Multifunctional touch key and electronic product

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multifunctional touch control button and an electronic product, the multifunctional touch control button comprises a keycap and a structure frame, the keycap is assembled on the structure frame, the structure frame is provided with a pressure sensing assembly, and the pressure sensing assembly is assembled on the keycap. The pressure sensing assembly senses the deformation generated by the stress of the structural frame so as to obtain the stress position and / or size information; the metal dome assembly is configured to be matched with the structural frame in an abutting mode and form at least one stress supporting point, and the metal dome assembly and the key cap are located on the two opposite sides of the structural frame respectively. Through the arrangement, the control mode of a traditional mechanical key is reserved, user habits do not need to be changed, the functions of pressure identification, touch and sliding are added, the functionality, interestingness and operability of the key are enriched, and the key is structurally integrated and more compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of pressure touch control, and in particular to a multifunctional touch control button and an electronic product. Background Art

[0002] Switches or touch controls on electronic products are among the most frequently used functions. The more common switch controls are mostly mechanical buttons, which realize the on-off control of the switch circuit by the user's pressure, while touch controls are more common on touch screens, such as virtual keys in games and touch screen control methods of current mainstream mobile phones.

[0003] Although touch screen control is becoming more and more widely used, physical buttons are still an indispensable control method in many scenarios. However, the physical button control methods currently on the market are mostly single, and most of them can only realize the function of pressing a switch, which restricts the further application of physical buttons. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the defects of the existing technology, the utility model proposes a multifunctional touch button and electronic product. The touch button not only retains the control method of the traditional mechanical button without changing the user's habits, but also adds pressure recognition function and touch and sliding functions, enriching the function of the button and integrating it into one structure.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is a multifunctional touch button, including a keycap and a structural frame, wherein the keycap is assembled on the structural frame, and the structural frame is provided with: a pressure-sensing component, which senses the deformation of the structural frame caused by force to obtain the position and magnitude information of the force; a pot piece component, which is configured to cooperate with the structural frame and form at least one force support point, and the pot piece component and the keycap are respectively located on opposite sides of the structural frame.

[0006] Preferably, a cavity is defined in the structural frame, and the pressure sensing component is located in the cavity and fixed on a side of the structural frame where the keycap is in contact.

[0007] Preferably, a capacitor layer is provided between the keycap and the structural frame, and the capacitor layer senses position information of the force applied to the keycap.

[0008] Preferably, the pressure sensing component includes at least one pair of strain resistors, and the angle between the strain direction of each pair of strain resistors and the length direction of the structural frame is greater than or equal to 0° and less than 90°.

[0009] Preferably, the pressure sensing component includes two pairs of strain resistors, and the two pairs of strain resistors form a Wheatstone bridge.

[0010] The present invention also provides an electronic product, comprising a housing, on which the multifunctional touch button as described above is mounted.

[0011] Preferably, an opening for assembling the key is formed on the housing, the opening comprising a key slot for accommodating the key cap and an assembly slot for accommodating the structural frame, the assembly slot is communicated with the key slot, and the assembly slot is wider than the key slot.

[0012] Preferably, the structural frame is further provided with assembly blocks extending horizontally to both sides. When the structural frame is assembled in the assembly groove, the assembly blocks abut against the inner wall of the shell, and a gap is maintained between the structural frame and the inner wall of the assembly groove.

[0013] Preferably, it further comprises a stopper, and the pot piece assembly is mounted on the stopper.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. The touch button not only retains the control method of traditional mechanical buttons without changing user habits, but also adds pressure recognition function and touch and slide functions, enriching the function of the button. The structure is integrated into one, which is more compact.

[0016] 2. The pressure-sensing component is located within the cavity and fixed to the side where the structural frame and the keycap meet, enabling precise force sensing. Furthermore, the assembly block contacts the inner wall of the housing, maintaining a gap between the structural frame and the inner wall of the assembly slot. This prevents errors caused by structural position interference during key operation, further ensuring high sensing accuracy.

[0017] 3. The pot assembly can be installed on the structural frame or on the block, which can adapt to different assembly scenarios and provide more assembly options. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a button in an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic product equipped with buttons in an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of strain gauge resistors in a pressure sensing component in an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3Schematic diagram of a Wheatstone circuit formed by strain gauge resistors of a pressure sensing component in an embodiment.

