Key and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a key and electronic equipment. Relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and is used for solving the problem of low pressing force detection accuracy of a conventional key. The key comprises a key cap, an elastic beam, a pressure-sensitive feedback assembly, a sensor and a supporting structure. The key cap is provided with a pressing surface for a user to press. The elastic beam is connected with the keycap. The pressure-sensitive feedback assembly comprises a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet and the second beam body are oppositely arranged at an interval, and the second magnet is arranged on the elastic beam. The sensor is located on the elastic beam and used for sensing the deformation quantity of the elastic beam. The supporting structure is fixedly connected with the elastic beam and the first magnet. The connecting position of the supporting structure and the elastic beam is located between the sensor and the second magnet.

Description

Buttons and electronics

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on February 29, 2024, with application number 202410236129.6 and invention name “Buttons and Electronic Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a key and an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Electronic devices typically have one or more buttons. Users can manipulate these buttons to enable the electronic device to perform corresponding functions. For example, a mobile phone has a volume up button, a volume down button, and a lock screen button. Pressing the volume up button increases the volume, pressing the volume down decreases the volume, and pressing the lock screen button locks the screen.

[0004] With the development of button technology, there are currently two types of button technology: physical buttons (mechanical buttons) and solid-state buttons. Physical buttons rely on the mechanical movement of the button to achieve their function. When the physical button is pressed, the metal contacts inside the physical button form a circuit connection, triggering an electrical signal. Solid-state buttons rely on pressure sensors to detect changes in pressing force and trigger an electrical signal.

[0005] Physical buttons usually have only a single function, and users input commands by pressing the physical buttons. When a certain command needs to be output continuously, the user needs to press the physical button repeatedly, which reduces the interaction efficiency. Solid-state buttons based on pressure sensors can intelligently identify user touch operations, such as the touch force, touch duration, and touch position on the solid-state button, thereby identifying touch commands such as light press, hard press, click, and slide. This can greatly expand the interactive functions of the buttons, so the interaction efficiency of solid-state buttons is higher. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a button and an electronic device for solving the current problem of low accuracy in detecting pressing force with a button.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a key is provided. The key includes a keycap, an elastic beam, a pressure-sensitive feedback component, a sensor, and a support structure. The keycap has a pressing surface for a user to press. The elastic beam is connected to the keycap, and the elastic beam is deformed by the pressing force provided by the keycap. The pressure-sensitive feedback component includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet are opposite and spaced apart, and the second magnet is arranged on the elastic beam. The second magnet moves relative to the first magnet and drives the elastic beam to vibrate. The sensor is located on the elastic beam to sense the deformation of the elastic beam. The support structure is fixedly connected to the elastic beam and the first magnet, respectively. The connection position between the support structure and the elastic beam is located between the sensor and the second magnet.

[0009] The keypad minimizes the coupling between the pressure-sensing feedback component and the sensor. This reduces or even eliminates the effect of vibration on the sensor's ability to accurately detect the user's pressing force when the pressure-sensing feedback component drives the elastic beam to vibrate after the pressure-sensing feedback is activated. This ensures that the keypad provides superior tactile feedback and accurately detects the user's pressing force during the pressure-sensing feedback activation process. Furthermore, by decoupling the pressure-sensing feedback component from the sensor through the support structure, the sensor used for pressure detection and the components of the pressure-sensing feedback component can be selected relatively independently during keypad design, simplifying keypad design.

[0010] The connection point between the support structure and the elastic beam is called the second connection point. The second connection point can divide the elastic beam into a first beam body and a second beam body. The first beam body is located outside the second connection point, and the second beam body is located inside the second connection point. It can be understood that the first beam body is the portion of the elastic beam that is fixedly connected to the external structure, and the second beam body is the portion between the two second connection points where the two support structures connect to the elastic beam. The second connection point is neither part of the first beam body nor the second beam body.

[0011] The sensor and the second magnet are located on either side of the support structure. The sensor is located on the first beam, and the second magnet is located on the second beam. For example, the second magnet can be located between the two second connection locations where the two support structures connect to the elastic beam.

[0012] The first magnet, two supporting structures, and the second beam of the elastic beam together form a stable structure fixed end to end. In this stable structure, the electromagnetic force generated between the first and second magnets within the pressure-sensing feedback component acts as the internal force of the stabilizing structure. This support structure decouples the pressure-sensing feedback component from the sensor. When the second beam vibrates in response to the second magnet, it can reduce or even eliminate the deformation of the first beam, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensor on the first beam in detecting pressure.

[0013] For example, the second magnet is controlled by an AC signal to form an electromagnetic force with the first magnet, driving the second beam of the elastic beam to vibrate. The support structure securely supports the second connection point between the second beam and the first beam of the elastic beam, thereby reducing or even eliminating the effect of the vibration of the second beam on the deformation of the first beam. This reduces or even eliminates the effect of tactile feedback on the accuracy of pressure detection by the sensor on the first beam after pressure feedback is activated, thereby improving the accuracy of key detection of user pressure after pressure feedback is activated.

[0014] When the keycap is pressed by the user, it applies pressure to the second beam in the elastic beam, causing it to press downward. Simultaneously, as the keycap is pressed by the user, the signal controller outputs an AC signal to the coil of the second magnet, causing the second magnet and the first magnet to vibrate against each other. This vibration is then transmitted back to the keycap through the second beam, allowing the user's finger to sense tactile feedback.

[0015] When the keycap is subjected to pressure from the user, since the two supporting structures support and fix the two second connection positions of the elastic beam, the fixation of the second connection positions can reduce or even eliminate the influence of the deformation of the second beam body on the deformation of the first beam body, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the sensor on the first beam body to the user's pressing force.

[0016] Therefore, the button provided in the embodiment of the present application can improve the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force while ensuring that the user obtains good tactile feedback.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the support structure includes a rigid component, a first end of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the elastic beam, and a second end of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the first magnet.

[0018] The rigid component can be made of one or more rigid materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, etc.

[0019] One end of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the elastic beam, and the other end of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the first magnet.

[0020] When the pressure-sensitive feedback component vibrates and causes the second beam to move closer to the first magnet, the rigid component is subjected to pressure, and internal stress is generated inside the rigid component and presses down the first magnet.

[0021] In this way, the rigid component under pressure and the first magnet will form a reaction force to resist the pressure, forming a supporting force on the second connection point. The supporting force formed by the rigid component on the second connection point will reduce or even eliminate the effect of the second beam body moving close to the first magnet on the deformation of the first beam body. Therefore, after the pressure feedback is activated, the influence of the sensor on the first beam body on the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force can be reduced or even eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of the key's detection of the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0022] The vibration is bidirectional, and the vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component will also cause the second beam to move away from the first magnet.

[0023] When the pressure-sensitive feedback component vibrates to cause the second beam to move away from the first magnet, the rigid component is subjected to tension, and internal tension is generated inside the rigid component and pulls up the first magnet.

[0024] In this way, the rigid component subjected to the pulling force and the first magnet will form a reaction force that resists the pulling force, generating a pull-back force on the second connection position. The pull-back force generated by the rigid component on the second connection position will reduce or even eliminate the effect of deformation of the first beam when the second beam moves away from the first magnet. This can reduce or even eliminate the effect of the sensor on the first beam on the accuracy of detecting user pressure after pressure feedback is activated, thereby improving the accuracy of key detection of user pressure after pressure feedback is activated.

[0025] The support structure includes a rigid component, which can improve the fixing strength of the support structure to the second connection position when the second magnet vibrates relative to the first magnet, minimize the impact of the vibration of the second beam on the deformation of the first beam, reduce or even eliminate the impact of the sensor on the first beam on the accuracy of user pressure detection, and improve the accuracy of button detection of user pressure after pressure feedback is activated.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rigid component and the first magnet are interconnected as an integral structure. The rigid component and the first magnet are made of the same material and are interconnected to form an integrally formed structure. For example, the rigid component and the first magnet are both made of stainless steel or a titanium alloy.

[0027] The two rigid components are respectively located at two ends of the first magnet in the length direction and protrude toward the elastic beam. The top of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the elastic beam.

[0028] To prevent the pressure-sensitive feedback component from generating a strong electromagnetic force that drives the second beam to vibrate, potentially reducing the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback component and the sensor, the rigid component and the first magnet can be formed into an integrated structure. By increasing the fixing strength between the rigid component and the first magnet, the overall rigidity of the stable structure is increased, thereby improving the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback component and the sensor, ensuring that the sensor accurately detects the user's pressure after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0029] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is smaller than the fixing area between the rigid component and the first magnet. It is understandable that the fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is the contact area between the second connection position and the rigid component. Exemplarily, if the rigid component and the elastic beam are welded, the fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is the welding area. Another exemplary embodiment is that the rigid component and the elastic beam are bolted, and the fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is the contact area between the fastener in the bolt and the elastic beam.

[0030] By increasing the area of ​​attachment between the rigid component and the first magnet, the strength of the attachment between the support structure and the first magnet can be increased, thereby reducing the deformation of the first magnet when the user presses a button. Furthermore, since the elastic beam has many connected components but a limited length, reducing the area of ​​attachment between the rigid component and the elastic beam facilitates secure attachment of the support structure to the elastic beam within a limited space.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, a fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is larger than a fixing area between the rigid component and the first magnet.

