Bearing, key switch and knob switch
By incorporating rolling elements and anti-detachment structures on the sidewall of the cylinder, the problems of shaking, jamming, and tilting caused by the gap and tolerance between the button and the mounting hole are solved, achieving stability and ease of operation for both button and rotary switches, and simplifying the structure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520234370.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-14
AI Technical Summary
There are gaps and tolerance issues between the existing buttons and the mounting holes, which cause defects such as shaking, jamming and tilting when pressed, especially in button designs with larger areas.
The design incorporates rolling elements on the side wall of the cylinder. These rolling elements make rolling contact with the side wall of the mounting hole and the button support feet. The rolling elements assist the up-and-down movement and rotation of the button, and the anti-detachment structure ensures stability and even force distribution.
The problems of button wobbling, jamming, and tilting have been solved, ensuring the ease of operation and simplified structure of buttons and rotary switches, and improving stability and mechanical strength.
Smart Images
Figure CN223938470U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of switch technology, specifically a bearing and push-button switch, and a rotary switch. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, conventional button pressing structures use vertical grooves that align with the pressing direction to guide the button's movement up and down, thus enabling pressing.
[0003] However, when the button area is relatively large, problems such as gaps and tolerances between the button and the side wall of the hole where the button is installed often cause the pressing panel to wobble, stick when pressed, tilt when pressed, or not pressing downwards simultaneously. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by using a cylindrical body in conjunction with a rolling element mounted on the side wall of the cylindrical body. This design incorporates a bearing and a push-button switch / rotary switch, which allows the rolling element to roll when the user presses the button. The two sides of the rolling element make rolling contact with the side wall of the mounting hole for the button and the button's support foot, respectively. This eliminates the problems of gaps and tolerances between the button and the inner side wall of the mounting hole in traditional designs, which can lead to issues such as button wobbling, sticking, tilting during pressing, and not pressing downwards simultaneously.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the first technical solution adopted by this utility model is:
[0006] A bearing comprising: rolling elements and a cylindrical body open at both ends;
[0007] The side wall of the cylinder is provided with several through holes, and a rolling element is installed in each through hole. The rolling element can rotate about a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder.
[0008] The partial projection of the rolling element on the end face of the cylinder is located outside the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, and the partial projection of the rolling element on the end face of the cylinder is located inside the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder.
[0009] Preferably, the rolling element is capable of rotating about a straight line parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder.
[0010] Preferably, the rolling element is a ball bearing, and the diameter of the ball bearing is greater than the thickness of the cylinder.
[0011] Preferably, the rolling element is clearance-fitted with the through hole, and anti-detachment structures are provided at both the inner and outer ends of the through hole.
[0012] Preferably, the anti-detachment structure includes protrusions, and both ends of the through hole are provided with protrusions, the distance from the protrusions to the central axis of the through hole is less than the radius of the rolling element.
[0013] Preferably, when there are three rows of through holes, at least two rows of the corresponding through holes are aligned in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0014] Preferably, the cylinder has at least three rows of through holes, and the through holes in adjacent rows are staggered in the axial direction of the cylinder.
[0015] Preferably, the projection of the through holes on the end face of the cylinder is at least three.
[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the second technical solution adopted by this utility model is:
[0017] A push-button switch includes a bearing as described above, a first housing, and a first actuator disposed within the first housing. The first actuator is capable of linear motion relative to the first housing in a pressing direction, and the bearing is disposed between the first housing and the first actuator to form a linear motion guide.
[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the third technical solution adopted by this utility model is:
[0019] A rotary switch includes a bearing as described above, a second housing, and a second actuator. The second actuator is disposed on the second housing and is capable of linear motion relative to the second housing in a pressing direction and rotational motion relative to the second housing. The bearing is disposed between the second housing and the second actuator to form a linear motion guide and a rotational motion guide.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0021] 1. The bearing of this utility model has several rolling elements arranged on the side wall of the cylinder, and the bearing can be used in a push-button switch. In this application scenario, when the actuator is pressed, the rolling elements assist the actuator in moving up and down through their own rolling motion. This overcomes the defects in the prior art, such as shaking, jamming, and tilting during pressing, caused by gaps and tolerances between the actuator and the side wall of the mounting hole.
