Touchpad and electronic device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of touch technology and discloses a touchpad. The touchpad includes: a touch panel comprising an adjacent first region and a second region, the first region and the second region being axially symmetrically distributed; a pressure detection device located below the touch panel for detecting the pressure applied to the touch panel; an actuator located below the first region of the touch panel for providing vibration feedback based on the pressure applied to the touch panel; and an elastic element located below the second region of the touch panel for balancing the vibration amplitude of different regions of the touch panel when the actuator vibrates. This invention significantly improves the vibration consistency of the touchpad and enhances the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of touch technology, and in particular to a touchpad and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] A touchpad is a device that uses touch sensors to sense the position and movement of a user's finger, thereby controlling the movement of a pointer on a display interface. Conventional touchpads typically detect user presses on menus via physical buttons, executing functions such as confirmation or menu retrieval. However, traditional touchpads can only detect presses on less than half of the surface area, not every area of ​​the entire touchpad.

[0003] Pressure-sensitive touchpads are a new alternative to traditional touchpads. They replace physical buttons with pressure sensors and actuators (i.e., haptic feedback devices) to perform operations such as function confirmation and menu access. This solves the problem of traditional touchpads only allowing for localized pressing. Furthermore, the pressure response and vibration feedback intensity can be adjusted according to the user's habits, providing a more convenient and comfortable operating experience. However, the vibration sensation varies depending on where the user presses on the touchpad, resulting in poor vibration consistency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a touchpad and electronic device that can significantly improve the vibration consistency of the touchpad and enhance the user experience.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a touch panel, comprising: a touch panel including an adjacent first region and a second region, the first region and the second region being axially symmetrically distributed; a pressure detection device located below the touch panel for detecting the pressure magnitude of the touch panel; an actuator located below the first region of the touch panel for providing vibration feedback based on the pressure magnitude of the touch panel; and an elastic element located below the second region of the touch panel for balancing the vibration amplitude of different regions of the touch panel when the actuator vibrates.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, including a housing with a groove and the aforementioned touch panel, wherein the touch panel is located within the groove of the housing.

[0007] In addition, the elastic element includes a connecting portion, a fixed end and a contact end disposed opposite to each other, the connecting portion connecting the fixed end and the contact end, and the connecting portion extending obliquely upward.

[0008] In addition, the pressure detection device includes a square main body and four extensions extending from the four corners of the main body away from the main body. Each of the four extensions has a cantilever beam at its end. The cantilever beam includes a stepped portion connected to the end of the extension and a support portion connected to the end of the stepped portion. The distance between the support portion and the touch panel is smaller than the distance between the extension and the touch panel. Each support portion has a pressure sensor and a silicone pad on its upper surface. The height of the upper surface of the silicone pad is greater than the height of the upper surface of the pressure sensor. The touch panel is fixedly connected to the silicone pad.

[0009] Additionally, the touch panel includes a PCB board; the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the pressure detection device, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the PCB board; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the PCB board, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the pressure detection device.

[0010] Additionally, the touch panel includes a reinforcing plate; the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the reinforcing plate, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the pressure detection device; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the pressure detection device, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the reinforcing plate.

[0011] In addition, the touch panel is applied to an electronic device, the housing of the electronic device includes a groove, the touch panel is fixed in the groove, and the touch panel includes a reinforcing plate; the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the reinforcing plate, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the reinforcing plate.

[0012] In addition, the reinforcing plate is provided with clearance holes, through which the actuator is connected to the touch panel.

[0013] In addition, the touch panel is applied to an electronic device, the housing of which includes a groove, and the touch panel is fixed in the groove; the touch panel includes a PCB board; the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the PCB board, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the PCB board.

[0014] In addition, there are two elastic elements, which are located on both sides of the second region and are axially symmetrically distributed along a direction perpendicular to the boundary line between the first region and the second region.

[0015] In addition, the touch panel includes a long side and a short side, and the distance between the two elastic elements is greater than or equal to half the length of the long side of the touch panel.

[0016] In addition, the width of the connecting part is between 0.15 mm and 0.5 mm, and the length between the fixed end and the contact end of the elastic element is greater than 8 mm.

