Low-friction abnormal sound knob key, dial and electronic watch

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of wearable smart terminal, especially to a low-friction abnormal sound knob button, watch dial and electronic watch, comprising a watch case and a knob button, the watch case is provided with a button channel communicating with the inside of the watch case, the inside of the watch case is fixedly provided with a switch module and an elastic sheet, and the knob button is rotationally arranged with a button inner sleeve between the watch case and the knob button, wherein the elastic sheet provides a resetting elastic force when the knob button is pressed, the elastic sheet does not rub against the inside of the watch case and does not produce abnormal sound, the knob button is pressed to make the elastic sheet deform and abut against the switch module, so that the switch module is touched, the knob button is released, the elastic sheet is reset to make the knob button return to the original state, the button inner sleeve rotates between the watch case and the knob button when the knob button is rotated, the friction between the knob button and the watch case is reduced, and the problem that the existing design causes abnormal sound due to the friction between the bevel of the spring end surface and the knob button, the bar pipe or the watch case when the knob button is rotated is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wearable smart terminal technology, and in particular to a low-friction, noisy rotary knob, dial, and electronic watch. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development and popularization of digital control technology, more and more wearable smart terminals are appearing on the market. Wearable smart terminals generally have multiple functions such as taking pictures, making calls, checking the time, and recording exercise, bringing significant changes to our lives and perceptions. Since the interaction of wearable smart terminals is generally achieved through function buttons, the requirements for the lifespan and tactile feel of these buttons are becoming increasingly stringent. Improving button lifespan and user experience also has a significant impact on enhancing product competitiveness.

[0003] Taking a smartwatch as an example, a smartwatch includes a watch case, a display screen mounted on the watch case, a knob / button mounted on the outer edge of the watch case, and a camera. The knob / button is reset by a reset component, such as a spring. However, the end faces of the spring have sharp angles. When the knob / button is turned, the sharp angles of the end faces of the spring can rub against the knob / button, the dial, or the watch case, causing abnormal noise. Therefore, it is necessary to improve this feature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies where the sharp angles at both ends of the spring rub against the knob / button, lever, or watch case, causing abnormal noise when rotating the knob / button. This invention provides a low-friction, low-noise knob / button, dial, and electronic watch. A spring provides a reset force when the knob / button is pressed. The spring has no friction with the inside of the watch case, thus preventing abnormal noise. Pressing the knob / button deforms the spring, causing it to contact the switch module, activating the switch module. Releasing the knob / button resets the spring, returning the knob / button to its original state. Rotating the knob / button causes the inner sleeve to rotate between the watch case and the knob / button, reducing friction between the knob / button and the watch case. This avoids the problem of abnormal noise caused by friction between the sharp angles at both ends of the spring and the knob / button, lever, or watch case in existing designs that rely on spring reset.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a low-friction, noisy rotary button, comprising a watch case and a rotary button. The watch case is provided with a button channel communicating with the interior of the watch case. A switch module and a spring are fixedly disposed inside the watch case. The switch module and the spring are spaced apart. The rotary button at least partially passes through the button channel and abuts against the spring. A button inner sleeve is rotatably disposed between the rotary button and the watch case.

[0006] Preferably, the knob button includes a pressing part and a transmission part. The transmission part passes through the button channel and abuts against the spring. The transmission part extends at least partially out of the button channel. The pressing part is connected to the portion of the transmission part that is exposed outside the button channel. The button inner sleeve is disposed on the inner side of the pressing part.

[0007] Preferably, the transmission part is provided with a gasket, which abuts against the inside of the key channel to keep the transmission part in the key channel.

[0008] Preferably, the knob button further includes a light-sensitive nut, one end of which abuts against the spring contact, and the other end of which is connected to the transmission part. An optical sensor is provided inside the watch case to identify the state of the light-sensitive nut.

