Multifunctional springback type knob key and vehicle-mounted controller

Abstract

A multifunctional springback type knob button and a vehicle-mounted controller, the button comprises a panel, a middle frame and a rear cover, the panel and the rear cover enclose to form an accommodating cavity, the middle frame is arranged in the accommodating cavity, a knob assembly and a side pressing assembly are arranged in the accommodating cavity, the knob assembly comprises a knob, a knob frame, a knob silica gel key, a knob PCBA board and a knob seat, and the knob silica gel key is arranged in the accommodating cavity. The side pressing assembly comprises a side pressing plate, two side silica gel keys and two side PCBA plates, the knob, the knob frame and the knob base are sequentially arranged between the panel and the middle frame from top to bottom, the side, facing the rear cover, of the middle frame is connected with the side pressing plate, a through middle frame through hole is formed in the middle frame, one end of the knob base penetrates through the middle frame through hole and is connected with the side pressing plate, and the other end of the knob base is connected with the side pressing plate. The face, facing the panel, of the knob base is concaved inwards to form a knob base cavity, a knob silica gel key and a knob PCBA board are sequentially arranged in the knob base cavity, a panel through hole is formed in the panel, and the knob comprises a knob column. The technical problems that in the prior art, multi-direction pressing is difficult to achieve through a single operation piece, and a reset mechanism is complex are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle controller technology, and in particular to a multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button and vehicle controller. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicle control systems, knobs and buttons serve as crucial human-machine interface components, widely used for controlling functions such as multimedia playback, navigation settings, and air conditioning adjustments. With the increasing electronic sophistication of automobiles, vehicle controllers need to integrate more functions within the limited space of the control panel, placing higher demands on the multi-functionality and miniaturization of buttons.

[0003] In existing technologies, to achieve multi-functional integration of a single operating component, a coaxial composite structure of a knob and a button is mainly adopted. Function switching is achieved by rotating the knob, and confirmation is achieved by pressing the button. However, this type of structure is limited to a composite mode of "rotation + pressing," and its operation dimension is still a combination of two independent actions. It is difficult to achieve multi-directional pressing on a simple single operating component. At the same time, the reset mechanism commonly used in existing technologies relies on metal springs, which have many parts and complex assembly. After long-term use, spring fatigue can easily lead to rebound failure, affecting the feel and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button and vehicle controller, which aims to solve the technical problem that in the prior art, a single operating component is difficult to achieve multi-directional pressing and the reset mechanism is relatively complex.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A multifunctional spring-loaded rotary knob button includes a panel, a middle frame, and a back cover. The panel and the back cover form a receiving cavity. The middle frame is disposed within the receiving cavity. A knob assembly and a side-press assembly are disposed within the receiving cavity. The knob assembly includes a knob, a knob holder, a knob silicone key, a knob PCBA board, and a knob base. The side-press assembly includes a side-press plate, two side silicone keys, and two side PCBA boards. The knob, the knob holder, and the knob base are arranged sequentially from top to bottom between the panel and the middle frame. The side-press plate is connected to the side of the middle frame facing the back cover. A through hole is provided in the middle frame. One end of the knob base passes through the through hole and is connected to the side-press plate. The side of the knob base facing the panel is recessed to form a knob base cavity. The knob silicone key and the knob PCBA board are arranged sequentially from top to bottom within the knob base cavity. The panel has a through hole, and the knob includes a knob post. The width of the through hole is greater than the cross-sectional width of the knob post. The knob holder has a knob holder cavity that passes through the knob holder. One end of the knob holder is accommodated in the knob base cavity. One end of the knob post passes through the through hole and is slidably connected to the knob holder cavity. One end of the knob post abuts against the knob silicone key. The side of the middle frame facing away from the panel has two sliding grooves. The two sliding grooves are located at opposite ends of the through hole in the middle frame and are connected to the through hole in the middle frame. The inner sidewalls of the two sliding grooves face each other and are connected to the two side PCBA boards. The side PCBA boards facing away from the inner sidewalls of the sliding grooves are connected to the side silicone keys. The opposite ends of the side buttons abut against the two side silicone keys. The side buttons facing away from the middle frame are connected to the back cover.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer side wall of the knob post is provided with several guide rail grooves, and the inner side wall of the knob frame is provided with several guide rails that are adapted to the guide rail grooves, and the guide rails are slidably connected to the guide rail grooves.