[0032] By setting a larger fixing area for the rigid component and the elastic beam, the fixing strength between the support structure and the elastic beam can be improved, thereby minimizing the impact of the vibration of the second beam on the deformation of the first beam, reducing or even eliminating the impact of the sensor on the first beam on the accuracy of user pressure detection, and improving the accuracy of button detection of user pressure after pressure feedback is activated.

[0033] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the support structure includes an elastic component including a first fixing portion fixed to the elastic beam, a second fixing portion fixed to the first magnet, and a connecting portion connecting the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

[0034] It can be understood that the first fixing portion is fixedly connected to the second connection position.

[0035] The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion can be arranged at least partially opposite each other, or the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion can be arranged offset from each other. For example, the second fixing portion is located on the side of the first fixing portion closer to the second magnet. For another example, the second fixing portion is located on the side of the first fixing portion farther from the second magnet. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are arranged offset from each other, which can increase the size of the elastic component, thereby increasing the strength of the elastic support force of the elastic component on the second connection position.

[0036] When the user does not press the button, the elastic component can be in an unstressed state and there is no internal stress in the elastic component. It can be understood that there is no tension or pressure between the first fixing portion and the connecting portion, and there is no tension or pressure between the second fixing portion and the connecting portion.

[0037] When the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly vibrates, causing the second beam to move closer to the first magnet, the elastic component is subjected to pressure, generating internal stress within the elastic component. The pressure from the elastic beam pushes the first fixing portion downward against the connecting portion, and the connecting portion pushes the second fixing portion downward.

[0038] In this way, the elastic component under pressure will generate a reaction force to resist the pressure, forming a supporting force on the second connection position. The supporting force generated by the elastic component on the second connection position will reduce or even eliminate the effect of the second beam body moving close to the first magnet on the deformation of the first beam body. Therefore, after the pressure feedback is activated, the influence of the sensor on the first beam body on the accuracy of the user's pressing force detection can be reduced or even eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of the key detection of the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0039] The vibration is bidirectional, and the vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component will also cause the second beam to move away from the first magnet.

[0040] When the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly vibrates, causing the second beam to move away from the first magnet, the elastic component is pulled, generating an internal tensile force within the elastic component. The first fixed portion is pulled upward by the elastic beam, which in turn pulls the connecting portion upward.

[0041] In this way, the elastic component subjected to the pulling force will generate a reaction force to resist the pulling force, thereby generating a pull-back force on the second connection position. The pull-back force generated by the elastic component on the second connection position will reduce or even eliminate the effect of deformation of the first beam when the second beam moves away from the first magnet. Thus, after the pressure feedback is activated, the effect of the sensor on the first beam on the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force can be reduced or even eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of the key's detection of the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0042] The elastic component can be a spring, a spring, etc.

[0043] The elastic component can secure the second connection position when the electromagnetic force between the first and second magnets is low, thereby reducing the impact of the second beam's vibration on the deformation of the first beam. This reduces or even eliminates the impact of the sensor on the first beam on the accuracy of user pressure detection, thereby improving the accuracy of key pressure detection after pressure feedback is activated. Furthermore, the elastic component has a variable elastic force, so it can flexibly reduce the impact of the second beam's vibration on the deformation of the first beam within a certain range of electromagnetic forces, thereby improving the adaptability of the support structure.

[0044] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, a connection position of the sensor on the elastic beam and a connection position of the support structure on the elastic beam are spaced apart from each other.

[0045] The connection position of the sensor on the elastic beam is spaced from the second connection position. It can be understood that the sensor and the support structure do not interfere with each other in position (or are called offset settings), and the edge of the sensor close to the support structure is spaced from the edge of the second connection position close to the sensor. In this way, after the pressure feedback is activated, the decoupling effect of the support structure on the pressure feedback component and the sensor can be improved, thereby reducing the influence of the vibration of the pressure feedback component on the sensor, and improving the accuracy of the sensor's detection of the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0046] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, a connection position of the keycap on the elastic beam and a connection position of the support structure on the elastic beam are spaced apart from each other.

[0047] The position where the elastic beam is connected to the keycap can be called the first connection position. The first connection position and the second connection position are spaced apart from each other. It can be understood that the keycap and the support structure do not interfere with each other in position (or are called staggered settings), and the edge of the first connection position close to the second connection position is spaced apart from the edge of the second connection position close to the first connection position. In this way, the problem of the support structure reducing the tactile feedback provided by the pressure feedback component transmitted by the keycap can be avoided, thereby improving the effect of the tactile feedback provided by the key to the user.

[0048] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the keycap includes a cap body and at least one connector. The connectors respectively connect the cap body and the elastic beam. The connectors are located between the support structure and the second magnet.

[0049] The connector in the keycap can be fixedly connected to the elastic beam by bolt connection, welding (laser welding or brazing), etc. The two connectors are fixedly connected to the elastic beam respectively.

[0050] By setting the connector between the support structure and the second magnet, the keycap can be connected to the first beam where the sensor is located, thereby improving the sensor's detection sensitivity to the user's pressing force on the keycap, and further improving the key's detection accuracy to the user's pressing force.

[0051] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, a dimension of the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0052] When a user presses the keycap, causing the elastic beam to deform, the elastic beam can also transmit the pressing force to the first magnet through the support structure, causing the first magnet to deform as well. To reduce the deformation of the first magnet, the first magnet can be made of a material with higher rigidity or its thickness can be increased.

[0053] In this implementation, by making the dimension of the first magnet in the direction perpendicular to the pressing surface greater than or equal to 0.3 mm, the thickness of the first magnet can be increased and the deformation of the first magnet can be reduced.

[0054] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface, a spacing distance between the first magnet and the second magnet is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm.

[0055] In this way, the first magnet and the second magnet can be prevented from colliding with each other during the mutual vibration process, and the reserved space is small, which can facilitate the miniaturization of the key.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the sensor includes at least one of a micro-electromechanical system piezoresistive sensor, a metal strain gauge pressure sensor, an optical sensor, and an ultrasonic deformation sensor.

[0057] These sensors have the characteristic of high accuracy in detecting user pressure, thereby improving the accuracy of button detection of user pressure.

[0058] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the elastic beam includes a first elastic portion and two second elastic portions fixedly connected to opposite ends of the first elastic portion, respectively. The second magnet is disposed on the first elastic portion, the sensor is disposed on the second elastic portion, and the support structure is fixedly connected to the second elastic portion.

[0059] In this implementation, the elastic beam is assembled from multiple components. Therefore, these components can be manufactured simultaneously, improving the efficiency of the elastic beam's production. Furthermore, each component is simpler than the overall elastic beam structure, making its production easier and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing the elastic beam.

[0060] The second magnet may be disposed on the first elastic portion. When the second magnet vibrates, the second magnet may drive the first elastic portion to vibrate.

[0061] The sensor can be arranged on the second elastic part and can detect the pressing force of the button by the user by detecting the deformation of the second elastic part.

[0062] In some examples, the stiffness of the first elastic portion can be the same as the stiffness of the second elastic portion. For example, the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are made of the same material. In other examples, the stiffness of the first elastic portion can be different from the stiffness of the second elastic portion. For example, the stiffness of the first elastic portion is greater than the stiffness of the second elastic portion.

[0063] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing and a key. The key is any key as described in the first aspect. The housing exposes at least a portion of the keycap of the key.

[0064] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the button is a solid-state button. The solid-state button can intelligently identify user touch operations, such as the touch force, touch duration, and touch location of the solid-state button, thereby identifying touch commands such as light press, hard press, click, and slide. This can significantly expand the interactive functions of the button, and thus the interaction efficiency of the solid-state button is relatively high.

[0065] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the housing further includes a back cover and a middle frame, the elastic beam of the key is fixedly connected to the middle frame, and the first magnet is independent of the middle frame. Thus, when a user presses a key, the keycap can depress the elastic beam, which in turn drives the first magnet downward via the support structure, thereby depressing the key.

[0066] The electronic device of the second aspect has any one of the keys of the first aspect, so the electronic device of the second aspect has the beneficial effects of the key, which will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a solid-state button;

[0068] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the solid-state button shown in FIG1 under a force-bearing state;

[0069] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device;

[0070] FIG4 is a perspective exploded schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG3 ;

[0071] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application installed in an electronic device;

[0072] FIG6 is a structural schematic diagram of the solid-state key shown in FIG5 deforming when subjected to the electromagnetic force of a pressure-sensitive feedback component;

[0073] FIG7 is a structural schematic diagram of the solid-state button shown in FIG5 deforming when simultaneously subjected to a pressing force from a user and an electromagnetic force from a pressure-sensitive feedback component;

[0074] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a sensor;

[0075] FIG9 is a circuit diagram of a Wheatstone bridge;

[0076] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the strain of the sensor of the solid-state button when it is subjected to forces other than the vertical pressing force of the user and the electromagnetic force of the pressure-sensitive feedback component;

[0077] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rigid component and the first magnet in FIG11;

[0079] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0086] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "including" is to be interpreted as having an open, inclusive meaning, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that specific features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0087] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “plurality” means two or more.

[0088] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0089] “At least one of A, B and C” has the same meaning as “at least one of A, B or C” and both include the following combinations of A, B and C: A only, B only, C only, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B and C.

