Adjusting switch with adjustable range

Abstract

The invention provides an adjusting switch with an adjustable range, and relates to the field of switches. The adjusting switch with the adjustable range comprises a panel, a shell and an adjusting mechanism arranged between the panel and the shell, a supporting unit for supporting the adjusting mechanism is arranged between the panel and the shell, and the adjusting mechanism comprises a rolling unit which partially protrudes out of the panel and rotates relative to the panel. Driving units meshed with the rolling unit are arranged in the transverse direction and the vertical direction of the rolling unit, response units are arranged at the output ends of the driving units, the two response units are connected in series, and a multiplying power difference exists between response adjustment of the two response units. According to the adjusting switch with the adjustable range, the rolling unit rotates in different directions so as to drive the different driving units to work, then the two response units with the multiplying power difference are adjusted to work, and fine adjustment and coarse adjustment can be achieved through adjustment of one rolling unit in different directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of switches, specifically to an adjustable range control switch. Background Technology

[0002] A rotary switch is a product used in AC power appliances to implement multi-function control.

[0003] Existing patent CN120656882A describes a multi-position adjustable rotary switch, comprising a base, a cover, a rotating handle, and a contact assembly. The rotating handle is rotatably positioned between the base and the cover and has a drive rod extending radially therefrom. The contact assembly includes multiple elastic movable contact bridges arranged annularly within a mounting cavity around the axis of the rotating handle, and multiple stationary contact pieces disposed on the base and respectively opposite to the movable contact bridges. The movable contact bridges are connected and located on the movement path of the drive rod. As the drive rod rotates with the rotating handle, it drives the multiple movable contact bridges to contact the multiple stationary contact pieces. This technical solution significantly disperses the operating pressure through the mechanism of alternating contact between the drive rod and the multiple movable contact bridges, avoiding continuous force on a single movable contact bridge, greatly reducing the mechanical load and fatigue of the movable contact bridges, reducing the probability of overheating, reducing wear and welding risks, and extending the mechanical service life. However, the adjustment process requires pressing the adjustment part, and it is uncertain whether the desired adjustment position has been reached. Furthermore, the two-position adjustable switch has independent control parts that require switching. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an adjustable range control switch, which solves the problem mentioned in the background art where coarse and fine adjustments require separate control terminals, necessitating switching of control terminals during adjustment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an adjustable switch, comprising a panel, a housing, and an adjustment mechanism disposed between the panel and the housing, wherein a support unit for supporting the adjustment mechanism is disposed between the panel and the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising a rolling unit that partially protrudes from the panel and rotates relative to the panel, and driving units that mesh with the rolling unit are disposed in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and a response unit is disposed at the output end of the driving unit, the two response units are connected in series, and there is a multiplier difference between the response adjustment of the two response units.

[0006] Preferably, the rolling unit is a ball gear, the driving unit is a saddle gear, and the saddle gear meshes with the ball gear.

[0007] Preferably, the rolling unit is a ball with a rough surface, the driving unit is a cylindrical roller, and the cylindrical roller and the ball are in contact.

[0008] Preferably, the response unit is a rotary rheostat, the rotating rod of the rotary rheostat is concentric with and fixedly connected to the driving unit, the resistance ranges of the two rotary rheostats have a ratio difference, and the two rotary rheostats are connected in series.

[0009] Preferably, the output end of the drive unit is provided with a disc encoder concentric with the drive unit, the disc encoder controls a motor, and the motor drives the rotary rheostat to work.

[0010] Preferably, the rolling unit is a rolling ball, the driving unit is a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor controls and adjusts the response unit.

[0011] Preferably, the number of photoelectric sensors is one. The photoelectric sensor detects the rolling ball moving in the horizontal and vertical directions, and controls the corresponding unit according to the component with the larger proportion of movement.

[0012] Preferably, the support unit includes a bowl support portion for supporting the rolling unit and a sleeve portion for fixing the drive unit. The sleeve portion and the bowl support portion are partially connected to the panel and partially connected to the outer shell.

[0013] Preferably, the photoelectric sensor is located in the front half of the rolling ball, and the contact surface between the photoelectric sensor and the rolling ball is an arc that fits the rolling ball. An elastic cup portion supporting the rolling unit is provided behind the rolling ball, and the outer shell is provided with a micro switch that turns on when the rolling ball is pressed. The micro switch adjusts the adjustment ratio of the corresponding switch.

