Knob key structure and switch

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of mechanical control, and relates to a knob button structure and a switch, wherein the knob button structure comprises a pressing knob panel, an elastic panel, a ring encoder, a PCB board, a button and a bottom plate; the pressing knob panel, the elastic panel and the PCB board are sequentially arranged on the bottom plate, one end of the PCB board facing the elastic panel is provided with the ring encoder, the other end of the PCB board away from the elastic panel is provided with the button, and a gap exists between the button and the bottom plate. The technical scheme provided by the application can avoid problems such as vibration sound and stuck parts, and can also be applied to large-size scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical control technology, and more specifically, to a knob button structure and switch. Background Technology

[0002] Existing encoders with buttons and knobs not only have rotation control functions but also button control functions. In terms of control methods, the button panel is generally divided into two parts: one part controls the rotation function, i.e., the rotation control panel, and the other part controls the button control function, i.e., pressing to rotate the panel.

[0003] The button panel needs to be divided into a rotating structure and a pressing structure. There will inevitably be a small gap between the two structures. Friction may occur at the contact point between the two structures. In addition, the aging and deformation of the components of each structure during long-term use can easily cause problems such as vibration and jamming.

[0004] If the size of encoders with buttons and knobs increases, the above problems will become more obvious. Therefore, existing encoders with buttons and knobs are all small in size, which means they cannot meet the needs of large-size (structure greater than 50mm) scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of this application are that existing encoders with buttons and knobs will have problems such as vibration and jamming after long-term use, and existing encoders with buttons and knobs cannot be used in large-size scenarios.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a rotary button structure, employing the following technical solution:

[0007] The knob / button structure includes: a pressable knob panel, a spring-loaded panel, a ring encoder, a PCB board, a button, and a base plate. The pressable knob panel, the spring-loaded panel, and the PCB board are sequentially arranged on the base plate. The ring encoder is located at one end of the PCB board facing the spring-loaded panel, and the button is located at the other end of the PCB board facing away from the spring-loaded panel. There is a gap between the button and the base plate. The spring-loaded panel includes a support ring and an elastic ring. The support ring is located on the outer periphery of the elastic ring, and the elastic ring has a through hole in its center. The support ring is fixedly connected to the base plate, and a connecting component is provided on the elastic ring to fixally connect to the PCB board. The pressable knob panel passes through the through hole and connects to the ring encoder, controlling the rotation of the ring encoder. When the pressable knob panel descends, it touches the elastic ring and controls the elastic ring to rotate.

[0008] Furthermore, the push-button knob panel includes a knob cover and an extension tube, the extension tube being disposed at the bottom of the knob cover, and the extension tube passing through the through hole to connect to the annular encoder.

[0009] Furthermore, a buckle is provided on the inner wall of the extension tube, and a slot is provided on the ring encoder, with the buckle and the slot being buckled together.

[0010] Furthermore, the push-button panel also includes a guide rail formed by the lower end face of the rotating cover protruding towards the elastic ring. The guide rail is directly opposite to and surrounds the elastic ring, and the lower end face of the guide rail is narrower than its upper end face.

[0011] Furthermore, a limiting ring is provided on the inner circumference of the elastic ring, and the diameter of the outer wall of the limiting ring is larger than the diameter of the outer wall of the extension tube. The limiting ring is sleeved on the outside of the extension tube. The connection structure includes a first support column, which is disposed between the elastic ring and the limiting ring, and the PCB board is fixed on the first support column.

[0012] Furthermore, the height of the elastic ring is lower than the height of the limiting ring and the supporting ring to form an elastic ring groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the base plate includes a base plate shell and a base plate flange; the base plate shell is U-shaped and encloses to form a base plate cavity, the PCB board is disposed in the base plate cavity, and the base plate flange is disposed at the opening of the base plate shell; the elastic panel also includes a second support column, one end of the second support column is fixed to the end face of the support ring near the base plate, and the other end is fixed to the base plate flange.

