Key assembly, key module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a key assembly, a key module and electronic equipment, and relates to the field of electronic equipment. The key assembly comprises a stator unit and a mover unit, one of the stator unit and the mover unit comprises a first electromagnetic coil, and the other one of the stator unit and the mover unit comprises a first magnetic element which can be acted by a magnetic field generated by energization of the first electromagnetic coil; the key assembly is arranged to detect pressing force by detecting magnetic field changes between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, and the key assembly is arranged to enable the mover unit to conduct vibration feedback when the detected pressing force is larger than a trigger threshold value. In the key assembly, the stator unit and the mover unit can be matched to realize detection of the pressing force, the mover unit can be utilized to realize vibration feedback after pressing, and the mover unit is shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing, so that the structure of the key assembly is simplified, the size of the key assembly is reduced, and the cost is reduced. And the cost of the key assembly is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more specifically, to a key assembly, a key module and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the diversification of electronic equipment functions, pressure buttons have become an indispensable part of electronic equipment. In existing electronic equipment, it is usually necessary to open a hole in the housing of the electronic equipment to install the pressure button, and the pressure button has a complex structure, a large volume, and low installation efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The embodiment of the present application provides a key assembly, including a stator unit and a mover unit, wherein one of the stator unit and the mover unit includes a first electromagnetic coil, and the other of the stator unit and the mover unit includes a first magnetic element that can be affected by a magnetic field generated by energizing the first electromagnetic coil;

[0004] The button assembly is configured to detect a pressing force by detecting a change in a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, and the button assembly is configured to cause the mover unit to perform vibration feedback when the detected pressing force is greater than a trigger threshold.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the mover unit is configured to be displaced relative to the stator unit through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element to perform vibration feedback.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the stator unit includes the first electromagnetic coil, which is a first electromagnet including a first core and a first coil wound around the first core;

[0007] The mover unit includes the first magnetic element, and the first magnetic element includes a soft magnet made of a soft magnetic material, a permanent magnet made of a permanent magnetic material, or a second electromagnetic coil.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the first coil includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil, the key assembly is configured to energize the first sub-coil when detecting a pressing force to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, and the key assembly is configured to energize the second sub-coil when performing vibration feedback to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element; or

[0009] The first coil includes a first sub-coil, and the key assembly is configured to energize the first sub-coil when detecting pressing force and performing vibration feedback to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the stator unit includes the first magnetic element, the mover unit is a vibration motor, the vibration motor includes the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element, and the vibration motor is configured to cause relative displacement between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element to perform vibration feedback.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic coil is a first electromagnet including a first core and a first coil wound around the first core;

[0012] The second magnetic element includes a plurality of permanent magnets, and the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged along the circumference of the first electromagnetic coil. The first magnetic element is disposed at one axial end of the first electromagnetic coil.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the stator unit includes the first electromagnetic coil, the mover unit is a vibration motor, the vibration motor includes the first magnetic element, the third electromagnetic coil and the third magnetic element, the first magnetic element is a third iron core, the third electromagnetic coil includes a third coil, and the third coil is wound on the third iron core to form a third electromagnet;

[0014] The vibration motor is configured to cause a relative displacement between the third magnetic element and the third electromagnet through the magnetic field between the third electromagnet and the third magnetic element so as to perform vibration feedback.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic coil comprises a first coil;

[0016] The third magnetic element includes a plurality of permanent magnets, and the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged along the circumference of the third electromagnet, and the first electromagnetic coil is disposed at one axial end of the third electromagnet.

[0017] An embodiment of the present application further provides a key module, characterized in that it comprises an electric control module and the key assembly described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the electric control module is electrically connected to the key assembly and is configured to control the on and off of power to the key assembly.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the electric control module includes a collection unit, a feedback unit and a control unit, and the collection unit and the feedback unit are both electrically connected to the control unit, wherein:

[0019] The acquisition unit and the feedback unit are also electrically connected to the first sub-coil and the second sub-coil of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit respectively; or

[0020] The electric control module further includes a switch electrically connected to the control unit, the acquisition unit and the feedback unit are also electrically connected to the switch, the switch is electrically connected to the first sub-coil of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit, and the switch is configured to connect the acquisition unit to the first sub-coil when detecting the pressing force under the control of the control unit, and connect the feedback unit to the first sub-coil when performing vibration feedback; or

[0021] The electric control module further includes a switch electrically connected to the control unit, the acquisition unit and the feedback unit are also electrically connected to the switch, the switch is electrically connected to a first electromagnetic coil in the vibration motor of the mover unit, and the switch is configured to connect the acquisition unit to the first electromagnetic coil when detecting the pressing force under the control of the control unit, and connect the feedback unit to the first electromagnetic coil when performing vibration feedback; or

[0022] The acquisition unit is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit, and the feedback unit is electrically connected to the third electromagnetic coil in the vibration motor of the mover unit.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of the button assemblies are provided, and the plurality of the button assemblies are arranged in sequence. The electric control module includes a plurality of the acquisition units and a plurality of the feedback units. The plurality of the acquisition units, the plurality of the feedback units and the plurality of button assemblies correspond to each other one by one and are electrically connected. The plurality of the acquisition units and the plurality of the feedback units are all electrically connected to the control unit.

