WO2019096485A1 - A knob suitable for use in household appliances and the production method thereof - Google Patents

A knob suitable for use in household appliances and the production method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019096485A1
WO2019096485A1 PCT/EP2018/076785 EP2018076785W WO2019096485A1 WO 2019096485 A1 WO2019096485 A1 WO 2019096485A1 EP 2018076785 W EP2018076785 W EP 2018076785W WO 2019096485 A1 WO2019096485 A1 WO 2019096485A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
knob
opaque body
skirt
feeding section
opaque
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/076785
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ersin BEDIR
Ercan ILMAN
Firdevs BASARAN ERTAS
Salih YILDIRIM
Ismail SENGUN
Onur MUHIDDIN
Kadir OZTURK
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
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 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to EP18782397.6A priority Critical patent/EP3710218A1/en
Publication of WO2019096485A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019096485A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/0025—Preventing defects on the moulded article, e.g. weld lines, shrinkage marks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14336—Coating a portion of the article, e.g. the edge of the article
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
    • D06F34/30—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by mechanical features, e.g. buttons or rotary dials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
    • G05G1/50—Manufacturing of pedals; Pedals characterised by the material used
    • G05G1/503—Controlling members for hand-actuation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/0025—Preventing defects on the moulded article, e.g. weld lines, shrinkage marks
    • B29C2045/0027—Gate or gate mark locations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
    • B29K2995/0018—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
    • B29K2995/0025—Opaque
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
    • B29K2995/0018—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
    • B29K2995/0026—Transparent
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/46—Knobs or handles, push-buttons, grips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G05G1/10—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a knob with improved appearance suitable for use in household appliances, and to the production method of said knob.
  • the operation of the household appliances is usually controlled by means of knobs arranged on a control panel.
  • the knobs When activated by the user, the knobs enable the user preferences to be transmitted to a control unit controlling the operation of the household appliance and thus, allows the users to control the operation of the household appliance. Consequently, the knobs are the elements most frequently contacted by the user and thereby, have a profound effect on the quality perception of the user. Therefore, some producers prefer to cover the outer surface of the knob with a transparent plastic material by the plastic injection molding method to improve the visual and tactile perception of the knobs. However, defects such as surface blemishes, roughs, burrs, etc. may be encountered at regions where the transparent plastic material is injected into the injection mold and said defects can be seen from outside due to the transparent properties of the material. Such defects caused by the injection process adversely affect the appearance of the knob and decrease the quality perception of the user.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a knob with improved appearance that is suitable for use in household appliances.
  • the knob realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises an opaque body produced from opaque material, and a transparent cover that is in the form of a transparent layer surrounding the opaque body so as to allow the opaque body to be seen from outside and that is formed by covering the opaque body with the transparent plastic material by means of injection molding.
  • the transparent cover is formed by filling the space between the opaque body placed into the injection mold and the inner surfaces of the injection mold, and comprises a peripheral skirt covering the lateral surface of the opaque body, a cap covering the front surface of the opaque body and a feeding section that is arranged on the skirt so as to allow firstly the formation of the skirt of the transparent cover in the mold and through which the transparent material flows into the injection mold.
  • the knob comprises a flange that extends outwards from the opaque body so as to be almost perpendicular to the lateral surface of the opaque body, and the feeding section is arranged at the part of the skirt remaining behind the flange so as to be concealed by the flange.
  • the defects in the feeding section are prevented from being visible when the knob is viewed from the front.
  • the flange is formed by extending the edges of the front surface of the opaque body outwards.
  • the knob comprises a collar that is produced from an opaque material and that surrounds the skirt.
  • the part of the skirt remaining under the collar is concealed, and the feeding section on the skirt is prevented from being visible when viewed from the top.
  • a visual indicator such as text, pattern, symbol, etc. is provided on the front surface of the opaque body.
  • a flawless appearance is provided on the front surface of the opaque body since possible production errors occur on the skirt instead of the front surface, and visual indicators can be advantageously provided on the front surface of the knob.