[0090] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0091] In addition, in this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the components in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are used for relative description and clarification, and they can change accordingly according to changes in the orientation of the components in the drawings.

[0092] In this application, the term "relatively disposed" refers to an overlapping relationship between the vertical projections (also known as orthographic projections) of two objects in the same plane. It can be understood that the relative arrangement of two objects means that parts of the two objects are arranged facing each other.

[0093] As used herein, “approximately” includes the stated value and an average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value, where the acceptable range of deviation is determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0094] Before introducing the embodiments of the present application, a brief introduction to the relevant technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application is first given here.

[0095] 1. Solid-state buttons

[0096] Solid-state buttons are hardware structures that enable users to perform touch operations and input commands into electronic devices. They can intelligently identify user touch operations, identifying the force, duration, and location of touches applied to the buttons. These buttons can then recognize touch commands such as light presses, hard presses, clicks, and swipes. This significantly expands the range of user interaction options and provides high interaction efficiency.

[0097] FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a solid-state button in an unstressed state; FIG2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the solid-state button shown in FIG1 in a stressed state.

[0098] A solid-state key 10 is mounted on an electronic device. The solid-state key 10 includes a keycap 11 for user touch. The user can press the keycap 11 to perform touch operations such as single-click, double-click, multiple-click, long-press, and swipe, thereby inputting various touch commands into the electronic device.

[0099] The solid-state key 10 may further include an elastic beam 12. The end of the elastic beam 12 may be connected to the middle frame 20 of the electronic device. The elastic beam 12 may also be connected to the keycap 11, and is configured to receive the pressing force transmitted by the keycap 11 and deform accordingly. Specifically, the degree of deformation of the elastic beam 12 due to the pressing force is inversely correlated with the rigidity of the elastic beam 12. For example, the higher the rigidity of the elastic beam 12, the smaller the deformation caused by the pressing force; the lower the rigidity of the elastic beam 12, the greater the deformation caused by the pressing force.

[0100] The elastic beam 12 can be made of suitable materials such as silicon steel, stainless steel, etc., which is not limited here.

[0101] The solid-state key 10 may also include a sensor 13. The sensor 13 may generally include a polymer ink printed pressure sensor. The sensor 13 may be provided on the elastic beam 12. The sensor 13 may sense the magnitude of the user's pressing force by sensing the degree of deformation of the elastic beam 12. For example, as shown in FIG2 , the sensor 13 is fixed to the elastic beam 12. When the elastic beam 12 is deformed due to the pressing force, the elastic beam 12 drives the sensor 13 to deform, so that the sensor 13 outputs a sensing signal for indicating the pressure value, pressure duration, pressure position and other information of the pressing force received by the keycap 11 due to its own deformation. The solid-state key 10 may use the sensing signal as the output signal of the solid-state key 10.

[0102] The stiffness of the elastic beam 12 is negatively correlated with the sensitivity of the sensor 13 to pressure detection. It is understandable that the greater the stiffness of the elastic beam 12, the smaller the deformation of the elastic beam 12 caused by the pressure, resulting in a lower sensitivity of the sensor 13 to pressure detection.

[0103] 2. Pressure feedback component

[0104] The pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 can activate pressure-sensitive feedback when the user's pressing force on the keycap 11 reaches a preset pressure threshold. The pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 provides electromagnetic force to the keycap 11 to provide tactile feedback to the user, thereby improving the user's pressing tactile feeling of the solid-state key 10. Therefore, in order to improve the user's pressing tactile feeling of the solid-state key 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the solid-state key 10 can generally further include a pressure-sensitive feedback component 14.

[0105] The pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 may include a first magnet 141 and a second magnet 142. The first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart. At least one of the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 may be an electrically controlled magnet. The electrically controlled magnet may include a magnetic conductor and a coil wound around the magnetic conductor. A signal controller provides a current signal to the coil, thereby causing the electrically controlled magnet to generate a magnetic field.

[0106] An electromagnetic force is generated between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142, thereby generating vibration. The electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 is negatively correlated with the distance between them. The electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 is positively correlated with the size of the first magnet 141, the size of the second magnet 142, the number of turns in the coil of the electrically controlled magnet, and other factors.

[0107] Exemplarily, the closer the spacing distance between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 is, the greater the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 is.

[0108] As another example, the larger the size of the first magnet 141 and / or the second magnet 142 is, the greater the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 is.

[0109] For ease of explanation, the following description will take the example of the first magnet 141 being a permanent magnet and the second magnet 142 being an electrically controlled magnet. It is understood that, in specific implementation scenarios, the first magnet 141 may be an electrically controlled magnet and the second magnet 142 may be a permanent magnet, or both the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 may be electrically controlled magnets.

[0110] When the second magnet 142 receives a positive current signal from the signal controller, the second magnet 142 forms a polarity opposite to that of the first magnet 141, thereby generating an attractive force between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141; when the second magnet 142 receives a negative current signal from the signal controller, a repulsive force is generated between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141.

[0111] One of the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 can be disposed on the elastic beam 12, and the other of the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 can be disposed on the middle frame 20 of the electronic device. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second magnet 142 is disposed on the surface of the elastic beam 12 away from the keycap 11, and the first magnet 141 is disposed on the surface of the middle frame 20 close to the keycap 11. It can be understood that the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 are between the elastic beam 12 and the middle frame 20.

[0112] For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given as an example in which the second magnet 142 is arranged on the surface of the elastic beam 12 away from the keycap 11, and the first magnet 141 is arranged on the surface of the middle frame 20 close to the keycap 11. However, in fact, the second magnet 142 can be arranged on the surface of the middle frame 20 close to the keycap 11, and the first magnet 141 can be arranged on the surface of the elastic beam 12 away from the keycap 11.

[0113] The middle frame 20 is a fixed structure in the electronic device, so the position of the first magnet 141 on the middle frame 20 is fixed.

[0114] When the second magnet 142 receives a positive current signal from the signal controller, an attractive force is generated between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141. Since the first magnet 141 is fixed in position, the second magnet 142 drives the elastic beam 12 to move closer to the first magnet 141. When the second magnet 142 receives a negative current signal from the signal controller, a repulsive force is generated between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141, and the second magnet 142 drives the elastic beam 12 to move away from the first magnet 141. In this way, when a user presses the solid-state key 10, the signal controller provides an AC signal (e.g., a sine wave signal) to the second magnet 142, thereby causing the second magnet 142 and the elastic beam 12 to vibrate together.

[0115] As previously explained, the keycap 11 is connected to the elastic beam 12. Therefore, when the elastic beam 12 vibrates, the elastic beam 12 also drives the keycap 11 to vibrate. In this way, the vibration generated by the keycap 11 provides tactile feedback to the user, thereby enhancing the tactile sensation of the user pressing the solid-state key 10.

[0116] However, when the solid-state button 10 includes a pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 , the vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 on the elastic beam 12 to provide tactile feedback to the user will reduce the accuracy of the sensor 13 in determining the user's pressing force by sensing the deformation of the elastic beam 12 .

[0117] In order to solve the above problem and reduce the impact of the vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 on the accuracy of the sensor 13 in detecting the pressing force, some solutions will use a more rigid material to make the elastic beam 12 to reduce the impact of vibration on the deformation of the elastic beam 12. However, as previously explained, the rigidity of the elastic beam 12 is negatively correlated with the sensitivity of the sensor 13 to detecting pressing force. Therefore, even if this method improves the accuracy of the sensor 13 in detecting pressing force, it reduces the sensitivity of the sensor 13 to detecting pressing force. At the same time, because the rigidity of the elastic beam 12 increases, the vibration on the elastic beam 12 is weakened, which will also cause the tactile feedback provided to the user by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 to weaken.

[0118] Therefore, there is currently no technical solution in the industry that can balance the tactile feedback effect provided by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 to the user and the accuracy of the user's pressing force determined by the sensor 13.

[0119] The embodiments of the present application provide a button and an electronic device equipped with the button. The button can decouple the pressure-sensitive feedback component from the sensor as much as possible, so that when the pressure-sensitive feedback component drives the elastic beam to vibrate, the impact on the accuracy of the sensor detecting the user's pressing force is reduced or even eliminated, thereby making the button have better tactile feedback and accurately detecting the user's pressing force. In addition, by decoupling the pressure-sensitive feedback component from the sensor, the sensor used for pressure detection and the components selected for the pressure-sensitive feedback component can be relatively independently selected during the design of the button, simplifying the difficulty of the button design.

[0120] The above-mentioned button can be a solid-state button or a physical button, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. For ease of understanding, the following description will take a solid-state button as an example.

[0121] The electronic devices provided herein are electronic devices that can be equipped with solid-state buttons. These electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablet personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, notebook computers, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, walkmans, radios, and other electronic devices. Wearable devices include, but are not limited to, smart bracelets, smart watches, smart head-mounted displays, and smart glasses. For ease of understanding, the following descriptions will use scenarios where the electronic device includes a mobile phone as an example.

[0122] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device, while Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in Figure 3. The electronic device 100 may include a solid-state key 10, a housing 30, a screen 40, and a circuit board 50. The housing 30 and screen 40 together enclose a storage space, and the circuit board 50 may be located within the storage space.