[0017] This invention provides a touchpad where an actuator is positioned below a first area of ​​the touch panel, allowing the actuator and the battery module below the electronic device to be staggered to maintain a safe distance and avoid affecting their normal operation. Because the amplitude of the actuator's vibration gradually decreases in the direction from the first area to the second area, the vibration amplitude in the first area of ​​the touch panel closer to the actuator is greater than that in the second area farther away, resulting in inconsistent vibration amplitudes across different areas of the touch panel. By placing an elastic element below the second area, the elastic element acts as a damper, reducing the overall vibration amplitude of the touch panel and allowing it to quickly return to a stable state. Therefore, the elastic element helps to equalize the vibration amplitudes across different areas of the touch panel, balancing the vibration differences and significantly improving the touchpad's vibration consistency, thus enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0018] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the first touchpad mounting structure according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing plate according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 It is based on the present invention Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pressure detection device in the touchpad shown.

[0022] Figure 4 It is based on the present invention Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view along the short side of the touch panel after the touch panel mounting structure is assembled.

[0023] Figure 5 It is based on the present invention Figure 1Another cross-sectional view along the short side of the touch panel after the touch panel mounting structure is assembled as shown;

[0024] Figure 6 It is based on the present invention Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the pressure detection device in the touchpad, with the distance L1 between the two elastic elements marked.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the mounting structure of the modified touchpad according to the first invention;

[0026] Figure 8 It is based on the present invention Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the pressure detection device in the touchpad shown.

[0027] Figure 9 It is based on the present invention Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the pressure detection device in the touchpad, with the distance L1 between the two elastic elements marked.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the second or third touchpad mounting structure according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the PCB board facing the pressure detection device in the second type of touch panel according to the present invention, with the distance L1 between the two elastic elements marked.

[0030] Figure 12 According to the present invention Figure 10 The cross-sectional view along the short side of the touch panel after the second type of touch panel mounting structure (with the reinforcing plate removed) is shown.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of touch panel according to the present invention, showing the reinforcing plate facing the pressure detection device and the distance L1 between the two elastic elements marked.

[0032] Figure 14 According to the present invention Figure 10 The cross-sectional view along the short side of the touch panel after the third type of touch panel mounting structure is assembled.

[0033] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the fourth touchpad mounting structure according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 16 It is based on the present invention Figure 15 The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device housing in the touchpad, with the distance L1 between the two elastic elements marked.

[0035] Figure 17 According to the present invention Figure 16 The figure shows a cross-sectional view along the short side of the touch panel after the fourth type of touch panel mounting structure is assembled.

[0036] Figure 18 According to the present invention Figure 16 The fourth type of touch panel mounting structure shown is combined with another cross-sectional view along the short side of the touch panel.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic element according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the dimensions of the elastic element according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 21 This is an exploded view of the fifth touchpad mounting structure according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 22 It is based on Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the pressure detection device in the touchpad shown.

[0041] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which an elastic element is set on a PCB board;

[0042] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which an elastic element is set in a reinforcing plate;

[0043] Figure 25 This is an exploded view of the sixth touchpad mounting structure according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 26 It is based on Figure 25 The diagram shows the structural structure of the electronic device housing in the touchpad.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this application to help readers better understand this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for the convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not vertical in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range. "Parallel" is not parallel in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range.

[0048] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Typically, actuators are placed at the geometric center below the touchpad to ensure consistent vibration across any touch area. However, in most current terminal products, the battery module is located directly below the geometric center of the touchpad. When the actuator is positioned at the geometric center, the height of the actuator and the overall deformation of the touchpad under pressure result in a small safe distance between the actuator and the battery module. If the actuator is placed near a single side of the touchpad to address this safety distance issue, the tactile feedback when pressing near the side where the actuator is located becomes inconsistent with the tactile feedback when pressing on the opposite side of the touchpad surface, significantly degrading the user experience.

[0050] The exploded view of the touchpad mounting structure in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 or Figure 15As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the touch panel includes: a touch panel 100, a pressure detection device 4, an actuator 6, and an elastic element 7. The touch panel 100 includes adjacent first regions S1 and second regions S2, which are axially symmetrically distributed. The pressure detection device 4 is located below the touch panel 100 and is used to detect the pressure magnitude of the touch panel 100; the actuator 6 is located below the first region S1 of the touch panel 100 and is used to provide vibration feedback based on the pressure magnitude of the touch panel 100; the elastic element 7 is located below the second region S2 of the touch panel 100 and is used to balance the vibration amplitude of different regions of the touch panel 100 when the actuator 6 vibrates.

