Key structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and discloses a key structure and electronic equipment, and the key structure comprises a panel which is provided with a touch area; the metal electrode is arranged in the touch area, and the metal electrode is used for being in contact with skin tissue of a user to form an access when the user presses the touch area; and the tactile feedback circuit is electrically connected with the metal electrode, and the tactile feedback circuit is used for transmitting a generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path for tactile feedback when the skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode. Compared with the prior art that a large-area panel cannot be driven in an electromagnet or motor vibration mode, the touch feedback can be formed in the mode that the metal electrode outputs current, the obvious touch feedback hand feeling can be achieved under the large-area panel, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a key structure and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the development of automobile technology, people have higher and higher requirements for driving experience and personalization. Currently, tactile feedback is generally provided by vibrating the button surface through an electromagnet or motor.

[0003] However, to meet aesthetic needs, current automotive interiors are trending towards a more integrated and minimalist design. This results in larger and heavier integrated interior button panels. Existing electromagnets or motors may not be able to vibrate such a large panel, resulting in significant energy loss and a lack of clear tactile feedback in the touch area, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to provide a key structure and electronic device, aiming to solve the existing technical problem that when the integrated area of the key panel is large, the vibration method of the electromagnet or motor may not produce a clear tactile feedback feel in the touch area, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present application provides a key structure, which includes:

[0006] A panel having a touch area;

[0007] a metal electrode, the metal electrode being disposed in the touch area and configured to contact the user's skin tissue to form a pathway when the user presses the touch area;

[0008] A tactile feedback circuit is electrically connected to the metal electrode, and is used to transmit a generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path to provide tactile feedback when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit includes: a main control module, a touch detection module, and a current output module;

[0010] The touch detection module is electrically connected to the main control module and the metal electrode respectively, and is configured to output a touch signal to the main control module when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode, so that the main control module outputs a driving signal;

[0011] The current output module is electrically connected to the main control module and the metal electrode respectively. The current output module is used to transmit the generated current signal to the metal electrode when receiving the driving signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the metal electrodes include: a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode;

[0013] The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are both electrically connected to the touch detection module. The touch detection module is also used to transmit the generated excitation signal to the transmitting electrode, and when it is detected that the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode meets a preset touch condition, determine that the skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode.

[0014] In one embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit further includes: a switching module;

[0015] The switching module is electrically connected to the touch detection module and the metal electrode respectively, and the touch detection module is further configured to output a switching signal to the switching module when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode;

[0016] The switching module is also electrically connected to the current output module. When receiving the switching signal, the switching module is configured to connect the loop between the metal electrode and the current output module so that the current output module transmits the generated current signal to the metal electrode.

[0017] In one embodiment, the key structure further includes: a pressure detection component;

[0018] The pressure detection component is arranged on the end surface of the panel away from the touch area;

[0019] The pressure detection component is electrically connected to the tactile feedback circuit, and the pressure detection component is used to detect the pressure value of the touch area and transmit the generated pressure signal to the tactile feedback circuit;

[0020] The tactile feedback circuit is also used to determine whether the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets a preset pressing condition when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode, and when the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets the preset pressing condition, transmit the generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path for tactile feedback.

[0021] In one embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit is further configured to stop outputting the current signal to the skin tissue when the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets a preset release condition.

[0022] In one embodiment, the button structure further includes:

[0023] a circuit board, on which the tactile feedback circuit and the pressure detection component are arranged;

[0024] A support column, one end of which contacts an end surface of the panel facing away from the touch area, and the other end of which contacts the pressure detection component.

[0025] In one embodiment, the button structure further includes:

[0026] A protective film is at least partially provided on the touch area and covers the metal electrode, and the protective film is provided with a through hole corresponding to the metal electrode.

[0027] In one embodiment, the button structure further includes:

[0028] A conductive film is provided in the touch area, the metal electrode is provided on the end surface of the conductive film away from the panel, and the conductive film is electrically connected to the metal electrode and the tactile feedback circuit respectively.

[0029] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes the key structure as described above.