[0123] It is understandable that FIG3 and FIG4 merely schematically illustrate that the electronic device 100 includes some components, and the actual shape, actual size, actual position and actual structure of these components are not limited by FIG3 and FIG4 and the following figures.

[0124] The screen 40 is used to display images, videos, etc. The screen 40 includes a transparent cover plate 41 and a display screen 42. The transparent cover plate 41 and the display screen 42 are stacked and fixedly connected. The transparent cover plate 41 is mainly used to protect the display screen 42 and prevent dust. The material of the transparent cover plate 41 includes but is not limited to glass. The display screen 42 can be a flexible display screen or a rigid display screen. For example, the display screen 42 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED) display screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., which are not limited here.

[0125] The housing 30 protects the internal electronic components of the electronic device 100. The housing 30 may include a back cover 31 and a middle frame 20. The middle frame 20 includes a frame 21 and a plate 22 located inside the frame 21. The solid-state button may be fixedly connected to the plate 22 or the frame 21, without limitation.

[0126] The back cover 31 is located on the side of the display screen 42 away from the light-transmitting cover plate 41, and is stacked with the light-transmitting cover plate 41 and the display screen 42 and spaced apart. The frame 21 is located between the back cover 31 and the light-transmitting cover plate 41. The frame 21 can be fixed to the back cover 31. For example, the frame 21 can be fixed to the back cover 31 by adhesive, and the frame 21 can also be an integrally molded structure with the back cover 31, that is, the frame 21 and the back cover 31 are a whole structural component. The light-transmitting cover plate 41 can be fixed to the frame 21 by adhesive. The light-transmitting cover plate 41, the back cover 31 and the frame 21 together enclose a storage space for the electronic device 100. The storage space accommodates the display screen 42, the middle frame 20 and the circuit board 50.

[0127] As shown in FIG4 , the board 22 is disposed within the aforementioned storage space, and is located on the side of the display screen 42 away from the light-transmitting cover plate 41. The edges of the board 22 are secured to the frame 21. In some embodiments, the edges of the board 22 can be secured to the frame 21 by gluing, or the board 22 and the frame 21 can be integrally formed, i.e., the board 22 and the frame 21 are a single, integral structural member. The display screen 42 can be located on the side of the board 22 closer to the light-transmitting cover plate 41, and the circuit board 50 can be located on the side of the board 22 closer to the back cover 31.

[0128] The circuit board 50 is used to house electronic components and to provide electrical connections between them. In some embodiments, the circuit board 50 may include a main circuit board 51 and a secondary circuit board 52. The main circuit board 51 and the secondary circuit board 52 are disposed within the space between the middle frame 20 and the back cover 31 and are stacked with the back cover 31. In some embodiments, both the main circuit board 51 and the secondary circuit board 52 are fixed to the plate body 22.

[0129] The main circuit board 51 is used to integrate a control chip. The control chip may be, for example, an application processor (AP), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR), and universal flash storage (UFS). In some embodiments, the main circuit board 51 is electrically connected to the display screen 42 and is used to control the display screen 42 to display images or videos.

[0130] The main circuit board 51 can be a rigid circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or a combination of rigid and flexible circuit boards. The main circuit board 51 can be made of FR-4 dielectric board, Rogers dielectric board, or a combination of FR-4 and Rogers dielectric board. It should be noted that FR-4 is a designation for a flame-retardant material grade, and Rogers dielectric board is a high-frequency board.

[0131] The auxiliary circuit board 52 is used to integrate electronic devices such as the antenna (such as a 5G antenna), the radio frequency front end, the universal serial bus (USB) device, and the vibration motor.

[0132] The auxiliary circuit board 52 can also be a rigid circuit board, a flexible circuit board or a rigid-flexible circuit board. The auxiliary circuit board 52 can also be a FR-4 dielectric board, a Rogers dielectric board or a mixed dielectric board of FR-4 and Rogers.

[0133] The circuit board 50 may further include a connecting structure 53. The connecting structure 53 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 51 and the auxiliary circuit board 52 to facilitate data and signal transmission between the auxiliary circuit board 52 and the main circuit board 51. The connecting structure 53 includes, but is not limited to, a flexible printed circuit (FPC), a wire, an enameled wire, or a structure formed by braiding a wire and a flexible material.

[0134] The solid-state button 10 can be mounted on the housing (e.g., frame 21, or back cover 31) 30 of the electronic device 100. For example, the solid-state button 10 can be set in the center of the frame 21 and serve as a volume control button, lock screen button, etc. of the electronic device 100.

[0135] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the solid-state key provided by an embodiment of the present application installed in an electronic device. The frame 21 may be provided with a groove 23. At least part of the keycap 11 in the solid-state key 10 is accommodated in the groove 23. Exemplarily, the keycap 11 may include a cap body 111, and a connector 112 connecting the cap body 111 and the elastic beam 12. The side surface of the cap body 111 away from the elastic beam 12 includes a pressing surface for the user to press. The cap body 111 is accommodated in the groove 23 provided in the shell 30. The cap body 111 and the connector 112 may be an integrally formed structure, or the cap body 111 and the connector 112 may be an integral structure formed by assembling each other, which is not limited here.

[0136] In some examples, the notch of the groove 23 can be substantially flush with the surface of the cap body 111 on the side away from the elastic beam 12. In this way, the outer surface of the solid-state button 10 (the surface for user pressing) and the outer surface of the housing 30 can form a unified and smooth surface, improving the aesthetics of the electronic device 100.

[0137] In other examples, the side surface of the cap body 111 away from the elastic beam 12 may protrude relative to the notch of the groove 23. For example, the protruding distance between the side surface of the cap body 111 away from the elastic beam 12 and the notch of the groove 23 may be greater than or equal to 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 0.15 mm. For example, the protruding distance may be 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.15 mm, etc.

[0138] In this way, when the user blindly presses the solid-state button 10 with a finger, the user can distinguish the solid-state button 10 from the housing 30 by touch, and the user can quickly find the solid-state button 10.

[0139] As shown in Figure 5, the bottom of the groove 23 separates the cap body 111 from the elastic beam 12. Therefore, the bottom of the groove 23 may be provided with a through hole 231 that extends through the housing 30. The connector 112 in the keycap 11 may pass through the through hole 231 and connect to the elastic beam 12. It is understood that one end of the connector 112 is connected to the cap body 111 on one side of the groove bottom, and the other end of the connector 112 is connected to the elastic beam 12 on the other side of the groove bottom.

[0140] The connector 112 in the keycap 11 can be fixedly connected to the elastic beam 12 by bolting, welding (laser welding or brazing), etc. As shown in Figure 5, the two connectors 112 are respectively fixedly connected to the elastic beam 12. The location where the elastic beam 12 connects to the connector 112 can be referred to as the first connection location 12a.

[0141] The number of through holes 231 provided in the bottom of the groove 23 may be one or more. For example, the number of through holes 231 may be equal to the number of connectors 112 in the keycap 11, with each connector 112 passing through a through hole 231 to connect to the elastic beam 12. For another example, the number of through holes 231 may be greater than the number of connectors 112 in the keycap 11. The through holes 231 without connectors 112 passing through them may facilitate airflow into or out of the housing 30 when the pressure feedback component 14 in the solid-state key 10 vibrates, thereby facilitating airflow to balance the air pressure inside and outside the housing 30.

[0142] In addition, when the user presses the keycap 11 with great force, the bottom of the groove 23 can abut against the surface of the cap body 111 on one side close to the elastic beam 12, thereby preventing the problem of excessive internal pressure of the keycap 11 damaging the solid-state key 10 due to excessive pressure from the user.

[0143] In the embodiment of the present application, the elastic beam 12 may be an integrally formed structure, or may be an integral structure formed by assembling multiple components, which is not limited here.

[0144] As shown in FIG5 , the elastic beam 12 can be an integrally formed structure. The ends of the elastic beam 12 can be fixedly connected to the plate 22 of the electronic device 100. The connection between the elastic beam 12 and the plate 22 can be a fixed connection method such as bolt connection or welding. Alternatively, the elastic beam 12 and the plate 22 can be an integrally formed structure that is interconnected.

[0145] The elastic beam 12 can be fixedly connected to the two connectors 112 in the keycap 11. When the keycap 11 is pressed by a user, the keycap 11 transmits the pressing force to the elastic beam 12 through the first connection position 12a connected to the elastic beam 12. The elastic beam 12 deforms under the action of the pressing force.

[0146] The sensor 13 is disposed on the elastic beam 12. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the sensor 13 can be disposed on the surface of the elastic beam 12 close to the keycap 11. For another example, the sensor 13 can be disposed on the surface of the elastic beam 12 away from the keycap 11.

[0147] When the elastic beam 12 is deformed by the pressing force, the sensor 13 can detect the degree of deformation of the elastic beam 12, thereby sensing the magnitude of the pressing force applied by the user. How the sensor 13 determines the magnitude of the pressing force has been described previously and will not be repeated here.