[0014] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a rotary button structure, employing the technical solution described below:

[0015] The rotary button structure includes: a ring encoder, a PCB board, a button, a base plate, and a flexible panel; the ring encoder and the button are located on the upper end of the PCB board, and the button is located inside the ring encoder; the PCB board is located inside the base plate; the flexible panel is mounted on the top of the base plate; the flexible panel includes a support ring, a flexible ring, a locking strip, a sliding strip, and a guide post; the support ring is located on the outer periphery of the flexible ring, the locking strip and the sliding strip are located at the bottom of the support ring, and the sliding strip is located outside the locking strip. The sliding strip is connected to the base plate, and the locking strip is connected to the outer periphery of the ring encoder and controls the rotation of the ring encoder; the guide post is located at the bottom of the flexible ring and faces the button. When the flexible ring descends, it drives the guide post to move to touch the button.

[0016] Furthermore, two sets of collars are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the base plate, the collars are spaced apart to form a slide rail, and the sliding bar slides on the slide rail.

[0017] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a switch, employing the technical solution described below:

[0018] The switch includes the aforementioned knob and button structure.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this application have the following main advantages:

[0020] (1) By using the deformation of the elastic panel to replace the rotating part and pressing part of the panel in the prior art, problems such as vibration and jamming of the rotating part and pressing part after long-term use are avoided.

[0021] (2) By utilizing the structure of the flexible panel, the conventional design ideas in the existing technology are broken, and the switch can be designed to be larger in size. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the solution of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a knob button structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the knob / button structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the push-button panel structure;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the elastic panel structure in the diagram;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the component assembly structure on the PCB board;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Sectional view of the base plate structure;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the knob button structure in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 100-Knob and button structure; 1-Press knob panel; 11-Knob cover; 12-Control component; 13-Guide rail; 121-Extension tube; 122-Snap-on; 123-Clamping strip; 2-Elastic panel; 21-Support ring; 22-Elastic ring; 23-Through hole; 24-First support post; 25-Second support post; 26-Restriction ring; 27-Connecting component; 3-Ring encoder; 31-Slot; 32-Open slot; 4-PCB board; 5-Button; 6-Base plate; 61-Base plate housing; 62-Base plate inner cavity; 63-Base plate flange; 64-Base plate locking port; 65-Button groove; 66-Pin groove; 7-Elastic panel; 71-Support ring; 72-Elastic ring; 73-Locking strip; 74-Sliding strip; 75-Guide post; 8-Collar ring. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0032] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0033] Example 1 of the knob and button structure

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1-6The knob and button structure 100 of this application includes: a pressable knob panel 1, an elastic panel 2, a ring encoder 3, a PCB board 4, a button 5, and a base plate 6; the pressable knob panel 1, the elastic panel 2, and the PCB board 4 are sequentially arranged on the base plate 6. The ring encoder 3 is arranged at one end of the PCB board 4 facing the elastic panel 2, and the button 5 is arranged at the other end of the PCB board 4 facing away from the elastic panel 2, and there is a gap between the button 5 and the base plate 6; the elastic panel 2 includes a support ring 21 and an elastic ring 22. The support ring 21 is arranged on the outer periphery of the elastic ring 22, and the elastic ring 22 has a through hole 23 in the middle; the support ring 21 is fixedly connected to the base plate, and a connecting component 27 is arranged on the elastic ring 22 to fixally connect to the PCB board 4; the pressable knob panel 2 passes through the through hole 23 to connect to the ring encoder 3 and controls the rotation of the ring encoder 3; when the pressable knob panel 1 descends, it touches the elastic ring 22 and controls the deformation of the elastic ring 22.

