Rotary switch device

Abstract

A rotary switch device comprises a base, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a rotary plate and a knob. The first circuit board has an emitter electrode. The second circuit board and the first circuit board are spaced from each other to form an interlayer space, the second circuit board is provided with a receiving electrode, and the position of the receiving electrode corresponds to the position of the transmitting electrode. The rotating plate is rotatably arranged in the interlayer space, the rotating plate is provided with a plurality of conductive parts, and the conductive parts are arranged at intervals and do not make contact with one another. The rotary knob is connected to the rotating plate, and the rotary knob can rotate relative to the base so as to synchronously drive the rotating plate to rotate relative to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, so that the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode and one of the conductive parts are at least partially overlapped, and capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to a rotary switch device. Background Technology

[0002] Switches are common devices in power systems. They are electronic components used to open or close circuits or to transfer current to other circuits in order to control the opening or operation of electrical equipment.

[0003] For rotary switches, encoders are generally used to achieve multi-segment switching control. However, current encoders require complex structures and are difficult to switch segments accurately, and the cost and size of rotary switches cannot be further reduced.

[0004] For example, the commonly used optical encoders on the market require the use of light sources, rotary encoders and multiple photoelectric sensors, which greatly increases the cost. Furthermore, the positions of the light sources, rotary encoders and multiple photoelectric sensors need to be precisely matched in order to correctly switch the switch segments, which increases the manufacturing difficulty of the rotary switch and prevents the overall size from being reduced further. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, in one embodiment, a rotary switch device is provided, including a base, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a rotating plate, and a knob. The first circuit board is disposed on the base and has a transmitting electrode. The second circuit board is disposed on the base, and the second circuit board and the first circuit board are spaced apart to form a sandwich space. The second circuit board has a receiving electrode, and the position of the receiving electrode corresponds to the position of the transmitting electrode. The rotating plate is rotatably disposed within the sandwich space and has multiple conductive parts, which are spaced apart and do not contact each other. The knob is connected to the rotating plate and can rotate relative to the base to synchronously drive the rotating plate to rotate relative to the first and second circuit boards, causing at least a partial overlap of the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and one of the multiple conductive parts, thereby changing the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

[0006] In summary, according to the rotary switch device of the present invention, when the knob is rotated, the rotating plate can be simultaneously rotated relative to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, causing at least partial overlap of the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and one of the conductive parts of the rotating plate, thereby changing the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode and generating different signals. Therefore, the rotary switch device of the present invention can accurately perform multi-segment switching control without using encoders or other complex optical and mechanical structures, while also significantly reducing costs and size. Furthermore, by separately arranging the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode on different circuit boards and placing the rotating plate in the interlayer space between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, the rotary switch device of the present invention can avoid the limitation of the circuit board size and ensure that the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode can be smoothly connected when the knob is rotated. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 This is another partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A sectional view along line segment 5-5.

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 This is an animation diagram illustrating an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 9 To continue Figure 8 Animated GIF.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the rotating plate of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the transmitting electrode and receiving electrode of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the transmitting electrode and receiving electrode of the present invention.

[0020] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0021] 1: Rotary switch device

