Knob with torque protection

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of knobs, in particular to a knob with torque protection, which comprises a knob shell. The knob cap is installed outside the outer end of the knob shell, and the knob cap can rotate along the axis of the knob cap; the torque transmission assembly is installed in the rotary knob cap, the torque transmission assembly is provided with a pre-tightening spring, and the pre-tightening spring can apply set extrusion force to the rotary knob shell; wherein under the condition that the torque borne by the knob cap is larger than the friction force between the torque transmission assembly and the knob shell, the knob cap can rotate relative to the knob shell. According to the utility model, the service life of the knob is prolonged while the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of knob technology, specifically to a knob with torque protection. Background Technology

[0002] A knob is a manually operated component controlled by hand. Depending on functional requirements, knobs can be used for continuous, multiple rotations or for positioning, allowing for signal input, interruption, or parameter adjustment. Knobs are commonly found on various instruments, equipment, and tools in daily life. However, existing knobs often suffer from mechanical wear due to excessive rotation or forceful operation, resulting in a short lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the technical problem of shortened lifespan due to excessive rotation of existing knobs, this invention provides a knob with torque protection. When the torque on the knob cap exceeds the frictional force between the torque transmission component and the knob housing, the knob cap rotates relative to the knob housing to provide overload protection and remind the user that the torque has reached its limit. This improves the user experience while extending the knob's lifespan.

[0004] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] This utility model provides a knob with torque protection, comprising: a knob housing; a knob cap, the knob cap being installed on the outer end of the knob housing and capable of rotating along its own axis; a torque transmission assembly, the torque transmission assembly being installed inside the knob cap and provided with a preload spring, the preload spring being capable of applying a set compressive force to the knob housing; wherein, when the torque on the knob cap is greater than the frictional force between the torque transmission assembly and the knob housing, the knob cap is capable of rotating relative to the knob housing.

[0006] The present invention provides a knob with torque protection, comprising a knob housing, a knob cap, and a torque transmission assembly. The knob cap is installed on the outer end of the knob housing and can rotate along its own axis. The torque transmission assembly is installed inside the knob cap and is provided with a preload spring. The preload spring can apply a set compressive force to the knob housing so that there is static pressure between the knob cap and the knob housing, and then under the set torsional torque, the knob cap and the knob housing can rotate synchronously.

[0007] During use, the static pressure between the knob cap and the knob housing is determined by a preload spring. When the knob cap rotates at the set rotational torque, the preload spring creates static pressure between the knob cap and the knob housing, causing the static friction between them to exceed the rotational torque. This results in the corresponding load being activated by the knob housing for adjustment (switching). When the rotational torque exceeds the static friction between the knob cap and the knob housing, the knob cap rotates relative to the knob housing, causing slippage. This provides overload protection and alerts the user that the torque limit has been reached, thus improving the user experience and extending the knob's lifespan.

[0008] In summary, the torque-protected knob provided by this utility model allows the knob cap to rotate relative to the knob shell when the torque on the knob cap exceeds the frictional force between the torque transmission component and the knob shell, thus providing overload protection and alerting the user that the torque has reached its limit. This improves the user experience while extending the knob's service life.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the torque transmission assembly further includes: a mounting ring connected to the knob cap, one end of which has a first mounting hole, the sidewall of which has a plurality of second mounting holes evenly distributed along the circumference of the mounting ring; a first ball bearing installed in the first mounting hole; and a second ball bearing installed in the second mounting hole, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the first ball bearing; wherein the force of the preload spring is between the knob cap and the first ball bearing, and the second ball bearing is pressed against the knob housing by the compression of the first ball bearing.

