Key module and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a key module and an electronic device. The key module comprises a key cap, a support, a pressing detection piece, a first capacitive fingerprint detection piece and a first circuit board. The first end of the support is movably connected with the key cap. The second end of the support, which is opposite to the first end, is connected with the first circuit board. The key cap and the support enclose a receiving cavity. The first circuit board is arranged on the side of the receiving cavity, which is away from the key cap. The pressing detection piece and the first capacitive fingerprint detection piece are arranged in the receiving cavity. The pressing detection piece and the first capacitive fingerprint detection piece are arranged on the first surface of the first circuit board. The key cap moves relative to the support along the first direction towards the pressing detection piece under the action of external force to trigger the key function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a button module and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] While existing mobile terminals feature capacitive fingerprint recognition modules located inside the button for simultaneous fingerprint recognition when the user presses the button, these modules are designed independently from the button detection module. During mobile terminal assembly, the capacitive fingerprint recognition module and the button detection module are assembled on the same side of the button, respectively.

[0003] To ensure fingerprint recognition accuracy, capacitive fingerprint recognition modules are typically sandwiched between a button and a button detection component. This means the flexible circuit board electrically connected to the capacitive fingerprint recognition module can only be sandwiched between the module and the detection component. This stacked design not only results in large space requirements and low integration, but also, during user button presses, the button compresses the capacitive fingerprint recognition module and the flexible circuit board sandwiched between them, causing them to move and triggering the button detection module to function. This repeated compression of the capacitive fingerprint recognition module and the flexible circuit board can lead to damage to the module and fatigue cracking of the flexible circuit board. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a button module and electronic device with a simple structure and small footprint.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a button module, which includes a keycap, a bracket, a pressure detection element, a first capacitive fingerprint detection element, and a first circuit board; a first end of the bracket is movably connected to the keycap; a second end of the bracket opposite to the first end is connected to the first circuit board; the keycap and the bracket together form a receiving cavity, the first circuit board is disposed on the side of the receiving cavity opposite to the keycap, and the pressure detection element and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element are disposed within the receiving cavity; the pressure detection element and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element are spaced apart on a first surface of the first circuit board; under the action of an external force, the keycap moves relative to the bracket in a first direction toward the pressure detection element to trigger a button function.

[0006] Secondly, this application provides an electronic device, which includes the button module described above.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this application achieves the following technical effects: This application places the pressure detection component and the first capacitive fingerprint detection component within the accommodating cavity formed by the keycap, bracket, and first circuit board. The first circuit board is placed on the side of the accommodating cavity opposite to the keycap, allowing the entire button module to be installed and used as an independent device integrating both the capacitive fingerprint detection component and the pressure detection component. This significantly improves the integration level of the button module, achieving miniaturization while reducing installation difficulty. Furthermore, by placing the pressure detection component and the first capacitive fingerprint detection component on the same surface of the first circuit board at intervals, the flexible circuit board sandwiched between the pressure detection component and the first capacitive fingerprint detection component along the first direction in the prior art can be eliminated. This allows the keycap to directly act on the pressure detection component to trigger the button function during user pressure on the button module, fundamentally ensuring that the flexible circuit board will not crack due to the keycap squeezing it, effectively improving the integration level and service life of the button module. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the button module provided in this application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is shown of one embodiment of the key module provided in this application with the keycaps in the first position. Figure 3 This shows the case where the keycap is in the second position. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the button module in the middle; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the button module provided in this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the button module provided in this application.

[0009] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10-Keycap, 11-Pressing part, 12-Abutting part, 13-Connecting part, 131-Inner extension limiting part, 132-First recess, 1321-First sidewall, 1322-Second sidewall 20-Bracket, 21-Extended limiting part, 22-Second recess, 221-Third sidewall, 222-Fourth sidewall 30-Press detection piece, 41-First capacitive fingerprint detector, 42-Second capacitive fingerprint detector 51-First circuit board, 511-First surface, 512-Second surface, 52-Second circuit board, 53-Reinforcing plate 60-Cavity 70-Seals, 81-First pad, 82-Second pad, 83-Third pad 90 - Sealant. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0011] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and are not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more.