[0009] Preferably, the transmission part is provided with a first groove and a second groove, a waterproof O-ring is provided in the first groove and the waterproof O-ring abuts between the first groove and the button channel, and a dustproof O-ring is provided in the second groove and the dustproof O-ring abuts between the second groove and the button channel.

[0010] Preferably, the watch case has a recessed portion on the outer side corresponding to the button channel, and the button inner sleeve is fitted onto the watch case through the recessed portion.

[0011] Preferably, the inner sleeve of the button includes an abutting part and a sleeve part extending vertically from the abutting part. The abutting part is provided with a sleeve hole. The abutting part is sleeved at the connection between the transmission part and the pressing part through the sleeve hole. The sleeve part is sleeved on the watch case.

[0012] Preferably, the end of the abutting portion facing the pressing portion is provided with a protrusion.

[0013] Preferably, the inner side of the pressing part is provided with a limiting groove, and the sleeve part is provided with a protruding edge, which is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0014] Preferably, a fixing frame is fixedly disposed inside the watch case, and the fixing frame is provided with a fixing cavity corresponding to the switch module, and the switch module is fixed inside the fixing cavity.

[0015] Preferably, the switch module includes a circuit board and a switch button disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board has a mounting position, and a positioning block is disposed in the fixing cavity. The positioning block is engaged with the mounting position.

[0016] Preferably, the spring includes a fixing part, a first elastic part extending vertically from the fixing part, a second elastic part bent from the first elastic part, and a third elastic part extending horizontally from the second elastic part, with a gap between the second elastic part and the third elastic part; the fixing part is fixed inside the watch case, and the third elastic part abuts against the knob button.

[0017] Preferably, the third elastic part includes an abutment and a connector, one end of the connector is connected to the second elastic part, the other end of the connector is connected to the abutment, and the abutment abuts against the knob button.

[0018] Preferably, the connector includes a first connecting portion extending horizontally from the abutment and a second connecting portion bent from the first connecting portion, wherein the included angle between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is 120°-160°.

[0019] Preferably, the angle between the first elastic part and the fixed part is less than or equal to 90°.

[0020] Preferably, the fixing part includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member extending vertically from the first fixing member, and a third fixing member extending horizontally from the second fixing member.

[0021] Preferably, the first fixing member is provided with a first fixing position and a second fixing position, and the third fixing member is provided with a third fixing position, wherein the first fixing position, the second fixing position and the third fixing position are all staggered.

[0022] The present invention also provides a dial, including the aforementioned low-friction, noisy rotary knob and buttons.

[0023] The present invention also provides an electronic watch, including the dial described above.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention uses a spring to provide a reset force when the knob button is pressed. There is no friction between the spring and the inside of the watch case, resulting in no abnormal noise. Pressing the knob button deforms the spring, causing it to contact the switch module and activate it. Releasing the knob button resets the spring, returning the knob button to its original state. Rotating the knob button causes the inner sleeve to rotate between the watch case and the knob button, reducing friction between the knob button and the watch case. This avoids the problem in existing designs where spring resets the knob button, and the sharp angles at both ends of the spring cause friction and abnormal noise when rotating the knob button, resulting in friction with the knob button, the watch case, or the watch case. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a low-friction, noisy rotary button according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of a low-friction, noisy rotary button according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a low-friction, noisy knob button according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the knob and button and the inner sleeve of a low-friction, abnormal noise knob and button according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner sleeve of a low-friction, noisy rotary button according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the assembly state of the switch module and the fixing bracket of a low-friction, noisy rotary button according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the spring of a low-friction, noisy rotary button according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of part A.

