Electric fan switch structure
By using a snap-fit structure between the switch knob and the encoder, high-precision stepless adjustment of the fan speed is achieved, solving the problems of cumbersome operation and discontinuous speed adjustment of traditional electric fans, thus improving user experience and device intelligence.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIRMATE ELECTRICAL (SHEN ZHEN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
Traditional electric fans have cumbersome speed control operation, cannot achieve continuous stepless adjustment of air volume, and the wind speed adjustment has a stepped change, which is difficult to meet users' needs for smooth and continuous wind speed.
The encoder is connected to a switch knob, and the encoder is driven to rotate by rotating the knob, which realizes high-precision stepless adjustment of the fan speed. Combined with a decorative cover and touch buttons, it realizes multi-functional operation.
It achieves high-precision stepless adjustment of fan speed, is easy to operate, and provides smooth and continuous speed adjustment, thereby improving the user experience and the intelligence level of the device.
Smart Images

Figure CN224266516U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric fan technology, and in particular to an electric fan switch structure. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional electric fans typically rely on mechanical buttons or limited-angle rotary switches (such as 90° or 180° speed settings) for speed control. These switches usually achieve speed switching through physical contacts or speed-adjusting mechanisms. For example, with mechanical buttons, users need to press the button multiple times to cycle through a limited number of speeds (such as low, medium, and high), resulting in redundant operation steps. Furthermore, switching to a non-adjacent speed (such as directly switching from low to high) requires repeated pressing, leading to low efficiency. With rotary switches, the knob is limited by the fixed angle of the mechanical structure (such as each 30° interval corresponds to one speed setting), requiring users to rotate it multiple times to adjust across speeds, and continuous stepless airflow adjustment is not possible. These control methods have the following core drawbacks: First, they are cumbersome to operate, requiring multiple repetitive operations (such as button cycling or knob step-by-step rotation) to switch between non-adjacent speeds, making it difficult to quickly respond to user needs. Second, the adjustment is discrete; the speed-adjusting design results in a stepped change in airflow, with gaps in airflow speed between speeds, failing to meet users' needs for smooth and continuous airflow. Utility Model Content
[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a fan switch structure that improves the accuracy of fan speed adjustment.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the electric fan switch structure proposed in this utility model includes:
[0005] The foot platform has mounting holes on its end face;
[0006] A control board is disposed inside the foot platform, and an encoder is provided on the control board;
[0007] A switch knob is inserted into the mounting hole and engaged with the encoder to drive the encoder to rotate.
[0008] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the switch knob is provided with at least two limiting ribs, and a limiting groove is formed between the two limiting ribs.
[0009] The encoder has a rib protruding from its outer peripheral wall, and the rib is engaged in the limiting groove.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the end of the switch knob is further provided with a buckle, and the encoder is provided with a slot, the buckle being engaged in the slot.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the electric fan switch structure further includes a decorative cover, and the switch knob is provided with a through hole, into which the decorative cover is inserted.
[0012] In one possible implementation, a touch button is provided on the end face of the decorative cover.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the decorative cover is provided with an indicator light.
[0014] This utility model's technical solution uses a switch knob to connect to the encoder. The rotation of the switch knob drives the encoder to rotate, thereby converting mechanical rotation into an electrical signal. This enables high-precision stepless adjustment of the fan speed to meet the different wind speed requirements of various customers. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electric fan switch structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the electric fan switch structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the electric fan switch structure of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of another embodiment of the electric fan switch structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 5 This is another exploded view of an embodiment of the electric fan switch structure of this utility model.
[0021] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0022] 10. Foot; 11. Mounting hole; 20. Control board; 21. Encoder; 211. Rib; 212. Slot; 30. Switch knob; 31. Limit rib; 31a. Limit groove; 32. Buckle; 33. Through hole; 40. Decorative cover.
[0023] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0025] In response to the problems in the background art, and in conjunction with reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the electric fan switch structure proposed in this utility model includes a foot 10, a control board 20, and a switch knob 30. The end face of the foot 10 is provided with a mounting hole 11. The control board 20 is disposed inside the foot 10, and an encoder 21 is disposed on the control board 20. The switch knob 30 is inserted into the mounting hole 11 and snapped into the encoder 21 to drive the encoder 21 to rotate.
[0026] In this embodiment, the foot platform 10 serves as a support for the entire structure. The mounting holes 11 on its end face not only secure other components (such as the switch knob 30) but also ensure the stability of the entire system during use. The size and position of the mounting holes 11 are precisely designed to allow subsequent knob installations to accurately align with the internal control board 20 and encoder 21, ensuring no deviation occurs during transmission. The foot platform 10 is made of high-strength material, capable of withstanding vibrations generated during fan operation and preventing loosening or deformation due to external impacts. The control board 20 is housed inside the foot platform 10; this layout saves space and provides good protection. The internal arrangement helps prevent external dust, moisture, and other environmental factors from corroding circuit components, extending the equipment's lifespan. The encoder 21 is mounted on the control board 20, its core function being to convert mechanical rotational motion into electrical signals. Through the signals transmitted by the encoder 21, the control system can precisely control the stepless adjustment of the fan speed. The direct mechanical connection between the encoder 21 and the knob ensures real-time transmission and response of the operating signals, reducing potential delays or errors in intermediate stages. The switch knob 30 is mechanically engaged with the internal structure via the insertion mounting hole 11, ensuring that the encoder 21 can be directly driven when rotated by the user. The rotation of the knob transmits force to the encoder 21 through the engagement mechanism, allowing the encoder 21 to rotate precisely within a specified range and converting it into a control signal. Because the knob is directly connected to the encoder 21, the engagement and fixation are robust, preventing loosening or detachment after long-term use.