[0012] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0013] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, this application provides a button module, which includes a keycap 10, a bracket 20, a pressure detection element 30, a first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, and a first circuit board 51. A first end of the bracket 20 is movably connected to the keycap 10. A second end of the bracket 20, opposite to the first end, is connected to the first circuit board 51. The keycap 10 and the bracket 20 together form a receiving cavity 60. The first circuit board 51 covers the side of the receiving cavity 60 opposite to the keycap 10. The pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 are disposed within the receiving cavity 60. The pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 are spaced apart on the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51. Under the action of an external force, the keycap 10 moves relative to the bracket 20 in a first direction toward the pressure detection element 30 to trigger a button function. The first circuit board 51 is placed over the side of the accommodating cavity 60 opposite to the keycap 10, allowing the entire button module to be installed and used as an independent device integrating both the capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the pressure detector 30. This significantly improves the integration level of the button module, achieving miniaturization while reducing installation difficulty. Furthermore, by spacing the pressure detector 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 on the same surface of the first circuit board 51, the flexible circuit board sandwiched between the pressure detector 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 along the first direction, as is present in the prior art, can be directly applied to the pressure detector 30 to trigger the button function during user pressing of the button module. This fundamentally ensures that the flexible circuit board will not crack due to pressure from the keycap 10, effectively improving the integration level and lifespan of the button module.

[0014] The keycap 10 is placed over the first end of the bracket 20 to seal the side of the accommodating cavity 60 away from the first circuit board 51. The keycap 10 is movably connected to the bracket 20, meaning that the keycap 10 can reciprocate relative to the bracket 20 in a first direction to cooperate with the press detection element 30 to complete the key function.

[0015] Optionally, the bracket 20 has a hollow structure to form a receiving cavity 60. In the embodiment shown, the bracket 20 has a through hole penetrating the first end and the second end, and the receiving cavity 60 is this through hole structure. The keycap 10 covers one side opening of the receiving cavity 60, and the first circuit board 51 covers the other side opening of the receiving cavity 60 opposite to the keycap 10. In the first direction, the bracket 20 is disposed between the keycap 10 and the first circuit board 51, and the bracket 20 is enclosed on all four sides, so that the keycap 10 and the bracket 20 together enclose the receiving cavity 60 for accommodating the press detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41. The first circuit board 51 covers the opening of the receiving cavity 60 to electrically connect to external devices, thereby enabling the key module to be installed and used as a highly integrated device.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first circuit board 51 is disposed on the outside of the accommodating cavity 60 to support the bracket 20 while covering the opening of the accommodating cavity 60. The pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are both disposed on the first surface of the first circuit board 51 opposite to the pressing portion 11 of the keycap 10. That is, both the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are electrically connected to the outside via the first circuit board 51. This design not only effectively improves the integration of the button module but also ensures that no additional flexible circuit board is needed inside the accommodating cavity 60. The keycap 10 can directly act on the pressure detection element 30 to achieve the button function, simplifying the structure while avoiding the problem of short service life caused by the keycap 10 moving and squeezing the flexible circuit board. In other embodiments, the first circuit board 51 may also be disposed inside the accommodating cavity 60, with the first circuit board 51 close to and covering at least a portion of the opening of the accommodating cavity 60. The first circuit board 51 is located on the side of the keycap 10 opposite to the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41, ensuring that no circuit board structure is set between the keycap 10 and the pressure detection element 30, allowing the keycap 10 to directly act on the pressure detection element 30 to improve the service life of the key module. The second end of the bracket 20 extends to the surface of the first circuit board 51 opposite to the first surface to support the first circuit board 51, thereby improving the protection of the first circuit board 51 and other internal components.

[0017] Optionally, the press detection element 30 can be a device with physical contacts, such as a dome switch, micro switch, or membrane switch, which triggers the button function through physical contact. Alternatively, the press detection element 30 can be a device without physical contacts, such as a Hall switch, which triggers the button function through changes in electromagnetic signals.