[0030] The present application provides a key structure and an electronic device, the key structure including: a panel having a touch area; a metal electrode disposed in the touch area, the metal electrode being configured to contact the user's skin tissue to form a pathway when the user presses the touch area; and a tactile feedback circuit electrically connected to the metal electrode, the tactile feedback circuit being configured to transmit a generated current signal to the skin tissue through the pathway for tactile feedback when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode.

[0031] Because this application can set up metal electrodes in the touch area of the panel and electrically connect them to the tactile feedback circuit, when the user's skin tissue contacts the metal electrodes, the generated current signal can be transmitted to the skin tissue through the path formed between the metal electrodes and the skin tissue, thereby forming tactile feedback. Compared to existing vibration methods using electromagnets or motors, which cannot drive large-area panels, this application can generate tactile feedback by outputting current through metal electrodes. Even on large-area panels, it can create a noticeable tactile feedback feel, improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the key structure in the first embodiment of the key structure of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an RC circuit formed by skin tissue in the first embodiment of the key structure of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the path structure in the first embodiment of the key structure of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of the tactile feedback circuit in the second embodiment of the key structure of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of the tactile feedback circuit in the third embodiment of the key structure of this application;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the key structure in the third embodiment of the key structure of this application.

[0040] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0041] Label name Label name 1 panel 44 Switching Module 2 Touch area 45 Pressure detection components 3 Metal electrodes 5 circuit board 31 Emitting electrode 6 support column 32 Receiving electrode 7 protective film 4 Haptic feedback circuit 8 through-hole 41 Main control module 9 conductive film 42 Touch detection module 10 LED lights 43 Current output module

[0042] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0044] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0046] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in this field. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0047] It is understandable that with the development of automobile technology, people's requirements for driving experience and personalization are getting higher and higher. The current tactile feedback is generally provided by vibrating the button surface through an electromagnet or motor.

[0048] However, to meet aesthetic needs, current automotive interiors are trending towards a more integrated and minimalist design. This results in larger and heavier integrated interior button panels. Existing electromagnets or motors may not be able to vibrate such a large panel, resulting in significant energy loss and a lack of clear tactile feedback in the touch area, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0049] Therefore, to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, this embodiment provides a key structure. Since this embodiment can provide a metal electrode 3 on the touch area 2 of the panel 1 and electrically connect it to the tactile feedback circuit 4, when the user's skin tissue contacts the metal electrode 3, the generated current signal can be transmitted to the skin tissue through the path formed between the metal electrode 3 and the skin tissue, thereby generating tactile feedback. Compared to existing vibration methods using electromagnets or motors, which cannot drive a large area of the panel 1, this embodiment can generate tactile feedback by outputting current through the metal electrode 3. Even on large-area panels 1, a noticeable tactile feedback feel can be created, thereby improving the user experience.

[0050] For ease of understanding, the following Figures 1 to 6 The key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application is introduced in detail.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the key structure in the first embodiment of the key structure of this application, as shown Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the key structure includes:

[0052] A panel 1, wherein the panel 1 is provided with a touch area 2;

[0053] The metal electrode 3 is provided on the touch area 2 . The metal electrode 3 is used to contact the user's skin tissue to form a path when the user presses the touch area 2 .

[0054] It is understood that the panel 1 can be any support-bearing panel 1. At least a portion of the user-facing side of the panel 1 can serve as the touch area 2, allowing the user to touch and press the button to control the function corresponding to the button. The size of the touch area 2 can be customized based on actual needs and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0055] It is also understandable that the metal electrode 3 can be any electrode with a conductive function, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the metal electrode 3 can be disposed in the touch area 2 on the panel 1 and can be disposed on the surface of the panel 1 facing the user.

[0056] Since the epidermis and dermis of the human finger can be equivalent to a resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the skin tissue forming an RC circuit in the first embodiment of the key structure of this application, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the outermost layer of the skin on the user's finger can be the epidermis, under the epidermis is the dermis, and under the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue. Since the epidermis has certain insulation properties and can store charge, it can be equivalent to an RC parallel circuit (i.e. Figure 2 Middle R M and C M ), and the dermis can have a certain obstruction effect on the current, and thus can be equivalent to a resistor (i.e. Figure 2 Middle R MS Therefore, when the user presses the metal electrode 3 in the touch area 2, it is equivalent to an RC circuit, forming a path together with the metal electrode 3 to transmit current.

