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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
A CONTROL MECHANISM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/153921
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a control mechanism (1), which is provided in the control panels of household appliances, enables the household appliance to be used according to the preferred purpose or to make the operational adjustments, is used by being engaged to the control shaft (K), and is prevented from getting detached from the control shaft (K) unless a force is applied thereon by the user.

Inventors:
KARATAS SEZER MURAT (TR)
KARATAS MELTEM (TR)
Application Number:
PCT/TR2019/051074
Publication Date:
July 30, 2020
Filing Date:
December 13, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
IMREN PLASTIK SANAYI VE TICARET LTD SIRKETI (TR)
International Classes:
H01H19/14; G05G1/08
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PROIP PATENT TRADEMARK CONSULTANCY LIMITED (TR)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A control mechanism (1), which is provided in the control panels of household appliances, enables the household appliance to be used according to the preferred purpose or to make the operational adjustments, is used by being engaged to the control shaft (K), and is prevented from being detached from the control shaft (K) unless a force is applied thereon by the user; essentially comprising

at least one control knob (2) which enables to turn the household appliance on and off, and to adjust the operation modes thereof,

at least one shaft connecting piece (3), which comprises at least one shaft hole (3.2.1) and at least one blocking slot (3.2.2), and which is produced connected to the control knob (2) or independent from the control knob (2), and which, in case it is independent from the control knob (2), is connected at one end to the control knob (2) and at the other end to the control shaft (K), and characterized by

at least one retaining member (4), which is a single piece and comprises at least one blocking lug (4.1) and at least one pressing extension (4.4), and which is produced in a form that can surround the control shaft (K) and is also inserted into the shaft hole, and which

• when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), produces friction by applying pressing force to the control shaft (K) by means of the pressing extension (4.4) and thus makes it the difficult for the shaft connecting piece (3) to get detached from the control shaft (K),

• when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K) or when the shaft connecting piece (3) is detached from the control shaft (K), remains stationary upon insertion of its blocking lug (4.1) into the blocking slot (3.2.2) and thus is prevented from getting detached from the shaft hole (3.2.1).

2. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the retaining member (4); which comprises a mounting hole (4.2), a seating base (4.3), a flexion aperture (4.5) and a fixing lug (4.6); and which, when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), presses the shaft connecting piece (3) against the control shaft (K) thereby keeping the shaft connecting piece (3) stationary.

3. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the retaining member (4), which is made of a flexible material, and which, when inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1), is pressed by the control shaft (K) and thus prevented from moving.

4. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the retaining member (4), which has a D-form like the control shaft (K) and has the size that will allow it to completely fit into the shaft hole (3.2.1).

5. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the blocking lug (4.1); which comprises a blocking tip (4.1.1), a blocking surface (4.1.2), a bottom surface (4.1.3) and a flexion region (4.1.4); and which, when the retaining member (4) is fitted into the shaft hole (3.2.1), is inserted into blocking slot (3.2.2).

6. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the blocking lug (4.3) which is located such that there will be an angle between itself and the seating base (4.3), and which, when it flexes, moves angularly within the lug flexion slot (4.1.3).

7. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 5, characterized by the blocking tip (4.1.1), which is located at the junction of the intersecting edges of the triangular form of the blocking lug (4.1), and which, when it contacts the blocking slot (3.2.2), prevents the retaining member (4) from getting detached from the shaft hole (3.2.1).

8. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 2, characterized by the mounting hole (4.2), which, when the shaft connecting piece (3) together with the retaining member (4) is engaged to the control shaft (K), enables the control shaft (K) to be mounted.

9. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 2, characterized by the mounting hole (4.2), which has a D-form, and whose sizes are adjusted such that the control shaft (K) is fitted therein via interference-fit.

10. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 2, characterized by the seating base (4.3), which comprises a seating surface (4.3.1) and a lug flexion slot (4.3.2), and which is the part where the non-circular part of the control shaft (K) is seated on the retaining member (4).

11. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 2, characterized by the seating base (4.3), which includes the blocking lug (4.1) thereon, and enables the control shaft (K) to fit into the mounting hole (4.2).

12. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the seating base (4.3), wherein a frictional force is produced between itself and the control shaft (K) when the control shaft (K) is pressed as it is fitted into the mounting hole (4.2), and which, with the impact of the said frictional force, makes it difficult for the control shaft (K) to get detached from the mounting hole (4.2).

13. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 10, characterized by the seating surface (4.3.1), which, when the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2), contacts the planar surface of the control shaft (K) surface to surface, and produces a frictional force between itself and the control shaft (K).

14. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 10, characterized by the lug flexion slot (4.3.2) which prevents the blocking lug (4.1) from contacting the seating base (4.3) during its flexion.

15. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the pressing extension (4.4), which is located on the cylindrical surface of the retaining member (4), and which is the part that the control shaft (K) contacts on the retaining member (4) when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K).

16. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the pressing extension (4.4), which comprises a pressing surface (4.4.1) and a connection bend (4.4.2), and which has a form that is inclined from its center towards the mounting hole (4.2) and enables the control shaft (K) to remain fixed within the retaining member (4) when the control shaft (K) is fitted into the mounting hole (4.2).

17. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the pressing extension (4.4), which, when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), during the movement of the control shaft (K) within the mounting hole (4.2), enables the control shaft (K) to be pressed within the mounting hole (4.2) by means of its inclined form.

18. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the pressing extension (4.4), wherein a pressing force is produced between itself and the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) during the movement of the control shaft (K) within the mounting hole (4.2), and which, by means of the said pressing force, prevents the control shaft (K) from getting detached from the mounting hole (4.2) and the retaining member (4).

19. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 16, characterized by the pressing surface (4.4.1), which, when the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2), contacts the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) surface-to- surface, and applies a pressing force on the control shaft (K).

20. Control mechanism (1) according to Claim 16, characterized by the pressing surface (4.4.1), wherein, with the pressing force applied by the pressing extension (4.4) on the control shaft (K), a frictional force is produced between itself and the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K), and which, with the impact of the said frictional force, prevents the control shaft (K) from getting detached from the mounting hole (4.2).

21. Control mechanism (4.5) according to Claim 2, characterized by the flexion aperture (4.5), which is located between the pressing extensions (4.4), and which produces a space during flexion of the pressing extensions (4.4).

Description:
A CONTROL MECHANISM Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a control mechanism, which is provided in the control panels of household appliances, enables the household appliance to be used according to the preferred purpose or to make the operational adjustments, is used by being engaged to the control shaft, and is prevented from getting detached from the control shaft unless a force is applied thereon by the user.

Background of the Invention Devices such as cookers, washing machines and dishwashers, which are used today to aid in household chores, comprise a control panel for the user to monitor and control the functions. The said control panel includes one or more knobs. The knobs are located in preferably circular cavities provided on the control panel and are mounted to the shafts connected to the control card either directly or by the help of a connector. As the knobs are rotated about their axes, the shafts connected to the knobs also move similarly and allow the functions dependent on the user preferences in the predetermined position to be selected according to the demands of the user. In the current applications, various methods are employed to prevent the control knobs that are engaged to the shafts in the control panels provided in the household appliances from getting detached from the said shafts. The control knobs are connected to the shaft in the control panel either in one piece or by means of an intermediate connecting piece. In order to prevent detachment of the said shafts from the control knobs, a spring or a material for providing tension is added to the intermediate connecting piece or inside the control knob. The material placed in the control knob or the intermediate connecting piece prevents the control knob from being detached from the shaft when the control knob is engaged to the shaft in the control panel. However, during the use of these materials, the control knobs are removed from the shafts if there arises a technical maintenance need for the control knobs. After the control knobs are removed from the shaft, the said materials can be displaced from their position due to the fact that they are not fixed inside the control knob or the intermediate connecting piece in which they are located. In the state-of-the-art control mechanisms, retaining members which do not have any blocking elements are used. In this case, if the knob is removed for any reason, the retaining member may fall out of its place, and if the falling spring is not noticed, it can, for example, fall into the hands of a child and the child may swallow it. Since the said retaining member has sharp edges, it can get stuck in the child's throat. This may cause the swallowing person to choke and lead to adverse consequences. In addition, even if no one swallows the retaining member or no one notices that it is lost, when the knob is intended to be mounted back to its place, the knob cannot be fixed to the shaft on the device and it remains loose. In this case, the device cannot be controlled. Therefore, there is a need for a member which prevents detachment of a control knob that is engaged to a shaft in the control panel or an intermediate connecting piece connected to the control knob when they are disengaged from the shaft.