[0024] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a housing and a key module as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the movable unit of the key assembly is mounted on the inner wall surface of the housing, and the stator unit of the key assembly is fixed in the housing.

[0025] In the key assembly of the embodiment of the present application, the stator unit and the movable unit respectively include a first electromagnetic coil and a first magnetic element. The first magnetic element is configured to be affected by the magnetic field generated by the power supply of the first electromagnetic coil to generate a magnetic field effect between the stator unit and the movable unit, and the size and / or strength of the magnetic field effect is related to the distance between the stator unit and the movable unit (that is, the distance between the first magnetic element and the electromagnetic coil). Therefore, the change in the distance between the stator unit and the movable unit can be obtained by detecting the change in the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element.

[0026] When the key assembly is applied to an electronic device, the stator unit can be fixed in the shell of the electronic device, the movable unit can be installed on the inner wall surface of the shell of the electronic device, and when the shell of the electronic device is pressed, the movable unit can be displaced as the pressed shell is deformed, thereby causing the distance between the stator unit and the movable unit to change, and the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element to change. Therefore, the pressing force on the shell can be obtained by detecting the change in the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element.

[0027] When it is detected that the pressing force on the shell is greater than the preset trigger threshold, the mover unit of the key assembly can provide vibration feedback after pressing to improve the user experience. Among them, through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, the mover unit can be displaced relative to the stator unit for vibration feedback, or the mover unit itself can vibrate without cooperating with the stator unit for vibration feedback. When it is detected that the pressing force on the shell is greater than the preset trigger threshold, in addition to vibration feedback, the electronic device can also execute a corresponding control program to realize the corresponding function of pressing the key assembly.

[0028] In the key assembly, the stator unit and the mover unit can be used together to realize the detection of pressing force, and the mover unit can also be used to realize vibration feedback after pressing. The mover unit is shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the key assembly, reducing the volume of the key assembly, and reducing the cost of the key assembly.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present application will be set forth in the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings are used to provide further understanding of the technical solution of the present application and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution of the present application.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a key assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a key assembly according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a key assembly according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a key assembly according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the structure of a side button of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a side button of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a power button of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the working principle of a power button module of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a power button of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig.10 This is a structural schematic diagram of a power button module of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Fig.11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a side button module of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] 100-stator unit, 200-moving unit;

[0044] 1-first iron core, 11-fixing hole, 2-first coil, 21-first sub-coil, 22-second sub-coil, 3-third electromagnetic coil, 41-first magnetic element, 42-second magnetic element, 43-third magnetic element, 6-shell, 61-installation part, 7-electric control module, 71-collection unit, 72-feedback unit, 73-control unit, 74-switch, 75-electrical connection part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other arbitrarily without conflict.

[0046] like Figure 1-Figure 4As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a key assembly, including a stator unit 100 and a mover unit 200, one of the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 includes a first electromagnetic coil, and the other of the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 includes a first magnetic element 41 that can be affected by the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnetic coil being energized. The key assembly is configured to detect the pressing force by detecting the change in the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, and the key assembly is configured to make the mover unit 200 perform vibration feedback when the detected pressing force is greater than the trigger threshold.

[0047] In the key assembly, the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 respectively include a first electromagnetic coil and a first magnetic element 41. The first magnetic element 41 is configured to be affected by the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnetic coil being energized, so as to generate a magnetic field effect between the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200, and the size and / or strength of the magnetic field effect is related to the distance between the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 (i.e., the distance between the first magnetic element 41 and the electromagnetic coil). Therefore, the distance change between the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 can be known by detecting the magnetic field change between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41.

[0048] like Figure 5-Figure 11 As shown, when the key assembly is used in an electronic device, the stator unit 100 can be fixed in the housing 6 of the electronic device (such as the mounting portion 61 fixed in the housing 6), and the mover unit 200 can be installed on the inner wall surface of the housing 6 of the electronic device. When the housing 6 of the electronic device is pressed, the mover unit 200 can be displaced as the pressed housing 6 is deformed, thereby causing the distance between the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 to change, and the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 to change. Therefore, the pressing force on the housing 6 can be obtained by detecting the change in the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41.

