A structure of an infinitely variable speed knob

Abstract

This utility model discloses a stepless speed-regulating knob structure, relating to the technical field of control components for food processing equipment, aiming to solve the problem of misalignment during knob reset in existing systems. The structure includes a circuit board, a knob module, an elastic element, and a deformation limiting element. The circuit board is connected to a potentiometer, and the knob module is connected to the potentiometer adjustment rod and rotates relative to the circuit board, allowing switching between a second position, a first position, and a third position arranged clockwise. When the knob module is in the first position, at least part of the knob module abuts against the deformation limiting element, and the elastic element abuts against the deformation limiting element, with the elastic element in a released, stored-force state. When the knob module is in the second position, the knob module separates from the deformation limiting element, and the knob module abuts against the elastic element, with the elastic element in a stored-force state. When the knob module rotates from the first position to the third position, the knob module can compress the deformation limiting element, causing deformation, and then rotate past the deformation limiting element to the third position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of control knob technology for food processing machines, and in particular to a stepless speed control knob structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing industry, food processors have become indispensable equipment in home kitchens and commercial catering establishments due to their efficient and convenient food processing capabilities. As a core operating component of a food processor, the control knob's structural design directly affects the ease of operation, speed adjustment accuracy, and user experience, making it a crucial element in ensuring stable operation and enabling diverse functions.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream food processor control knobs on the market primarily control the speed of the equipment through rotation, meeting the different speed requirements of various ingredients during processing. Based on the differences in speed control functions, existing control knobs mainly offer two methods: stepless speed regulation and maximum speed output. The maximum speed output function works as follows: when the control knob is rotated from its initial first position to a preset second position, a potentiometer associated with the knob generates a corresponding electrical signal. This signal is transmitted to the food processor's circuit board, which then controls the equipment to operate at its maximum speed to handle food processing scenarios requiring high-speed operation.

[0004] The implementation of stepless speed regulation is different. It requires gradually rotating the control knob from a first position to a preset third position. During the rotation of the knob from the first position to the third position, the user can stop rotating the knob at any time according to the actual processing needs. At this time, the potentiometer that works with the knob will output a corresponding electrical signal according to the current stop position of the knob. After receiving the electrical signal, the circuit board will control the food processor to operate at the speed corresponding to the electrical signal, thereby realizing the stepless speed regulation function and meeting the precise speed requirements of ingredients at different processing stages.

[0005] To ensure that the control knob automatically returns to the first position after the maximum speed output function is used, allowing the user to perform stepless speed regulation or other functions, existing technologies typically incorporate an elastic element (such as a return spring) in the control knob's mounting structure. This elastic element deforms and stores elastic potential energy when the control knob is rotated to the second position. When the user releases the knob, the elastic element releases this potential energy, thereby pushing the control knob back to the first position.

[0006] However, existing control knob reset structures lack a dedicated limiting structure for the process of the elastic element pushing the knob from the second position back to the first position. This design flaw leads to the elastic element releasing excessive potential energy to reset the knob, or slight interference from other components during the reset process, causing the knob to fail to precisely stop at the first position, resulting in a reset misalignment. This misalignment not only affects the accuracy of subsequent touch-sensitive operations (such as jogging start, jogging menu mode adjustment, etc.) when the control knob is in the first position, requiring users to repeatedly adjust the knob position to achieve the desired operation, reducing ease of use; it may also prevent the potentiometer from returning to its initial signal output state due to incomplete knob reset, leading to deviations in the electrical signals received by the circuit board, affecting the normal operation of the food processor, and potentially causing equipment malfunctions and other safety hazards. Therefore, the design of existing food processor control knob structures for reset accuracy still needs further improvement and optimization. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a stepless speed control knob structure.