[0022] 2. The bearing of this utility model has several rolling elements arranged on the side wall of its cylinder. This bearing can also be applied to rotary switches. In this application scenario, when the actuator is rotated and / or pressed, the rolling elements assist the actuator in rotating and / or moving up and down through their own rolling motion. This not only ensures the ease of operation of the actuator's rotation and / or up and down movement, but also greatly simplifies the structure of the rotary switch because it eliminates the need for two sets of bearings.
[0023] 3. The bearing cylinder of this utility model is also provided with an anti-detachment structure in the through hole. By setting this anti-detachment structure, even if the rolling element does not fall out of the through hole, it can always be stably assisted in rolling, which greatly improves the stability of the bearing during operation.
[0024] 4. In this utility model bearing, the arrangement of through holes is also optimized, which not only helps to maintain the uniformity of force when the bearing is working, further ensuring that the bearing can work stably, but also ensures that the mechanical strength of the bearing itself can meet the actual requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the bearing in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of region A in the middle;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the push-button switch in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the push-button switch;
[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the main housing of the push-button switch with part of it removed;
[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified view of region B in the middle;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rotary switch in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Longitudinal sectional view of a rotary switch;
[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a rotary switch with part of the main housing removed;
[0034] Figure 10for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a rotary switch. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0036] Example 1
[0037] This embodiment provides a bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing can be applied to scenarios requiring assisted vertical movement. Specifically, the bearing can be fitted onto an actuator that needs vertical movement, overcoming the problems of gaps and tolerances between the actuator and the groove in existing technologies where such components use grooves as guides for pressing. This leads to defects such as shaking, jamming, and tilting during pressing. The purpose of the vertical movement of the actuator is to send signals, etc.
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the bearing 100 in this embodiment includes: a rolling element 10 and a cylindrical body 20 with openings at both ends.
[0039] The side wall of the cylinder 20 is provided with several through holes 21, each of which is used to assist in the installation and fixing of the rolling elements 10. Correspondingly, one rolling element 10 is installed in each through hole 21, and the rolling element 10 can rotate around a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 20 as its rotation axis L1. Thus, when the actuator is pressed, the rolling elements 10 rotate around the aforementioned rotation axis L1, thereby assisting the actuator in its up-and-down movement through their own rolling motion, overcoming the shortcomings of using ribs for guidance. In this case, the rolling elements 10 can be either ball bearings or roller bearings.
[0040] To ensure that the rolling element 10 maintains contact with the surfaces of the two side components, a portion of the rolling element 10's projection on the end face 22 of the cylinder 20 lies outside the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 20, while a portion of the rolling element 10's projection on the end face 22 of the cylinder 20 lies inside the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 20. That is, both sides of the rolling element 10 extend from the through hole 21. Thus, when the rolling element 10 assists the actuator in its up-and-down movement, the portion of the rolling element 10 inside the cylinder 20 contacts the surface of the inner side component of the actuator, and the portion of the rolling element 10 outside the cylinder 20 contacts the surface of the outer side component of the actuator. This creates a rolling contact between the two components, overcoming the drawbacks of using ribs for guidance when pressing the actuator.
[0041] Furthermore, while the rolling element 10 can rotate around a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 20 as its rotation axis L1, the rolling element 10 can also rotate around a straight line parallel to the axis of the cylinder 2 as its rotation axis L2. That is, the bearing 100 can also assist the actuator in rotating. Thus, the bearing 100 in this embodiment combines two functions, thereby ensuring not only the ease of operation of the actuator's rotation and / or vertical movement, but also greatly simplifying the product structure of the actuator since it is not necessary to set two sets of bearings 100.
[0042] At this point, the rolling element 10 can be made of balls. Accordingly, the diameter of the balls is larger than the wall thickness of the cylinder 20 so that the two sides of the balls can extend out from the through hole 21.
[0043] Regardless of whether the rolling element 10 rotates on a straight line L1 perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 20 or on a straight line L2 parallel to the axis of the cylinder 20, the rolling element 10 must always remain within the through hole 21. To achieve this, the rolling element 10 is clearance-fitted with the through hole 21, and anti-detachment structures 30 are provided at both the inner and outer ends of the through hole 21.
