Key assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of key assembly and electronic equipment, it is related to key technical field, wherein, key assembly includes piezoelectric element, pressure sensor, conducting piece and key cap, piezoelectric element is electrically connected with external control unit, pressure sensor is set on piezoelectric element, and electrically connected with control unit, conducting piece is set on the surface of piezoelectric element, key cap is set conducting piece surface opposite to piezoelectric element, the surface opposite to conducting piece of key cap is formed with pressable area;The part of conducting piece corresponding pressable area and piezoelectric element exist unequal distance gap;Pressure sensor generates electrical signal after receiving the pressure exerted by pressable area, control unit receives electrical signal after driving piezoelectric element to generate vibration, and make key cap vibrate by conducting piece;The technical scheme provided by the application not only can realize single key function, but also can realize continuous sliding touch operation, simultaneously, it has vibration feedback function in the process of pressing, sliding, improve the user's use experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of communication technology, consumer electronics products have been widely used in our daily lives. Among them, the functions of mobile terminals are constantly being enriched, and their application areas are continuously expanding and improving. Therefore, the time and frequency of using mobile terminals in daily life are increasing. In addition to having high requirements for the performance, battery life, and storage capacity of mobile terminals, consumers are paying more attention to the ease of operation and a better user experience.

[0003] Among them, buttons are an essential component of mobile terminals and are also frequently used structures. Existing mobile terminals basically include physical buttons such as power buttons, volume "+" buttons, and volume "-" buttons. These buttons are generally simple press-sensitive, with limited functions, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a button assembly and electronic device that aims to achieve multifunctionality of the buttons and enhance the user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a button assembly, the button assembly comprising:

[0006] The piezoelectric element is electrically connected to an external control unit.

[0007] A pressure sensor is mounted on the piezoelectric element and electrically connected to the control unit;

[0008] A conductive element is disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric element;

[0009] A keycap is disposed on the surface of the conductive member facing away from the piezoelectric element, and a pressable area is formed on the surface of the keycap facing away from the conductive member;

[0010] There is an unequal gap between the portion of the conductive element corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element.

[0011] The pressure sensor receives pressure applied from the pressable area and generates an electrical signal. The control unit receives the electrical signal and drives the piezoelectric element to vibrate, which in turn causes the keycap to vibrate through the conductive element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the portion of the conductive member corresponding to the pressable area and the contact position with the piezoelectric element are located at the middle position of the conductive member, and the gap between the portion of the conductive member corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element gradually increases from the contact position towards the end of the conductive member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the surface of the conductive member facing away from the pressable area is an arc surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least two pressure sensors are provided, wherein the two pressure sensors are arranged opposite each other and are both located near the edge of the piezoelectric element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes a housing having an accommodating space with an opening on at least one side, the opening penetrating one surface of the housing;

[0016] The piezoelectric element, the conductive element, and the keycap are all disposed within the accommodating space, and the keycap is at least partially located within the opening, with the surface area of ​​the keycap located within the opening forming the pressable area.

[0017] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric element includes a vibrating plate and a piezoelectric ceramic sheet, both of which are disposed within the accommodating space and are electrically connected to the control unit. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet is disposed on one surface of the vibrating plate.

[0018] The conductive element is disposed on the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet facing away from the vibrating plate, and the pressure sensor is disposed on the vibrating plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the vibrating plate includes a first vibrating part and a second vibrating part connected to each other. The projected area of ​​the first vibrating part on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is larger than the projected area of ​​the second vibrating part on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet and the pressure sensor are both disposed on the surface of the first vibrating part facing away from the second vibrating part; and / or, the vibrating plate is a flexible vibrating plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes at least one limiting member disposed within the accommodating space and located on one side of the conductive member;

[0021] The limiting member includes at least one bent section that abuts against the surface of the vibrating plate facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet.

[0022] In one embodiment, the limiting member is further provided with a fixing lug, the fixing lug being bent and extended relative to the limiting member, and the fixing lug having a fixing hole;

[0023] The accommodating space extends through one side of the housing, and the housing has a mating hole adapted to the fixing hole at the through opening adjacent to the accommodating space;

[0024] The button assembly also includes fasteners, and the fixing lug is fixed to the housing by the fastener engaging with the fixing hole and the mating hole.