[0033] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0034] 1. Watch case; 11. Button channel; 12. Switch module; 121. Circuit board; 1211. Mounting position; 122. Switch button; 13. Recessed part; 14. Optical sensor; 15. Fixing bracket; 151. Fixing cavity; 1511. Positioning block; 2. Knob button; 21. Pressing part; 211. Limiting groove; 22. Transmission part; 221. First groove; 222. Second groove; 223. Waterproof O-ring; 224. Dustproof O-ring; 23. Washer; 24. Light-sensitive nut; 241. Protrusion; 242. 3. Arc-shaped protrusion; 3. Spring piece; 31. Fixing part; 311. First fixing member; 312. Second fixing member; 313. Third fixing member; 314. First fixing position; 315. Second fixing position; 316. Third fixing position; 32. First elastic part; 33. Second elastic part; 34. Third elastic part; 341. Abutting member; 342. Connecting member; 3421. First connecting part; 3422. Second connecting part; 4. Button inner sleeve; 41. Abutting part; 42. Sleeve part; 43. Sleeve hole; 44. Protruding ring; 45. Protruding edge. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, a low-friction, noisy rotary button of the present invention includes a watch case 1 and a rotary button 2. The watch case 1 is provided with a button channel 11 communicating with the interior of the watch case 1. A switch module 12 and a spring 3 are fixedly disposed inside the watch case 1, with the switch module 12 and the spring 3 spaced apart. The rotary button 2 at least partially passes through the button channel 11 and abuts against the spring 3. The spring 3 provides a reset force when the rotary button 2 is pressed. At the same time, when the rotary button 2 is rotated, there is no friction between the spring 3 and the interior of the watch case 1, and no abnormal noise is generated. A button inner sleeve 4 is rotatably disposed between the rotary button 2 and the watch case 1. The button inner sleeve 4 reduces the friction between the rotary button 2 and the watch case 1, thereby reducing the generation of abnormal noise.

[0038] In use, the spring 3 provides a reset force when the knob button 2 is pressed. The spring 3 has no friction with the inside of the watch case 1, thus preventing any abnormal noise. Pressing the knob button 2 deforms the spring 3, causing it to contact the switch module 12, which is then activated. Releasing the knob button 2 resets the spring 3, returning the knob button 2 to its original state. Rotating the knob button 2 causes the inner sleeve 4 to rotate between the watch case 1 and the knob button 2, reducing friction between the knob button 2 and the watch case 1. This avoids the problem in existing designs where spring resets the knob button 2, causing friction and abnormal noise due to the sharp angles at the ends of the spring rubbing against the knob button, the spring tube, or the watch case.

[0039] In actual use, the inner sleeve 4 of the button is made of polyoxymethylene (POM), a hard and dense material with a smooth and glossy surface. It can be used for a long time in a temperature range of -40℃ to 100℃, which improves the wear resistance, self-lubrication, oil resistance and peroxide resistance of the inner sleeve 4. The inner sleeve 4 reduces the friction between the knob button 2 and the watch case 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, the rotary button 2 includes a pressing part 21 and a transmission part 22. The transmission part 22 passes through the button channel 11 and at least partially extends out of the button channel 11. The pressing part 21 and the portion of the transmission part 22 exposed outside the button channel 11 are connected, thus connecting the pressing part 21 and the transmission part 22. The button inner sleeve 4 is disposed inside the pressing part 21, so that when the rotary button 2 is rotated, the button inner sleeve 4 rotates between the watch case 1 and the rotary button 2, reducing the friction between the rotary button 2 and the watch case 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the transmission part 22 is provided with a pad 23. The pad 23 abuts against the inner side of the button channel 11 so that the transmission part 22 is held in the button channel 11, and the connection between the knob button 2 and the button channel 11 is kept stable.

[0042] In this embodiment, the knob button 2 also includes a light-sensitive nut 24. One end of the light-sensitive nut 24 abuts against the spring 3, and the other end of the light-sensitive nut 24 is connected to the transmission part 22, so that the light-sensitive nut 24 is fixed to the end of the knob button 2. An optical sensor 14 is provided inside the case 1. The optical sensor 14 is an optical knob recognition sensor. The optical sensor 14 identifies the state of the light-sensitive nut 24 to obtain the rotation direction and speed information of the knob button 2, as well as the pressing displacement information of the transmission part 22, which facilitates human-computer interaction of the wearable smart terminal.

