Multi-mode key based on touch and pressure composite detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a touch and pressure composite detection-based multi-mode key, which comprises a key upper cover, a capacitance touch electrode plate, a PCB substrate, a pressure sensor and a key lower cover, and is characterized in that the capacitance touch electrode plate is fixedly connected in the key upper cover, a plurality of groups of capacitance touch electrodes are distributed on the upper surface of the capacitance touch electrode plate, and the PCB substrate is fixedly connected with the pressure sensor; the capacitive touch electrode is in contact with a top plate of the button upper cover, a pressing column is arranged in the button upper cover, the lower end of the pressing column abuts against the upper surface of the PCB substrate, the two pressure sensors are arranged on the lower surface of the PCB substrate and located on the left side portion and the right side portion of the PCB substrate respectively, the PCB substrate is fixedly connected with the button lower cover, and the button upper cover is fixedly connected with the button lower cover. And the salient points of the two pressure sensors abut against the top plate of the key lower cover. According to the invention, the plurality of groups of independent touch electrodes and the two pressure sensors are integrated in the same key structure, so that the key structure not only can detect a touch signal, but also can detect a pressing pressure value, and can accurately detect even if a pressing position deviates from the center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of consumer electronics and human-computer interaction input devices, and in particular to a multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, consumer electronics products (such as smart remote controls, keyboards, and wearable devices) typically employ two types of button designs: The first type is capacitive touch, which can only detect touch but not pressure; it is prone to accidental presses. The second type is pressure-sensitive buttons, which can detect pressure but cannot determine the finger's contact position and are easily affected by noise. Existing problems with buttons in consumer electronics include: 1) Touch-only buttons cannot perform multi-level operations such as light presses and heavy presses; 2) Independent pressure buttons cannot identify the press position, and off-center pressing can lead to data errors; 3) Few designs can simultaneously achieve touch detection and pressure detection within the same button structure; 4) Multi-touch + multi-pressure combination structures are difficult to implement and have complex structures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of buttons in existing consumer electronics products as described in the background art, and to provide a multimodal button based on combined touch and pressure detection.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection includes a button top cover, a capacitive touch electrode plate, a PCB substrate, pressure sensors, and a button bottom cover. The button top cover covers the button bottom cover. The capacitive touch electrode plate is fixedly connected inside the button top cover. Several sets of capacitive touch electrodes are distributed on the upper surface of the capacitive touch electrode plate and are in contact with the top plate of the button top cover. Two pressing posts are provided inside the button top cover, and the lower ends of the two pressing posts abut against the upper surface of the PCB substrate. Two pressure sensors are disposed on the lower surface of the PCB substrate and are located on the left and right sides of the PCB substrate, respectively. The positions of the two pressing posts correspond to the positions of the two pressure sensors. The PCB substrate is fixedly connected to the button bottom cover, and the protrusions of the two pressure sensors abut against the top plate of the button bottom cover.

[0005] In the above design, the capacitive touch electrode plate has two through slots, the positions of which correspond to the positions of the pressing posts. The upper ends of the pressing posts are fixedly connected to the top plate of the button cover, and the pressing posts extend downwards through the through slots to the PCB substrate. This design facilitates the assembly and connection of the capacitive touch electrode plate and the button cover.

[0006] In the above solution, positioning protrusions are provided at both the left and right ends of the inner wall of the button cover. Positioning grooves are provided on both sides of the capacitive touch electrode plate at locations corresponding to the positioning protrusions. The capacitive touch electrode plate is positioned by engaging with the positioning protrusions on the button cover through the positioning grooves, and is then fixedly connected to the button cover with adhesive. This design makes the positioning of the capacitive touch electrode plate within the button cover more stable.

[0007] In the above design, a pressing block is provided at the lower end of the pressing column, and the bottom area of ​​the pressing block is larger than the diameter of the upper part of the pressing column. This design allows the pressure on the button cover to be stably transmitted to the center of the PCB substrate, and then distributed to two pressure sensors below the PCB substrate. This ensures that even if the pressure applied to the button is off-center from the center of the button cover, the button pressure can still be accurately detected.

