Knob and roller ball dual adjustment button

By integrating a knob and a ball sensor module into a dual-adjustment button, the problems of large space occupation and poor aesthetics of traditional switches are solved, realizing the integration of dual adjustment functions, which is suitable for multi-functional appliances.

CN224288124UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-26李昊
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
李昊
Filing Date
2025-04-18
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional switches are mostly single-function, take up a lot of space, affect aesthetics, and require multiple switches to be arranged, especially in cars, which affects the simplicity of the center console.

Method used

Design a dual adjustment button integrating a knob and a ball. The knob and ball are connected to the control circuit board through a knob sensing module and a ball sensing module to realize dual adjustment function. The knob is rotated by sensing the rotation through a ring resistor track and a sliding contact, and the ball is moved by sensing the movement through an infrared sensor. The integrated microcontroller performs signal processing.

Benefits of technology

It integrates dual adjustment functions, reduces space occupation, enhances aesthetics, and is suitable for adjusting multi-functional electrical appliances.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN224288124U_ABST
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Abstract

This invention proposes a dual-adjustment button with a knob and a ball, comprising a base, a knob, a ball, a knob sensing module, a ball sensing module, and a control circuit board. The knob is movably mounted on the base, with a central storage hole. The ball is positioned within the storage hole. The knob is connected to the control circuit board via the knob sensing module, and the ball is connected to the control circuit board via the ball sensor module. This button integrates both a knob and a ball, allowing for independent control of each, thus achieving at least dual-adjustment functionality. The ball's placement in the center of the knob results in high integration, minimal space occupation, and a simple yet aesthetically pleasing design. This button, through the cooperation of the ball and knob, achieves both adjustment and on / off functions, offering a wider range of functionalities compared to existing switches and adaptable to the multi-functional adjustment of various electrical appliances.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of switch technology, and in particular to a dual adjustment button with a knob and a ball. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional switches are mostly push-button or rotary switches; rotary switches are less common in practical applications. A single switch typically controls only one function, such as turning an appliance on or off, adjusting volume, or adjusting brightness. Switches operate independently; if multiple functions need to be controlled, multiple switches are required, increasing space usage. In interior design, multiple switches necessitate multiple wall sockets, affecting aesthetics and increasing plumbing and electrical work. In the automotive industry, the increased number of buttons detracts from the simplicity and aesthetics of the center console. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to propose a button with high integration that can realize both switching and dual adjustment functions.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a dual adjustment button with a knob and a ball, including a base, a knob, a ball, a knob sensing module, a ball sensing module, and a control circuit board;

[0005] The knob is movably mounted on the base. There is a storage hole in the center of the knob, and the ball is placed in the storage hole. The knob is connected to the control circuit board via the knob sensing module, and the ball is connected to the control circuit board via the ball sensor module.

[0006] Furthermore, the base has a mounting hole in the middle, and the knob is movably mounted in the mounting hole via a bearing.

[0007] Furthermore, the knob sensing module includes a ring-shaped resistive track and a sliding contact;

[0008] An annular resistor track is located around the periphery of the mounting hole at the bottom of the base. One end of the sliding contact is connected to the knob, and the other end of the sliding contact is in contact with the resistor track. The resistance value is changed by moving the sliding contact on the resistor track. The resistor track is connected to the microcontroller signal in the control circuit board.

[0009] Furthermore, the diameter of the fitting hole matches the diameter of the ball, and an upper annular limiting plate is detachably provided at the upper end of the storage hole, and a lower annular limiting plate is detachably provided at the lower end of the storage hole; the diameter of the hole in the middle of the upper annular limiting plate and the lower annular limiting plate is smaller than the diameter of the ball, thus confining the ball within the storage hole.

[0010] A return spring is installed between the ball and the lower annular limiting plate. When the return spring is pressed down, the ball abuts against the middle through hole of the upper annular limiting plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the control circuit board is located below the base, and a micro switch is provided on the control circuit board facing directly below the ball; after pressing the ball, the bottom of the ball can contact the micro switch.

[0012] Furthermore, the rolling ball sensing module includes an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and an orthogonal sensor;

[0013] The infrared transmitter, infrared receiver, and quadrature sensor are all located on the control circuit board. The infrared transmitter emits infrared light towards the bottom of the ball, and the reflected infrared light is received by the infrared receiver. The infrared receiver is connected to the quadrature sensor to sense the movement of the ball. The quadrature sensor is connected to the microcontroller in the control circuit board.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface of the ball is provided with a grid or dot matrix to reflect infrared light.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0016] 1. The button of this utility model integrates two parts: a knob and a ball. The ball and the knob can be controlled independently, so at least dual adjustment functions can be achieved. The ball is set in the middle of the knob, which has a high degree of integration, small space occupation, and is simple and beautiful.

[0017] 2. The button of this utility model achieves the dual functions of adjustment and switching through the cooperation of ball and knob. Compared with existing switches, it has a wider range of functions and can be adapted to the multi-functional adjustment of various electrical appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the dual adjustment button with knob and ball in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the dual adjustment button with knob and ball in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the ball being placed inside the knob in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be further described below.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this utility model proposes a dual adjustment button with a knob 2 and a ball 3, which consists of a base 1, a knob 2, a ball 3, a knob sensing module, a ball sensing module, and a control circuit board 4.