Turkish patent document no. TR 2009/06906, an application in the state of the art, with a priority date of 20.10.2006, discloses an illuminated control knob. In the illuminated control knob of the said invention, light spreads over the knob in order to be able to show the position of the knob which is used to open and close the gas valve in gas burners both without approaching the product and even if there is not sufficient illumination in the surroundings and to reduce the risk of leaving the valve open. In addition, in order to reinforce the visual information perceived by the user, the brightness amount of the light is shown in a directly proportional manner with the amount of gas that passes through the valve. In the present invention, there is provided a control knob, an intermediate connecting piece and a retaining member disposed within the intermediate connecting piece. The control knob is engaged to the control shaft upon inserting an intermediate connecting piece therein. When the control knob is engaged to the control shaft, the retaining member ensures that the control knob remains stationary on the control shaft. When the control knob is removed from the control shaft, the retaining member remains stationary within the intermediate connecting piece and it is prevented from being detached. In the control mechanism disclosed in the present invention, while the control knob or intermediate connecting piece engaged to the shaft is prevented from getting detached from the shaft, the retaining member is also prevented from getting detached from the connecting piece.

In the present invention, there is provided a control knob, an intermediate connecting piece and a retaining member disposed within the intermediate connecting piece. The control knob is engaged to the control shaft upon inserting an intermediate connecting piece therein. When the control knob is engaged to the control shaft, the retaining member ensures that the control knob remains stationary on the control shaft. When the control knob is removed from the control shaft, the retaining member remains stationary within the intermediate connecting piece and it is prevented from being detached. In the control mechanism disclosed in the present invention, while the control knob or intermediate connecting piece engaged to the shaft is prevented from getting detached from the shaft, the retaining member is also prevented from getting detached from the connecting piece.

In the state of the art, there is no explanation regarding the technical features and the technical effects provided by the invention of the present application. In the current applications, there is no control mechanism, which includes an intermediate connecting piece independent from the control knob, and wherein there is a retaining member inserted into the said intermediate connecting piece and the said retaining member is in a geometric form that will surround the control shaft; and which, when the control knob together with the intermediate connecting piece are engaged to the control shaft, enables the retaining member to get stuck inside the intermediate connecting piece of the control shaft and remain stationary, and when the control knob together with the intermediate connecting piece is detached from the control shaft, also prevents the retaining member from getting displaced from its position.

Objects of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a control mechanism which, when the control knob is detached from the control shaft, immobilizes the retaining member by preventing it from being displaced from its position in the intermediate connecting piece.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control mechanism which, when the control knob is engaged onto the control shaft, ensures that the control knob is firmly engaged to the control shaft so that it remains stationary on the control shaft.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a control mechanism which prevents the loss of the retaining member when the control knob is removed from the control shaft in case of a need of technical maintenance for the concerned household appliance.