[0007] Furthermore, a plurality of inner locking blocks are provided on the inner sidewall of the knob holder, and the side of the knob post facing the knob holder is recessed to form a knob cavity. A plurality of snap-fit ​​through holes adapted to the inner locking blocks are provided on the inner sidewall of the knob cavity, and the length of the snap-fit ​​through holes is greater than the length of the inner locking blocks.

[0008] Furthermore, the knob holder has several elastic connecting plates on the side facing the knob base, the elastic connecting plates have connecting plate through holes, and the outer wall of the knob base has several fastening blocks that are adapted to the connecting plate through holes.

[0009] Furthermore, a number of guide blocks are provided on the inner wall of the knob seat cavity, and a number of guide grooves adapted to the guide blocks are provided on the knob silicone key and the knob PCBA board.

[0010] Furthermore, the knob silicone key includes a first base, with a first elastic protrusion at one end of the first base facing the knob post. The first elastic protrusion includes a first pressing end, a first elastic connecting layer, and a first conductive layer. One end of the knob post abuts against the first pressing end. The periphery of the first conductive layer is connected to the first elastic connecting layer, and the end of the first elastic connecting layer away from the first conductive layer is connected to the first base. The first elastic connecting layer, the first conductive layer, and the first base together form a first hollow cavity. A first conductive contact is provided on the side of the knob PCBA board facing the first conductive layer. When the knob post slides towards the bottom surface of the knob base cavity within the knob frame cavity, the first conductive layer abuts against the first conductive contact.

[0011] Furthermore, both of the side silicone keys include a second base, and each of the two second bases has a second elastic protrusion at one end facing the side button. The second elastic protrusion includes a second pressing end, a second elastic connecting layer, and a second conductive layer. The two opposite ends of the side button abut against the two second pressing ends respectively. The periphery of the second conductive layer is connected to the second elastic connecting layer, and the end of the second elastic connecting layer away from the second conductive layer is connected to the second base. The second elastic connecting layer, the second conductive layer, and the second base together form a second hollow cavity. Each of the two side PCBA boards has a second conductive contact on the side facing the second conductive layer. When the side button slides along one side of the sliding groove, one second conductive layer abuts against one second conductive contact. When the side button slides along the other side of the sliding groove, another second conductive layer abuts against another second conductive contact.

[0012] Furthermore, the side panel facing the middle frame has several upper sliders, and the side panel facing away from the middle frame has several lower sliders. The upper sliders are slidably connected to the two sliding grooves, and the lower sliders are slidably connected to the back cover. The knob also includes a knob block, which is located on one side of the panel. The end of the knob post away from the knob bracket passes through the through hole of the panel and is connected to the knob block.

[0013] Furthermore, the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob also includes screws. The panel facing the rear cover has several panel fixing holes, the middle frame facing the rear cover has several middle frame fixing holes, and the rear cover has a through-hole. The screws pass through the rear cover fixing holes and are threadedly connected to the panel fixing holes and the middle frame fixing holes, respectively. The knob base facing the side panel has several positioning posts and several knob base fixing holes. The side panel has several positioning holes that match the positioning posts. The knob bracket facing the knob base has several knob bracket screw holes that match the knob base fixing holes, and the side panel has several side panel fixing holes that match the knob base fixing holes. The screws pass through the side panel fixing holes and the knob base fixing holes and are threadedly connected to the knob bracket screw holes.