[0018] Specifically, fingerprints are identified by the capacitance values ​​of the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint coupled to the sensing electrodes of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41. The first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 has numerous tiny capacitor plates. When a finger is pressed on the fingerprint sensing area, the skin surface forms individual capacitor plates corresponding to these plates. The first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 distinguishes the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint based on the distribution of capacitance values. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the keycap 10, the bracket 20, and the first circuit board 51 are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The keycap 10 covers the first end of the bracket 20 and is movably connected to the bracket 20. The first circuit board 51 covers the second end of the bracket 20, and the second end of the bracket 20 is fixed to the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51. The keycap 10 and the bracket 20 together form an accommodating cavity 60. The first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51 is the surface of the first circuit board 51 facing the keycap 10.

[0019] Optionally, the press detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are spaced apart on the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51, wherein the press detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are spaced apart along the direction of extension of the keycap 10.

[0020] Optionally, there is a gap between the surface of the keycap 10 near the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the first end of the bracket 20 and / or the side of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 near the keycap 10, so that the keycap 10 can move in the first direction.

[0021] Optionally, the first direction is perpendicular to the first circuit board 51.

[0022] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, during the process of the keycap 10 moving along the first direction to trigger the key function, the side of the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 facing away from the first circuit board 51 is always kept at a distance from the keycap 10. This structural design can prevent the keycap 10 from directly pressing the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 and damaging it, and can also prevent the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 from being squeezed and damaged by the keycap 10.

[0023] Furthermore, during the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction between the first position and the second position, the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 are always kept at a distance. The first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 can detect the fingerprint whether the keycap 10 is in the first position or the second position.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first position is the position of the keycap 10 when it is not pressed by external force. The second position is the position of the keycap 10 when it moves along the first direction under the action of external force to a position where it can trigger the key function.

[0025] Optionally, the first position and the second position are the two extreme positions where the keycap 10 moves along the first direction.

[0026] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, during the movement of the keycap 10 from the first position to the second position along the first direction, the gap between the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 gradually decreases. When the keycap 10 is in the second position, the gap between the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 is reduced to its minimum value. Furthermore, even when the keycap 10 is in the second position, the gap between the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 remains greater than 0, thus ensuring that the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 are always kept at a distance.

[0027] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the keycap 10 includes a pressing portion 11 and an abutting portion 12 connected to the pressing portion 11. Pressing the pressing portion 11 of the keycap 10 causes the keycap 10 to move along a first direction between a first position and a second position. When the keycap 10 is in the first position, the abutting portion 12 separates from the press detection member 30. When the keycap 10 is in the second position, the abutting portion 12 abuts against the press detection member 30 to trigger a key function. During the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction between the first and second positions, the side of the keycap 10 and the side of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 facing away from the first circuit board 51 are always kept at a distance. The abutting portion 12 is provided so that during the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction between the first and second positions, the keycap 10 can abut against the press detection member 30 through the abutting portion 12, thereby triggering a key function. During the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction, the side of the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 facing away from the first circuit board 51 are always kept at a distance. This ensures that the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 is not squeezed during the entire movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction, thereby extending the service life of the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 and ensuring that the first capacitive fingerprint sensor 41 will not damage the first circuit board 51. It also ensures the smoothness of the keycap 10's movement along the first direction. Furthermore, the abutment portion 12 is disposed opposite to the pressure detection component 30. The abutment portion 12 extends toward the pressure detection component 30 along the first direction and protrudes from the surface of the keycap 10 near the pressure detection component 30.

[0028] Optionally, in the initial state, i.e., when the keycap 10 is not subjected to external force, the keycap 10 is located in the first position. When the keycap 10 moves to the second position along the first direction, the abutting part 12 abuts against the press detection member 30, thereby triggering the key function. When the keycap 10 is in the second position, the press detection member 30 restricts the keycap 10 from continuing to move along the first direction, thereby maintaining a distance between the keycap 10 and the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41. And / or, when the keycap 10 is in the second position, the first end of the bracket 20 abuts against the surface of the keycap 10 near the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 to restrict the keycap 10 from continuing to move along the first direction.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the button module also includes a second capacitive fingerprint detector 42, which is disposed within the accommodating cavity 60 and fixed to the first surface 511 of the circuit board. During the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction to trigger the button function, the side of the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 facing away from the circuit board remains spaced from the keycap 10. Using the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 together to identify fingerprints increases the fingerprint detection area, thereby increasing the sensitivity and accuracy of fingerprint detection.