[0010] It should be noted that existing knobs lack operational feedback, making it impossible for operators to determine the knob's usage status and easily leading to misoperation. To address this, this invention uses a pre-tensioned spring to apply compressive force to the first ball bearing, which in turn applies compressive force to multiple second ball bearings. This creates static pressure between the knob cap and the knob housing. When the rotational torque exceeds a set value, both the first and second ball bearings can move (rotate and / or slide) within their corresponding mounting spaces, producing a sound and increasing the resistance to the knob cap's rotation. This allows the operator to determine, based on feel and sound, that the torque has exceeded the set value, thus stopping rotation promptly and preventing misoperation.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the knob housing is provided with a mounting cavity, and the second ball is pressed against the side wall of the mounting cavity to facilitate the installation of the torque transmission assembly.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, a limiting ring is installed in the mounting cavity, and the sidewall of the limiting ring is provided with a plurality of limiting holes. The plurality of limiting holes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the limiting ring, and the second ball is at least partially located in the limiting holes to ensure that the second ball can be pressed onto the knob housing.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the torque transmission assembly further includes a shim positioned between the preload spring and the first ball bearing to ensure that the force of the preload spring acts stably on the first ball bearing.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the mounting ring is connected to the knob cap by a mounting screw to facilitate the connection of the knob cap and the mounting ring.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the outer end of the knob cap is provided with a mounting through hole for accommodating the end of the mounting screw, so as to securely connect the knob cap and the mounting ring by means of the mounting screw.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the mounting hole is fitted with a screw cap to protect the mounting screw, preventing it from loosening while also enhancing the appearance of the knob cap.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, a retaining cap is further included, which is connected to the knob housing to retain the mounting ring at the outer end of the knob housing, thereby preventing the mounting ring from detaching from the knob housing during use.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, both the first ball and the second ball are made of stainless steel or ceramic to ensure that the first ball and the second ball have sufficient structural strength while having good wear resistance, thereby ensuring that the first ball and the second ball have sufficient service life.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0020] This utility model provides a knob with torque protection, comprising a knob housing, a knob cap, and a torque transmission assembly. The knob cap is installed on the outer end of the knob housing and can rotate along its own axis. The torque transmission assembly is installed inside the knob cap and is equipped with a preload spring. The preload spring can apply a set compressive force to the knob housing, so that there is static pressure between the knob cap and the knob housing. Then, under a set torsional torque, the knob cap and the knob housing can rotate synchronously. When the rotational torque is greater than the static friction between the knob cap and the knob housing, the knob cap rotates relative to the knob housing, causing slippage, thereby providing overload protection and reminding the user that the torque has reached its limit. This improves the user experience and extends the service life of the knob. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] In the attached diagram:

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a knob with torque protection provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a knob with torque protection provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] The attached figures include reference numerals and their corresponding component names:

[0026] 1-Knob housing, 2-Knob cap, 3-Preload spring, 4-Mounting ring, 5-First mounting hole, 6-Second mounting hole, 7-First ball bearing, 8-Second ball bearing, 9-Mounting cavity, 10-Limiting ring, 11-Limiting hole, 12-Washer, 13-Mounting screw, 14-Mounting through hole, 15-Screw cap, 16-Retaining cap. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this application is usually placed in when in use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] It should be noted that existing knobs often suffer from mechanical wear due to excessive rotation or forceful operation, resulting in a short lifespan. Furthermore, existing knobs lack operational feedback, making it impossible for operators to determine the knob's status and easily leading to misoperation. To address the aforementioned problems, the inventors have innovatively designed the following technical solution, the specific implementation of which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Example

[0034] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a knob with torque protection, comprising: a knob housing 1; a knob cap 2, which is mounted on the outer end of the knob housing 1 and is rotatable along its own axis; and a torque transmission assembly, which is mounted inside the knob cap 2 and is provided with a preload spring 3, which is capable of applying a set compressive force to the knob housing 1; wherein, when the torque on the knob cap 2 is greater than the frictional force between the torque transmission assembly and the knob housing 1, the knob cap 2 is rotatable relative to the knob housing 1.

[0035] Generally speaking, the outer surface of the knob cap 2 is provided with anti-slip texture, such as knurling or vertical lines.

