Button

Abstract

A button comprises a substrate, a frame body, a cover plate, an elastic conductive piece and a sensing switch. The frame body is arranged on the substrate, and an opening is formed in the side, away from the substrate, of the frame body. The cover plate is movably arranged at the opening. The elastic conductive member is arranged between the substrate and the cover plate and is surrounded by the frame body. The sensing switch is electrically connected with the elastic conductive part and is suitable for generating a first control signal. The sensing switch forms a sensing area on the side, away from the substrate, of the cover plate through the elastic conductive piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a button, and more particularly to a button with a non-contact button function. Background Art

[0002] Buttons are common signal input devices, and users can input signals by pressing buttons. For hygienic considerations, some current buttons have the function of inputting commands through non-contact sensing methods such as infrared rays and ultrasonic waves. Among various non-contact sensing methods, the capacitive sensing method that generates signals by sensing changes in the electric field has development potential because it has good reliability in mechanical structure and can sense a variety of objects.

[0003] The capacitive sensing switch includes a switch using an ITO electrode. The ITO electrode has the advantage of a small thickness, but since the structure of the ITO electrode in the wire part is relatively fragile compared to general wires, it is likely to affect the usability and durability of the button. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a button with the function of a non-contact button, and has a simple structure, easy to repair and assemble.

[0005] To achieve the above advantages, an embodiment of the present invention provides a button, including: a substrate, a frame, a cover plate, an elastic conductive member, a contact switch, and a sensing switch. The frame is disposed on the substrate and has an opening on a side away from the substrate. The cover plate is movably disposed in the opening. The elastic conductive member is disposed between the substrate and the cover plate and is surrounded by the frame. The sensing switch is electrically connected to the elastic conductive member and is adapted to generate a first control signal. The sensing switch forms a sensing area on a side of the cover plate away from the substrate through the elastic conductive member.

[0006] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned elastic conductive member is an elastic conductive pin.

[0007] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned elastic conductive member is a spring.

[0008] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned elastic conductive member is a tapered spring that tapers from the cover plate towards the substrate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned button further includes a cover plate lighting member, and the lighting member is disposed on the substrate and surrounded by the spring.

[0010] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned cover plate is a light-transmissive plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned button further includes a contact switch, which is disposed on the substrate and within the frame, and the contact switch is adapted to be pushed by the cover plate to generate a second control signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned button further includes a middle frame disposed within the frame body and located between the substrate and the cover plate, and adapted to be pushed by the cover plate to contact the touch switch.

[0013] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned middle frame has a body and a plurality of elastic arms extending from the body towards the substrate, and adapted to create a gap between the body and the touch switch. The body contacts the cover plate and is adapted to be pushed by the cover plate to contact the touch switch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned elastic conductive member has a conductive frame and a plurality of conductive elastic arms extending from the conductive frame towards the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate, and adapted to create a gap between the conductive frame and the touch switch. The conductive frame contacts the cover plate and is adapted to form a sensing area, and the conductive frame is also adapted to be pushed by the cover plate to contact the touch switch.

[0015] Through the above description, since the button of the present invention uses the elastic conductive member as the medium for generating the sensing area required for the sensing switch, the number of components of the button can be reduced, the structure of the button can be simplified, and thus it is easy to repair and assemble.

[0016] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic view of a button according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the button of the embodiment along the A-A section line;

[0019] Figure 3 、 Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic operation view of the button of the embodiment along the A-A section line;

[0020] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a schematic operation view of the optical imaging component in the embodiment;

[0021] Figures 6 to 9 is a schematic view of the sensing area of the button according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Among them, reference numerals:

