Input device and electronic equipment

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides an input device and an electronic device, wherein the input device is detachably mounted on the electronic device, and the input device includes: a key layer including a plurality of keys; a dielectric substrate having a touch plane; a touch sensing layer located between the key layer and the dielectric substrate, so as to generate a target capacitance with the key or the dielectric substrate when the key is pressed or the touch plane is pressed; wherein at least the touch sensing layer is connected to a processor of the electronic device, so that the processor obtains the target capacitance, determines the pressing position on the key layer or the dielectric substrate based on the target capacitance, and outputs a target response based on the pressing position matching. The input device of the present invention can provide key input and touch input to the user at the same time, and can be detachably mounted on the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of computer technology, and in particular to an input device and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Current electronic devices, such as laptop computers, e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, if it wants to have both a keyboard and a touchpad, it needs to be lengthened and the overall size of the device will be increased. Moreover, when the keyboard and touchpad are combined at the same time, the overall space will be compressed, including the keyboard spacing and the touchpad being moved to other areas, such as the right side and top side of the electronic device, etc. This will force the user to change their habit of using the touchpad, causing inconvenience to the user. Some electronic devices will also modify the physical keyboard into a virtual keyboard, so that the keyboard and the touchpad can be combined into one, but this virtual keyboard cannot give the user the feedback of a physical key, so that consumers feel poor when using the virtual keyboard and cannot be sure whether they have successfully entered the required information. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides an input device which can provide key input and touch input for a user at the same time and can be detachably mounted on an electronic device, and an electronic device having the input device.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an input device, which is detachably mounted on an electronic device, and includes:

[0005] A button layer, which includes a plurality of buttons;

[0006] a dielectric substrate having a touch plane;

[0007] A touch sensing layer, located between the button layer and the dielectric substrate, so as to generate a target capacitance with the button or the dielectric substrate when the button is pressed or the touch plane is pressed;

[0008] Among them, at least the touch sensing layer is connected to the processor of the electronic device so that the processor obtains the target capacitance, determines the pressing position on the button layer or the dielectric substrate based on the target capacitance, and outputs a target response based on the pressing position matching.

[0009] As an optional embodiment, the key includes conductive particles, and the input device further includes a bracket for mounting a plurality of the keys, wherein the bracket is fixed on the touch sensing layer, and when the key is pressed, the conductive particles of the pressed key pass through the bracket and abut against the touch sensing layer.

[0010] As an optional embodiment, the input device further includes a dielectric film laid on a side of the touch sensing layer facing the button layer, and the conductive particles abut against the touch sensing layer through the dielectric film to form the target capacitance.

[0011] As an optional embodiment, the key further includes a keycap, a scissor foot located in the keycap and abutting against the keycap and the bracket, and the conductive particles are connected to the axial connection of the scissor foot.

[0012] As an optional embodiment, the key further includes a hemispherical rubber piece located inside the keycap, and each end of the scissor legs penetrates the rubber piece and can assist in causing the rubber piece to deform when the key is pressed.

[0013] As an optional embodiment, a hollow portion is provided on the bracket of the input device corresponding to each of the keys, the conductive particles are against the dielectric film through the corresponding hollow portions, and the bracket is fixed to the dielectric film via an adhesive layer.

[0014] As an optional embodiment, the touch sensing layer includes two metal layers and a dielectric layer disposed between the two metal layers.

[0015] As an optional embodiment, the input device also includes an outer shell body with open ends, the button layer, dielectric substrate, and touch sensing layer are all installed in the outer shell body, the buttons and touch plane are exposed to the outside through the corresponding open ends, the outer shell body is provided with a handle, and the electronic device is provided with a slide groove with an open end, and the outer shell body can be detachably fixed to the electronic device through the slide groove so that the button layer or touch plane is located outside the slide groove for user use.

[0016] As an optional embodiment, the touch sensing layer is externally connected to a signal output electronics, and signal receiving terminals are provided at a first position and a second position in the slide slot. When the button layer is located outside the slide slot, the signal output terminal is in contact with and connected to the signal receiving terminal at the first position to transmit the target capacitance. When the touch plane is located outside the slide slot, the signal output terminal is in contact with and connected to the signal receiving terminal at the second position to transmit the target capacitance. The processor determines the target response by determining the position of the signal receiving terminal for transmitting the target capacitance and the target capacitance.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides an electronic device, including the input device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] Based on the disclosure of the above embodiments, it can be known that the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention include that the input device has both a key layer and a touch plane, and the input device can be detachably connected to the electronic device so that the user can change the installation angle of the input device according to actual needs, and then switch to a state where the key layer faces outward for use, or switch to a state where the touch plane faces outward for use. Through the design in this embodiment, it is not necessary to change the size of the electronic device, nor to change the setting position of the keyboard or the touch plane, so that the user can get the feedback of the physical keyboard without changing the original usage habits, and at the same time can meet the user's use needs for the keyboard and touch screen.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in the prior art.