[0051] Specifically, the pressure detection device 4 is located below the touch panel 100. The pressure detection device 4 is used to convert the detected pressure on the touch panel 100 into an electrical signal and transmit it to the touch panel 100. An actuator 6 and an elastic element 7 are provided below the touch panel 100. The actuator 6 is connected to the touch panel 100 and is used to provide vibration feedback based on the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure detection device 4.

[0052] The surface of the touch panel 100 is divided into a first region S1 and a second region S2 that are adjacent to each other on the left and right sides. The first region S1 and the second region S2 are symmetrically distributed about the center line of the touch panel 100. By placing the actuator 6 below the first region S1 of the touch panel 100, the actuator 6 and the battery module below the electronic device are staggered to maintain a safe distance between them, so as not to affect the normal operation of the actuator 6 and the battery module. As the vibration amplitude of the actuator 6 gradually decreases in the direction from the first region S1 to the second region S2, the vibration amplitude of the first region S1 of the touch panel 100 closer to the actuator 6 is greater than that of the second region S2 of the touch panel 100 farther from the actuator 6. This results in differences in vibration amplitude across different regions of the entire touch panel 100, leading to low vibration consistency. By setting an elastic element 7 below the second region S2, the elastic element 7 acts as a damper when the actuator 6 vibrates, reducing the vibration amplitude of the entire touch panel 100 and allowing the entire touch panel 100 to quickly return to a stable state. Therefore, when the actuator 6 vibrates, the elastic element 7 can make the vibration amplitude of different regions of the touch panel 100 tend to be the same, thereby balancing the vibration differences between different regions of the touch panel 100. This can significantly improve the vibration consistency of the touch panel and enhance the user experience.

[0053] To balance the vibration differences across the entire touch panel 100 surface, such as Figure 1As shown, if the touch panel 100 is rectangular, the surface of the rectangular touch panel 100 includes two long sides and two short sides arranged opposite each other. The boundary line between the first region S1 and the second region S2 (i.e., the center line of the touch panel 100) is perpendicular to the short sides. The orthographic projection of the actuator 6 on the touch panel 100 is located near one of the long sides of the touch panel 100 (which belongs to the first region S1), and the orthographic projection of the elastic element 7 on the touch panel 100 is located near the other long side of the touch panel 100 (which belongs to the second region S2). Optionally, to further balance the vibration differences across the entire surface of the touch panel 100, the orthographic projection of the actuator 6 on the touch panel 100 is located near the midpoint of one of the long sides of the touch panel 100 (which belongs to the first region S1).

[0054] It is worth noting that this embodiment uses a cuboid touchpad as an example for illustration, but in actual applications, the shape of the touchpad can be adjusted according to actual needs, such as a cube, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0055] In practice, the touch panel 100 includes a cover plate 1 and a PCB board 2 located below the cover plate 1. The cover plate 1 can be a glass cover plate. The cover plate 1 serves as the appearance component of the touch panel, which can play an aesthetic role and also protect the underlying structure. The cover plate 1 and the PCB board 2 can be connected and fixed together by a first adhesive layer 10.

[0056] In practice, PCB board 2 can integrate a touch layer for sensing touch signals, carrying electronic components and circuits, transmitting and processing electrical signals such as touch, pressure and vibration, and realizing system settings functions.

[0057] In one example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 or Figure 15 The touch panel 100 shown also includes a reinforcing plate 3 located between the PCB board 2 and the pressure sensing device 4 (see details). Figure 2 The reinforcing plate 3 has clearance holes 30, through which the actuator 6 connects to the PCB board 2. In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 3 is provided between the PCB board 2 and the pressure detection device 4, which can improve the mechanical strength of the entire touch panel. Optionally, the reinforcing plate 3 can be a metal structural component, and reinforcing ribs 31 can be provided on it. The reinforcing ribs 31 are local protrusions of a certain size to further increase the mechanical strength of the reinforcing plate 3. Optionally, if the reinforcing plate 3 is square, reinforcing ribs 31 can be provided on all four sides of the reinforcing plate 3, see [reference]. Figure 2 .

