Key device and electronic device having the same

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of key device and electronic equipment with it, the key device includes: circuit board, conductive support, key assembly and conductive spring, the circuit board is equipped with capacitive sensor, the conductive support is fixed to the circuit board and is electrically conducted with the capacitive sensor, the key assembly is movable relative to the conductive support, the key assembly includes conductive piece and insulating piece, the conductive piece includes first conductive part, the insulating piece includes touch surface part, the touch surface part is covered on the outside of the first conductive part, the conductive spring is clamped between the conductive support and the key assembly, and is electrically conducted with the conductive support and the conductive piece respectively.The key device according to the application can improve the accuracy of judging touch.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Some capacitive touch-sensitive button devices in related technologies detect touch by placing a spring on a circuit board and covering the outer end of the spring with a cover plate. The change in charge caused by the user touching the cover plate is used for touch detection. However, the detection accuracy of this type of capacitive touch-sensitive button device needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a button device that can improve the accuracy of touch detection.

[0004] The present invention also proposes an electronic device having the above-described button device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a button device includes: a circuit board on which a capacitive sensor is disposed; a conductive bracket fixed to the circuit board and electrically connected to the capacitive sensor; a button assembly movable relative to the conductive bracket, the button assembly including a conductive element and an insulating element, the conductive element including a first conductive portion, the insulating element including a touch surface covering the outer side of the first conductive portion; and a conductive spring sandwiched between the conductive bracket and the button assembly, and electrically connected to both the conductive bracket and the conductive element.

[0006] According to the button device of the present invention, since a conductive element is also provided between the conductive spring and the insulating element, the contact yield between the conductive element and the insulating element is higher than that of the conductive spring directly contacting the insulating element. This effectively improves the stability of charge detection, thereby improving the reliability of judgment and simplifying the design of the conductive spring. Furthermore, since a conductive support is also provided between the conductive spring and the circuit board, compared to the solution where the conductive spring directly contacts the circuit board and is electrically conductive, there is no need for special design of the conductive spring to meet contact reliability and electrical conductivity requirements. This simplifies the design and manufacturing of the conductive spring and improves the reliability of electrical conductivity between the conductive spring and the circuit board, thereby improving the reliability of judgment. In addition, by providing a conductive support to support the conductive spring, it can be ensured that the conductive spring can effectively and stably exert its elasticity, thereby improving the tactile feel during touch and enhancing the user experience.

[0007] In some embodiments, the button assembly further includes: an insulating bracket connected to the insulating member, and the insulating bracket includes a support portion, one axial end of the support portion being a support end, and the first conductive portion being sandwiched between the support end and the touch surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the conductive spring is sleeved outside the support portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the insulating support further includes: an outer cover portion, the support portion being disposed within and connected to the outer cover portion, the outer cover portion being connected to the insulating member, such that a receiving cavity is defined between the insulating support and the insulating member, and the conductive member being disposed in the receiving cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outer cover is disposed over the conductive spring.

[0011] In some embodiments, the insulating bracket further includes: a connecting portion connected between the support portion and the outer cover portion; the conductive spring and the conductive element are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting portion along the axial direction of the support portion; a clearance hole is formed on the connecting portion; the conductive element further includes a second conductive portion connected to the side of the first conductive portion facing the circuit board; the second conductive portion passes through the clearance hole and is electrically connected to the conductive spring.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a plurality of sub-parts, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the support portion. A clearance hole is formed between each pair of adjacent sub-parts, and the second conductive portion passes through at least two of the clearance holes.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clearance hole is matched with the shape of the second conductive portion so that the connecting portion restricts the circumferential rotation of the conductive member relative to the support portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the support portion is used as the projection plane, the orthographic projection of the support end is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive portion, and the orthographic projection of the axial end of the conductive spring facing the first conductive portion is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, a groove is formed on the side surface of the touch face opposite to the first conductive part. In the projection plane, the orthographic projection of the support end is located within the orthographic projection range of the groove, and the orthographic projection of the groove is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive part.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support portion is a hollow column, and the other axial end of the support portion away from the supporting end is open.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conductive support includes a sleeve portion, and the conductive spring is sleeved outside the sleeve portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the conductive support further includes an expansion portion coaxially disposed with the sleeve portion, the cross-section of the expansion portion gradually decreasing along the direction away from the circuit board, the sleeve portion being connected to the end of the expansion portion away from the circuit board, and the axial end of the conductive spring near the circuit board abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the expansion portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the conductive support further includes an end plate portion and a foot portion. The end plate portion is connected to the outer periphery of one end of the expansion portion near the circuit board, and the foot portion extends from the edge of the end plate portion toward the circuit board and is supported on the circuit board, so that the end plate portion is clearance-fitted with the circuit board.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conductive spring includes a first spring segment, a second spring segment, and a third spring segment connected axially along the conductive spring. The second spring segment is located on the side of the first spring segment closer to the circuit board. The third spring segment is connected between the first spring segment and the second spring segment. The diameter of the second spring segment is larger than the diameter of the first spring segment. The second spring segment is sleeved outside the sleeve portion. The button assembly includes a support portion, and the first spring segment is sleeved outside the support portion.