[0022] 6: Area

[0023] 10: Base

[0024] 12: Bottom

[0025] 13: Anti-slip components

[0026] 20: First circuit board

[0027] 201: First Hollow Section

[0028] 21: First side view

[0029] 25: First insulating layer

[0030] TX: Emitter electrode

[0031] TX1: First electrode region

[0032] TX2: Second electrode region

[0033] 30: Second circuit board

[0034] 301: Second Hollow Section

[0035] 31: Second side view

[0036] 35: Second insulating layer

[0037] RX: Receiver electrode

[0038] RX1: First electrode region

[0039] RX2: Second Electrode Region

[0040] 40, 40a: Rotating plate

[0041] 401: Third Hollow Section

[0042] 402: Through hole

[0043] 41: First Surface

[0044] 42: Second surface

[0045] 43: Hollowed-out groove

[0046] 44: Hollowed-out holes

[0047] 45, 45a: Conductive parts

[0048] 451: First conductive layer

[0049] 452: First conductive surface

[0050] 453: Second conductive layer

[0051] 454: Second conductive surface

[0052] 455: Conductive connection part

[0053] 46, 46a: Rotary seat

[0054] 461: First end

[0055] 462: Second end

[0056] 463,463a:Substrate

[0057] 464: Inner surface

[0058] 465, 465a: Groove

[0059] 466: Teeth

[0060] 50: Knob

[0061] 60: Circuit board positioning assembly

[0062] 61: First positioning plate

[0063] 611: First perforation

[0064] 62: Second positioning plate

[0065] 63: Spacer column

[0066] 64, 64a: Elastic element

[0067] 641: Top Bead

[0068] 642: Spring

[0069] S: Mezzanine space Detailed Implementation

[0070] It should be noted that in the descriptions of the various embodiments, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used to describe different elements, and these elements are not limited by such predicates. Furthermore, for ease of explanation and clarity, the thickness or dimensions of the elements in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or approximated for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art. The dimensions of each element are not exactly their actual dimensions and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of the invention; therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements in all the drawings.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention. Figure 4 This is another partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 1 A sectional view along line segment 5-5. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of region 6. (See image below.) Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the rotary switch device 1 includes a base 10, a first circuit board 20, a second circuit board 30, a rotating plate 40, and a knob 50. The rotary switch device 1 can be used to control the opening and closing or operation of electrical equipment (such as household appliances like televisions, air conditioners, lamps, tablets or laptops, or other commercial appliances).

[0072] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a first circuit board 20 and a second circuit board 30 are disposed on a base 10. The first circuit board 20 has a first side surface 21 facing the second circuit board 30, and an emission electrode TX is provided on the first side surface 21. The second circuit board 30 and the first circuit board 20 are spaced apart to form a sandwich space S (e.g., ...). Figure 6 As shown), the second circuit board 30 has a second side 31 facing the first side 21 of the first circuit board 20. The second side 31 has a receiving electrode RX, which is used to receive the signal sent by the transmitting electrode TX. Preferably, the position of the receiving electrode RX corresponds to the position of the transmitting electrode TX.

[0073] In some embodiments, the transmitting electrode TX of the first circuit board 20 may be electrically connected to a processor (not shown), and the processor may control the transmitting electrode TX to continuously or periodically transmit sensing signals (e.g., AC signals). Additionally, in some embodiments, the position of the receiving electrode RX corresponds to the position of the transmitting electrode TX, meaning that the receiving electrode RX and the transmitting electrode TX at least partially overlap each other and correspond to each other.

[0074] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the rotary switch device 1 of this embodiment avoids limitations on the size of the circuit boards by separately arranging the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX on different circuit boards. Specifically, assuming that the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are both arranged on the same circuit board, if the circuit board needs to be reduced in size to meet the miniaturization requirements of the product, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX will also need to be reduced in size simultaneously, resulting in a weakened signal strength and affecting the accuracy of sensing. Therefore, by separately arranging the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX on different first circuit boards 20 and second circuit boards 30, when the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30 are reduced in size to meet the miniaturization requirements of the rotary switch device 1, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can still maintain the same or similar size, thus avoiding affecting the accuracy of sensing.

[0075] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the second circuit board 30 is located between the first circuit board 20 and the base 10, that is, the second circuit board 30 is closer to the base 10 relative to the first circuit board 20. However, this is not a limitation. In some embodiments, the first circuit board 20 may also be disposed between the second circuit board 30 and the base 10, so that the first circuit board 20 is closer to the base 10 relative to the second circuit board 30.

[0076] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30 can be mounted and fixed on the base 10 by positioning members and maintained at a distance from each other. For example, the positioning members can be plates, pillars, and / or fasteners (such as bolts, screws, or fixing pins). For example, in this embodiment, the rotary switch device 1 includes a circuit board positioning assembly 60, which is disposed on the base 10 and includes a first positioning plate 61, a second positioning plate 62, and at least one spacer post 63. The spacer post 63 is disposed between the first positioning plate 61 and the second positioning plate 62, so that the first positioning plate 61 and the second positioning plate 62 maintain a distance from each other. For example Figure 2As shown, there can be multiple spacer columns 63, which are located on different sides of the first positioning plate 61. One end of each spacer column 63 is integrally connected to the surface of the first positioning plate 61, and the second positioning plate 62 is assembled to the other end of each spacer column 63, so that each spacer column 63 is connected between the first positioning plate 61 and the second positioning plate 62, so that the first positioning plate 61 and the second positioning plate 62 maintain a distance through the spacer columns 63.