[0049] When it is detected that the pressing force on the shell 6 is greater than the preset trigger threshold, the mover unit 200 of the key assembly can provide vibration feedback after pressing to improve the user experience. Among them, through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41, the mover unit 200 can be displaced relative to the stator unit 100 for vibration feedback, or the mover unit 200 itself can vibrate without cooperating with the stator unit 100 for vibration feedback. When it is detected that the pressing force on the shell 6 is greater than the preset trigger threshold, in addition to vibration feedback, the electronic device can also execute a corresponding control program to realize the corresponding function of pressing the key assembly.

[0050] In the button assembly, the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 can be used together to realize the detection of pressing force, and the mover unit 200 can also be used to realize vibration feedback after pressing. The mover unit 200 is shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing, which is beneficial to simplify the structure of the button assembly, reduce the volume of the button assembly, and reduce the cost of the button assembly.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the mover unit 200 is configured to be displaced relative to the stator unit 100 through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 to perform vibration feedback.

[0052] In the button assembly, the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 respectively include a first electromagnetic coil and a first magnetic element 41. Not only can the pressing force be detected by the change of the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41, but also the magnetic field effect (such as magnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion) between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 can cause a relative displacement between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41, thereby causing the mover unit 200 to be displaced relative to the stator unit 100 for vibration feedback.

[0053] In the key assembly, the stator unit 100 and the mover unit 200 are shared in both the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing, which is beneficial to further simplify the structure of the key assembly, reduce the volume of the key assembly, and reduce the cost of the key assembly.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stator unit 100 includes a first electromagnetic coil, which is a first electromagnet including a first iron core 1 and a first coil 2 wound on the first iron core 1; the mover unit 200 includes a first magnetic element 41, which includes a soft magnet made of soft magnetic material, a permanent magnet made of permanent magnetic material, or a second electromagnetic coil.

[0055] The first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may be a first electromagnet having a first core 1 and a first coil 2 wound on the first core 1. The first core 1 may enhance the magnetic field strength generated by the first coil 2 after power is supplied, thereby facilitating the improvement of the sensitivity of the pressing force detection and the strength of the vibration feedback. Of course, the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may also include only the first coil 2 without including the first core 1.

[0056] The first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200 may have magnetism itself, such as: the first magnetic element 41 may be a permanent magnet made of permanent magnetic material (such as a magnet, etc.); or, the first magnetic element 41 may have magnetism under the action of a magnetic field, such as: the first magnetic element 41 may be a soft magnet made of soft magnetic material (such as iron, etc.); or the first magnetic element 41 may have magnetism after being energized, such as: the first magnetic element 41 may include a second electromagnetic coil, the second electromagnetic coil may only include a second coil, or may be a second electromagnet including a second iron core and a second coil wound around the second iron core.

[0057] It should be understood that it may also be arranged that the stator unit 100 includes the first magnetic element 41 and the mover unit 200 includes the first electromagnetic coil.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the first coil 2 in the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may include a first sub-coil 21 and a second sub-coil 22. The key assembly is configured to energize the first sub-coil 21 when detecting pressing force to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41. The key assembly is configured to energize the second sub-coil 22 when performing vibration feedback to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41.

[0059] The first coil 2 in the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may include two sub-coils: a first sub-coil 21 and a second sub-coil 22, wherein the first sub-coil 21 may be used for pressing force detection, and the first sub-coil 21 may be electrically connected to the acquisition unit 71 of the electric control module 7 (such as Figure 8 , and the specific description is as follows). When detecting the pressing force, the first sub-coil 21 is energized, so that a magnetic field effect can be generated between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200. The acquisition unit 71 can directly or indirectly acquire the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200, so as to obtain the pressing force according to the change of the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 acquired by the acquisition unit 71.

[0060] The second sub-coil 22 can be used for vibration feedback, and the second sub-coil 22 can be electrically connected to the feedback unit 72 of the electric control module 7 (such as Figure 8 , and the specific description is as follows). When it is detected that the pressing force value is greater than the preset trigger threshold, the second sub-coil 22 is energized, so that a magnetic field force can be generated between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200, so that a relative displacement occurs between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41, and then the mover unit 200 is displaced relative to the stator unit 100 for vibration feedback.

[0061] Figure 1 In the key assembly shown, the first sub-coil 21, the first iron core 1 and the first magnetic element 41 cooperate to form a detection unit for detecting the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200 (the distance d between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200), and the second sub-coil 22, the first iron core 1 and the first magnetic element 41 cooperate to form a vibration unit for generating vibration feedback, wherein the first iron core 1 and the first magnetic element 41 are shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing.

