Product Description
Hemispheric Ball Plunger
●Product Overview
A Hemispheric Ball Plunger, also commonly known as a Spring-Loaded Ball Plunger, Detent Plunger, or Ball Lock Pin, is a widely used precision mechanical component. It integrates a spring, a ball (typically a steel ball), and a threaded housing into a single, self-contained assembly. An internal spring exerts constant pressure on the hemispherically-tipped ball, forcing it to protrude partially from the housing.
Its primary functions are positioning, locking, limiting movement, and providing tactile feedback. When an external force is applied, the ball retracts into the housing, and once the force is removed, the spring automatically returns it to its original position. This distinct "click" action makes it an ideal solution for achieving precise indexing and simple, reliable latching.
●Key Features
Precise Positioning:
The most common function. It ensures two components (e.g., covers, doors, jigs, index plates) align accurately at pre-defined points during closure or movement. The ball engages with a corresponding detent (recessed hole) on the mating part, providing secure and repeatable physical registration.
Limiting & Locking:
Prevents unintended sliding or movement of components. It is often used in drawers, linear slides, and adjustable brackets to provide a defined holding force, preventing accidental disengagement.
Tactile & Audible Feedback:
As the ball snaps into or out of a detent, it produces a clear "click" sensation and sound. This provides unambiguous operational confirmation to the user, significantly enhancing the human-machine interface and overall user experience of a device. Common in joysticks, knobs, and folding mechanisms.
Torque Limitation & Overload Protection:
In drive or linkage mechanisms, the spring force of the plunger can be set to a specific "slip" threshold. If the torque or force exceeds this set value, the ball will disengage from the detent, thereby protecting more sensitive components from damage.
●Application Scenarios
Industrial Machinery & Fixturing:
Quick-change mold and tooling positioning.
Modular fixture location and locking.
Positioning for machine tool doors and safety guards.
Electronics & Instrumentation:
Indexing and detent feel for camera gimbals and tripod heads.
Rotational indexing in control knobs (e.g., audio equipment, oscilloscopes).
Alignment and closure for instrument case covers.
Automotive & Aerospace:
Detent feel for gear selection in joysticks and levers.
Position locking for adjustable seats and steering columns.
Indexed opening for interior components (e.g., storage bins, armrests).
Furniture & Consumer Goods:
End-stop positioning for sliding drawers.
Positioning and locking for folding tables and chairs.
Positive closure for cabinet doors.
Sports Equipment & Outdoor Gear:
Length adjustment locks for trekking poles.
Quick-connect and positioning mechanisms for folding bicycles and tent poles.
We can design a special customized solution for you based on your actual usage scenarios. Welcome to consult.