[0077] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first circuit board 20 is assembled to the surface of the first positioning plate 61 facing the second positioning plate 62, and the second circuit board 30 is assembled to the surface of the second positioning plate 62 facing the first positioning plate 61. As mentioned above, since the first positioning plate 61 and the second positioning plate 62 maintain a distance from each other, the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30 can maintain a distance after being assembled to the circuit board positioning assembly 60, so that the aforementioned interlayer space S is formed between the first side 21 of the first circuit board 20 and the second side 31 of the second circuit board 30 (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (As shown).

[0078] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the rotating plate 40 is rotatably disposed in the interlayer space S between the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30. The rotating plate 40 has a plurality of conductive parts 45, which are arranged at intervals and do not contact each other. Each conductive part 45 may be a conductive block, conductive plate or conductive layer made of conductive material. The conductive material may be, for example, a metal material or a polymer conductive material (such as conductive plastic or conductive rubber).

[0079] In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive portions 45 may be arranged in a ring or arc shape with intervals between them. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of conductive portions 45 are arranged in a ring around the rotating plate 40 at intervals, and the conductive portions 45 maintain a distance from each other and do not contact each other. In addition, in this embodiment, the rotating plate 40 also has a plurality of hollow grooves 43 around it, which are respectively located between the conductive portions 45 to ensure that the conductive portions 45 do not contact each other. Furthermore, the conductive portions 45 can also maintain the same spacing between each other. In this embodiment, each conductive portion 45 is a rectangular plate extending outward from the body of the rotating plate 40, but each conductive portion 45 can also have other shapes and is not limited thereto. In addition, in some embodiments, the shapes of the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and each conductive portion 45 may be the same or different, depending on the actual product requirements.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the knob 50 is connected to the rotating plate 40. For example, the knob 50 can be assembled to the rotating plate 40 by means of adhesive, welding, snap-fit, or locking. The knob 50 can be operated by the user to rotate relative to the base 10. During the rotation of the knob 50, the rotating plate 40 can be rotated simultaneously relative to the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30, so that the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and one of the conductive parts 45 of the rotating plate 40 at least partially overlap, so that the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are connected to each other through the conductive part 45 to generate a corresponding signal.

[0081] For example, when the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and any conductive portion 45 of the rotating plate 40 do not overlap, the distance maintained between the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30 allows the capacitance value between the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX to approach 0 (i.e., the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are not conductive to each other). When the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and one of the conductive portions 45 of the rotating plate 40 at least partially overlap, since the rotating plate 40 is disposed in the interlayer space S between the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30, the distance between the corresponding conductive portion 45 and the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX becomes very small, thus ensuring that the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are conductive to each other through the corresponding conductive portion 45 and generate a significant change in capacitance value, thereby generating a corresponding signal based on the change in capacitance value.

[0082] Following on, such as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the conductive part 45 maintains a slight distance from the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX, for example, the distance can be 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. When the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX and one of the conductive parts 45 overlap, although the three do not contact each other, the aforementioned distance is very small, so the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can still conduct to each other through the conductive part 45 to generate corresponding signals. In addition, during the rotation of the rotating plate 40, the aforementioned distance can also prevent wear between the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX and the conductive part 45, thereby improving the service life of the rotary switch device 1.

[0083] like Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, by respectively placing the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX on the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30, and placing the rotating plate 40 in the interlayer space S between the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30, the conductive part 45 of the rotating plate 40 can be located between the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX. Therefore, even if tolerances occur during the manufacturing or assembly of the rotating plate 40, it can be ensured that the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can be smoothly connected when the rotating plate 40 rotates. For example, when the distance between the conductive part 45 and the transmitting electrode TX increases due to assembly tolerances, the distance between the conductive part 45 and the receiving electrode RX will relatively decrease, so that even when the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the conductive part 45 overlap, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can still be smoothly connected.

