Key module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a key module and electronic equipment. The key module comprises a shell, a piezoelectric assembly and a substrate, the shell is internally provided with a cavity part, and the shell is provided with a closed end and an open end; the piezoelectric assembly is arranged in the cavity part, the piezoelectric assembly abuts against the closed end, and at least part of the structure of the closed end is elastic; the substrate covers the opening end, and the substrate is connected with the shell. In the key module provided by the embodiment of the invention, the shell and the substrate jointly provide a sealed waterproof closed cavity for the piezoelectric assembly, and the piezoelectric assembly in the closed cavity can be prevented from being polluted and influenced by external moisture and impurities; moreover, at least part of the structure of the closed end has elasticity, so that the elastic structure of the closed end can effectively improve the vibration transmission efficiency of the piezoelectric assembly in the vibration process of the piezoelectric assembly, and good vibration sense experience is ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic products, and more particularly, to a key module and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In today's era of rapid development of electronic technology, various electronic devices are constantly evolving towards miniaturization, high performance and low power consumption. Piezoelectric ceramic keys have shown great application potential in the field of electronic devices due to their small size, fast response speed, rich and delicate vibration, low power consumption and other advantages.

[0003] With the increasing demand for performance and user experience of electronic devices, piezoelectric keys are increasingly widely used in various fields, such as consumer electronic products such as smartphones and tablet computers, and professional fields such as smart home devices and industrial control terminals. However, in the research and application process of small-size piezoelectric keys, there are some technical problems to be solved, among which the problems of sealing and waterproof and vibration transmission efficiency are particularly prominent. Due to the compact structure of small-size piezoelectric keys, the internal space is limited, and it is not easy to achieve good sealing and waterproof effect. Once the sealing is not tight, impurities such as water and dust may enter the inside of the key, causing the performance of the key to decrease or even damage. At the same time, the small-size structure also affects the vibration transmission efficiency, making the vibration transmission not uniform and strong enough, affecting the user's tactile experience.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new technical solution to solve the above technical problems. SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a new technical solution for a key module and an electronic device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, a key module is provided, comprising:

[0007] a housing, the housing having a cavity portion inside, and the housing being formed with a closed end and an open end;

[0008] a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component being arranged in the cavity portion, and the piezoelectric component abutting against the closed end, at least part of the structure of the closed end being elastic;

[0009] a substrate, the substrate covering the open end, and the substrate being connected with the housing.

[0010] Optionally, the substrate is adhesively connected with the housing.

[0011] Optionally, the shell comprises a shell body, an elastic member and a cover plate, the shell body is annular, the elastic member is sleeved on the inner side of the shell body, the elastic member is provided with a through hole part, the cover plate is connected with the elastic member and covers the through hole part, and the piezoelectric component abuts against the cover plate and the elastic member.

[0012] Optionally, the shell body is made of plastic, the elastic member is made of silica gel, and the cover plate is made of metal.

[0013] Optionally, the shell body, the elastic member and the cover plate are formed into the shell by using an insert injection molding process.

[0014] Optionally, the inner side of the shell body is formed with a first step part, and the elastic member abuts against the first step part.

[0015] Optionally, the surface of the elastic member away from the cavity part is formed with a positioning groove, the edge of the cover plate is embedded in the positioning groove, and the middle part of the cover plate abuts against the piezoelectric component.

[0016] Optionally, the inner side of the shell body is formed with a second step part, and the substrate is adhesively connected with the shell at the second step part.

[0017] Optionally, the piezoelectric component is adhesively connected with the surface of the substrate facing the cavity part.

[0018] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the shell and the cross-sectional shape of the substrate are both circular.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present application, an electronic device is provided, which comprises the key module as described in the first aspect.