[0025] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes a seal disposed between the keycap and the housing to seal the accommodating space; and / or,

[0026] The key assembly also includes an elastic connecting adhesive, which is disposed between the keycap and the conductive member to fix the keycap and the conductive member.

[0027] This invention also proposes an electronic device comprising a button assembly as described above. The button assembly includes a piezoelectric element, a pressure sensor, a conductive element, and a keycap. The piezoelectric element is electrically connected to an external control unit. The pressure sensor is disposed on the piezoelectric element and electrically connected to the control unit. The conductive element is disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric element. The keycap has a surface of the conductive element facing away from the piezoelectric element, and a pressable area is formed on the surface of the keycap facing away from the conductive element. There is an unequal gap between the portion of the conductive element corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element. When the pressable area of ​​the keycap is pressed, the pressure sensor receives the pressure applied from the pressable area and generates an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the control unit. Upon receiving the electrical signal, the control unit outputs a signal to realize the single-button response function and simultaneously outputs a pulse signal to the piezoelectric element. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric element vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the keycap through the conductive element. This invention enables the keycap to vibrate, achieving a vibration feedback effect. When sliding from one position to another within the pressable area of ​​the keycap, the unequal gap between the conductive component and the piezoelectric element (i.e., pressing different positions within the pressable area results in different contact points between the conductive component and the piezoelectric element) causes varying deformations in the piezoelectric element. Consequently, the electrical signals received by the pressure sensor differ. The control unit can determine the sliding position and direction of the pressable area based on these differences and output corresponding control signals to achieve continuous sliding control from one position to another. Simultaneously, a pulse signal is output to the piezoelectric element. Under the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric element vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the keycap via the conductive component, causing the keycap to vibrate and achieving a vibration feedback effect. Therefore, the technical solution of this invention not only enables single-button functionality but also continuous sliding touch operation, while providing vibration feedback during pressing and sliding, thus enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of the button assembly provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 An exploded view of the button assembly provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the button assembly;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0033] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0034] 100. Button assembly; 1. Housing; 11. Accommodating space; 12. Opening; 13. Mating hole; 2. Keycap; 21. Annular groove; 3. Seal; 4. Elastic connecting adhesive; 5. Conducting component; 6. Piezoelectric ceramic sheet; 7. Vibrating plate; 71. First vibrating part; 72. Second vibrating part; 8. Pressure sensor; 9. Limiting component; 91. Bending section; 92. Fixing lug; 921. Fixing hole; 10. Fastener.

[0035] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0038] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0039] To address the current technical problem of limited button functionality and poor user experience, this invention proposes a button component 100. The button component 100, as an input structure for confirming information, is widely used in human-computer interaction devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers.

[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the key assembly 100 includes a piezoelectric element, a pressure sensor 8, a conductive element 5, and a keycap 2. The piezoelectric element is electrically connected to an external control unit. The pressure sensor 8 is disposed on the piezoelectric element and electrically connected to the control unit. The conductive element 5 is disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric element. The keycap 2 is disposed on the surface of the conductive element 5 facing away from the piezoelectric element, and a pressable area is formed on the surface of the keycap 2 facing away from the conductive element 5. There is an unequal gap between the portion of the conductive element 5 corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element. After receiving the pressure applied from the pressable area, the pressure sensor 8 generates an electrical signal. After receiving the electrical signal, the control unit drives the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and causes the keycap 2 to vibrate through the conductive element 5.

[0041] Specifically, the piezoelectric element, the conductive element 5, and the keycap 2 are stacked sequentially. The specific structures of the piezoelectric element, conductive element 5, and keycap 2 are not limited. The pressure sensor 8 is disposed on the piezoelectric element; it can be disposed on the surface of the piezoelectric element facing the conductive element 5 or on the surface of the piezoelectric element facing away from the conductive element 5. Optionally, the pressure sensor 8 can be disposed near both ends of the piezoelectric element, thus improving its sensitivity. The conductive element 5 is located between the piezoelectric element and the keycap 2 and is used to transmit pressure or vibration. The surface of the conductive element 5 corresponding to the pressable area facing the piezoelectric element is non-planar. Only one position of the conductive element 5 corresponding to the pressable area contacts the piezoelectric element; other positions have unequal gaps between them. This design means that when different positions within the pressable area are pressed, the contact position between the conductive element 5 and the piezoelectric element is different, thus providing feedback on the specific pressing position and sliding direction of the pressable area.