[0062] In another exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the first coil 2 in the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may include a first sub-coil 21, and the button assembly is configured to energize the first sub-coil 21 to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 when detecting pressing force and performing vibration feedback.

[0063] The first coil 2 in the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may include only one sub-coil: a first sub-coil 21, which can be used for both pressing force detection and vibration feedback. The first sub-coil 21 can be electrically connected to the acquisition unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 of the electric control module 7 through the switch 74 (such as Fig.10 As shown, the specific description is as follows), and the first sub-coil 21 can be selectively connected to the collection unit 71, or the first sub-coil 21 can be connected to the feedback unit 72. When detecting the pressing force, the first sub-coil 21 is energized, and the first sub-coil 21 is connected to the collection unit 71, so that a magnetic field effect can be generated between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200. The collection unit 71 can directly or indirectly collect the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200, so as to obtain the pressing force according to the change of the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 collected by the collection unit 71.

[0064] When it is detected that the pressing force value is greater than the preset trigger threshold, the first sub-coil 21 is energized, and the first sub-coil 21 is connected to the feedback unit 72, so that a magnetic field force can be generated between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the mover unit 200, so that a relative displacement occurs between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41, and then the mover unit 200 is displaced relative to the stator unit 100 for vibration feedback.

[0065] Figure 2In the key assembly shown, the first sub-coil 21, the first iron core 1 and the first magnetic element 41 cooperate to form a detection unit for detecting the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the movable unit 200 (the distance d between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the movable unit 200) and a vibration unit for generating vibration feedback, wherein the first sub-coil 21, the first iron core 1 and the first magnetic element 41 are shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing.

[0066] In the above-mentioned key assembly, the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 not only realizes the detection of pressing force, but also realizes vibration feedback. It should be understood that the key assembly is not limited to this, and the detection of pressing force and vibration feedback can also be realized in other ways, such as: the mover unit 200 itself can vibrate without cooperating with the stator unit 100 for vibration feedback.

[0067] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the stator unit 100 includes a first magnetic element 41, and the mover unit 200 is a vibration motor. The vibration motor includes a first electromagnetic coil and a second magnetic element 42. The vibration motor is configured to cause a relative displacement between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element 42 through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element 42 to perform vibration feedback.

[0068] In the key assembly, the stator unit 100 includes a first magnetic element 41, and the mover unit 200 is a vibration motor including a first electromagnetic coil and a second magnetic element 42. The first electromagnetic coil can be used for both pressing force detection and vibration feedback. The first electromagnetic coil can be electrically connected to the collection unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 of the electric control module through a switch 74, and the first electromagnetic coil can be selectively connected to the collection unit 71, or the first electromagnetic coil can be selectively connected to the feedback unit 72.

[0069] When detecting the pressing force, the first electromagnetic coil is energized and is connected to the collection unit 71, so that a magnetic field can be generated between the first magnetic element 41 of the stator unit 100 and the first electromagnetic coil of the vibration motor. The collection unit 71 can directly or indirectly collect the magnetic field between the first magnetic element 41 of the stator unit 100 and the first electromagnetic coil of the vibration motor, so as to obtain the pressing force based on the change in the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 collected by the collection unit 71.

[0070] When it is detected that the pressing force value is greater than the preset trigger threshold, the first electromagnetic coil is energized and the first electromagnetic coil is connected to the feedback unit 72, so that a magnetic field force can be generated between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element 42 of the vibration motor, causing a relative displacement between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element 42, thereby causing the vibration motor to generate vibration feedback.

[0071] In the key assembly, when the vibration motor realizes vibration feedback, it is not necessary to generate a magnetic field effect between the stator unit 100, but the vibration feedback can be realized through the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil inside the vibration motor and the second magnetic element 42.

[0072] The first electromagnetic coil of the vibration motor may be a first electromagnet including a first iron core 1 and a first coil 2 wound on the first iron core 1. The first iron core 1 may enhance the magnetic field strength generated by the first coil 2 after power is supplied, thereby facilitating improvement of the sensitivity of the pressing force detection and the strength of the vibration feedback. Of course, the first electromagnetic coil of the vibration motor may also include only the first coil 2 without including the first iron core 1.

[0073] The second magnetic element 42 may include a soft magnet made of a soft magnetic material, a permanent magnet made of a permanent magnetic material, or an electromagnetic coil (including only a coil, or including an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core).

[0074] The second magnetic element 42 may include a plurality of (eg, at least two) permanent magnets, and the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged along the circumference of the first electromagnetic coil, and the first magnetic element 41 is disposed at one axial end of the first electromagnetic coil.