[0058] In a feasible manner, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 or Figure 15 In the touchpad shown, the PCB board 2 and the reinforcing plate 3 can be connected and fixed together by the second adhesive layer 20. When the reinforcing plate 3 is provided with reinforcing ribs 31, the surface A where the reinforcing ribs 31 protrude on the reinforcing plate 3 (see details) Figure 13 ) is attached to the pressure detection device 4, and the surface B where the reinforcing rib 31 on the reinforcing plate 3 is recessed (see details) Figure 2 The second adhesive layer 20 is bonded to the PCB board 2. A clearance hole 30 is also provided on the second adhesive layer 20. The shape of the clearance hole on the second adhesive layer 20 is the same as the shape of the clearance hole 30 on the reinforcing plate 3, and the position of the clearance hole 30 on the second adhesive layer 20 is the same as the position of the clearance hole on the reinforcing plate 3, thereby ensuring that the actuator 6 passes through the reinforcing plate 3 and the second adhesive layer 20 to connect to the PCB board 2.

[0059] In practice, the first adhesive layer 10 and the second adhesive layer 20 can be double-sided adhesive or low-temperature thermosetting adhesive. The low-temperature thermosetting adhesive can be an epoxy adhesive or an acrylic adhesive with a curing temperature of ≤80℃, and the elastic modulus after curing is within 3GPa, and the hardness is about 40D to 80D on the Shore A scale. In this embodiment, the use of low-temperature thermosetting adhesive can also improve the bending strength of both the cover plate 1 and the PCB board 2, or the cover plate 1, the PCB board 2 and the reinforcing plate 3, which is very beneficial to the user experience of the touch panel and greatly reduces the difference in local collapse deformation.

[0060] In practice, the actuator 6 is a device that provides tactile feedback based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection device 4, such as a linear motor that vibrates along the X or Y axis.

[0061] Realizable, such as Figure 19 As shown, the elastic element 7 includes a connecting portion 73, and a fixed end 71 and a contact end 72 disposed opposite to each other. The connecting portion 73 connects the fixed end 71 and the contact end 72, and the connecting portion 73 extends obliquely upward. The fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixedly connected to the touch panel 100, or the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the touch panel 100. The elastic element 7 acts as a vibration damper. The elastic element 7 can be made of metal material, such as a spring sheet. By setting the structure and position of the elastic element 7, the vibration amplitude of different areas of the touch panel 100 can be made to be similar, thereby balancing the vibration differences of different areas of the touch panel 100 and significantly improving the vibration consistency of the touch panel.

[0062] Realizable, such as Figure 3 or Figure 8 As shown, the pressure detection device 4 includes a square main body 411 and four extensions 412 extending from the four corners of the main body 411 away from the main body 411. The main body 411 and the four extensions 412 form a main support 41.

[0063] Each of the four extensions 412 has a cantilever beam 42 at its end. The cantilever beam 42 includes a stepped portion 421 connected to the end of the extension 412 and a support portion 422 connected to the end of the stepped portion 421. The distance between the support portion 422 and the touch panel 100 is smaller than the distance between the extension 412 and the touch panel 100. Each support portion 422 has a silicone pad 43 and a pressure sensor 44 on its upper surface facing the touch panel 100. The height of the upper surface of the silicone pad 43 facing the touch panel 100 is greater than the height of the upper surface of the pressure sensor 44 facing the touch panel 100. The touch panel 100 is fixedly connected to the silicone pad 43.

[0064] Specifically, the touchpad is used in an electronic device. The housing 5 of the electronic device includes a recess 50, and the touchpad is fixed within the recess 50. A pressure detection device 4 in the touchpad is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the recess 50. The main body 411 and extension 412 of the pressure detection device 4 are both in contact with the bottom surface of the recess 50, while the bearing portion 422 of each cantilever beam 42 is not in contact with the bottom surface of the recess 50. Please refer to [further details omitted]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 8 The end of the extension 412 can be welded with a nut 101. The bottom of the groove 50 of the electronic device housing 5 is provided with a through hole 103 corresponding to the nut 101. The fastener 102 is located in the through hole 103 and cooperates with the nut 101 to fix the pressure detection device 4 to the housing 5 of the electronic device. Of course, other fixing methods can also be used in practice, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0065] In this embodiment, the pressure detection device 4 has an X-shaped structure. When the touch panel 100 is pressed down by an external force, the bearing portion 422 of the cantilever beam 42 deforms. The pressure sensor 44 located on the bearing portion 422 can collect external pressure signals as the bearing portion 422 deforms. Each bearing portion 422 is also provided with a silicone pad 43. The buffering characteristics of the silicone pad 43 facilitate the vibration damping of the actuator 6. Optionally, the silicone pad 43 is a silicone composite material with double-sided adhesive on both sides. The height of the upper surface of the silicone pad 43 facing the touch panel 100 is greater than the height of the upper surface of the pressure sensor 44 facing the touch panel 100. The silicone pad 43 is also used to bond the pressure detection device 4 to the touch panel 100. The hardness of the silicone pad 43 is about Shore 30A. If the touch panel 100 includes a PCB board 2, the silicone pad 43 is used to bond the pressure detection device 4 to the PCB board 2; if the touch panel 100 also includes a reinforcing plate 3, the silicone pad 43 is used to bond the pressure detection device 4 to the reinforcing plate 3.