[0023] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d: button

[0024] 2: substrate

[0025] 21: light-emitting element

[0026] 3: frame body

[0027] 31: Opening

[0028] 32: Guide rail

[0029] 4: Cover plate

[0030] 41: Pressing member

[0031] 411: Pressing part

[0032] 412: Outer flange

[0033] 413: Fixed block

[0034] 413a: Claw

[0035] 414: Guide block

[0036] 42: Optical imaging assembly

[0037] 421: Lens array

[0038] 422: Imaging unit

[0039] 423: Optical path conversion unit

[0040] 5, 5a, 5b: Elastic conductive member

[0041] 6: Contact switch

[0042] 7, 7a: Sensing switch

[0043] 8, 8a: Middle frame

[0044] 81: Body

[0045] 81a: Conductive frame

[0046] 82: Elastic arm

[0047] 82a: Conductive elastic arm

[0048] 9: Decorative panel

[0049] 91: Opening

[0050] R1, R2, R3, R4, R5: Sensing area

[0051] P: Suspended optical image

[0052] L: Light beam

[0053] D: Thickness direction

[0054] A - A: Section line Detailed implementation manner

[0055] The structural principle and working principle of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0056] In the following text, for the terms used in the description of the embodiments according to the present invention, such as "upper", "lower", etc., which describe the orientation or positional relationship, are described based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the used drawings. The above terms are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and do not limit the present invention, that is, they do not indicate or imply that the mentioned elements must include a specific orientation or be constructed in a specific orientation. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in this specification or the scope of the patent application are only used to name the elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, rather than to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

[0057] Figure 1 FIG. is an exploded view of a button according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the button of the embodiment along the A-A section line. Among them, the size of the sensing area shown in each figure in the following description is only for illustration, and the actual size of the sensing area can be adjusted according to requirements. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the button 1 of this embodiment includes: a substrate 2, a frame 3, a cover plate 4, an elastic conductive member 5, and a sensing switch 7. The frame 3 is disposed on the substrate 2 and has an opening 31 on a side away from the substrate 2. The cover plate 4 is movably disposed in the opening 31. The elastic conductive member 5 is connected between the substrate 2 and the cover plate 4 and is disposed within the frame 3. The sensing switch 7 is electrically connected to the elastic conductive member 5 and is adapted to generate a first control signal. The sensing switch 7 forms a sensing area R1 on a side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2 through the elastic conductive member 5 (see Figure 2 ).

[0058] According to the present invention, the installation object of the button 1 is not limited. For example, but not limited to, an elevator or other operable device. When installed, the button 1 is, for example, installed on the trim plate 9 of the elevator ( Figure 2 ) and the cover plate 4 is exposed through the opening 91 on the trim plate 9.

[0059] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the substrate 2 is adapted to directly or indirectly carry the various elements required for the button 1. These elements include the aforementioned frame 3, cover plate 4, elastic conductive member 5, and sensing switch 7. The substrate 2 is, for example, but not limited to, a printed circuit board (PCB). The shape and size of the substrate 2 are not limited and can, for example, correspond to the shape of the frame 3 according to requirements.

[0060] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the housing 3 is adapted to accommodate the cover plate 4 and the elastic conductive member 5, and is fixed to the decorative panel 9 when installing the button 1, for example, but not limited thereto. The material of the housing 3 is, for example, plastic. The housing 3 is, for example, a rectangular frame but can be set according to requirements. The size of the housing 3 is not particularly limited. For example, the size of the opening 31 of the housing 3 is greater than or equal to the size of the opening 91 on the decorative panel 9 (such as Figure 2 ).

[0061] Such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the cover plate 4 covers the opening 31 and is adapted to prevent and protect the elastic conductive member 5 from being exposed. In this embodiment, the cover plate 4 is also adapted to form a pattern indicating the intention of the control button 1, but the method will be described in detail later.

[0062] Such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5 is connected between the substrate 2 and the cover plate 4. The elastic conductive member 5 is, for example, a spring fixed on the substrate 2. Specifically, the elastic conductive member 5 is, for example, connected to the substrate 2 and corresponds to the center of the cover plate 4. In the thickness direction D of the button 1, the length of the elastic conductive member 5 when not subjected to an external force is, for example, slightly longer than or equal to the distance between the cover plate 4 and the substrate 2, which can prevent the elastic conductive member 5 from separating from the substrate 2 or moving inside the button 1 and affecting the position of the sensing range R1.

[0063] Such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the sensing switch 7 is, for example, mounted on the substrate 2. The mounting position of the sensing switch 7 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be on one side surface of the substrate 2 away from the housing 3, but not limited thereto. The sensing switch 7 is, for example, a capacitive sensing switch. Specifically, the sensing switch 7, for example, includes an oscillation circuit (not shown in the figure), and can sense whether an object approaches the button 1 by sensing the changes caused after an object with static electricity enters the electric field range (including the sensing area R1) it sets, such as changes in the oscillation frequency, etc. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sensing area R1 of the sensing switch 7 is, for example, formed only through the elastic conductive member 5 as a medium on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2.

