Signal generating device with display module

Abstract

A signal generating device with a display module includes a circuit board, a display module, and a press signal generating unit. The press signal generating unit has a signal trigger, a support tube connected to the circuit board, and a support for mounting the display module. The support has a platform for supporting the display module, a support column extending from the platform and abutting the signal trigger, and a plurality of limiting claws distributed on the platform and capable of hooking onto the support tube. The press signal generating unit has a first state in which, when the support is subjected to force, the direction of movement of the support is restricted by the limiting claws and the support column triggers the signal trigger; and a second state in which, when the support stops being subjected to force, the support is pushed back by the signal trigger and forms a connection with the support tube by the limiting claws.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a signal generating device, and more particularly to a signal generating device with a display module. [Previous Technology]

[0002] With the evolution of technology, many electronic products and multimedia devices now feature control knobs on their control panels. These control knobs typically include display modules, thus possessing display capabilities. Based on the control panel's operation, the control knob emits light corresponding to the control of the control panel, thereby displaying the information intended to be shown. Simultaneously, the control knob can also act as the controller of the control panel. The control knob emits control signals based on the direction of force applied, causing the control panel to produce a control effect similar to direct touch control. For example, when the control knob receives a downward force, it generates a pressing signal, causing the control panel to produce a "click" control effect. When the control knob receives a rotating force, it generates a rotation signal, causing the control panel to produce a "selection," "page turning," or other cursor-like control effects.

[0003] Current operating knobs are disclosed in patents such as CN 220873462U, CN 218995947U, CN 217507175U, CN 213815935U, CN 212230315U, CN 114843134A, and CN 112164612A. However, the aforementioned operating knobs have unstable structures, which can easily lead to incorrect displacement of the internal structure after the user applies force, resulting in unstable operation. When the user operates the aforementioned operating knobs, a specific position needs to be clicked or greater force needs to be applied to generate a pressing signal, which is not conducive to operation. Furthermore, current operating knobs generally have complex structures, making assembly difficult. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to solve the problem of unstable operation of conventional signal generating devices.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to solve the problem of the complex structure of conventional signal generating devices.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a signal generating device with a display module, which can generate a pressing signal when subjected to force. The signal generating device includes a circuit board, a display module powered by the circuit board, and a press signal generating unit. The press signal generating unit has a signal trigger disposed on the circuit board and capable of generating the press signal, a support tube connected to the circuit board and housing the signal trigger therein, and a support for housing the display module. The support has a platform for supporting the display module, a support column extending from the platform and abutting the signal trigger, and a plurality of limiting claws distributed on the platform and capable of hooking onto the support tube. The press signal generating unit has a first state in which, when the support is subjected to force, the direction of movement of the support is restricted by the limiting claws and the support column triggers the signal trigger, and a second state in which, when the support is no longer subjected to force, the support is pushed back by the signal trigger and forms a connection relationship with the support tube by the limiting claws.

[0007] In one embodiment, the support tube has a tube body fixed to the circuit board and a limiting ring disposed on the side of the tube body away from the circuit board and providing the limiting claws for connection.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the limiting claws has an extension arm extending from the platform toward the limiting ring, and a barb connecting the extension arm and being connectable to the limiting ring, the length of the extension arm being consistent with a trigger distance of the bearing.

[0009] In one embodiment, the limiting claws equally divide the circumference of the stage.

[0010] In one embodiment, the limiting ring and the platform are respectively provided with at least one opening and at least one guide post.

[0011] In one embodiment, the support tube has a partition disposed within the tube body, the partition being formed with a perforation for the support column to be disposed therein.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support tube has a positioning auxiliary wall extending from one side of the partition, the positioning auxiliary wall being disposed around the perforation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display module has at least one electrical line connected to the circuit board, and the platform is formed with a through hole through which the at least one electrical line passes.

[0014] In one embodiment, the stage is formed into a groove for accommodating the at least one electrical wire.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one electrical wire is a flexible flat cable, and the support tube is formed to provide a clearance groove for the flexible flat cable.

[0016] In one embodiment, the signal trigger has an elastic return capability. When the signal trigger drives the support column to return, the pressing signal generating unit switches from the first state to the second state.

[0017] In one embodiment, the signal generating device includes a rotation signal generating unit connected to the circuit board and capable of generating a rotation signal. The rotation signal generating unit has an encoder disposed on the circuit board and surrounding the signal trigger, and an operating ring connected to the bearing and capable of rotating relative to the encoder.

[0018] In one embodiment, the signal generating device has a protective cover stacked on the display module.

[0019] In one embodiment, the operating ring has a platform disposed on the stage, a first ring wall connected to the platform and surrounding the stage, and a second ring wall connected to the first ring wall and surrounding the protective cover.