[0008] In the above design, a recess is provided in the middle of the upper surface of the button cover, and the pressure sensor is disposed in the recess. Two protrusions are provided in the middle of the recess, and a groove is formed between the two protrusions. By providing the recess, when the pressure of the pressing column is applied to the PCB substrate, the PCB substrate is more likely to deform and be transmitted to the two pressure sensors, making the pressure detection more accurate.

[0009] In the above solution, mounting holes are provided on both sides of the button bottom cover, and metal nuts are pre-embedded in the mounting holes. The PCB substrate is fixedly connected to the metal nuts by screws. This arrangement makes the fixed connection of the PCB substrate on the button bottom cover more stable, preventing it from loosening and affecting the detection results of the pressure sensor.

[0010] In the above solution, wiring ports are provided on the rear side of the upper and lower covers of the buttons, respectively. Lead wires are connected to the rear ends of the capacitive touch electrode plate and the PCB substrate, extending through the wiring ports to the outside of the upper and lower covers. The wiring ports facilitate the routing of the lead wires to the outside of the buttons, enabling connection to related devices. For example, an I2C interface can be connected to the lead wires, and then connected to an MCU via the I2C interface.

[0011] In the above scheme, four sets of capacitive touch electrodes are distributed from left to right on the capacitive touch electrode plate. This design allows the top surface of the button cover to be completely covered. When touched at any position on the button cover, the capacitive touch electrodes can receive the touch and output a touch signal, and the MCU can determine the touch position based on the received touch signal.

[0012] This invention offers several advantages: 1) The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection integrates several independent touch electrodes and two pressure sensors within the same button structure. This allows it to detect both touch signals and pressure values, determining whether the pressure is light or heavy. This enables the output of corresponding signals to the MCU based on user input, triggering appropriate operations according to the MCU's settings. 2) The pressure sensors are located at the left and right ends of the button, mitigating the impact of pressure differences at different positions. Even if the pressure position deviates from the center of the button cover, the pressure is transmitted to the two pressure sensors through the force transmission process from the button cover, the pressing post, and the PCB substrate. The pressure value signals output by the two pressure sensors are then transmitted to the MCU, which calculates the button's pressure based on these signals. 3) By setting multiple capacitive touch electrodes, it can detect whether a touch is occurring and the touch position, providing a basis for pressure compensation and thus improving the accuracy of pressure calculation. 4) The button body provides raw data through independent touch / pressure output ports, adapting to various external MCUs. 5) This invention has a compact structure and can be used in multimodal input scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction section.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the button cover.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the button cover.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the capacitive touch electrode plate, PCB substrate, and pressure sensor.

[0020] The attached figures are labeled as follows: button top cover 1, pressing post 11, pressing block 12, positioning protrusion 13, wiring port 14, capacitive touch electrode plate 2, capacitive touch electrode 21, positioning groove 22, through groove 23, PCB substrate 3, pressure sensor 4, protrusion 41, button bottom cover 5, groove 51, mounting hole 52, metal nut 53, bolt 54, cavity 55, lead wire 6. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below through embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection of the present invention includes a button cover 1, a capacitive touch electrode plate 2, a PCB substrate 3, a pressure sensor 4, and a button cover 5.

[0023] like Figure 5 As shown, the button cover 1 can be designed into the desired button shape as needed, such as a cylinder, an elongated ellipse, or an elongated rectangle. The interior of the button cover 1 is a cavity, and a stepped surface is provided at its edge. This stepped surface is used to cooperate with the stepped surface on the lower cover, so that the upper cover can cover the lower cover and the upper cover can be pressed or lifted relative to the lower cover.

[0024] On the inner top surface of the button cover 1, there are two pressing posts 11, and a pressing block 12 is provided at the bottom of the pressing posts 11. The bottom area of ​​the pressing block 12 is larger than the diameter of the upper part of the pressing post 11. This design allows the pressure on the button cover 1 to be stably transmitted to the PCB substrate 3, and then the pressure is transmitted to the two pressure sensors 4 below the PCB substrate 3. This ensures that when the button is subjected to pressure, even if the position of the applied pressure is off-center from the center of the button cover 1, the button pressure can be accurately detected.