[0148] There may be two sensors 13. The two sensors 13 may be disposed adjacent to the two first connection locations 12a, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the two first connection locations 12a are located between the two sensors 13. It is understood that each sensor 13 is located outside a first connection location 12a.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present application, the electronic device can also determine the user's pressing position using two sensors 13. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the two sensors 13 include a first sensor 131 and a second sensor 132. When the pressing force detected by the first sensor 131 is approximately equal to the pressing force detected by the second sensor 132, the electronic device 100 can determine that the user is pressing the center position of the keycap 11; when the pressing force detected by the first sensor 131 is greater than the pressing force detected by the second sensor 132, the electronic device can determine that the user is pressing the keycap 11 near the first sensor 131; when the pressing force detected by the first sensor 131 is less than the pressing force detected by the second sensor 132, the electronic device can determine that the user is pressing the keycap 11 near the second sensor 131.

[0150] On this basis, the electronic device 100 can determine the change in the position pressed by the user on the keycap 11 of the solid-state key 10 by acquiring the change in the pressing force detected by the first sensor 131 and the change in the pressing force detected by the second sensor 132. For example, when the pressing force detected by the first sensor 131 gradually increases and the pressing force detected by the second sensor 132 gradually decreases, the electronic device can determine that the position pressed by the user on the keycap 11 moves from the second sensor 132 to the first sensor 131. Similarly, when the pressing force detected by the first sensor 131 gradually decreases and the pressing force detected by the second sensor 132 gradually increases, the electronic device can determine that the position pressed by the user on the keycap 11 moves from the first sensor 131 to the second sensor 132.

[0151] In this way, the user can input interactive instructions to the electronic device by pressing different positions of the solid-state button 10 or sliding the finger on the solid-state button 10, thereby expanding the interactive function of the solid-state button 10 and improving the interactive efficiency of the solid-state button 10.

[0152] The first magnet 141 in the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 is located on the side of the elastic beam 12 away from the keycap 11, and is spaced apart from and opposite to the elastic beam 12. The second magnet 142 in the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 can be disposed on the elastic beam 12. For example, the second magnet 142 is disposed on the surface of the elastic beam 12 away from the keycap 11. Accordingly, the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 are spaced apart from and opposite to each other.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 5 , the solid-state key 10 may further include a support structure 15. The support structure 15 is connected to the elastic beam 12 and the first magnet 141 respectively.

[0154] The connection point between the support structure 15 and the elastic beam 12 is called the second connection point 12b. The second connection point 12b can divide the elastic beam 12 into a first beam body 121 and a second beam body 122. The first beam body 121 is located outside the second connection point 12b, and the second beam body 122 is located inside the second connection point 12b. It can be understood that the first beam body 121 is the portion of the elastic beam 12 that connects to the plate body 22, and the second beam body 122 is the portion between the two second connection points 12b where the two support structures 15 connect to the elastic beam 12. The second connection point 12b is neither part of the first beam body 121 nor the second beam body 122.

[0155] The sensor 13 and the second magnet 142 are respectively located on both sides of the support structure 15. The sensor 13 is disposed on the first beam 121, and the second magnet 142 is disposed on the second beam 122. For example, the second magnet 142 can also be disposed between the two second connection locations 12b where the two support structures 15 are connected to the elastic beam 12.

[0156] In some examples, the connection position of the sensor 13 on the elastic beam 12 is spaced apart from the second connection position 12b. It can be understood that the sensor 13 and the support structure 15 do not interfere with each other in position (or are called offset settings), and the edge of the sensor 13 close to the support structure 15 is spaced apart from the edge of the second connection position 12b close to the sensor 13. In this way, the decoupling effect of the support structure 15 on the pressure feedback component 14 and the sensor 13 can be improved, thereby reducing the impact of the pressure feedback component 14 vibration on the sensor 13 after the pressure feedback is activated, and improving the accuracy of the sensor 13 in detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0157] Similarly, in some examples, the first connection position 12a and the second connection position 12b are spaced apart from each other. It is understood that the connector 112 and the support structure 15 do not interfere with each other in position (or are offset), and the edge of the first connection position 12a on the side closest to the second connection position 12b is spaced apart from the edge of the second connection position 12b on the side closest to the first connection position 12a. This prevents the support structure 15 from reducing the tactile feedback provided by the pressure feedback component 14 transmitted by the connector 112, thereby improving the tactile feedback effect provided by the solid-state key 10 to the user.

[0158] In some examples, when the electromagnetic force generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 driving the second beam 122 to vibrate is large, this may reduce the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 and the sensor 13. Therefore, by reducing the distance between the support structure 15 and the second magnet 142, the vibration intensity of the second beam 122 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 and the sensor 13 and ensuring the accuracy of the sensor 13 detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure-sensitive feedback is activated.

[0159] In other words, the distance between the support structure 15 and the second magnet 142 can be negatively correlated with the vibration intensity of the second beam 122 (or the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142). This ensures the decoupling effect between the pressure feedback component 14 and the sensor 13, ensuring the accuracy of the sensor 13 detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0160] The support structure 15 can be fixedly connected to the first magnet 141. For example, the connection between the support structure 15 and the first magnet 141 can be a fixed connection method such as bolt connection, welding, etc. Alternatively, the support structure 15 and the first magnet 141 can be an integrally formed structure connected to each other.

[0161] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the first magnet 141 is not connected to the middle frame 20 (eg, the plate 22 ) of the electronic device 100 .

[0162] At this point, the first magnet 141, the two support structures 15, and the second beam 122 of the elastic beam 12 together form a stable structure fixed end to end. In this stable structure, the electromagnetic force generated between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 within the pressure feedback component 14 acts as the internal force of the stable structure. In this way, the support structure 15 achieves decoupling between the pressure feedback component 14 and the sensor 13. When the second beam 122 vibrates in response to the second magnet 142, the deformation effect on the first beam 121 can be reduced or even eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 in detecting the pressing force.

[0163] For example, the second magnet 142 is controlled by an AC signal to form an electromagnetic force with the first magnet 141, driving the second beam 122 in the elastic beam 12 to vibrate. The support structure 15 provides fixed support for the second connection point 12b between the second beam 122 and the first beam 121 in the elastic beam 12, so that the vibration of the second beam 122 reduces or even eliminates the effect of the deformation of the first beam 121. This can reduce or even eliminate the effect of tactile feedback on the accuracy of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 in detecting the pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated, thereby improving the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0164] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram showing the deformation of the solid-state key shown in FIG5 when the solid-state key is subjected to the electromagnetic force of the pressure-sensitive feedback component.

[0165] Figure 6 can be a schematic diagram of the deformation of the solid-state key when the keycap 11 is not pressed by the user or the pressing force is very small, and the pressure feedback component 14 is activated, so that the signal controller outputs an AC signal to the coil of the second magnet 142, causing the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 to vibrate with each other.

[0166] As can be seen from Figure 6, when the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 is activated, the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 vibrate against each other, causing the second beam 122 to deform, while the first beam 121 barely deforms. Therefore, it can be verified that the support structure 15 can reduce or even eliminate the effect of the deformation of the second beam 122 on the deformation of the first beam 121.

[0167] In one example, a user's finger slides across the keycap 11, applying a pressing force of 0.3N (Newtons) to the keycap, activating the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 and causing the second magnet 142 to generate a vibration force of 2N relative to the first magnet 141. Testing the sensor 13 reveals that the effect of the vibration force (2N) provided by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 on the strain of the sensor 13 is approximately one percent of the effect of the user's pressing force (0.3N) on the strain of the sensor 13. At this ratio, the effect of the vibration force on the accuracy of pressure detection is almost negligible.

[0168] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram showing the deformation of the solid-state button shown in FIG5 when the solid-state button is subjected to the pressing force of the user and the electromagnetic force of the pressure-sensitive feedback component at the same time.

[0169] As shown in Figure 7, when the keycap 11 is pressed by the user, the keycap 11 applies pressure to the second beam 122 in the elastic beam 12, causing both the first beam 121 and the second beam 122 to be pressed downward. At the same time, when the keycap 11 is pressed by the user, the signal controller outputs an AC signal to the coil of the second magnet 142, causing the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 to vibrate with each other. The vibration is transmitted back to the keycap 11 through the second beam 122, allowing the user's finger to sense tactile feedback.

[0170] When the keycap 11 is subjected to the pressure of the user, since the two supporting structures 15 support and fix the two second connection positions 12b of the elastic beam 12, the fixation of the second connection positions 12b can reduce or even eliminate the influence of the deformation of the second beam body 122 on the deformation of the first beam body 121, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the sensor 13 on the first beam body 121 to the user's pressing force.

[0171] It should be noted that the support structure 15 isolates the electromagnetic force between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 from affecting the first beam 121. Therefore, compared to the first beam 121, the second beam 122 is not only subjected to the user's pressing force but also to the electromagnetic force between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141. However, due to the isolation provided by the support structure 15, the first beam 121 is essentially only subjected to the user's pressing force. Therefore, in Figure 7, the degree of deformation of the first beam 121 is lower than that of the second beam 122. For example, in Figure 7, the tilt angle of the first beam 121 is smaller than the tilt angle of the second beam 122.

[0172] Therefore, the solid-state button provided in the embodiment of the present application can improve the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force while ensuring that the user obtains good tactile feedback.

[0173] It should be noted that when a user presses the keycap 11, causing the elastic beam 12 to deform under force, the elastic beam 12 can also transmit the pressing force to the first magnet 141 through the support structure 15, so that the first magnet 141 can also deform. In order to reduce the deformation of the first magnet 141, the first magnet 141 can be made of a material with higher rigidity, or the thickness of the first magnet 141 can be increased (the dimension corresponding to the direction of the pressing force in Figure 7, or the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the cap body 111).