[0030] Optionally, the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 can be the same type of capacitive fingerprint detector or different types of capacitive fingerprint detectors; no specific limitation is made here.

[0031] Furthermore, the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are spaced apart along the second direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction; the sum of the length of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 along the second direction and the length of the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 along the second direction is greater than or equal to 6 mm.

[0032] The second direction refers to the length direction of the keycap 10. The main parameter affecting fingerprint resolution is the number of pixels, which depends on the area of ​​the fingerprint sensor. With a fixed width, the area of ​​the fingerprint sensor depends on its length. To ensure good recognition accuracy, the total length of the first and second fingerprint sensors is greater than or equal to 6mm.

[0033] When the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are spaced apart along the second direction, the sum of the lengths of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 along the second direction is calculated by first calculating the distance along the second direction from the end of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 away from the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 to the end of the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 away from the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, and then subtracting the distance along the second direction between the end of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 close to the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 and the end of the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 close to the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41.

[0034] When a first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and multiple second capacitive fingerprint detectors 42 are spaced apart along a second direction, calculate the sum of the lengths of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 along the second direction. Select the two capacitive fingerprint detectors that are furthest apart along the second direction. If one of these two fingerprint detectors is a first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the other is a second capacitive fingerprint detector 42, first calculate the distance along the second direction from the end of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 furthest from the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 to the end of the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 furthest from the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41. Then subtract the spacing distance along the second direction between the two adjacent capacitive fingerprint detectors. The calculation method is the same for other cases.

[0035] Optionally, the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are spaced apart along a third direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, the press detector 30, and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are spaced apart along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction. The press detector 30 is located between the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42. The press detector 30's placement in the middle of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 provides a better tactile feedback when pressing the keycap 10.

[0037] Specifically, the lengths of the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 along the second direction are both greater than or equal to 3 mm. The dimension of the press detection element 30 located between the first capacitive fingerprint detector 41 and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 along the second direction is greater than or equal to 3 mm. This ensures that both sides of the key have good fingerprint recognition capabilities. Preferably, the length of the keycap 10 along the second direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm.

[0038] Optionally, the second direction is the length direction of the keycap 10, and / or the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0039] In some embodiments, the keycap 10 includes a pressing portion 11 and a connecting portion 13 connected to the pressing portion 11. One end of the connecting portion 13 is connected to the pressing portion 11. The other end of the connecting portion 13 extends along a first direction toward a direction close to the first surface 511, so that the keycap 10 is fitted onto the first end of the bracket 20. The first end of the bracket 20 is provided with an extended limiting portion 21 extending toward a direction away from the receiving cavity 60. The keycap 10 also includes an extended limiting portion 131 connected to the connecting portion 13 and extending toward a direction close to the receiving cavity 60. The extended limiting portion 21 and the extended limiting portion 131 are disposed opposite to each other along the first direction, and the extended limiting portion 131 is sandwiched between the extended limiting portion 21 and the circuit board, thereby restricting the separation of the keycap 10 from the bracket 20.

[0040] Optionally, the bracket 20 is located between the first circuit board 51 and the pressing part 11, with the pressing part 11 covering the first end of the bracket 20. The projection of the pressing part 11 on the first circuit board 51 along a first direction covers the projection of the first end of the bracket 20 on the first circuit board 51 along the first direction. The projected area of ​​the pressing part 11 on the first circuit board 51 along the first direction is larger than the projected area of ​​the first end of the bracket 20 on the first circuit board 51 along the first direction.

[0041] Optionally, one end of the connecting portion 13 is connected to the edge of the pressing portion 11. The connecting portion 13 is distributed circumferentially along the first end of the bracket 20.

[0042] Optionally, the inner extension limiting portion 131 is located at one end of the connecting portion 13 near the first circuit board 51. When the keycap 10 is in the second position, the inner extension limiting portion 131 is spaced apart from the first circuit board 51.

[0043] Optionally, the projection of the outer limiting portion 21 on the first surface 511 along the first direction and the projection of the inner limiting portion 131 on the first surface 511 along the first direction partially overlap, thereby restricting the separation of the keycap 10 from the bracket 20.