[0014] The present invention also provides an in-vehicle controller, which includes the aforementioned multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By setting a side button plate that slides between the middle frame and the back cover, and a knob seat that is fixedly connected to the side button plate, when the knob is turned laterally, the knob seat and the side button plate can slide synchronously. The end of the side button plate presses against the corresponding side silicone key and triggers the corresponding side PCBA board, thereby helping to realize the left and right lateral pressing function. At the same time, through the sliding cooperation between the knob post and the knob frame, when the knob is pressed down, it moves linearly along the knob frame cavity to press against the knob silicone key and trigger the knob PCBA board. The above structure enables a single knob to simultaneously have multi-directional operation functions of pressing down and pressing left and right laterally. The operation dimensions are relatively rich, and the movements in each direction are relatively independent and not easy to cause interference, which helps to improve the problem of limited multi-directional pressing function of a single operating component in the prior art. By using the knob silicone key and the side silicone key as reset elements, and utilizing the elastic rebound characteristics of the silicone material itself, after the knob is pressed down or the side button plate is slid and triggered, the silicone key automatically returns to its original shape by elastic deformation, driving the moving parts to reset. This design reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process, thus lowering manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the silicone keys exhibit good elasticity and consistency, making them less prone to fatigue failure over long-term use. This improves the tactile feel and lifespan of the buttons and also addresses the issue of complex reset mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the knob frame, knob silicone key, knob PCBA board and knob base in the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the knob base and side panel in the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the side panel, middle frame, side silicone key, and side PCBA board in the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the side panel, middle frame, side silicone key, and side PCBA board in a multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the knob, knob holder, knob silicone key, knob PCBA board, and side button in a multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the knob, knob holder, knob silicone key, knob PCBA board, and side button in a multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the side panel and the middle frame of the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the panel in the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the panel, middle frame and back cover of the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of key component symbols: 01. Panel; 011. Panel through hole; 012. Panel fixing hole; 02. Knob; 021. Knob block; 022. Knob post; 023. Knob cavity; 024. Snap-on through hole; 025. Guide rail groove; 03. Knob bracket; 031. Knob bracket cavity; 032. Inner snap block; 033. Guide rail; 034. Elastic connecting plate; 035. Connecting plate through hole; 036. Knob bracket screw hole post; 04. Knob silicone key; 041. First base; 042. First elastic protrusion; 043. First pressing end; 044. First hollow cavity; 045. First conductive layer; 046. Guide groove; 047. First elastic connecting layer; 05. Knob PCBA board; 051. First conductive contact; 06. Knob base; 061, Knob base cavity; 062, Guide block; 063, Snap-fit ​​block; 064, Knob base fixing hole; 065, Positioning post; 07, Middle frame; 071, Middle frame through hole; 072, Sliding groove; 073, Middle frame fixing hole; 08, Side silicone key; 081, Second base; 082, Second elastic protrusion; 083, Second pressing end; 084, Second hollow cavity; 085, Second conductive layer; 086, Second elastic connecting layer; 09, Side PCBA board; 091, Second conductive contact; 10, Back cover; 101, Back cover fixing hole; 11, Screw; 12, Side button plate; 121, Side button plate fixing hole; 122, Positioning hole; 123, Upper slider; 124, Lower slider.

[0018] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be thorough and complete.

[0020] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "up," "down," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., 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 communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 12This invention provides an in-vehicle controller, which includes a multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button includes a panel 01, a middle frame 07, and a rear cover 10. The panel 01 and the rear cover 10 form a receiving cavity, and the middle frame 07 is disposed within the receiving cavity. A knob assembly and a side-press assembly are disposed within the receiving cavity. The knob assembly includes a knob 02, a knob holder 03, a knob silicone key 04, a knob PCBA board 05, and a knob base 06. The side-press assembly includes a side-press plate 12, two side silicone keys 08, and two side PCBA boards 09. The knob 02, knob holder 03, and knob base 06 are... The knob base 06 is arranged between the panel 01 and the middle frame 07 from top to bottom. The side of the middle frame 07 facing the rear cover 10 is connected to the side button plate 12. The middle frame 07 has a through hole 071. One end of the knob base 06 passes through the through hole 071 and is connected to the side button plate 12. The side of the knob base 06 facing the panel 01 is recessed to form a knob base cavity 061. The knob base cavity 061 is arranged from top to bottom with the knob silicone button 04 and the knob PCBA board 05. The panel 01 has... A panel through-hole 011 is provided. The knob 02 includes a knob post 022. The width of the panel through-hole 011 is greater than the cross-sectional width of the knob post 022. A knob frame cavity 031 is provided on the knob frame 03, penetrating the knob frame 03. One end of the knob frame 03 is accommodated in the knob base cavity 061. One end of the knob post 022 passes through the panel through-hole 011 and is slidably connected in the knob frame cavity 031. One end of the knob post 022 abuts against the knob silicone key 04. The side of the middle frame 07 facing away from the panel 01 is provided with... Two sliding grooves 072 are provided, located at opposite ends of the through hole 071 in the middle frame. Both sliding grooves 072 are connected to the through hole 071 in the middle frame. The inner sidewalls of the two sliding grooves 072 facing each other are respectively connected to the two side PCBA boards 09. The sidewalls of the side PCBA boards 09 facing away from the inner sidewalls of the sliding grooves 072 are respectively connected to the side silicone keys 08. The opposite ends of the side press plate 12 abut against the two side silicone keys 08. The sidewalls of the side press plate 12 facing away from the middle frame 07 are connected to the back cover 10.