[0008] A stepless speed control knob structure designed for this purpose includes a circuit board and a knob module; the circuit board is connected to a potentiometer, and the knob module is connected to the adjustment rod of the potentiometer and is rotatably disposed relative to the circuit board; it also includes an elastic element for driving the knob module to reset and a deformation limiting element for cooperating with and limiting the knob module. The knob module can rotate relative to the circuit board between a first position, a second position, and a third position; the second position, the first position, and the third position are arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction; The deformation limiting element is used to push the knob module to rotate from the second position to the first position; when the knob module is in the first position, the knob module is at least partially in contact with the deformation limiting element and the elastic element is in contact with the deformation limiting element, and the elastic element is in a released and stored state. When the knob module is in the second position, the knob module is separated from the deformation limiting element and the knob module abuts against the elastic element, and the elastic element is in a stored state; When the knob module rotates from the first position to the third position, the knob module can squeeze the deformation limiting element to cause the deformation limiting element to deform, and then rotate past the deformation limiting element to the third position.

[0009] Preferably, the knob module includes at least a knob housing and a rotating component connected to the knob housing, the rotating component being provided with a mating part that abuts against the deformation limiting element.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes an elastic positioning component; the knob housing is provided with a second positioning groove, a first positioning groove and a third positioning groove arranged in a clockwise direction; the elastic positioning component can be movably inserted into the second positioning groove, the first positioning groove or the third positioning groove.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic positioning component includes a positioning plug that is movable relative to the circuit board and a spring for driving the positioning plug to be inserted into the second positioning slot, the first positioning slot, or the third positioning slot.

[0012] Preferably, the circuit board is fixedly connected to a circuit board housing; the knob housing is rotatably disposed relative to the circuit board housing.

[0013] Preferably, the circuit board housing is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part; when the knob module is rotated to the second position, the knob module at least partially abuts against the first limiting part; when the knob module is rotated to the third position, the knob module at least partially abuts against the second limiting part.

[0014] Preferably, the knob housing is hollow inside and has an opening on the front; a fixing bracket is provided inside the knob housing, and a display element electrically connected to the circuit board is installed on the fixing bracket; a display cover is provided on the front side of the knob housing.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic element is a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed relative to the circuit board and the other end abuts against the knob module to push the knob module to rotate from the second position to the first position.

[0016] Preferably, the deformation limiting element is a rubber block.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this invention completely solves the defect of inaccurate knob reset in existing technologies by adding a deformation limiting element and cleverly designing its cooperation with the knob module and elastic element. When the knob module resets from the second position to the first position, the deformation limiting element can reliably abut and limit the knob module, while the elastic element is in a released and stored state in this state, avoiding the knob overshoot problem caused by excessive release of elastic potential energy. This design ensures that the knob module can accurately stop at the first position after each reset, effectively eliminating reset play and ensuring that subsequent touch-and-press operations when the knob is in the first position can be accurately triggered without the user repeatedly adjusting the knob position, significantly improving the convenience and accuracy of operation.

[0018] Meanwhile, the deformation limiting element combines limiting and deformable characteristics, perfectly adapting to the functional requirements of the knob module rotating in different directions. When the user needs to rotate the knob module from the first position to the third position to achieve stepless speed regulation, the knob module can directly squeeze the deformation limiting element, causing it to undergo adaptive deformation, and then smoothly pass over the deformation limiting element to continue rotating to the third position. The entire process is free of rigid obstruction, avoiding the rotation jamming problem that may be caused by traditional fixed limiting structures. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 This is one of the partial structural schematic diagrams of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a second partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model applied to a food processing machine. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0021] See Figures 1-7A stepless speed control knob structure includes a circuit board 10 and a knob module 30; the circuit board 10 is connected to a potentiometer 110, and the knob module 30 is connected to the adjustment rod of the potentiometer 110 and is rotatably disposed relative to the circuit board 10; it also includes an elastic element 50 for driving the knob module 30 to reset and a deformation limiting element 60 for cooperating with and limiting the knob module 30; the knob module 30 can rotate relative to the circuit board 10 between a first position, a second position, and a third position; the second position, the first position, and the third position are arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction; the deformation limiting element 60 is used to push the knob module 30 to rotate from the second position to the third position. In the first position, the knob module 30 is at least partially in contact with the deformation limiting element 60, and the elastic element 50 is in contact with the deformation limiting element 60, with the elastic element 50 in a released, stored state. In the second position, the knob module 30 is separated from the deformation limiting element 60, and the knob module 30 is in contact with the elastic element 50, with the elastic element 50 in a stored state. When the knob module 30 rotates from the first position to the third position, the knob module 30 can compress the deformation limiting element 60 to cause deformation of the deformation limiting element 60, and then rotate past the deformation limiting element 60 to the third position.

