Novel knob

Abstract

The utility model relates to a novel knob, which comprises a base unit, a function selection unit and an upper cover unit, the function selection unit comprises signal detection and transmission parts fixed on the base unit, the upper cover unit covers the signal detection and transmission parts, and the signal detection and transmission parts are provided with a plurality of groups and respectively correspond to a specific function. The upper cover unit can rotate relative to the base unit, an energy measuring unit is arranged between the base unit and the upper cover unit, the upper cover unit comprises a pressing and rotating part, and the position of the pressing and rotating part corresponds to the position of the signal detecting and sensing part. When the knob is used, a finger is placed on the touch point position and the upper cover unit is pushed to rotate, so that function selection and knob rotation can be simultaneously realized, functions do not need to be selected firstly and then the button is rotated, the operation mode of the knob is different from that of an existing knob, and new operation experience can be brought; meanwhile, when the knob is operated, the position of the identification part is not moved, so that blind operation can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of human-computer interaction control devices, specifically to a novel knob. Background Technology

[0002] A knob is a human-computer interaction control device that allows for function selection, precise adjustment, and reliable operation. When multiple functions are required, there are generally two approaches. One is to stack knobs and buttons, a technology that is being phased out by the market. The other is to integrate function selection onto the knob itself; by pressing or touching a specific function area of ​​the knob, the corresponding function is selected first, and then the knob is rotated to adjust the amount of adjustment—requiring a press-then-rotate operation.

[0003] The second type of knob is becoming the mainstream product in the market, and its specific structural principle is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a base 1a, on which an inner ring 4a is mounted. A ring-shaped rotary knob 2a is fitted around the base 1a and the inner ring 4a and can rotate relative to them. Multiple function selection buttons 3a are located at the upper end of the inner ring 4a, each corresponding to a different function. When a specific function adjustment is required, the corresponding function selection button 3a must be pressed first, and then the rotary knob 2a must be operated to adjust the specific amount of the function. In this prior art, seams are left between the front and back of the rotary knob 2a and the fixed part. The seam on the front is always in an open environment, making it susceptible to dust and moisture, which reduces the lifespan of the knob. Furthermore, the operation method of the knob in this prior art still has room for further optimization. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a new type of knob with an operation method that differs from existing knobs.

[0005] The novel knob provided by this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A novel knob includes a base unit, a function selection unit, and a top cover unit. The function selection unit includes a signal detection and transmission part fixed on the base unit. The top cover unit covers the signal detection and transmission part. The signal detection and transmission part is provided with multiple sets, each corresponding to a specific function.

[0007] The upper cover unit can be pushed by an external force to rotate relative to the base unit. The upper cover unit includes a pressing and rotating part for a finger or other trigger to press on and rotate. The position of the pressing and rotating part corresponds to the position of the signal detection and sensing part. When a finger or other trigger is placed on the pressing and rotating part to rotate the upper cover unit, the knob can be rotated at the same time as the corresponding detection and transmission part sends a feature signal.

[0008] Furthermore, the signal detection and transmission part is a photoelectric sensor, including a light source and a photosensitive element. At least the portion of the upper cover unit from which the light source is emitted is made of a light-transmitting material. When a finger or other triggering object presses on the corresponding position of the upper cover unit, it will trigger the signal detection and transmission part at that position to send a characteristic signal.

[0009] Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor includes a light source and two photosensitive elements, with the two photosensitive elements positioned on either side of the light source.

[0010] Furthermore, the edge of the upper cover unit is bent downward to form a semi-enclosed cavity, the signal detection and transmission part is located in the semi-enclosed cavity, the top shielding surface of the upper cover unit is a circular surface, the side with the edge bent downward is a tread surface, and the pressing part is a circular surface and / or a tread surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the signal detection and transmission section is a capacitive touch sensor. When a finger presses on the corresponding position of the upper cover unit, it will trigger the signal detection and transmission section at that position to send a characteristic signal.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a display screen, the cover unit covering the display screen, the display screen being electrically connected to the signal detection and transmission section to display the selected function.

[0013] Furthermore, a touch screen is fixed on the base unit, the function selection unit is integrated on the touch screen, and the upper cover unit covers the touch screen.