[0064] Such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the button 1, for example, further includes a contact switch 6. The contact switch 6 is disposed on the substrate 2 and within the housing 3, and is adapted to generate a second control signal when pushed by the cover plate 4. By providing the contact switch 6, the button 1 can be used as a button that can generate a control signal both by pressing and by a non-contact method.

[0065] The contact switch 6 is, for example, a tactile switch (or a touch switch), and is adapted to generate a second control signal when pressed or contacted. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the contact switch 6 generates a second control signal, for example, after being contact-pushed by the middle frame 8 (described in detail later) driven by the cover plate 4. However, in other embodiments, since the shape of the cover plate 4 is not particularly limited, in some embodiments, the contact switch 6 may also generate a second control signal after being directly pushed by the cover plate 4.

[0066] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in the present embodiment, the button further includes, for example, a middle frame 8. The middle frame 8 is located within the frame body 3 and between the substrate 2 and the cover plate 4, and surrounds the elastic conductive member 5. The middle frame 8 may be made of an elastic material, for example, plastic.

[0067] Figure 3 、 Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the operation of the button of the embodiment along the A-A section line. Specifically, the middle frame 8 has, for example, a body 81 and a plurality of elastic arms 82 surrounding the body 81. The body 81 is adapted to contact the cover plate 4 when not subjected to an external force, and when the cover plate 4 moves, it is pushed by the cover plate 4 to contact the contact switch 6. The shape of the body 81 is, for example, rectangular, and the position of the body 81 is, for example, above the contact switch 6 in the pressing direction (the same as the thickness direction D of the button 1).

[0068] In the thickness direction D, the elastic arms 82 are located on the side of the body 81 close to the substrate 2, and extend obliquely from the body 81 toward the substrate 2 with respect to the thickness direction D. The elastic arms 82 may be integrally formed with the body 81, as Figure 2 shown. With this structure, when the button 1 is not subjected to an external force, the body 81 of the middle frame 8 can contact the bottom of the cover plate 4, and on the side away from the cover plate 4, it is supported on the substrate 2 by the elastic arms 82 and is spaced from the contact switch 6. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, when the middle frame 8 is pushed by the cover plate 4, by changing the shape of the elastic arms 82, the body 81 can contact and press the contact switch 6. It should be understood that in some embodiments, by changing the cover plate 4 or changing the shape of the detailed components of the contact switch 6, the button 1 may not include the middle frame 8.

[0069] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the button further includes a light-emitting member 21, for example. The light-emitting member 21 is mounted on the substrate 2 and is adapted to project a light beam L towards the opening 31. The light-emitting member 21 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), and the wavelength range of the light beam L is, for example, within the wavelength range of visible light, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the number of the light-emitting members 21 is, for example, plural, and the number and arrangement can be set according to requirements.

[0070] In this embodiment, since the elastic conductive member 5 is a spring and has voids, it is not easy to affect the optical path direction of the light-emitting member 21. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5 can be arranged around the light-emitting member 21, or can be surrounded by other light-emitting members 21.

[0071] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the cover plate 4 covers the opening 31. In this embodiment, since the button 1 has the function of a touch button, the cover plate 4 is also adapted to contact the user's finger and is adapted to move towards the substrate 2 when pushed by the finger, so as to trigger the touch switch 6. In addition, in this embodiment, the cover plate 4 is, for example, a light-transmissive member and includes a pressing member 41 and an optical imaging assembly 42.

[0072] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the pressing member 41 is located on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2 and is adapted to contact the user's finger and protect the optical imaging assembly 42. The pressing member 41 is, for example, formed by plastic injection molding. In terms of the specific shape, the pressing member 41 includes, for example, a pressing portion 411 and an outer flange 412. The pressing portion 411 is, for example, circular corresponding to and similar to the shape of the opening 91 on the decorative plate 9. The outer flange 412 surrounds the pressing portion 411, corresponds to the shape of the opening 31 of the frame body 3, and can cover the entire opening 31. As Figure 2 shown, in the thickness direction D, the thickness of the pressing portion 411 can be greater than the thickness of the outer flange 412. When combined, the surface of the pressing portion 411 can be aligned with the surface of the decorative plate 9.

