Slide block and crank linkage type four-way switch

Abstract

The invention discloses a slide block and crank linkage type four-way switch, and relates to the technical field of switches. The switch comprises a keycap cover, a keycap, a support, a four-way movable frame, a base and a reset elastic piece. The top of the support is connected with the keycap, the middle of the support is connected with the four-way movable frame, and the bottom of the support is connected with the base through a reset elastic piece. When the key cap is pressed, the support can be driven to move downwards, a crank structure in the middle of the support is matched with a sliding block on the four-way movable frame, vertical pressing motion is converted into swing of the four-way movable frame, and therefore the four-way operating rod is driven to trigger the corresponding switch function. After the keycap is released, the reset elastic piece drives the support and the keycap to reset. A waterproof protection shell and a sealing ring are further arranged and are assembled through a buckling structure, and an integrated module with high sealing performance is formed. According to the invention, a traditional deflector rod is replaced by key operation, so that a gap for water and dust to enter is fundamentally eliminated, and the waterproof and dustproof performance, the use safety and the operation experience of the product are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of switch technology, and more particularly to a slider-crank linkage four-way switch for automobile seats. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, automotive seat adjustments commonly use lever-type microswitches. This traditional design has several inherent drawbacks: First, the inevitable assembly gap between the lever and the housing allows moisture, dust, and other contaminants to seep into the switch, causing oxidation of internal metal components, poor contact, or even jamming, severely impacting the switch's reliability and lifespan, and posing potential safety hazards. Second, levers protruding from the dashboard or seat side may cause secondary injuries to occupants in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the lever's long travel and vague feedback result in a poor user experience, lacking precision and a premium feel. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a novel switch structure that can fundamentally solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a slider-crank linkage four-way switch with better safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A slider-crank linkage four-way switch includes a keycap cover and a keycap disposed on the keycap cover, and further includes: A four-way movable frame is connected to a four-way operating lever; the four-way movable frame is composed of multiple sliders and connecting blocks connecting the sliders, and the sliders have a structure that gradually increases in size from top to bottom; The bracket has a crank structure in the middle that cooperates with the slider. The top of the bracket is connected to the keycap. Pressing the keycap can drive the bracket to move downward, so that the bracket can push the four-way movable frame, causing the four-way operating lever connected to the four-way movable frame to swing to trigger the switch function. A base is provided with a reset elastic element between the base and the bottom of the bracket, which is used to reset the bracket and keycap after pressing. The four-way lever has one end connected to a four-way movable bracket located between the keycap cover and the base, and the other end passing through a through hole in the middle of the base.

[0005] Furthermore, it also includes a waterproof protective shell, which is disposed between the keycap cover and the base.

[0006] Furthermore, it also includes a sealing ring, which is disposed between the keycap cover and the keycap.

[0007] Furthermore, the keycap cover is provided with four keycaps (top, bottom, left, and right), and the four-way movable bracket is provided with four corresponding supports (top, bottom, left, and right).

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the keycap and the top of the base are provided with grooves, one end of the bracket is installed into the groove at the bottom of the keycap, and the other end, together with the elastic element, is installed into the groove on the base.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper surface of the base is provided with an annular groove for installing the waterproof protective shell, and the keycap cover and the waterproof protective shell are connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​method.

[0010] Furthermore, the elastic element is a spring.

[0011] Furthermore, the keycap cover, waterproof protective shell, and base are all circular in shape.

[0012] Furthermore, the four-way movable frame consists of four sliders and a connecting block connecting the four sliders.

[0013] Furthermore, the number of brackets is four, and each bracket is mainly provided with a crank structure that cooperates with the slider.