[0043] In actual use, the end of the photosensitive nut 24 that abuts against the spring 3 is provided with a protrusion 241, and the protrusion 241 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion 242. The arc-shaped protrusion 242 abuts against the spring 3. By reducing the contact area between the photosensitive nut 24 and the spring 3 through the arc-shaped protrusion 242, the friction between the photosensitive nut 24 and the spring 3 is reduced, thereby reducing the friction between the photosensitive nut 24 and the spring 3 and preventing friction noise between the knob button 2 and the spring 3 when the knob button 2 is rotated.

[0044] In this embodiment, the transmission part 22 is provided with a first groove 221 and a second groove 222. A waterproof O-ring 223 is provided in the first groove 221, and the waterproof O-ring 223 abuts between the first groove 221 and the button channel 11. A dustproof O-ring 224 is provided in the second groove 222, and the dustproof O-ring 224 abuts between the second groove 222 and the button channel 11, thereby sealing the transmission part 22 and the button channel 11, thus making the connection between the watch case 1 and the knob button 2 dustproof and waterproof. At the same time, when the knob button 2 is rotated, the waterproof O-ring 223 and the dustproof O-ring 224 can prevent the transmission part 22 from directly contacting the button channel 11, reducing the wear of the transmission part 22 and extending the service life of the knob button 2 and the watch case 1.

[0045] In this embodiment, the outer side of the watch case 1 corresponding to the button channel 11 is provided with a recess 13. The button inner sleeve 4 is fitted onto the watch case 1 through the recess 13, so that the button inner sleeve 4 covers the outer side of the button channel 11, reducing the entry of dust or small foreign objects into the interior of the watch case 1 from the button channel 11.

[0046] In this embodiment, the button inner sleeve 4 includes an abutting portion 41 and a sleeve portion 42 extending vertically from the abutting portion 41. The abutting portion 41 is provided with a sleeve hole 43. The abutting portion 41 is sleeved at the connection between the transmission portion 22 and the pressing portion 21 through the sleeve hole 43, so that the button inner sleeve 4 rotates along the connection between the transmission portion 22 and the pressing portion 21. The sleeve portion 42 is sleeved on the watch case 1, so that the button inner sleeve 4 reduces the gap between the knob button 2 and the watch case 1, and reduces the entry of dust or small foreign objects into the interior of the watch case 1 from the button channel 11.

[0047] In this embodiment, a protruding ring 44 is provided at one end of the abutting part 41 facing the pressing part 21, which reduces the contact area between the abutting part 41 and the pressing part 21, thereby reducing the frictional force of rotation between the button inner sleeve 4 and the knob button 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, a limiting groove 211 is provided on the inner side of the pressing part 21, and a protruding edge 45 is provided on the sleeve part 42. The protruding edge 45 is inserted into the limiting groove 211, so that the sleeve part 42 rotates along the limiting groove 211 of the pressing part 21 through the protruding edge 45, preventing the inner sleeve 4 of the button from separating from the knob button 2.

[0049] In this embodiment, a fixing frame 15 is fixedly installed inside the watch case 1. The fixing frame 15 is provided with a fixing cavity 151 corresponding to the switch module 12. The switch module 12 is fixed inside the fixing cavity 151, so that the switch module 12 is fixed inside the watch case 1.

[0050] The switch module 12 in this embodiment includes a circuit board 121 and a switch button 122 disposed on the circuit board 121. The circuit board 121 is provided with a mounting position 1211, which is a slot. A positioning block 1511 is disposed in the fixing cavity 151, and the positioning block 1511 is engaged with the mounting position 1211 to improve the efficiency of assembling the switch module 12 with the case 1.

