Multifunctional knob

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional knob, which is provided with a functional mechanism and a rotary lifting mechanism. The rotary lifting mechanism comprises a fixed housing and a motor assembly mounted on the fixed housing; the fixed housing is fixedly mounted on a vehicle; and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly to implement switching between a quiesce state and a use state and provide functions in the use state. According to the multifunctional knob of the present disclosure, when multiple functions of the knob are kept integrated, the quiesce state and the use state are provided, the knob is coordinated with the automotive interior style in the quiesce state, and the use ceremony feeling is increased when the knob is switched to the use state.

Description

A multifunctional knob Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to a multi-function knob. Background Art

[0002] Some vehicles are equipped with physical knobs for controlling vehicle functions, such as gear shifting, air conditioning, and driving modes. Some of these knobs can be rotated, pressed, moved left and right, or moved forward and backward, and some even feature screens. However, these knobs often suffer from discrete functions, redundant structures, and a poor user experience.

[0003] There is a trend towards simplifying cockpits, both now and in the future. This trend involves simplifying various functional components while integrating these components and functions. Consequently, there is a demand for simplified components without sacrificing functionality, including the integration of knob controls and their control methods.

[0004] Public content

[0005] In order to meet the above requirements of simplification and integration, the present disclosure provides a multi-function knob.

[0006] According to the multifunctional knob disclosed herein, it has a functional mechanism and a rotating and lifting mechanism, wherein the rotating and lifting mechanism includes a shell and a motor assembly mounted on the shell, the shell is fixedly mounted on the vehicle, and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly to achieve switching between a silent state and a use state and provide functions in the use state.

[0007] According to the multifunctional knob disclosed in the present invention, two modes, silent and active, are provided while maintaining the integration of multiple functions of the knob. In the silent mode, it is coordinated with the interior style of the car, and when switching to the active mode, a sense of ritual of use is increased.

[0008] Preferably, the functional mechanism includes a press-lift-rotate mechanism, which includes a decorative ring assembly, a display screen assembly and a control panel. The decorative ring assembly includes a metal decorative ring and a metal sheet. The display screen assembly can be installed in a liftable manner and has a thrust bearing assembly. The metal sheet contacts the metal decorative ring to transmit the touch signal generated by the user touching the metal decorative ring. The thrust bearing assembly and the wiring harness connect the metal sheet and the control panel to transmit the touch signal to the control panel.

[0009] Preferably, the thrust bearing assembly includes a bearing upper cover, a needle roller assembly and a bearing lower cover, wherein the bearing upper cover is rotatably supported on the bearing lower cover through the needle roller assembly, the metal sheet is fixedly connected to the bearing upper cover so that the bearing upper cover rotates with the metal sheet, and the bearing lower cover is installed on the bearing bracket and connected to the control board through a wiring harness to transmit touch signals.

[0010] Preferably, the pressing, lifting and rotating mechanism also includes a rotating inner shell having several ribs, and the control panel has an infrared sensor. When the decorative ring assembly rotates, the infrared sensor generates or eliminates a signal through the space between adjacent ribs to directly read the rotation angle of the decorative ring assembly through the signal.

[0011] Preferably, the rotating inner shell also has a concave-convex structure, and the pressing, lifting and rotating mechanism also includes a fixed bearing base assembly with a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a ball, a coil spring and a push block. The push block acts on the coil spring to press the ball against the concave-convex structure to generate a knob damping force and feedback the rotation gear feeling.

[0012] Preferably, the coil spring and the push block are replaced by a pair of magnets with opposite poles to eliminate mechanical noise.

[0013] Preferably, the fixed bearing base assembly also includes two spring pistons and a connecting rod rotatably assembled on the display screen assembly through a connecting rod shaft, and the control panel has two micro switches spaced apart from each other; when the display screen assembly is pressed, one side of the connecting rod descends to compress a spring piston to trigger a micro switch; when the display screen assembly is lifted, the other side of the connecting rod descends to compress another spring piston to trigger another micro switch.

[0014] Preferably, the functional mechanism includes a left and right, front and back toggle mechanism, which includes a left and right sliding assembly, a left and right slide rail fixed base assembly, a front and back sliding assembly and a front and back slide rail fixed base assembly, wherein the left and right slide rail fixed base assembly and the front and back slide rail fixed base assembly are fixedly connected, the front and back sliding assembly has left and right rails that cooperate with the left and right sliding assembly to control the left and right direction toggle translation, and the front and back slide rail fixed base assembly has front and back rails that cooperate with the front and back sliding assembly to control the front and back direction toggle translation.

[0015] Preferably, the front and rear sliding components and the front and rear slide rail fixed base assemblies respectively include magnets of the same polarity that provide damping force and restoring force in the front and rear directions, and the left and right sliding components and the left and right slide rail fixed base assemblies respectively include magnets of the same polarity that provide damping force and restoring force in the left and right directions.

[0016] Preferably, magnets of the same polarity are replaced with coil springs to provide damping force and restoring force when the knob is turned forward, backward, left, and right, respectively.