[0014] Furthermore, the function selection unit also includes an identification part for identifying the corresponding specific function, and the position of the identification part corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding signal detection and transmission part; the identification part is a graphic identification or a backlit identification, and the light emitted by the backlit identification can be observed through the upper cover unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the function selection unit also includes an identification part for identifying the corresponding specific function. The position of the identification part corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding signal detection and transmission part. The push-to-turn part of the upper cover unit is a light-transmitting unit. The light emitted by the light source is visible light. The light emitted by the light source can be observed through the upper cover unit to form the identification part.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes an inner and outer differentiation unit, which includes two sets of orientation recognition rings and an orientation recognition photoelectric sensor disposed on the upper cover unit. The two sets of orientation recognition rings are arranged concentrically but have different diameters and different photosensitive characteristics. The orientation recognition photoelectric sensor is located between the two sets of orientation recognition rings.

[0017] In summary, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0018] 1. When using the knob of this utility model, you can simultaneously select the function and adjust the power of the selected function by placing your finger on the touch point and pushing the upper cover unit to rotate. There is no need to select the function first and then rotate the button. This is different from the operation mode of existing knobs and can bring a new operating experience.

[0019] 2. When operating the knob of this utility model, the positions of the marking parts indicating the specific function touch points and the signal detection and transmission parts remain unchanged, allowing blind operation after becoming familiar with the knob.

[0020] 3. In this utility model, the upper cover unit fully covers the signal detection and transmission part, and its relationship with the base is only rotational, without involving power transmission. Furthermore, the upper cover unit is a passive structure, not powered and without automatic drive; it can only rotate relative to the base under external force. Therefore, the upper cover unit of this utility model completely covers the signal detection and transmission part when viewed from the front. The seam between the upper cover unit and the base is located on the back, which is attached to a wall or other fixed object during use, forming a semi-enclosed structure that is less susceptible to moisture and dust. Therefore, this utility model can also extend the lifespan of the knob. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure with a function selection knob in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel knob according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 3;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment Seven;

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 1a. Base; 2a. Hand-operated knob; 3a. Function selection knob; 4a. Inner ring;

[0029] 1. Base unit; 2. Function selection unit; 3. Top cover unit; 4. Backlight; 5. Inner and outer differentiation unit; 21. Light source; 22. Photosensitive element; 31. Circular surface; 32. Tread surface; 51. Inner ring direction recognition ring; 52. Outer ring direction recognition ring. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0031] Example 1 of a novel knob:

[0032] This utility model discloses a novel knob, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the knob includes a base unit 1 and a function selection unit 2. The base unit 1 is fixed to the base and electrically connected to the corresponding circuit. The function selection unit 2 is fixed to the base or to the base unit 1. There are four function selection units 2, each corresponding to a specific function. The function corresponding to each function selection unit 2 can be different, and the specific function is determined by its corresponding circuit or user definition. The knob also includes a top cover unit 3. The edge of the top cover unit 3 is curved downwards to form a semi-closed receiving cavity, in which the base unit 1 is placed. The top cover unit 3 is rotatably engaged with the base unit 1 or with the base. The top cover unit 3 includes a circular surface 31 at the top and tread surfaces 32 around its perimeter.

[0033] The function selection unit 2 includes an identification section and a signal detection and transmission section. The identification section allows for a direct visual indication of the function corresponding to the function selection unit 2. The signal detection and transmission section generates a trigger signal based on the principle of photometry. Specifically, it includes a light source 21 and a photosensitive element 22. The sensing area of ​​the entire upper cover unit 3, or at least the cover plate, is made of a light-transmitting material so that the light emitted by the light source 21 can pass through the upper cover unit 3. When a reflective object appears above the upper cover unit 3, the photosensitive element 22 can also receive the light wave signal emitted by the light source 21 reflected by the object. After being received by the photosensitive element 22, the light wave signal is converted into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is processed or directly transmitted to trigger the corresponding circuit, thereby achieving the function selection effect. When the upper cover unit 3 rotates, its rotation angle is collected and converted to control the corresponding function's energy. The specific principle of this part is the same as that of the prior art and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0034] The rotation angle of the upper cover unit 3 can be achieved by any of the methods in the prior art, or by detecting the light source 21 and photosensitive 22 arranged along the circumference. Since the deviation angle of each set of light source 21 and photosensitive 22 is fixed, the rotation angle of the upper cover unit 3 can naturally be uniquely determined when the next set of light source 21 and photosensitive 22 is detected. Therefore, the specific principle of energy regulation will not be described in detail in this application.

[0035] Here, "transparent material" means that all or part of the light emitted by the light source 21 can pass through it. Since the light source 21 can be visible or invisible light, the meaning of "transparent material" is not the same as "transparent material". In some specific situations, the light source 21 is preferably invisible light.