[0057] In order to make the metal electrode 3 output current, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned key structure also includes: a tactile feedback circuit 4, which is electrically connected to the metal electrode 3. The tactile feedback circuit 4 is used to transmit the generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path for tactile feedback when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode 3.

[0058] It should be understood that the above current signal can be a signal corresponding to the current. In this embodiment, the above tactile feedback circuit 4 can be electrically connected to the metal electrode 3. When the user touches the touch area 2, the metal electrode 3 in the touch area 2 can contact the user's skin tissue to form a conductive path. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the path structure in the first embodiment of the key structure of this application, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the tactile feedback circuit 4 can transmit the generated current signal to the metal electrode 3, which then transmits the current signal to the skin tissue, thereby providing current stimulation to the skin tissue and simulating real tactile feedback. Therefore, compared to the existing vibration method using electromagnets or motors, which cannot drive the large area of the panel 1, this embodiment can generate tactile feedback by outputting current through the metal electrode 3. Even on a large area of the panel 1, it can also produce a clear tactile feedback feel, thereby improving the user experience.

[0059] It should also be emphasized that the existing tactile feedback brought by electromagnets or motors is relatively simple, that is, vibration feedback. However, since the different current frequencies and different current amplitudes of the above-mentioned current signals in this embodiment can bring different tactile sensations, this embodiment can simulate the touch experience of users touching different materials (such as wood, leather, and metal, etc.) by adjusting the current amplitude and current frequency of the current signal. For example, a low-frequency current signal can make the user feel pressure, and a high-frequency current signal can make the user feel vibration. Specifically, the current amplitude and current frequency can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0060] Furthermore, considering that if the metal electrode 3 is directly exposed on the surface, leakage and the like may occur, the following Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the key structure further includes:

[0061] A protective film 7 is at least partially provided on the touch area 2 and covers the metal electrode 3 . The protective film 7 is provided with a through hole 8 corresponding to the metal electrode 3 .

[0062] It should be noted that the protective film 7 may be any film used to achieve a protective function, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0063] It should also be noted that the protective film 7 may at least partially cover the surface of the metal electrode 3 , and in this embodiment may completely cover the touch area 2 , that is, the metal electrode 3 may be disposed between the panel 1 and the protective film 7 , thereby providing more comprehensive protection.

[0064] It should be emphasized that, since the metal electrode 3 cannot directly contact the user's skin tissue to form a path when the user presses the touch area 2 after the protective film 7 is covered, as an implementation method, the protective film 7 can be made of a conductive material. Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of through holes 8 can be provided on the protective film 7. These through holes 8 can be micro-holes made using high-precision laser processing equipment, and these micro-holes can be provided at least at the locations of the protective film 7 corresponding to the metal electrodes 3. When the user presses the touch area 2, the current signal can be transmitted through the micro-holes to the user's skin tissue to form a pathway.

[0065] It is understood that in order to make the function of the key clear to the user, in this embodiment, a key icon corresponding to the function can be drawn on the side of the protective film 7 facing the user. As another implementation method, since the through hole 8 is provided in the protective film 7, the key icon can be directly formed by directly using the through hole 8. That is, a hole is opened in the format of the key icon using laser processing equipment so that it can be placed on the protective film 7 corresponding to the metal electrode 3 and can form the key icon.

[0066] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the electrical connection between the metal electrode 3 and the tactile feedback circuit 4, continue as follows Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the key structure further includes:

[0067] The conductive film 9 is provided on the touch area 2 , the metal electrode 3 is provided on the end surface of the conductive film 9 facing away from the panel 1 , and the conductive film 9 is electrically connected to the metal electrode 3 and the tactile feedback circuit 4 respectively.