[0017] Preferably, the bolts assembled on the front and rear sliding assemblies serve as a knob that, when turned in the forward and backward directions, trigger the micro switches on the front or rear slide rail fixing base assemblies to send signals, and the bolts assembled on the left and right sliding assemblies serve as a knob that, when turned in the left and right directions, trigger the micro switches on the left or right slide rail fixing base assemblies to send signals.

[0018] Preferably, the pressing, lifting and rotating mechanism further includes a vibrator mounted on the left and right sliding components to provide a vibration reminder function.

[0019] Preferably, the housing is a single piece, and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly to achieve rotation and lifting in the housing.

[0020] Preferably, the outer shell has a spiral groove, the rotary lifting mechanism further comprises an inner upper shell, the functional mechanism is assembled on the inner upper shell, the inner upper shell has a slider, and the slider is slidably fitted in the spiral groove.

[0021] Preferably, the rotating lifting mechanism also includes an inner bottom shell fixedly connected to the inner upper shell, the inner bottom shell has a first shell gear, the motor assembly has a motor gear and a transmission gear, the motor gear and the transmission gear are respectively engaged with the first shell gear to enable the functional mechanism to realize rotation and lifting.

[0022] Preferably, the housing includes a fixed shell and a rotating shell, the fixed shell is fixedly mounted on the vehicle, the rotating shell is arranged in the fixed shell and can rotate relative to the fixed shell but cannot be raised or lowered, and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly so that it can be raised or lowered relative to the fixed shell but cannot be rotated.

[0023] Preferably, the rotating shell has a spiral groove, the rotating lifting mechanism further comprises an inner upper shell, the functional mechanism is assembled on the inner upper shell, the inner upper shell has a slider, and the slider is slidably fitted in the spiral groove.

[0024] Preferably, the rotating shell further has a second shell gear, the motor assembly has a motor gear and a transmission gear, and the motor gear and the transmission gear are respectively engaged with the second shell gear to drive the rotating shell to rotate.

[0025] Preferably, the rotary lifting mechanism also includes an inner bottom shell fixedly connected to the inner upper shell, and the inner bottom shell is provided with a plurality of eccentric pins, which cooperate with the fixed shell so that the inner bottom shell can be lifted and lowered relative to the fixed shell but cannot be rotated.

[0026] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-function knob, which has a shell, a functional mechanism and a driving mechanism (such as a motor assembly), the shell is fixedly mounted on the vehicle, the driving mechanism is mounted on the shell, the functional mechanism is suitable for being driven by the driving mechanism to rise and fall relative to the shell between a silent state and a use state, and provides functions through at least one of the following operations in the use state: pressing, pulling, dialing in at least one direction, and rotating.

[0027] According to the multi-function knob disclosed herein, the push-pull rotation mechanism and the left and right front and back toggle mechanism are driven by a motor assembly to switch between a silent state and an active state. That is, in the silent state, it is hidden under the decorative panel, thus avoiding accidental touch and misoperation. When needed, it can be rotated to rise or directly raised to enhance the sense of ritual in the cockpit. In fact, according to the multi-function knob disclosed herein, it integrates multiple dimensions of control and display functions, including knob rotation function, press control function, pull control function, front and back translation and left and right translation control function. It can also integrate interactive functions such as left and right tilt control function, left and right tilt control function, screen display function, touch sensing function, vibration reminder, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle equipped with a multi-function knob according to the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1 .

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the silent state of the multi-function knob in FIG. 1 .

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the multi-function knob of FIG. 1 in use.

[0032] FIG5 is an exploded view of the multi-function knob.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the bezel assembly of FIG. 5 .

[0034] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the display screen assembly of FIG. 5 .

[0035] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating inner shell of FIG5.

[0036] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the fixed bearing base assembly of FIG. 5 .

[0037] FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the left-right sliding assembly of the magnet solution according to an embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0038] FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the left and right sliding components of the spring solution according to another embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0039] FIG. 11A is an exploded view of the left and right slide rail fixing base assembly of the magnet solution according to an embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0040] FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the left and right slide rail fixing base assembly of another embodiment of the spring solution in FIG. 5 .

[0041] FIG. 12A is an exploded view of a front-rear sliding assembly of the magnet solution according to an embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0042] FIG. 12B is an exploded view of a front-rear sliding assembly of a spring solution according to another embodiment of FIG. 5 .

[0043] FIG13A is an exploded view of the front and rear slide rail fixing base assembly of the magnet solution according to an embodiment of FIG5 .

[0044] FIG13B is an exploded view of the front and rear slide rail fixing base assembly of another embodiment of the spring solution of FIG5

[0045] FIG14 is an axonometric view of the multi-function knob in the silent state position.

[0046] FIG15 is an axonometric view of the multi-function knob in the use state.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the multi-function knob of FIG. 14 .

[0048] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the multi-function knob of FIG. 15 .

[0049] FIG18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG3 .