[0022] This stepless speed control knob structure achieves precise reset and smooth speed adjustment through the coordinated action of the circuit board 10, knob module 30, potentiometer 110, elastic element 50, and deformation limiting element 60. The specific operating principle is as follows: In the initial state, the knob module 30 is stably in the first position. At this time, the knob module 30 is at least partially in contact with the deformation limiting element 60. At the same time, the elastic element 50 is in contact with the deformation limiting element 60 and is in a state of releasing and storing force. The adjustment rod of the potentiometer 110 remains in the initial position. The circuit board 10 receives the initial electrical signal output by the potentiometer 110. The food processing machine maintains the standby or initial running state, which is convenient for the user to perform subsequent operations.

[0023] When the user needs to activate the maximum speed output function, the knob module 30 is rotated counterclockwise (since the second, first, and third positions are arranged clockwise in sequence, rotating from the first position to the second position is counterclockwise), causing the knob module 30 to rotate from the first position to the second position. During this process, the knob module 30 gradually separates from the deformation limiting element 60, and simultaneously forms contact with and compresses the elastic element 50, causing the elastic element 50 to change from a released, stored state to a stored state. Simultaneously, the knob module 30 drives the adjustment rod of the potentiometer 110 to rotate, and the potentiometer 110 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the maximum speed as the adjustment rod rotates. This electrical signal is transmitted to the circuit board 10, and the circuit board 10 controls the food processor to operate at the maximum speed state according to the signal.

[0024] When the user completes the operation at maximum speed and releases the knob module 30, the elastic element 50, which is in a stored state, begins to release its elastic potential energy, pushing the knob module 30 back to the first position. Simultaneously, the deformation limiting element 60 acts as a pusher, assisting the elastic element 50 in driving the knob module 30 to rotate until it returns to the first position. At this point, the knob module 30 again contacts the deformation limiting element 60, and the elastic element 50 returns to its released, stored state, completing the reset process and ensuring the knob module 30 accurately remains in the first position, preparing for subsequent operations.

[0025] When the user needs to perform stepless speed adjustment, they rotate the knob module 30 clockwise from the first position to the third position. Initially, the knob module 30 is pressed against the deformation limiting element 60. Because the deformation limiting element 60 has deformable characteristics, it undergoes adaptive deformation after being pressed, providing rotation space for the knob module 30. As the knob module 30 continues to rotate, it smoothly passes the deformation limiting element 60 and continues to rotate towards the third position. During this process, the user can stop rotating the knob module 30 at any time according to the food processing needs. After the knob module 30 stops rotating, the adjustment lever of the potentiometer 110 stops at the corresponding position. The potentiometer 110 outputs an electrical signal matching that position. After receiving the signal, the circuit board 10 controls the food processor to operate at the corresponding speed, achieving stepless speed adjustment. If the speed needs to be adjusted, simply continue rotating or rotate the knob module 30 in the opposite direction; the operation is flexible and convenient.

[0026] See Figures 2 to 4The knob module 30 includes at least a knob housing 310 and a rotating component 40 connected to the knob housing 310. The rotating component 40 is provided with a mating part 410 that abuts against the deformation limiting element 60. The knob housing 310 in the knob module 30 serves as the component directly operated by the user, providing a convenient gripping and rotating operating medium. The user can easily switch positions by rotating the knob housing 310, thus driving the entire knob module 30. The rotating component 40, connected to it, bears the responsibility of force and motion transmission. It rotates synchronously with the knob housing 310 and, through its cooperation with the potentiometer 110 adjustment rod, drives the adjustment rod to rotate, thereby changing the electrical signal output of the potentiometer 110. The rotating component 40 is connected to the potentiometer 110 adjustment rod using existing connection methods, such as plug-in connections.