Summary of the Invention

A control mechanism, which is developed to fulfill the objects of the present invention and defined in Claim 1 and the other claims dependent thereon comprises a control knob, a shaft connecting piece and a retaining member. The shaft connecting piece is inserted into the connection hole provided in the control knob. The shaft connecting piece is engaged to the control shaft from the exposed shaft connection end. A retaining member is inserted into the shaft hole within the shaft connection end. When the retaining member to be inserted into the shaft hole is being moved into the shaft hole, the blocking lug fits into the blocking slot. The retaining member is prevented from being detached from the shaft hole when the blocking lug fits into the blocking slot. When the retaining member is inserted into the shaft hole, the shaft connecting piece is also inserted into the control shaft thereby enabling the control knob to remain stationary on the control shaft. Likewise, if the shaft connecting piece is detached from the control shaft, the retaining member in the shaft hole is prevented from being detached from the shaft hole as the blocking lug is fitted into the blocking slot. Thus, when the shaft connecting piece is detached from the control shaft, the retaining member remains stationary in the shaft hole. While the retaining member in the shaft hole is prevented from getting detached from the shaft connecting piece, the retaining member also surrounds the control shaft ensuring the control shaft to remain stationary.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The control mechanism developed to fulfill the objects of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:

$ekil 1. is a perspective view of the control mechanism engaged to the control shaft.

$ekil 2. is a perspective view of the control mechanism engaged to the control shaft from another angle.

$ekil 3. is an exploded view of the control mechanism together with the control shaft.

$ekil 4. is a sectional view of the shaft connecting piece with the retaining member.

$ekil 5. is a perspective view of the retaining member.

$ekil 6. is a perspective view of the retaining member from another angle. §ekil 7. is a perspective view of the inverted retaining member.

$ekil 8. is a side perspective view of the retaining member.

The components in the figures are given reference numbers as follows:

1. Control mechanism

2. Control knob

2.1. Connection hole

3. Shaft connecting piece

3.1. Control connection end

3.2. Shaft connection end

3.2.1. Shaft hole

3.2.2. Blocking slot

4. Retaining member

4.1. Blocking lug

4.1.1. Blocking tip

4.1.2. Blocking surface

4.1.3. Bottom surface

4.1.4. Flexion region

4.2. Mounting hole

4.3. Seating base

4.3.1. Seating surface

4.3.2. Lug flexion slot

4.4. Pressing extension

4.4.1. Pressing surface

4.4.2. Connection bend

4.5. Flexion aperture

4.6. Fixing lug

K. Control shaft A control mechanism (1); which is provided in the control panels of household appliances, enables the household appliance to be used according to the preferred purpose or to make the operational adjustments, is used upon being engaged to the control shaft (K), and is prevented from being detached from the control shaft (K) unless a force is applied thereon by the user; essentially comprises

at least one control knob (2) which enables to turn the household appliance on and off, and to adjust the operation modes thereof,

at least one shaft connecting piece (3), which comprises at least one shaft hole (3.2.1) and at least one blocking slot (3.2.2), and which is produced connected to the control knob (2) or independent from the control knob (2), and which, in case it is independent from the control knob (2), is connected at one end to the control knob (2) and at the other end to the control shaft (K),

at least one retaining member (4), which is a single piece and comprises at least one blocking lug (4.1) and at least one pressing extension (4.4), and which is produced in a form that can surround the control shaft (K) and is also inserted into the shaft hole, and which

o when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), produces friction by applying pressing force to the control shaft (K) by means of the pressing extension (4.4) and thus makes it the difficult for the shaft connecting piece (3) to get detached from the control shaft (K),

o when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K) or when the shaft connecting piece (3) is detached from the control shaft (K), remains stationary upon insertion of its blocking lug (4.1) into the blocking slot (3.2.2) and thus is prevented from getting detached from the shaft hole (3.2.1).

The control mechanism (1) of the present application is used in the control panels provided in the household appliances. Household appliances such as cookers, washing machines and dishwashers comprise a control panel for the user to monitor and control the functions. The said control panel includes one or more control mechanisms (1). The control mechanisms (1) are inserted in preferably circular cavities provided on the control panel and are mounted to the control shaft (K) connected to the control card either directly or by the help of a connector. As the control knobs are subjected to rotation about their axes, the control shafts (K) connected to the said control mechanisms (1) also move similarly and allow the functions dependent on the user preferences in the predetermined position to be selected according to the demands of the user. The control mechanism (1) enables to use the household appliance in accordance with the intended purpose and to make the operation adjustments. The control mechanism (1) is used by being engaged to the control shaft (K). The control mechanism (1) is prevented from getting detached from the control shaft (K) unless a force is applied thereon by the user. The control mechanism (1) comprises a control knob (2), a shaft connecting piece (3) and a retaining member (4).