[0174] For example, the thickness of the first magnet 141 may be greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. For example, the thickness of the first magnet 141 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.42 mm, 0.47 mm, 0.5 mm, etc., which is not limited here.

[0175] Based on the specific structure and working principle of the sensor, the following describes how the vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 affects the accuracy of press force detection when the solid-state button 10 does not have a supporting structure 15; and how the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 reduces or even eliminates the impact on the accuracy of press force detection when the solid-state button 10 has a supporting structure 15.

[0176] FIG8 shows a schematic structural diagram of the sensor; FIG9 is a circuit diagram of a Wheatstone bridge.

[0177] It should be noted that the schematic diagrams shown in FIG8 illustrate the operating conditions corresponding to the first sensor 131 on the left side of the solid-state key. The strain conditions corresponding to the second sensor 132 can be symmetrical with that of the first sensor 131. To avoid repetition, the following description uses the first sensor 131 as an example. The conditions of the second sensor 132 can be unambiguously deduced based on the symmetry relationship.

[0178] FIG8 illustrates a resistive pressure sensor as an example. As shown in FIG8 , the first sensor 131 includes an organic film 133 and four resistors (R1, R2, R3, and R4) formed on the organic film 133. The organic film 133 may be made of polyimide (PI) or other suitable materials, which are not limited herein.

[0179] The four resistors (R1, R2, R3, and R4) can be connected together using wires to form a Wheatstone bridge circuit as shown in Figure 9. A positive signal from the positive power supply terminal U1 flows through resistors R1 and R2, respectively, to the negative battery terminal. Another positive signal from the positive power supply terminal U1 flows through resistors R4 and R3, respectively, to the negative battery terminal. The first voltage output terminal Vout1 is the node where resistors R1 and R2 are connected, and the second voltage output terminal Vout2 is the node where resistors R4 and R3 are connected. In the Wheatstone bridge circuit, the voltage output from the first voltage output terminal Vout1 is R2 / (R1+R2)×U1, and the voltage output from the second voltage output terminal Vout2 is R3 / (R3+R4)×U1.

[0180] When the user does not press the solid-state button 10, the resistance values ​​of the four resistors are equal. At this time, the voltage value output by the first voltage output terminal Vout1 in the Wheatstone bridge is equal to the voltage output by the second voltage output terminal Vout2, and the voltage difference between the first voltage output terminal Vout1 and the second voltage output terminal Vout2 is 0.

[0181] It should be noted that in addition to the pressing force perpendicular to the pressing surface and the electromagnetic force generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14, the elastic beam 12 may also be subjected to a slight internal stress (along the direction from resistor 1 to resistor 2 as the axis) due to reasons such as the user's pressing force not being perpendicular to the pressing surface on the cap body 111 and the installation tolerance when the elastic beam 12 is fixed to the plate body 22, causing the sensor to have a slight twisting internal stress, causing the positions where the resistors R1 and R4 are located to bend outward and stretch, and the positions where the resistors R2 and R3 are located to be retracted and compressed. As shown in Figure 10, these internal stresses will cause the resistors R1 and R4 to generate positive strain, and the resistors R2 and R3 to generate negative strain; or, cause the resistors R1 and R4 to generate negative strain, and the resistors R2 and R3 to generate positive strain. This is not limited here.

[0182] However, whether the resistors R1 and R4 generate positive strain, the resistors R2 and R3 generate negative strain, or the resistors R1 and R4 generate negative strain, and the resistors R2 and R3 generate positive strain. The voltage difference between the first voltage output terminal Vout1 and the second voltage output terminal Vout2 in the Wheatstone bridge has almost no effect. Therefore, these forces other than the pressing force perpendicular to the pressing surface and the electromagnetic force generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 will not affect the accuracy of the sensor 13 detecting the pressing force. In this way, the voltage difference between the first voltage output terminal Vout1 and the second voltage output terminal Vout2 in the Wheatstone bridge can be considered to be caused by the user pressing the solid-state button 10. Therefore, the voltage difference can accurately judge the user's pressing force on the solid-state button 10, thereby improving the accurate detection of the pressing force by the solid-state button 10.

[0183] The following describes various structures of the support structure 15 in the solid-state key 10 .

[0184] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in some examples, the support structure 15 may include a rigid component 151. The rigid component 151 may be made of one or more rigid materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, etc.

[0185] One end of the rigid component 151 is fixedly connected to the elastic beam 12 , and the other end of the rigid component 151 is fixedly connected to the first magnet 141 .

[0186] When the pressure feedback assembly 14 vibrates and causes the second beam 122 to move closer to the first magnet 141 , the rigid component 151 is subjected to pressure, and internal stress is generated inside the rigid component 151 and presses down the first magnet 141 .

[0187] In this way, the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 under pressure will form a reaction force to resist the pressure, forming a supporting force on the second connection position 12b. The supporting force formed by the rigid component 151 on the second connection position 12b will reduce or even eliminate the effect of the second beam 122 moving close to the first magnet 141 on the deformation of the first beam 121. Therefore, after the pressure feedback is activated, the influence of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 on the accuracy of the user's pressing force detection can be reduced or even eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0188] The vibration is bidirectional. The vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 will also cause the second beam 122 to move away from the first magnet 141 .

[0189] When the pressure-sensing feedback assembly 14 vibrates and causes the second beam 122 to move away from the first magnet 141 , the rigid component 151 is subjected to tension, and internal tension is generated inside the rigid component 151 and pulls up the first magnet 141 .

[0190] In this way, the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 subjected to the pulling force will form a reaction force that resists the pulling force, thereby generating a pull-back force on the second connection position 12b. The pull-back force generated by the rigid component 151 on the second connection position 12b will reduce or even eliminate the effect of deformation of the first beam 121 caused by the second beam 122 moving away from the first magnet 141. This can reduce or even eliminate the effect of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 on the accuracy of user pressure detection after the pressure feedback is activated, thereby improving the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting user pressure after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0191] The connection between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 can be a fixed connection method such as bolt connection or welding; alternatively, the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 can be an integrally formed structure. Similarly, the connection between the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 can be a fixed connection method such as bolt connection or welding; alternatively, the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 can be an integrally formed structure.

[0192] For example, the rigid component 151 may include a column. The cross section of the column may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, a regular polygon (such as an equilateral triangle, a regular hexagon, etc.) or an irregular shape, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0193] In some examples, the cross-sectional area of ​​the rigid component 151 (the dimension parallel to the extension direction of the keycap 11) is positively correlated with the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 and the sensor 13. It is understandable that the larger the cross-sectional area of ​​the rigid component 151, the more stable the fixing effect on the second connection location 12b, thereby reducing the degree to which the deformation of the second beam 122 causes the deformation of the first beam 121, and thus reducing the impact of the pressure-sensitive feedback activation on the accuracy of the sensor 13 detecting the user's pressing force.

[0194] Therefore, when the electromagnetic force of the pressure-sensing feedback component 14 driving the second beam 122 to vibrate is large, which may cause the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensing feedback component 14 and the sensor 13 to decrease, the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensing feedback component 14 and the sensor 13 can be improved by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the rigid component 151, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the sensor 13 in detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0195] In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the rigid component 151 can be positively correlated with the vibration intensity of the second beam 122 (or the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142). This can improve the decoupling effect between the pressure feedback component 14 and the sensor 13, ensuring the accuracy of the sensor 13 detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0196] The number of the rigid components 151 may be two, and the two rigid components 151 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the second magnet 142 .

[0197] In some examples, the spacing between the two rigid components 151 is negatively correlated with the vibration intensity of the second beam 122 (or the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142). It is understandable that, as the spacing between the two rigid components 151 decreases, the length of the second beam 122 decreases, making it more difficult for the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 to drive the second beam 122 to vibrate.

[0198] Therefore, when the electromagnetic force that drives the second beam body 122 to vibrate by the pressure feedback component 14 is constant, the vibration intensity of the second beam body 122 can be adjusted by adjusting the spacing between the two rigid components 151, so that the second beam body 122 can transmit appropriate tactile feedback to the keycap 11, thereby enhancing the user's tactile feeling of pressing the solid-state key 10.

[0199] For example, when the electromagnetic force that causes the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 to vibrate the second beam 122 is constant, the spacing between the two rigid components 151 can be increased to increase the intensity of the second beam 122 vibrating along with the second magnet 142, thereby enhancing the tactile feedback provided to the user by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14. Alternatively, the spacing between the two rigid components 151 can be reduced to weaken the intensity of the second beam 122 vibrating along with the second magnet 142, thereby weakening the tactile feedback provided to the user by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14.

[0200] In addition, when the electromagnetic force used by the pressure-sensing feedback component 14 to drive the second beam 122 to vibrate is different in different types of solid-state buttons 10, the spacing distance between the two rigid components 151 can be adjusted according to the magnitude of the electromagnetic force used by the pressure-sensing feedback component 14 to drive the second beam 122 to vibrate in each type of solid-state button 10, so that the solid-state button 10 can provide the user with appropriate tactile feedback and enhance the user's tactile sensation of pressing the solid-state button 10.