[0066] like Figure 3 or Figure 8As shown, both the main body 411 and the extension 412 are provided with weight-reducing through holes 40, thereby reducing the weight of the entire touchpad. It is worth noting that the pressure detection device 4 avoids the actuator 6 and does not come into contact with the actuator 6, thereby preventing the vibration of the actuator 6 from affecting the detection effect of the pressure detection device 4.

[0067] In practice, depending on the fixed position and contact position of the elastic element 7, various touchpad structures can be formed in this embodiment:

[0068] (1) The touch panel 100 includes a PCB board 2; the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the pressure detection device 4, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the PCB board 2 (see Figure 4 Alternatively, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the PCB board 2, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the pressure detection device 4. In both structures, the elastic element 7 is located between the pressure detection device 4 and the PCB board 2 of the touch panel 100.

[0069] (2) The touch panel 100 includes a reinforcing plate 3; the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 3, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the pressure detection device 4; or, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the pressure detection device 4, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the reinforcing plate 3 (see...). Figure 5 In both structures, the elastic element 7 is located between the pressure detection device 4 and the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100.

[0070] (3) The touchpad is used in an electronic device. The housing 5 of the electronic device includes a groove 50, and the touchpad is fixed in the groove 50. The touch panel 100 includes a reinforcing plate 3. The fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 3, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove 50 (see...). Figure 14 Alternatively, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 50, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the reinforcing plate 3 (see...). Figure 17 In both structures, the elastic element 7 is located between the housing 5 of the electronic device and the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100.

[0071] (4) The touchpad is used in an electronic device. The housing 5 of the electronic device includes a groove 50, and the touchpad is fixed in the groove 50. The touch panel 100 includes a PCB board 2. The fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the PCB board 2, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove 50 (see...). Figure 12 Alternatively, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 50, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the PCB board 2 (see...). Figure 18In both structures, the elastic element 7 is located between the housing 5 of the electronic device and the PCB board 2 of the touch panel 100.

[0072] In this embodiment, the structure of the touchpad is illustrated with examples of the above-mentioned different structural styles of touchpads, depending on the different positions where the elastic element 7 is fixed.

[0073] An exploded view of the first type of touchpad mounting structure is shown below. Figure 1 or Figure 7 As shown.

[0074] Please see also Figures 2 to 9 ,as well as Figure 19 In this embodiment, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the extension 412 of the pressure detection device 4 and extends obliquely upward to the connecting part 73, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100. The "interference contact" mentioned in this embodiment means that the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 and the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100 abut against each other, and there is an interaction of forces at the position where the elastic element 7 and the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100 abut against each other.

[0075] In the first type of touch panel, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the pressure detection device 4. Therefore, the elastic element 7 can be formed at the same time as the pressure detection device 4 is prepared. Then, the pressure detection device 4 with the elastic element 7 is combined with the touch panel 100. After the combination, the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100.

[0076] The structural diagram of the second type of touchpad is shown below. Figure 10 As shown.

[0077] Please see also Figure 11 , Figure 12 ( Figure 12 (Reinforcing plate 3 not shown) and Figure 19 In this embodiment, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the PCB board 2 of the touch panel 100, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the housing 5 of the electronic device. In this embodiment, "interference contact" means that the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 and the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the electronic device housing 5 abut against each other, and there is a force interaction at the abutment position between the elastic element 7 and the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the electronic device housing 5.

[0078] Specifically, please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 8The pressure detection device 4 includes a main body 411 and an extension 412. When the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the pressure detection device 4, the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the main body 411 or the extension 412 of the pressure detection device 4.