The control knob (2) according to one embodiment of the invention enables to turn the household appliance on and off, and to adjust the operation modes thereof. The control knob (2) may be of different geometric forms. In this embodiment of the invention, the control knob (2) is preferably in a circular form. The shaft connecting piece (3) is placed within the control knob (2). The control knob (2) comprises a connection hole (2.1). The shaft connecting piece (3) is passed through the connection hole (2.1) provided in the control knob (2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the connection hole (2.1) in the control knob (2) is used for the connection of the shaft connecting piece (3) to the control knob (2). The connection hole (2.1) preferably has a circular geometric form. The shaft connecting piece (3) is fitted into the connection hole (2.1) preferably via interference-fit connection method. When the shaft connecting piece (3) which is inserted into the connection hole (2.1) is engaged to the control shaft (K), the control knob (2) can be rotated around the central axis to control the operation of the appliance to which it is connected. By rotating the control knob (2) around the central axis, the control shaft (K) to which it is connected can also be rotated around the central axis, thereby enabling to control the operation modes of the household appliance to which it is connected.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft connecting piece (3) is produced connected to the control knob (2) or independent from the control knob

(2). When the shaft connecting piece (3) is independent from the control knob (2), it is connected at one end to the control knob (2) and at the other end to the control shaft (K). The shaft connecting piece (3) preferably has a cylindrical geometric form. The shaft connecting piece (3) comprises a control connection end (3.1) and a shaft connection end (3.2). The shaft connecting piece (3) is connected to the control knob (3.2) through the control connection end (3.1) and to the control shaft (K) through the shaft connection end (3.2). The shaft connecting piece (3) can be produced preferably in one piece integrated with the control knob (2). If the shaft connecting piece (3) is produced in one piece integrated with the control knob (2), the control connection end (3.1) is integrated to the control knob (2).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control connection end (3.1) at the shaft connecting piece (3) enables connection of the shaft connecting piece (3) to the control knob (3.1). The diameter of the control connection end (3.1) is preferably equal to the diameter of the connection hole (2.1) provided in the control knob (2). The control connection end (3.1) can be fitted into the connection hole (2.1) in the control knob (2) via different engagement methods, such as interference-fit, fitting into the channel or adhesion. The control connection end (3.1) is prevented from being detached from the connection hole (2.1) unless a force is applied thereon.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft connection end (3.2) at the shaft connecting piece (3) is located at the other end of the shaft connecting piece

(3) where the control connection end (3.1) is not located. The shaft connection end (3.2) is used for insertion of the shaft connecting piece (3) to the control shaft (K). The shaft connection end (3.2) has a cylindrical form. The shaft connection end (3.2) comprises a shaft hole (3.2.1) and a blocking slot (3.2.2). The shaft hole

(3.2.1) and the blocking slot (3.2.2) are located in the shaft connection end (3.2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft hole (3.2.1) at the shaft connection end (3.2) is used for inserting the shaft connecting piece (3) to the control shaft (K) via the shaft connection end (3.2). The shaft hole (3.2.1) preferably extends throughout the shaft connection end (3.2). The shaft hole

(3.2.1) has a D-form preferably similar to the form of the control shaft (K). The retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1). The shaft hole (3.2.1) enables to insert the retaining member (4) into the shaft connecting piece (3). The control shaft (K) is passed through the shaft hole (3.2.1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) located at the shaft connection end (3.2). The shaft hole

(3.2.1) preferably has a D-form and is in a geometric form similar to the form of the control shaft (K). The shaft hole (3.2.1) enables to insert the retaining member (4) into the shaft connection end (3.2). There is provided a blocking slot (3.2.2) preferably at the lower end of the shaft hole (3.2.1). In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking slot (3.2.2) located at the shaft connection end (3.2) is used for preventing detachment of the retaining member (4) that is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) from the shaft hole (3.2.1).