[0021] An electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a device body and a button device, wherein the button device is disposed on the device body and is a button device according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] The electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention improves the user experience by providing the button device described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device body includes a helmet portion and a handle portion, and the button device is disposed on the handle portion.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a button device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the button device shown;

[0027] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the conductive components and insulating supports shown;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The exploded view of the circuit board, conductive support, and conductive spring shown.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] Button device 100;

[0032] Circuit board 1;

[0033] 2. Conductive support; 21. Sleeve section; 22. Expanding section; 23. End plate section; 24. Support leg;

[0034] Button component 3;

[0035] Conductive component 31; First conductive part 311; Second conductive part 312;

[0036] Insulator 32; Touch face 321; Connecting perimeter 322; Recessed groove 323;

[0037] Insulating bracket 33; Column part 331; Support end 332;

[0038] Outer cover 333; First cover 3331; Second cover 3332;

[0039] Connecting part 334; clearance hole 3341; sub-part 3342;

[0040] Conductive spring 4; first spring segment 41; second spring segment 42; third spring segment 43. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Additionally, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0043] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a key device 100 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the button device 100 includes: a circuit board 1, a conductive support 2, a button assembly 3, and a conductive spring 4. A capacitance sensor is mounted on the circuit board 1, and touch detection is achieved by detecting changes in capacitance using the capacitance sensor. Combined with... Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, the conductive bracket 2 is fixed to the circuit board 1 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 1. The button assembly 3 is movable relative to the conductive bracket 2. The button assembly 3 includes a conductive element 31 and an insulating element 32. The conductive element 31 includes a first conductive part 311, and the insulating element 32 includes a touch surface 321. The touch surface 321 is suitable for being touched and pressed, and the touch surface 321 covers the outside of the first conductive part 311. The conductive spring 4 is clamped between the conductive bracket 2 and the button assembly 3, and is electrically connected to both the conductive bracket 2 and the conductive element 31.

[0045] Therefore, by providing a conductive element 31 on the inner side of the insulating element 32, and connecting the conductive element 31 to the capacitive sensor on the circuit board 1 via the conductive spring 4 and the conductive support 2, a charge path is established. This allows the change in charge on the insulating element 32 to be sensed. Software detection then determines whether the user has touched the touch face 321, thereby enabling the touch function of the button device 100. It is understood that the detailed working principle of the capacitive sensor is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0046] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the button device 100, through the above-described structural design, can have at least the following beneficial effects. First, since a conductive element 31 is also provided between the conductive spring 4 and the insulating element 32, compared to the scheme where the conductive spring 4 directly contacts the insulating element 32, the contact yield between the conductive element 31 and the insulating element 32 can easily be higher than that between the conductive spring 4 and the insulating element 32. This effectively improves the stability of charge detection, thereby improving the reliability of judgment and simplifying the design of the conductive spring 4. Second, since a conductive support 2 is also provided between the conductive spring 4 and the circuit board 1, compared to the scheme where the conductive spring 4 directly contacts the circuit board 1 and is electrically conductive, there is no need for special design of the conductive spring 4 to meet contact reliability and electrical conductivity effectiveness. This simplifies the design and processing of the conductive spring 4, improves the reliability of electrical conductivity between the conductive spring 4 and the circuit board 1, and thus improves the reliability of judgment. Third, by providing the conductive support 2 to support the conductive spring 4, it can be ensured that the conductive spring 4 can effectively exert its elasticity, thereby improving the tactile feel during touch and enhancing the user experience.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the button assembly 3 may further include: an insulating bracket 33, which is connected to the insulating member 32, and the insulating bracket 33 includes a support portion 331, one axial end of which is a support end 332, and a first conductive portion 311 is sandwiched between the support end 332 and the touch surface 321. That is, the first conductive portion 311 is located on one axial side of the support portion 331, and the touch surface 321 is located on the side of the first conductive portion 311 away from the support portion 331.