[0023] Figure 2 The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of another electronic device in the prior art.

[0024] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the input device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the input device in the embodiment of the present invention when in use.

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the installation process between the input device and the electronic device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a partial structural diagram of the input device and the electronic device in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Reference numerals:

[0029] 1-button; 2-dielectric substrate; 3-touch sensing layer; 4-bracket; 5-conductive particles; 6-dielectric film; 7-keycap; 8-scissor foot; 9-rubber part; 10-hollow part; 11-outer shell; 12-signal output terminal; 13-handle; 14-slide; 15-signal receiving terminal; 16-touch plane DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] It should be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the following description should not be considered as limiting, but merely as an example of an embodiment. Other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art.

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description of the present disclosure given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0033] These and other characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred form of embodiment given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It should also be understood that, although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will be able to realize many other equivalent forms of the invention that have the characteristics recited in the claims and are therefore within the scope of protection defined thereby.

[0035] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be implemented in a variety of ways. Well-known and / or repeated functions and structures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary or redundant details. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely serve as a basis and representative basis for the claims to teach those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in a variety of ways with substantially any suitable detailed structure.

[0037] This specification may use the phrases "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," "in a further embodiment," or "in other embodiments," all of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an input device, which is detachably mounted on an electronic device, and includes:

[0040] A button layer, comprising a plurality of buttons 1;

[0041] A dielectric substrate 2 having a touch plane 16;

[0042] A touch sensing layer 3, which is located between the button layer and the dielectric substrate 2, so as to generate a target capacitance with the button 1 or the dielectric substrate 2 when the button 1 is pressed or the touch plane 16 is pressed;

[0043] Among them, at least the touch sensing layer 3 is connected to the processor of the electronic device so that the processor obtains the target capacitance, determines the pressing position on the button layer or the dielectric substrate 2 based on the target capacitance, and outputs the target response based on the pressing position matching.

[0044] For example, the electronic device is a laptop computer, which has an installation position, and the installation position can specifically be the position where the laptop computer was originally used to install the keyboard. The input device is detachably installed on the installation position of the electronic device. The input device in this embodiment includes a key layer having a plurality of keys 1, and a dielectric substrate 2 having a touch plane 16, and a touch sensing layer 3 is provided between the key layer and the dielectric substrate, so that when the user presses a certain key 1, or inputs a touch operation on the touch plane 16, the touch sensing layer 3 can generate a target capacitance between the touch position of the key 1 and the touch plane 16. The processor in the electronic device is at least connected to the touch sensing layer 3 to obtain the target capacitance, and determine the pressing position on the key layer or the dielectric substrate 2 based on the target capacitance, and then determine the content corresponding to the key 1, or the content corresponding to the touch position, and finally determine the target response based on the content, including the specific response content.

[0045] Based on the disclosure of the above embodiments, it can be known that the beneficial effects of this embodiment include that the input device has both a key layer and a touch plane 16, and that the user can change the installation angle of the input device according to actual needs by detachably connecting it to the electronic device, and then switch to a state where the key layer faces outward for use, or switch to a state where the touch plane 16 faces outward for use. Through the design in this embodiment, it is not necessary to change the size of the electronic device, nor to change the setting position of the keyboard or the touch plane 16, so that the user can get the feedback of the physical keyboard without changing the original usage habits, and at the same time can meet the user's use needs for the keyboard and touch screen.

[0046] Specifically, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the key 1 in this embodiment includes conductive particles 5, and the conductive particles 5 are arranged on the side of the key 1 facing the touch sensing layer 3. The input device also includes a bracket 4 for mounting a plurality of keys 1, and the bracket 4 is preferably made of insulating material, such as plastic, etc., and a plurality of keys 1 are mounted on the bracket 4 in a row, and the specific arrangement and mounting order is not fixed. In addition, for safety and aesthetics, an insulating layer is also provided on the side of the bracket 4 facing the key 1, such as an insulating layer made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate, PET for short, commonly known as polyester resin) material. Furthermore, the bracket 4 in this embodiment can be directly or indirectly fixed on the touch sensing layer 3. When the key 1 is pressed, the conductive particles 5 of the pressed key 1 pass through the bracket 4 and abut against the touch sensing layer 3 shown.

[0047] Further, continue to combine Figure 3 As shown, the input device in this embodiment also includes a dielectric film 6, which can be made of a material with a dielectric constant between 1 and 10. For example, it can be a material such as metal oxide, PET film, SiO2, SiNx, Al2O3, etc. The dielectric film 6 in this embodiment is laid on the side of the touch sensing layer 3 facing the key layer, and the bracket 4 is fixed on the dielectric film 6, which can be fixed by an adhesive layer, such as an adhesive layer formed by an OCA adhesive. The conductive particles 5 are in contact with the dielectric film 6, and then abut against the touch sensing layer 3, so that an inductive capacitor, that is, a target capacitor, is formed between the two.