[0075] After the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the N pole and S pole of the magnetic field can be respectively provided at the axial ends of the first electromagnetic coil, and the N poles of the multiple permanent magnets are facing towards or away from the side of the first electromagnetic coil. In this way, under the action of the multiple permanent magnets and the energized first electromagnetic coil, the first electromagnetic coil can move along its axial direction relative to the multiple permanent magnets to realize the vibration feedback function of the vibration motor.

[0076] Should Figure 3 In the key assembly shown, the first coil 2, the first iron core 1 and the first magnetic element 41 cooperate to form a detection unit for detecting the magnetic field effect between the first magnetic element 41 of the stator unit 100 and the first electromagnetic coil of the vibration motor (the distance d between the first magnetic element 41 of the stator unit 100 and the first electromagnetic coil of the vibration motor), and the first coil 2, the first iron core 1 and the second magnetic element 42 cooperate to form a vibration unit for generating vibration feedback, wherein the first coil 2 and the first iron core 1 are shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing.

[0077] In some other exemplary embodiments, Figure 4As shown, the stator unit 100 includes a first electromagnetic coil, the mover unit 200 is a vibration motor, the vibration motor includes a first magnetic element 41, a third electromagnetic coil 3 and a third magnetic element 43, the first magnetic element 41 is a third iron core, the third electromagnetic coil 3 includes a third coil, and the third coil is wound on the third iron core to form a third electromagnet. The vibration motor is configured to cause a relative displacement between the third magnetic element 43 and the third electromagnet through the magnetic field between the third electromagnet and the third magnetic element 43 to perform vibration feedback.

[0078] In the key assembly, the stator unit 100 includes a first electromagnetic coil, and the mover unit 200 is a vibration motor including a first magnetic element 41, a third electromagnetic coil 3, and a third magnetic element 43. The first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 can be used for pressing force detection and can be electrically connected to the collection unit 71 of the electric control module 7; the third electromagnetic coil 3 of the vibration motor can be used for vibration feedback and can be electrically connected to the feedback unit 72 of the electric control module 7.

[0079] When detecting the pressing force, the first electromagnetic coil is energized, so that a magnetic field can be generated between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the vibration motor. The acquisition unit 71 can directly or indirectly acquire the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the vibration motor, so as to obtain the pressing force based on the change in the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 acquired by the acquisition unit 71.

[0080] When it is detected that the pressing force value is greater than the preset trigger threshold, the third electromagnetic coil 3 is energized, so that a magnetic field force can be generated between the third electromagnetic coil 3 of the vibration motor and the third magnetic element 43, causing a relative displacement between the third electromagnetic coil 3 and the third magnetic element 43, thereby causing the vibration motor to generate vibration feedback.

[0081] In the key assembly, when the vibration motor realizes vibration feedback, it is not necessary to generate a magnetic field effect between the stator unit 100, but the vibration feedback can be realized through the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil inside the vibration motor and the second magnetic element 42.

[0082] The first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may only include the first coil 2. Of course, the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 may also include a first iron core and a first coil wound on the first iron core (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0083] The first magnetic element 41 of the vibration motor is a third iron core, and the third coil can be wound on the third iron core. The third iron core can enhance the magnetic field strength generated by the third coil after being energized, thereby facilitating the improvement of the sensitivity of the pressing force detection and the strength of the vibration feedback.

[0084] Among them, the third magnetic element 43 of the vibration motor includes multiple (such as at least two) permanent magnets, and the multiple permanent magnets are arranged along the circumference of the third electromagnet formed by the third coil and the third iron core, and the first electromagnetic coil is arranged at one axial end of the third electromagnet.

[0085] After the third coil is energized, the N pole and S pole of the magnetic field can be respectively located at the axial ends of the third electromagnet, and the N poles of the multiple permanent magnets are oriented toward or away from the side of the third electromagnet. In this way, under the action of the multiple permanent magnets and the energized third electromagnet, the third electromagnet can move along its axial direction relative to the multiple permanent magnets to realize the vibration feedback function of the vibration motor.

[0086] Should Figure 4 In the key assembly shown, the first coil 2 and the first magnetic element (third iron core) 41 cooperate to form a detection unit for detecting the magnetic field effect between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the vibration motor (the distance d between the first electromagnetic coil of the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 of the vibration motor), and the third electromagnetic coil (third coil) 3, the first magnetic element (third iron core) 41 and the third magnetic element 43 cooperate to form a vibration unit for generating vibration feedback, wherein the first magnetic element (third iron core) 41 is shared in the pressing force detection process and the vibration feedback process after pressing.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first core 1 of the stator unit 100 is provided with a fixing hole 11 so as to fix the stator unit 100 in the housing 6 of the electronic device. Figure 5-Figure 11 As shown, the stator unit 100 may be fixed to the mounting portion 61 in the housing 6 by using fasteners such as screws.

