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, 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 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 the form of a C-shape; 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, 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 the retaining member 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 retaining channel within the shaft connection end. When the retaining member to be inserted into the retaining channel is being moved into the retaining channel, the blocking lug fits into the blocking slot. The retaining member is prevented from being detached from the retaining channel when the blocking lug fits into the blocking slot. When the retaining member is inserted into the retaining channel, 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 retaining channel is prevented from being detached from the retaining channel 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 retaining channel.

Detailed Description of the Invention

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the control mechanism.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the control mechanism mounted to the control shaft.

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

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the control mechanism.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the shaft connecting piece with the retaining member.

Figure 6 is a sectional view wherein the retaining member is disposed into the shaft connecting piece.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the retaining member.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the retaining member from another angle.

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. Retaining channel

3.2.3. Blocking slot

4. Retaining member

4.1. Oturma govdesi

4.1.1. Pressing surface

4.1.2. Abutment surface

4.1.3. Lug flexion slot

4.1.4. Connection bend

4.2. Blocking lug

4.2.1. Blocking tip

4.2.2. Blocking surface

4.2.3. Bottom surface

4.2.4. Flexion region

4.3. Support extension

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 retaining channel (3.2.2) and at least one blocking slot (3.2.3), 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 inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2), and which, when the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), applies a frictional force to the control shaft (K) thereby making it the difficult for the shaft connecting piece (3) to get detached from the control shaft (K),

at least one blocking lug (4.2) which is provided in the retaining member (4), and

• is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.3) when the retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2), and

• remains in the blocking slot (3.2.3) thereby ensuring the retaining member (4) to remain stationary and thus preventing the retaining member (4) from getting detached from the retaining channel (3.2.2) 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 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) does not get 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), a retaining channel (3.2.2) and a blocking slot (3.2.3). The shaft hole (3.2.1), retaining channel (3.2.2) and blocking slot (3.2.3) 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 control shaft (K) is passed through the shaft hole (3.2.1). There is provided a retaining channel (3.2.2) adjacent to the shaft hole (3.2.1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2) located at the shaft connection end (3.2). The retaining channel (3.2.2) is preferably in a rectangular geometric form and is positioned tangentially relative to the shaft hole (3.2.1). The retaining channel

(3.2.2) enables to insert the retaining member (4) into the shaft connection end

(3.2). There is provided a blocking slot (3.2.3) preferably at the lower end of the retaining channel (3.2.2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking slot (3.2.3) located at the shaft connection end (3.2) is used for preventing detachment of the retaining member (4) that is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2) from the retaining channel (3.2.2).

The retaining member (4) in one embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2). When the shaft connecting piece (3) is engaged to the control shaft (K), the retaining member (4) applies frictional force to the control shaft (K) thereby making it the difficult for the shaft connecting piece (3) to get detached from the control shaft (K). The retaining member (4) comprises a seating body (4.1), blocking lug (4.2) and a support extension (4.3). 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. The retaining member (4) in this embodiment of the invention preferably has a C-form and has an extension at one end thereof. 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 retaining channel (3.2.2), the control shaft (K) contacts the seating body (4.1) and fits into the shaft hole (3.2.1).

In one embodiment of the invention, the seating body (4.1) in the retaining member (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 seating body (4.1) preferably has a C-form. The seating body (4.1) comprises a pressing surface (4.1.1), an abutment surface (4.1.2), a lug flexion slot (4.1.3) and a connection bend (4.1.4). There is provided a support extension (4.3) at one end of the seating body (4.1) such that there will be an angle therebetween. There is provided a semicircular recess on the other end of the seating body (4.1) where the sport extension (4.3) is not located. The seating body (4.1) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2) such that the support extension (4.3) contacts the base of the retaining channel (3.2.2). The retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2) such that the pressing surface (4.1.1) of the seating body (4.1) faces the shaft hole (3.2.1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the retaining member (4) contacts the retaining channel (3.2.2), the control shaft (K) contacts the pressing surface (4.1.1) located in the seating body (4.1). When the control shaft (K) is inserted into the shaft hole (3.2.1), the control shaft (K) contacts the pressing surface (4.1.1) of the retaining member (4). During contact of the control shaft (K) with the pressing surface (4.1.1), a frictional force is produced between the cylindrical surface of the control shaft (K) and the pressing surface (4.1.1). By means of the said frictional force produced between the control shaft (K) and the pressing surface (4.1.1), the control shaft (K) is gripped between the pressing surface (4.1.1) of the retaining member (4) and the shaft hole (3.2.1) and thus can remain stationary. The pressing surface (4.1.1) enables the control shaft (K) to remain stationary within the shaft hole (3.2.1).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the abutment surface (4.1.2) located at the seating body (4.1) is parallel to the pressing surface (4.1.1) and faces the bottom part of the retaining channel (3.2.2). The abutment surface (4.1.2) is preferably convex. The retaining member (4) is placed such that the end portions of the abutment surface (4.1.2) contact the retaining channel (3.2.2).

In one embodiment of the invention, the lug flexion slot (4.1.3) located at the seating body (4.1) prevents the blocking lug (4.2) from contacting the seating body (4.1) during its flexion. The lug flexion slot (4.1.3) is preferably in the form of a hole in a geometric shape similar to that of the blocking lug (4.2). The lug flexion slot (4.1.3) in this embodiment of the invention is preferably in a triangular geometric form. The lug flexion slot (4.1.3) is located at the region where the seating body (4.1) joins with the support extension (4.3). The lug flexion slot (4.1.3) is preferably positioned at the center of the seating body (4.1).

