversely rotates under the action of the elastic force of the elastic reset piece 5 to restore to the original position (namely the first position). The elastic reset piece 5 is arranged, so that the turning plate 3 can automatically restore to the original position, the handle structure 21 is not exposed after the detergent box 2 is closed, and the front side of the main control board module is smooth and attractive.
Preferably, the elastic reset piece 5 is a torsion spring, one torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the turning plate 3, and the other torsion arm is connected to the first connecting portion 41 in a penetrating manner, so as to realize automatic rotation reset of the turning plate 3. Specifically, the flap 3 is provided with a first connection seat in a protruding manner, and the first rotation shaft 31 is fixed on the first connection seat and extends along the length direction of the flap 3. One end of the first connecting portion 41 is connected to the rotating support 4, the other end of the first connecting portion bends towards the turning plate 3 to form a bending portion, the first rotating hole 411 is formed in the bending portion, the torsion spring is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 31 and is clamped between the first connecting seat and the bending portion, and therefore rotation of the turning plate 3 relative to the rotating support 4 is achieved, and automatic reset of the turning plate 3 is achieved.
Alternatively, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the rotary support 4 is provided with a mounting seat 42, the mounting seat 42 is provided with a mounting groove 421, and the first connecting portion 41 is detachably mounted in the mounting groove 421. The first connecting part 41 is detachably arranged on the rotary support 4 through the mounting groove 421, so that the assembly of the turning plate 3, the elastic reset piece 5 and the rotary support 4 is facilitated, and the assembly efficiency can be improved. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 41 is fixed in the mounting groove 421 by a fastener such as a screw, referring to fig. 6, the first connecting portion 41 and the rotating support 4 are both provided with a connecting hole 412 (the connecting hole 412 of the rotating support 4 is located on the side wall of the mounting groove 421), and when the first connecting portion 41 is fixed, the screw is screwed into the connecting hole 412, so that the mounting is convenient and quick.
Alternatively, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the rotation support 4 is provided with a second connection portion 43, a second rotation hole 431 is provided on the second connection portion 43, a second rotation shaft 32 is provided on a side of the flap 3 facing the rotation support 4, and the second rotation shaft 32 extends into the second rotation hole 431 and is in rotation fit with the second rotation hole 431. In this embodiment, the second connection portion 43 and the first connection portion 41 are disposed at the upper and lower ends of the rotation support 4 (refer to the orientation in fig. 4), so that two rotation support points are provided between the flap 3 and the rotation support 4, and the flap 3 is more stable when rotating between the first position and the second position.
Preferably, the second connecting seat is convexly arranged on the turning plate 3, the second rotating shaft 32 is fixed on the second connecting seat, the extending direction of the second rotating shaft 32 is opposite to that of the first rotating shaft 31, and the second rotating shaft 32 can play a limiting role on the turning plate 3 after the first rotating shaft 31 is inserted into the first rotating hole 411 and the second rotating shaft 32 is inserted into the second rotating hole 431, so that the turning plate 3 is prevented from being separated from the rotating support 4 in the rotating process.
Optionally, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the rotating support 4 is provided with a supporting rib 45, and the supporting rib 45 is used for supporting the flap 3. In the process of turning the board 3, the supporting ribs 45 can play a supporting role on the board 3 so as to reduce the pressure born by the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 43, thereby improving the smoothness of turning the board 3. In this embodiment, two supporting ribs 45 are provided, one is located on the mounting base 42, and the other is located between the mounting base 42 and the second connecting portion 43, so that the stress of the flap 3 is uniform.
Alternatively, referring to fig. 5 and 6, the swivel support 4 is provided with a catch 44, and the catch 44 can be hooked on the main control board frame 1. In this embodiment, each of the upper and lower ends of the rotation support 4 is provided with a buckle 44, when the rotation support 4 is installed, the rotation support 4 is clamped and fixed in the second installation opening 12 by the upper and lower buckles 44, and then fastening operation is performed by using fasteners such as screws or rivets, so that the installation efficiency can be improved, and the installation accuracy can be ensured.
The embodiment also provides a washing machine, which comprises a box body and the main control board module of the washing machine. Adopt the washing machine of this main control board module for the handle structure 21 of detergent box 2 can be hidden completely, and main control board module's front side is leveled and is not had the protruding part, thereby has effectively improved washing machine's whole aesthetic measure, does not influence the normal switching of detergent box 2 simultaneously, has improved user's use experience and has felt.
Note that the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and the technical principle applied. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present utility model is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various obvious changes, rearrangements and substitutions as will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the utility model. Therefore, while the utility model has been described in connection with the above embodiments, the utility model is not limited to the embodiments, but may be embodied in many other equivalent forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the utility model, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. Washing machine main control board module, its characterized in that includes:
the main control board frame (1) is arranged on a box body of the washing machine, and a first mounting opening (11) and a second mounting opening (12) are formed in the main control board frame (1) at intervals;
the detergent box (2) is arranged in the first mounting opening (11), and a handle structure (21) is arranged on one side, close to the second mounting opening (12), of the detergent box (2);
the turning plate (3) is rotatably arranged in the second mounting opening (12), and the turning plate (3) can be switched between a first position for sealing the second mounting opening (12) and shielding the handle structure (21) and a second position for rotatably opening the second mounting opening (12) and exposing the handle structure (21).
2. The main control board module of a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary support (4) arranged in the second mounting opening (12), wherein the turning plate (3) is rotatably connected with the rotary support (4).
3. The main control board module of a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a first connecting portion (41) is arranged on the rotating support (4), a first rotating hole (411) is arranged on the first connecting portion (41), a first rotating shaft (31) is arranged on one side, facing the rotating support (4), of the turning plate (3), and the first rotating shaft (31) stretches into the first rotating hole (411) and is in rotating fit with the first rotating hole (411).
4. A main control board module of a washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic reset member (5), wherein the elastic reset member (5) is sleeved on the first rotating shaft (31), one end of the elastic reset member is connected with the turning board (3), and the other end of the elastic reset member is connected with the first connecting portion (41).
5. A main control board module of a washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the rotary support (4) is provided with a mounting seat (42), the mounting seat (42) is provided with a mounting groove (421), and the first connecting portion (41) is detachably mounted in the mounting groove (421).
6. The main control board module of a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a second connecting portion (43) is arranged on the rotating support (4), a second rotating hole (431) is arranged on the second connecting portion (43), a second rotating shaft (32) is arranged on one side, facing the rotating support (4), of the turning plate (3), and the second rotating shaft (32) stretches into the second rotating hole (431) and is in rotating fit with the second rotating hole (431).
7. The washing machine main control board module according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that a buckle (44) is arranged on the rotating support (4), and the buckle (44) can be hooked on the main control board frame (1).
8. The main control board module of a washing machine according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that the rotating support (4) is provided with supporting ribs (45), and the supporting ribs (45) are used for supporting the turning plate (3).
9. The main control board module of a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the handle structure (21) is a handle groove arranged at one side of the detergent box (2).
10. A washing machine, characterized by comprising the box body and the main control board module of the washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1-9.
CN202222698395.XU 2022-10-13 2022-10-13 Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine Active CN218893858U (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202222698395.XU CN218893858U (en) 2022-10-13 2022-10-13 Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202222698395.XU CN218893858U (en) 2022-10-13 2022-10-13 Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN218893858U true CN218893858U (en) 2023-04-21