[0050] FIG19 is a partially enlarged view of the region X in FIG18 .

[0051] FIG20 is a partially enlarged view of region Y in FIG18 .

[0052] FIG. 21 is another cross-sectional view of the multi-function knob.

[0053] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 3 .

[0054] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a detail of a local area Z in FIG. 22 .

[0055] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a detail of a local area Z in FIG. 22 .

[0056] FIG. 25 is an axonometric view of a variant embodiment of the multi-function knob.

[0057] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the multi-function knob of FIG. 25 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and described in detail.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the multi-function knob can be located on the instrument panel IP of the vehicle V or on the center console assembly / sub-instrument panel assembly FC between the two seats, used to control various vehicle functions. It should be understood that the application scenarios / areas described here are merely examples and not limitations. In most cases, the multi-function knob is mounted on the front of the center console, whether it is the front or rear center console, or on the instrument panel, in an area easily accessible to front and rear passengers. It is also mounted on the trim panel, combining aesthetics with functionality.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multi-function knob M is mounted on the trim panel D. In the initial silent state, the upper surface of the multi-function knob M is flush with the trim panel D. When the top or other parts of the multi-function knob M are pressed to turn on the button, the multi-function knob M will rise and rotate until it is lifted to a position where the multi-function knob M can be controlled by the user, that is, it switches from the silent state to the use state, providing a sense of ritual. The small round screen in the center has a display function, which can be combined with animation to provide additional effects. Compared with the existing technology that only has a lifting function, the synchronous rotation provided by the present disclosure can also be combined with the rotating animation on the small round screen to enhance the user's sense of ritual or experience as a whole.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, after being raised, the multi-function knob M can be pressed down, pulled up, or moved left, right, or forward or backward as indicated by the arrows. In an example application scenario, moving forward, backward, left, or right, and rotating forward and reverse correspond to selecting interface options. Pressing down confirms the option, and pulling up cancels or returns. The options here correspond to various functions, such as air conditioning, lighting, or auxiliary functions, system vibration reminders, etc. In fact, control at a 45° angle is also feasible. For example, by adding a push switch component, full-range control can be achieved for the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear. This multi-dimensional control, combined with a screen interface, such as the screen interface of an iPad, can make it faster or easier to find the required option. In addition, the decorative ring (such as a metal decorative ring) has a touch-sensitive function. When the human body touches the decorative ring, combined with the light on the decorative panel, it can provide interactive feedback.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the multi-function knob M includes a push-pull and rotate mechanism shown in the upper right corner, which includes a decorative ring assembly 1, an inner upper shell 2, a display screen assembly 3, a rotating inner shell 4, a fixed bearing base assembly 5 and a control panel 6, which is used to provide the push-pull and rotate functions that will be described in detail below in combination with Figures 22 to 24, and to provide the above-mentioned screen display and the touch sensing function that will be described in detail below in combination with Figures 18 to 20.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the multi-function knob M includes a left and right, front and back toggle mechanism shown in the middle, which includes a left and right sliding component 7, a left and right slide rail fixed base assembly 8, a front and back sliding component 9, a front and back slide rail fixed base assembly 10 and a central axis 110, which is used to provide the left and right, front and back toggle (including the above-mentioned 45° direction toggle) which will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 16-17, wherein stability is achieved by the relative movement of the tracks front and back, left and right, and force balance is achieved by a magnet scheme of an embodiment which will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 10A to 13A or a spring scheme of an embodiment which will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 10B to 13B, thereby achieving reset after toggle.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the multi-function knob M includes a rotary lifting mechanism shown in the lower left corner, which includes a ball bearing 120, an inner bottom shell 130, an outer shell 140 and a motor assembly 150, which is used to provide a rotary lifting function that will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 14 to 17, switching from an initial silent state to a use state, that is, the gears of the motor drive the entire internal mechanism to rotate to provide a rotary rising motion process through the spiral groove.