[0014] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism comprises multiple gear rings of different sizes, which are concentrically arranged with their front half protruding from the panel. The multiple gear rings rotate relatively independently, and a gear set is engaged at one end of each gear ring inside the housing. The response unit is an adjustment resistor box, and the control end of the adjustment resistor box is engaged with the output end of the gear set.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This adjustable switch uses a rolling unit to rotate in different directions to drive different drive units, thereby adjusting the operation of two response units with a ratio difference. Fine and coarse adjustments can be achieved by adjusting a rolling unit in different directions.

[0016] 2. The adjustable switch allows for precise switching between coarse and fine adjustments by using a ball gear to drive only one of the saddle gears during horizontal and vertical rotation.

[0017] 3. The adjustable switch has a rolling ball as the rolling unit and a photoelectric sensor as the driving unit. There is one photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor detects the rolling ball's horizontal and vertical movement and controls the corresponding unit based on the component with the larger proportion of movement. This setting can reduce the number of photoelectric sensors used.

[0018] 4. The adjustable switch has a photoelectric sensor located in the front half of the rolling ball. The contact surface between the photoelectric sensor and the rolling ball is an arc that fits against the rolling ball. An elastic cup supporting the rolling unit is provided behind the rolling ball. The outer shell is equipped with a micro switch that turns on when the rolling ball is pressed. The micro switch adjusts the adjustment ratio of the corresponding switch. This arrangement provides mechanical support for adjusting the ratio via the micro switch. The circuit control part is not within the protection scope of this application. This photoelectric adjustment method can reduce the structure of the mechanical transmission part, thereby making the switch structure more compact.

[0019] 5. The adjustable switch drives different adjustment terminals of the regulating resistor box through gears of different sizes. This transmission setting allows the adjustment terminals to move together onto the same axis, making operation and adjustment more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the panel of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary rheostat connection of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support unit of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism in Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a saddle-shaped gear connection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Panel; 2. Housing; 3. Adjustment mechanism; 4. Support unit; 31. Rolling unit; 32. Drive unit; 33. Response unit; 311. Ball gear; 321. Saddle gear; 312. Ball bearing; 322. Cylindrical roller; 331. Rotary rheostat; 5. Disc encoder; 6. Motor; 313. Rolling ball; 323. Photoelectric sensor; 401. Cup support; 402. Sleeve; 403. Elastic cup; 404. Micro switch; 314. Gear ring; 315. Gear set; 334. Adjustable resistor box. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0026] like Figure 1 - Figure 8As shown, an adjustable switch includes a panel 1, a housing 2, and an adjustment mechanism 3 disposed between the panel 1 and the housing 2. A support unit 4 supporting the adjustment mechanism 3 is disposed between the panel 1 and the housing 2. The adjustment mechanism 3 includes a rolling unit 31 that partially protrudes from the panel 1 and rotates relative to the panel 1. Both the horizontal and vertical directions of the rolling unit 31 are provided with drive units 32 that mesh with the rolling unit 31. The output end of the drive unit 32 is provided with a response unit 33. The two response units 33 are connected in series, and there is a magnification difference between the two response units 33. By setting the rolling unit 31 and the drive units 32 that mesh with the rolling unit 31, the rolling unit 31 is rotated in different directions to drive different drive units 32 to work, thereby adjusting the work of the two response units 33 with a magnification difference. Thus, fine-tuning and coarse-tuning can be achieved by adjusting the rolling unit 31 in different directions.

[0027] The response unit 33 is a rotary rheostat 331. The rotating rod of the rotary rheostat 331 is concentric with and fixedly connected to the drive unit 32. The resistance ranges of the two rotary rheostats 331 have a ratio difference, and the two rotary rheostats 331 are connected in series.

[0028] The rolling unit 31 is a ball gear 311, and the driving unit 32 is a saddle gear 321. The saddle gear 321 meshes with the ball gear 311. The ball gear 311 and the saddle gear 321 are widely used in the transmission of ball joints. In this embodiment, only the ball gear 311 drives the saddle gear 321 to rotate and output the power to drive the response unit 33. For this purpose, a transmission mechanism needs to be set up to decompose the rotation output and revolution output of the saddle gear 321. The revolution output is used as idle rotation.