[0035] In this embodiment, the ring encoder 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the PCB board 4, and the button 5 is disposed on the lower surface of the PCB board 4. Triggering the ring encoder 3 only requires rotating and pressing the knob panel 1. Triggering the button 5 requires controlling the PCB board 4 to move downwards. The button 5 touches the base plate 6 to complete the triggering. The gap between the button 5 and the base plate 6 provides space for the PCB board 4 to move downwards, and also requires the elastic panel 2 to complete a certain degree of travel before triggering the button 5. The support ring 21 is located on the outer periphery of the elastic ring 22 and is fixedly connected to the base plate 6, providing support. The elastic ring 22 is fixedly connected to the PCB board, transmitting the downward pressure force. Because the support ring 21 is restricted from movement by the base plate 6, when the knob panel 1 is pressed, the knob panel 1 moves downwards. When the elastic ring 22 is subjected to downward pressure, it will deform, causing the connecting component 27 to descend and move the PCB board 4 downward. At this time, the gap between the button 5 and the base plate 6 gradually narrows until the button 5 touches the base plate, thus triggering the button 5. The elastic ring 22 has a memory function. When the pressure on the elastic ring 22 is released, the elastic ring 22 returns to its original position, that is, the elastic ring 22 can automatically move upward. The middle of the elastic ring 22 forms a through hole 23. The pressing knob panel 1 passes through the through hole 23 and connects to the ring encoder 23. Rotating the pressing knob panel 1 can rotate the ring encoder 3 to achieve the rotation function control. When the ring encoder 3 rotates, it is not necessary to press the knob panel 1 to deform the elastic ring 22.

[0036] By deforming the elastic ring 22, the button and knob panel 1 does not need to be divided into a rotating part and a pressing part on the same panel. This avoids problems such as vibration and jamming caused by the gap between the rotating part and the pressing part after long-term use. Since the above problems are not present, the size of the button and knob panel 1 can be designed to be larger (greater than 50mm), which overcomes the problem of the small size of encoders used in existing technologies with button and knob. During use, the button and knob panel 1 and the base plate 6 cover other components to form a protective layer. The button and knob panel 1 acts as a touch panel. After being subjected to force, it transfers the pressure or directional force to the elastic panel 2 and the ring encoder 3 respectively, preventing the elastic panel 2 from directly contacting the outside world. At the same time, the appearance of the button and knob panel 1 can be improved to form a more aesthetically pleasing structure.

[0037] Specifically, the push-button panel 1 includes a knob cover 11 and an extension tube 12. The extension tube 12 is disposed at the bottom of the knob cover 11 and passes through the through hole 23 to connect to the ring encoder 3.

[0038] The extension tube 12 is used to pass through the through hole 23 to connect the ring encoder 3. The tubular structure transmits steering force smoothly. The knob cover 11 serves as a contact panel. Pressing or rotating the knob cover 11 causes the entire knob panel 1 to move.

[0039] Specifically, a buckle 122 is provided on the inner wall of the extension tube 12, and a slot 31 is provided on the ring encoder 3. The buckle 122 and the slot 31 are connected by a buckle.

[0040] The buckle 122 is inserted into the slot 31. Rotating the buckle 122 will drive the 31 to rotate. Multiple sets of buckles 122 and slots 31 are arranged in an array to ensure smooth force transmission. A retaining strip 123 is also provided on the extension tube 121. An open slot 32 is also provided on the outer periphery of the ring encoder 3. The upper end of the open slot 32 and the position of the retaining strip 123 are opposite to the open slot 32. When the buckle 122 is inserted into the slot 31, the retaining strip 123 is inserted into the 32.

[0041] Specifically, the push-button panel 1 also includes a guide rail 13 formed by the lower end face of the rotating cover 11 protruding toward the elastic ring. The guide rail 13 is directly opposite to and surrounds the elastic ring 22. The lower end face of the guide rail 13 is narrower than its upper end face to concentrate the pressure on the push-button panel 1.

[0042] Specifically, a limiting ring 26 is provided on the inner circumference of the elastic ring 22. The diameter of the outer wall of the limiting ring 26 is larger than the diameter of the outer wall of the extension tube 121. The limiting ring 26 is sleeved on the outside of the extension tube 121. The connecting structure 27 includes a first support column 24, which is disposed between the elastic ring 22 and the limiting ring 26. The PCB board 4 is fixed on the first support column 24.

[0043] In this embodiment, the limiting ring 26 restricts the uniform deformation of the elastic ring, and the connecting component 27 is the first support column 24. The first support column 24 is connected to the PCB board 4 by bolts. In other embodiments, the connecting component 27 can be a buckle or other structures. The connection method is not limited to the above connection method, and can be riveting, pin connection, etc.

[0044] Specifically, the height of the elastic ring 22 is lower than the height of the limiting ring 26 and the supporting ring 21 to form an elastic ring groove.

