Electronic watch integrated control structure based on multifunctional encoder

Abstract

This invention provides an integrated control structure for an electronic watch based on a multi-functional encoder, including an encoder, a flexible circuit board, and a connector. The encoder is snapped into a limiting slot on the back of the watch. One end of the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the encoder, converting the encoder's vertical structure into a horizontal structure. The other end of the flexible circuit board is detachably connected to the watch's main circuit board via the connector. The connector is fixedly connected to the end of the flexible circuit board. This invention, by setting a strip-shaped flexible circuit board and welding one end to the encoder, transforms the encoder's original vertical mounting structure into a horizontal structure using a flexible structure. This eliminates the need to occupy additional vertical space on the main circuit board, reserving more installation space for the battery compartment on the back of the watch. Furthermore, it avoids the layout conflict between the vertical encoder and the LCD / EL panel in traditional electronic watches, optimizing the internal space layout of the watch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic watch technology, specifically to an integrated control structure for electronic watches based on a multi-functional encoder. Background Technology

[0002] As a convenient timekeeping and functional wearable device, electronic watches are widely used in daily life and sports. To meet the diverse needs of function operation, existing electronic watches generally adopt a design with four independent physical buttons spaced apart on the edge of the watch case, each button corresponding to a single function.

[0003] However, each of the four independent buttons requires a separate mechanical trigger structure and circuit connection component, which not only occupies a large amount of space on the edge of the watch case, limiting the development of a simplified and thinner watch appearance, but also leads to a crowded layout of internal components, increasing the complexity of structural design and assembly. Furthermore, the watch usually has a vertical encoder inside, which occupies vertical space and is prone to layout conflicts with components such as the battery compartment, display screen, and backlight assembly, further compressing the available internal space. In addition, the traditional connection method between multiple buttons and vertical encoders requires individual calibration of the wiring for each button or encoder, which not only prolongs the production process, but also increases the probability of operation delays and malfunctions caused by wiring deviations or assembly errors. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated control structure for an electronic watch based on a multi-functional encoder, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: An integrated control structure for an electronic watch based on a multi-functional encoder, comprising: The encoder is snapped into the limiting slot on the back of the watch and is used to replace the multi-button structure of the traditional watch to realize the control functions such as time adjustment and function switching. A flexible circuit board, one end of which is electrically connected to the encoder to convert the encoder's vertical structure into a horizontal structure, thereby optimizing the internal space layout of the watch. The other end of the flexible circuit board is detachably connected to the watch's main circuit board via a connector. The connector is fixedly connected to the end of the flexible circuit board and is used to connect the flexible circuit board to the main circuit board of the watch, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the connection between the flexible circuit board and the main circuit board, while simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency.

[0006] Preferably, the upper surface of the rear rubber seat has a slot, the rear rubber seat and the front rubber seat fit together, and the lower edge of the front rubber seat has an integrally formed insert that matches the slot. The insert and the slot are fixedly connected by an interference fit to form a clamping and fixing structure for the flexible board and the encoder, so as to prevent the encoder from shifting inside the watch.

[0007] Preferably, the corresponding positions of the rear rubber seat and the front rubber seat are provided with through bar positions. The bar positions are used to accommodate and install the time adjustment knob. One end of the time adjustment knob passes through the bar position and is connected to the control end of the encoder, so that the rotation action of the time adjustment knob can be synchronously transmitted to the encoder, thereby realizing the watch time adjustment function through the encoder.

[0008] Preferably, an LCD and an EL sheet are sandwiched between the front and rear adhesive bases, with the LCD positioned closer to the front adhesive base and the EL sheet located between the LCD and the main circuit board. The pins of the EL sheet are electrically connected to the main circuit board through a pre-reserved conductive interface on the main circuit board. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the main circuit board through a connector to realize the power supply control of the EL sheet by the main circuit board, so that the EL sheet can provide backlight to the LCD under the command of the main circuit board.

[0009] Preferably, the signal terminal of the LCD is electrically connected to the main circuit board, and is used to transmit data signals such as time and function mode to the LCD, so that the LCD can complete the information display.