[0048] Furthermore, the key 1 in this embodiment further comprises a key cap 7, a scissor foot 8 located inside the key cap 7 and abutting against the key cap 7 and the bracket 4, and the conductive particles 5 are connected to the axial joint of the scissor foot 8, for example, by bonding, so that when the scissor foot 8 is pressed and moved, it can move along with the up and down movement of the axial joint. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the scissor foot 8 in this embodiment is not pressed, its overall height must be at least the same as the sum of the heights of the bracket 4, the insulating layer, and the adhesive layer, to ensure that when the key 1 is pressed, the scissor foot 8 is compressed and can smoothly move the conductive particles 5 to a position in contact with the dielectric film 6.

[0049] Further, continue to combine Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the key 1 in this embodiment also includes a hemispherical rubber member 9 located in the key cap 7, and the notch of the rubber member 9 faces the dielectric film 6. As shown in the figure, each end of the scissor foot 8 in this embodiment passes through the rubber member 9, and can assist in driving the rubber member 9 to deform when the key 1 is pressed. In actual application, a connecting part can be set on the bracket 4 at each key 1 position to be rotatably connected to each end of the scissor foot 8 to limit the scissor foot 8, and the outer edge of the rubber member 9 can be fixed on the insulating layer to achieve limiting. Further, the deformation of the rubber member 9 in this embodiment can not only increase the feedback of the key 1 to the user's fingers and enhance the user's touch, but also push the scissor foot 8, making it easier to drive the conductive particles 5 to the position where the dielectric film 6 contacts, and at the same time can accumulate resilience to further accelerate the resetting of the scissor foot 8 and the conductive particles 5. The scissor legs 8 in this embodiment may be provided with a torsion spring at the axial joint so that the scissor legs 8 can be reset based on the elastic force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the torsion spring may not be provided and the hemispherical rubber member 9 may be used alone to achieve reset.

[0050] Furthermore, a hollow portion 10 is provided on the bracket 4 of the input device in this embodiment corresponding to each key 1. When the key 1 is pressed, the scissor legs 8 and the rubber member 9 drive the conductive particles 5 through the corresponding hollow portion 10 to contact the dielectric film 6, thereby generating an inductive capacitance between the touch sensing layer and the touch sensing layer. The hollow portion 10 can be a circular hole, and its aperture can be the same as the inner diameter of the hemispherical hollow portion 10, or can be larger than the inner diameter.

[0051] Furthermore, the dielectric substrate 2 in this embodiment can be made of a material with a dielectric constant between 1 and 10 and having a certain support, such as glass, plastic, etc., so that it can withstand the touch operation applied by the user. When the user presses the touch plane 16 with his hand, a sensing capacitor will be formed between the pressing point and the touch plane 16 due to the moisture in the human body, thereby changing the overall capacitance between the touch plane 16 and the touch sensing layer. The processor can obtain the actual pressing position of the user on the touch plane 16 based on this abnormal point of capacitance. Figure 5 As shown, the touch sensing layer 3 in this embodiment includes two metal layers and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the two metal layers. In this way, no matter the user uses the key layer or the touch plane 16, the touch sensing layer can cooperate with it to generate the target capacitance.

[0052] Furthermore, combined with Figure 3As shown, the input device in this embodiment also includes an outer shell 11 with open ends, such as a rectangular frame. The button layer, the dielectric substrate 2, and the touch sensor layer 3 are all installed in the outer shell 11, for example, they are all surrounded by the rectangular frame. The button 1 and the touch plane 16 are exposed to the outside through the corresponding open ends. The electronic device is provided with a slide groove 14 with one end open, or a slide groove 14 with both ends open. The outer shell 11 can be detachably fixed to the electronic device through the slide groove 14, so that the button layer or the touch plane 16 is located outside the slide groove 14 for user use. Specifically, in this embodiment, a handle 13 is provided on the outer shell 11, and the user can slide the input device through the outer shell 11 and into the slide groove 14 of the electronic device through the handle 13, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, when the user slides in, the installation angle of the input device can be adjusted according to whether the user needs to use the key layer or the touch plane 16, that is, the installation angle is adjusted by flipping 180 degrees, so that the key layer or the touch plane 16 is exposed outside the electronic device for the user to use. Through this device, the user does not need to connect an external keyboard or handwriting tablet, touch pad, or change the installation position of the keyboard and touch pad relative to the electronic device, so that the user can have both a keyboard and a touch pad at the same time, which significantly improves the convenience of the user.