[0073] In this embodiment, the pressing member 41 includes, for example, a fixing block 413 and a guiding block 414. The fixing block 413 is adapted to fix the optical imaging assembly 42. The fixing block 413 extends from the outer flange 412 towards the substrate 2 along the thickness direction D, and a claw 413a is provided at one end. The claw 413a is used to snap the optical imaging assembly 42. The guiding block 414 is disposed on the wall surface of the fixing block 413 away from the pressing portion 411 and is adapted to slide in the guide rail 32 on the inner wall surface of the frame body 3 during combination. In this embodiment, when sliding, the guiding block 414 can be caught on the wall surface of the end of the guide rail 32 away from the substrate 2 to prevent the cover plate 4 from detaching from the opening 31.

[0074] It should be understood that the shapes and structures of the various pressing members 41 can be configured according to needs and are not limited to the above examples.

[0075] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the operation of the optical imaging assembly in the embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the optical imaging component 42 is disposed on the side of the pressing member 41 close to the substrate 2 through a fixing block 413, and is suitable for forming a suspended optical image P on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2. The shape of the optical imaging component 42 corresponds to the shape of the pressing member 41, but is not limited thereto. The optical imaging component 42 includes, for example, a lens array 421, an imaging unit 422, and an optical path conversion unit 423 in sequence in the direction toward the substrate 2.

[0076] The lens array 421 is located on the side of the optical imaging component 42 away from the substrate 2. The lens array 421 is, for example, a lens array composed of a plurality of biconvex lenses, which is suitable for allowing the light beam L passing through the imaging unit 422 to form a three-dimensional image. The lens array 421 can determine the imaging position of the suspended optical image P, such as the position corresponding to the sensing area R1. In other embodiments not shown in the figure, the lens array 421 can also be a single-sided convex lens array, which can be set according to needs. There is no limitation on the material of the lens array 421, such as glass or transparent acrylic resin.

[0077] The imaging unit 422 is disposed on the side of the lens array 421 facing the substrate 2. The imaging unit 422 is, for example, a negative film, a mask or a layer film with a preset pattern, but is not limited thereto. The preset pattern on the imaging unit 422 corresponds to the suspended optical image P to be presented after the light beam L passes through the optical imaging component 42. The image content of the suspended optical image P is not limited, for example, it corresponds to the pattern required by the device where the button 1 is installed, such as a number indicating the elevator floor or a pattern indicating the intention of the operation instruction input through the button 1 (such as the opening and closing of the door).

[0078] The light path conversion unit 423 is disposed on a side of the optical imaging component 42 close to the substrate 2. The light path conversion unit 423 is suitable for diffusing and / or converting the light beam L into a parallel light beam to improve the brightness of the suspended optical image P. The light path conversion unit 423 is, for example, a Fresnel lens, but is not limited thereto. The material of the light path conversion unit 423 may be the same as the material of the lens array 421, but is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, if a plurality of light emitting elements 21 are provided on the substrate 2 to provide uniform illumination, the optical imaging component 42 may not have the light path conversion unit 423.

[0079] Figures 6 to 9 Schematic diagram of button sensing area in other embodiments.Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the position and size of the sensing area R1 can be determined according to the position of the elastic conductive member 5 or the performance (sensitivity) of the sensing switch 7. Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, for example, in the button 1 of this embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5 is installed at the center of the cover plate 4 to form a sensing area R1 at the center, while in Figure 6 the embodiment of, the button 1a can use a sensing switch 7a with a higher sensitivity than the sensing switch 7 to form a sensing area R2 larger than the sensing area R1 at the same location through the same elastic conductive member 5 without changing the design or position of the elastic conductive member 5. However, the way of changing the sensing area is not limited to this.

[0080] As Figure 7 shown, in an embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5a of the button 1b is, for example, a conical spring that tapers from the cover plate 4 towards the substrate 2, so that the projected area of the side of the elastic conductive member 5a close to the cover plate 4 in the thickness direction D is larger than the projected area of its side close to the substrate 2. Thereby, as Figure 2 and Figure 7 shown, since the projected area of the side of the elastic conductive member 5a of the button 1b close to the cover plate 4 is larger than the projected area of the side of the elastic conductive member 5 of the button 1 close to the cover plate 4, the button 1b can form a sensing area R3 larger than the sensing area R1 of the button 1. It should be understood that the way of changing the size of the sensing area by changing the shape of the elastic conductive member can be combined with the way of changing the sensitivity of the sensing switch 7.

[0081] As Figure 8 shown, in an embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5b of the button 1c is, for example, a plurality of conductive pins (or spring pins, pogo pins) evenly distributed in the housing 3, and the number of the elastic conductive members 5b is increased to increase the sensing area R4. As Figure 2 and Figure 8 shown, since the number of the elastic conductive members 5b of the button 1c is more than the number of the elastic conductive members 5 of the button 1, therefore, the button 1c can form a larger sensing area composed of a plurality of sensing areas R4 together and compared with the button 1 Figure 6 which is larger.