[0010] Preferably, the rear rubber seat has a battery compartment on the side opposite to the front rubber seat for accommodating and installing button batteries.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention, by setting a strip-shaped flexible plate and welding one end to the encoder, transforms the original vertical mounting structure of the encoder into a horizontal structure using a flexible structure. This eliminates the need to occupy additional vertical space on the main circuit board, thus providing more ample installation space for the battery compartment on the back mount and avoiding the layout conflict between the vertical encoder and the LCD and EL chips in traditional electronic watches, thereby optimizing the internal space layout of the watch.

[0012] This invention, by setting up a flexible circuit board, allows the connector plug-in box at the end of the flexible circuit board to engage with the pin group on the main circuit board. On the one hand, the precise alignment characteristics of the connector ensure the accuracy of signal transmission between the encoder and the main circuit board, reducing control delays or malfunctions caused by wiring deviations. On the other hand, during assembly, there is no need to individually calibrate traditional multi-button circuits; the connection between the encoder and the main circuit board can be completed simply by plugging and unplugging, simplifying the production process, reducing manual operation costs and assembly error rates, and thus improving overall production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is an exploded view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Another perspective on the 3D schematic diagram.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Front mounting base; 101. Insert post; 2. LCD; 3. EL panel; 4. Connector; 5. Rear mounting base; 501. Slot; 502. Limiting slot; 6. Encoder; 7. Flexible circuit board; 8. Battery compartment; 9. Bar; 10. Main circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0016] Example: Please see Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a technical solution: An integrated control structure for an electronic watch based on a multi-functional encoder includes an encoder 6, a flexible circuit board 7, and a connector 4, enabling integrated control of the watch.

[0017] The rear rubber seat 5, as the core supporting component, has a recessed battery compartment 8 on its side opposite to the front rubber seat 1. The size of the battery compartment 8 is adapted to the outer diameter and thickness of the button battery, and is used to stably accommodate and install the button battery, providing power for the operation of the encoder 6, flexible circuit board 7, LCD 2, EL sheet 3, and main circuit board 10. The rear rubber seat 5 has a slot 501 on its side facing the main circuit board 10, and a through-hole limiting groove 502 is formed on the edge of the rear rubber seat 5. The limiting groove 502 is used to lock the encoder 6, so that the encoder 6 can be stably fixed on the rear rubber seat 5, preventing the encoder 6 from becoming loose or displaced during the use of the watch.

[0018] The encoder 6 replaces the multi-button structure of traditional watches, realizing integrated control functions such as watch time adjustment through a single time-setting knob (i.e., bar). At the same time, the front rubber seat 1 and the rear rubber seat 5 are attached to each other along the thickness direction of the main circuit board 10. The lower end edge of the front rubber seat 1 is integrally formed with a post 101 that is adapted to the slot 501 of the rear rubber seat 5. The post 101 and the slot 501 are fixedly connected by an interference fit, forming a clamping and fixing structure for the flexible board 7, encoder 6, LCD 2, EL sheet 3 and main circuit board 10, further improving the installation stability of encoder 6 and flexible board 7 between the front and rear rubber seats 5, and ensuring the accurate relative position of each component to the main circuit board 10.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the user needs to adjust the watch time or switch functions, he / she only needs to rotate the time adjustment knob (i.e., the knob) that passes through the front rubber seat 1 and the rear rubber seat 5 at the corresponding bar position 9. Since one end of the time adjustment knob is connected to the control end of the encoder 6, the rotation of the time adjustment knob will be directly and synchronously transmitted to the encoder 6, causing the mechanical structure and circuit components inside the encoder 6 to generate corresponding triggers. For example, when the time adjustment knob is rotated clockwise, the encoder 6 can recognize it as a "time increase" command, when it is rotated counterclockwise, it can recognize it as a "time decrease" command, and when it is pressed and rotated, it can recognize it as a "function mode switch" command. After the encoder 6 converts the recognized control command into an electrical signal, it transmits the signal to the strip flexible circuit board 7 through the signal pins soldered to the flexible circuit board 7. The flexible circuit board 7 acts as a signal transmission carrier, and then transmits the electrical signal to the main circuit board 10 of the watch precisely through the connector 4 fixed at the end (the plug box cooperates with the pin group on the main circuit board 10). After receiving the signal, the main circuit board 10 processes the data. On the one hand, it feeds back the processed time data or function mode signal to the LCD2, and the LCD2 completes the time display update or function mode indicator display. On the other hand, if backlighting is required (such as adjusting the time in a dark environment), the main circuit board 10 can also simultaneously send a power supply command to the EL chip 3, so that the EL chip 3 emits light to provide backlight for the LCD2, ensuring that the user can clearly see the adjustment process and result.