  • the usability of the knob is improved by means of the visual indicators that provide ease of use for the user.
  • the front surface of the opaque body is concave, and the cap of the transparent cover that covers the front surface has a varying thickness.
  • the front side of the knob is provided with a lens effect, and the visual attention is drawn towards the front side of the knob. Consequently, the quality perception of the knob is improved.
  • the production method of the present invention comprises the steps of placing the opaque body into the mold; injecting the transparent material through a feeding section on the skirt into the space between the injection mold and the opaque body so as to form first the skirt and then the cap, and terminating the feeding of the transparent material through the feeding section.
  • the knob is enabled to have a flawless appearance without additional production and molding costs, and the user satisfaction is improved.
  • Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the knob related to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the knob related to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the opaque body and the transparent cover related to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the knob (1) suitable for use in household appliances comprises an opaque body (2) produced from an opaque material; a transparent cover (5) that is formed by coating the opaque body (2) in an injection mold with a transparent material fed into the injection mold and that has having a cap (6) covering the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) and a peripheral skirt (7) covering the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2), and a feeding section (8) that is arranged on the transparent cover (5) and that is the first part of the transparent cover (5) formed in the injection mold after the start of injecting the transparent material into the injection mold.
  • the opaque body (2) is preferably disc-shaped, having a front surface (3) and a peripheral lateral surface (4) remaining behind the front surface (3).
  • the opaque body (2) is placed into the injection mold (not shown in figures), and the transparent material is injected into the space between the injection mold and the opaque body (2) through a gate (not shown in figures) disposed at the feeding section (8).
  • a gate not shown in figures
  • the entire transparent cover (5) is formed as the space between the opaque body (2) and the injection mold is completely filled with the transparent material, and the transparent cover (5) takes the form of a shell having a cap (6) covering the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) and a skirt (7) surrounding the lateral surface (4) thereof.
  • the knob (1) of the present invention comprises the feeding section (8) that is arranged on the skirt (7).
  • the feeding section (8) is arranged on the skirt (7) such that the transparent cover (5) starts to be formed starting from the skirt (7) during the formation thereof in the injection mold.
  • the gate is placed in the mold so as to extend into the space wherein the skirt (7) is formed.
  • At least one flange (9) that extends outwards from the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2) is provided on the opaque body (2), and the feeding section (8) is arranged on the skirt (7) so as to remain at least partially behind the flange (9) in a direction perpendicular to the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  • the flange (9) is in the form of a protrusion that extends outwards in the radial direction from over the opaque body (2) so as to be almost perpendicular to the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2).
  • the feeding section (8) disposed on the skirt (7) remains behind the flange (9) in the direction perpendicular to the direction the flange (9) extends such that the feeding section (8) is concealed by the flange (9) when the knob (1) is viewed from the front.
  • the feeding section (8) is advantageously concealed behind the flange (9).
  • the flange (9) is arranged on the front edge of the opaque body (2) so as to be flush with the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  • the flange (9) is in the form of a peripheral protrusion that is formed on the front edge of the opaque body (2) and that is obtained by expanding the front surface (3) outwards in the radial direction.
  • a collar (10) that is produced from an opaque material and that surrounds the skirt (7) is mounted onto the skirt (7).
  • the collar (10) is produced from an opaque material such as metal, plastic, etc. and snap-fitted onto the skirt (5) so as to be on the outer lateral surface of the knob (1) that is grasped by the user.
  • the feeding section (8) remains under the collar (10) in a direction perpendicular to the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2) and is prevented from being seen when the knob (1) is viewed from the top.
  • the collar (8) a material with the desired specifications can be used in the part of the knob (1) grasped by the user and the visual and tactile perception of the knob (1) is improved.
  • a visual imprint (not shown in figures) such as text, mark, pattern, symbol, etc. is provided on the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  • a visual imprint can be formed on the front surface (3) of the body (2) since no mark or vestige remains on the cap (6) of the transparent cover (5) or the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  • the functionality of the knob (1) is improved.
  • the front surface (3) has a concave curvature.