[0088] The embodiment of the present application further provides a key module, comprising an electric control module 7 and a key assembly of any of the above embodiments, wherein the electric control module 7 is electrically connected to the key assembly and is configured to control the on and off of power to the key assembly.

[0089] In the key module, the electric control module 7 can control the on and off of the key assembly to detect the pressing force and provide vibration feedback.

[0090] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the electric control module 7 includes a collection unit 71, a feedback unit 72 and a control unit 73, wherein the collection unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 are electrically connected to the control unit 73, wherein the collection unit 71 can be used to detect the pressing force, and the collected pressing force signal can be transmitted to the electric control module 7, and the electric control module 7 can control the actuator unit 200 of the button assembly to perform vibration feedback through the feedback unit 72 when the collected pressing force is greater than the trigger threshold.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the key assembly is Figure 1 The structure shown; Figure 8 As shown, the acquisition unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 are electrically connected to the first sub-coil 21 and the second sub-coil 22 of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit 100, respectively. The electric control module 7 further includes two electrical connection parts 75, the acquisition unit 71 and the first sub-coil 21 are electrically connected to one electrical connection part 75, and the feedback unit 72 and the second sub-coil 22 are electrically connected to the other electrical connection part 75, so as to realize the electrical connection between the acquisition unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 and the first sub-coil 21 and the second sub-coil 22, respectively.

[0092] In the key module, when the pressing force is detected, the first sub-coil 21 of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit 100 of the key assembly is energized and generates a changing magnetic field, and the first magnetic element 41 in the movable unit 200 of the key assembly can be affected by the changing magnetic field generated by the first electromagnetic coil, and eddy currents are generated inside the first magnetic element 41. When a pressing force F is applied to the housing 6 of the electronic device and causes the distance between the stator unit 100 and the movable unit 200 to change (that is, the distance between the first magnetic element 41 and the first electromagnetic coil changes, as shown in FIG. 2 ), the first magnetic element 41 in the movable unit 200 of the key assembly can be affected by the changing magnetic field generated by the first electromagnetic coil, and eddy currents are generated inside the first magnetic element 41. Figure 8 As shown, when the distance changes from d to d'), the circuit where the first sub-coil 21 and the acquisition unit 71 are located can form a self-excited oscillation, so that the voltage on the first sub-coil 21 changes (such as from V1 to V1'), so as to detect the pressing force according to the change of the voltage on the first sub-coil 21.

[0093] It is determined whether the voltage change value (the difference between V1 and V1') on the first sub-coil 21 meets the voltage threshold. If so, it indicates that the pressing force reaches the trigger threshold, and the control unit 73 controls the feedback unit 72 to output a feedback signal to energize the second sub-coil 22. When the second sub-coil 22 is energized, the first iron core 1 is magnetized and an electromagnetic field is generated, which magnetically attracts and / or magnetically repels the first magnetic element 41 mounted on the inner wall surface of the housing 6 of the electronic device, generates high-frequency displacement, and forms tactile oscillation feedback.

[0094] Assuming that the pressing force reaches the trigger threshold (for example, when the trigger threshold is reached at 140g), the force of 140g can produce a deformation L on the shell 6. Therefore, the distance between the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit 100 and the first magnetic element 41 in the mover unit 200 needs to be set to be greater than L; further, the first magnetic element 41 will produce a displacement L1 under the action of the magnetic force of the first electromagnetic coil. Therefore, the overall distance between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element 41 is greater than L+L1.

[0095] Figure 1 and Figure 8 In the key assembly shown, the magnetic field generated by energizing the first sub-coil 21 is used to generate eddy currents for detecting pressing force; the magnetic field generated by energizing the second sub-coil 22 is used to generate electromagnetic force for vibration feedback.

[0096] In another exemplary embodiment, the key assembly is Figure 2 The structure shown; Fig.10 As shown, the electric control module 7 further includes a switch 74 electrically connected to the control unit 73, the acquisition unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 are also electrically connected to the switch 74, the switch 74 is electrically connected to the first sub-coil 21 of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit 100, and the switch 74 is configured to connect the acquisition unit 71 to the first sub-coil 21 when detecting the pressing force under the control of the control unit 73, and connect the feedback unit 72 to the first sub-coil 21 when performing vibration feedback. The electric control module 7 further includes an electrical connection portion 75, and the switch 74 and the first sub-coil 21 are both electrically connected to the electrical connection portion 75 to achieve electrical connection between the switch 74 and the first sub-coil 21.