[0068] It should be understood that the conductive film 9 can be any thin film with conductive function, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film 9, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. In this embodiment, the conductive film 9 can be set at least in the touch area 2, and of course it can also be set in the area outside the touch area 2, and this embodiment does not limit this. And the metal electrode 3 can be set at the corresponding position of the touch area 2 on the side of the conductive film 9 facing the user, that is, Figure 3 As shown, from top to bottom, there are protective film 7, metal electrode 3, conductive film 9, and panel 1. Wiring can also be arranged on the conductive film 9 to electrically connect the metal electrode 3 to the tactile feedback circuit 4. The protective film 7 and the conductive film 9 can be pressed together using conductive adhesive.

[0069] Furthermore, in actual use, the tactile feedback circuit 4 can transmit the generated current signal to the metal electrode 3 through the conductive film 9 .

[0070] In this embodiment, metal electrodes 3 are provided on touch area 2 of panel 1 and electrically connected to tactile feedback circuit 4. When the user's skin tissue contacts metal electrodes 3, the generated current signal is transmitted to the skin tissue through the path formed between metal electrodes 3 and the skin tissue, thereby generating tactile feedback. Compared to existing methods using electromagnets or motors to vibrate, which cannot drive large-area panels 1, this embodiment generates tactile feedback by outputting current through metal electrodes 3. Even on large-area panels 1, this can create a noticeable tactile feedback feel, thereby improving the user experience.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of the tactile feedback circuit 4 in the second embodiment of the key structure of the present application. Based on the above-mentioned first embodiment, the second embodiment of the key structure of the present application is proposed.

[0072] In order to enable the tactile feedback circuit 4 to output a current signal, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit 4 includes: a main control module 41, a touch detection module 42 and a current output module 43;

[0073] The touch detection module 42 is electrically connected to the main control module 41 and the metal electrode 3 respectively. The touch detection module 42 is used to output a touch signal to the main control module 41 when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode 3, so that the main control module 41 outputs a driving signal;

[0074] The current output module 43 is electrically connected to the main control module 41 and the metal electrode 3 respectively. The current output module 43 is configured to transmit a generated current signal to the metal electrode 3 upon receiving the driving signal.

[0075] It should be noted that the main control module 41 may be any module capable of outputting a driving signal after receiving a touch signal, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), and this embodiment does not impose any limitation thereto.

[0076] The touch detection module 42 can be any module that detects a user touching the metal electrode 3. In this embodiment, since skin tissue and the metal electrode 3 form an RC circuit when in contact, the touch detection module 42 can be a module with a capacitance detection chip. The capacitance detection chip can output an excitation signal to the metal electrode 3 to detect the capacitance value on the metal electrode 3. When in contact with skin tissue, the coupling capacitance between the skin tissue and the metal electrode 3 changes, causing the charge distribution on the metal electrode 3 to change, and the capacitance value to change. The presence of a user touch can then be determined based on the change in the detected capacitance value.

[0077] The above-mentioned current output module 43 can be any module that can output an AC current signal at a constant current, such as a module with a DC-AC converter. Of course, it can also be other modules that can output an AC current signal, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0078] In actual use, the touch detection module 42 can be electrically connected to the metal electrode 3, and can detect in real time whether the user touches the button, that is, whether the user's skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode 3; when there is contact, the touch detection module 42 can output a touch signal and transmit it to the main control module 41, and the main control module 41 can output a drive signal to the current output module 43. After receiving the drive signal, the current output module 43 can generate a current signal according to a preset current frequency and a preset current amplitude, and transmit it to the metal electrode 3.

[0079] It should be emphasized that when the button structure in this embodiment is applied to the buttons on a car, the above-mentioned main control module 41 can also be connected to the car's computer, so that when the user presses it, the main control module 41 can output the corresponding function signal according to the function corresponding to the button and transmit it to the car computer, and the car computer can execute the operation corresponding to the function according to the function signal.

[0080] Furthermore, considering that there are two methods for capacitance detection, namely self-capacitance detection and mutual capacitance detection, this embodiment uses mutual capacitance detection for illustration, that is, Figure 1 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the metal electrode 3 includes: a transmitting electrode 31 and a receiving electrode 32;

[0081] The transmitting electrode 31 and the receiving electrode 32 are both electrically connected to the touch detection module 42. The touch detection module 42 is also used to transmit the generated excitation signal to the transmitting electrode 31, and when it is detected that the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode 32 meets the preset touch condition, it is determined that the skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode 3.