  • the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) has a concave curvature.
  • the cap (6) has a convex curvature that fills the concave structure in a matching form for the front surface (3) of the body (2).
  • the cap (6) of the transparent cover (5) is in the form of a convex lens narrowing towards the edges, and the appearance of the visual imprint on the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) is improved.
  • the visual perception of the knob (1) is improved.
  • the household appliance of the present invention comprises the above-described knob (1).
  • the household appliance (1) is a laundry washing and/or drying machine.
  • the knob (1) is a rotary knob and enables the washing-drying programs to be selected by being rotated by the user.
  • the production method of the present invention comprises the steps of
  • the defects that are formed as a result of the injection process are concealed in a simple and effective manner, and the appearance of the knob (1) is improved without the need for changing the mold.
  • the visual marks are enabled to be advantageously provided on the knob (1) by preventing the formation of surface roughs during the production and the functionality of the knob (1) is improved.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a knob (1) suitable for use in household appliances, comprising an opaque body (2) produced from an opaque material; a transparent cover (5) that is formed by coating the opaque body (2) in an injection mold with a transparent material fed into the injection mold and that has having a cap (6) covering the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) and a peripheral skirt (7) covering the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2), and a feeding section (8) that is arranged on the transparent cover (5) and that is the first part of the transparent cover (5) formed in the injection mold after the start of injecting the transparent material into the injection mold, the feeding section (8) being arranged on the skirt (7), and further relates to the production method of the knob (1).

Description

A KNOB SUITABLE FOR USE IN HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND THE PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF
The present invention relates to a knob with improved appearance suitable for use in household appliances, and to the production method of said knob.
The operation of the household appliances is usually controlled by means of knobs arranged on a control panel. When activated by the user, the knobs enable the user preferences to be transmitted to a control unit controlling the operation of the household appliance and thus, allows the users to control the operation of the household appliance. Consequently, the knobs are the elements most frequently contacted by the user and thereby, have a profound effect on the quality perception of the user. Therefore, some producers prefer to cover the outer surface of the knob with a transparent plastic material by the plastic injection molding method to improve the visual and tactile perception of the knobs. However, defects such as surface blemishes, roughs, burrs, etc. may be encountered at regions where the transparent plastic material is injected into the injection mold and said defects can be seen from outside due to the transparent properties of the material. Such defects caused by the injection process adversely affect the appearance of the knob and decrease the quality perception of the user.
In the state of the art European Patent Document No. EP2034080, a knob is disclosed, that is suitable for use in household appliances and that has a transparent section.
In the state of the art Korean Patent Document No. KR20020056607, a knob is disclosed, the outer surface of which is covered with a transparent material and that is suitable for use in a washing machine.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a knob with improved appearance that is suitable for use in household appliances.
The knob realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises an opaque body produced from opaque material, and a transparent cover that is in the form of a transparent layer surrounding the opaque body so as to allow the opaque body to be seen from outside and that is formed by covering the opaque body with the transparent plastic material by means of injection molding. The transparent cover is formed by filling the space between the opaque body placed into the injection mold and the inner surfaces of the injection mold, and comprises a peripheral skirt covering the lateral surface of the opaque body, a cap covering the front surface of the opaque body and a feeding section that is arranged on the skirt so as to allow firstly the formation of the skirt of the transparent cover in the mold and through which the transparent material flows into the injection mold. Thus, the production defects that may occur in the feeding section which is the first section of the transparent cover formed in the mold are enabled to be positioned on the skirt that is relatively less visible, and the appearance of the knob is improved.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the knob comprises a flange that extends outwards from the opaque body so as to be almost perpendicular to the lateral surface of the opaque body, and the feeding section is arranged at the part of the skirt remaining behind the flange so as to be concealed by the flange. Thus, the defects in the feeding section are prevented from being visible when the knob is viewed from the front.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the flange is formed by extending the edges of the front surface of the opaque body outwards. Thus, when the knob is viewed from the front, the skirt almost completely remains behind the flange and the defects on the skirt are concealed effectively.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob comprises a collar that is produced from an opaque material and that surrounds the skirt. Thus, the part of the skirt remaining under the collar is concealed, and the feeding section on the skirt is prevented from being visible when viewed from the top.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a visual indicator such as text, pattern, symbol, etc. is provided on the front surface of the opaque body. By means of this embodiment, a flawless appearance is provided on the front surface of the opaque body since possible production errors occur on the skirt instead of the front surface, and visual indicators can be advantageously provided on the front surface of the knob. Thus, the usability of the knob is improved by means of the visual indicators that provide ease of use for the user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the front surface of the opaque body is concave, and the cap of the transparent cover that covers the front surface has a varying thickness. Thus, the front side of the knob is provided with a lens effect, and the visual attention is drawn towards the front side of the knob. Consequently, the quality perception of the knob is improved.