[0045] During the pressing process, the guide rail 13 enters the elastic ring groove to concentrate the pressure on the knob panel 1. At the same time, the elastic ring 22 is thinner than the support ring 21, which also facilitates the deformation of the elastic ring 22. The lower end face of the guide rail 13 extends towards the elastic ring groove to adapt to the structure of the elastic ring groove.

[0046] Specifically, the base plate 6 includes a base plate housing 61 and a base plate flange 63; the base plate housing 61 is U-shaped and encloses to form a base plate inner cavity 62, the PCB board 4 is disposed in the base plate inner cavity 62, and the base plate flange 63 is disposed at the opening of the base plate housing 61; the elastic panel 2 also includes a second support column 25, one end of the second support column 25 is fixed to the end face of the support ring 71 near the base plate 6, and the other end is fixed to the base plate flange 63.

[0047] The U-shaped base housing 61 can accommodate the PCB board 4, the ring encoder 3 and the button 5 mounted on the PCB board 4, as well as some components of the elastic panel 2 and the push-button panel 1, in order to reduce the overall structure of the knob and button structure 100. The base 6 also includes a button groove 65 and a pin groove 66. The button groove 65 is located at the position of the base housing 61 corresponding to the button 5, and the pin groove 66 is located at the position of the base housing 61 corresponding to the pin of the electronic component (pins are omitted in some drawings). The setting of the button groove 65 and the pin groove 66 further increases the compactness of the overall components.

[0048] In this embodiment, the second support column 25 is connected to the base plate flange 63 by bolts. In other embodiments of this application, the connection method is not limited to the above connection method, and may be riveting, pin connection, etc.

[0049] Example 2 of the knob and button structure

[0050] Please refer to Figure 7 The rotary button structure 100 of this application includes: a ring encoder 3, a PCB board 4, a button 5, a base plate 6, and an elastic panel 7; the ring encoder 3 and the button 5 are disposed on the upper end of the PCB board 4, and the button 5 is disposed inside the ring encoder 3; the PCB board 4 is disposed inside the base plate 6; the elastic panel 7 is mounted on the top of the base plate 6; the elastic panel 7 includes a support ring 71, an elastic ring 72, a locking strip 73, a sliding strip 74, and a guide post 75; the support ring 71 is disposed on the outer periphery of the elastic ring 72, the locking strip 73 and the sliding strip 74 are disposed on the bottom of the support ring 71, and the sliding strip 74 is located outside the locking strip 73. The sliding strip 74 is connected to the base plate 6, and the locking strip 73 is connected to the outer periphery of the ring encoder 3 and controls the rotation of the ring encoder 3; the guide post 75 is disposed on the bottom of the elastic ring 72 and faces the button 5. When the elastic ring 72 descends, it drives the guide post 75 to move to touch the button 5.

[0051] In this embodiment, both the ring encoder 3 and the button 5 are located on the upper surface of the PCB board 4, with the button 5 located inside the ring encoder 3. The base plate 6 has a U-shaped structure, with the PCB board 4 housed within the outer casing. The pressing knob spring arm 7 is positioned in the direction of the opening in the base plate 6. The guide post 75 is located on the lower surface of the elastic ring 72 and directly above the button 5. The rigid ring 71 is connected to the ring encoder 3 and the base plate 6 via a locking strip 73 and a sliding strip 74, respectively. The ring encoder 3 has a slot 31, into which the locking strip 73 is inserted. Rotating the pressing knob spring arm 7 causes the locking strip 73 to rotate the ring encoder 3, thus achieving the required rotation function control. Pressing and rotating the flexible ring 72 of the pressing knob spring arm 7 causes it to deform and move downwards, causing the guide post 75 to move downwards and touch the button 5, thus triggering the button 5.

[0052] Specifically, two sets of collars 8 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the base plate 6. The collars 8 are spaced apart to form a slide rail, and the sliding bar 74 slides on the slide rail.

[0053] A collar 8 consists of two half-rings. The half-rings are bolted to the outer circumference of the base plate 6. The two symmetrical half-rings form a collar 8. The gap between the two collars 8 forms a slide rail. The sliding bar 74 is inserted into the slide rail. When the knob spring arm 7 is pressed and rotated, the locking bar 73 drives the ring encoder 3 to rotate together, and the sliding bar 74 slides on the slide rail.