[0023] The outer side wall of the knob post 022 is provided with several guide rail grooves 025, and the inner side wall of the knob bracket 03 is provided with several guide rails 033 that are adapted to the guide rail grooves 025. The guide rails 033 are slidably connected to the guide rail grooves 025.

[0024] The inner wall of the knob holder 03 is provided with a plurality of inner locking blocks 032. The knob post 022 is recessed on the side facing the knob holder 03 to form a knob cavity 023. The inner wall of the knob cavity 023 is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​through holes 024 that are adapted to the inner locking blocks 032. The length of the snap-fit ​​through holes 024 is greater than the length of the inner locking blocks 032.

[0025] The knob holder 03 has several elastic connecting plates 034 on the side facing the knob base 06. The elastic connecting plates 034 have connecting plate through holes 035. The outer wall of the knob base 06 has several fastening blocks 063 that are adapted to the connecting plate through holes 035.

[0026] Several guide blocks 062 are provided on the inner side wall of the knob seat cavity 061, and several guide grooves 046 adapted to the guide blocks 062 are provided on the knob silicone key 04 and the knob PCBA board 05.

[0027] The knob silicone key 04 includes a first base 041. The first base 041 has a first elastic protrusion 042 at one end facing the knob post 022. The first elastic protrusion 042 includes a first pressing end 043, a first elastic connecting layer 047, and a first conductive layer 045. One end of the knob post 022 abuts against the first pressing end 043. The first conductive layer 045 is connected to the first elastic connecting layer 047 on its periphery. The end of the first elastic connecting layer 047 away from the first conductive layer 045 is connected to the first base 041. The first elastic connecting layer 047, the first conductive layer 045, and the first base 041 together form a first hollow cavity 044. The knob PCBA board 05 has a first conductive contact 051 on the side facing the first conductive layer 045. When the knob post 022 slides towards the bottom surface of the knob base cavity 061 in the knob frame cavity 031, the first conductive layer 045 abuts against the first conductive contact 051.

[0028] Both of the aforementioned side silicone buttons 08 include a second base 081. Each of the two second bases 081 has a second elastic protrusion 082 at one end facing the side button 12. The second elastic protrusion 082 includes a second pressing end 083, a second elastic connecting layer 086, and a second conductive layer 085. The opposite ends of the side button 12 abut against the two second pressing ends 083. The periphery of the second conductive layer 085 is connected to the second elastic connecting layer 086. The end of the second elastic connecting layer 086 away from the second conductive layer 085 is connected to the second base 081. 81. The second elastic connecting layer 086, the second conductive layer 085, and the second base 081 together form a second hollow cavity 084. The two side PCBA boards 09 are provided with second conductive contacts 091 on the side facing the second conductive layer 085. When the side pressing plate 12 slides along one side of the sliding groove 072, one second conductive layer 085 abuts against one second conductive contact 091. When the side pressing plate 12 slides along the other side of the sliding groove 072, the other second conductive layer 085 abuts against the other second conductive contact 091.

[0029] The side panel 12 has several upper sliders 123 on the side facing the middle frame 07, and several lower sliders 124 on the side facing away from the middle frame 07. The upper sliders 123 are slidably connected to the two sliding grooves 072, and the lower sliders 124 are slidably connected to the back cover 10. The knob 02 also includes a knob block 021, which is located on one side of the panel 01. The end of the knob post 022 away from the knob bracket 03 passes through the panel through hole 011 and is connected to the knob block 021.