[0036] Understandably, when the circular surface of the top cover unit 3 is made of a non-transparent material, the function selection unit 2 may not include the label section, but instead place the label section on the base for easy observation. Alternatively, the label section could be omitted entirely, and the specific label function of each area could be explained through the product's instruction manual.

[0037] The object being covered can be a finger, so the specific method of using this utility model is as follows:

[0038] To select a function, place your finger on the top cover unit 3 and position it above the corresponding function selection unit 2. Push the top cover unit 3 relative to the base unit 1 to rotate it while selecting the function.

[0039] In a more preferred embodiment, the marking part can be a backlight 4, the position of the backlight 4 corresponds to the position of the light source 21, and the circular surface 31 of the upper cover unit 3 allows the light waves emitted by the backlight 4 to pass through, so the light emitted by the backlight 4 can be observed through the upper cover unit 3, and the position on the circular surface 31 corresponding to this point is the touch point. Figure 2 The dotted line indicates the trajectory of the touch point—that is, the button part that can be pressed and pushed to rotate the top cover unit 3.

[0040] In a more preferred embodiment, when the area of ​​the upper cover unit 3 is sufficient, multiple rings of touch points can also be formed on the circular surface 31. At this time, the base unit 1 also needs to be provided with multiple rings of signal detection and transmission parts around the rotation center line of the upper cover unit 3, so as to increase the number of functions that a knob can achieve.

[0041] In a more preferred embodiment, the light emitted by the light source 21 is visible light, which can be directly observed through the upper cover unit 3. In this case, the backlight 4 can be omitted, and the light wave emitted by the light source 21 is used directly as the marking part indicating the touch point.

[0042] In a more preferred embodiment, a touch point can also be provided at the exact center of the circular surface 31. Correspondingly, a set of function selection units also needs to be provided at the center of the base unit 1. The touch point at the exact center of the circular surface 31 can increase the number of functions that the knob can perform, and this function can also be combined with other recognized functions to generate more functions, further expanding the number of functions that a single knob can perform.

[0043] Example 2 of a novel knob:

[0044] Reference Figure 3 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the tread surface of the upper cover unit 3 is made of a light-transmitting material, and the signal detection and transmission part is located on the side of the base 2.

[0045] Of course, it is understandable that in other embodiments, when there are many buttons to be set, signal detection and transmission parts can be set on the end face and side face of the base unit 1 at the same time, and touch points are provided on the circular surface 31 and the step surface 32 of the cover unit 3 accordingly.

[0046] Embodiment 3 of a novel knob:

[0047] Reference Figure 4 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that each group of function selection units 2 includes a light source 21 and two photosensitive units 22. The two photosensitive units 22 are placed on both sides of the light source 21 to realize the detection of the rotation direction.

[0048] Example 4 of a novel knob:

[0049] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the structure of the function selection unit 2, which is described in detail below: A touchscreen is fixed on the base unit 1, and the signal detection and transmission parts of multiple function selection units 2 are integrated on the touchscreen. The signal detection and transmission parts are capacitive touch sensors. When a finger is placed at the touch point of the upper cover unit 3, it is equivalent to adding a capacitor to the circuit corresponding to the function selection unit 2. At this time, the capacitive touch sensor will emit a feature signal representing that the corresponding function has been selected. Compared with the method of sliding and rotating the finger directly on the touchscreen, which requires the finger to move relative to the touchscreen, in this embodiment, the finger presses on the upper cover unit 3 without friction with the upper cover unit 3, making the operation more comfortable.

[0050] Example 5 of a novel knob:

[0051] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the specific structure of the function selection unit 2. Specifically, the signal detection and transmission part in the function selection unit 2 is a capacitive touch sensor. When a finger is placed at the touch point of the upper cover unit 3, it is equivalent to replacing the circuit corresponding to the function selection unit 2 with a capacitive touch sensor. At this time, the capacitive touch sensor will emit a feature signal representing that the corresponding function has been selected.

[0052] Example 6 of a novel knob:

[0053] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the display screen is fixed on the base unit 1, and the upper cover unit 3 covers the display screen. The display screen is used to display the selected function and other parameters that need to be displayed.

[0054] In a more preferred embodiment, the display screen is located in the middle, and the touch points on the upper cover unit 3 are located on the outside of the touch screen. When a finger presses on the upper cover unit 3 and rotates, it will not obstruct the display content of the display screen.

