Multi-function appliance knob incorporating multiple rotation modulating mechanisms

摘要

A control knob for an appliance includes an outer control ring, a stationary hub, a rotation modulating mechanism coupled to the outer control ring and engaged with an outer surface of the stationary hub, wherein the outer control ring is rotationally operable about the stationary hub at a first rate, an indicial ring positioned around the stationary hub, wherein the indicial ring engages a portion of the rotation modulating mechanism, wherein rotation of the outer control ring at the first rate causes the rotation modulating mechanism to rotate the indicial ring about the stationary hub at a second rate, the second rate being different than the first rate and an encoder shaft positioned within the stationary hub, wherein an inner gearing mechanism extends between an exterior surface of the encoder shaft and one of the outer control ring and the indicial ring.

主权项

1. A control knob for an appliance, the control knob comprising:
an outer control ring; a stationary hub; a rotational reduction mechanism that extends between an outer surface of the stationary hub and an inner surface of the outer control ring, wherein the outer control ring is rotationally operable about the stationary hub; and an encoder shaft disposed within the stationary hub, wherein an inner gearing mechanism extends between an exterior surface of the encoder shaft and an inside surface of the rotational reduction mechanism, wherein the encoder shaft is rotationally operable within the rotational reduction mechanism, and wherein the rotational reduction mechanism and the inner gearing mechanism place the outer control ring in operable communication with the encoder shaft.