[0097] In this key module, the first sub-coil 21 is reused. Before the pressing force reaches the trigger threshold, the control unit 73 controls the switch 74 to connect the acquisition unit 71 and the first sub-coil 21 to detect the pressing force; when the pressing force reaches the trigger threshold, the control unit 73 controls the switch 74 to quickly switch to connect the feedback unit 72 and the first sub-coil 21 to perform vibration feedback; and then controls the switch 74 to switch to connect the acquisition unit 71 and the first sub-coil 21.

[0098] Figure 2 and Fig.10 In the key assembly shown, the magnetic field generated by the first sub-coil 21 is used to generate eddy current and electromagnetic force for pressure detection and vibration feedback. The first sub-coil 21 is controlled to be connected to the detection circuit for detecting pressure or the vibration circuit for vibration feedback at different times.

[0099] In another exemplary embodiment, the button assembly is Figure 3The structure shown; the electric control module 7 also includes a switch 74 electrically connected to the control unit 73, the acquisition unit 71 and the feedback unit 72 are also electrically connected to the switch 74, the switch 74 is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic coil in the vibration motor of the mover unit 200, and the switch 74 is configured to connect the acquisition unit 71 to the first electromagnetic coil when detecting the pressing force under the control of the control unit 73, and connect the feedback unit 72 to the first electromagnetic coil when performing vibration feedback. The electric control module 7 and Figure 3 The electrical structure between the key components shown is not shown, but can be referred to Fig.10 The electrical connection structure shown.

[0100] In another exemplary embodiment, the key assembly is Figure 4 The structure shown in FIG. 7 is as follows: the acquisition unit 71 is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit 100, and the feedback unit 72 is electrically connected to the third electromagnetic coil 3 in the vibration motor of the mover unit 200. The electric control module 7 and Figure 4 The electrical structure between the key components shown is not shown, but can be referred to Figure 8 The electrical connection structure shown.

[0101] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 6 and Fig.11 As shown, there are multiple (eg, two) key components, and the multiple key components are arranged in sequence. Fig.11 As shown, the electric control module 7 includes multiple acquisition units 71 (such as: acquisition unit a and acquisition unit b) and multiple feedback units 72 (such as: feedback unit a and feedback unit b), the multiple acquisition units 71, the multiple feedback units 72 and the multiple button components correspond one to one and are electrically connected, and the multiple acquisition units 71 and the multiple feedback units 72 are all electrically connected to the control unit 73.

[0102] Multiple button components are combined with the electronic control module 7 to achieve the positioning of the pressing force (such as Figure 6 and Fig.11 The pressing force F1), the sliding of the pressing force (such as Figure 6 and Fig.11 The pressing force F2 in the button assembly) and other functions, and generates different feedbacks during the sliding process of the pressing force (such as: under the action of the pressing force F1 or F2, the distance between the stator unit 100 and the movable unit 200 of the two button assemblies changes (the distance between the first magnetic element 41 and the first electromagnetic coil of the two button assemblies changes to d1 and d2 respectively)).

[0103] The present application also provides an electronic device, such as Figure 5-Figure 11 As shown, it includes a housing 6 and a key module of any of the above embodiments, the movable unit 200 of the key assembly is installed on the inner wall surface of the housing 6, and the stator unit 100 of the key assembly is fixed in the housing 6.

[0104] In the electronic device of the embodiment of the present application, the movable unit 200 of the key assembly can be installed on the inner wall surface of the shell 6, and the stator unit 100 of the key assembly is fixed in the shell 6. Therefore, there is no need to open a hole in the shell 6 to install the key assembly, which is conducive to realizing a hole-free electronic device and improving the waterproof and dustproof performance of the electronic device.

[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may be a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer or other electronic devices.

[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.11 As shown, the key assembly can be a side key, and the moving subunit 200 of the key assembly can be installed on the side frame of the housing 6 of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device can be a mobile phone, the key assembly can be a side key of the mobile phone, the moving subunit 200 can be installed on the side frame of the mobile phone, and the stator assembly can be installed on the middle frame of the mobile phone. The volume can be adjusted through the side key. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the side buttons is shown. Fig.11 A schematic structural diagram of a side button module including side buttons is shown.

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 7-10 As shown, the key component can be a power button. For example, the electronic device can be a notebook computer, and the key component can be a power button (power on button) of the notebook computer. Figure 7 and Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the power button, Figure 8 and Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of a power button module including a power button is shown.