[0030] The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob also includes screws 11. The panel 01 facing the rear cover 10 has several panel fixing holes 012. The middle frame 07 facing the rear cover 10 has several middle frame fixing holes 073. The rear cover 10 has a rear cover fixing hole 101 that passes through it. The screws 11 pass through the rear cover fixing holes 101 and are threaded into the panel fixing holes 012 and the middle frame fixing holes 073 respectively. The knob base 06 facing the side button 12 has several positioning pins 0. The knob holder 03 has several knob base fixing holes 064 and several positioning holes 122 that are adapted to the positioning pins 065. The knob holder 03 has several knob holder screw holes 036 that are adapted to the knob base fixing holes 064 on the side facing the knob base 06. The side plate 12 has several side plate fixing holes 121 that are adapted to the knob base fixing holes 064. The screw 11 passes through the side plate fixing holes 121 and the knob base fixing holes 064 in sequence and is threadedly connected to the knob holder screw holes 036.

[0031] The specific operation modes of this multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob and button are as follows: I. Initial State When no external force is applied, knob 02 is in the reset position under the elastic support of knob silicone key 04, and knob post 022 is located at the end of knob holder cavity 031 away from knob base 06. Side button 12 is in the center position under the symmetrical elastic pressure of silicone keys 08 on both sides. Both silicone keys 08 are in a slightly pre-pressed state but not triggered, and their second conductive layer 085 remains separated from the second conductive contact 091 of side PCBA board 09. The first conductive layer 045 of knob silicone key 04 remains separated from the first conductive contact 051 of knob PCBA board 05.

[0032] II. Down-press mode When the operator presses down on the button block 021 of knob 02 with their finger, knob 02 moves towards the panel 01. Knob post 022 slides within the knob holder cavity 031 towards the knob base 06, i.e., towards the bottom surface of the knob base cavity 061. At this time, the guide groove 025 on the outer wall of knob post 022 slides into contact with the guide rail 033 on the inner wall of knob holder 03, providing precise linear guidance for the downward movement. The portion of knob holder 03 housed within the knob base cavity 061 remains fixed, and the sliding stroke of knob post 022 within the knob holder cavity 031 is limited by the engagement range of the snap-fit ​​through hole 024 and the inner snap block 032.

[0033] As the knob post 022 moves downward, its end abuts against the first pressing end 043 of the knob silicone key 04, applying downward pressure to the first pressing end 043. This pressure is transmitted through the first pressing end 043 to the first elastic connecting layer 047, causing the entire first elastic protrusion 042 to elastically deform, compressing the first elastic connecting layer 047, and reducing the volume of the first hollow cavity 044. Simultaneously, the first conductive layer 045 moves downward along with the deformation of the first elastic protrusion 042. When the knob post 022 is pressed down to the set stroke, the first conductive layer 045 contacts the first conductive contact 051 on the knob PCBA board 05, achieving electrical conduction and triggering the corresponding down-press function signal, such as confirmation, power on / off, etc.

[0034] When the operator releases their grip, the first elastic connecting layer 047 of the silicone button 04 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity, pushing the first pressing end 043 upward to reset, thereby pushing the knob post 022 and the entire knob 02 upward until it returns to its initial position. The snap-fit ​​through hole 024 on the knob post 022 engages with the inner locking block 032 on the knob holder 03 to prevent the knob 02 from coming out of the knob holder cavity 031.

[0035] III. Left-press mode When the operator moves the knob 021 horizontally to the left with their finger, the knob 02 moves to the left along with the knob base 06 that is fixedly connected to it. The part of the knob base 06 that passes through the through hole 071 in the middle frame is fixedly connected to the side button plate 12, so the side button plate 12 slides to the left synchronously with the knob base 06.

[0036] When the side panel 12 slides to the left, its upper slider 123 slides to the left along the sliding groove 072 on the left side of the middle frame 07, and its lower slider 124 slides to the left along the surface of the rear cover 10. The cooperation between the upper and lower sliders and the sliding groove provides precise guidance for the linear movement of the side panel 12. When the side panel 12 moves to the left, its left end abuts against the second pressing end 083 of the left side silicone key 08, and applies leftward pressure to the second pressing end 083. This pressure is transmitted to the second elastic connecting layer 086 through the second pressing end 083, causing the second elastic protrusion 082 on the left side to undergo overall elastic deformation, the second elastic connecting layer 086 to be compressed, and the volume of the second hollow cavity 084 to decrease. At the same time, the second conductive layer 085 on the left side moves to the left along with the deformation of the second elastic protrusion 082.