[0065] The specific assembly of the multi-function knob M includes: the outer ring flange of the central axis 110 is assembled with the front and rear slide rail fixed base assembly 10 by bolts, and then assembled with the front and rear slide components 9 through slide rails and bolts, the left and right slide rail fixed base assembly 8 is installed with the front and rear slide rail fixed base assembly 10 by bolts, the left and right slide components 7 are installed with the front and rear slide components 9 by slide rails and bolts, the control board 6 (on which electronic components connected to the control system through power lines or video data lines are integrated, such as the infrared sensor 61 shown in Figure 19 and the micro switch 62 and micro switch 6 shown in Figures 23-24) are installed. 3) Assembled to the left and right sliding assemblies 7 with bolts, and then the fixed bearing base assembly 5 is also bolted to the left and right sliding assemblies 7. The display assembly 3 is pre-assembled with the fixed bearing base assembly 5 via the spring mechanisms 35, 38 and the connecting rod mechanisms 53, 58 (when assembling the display assembly 3, the rotating inner housing 4 is first placed on the fixed bearing base assembly 5, but without a fixed structure). This allows the display assembly 3 to move linearly up and down a certain distance within the fixed bearing base assembly 5, and to be reset by the spring mechanisms 35, 38, the connecting rods 53, and the pistons 54, 55. The assembled components are then bolted into the inner bottom housing 130. The inner upper housing 2 (with the slider 21 thereon) is then bolted to the inner bottom housing 130 (with the housing gear 131 thereon). The decorative ring assembly 1 is then inserted from above the inner upper housing 2 and bolted to the rotating inner housing 4 through the holes in the circumferential surface of the inner upper housing 2. By installing ball bearings on the circumferential edge of the display assembly 3 and matching them with the rotating inner shell 4, the decorative ring assembly 1 can achieve rotational movement. Finally, the ball bearing 120 is placed between the inner ring of the central shaft 110 and the internal central shaft structure of the outer shell 140 (which has a spiral groove 141), acting as a linear bearing and a rotating bearing. The motor assembly 150 (which has a motor gear 151 and a transmission gear 152) is assembled to the bottom of the outer shell 140 with bolts. The motor gear 151 and the transmission gear 152 respectively mesh with the gears at the bottom of the inner bottom shell 130. The entire knob assembly is fixed to the decorative plate D through the outer shell 140.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, bezel assembly 1 includes a transparent cover 11, glue 12, a bezel bracket 13, a metal bezel 14, a metal sheet 15, and a rotating bracket 16. Transparent cover 11 is assembled to metal bezel 14 and bezel bracket 13, which are pre-bolted together, using glue 12. Metal sheet 15 is bolted to bezel bracket 13. These assembled parts are then assembled to rotating bracket 16 using bolts.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the display screen assembly 3 includes a display screen 31, an upper bearing cover 32, a needle roller assembly 33, a lower bearing cover 34, a pin bolt 35, a display screen bracket 36, a bearing bracket 37 (circumferentially equipped with ball bearings), and a compression spring 38. The display screen 31 is assembled to the display screen bracket 36 via a hook structure. The thrust bearing assembly provided by the upper bearing cover 32, the ball roller assembly 33, and the lower bearing cover 34 is assembled to the display screen bracket 36 via an axial hole. The lower bearing cover 34 is mounted on the bearing bracket 37. Two sets of compression springs 38 are sleeved on the bearing bracket 37. The two sets of compression springs 38 are assembled to the bearing bracket 37 via a pin bolt 35, forming a push-reset mechanism and a pull-reset mechanism, respectively. The bearing bracket 37 and the ball bearing assembled thereon form a rotary bearing, ensuring stable and smooth rotation of the knob-related parts. The bearing bracket 37, equipped with the ball bearings, is then assembled to the display screen bracket 36 via bolts.

[0068] As shown in FIG8 , the bottom of the inner ring of the rotating inner shell 4 has a plurality of ribs 41 evenly spaced in the circumferential direction, which provide an infrared sensor to capture the rotation angle signal, and the outer ring of the bottom has a concave-convex structure 42 evenly arranged in a row.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the fixed bearing base assembly 5 includes a ball bearing 51, a bearing bracket 52, a connecting rod 53, a spring piston 54, a spring piston 55, a clutch mechanism 56, a fixed bearing base 57, a connecting rod shaft 58, and a knob outer retaining ring 59. The ball bearing 51 is assembled into the bearing bracket 52 to form a linear bearing that provides up and down movement, ensuring stable and smooth movement of the parts related to the knob pressing and lifting operations. The bearing bracket 52 is assembled to the fixed bearing base 57 via bolts, and the spring pistons 54 and 55 are assembled into the fixed bearing base 57 through the axial holes. The connecting rod 53 is assembled into the fixed bearing base 57 through the axial holes, and is pressed against the top surfaces of the spring pistons 54 and 55. The springs attached to the spring pistons 54 and 55 ensure close contact with the connecting rod 53. The clutch mechanism 56 is assembled to one side of the fixed bearing base 57 by bolts and includes a cover 561, a ball bearing 562, a housing 563, a coil spring 564, a push block 565, and a stop bolt 566. The coil spring 564 pushes the ball bearing 562, squeezing the concave-convex structure 42 (see Figure 8) on the rotating inner housing 4, generating a damping force and a sense of gear positioning when the knob is rotated. If the coil spring 564 and the push block 565 are replaced with two magnets with the same poles facing each other, the function of the rotational damping force achieved by the spring and the push block can also be realized. In addition, if the coil spring 564 and the push block 565 are replaced with an electromagnet assembly, the damping force can be adjusted at any time.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10A, the left-right sliding assembly 7 according to a magnet solution in one embodiment includes left-right rail brackets 71, a magnet 72, a bolt 73, a left-right centered locking magnet 74, and a vibrator 75. Magnet 72 is bolted to the inside of the left-right rail brackets 71. Bolts 73 are also installed on the left and right sides to trigger micro switches 83 (see Figure 11A), which generate signals when the knob is toggled left or right. The left-right centered locking magnet 74 is bolted to the left-right rail brackets 71. The vibrator 75 is glued to the left-right rail brackets 71. Since the vibrator is installed on the left-right sliding assembly, its vibration direction is also left-right. The vibrator 75 installed in the left-right sliding assembly 7 generates left-right vibrations, providing a component that provides a vibration reminder function when the knob is manipulated. In this way, the system provides vibration feedback or a vibration reminder function when the operation is restricted / error. As shown in Figure 10B, the coil spring 72' of the left-right sliding assembly 7' according to another embodiment of the spring solution is bolted to the left-right rail brackets 71'.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11A , the left and right rail fixing base assembly 8, which utilizes a magnet solution according to one embodiment, includes left and right rail fixing brackets 81, a magnet 82, a microswitch 83, and a front-to-back center locking magnet 84. The magnet 82 is bolted to the outside of the left and right rail fixing brackets 81. The microswitch 83 is also bolted to the outside of the left and right rail fixing brackets 81. The front-to-back center locking magnet 84 is also bolted to the left and right rail fixing brackets 81. As shown in Figure 11B , the front-to-back center locking magnet 84 of the left and right rail fixing base assembly 8', which utilizes a spring solution according to another embodiment, is bolted to the left and right rail fixing brackets 81'.