[0084] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating plate 40 is fixed to the rotating base 46. For example, the rotating plate 40 can be assembled to the rotating base 46 by means of adhesive, welding, snap-fit, or locking, and the rotating plate 40 is connected to the knob 50 via the rotating base 46. Thus, when the knob 50 rotates, the rotating plate 40 and the rotating base 46 can be rotated synchronously relative to the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30. However, the above embodiment is only an example. In some embodiments, the rotating plate 40 can also be directly connected to the knob 50, omitting the rotating base 46, or the rotating plate 40 and the rotating base 46 can be integrally connected to form an integrated structure.

[0085] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first circuit board 20, the second circuit board 30, the rotating plate 40, and the first positioning plate 61 are all annular plates. The first circuit board 20 has a first hollow portion 201, the second circuit board 30 has a second hollow portion 301, the rotating plate 40 has a third hollow portion 401, and the first positioning plate 61 has a first through hole 611. The first hollow portion 201, the second hollow portion 301, the third hollow portion 401, and the first through hole 611 are interconnected. The rotating base 46 is located in the first hollow part 201, the second hollow part 301, the third hollow part 401 and the first through hole 611. The rotating base 46 has a first end 461 and a second end 462. The first end 461 passes through the first hollow part 201 of the first circuit board 20 and the first through hole 611 of the first positioning plate 61 and is assembled to the knob 50. The second end 462 of the rotating base 46 has a base plate 463. The rotating plate 40 is assembled to the base plate 463 of the rotating base 46, so that the knob 50, the rotating plate 40 and the rotating base 46 are assembled to each other and can rotate synchronously.

[0086] In some embodiments, during the process of a user rotating the knob 50 to drive the rotating plate 40 to rotate, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can overlap with different conductive portions 45 of the rotating plate 40 to generate different signals. For example, when the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX overlap with one of the conductive portions 45 of the rotating plate 40, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can be connected to each other through the conductive portion 45, allowing the receiving electrode RX to receive the sensing signal emitted by the transmitting electrode TX through the conductive portion 45 and generate a first trigger signal. Furthermore, when the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX overlap with another conductive portion 45 of the rotating plate 40, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can be connected to each other through the aforementioned other conductive portion 45, allowing the receiving electrode RX to receive the sensing signal emitted by the transmitting electrode TX through the other conductive portion 45 and generate a second trigger signal different from the aforementioned first trigger signal. Therefore, the rotary switch device 1 of this embodiment of the invention does not require the use of an encoder or other complex optical and mechanical structures to accurately perform multi-segment switching control, while also significantly reducing cost and size.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal can control the electrical device to perform different actions. For example, assuming the rotary switch device 1 is used to control a lamp, the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal can respectively control the lamp to emit light of different brightness or color. Alternatively, assuming the rotary switch device 1 is a color controller connected to a computer, the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal can respectively control the computer to operate to select different colors. Furthermore, the number of conductive parts 45 on the rotating plate 40 can be determined according to the actual product requirements. For example, the more switch positions required by the product, the more conductive parts 45 can be added accordingly.