[0020] As disclosed in the foregoing invention, compared with conventional technology, the present invention has the following characteristics: The limiting claws of the present invention are arranged on the platform, thereby providing multi-directional assistance to the platform. When the pressing signal generating unit switches between the first state and the second state, the limiting claws together restrict the displacement direction of the platform, preventing the platform from erroneously shifting and solving the problem of only being able to bear force at a single point in the past. Furthermore, through the present invention, the operation of the signal generating device does not affect the display of the display module.

Implementation Method

[0021] The detailed description and technical content of the present invention are explained below with reference to the drawings:

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. The present invention provides a signal generating device 10. When the signal generating device 10 is subjected to force, it can generate a pressing signal. The direction of the force on the signal generating device 10 is shown by the arrow in Figure 5. The pressing signal can provide a control effect similar to cursor clicking for an electronic product.

[0023] The signal generating device 10 includes a circuit board 11, a display module 12, and a press signal generating unit 13. The circuit board 11 serves as the power provider for the signal generating device 10 and, when the signal generating device 10 is used in conjunction with other electronic products, can transmit the press signal to those electronic products. The display module 12 obtains power from the circuit board 11 and can emit light based on the control of the circuit board 11. More specifically, the emitted light can be a simple change in lighting effects or information displayed based on the control of the electronic product.

[0024] The press signal generating unit 13 is located above the circuit board 11 and is used to generate the press signal. The press signal generating unit 13 has a signal trigger 131, a support tube 132, and a holder 133. The signal trigger 131 is disposed on the circuit board 11, and the press signal is generated when the signal trigger 131 is triggered. Specifically, the signal trigger 131 has an elastic return capability. When the signal trigger 131 is pressed under force, it emits the press signal, and returns to its original position when the force is stopped, no longer emitting the press signal. The transmission of the press signal can be determined based on factory settings. The press signal can be transmitted only once in a single press time, or it can be transmitted continuously in a single press time. The support tube 132 is connected to the circuit board 11 and is arranged around the signal trigger 131, with the signal trigger 131 disposed therein. The support 133 faces the support tube 132 and provides a mounting for the display module 12. The support 133 has a platform 134, a support column 135, and a plurality of limiting claws 136. The platform 134 supports the display module 12, exposing it to the surface of the signal generating device 10, so that the light emitted by the display module 12 can be observed from the outside of the signal generating device 10. The support column 135 extends from one side of the platform 134 toward the circuit board 11, with one end abutting against the signal trigger 131 to support the platform 134. It should be noted, and referring to Figures 4 and 5, that when the support column 135 is not under force, it does not press against the signal trigger 131, but only contacts it; it only presses against the signal trigger 131 when the support column 135 is under force. The limiting claws 136 are distributed on the platform 134 and can hook onto the support tube 132. These limiting claws 136 are used to maintain the connection between the bearing 133 and the support tube 132. In simpler terms, when these limiting claws 136 hook onto the support tube 132, they only restrict the structural connection between the bearing 133 and the support tube 132, and do not restrict the displacement of the bearing 133 relative to the support tube 132.

[0025] Continuing from above, please refer to Figures 4 and 5. The pressing signal generating unit 13 has a first state when the bearing 133 is under force, and a second state when the bearing 133 stops being under force. In the first state, the bearing 133 moves toward the circuit board 11, and during the movement process, the direction of movement is restricted by the limiting claws 136. At the same time, the support column 135 presses the signal trigger 131, triggering the signal trigger 131 to generate the pressing signal. In the second state, the signal trigger 131 returns to its original position and drives the support column 135. The bearing 133 is pushed in the opposite direction by the signal trigger 131, and the bearing 133 is hooked onto the support tube 132 again by the limiting claws 136, forming a connection with the support tube 132.

[0026] In actual implementation, when the pressing signal generating unit 13 is not operated, the bearing 133 is not under force, and therefore the pressing signal generating unit 13 is in the second state. Once the signal generating device 10 is pressed, the bearing 133 is under force, and the pressing signal generating unit 13 changes from the second state to the first state. When the pressing signal generating unit 13 is no longer pressed, the bearing 133 stops being under force, and the pressing signal generating unit 13 returns from the first state to the second state.

[0027] As described above, the limiting claws 136 of the present invention are arranged on the platform 134, thereby providing multi-directional assistance to the platform 134. When the pressing signal generating unit 13 switches between the first state and the second state, the limiting claws 136 can make the structure of the pressing signal generating unit 13 more stable, solving the problem that it can only be subjected to force at a single point in the past. Specifically, when the platform 134 is subjected to force, the limiting claws 136 together restrict the displacement direction of the platform 134, thereby preventing the platform 134 from deviating erroneously. When the platform 134 stops being subjected to force, the limiting claws 136 hook onto the support tube 132 again, together stably maintaining the connection between the platform 134 and the support tube 132. In addition to the above, the signal generating device 10 implemented according to the present invention does not affect the display of the display module 12 before and after operation.