[0072] As shown in FIG12A , a front-to-back sliding assembly 9, according to one embodiment, comprises a front-to-back sliding bracket 91, left-to-right rails 92, a magnet 93, a bolt 94, a front-to-back centering locking magnet 95, and a left-to-right centering locking magnet 96. The front-to-back centering locking magnet 95 of the front-to-back sliding assembly 9 is arranged with opposite polarity to the front-to-back centering locking magnet 84 of the left-to-right rail fixed base assembly 8. By utilizing the attraction and centering function, the multi-function knob is locked in the front-to-back center position. The left-to-right centering locking magnet 96 of the front-to-back sliding assembly 9 is arranged with opposite polarity to the left-to-right centering locking magnet 74 of the left-to-right sliding assembly 7. By utilizing the attraction and centering function, the multi-function knob is locked in the left-to-right center position. The left-to-right rails 92, which control the left-to-right sliding movement, have sliders 921 bolted to both sides of the front-to-back sliding bracket 91. The magnet 93 is bolted to the front and back inner sides of the front-to-back sliding bracket 91. The bolts 94 are mounted on the front and back sides of the front-to-back sliding bracket 91 to trigger the microswitch 104 (see FIG13A ) when the knob is toggled in the front-to-back direction. As shown in FIG12B , the micro switch 83 of the front and rear sliding assembly 9 ′ according to another embodiment of the spring solution is assembled to the front and rear sliding bracket 91 ′ and the front and rear slide rail fixing base assembly 10 ′, and the coil spring 93 ′ is assembled to the front and rear sliding bracket 91 ′ by a bolt 97 .

[0073] As shown in FIG13A , a magnet-based front and rear rail fixing base assembly 10 according to one embodiment includes a front and rear rail fixing bracket 101, front and rear rails 102, magnets 103, and a microswitch 104. The front and rear rails 102, which control forward and backward sliding, have sliders 1021 and are bolted to either side of the front and rear rail fixing bracket 101. The magnets 103 are bolted to the front and rear inner sides of the front and rear rail fixing bracket 101, and the microswitch 104 is bolted to the front and rear sides of the front and rear rail fixing bracket 101. As shown in FIG13B , a spring-based front and rear rail fixing base assembly 10' according to another embodiment has front and rear rails 102 bolted to either side of the front and rear rail fixing bracket 101'.

[0074] As shown in Figures 14-15 , the spiral groove 141 on the outer shell 140 cooperates with the slider 21 on the inner upper shell 2. The slider can be designed to provide sliding friction or rolling friction with a ball-contact track, and the specific selection can be based on the required material properties. The motor gear 151 and transmission gear 152 on the motor assembly 150 respectively mesh with the shell gear 131 of the inner bottom shell 130. The gear transmission mode here can also be determined by factors such as the transmission ratio, speed, and space. This allows the motor to drive the components contained within the inner bottom shell 130 and the inner upper shell 2 to rotate and rise as a whole.

[0075] Figure 16 shows the multi-function knob with a quarter cut away from the outer and inner housings of Figure 14, revealing the internal components. Figure 17 shows the multi-function knob with a quarter cut away from the outer and inner housings of Figure 15, revealing the internal components. Combining Figures 16 and 17, the motor gear 151 and transmission gear 152 of the motor assembly 150 mesh with the housing gear 131 at the bottom of the inner bottom housing 130. Rotation of the motor gear 151 drives the housing gear 131. Simultaneously, driven by the combined action of the spiral groove 141 and the slider 21, the entire knob assembly (including the decorative ring assembly 1, display assembly 3, rotating inner housing 4, fixed bearing base assembly 5, control panel 6, left and right slide assembly 7, left and right slide rail fixed base assembly 8, front and rear slide assembly 9, and front and rear slide rail fixed base assembly 10) and the central shaft 110 within the inner bottom housing 130 and inner upper housing 2 rotate and rise or fall. In addition, Figures 16 and 17 also show the front and rear rails 102 for controlling forward and backward movement, the left and right rails 92 for controlling left and right movement, the magnets 93 and 103 of the same polarity for providing forward and backward movement damping and restoring forces, and the magnets 72 and 82 of the same polarity for providing left and right movement damping and restoring forces. It should be understood that in another embodiment, coil springs 72' and 93' are used to provide forward and backward and left and right movement damping and restoring forces.