[0020] The flexible PCB 7 is a strip-shaped flexible PCB board. One end of it is electrically connected to the signal pins of the encoder 6 by soldering. The flexible structure transforms the original vertical mounting structure of the encoder 6 into a horizontal structure, reserving more installation space for components such as the battery compartment 8 and LCD2. The other end of the flexible PCB 7 is fixedly connected to a connector 4, which includes a plug box and a pin assembly. The plug box is fixed to the end of the flexible PCB 7, and the pin assembly is set on the main circuit board 10. The plug box and the pin assembly are plugged and unplugged to form a detachable electrical connection between the flexible PCB 7 and the main circuit board 10. This connector 4 not only ensures the stability and accuracy of signal transmission between the flexible PCB 7 and the main circuit board 10, but also simplifies the watch assembly process, reduces manual calibration time, and improves production efficiency.

[0021] By converting the original vertical structure of encoder 6 into a horizontal structure using the strip-shaped flexible circuit board 7 in existing related technologies, the internal space layout of the watch is optimized. The horizontal structure does not require additional vertical space in the main circuit board 10, which not only provides more installation space for the battery compartment 8 on the back mount 5, but also avoids layout conflicts between the traditional vertical encoder 6 and components such as LCD2 and EL sheet 3, contributing to the overall slim design of the watch. At the same time, the end of the flexible circuit board 7 is detachably connected to the main circuit board 10 through connector 4 (plug box and pin group), replacing the complex independent wiring method in the traditional multi-button structure. On the one hand, the precise alignment of connector 4 ensures the accuracy of signal transmission between encoder 6 and main circuit board 10, effectively reducing operation delays or malfunctions caused by wiring deviations. On the other hand, during assembly, there is no need to calibrate each button individually. The connection between encoder 6 and main circuit board 10 can be completed simply by plugging and unplugging the flexible circuit board 7 and connector 4, simplifying the production process, reducing labor costs and assembly error rates, and thus improving overall production efficiency.

[0022] The front rubber seat 1 and the rear rubber seat 5 are each provided with a through bar 9 at corresponding positions on their edges. The bar 9 is used to accommodate and install the time-setting knob (i.e., the bar). One end of the time-setting knob passes through the bar 9 and connects to the control end of the encoder 6, so that the rotation of the time-setting knob can be synchronously transmitted to the encoder 6. The user can accurately control the encoder 6 by rotating the time-setting knob, thereby realizing the watch time adjustment function. In addition, a flexible buffer layer is provided between the time-setting knob and the inner wall of the bar 9, which not only ensures the smooth rotation of the time-setting knob, but also reduces the wear of parts during the rotation process.

[0023] An LCD2 and an EL panel 3 are sequentially sandwiched between the front adhesive base 1 and the rear adhesive base 5, and above the main circuit board 10. The components are arranged in the order of front adhesive base 1, LCD2, EL panel 3, and main circuit board 10. The LCD2 is located closer to the front adhesive base 1, and its signal terminal is directly electrically connected to the main circuit board 10. The main circuit board 10 can transmit signals such as time data and function mode information to the LCD2, which then displays the information. The EL panel 3 is located between the LCD2 and the main circuit board 10, and its pins are electrically connected to the main circuit board 10 through a reserved conductive interface. The main circuit board 10 can send power supply commands to the EL panel 3 according to usage requirements, causing the EL panel 3 to emit light and provide uniform backlight to the LCD2, thereby improving the display clarity of the LCD2 in low-light environments.

[0024] It should be noted that the LCD2, EL chip 3, and encoder 6 involved in this structure are commonly used functional components in the field of electronic watches. Their basic structures (such as the display driving principle of LCD2, the light emission mechanism of EL chip 3, and the signal recognition logic of encoder 6) have been disclosed in existing related technologies and are conventional components well known to those skilled in the art, so there is no need to elaborate on them here.