[0082] It should be noted that in this embodiment, any of the metal electrodes 3 can serve as the transmitting electrode 31, and another electrode can serve as the receiving electrode 32. Furthermore, to expand the touch area 2, multiple transmitting electrodes 31 and receiving electrodes 32 can be provided, all electrically connected to the touch detection module 42. The specific number can be set based on actual conditions. This embodiment uses one transmitting electrode 31 and one receiving electrode 32 for illustration.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned transmitting electrode 31 and receiving electrode 32 can be set in the touch area 2, and can be set in parallel. The distance between the transmitting electrode 31 and the receiving electrode 32 can also be adjusted according to the user's touch habits. The specific distance can be set according to actual conditions, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0084] It is understood that the above-mentioned excitation signal can be a signal for the touch detection module 42 to detect the capacitance value of the metal electrode 3. The above-mentioned preset touch condition can be a condition that the capacitance value reaches a preset capacitance threshold. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the touch detection module 42 can be electrically connected to the transmitting electrode 31 and the receiving electrode 32 respectively, and the touch detection module 42 can output an excitation signal to the transmitting electrode 31;

[0085] When the skin tissue is not in contact with the metal electrode 3, the touch detection module 42 detects that the excitation signal on the receiving electrode 32 does not meet the above-mentioned preset touch conditions, and then determines that there is no skin tissue in contact with the metal electrode 3, and no touch signal is output to the main control module 41; when the skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode 3, it can specifically be in contact with both the transmitting electrode 31 and the receiving electrode 32, and then the transmitting electrode 31 can transmit the excitation signal to the receiving electrode 32 through the skin tissue, and the touch detection module 42 can collect the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode 32, and the received excitation signal can meet the above-mentioned preset touch conditions, and then it can be determined that the skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode 3, and the touch signal can be output to the main control module 41.

[0086] When outputting a current signal, the current output module 43 can transmit the current signal to the transmitting electrode 31 , which then transmits the current signal to the receiving electrode 32 through the user's skin tissue, and then transmits the current signal back to the current output module 43 from the receiving electrode 32 to form a loop.

[0087] Furthermore, since different current amplitudes and different current frequencies of the current signal simulate the touch experience of a user touching different materials, in order to enhance the personalization of tactile feedback, in this embodiment, the touch detection module 42 is further configured to determine a current capacitance value based on the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode 32, and determine a corresponding target current amplitude signal and a target current frequency signal based on the current capacitance value, and transmit the signal to the main control module 41.

[0088] The main control module 41 is further configured to output the driving signal and the target current frequency signal to the current output module 43 upon receiving the touch signal;

[0089] The current output module 43 is further configured to transmit a generated current signal to the metal electrode 3 according to the target current amplitude corresponding to the target current amplitude signal and the target current frequency corresponding to the target current frequency signal when receiving the driving signal.

[0090] It should be noted that when the touch detection module 42 determines that the excitation signal satisfies the preset touch condition, it can determine the corresponding capacitance value, i.e., the current capacitance value, based on the excitation signal. Since the size, shape, and skin characteristics of different users' fingers vary, which in turn leads to different current capacitance values, in this embodiment, each user can be pre-registered according to the size, shape, and skin characteristics of the user's finger, that is, the user is prompted to press the touch area 2. The touch detection module 42 can determine the corresponding capacitance value based on the collected excitation signal, and generate the user identity corresponding to each user based on the capacitance value;

[0091] Then, the corresponding target current amplitude and target current frequency can be determined according to the preferred touch sensation selected by each user, and a mapping relationship table can be generated according to the user identity and the corresponding target current amplitude and target current frequency.