[0076] Figures 25 and 26 illustrate a variation of the rotary lifting mechanism of the multi-function knob M in Figures 14 to 17 , wherein the entire knob assembly within the inner bottom housing 130 and the inner upper housing 2 does not rotate during the raising or lowering process. In fact, this variation merely conceals the rotational movement, rendering the rotational movement occurring within the outer housing 140 invisible during the raising or lowering of the knob assembly.

[0077] More specifically, as can be seen in conjunction with Figures 25 and 26 , the housing 140 is not a single piece as in the above-described embodiment, but is instead split into a stationary housing 140a and a rotating housing 140b. The stationary housing 140a is fixedly mounted to the trim panel D of the vehicle V. The rotating housing 140b is disposed within the stationary housing 140a and, constrained by the stationary housing 140a, can only rotate relative to the stationary housing 140a, preventing it from rising or falling. The inner side of the rotating housing 140b is provided with a spiral groove 141 that mates with the slider 21 on the inner upper housing 2. Furthermore, the bottom of the rotating housing 140b is provided with a housing gear 142 that meshes with the motor gear 151 and transmission gear 152 of the motor assembly 150.

[0078] In addition, the rotary lifting mechanism according to this embodiment variant includes two ball bearings 120, each ball bearing 120 is arranged between the bottom protrusion 143 of the fixed shell 140a and one of the two bottom eccentric pins 132 of the inner bottom shell 130. This structure allows the inner bottom shell 130 to rise or fall relative to the fixed shell 140a but limits the relative rotation of the inner bottom shell 130 and the fixed shell 140a, that is, the knob assembly in the inner bottom shell 130 and the inner upper shell 2 can only rise or fall, and cannot rotate.

[0079] Therefore, when the motor gear 151 rotates and drives the shell gear 142 on the rotating shell 140b to rotate, under the joint action of the spiral groove 141 and the slider 21, the entire knob assembly in the inner bottom shell 130 and the inner upper shell 2 (including the decorative ring assembly 1, the display screen assembly 3, the rotating inner shell 4, the fixed bearing base assembly 5, the control panel 6, the left and right sliding assembly 7, the left and right slide rail fixed base assembly 8, the front and rear sliding assembly 9, the front and rear slide rail fixed base assembly 10) and the center axis 110 will rise or fall, but will not rotate due to the restrictions between the inner bottom shell 130 and the fixed shell 140a.

[0080] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3. Figure 19 is a partial enlarged view of area X in Figure 18. Bolts 94 mounted on the front and rear sliding assembly 9 trigger the front or rear microswitch 104 when the knob is toggled forward or backward, generating a signal. When the decorative ring assembly 1 rotates, the ribs 41 on the bottom of the inner ring of the rotating inner housing 4 pass through the infrared sensor 61 on the control board 6. The gaps between adjacent ribs 41 continuously cause the infrared sensor 61 to generate or eliminate signals, allowing the knob's rotation angle to be directly read from the signals. Under the action of springs 564, the balls 562 constantly press against the row of concave-convex structures 42. Under the action of the concave-convex structures 42, the balls 562 also reciprocate within the inner cavity of the housing 563. The friction or resistance generated by the balls 562 against the concave-convex structures 42 on the bottom of the outer ring of the rotating inner housing 4 is the damping force of the knob.

[0081] Figure 20 is a partial enlarged view of area Y in Figure 18 . A user generates a touch signal by touching the metal bezel 14. Because the metal bezel 14 contacts the metal sheet 15, which in turn contacts the bearing upper cover 32, the touch signal is transmitted to the control board 6 via the metal sheet 15, the thrust bearing assembly's bearing upper cover 32, the ball assembly 33, the bearing lower cover 34, and then via a wiring harness mounted on the bearing lower cover 34. This arrangement is designed because the metal bezel 14 rotates. If the wiring harness were connected directly to the metal bezel 14 to transmit the signal to the control board 6, the wiring harness would rotate with it and be damaged. By transmitting the touch signal to the thrust bearing assembly, the bearing lower cover 34 does not rotate, and the wiring harness is connected to the bearing lower cover 34, eliminating the need for the wiring harness to be connected to a rotating component. The thrust bearing assembly couples the rotation of the metal bezel 14, providing a static bearing lower cover 34 for signal transmission, thus avoiding conflicts between rotation and wiring.