The production method of the present invention comprises the steps of placing the opaque body into the mold; injecting the transparent material through a feeding section on the skirt into the space between the injection mold and the opaque body so as to form first the skirt and then the cap, and terminating the feeding of the transparent material through the feeding section.
By means of the present invention, the knob is enabled to have a flawless appearance without additional production and molding costs, and the user satisfaction is improved.
The knob realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the knob related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the knob related to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 - is the partial cross-sectional view of the opaque body and the transparent cover related to another embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
  1. Knob
  2. Opaque body
  3. Front surface
  4. Lateral surface
  5. Transparent cover
  6. Cap
  7. Skirt
  8. Feeding section
  9. Flange
  10. Collar
The knob (1) suitable for use in household appliances comprises an opaque body (2) produced from an opaque material; a transparent cover (5) that is formed by coating the opaque body (2) in an injection mold with a transparent material fed into the injection mold and that has having a cap (6) covering the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) and a peripheral skirt (7) covering the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2), and a feeding section (8) that is arranged on the transparent cover (5) and that is the first part of the transparent cover (5) formed in the injection mold after the start of injecting the transparent material into the injection mold. The opaque body (2) is preferably disc-shaped, having a front surface (3) and a peripheral lateral surface (4) remaining behind the front surface (3). The opaque body (2) is placed into the injection mold (not shown in figures), and the transparent material is injected into the space between the injection mold and the opaque body (2) through a gate (not shown in figures) disposed at the feeding section (8). During the injection of the transparent material into the mold, first the feeding section (8) and then the other parts of the transparent cover (5) are formed in the injection mold. The entire transparent cover (5) is formed as the space between the opaque body (2) and the injection mold is completely filled with the transparent material, and the transparent cover (5) takes the form of a shell having a cap (6) covering the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) and a skirt (7) surrounding the lateral surface (4) thereof. After the transparent cover (5) is completely formed, the feeding of the transparent material through the gate into the feeding section (8) is terminated, the gate is separated from the mold, and the piece comprising the opaque body (2) and the transparent cover (5) is taken out of the mold.
The knob (1) of the present invention comprises the feeding section (8) that is arranged on the skirt (7). The feeding section (8) is arranged on the skirt (7) such that the transparent cover (5) starts to be formed starting from the skirt (7) during the formation thereof in the injection mold. The gate is placed in the mold so as to extend into the space wherein the skirt (7) is formed. When the transparent material is started to be injected through the gate into the feeding section (8), first the skirt (7) on which the feeding section (8) is arranged starts to be formed in the injection mold and then the space between the inner surfaces of the mold and the outer surfaces of the opaque body (2) is completely filled with the transparent material such that the cap (6) is formed. Thus, surface defects such as the mark created by the gate on the feeding section (8) during the injection molding process and the vestige that may be formed during the separation of the gate from the mold remain on the skirt (7) that is relatively less visible and are concealed in a simple manner.