[0029] The tooth surface of the ball gear 311 is typically a portion of a sphere, while the tooth surface of the saddle gear 321 is a saddle-shaped curved surface, such as a hyperbolic paraboloid. Both must satisfy the conjugate condition of their tooth profiles. That is, the tooth surface of one gear is the envelope of the tooth surface of the other gear, ensuring a unique contact line during transmission and preventing tooth surface interference. The center distance and shaft angle of the two gears must strictly conform to the design values. The center of the ball gear and the center of motion of the saddle gear 321 must be aligned; otherwise, local contact or disengagement of the tooth surfaces will occur, preventing normal transmission. Since the response unit 33 is a rotary rheostat 331, the external force required to adjust the rotary rheostat 331 is relatively small. Therefore, there are no high limitations on the strength of the materials of the rolling unit 31 and the driving unit 32, allowing for additive manufacturing. This setup utilizes the ball gear 311 to drive only one of the saddle gears 321 during transverse and longitudinal rotation, enabling precise switching between coarse and fine adjustments.

[0030] The support unit 4 includes a bowl support portion 401 for supporting the rolling unit 31, which restricts the rolling unit 31 and prevents it from leaving its position, and a sleeve portion 402 for fixing the drive unit 32. The sleeve portion 402 and the bowl support portion 401 are partially connected to the panel 1 and partially connected to the outer shell 2. As needed, the sleeve portion 402 is engaged with each other to fix the drive unit 32.

[0031] In the second embodiment, the rolling unit 31 is a ball bearing 312 with a rough surface, and the driving unit 32 is a cylindrical roller 322. The cylindrical roller 322 and the ball bearing 312 are in contact. By setting the ball bearing 312 with a rough surface to rub against the cylindrical roller 322, rotational adjustment in different directions can be achieved. The cylindrical roller 322 rotates in one direction, while the cylindrical roller 322 in the other direction rotates relative to the ball bearing 312. The friction force is used to adjust the two response units 33.

[0032] Furthermore, the output end of the drive unit 32 is provided with a disc encoder 5 concentric with the drive unit 32. The disc encoder 5 controls the motor 6, and the motor 6 drives the rotary rheostat 331 to work. It is possible that the rotation range of the rotary rheostat 331 is large, and it is inconvenient to operate the rolling unit 31 by rotating it for a long time. Therefore, the disc encoder 5 is set to realize the conversion of rotation and electrical signal, thereby achieving the effect of small-range rotation of the rolling unit 31 and large-range adjustment of the response unit 33.

[0033] In embodiment three, the scrolling unit 31 is a scrolling ball 313, and the driving unit 32 is a photoelectric sensor 323. The photoelectric sensor 323 includes the following working light-emitting diode (LED) illumination: an internal LED emits light that is reflected by the scrolling ball 313. This reflected light passes through a set of optical lenses and is transmitted to a photosensitive sensor (micro-imager) for imaging. Different textures and colors on the bottom surface of the scrolling ball 313 cause changes in the reflected light as it moves. An internal dedicated image analysis chip (DSP) analyzes a series of captured images. By analyzing the changes in the positions of feature points in these images, the mouse can determine the direction and distance of movement, thereby achieving cursor positioning. The photoelectric sensor 323 controls the adjustment response unit 33, and the control method can be to control the motor 6 to adjust the rotary rheostat 331.

[0034] Furthermore, the number of photoelectric sensors 323 is one. The photoelectric sensor 323 detects the horizontal and vertical movement of the rolling ball 313 and controls the corresponding unit according to the component with the larger proportion of movement. This setting can reduce the number of photoelectric sensors 323 used.

[0035] Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor 323 is disposed in the front half of the rolling ball, and the contact surface between the photoelectric sensor 323 and the rolling ball is an arc that fits against the rolling ball 313. An elastic cup portion 403 supporting the rolling unit 31 is disposed behind the rolling ball 313. The outer casing 2 is provided with a micro switch 404 that turns on the switch when the rolling ball 313 is pressed. The micro switch 404 adjusts the adjustment ratio of the corresponding switch. This arrangement provides mechanical support for adjusting the ratio through the micro switch 404. The circuit control part is not within the protection scope of this application. Through this photoelectric adjustment method, the structure of the mechanical transmission part can be reduced, thereby making the switch structure more compact.