[0054] This application embodiment also provides a switch, which includes the above-described knob and button structure. The switch in this application embodiment includes various types of switches, such as audio switches.

[0055] Switches with the aforementioned button and knob structure can be made larger in size, and during long-term use, they will not experience problems such as increased gap between the rotating and pressing parts due to aging, or friction between the rotating and pressing parts, leading to issues like vibration and jamming.

[0056] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this application, but do not limit the patent scope of this application. This application can be implemented in many different forms; rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A knob / button structure, characterized in that, include: Push-button knob panel, spring panel, ring encoder, PCB board, buttons and base plate; The push-button knob panel, the elastic panel, and the PCB board are sequentially arranged on the base plate. The ring encoder is provided at one end of the PCB board facing the elastic panel, and the button is provided at the center of the other end of the PCB board facing away from the elastic panel. There is a gap between the button and the base plate. The elastic panel includes a support ring and an elastic ring. The support ring is disposed on the outer periphery of the elastic ring, and the elastic ring has a through hole in the middle. The support ring is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the elastic ring is provided with a connecting component to fixally connect to the PCB board. The push-button knob panel passes through the through hole and connects to the ring encoder, controlling the rotation of the ring encoder; when the push-button knob panel descends, it touches the elastic ring and controls the elastic ring to change, causing the connecting component to descend and drive the PCB board to move downwards, and the button touches the base plate to complete the button triggering.

2. The knob and button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-button knob panel includes a knob cover and an extension tube. The extension tube is located at the bottom of the knob cover and passes through the through hole to connect to the annular encoder.

3. The knob and button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the extension tube is provided with a buckle, and the ring encoder is provided with a slot. The buckle and the slot are connected by a buckle.

4. The knob and button structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The push-button knob panel also includes a guide rail formed by the lower end face of the knob cover protruding towards the elastic ring. The guide rail is directly opposite to and surrounds the elastic ring, and the lower end face of the guide rail is narrower than its upper end face.

5. The knob and button structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A limiting ring is provided on the inner circumference of the elastic ring, and the diameter of the outer wall of the limiting ring is larger than the diameter of the outer wall of the extension tube. The limiting ring is sleeved on the outside of the extension tube. The connecting component includes a first support column, which is disposed between the elastic ring and the limiting ring, and the PCB board is fixed on the first support column.

6. The knob / button structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The height of the elastic ring is lower than the height of the limiting ring and the supporting ring to form an elastic ring groove.

7. The knob and button structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate includes a base plate shell and a base plate flange; The base plate housing is U-shaped and encloses to form an inner cavity. The PCB board is disposed in the inner cavity of the base plate, and the base plate flange is disposed at the opening of the base plate housing. The elastic panel also includes a second support column, one end of which is fixed to the end face of the support ring near the base plate, and the other end is fixed to the flange of the base plate.

8. A knob / button structure, characterized in that, include: Ring encoder, PCB board, buttons, base plate and flexible panel; The ring encoder and the button are located at the upper end of the PCB board, and the button is located inside the ring encoder. The PCB board is disposed within the base plate; The elastic panel is installed on the top of the base plate; The elastic panel includes a support ring, an elastic ring, a locking strip, a sliding strip, and a guide post; The support ring is disposed on the outer periphery of the elastic ring, the locking strip and the sliding strip are disposed on the bottom of the support ring, and the sliding strip is located outside the locking strip. The sliding strip is connected to the base plate, and the locking strip is connected to the outer periphery of the ring encoder and controls the rotation of the ring encoder. The guide post is located at the bottom of the elastic ring and is directly opposite the button. Pressing the elastic ring causes it to deform and move downwards. As the elastic ring descends, it drives the guide post to move so as to touch the button.

9. The knob and button structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, Two sets of collars are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the base plate. The collars are spaced apart to form a slide rail, and the sliding bar slides on the slide rail.

10. A switch, characterized in that, It includes the knob and button structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the knob and button structure as described in any one of claims 8 to 9.

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