[0023] 10. Keycap; 11. Structural frame; 12. Pressure-sensing assembly; 13. Pot assembly; 14. Assembly block; 15. Gap; 20. Housing; 21. Key slot; 22. Assembly slot; 23. Stop block; 24. Circuit board; R1 is the first resistor, R2 is the second resistor, R3 is the third resistor, and R4 is the fourth resistor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] The utility model discloses a multifunctional touch key, referring to Figure 1 , including a keycap 10 and a structural frame 11, the keycap 10 is assembled on the structural frame 11, and the structural frame 11 is provided with: a pressure sensing component 12, the pressure sensing component 12 senses the deformation of the structural frame 11 caused by force to obtain the position and size information of the force; a pot piece component 13, which is configured to cooperate with the structural frame 11 and form at least one force support point, and the pot piece component 13 and the keycap 10 are respectively located on opposite sides of the structural frame 11.

[0026] Through the above settings, the touch button not only retains the control method of the traditional mechanical button without changing the user's habits, but also adds pressure recognition function and touch and sliding functions, enriching the function of the button. The structure is integrated into one and more compact.

[0027] It should be noted that the pressure sensing component 12 can be a common solution commonly used in the prior art for detecting strain, such as using paired pressure sensors to detect the deformation caused by the force on the structural frame 11, and calculating the size and position of the applied pressure through relevant existing algorithms, and then realizing the above-mentioned pressure size recognition function and touch and sliding functions based on these parameters. For details, please refer to the patent content previously applied by the applicant, which will not be repeated here.

[0028] Specifically, the pressure sensing component includes at least one pair of strain gauge resistors, and the strain direction of each pair of strain gauge resistors forms an angle greater than or equal to 0° and less than 90° with the longitudinal direction of the structural frame. That is, the strain gauge resistors can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the structural frame, or at an angle of 15°, 30°, 60°, or other angles with the longitudinal direction of the structural frame. In this case, when the structural frame deforms along the longitudinal direction, the deformation and the corresponding force can be calculated using existing calculation methods.

[0029] In this embodiment, Figure 3-4 As shown, the pressure sensing component includes two pairs of strain resistors, and the two pairs of strain resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 are connected in sequence to form a Wheatstone bridge, which can improve the accuracy and stability of pressure sensing. When pressure is input on the keycap, the structural frame 11 is subjected to force and its two ends will bend downward. Since the strain direction of the two pairs of strain resistors is the same as the deformation direction or there is an angle between them, as the input pressure changes, the resistance values ​​of the two pairs of strain resistors will also change differently. According to the amount of this change, the magnitude of the pressure can be calculated. Among them, the sum of the forces on a pair of strain resistors can be determined as the pressure value of the input pressure. Of course, using two pairs of strain resistors can further improve the accuracy of pressure sensing.

[0030] Of course, in another embodiment, a capacitor layer can be provided between the keycap 10 and the structural frame 11. The capacitor layer senses the magnitude and / or position information of the force on the keycap 10. The capacitor layer can be used alone or in conjunction with the pressure sensing component 12. It can not only sense more dimensional pressure information, but also improve the sensing accuracy.

[0031] The structural frame 11 has a cavity defined within it, i.e., the cross-section of the structural frame 11 is elongated and U-shaped. The pressure sensing component 12 is located within the cavity and is fixed to the side of the structural frame 11 where it contacts the keycap 10, enabling precise force sensing. Of course, in other embodiments, the pressure sensing component 12 can also be installed on the other side of the structural frame 11 away from the keycap 10.

[0032] It should also be noted that the structural frame 11 and the pressure-sensing assembly 12 are diverse and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The structural frame 11 may include a support frame and an elastic rod, wherein the elastic rod and the support frame at least contact each other to form a force point, and the pressure applied to the keycap 10 is transmitted to the elastic rod through the force point; the keycap 10 is mounted on the support frame, and the pressure-sensing assembly 12 is mounted on the elastic rod. Of course, the support frame itself can also serve as the elastic rod, in which case the pressure-sensing assembly 12 can be mounted on the support frame.

[0033] In one embodiment, an electronic product is also disclosed, referring to Figure 2 The touch key is assembled into a housing 20 with an opening. Specifically, the opening includes a key slot 21 for receiving the keycap 10 and an assembly slot 22 for receiving the structural frame 11. The assembly slot 22 is connected to the key slot 21 and is wider than the key slot 21. This arrangement allows for simple assembly and positioning of the key by simply pushing the entire key from the inside of the housing 20 toward the outside.