In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one flange (9) that extends outwards from the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2) is provided on the opaque body (2), and the feeding section (8) is arranged on the skirt (7) so as to remain at least partially behind the flange (9) in a direction perpendicular to the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2). The flange (9) is in the form of a protrusion that extends outwards in the radial direction from over the opaque body (2) so as to be almost perpendicular to the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2). The feeding section (8) disposed on the skirt (7) remains behind the flange (9) in the direction perpendicular to the direction the flange (9) extends such that the feeding section (8) is concealed by the flange (9) when the knob (1) is viewed from the front. Thus, the feeding section (8) is advantageously concealed behind the flange (9).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the flange (9) is arranged on the front edge of the opaque body (2) so as to be flush with the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2). The flange (9) is in the form of a peripheral protrusion that is formed on the front edge of the opaque body (2) and that is obtained by expanding the front surface (3) outwards in the radial direction. Thus, when the knob (1) is viewed from the front, the skirt (7) almost completely remains behind the flange (9) and the production defects on the skirt (7) are concealed effectively.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a collar (10) that is produced from an opaque material and that surrounds the skirt (7) is mounted onto the skirt (7). The collar (10) is produced from an opaque material such as metal, plastic, etc. and snap-fitted onto the skirt (5) so as to be on the outer lateral surface of the knob (1) that is grasped by the user. Thus, the feeding section (8) remains under the collar (10) in a direction perpendicular to the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2) and is prevented from being seen when the knob (1) is viewed from the top. Furthermore, the collar (8) a material with the desired specifications can be used in the part of the knob (1) grasped by the user and the visual and tactile perception of the knob (1) is improved.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a visual imprint (not shown in figures) such as text, mark, pattern, symbol, etc. is provided on the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2). By providing the feeding section (8) on the skirt (7), advantageously, a visual imprint can be formed on the front surface (3) of the body (2) since no mark or vestige remains on the cap (6) of the transparent cover (5) or the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2). Thus, the functionality of the knob (1) is improved.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the front surface (3) has a concave curvature. The front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) has a concave curvature. The cap (6) has a convex curvature that fills the concave structure in a matching form for the front surface (3) of the body (2). Thus, the cap (6) of the transparent cover (5) is in the form of a convex lens narrowing towards the edges, and the appearance of the visual imprint on the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) is improved. Thus, the visual perception of the knob (1) is improved.
The household appliance of the present invention comprises the above-described knob (1).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance (1) is a laundry washing and/or drying machine. In this embodiment, the knob (1) is a rotary knob and enables the washing-drying programs to be selected by being rotated by the user.
The production method of the present invention comprises the steps of
• Placing the opaque body (2) into the injection mold,
• injecting the transparent material through the feeding section (8) into the injection mold such that the feeding section (8) is formed first,
• terminating the injection of the transparent material through the feeding section (8) after the entire transparent cover (5) is formed in the mold, and the feeding section (8) is arranged on the skirt (7) such that first the skirt (7) is formed in the mold. The transparent material is injected through the feeding section (8) into the space between the opaque body (2) and the injection mold so such that first the feeding section (8) is formed in the mold and then, respectively the skirt (7) and the cap (6) are formed in the injection mold. After the front surface (3) and the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2) are completely covered with the transparent material, the injection of the transparent material through the feeding section (8) is terminated, and the piece comprising the opaque body (2) and the transparent cover (5) is taken out of the mold. The collar (10) is placed around the piece taken out of the mold.
By means of the present invention, the defects that are formed as a result of the injection process are concealed in a simple and effective manner, and the appearance of the knob (1) is improved without the need for changing the mold. Moreover, by means of the present invention, the visual marks are enabled to be advantageously provided on the knob (1) by preventing the formation of surface roughs during the production and the functionality of the knob (1) is improved.

Claims (9)

  1. A knob (1) suitable for use in household appliances, comprising an opaque body (2) produced from an opaque material; a transparent cover (5) that is formed by coating the opaque body (2) in an injection mold with a transparent material fed into the injection mold and that has having a cap (6) covering the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2) and a peripheral skirt (7) covering the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2), and a feeding section (8) that is arranged on the transparent cover (5) and that is the first part of the transparent cover (5) formed in the injection mold after the start of injecting the transparent material into the injection mold, characterized by the feeding section (8) that is arranged on the skirt (7).