[0092] Furthermore, in actual use, when the touch detection module 42 detects that the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode 32 meets the above-mentioned preset touch condition, the current capacitance value corresponding to the user currently pressing the touch area 2 can be determined based on the excitation signal, and the corresponding user identity can be determined based on the current capacitance value; then, the corresponding mapping relationship table can be queried to obtain the tactile feeling preferred by the user, and the corresponding target current frequency and target current amplitude can be determined. A corresponding target current frequency signal is generated based on the target current frequency, and a corresponding target current amplitude signal is generated based on the target current amplitude, and both are transmitted to the main control module 41, and the main control module 41 outputs the signal together with the drive signal to the current output module 43;

[0093] After receiving the driving signal, the current output module 43 can first obtain the corresponding target current amplitude according to the target current amplitude signal, obtain the corresponding target current frequency according to the target current frequency signal, and generate a corresponding current signal according to the target current amplitude and target current frequency and transmit it to the metal electrode 3, so that the metal electrode 3 can produce a corresponding tactile sensation and enhance the user experience.

[0094] Furthermore, in order to prevent the excitation signal output by the touch detection module 42 from conflicting with the current signal output by the current output module 43, the following steps are continued: Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit 4 further includes: a switching module 44;

[0095] The switching module 44 is electrically connected to the touch detection module 42 and the metal electrode 3 respectively. The touch detection module 42 is further configured to output a switching signal to the switching module 44 when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode 3.

[0096] The switching module 44 is also electrically connected to the current output module 43 . When receiving the switching signal, the switching module 44 is configured to connect the loop between the metal electrode 3 and the current output module 43 so that the current output module 43 transmits the generated current signal to the metal electrode 3 .

[0097] It should be noted that the switching module 44 can be any module with a circuit switching function, such as a switch, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0098] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit 4 can have two modes, including a detection mode and a feedback mode. The default state can be the detection mode, that is, the switching module 44 connects the circuit between the touch detection module 42 and the metal electrode 3, and then the touch detection module 42 can transmit the generated excitation signal to the metal electrode 3 to detect whether the user presses the key. When the skin tissue is detected to be in contact with the metal electrode 3, the touch signal is output to the main control module 41, and the switching signal is simultaneously output to the switching module 44.

[0099] When the switching module 44 receives the switching signal, it indicates that the user has pressed a key, tactile feedback is required, and the feedback mode needs to be entered. Then, the switching module 44 can disconnect the circuit between the touch detection module 42 and the metal electrode 3 and connect the circuit between the current output module 43 and the metal electrode 3. The current signal output by the current output module 43 can then be transmitted to the metal electrode 3 for tactile feedback.

[0100] As an implementation, the current output module 43 can detect in real time whether the receiving electrode 32 receives a current signal to determine whether contact has ended. When the skin tissue ends contact with the metal electrode 3, the current output module 43 can detect that the current signal received by the receiving electrode 32 meets a preset end-of-contact condition, which can be a condition where the receiving electrode 32 receives no current signal. Furthermore, the current output module 43 can output a recovery signal to the switching module 44. Upon receiving the recovery signal, the switching module 44 disconnects the circuit between the current output module 43 and the metal electrode 3 and connects the circuit between the touch detection module 42 and the metal electrode 3, thereby restoring the detection state for capacitance detection.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of the tactile feedback circuit 4 in the third embodiment of the key structure of the present application. In combination with the above embodiments, the third embodiment of the key structure of the present application is proposed.

[0102] Considering that when the tactile feedback circuit 4 detects that the user touches the touch area 2, it may be caused by an accidental touch, and the user has no control requirements at this time, in order to reduce the accidental touch, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the key structure further includes: a pressure detection component 45;

[0103] The pressure detection component 45 is provided on the end surface of the panel 1 away from the touch area 2;

[0104] The pressure detection component 45 is electrically connected to the tactile feedback circuit 4 , and is used to detect the pressure value of the touch area 2 and transmit the generated pressure signal to the tactile feedback circuit 4 ;

[0105] The tactile feedback circuit 4 is also used to determine whether the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets the preset pressing condition when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode 3, and when the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets the preset pressing condition, transmit the generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path for tactile feedback.

[0106] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the key structure in the third embodiment of the key structure of this application. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a pressure detection component 45 can be provided on a side of the panel 1 facing away from the touch area 2, and the pressure detection component 45 can be electrically connected to the tactile feedback circuit 4. When the tactile feedback circuit 4 in this embodiment includes the main control module 41, the touch detection module 42, and the current output module 43, the pressure detection component 45 can be electrically connected to the main control module 41.