[0055] Embodiment 7 of a novel knob:

[0056] Reference Figure 5 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the knob further includes an inner and outer distinguishing unit 5. The inner and outer distinguishing unit 5 includes two sets of direction recognition rings disposed on the circular surface 31 and a direction recognition photoelectric sensor. The two sets of direction recognition rings are an inner ring direction recognition ring 51 and an outer ring direction recognition ring 52, arranged concentrically but with different diameters. The direction recognition photoelectric sensor is located between the two sets of rings. The two sets of direction recognition rings have different photosensitive characteristics due to differences in color, thickness, material, or other parameters. When the upper cover unit 3 is triggered to deviate from its central position, the photosensitive characteristics of the corresponding direction recognition ring are detected and recognized by the direction recognition photoelectric sensor, thereby recognizing the translational movement of the upper cover unit 3. After the upper cover unit 3 is triggered to deviate from its central position, when the triggering force is removed, the upper cover unit 3 needs an automatic reset structure to automatically return to its central position. The automatic reset structure can use a spring reset structure or a magnetic reset structure as described in the prior art, which will not be elaborated upon in this application.

[0057] Recognizing the translation of the top cover unit 3 can increase the number of functions that the knob can perform, and this function can also be combined with other recognized functions to produce more functions, further expanding the number of functions that a single knob can perform.

[0058] In the foregoing description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "connection" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly limited in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] Based on the above description of this application, those skilled in the art will also understand that the following terms, such as "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings of this application. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms cannot be understood or interpreted as a limitation on the present invention.

[0060] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A novel knob, characterized in that: The device includes a base unit, a function selection unit, and a top cover unit. The function selection unit includes a signal detection and transmission part fixed on the base unit. The top cover unit covers the signal detection and transmission part. The signal detection and transmission part is provided with multiple sets, each corresponding to a specific function. The upper cover unit can be pushed by an external force to rotate relative to the base unit. The upper cover unit includes a pressing and rotating part for a finger or other trigger to press on and rotate. The position of the pressing and rotating part corresponds to the position of the signal detection and sensing part. When a finger or other trigger is placed on the pressing and rotating part to rotate the upper cover unit, the knob can be rotated at the same time as the corresponding detection and transmission part sends a feature signal.

2. The novel knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal detection and transmission part is a photoelectric sensor, including a light source and a photosensitive element. At least the part of the upper cover unit that emits light is made of a light-transmitting material. When a finger or other triggering object presses on the corresponding position of the upper cover unit, it will trigger the signal detection and transmission part at that position to send a characteristic signal.

3. A novel knob according to claim 2, characterized in that: The photoelectric sensor includes a light source and two photosensitive elements, with the two photosensitive elements placed on either side of the light source.

4. A novel knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the upper cover unit is bent downward to form a semi-enclosed cavity. The signal detection and transmission part is located in the semi-enclosed cavity. The top shielding surface of the upper cover unit is a circular surface, and the side with the edge bent downward is a tread surface. The pressing part is a circular surface and / or a tread surface.

5. A novel knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal detection and transmission part is a capacitive touch sensor. When a finger presses on the corresponding position of the upper cover unit, it will trigger the signal detection and transmission part at that position to send a characteristic signal.

6. A novel knob according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a display screen, the cover unit covering the display screen, the display screen being electrically connected to the signal detection and transmission section to display the selected function.

7. A novel knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base unit is fixed with a touch screen, the function selection unit is integrated on the touch screen, and the top cover unit covers the touch screen.

8. A novel knob according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The function selection unit also includes an identification part for identifying the corresponding specific function, and the position of the identification part corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding signal detection and transmission part; the identification part is a graphic identification or a backlit identification, and the light emitted by the backlit identification can be observed through the upper cover unit.

9. A novel knob according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The function selection unit also includes an identification part for identifying the corresponding specific function. The position of the identification part corresponds one-to-one with the corresponding signal detection and transmission part. The push-to-rotate part of the upper cover unit is a light-transmitting unit. The light emitted by the light source is visible light. The light emitted by the light source can be observed through the upper cover unit to form the identification part.

10. A novel knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an inner and outer differentiation unit, which includes two sets of orientation recognition rings and an orientation recognition photoelectric sensor disposed on the upper cover unit. The two sets of orientation recognition rings are arranged concentrically but have different diameters and different photosensitive characteristics. The orientation recognition photoelectric sensor is located between the two sets of orientation recognition rings.

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