Touch knob device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic components, and particularly discloses a touch control type knob device which comprises a rotary encoder, the rotary encoder comprises a fixed inner ring, a rotary outer ring and a circuit board, wherein the fixed inner ring is rotatably sleeved with the rotary outer ring, and the circuit board is installed on the fixed inner ring and responds to the angle change between the fixed inner ring and the rotary outer ring to generate a first electric signal. And the touch screen is fixedly arranged on the fixed inner ring, is electrically connected with the circuit board, and is used for sending a second electric signal to the circuit board after being touched and clicked. According to the touch control type knob device provided by the utility model, the overall size can be reduced on the premise of ensuring the rotating and pressing functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic component technology, and in particular to a touch-sensitive knob device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional push-button knobs, as human-computer interaction components, are widely used in the function adjustment of electronic devices (such as audio systems, vehicle central control systems, and smart home control panels). They achieve parameter adjustment (such as volume and brightness) through rotation and trigger specific commands (such as power on / off and mode switching) through pressing. However, the design of such devices in the existing technology has significant structural redundancy problems, which restricts their application in miniaturized devices.

[0003] Currently, mainstream push-button knob devices typically employ a split conductive structure design:

[0004] For the rotation adjustment function, a rotary encoder or potentiometer structure needs to be configured, and the rotation signal is detected and transmitted through a metal conductive ring or brush.

[0005] For the pressing function, an additional independent pressing switch module is required, such as using a metal spring, micro switch or capacitive sensor.

[0006] While this dual-system parallel design achieves functional separation control, it results in a large number of internal components and a complex spatial arrangement. Specifically, the conductive ring of the rotating component and the contact of the pressing component must occupy axial and radial spaces respectively, and insulation is required to prevent signal interference, further increasing the device size. In addition, the split design leads to cumbersome assembly processes, increased material costs, and reliability risks due to the superimposed mechanical structures (such as the rotating conductive component shifting due to prolonged pressing).

[0007] As consumer electronics devices become thinner and more compact, the bulky size of traditional push-button knobs is no longer suitable for the integration needs of small devices such as smartwatches and mini controllers.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the existing push-button knob device to reduce the overall size while ensuring the rotation and pressing functions.

[0009] The information disclosed in this background section is included only to enhance the understanding of the context of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0010] One objective of this invention is to provide a touch-sensitive knob device that can reduce the overall size while ensuring rotation and pressing functions.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a touch-sensitive rotary knob device, comprising:

[0012] A rotary encoder, comprising a fixed inner ring, a rotating outer ring rotatably sleeved outside the fixed inner ring, and a circuit board mounted on the fixed inner ring and responding to an angular change between the fixed inner ring and the rotating outer ring to generate a first electrical signal;

[0013] The touch screen is fixed on the fixed inner ring and electrically connected to the circuit board, and is used to send a second electrical signal to the circuit board after being touched.

[0014] Optionally, the fixed inner ring includes:

[0015] The inner ring body has an upward-facing inner ring top cavity at its top, and the circuit board is fixed inside the inner ring top cavity.

[0016] A ring-shaped screen bracket, wherein the ring-shaped screen bracket is snapped and fixed to the top opening of the inner ring top cavity;

[0017] The ring-shaped screen bracket has a screen mounting hole in the middle, and the touch screen is installed and fixed in the screen mounting hole.

[0018] Optionally, the touch screen and the circuit board are electrically connected via a ribbon cable;

[0019] Both the touch screen and the circuit board are equipped with connector interfaces that are plugged into and connected to the ribbon cable.

[0020] Optionally, a linear motor electrically connected to the circuit board is also installed and fixed on the inner ring body;

[0021] The linear motor is used to drive the inner ring body to vibrate when the touch screen is touched, so as to provide a tactile feel.

[0022] Optionally, the rotating outer ring includes:

[0023] The outer ring body has an upper opening at its top, and an inner ring mounting hole is located at the middle of the bottom of the upper ring cavity. The upper part of the fixed inner ring is located in the upper ring cavity, and the lower part of the fixed inner ring is rotatably mounted in the inner ring mounting hole.

[0024] Optionally, a rotary bearing is provided between the lower part of the fixed inner ring and the wall of the inner ring mounting hole.

[0025] Optionally, the bottom edge of the outer ring top cavity is provided with a number of spaced protrusions;

[0026] The circuit board is equipped with a photoelectric sensor for sensing the protrusion at the position corresponding to the protrusion.

[0027] Optionally, the inner ring body is provided with a clearance notch corresponding to the position of the protruding tooth, allowing the photoelectric sensor to extend downward to the detection position of the protruding tooth.