[0088] In some embodiments, as the user operates the knob 50 to rotate the rotating plate 40, different first trigger signals and second trigger signals may be generated based on the different overlap areas of the transmitting electrode TX or receiving electrode RX with the same conductive part 45 of the rotating plate 40. This is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention. Figure 8 This is an animation diagram illustrating an embodiment of the rotary switch device of the present invention. Figure 9 To continue Figure 8 The animated GIF should be noted that... Figures 7 to 9The first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30 are presented in a perspective view (where the dashed line represents the first circuit board 20 and the transmitting electrode TX, and the dotted chain line represents the second circuit board 30 and the receiving electrode RX) to clearly show the relative relationship of the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and each conductive part 45, as explained below. In this embodiment, when the rotary switch device 1 is operated, the overlapping area of ​​the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 changes with the rotation of the rotating plate 40. Different overlapping areas will generate different trigger signals, as detailed below. Figure 7 As shown, taking the example where the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX overlap with one of the conductive parts 45, when the rotating plate 40 rotates to the first position (e.g. Figure 7 When the position shown is such that the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 have a first overlapping area (e.g., ... Figure 7 As shown, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX completely overlap on the conductive portion 45, causing the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX to conduct to each other and generate a first trigger signal. When the rotating plate 40 rotates to the second position (as shown), Figure 8 When the position shown is such that the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 have a second overlapping area (as shown in the figure), the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 have a second overlapping area (as shown in the figure). Figure 8 As shown, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX only partially overlap on the conductive portion 45, forming a second overlapping area smaller than the first overlapping area (the second overlapping area is different from the first overlapping area), causing the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX to conduct to each other and generate a second trigger signal different from the aforementioned first trigger signal. Next, when the rotating plate 40 rotates to the third position (e.g., ... Figure 9 When the position shown is such that the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 have a third overlapping area (as shown in the figure), the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 have a third overlapping area (as shown in the figure). Figure 9 As shown, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX only partially overlap on the conductive part 45), and the third overlapping area is smaller than the aforementioned second overlapping area (the third overlapping area is different from the second overlapping area), so that the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are connected to each other to generate a third trigger signal that is different from the aforementioned first trigger signal and second trigger signal.

[0090] Continuing from the above, specifically, when the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive portion 45 have different overlapping areas (such as the different first overlapping areas, second overlapping areas, and third overlapping areas mentioned above), the capacitance value changes after the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are turned on, thereby generating different trigger signals according to the different capacitance values. That is, when the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive portion 45 have the aforementioned first overlapping area, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can be turned on to generate a first capacitance value, and a first trigger signal can be generated according to the first capacitance value. When the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive portion 45 have the aforementioned second overlapping area, which is different from the first overlapping area, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX can be turned on to generate a second capacitance value different from the aforementioned first capacitance value, thereby generating a second trigger signal according to the second capacitance value, and so on.

[0091] Therefore, the rotary switch device 1 of this embodiment generates different signals by changing the capacitance value, enabling the design of more switching segments within a limited space and with a limited number of conductive parts 45. For example, when the rotating plate 40 rotates such that the overlap area between the conductive part 45 and the emitting electrode TX is 9 / 10, 8 / 10, 7 / 10, 6 / 10, 5 / 10, 4 / 10, 3 / 10, 2 / 10, or 1 / 10 of the area of ​​the emitting electrode TX, different capacitance values ​​can be generated, thereby producing different trigger signals. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, although the number of conductive parts 45 of the rotating plate 40 is 24, the number of switch segments can be designed to be more than 24 segments (such as 30 segments, 40 segments, 50 segments or even 100 segments).

[0092] For example Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 10 has a bottom 12, and the bottom 12 has an anti-slip element 13. For example, the anti-slip element 13 can be an anti-slip pad (e.g., a rubber pad or a silicone pad), or the anti-slip element 13 can be an anti-slip texture or anti-slip coating provided on the bottom 12. Thus, when the base 10 of the rotary switch device 1 is placed on an object surface (e.g., a tabletop), the anti-slip element 13 can effectively prevent the rotary switch device 1 from moving and affecting the user's operation. For example, when the user applies force to rotate the knob 50, the anti-slip element 13 can prevent the base 10 from being displaced by the force.

[0093] like Figure 6As shown, the rotating plate 40 has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 facing each other. The first surface 41 faces the first side surface 21 of the first circuit board 20, and a first insulating layer 25 is provided between the first surface 41 and the first side surface 21. The second surface 42 faces the second side surface 31 of the second circuit board 30, and a second insulating layer 35 is provided between the second surface 42 and the second side surface 31. The first insulating layer 25 and the second insulating layer 35 ensure that the conductive part 45 maintains the aforementioned distance from the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX, respectively, and prevent wear between the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the conductive part 45 during the rotation of the rotating plate 40. Furthermore, the first insulating layer 25 and the second insulating layer 35 fill the gaps between the rotating plate 40 and the first circuit board 20 and the second circuit board 30. When the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive part 45 overlap, the dielectric constant is increased, thereby increasing the capacitance value generated between the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX, and improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first insulating layer 25 and the second insulating layer 35 may be lubricating fluid layers to facilitate smoother rotation of the knob 50 and the rotating plate 40. Alternatively, the first insulating layer 25 and the second insulating layer 35 may be insulating layers made of plastic (such as polyester plastic), rubber, or other dielectric materials. Alternatively, the first insulating layer 25 and the second insulating layer 35 may be made of wear-resistant insulating materials, such as polyurethane (PU), ceramic materials, or epoxy resin, to improve the service life of the rotary switch device 1.