[0025] Meanwhile, the pressing block 12 can also be designed as an elastic element, so that after the button cover 1 is pressed down, the button cover 1 can be reset under the elastic force of the pressing block 12.

[0026] On the top plate of the button cover 1, positioning protrusions 13 can be provided near both ends. Positioning grooves 22 are provided on both sides of the capacitive touch electrode plate 2 at locations corresponding to the positioning protrusions 13. The capacitive touch electrode plate 2 is positioned by engaging with the positioning protrusions 13 on the button cover 1 through the positioning grooves 22, and is then fixedly connected to the button cover 1 with adhesive. This design ensures more stable positioning of the capacitive touch electrode plate 2 within the button cover 1.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the capacitive touch electrode plate 2 is fixedly connected inside the button cover 1. Several sets of capacitive touch electrodes 21 are distributed on the upper surface of the capacitive touch electrode plate 2. The capacitive touch electrodes 21 are in contact with the top plate of the button cover 1. The number of capacitive touch electrodes 21 can be set as needed, for example, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 7 As shown, four sets of capacitive touch electrodes 21 are distributed on the capacitive touch electrode plate 2.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, to facilitate the connection between the capacitive touch electrode plate 2 and the external MCU, a lead wire 6 can be connected to the capacitive touch electrode plate 2. Furthermore, a signal interface, such as an I2C interface, can be provided at the end of the lead wire 6. To facilitate the lead wire being led out to the outside of the button, a wiring port 14 can be designed on the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 5 of the button.

[0029] like Figure 7 As shown, to facilitate the fixed connection of the capacitive touch electrode plate 2 to the button cover 1, a through groove 23 is provided in the middle of the capacitive touch electrode plate 2. The position of the through groove 23 corresponds to the position of the pressing post 11. The upper end of the pressing post 11 is fixedly connected to the top plate of the button cover 1, and the pressing post 11 extends downward through the through groove to the PCB substrate. This design facilitates the assembly and connection of the capacitive touch electrode plate 2 and the button cover 1.

[0030] The PCB substrate 3 is a PCB board used to connect the pressure sensor 4. The two pressure sensors 4 are respectively disposed on the lower surface of the PCB substrate 3 and located on the left and right sides of the PCB substrate 3.

[0031] To facilitate the transmission of the signal from the pressure sensor 4 to the MCU, a lead wire 6 can be connected to the PCB substrate 3. The lead wire 6 is led out to the outside of the button through the wiring port 14 on the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 5 of the button, and can be connected to the MCU electrical signal through the I2C interface.

[0032] The PCB substrate 3 is fixedly connected to the top of the button cover 5. The specific connection method can be designed according to needs. For example, two mounting holes 52 can be set inside the button cover 5, with internal threads or metal nuts 53 pre-embedded in the mounting holes 52. The PCB substrate 3 is fixed to the button cover 5 by bolts 54. The protrusions 41 at the lower ends of the two pressure sensors 4 on the lower surface of the PCB substrate 3 abut against the top plate of the button cover 5.

[0033] like Figure 4As shown, the pressing block 12 at the lower end of the aforementioned pressing column 11 abuts against the upper surface of the PCB substrate 3. Preferably, the position of the pressing block 12 abutting against the PCB substrate 3 corresponds to the position of the two pressure sensors 4. This allows the pressure on the button cover 1 to be transmitted to the PCB substrate 3 even if it is off-center, and then to the pressure sensor 4 on the lower surface of the PCB substrate 3.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, the structure of the button cover 5 can be designed as needed, for example, it can be designed according to the shape shown in the attached figure. Mounting holes 52 for mounting the PCB substrate 3 are provided on the left and right sides of the button cover 5. Parts corresponding to the pressure sensor 4 are provided on the left and right sides of the button cover 4, and grooves for positioning the pressure sensor 4 can be designed in these parts.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, a cavity 55 is provided in the middle of the upper surface of the button cover 5, and the pressure sensor 4 is disposed in the cavity 55. Two protrusions are provided in the middle of the cavity 55, and a groove 51 is formed between the two protrusions. By setting the cavity 55 and the groove 51, when the pressure of the pressing column 11 is applied to the PCB substrate 3, the PCB substrate 3 is more likely to deform and be transmitted to the two pressure sensors 4, making the pressure detection more accurate.