[0042] It should be noted that the control unit can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) in the mobile terminal, which is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 8 and the piezoelectric element through connecting wires.

[0043] With the above-described structure, when a single keycap 2 is pressed, the pressure sensor 8 receives the pressure applied from the pressable area and generates an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the control unit. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit outputs a signal to achieve the single-key response function and simultaneously outputs a pulse signal to the piezoelectric element. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric element vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the keycap 2 via the conductor 5, causing the keycap 2 to vibrate and achieving a vibration feedback effect. When sliding from one position to another within the pressable area of ​​the keycap 2, because there is an unequal gap between the portion of the conductor 5 corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element... In other words, pressing different positions within the pressable area will result in different contact positions between the conductive element 5 and the piezoelectric element, causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate and produce different deformations. Consequently, the electrical signals received by the pressure sensor 8 will differ. The control unit can determine the sliding position and direction of the pressable area based on the different electrical signal differences and output corresponding control signals to achieve continuous sliding control from one position to another. At the same time, a pulse signal is output to the piezoelectric element. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric element vibrates and transmits the vibration to the keycap 2 through the conductive element 5, causing the keycap 2 to vibrate and achieving a vibration feedback effect.

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention can not only realize single button function, but also realize continuous sliding touch operation, and has vibration feedback function during pressing and sliding, thereby improving the user experience.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the contact position between the portion of the conductive member 5 corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element is located in the middle of the conductive member 5, and the gap between the portion of the conductive member 5 corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element gradually increases from the contact position towards the end of the conductive member 5. This design creates an unequal gap between the portion of the conductive member 5 corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element. Pressing different positions within the pressable area results in different contact positions between the conductive member 5 and the piezoelectric element, causing different deformations in the piezoelectric element due to vibration, thereby achieving the function of continuous sliding touch operation. It should be noted that the surface of the portion of the conductive member 5 corresponding to the pressable area that is not in contact with the piezoelectric element can be an inclined plane, a curved surface, an arc surface, or any combination thereof, without limitation, as long as the gap gradually increases from the contact position towards the end of the conductive member 5.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the conductive member 5 facing away from the pressable area is an arc surface. This design creates unequal gaps between the portion of the conductive member 5 corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element. Pressing different positions within the pressable area results in different contact positions between the conductive member 5 and the piezoelectric element, causing different deformations in the piezoelectric element due to vibration. This enables continuous sliding touch operation and facilitates manufacturing. Optionally, the surface of the conductive member 5 facing away from the pressable area is an arc surface, the specific curvature of which is not limited.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two pressure sensors 8 are provided, wherein the two pressure sensors 8 are arranged opposite each other and are both located near the edge of the piezoelectric element. This design allows the pressure sensors 8 to more sensitively sense and receive pressure applied from the pressable area, thereby quickly generating an electrical signal, resulting in better sensitivity of the button assembly 100. It should be noted that the specific number of pressure sensors 8 can be determined according to actual conditions. When multiple pressure sensors 8 are provided, they are spaced apart circumferentially along the edge of the piezoelectric element.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the button assembly 100 further includes a housing 1, the housing 1 having an accommodating space 11 with an opening 12 on at least one side, the opening 12 penetrating one surface of the housing 1; the piezoelectric element, the conductive element 5 and the keycap 2 are all disposed in the accommodating space 11, and the keycap 2 is at least partially located in the opening 12, the surface area of ​​the keycap 2 located in the opening 12 forming a pressable area.