[0107] It should also be noted that the pressure detection component 45 can be any component that detects pressure, such as a pressure sensor, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0108] Since the pressure detection component 45 is arranged on the side of the panel 1 away from the touch area 2, it can detect the pressure value applied by the user's skin tissue on the touch area 2 in real time, and generate a corresponding pressure signal and transmit it to the main control module 41.

[0109] It is understandable that the above-mentioned preset pressing condition can be a condition that the pressure value reaches a certain preset upper pressure threshold. Specifically, the preset upper pressure threshold can be set according to actual conditions, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0110] In actual use, when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode 3, that is, when the main control module 41 in the tactile feedback circuit 4 receives a touch signal, the main control module 41 can determine whether the pressure value of the pressure signal meets the preset pressing condition based on the pressure signal output by the pressure detection component 45. If the preset pressing condition is not met, it can be indicated that the user may have touched the device by mistake, and then the tactile feedback circuit 4 does not generate a current signal, that is, the main control module 41 does not output a drive signal to the current output module 43, and the current output module 43 does not output a current signal, thereby not causing tactile feedback. When the preset pressing condition is met, it can be indicated that the user has a control demand at this time, and then the tactile feedback circuit 4 can transmit the generated current signal through the path to the skin tissue for tactile feedback, that is, the main control module 41 outputs a drive signal to the current output module 43, and the current output module 43 outputs a current signal for tactile feedback. Therefore, in this embodiment, not only does the touch detection module 42 need to detect that the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode 32 meets the preset touch condition, but the main control module 41 also needs to detect that the pressure signal meets the preset pressing condition before tactile feedback can be provided, thereby reducing false touches.

[0111] Furthermore, in order to stop outputting the current signal immediately when the user finishes pressing, in this embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit 4 is also used to stop outputting the current signal to the skin tissue when the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets a preset release condition.

[0112] It should be understood that the above-mentioned preset release condition may be a condition that the pressure value reaches a certain preset lower pressure threshold. Specifically, the preset lower pressure threshold may be set according to actual conditions, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0113] In actual use, the tactile feedback circuit 4 can detect in real time whether the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets the above-mentioned preset release condition, that is, the main control module 41 can detect in real time whether the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets the above-mentioned preset release condition; when the preset release condition is not met, it indicates that the user has not finished pressing at this time, and the tactile feedback circuit 4 continues to output the current signal, that is, the main control module 41 has no end signal output to the current output module 43, and the current output module 43 continues to output the current signal; when the preset release condition is met, it indicates that the user has finished pressing at this time, and the tactile feedback circuit 4 stops outputting the current signal to the metal electrode 3, that is, the main control module 41 outputs the end signal to the current output module 43, and the current output module 43 stops outputting the current signal after receiving the end signal, and outputs a recovery signal to the switching module 44 to restore the circuit between the touch detection module 42 and the metal electrode 3.

[0114] Furthermore, considering that there may be a certain distance between the pressure detection component 45 and the panel 1, in order to enable the pressure detection component 45 to detect that the user presses the panel 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the key structure further includes:

[0115] A circuit board 5, on which the tactile feedback circuit 4 and the pressure detection component 45 are arranged;

[0116] A support column 6 , one end of which contacts the end surface of the panel 1 facing away from the touch area 2 , and the other end of which contacts the pressure detection component 45 .

[0117] It should be noted that in this embodiment, one end of the support column 6 can be disposed in contact with the side of the panel 1 facing away from the touch area 2, and the other end of the support column 6 can be disposed in contact with the detection surface of the pressure detection component 45. The pressure detection component 45 can also be disposed on the circuit board 5. The circuit board 5 can be a printed circuit board 5 (PCB), or other circuit boards 5, which are not limited in this embodiment. At the same time, in this embodiment, the tactile feedback circuit 4 can also be disposed on the circuit board 5 for easy integration.