[0051] The spring 3 in this embodiment includes a fixing part 31, a first elastic part 32 extending vertically from the fixing part 31, a second elastic part 33 bent from the first elastic part 32, and a third elastic part 34 extending horizontally from the second elastic part 33. The first elastic part 32 is straight, the second elastic part 33 is hook-shaped, and the third elastic part 34 is block-shaped. There is a gap between the second elastic part 33 and the third elastic part 34, allowing the third elastic part 34 to have room for deformation, thereby improving the elasticity and toughness of the reset member. The fixing part 31 is fixed inside the watch case 1, so that the spring 3 is fixed inside the watch case 1. The third elastic part 34 abuts against the knob button 2, so that the knob button 2 abuts against the spring 3, facilitating the reset of the knob button 2 when it is pressed.

[0052] In actual use, there are two of each of the first elastic part 32 and the second elastic part 33, and the third elastic part 34 is disposed between the two second elastic parts 33, so that the structure of the spring piece 3 has higher strength, thereby making the elasticity and toughness of the spring piece 3 better.

[0053] In this embodiment, the third elastic part 34 includes an abutment 341 and a connector 342. One end of the connector 342 is connected to the second elastic part 33, and the other end of the connector 342 is connected to the abutment 341, thereby connecting the second elastic part 33 and the third elastic part 34. The abutment 341 abuts against the knob button 2, thus enabling the third elastic part 34 to abut against the knob button 2.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connector 342 includes a first connecting portion 3421 extending horizontally from the abutting member 341 and a second connecting portion 3422 bent from the first connecting portion 3421, making the connector 342 V-shaped. The included angle α between the first connecting portion 3421 and the second connecting portion 3422 is 120°-160°. This improves the elasticity and toughness of the third elastic portion 34, thereby enhancing the elasticity and toughness of the spring piece 3. The smaller the included angle α between the first connecting portion 3421 and the second connecting portion 3422, the greater the rebound force of the third elastic portion 34. The rebound force is greatest when the included angle α between the first connecting portion 3421 and the second connecting portion 3422 is 120°, and the rebound force is smallest when the included angle α between the first connecting portion 3421 and the second connecting portion 3422 is 160°. This embodiment uses an example where the included angle α between the first connecting portion 3421 and the second connecting portion 3422 is 150°, making the rebound force of the third elastic portion 34 moderate.

[0055] In this embodiment, the angle b between the first elastic part 32 and the fixed part 31 is less than or equal to 90°, which improves the rebound force of the spring piece 3. The angle b between the first elastic part 32 and the fixed part 31 is less than 90°, and the first elastic part 32 is inclined at the edge of the fixed part 31, which improves the elasticity of the spring piece 3.

[0056] The fixing part 31 in this embodiment includes a first fixing member 311, a second fixing member 312 extending vertically from the first fixing member 311, and a third fixing member 313 extending horizontally from the second fixing member 312, so that the fixing part 31 is Z-shaped, which makes the fixing part 31 structurally stronger and more resistant to torsion.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first fixing member 311 is provided with a first fixing position 314 and a second fixing position 315, and the third fixing member 313 is provided with a third fixing position 316. The first fixing position 314, the second fixing position 315 and the third fixing position 316 are all staggered, so that the fixing part 31 is fixed to the inside of the watch case 1 at multiple points, and the fixing part 31 is more firmly fixed to the inside of the watch case 1.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] This embodiment provides a dial that includes the aforementioned low-friction, noisy knob and button, giving the dial the beneficial effects of the aforementioned low-friction, noisy knob and button.