[0020] In the key module provided in the embodiments of the present application, the piezoelectric component is arranged in the cavity part of the shell, and the substrate is connected with the shell to cover the open end of the shell; thus, the shell and the substrate together provide a sealed and waterproof closed cavity for the piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component in the closed cavity can avoid being polluted and affected by external water and impurities, thereby helping to ensure that the piezoelectric component has more superior and stable performance, and further improving the use performance and service life of the key module. In addition, since at least part of the structure of the closed end has elasticity, the elastic structure of the closed end can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of the vibration of the piezoelectric component during the vibration of the piezoelectric component, and ensure a good vibration experience. The key module has fewer parts, simple assembly process, high assembly yield and good use stability.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a key module according to an embodiment of the application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a key module according to an embodiment of the application;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a housing in a key module according to an embodiment of the application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a housing in a key module according to an embodiment of the application Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a housing in a key module according to an embodiment of the application Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spring in a key module according to an embodiment of the application.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] 1. Key module; 11. Housing; 111. Housing; 1111. First step portion; 1112. Second step portion; 112. Spring; 1120. Through-hole portion; 1121. Positioning slot; 113. Cover plate; 12. Piezoelectric assembly; 13. Base plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If not specifically stated otherwise, it is noted that the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values stated in these embodiments are not limiting to the scope of the present application.

[0032] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way limiting to the scope of the application or its applications or uses.

[0033] Techniques, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art can not be discussed in detail herein. However, the techniques, methods, and devices are sufficiently described herein such that those of ordinary skill in the relevant art can be aware of them.

[0034] In all of the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments can have different values.

[0035] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items throughout the several views, and that once an item is defined in one view, it need not be discussed further in subsequent views.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1-6 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present application, a key module 1 is provided. The key module 1 comprises a shell 11, a piezoelectric component 12 and a substrate 13. The shell 11 has a cavity portion inside, and the shell 11 is formed with a closed end and an open end. The piezoelectric component 12 is arranged in the cavity portion, and the piezoelectric component is in abutment with the closed end. At least part of the structure of the closed end is provided with elasticity. The substrate 13 covers the open end, and the substrate 13 is connected with the shell 11. Optionally, the substrate 13 is adhesively connected with the shell 11.

[0037] The key module 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application mainly comprises the shell 11 having the cavity portion, the closed end and the open end, the piezoelectric component 12 arranged in the cavity portion and in abutment with the closed end of the shell 11, and the substrate 13 covering the open end of the shell 11 and connected with the shell 11.

[0038] In use of the key module 1 of the embodiment of the present application, when an operator presses on the closed end position of the shell 11, the piezoelectric component 12 is deformed under force and generates a voltage. The main chip judges whether triggering is needed through the voltage value generated by the piezoelectric component 12. If the triggering condition is reached, the main chip sends a vibration voltage to the piezoelectric component 12 to make the piezoelectric component 12 vibrate. The vibration of the piezoelectric component 12 is transmitted to the closed end position of the shell 11, so that the operator touching the closed end of the shell 11 can feel the vibration.

[0039] In the key module 1 provided by the embodiment of the present application, the piezoelectric component 12 is arranged in the cavity portion of the shell 11, and the substrate 13 is connected with the shell 11 to cover the open end of the shell 11. Thus, the shell 11 and the substrate 13 together provide a sealed and waterproof closed cavity for the piezoelectric component 12. The piezoelectric component 12 in the closed cavity can avoid being polluted and affected by external moisture and impurities, thereby helping to ensure that the piezoelectric component 12 has more superior and stable performance, and further improving the use performance and service life of the key module 1. In addition, since at least part of the structure of the closed end is provided with elasticity, the elastic structure of the closed end can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of the vibration of the piezoelectric component 12 during the vibration of the piezoelectric component 12, and ensure a good vibration experience.

[0040] Further, the substrate 13 is bonded to the housing 11, so that the tightness of the connection between the substrate 13 and the housing 11 is improved, and moisture is less likely to enter the cavity from the joint between the substrate 13 and the housing 11 to adversely affect the piezoelectric component 12.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 In one embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the housing 11 includes a ring-shaped shell 111, an elastic member 112 sleeved on the inner side of the shell 111 and provided with a through hole portion 1120, and a cover plate 113 connected to the elastic member 112 and covering the through hole portion 1120, and the piezoelectric component 12 abuts against the cover plate 113 and the elastic member 112.