[0082] Figure 21 more clearly shows the front and rear facing magnets 93 and 103 of the same polarity. When the knob is moved forward and backward, the knob is constrained by the front and rear tracks 102 and moves a certain distance. Both magnets 93 and 103 on the front and rear sides generate a repulsive force, acting as a damping force against the user's movement of the knob. This also acts as the force that returns the knob to its center position when the user releases the knob. Specifically, because a pair of magnets with the same polarity repel each other are positioned on the front and rear sides, the repulsive force increases as the magnets approach each other during the forward and backward movement, gradually increasing the operating force. Upon release, the knob returns to its center position.

[0083] Figure 22 is a cross-section BB in Figure 1 . Figures 23 and 24 are enlarged details of the section Z in Figure 22 . Bolt 73, mounted on the left-right sliding assembly 7, triggers the left or right microswitch 83 when the knob is toggled left or right, generating a signal. The connecting rod 53, mounted in the fixed bearing base assembly 5, is assembled to the knob fixed bearing base 57 via a central axial hole within the component itself. It can rotate about its central axis. A connecting rod shaft 58 passes through a hole at one end. Connecting rod shaft 58 is bolted to the display bracket 36 in the display assembly 3. When the top of the knob is pressed, it lowers the display assembly 3. The display assembly 3 lowers one side of the connecting rod 53 via connecting rod shaft 58, while the other side raises (Figure 23). The lowered side compresses the spring piston 54, triggering the microswitch 62. When the knob is pulled (Figure 24), the other side of the lever 53 lowers, compressing the spring piston 55, triggering the microswitch 63. This triggers the signal when the knob is pressed or pulled.

[0084] The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications are possible to the above embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, any simple, equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present application are within the scope of protection of the present patent. Anything not fully described in this disclosure refers to conventional technology.

Claims

1. A multifunctional knob, characterized in that: The multifunctional knob has a functional mechanism and a rotating and lifting mechanism, wherein the rotating and lifting mechanism comprises a housing (140) and a motor assembly (150) mounted on the housing (140), the housing (140) is fixedly mounted on a vehicle, and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly (150) to achieve switching between a silent state and a use state and provide functions in the use state.

2. The multifunctional knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The functional mechanism comprises a push-pull-rotate mechanism, which comprises a decorative ring assembly (1), a display screen assembly (3) and a control panel (6), wherein the decorative ring assembly (1) comprises a metal decorative ring (14) and a metal sheet (15), the display screen assembly (3) can be installed in a lifting manner and has a thrust bearing assembly, the metal sheet (15) contacts the metal decorative ring (14) to transmit a touch signal generated by a user touching the metal decorative ring (14), and the thrust bearing assembly and a wiring harness connect the metal sheet (15) and the control panel (6) to transmit the touch signal to the control panel (6).

3. The multifunctional knob according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thrust bearing assembly comprises an upper bearing cover (32), a needle roller assembly (33) and a lower bearing cover (34), wherein the upper bearing cover (32) is rotatably supported on the lower bearing cover (34) through the needle roller assembly (33), the metal sheet (15) is fixedly connected to the upper bearing cover (32) so that the upper bearing cover (32) rotates along with the metal sheet (15), and the lower bearing cover (34) is mounted on a bearing bracket (37) and connected to a control panel (6) through a wiring harness to transmit a touch signal.

4. The multifunctional knob according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressing, lifting and rotating mechanism also includes a rotating inner shell (4) having a plurality of ribs (41). The control panel (6) has an infrared sensor (61). When the decorative ring assembly (1) rotates, the infrared sensor (61) generates or eliminates a signal through the space between adjacent ribs (41) to directly read the rotation angle of the decorative ring assembly (1) through the signal.

5. The multifunctional knob according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating inner shell (4) also has a concave-convex structure (42), and the pressing, lifting and rotating mechanism also includes a fixed bearing base assembly (5) with a clutch mechanism (56), and the clutch mechanism (56) includes a ball (562), a coil spring (564) and a push block (565), and the push block (565) acts on the coil spring (564) so ​​that the ball (562) is pressed against the concave-convex structure (42) to generate a knob damping force and feedback the rotation gear feeling.

6. The multifunctional knob according to claim 5, characterized in that: The spiral spring (564) and the push block (565) are replaced by a pair of magnets with the same poles facing each other to eliminate mechanical noise.

7. The multifunctional knob according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixed bearing base assembly (5) further comprises two spring pistons (54, 55) and a connecting rod (53) rotatably mounted on the display screen assembly (3) via a connecting rod shaft (58), and the control panel (6) comprises two micro switches (62, 63) spaced apart from each other; when the display screen assembly (3) is pressed, one side of the connecting rod (53) descends to press a spring piston (54) to trigger a micro switch (62); when the display screen assembly (3) is lifted, the other side of the connecting rod (53) descends to press another spring piston (55) to trigger another micro switch (63).

8. The multifunctional knob according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressing, lifting and rotating mechanism also includes a vibrator (75) mounted on the left and right sliding components (7) to provide a vibration reminder function.