[0028] Optionally, the rotating outer ring further includes:

[0029] The decorative ring assembly is snapped and fixed at the opening of the top cavity of the outer ring, and the decorative ring assembly has an inner space for fingers to pass through to realize touch click operation on the touch screen.

[0030] Optionally, the diameter of the space within the ring is smaller than the diameter of the touchscreen.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: It provides a touch-sensitive knob device with the following core advantages:

[0032] (1) Circuit integration

[0033] The rotary encoder and the touch screen share the same circuit board. Traditional solutions require two separate circuits. This design directly reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process.

[0034] (2) Touch screen replaces mechanical pressing

[0035] The touch screen (thin planar structure) replaces the traditional metal spring / micro switch, eliminating the axial travel space and radial mounting area of ​​the mechanical pressing parts, and significantly reducing the thickness.

[0036] Therefore, the touch-sensitive knob device provided by this utility model can reduce the overall size while ensuring the rotation and pressing functions. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the touch-sensitive knob device provided in the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 An exploded view of the touch-sensitive knob device provided in the embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the touch-sensitive knob device provided in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outer ring body provided in the embodiment.

[0042] In the picture:

[0043] 100. Rotary encoder; 200. Touch screen;

[0044] 1. Fixed inner ring; 101. Inner ring body; 1011. Inner ring top cavity; 1012. Avoidance notch; 102. Circular screen bracket; 1021. Screen mounting hole;

[0045] 2. Rotating outer ring; 201. Outer ring body; 2011. Outer ring top cavity; 2012. Inner ring mounting hole; 2013. Protruding tooth; 202. Decorative ring assembly; 2021. Inner space of the ring;

[0046] 3. Circuit board; 301. Photoelectric sensor;

[0047] 4. Rotary bearing;

[0048] 5. Linear motor. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In this utility model, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this utility model. The term "embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it specifically limit its independence or connection with other embodiments. In principle, in this utility model, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form corresponding implementable technical solutions.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the use of related terms herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, the term "and / or" is used to describe the logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously. Additionally, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" logical relationship.

[0052] In this invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual quantity, hierarchy, or order between these entities or operations.

[0053] Without further limitations, the use of terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or other similar expressions in this invention is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which does not exclude the presence of additional elements in a process, method, or product that includes the stated elements, such that a process, method, or product that includes a series of elements may include not only those defined elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or product.

[0054] Similar to the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this utility model, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple" are also understood in this way, such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the space-related expressions used, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the specific embodiments of this utility model or for the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model.

[0056] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting," as used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] See Figures 1-3 This utility model provides a touch-sensitive knob device, comprising:

[0058] A rotary encoder 100 includes a fixed inner ring 1, a rotating outer ring 2 rotatably sleeved outside the fixed inner ring 1, and a circuit board 3 mounted on the fixed inner ring 1 and responding to the angle change between the fixed inner ring 1 and the rotating outer ring 2 to generate a first electrical signal.

[0059] The touch screen 200 is fixed on the fixed inner ring 1 and electrically connected to the circuit board 3, and is used to send a second electrical signal to the circuit board 3 after being touched.

[0060] The operation of the touch-sensitive knob device provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0061] (1) Rotation function implementation

[0062] When the user rotates the outer ring 2 of the knob, its angle changes relative to the fixed inner ring 1. The circuit board 3 of the rotary encoder 100 detects the relative displacement between the two (e.g., through photoelectric encoding or electromagnetic induction) and generates a first electrical signal (such as a pulse signal) for parameter adjustment (e.g., volume increase / decrease, brightness adjustment). This signal is processed by the circuit board 3 and transmitted to an external device to complete the functional response of the rotation operation.

[0063] (2) Press function implementation

[0064] When a user taps or clicks on the touchscreen 200 (such as lightly touching or pressing with a finger), the touchscreen 200 detects the touch action using capacitive or resistive touch technology and generates a second electrical signal (such as a power on / off signal). The touchscreen 200 is directly electrically connected to the circuit board 3, and the signal does not require an additional transmission path, allowing it to directly trigger preset commands (such as power on / off or mode switching).

[0065] The touch-sensitive rotary knob device provided by this utility model has the following core advantages:

[0066] (1) Circuit integration

[0067] The rotary encoder 100 and the touch screen 200 share the same circuit board 3. Traditional solutions require two independent circuits, but this design directly reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process.

[0068] (2) Touch screen replaces mechanical pressing

[0069] The Touchscreen 200 (thin flat structure) replaces the traditional metal spring / micro switch, eliminating the axial travel space and radial mounting area of ​​the mechanical pressing parts, and significantly reducing the thickness.

[0070] Therefore, the touch-sensitive knob device provided by this utility model can reduce the overall size while ensuring the rotation and pressing functions.