[0028] Referring again to Figures 2 to 4, in one embodiment, the support tube 132 has a tube body 137 and a limiting ring 138. The tube body 137 is fixed to the circuit board 11 and the support column 135 is provided therein. The limiting ring 138 is connected to the end of the tube body 137 away from the circuit board 11 and the limiting claws 136 are provided for connection.

[0029] In another embodiment, referring again to Figures 2 to 4, each of the limiting claws 136 has an extension arm 139 and a barb 140. The extension arm 139 extends from the platform 134 toward the limiting ring 138, and the barb 140 connects to the extension arm 139 and can be connected to the limiting ring 138. In this embodiment, the extension arm 139 is located at the outer edge of the limiting ring 138 and limits the displacement direction of the bearing 133 when the bearing 133 is displaced. Furthermore, the displacement distance required for the bearing 133 to trigger the signal trigger 131 to generate the pressing signal after being subjected to force by the support column 135 is defined as a trigger distance. The length of the extension arm 139 matches the trigger distance of the bearing 133, so that the displacement process of the bearing 133 can be guided by the extension arm 139. In another embodiment, and referring to Figure 6, the limiting claws 136 of the present invention provide stable multi-directional positioning and guidance for the support 133. These limiting claws 136 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the platform 134. In this embodiment, the number of limiting claws 136 is greater than or equal to four, and these limiting claws 136 are arranged around the support column 135. When the support column 135 presses against the signal trigger 131, these limiting claws 136 can assist in stabilizing the support column 135.

[0030] In addition to the foregoing, to assist the displacement of the support 133, in one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting ring 138 and the platform 134 are respectively provided with at least one opening 141 and at least one guide post 142. The at least one guide post 142 passes through the at least one opening 141 and can be displaced along the at least one opening 141. In the embodiment shown in FIG2 of this document, the at least one opening 141 is provided on the limiting ring 138, and the at least one guide post 142 is provided on the platform 134.

[0031] In another embodiment, the support tube 132 has a partition 143 disposed in the tube body 137 and formed with a through hole 144. The through hole 144 provides a space for the support column 135 to be disposed therein and guides the displacement of the support column 135, thereby helping to limit the displacement of the bearing 133. Further, the support tube 132 also has a positioning auxiliary wall 145 extending from one side of the partition 143 and arranged around the through hole 144. The horizontal height of the positioning auxiliary wall 145 is higher than that of the partition 143 to help limit the displacement of the support column 135.

[0032] Continuing from the above, in one embodiment, the signal generating device 10 has at least one sealing ring 16 disposed in the tube body 137 of the support tube 132. The at least one sealing ring 16 is sleeved on the outside of the support column 135 and disposed in the through hole 144 to provide a sealing and waterproof effect.

[0033] On another note, referring to Figures 2 to 4, the display module 12 has at least one electrical line 121, which connects to the circuit board 11 to obtain power. The platform 134 has a through hole 146, which provides for the at least one electrical line 121 to pass through. In one embodiment, the platform 134 has a groove 147, which accommodates the at least one electrical line 121 to achieve the purpose of storing the at least one electrical line 121. In another embodiment, when the at least one electrical line 121 is implemented as a flexible flat cable, the support tube 132 has a recessed groove 148, which provides for the flexible flat cable to be disposed therein, so as to avoid the flexible flat cable interfering with the tube body 137 of the support tube 132. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexible flat cable has at least one bend 122 so that both ends of the flexible flat cable are respectively connected to the circuit board 11 and the display module 12.

[0034] In addition, to limit the position of the display module 12 on the platform 134, in one embodiment, the platform 134 has a supporting surface 149 for supporting the display module 12, and the platform 134 forms a positioning wall 150 disposed on the supporting surface 149, the positioning wall 150 surrounding the display module 12. In another embodiment, the display module 12 has a frame 123 located on the top surface of the display module 12, opposite to the supporting surface 149. In yet another embodiment, to protect the display module 12, the signal generating device 10 has a protective cover 17, the protective cover 17 is stacked on the display module 12, the material of the protective cover 17 allows light from the display module 12 to pass through, so that the light from the display module 12 can be observed from the outside of the signal generating device 10.