[0049] Specifically, the housing 1 can be part of an electronic device, such as a mobile phone frame, tablet frame, or other structural components, facilitating user operation. The specific structure of the housing 1 is not limited, and its material can be plastic, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, or other metals; these are not limited here. The housing 1 internally defines an accommodating space 11, which is used to house piezoelectric elements, conductive components 5, keycaps 2, etc., to facilitate the pressing function of the button assembly 100. The accommodating space 11 extends through one surface of the housing 1, forming an opening 12. Alternatively, the accommodating space 11 can extend through one side of the housing 1 to facilitate the assembly of the internal structure. The piezoelectric elements, conductive components 5, and keycaps 2 are all installed within the accommodating space 11, and their installation and fixing methods can include adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, or other reasonable methods; these are not limited here. Optionally, the keycap 2 includes a fixed part (not shown) and a pressing part (not shown) connected together. The radial dimension of the fixed part is larger than the radial dimension of the pressing part. The fixed part is connected and fixed to the conductor 5. The surface of the pressing part facing away from the fixed part is located in the opening 12, forming a pressable area.

[0050] Optionally, the shape of the portion of the accommodating space 11 corresponding to the pressing part is adapted to the pressing part, and the surface of the pressing part facing away from the fixing part is exposed in the opening 12. That is, the pressable area is exposed in the opening 12, which facilitates the pressing and sliding operation of the pressable area of ​​the keycap 2.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric element includes a vibrating plate 7 and a piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6. Both the vibrating plate 7 and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 are disposed in the accommodating space 11 and are electrically connected to the control unit unit. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 is disposed on one surface of the vibrating plate 7. The conductive element 5 is disposed on the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 facing away from the vibrating plate 7, and the pressure sensor 8 is disposed on the vibrating plate 7.

[0052] In this embodiment, the vibrating plate 7, piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, conductive element 5, and keycap 2 are sequentially stacked within the accommodating space 11, and the pressure sensor 8 is disposed on any surface of the vibrating plate 7. Optionally, the plate size of the vibrating plate 7 is larger than the sheet size of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 is disposed in the middle of the vibrating plate 7, and the pressure sensor 8 is glued to the surface of the vibrating plate 7 facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, with the pressure sensor 8 located on the outer side of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6. This design results in a relatively compact structure, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the key assembly 100 and facilitates its assembly operation. It should be noted that when two or more pressure sensors 8 are provided, the pressure sensors 8 are spaced apart along the circumference of the vibrating plate 7 and are all located on the outer side of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6.

[0053] Of course, in some other embodiments, multiple pressure sensors 8 are provided, and the multiple pressure sensors 8 are arranged circumferentially on the vibrating plate 7 and arranged in two circles radially on the vibrating plate 7. With this design, the pressure sensors 8 can more sensitively sense and receive the pressure applied from the pressable area, and thus provide feedback electrical signals more quickly, so that the button assembly 100 has better sensitivity.

[0054] In the above-described structure, after the control unit receives the electrical signal, it first drives the vibration plate 7 to vibrate. Under the action of the inverse piezoelectric effect, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 vibrates, and the keycap 2 vibrates through the conductive member 5, thus achieving a vibration feedback effect.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the vibrating plate 7 includes a first vibrating part 71 and a second vibrating part 72 connected to each other. The projected area of ​​the first vibrating part 71 on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 is larger than the projected area of ​​the second vibrating part 72 on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 and the pressure sensor 8 are both disposed on the surface of the first vibrating part 71 facing away from the second vibrating part 72.

[0056] In this embodiment, the vibrating plate 7 adopts a T-shaped structure, including a first vibrating part 71 and a second vibrating part 72 connected to each other. Both the first vibrating part 71 and the second vibrating part 72 are plate-shaped and can be integrally molded, resulting in a relatively robust structure. The accommodating space 11 forms a T-shaped space corresponding to the vibrating plate 7. That is, an installation step (not shown) is formed within the accommodating space 11. After the vibrating plate 7 is placed, the first vibrating part 71 rests on the step surface of the installation step. This structure is relatively compact, and the vibrating plate 7 is installed more stably. In this embodiment, the vibrating plate 7 adopts a T-shaped structure design, which can absorb the energy brought by external impacts, reduce the risk of impact fracture of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, and thus improve the service life of the button assembly 100.