[0071] In this embodiment, the fixed inner ring 1 includes an inner ring body 101 and a ring-shaped screen bracket 102.

[0072] The top of the inner ring body 101 is provided with an inner ring top cavity 1011 with the opening facing upward, and the circuit board 3 is fixed in the inner ring top cavity 1011.

[0073] The annular screen bracket 102 is snapped and fixed at the top opening of the inner ring top cavity 1011;

[0074] The annular screen bracket 102 has a screen mounting hole 1021 in the middle position, and the touch screen 200 is installed and fixed in the screen mounting hole 1021.

[0075] The nested structure design of the inner ring top cavity 1011 and the ring-shaped screen bracket 102 achieves spatial three-dimensional integration of the touch screen 200 and the rotary encoder 100. After the touch screen 200 is embedded in the screen mounting hole 1021, it forms a layered layout with the circuit board 3, which not only ensures the flatness of the touch screen 200 mounting (avoiding touch offset caused by tilting), but also utilizes the height space of the inner ring top cavity 1011 to accommodate the circuit board 3, so that the rotation detection and touch function modules are stacked axially rather than radially expanded, significantly reducing the radial dimension of the device.

[0076] Optionally, the touch screen 200 and the circuit board 3 are electrically connected via a ribbon cable; wherein both the touch screen 200 and the circuit board 3 are provided with connector interfaces for plugging and unplugging the ribbon cable.

[0077] A ribbon cable plug-in connection is used instead of the traditional soldering process, forming a detachable electrical connection structure between the touch screen 200 and the circuit board 3. This design allows for quick docking of the touch screen 200 and circuit board 3 after separate installation during assembly (reducing assembly precision requirements), and allows for direct plug-in replacement of faulty modules during maintenance, improving production and maintenance efficiency. At the same time, the flexible bending characteristics of the ribbon cable can absorb the accumulated tolerances of structural components, avoiding assembly stress caused by rigid connections.

[0078] In this embodiment, a linear motor 5 electrically connected to the circuit board 3 is also installed and fixed on the inner ring body 101; the linear motor 5 is used to drive the inner ring body 101 to vibrate when the touch screen 200 is touched, so as to provide a tactile feel.

[0079] Innovatively, a linear motor 5 is integrated into the fixed inner ring 1, establishing a physical link between touch operation click events and vibration feedback. When the touch screen 200 detects a click, the linear motor 5 drives the inner ring body 101 to generate transient vibration, simulating the "click" feel of a mechanical button. Compared to traditional mechanical buttons that rely on physical deformation to generate feedback, this design triggers vibration through electronic signals, avoiding wear and tear on the mechanical structure, and supports programmable control of vibration intensity and mode.

[0080] In this embodiment, the rotating outer ring 2 includes an outer ring body 201 and a decorative ring assembly 202.

[0081] The outer ring body 201 has an upper-opening outer ring top cavity 2011 at its top, and an inner ring mounting hole 2012 is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the outer ring top cavity 2011; wherein, the upper part of the fixed inner ring 1 is located in the outer ring top cavity 2011, and the lower part of the fixed inner ring 1 is rotatably installed in the inner ring mounting hole 2012.

[0082] The decorative ring assembly 202 is snapped and fixed at the opening of the outer ring top cavity 2011, and the decorative ring assembly 202 is provided with an inner space 2021 for fingers to pass through so as to realize touch click operation on the touch screen 200.

[0083] The nested revolute joint design of the outer ring top cavity 2011 and the inner ring mounting hole 2012 constrains the mating relationship between the rotating outer ring 2 and the fixed inner ring 1 to pure rotational freedom (restricting axial movement). The bottom of the outer ring top cavity 2011 supports the upper part of the fixed inner ring 1 to form radial positioning, while the inner ring mounting hole 2012 provides circumferential rotational guidance through the lower revolute joint. This dual constraint ensures that the rotating outer ring 2 rotates stably around the axis of the fixed inner ring 1, eliminating encoder false detections caused by eccentric wobbling.

[0084] The decorative ring component 202 has both aesthetic and functional value: the inner space 2021 forms a touch operation guidance area. When the user's finger passes through the decorative ring component 202 to click the touch screen 200, the ring body naturally restricts the range of finger movement (preventing accidental touch of the surrounding area); at the same time, the decorative ring component 202 covers the internal mechanical structure of the outer ring top cavity 2011, matches the product's appearance design language (such as brushed metal, ceramic coating, etc.), and enhances the visual quality.

[0085] Optionally, a rotary bearing 4 is provided between the lower part of the fixed inner ring 1 and the hole wall of the inner ring mounting hole 2012, thereby reducing rotational resistance, improving rotational smoothness, and achieving a smooth feel for stepless rotation adjustment.