[0027] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the switch knob 30 is provided with at least two limiting ribs 31, and a limiting groove 31a is formed between the two limiting ribs 31; the outer peripheral wall of the encoder 21 is provided with a rib 211, and the rib 211 is engaged in the limiting groove 31a.
[0028] Combined with reference Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner wall of the switch knob 30 is provided with at least two limiting ribs 31, which divide a limiting groove 31a within them. The limiting groove 31a is used to limit the rotation angle of the knob, ensuring that it does not exceed the design allowable range during operation, and avoiding errors or mechanical damage to the encoder 21 due to excessive rotation. This structure not only prevents excessive movement, but also provides a stable rotation guide for the knob, making the rotation process smooth and accurate. The ribs 211 protruding on the outer peripheral wall of the encoder 21 are designed to cooperate with the limiting groove 31a inside the knob. When the ribs 211 are engaged in the limiting groove 31a, the knob and the encoder 21 form a semi-fitted state, which not only ensures the mechanical transmission between the two, but also ensures that the knob operates strictly according to the predetermined angle during rotation. This structure can prevent the knob from accidentally shifting due to accidental collisions or vibrations, and at the same time ensures that the signal received by the encoder 21 is always accurate.
[0029] In one possible implementation, the end of the switch knob 30 is also provided with a buckle 32, and the encoder 21 is provided with a slot 212, and the buckle 32 is engaged in the slot 212.
[0030] Combined with reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the end of the switch knob 30 is provided with a latch 32, which can firmly engage with the corresponding slot 212 on the encoder 21. The mechanical engagement between the latch 32 and the slot 212 further strengthens the connection between the knob and the encoder 21, ensuring that the knob will not disengage or shift under severe operation or long-term use. This structure not only ensures the firmness during use but also facilitates later maintenance and replacement. Disassembly and assembly can be achieved with slight force, improving the ease of product maintenance. The design of the latch 32 and the slot 212 ensures the closed-loop fixation of the entire rotating system, preventing accidental loosening. During the operation of the electric fan, even if vibration, collision, or temperature changes occur, the latch 32 and the slot 212 can still ensure the tight connection between the various components of the equipment, thereby maintaining the overall operational stability. This connection method can also further ensure the precision of the angle transmission between the encoder 21 and the knob, thereby achieving fine control of the fan's operating state.
[0031] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the electric fan switch structure further includes a decorative cover 40, and the switch knob 30 is provided with a through hole 33, with the decorative cover 40 inserted into the through hole 33.
[0032] In this embodiment, the switch knob 30 has a pre-drilled through hole 33 specifically for inserting the decorative cover 40. By inserting the decorative cover 40 into the through hole 33, it not only conceals the complex internal mechanical structure but also provides a more refined and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Besides its aesthetic effect, the decorative cover 40 also provides some degree of dust and moisture protection, safeguarding the internal encoder 21 and circuit board from external environmental interference. In addition to its decorative function, the decorative cover 40 can be combined with other control functions (such as touch and display) to give the product a modern feel while meeting the needs of multi-functional operation. The decorative cover 40 can be designed in a modular form, facilitating future upgrades or replacements to adapt to different product positioning requirements or styles.
[0033] In one possible implementation, a touch button is provided on the end face of the decorative cover 40.
[0034] In this embodiment, a touch button is provided on the end face of the decorative cover 40, typically using capacitive or resistive principles to detect user touch. Through the touch button, users can operate the fan by turning it on / off, switching modes, etc. Compared to traditional mechanical knobs, touch control is more convenient and sensitive. The design can incorporate anti-accidental touch technology to prevent misoperation due to environmental interference or unintentional touches, while ensuring touch sensitivity and response speed. The addition of the touch button also provides a foundation for subsequent intelligent upgrades, enabling linkage with microprocessors, sensors, and wireless communication modules to achieve smart home control. After a touch operation, feedback can be provided through sound, vibration, or LED light, giving users intuitive confirmation of the operation and enhancing the interactive experience. The touch button does not completely replace the knob, but rather complements it, allowing the product to perform optimally in different usage scenarios.
[0035] In one possible implementation, the decorative cover 40 is provided with an indicator light.
[0036] In this embodiment, the indicator light on the decorative cover 40 can be used to display the real-time operating status of the electric fan, such as the fan speed setting, operating mode, and timer status. The indicator light uses different colors or flashing frequencies to intuitively reflect the device status, helping users quickly identify the current operating mode. Besides serving as a status indicator, the indicator light also functions as a decoration, adding a sense of technology and modernity to the product. The indicator light can also be linked with touch buttons, sensors, and intelligent control systems to achieve dynamic display functions. When the user adjusts the fan speed or turns the device on / off, the indicator light can instantly reflect the change, enhancing the user's sense of control over the device's status. In addition to a single on / off indicator, the indicator light can also be designed for multi-mode displays, such as night mode and energy-saving mode, to meet the needs of different scenarios.
[0037] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A switch structure for an electric fan, characterized in that, include: The foot platform has mounting holes on its end face; A control board is disposed inside the foot platform, and an encoder is provided on the control board; A switch knob is inserted into the mounting hole and snapped into the encoder to drive the encoder to rotate; The inner wall of the switch knob is provided with at least two limiting ribs, and a limiting groove is formed between the two limiting ribs; The outer peripheral wall of the encoder is provided with a rib, which is engaged in the limiting groove; The end of the switch knob is also provided with a buckle, and the encoder is provided with a slot, and the buckle is engaged in the slot.
2. The electric fan switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric fan switch structure also includes a decorative cover, and the switch knob is provided with a through hole, into which the decorative cover is inserted.
3. The electric fan switch structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A touch button is provided on the end face of the decorative cover.
4. The electric fan switch structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The decorative cover is equipped with an indicator light.