[0057] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vibrating plate 7 is a flexible vibrating plate 7, which can be made of flexible materials such as plastic or fiberglass board. With this design, when subjected to external impact, the flexible vibrating plate 7 can absorb the energy brought by the external impact, reduce the risk of impact fracture of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, and thus improve the service life of the button assembly 100.

[0058] In order to more effectively absorb the energy brought by external impact and reduce the risk of impact fracture of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the vibration plate 7 is a flexible vibration plate with a T-shaped structure.

[0059] Therefore, the button assembly 100 provided by the present invention can more effectively reduce the impact on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 during the drop impact process, with high reliability and greatly extended service life.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the button assembly 100 further includes at least one limiting member 9, which is disposed in the accommodating space 11 and located on one side of the conductive member 5. The limiting member 9 includes at least one bent section 91, which abuts against the surface of the vibrating plate 7 facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6.

[0061] Specifically, the limiting member 9 is roughly plate-shaped, fixed in the installation space, and located on one side of the conductive member 5. The limiting member 9 includes at least one bent section 91. The limiting member 9 can be a V-shaped structure, a W-shaped structure, or a U-shaped structure. The bent section 91 abuts against the surface of the vibrating plate 7 facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6. This design not only limits the vibrating plate 7 in the direction from the vibrating plate 7 to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, but also does not affect the movement of the vibrating plate 7 along the direction of the plate surface. The movement of the vibrating plate 7 along the direction of the plate surface can absorb a certain amount of energy from external impacts, thereby protecting the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6 and improving the service life of the button assembly 100.

[0062] Optionally, the limiting member 9 is made of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy, which has high structural strength and can effectively limit the vibration plate 7 in the direction from the vibration plate 7 to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6.

[0063] Optionally, two limiting members 9 are provided, which are disposed opposite to each other on opposite sides of the conducting member 5. Each limiting member 9 includes at least one bent section 91, which abuts against the surface of the vibrating plate 7 facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6. This can more effectively limit the vibrating plate 7 in the direction from the vibrating plate 7 to the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6, without affecting the movement of the vibrating plate 7 along the direction of the plate surface, thus effectively improving the service life of the button assembly 100. Of course, more than two limiting members 9 can also be provided, which are disposed at intervals along the circumference of the conducting member 5 on the vibrating plate 7. The bent section 91 on each limiting member 9 abuts against the surface of the vibrating plate 7 facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 6.

[0064] Please see Figure 2 In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the limiting member 9 is further provided with a fixing lug 92, which is bent and extended relative to the limiting member 9, and the fixing lug 92 is provided with a fixing hole 921; the accommodating space 11 penetrates one side of the housing 1, and the housing 1 is provided with a mating hole 13 adapted to the fixing hole 921 at the through opening of the accommodating space 11; the button assembly 100 also includes a fastener 10, and the fixing lug 92 is fixed on the housing 1 by the fastener 10 cooperating with the fixing hole 921 and the mating hole 13.

[0065] Specifically, the limiting member 9 is plate-shaped, and the fixing lug 92 is perpendicular to the limiting member 9. Optionally, the limiting member 9 and the fixing lug 92 are integrally formed, resulting in a more robust structure. A fixing hole 921 is formed on the fixing lug 92. The accommodating space 11 penetrates one side of the housing 1, and the housing 1 has a mating hole 13 adjacent to the through opening of the accommodating space 11, which matches the fixing hole 921. During assembly, the fixing lug 92 can be connected and fixed to the housing 1 by the engagement of the fastener 10 with the fixing hole 921 and the mating hole 13, thereby achieving the fixed installation of the limiting member 9. Optionally, the fastener 10 is a screw, and the mating hole 13 is a threaded hole. During assembly, the screw passes through the fixing hole 921 and is threaded into the threaded hole, thus achieving the connection and fixation of the fixing lug 92 to the housing 1. This method is relatively simple to operate and provides a more robust connection.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the key assembly 100 further includes a sealing member 3, which is disposed between the keycap 2 and the housing 1 to seal the accommodating space 11.

[0067] Specifically, the seal 3 can be an annular seal, also known as a sealing ring, and its material can be silicone rubber or TPU and other soft rubber materials. The seal 3 can seal the accommodating space 11 and achieve the effect of waterproofing and dustproofing.