[0048] Therefore, when a user touches the touch surface 321, the support portion 331 can provide support for the first conductive portion 311 of the conductive element 31, improving problems such as deformation or separation between the first conductive portion 311 and the touch surface 321. This increases the contact yield between the first conductive portion 311 and the touch surface 321, thereby effectively improving the stability of charge detection and the reliability of judgment. Furthermore, the support provided by the support portion 331 also improves the tactile feel, preventing the sensation of the insulating element 32 collapsing upon touch.

[0049] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the conductive spring 4 is sleeved outside the support portion 331. In other words, by providing the support portion 331, the conductive spring 4 can also be limited, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the electrical conduction between the conductive spring 4 and the conductive component 31. It is worth noting that the conductive spring 4 described in this article is a cylindrical spring.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, the insulating support 33 may further include: an outer cover 333, a support column 331 disposed within and connected to the outer cover 333, and the outer cover 333 connected to the insulating member 32, so that a receiving cavity is defined between the insulating support 33 and the insulating member 32, and the conductive member 31 is disposed in the receiving cavity. Thus, the receiving cavity jointly defined by the insulating member 32 and the insulating support 33 can be used to simply and effectively fix the conductive member 31, and also protect the conductive member 31 from contact with the outside world, avoiding contact between the conductive member 31 and other conductive media that could affect the detection accuracy, thereby improving the reliability of the judgment.

[0051] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the insulating member 32 also includes a connecting periphery 322, which is connected to the edge of the touch panel and flips over on the side of the first conductive part 311 away from the touch surface 321 to connect with the end of the outer cover part 333 near the insulating surface. The insulating member 32 is connected to the insulating bracket 33.

[0052] Optionally, the shape of the conductive element 31 matches the shape of the receiving cavity, so that the receiving cavity defined by the insulating element 32 and the insulating support 33 can be utilized, such as Figure 3 As shown, the conductive element 31 is reliably fixed, and the structural compactness is improved.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outer cover 333 can be placed over the conductive spring 4. Thus, the outer cover 333 can also protect the conductive spring 4 from contact with the outside world as much as possible, and avoid the conductive spring 4 from contacting other conductive media, which would affect the detection accuracy and thus improve the reliability of the judgment.

[0054] Optionally, the shape of the outer cover 333 matches the shape of the conductive spring 4, thereby improving the structural compactness while avoiding interference from the outer cover 333 on the deformation of the conductive spring 4, and improving the tactile feel of the button device 100.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the insulating support 33 may further include a connecting portion 334, which connects the support portion 331 and the outer cover portion 333. For example, the connecting portion 334 connects the outer wall of the support portion 331 and the inner wall of the outer cover portion 333. In the axial direction of the support portion 331, the conductive spring 4 and the conductive member 31 are respectively placed on both sides of the connecting portion 334. A clearance hole 3341 is formed on the connecting portion 334. The conductive member 31 further includes a second conductive portion 312, which is connected to the side of the first conductive portion 311 facing the circuit board 1. The second conductive portion 312 passes through the clearance hole 3341 and is electrically connected to the conductive spring 4.

[0056] Therefore, the connection between the outer cover 333 and the support column 331 can be achieved simply and effectively, ensuring electrical conductivity between the conductive element 31 and the conductive spring 4. This facilitates processing and design. Furthermore, by providing the connecting part 334 to connect the outer cover 333 and the support column 331, the stability of the outer cover 333 and the support column 331 can be improved respectively, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the insulating support 33 and improving its support and protection of the conductive element 31 and the conductive spring 4. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this; the support column 331 or the outer cover 333 can be designed with more complex structural forms to achieve the connection between the two, which will not be elaborated here.