[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the anti-detachment structure 30 includes protrusions 31. Both ends of the through hole 21 are provided with the protrusions 31, and the distance from the protrusion 31 to the central axis of the through hole 21 is less than the radius of the rolling element 10. Thus, the protrusions 31 can both confine the rolling element 10 within the through hole 21, preventing it from detaching from the through hole 21 during rolling, and also not affect the extension of both sides of the rolling element 10 from the through hole 21, greatly improving the stability of the bearing 100 during operation. In one embodiment, the protrusions 31 at either end of the through hole 21 are centrally symmetrically distributed at the edge of that end.
[0045] As described above, each through hole 21 is used to assist in the installation and fixation of the rolling element 10. However, the arrangement of the through holes 21 can affect the stress on the bearing 100; that is, uneven arrangement of the through holes 21 can cause the bearing 100 to tilt. The through holes 21 also affect the mechanical strength of the bearing 100. Therefore, this embodiment further optimizes the arrangement of the through holes 21.
[0046] Specifically, the cylinder 20 has at least three rows of through holes 21, where a row of through holes 21 refers to the circumferential direction of the bearing 100. The rows of through holes 21 can be aligned in the axial direction of the bearing 100, or they can be left unaligned. When the rows of through holes 21 are aligned, the spacing between adjacent rows must be increased, as a small spacing would result in insufficient overall structural strength of the bearing 100. When the rows of through holes 21 are not aligned, the spacing between adjacent rows can be reduced to ensure structural strength and improve space utilization.
[0047] Based on the above considerations, in one embodiment, at least two rows of through holes 21 are aligned along the axial direction of the cylinder 20 to ensure uniform force distribution. The remaining rows of through holes 21 can remain aligned or be staggered. In another embodiment, adjacent rows of through holes 21 are staggered along the axial direction of the cylinder 20, that is, the rows of through holes 21 are aligned at intervals to ensure uniform force distribution.
[0048] For example, when three rows of through holes 21 are provided, six through holes 21 are provided in the first row starting from the top of the cylinder 20, five through holes 21 are provided in the second row, and six through holes 21 are provided in the third row. At this time, the projections of the through holes 21 in the first row onto the end face 22 of the cylinder 20 completely coincide with the projections of the through holes 21 in the third row onto the end face 22 of the cylinder 20. This is the alignment of the through holes 21 in the first row and the through holes 21 in the third row. Furthermore, between any two adjacent through holes 21 in the first row projected onto the end face 22 of the cylinder 20, there is a projection of a through hole 21 in the second row onto the end face 22 of the cylinder 20.
[0049] Furthermore, this embodiment also imposes the following requirement on the number of through holes 21: the projection of the through holes 21 onto the end face 22 of the cylinder 20 is at least three. This is because too few rolling elements 10 may be detrimental to the guidance of the actuator during operation, and at least three rolling elements 10 in a row are also beneficial for providing multi-directional support to the cylinder 20.
[0050] Example 2
[0051] This embodiment provides a push-button switch. The push-button switch of this embodiment refers to a switch that, through the up-and-down movement of an actuator, triggers the moving contact and the stationary contact to connect or disconnect, thereby achieving circuit switching.
[0052] The push-button switch of this embodiment includes the bearing described in Embodiment 1. That is, the bearing in Embodiment 1 can be applied to this push-button switch. In this application scenario, when the actuator of the push-button switch is pressed, several rolling elements assist the actuator in moving up and down through their own rolling motion. This overcomes the defects in the prior art, such as shaking, sticking, and tilting when pressing the actuator, caused by gaps and tolerances between the actuator and the sidewall of the mounting hole.
[0053] The other structural details of the push-button switch are described below.
[0054] like Figure 3 , 4As shown, the push-button switch 200 of this embodiment further includes: a main housing 201, an actuator 202, and a PCB board 203. The main housing 201 forms the main structure of the push-button switch 200, and includes a first mounting cavity 211 and a second mounting cavity 221. The first mounting cavity 211 is axially through-hole disposed, and the second mounting cavity 221 is located below the first mounting cavity 211 and maintains communication with the first mounting cavity 211.
[0055] The actuator 202 is assembled in the first mounting cavity 211 of the main housing 201 and can be pressed down along the axial direction of the first mounting cavity 211 under the action of external force; and returns to its initial position when no external force is applied. The bearing 100 in Embodiment 1 is fitted onto the actuator 202 to provide guidance for the up and down movement of the actuator 202. At this time, the rolling elements on the bearing 100 can roll along the inner wall of the actuator 202 and the first mounting cavity 211.