9. The multifunctional knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The functional mechanism comprises a left-right and front-back toggle mechanism, which comprises a left-right sliding assembly (7), a left-right slide rail fixed base assembly (8), a front-back sliding assembly (9) and a front-back slide rail fixed base assembly (10), wherein the left-right slide rail fixed base assembly (8) and the front-back slide rail fixed base assembly (10) are fixedly connected, the front-back sliding assembly (9) has left-right rails (92) matched with the left-right sliding assembly (7) to control the left-right direction toggle translation, and the front-back slide rail fixed base assembly (10) has front-back rails (102) matched with the front-back sliding assembly (9) to control the front-back direction toggle translation.

10. The multifunctional knob according to claim 9, characterized in that: The front and rear sliding components (9) and the front and rear slide rail fixed base assembly (10) respectively include magnets (93, 103) of the same polarity for providing damping force and restoring force for the front and rear directions, and the left and right sliding components (7) and the left and right slide rail fixed base assembly (8) respectively include magnets (72, 82) of the same polarity for providing damping force and restoring force for the left and right directions.

11. The multifunctional knob according to claim 10, characterized in that: The magnets with the same polarity are replaced by coil springs (72', 93') to respectively provide a damping force and a restoring force when the knob is turned in the forward and backward directions and the left and right directions.

12. The multifunctional knob according to claim 9, characterized in that: The bolt (94) mounted on the front and rear sliding assembly (9) is used as a knob to trigger a micro switch (104) on the front or rear front and rear slide rail fixing base assembly (10) to send a signal when the bolt (73) mounted on the left and right sliding assembly (7) is used as a knob to trigger a micro switch (83) on the left or right left and right slide rail fixing base assembly (8) to send a signal when the bolt (94) mounted on the front and rear sliding assembly (9) is used as a knob to trigger a micro switch (104) on the front or rear front and rear slide rail fixing base assembly (10) to send a signal when the bolt (73) mounted on the left and right sliding assembly (7) is used as a knob to trigger a micro switch (83) on the left or right left and right slide rail fixing base assembly (8) to send a signal.

13. The multifunctional knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (140) is a single piece, and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly (150) to achieve rotation and lifting in the housing (140).

14. The multifunctional knob according to claim 13, characterized in that: The outer shell (140) has a spiral groove (141), and the rotary lifting mechanism also includes an inner upper shell (2). The functional mechanism is assembled on the inner upper shell (2), and the inner upper shell (2) has a slider (21), and the slider (21) is slidably matched in the spiral groove (141).

15. The multifunctional knob according to claim 14, characterized in that: The rotary lifting mechanism also includes an inner bottom shell (130) fixedly connected to the inner upper shell (2), the inner bottom shell (130) having a first shell gear (131), the motor assembly (150) having a motor gear (151) and a transmission gear (152), the motor gear (151) and the transmission gear (152) respectively meshing with the first shell gear (131) so that the functional mechanism can achieve rotary lifting.

16. The multifunctional knob according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (140) comprises a fixed housing (140a) and a rotating housing (140b), wherein the fixed housing (140a) is fixedly mounted on the vehicle, and the rotating housing (140b) is disposed inside the fixed housing (140a) and is rotatable but not liftable relative to the fixed housing (140a), and the functional mechanism is driven by the motor assembly (150) so as to be liftable but not rotatable relative to the fixed housing (140a).

17. The multifunctional knob according to claim 16, characterized in that: The rotating shell (140b) has a spiral groove (141), and the rotating lifting mechanism also includes an inner upper shell (2). The functional mechanism is assembled on the inner upper shell (2), and the inner upper shell (2) has a slider (21), and the slider (21) is slidably matched in the spiral groove (141).

18. The multifunctional knob according to claim 17, characterized in that: The rotating housing (140b) also has a second housing gear (142), and the motor assembly (150) has a motor gear (151) and a transmission gear (152). The motor gear (151) and the transmission gear (152) are respectively meshed with the second housing gear (142) to drive the rotating housing (140b) to rotate.

19. The multifunctional knob according to claim 17, characterized in that: The rotary lifting mechanism also includes an inner bottom shell (130) fixedly connected to the inner upper shell (2), the inner bottom shell (130) being provided with a plurality of eccentric convex pins (132), the plurality of eccentric convex pins (132) cooperating with the fixed shell (140a) so that the inner bottom shell (130) can be lifted and lowered relative to the fixed shell (140a) but cannot be rotated.

20. A multifunctional knob, characterized in that: The multifunctional knob comprises a housing (140), a functional mechanism and a driving mechanism, wherein the housing (140) is fixedly mounted on a vehicle, the driving mechanism is mounted on the housing (140), the functional mechanism is adapted to be driven by the driving mechanism to be raised and lowered relative to the housing (140) between a silent state and a use state, and provides a function in the use state through at least one of the following operations: pressing, pulling, toggling in at least one direction, and rotating.

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