[0053] Preferably, in order to improve the connection stability between the input device and the slide slot 14 , a magnetic element, a buckle, a slide rail or other structures may be added to the slide slot 14 and the outer shell 11 to assist the input device to be stably installed and limited in the slide slot 14 .

[0054] Furthermore, combined with Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the touch sensing layer 3 is externally connected to a signal output terminal 12, which can specifically be a signal output terminal 12 formed by a circuit collection area and multiple output pins. The signal output terminal 12 can be installed at the handle 13 to shield the signal output terminal 12 through the handle 13, making the input device more beautiful as a whole and protecting the signal output terminal 12 from damage due to bumps.

[0055] Continue to combine Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the present embodiment, the slide slot 14 is provided with a signal receiving terminal 15 at the first position and the second position, which can be specifically on two opposite side walls of the slide slot 14, and the position of the signal receiving terminal 15 corresponds to that of the signal output terminal 12. When the key layer is located outside the slide slot 14, the signal output terminal 12 on the input device is in contact with the signal receiving terminal 15 at the first position to transmit the target capacitance, and when the touch plane 16 is located outside the slide slot 14, the signal output terminal 12 is in contact with the signal receiving terminal 15 at the second position to transmit the target capacitance, and the processor determines the target response by determining the position of the signal receiving terminal 15 transmitting the target capacitance and the target capacitance. Since there are two transmission channels between the input device and the processor, the processor can determine whether the user is currently using the keyboard or the touch plane 16 as a means of data input by the target capacitance transmitted by the signal receiving terminal 15 at the first position or the second position, thereby quickly determining the target response. For example, when a signal is transmitted by the signal receiving terminal 15 at the first position, the processor can know that the usage status of the input device at this time is the keyboard function, and the coordinate feedback will be based on this direction. When a signal is transmitted by the signal receiving terminal 15 at the second position, the processor will determine that the usage status of the input device at this time is the touchpad function, and the coordinate feedback will be symmetrical with the keyboard function. In this way, the processor can accurately judge the pressing coordinate position under different states, and then determine the target response.

[0056] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising the input device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0057] The above embodiments are only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within the essence and protection scope of the present invention, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions shall also be deemed to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An input device, characterized in that: The input device is detachably mounted on the electronic device, and comprises: A button layer, which includes a plurality of buttons; a dielectric substrate having a touch plane; A touch sensing layer, located between the button layer and the dielectric substrate, so as to generate a target capacitance with the button or the dielectric substrate when the button is pressed or the touch plane is pressed; Wherein, at least the touch sensing layer is connected to a processor of the electronic device so that the processor obtains the target capacitance, determines a pressing position on the key layer or the dielectric substrate based on the target capacitance, and outputs a target response based on the pressing position matching; The key comprises conductive particles, and the input device further comprises a bracket for mounting a plurality of the keys, the bracket being fixed on the touch sensing layer, and when the key is pressed, the conductive particles of the pressed key pass through the bracket and abut against the touch sensing layer; The input device further includes a dielectric film, which is laid on a side of the touch sensing layer facing the key layer, and the conductive particles abut against the touch sensing layer through the dielectric film, thereby forming the target capacitance; A hollow portion is provided on the bracket of the input device corresponding to each of the keys, the conductive particles are against the dielectric film through the corresponding hollow portions, and the bracket is fixed on the dielectric film through an adhesive layer.

2. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that The key further comprises a key cap, a scissor foot located in the key cap and abutting against the key cap and the bracket, and the conductive particles are connected to the axial connection of the scissor foot.

3. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The key further comprises a hemispherical rubber piece located in the key cap, each end of the scissor legs penetrates through the rubber piece and can assist in driving the rubber piece to deform when the key is pressed.

4. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that The touch sensing layer includes two metal layers and a dielectric layer disposed between the two metal layers.

5. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input device also includes an outer shell with open ends, the button layer, dielectric substrate, and touch sensor layer are all installed in the outer shell, the buttons and touch plane are exposed to the outside through the corresponding open ends, the outer shell is provided with a handle, and the electronic device is provided with a slide groove with an open end, and the outer shell can be detachably fixed to the electronic device through the slide groove so that the button layer or touch plane is located outside the slide groove for user use.

6. The input device according to claim 5, characterized in that The touch sensing layer is externally connected to a signal output terminal, and signal receiving terminals are provided at a first position and a second position in the slide groove. When the button layer is located outside the slide groove, the signal output terminal is in contact with and connected to the signal receiving terminal at the first position to transmit the target capacitance. When the touch plane is located outside the slide groove, the signal output terminal is in contact with and connected to the signal receiving terminal at the second position to transmit the target capacitance. The processor determines the target response by determining the position of the signal receiving terminal that transmits the target capacitance and the target capacitance.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising the input device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6.

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