[0118] In actual use, when the user presses the touch area 2, due to the action of the support column 6, the pressure detection component 45 at the bottom can be pressed to complete the pressure detection.

[0119] Furthermore, in order to facilitate user viewing, Figure 6 As shown, the button structure in this embodiment further includes: an LED light 10;

[0120] The LED lamp 10 is disposed on the circuit board 5 .

[0121] It is understood that the LED light 10 in this embodiment can be set on the side of the circuit board 5 facing the user. When the vehicle is powered on, the LED light 10 can be illuminated so that the user can easily view the function of the button. In addition, the number and position of the above-mentioned LED lights 10 in this embodiment can be set according to actual conditions. Figure 6 Four LED lamps 10 are used and are evenly arranged around the axis of the support column 6 .

[0122] It should be emphasized that in order to make the buttons translucent, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned panel 1 can adopt a transparent substrate for light transmission, the above-mentioned conductive film 9 can adopt an ITO conductive film 9 for light transmission, and the above-mentioned protective film 7 can adopt a PET translucent film for light transmission. Of course, other materials can be used for light transmission, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0123] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, which includes the key structure as described above.

[0124] Since the implementation of the electronic device in this embodiment can refer to the various embodiments of the above-mentioned key structure, it has the beneficial effects of the various embodiments of the above-mentioned key structure, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0125] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and do not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A key structure, characterized in that: The button structure includes: A panel having a touch area; a metal electrode, the metal electrode being disposed in the touch area and configured to contact the user's skin tissue to form a pathway when the user presses the touch area; A tactile feedback circuit is electrically connected to the metal electrode, and is used to transmit a generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path to provide tactile feedback when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The tactile feedback circuit includes: a main control module, a touch detection module and a current output module; The touch detection module is electrically connected to the main control module and the metal electrode respectively, and is configured to output a touch signal to the main control module when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode, so that the main control module outputs a driving signal; The current output module is electrically connected to the main control module and the metal electrode respectively. The current output module is used to transmit the generated current signal to the metal electrode when receiving the driving signal.

3. The key structure according to claim 2, wherein: The metal electrodes include: a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode; The transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are both electrically connected to the touch detection module. The touch detection module is also used to transmit the generated excitation signal to the transmitting electrode, and when it is detected that the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode meets a preset touch condition, determine that the skin tissue is in contact with the metal electrode.

4. The key structure according to claim 3, wherein: The tactile feedback circuit further includes: a switching module; The switching module is electrically connected to the touch detection module and the metal electrode respectively, and the touch detection module is further configured to output a switching signal to the switching module when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode; The switching module is also electrically connected to the current output module. When receiving the switching signal, the switching module is configured to connect the loop between the metal electrode and the current output module so that the current output module transmits the generated current signal to the metal electrode.

5. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The key structure further includes: a pressure detection component; The pressure detection component is arranged on the end surface of the panel away from the touch area; The pressure detection component is electrically connected to the tactile feedback circuit, and the pressure detection component is used to detect the pressure value of the touch area and transmit the generated pressure signal to the tactile feedback circuit; The tactile feedback circuit is also used to determine whether the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets a preset pressing condition when the skin tissue contacts the metal electrode, and when the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets the preset pressing condition, transmit the generated current signal to the skin tissue through the path for tactile feedback.

6. The key structure according to claim 5, wherein: The tactile feedback circuit is further configured to stop outputting the current signal to the skin tissue when the pressure value corresponding to the pressure signal meets a preset release condition.

7. The key structure according to claim 5, wherein: The button structure further includes: a circuit board, on which the tactile feedback circuit and the pressure detection component are arranged; A support column, one end of which contacts an end surface of the panel facing away from the touch area, and the other end of which contacts the pressure detection component.

8. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The button structure further includes: A protective film is at least partially provided on the touch area and covers the metal electrode, and the protective film is provided with a through hole corresponding to the metal electrode.

9. The key structure according to claim 1, wherein: The button structure further includes: A conductive film is provided in the touch area, the metal electrode is provided on the end surface of the conductive film away from the panel, and the conductive film is electrically connected to the metal electrode and the tactile feedback circuit respectively.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises the key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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