[0044] In some embodiments, the key module further includes a sealing member 70 stacked between the inner extension limiting portion 131 and the outer extension limiting portion 21. The inner extension limiting portion 131, the sealing member 70, and the outer extension limiting portion 21 are arranged around the bracket 20. The sealing member 70 is used to seal the gap between the inner extension limiting portion 131 and the bracket 20, as well as the gap between the outer extension limiting portion 21 and the connecting portion 13. Through the sealing member 70, the accommodating cavity 60 formed by the keycap 10 and the bracket 20 becomes a sealed cavity, which can achieve good liquid and dust prevention effects.

[0045] In this embodiment, the seal 70 is elastic. The seal 70 is fixed to the inner extension limiting portion 131 or the outer extension limiting portion 21. When the seal 70 is fixed to the inner extension limiting portion 131, as the keycap 10 moves relative to the bracket 20 in the first direction, the seal 70 can move with the keycap 10 and seal the gap between the bracket 20 and the keycap 10. When the seal 70 is fixed to the outer extension limiting portion 21, as the keycap 10 moves relative to the bracket 20 and the seal 70 in the first direction, the connecting portion 13 of the seal 70 and the keycap 10 elastically abuts to seal the gap between the bracket 20 and the keycap 10.

[0046] The inner limiting part 131, the sealing element 70, and the outer limiting part 21 are arranged around the bracket 20, and the sealing element 70 is sleeved on the outside of the bracket 20. The sealing element 70 can be fixed to the outside of the bracket 20 by deformation, or the sealing element 70 and the bracket 20 can be directly fixedly connected by adhesive.

[0047] Specifically, the seal 70 may include rubber, silicone, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the connecting portion 13 has a first recess 132 on the side facing the receiving cavity 60, and the first recess 132 is located between the pressing portion 11 and the inner extension limiting portion 131. And / or, the bracket 20 has a second recess 22 on the outer side away from the receiving cavity 60, and the second recess 22 is located between the circuit board and the outer extension limiting portion 21. The sealing member 70 is sleeved on the outer side of the bracket 20, and the sealing member 70 is located in the first recess 132 or in the second recess 22. The sealing member 70 being located in the first recess 132 or the second recess 22 can ensure that the sealing member 70 is firmly fixed. During the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction, the opposite sidewalls of the first recess 132 or the second recess 22 along the first direction can restrict the movement of the sealing member 70 along the first direction, thereby improving the stability and sealing effect of the sealing member 70.

[0049] Optionally, the first sidewall 1321 of the first recess 132 is the surface of the inner extension limiting portion 131 facing away from the first circuit board 51, and the second sidewall 1322 of the first recess 132 is opposite to the first sidewall 1321 of the first recess 132 along a first direction. The third sidewall 221 of the second recess 22 is the surface of the outer extension limiting portion 21 facing the first circuit board 51, and the fourth sidewall 222 of the second recess 22 is opposite to the third sidewall 221 of the second recess 22 along a first direction. By using the inner extension limiting portion 131 and the outer extension limiting portion 21 as sidewalls of the first recess 132 and the second recess 22 for limiting, the complexity of the structure is reduced.

[0050] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 13 has a first recess 132 on the side facing the receiving cavity 60, the first recess 132 being located between the pressing portion 11 and the inner extension limiting portion 131. The bracket 20 has a second recess 22 on the outer side opposite to the receiving cavity 60, the second recess 22 being located between the circuit board and the outer extension limiting portion 21. The bottom of the first recess 132 is at least partially opposite to the bottom of the second recess 22. One end of the sealing member 70 is fixed to the first recess 132, and the other end of the sealing member 70 extends to abut against the bottom of the second recess 22. Alternatively, one end of the sealing member 70 is fixed to the second recess 22, and the other end of the sealing member 70 extends to abut against the bottom of the first recess 132. One end of the seal 70 is fixed to one of the first recess 132 and the second recess 22, and the other end of the seal 70 abuts against the other of the first recess 132 and the second recess 22, thereby completely sealing the gap between the inner extension limiting part 131 and the bracket 20 and the gap between the outer extension limiting part 21 and the connecting part 13.