[0014] This invention proposes a slider-crank linkage four-way switch, comprising a keycap, keycap cover, bracket, and four-way movable frame. Pressing the keycap drives the bracket, which in turn pushes the crank-slider structure of the four-way movable frame, causing the four-way operating lever to swing. This transforms the traditional lever, which is prone to accidental activation, cumbersome to operate, and potentially breakable, into a button-driven mechanism. The waterproof protective shell, base, and spring assembly then return the bracket to its original position, resetting the switch. This invention innovatively changes the driving method from a lever to a button, structurally eliminating traditional gaps and significantly improving waterproof and dustproof performance and safety. Simultaneously, button operation provides clearer trigger feedback and a more comfortable and effortless operating experience, comprehensively enhancing product reliability and user satisfaction. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the switch of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the switch structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the switch structure of the present invention after the waterproof protective shell has been removed; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the switch structure of the present invention after removing the waterproof protective shell and the base; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the four-way movable frame and the base of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] See Figure 1-5 This invention provides a slider-crank linkage four-way switch, comprising: Keycap cover 1 and keycaps 2 disposed on keycap cover. Specifically, in this embodiment, four keycaps 2, namely, up, down, left, and right, are disposed on keycap cover 1. The four-way movable frame 3 is composed of four sliders 31 and four connecting blocks 32 connecting the sliders 31. The sliders 31 have a structure that gradually increases in size from top to bottom. The four sliders 31 and the connecting blocks 32 form a central ring in the middle, which is used to fix one end of the four-way operating lever 4. Four supports 5, with a crank structure 51 in the middle of the support 5 that cooperates with the slider 31. The top of the support 5 is connected to the keycap 2. Pressing the keycap 2 can drive the support 5 to move downward. The support 5 pushes the four-way movable frame 3, causing the four-way operating lever 4 connected to the four-way movable frame 3 to swing to trigger the switch function. A reset elastic element 7 is provided between the base 6 and the bottom of the bracket 5, which is used to reset the bracket 5 and the keycap 2 after pressing. The four-way lever 4 has one end connected to the four-way movable bracket 3 located between the keycap cover 2 and the base 6, and the other end passes through the through hole 63 in the middle of the base 6.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to ensure the switch is waterproof, a waterproof protective shell 8 is provided between the keycap cover 1 and the base 6, and a sealing ring 9 is provided between the keycap cover 1 and the keycap 2.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a groove 62 (not shown) is provided on the bottom of the keycap 2 and the base 6. The groove 62 is a cylindrical protrusion on the base 6 with a hollow interior. One end of the bracket 5 is installed into the groove 62 at the bottom of the keycap 2, and the other end is installed into the groove 61 on the base 6 together with the elastic member 7.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the base 6 is provided with an annular groove 61 for installing the waterproof protective shell 8, and the keycap cover 2 and the waterproof protective shell 8 are connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​method.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 7 is a spring.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keycap cover 2, the waterproof protective shell 8, and the base 6 are all circular in shape.

[0025] In summary, the solution provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Excellent sealing and high reliability: By replacing the lever with a gap with an integral button, and by adopting a multi-seal design of keycap cover, sealing ring and waterproof protective shell, a high level of protection is achieved. This effectively prevents problems such as oxidation and jamming of internal components caused by moisture and dust intrusion, and improves the reliability and lifespan of the switch in harsh environments.

[0026] 2. Enhanced safety: The protruding control levers have been eliminated, and flat or slightly raised buttons have been used, avoiding the risk of secondary injury to occupants in the event of a vehicle collision and meeting the requirements of modern automotive safety design. 3. Superior user experience: The button operation method has a short travel distance, light force, and clear feedback, providing a more effortless, precise, and comfortable operating feel than traditional levers, thus improving user satisfaction and product quality. 4. Compact Structure and Integrated Functions: The innovative crank-slider structure (with the crank bracket and slider working together) efficiently and reliably converts vertical linear motion into horizontal oscillation, ensuring precise action transitions. The entire switch is highly integrated and compact, facilitating installation and maintenance as an independent module.

[0027] 5. Simplified process and reduced cost: The combination of snap-fit ​​fixing and glue sealing replaces the traditional hot riveting process required for sealing rings, simplifying the assembly process, improving production efficiency, and helping to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0028] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A slider-crank linkage type four-way switch, comprising a keycap cover and a keycap disposed on the keycap cover, characterized in that, Also includes: A four-way movable frame is connected to a four-way operating lever; the four-way movable frame is composed of multiple sliders and connecting blocks connecting the sliders, and the sliders have a structure that gradually increases in size from top to bottom; The bracket has a crank structure in the middle that cooperates with the slider. The top of the bracket is connected to the keycap. Pressing the keycap can drive the bracket to move downward, so that the bracket can push the four-way movable frame, causing the four-way operating lever connected to the four-way movable frame to swing to trigger the switch function. A base is provided with a reset elastic element between the base and the bottom of the bracket, which is used to reset the bracket and keycap after pressing. The four-way lever has one end connected to a four-way movable bracket located between the keycap cover and the base, and the other end passing through a through hole in the middle of the base.

2. The slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a waterproof protective case, which is disposed between the keycap cover and the base.

3. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sealing ring disposed between the keycap cover and the keycap.

4. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keycap cover is provided with four keycaps, one on top, one on the bottom, and one on the left and right. The four-way movable bracket is provided with four corresponding supports, one on top, one on the bottom, and one on the left and right.

5. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The keycap has grooves on its bottom and on its base. One end of the bracket is installed into the groove on the bottom of the keycap, and the other end, together with the elastic element, is installed into the groove on the base.

6. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the base is provided with an annular groove for installing the waterproof protective shell, and the keycap cover and the waterproof protective shell are connected and fixed by a snap-fit ​​method.

7. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element is a spring.

8. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The keycap cover, waterproof protective shell, and base are all circular in shape.

9. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four-way movable frame consists of four sliders and connecting blocks that connect the four sliders.

10. A slider-crank linkage four-way switch according to claim 9, characterized in that: The number of brackets is four, and each bracket is mainly equipped with a crank structure that cooperates with the slider.

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