[0027] See Figures 2 to 6 It also includes an elastic positioning component 70; the knob housing 310 is provided with a second positioning groove 312, a first positioning groove 311 and a third positioning groove 313 arranged in a clockwise direction; the elastic positioning component 70 can be movably inserted into the second positioning groove 312 or the first positioning groove 311 or the third positioning groove 313.

[0028] The elastic positioning component 70 cooperates with the positioning groove on the knob housing 310, providing crucial assurance for the position positioning, function switching prompts, and smooth reset of the knob module 30. Its specific functions are as follows: On the one hand, it can be inserted and engaged with the corresponding positioning slot as the knob rotates, achieving precise positioning and function mode switching: when the knob is rotated to the initial first position, the elastic positioning component 70 is movably inserted into the first positioning slot 311, ensuring that the knob is stably stationed in the initial position, laying the foundation for subsequent operations; when the knob is rotated to the corresponding position for entering the stepless speed regulation mode, the elastic positioning component 70 is inserted into the second positioning slot 312, at which time the knob smoothly switches to the stepless speed regulation mode, meeting the user's adjustment needs for different speeds; when the knob is rotated to the second position, the elastic positioning component 70 is inserted into the third positioning slot 313, so that the knob is stably stationed in that position to achieve the corresponding function.

[0029] On the other hand, during the process of the flexible positioning component 70 being inserted into each positioning slot, a "click" insertion sound will be produced. This prompt sound allows the user to clearly perceive through hearing that the knob has been accurately turned to the target position without relying on visual observation, thus improving the intuitiveness and convenience of operation.

[0030] Furthermore, since the elastic force of the elastic positioning component 70 is less than that of the elastic element 50, even if the elastic positioning component 70 and the positioning groove are in a plug-in engagement state, it will not obstruct the reset process of the knob from the second position to the first position, thus ensuring the smoothness of the reset operation and balancing the stable realization of the position positioning and reset functions.

[0031] See Figures 3 to 6 The elastic positioning component 70 includes a positioning plug 710 that is movable relative to the circuit board 10 and a spring 720 for driving the positioning plug 710 to insert into the second positioning slot 312, the first positioning slot 311, or the third positioning slot 313. The positioning plug 710 in the elastic positioning component 70 is movable relative to the circuit board 10 and is the core component that directly inserts into the second positioning slot 312, the first positioning slot 311, and the third positioning slot 313 on the knob housing 310. Through insertion, it achieves precise positioning of the knob module 30 in the corresponding position and simultaneously generates a "tick" sound during the insertion process. The spring 720 provides a continuous driving force to the positioning plug 710, ensuring that the positioning plug 710 can be stably inserted into each positioning slot, guaranteeing the positioning effect. Furthermore, its elastic force is less than that of the elastic element 50, so it will not hinder the knob from resetting from the second position to the first position, balancing smooth positioning and resetting.

[0032] In this utility model, the circuit board 10 is fixedly connected to the circuit board housing 20; the knob housing 310 is rotatably disposed relative to the circuit board housing 20.

[0033] See Figure 6 The circuit board housing 20 is provided with a first limiting part 810 and a second limiting part 820; when the knob module 30 is rotated to the second position, the knob module 30 at least partially abuts against the first limiting part 810 for limiting; when the knob module 30 is rotated to the third position, the knob module 30 at least partially abuts against the second limiting part 820 for limiting.

[0034] Specifically, the rotation range of the knob module 30 can be constrained by the mating part 410 abutting against the first limiting part 810 or the second limiting part 820.