[0025] Furthermore, the preferred button battery for the battery compartment 8 is the CR2032, whose size and capacity are suitable for the internal space and power supply requirements of the watch; the preferred encoder 6 is a small incremental rotary encoder 6, with the EC11 series as an example. This type of encoder 6 is compact and has high control precision, which can better adapt to the horizontal installation design and integrated control requirements of this structure.

[0026] In use, this invention allows users to control the device by rotating a time-adjusting knob: rotating the knob clockwise triggers an "increase time" command (encoder 6) which is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted via the flexible circuit board 7 and connector 4 to the main circuit board 10. The main circuit board 10 processes the signal and feeds back the updated time data to the LCD2 for display. Rotating the knob counterclockwise triggers a "decrease time" command, adjusting the time downwards. Pressing and rotating the knob switches between function modes, with the mode information displayed synchronously on the LCD2. In low-light environments, the main circuit board 10 can automatically or according to preset commands supply power to the EL chip 3, which illuminates the LCD2 to provide backlighting, ensuring the user can clearly view the adjustment results. When the button battery is depleted, the battery compartment 8 cover on the rear rubber base 5 can be opened to replace the button battery, restoring the overall power supply and functionality.

[0027] All other parts of this utility model not described herein are the same as existing technology, or are known technology, or can be implemented using existing technology, and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated control structure for an electronic watch based on a multi-functional encoder, characterized in that, include: The encoder (6) is snapped into the limiting through slot (502) opened on the back rubber seat (5) of the watch, and is used to replace the multi-button structure of the traditional watch to realize the watch time adjustment and function switching functions; Flexible board (7), one end of which is electrically connected to encoder (6) to convert the vertical structure of encoder (6) into a horizontal structure, thereby optimizing the internal space layout of the watch. The other end of the flexible board (7) is detachably connected to the main circuit board (10) of the watch via connector (4). The connector (4) is fixedly connected to the end of the flexible board (7) and is used to connect the flexible board (7) and the main circuit board (10) of the watch, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the connection between the flexible board (7) and the main circuit board (10), while simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency.

2. The integrated operating structure of an electronic watch based on a multifunctional encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the rear rubber seat (5) is provided with a slot (501). The rear rubber seat (5) and the front rubber seat (1) fit together. The lower edge of the front rubber seat (1) is integrally formed with a pin (101) that is compatible with the slot (501). The pin (101) and the slot (501) are fixedly connected by an interference fit to form a clamping and fixing structure for the soft board (7) and the encoder (6) to prevent the encoder (6) from being displaced inside the watch.

3. The integrated operating structure of an electronic watch based on a multifunctional encoder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rear rubber seat (5) and the front rubber seat (1) are provided with through bar positions (9) at corresponding positions on their edges. The bar position (9) is used to accommodate and install the time adjustment knob. One end of the time adjustment knob passes through the bar position (9) and is connected to the control end of the encoder (6), so that the rotation action of the time adjustment knob can be synchronously transmitted to the encoder (6).

4. The integrated operating structure of an electronic watch based on a multifunctional encoder according to claim 3, characterized in that: An LCD (2) and an EL sheet (3) are sandwiched between the rear adhesive base (5) and the front adhesive base (1). The LCD (2) is located on the side closer to the front adhesive base (1), and the EL sheet (3) is located between the LCD (2) and the main circuit board (10). The pins of the EL sheet (3) are electrically connected to the main circuit board (10) through the conductive interface reserved on the main circuit board (10). The flexible board (7) is electrically connected to the main circuit board (10) through the connector (4) to realize the power supply control of the EL sheet (3) by the main circuit board (10).

5. The integrated operating structure of an electronic watch based on a multifunctional encoder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal terminal of the LCD (2) is electrically connected to the main circuit board (10) to transmit data signals to the LCD (2) and the LCD (2) displays the information.

6. The integrated control structure for an electronic watch based on a multi-functional encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear rubber seat (5) has a battery compartment (8) on the side opposite to the front rubber seat (1) for accommodating and installing button batteries.

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