[0042] In this specific example, the housing 11 includes a ring-shaped shell 111, an elastic member 112 sleeved on the inner side of the shell 111 and provided with a through hole portion 1120, and a cover plate 113 connected to the elastic member 112 and covering the through hole portion 1120, and the piezoelectric component 12 abuts against the cover plate 113. The presence of the elastic member 112 can play a role in buffering and sealing to some extent, which helps to improve the sealing and waterproof performance of the key module 1. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric component 12 abuts against the cover plate 113 and the elastic member 112, and the cover plate 113 and the elastic member 112 are connected to each other, and the elastic member 112 has a large deformation amount, so that the vibration of the piezoelectric component 12 can be better transmitted, and the efficiency of vibration transmission is improved. When the key is triggered, the energy loss of the pressing force is small, the pressing force transmission efficiency is higher, the key triggering is more sensitive, and the adjustable range of the triggering force value is larger.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3 In one embodiment, the shell 111 is made of plastic, the elastic member 112 is made of silicone, and the cover plate 113 is made of metal.

[0044] In this specific example, the shell 111 is made of plastic, which has good formability and certain strength. The elastic member 112 is made of silicone, which has good elasticity and sealing performance, and can further enhance the sealing and waterproof performance of the key module 1. Moreover, the elastic member 112 has a large elastic deformation amount and small energy loss, which can improve the feedback displacement and feedback force, thereby improving the vibration transmission efficiency and vibration experience. The cover plate 113 is made of metal, which has high strength and good shock transmission performance, and helps to improve the vibration transmission efficiency.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3 In one embodiment, the shell 111, the elastic member 112, and the cover plate 113 are formed into the housing 11 by insert molding.

[0046] In the specific example, the shell 111, the elastic member 112 and the cover plate 113 are formed into the outer shell 11 by using the insert injection molding process. The insert injection molding process can firmly combine components made of different materials together, improve the integrity and sealing performance of the outer shell 11, and thus better achieve the sealing and waterproof performance of the key module 1. Meanwhile, the process can ensure the close fit between the components, which is conducive to improving the vibration transmission efficiency.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4 In one embodiment, the inner side of the shell 111 is formed with a first step portion 1111, and the elastic member 112 abuts against the first step portion 1111.

[0048] In the specific example, the inner side of the shell 111 is formed with the first step portion 1111, and the elastic member 112 abuts against the first step portion 1111. The first step portion 1111 can position and limit the elastic member 112, ensure the accuracy of the position of the elastic member 112 in the shell 111, and thus ensure the overall sealing performance of the outer shell 11, which is conducive to improving the sealing and waterproof performance of the key module 1. Meanwhile, the stable positioning is also conducive to the transmission of vibration between the components, and improves the vibration transmission efficiency.

[0049] Referring to Figure 6 In one embodiment, the surface of the elastic member 112 away from the cavity portion is formed with a positioning groove 1121, the edge of the cover plate 113 is embedded in the positioning groove 1121, and the middle portion of the cover plate 113 abuts against the piezoelectric assembly 12.

[0050] In the specific example, the surface of the elastic member 112 away from the cavity portion is formed with the positioning groove 1121, the edge of the cover plate 113 is embedded in the positioning groove 1121, and the middle portion of the cover plate 113 abuts against the piezoelectric assembly 12. The positioning groove 1121 can position the cover plate 113, tightly connect the cover plate 113 and the elastic member 112, enhance the sealing performance of the outer shell 11, and improve the sealing and waterproof performance of the key module 1. The middle portion of the cover plate 113 abuts against the piezoelectric assembly 12, which can more directly and effectively transmit the vibration, improve the vibration transmission efficiency, and ensure that the key module 1 has better response speed and touch feeling.

[0051] Referring to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the inner side of the shell 111 is formed with a second step portion 1112, and the substrate 13 is adhesively connected to the outer shell 11 at the second step portion 1112.