The retaining member (4) in one embodiment of the invention is produced in a geometric form that allows to surround the control shaft (K). The retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) in the shaft connecting piece (3). The retaining member (4) comprises a blocking lug (4.1), a mounting hole (4.2), a seating base (4.3), a pressing extension (4.4), a flexion aperture (4.5), and a fixing lug (4.6). The retaining member (4) is a single piece. When the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), the retaining member (4) produces friction by applying pressing force to the control shaft (K) by means of the pressing extension (4.4) and thus makes it the difficult for the shaft connecting piece (3) to get detached from the control shaft (K). Additionally, when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K) or when the shaft connecting piece (3) is detached from the control shaft (K), the retaining member (4) remains stationary upon insertion of its blocking lug (4.1) into the blocking slot (3.2.2) and thus it is prevented from getting detached from the shaft hole (3.2.1). The retaining member (4) is preferably made of a resilient material. In this embodiment of the invention, the retaining member (4) is made of a metal material. The retaining member (4) can be in different geometric forms such as a spring, spiral, leaf spring. When the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), the retaining member (4) presses the shaft connecting piece (3) against the control shaft (K) thereby keeping the shaft connecting piece (3) stationary. When the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1), the control shaft (K) presses the retaining member (4) in the shaft hole (3.2.1) thereby preventing movement thereof. The retaining member (4) preferably has a geometric form that surrounds the control shaft (K). The retaining member (4) preferably has a D-form like the control shaft (K) and has the size that will allow it to completely fit into the shaft hole (3.2.1). The retaining member (4) is kept stationary in the shaft hole (3.2.1) by means of the blocking lug (4.1).

In one embodiment of the invention, the blocking lug (4.1) is provided on the retaining member (4). The blocking lug (4.1) is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.2) when the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1). When the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K) or when the shaft connecting piece (3) is detached from the control shaft (K), the blocking lug (4.1) remains in the blocking slot (3.2.2) thereby ensuring the retaining member (4) to remain stationary and thus preventing the retaining member (4) from getting detached from the shaft hole (3.2.1) and the shaft connecting piece (3). The blocking lug (4.1) comprises a blocking tip (4.1.1), a blocking surface (4.1.2), a bottom surface (4.1.3) and a flexion region (4.1.4). The blocking lug (4.1) may be in different geometric forms. In this embodiment of the invention, the blocking lug (4.1) is preferably in a triangular form. The blocking lug (4.1) is located such that there will be a certain angle between itself and the seating base (4.3). The blocking lug (4.1) is positioned such that it can be separated from above the connection bend (4.1.4). The blocking lug (4.1) is located on the retaining member (4) such that it faces the inner part of the abutment surface (4.1.2). The blocking lug (4.1) fits into the blocking slot (3.2.2) when the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1). Since the retaining member (4) is stretched to be fitted into the shaft hole (3.2.1), it becomes difficult for the blocking lug

(4.1) to get detached from the blocking slot (3.2.2) once it fits into the blocking slot (3.2.2). In the case where the blocking lug (4.1) flexes, the blocking lug (4.1) moves angularly within the lug flexion slot (4.1.3).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking tip (4.1.1) on the blocking lug (4.1) is located at the junction of the intersecting edges of the triangular form of the blocking lug (4.1). When the blocking lug (4.1) is located in the blocking slot (3.2.2), the blocking tip (4.1.1) contacts the surfaces of the blocking slot (3.2.2). When the blocking lug (4.1) contacts the blocking slot (3.2.2) from its blocking tip (4.1.1), the retaining member (4) is prevented from getting detached from the shaft hole (3.2.1). When the blocking tip (4.1.1) contacts the surfaces of the blocking slot (3.2.2), a frictional force is produced between the blocking tip (4.1.1) and the blocking slot (3.2.2). By means of the said frictional force, the blocking lug (4.1) is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.2) to prevent the retaining member (4) from getting detached from the shaft hole