[0201] For example, in a case where the electromagnetic force of the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 driving the second beam 122 to vibrate is relatively large in one solid-state button 10, the intensity of the vibration of the second beam 122 following the second magnet 142 can be reduced by reducing the spacing between the two rigid components 151, thereby reducing the tactile feedback provided to the user by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14. As another example, in a case where the electromagnetic force of the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 driving the second beam 122 to vibrate is relatively small in another solid-state button 10, the intensity of the vibration of the second beam 122 following the second magnet 142 can be increased by increasing the spacing between the two rigid components 151, thereby enhancing the tactile feedback provided to the user by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14.

[0202] FIG11 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application; FIG12 shows a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of the rigid component and the first magnet in FIG11 .

[0203] As shown in Figure 11, the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 are made of the same material and are connected to each other to form an integral structure. For example, the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 are both made of stainless steel or titanium alloy.

[0204] Figure 12 shows an integrally formed structure formed by the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141. The two rigid components 151 are located at either end of the first magnet 141 in the longitudinal direction and protrude toward the elastic beam 12. The top of the rigid component 151 is fixedly connected to the elastic beam 12.

[0205] To prevent the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 from generating a large electromagnetic force that drives the second beam 122 to vibrate, which could result in a decrease in the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 and the sensor 13, the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141 can be formed into an integral structure. By increasing the fixing strength between the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141, the overall rigidity of the stable structure is increased, thereby improving the decoupling effect between the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 and the sensor 13 and ensuring the accuracy of the sensor 13 detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure-sensitive feedback is activated.

[0206] FIG13 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0207] In some examples, the rigid component 151 may include a prism. The effect of the rigid component 151 as a prism on the elastic beam 12 and the first magnet 141 is essentially the same as the effect of the rigid component 151 as a pillar on the elastic beam 12 and the first magnet 141 described above. This also decouples the stabilizing structure from the sensor 13, providing tactile feedback to the user while improving the accuracy of the sensor 13's detection of the user's pressing force after pressure feedback is activated. This application will not elaborate further on this.

[0208] As shown in Figure 13, in some examples, the fixing area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 is smaller than the fixing area between the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141. It can be understood that the fixing area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 is the contact area between the second connection position 12b and the rigid component 151. Exemplarily, if the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 are welded, the fixing area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 is the welding area. Another exemplary embodiment is that the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 are bolted, then the fixing area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 is the contact area between the fastener in the bolt and the elastic beam 12.

[0209] By providing a larger securing area between the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141, the securing strength between the support structure 15 and the first magnet 141 can be increased, thereby reducing the deformation of the first magnet 141 when the user presses a button. Furthermore, since the elastic beam 12 has many connected components but a limited length, reducing the securing area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 facilitates the secure connection between the support structure 15 and the elastic beam 12 within a limited space.

[0210] In other examples, the fixed area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 is larger than the fixed area between the rigid component 151 and the first magnet 141. It can be understood that the fixed area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12 is the area of ​​the second connection position 12b parallel to the pressing surface.

[0211] By setting a larger fixing area between the rigid component 151 and the elastic beam 12, the fixing strength between the support structure 15 and the elastic beam 12 can be improved, thereby minimizing the impact of the vibration of the second beam body 122 on the deformation of the first beam body 121, reducing or even eliminating the impact of the sensor on the first beam body 121 on the accuracy of user pressure detection, and improving the accuracy of solid-state button detection of user pressure after pressure feedback is activated.

[0212] FIG14 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0213] Since the electromagnetic force generated by the pressure feedback component 14 may be a variable force, the support structure 15 needs to flexibly fix the second connection position 12b between the first beam 121 and the second beam 122 to decouple the pressure feedback component 14 from the sensor 13.

[0214] Therefore, in some examples, the support structure 15 may include an elastic component 152. The elastic component 152 may be a spring, a shrapnel, or the like, without limitation. The elastic component 152 may be used in scenarios where the electromagnetic force generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 is relatively small. Specifically, the elastic component 152 may be used in scenarios where the electromagnetic force generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 is smaller than the elastic force of the elastic component 152.

[0215] As shown in FIG14 , the elastic member 152 includes a first fixing portion 1521, a second fixing portion 1522, and a connecting portion 1523 connecting the first fixing portion 1521 and the second fixing portion 1522. The first fixing portion 1521 is fixedly connected to the elastic beam 12, and the second fixing portion 1522 is fixedly connected to the first magnet 141. It can be understood that the location where the first fixing portion 1521 is fixedly connected to the elastic beam 12 is the second connecting location 12 b.

[0216] It should be noted that the first fixing portion 1521 and the second fixing portion 1522 can be arranged at least partially opposite to each other, or as shown in Figure 14, the first fixing portion 1521 and the second fixing portion 1522 can also be arranged offset from each other. For example, the second fixing portion 1522 is located on the side of the first fixing portion 1521 close to the second magnet 142. For another example, the second fixing portion 1522 is located on the side of the first fixing portion 1521 away from the second magnet 142. The first fixing portion 1521 and the second fixing portion 1522 are arranged offset from each other, which can increase the size of the elastic component 152, thereby improving the strength of the elastic support force of the elastic component 152 on the second connection position 12b.

[0217] When the user does not press the solid-state button 10, the elastic component 152 can be in an unstressed state, and there is no internal stress in the elastic component 152. It can be understood that there is no tension or pressure between the first fixing portion 1521 and the connecting portion 1523, and there is no tension or pressure between the second fixing portion 1522 and the connecting portion 1523.

[0218] When the pressure feedback assembly 14 vibrates, causing the second beam 122 to move closer to the first magnet 141, the elastic component 152 is subjected to pressure, generating internal stress within the elastic component 152. The first fixing portion 1521, under pressure from the elastic beam 12, presses down the connecting portion 1523, and the connecting portion 1523 presses down the second fixing portion 1522.

[0219] In this way, the elastic member 152 under pressure will generate a reaction force to resist the pressure, thereby providing a supporting force on the second connection position 12b. The supporting force generated by the elastic member 152 on the second connection position 12b will reduce or even eliminate the effect of deformation of the first beam 121 caused by the second beam 122 moving closer to the first magnet 141, thereby reducing or even eliminating the effect of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 on the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force, thereby improving the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting the user's pressing force after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0220] The vibration is bidirectional. The vibration generated by the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 will also cause the second beam 122 to move away from the first magnet 141 .

[0221] When the pressure-sensitive feedback assembly 14 vibrates, causing the second beam 122 to move away from the first magnet 141, the elastic component 152 is subjected to tension, generating an internal tension force within the elastic component 152. The first fixing portion 1521, subjected to the tension of the elastic beam 12, pulls the connecting portion 1523 upward, and the connecting portion 1523 pulls the second fixing portion 1522 upward.

[0222] In this way, the elastic component 152 subjected to the pulling force will generate a reaction force to resist the pulling force, thereby generating a pull-back force on the second connection position 12b. The pull-back force generated by the elastic component 152 on the second connection position 12b will reduce or even eliminate the effect of deformation of the first beam 121 caused by the second beam 122 moving away from the first magnet 141. This can reduce or even eliminate the effect of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 on the accuracy of user pressure detection after the pressure feedback is activated, thereby improving the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting user pressure after the pressure feedback is activated.

[0223] FIG15 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0224] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 15 , the support structure 15 may include both a rigid component 151 made of a rigid material and an elastic component 152 made of an elastic material.

[0225] The elastic component 152 may be located on a side of the rigid component 151 close to the second magnet 142 , or the elastic component 152 may be located on a side of the rigid component 151 away from the second magnet 142 , which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0226] The connection relationship between the rigid component 151, the elastic beam 12, and the first magnet 141 in Figure 15 can be referred to the connection relationship between the rigid component 151, the elastic beam 12, and the first magnet 141 in Figures 5 to 7, which will not be repeated here. Similarly, the connection relationship between the elastic component 152, the elastic beam 12, and the first magnet 141 in Figure 15 can be referred to the connection relationship between the elastic component 152, the elastic beam 12, and the first magnet 141 in Figure 14, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] When the electromagnetic force is large and the supporting force of the rigid component 151 is insufficient, the elastic component 152 increases the supporting force of the support structure 15 on the elastic beam 12 as a whole, thereby improving the fixing strength of the second connection position 12b; or, when the electromagnetic force is large and the pullback force of the rigid component 151 is insufficient, the elastic component 152 increases the pullback force of the support structure 15 on the elastic beam 12 as a whole, thereby improving the fixing strength of the second connection position 12b.

[0228] In the solid-state key 10 shown in FIG15 , the support structure 15 includes both a rigid component 151 and an elastic component 152. The rigid component 151 can be used to ensure the basic fixing strength of the second connection location 12b of the elastic beam 12, largely eliminating the impact of the vibration of the second beam body 122 on the deformation of the first beam body 121. Furthermore, the elastic component 152 can be used to optimize the fixing force of the rigid component 151 on the second connection location 12b, allowing the support structure 15 to flexibly adapt to the rigidity required to decouple the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 from the sensor 13 at different vibration intensities.

[0229] FIG16 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0230] The two supporting structures 15 in the solid-state key 10 may also be located between the two connecting bodies 112. It is understandable that the two second connecting positions 12b in the elastic beam 12 are located between the two first connecting positions 12a in the elastic beam 12, and the first connecting position 12a is located on the first beam body 121.