[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the PCB board 203 is assembled in the second mounting cavity 221 of the main housing 201. The lower end of the actuator 202 is connected to a spring or conductive pad 204, which is located above the contacts on the PCB board 203. Thus, when the actuator 202 is pressed, it can contact the contacts on the PCB board 203 through the lower spring or conductive pad 204, thereby activating the electronic components or circuits connected to the contacts.
[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, in order to axially limit the actuator 202 and to allow the actuator 202 to return to its initial position when no external force is applied, a downwardly inclined spring piece 231 is also provided in the first mounting cavity 211. Correspondingly, a groove 212 is provided on the outer wall of the actuator 202, and one end of the spring piece 231 can extend into the groove 212 and initially abut against the lower edge of the groove 212. In one embodiment, the spring pieces 231 are provided in multiple sets, with each spring piece 231 circumferentially spaced at the lower end of the inner side of the first mounting cavity 211.
[0058] Thus, when the actuator 202 is pressed down axially along the first mounting cavity 211 under the action of external force, the spring piece 231 separates from the lower edge. As the actuator 202 is pressed down, the spring piece 231 eventually abuts against the upper edge of the groove 212 to achieve axial limiting. When there is no external force, the actuator 202 can return to its initial position under the action of the spring piece 231 and the spring or conductive pad 204.
[0059] In addition, to facilitate the operation of the actuator 202, a cap 205 is provided at the upper end of the actuator 202. At this time, by pressing the cap 205, the actuator 202 can be driven to move up and down.
[0060] Example 3
[0061] This embodiment provides a rotary switch. The rotary switch in this embodiment refers to a switch that combines pressing and rotating operations. When pressed, the up-and-down movement of an actuator triggers the moving contact to connect or disconnect the stationary contact to achieve circuit switching; when rotated, the rotation operation controls the circuit switching or gear adjustment.
[0062] The rotary switch of this embodiment includes the bearing described in Embodiment 1. That is, the bearing in Embodiment 1 can be applied to this rotary switch. In this application scenario, when the switch's actuator is pressed, several rolling elements assist the actuator's up-and-down movement through their own rolling motion. When a rotation operation is performed, the rolling elements assist the actuator's rotation through their own rolling motion. This not only ensures the ease of operation of the actuator's rotation and / or up-and-down movement, but also greatly simplifies the structure of the rotary switch because it eliminates the need for two sets of bearings.
[0063] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the rotary switch 300 of this embodiment includes: a main housing 301, an actuator 302, a bearing 100, a rotating component 303, a damping component 304, a sensor 305, and a PCB board 306. The main housing 301, actuator 302, bearing 100, and PCB board 306 are the same as those in Embodiment 2. The other structures in this rotary switch 300 will be described in detail below.
[0064] The main housing 301 also includes a third mounting cavity 331, which is located outside the second mounting cavity 321. The rotating component 303 is pivotally mounted in the third mounting cavity 331, and its upper end is connected to the actuator 302 as a whole via a cap 307. In this case, the actuator 302, the bearing 100, and the actuator 302 are arranged radially from the inside out. Therefore, when the cap 307 is pressed and / or rotated, the actuator 302 and the rotating component 303 can move synchronously up and down and / or rotate under the guidance of the bearing 100.
[0065] like Figure 9 As shown, sensor 305 is mounted on PCB board 306, extending into third mounting cavity 331 through an opening, and positioned on the movement trajectory of rotating member 303. Thus, the lower end of rotating member 303 can interact with sensor 305 as it rotates, thereby controlling the circuit switch or gear adjustment.
[0066] In one embodiment, a plurality of light-blocking plates 313 are circumferentially spaced at the lower end of the rotating member 303. Correspondingly, the sensor 305 is a photoelectric sensor 305. The photoelectric sensor 305 has a transmitting end 315 and a receiving end 325 disposed opposite to each other, and the transmitting end 315 can send a signal to the receiving end 325. When the rotating member 303 is rotated, the light-blocking plates 313 at its lower end can move sequentially between the transmitting end 315 and the receiving end 325, thereby blocking the transmission of signals between them. Thus, the switching on and off of the signal between the transmitting end 315 and the receiving end 325 realizes the switching of the control circuit or the adjustment of the gear.
[0067] When rotating the rotating part 303, a certain damping force is also required to provide it. This will not only provide a better operating feel, but also prevent the rotating part 303 from rotating freely, which could damage the adjustment gear or affect the operating accuracy.