[0051] Optionally, the bottom of the first recess 132 is connected to the first sidewall 1321 and the second sidewall 1322 of the first recess 132, and the bottom of the first recess 132 is located on the side of the connecting portion 13 near the bracket 20. The bottom of the second recess 22 is connected to the third sidewall 221 and the fourth sidewall 222 of the second recess 22, and the bottom of the second recess 22 is located on the side of the bracket 20 near the connecting portion 13.

[0052] Optionally, during the movement of the keycap 10 in the first direction, the seal 70 is always located between the bottom of the first recess 132 and the bottom of the second recess 22, thereby ensuring a good sealing effect throughout the process.

[0053] In some embodiments, the key module further includes a seal 70, which is disposed between the keycap 10 and the bracket 20, so that the keycap 10 and the bracket 20 are movably and sealed together. Through the seal 70, the cavity 60 formed by the keycap 10 and the bracket 20 becomes a sealed cavity, which can achieve good liquid and dust resistance.

[0054] One end of the seal 70 is connected to or abuts against the bracket 20, and the other end is connected to or abuts against the connecting part 13.

[0055] Specifically, the keycap 10 and the bracket 20 are movably and sealed together, meaning that during the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction between the first and second positions, the keycap 10 and the bracket 20 maintain a sealed state. This includes using an elastic material for sealing, such as silicone. During the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction between the first and second positions, one end of the seal 70 is connected to or abuts against the bracket 20, and the other end is connected to or abuts against the connecting part 13.

[0056] Optionally, the first circuit board 51 is disposed on the second end of the bracket 20, and the first circuit board 51 is sealed to the bracket 20. The first circuit board 51 disposed on the second end of the bracket 20 can support the bracket 20, and the sealing connection between the first circuit board 51 and the bracket 20 further improves the sealing performance of the accommodating cavity 60.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the first circuit board 51 and the bracket 20 are sealed by filling with sealant 90.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the button module also includes a second circuit board 52. The first circuit board 51 is a rigid circuit board, and the second circuit board 52 is a flexible circuit board. The first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51 is the surface of the rigid circuit board facing the keycap 10. The pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are electrically connected to the rigid circuit board, and the second end of the bracket 20 is fixed to the rigid circuit board. The flexible circuit board is disposed outside the accommodating cavity 60 and is connected to the second surface 512 of the rigid circuit board facing away from the keycap 10. The pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are disposed on the rigid circuit board, and the flexible circuit board is disposed outside the accommodating cavity 60 on the side of the rigid circuit board facing away from the keycap 10. This allows the rigid circuit board to support the pressure detection element 30 and the bracket 20 as the keycap 10 moves in the first direction towards the pressure detection element 30 under the action of external force. Meanwhile, the flexible circuit board is completely disposed outside the accommodating cavity 60 and is located on the side of the first circuit board 51 opposite to the first surface. It is electrically connected to the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 through the first circuit board 51, which can effectively prevent the pressure from being transmitted to the flexible circuit board, thereby preventing the flexible circuit board from being frequently deformed by force and causing fatigue cracking.

[0059] Optionally, the second end of the bracket 20 is fixed to the first surface 511 of the rigid circuit board, and the keycap 10, the bracket 20, and the rigid circuit board together form an accommodating cavity 60. The fixing connection between the bracket 20 and the rigid circuit board includes, but is not limited to, welding, snap-fitting, and gluing.

[0060] Optionally, the button module further includes a second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 as described above. The first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, the press detector 30, and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are disposed within the accommodating cavity 60. The first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, the press detector 30, and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are spaced apart along a second direction on the first surface 511 of the rigid circuit board.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are electrically connected to the rigid circuit board. Furthermore, the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are fixed to the rigid circuit board. The methods for fixing the pressure detection element 30 or the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 to the first circuit board include, but are not limited to, soldering, gold finger insertion, and pin connection.