[0082] As Figure 9As shown, in one embodiment, the middle frame 8a of the button 1d can be entirely made of a conductive material. The middle frame 8a includes, for example, a conductive frame 81a (the shape of which can correspond to the body 81) and a conductive elastic arm 82a (corresponding to the elastic arm 82). In this embodiment, the middle frame 8a can be used as an elastic conductive member, and a sensing area R5 is formed through the conductive frame 81a. The middle frame 8a is electrically connected to the substrate 2 and the sensing switch 7 through the conductive elastic arm 82a. In an embodiment not shown in the figure, a frame similar in shape to the middle frame 8a can be first made of a non-conductive material, and then a metal frame suitable for forming a sensing area is provided on the side of this frame in contact with the cover plate 4, and metal contacts for electrically connecting to the substrate 2 are provided on the elastic arms of this frame. Moreover, the metal contacts and the metal frame are electrically connected through wires or conductive patterns on this frame, so as to make a member that is generally similar to the above-mentioned middle frame 8a in terms of function and shape.

[0083] From the above description, it can be seen that in the above-mentioned multiple embodiments, the sensing area can be only related to the elastic conductive member and the sensing switch 7 and has nothing to do with the design of the cover plate 4. In other words, the shape and material of the cover plate 4 can be arbitrarily selected. In addition, since the sensing switch in each of the above embodiments generates a first control signal based on whether an object enters the sensing area. In other words, when the button 1 generates a second control signal through the contact switch 6, without specifically setting relevant control elements, the sensing switch 7 can also generate a first control signal at the same time, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0084] With the above description, since the button of the present invention uses an elastic conductive member as the medium for generating the sensing area required by the sensing switch, the number of components of the button can be reduced, the structure of the button can be simplified, and thus it is easier to repair and assemble. And in the embodiment where a contact switch is provided and the button has both the functions of a contact button and a non-contact button, because the elastic conductive member can simultaneously generate the acting force during the rebound required by the contact switch and can also generate the sensing area required by the sensing switch, the number of components of the button can be further reduced and the structure of the button can be simplified.

[0085] Of course, the present invention can also have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and deformations according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and deformations should all fall within the protection scope of the claims appended to the present invention.

Claims

1. A button, characterized in that: include: a substrate; A frame body is disposed on the substrate, and the frame body has an opening on a side away from the substrate; a cover plate movably disposed on the opening; At least one elastic conductive member is disposed between the substrate and the cover and surrounded by the frame; and A sensing switch is electrically connected to the at least one elastic conductive member and is suitable for generating a first control signal. The sensing switch forms at least one sensing area on a side of the cover plate away from the substrate through the at least one elastic conductive member.

2. The button according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one elastic conductive component is at least one elastic conductive needle.

3. The button according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one elastic conductive component is a spring.

4. The button according to claim 3, characterized in that The at least one elastic conductive component is a conical spring which gradually contracts from the cover plate toward the substrate.

5. The button according to claim 3, characterized in that The cover plate also includes at least one light emitting component, which is arranged on the substrate and surrounded by the spring.

6. The button according to claim 3, characterized in that The cover plate is a light-transmitting plate.

7. The button according to claim 1, characterized in that The invention further comprises a contact switch which is arranged on the substrate and located in the frame. The contact switch is suitable for being pushed by the cover plate to generate a second control signal.

8. The button according to claim 7, characterized in that The invention further comprises a middle frame, which is arranged in the frame body and located between the substrate and the cover plate, and is suitable for being pushed by the cover plate to contact the contact switch.

9. The button according to claim 8, characterized in that The middle frame has a body and a plurality of elastic arms, wherein the elastic arms extend from the body toward the substrate and are suitable for generating a gap between the body and the contact switch. The body contacts the cover plate and is suitable for being pushed by the cover plate to contact the contact switch.

10. The button according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one elastic conductive member has a conductive frame and a plurality of conductive elastic arms, the conductive elastic arms extend from the conductive frame toward the substrate, and are suitable for generating a gap between the conductive frame and the contact switch, the conductive frame contacts the cover plate, and is suitable for forming the sensing area, and the conductive frame is also suitable for being pushed by the cover plate to contact the contact switch.

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