[0095] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, each conductive portion 45 of the rotating plate 40 has a first conductive surface 452 located on the first surface 41 and a second conductive surface 454 located on the second surface 42. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the first conductive surface 452 is larger than the area of ​​the transmitting electrode TX, and the area of ​​the second conductive surface 454 is larger than the area of ​​the receiving electrode RX, to ensure that each conductive portion 45 of the rotating plate 40 can smoothly conduct the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX during the rotation of the rotating plate 40. In addition, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the receiving electrode RX is larger than the area of ​​the transmitting electrode TX, to ensure that the receiving electrode RX can smoothly receive the sensing signal emitted by the transmitting electrode TX when the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are conducting. However, the above embodiment is only an example. In reality, the relative size relationship between the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and each conductive portion 45 is not limited, as long as a trigger signal can be smoothly generated when the transmitting electrode TX, the receiving electrode RX, and the corresponding conductive portion 45 overlap each other. For example, in other embodiments, the area of ​​the first conductive surface 452 of each conductive portion 45 may be equal to the area of ​​the transmitting electrode TX, and the area of ​​the second conductive surface 454 of each conductive portion 45 may be equal to the area of ​​the receiving electrode RX. Alternatively, the area of ​​the receiving electrode RX may also be equal to the area of ​​the transmitting electrode TX.

[0096] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, each conductive part 45 includes a first conductive layer 451, a second conductive layer 453, and a conductive connection part 455. The first conductive layer 451 is disposed on the first surface 41 of the rotating plate 40, and the first conductive surface 452 is the surface of the first conductive layer 451 facing the first circuit board 20. The second conductive layer 453 is disposed on the second surface 42 of the rotating plate 40, and the second conductive surface 454 is the surface of the second conductive layer 453 facing the second circuit board 30. In addition, the rotating plate 40 has a plurality of through holes 402, each through hole 402 penetrating the first surface 41 and the second surface 42 and corresponding to each conductive part 45. The conductive connection part 455 of each conductive part 45 is located in each through hole 402 and connected to the first conductive layer 451 and the second conductive layer 453, so that the first conductive layer 451 and the second conductive layer 453 are electrically connected to each other.

[0097] However, the above embodiment is merely an example, and the plurality of conductive portions 45 of the rotating plate 40 may also be configured in other ways. For example Figure 10As shown, in another embodiment, the rotating plate 40a may have a plurality of perforated holes 44 and a plurality of conductive parts 45a. The plurality of perforated holes 44 are arranged in a ring around the rotating plate 40a and are not interconnected. The plurality of conductive parts 45a are conductive blocks and are respectively fixed inside the plurality of perforated holes 44. Thus, the plurality of conductive parts 45a can also be arranged in a ring and not in contact with each other. Furthermore, the plurality of conductive parts 45a are not directly electrically connected to each other and will not conduct electricity to each other.

[0098] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the rotating base 46 may have multiple grooves 465 arranged in a ring. The base 10 has at least one elastic element 64 (e.g., the elastic element 64 may be an elastic rod, elastic sheet, elastic ball, or spring). When the rotating plate 40 rotates to different positions, the elastic element 64 can elastically abut against different grooves 465, allowing the user to feel the tactile feedback and precisely switch to different switch positions. For example, please refer to... Figure 7 As shown, when the rotating plate 40 rotates to the first position, the elastic element 64 can abut against one of the plurality of grooves 465; as Figure 8 As shown, when the rotating plate 40 is rotated to the second position, the elastic element 64 can abut against another of the plurality of grooves 465.