[0057] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 334 includes multiple sub-portions 3342, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the support portion 331. A clearance hole 3341 is formed between each pair of adjacent sub-portions 3342, and a second conductive portion 312 passes through at least two of the clearance holes 3341. It is worth noting that there are at least two clearance holes 3341. When there are only two clearance holes 3341, each clearance hole 3341 contains a second conductive portion 312. When there are more than two clearance holes 3341, two or more clearance holes 3341 may each contain a second conductive portion 312. This improves the stability and reliability of electrical conduction. Optionally, each clearance hole 3341 may contain a second conductive portion 312, meaning the number of clearance holes 3341 and second conductive portions 312 is the same, and the multiple second conductive portions 312 correspond one-to-one with the multiple clearance holes 3341. This can improve the stability and reliability of electrical conduction.

[0058] Optionally, the clearance hole 3341 is matched with the shape of the second conductive part 312 so that the connecting part 334 restricts the circumferential rotation of the conductive member 31 relative to the support part 331. This improves the operational stability of the conductive member 31, avoids problems such as poor electrical conductivity between the second conductive part 312 and the conductive spring 4 due to rotation of the conductive member 31, and thus improves the stability of the detection.

[0059] Optionally, in the circumferential direction of the support portion 331, the arc length of any second conductive portion 312 is greater than the arc length of each sub-portion 3342, thereby reducing the stress on the second conductive portion 312, improving the structural reliability of the second conductive portion 312, and further improving the stability and reliability of the electrical conduction between the conductive component 31 and the conductive spring 4.

[0060] Optionally, each sub-part 3342 has the same shape and size and is evenly spaced along the circumference of the support part 331, so that the multiple second conductive parts 312 have the same shape and size, which simplifies the design and manufacturing process, eliminates the need for special alignment, and facilitates assembly. In addition, it is worth noting that the support part 331 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the cross-section can be polygonal, elliptical, or even irregular, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-section of the support portion 331 is used as the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the support end 332 is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive portion 311. That is, the area of ​​the support end 332 is smaller than the area of ​​the first conductive portion 311, and the coverage area of ​​the first conductive portion 311 is larger than the coverage area of ​​the support end 332. Therefore, the support end 332 can provide better and more reliable support for the first conductive portion 311, and the larger dimension to the conductive portion improves the contact yield with the touch surface 321 of the insulating member 32, thereby improving the accuracy of the judgment. Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the conductive spring 4 toward the axial end of the first conductive portion 311 can be located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive portion 311, thus ensuring that the conductive spring 4 only needs to be a common cylindrical spring, without the need for special design and processing.

[0062] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, a groove 323 is formed on the surface of the touch face 321 opposite to the first conductive part 311, which serves as an anti-slip surface, allowing the user to touch the touch face 321 of the insulating member 32 more stably. Furthermore, taking the cross-section of the support portion 331 as a projection plane, the orthographic projection of the support end 332 lies within the orthographic projection range of the groove 323, and the orthographic projection of the groove 323 also lies within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive part 311.

[0063] In other words, the area of ​​the support end 332 is smaller than the area of ​​the groove 323, and the coverage area of ​​the groove 323 is larger than the coverage area of ​​the support end 332. Simultaneously, the area of ​​the groove 323 is smaller than the area of ​​the first conductive part 311, and the coverage area of ​​the first conductive part 311 is larger than the coverage area of ​​the groove 323. Therefore, the size of the groove 323 is neither too large nor too small, allowing the support end 332 to effectively provide support while ensuring a relatively large conductive part, which improves the contact yield between the conductive part and the touch surface 321 of the insulating member 32, thereby improving the accuracy of the judgment.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3As shown, the support column 331 can be a hollow column, and the other axial end of the support column 331 away from the support end 332 is open. This saves material on the support column 331, facilitates its processing, improves the flexibility of the button assembly 3 when touched, and enhances the tactile feel.

[0065] Furthermore, when the conductive member 31 includes a plurality of second conductive portions 312 and the plurality of second conductive portions 312 are respectively inserted into the plurality of clearance holes 3341, the plurality of second conductive portions 312 are arranged around the support portion 331. The end of the support portion 331 facing the first conductive portion 311 can be set to a form in which the cross-section gradually tapers towards the first conductive portion 311, thereby playing a guiding role and facilitating the assembly of the support portion 331 and the conductive member 31.