[0079] In the second type of touch panel described above, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the PCB board 2 of the touch panel 100. Therefore, the elastic element 7 can be formed at the same time as the PCB board 2 of the touch panel 100 is prepared. Then, the PCB board 2 with the elastic element 7 is combined with the pressure detection device 4 and the housing 5 of the electronic device. After the combination, the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the housing 5 of the electronic device.

[0080] The structural diagram of the third type of touchpad is shown below. Figure 10 As shown.

[0081] Please see also Figure 13 , Figure 14 as well as Figure 19 The fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 3 of the touch panel 100, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the housing 5 of the electronic device. In this embodiment, "interference contact" means that the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 and the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the housing 5 of the electronic device abut against each other, and there is an interaction of forces at the abutment position of the elastic element 7 and the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the housing 5 of the electronic device.

[0082] Specifically, please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 8 The pressure detection device 4 includes a main body 411 and an extension 412. When the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the pressure detection device 4, the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the main body 411 or the extension 412 of the pressure detection device 4.

[0083] In the third type of touch panel described above, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 3. Therefore, the elastic element 7 can be formed at the same time as the reinforcing plate 3 is prepared. Then, the reinforcing plate 3 with the elastic element 7 is combined with the pressure detection device 4 and the housing 5 of the electronic device. After the combination, the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the pressure detection device 4 or the housing 5 of the electronic device.

[0084] The structural diagram of the fourth type of touchpad is as follows: Figure 15 As shown.

[0085] Please see also Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 In this embodiment, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the housing 5 of the electronic device. The connecting part 73 of the elastic element 7 extends obliquely upward to avoid the pressure detection device 4, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3. In this embodiment, "interference contact" means that the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 and the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3 abut against each other, and there is an interaction of forces at the position where the elastic element 7 and the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3 abut against each other.

[0086] In the fourth type of touch panel described above, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the housing 5 of the electronic device. The elastic element 7 can be formed at the same time as the housing 5 of the electronic device is being manufactured. After that, the PCB board 2 and the reinforcing plate 3 and other components are combined with the housing 5 of the electronic device with the elastic element 7, and the contact end 72 of the elastic element 7 is in interference contact with the PCB board 2 or the reinforcing plate 3.

[0087] See Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 16 As shown, in the above types of touchpads, the elastic element 7 can have one or more of the following structural features:

[0088] (1) There are two elastic elements 7, which are located on both sides of the second region S2 and are symmetrically distributed along the direction perpendicular to the boundary line between the first region S1 and the second region S2. A gap L1 is formed between the two elastic elements 7, and the two elastic elements 7 are located on both sides of the actuator 6 along the direction perpendicular to the boundary line between the first region S1 and the second region S2. The two elastic elements 7 work together to make the vibration amplitude of different regions of the touch panel 100 tend to be the same, thereby balancing the vibration differences of different regions of the touch panel 100 and significantly improving the vibration consistency of the touch panel.

[0089] (2) The touch panel 100 includes a long side and a short side. The distance L1 between the two elastic elements 7 is greater than or equal to half the length of the long side of the touch panel 100. The distance L1 between the two elastic elements 7 is greater than or equal to half the length of the first region S1 or the second region S2 of the cover plate 1. That is, if the orthographic projection of the two elastic elements 7 on the cover plate 1 is adjacent to the first region S1, then the distance L1 between the two elastic elements 7 is greater than or equal to half the length of the first region S1; if the orthographic projection of the two elastic elements 7 on the cover plate 1 is adjacent to the second region S2, then the distance L1 between the two elastic elements 7 is greater than or equal to half the length of the second region S2. In this way, the distance L1 between the two elastic elements 7 is not too small, so that the external pressure applied to the cover plate 1 near the first region S1 cannot be evenly distributed.

[0090] (3) See Figure 20 As shown, the width D of the connecting part of the elastic element 7 is between 0.15 mm and 0.5 mm, and the length L2 between the fixed end and the contact end of the elastic element 7 is greater than 8 mm, which facilitates the preparation of the elastic element 7.