  2. A knob (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one flange (9) that is provided on the opaque body (2) and that extends outwards from the lateral surface (4) of the opaque body (2), and the feeding section (8) that is arranged on the skirt (7) so as to remain at least partially behind the flange (9) in a direction perpendicular to the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  3. A knob (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the flange (9) that is arranged on the front edge of the opaque body (2) so as to be flush with the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  4. A knob (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the collar (10) that is produced from an opaque material and that is placed onto the skirt (7) so as to peripherally surround the skirt (7).
  5. A knob (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a visual indicator such as text, symbol, etc. formed on the front surface (3) of the opaque body (2).
  6. A knob (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the front surface (3) that has a concave curvature.
  7. A household appliance comprising a knob (1) as in any one of the above claims.
  8. A household appliance as in Claim 7, which is a laundry washing and/or drying machine.
  9. A production method that is used for producing a knob (1) as in Claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of
    - placing the opaque body (2) into the injection mold,
    - injecting the transparent material through the feeding section (8) into the injection mold such that the feeding section (8) is formed first,
    - terminating the injection of the transparent material through the feeding section (8) after the entire transparent cover (5) is formed in the mold, characterized in that
    the feeding section (8) is arranged on the skirt (7) such that first the skirt (7) is formed in the mold.
PCT/EP2018/076785 2017-11-15 2018-10-02 A knob suitable for use in household appliances and the production method thereof WO2019096485A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18782397.6A EP3710218A1 (en) 2017-11-15 2018-10-02 A knob suitable for use in household appliances and the production method thereof

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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TRA2017/17944 2017-11-15
TR2017/17944A TR201717944A2 (en) 2017-11-15 2017-11-15

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3543329A (en) * 1969-01-30 1970-12-01 Gen Motors Corp Decorative knob
DE19610687A1 (en) * 1996-03-19 1997-09-25 Reum Ag Process for the production of control panels
US5707132A (en) * 1994-04-20 1998-01-13 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp and machine and method for moulding the same
KR20020056607A (en) 2000-12-29 2002-07-10 구자홍 structure for preventing moisture coming into handling dial in washing machine
EP2034080A1 (en) 2007-09-03 2009-03-11 LG Electronics Inc. Control panel window assembly of washing/drying machine
CN101414524A (en) * 2008-11-26 2009-04-22 胡杰波 Combined turn knob
US20110026268A1 (en) * 2009-07-28 2011-02-03 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp
US20140160643A1 (en) * 2012-12-12 2014-06-12 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Domestic appliance with at least a display window
US20160263797A1 (en) * 2013-09-30 2016-09-15 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Injection molding method and injection molding device for transparent resin molded article
WO2018059229A1 (en) * 2016-09-28 2018-04-05 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 Washing machine knob and washing machine

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3543329A (en) * 1969-01-30 1970-12-01 Gen Motors Corp Decorative knob
US5707132A (en) * 1994-04-20 1998-01-13 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp and machine and method for moulding the same
DE19610687A1 (en) * 1996-03-19 1997-09-25 Reum Ag Process for the production of control panels
KR20020056607A (en) 2000-12-29 2002-07-10 구자홍 structure for preventing moisture coming into handling dial in washing machine
EP2034080A1 (en) 2007-09-03 2009-03-11 LG Electronics Inc. Control panel window assembly of washing/drying machine
CN101414524A (en) * 2008-11-26 2009-04-22 胡杰波 Combined turn knob
US20110026268A1 (en) * 2009-07-28 2011-02-03 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp
US20140160643A1 (en) * 2012-12-12 2014-06-12 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Domestic appliance with at least a display window
US20160263797A1 (en) * 2013-09-30 2016-09-15 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Injection molding method and injection molding device for transparent resin molded article
WO2018059229A1 (en) * 2016-09-28 2018-04-05 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 Washing machine knob and washing machine

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EP3710218A1 (en) 2020-09-23
TR201717944A2 (en) 2019-06-21

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