[0066] Furthermore, when the conductive spring 4 is sleeved on the support portion 331, the end of the support portion 331 facing away from the first conductive portion 311 can be set to have a cross-section that tapers away from the first conductive portion 311, thereby serving as a guide and facilitating the assembly of the support portion 331 and the conductive spring 4.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the conductive support 2 may include a sleeve portion 21, and the conductive spring 4 is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve portion 21. Therefore, the sleeve portion 21 can be used to limit and support the conductive spring 4, reducing the difficulty of assembling the conductive support 2 and the conductive spring 4, improving the assembly efficiency of the conductive support 2 and the conductive spring 4, and reducing the actual difficulty and processing difficulty of the conductive spring 4.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the conductive support 2 also includes an expanding portion 22 coaxially disposed with the sleeve portion 21. One axial end of the expanding portion 22 is disposed close to the circuit board 1, and the other axial end is disposed away from the circuit board 1. For example, the axial direction of the expanding portion 22 is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the circuit board 1. The cross-section of the expanding portion 22 gradually decreases along the direction away from the circuit board 1. The sleeve portion 21 is connected to the end of the expanding portion 22 away from the circuit board 1, and the axial end of the conductive spring 4 close to the circuit board 1 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the expanding portion 22. That is, the sleeve portion 21 is located on the side of the expanding portion 22 away from the circuit board 1, and the axial end of the sleeve portion 21 close to the expanding portion 22 is connected to the axial end of the expanding portion 22 close to the sleeve portion 21.

[0069] Therefore, by abutting the end of the conductive spring 4 away from the conductive element 31 against the outer peripheral surface of the expanded cylinder 22, the axial limiting and support of the conductive spring 4 can be achieved simply and effectively, reducing assembly difficulty, simplifying structure and processing. Moreover, the contact stability between the conductive bracket 2 and the conductive spring 4 is good, which can improve the reliability of electrical conduction between the conductive bracket 2 and the conductive spring 4. In addition, the structural stability of the conductive bracket 2 of this type is good, which can improve the reliability and stability of the conductive bracket 2 in supporting the conductive spring 4 and improve the feel.

[0070] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the conductive support 2 also includes an end plate portion 23 and a support foot portion 24. The end plate portion 23 is connected to the outer periphery of the end of the expanded cylindrical portion 22 near the circuit board 1. The support foot portion 24 extends from the edge of the end plate portion 23 toward the circuit board 1 and is supported on the circuit board 1, so that the end plate portion 23 and the circuit board 1 are in clearance fit. Thus, on the one hand, the support foot portion 24 can be used to achieve a fixed connection with the circuit board 1; on the other hand, the support foot portion 24 can be used to achieve electrical conduction with the circuit board 1; furthermore, the contact support between the support foot portion 24 and the circuit board 1 reduces the contact and force exerted by the conductive support 2 on the circuit board 1, thereby protecting the circuit board 1.

[0071] Optionally, the support leg 24 can be fixedly connected to the circuit board 1 by means of screwing or welding, thereby achieving electrical conduction at the same time and simplifying processing and assembly.

[0072] The conductive spring 4 described herein can be a helical spring, thereby enabling a sleeved fit with the support column 331 and the conductive bracket 2. In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, when the conductive spring 4 is a helical spring, and one axial end of the conductive spring 4 is close to the circuit board 1 while the other axial end is far from the circuit board 1, the conductive spring 4 may include a first spring segment 41, a second spring segment 42, and a third spring segment 43 connected along the axial direction of the conductive spring 4. The second spring segment 42 is located on the side of the first spring segment 41 that is close to the circuit board 1, and the third spring segment 43 is connected between the first spring segment 41 and the second spring segment 42. The diameter of the second spring segment 42 is larger than the diameter of the first spring segment 41. The second spring segment 42 is sleeved outside the sleeve portion 21. The button assembly 3 includes a support portion 331, and the first spring segment 41 is sleeved outside the support portion 331. Therefore, the conductive spring 4 has strong stability, good elastic change effect, and is not easily deflected radially, improving the operating feel. Moreover, this type of conductive spring 4 is easy to process, requires no special manufacturing, and has low cost.