[0036] Continue to combine Figure 2The torque transmission assembly further includes: a mounting ring 4, which is connected to the knob cap 2 and has a first mounting hole 5 at one end. The side wall of the first mounting hole 5 has multiple second mounting holes 6, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the first mounting hole 5, and the second mounting holes 6 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the mounting ring 4; a first ball bearing 7, which is installed in the first mounting hole 5; and a second ball bearing 8, which is installed in the second mounting hole 6, and the diameter of which is smaller than that of the first ball bearing 7. The force of the preload spring 3 is between the knob cap 2 and the first ball bearing 7, and the second ball bearing 8 is pressed onto the knob housing 1 under the compression of the first ball bearing 7.

[0037] It is understandable that by applying compressive force to the first ball bearing 7 through the preload spring 3, and by applying compressive force to multiple second ball bearings 8 through the first ball bearing 7, static pressure can exist between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1. When the rotational torque exceeds the set value, both the first ball bearing 7 and the second ball bearing 8 can move (rotate and / or slide) within their respective mounting spaces, producing a sound and increasing the resistance to the rotation of the knob cap 2. Thus, the operator can judge from the feel and sound that the torque has exceeded the set value, thereby stopping the rotation in time and avoiding misoperation.

[0038] Specifically, the knob housing 1 is provided with a mounting cavity 9, and the second ball bearing 8 is pressed against the side wall of the mounting cavity 9 to facilitate the installation of the torque transmission assembly.

[0039] Meanwhile, a limiting ring 10 is installed in the mounting cavity 9. The side wall of the limiting ring 10 is provided with a plurality of limiting holes 11. The plurality of limiting holes 11 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the limiting ring 10. The second ball 8 is at least partially located in the limiting hole 11 to ensure that the second ball 8 can be pressed onto the knob housing 1.

[0040] It should be understood that the torque transmission assembly also includes a shim 12, which is located between the preload spring 3 and the first ball 7 to ensure that the force of the preload spring 3 can stably act on the first ball 7.

[0041] In this embodiment, the mounting ring 4 is connected to the knob cap 2 by the mounting screw 13, so as to facilitate the connection between the knob cap 2 and the mounting ring 4.

[0042] Correspondingly, the outer end of the knob cap 2 is provided with a mounting through hole 14, which is used to accommodate the end of the mounting screw 13 so as to fix the knob cap 2 and the mounting ring 4 by the mounting screw 13.

[0043] Based on this, the mounting through hole 14 is adapted to be fitted with a screw cap 15 to protect the mounting screw 13, thereby preventing the mounting screw 13 from loosening and improving the appearance of the knob cap 2.

[0044] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a retaining cap 16, which is connected to the knob housing 1 to constrain the mounting ring 4 at the outer end of the knob housing 1, so as to prevent the mounting ring 4 from detaching from the knob housing 1 during use.

[0045] Secondly, in combination Figure 2 In this embodiment, the lower end of the pressure cap 16 is fixedly connected to the knob housing 1, such as by screwing, riveting, tenoning, or snap-fitting, to confine the mounting ring 4 and the limiting ring 10 within the mounting cavity 9. Simultaneously, a shoulder is provided at the lower end of the mounting ring 4, and the limiting ring 10 is fitted over the side wall of the shoulder.

[0046] Optionally, the first ball 7 and the second ball 8 are both made of stainless steel or ceramic to ensure that the first ball 7 and the second ball 8 have sufficient structural strength while having good wear resistance, thereby ensuring that the first ball 7 and the second ball 8 have sufficient service life.

[0047] In summary, the torque-protected knob provided in this embodiment includes a knob housing 1, a knob cap 2, and a torque transmission assembly. The knob cap 2 is installed on the outer end of the knob housing 1 and can rotate along its own axis. The torque transmission assembly is installed inside the knob cap 2 and is provided with a preload spring 3. The preload spring 3 can apply a set compressive force to the knob housing 1 so that there is static pressure between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1. Then, under the set torsional torque, the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1 can rotate synchronously.