[0068] Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the keycap 2 is provided with an annular groove 21 that is adapted to the annular seal 3. The seal 3 is installed in the annular groove 21 to seal the accommodating space 11. This design can ensure the good installation stability of the seal 3, thereby ensuring the good waterproof and dustproof effect of the key assembly 100.

[0069] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the key assembly 100 further includes an elastic connecting adhesive 4, which is disposed between the keycap 2 and the conductive member 5 for fixing the keycap 2 and the conductive member 5.

[0070] In this embodiment, the elastic connecting adhesive 4 can be a sheet structure, used to fix the keycap 2 and the conductive component 5, and can also play a shock-absorbing role when subjected to impact.

[0071] The button assembly 100 provided by the present invention has a relatively simple structure and a relatively compact structure, with a small overall size, which is beneficial for its application in mobile terminal devices.

[0072] The present invention also proposes an electronic device, which includes a button assembly 100. The specific structure of the button assembly 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electronic device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. Among them, the electronic device includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc.

[0073] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A button assembly, characterized in that, The button assembly includes: A piezoelectric element, electrically connected to an external control unit, the piezoelectric element comprising a vibrating plate and a piezoelectric ceramic sheet; A pressure sensor is mounted on the piezoelectric element and electrically connected to the control unit; A conductive element is disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric element; A keycap is disposed on the surface of the conductive member facing away from the piezoelectric element, and a pressable area is formed on the surface of the keycap facing away from the conductive member; There is an unequal gap between the portion of the conductive element corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element. The pressure sensor receives pressure applied from the pressable area and generates an electrical signal. The control unit receives the electrical signal and drives the piezoelectric element to vibrate, which in turn causes the keycap to vibrate through the conductive member. The button assembly further includes a housing, the housing having an accommodating space with an opening on at least one side, and the button assembly further includes at least one limiting member disposed within the accommodating space and located on one side of the conductive member. The limiting member includes at least one bent section that abuts against the surface of the vibrating plate facing the piezoelectric ceramic sheet.

2. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the conductive element corresponding to the pressable area and the contact position with the piezoelectric element are located in the middle of the conductive element, and the gap between the portion of the conductive element corresponding to the pressable area and the piezoelectric element gradually increases from the contact position towards the end of the conductive element.

3. The button assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the conductive element facing away from the pressable area is curved.

4. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is configured to be at least two, wherein the two pressure sensors are arranged opposite each other and are both located near the edge of the piezoelectric element.

5. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The opening penetrates one surface of the housing; The piezoelectric element, the conductive element, and the keycap are all disposed within the accommodating space, and the keycap is at least partially located within the opening, with the surface area of ​​the keycap located within the opening forming the pressable area.

6. The button assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The vibrating plate and the piezoelectric ceramic sheet are both disposed within the accommodating space and are both electrically connected to the control unit. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet is disposed on one surface of the vibrating plate. The conductive element is disposed on the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet facing away from the vibrating plate, and the pressure sensor is disposed on the vibrating plate.

7. The button assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The vibrating plate includes a first vibrating part and a second vibrating part connected to each other. The projected area of ​​the first vibrating part on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is larger than the projected area of ​​the second vibrating part on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet. Both the piezoelectric ceramic sheet and the pressure sensor are disposed on the surface of the first vibrating part facing away from the second vibrating part; and / or The vibrating plate is a flexible vibrating plate.

8. The button assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member is also provided with a fixing lug, which is bent and extended relative to the limiting member, and the fixing lug is provided with a fixing hole. The accommodating space extends through one side of the housing, and the housing has a mating hole adapted to the fixing hole at the through opening adjacent to the accommodating space; The button assembly also includes fasteners, and the fixing lug is fixed to the housing by the fastener engaging with the fixing hole and the mating hole.

9. The button assembly as described in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a seal disposed between the keycap and the housing to seal the accommodating space; and / or, The key assembly also includes an elastic connecting adhesive, which is disposed between the keycap and the conductive member to fix the keycap and the conductive member.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a button assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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