[0073] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, combined with Figures 3-5As shown, when the button assembly 3 includes an outer cover 333 covering the conductive spring 4, the outer cover 333 can be configured to fit the conductive spring 4 in a shape that is substantially compatible with it. For example, the outer cover 333 may include a first cover 3331 and a second cover 3332. The first cover 3331 is cylindrical, and the second cover 3332 is conical. The first cover 3331 and the second cover 3332 are coaxially arranged. The second cover 3332 is connected to the side of the first cover 3331 near the circuit board 1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cover 3332 gradually increases along the direction near the circuit board 1. Thus, the outer cover 333 can effectively avoid and protect the conductive spring 4. Moreover, when the conductive support 2 includes the aforementioned expanded cylindrical portion 22, as the conductive spring 4 is compressed, the second cover 3332 and the expanded cylindrical portion 22 are always in a clearance fit, thereby avoiding mutual interference between the outer cover 333 and the expanded cylindrical portion 22, and thus improving the movement flexibility of the button assembly 3.

[0074] Furthermore, in the two embodiments described above, the cooperation and connection relationship between the support portion 331 and the outer cover portion 333 can be referred to, but not limited to, the descriptions in other paragraphs of this document, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0076] Specifically, the electronic device may include a device body and a button device 100, wherein the button device 100 is disposed on the device body and is a button device 100 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention. This improves the overall touch performance of the electronic device.

[0077] It should be noted that the specific type of the device is not limited; for example, it can be an AR or VR device, which may include a helmet and a controller. The button device 100 can be located in the helmet or controller or other desired positions, thereby improving the overall touch experience of the electronic device. When the user cannot see the device itself because they are wearing a helmet, the elastic feedback of the conductive spring 4 allows the user to perceive the effect of the button device 100 being pressed, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0078] Furthermore, once the specific type of the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present invention is determined, other components and operations of the device body are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0079] The button device 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0080] The button device 100 includes: a circuit board 1, a conductive support 2, a button assembly 3, and a conductive spring 4, wherein the button assembly 3 includes: a conductive element 31, an insulating element 32, and an insulating support 33.

[0081] Circuit board 1 can be a PCBA, serving as a carrier for electronic components.

[0082] The insulating component 32 includes a touch face 321, which is the part of the button device 100 that comes into contact with and is pressed by the user's fingers. The insulating component 32 can be made of silicone or similar materials, thus providing good insulation performance, a good tactile feel, and resistance to impact damage, resulting in a long service life. Of course, the invention is not limited to this; the insulating component 32 can also be made of rubber, glass, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0083] The conductive component 31, the conductive spring 4, and the conductive support 2 are all made of metal as components of the charge path, and have good structural reliability and long service life. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this; the conductive component 31, the conductive spring 4, and the conductive support 2 can also be made of other conductive materials, such as conductive plastics, conductive rubber, etc.

[0084] The insulating bracket 33 serves as the base of the button assembly 3, used to install and support the conductive component 31, the insulating component 32, etc. It can be made of plastic, thus providing good insulation, support, and protection performance, while also being low in cost, lightweight, and highly reliable. Of course, the invention is not limited to this; the insulating bracket 33 can also be made of plastic, wood, etc.

[0085] Therefore, since all components are made of common materials and the structure is simple, no special materials or special designs are required, thus reducing costs.

[0086] To enable the touch function of the button device 100, a conductive element 31 is assembled or embedded inside the insulating element 32 and the insulating bracket 33, and electrically connected to the circuit board 1 through the conductive spring 4 and the conductive bracket 2, thereby realizing the charge path. In this way, the charge change of the touch surface 321 of the insulating element 32 can be sensed. Then, through software detection, it is determined whether the user has touched the surface of the touch surface 321, thus realizing the touch function of the button device 100.