[0037] When the side button 12 slides to the left to the set travel distance, the second conductive layer 085 of the left side silicone button 08 contacts the second conductive contact 091 on the left side PCBA board 09, achieving electrical conduction and triggering the corresponding left-press function signal, such as previous track or volume down. During this process, the right side silicone button 08 is in a released state, and its second elastic connecting layer 086 elastically extends, pushing the right end of the side button 12 to put it in a reset ready state.

[0038] When the operator releases the pressure, the compressed left-side silicone key 08 returns to its original shape due to the elasticity of its second elastic connecting layer 086, pushing the second pressing end 083 to reset to the right, thereby pushing the side plate 12 to slide to the right, causing the knob base 06 and the knob 02 to move to the right together until they return to the initial centered position.

[0039] IV. Right-click mode When the operator moves the knob 021 horizontally to the right with their finger, the knob 02 drives the knob base 06 and the side button 12 to slide to the right simultaneously. This movement is symmetrical to the left-pressing mode. When the side button 12 slides to the right, its upper slider 123 slides to the right along the sliding groove 072 on the right side of the middle frame 07, and its lower slider 124 slides to the right along the surface of the rear cover 10. As the side button 12 moves to the right, its right end abuts against the second pressing end 083 of the right-side silicone key 08, applying rightward pressure to the right-side second pressing end 083. This pressure causes the second elastic protrusion 082 on the right side to undergo overall elastic deformation, and the second conductive layer 085 on the right side moves to the right.

[0040] When the side button 12 slides to the right to the set travel distance, the second conductive layer 085 of the right-side silicone button 08 contacts the second conductive contact 091 on the right-side PCBA board 09, achieving electrical conduction and triggering the corresponding right-press function signal, such as next track, volume up, etc. The left-side silicone button 08 is in the released state during this process.

[0041] When the operator releases the pressure, the compressed right-side silicone button 08 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity, pushing the second pressing end 083 to the left to reset, thereby pushing the side plate 12 to slide to the left, causing the knob base 06 and the knob 02 to move to the left together until they return to the initial centered position.

[0042] This multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button overcomes the limitations of traditional single-function buttons by integrating a single operating component. It utilizes the knob 02 as the sole operating interface, achieving downward movement through the cooperation of guide rails 025 and 033. Simultaneously, the knob 02 drives the side button 12 to slide left and right within the sliding groove 072, thus integrating three operating modes: downward pressing, left and right horizontal tossing. During this process, the elastic deformation of the knob silicone button 04 and the side silicone button 08 serves both as the trigger function and as the automatic spring-loaded reset mechanism after operation, eliminating the need for complex reset mechanisms such as metal springs. This structural design simplifies the assembly process, reduces the number of parts, and ensures independent movement paths in each direction, avoiding operational interference. It provides a solution that balances functional integration and operational reliability for space-constrained scenarios such as vehicle controllers.

[0043] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0044] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button, characterized in that, The device includes a front panel, a middle frame, and a back cover. The front panel and the back cover together form a receiving cavity. The middle frame is disposed within the receiving cavity. A knob assembly and a side-press assembly are disposed within the receiving cavity. The knob assembly includes a knob, a knob holder, a knob silicone key, a knob PCBA board, and a knob base. The side-press assembly includes a side-press plate, two side silicone keys, and two side PCBA boards. The knob, the knob holder, and the knob base are arranged sequentially from top to bottom between the front panel and the middle frame. The side-press plate is connected to the side of the middle frame facing the back cover. A through hole is provided in the middle frame. One end of the knob base passes through the through hole and is connected to the side-press plate. The side of the knob base facing the front panel is recessed to form a knob base cavity. The knob silicone key and the knob PCBA board are arranged sequentially from top to bottom within the knob base cavity. The front panel has... The panel has a through hole, and the knob includes a knob post. The width of the panel through hole is greater than the cross-sectional width of the knob post. A knob frame cavity is provided on the knob frame, and one end of the knob frame is accommodated in the knob base cavity. One end of the knob post passes through the panel through hole and is slidably connected to the knob frame cavity. One end of the knob post abuts against the knob silicone key. Two sliding grooves are provided on the side of the middle frame facing away from the panel. The two sliding grooves are located at opposite ends of the middle frame through hole and are connected to the middle frame through hole. The inner sidewalls of the two sliding grooves facing each other are respectively connected to the two side PCBA boards. The side PCBA boards facing away from the inner sidewalls of the sliding grooves are each connected to the side silicone key. The opposite ends of the side buttons abut against the two side silicone keys. The side buttons facing away from the middle frame are connected to the back cover.

2. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side wall of the knob post is provided with several guide rail grooves, and the inner side wall of the knob frame is provided with several guide rails that are adapted to the guide rail grooves. The guide rails are slidably connected to the guide rail grooves.

3. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the knob holder is provided with several inner locking blocks. The side of the knob post facing the knob holder is recessed to form a knob cavity. The inner wall of the knob cavity is provided with several snap-fit ​​through holes that are adapted to the inner locking blocks. The length of the snap-fit ​​through holes is greater than the length of the inner locking blocks.

4. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob holder has several elastic connecting plates on the side facing the knob base. The elastic connecting plates have connecting plate through holes. The outer wall of the knob base has several fastening blocks that are adapted to the connecting plate through holes.

5. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several guide blocks are provided on the inner wall of the knob seat cavity, and several guide grooves that are adapted to the guide blocks are provided on the knob silicone key and the knob PCBA board.

6. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob silicone key includes a first base. A first elastic protrusion is provided at one end of the first base facing the knob post. The first elastic protrusion includes a first pressing end, a first elastic connecting layer, and a first conductive layer. One end of the knob post abuts against the first pressing end. The periphery of the first conductive layer is connected to the first elastic connecting layer. The end of the first elastic connecting layer away from the first conductive layer is connected to the first base. The first elastic connecting layer, the first conductive layer, and the first base together form a first hollow cavity. A first conductive contact is provided on the side of the knob PCBA board facing the first conductive layer. When the knob post slides towards the bottom surface of the knob base cavity within the knob frame cavity, the first conductive layer abuts against the first conductive contact.

7. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both of the aforementioned side silicone keys include a second base. Each of the two second bases has a second elastic protrusion at one end facing the side press plate. The second elastic protrusion includes a second pressing end, a second elastic connecting layer, and a second conductive layer. The opposite ends of the side press plate abut against the two second pressing ends. The periphery of the second conductive layer is connected to the second elastic connecting layer. The end of the second elastic connecting layer away from the second conductive layer is connected to the second base. The second elastic connecting layer, the second conductive layer, and the second base together form a second hollow cavity. Each of the two side PCBA boards has a second conductive contact on the side facing the second conductive layer. When the side press plate slides along one side of the sliding groove, one second conductive layer abuts against one second conductive contact. When the side press plate slides along the other side of the sliding groove, another second conductive layer abuts against another second conductive contact.

8. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side panel facing the middle frame has several upper sliders, and the side panel facing away from the middle frame has several lower sliders. The upper sliders are slidably connected to the two sliding grooves, and the lower sliders are slidably connected to the back cover. The knob also includes a knob block, which is located on one side of the panel. The end of the knob post away from the knob bracket passes through the through hole of the panel and is connected to the knob block.

9. The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary button according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob also includes screws. The panel facing the rear cover has several panel fixing holes, the middle frame facing the rear cover has several middle frame fixing holes, and the rear cover has a through-hole. The screws pass through the rear cover fixing holes and are threadedly connected to the panel fixing holes and the middle frame fixing holes, respectively. The knob base facing the side panel has several positioning posts and several knob base fixing holes. The side panel has several positioning holes that match the positioning posts. The knob bracket facing the knob base has several knob bracket screw holes that match the knob base fixing holes, and the side panel has several side panel fixing holes that match the knob base fixing holes. The screws pass through the side panel fixing holes and the knob base fixing holes and are threadedly connected to the knob bracket screw holes.

10. A vehicle-mounted controller, characterized in that, Including the multi-functional spring-loaded rotary knob button as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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