[0036] This invention relates to a multimodal button based on combined touch and pressure detection. When a user touches the button cover, the capacitive touch electrode plate senses the touch location and sends the signal to an external MCU via a lead wire. The MCU can determine the touch location based on the received signal and, according to its function settings, output corresponding control operations. For example, in a game controller, based on the touch location, the MCU can control the movement of a target in the game or other corresponding actions. When the user presses the button cover, the pressure is transmitted through the pressing post to the pressing block, then to the PCB board, and finally to two pressure sensors on the lower surface of the PCB. The two pressure sensors output pressure value signals, which are transmitted to the MCU via lead wires. The MCU can obtain the applied pressure value on the button based on the signals transmitted from the two pressure sensors. According to a set threshold, the pressing pressure can be divided into light press and heavy press. These two different pressing pressures can output corresponding control operations according to the MCU's function settings. For example, a light press can correspond to a light tap or other corresponding action of a game character, while a heavy press can correspond to a heavy tap or other corresponding action of a game character. When calculating the pressure applied, the MCU can also perform position compensation by combining the touch position transmitted by the capacitive touch electrode plate, which can improve the detection accuracy of the pressure value.

[0037] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection, characterized in that, The device includes a top cover for buttons, a capacitive touch electrode plate, a PCB substrate, pressure sensors, and a bottom cover for buttons. The top cover covers the bottom cover for buttons. The capacitive touch electrode plate is fixedly connected inside the top cover for buttons. Several sets of capacitive touch electrodes are distributed on the upper surface of the capacitive touch electrode plate. The capacitive touch electrodes are in contact with the top plate of the top cover for buttons. Two pressing posts are provided inside the top cover for buttons. The lower ends of the two pressing posts abut against the upper surface of the PCB substrate. Two pressure sensors are provided on the lower surface of the PCB substrate and are located on the left and right sides of the PCB substrate, respectively. The positions of the two pressing posts correspond to the positions of the two pressure sensors. The PCB substrate is fixedly connected to the bottom cover for buttons. The protrusions of the two pressure sensors abut against the top plate of the bottom cover for buttons.

2. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capacitive touch electrode plate is provided with two through slots, the positions of which correspond to the positions of the pressing posts. The upper end of the pressing posts is fixedly connected to the top plate of the button cover, and the pressing posts extend downward through the through slots to the PCB substrate.

3. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Positioning protrusions are provided on the left and right ends of the inner wall of the button cover. Positioning grooves are provided on both sides of the capacitive touch electrode plate at the locations corresponding to the positioning protrusions. The capacitive touch electrode plate is positioned by cooperating with the positioning protrusions on the button cover through the positioning grooves and is fixedly connected to the button cover by glue.

4. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the pressing column is provided with a pressing block, and the bottom area of ​​the pressing block is larger than the diameter of the upper part of the pressing column.

5. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A recessed cavity is provided in the middle of the upper surface of the button cover, and the pressure sensor is disposed in the recessed cavity. Two protrusions are provided in the middle of the recessed cavity, and a groove is formed between the two protrusions.

6. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button cover has mounting holes on both sides, and metal nuts are pre-embedded in the mounting holes. The PCB board is fixedly connected to the metal nuts by screws.

7. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Wiring ports are provided on the rear side of the upper and lower covers of the buttons, and lead wires are connected to the rear ends of the capacitive touch electrode plate and the PCB substrate, respectively. The lead wires extend to the outside of the upper and lower covers of the buttons through the wiring ports.

8. The multimodal button based on touch and pressure composite detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Four sets of capacitive touch electrodes are distributed from left to right on the capacitive touch electrode plate.

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