[0034] Preferably, the structural frame 11 is further provided with assembly blocks 14 extending horizontally to both sides. When the structural frame 11 is assembled in the assembly groove 22, the assembly blocks 14 contact the inner wall of the outer shell 20, and a gap 15 is maintained between the structural frame 11 and the inner wall of the assembly groove 22. Therefore, errors caused by structural position interference during the use of the keys can be avoided, further ensuring the high precision of the sensing.

[0035] The electronic product is also provided with a stopper 23, which can be fixed on the inner wall of the shell 20 or on other structures inside the electronic product. The pot assembly 13 can be installed on the structural frame 11 or on the stopper 23, which can adapt to different assembly scenarios and provide more assembly options.

[0036] The metal dome assembly 13 includes a metal dome and the necessary circuit board 24. The metal dome is commonly found in conventional metal dome keys, key shrapnel, or metal dome. When the pressure applied to the keycap 10 exceeds the metal dome's sudden change value, the metal dome undergoes a sudden change in shape, thereby achieving the on / off function of a traditional mechanical key and providing a good feedback experience. The number of metal domes can be designed based on actual needs and can be single, paired, or multiple.

[0037] In the above embodiments, there are various ways to install the keycaps and the structural frame, the pressure-sensing components and the structural frame, the capacitor layer, and the pot pieces. Common fixing methods in the prior art, such as welding, bonding, screws, etc., can be selected according to the actual product design.

[0038] In this specification, the use of terms such as "Embodiment 1," "this embodiment," or "in one embodiment" indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example; furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be appropriately combined in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] In the description of this specification, the terms "connect," "install," "fix," "dispose," and "have" are to be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connect" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0040] In the description of this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus comprising the element.

[0041] The above description of the embodiments is to facilitate ordinary technicians in this technical field to understand and apply the technology of this case. People familiar with the technology in this field can obviously make various modifications to these examples easily and apply the general principles described here to other embodiments without having to go through creative work. Therefore, this case is not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications to the following situations should all be within the scope of protection of this case: ① A new technical solution implemented based on the technical solution of this utility model and combined with existing common knowledge, the technical effect produced by the new technical solution does not exceed the technical effect of this utility model; ② The equivalent replacement of some features of the technical solution of this utility model with common technology, the technical effect produced is the same as the technical effect of this utility model; ③ The technical solution of this utility model can be expanded, and the substantive content of the expanded technical solution does not exceed the technical solution of this utility model; ④ The equivalent transformation made by using the contents of the description and drawings of this utility model is directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields.

Claims

1. A multifunctional touch key, comprising a keycap and a structural frame, wherein the keycap is assembled on the structural frame, characterized in that: The structural frame is provided with: A pressure sensing component, wherein the pressure sensing component senses the deformation of the structural frame caused by the force to obtain the position and / or magnitude information of the force; The pot piece assembly is configured to cooperate with the structural frame and form at least one force support point, and the pot piece assembly and the keycap are respectively located on opposite sides of the structural frame.

2. The multifunctional touch button according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cavity is defined in the structural frame, and the pressure sensing component is located in the cavity and is fixed on a side of the structural frame where the keycap is in contact.

3. The multifunctional touch button according to claim 1, characterized in that: A capacitor layer is provided between the keycap and the structural frame, and the capacitor layer senses the magnitude and / or position information of the force applied to the keycap.

4. The multifunctional touch button according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure sensing component includes at least one pair of strain resistors, and the angle formed between the strain direction of each pair of strain resistors and the length direction of the structural frame is greater than or equal to 0° and less than 90°.

5. The multifunctional touch button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure sensing component includes two pairs of strain resistors, and the two pairs of strain resistors form a Wheatstone bridge.

6. An electronic product, comprising a housing, characterized in that: The housing is equipped with the multifunctional touch button according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The electronic product according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shell is provided with an opening for assembling the key, the opening comprising a key slot for accommodating the key cap and an assembly slot for accommodating the structural frame, the assembly slot is communicated with the key slot, and the assembly slot is wider than the key slot.

8. The electronic product according to claim 7, characterized in that: The structural frame is also provided with assembly blocks extending horizontally to both sides. When the structural frame is assembled in the assembly groove, the assembly blocks abut against the inner wall of the shell, and a gap is maintained between the structural frame and the inner wall of the assembly groove.

9. The electronic product according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a stop block, and the pot piece assembly is installed on the stop block.

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