[0099] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating base 46 has an inner surface 464 facing the base 10, and a plurality of grooves 465 are arranged in a ring on the inner surface 464. A plurality of elastic elements 64 are provided on the base 10 via a second positioning plate 62. Each elastic element 64 is an elastic ball comprising a ball 641 and a spring 642. The spring 642 is disposed on the second positioning plate 62, and the ball 641 is connected to one end of the spring 642 and abuts against one of the plurality of grooves 465.

[0100] However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the rotating base 46 can also be configured in other ways. For example... Figure 11 As shown, in another embodiment, the base plate 463a of the rotating seat 46a has a plurality of teeth 466 arranged in a ring around it, and a plurality of grooves 465a are formed between the plurality of teeth 466. The elastic element 64a is a spring sheet and is disposed on the second positioning plate 62 on the base 10. When the rotating plate 40 rotates to different positions, the elastic element 64a can elastically abut against different grooves 465a of the rotating seat 46a, which also allows the user to feel the segmented touch to accurately switch to different switch segments.

[0101] In some embodiments, the transmitting electrode TX of the first circuit board 20 or the receiving electrode RX of the second circuit board 30 may include multiple electrode areas to further determine the rotation direction of the knob 50 and the rotating plate 40 through the multiple electrode areas. Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the transmitting electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX are electrically connected to the processor (not shown). The transmitting electrode TX includes a first electrode region TX1 and a second electrode region TX2. The first electrode region TX1 and the second electrode region TX2 maintain a distance from each other. The processor can control the first electrode region TX1 to emit a first sensing signal and control the second electrode region TX2 to emit a second sensing signal. The processor can determine the rotation direction of the knob 50 and the rotating plate 40 based on the intensity of the first sensing signal and the intensity of the second sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX.

[0102] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the rotating plate 40 is in the first position, the first electrode region TX1 and the second electrode region TX2 of the transmitting electrode TX are completely overlapped with the conductive portion 45, so that the receiving electrode RX can receive the first sensing signal emitted by the first electrode region TX1 and the second sensing signal emitted by the second electrode region TX2. Next, as Figure 8 As shown, when the rotating plate 40 rotates from the first position to the second position along the rotation direction (e.g., clockwise rotation), the first electrode region TX1 of the transmitting electrode TX only partially overlaps with the conductive part 45, while the second electrode region TX2 still completely overlaps with the conductive part 45. At this time, the intensity of the first sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX from the first electrode region TX1 will decrease, while the intensity of the second sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX from the second electrode region TX2 will remain unchanged. The processor can then determine the rotation direction of the rotating plate 40 (such as the aforementioned clockwise rotation direction) based on the decrease in the intensity of the first sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX. Alternatively, as... Figure 9 As shown, when the rotating plate 40 rotates from the first position to the third position along the rotation direction (e.g., clockwise rotation direction), the first electrode area TX1 of the transmitting electrode TX does not overlap with the conductive part 45, and the second electrode area TX2 still overlaps completely with the receiving electrode RX. At this time, the intensity of the first sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX from the first electrode area TX1 will decrease to 0, while the intensity of the second sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX from the second electrode area TX2 will remain. The processor can then determine the rotation direction of the rotating plate 40 (such as the aforementioned clockwise rotation direction) based on the decrease in the intensity of the first sensing signal received by the receiving electrode RX.

[0103] However, the above embodiments are merely examples, such as Figure 12As shown, in another embodiment, the transmitting electrode TX of the first circuit board 20 and the receiving electrode RX of the second circuit board 30 may also have only a single electrode area to meet the usage requirements where it is not necessary to determine the rotation direction. Alternatively, as... Figure 13 As shown, in another embodiment, the transmitting electrode TX has only a single electrode area, and the receiving electrode RX includes a first electrode area RX1 and a second electrode area RX2. The processor can control the transmitting electrode TX to emit a sensing signal, and the processor can determine the rotation direction of the rotating plate 40 based on the intensity of the sensing signal received by the first electrode area RX1 and the second electrode area RX2. The determination principle is similar to the embodiment described above where the transmitting electrode TX includes a first electrode area TX1 and a second electrode area TX2, and will not be repeated here.