In one embodiment of the invention, the connection bend (4.1.4) provided at the seating body (4.1) connects the seating body (4.1) and the support extension (4.3) to each other. The connection bend (4.1.4) enables flexing from the support extension (4.3) to the seating body (4.1). The lug flexion slot (4.1.3) starts from above the connection bend (4.1.4). The connection bend (4.1.4) enables flexing of the retaining member (4) between the support extension (4) and the seating body (4.1).

In one embodiment of the invention, the blocking lug (4.2) is provided on the retaining member (4). The blocking lug (4.2) is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.3) when the retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2). 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 (4.2) remains in the blocking slot (3.2.3) thereby ensuring the retaining member (4) to remain stationary and thus preventing the retaining member (4) from getting detached from the retaining channel (3.2.2). The blocking lug (4.2) comprises a blocking tip (4.2.1), a blocking surface (4.2.2), a bottom surface (4.2.3) and a flexion region (4.2.4). The blocking lug (4.2) may be in different geometric forms. In this embodiment of the invention, the blocking lug (4.2) is preferably in a triangular form. The blocking lug (4.2) is located such that there will be a certain angle between itself and the seating body (4.1) and the support extension (4.3). The blocking lug (4.2) is positioned such that it can be separated from above the connection bend (4.1.4). The blocking lug (4.2) is located on the retaining member (4) such that it faces the inner part of the abutment surface (4.1.2). The blocking lug (4.2) fits into the blocking slot (3.2.3) when the retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2). Since the retaining member (4) is stretched to be fitted into the retaining channel (3.2.2), it becomes difficult for the blocking lug (4.2) to get detached from the blocking slot (3.2.3) once it fits into the blocking slot (3.2.3). In the case where the blocking lug (4.2) flexes, the blocking lug (4.2) moves angularly within the lug flexion slot (4.1.3).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking tip (4.2.1) on the blocking lug (4.2) is located at the junction of the intersecting edges of the triangular form of the blocking lug (4.2). When the blocking lug (4.2) is located in the blocking slot (3.2.3), the blocking tip (4.2.1) contacts the surfaces of the blocking slot (3.2.3). When the blocking lug (4.2) fits into the blocking slot (3.2.3) from its blocking tip (4.2.1), the retaining member (4) is prevented from getting detached from the retaining channel (3.2.2). When the blocking tip (4.2.1) contacts the surfaces of the blocking slot (3.2.3), a frictional force is produced between the blocking tip (4.2.1) and the blocking slot (3.2.3). By means of the said frictional force, the blocking lug (4.2) is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.3) to prevent the retaining member (4) from getting detached from the retaining channel

(3.2.2).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking surface (4.2.2) on the blocking lug (4.2) is located at the part of the blocking lug (4.2) facing the pressing surface (4.1.1). When the retaining member (4) is preferred to be removed from the retaining channel (3.2.2), the blocking lug (4.2) can be flexed such that the blocking surface (4.2.2) is aligned with the pressing surface (4.1.1) on the same plane. When the retaining member (4) is free in the retaining channel

(3.2.2), the blocking surface (4.2.2) is in a position facing the abutment surface

(4.1.2).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface (4.2.3) on the blocking lug (4.2) is parallel to the blocking surface (4.2.2). When the blocking lug (4.2) is flexed backwards, it comes to the same direction with the support extension (4.3).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexion region (4.2.2) on the blocking lug (4.2) enables the blocking lug (4.2) to make a flexing movement. The blocking lug (4.2) makes the flexing movement via the flexion region (4.2.4). The blocking lug (4.2) can make the flexing movement by rotating around the flexion region (4.2.4).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the support extension (4.3) in the retaining member (4) is used to ensure that the retaining member (4) remains stationary within the retaining channel (3.2.2). The support extension (4.3) is preferably located at the lower end of the retaining member (4). The support extension (4.3) is preferably in a semicircular form and is connected to the other end of the connection bend (4.1.4) of the seating body (4.1). When the control shaft (K) contacts and exerts pressure on the retaining member (4), the support extension (4.3) is flexed relative to the seating body (4.1). The support extension

(4.2) is located such that there will be a certain angle between itself and the seating body (4.1). The support extension (4.3) flexes when the retaining member (4) is inserted in the retaining channel (3.2.2). With the said flexing force applied thereon, the support extension (4.3) contacts the surfaces of the retaining channel

(3.2.2) thereby enabling the retaining member (4) to remain stationary. The angle between the support extension (4.3) and the seating body (4.1) is adjusted such that the support extension (4.3) contacts the surfaces of the retaining channel

(3.2.2) by the flexing force it is subjected to.

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 retaining channel

(3.2.2) provided in the shaft connecting piece (3). The retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2) such that the blocking lug (4.2) fits into the blocking slot (3.2.3). The retaining member (4), whose blocking lug (4.2) is fitted into the blocking slot (3.2.3), can remain stationary within the retaining channel (3.2.2). When the retaining member (4) is inserted into the retaining channel (3.2.2), it is in a stretched position due to the structure of the retaining channel (3.2.2). After the retaining member (4) is inserted into 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 shaft hole (3.2.1). When the shaft connecting piece (3) is being fitted over the control shaft (K), the control shaft (K) contacts the pressing surface (4.1.1) of the retaining member (4). During contact of the control shaft (K) with the pressing surface (4.1.1), 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) 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 (4.2) of the retaining member (4) contacts the surfaces of the blocking slot (3.2.3), the retaining member (4) is ensured to remain stationary in the retaining channel (3.2.2) provided in the shaft connecting piece

(3)·