[0086] See Figure 4 In this embodiment, the bottom edge of the outer ring top cavity 2011 is provided with a plurality of spaced protrusions 2013; the circuit board 3 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 301 for sensing the protrusions 2013 at the position corresponding to the position of the protrusions 2013.

[0087] Furthermore, the inner ring body 101 is provided with a clearance notch 1012 corresponding to the position of the protrusion 2013, allowing the photoelectric sensor 301 to extend downward to the detection position of the protrusion 2013.

[0088] The convex teeth 2013 and the photoelectric sensor 301 constitute a non-contact angle detection mechanism. The convex teeth 2013 are arranged at intervals to form a periodic grating. The photoelectric sensor 301 generates a pulse signal by detecting changes in the gap between the teeth. Compared with traditional resistive encoders, there is no physical contact wear problem. Moreover, the number of teeth can be flexibly designed to achieve high resolution and meet the requirements of precision adjustment.

[0089] Optionally, the diameter of the inner ring space 2021 is smaller than the diameter of the touch screen 200. This differentiated design (smaller than the diameter of the touch screen 200) creates a mechanical limiting structure for the touch screen 200. When an external impact force is applied to the edge of the touch screen 200, the inner wall of the decorative ring assembly 202 interferes with the outer periphery of the touch screen 200, preventing the touch screen 200 from detaching upwards from the screen mounting hole 1021. This solves the problem of easy aging and delamination in traditional adhesive fixing methods and improves the device's resistance to mechanical impact.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described in the text and drawings of this application, this should not limit the scope of patent protection of this application. Any technical solutions that are based on the essential concept of this application and utilize the content described in the text and drawings of this application, resulting in equivalent structural or procedural substitutions or modifications, as well as the direct or indirect application of the technical solutions of the above embodiments to other related technical fields, are all included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A touch-sensitive rotary knob device, characterized in that, include: A rotary encoder (100) includes a fixed inner ring (1), a rotating outer ring (2) rotatably sleeved outside the fixed inner ring (1), and a circuit board (3) mounted on the fixed inner ring (1) and responding to the angle change between the fixed inner ring (1) and the rotating outer ring (2) to generate a first electrical signal. The touch screen (200) is fixed on the fixed inner ring (1) and electrically connected to the circuit board (3) for sending a second electrical signal to the circuit board (3) after being touched.

2. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed inner ring (1) includes: The inner ring body (101) has an inner ring top cavity (1011) with an upward opening at its top, and the circuit board (3) is fixed in the inner ring top cavity (1011). A ring-shaped screen bracket (102) is snapped and fixed to the top opening of the inner ring top cavity (1011); The ring-shaped screen bracket (102) has a screen mounting hole (1021) in the middle position, and the touch screen (200) is installed and fixed in the screen mounting hole (1021).

3. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touch screen (200) and the circuit board (3) are electrically connected by a ribbon cable; Both the touch screen (200) and the circuit board (3) are provided with connector interfaces that can be plugged into and connected to the ribbon cable.

4. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A linear motor (5) electrically connected to the circuit board (3) is also installed and fixed on the inner ring body (101). The linear motor (5) is used to drive the inner ring body (101) to vibrate when the touch screen (200) is touched to provide a tactile feel.

5. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating outer ring (2) includes: The outer ring body (201) has an upper opening outer ring top cavity (2011) at its top, and an inner ring mounting hole (2012) is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the outer ring top cavity (2011); wherein, the upper part of the fixed inner ring (1) is located in the outer ring top cavity (2011), and the lower part of the fixed inner ring (1) is rotatably installed in the inner ring mounting hole (2012).

6. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A rotary bearing (4) is provided between the lower part of the fixed inner ring (1) and the wall of the inner ring mounting hole (2012).

7. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer ring top cavity (2011) has a number of spaced protrusions (2013) at the edge of the cavity bottom. The circuit board (3) is provided with a photoelectric sensor (301) for sensing the protrusion (2013) at the position corresponding to the protrusion (2013).

8. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner ring body (101) is provided with a clearance notch (1012) corresponding to the position of the protrusion (2013) for the photoelectric sensor (301) to extend downward to the detection position of the protrusion (2013).

9. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating outer ring (2) also includes: Decorative ring assembly (202), which is snapped and fixed at the opening of the outer ring top cavity (2011), and the decorative ring assembly (202) is provided with an inner space (2021) for fingers to pass through so as to realize touch click operation on the touch screen (200).

10. The touch-sensitive rotary knob device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the inner space (2021) is smaller than the diameter of the touch screen (200).

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