[0104] In summary, according to the rotary switch device of the present invention, when the knob is rotated, the rotating plate can be simultaneously rotated relative to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, causing the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and one of the conductive parts of the rotating plate to at least partially overlap, thereby changing the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, connecting the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, and thus generating different signals. The rotary switch device of the present invention can accurately perform multi-segment switching control without using encoders or other complex optical and mechanical structures, while also significantly reducing costs and size.

[0105] Although the technical content of the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary switch device, characterized by comprising: The application relates to a touch control device, comprising: a base; a first circuit board arranged on the base, the first circuit board having a transmitting electrode; a second circuit board arranged on the base, the second circuit board and the first circuit board being spaced apart from each other to form a sandwich space, the second circuit board having a receiving electrode, and the position of the receiving electrode corresponding to the position of the transmitting electrode; a rotating plate rotatably arranged in the sandwich space, the rotating plate having a plurality of conductive portions arranged at intervals and not in contact with each other; and a knob connected to the rotating plate, the knob being selectively rotatable relative to the base to synchronously drive the rotating plate to rotate relative to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, so that one of the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode and the plurality of conductive portions at least partially overlaps, and the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode changes.

2. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The rotating plate and the first circuit board have a first insulating layer therebetween.

3. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The transmitting electrode or the receiving electrode comprises a first electrode area and a second electrode area, the first electrode area and the second electrode area being spaced apart from each other.

4. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 3, wherein Further comprising a processor connected to the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, the transmitting electrode comprising the first electrode area and the second electrode area, the first electrode area emitting a first sensing signal, the second electrode area emitting a second sensing signal, and the processor judging the rotating direction of the rotating plate according to the strength of the first sensing signal and the strength of the second sensing signal received by the receiving electrode.

5. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 3, wherein Further comprising a processor connected to the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, the receiving electrode comprising the first electrode area and the second electrode area, the transmitting electrode emitting a sensing signal, and the processor judging the rotating direction of the rotating plate according to the strength of the sensing signal received by the first electrode area and the second electrode area.

6. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The rotating plate is selectively rotatable to a first position or a second position; when the rotating plate is at the first position, the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode and the corresponding conductive portion have a first overlapping area, so that the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are in conduction with each other to generate a first trigger signal; when the rotating plate is at the second position, the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode and the corresponding conductive portion have a second overlapping area different from the first overlapping area, so that the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are in conduction with each other to generate a second trigger signal.

7. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The rotating plate has opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface facing the first circuit board, and the second surface facing the second circuit board, each of the conductive portions having a first conductive surface on the first surface and a second conductive surface on the second surface, the area of the first conductive surface being greater than or equal to the area of the transmitting electrode, and the area of the second conductive surface being greater than or equal to the area of the receiving electrode.

8. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 7, wherein The area of the receiving electrode is greater than or equal to the area of the transmitting electrode.

9. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The circuit board positioning assembly is arranged on the base and includes a first positioning plate, a second positioning plate, and at least one spacing column arranged between the first positioning plate and the second positioning plate to keep the first positioning plate and the second positioning plate apart; the first circuit board is connected to the first positioning plate, and the second circuit board is connected to the second positioning plate, so that the first circuit board and the second circuit board are kept apart from each other to form the interlayer space.

10. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The rotating plate is fixed on a rotating seat, and the rotating plate is connected to the knob via the rotating seat.

11. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 10, wherein The rotating seat has a plurality of grooves arranged in a ring shape, the base has an elastic member, and the rotating plate can be selectively rotated to a first position or a second position; when the rotating plate is in the first position, the elastic member abuts against one of the grooves; when the rotating plate is in the second position, the elastic member abuts against another of the grooves.

12. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 11, wherein The rotating seat has an inner surface facing the base, and the grooves are arranged on the inner surface.

13. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 11, wherein The rotating seat has a plurality of tooth portions arranged in a ring shape, and the grooves are respectively formed between the tooth portions.

14. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The base has a bottom, and the bottom has a slip stopper.

15. The rotary switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein The first circuit board has a first side surface, and the first side surface has the transmitting electrode; the second circuit board has a second side surface facing the first side surface, and the second side surface has the receiving electrode.

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