[0035] In addition to the foregoing, please refer to Figures 2 and 4. The signal generating device 10 of the present invention further includes a rotation signal generating unit 18, which is located on the circuit board 11 and is used to generate a rotation signal. The rotation signal generating unit 18 has an encoder 181 and an operating ring 182. The operating ring 182 connects the encoder 181 and the support 133. The encoder 181 has a body 186 connected to the circuit board 11 and a rotating member 187 disposed on the body 186 and driven by the operating ring 182. The body 186 is arranged around the signal trigger member 131. The rotating member 187 is connected to the operating ring 182 and can rotate relative to the body 186 after being driven, so that the body 186 determines the output rotation signal based on the rotation angle of the operating ring 182. In actual operation, the rotation angle of the operating ring 182 can be determined by the displacement of a certain point 188.

[0036] Continuing from the above, in one embodiment, the encoder 181 provides a support tube 132 disposed therein, the support tube 132 being formed with at least one limiting rib 151, the at least one limiting rib 151 cooperating with the encoder 181 to restrict the rotation of the support tube 132 relative to the encoder 181. In another embodiment, the operating ring 182 has a platform 183, a first ring wall 184 and a second ring wall 185, the platform 183 being disposed facing the platform 134, the first ring wall 184 being connected to the platform 183 and disposed around the platform 134, the first ring wall 184 providing a limiting effect on the platform 134, and the second ring wall 185 being connected to the first ring wall 184 and disposed around the protective cover 17, the second ring wall 185 providing a limiting effect on the protective cover 17. In this embodiment, the second ring wall 185 is at a higher horizontal height than the first ring wall 184, and the diameter of the second ring wall 185 is also larger than that of the first ring wall 184. It should be explained that the first ring wall 184 and the second ring wall 185 only provide basic positioning and are not used to fix the platform 134 and the protective cover 17. In other words, when the operating ring 182 rotates, it will rotate relative to the platform 134 and the protective cover 17, without affecting the display of the display module 12.

[0037] In addition, the operating ring 182 and the rotating member 187 of the present invention are respectively provided with at least one connecting groove 189 and at least one connecting hook 190. The at least one connecting hook 190 is disposed in the at least one connecting groove 189, so that the operating ring 182 can stably drive the rotating member 187 when subjected to force. In another embodiment, the signal generating device 10 further includes a base 19, on which the circuit board 11 is disposed for connection to the electronic product implemented thereon. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an actuation diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of line segment AA in Figure 4.

Claims

1. A signal generating device with a display module, the signal generating device generating a press signal when subjected to force, the signal generating device comprising: a circuit board; A display module receives power from a circuit board; and a press signal generating unit having a signal trigger disposed on the circuit board and capable of generating the press signal, a support tube connected to the circuit board and housing the signal trigger therein, and a support for housing the display module, the support having a platform for supporting the display module, a support column extending from the platform and abutting the signal trigger, and a plurality of limiting claws distributed on the platform and capable of hooking onto the support tube, the press signal generating unit having a first state in which the support is restricted in its direction of movement by the limiting claws and the support column triggers the signal trigger when the support is subjected to force, and a second state in which the support is pushed back by the signal trigger when the support stops being subjected to force and forms a connection relationship with the support tube by the limiting claws, the support tube having a tube body fixed to the circuit board, and a limiting ring disposed on the side of the tube body away from the circuit board and connected to the limiting claws.

2. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the limiting claws has an extension arm extending from the platform toward the limiting ring, and a barb connecting the extension arm and the limiting ring, the length of the extension arm being consistent with a trigger distance of the bearing.

3. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 2, wherein, These limiting claws evenly divide the circumference of the platform.

4. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 2, wherein, The limiting ring and the platform are each provided with at least one opening and at least one guide post.

5. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 1, wherein, The support tube has a partition disposed within the tube body, the partition being formed with a perforation for the support column to be disposed therein.

6. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 5, wherein, The support tube has a positioning auxiliary wall extending from one side of the partition, the positioning auxiliary wall being arranged around the perforation.

7. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The display module has at least one electrical line connected to the circuit board, and the stage is formed with a through hole through which the at least one electrical line passes.

8. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 7, wherein, The stage is formed into a groove for accommodating the at least one electrical wire.

9. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 8, wherein, The at least one electrical wire is a flexible flat cable, and the support tube is formed to provide a recessed groove for the flexible flat cable.

10. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The signal trigger has an elastic return capability. When the signal trigger drives the support column to return, it causes the pressing signal generating unit to switch from the first state to the second state.

11. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The signal generating device includes a rotation signal generating unit connected to the circuit board and capable of generating a rotation signal. The rotation signal generating unit has an encoder disposed on the circuit board and surrounding the signal trigger, and an operating ring connected to the bearing and capable of rotating relative to the encoder.

12. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 11, wherein, The signal generating device has a protective cover stacked on the display module.

13. The signal generating apparatus with a display module as described in claim 12, wherein, The operating ring has a platform with one side facing the stage, a first ring wall connecting the platform and surrounding the stage, and a second ring wall connecting the first ring wall and surrounding the protective cover.

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