[0052] In this specific example, a second stepped portion 1112 is formed on the inner side of the shell 111, and the substrate 13 is adhesively connected to the shell 11 at the second stepped portion 1112; the second stepped portion 1112 provides positioning and support for the substrate 13, ensures the accuracy of the adhesive position of the substrate 13 and the shell 11, improves the strength and stability of the adhesive, and makes the connection between the substrate 13 and the shell 11 more secure and sealed, which helps to improve the sealing and waterproof performance of the key module 1, thereby ensuring the overall sealing and reliability of the key module.

[0053] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric component 12 is adhesively connected to the surface of the substrate 13 facing the cavity portion.

[0054] In this specific example, the piezoelectric component 12 is adhesively connected to the surface of the substrate 13 facing the cavity portion; this can make the combination between the piezoelectric component 12 and the substrate 13 more secure, further fix the position of the piezoelectric component 12, improve the stability of the piezoelectric component 12, and also help to reduce energy loss during vibration transmission and improve vibration transmission efficiency, making the vibration more uniform and intense.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the shell 11 and the cross-sectional shape of the substrate 13 are both circular.

[0056] In this specific example, the cross-sectional shape of the shell 11 and the cross-sectional shape of the substrate 13 are both circular; the circular structure has good symmetry and uniformity, and can disperse pressure more uniformly when stressed, which helps to improve the structural stability of the key module 1; at the same time, the circular structure also has certain advantages in sealing, which can better achieve sealing and waterproof performance; in addition, the uniform structure is also conducive to uniform vibration transmission and improves vibration transmission efficiency.

[0057] Further, the piezoelectric component 12 includes a piezoelectric ceramic and a cross amplification structure connected to both sides of the piezoelectric ceramic.

[0058] The key module 1 has fewer parts, simple assembly process, high assembly yield, and good stability.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the present application, an electronic device is provided, which includes the key module 1 as described above.

[0060] The above embodiments focus on the differences between the various embodiments, and the different optimization features between the various embodiments can be combined to form a more optimal embodiment as long as they are not contradictory. In view of the brevity of the text, further description is omitted here.

[0061] While certain embodiments of the application have been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art can certainly make modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the application. The scope of the application is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A key module, characterized in that: The button module includes: A housing (11), wherein the housing (11) has a cavity portion therein, and the housing (11) is formed with a closed end and an open end; A piezoelectric component (12), the piezoelectric component (12) being disposed in the cavity portion and abutting against the closed end, and at least a portion of the closed end having elasticity; A substrate (13) covers the open end and is connected to the housing (11).

2. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate (13) is bonded to the housing (11).

3. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (11) includes a shell (111), an elastic member (112) and a cover plate (113); the shell (111) is annular; the elastic member (112) is sleeved on the inner side of the shell (111); the elastic member (112) is provided with a through hole portion (1120); the cover plate (113) is connected to the elastic member (112) and covers the through hole portion (1120); the piezoelectric component (12) is in contact with the cover plate (113) and the elastic member (112).

4. The key module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shell (111) is made of plastic, the elastic member (112) is made of silicone, and the cover plate (113) is made of metal.

5. The key module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shell (111), the elastic member (112) and the cover plate (113) are formed into the outer shell (11) by adopting an insert injection molding process.

6. The key module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first step portion (1111) is formed on the inner side of the housing (111), and the elastic member (112) abuts against the first step portion (1111).

7. The key module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A positioning groove (1121) is formed on the surface of the elastic member (112) away from the cavity portion, the edge of the cover plate (113) is embedded in the positioning groove (1121), and the middle of the cover plate (113) abuts against the piezoelectric component (12).

8. The key module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second step portion (1112) is formed on the inner side of the shell (111), and the substrate (13) is bonded and connected to the outer shell (11) at the second step portion (1112).

9. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piezoelectric component (12) is adhesively connected to the surface of the substrate (13) facing the cavity portion.

10. The key module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the housing (11) and the cross-sectional shape of the substrate (13) are both circular.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a key module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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