[0062] Alternatively, the connection methods between the flexible circuit board and the rigid circuit board include, but are not limited to, soldering, using conductive adhesive, and connector insertion.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first circuit board 51 is a flexible circuit board, and the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51 is the surface of the flexible circuit board facing the keycap 10. The press detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board. The key module also includes a reinforcing plate 53, which is disposed on the surface of the first circuit board 51 facing away from the keycap 10. When the first circuit board 51 is a flexible circuit board, the reinforcing plate 53 supports the first circuit board 51 to increase the strength of the first circuit board 51, prevent the first circuit board 51 from moving frequently due to the movement of the keycap 10 along the first direction, and increase the service life of the first circuit board 51.

[0064] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the reinforcing plate 53 along the first direction on the first circuit board 51 at least covers the orthographic projection of the pressing detection element 30 along the first direction on the first circuit board 51, so as to support the pressed area.

[0065] Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the reinforcing plate 53 along the first direction onto the first circuit board 51 covers the orthographic projection of the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 along the first direction onto the first circuit board 51, thereby enhancing the support effect on the first circuit board 51.

[0066] The reinforcing plate 53 covers the entire opening area of ​​the accommodating cavity 60, and the reinforcing plate 53 extends to be stacked with the bracket 20 along the first direction to fully support the first circuit board 51.

[0067] Optionally, the second end of the bracket 20 is fixed to the first surface 511 of the flexible circuit board, and the keycap 10, the bracket 20, and the flexible circuit board together form an accommodating cavity 60. The fixing connection between the bracket 20 and the flexible circuit board includes, but is not limited to, welding.

[0068] In such Figure 4 and Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the button module may further include the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 as described above. The first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, the pressure detector 30, and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are disposed within the accommodating cavity 60. The first capacitive fingerprint detector 41, the pressure detector 30, and the second capacitive fingerprint detector 42 are fixedly disposed at intervals along a second direction on the first surface 511 of the first circuit board.

[0069] In some embodiments, the bracket 20 surrounds the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51. The first circuit board 51 has first solder pads 81 for soldering to the second end of the bracket 20. The button module also includes a sealant 90 disposed between adjacent first solder pads 81. The first circuit board 51 and the bracket 20 are sealed together by the sealant 90. By sealing the gap between the bracket 20 and the first circuit board 51 with the sealant 90, a sealed connection between the first circuit board 51 and the bracket 20 is achieved, improving the sealing performance of the accommodating cavity 60. At the same time, it can also improve the connection stability between the bracket 20 and the first circuit board 51.

[0070] There are multiple first pads 81. The multiple first pads 81 are spaced apart. Sealant 90 is filled between any two adjacent first pads 81 to seal the gap.

[0071] Optionally, sealant 90 is disposed circumferentially along the first pad 81. Sealant 90 is disposed between adjacent first pads 81. The gap between the bracket 20 and the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51 is filled with sealant 90.

[0072] Optionally, the first circuit board 51 is provided with second pads 82 for connection with the pressure detection element 30 or the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41. The button module also includes sealant 90 filled between adjacent second pads 82. The sealant 90 seals the gaps at the connection points between the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 and the first circuit board 51, improving the sealing performance at the connection points. Simultaneously, it also improves the stability of the connection between the pressure detection element 30 and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element 41 and the first circuit board 51.

[0073] The sealant 90 is applied along the circumference of the second pad 82. The sealant 90 is applied between adjacent second pads 82.

[0074] Optionally, the button module further includes a second capacitive fingerprint sensor 42 as described above, which is connected to the first circuit board 51 via a second pad 82. The gap between the second capacitive fingerprint sensor 42 and the first surface 511 of the first circuit board 51 is filled with sealant 90.

[0075] Optionally, the first circuit board 51 is a rigid circuit board, and the second circuit board 52 is a flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board is connected to the second surface 512 of the rigid circuit board, and the surface of the rigid circuit board facing away from the keycap 10 is the second surface 512. The side of the flexible circuit board near the second surface 512 is connected to the rigid circuit board via a third pad 83. The third pad 83 is circumferentially coated with sealant 90, and the spaces between adjacent third pads 83 are filled with sealant 90.

[0076] This application also provides an electronic device, including the button module as described in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0077] Specifically, the provided electronic device includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and a side connecting the first surface and the second surface. The first surface of the electronic device is provided with a display screen, and the button module, as described above, is provided on the side of the electronic device.