[0023] The specific structure is as follows: Figure 2 As shown: In this embodiment, the base 1 is a traditional rectangular switch panel. In practical applications, the base 1 can also be designed as a circle or other shapes. The base 1 has a mounting hole in the middle, and the knob 2 is movably mounted in the mounting hole through a bearing. When used as an in-vehicle button, a mounting hole can be directly set on the center console as the base 1, and then the knob 2 can be directly mounted on the center console through a bearing.

[0024] A storage hole is provided in the center of knob 2, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the ball 3 is placed inside the storage hole. A ring-shaped limiting plate can be detachably installed at both the upper and lower ends of the storage hole. After the ball 3 is placed into the storage hole, the ring-shaped limiting plate is installed on both sides of the storage hole to restrict the ball 3 and prevent the ball 3 from sliding out of the storage hole. The diameter of the hole of the ring-shaped limiting plate is smaller than the diameter of the ball 3 so that the ball 3 can be effectively limited in the storage hole.

[0025] In this embodiment, the knob 2 is connected to the control circuit board 4 via the knob sensing module, and the ball 3 is connected to the control circuit board 4 via the ball 3 sensor module.

[0026] The specific structure is as follows: The knob sensing module includes a ring-shaped resistor track 7 and a sliding contact 8. The ring-shaped resistor track is located around the outer periphery of the mounting hole at the bottom of the base 1. One end of the sliding contact is connected to the knob 2, and the other end is in contact with the resistor track. The resistance value is changed by the movement of the sliding contact on the resistor track. The resistor track is connected to the microcontroller signal in the control circuit board 4. When the knob 2 rotates, the sliding contact moves on the resistor track, changing the resistance value. The rotation angle of the knob 2 is calculated by measuring the change in resistance value. The microcontroller converts the analog signal into a digital signal through an ADC (analog-to-digital converter).

[0027] The ball-sensing module includes an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver, and an orthogonal sensor (not shown in the figure), all integrated on the control circuit board 4. The infrared emitter emits infrared light towards the bottom of the ball 3. The infrared light reflected by the spherical surface of the ball 3 is received by the infrared receiver and then detected by the orthogonal sensor to indicate the movement of the ball 3. By analyzing the changes in the reflected light, the rolling direction and speed of the ball 3 are calculated. The microcontroller adjusts secondary parameters based on the sensor signals. In this embodiment, the ball-sensing module and the knob-sensing module share a single microcontroller. In this embodiment, to ensure the infrared reflection effect on the surface of the ball 3 and facilitate accurate identification, a grid or dot matrix is ​​provided on the surface of the ball 3 to reflect infrared light.

[0028] In this embodiment, the dual adjustment buttons of knob 2 and ball 3 can also function as a master switch. Specifically, a return spring 9 is installed between the ball 3 and the lower annular limiting plate 6. Under the contact of the return spring 9, the ball 3 abuts against the middle through hole of the upper annular limiting plate 5. The control circuit board 4 is located below the lower annular limiting plate 6. A micro switch (not shown) is provided on the control circuit board 4 directly below the ball 3. After pressing the ball 3, the bottom of the ball 3 can contact the micro switch. After releasing the ball 3, the ball 3 returns to its initial position under the action of the return spring.

[0029] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not constitute any limitation on this utility model. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions and contents disclosed in this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of this utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A knob and roller ball dual adjustment knob, characterized by, Includes a base, knob, ball, knob sensing module, ball sensing module, and control circuit board; The knob is movably mounted on the base, and a storage hole is provided in the center of the knob. The ball is placed in the storage hole. The knob is connected to the control circuit board via the knob sensing module, and the ball is connected to the control circuit board via the ball sensor module.

2. The knob and roller ball dual adjustment button of claim 1, wherein, The base has a mounting hole in the middle, and the knob is movably mounted in the mounting hole via a bearing.

3. The knob and roller ball dual adjustment button of claim 2, wherein, The knob sensing module includes a ring-shaped resistive track and a sliding contact; The annular resistor track is disposed around the outer periphery of the mounting hole at the bottom of the base. One end of the sliding contact is connected to the knob, and the other end of the sliding contact is in contact with the resistor track. The resistance value is changed by moving the sliding contact on the resistor track; The resistor rail is connected to the microcontroller signal in the control circuit board.

4. The knob and roller ball dual adjustment button of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the storage hole matches the diameter of the ball. An upper annular limiting plate is detachably provided at the upper end of the storage hole, and a lower annular limiting plate is detachably provided at the lower end of the storage hole. The diameter of the holes in the middle of the upper and lower annular limiting plates is smaller than the diameter of the ball, thus confining the ball within the storage hole. A return spring is installed between the ball and the lower annular limiting plate. Under the contact of the return spring, the ball abuts against the middle through hole of the upper annular limiting plate.

5. The knob and roller ball dual adjustment button of claim 4, wherein, The control circuit board is located below the base, and a micro switch is provided on the control circuit board facing directly below the ball; when the ball is pressed, the bottom of the ball can contact the micro switch.

6. The knob and roller ball dual adjustment knob of claim 1, wherein, The rolling ball sensing module includes an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and an orthogonal sensor; The infrared emitter, infrared receiver, and orthogonal sensor are all mounted on the control circuit board. The infrared emitter emits infrared light toward the bottom of the ball, and the reflected infrared light is received by the infrared receiver. The infrared receiver is connected to the orthogonal sensor to sense the movement of the ball. The orthogonal sensor is connected to the microcontroller in the control circuit board.

7. The dual adjustment button with knob and ball as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the rolling ball is provided with a grid or dot matrix to reflect infrared light.