Family

ID=86002103

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN202222698395.XU Active CN218893858U (en) 2022-10-13 2022-10-13 Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CN (1) CN218893858U (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5080493B2 (en) Washing machine
KR101608982B1 (en) Drum type washing machine
WO2013136238A1 (en) Detergent box of washing machine
CN109209060A (en) A kind of chassis cover locking device with assist function
CN218893858U (en) Main control board module of washing machine and washing machine
CN211006017U (en) Handle assembly, detergent box and clothes treatment device
CN210886698U (en) Push-pull type clothes nursing machine
CN210766054U (en) Water box of clothes dryer
CN210629632U (en) Case structure of camera
CN212972728U (en) Table top type kitchen appliance
CN214964639U (en) Micro switch linkage structure for cooking equipment
CN216919771U (en) Handle structure of clothes dryer
CN217174095U (en) Door body coupling mechanism and drum type washing machine
CN221154015U (en) Household appliance
CN201661148U (en) Concealed sash lock
CN219978649U (en) Screwless elastic hinge structure for glasses
EP3988702A1 (en) Linkage apparatus and laundry treatment device including same
CN209032182U (en) Household appliance housing unit and dish-washing machine
CN213546160U (en) Touch switch mounting structure for smart home
CN217488345U (en) Baking tray movable locking mechanism of baking tray machine and baking tray machine
CN220290653U (en) Intelligent switch convenient to installation
KR101276822B1 (en) conjunction structure of window for washing apparatus
CN215408249U (en) Reset structure and household electrical appliances
CN217696564U (en) Front side opening cover structure of sleep monitor
CN113144237B (en) Disinfection cabinet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
GR01 Patent grant
GR01 Patent grant