[0091] (4) The fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed by welding. Optionally, the elastic element 7 may be made of metal, and the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is fixed by welding. For example, the fixed end 71 of the elastic element 7 is welded to the pressure detection device 4 (see...). Figure 3 or Figure 8 ), PCB board 2 (see Figure 11 ), Reinforcing plate 3 (see) Figure 13 ), or the bottom surface of the recess 50 of the housing 5 of the electronic device (see Figure 16 ).

[0092] It is worth noting that in some other examples, the touchpad also includes a housing 5 with a recess 50, thus enabling the touchpad to be fully encapsulated for easy transfer and sale.

[0093] In the examples above, the number of elastic elements 7 is 2 for illustration.

[0094] See Figures 21 to 26 As shown, the number of elastic elements 7 can be one, and it is arranged opposite to the actuator 6. Of course, in practical applications, the number of elastic elements 7 can be other positive integers, such as 3 or 4, which will not be elaborated in this embodiment.

[0095] like Figure 22 As shown, an elastic element 7 is fixed to the pressure detection device 4; as Figure 23 As shown, an elastic element 7 is fixed to the PCB board 2; as Figure 24 As shown, an elastic element 7 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 3; as Figure 26 As shown, an elastic element 7 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 50 of the housing 5 of the electronic device.

[0096] This invention also provides an electronic device, such as... Figure 27 As shown, the device includes a housing 5 with a recess 50, and a touchpad as described above located within the recess 50. Examples of such electronic devices include laptops, iPads, and mobile phones. If the touchpad also includes a housing 5 with a recess 50, the electronic device only needs a receiving slot to accommodate the touchpad.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A touchpad, characterized in that, The touchpad includes: A touch panel, the touch panel comprising an adjacent first region and a second region, the first region and the second region being axially symmetrically distributed; A pressure detection device, located below the touch panel, is used to detect the pressure applied to the touch panel. An actuator, which is biased below the first region of the touch panel, is used to provide vibration feedback based on the magnitude of pressure applied to the touch panel; Two elastic elements are located on both sides below the second area of ​​the touch panel, and are axially symmetrically distributed along a direction perpendicular to the boundary line between the first area and the second area. The elastic element is configured as a damper, and its contact end is in interference contact with the touch panel or the pressure detection device to balance the difference in vibration amplitude between the first region and the second region caused by the biased arrangement of the actuator, thereby improving the vibration consistency of the touch panel.

2. The touchpad according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a connecting portion, a fixed end and a contact end disposed opposite to each other, the connecting portion connecting the fixed end and the contact end, and the connecting portion extending obliquely upward.

3. The touchpad according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pressure detection device includes a square main body and four extensions extending from the four corners of the main body away from the main body. Each of the four extensions has a cantilever beam at its end. The cantilever beam includes a step portion connected to the end of the extension portion and a support portion connected to the end of the step portion. The distance between the support portion and the touch panel is smaller than the distance between the extension and the touch panel. Each of the bearing components has a pressure sensor and a silicone pad on its upper surface, wherein the height of the upper surface of the silicone pad is greater than the height of the upper surface of the pressure sensor, and the touch panel is fixedly connected to the silicone pad.

4. The touchpad according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touch panel includes a PCB board; the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the pressure detection device, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the PCB board; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the PCB board, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the pressure detection device.

5. The touchpad according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touch panel includes a reinforcing plate; The fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the reinforcing plate, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the pressure detection device; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the pressure detection device, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the reinforcing plate.

6. The touchpad according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touch panel is used in an electronic device, the housing of the electronic device includes a groove, the touch panel is fixed in the groove, and the touch panel includes a reinforcing plate; The fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the reinforcing plate, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the reinforcing plate.

7. The touchpad according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate is provided with a clearance hole, and the actuator passes through the clearance hole to connect to the touch panel.

8. The touchpad according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touchpad is used in an electronic device, the housing of which includes a recess, and the touchpad is fixed within the recess; the touch panel includes a PCB board. The fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the PCB board, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the bottom surface of the groove; or, the fixed end of the elastic element is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove, and the contact end of the elastic element is in interference contact with the PCB board.

9. The touchpad according to claim 8, characterized in that, The touch panel includes a long side and a short side, and the distance between the two elastic elements is greater than or equal to half the length of the long side of the touch panel.

10. The touchpad according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the connecting part is between 0.15 mm and 0.5 mm, and the length between the fixed end and the contact end of the elastic element is greater than 8 mm.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a housing with a groove and a touch panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the touch panel being located within the groove of the housing.

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