[0036] In embodiment four, the adjustment mechanism 3 includes multiple gear rings 314 of different sizes. The multiple gear rings 314 are concentrically arranged and their front halves protrude from the panel 1. The multiple gear rings 314 rotate relatively independently. One end of each gear ring 314 located inside the outer casing 2 is engaged with a gear set 315. The gear set 315 includes at least a force transmission direction change function. The response unit 33 is an adjustment resistor box 334. The control end of the adjustment resistor box 334 is engaged with the output end of the gear set 315. After corresponding transmission through gears of different sizes, the different adjustment ends of the adjustment resistor box 334 are driven. This transmission setting can move the adjustment ends together to the same axis, making operation and adjustment more convenient.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0038] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0039] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adjustable control switch, comprising a panel (1), a housing (2), and an adjustment mechanism (3) disposed between the panel (1) and the housing (2), wherein a support unit (4) for supporting the adjustment mechanism (3) is disposed between the panel (1) and the housing (2), characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (3) includes a rolling unit (31) that protrudes from the panel (1) and rotates relative to the panel (1). The rolling unit (31) is provided with a drive unit (32) that meshes with the rolling unit (31) in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The output end of the drive unit (32) is provided with a response unit (33). The two response units (33) are connected in series, and there is a magnification difference between the response adjustment of the two response units (33).

2. The adjustable range regulating switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rolling unit (31) is a ball gear (311), and the driving unit (32) is a saddle gear (321). The saddle gear (321) meshes with the ball gear (311).

3. The adjustable range regulating switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rolling unit (31) is a ball bearing (312) with a rough surface, and the driving unit (32) is a cylindrical roller (322). The cylindrical roller (322) and the ball bearing (312) are in contact.

4. A range-adjustable regulating switch according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The response unit (33) is a rotary rheostat (331). The rotating rod of the rotary rheostat (331) is concentric and fixedly connected to the drive unit (32). The resistance ranges of the two rotary rheostats (331) have a ratio difference, and the two rotary rheostats (331) are connected in series.

5. The adjustable range regulating switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output end of the drive unit (32) is provided with a disc encoder (5) concentric with the drive unit (32), the disc encoder (5) controls a motor (6), and the motor (6) drives the rotary rheostat (331) to work.

6. The adjustable range regulating switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rolling unit (31) is a rolling ball (313), the driving unit (32) is a photoelectric sensor (323), and the photoelectric sensor (323) controls the adjustment response unit (33).

7. The adjustable range regulating switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of photoelectric sensors (323) is one. The photoelectric sensor (323) detects the movement of the rolling ball (313) in the horizontal and vertical directions, and controls the corresponding unit according to the component with the larger proportion of movement.

8. A range-adjustable regulating switch according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that: The support unit (4) includes a bowl support (401) for supporting the rolling unit (31) and a sleeve (402) for fixing the drive unit (32). The sleeve (402) and the bowl support (401) are partially connected to the panel (1) and partially connected to the outer shell (2).

9. A range-adjustable regulating switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The photoelectric sensor (323) is located in the front half of the rolling ball (313). The contact surface between the photoelectric sensor (323) and the rolling ball (313) is an arc that fits the rolling ball (313). An elastic bowl (403) supporting the rolling unit (31) is provided behind the rolling ball (313). The outer shell (2) is provided with a micro switch (404) that turns on the switch when the rolling ball (313) is pressed. The micro switch (404) adjusts the adjustment ratio of the corresponding switch.

10. A range-adjustable regulating switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (3) includes multiple gear rings (314) of different sizes. The multiple gear rings (314) are concentrically arranged and the front half protrudes from the panel (1). The multiple gear rings (314) rotate relatively independently. One end of each gear ring (314) located inside the outer shell (2) is meshed with a gear set (315). The response unit (33) is an adjustment resistor box (334). The control end of the adjustment resistor box (334) meshes with the output end of the gear set (315).

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