(3.2.1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking surface (4.1.2) on the blocking lug (4.1) is located at the part of the blocking lug (4.1) facing the pressing surface (4.4.1). When the retaining member (4) is preferred to be removed from the shaft hole (3.2.1), the blocking lug (4.1) can be flexed such that the blocking surface (4.1.2) is aligned with the pressing surface (4.4.1) on the same plane. When the retaining member (4) is free in the shaft hole (3.2.1), the blocking surface (4.1.2) is in a position facing the seating base (4.3). In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface (4.1.3) on the blocking lug (4.1) is parallel to the blocking surface (4.1.2). When the blocking lug (4.1) is flexed backwards, it is stretched backwards in an angular manner thereby coming to the same direction with one of the surfaces of the blocking surface (3.2.2).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexion region (4.1.4) on the blocking lug (4.1) enables the blocking lug (4.1) to make a flexing movement. The blocking lug (4.1) makes the flexing movement via the flexion region (4.1.4). The blocking lug (4.1) can make the flexing movement by rotating around the flexion region (4.1.4).

In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting hole (4.2) provided on the retaining member (4) enables insertion of the control shaft (K). When the shaft connecting piece (3) together with the retaining member (4) is engaged to the control shaft (K), the control shaft (K) is fitted into the mounting hole (4.2). The mounting hole (3.2.1) preferably has a D-form and its sizes are adjusted such that the control shaft (K) is fitted into it via interference fit. The retaining member (4) has a semicircular form having a straight perpendicular (planar) side. The said straight perpendicular side is called the seating base (4.3).

In one embodiment of the invention, the seating base (4.3) on the retaining member (4) is where the non-circular part of the control shaft (K) is seated on the retaining member (4). The seating base (4.3) preferably has a rectangular geometric form. The seating base (4.3) comprises a seating surface (4.3.1) and a lug flexion slot (4.3.2). The blocking lug (4.1) is located on the seating base (4.3). The seating base (4.3) enables the control shaft (K) to fit into the mounting hole

(4.2). When the control shaft (K) is pressed as it is fitted into the mounting hole

(4.2), a frictional force is produced between the seating base (4.3) and itself. With the impact of the said frictional force, it gets difficult for the control shaft (K) to be detached from the mounting hole (4.2).

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2), the seating surface (4.3.1) provided on the seating base (4.3) contacts the planar surface of the control shaft (K) surface to surface. When the control shaft (K) is pressed as it is fitted into the mounting hole (4.2), a frictional force is produced between the seating surface (4.3.1) and the control shaft (K). With the impact of the said frictional force, it gets difficult for the control shaft (K) to be detached from the mounting hole (4.2).

In one embodiment of the invention, the lug flexion slot (4.3.2) provided on the seating base (4.3) prevents the blocking lug (4.1) from contacting the seating base

(4.3) during its flexion. The lug flexion slot (4.3.2) is preferably in the form of a triangular hole in a geometric shape similar to that of the blocking lug (4.1). The lug flexion slot (4.3.2) in this embodiment of the invention is preferably in a triangular geometric form. The lug flexion slot (4.3.2) is located at a position near one end of the seating base (4.3). The lug flexion slot (4.3.2) is preferably positioned at the center of the width of the seating base (4.3).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing extension (4.4) provided on the retaining member (4) is located at the cylindrical surface of the retaining member (4). The pressing extension (4.4) is the part that the control shaft (K) contacts on the retaining member (4) when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K). The pressing extension (4.4) comprises a pressing surface (4.4.1) and a connection bend (4.4.2). The pressing extension

(4.4) preferably has a form that is inclined from its center towards the mounting hole (4.2). There may be one or more pressing extensions (4.4) on the retaining member (4). In this embodiment of the invention, there are two pressing extensions (4.4) on the retaining member (4). There is provided a flexion aperture