[0078] The electronic devices disclosed in this application can be smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, wearable devices (such as smartwatches and VR glasses), video game consoles, walkie-talkies, etc. This application does not limit the specific types of electronic devices.

[0079] The above embodiments of the present invention focus on describing the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features of the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A button module, characterized in that, Includes keycaps (10), brackets (20), press detection components (30), first capacitive fingerprint detection components (41) and first circuit boards (51); The first end of the bracket (20) is movably connected to the keycap (10); the second end of the bracket (20) opposite to the first end is connected to the first circuit board (51); the keycap (10) and the bracket (20) enclose to form a receiving cavity (60), the first circuit board (51) covers the side of the receiving cavity (60) opposite to the keycap (10), and the press detection element (30) and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element (41) are disposed in the receiving cavity (60); The pressure detection element (30) and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element (41) are spaced apart on the first surface (511) of the first circuit board (51). The keycap (10) moves relative to the bracket (20) in a first direction toward the press detection element (30) under the action of external force to trigger the key function.

2. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of the keycap (10) moving along the first direction to trigger the key function, the side of the first capacitive fingerprint detector (41) facing away from the first circuit board (51) is always kept at a distance from the keycap (10).

3. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second capacitive fingerprint detector (42), which is disposed in the accommodating cavity (60) and fixed to the first surface (511) of the circuit board; during the process of the keycap (10) moving along the first direction to trigger the key function, the side of the second capacitive fingerprint detector (42) facing away from the circuit board is always kept at a distance from the keycap (10).

4. The button module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first capacitive fingerprint detector (41), the press detector (30), and the second capacitive fingerprint detector (42) are arranged at intervals along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction; The pressure detection element (30) is located between the first capacitive fingerprint detection element (41) and the second capacitive fingerprint detection element (42).

5. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The keycap (10) includes a pressing part (11) and a connecting part (13) connected to the pressing part (11). One end of the connecting part (13) is connected to the pressing part (11), and the other end of the connecting part (13) extends along the first direction toward the first surface (511) so that the keycap (10) is fitted onto the first end of the bracket (20). The first end of the bracket (20) is provided with an outer extension limiting part (21) extending in a direction away from the accommodating cavity (60). The keycap (10) also includes an inner extension limiting part (131) connected to the connecting part (13) and extending in a direction close to the accommodating cavity (60). The outer extension limiting part (21) and the inner extension limiting part (131) are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, and the inner extension limiting part (131) is sandwiched between the outer extension limiting part (21) and the circuit board, thereby restricting the separation of the keycap (10) from the bracket (20).

6. The button module according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing member (70) stacked between the inner extension limiting part (131) and the outer extension limiting part (21). The inner extension limiting part (131), the sealing member (70) and the outer extension limiting part (21) are arranged around the bracket (20). The sealing member (70) is used to seal the gap between the inner extension limiting part (131) and the bracket (20) and the gap between the outer extension limiting part (21) and the connecting part (13).

7. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a seal (70) disposed between the keycap (10) and the bracket (20) to movably seal the keycap (10) and the bracket (20); and / or, the first circuit board (51) is disposed on the second end of the bracket (20) and is sealed to the bracket (20).

8. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second circuit board (52), the first circuit board (51) is a rigid circuit board, the second circuit board (52) is a flexible circuit board, the first surface (511) of the first circuit board (51) is the surface of the rigid circuit board facing the keycap (10); the press detection element (30) and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element (41) are respectively electrically connected to the rigid circuit board, and the second end of the bracket (20) is fixed to the rigid circuit board; The flexible circuit board is disposed outside the accommodating cavity (60), and the flexible circuit board is connected to the second surface (512) of the rigid circuit board that is away from the keycap (10).

9. The button module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first circuit board (51) is a flexible circuit board, and the first surface (511) of the first circuit board (51) is the surface of the flexible circuit board facing the keycap (10); the press detection element (30) and the first capacitive fingerprint detection element (41) are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board respectively; the key module also includes a reinforcing plate (53), and the reinforcing plate (53) is disposed on the surface of the first circuit board (51) away from the keycap (10).

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The button module includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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