[0060] Example 3

[0061] This embodiment provides an electronic watch, including the dial described above, so that the electronic watch has the beneficial effects of the dial described above.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-friction, noisy rotary knob / button, comprising a case (1) and a rotary knob / button (2), characterized in that: The watch case (1) is provided with a button channel (11) communicating with the inside of the watch case (1). A switch module (12) and a spring (3) are fixedly provided inside the watch case (1). The switch module (12) and the spring (3) are spaced apart. The rotary button (2) is at least partially inserted through the button channel (11) and abuts against the spring (3). A button inner sleeve (4) is rotatably provided between the rotary button (2) and the watch case (1). The knob button (2) includes a pressing part (21) and a transmission part (22). The transmission part (22) passes through the button channel (11) and abuts against the spring (3). The transmission part (22) extends at least partially out of the button channel (11). The pressing part (21) is connected to the portion of the transmission part (22) that is exposed outside the button channel (11). The button inner sleeve (4) is disposed inside the pressing part (21). The watch case (1) has a recess (13) on the outside of the button channel (11), and the button inner sleeve (4) is fitted onto the watch case (1) through the recess (13). The transmission part (22) is provided with a gasket (23), which abuts against the inside of the key channel (11) so that the transmission part (22) is held in the key channel (11); The inner sleeve of the button (4) is made of polyoxymethylene material; The inner sleeve (4) of the button includes an abutting part (41) and a sleeve part (42) extending vertically from the abutting part (41). The abutting part (41) is provided with a sleeve hole (43). The abutting part (41) is sleeved at the connection between the transmission part (22) and the pressing part (21) through the sleeve hole (43). The sleeve part (42) is sleeved on the watch case (1). The abutting part (41) is provided with a protruding ring (44) at one end facing the pressing part (21); The pressing part (21) is provided with a limiting groove (211) on the inner side, and the sleeve part (42) is provided with a protruding edge (45), which is inserted into the limiting groove (211); The spring (3) includes a fixing part (31), a first elastic part (32) extending vertically from the fixing part (31), a second elastic part (33) bent from the first elastic part (32), and a third elastic part (34) extending horizontally from the second elastic part (33). There is a gap between the second elastic part (33) and the third elastic part (34). The fixing part (31) is fixed inside the watch case (1), and the third elastic part (34) abuts against the knob button (2). The third elastic part (34) includes an abutment (341) and a connector (342). One end of the connector (342) is connected to the second elastic part (33), and the other end of the connector (342) is connected to the abutment (341). The abutment (341) abuts against the knob button (2). The angle between the first elastic part (32) and the fixed part (31) is less than or equal to 90°; The fixing part (31) includes a first fixing member (311), a second fixing member (312) extending vertically from the first fixing member (311), and a third fixing member (313) extending horizontally from the second fixing member (312).

2. The low-friction, noisy rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob button (2) also includes a light-sensitive nut (24), one end of which abuts against the spring (3), and the other end of which is connected to the transmission part (22). An optical sensor (14) is provided inside the case (1) to identify the state of the light-sensitive nut (24).

3. The low-friction, noisy rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission part (22) is provided with a first groove (221) and a second groove (222). A waterproof O-ring (223) is provided in the first groove (221) and abuts between the first groove (221) and the button channel (11). A dustproof O-ring (224) is provided in the second groove (222) and abuts between the second groove (222) and the button channel (11).

4. The low-friction, noisy rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fixing frame (15) is fixedly installed inside the watch case (1). The fixing frame (15) has a fixing cavity (151) corresponding to the switch module (12). The switch module (12) is fixed inside the fixing cavity (151).

5. A low-friction, noisy rotary button according to claim 4, characterized in that: The switch module (12) includes a circuit board (121) and a switch button (122) disposed on the circuit board (121). The circuit board (121) is provided with a mounting position (1211). A positioning block (1511) is disposed in the fixing cavity (151). The positioning block (1511) is engaged with the mounting position (1211).

6. A low-friction, noisy rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector (342) includes a first connecting portion (3421) extending horizontally from the abutment (341) and a second connecting portion (3422) bent from the first connecting portion (3421), wherein the included angle between the first connecting portion (3421) and the second connecting portion (3422) is 120°-160°.

7. A low-friction, noisy rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fixing member (311) is provided with a first fixing position (314) and a second fixing position (315), and the third fixing member (313) is provided with a third fixing position (316). The first fixing position (314), the second fixing position (315) and the third fixing position (316) are all staggered.

8. A dial, characterized in that: Including the low-friction, noisy rotary knobs and buttons as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. An electronic watch, characterized in that: Including the dial as described in claim 8.

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