(4.5) between the pressing extensions (4.4) provided on the retaining member (4). The pressing extension (4.4) enables the control shaft (K) to remain fixed within the retaining member (4) when the control shaft (K) is fitted into the mounting hole (4.2). When the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), during the movement of the control shaft (K) within the mounting hole (4.2), the pressing extension (4.4) enables the control shaft (K) to be pressed within the mounting hole (4.2) by means of its inclined form. During the movement of the control shaft (K) within the mounting hole (4.2), a pressing force is produced between the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) and the pressing extension (4.4). During the movement of the control shaft (K) within the mounting hole (4.2), the pressing extension (4.4) applies a pressing force on the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) by means of its inclined form. With the said pressing force applied by the pressing extension (4.4), the control shaft (K) is prevented from getting detached from the mounting hole (4.2) and the retaining member (4). The pressing extension (4.4) applies pressing force on the control shaft (K) via the pressing surface (4.4.1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2), the pressing surface (4.4.1) provided on the pressing extension (4.4) contacts the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) surface to surface. The pressing surface (4.4.1) preferably has a form that is inclined from its center towards the mounting hole (4.3). When the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2), the pressing extension (4.4) exerts a pressing force on the control shaft (K) via the pressing surface (4.4.1). With the pressing force applied by the pressing extension (4.4) on the control shaft (K), a frictional force is produced between the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) and the pressing surface (4.1.1). With the impact of the frictional force produced between the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) and the pressing surface (4.4.1), the control shaft (K) is prevented from getting detached from the mounting hole (4.2).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the connection bend (4.4.2) on the pressing extension (4.4) forms the inclined portion at the center of the pressing extension (4.4). The pressing extension (4.4) is inclined from the connection bend

(4.4.2) towards the mounting hole (4.3). When the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2), a pressing force is applied by the connection bend

(4.4.2) on the control shaft (K) intensely via the pressing extension (4.4).

In one embodiment of the invention, the flexion aperture (4.5) provided on the retaining member (4) is located between the pressing extensions (4.4). The flexion aperture (4.5) produces a space during flexion of the pressing extensions (4.4). The flexion apertures (4.5) help flexing of the retaining member (4) when it is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) and when the control shaft (K) is inserted into the mounting hole (4.2).

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fixing lug (4.6) provided on the retaining member (4) can be used for fixing the retaining member (4) to the shaft hole (3.2.1). The fixing lug (4.6) is preferably located at the corner parts of the retaining member (4) where its cylindrical surface and the planar surface unite.

Use of the control mechanism (1) provided in this embodiment of the invention is performed as follows: The shaft connecting piece (3) is first inserted into the connection hole (2.1) provided in the control knob (2) via the control connection end (2). Then, the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) provided in the shaft connecting piece (3). The retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) such that the blocking lug (4.1) fits into the blocking slot (3.2.2). The retaining member (4), whose blocking lug (4.1) is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.2), can remain stationary within the shaft hole (3.2.1). When the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1), it is in a stretched position due to the structure thereof. After the retaining member (4) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1) in the shaft connecting piece (3), the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K) through the shaft connection end

(3.2). The shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K) such that the control shaft (K) passes through the mounting hole (4.2) of the retaining member (4). When the shaft connecting piece (3) is being fitted over the control shaft (K), the control shaft (K) contacts the pressing extension (4.4) of the retaining member (4). During contact of the control shaft (K) with the pressing extension (4.4), a frictional force is produced between the control shaft (K) and the pressing surface (4.1.1) of the retaining member (4). By means of the impact of the said frictional force, the shaft connecting piece (3) and also the retaining member (4) can be enabled to remain stationary on the control shaft (K). When the shaft connecting piece (3) connected to the control knob (2) is detached from the control shaft (K), the frictional force exerted by the control shaft (K) on the retaining member (4) has no effect. However, since the blocking lug (4.1) of the retaining member (4) contacts the surfaces of the blocking slot (3.2.2), the retaining member (4) is ensured to remain stationary in the shaft hole (3.2.1) provided in the shaft connecting piece (3).




 
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