[0231] The interaction between the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 drives the second beam 122 in the elastic beam 12 to vibrate. The support structure 15 provides fixed support between the second beam 122 and the first beam 121 in the elastic beam 12, thereby reducing or even eliminating the effect of the vibration of the second beam 122 on the deformation of the first beam 121. This reduces or even eliminates the effect of tactile feedback on the accuracy of the sensor 13 on the first beam 121 in detecting pressing force after pressure feedback is activated, thereby improving the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting user pressing force after pressure feedback is activated.

[0232] When the keycap 11 is pressed by the user, the keycap 11 provides pressure to the first beam body 121 in the elastic beam 12. Since the sensor 13 is also located on the first beam body 121, the sensor 13 can more sensitively sense the deformation of the first beam body 121 caused by the pressing force applied by the user, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force.

[0233] When the keycap 11 is pressed by the user, the signal controller outputs an AC signal to the coil of the second magnet 142, causing the second magnet 142 and the first magnet 141 to vibrate with each other. The vibration is transmitted back to the keycap 11 through the second beam 122 and the first beam 121 in turn, so that the user's fingers can slightly sense the tactile feedback.

[0234] Therefore, the solid-state button provided in the embodiment of the present application can improve the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force while ensuring that the user obtains good tactile feedback.

[0235] FIG17 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0236] As shown in Figure 17, the elastic beam 12 can be composed of multiple components. For example, the elastic beam 12 includes a first elastic portion 123 and two second elastic portions 124 connected to the ends of the first elastic portion 123. The second elastic portions 124 connect the first elastic portion 123 to the plate 22, respectively. The connection between the second elastic portion 124 and the first elastic portion 123 can be a fixed connection; similarly, the connection between the second elastic portion 124 and the plate 22 can be a fixed connection.

[0237] As shown in Figure 17, the second magnet 142 can be disposed on the first elastic portion 123. When the second magnet 142 vibrates, the second magnet 142 can drive the first elastic portion 123 to vibrate.

[0238] The sensor 13 may be disposed on the second elastic portion 124 . The sensor 13 may detect the pressing force of the user on the solid-state key 10 by detecting the deformation of the second elastic portion 124 .

[0239] In some examples, the stiffness of the first elastic portion 123 can be the same as the stiffness of the second elastic portion 124. For example, the first elastic portion 123 and the second elastic portion 124 are made of the same material. In other examples, the stiffness of the first elastic portion 123 can be different from the stiffness of the second elastic portion 124. For example, the stiffness of the first elastic portion 123 is greater than the stiffness of the second elastic portion 124.

[0240] In some examples, the first elastic portion 123 and the second elastic portion 124 overlap with each other on a plane parallel to the cap body 111, and the overlapping portion of the first elastic portion 123 and the second elastic portion 124 can be fixedly connected by welding. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the solid-state button 10 may further include a first connecting member 16. The overlapping portion of the first elastic portion 123 and the second elastic portion 124 is also connected to the first connecting member 16. Exemplarily, the first connecting member 16 can be connected to the first elastic portion 123 and the second elastic portion 124 by bolts, so that the first elastic portion 123 and the second elastic portion 124 are fixedly connected to each other through the first connecting member 16.

[0241] Furthermore, the first connector 16 can also be fixedly connected to the connector 112 in the keycap 11. It is understandable that the connector 112 in the keycap 11 is spaced apart from the elastic beam 12 and is fixedly connected via each of the first connectors 16. In this way, the first connector 16 is simultaneously fixedly connected to the connector 112, the first elastic portion 123, and the second elastic portion 124 in the keycap 11, thereby simultaneously completing the fixed connection between the connector 112, the first elastic portion 123, and the second elastic portion 124.

[0242] As shown in FIG17 , the electronic device 20 may further include a second connector 17 . The second connector 17 is fixedly connected to the plate 22 , and the second connector 17 may also be fixedly connected to the second elastic portion 124 , thereby indirectly fixing the second elastic portion 124 and the plate 22 via the second connector 17 .

[0243] Furthermore, the second connector 17 can also be fixedly connected to the housing 30. The second connector 17 can support the housing 30. When the user presses the solid-state button 10, the edge of the finger may contact the housing 30, thereby applying a pressing force to the housing 30, causing the housing 30 around the solid-state button 10 to sink. The second connector 17 is located around the solid-state button 10. By supporting the housing 30, it can reduce or even avoid the problem of the surrounding housing 30 sinking when the user presses the solid-state button 10, improve the structural strength of the housing 30, and thus improve the reliability of the electronic device 100.

[0244] Of course, the second elastic portion 124 can also be fixedly connected to the plate 22 of the electronic device 100 by welding, bolting, or other means, which are not limited here. For ease of understanding, the above embodiments all use the elastic beam 12 to be fixedly connected to the plate 22 in the middle frame 20. However, it should be noted that in some other examples, the elastic beam 12 can also be fixedly connected to the frame 21 in the middle frame 20. The specific setting can be set according to the actual structure of the electronic device.

[0245] The multi-component elastic beam 12 in FIG17 essentially functions in the same manner as the integrally formed elastic beam 12 in FIG5 . Therefore, when the solid-state button 10 shown in FIG17 includes the support structure 15 , the solid-state button 10 shown in FIG17 can also improve the accuracy of detecting the user's pressing force while ensuring good tactile feedback.

[0246] In addition, since the elastic beam 12 is composed of multiple components, the multiple components can be manufactured and processed simultaneously, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the elastic beam 12. Moreover, each component has a simpler structure than the entire elastic beam structure, thus simplifying the manufacturing of the components and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing the elastic beam 12.

[0247] FIG18 shows a schematic structural diagram of another solid-state button provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0248] The sensor 13 in the solid-state key 10 can be a polymer ink-printed pressure sensor. While polymer ink-printed pressure sensors have the advantage of being relatively low cost, they also suffer from poor pressure detection accuracy and significant temperature drift (also known as zero drift). Temperature drift is the change in semiconductor device parameters caused by temperature changes, which can reduce sensor detection accuracy.

[0249] As shown in FIG18 , the sensor 13 in the solid-state button 10 can also be selected from at least one of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) piezoresistive sensor, a metal sheet pressure sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic deformation sensor, and a piezoelectric pressure sensor. These sensors have high detection accuracy and can improve the accuracy of the solid-state button 10 in detecting the user's pressing force.

[0250] In summary, the solid-state button and electronic device equipped with the solid-state button provided in the embodiments of the present application utilize the support structure 15 to minimize the coupling between the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 and the sensor 13. This reduces or even eliminates the effect of the activated pressure-sensitive feedback on the accuracy of the sensor 13 in detecting the user's pressing force when the pressure-sensitive feedback component 14 drives the elastic beam 12 to vibrate. This simultaneously enables the solid-state button 10 to have better tactile feedback and accurately detect the user's pressing force.

[0251] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited to this. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A button, characterized in that: include: A keycap having a pressing surface for a user to press; an elastic beam connected to the keycap; A pressure-sensitive feedback component includes a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are opposite to each other and spaced apart, and the second magnet is disposed on the elastic beam; a sensor, located on the elastic beam, for sensing a deformation of the elastic beam; A supporting structure is fixedly connected to the elastic beam and the first magnet respectively; wherein the connection position between the supporting structure and the elastic beam is located between the sensor and the second magnet.

2. The button according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting structure includes a rigid component, a first end of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the elastic beam, and a second end of the rigid component is fixedly connected to the first magnet.

3. The key according to claim 2, characterized in that The rigid component and the first magnet are an integral structure connected to each other.

4. The key according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is smaller than the fixing area between the rigid component and the first magnet; or The fixing area between the rigid component and the elastic beam is larger than the fixing area between the rigid component and the first magnet.

5. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The supporting structure includes an elastic component; the elastic component includes a first fixing portion fixed to the elastic beam, a second fixing portion fixed to the first magnet, and a connecting portion connecting the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

6. The key according to claim 5, characterized in that: On a plane parallel to the pressing surface, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are staggered.

7. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The connection position of the sensor on the elastic beam is spaced apart from the connection position of the support structure on the elastic beam; and / or, A connection position of the keycap on the elastic beam is spaced apart from a connection position of the support structure on the elastic beam.

8. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The keycap includes a cap body and at least one connector, wherein the connectors are respectively connected to the cap body and the elastic beam; The connector is located between the support structure and the second magnet.

9. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The dimension of the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

10. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: In a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface, a distance between the first magnet and the second magnet is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm.

11. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The sensor includes at least one of a micro-electromechanical system piezoresistive sensor, a metal strain gauge pressure sensor, an optical sensor, and an ultrasonic deformation sensor.

12. The key according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The elastic beam includes a first elastic portion and two second elastic portions fixedly connected to both ends of the first elastic portion respectively; The second magnet is disposed on the first elastic portion, the sensor is disposed on the second elastic portion, and the supporting structure is fixedly connected to the second elastic portion.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: case; as well as, A key, wherein the key is the key as described in any one of claims 1-12; the shell exposes at least a portion of the keycap of the key.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The button is a solid-state button.

15. The electronic device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The shell further includes a back cover and a middle frame; the elastic beam of the button is fixedly connected to the middle frame, and the first magnet and the middle frame are independent of each other.

Images