[0048] During use, the static pressure between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1 is determined by the preload spring 3. When the knob cap 2 is rotated by the set rotational torque, the rotational torque is less than the static friction between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1. The first ball 7 and the second ball 8 remain stationary under the pressure of the preload spring 3. The preload spring 3 can apply a set compressive force to the knob housing 1. Through the static pressure exerted by the preload spring 3 between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1, the static friction between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1 is made greater than the rotational torque, thereby causing the corresponding load to move through the knob housing 1 for adjustment (switching).

[0049] When the rotational torque is greater than the static friction between the knob cap 2 and the knob housing 1, the first ball 7 and the second ball 8 can move (rotate and / or slide) within their respective installation spaces, causing the knob cap 2 to rotate relative to the knob housing 1, resulting in slippage. This provides overload protection and alerts the user that the torque has reached its limit, thereby improving the user experience and extending the lifespan of the knob.

[0050] In summary, the torque-protected knob provided in this embodiment emits a sound and increases the resistance to rotating the knob cap 2 when the torque on the knob cap 2 exceeds the frictional force between the torque transmission component and the knob housing 1. This allows the operator to determine from the feel and sound that the torque has exceeded the set value, thus reminding the user that the torque has reached its limit. Therefore, this embodiment can improve the user experience while extending the lifespan of the knob.

[0051] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A knob with torque protection, characterized in that, include: Knob housing (1); A knob cap (2) is installed on the outer end of the knob housing (1), and the knob cap (2) is rotatable along its own axis; A torque transmission assembly is installed inside the knob cap (2) and is provided with a preload spring (3) that can apply a set compressive force to the knob housing (1). When the torque on the knob cap (2) is greater than the friction between the torque transmission component and the knob housing (1), the knob cap (2) can rotate relative to the knob housing (1).

2. The knob with torque protection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The torque transmission component also includes: Mounting ring (4), which is connected to the knob cap (2) and has a first mounting hole (5) at one end. The side wall of the first mounting hole (5) is provided with a plurality of second mounting holes (6), and the second mounting holes (6) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the mounting ring (4). The first ball (7) is installed in the first mounting hole (5); The second ball (8) is installed in the second mounting hole (6), and the diameter of the second ball (8) is smaller than that of the first ball (7); The force of the preload spring (3) is between the knob cap (2) and the first ball (7), and the second ball (8) is pressed onto the knob housing (1) under the compression of the first ball (7).

3. The knob with torque protection according to claim 2, characterized in that, The knob housing (1) is provided with a mounting cavity (9), and the second ball (8) is pressed against the side wall of the mounting cavity (9).

4. The knob with torque protection according to claim 3, characterized in that, A limiting ring (10) is installed in the mounting cavity (9). The side wall of the limiting ring (10) is provided with a plurality of limiting holes (11). The plurality of limiting holes (11) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the limiting ring (10). The second ball (8) is at least partially located in the limiting hole (11).

5. The knob with torque protection of claim 2, wherein, The torque transmission assembly also includes a shim (12) which is located between the preload spring (3) and the first ball (7).

6. The knob with torque protection of claim 2, wherein, The mounting ring (4) is connected to the knob cap (2) by mounting screws (13).

7. The knob with torque protection according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer end of the knob cap (2) is provided with a mounting through hole (14), which is used to accommodate the end of the mounting screw (13).

8. The knob with torque protection according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting hole (14) is adapted to be fitted with a screw cap (15).

9. The knob with torque protection of claim 2, wherein, It also includes a retaining cap (16) connected to the knob housing (1) to limit the mounting ring (4) to the outer end of the knob housing (1) via the retaining cap (16).

10. A knob with torque protection according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The first ball (7) and the second ball (8) are both made of stainless steel or ceramic.

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