[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, based on the above considerations, this embodiment provides a damping force for the rotation of the rotating member 303 by setting a damping element 304. The damping element 304 includes a plurality of magnets. Some magnets 314 are circumferentially spaced on the sidewall 341 forming the second mounting cavity 321. In one embodiment, these magnets 341 may be fitted into the sidewall 341. The remaining magnets 324 are circumferentially spaced on the rotating member 303 and located around the periphery of the aforementioned magnets 314. In another embodiment, the remaining magnets may be fitted into the inner sidewall of the rotating member 303. Furthermore, the magnetic poles of the aforementioned magnets and the remaining magnets are arranged with opposite polarities. Therefore, when the rotating member 303 rotates, the attraction between the magnets provides a damping force for the rotation of the rotating member 303.
[0069] In summary, the bearing of this invention has several rolling elements arranged on the side wall of its cylinder, and this bearing can be used in push-button switches. In this application scenario, when the actuator is pressed, the rolling elements assist the actuator in moving up and down through their own rolling motion. This overcomes the defects in existing technologies, such as wobbling, jamming, and tilting during pressing, caused by gaps and tolerances between the actuator and the side wall of the mounting hole.
[0070] The bearing of this invention has several rolling elements arranged on the side wall of its cylinder. This bearing can also be applied to rotary switches. In this application scenario, when the actuator is rotated and / or pressed, the rolling elements assist the actuator's rotation and / or vertical movement through their own rolling motion. This not only ensures the ease of operation of the actuator's rotation and / or vertical movement, but also greatly simplifies the structure of the rotary switch because it eliminates the need for two sets of bearings.
[0071] The bearing of this invention also has an anti-detachment structure in the through hole of the cylinder. By setting this anti-detachment structure, even if the rolling element does not fall out of the through hole, it can always be stably assisted in rolling, which greatly improves the stability of the bearing during operation.
[0072] In this utility model bearing, the arrangement of the through holes is optimized, which not only helps to maintain the uniformity of force during bearing operation and further ensures the stable operation of the bearing, but also ensures that the mechanical strength of the bearing itself can meet the actual requirements.
[0073] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0074] Although embodiments of the present 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 present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A bearing, characterized in that, include: Rolling element (10) and cylindrical body (20) with openings at both ends; The side wall of the cylinder (20) is provided with a plurality of through holes (21), and a rolling element (10) is installed in each through hole (21). The rolling element (10) can rotate about a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder (20). The partial projection of the rolling element (10) on the end face of the cylinder (20) is located outside the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder (20), and the partial projection of the rolling element (10) on the end face of the cylinder (20) is located inside the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder (20).
2. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rolling element (10) is capable of rotating about a straight line parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder (20).
3. A bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rolling element (10) is a ball bearing, and the diameter of the ball bearing is greater than the thickness of the cylinder (20).
4. A bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rolling element (10) is clearance-fitted with the through hole (21), and the inner and outer ends of the through hole (21) are provided with anti-detachment structures.
5. A bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The anti-detachment structure includes a protrusion (31), and both ends of the through hole (21) are provided with protrusions (31). The distance from the protrusion (31) to the central axis of the through hole (21) is less than the radius of the rolling element (10).
6. A bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the through holes (21) are in three rows, at least two rows of the corresponding through holes (21) are aligned in the axial direction of the cylinder (20).
7. A bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder (20) is provided with at least three rows of through holes (21), and the through holes (21) in two adjacent rows are staggered in the axial direction of the cylinder (20).
8. A bearing according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The projection of the through hole (21) on the end face of the cylinder (20) is at least three.
9. A push-button switch, comprising the bearing according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a first housing (201) and a first actuator (202) disposed within the first housing (201). The first actuator (202) is capable of linear movement relative to the first housing (201) in a pressing direction. The bearing is disposed between the first housing (201) and the first actuator (202) to form a linear movement guide.
10. A rotary switch comprising the bearing described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a second housing (301) and a second actuator (302). The second actuator (302) is disposed on the second housing (301). The second actuator (302) is capable of linear motion relative to the second housing (301) in the pressing direction and is capable of rotational motion relative to the second housing (301). The bearing is disposed between the second housing (301) and the second actuator (302) to form a linear motion guide and a rotational motion guide.