[0108] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "one side", "the other side", "one end", "the other end", "side", "relative", "four corners", "periphery", "'mouth'-shaped structure" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred structure has a specific orientation, is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0109] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connection", "direct connection", "indirect connection", "fixed connection", "installation", and "assembly" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; the terms "installation", "connection", and "fixed connection" can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal connection of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0110] Although the implementation methods disclosed in this application are as above, the contents described are only implementation methods adopted to facilitate understanding of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. Any technician in the field to which this application belongs can make any modifications and changes in the form and details of implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in this application, but the scope of patent protection of this application shall still be defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A key assembly, characterized in that: It comprises a stator unit and a mover unit, one of the stator unit and the mover unit comprises a first electromagnetic coil, and the other of the stator unit and the mover unit comprises a first magnetic element capable of being acted upon by a magnetic field generated by energizing the first electromagnetic coil; The button assembly is configured to detect a pressing force by detecting a change in a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, and the button assembly is configured to cause the mover unit to perform vibration feedback when the detected pressing force is greater than a trigger threshold.

2. The key assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mover unit is configured to be displaced relative to the stator unit through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element to perform vibration feedback.

3. The key assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stator unit includes the first electromagnetic coil, which is a first electromagnet including a first iron core and a first coil wound around the first iron core; The mover unit includes the first magnetic element, and the first magnetic element includes a soft magnet made of a soft magnetic material, a permanent magnet made of a permanent magnetic material, or a second electromagnetic coil.

4. The key assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first coil includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil, the key assembly is configured to energize the first sub-coil when detecting a pressing force to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element, and the key assembly is configured to energize the second sub-coil when performing vibration feedback to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element; or The first coil includes a first sub-coil, and the key assembly is configured to energize the first sub-coil when detecting pressing force and performing vibration feedback to generate a magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the first magnetic element.

5. The key assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stator unit includes the first magnetic element, the mover unit is a vibration motor, the vibration motor includes the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element, and the vibration motor is configured to cause relative displacement between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element through the magnetic field between the first electromagnetic coil and the second magnetic element to perform vibration feedback.

6. The key assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first electromagnetic coil is a first electromagnet including a first iron core and a first coil wound around the first iron core; The second magnetic element includes a plurality of permanent magnets, and the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged along the circumference of the first electromagnetic coil. The first magnetic element is disposed at one axial end of the first electromagnetic coil.

7. The key assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stator unit includes the first electromagnetic coil, the mover unit is a vibration motor, the vibration motor includes the first magnetic element, the third electromagnetic coil and the third magnetic element, the first magnetic element is a third iron core, the third electromagnetic coil includes a third coil, and the third coil is wound on the third iron core to form a third electromagnet; The vibration motor is configured to cause a relative displacement between the third magnetic element and the third electromagnet through the magnetic field between the third electromagnet and the third magnetic element so as to perform vibration feedback.

8. The key assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first electromagnetic coil comprises a first coil; The third magnetic element includes a plurality of permanent magnets, and the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged along the circumference of the third electromagnet, and the first electromagnetic coil is disposed at one axial end of the third electromagnet.

9. A key module, characterized in that: It comprises an electric control module and a key assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electric control module is electrically connected to the key assembly and is configured to control the on and off of power to the key assembly.

10. The key module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The electric control module includes a collection unit, a feedback unit and a control unit, and the collection unit and the feedback unit are both electrically connected to the control unit, wherein: The acquisition unit and the feedback unit are also electrically connected to the first sub-coil and the second sub-coil of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit respectively; or The electric control module further includes a switch electrically connected to the control unit, the acquisition unit and the feedback unit are also electrically connected to the switch, the switch is electrically connected to the first sub-coil of the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit, and the switch is configured to connect the acquisition unit to the first sub-coil when detecting the pressing force under the control of the control unit, and connect the feedback unit to the first sub-coil when performing vibration feedback; or The electric control module further includes a switch electrically connected to the control unit, the acquisition unit and the feedback unit are also electrically connected to the switch, the switch is electrically connected to a first electromagnetic coil in the vibration motor of the mover unit, and the switch is configured to connect the acquisition unit to the first electromagnetic coil when detecting the pressing force under the control of the control unit, and connect the feedback unit to the first electromagnetic coil when performing vibration feedback; or The acquisition unit is electrically connected to the first electromagnetic coil in the stator unit, and the feedback unit is electrically connected to the third electromagnetic coil in the vibration motor of the mover unit.

11. The key module according to claim 10, characterized in that: There are multiple button assemblies, which are arranged in sequence. The electric control module includes multiple collection units and multiple feedback units. The multiple collection units, multiple feedback units and multiple button assemblies correspond to each other one by one and are electrically connected. The multiple collection units and multiple feedback units are all electrically connected to the control unit.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a shell and the key module according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the movable unit of the key assembly is mounted on the inner wall surface of the shell, and the stator unit of the key assembly is fixed in the shell.

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