[0035] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The knob housing 310 is hollow inside and has an opening on the front side; a fixing bracket 320 is provided inside the knob housing 310, and a display element 330 electrically connected to the circuit board 10 is mounted on the fixing bracket 320; a display cover 340 is provided on the front side of the knob housing 310. The display element 330 can be an existing digital tube PCB.

[0036] In this invention, the elastic element 50 is a torsion spring. One end of the torsion spring is fixed relative to the circuit board 10, and the other end abuts against the knob module 30 to push the knob module 30 to rotate from the second position to the first position.

[0037] In this invention, the deformation limiting element 60 is a rubber block.

[0038] See Figure 7 In this stepless speed control knob structure, the circuit board 10 and the circuit board housing 20 are fixed to the food processing machine 90, while the knob module 30 is rotated relative to the food processing machine 90.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., 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 utility model and simplifying the description, and do not 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0040] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A stepless speed control knob structure, comprising a circuit board (10) and a knob module (30); the circuit board (10) is connected to a potentiometer (110), and the knob module (30) is connected to the adjustment rod of the potentiometer (110) and is rotatably configured relative to the circuit board (10); characterized in that: It also includes an elastic element (50) for driving the knob module (30) to reset and a deformation limiting element (60) for engaging and limiting the knob module (30). The knob module (30) can rotate relative to the circuit board (10) between a first position, a second position, and a third position; the second position, the first position, and the third position are arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction; The deformation limiting element (60) is used to push the knob module (30) to rotate from the second position to the first position; when the knob module (30) is in the first position, the knob module (30) is at least partially in contact with the deformation limiting element (60) and the elastic element (50) is in contact with the deformation limiting element (60), and the elastic element (50) is in a released and stored state; When the knob module (30) is in the second position, the knob module (30) is separated from the deformation limiting element (60) and the knob module (30) abuts against the elastic element (50), and the elastic element (50) is in a charged state; When the knob module (30) rotates from the first position to the third position, the knob module (30) can squeeze the deformation limiting element (60) to cause the deformation limiting element (60) to deform, and then rotate past the deformation limiting element (60) to the third position.

2. The stepless speed control knob structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob module (30) includes at least a knob housing (310) and a rotating member (40) connected to the knob housing (310). The rotating member (40) is provided with a mating part (410) that abuts against the deformation limiting element (60).

3. The stepless speed control knob structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a flexible positioning component (70); The knob housing (310) is provided with a second positioning groove (312), a first positioning groove (311) and a third positioning groove (313) arranged in a clockwise direction. The elastic positioning component (70) can be movably inserted into the second positioning slot (312), the first positioning slot (311), or the third positioning slot (313).

4. The stepless speed control knob structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic positioning component (70) includes a positioning plug (710) that is movable relative to the circuit board (10) and a spring (720) for driving the positioning plug (710) to be inserted into the second positioning slot (312), the first positioning slot (311), or the third positioning slot (313).

5. A stepless speed control knob structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The circuit board (10) is fixedly connected to the circuit board housing (20); the knob housing (310) is rotatably disposed relative to the circuit board housing (20).

6. The stepless speed control knob structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The circuit board housing (20) is provided with a first limiting part (810) and a second limiting part (820). When the knob module (30) is rotated to the second position, the knob module (30) at least partially abuts against and is limited by the first limiting part (810); When the knob module (30) is rotated to the third position, the knob module (30) at least partially abuts against and is limited by the second limiting part (820).

7. A stepless speed control knob structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The knob housing (310) is hollow inside and has an opening on the front side; The knob housing (310) has a fixed bracket (320) inside, and the fixed bracket (320) is equipped with a display element (330) that is electrically connected to the circuit board (10); the knob housing (310) has a display cover (340) on the front side.

8. A stepless speed control knob structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The elastic element (50) is a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed relative to the circuit board (10) and the other end abuts against the knob module (30) to push the knob module (30) to rotate from the second position to the first position.

9. A stepless speed control knob structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The deformation limiting element (60) is a rubber block.

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