[0087] The manufacturing method of the button device 100 in this embodiment is not limited. For example, each component can be manufactured using appropriate manufacturing methods such as injection molding, metal machining, sheet metal processing, spring fabrication, PCBA fabrication, etc. During assembly, on the one hand, the conductive spring 4 and the conductive bracket 2 can be assembled into a whole and then fixed onto the circuit board 1 to form a first semi-finished product. On the other hand, the conductive component 31 can be combined with the insulating bracket 33 by assembly or insert injection molding to form a second semi-finished product. Then, the insulating component 32 can be combined with the second semi-finished product by fitting, two-color injection molding, or insert injection molding to form a complete button assembly 3. Afterward, the button assembly 3 is combined with the first semi-finished product to complete the assembly of the button device 100.

[0088] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the parts or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0089] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0090] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0092] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions 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 combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0093] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A button device, characterized in that, include: A circuit board, on which a capacitance sensor is provided; A conductive bracket, which is fixed to the circuit board and electrically connected to the capacitance sensor; A button assembly is movable relative to the conductive support. The button assembly includes a conductive element and an insulating element. The conductive element includes a first conductive portion, and the insulating element includes a touch surface, which covers the outside of the first conductive portion. A conductive spring is sandwiched between the conductive bracket and the button assembly, and is electrically connected to both the conductive bracket and the conductive component. The conductive support includes a sleeve portion, and the conductive spring is sleeved outside the sleeve portion; The conductive support also includes an expansion section coaxially disposed with the sleeve section. The cross-section of the expansion section gradually decreases along the direction away from the circuit board. The sleeve section is connected to the end of the expansion section away from the circuit board. The axial end of the conductive spring near the circuit board abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the expansion section.

2. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button assembly also includes: An insulating bracket is connected to the insulating component, and the insulating bracket includes a support column, one axial end of which is a support end, and the first conductive part is sandwiched between the support end and the touch surface.

3. The button device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive spring is sleeved on the outside of the support column.

4. The button device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating support also includes: The outer cover portion has a support portion disposed inside and connected to the outer cover portion. The outer cover portion is connected to the insulating member so that a receiving cavity is defined between the insulating support and the insulating member. The conductive member is disposed in the receiving cavity.

5. The button device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer cover is fitted over the conductive spring.

6. The button device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insulating support also includes: A connecting portion is provided between the support portion and the outer cover portion. In the axial direction of the support portion, the conductive spring and the conductive element are respectively placed on both sides of the connecting portion. A clearance hole is formed on the connecting portion. The conductive element also includes a second conductive portion. The second conductive portion is connected to the side of the first conductive portion facing the circuit board. The second conductive portion passes through the clearance hole and is electrically connected to the conductive spring.

7. The button device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting portion includes multiple sub-parts, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the support portion. A clearance hole is formed between each pair of adjacent sub-parts, and the second conductive portion passes through at least two of the clearance holes.

8. The button device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clearance hole matches the shape of the second conductive part so that the connecting part restricts the circumferential rotation of the conductive member relative to the support part.

9. The button device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Using the cross-section of the support portion as the projection plane, the orthographic projection of the support end is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive portion, and the orthographic projection of the axial end of the conductive spring facing the first conductive portion is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive portion.

10. The button device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A groove is formed on the side of the touch face that is away from the first conductive part. In the projection plane, the orthographic projection of the support end is located within the orthographic projection range of the groove, and the orthographic projection of the groove is located within the orthographic projection range of the first conductive part.

11. The button device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support column is a hollow column, and the other axial end of the support column away from the supporting end is open.

12. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive support also includes an end plate portion and a support foot portion. The end plate portion is connected to the outer periphery of one end of the expansion cylinder portion near the circuit board. The support foot portion extends from the edge of the end plate portion toward the circuit board and is supported on the circuit board, so that the end plate portion and the circuit board are in clearance fit.

13. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive spring includes a first spring segment, a second spring segment, and a third spring segment connected along the axial direction of the conductive spring. The second spring segment is located on the side of the first spring segment closer to the circuit board. The third spring segment is connected between the first spring segment and the second spring segment. The diameter of the second spring segment is larger than the diameter of the first spring segment. The second spring segment is sleeved outside the sleeve portion. The button assembly includes a support portion, and the first spring segment is sleeved outside the support portion.

14. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The device body and the button device, wherein the button device is disposed on the device body and is a button device according to any one of claims 1-13.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The device body includes a helmet part and a handle part, and the button device is located in the handle part.

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