Virtual key structure and electronic device using the virtual key structure

Abstract

The present application discloses a virtual key structure and an electronic device, wherein the virtual key structure comprises a housing, a bracket, a pressure sensing module and a pressing member, wherein a mounting cavity is provided in the housing, and a key area is provided on the outer wall of the housing; the bracket is provided in the mounting cavity and arranged opposite to the key area; the pressure sensing module is provided on the side of the bracket away from the key area; the opposite sides of the pressing member abut against the surface of the pressure sensing module away from the bracket and the inner wall of the housing respectively; wherein, when an external force acts on the key area of ​​the housing, the pressing member presses against the pressure sensing module under the abutment between the inner wall of the housing and the bracket, and the pressure sensing module is used to detect the pressure signal of the pressing member pressing against the pressure sensing module. The technical solution of the present application can obtain the pressure of the key area by applying the pressure sensing module to detect the pressure signal of the pressing member, so as to solve the problem that the physical keys cause the electronic device to be too large in size and the problem that the capacitive keys are easily touched by mistake.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of key design, and in particular to a virtual key structure and an electronic device using the virtual key structure. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, some electronic products such as headphones, electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, tablet computers, mobile phones and electronic devices have become indispensable daily necessities or office supplies for people. At present, in the prior art, electronic devices are provided with buttons for control, and the button control method is usually physical buttons or capacitive buttons for control. However, physical buttons will cause the overall size of the electronic device to be too large, and capacitive buttons are prone to control mis-touch and other problems. Therefore, the button control method of the existing electronic device has certain defects and needs to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a virtual key structure and an electronic device, which can detect the pressure signal of a pressing component by applying a pressure sensing module to obtain the pressure of a key area, so as to realize key control of the electronic device, thereby solving the problem that physical keys cause the electronic device to be too large and the problem that capacitive keys are easily accidentally touched.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a virtual key structure, the virtual key structure comprising:

[0005] A housing, wherein a mounting cavity is provided in the housing, and a key area is provided on an outer wall of the housing;

[0006] A bracket, the bracket is arranged in the installation cavity and is arranged opposite to the key area;

[0007] a pressure sensing module, the pressure sensing module being arranged on a side of the bracket away from the key area; and

[0008] A pressing member, two opposite sides of which are in contact with a surface of the pressure sensing module facing away from the bracket and an inner wall of the housing respectively;

[0009] When external force acts on the button area of ​​the shell, the pressing member presses the pressure sensing module under the abutment between the inner wall of the shell and the bracket, and the pressure sensing module is used to detect the pressure signal of the pressing member pressing the pressure sensing module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the surface of the pressing member facing the pressure sensing module is arranged in a plane;

[0011] And / or, the pressing member is made of elastic material.

[0012] In some embodiments, a limiting groove is recessed on the side of the bracket away from the button area, the pressure sensing module and the pressing member are sequentially embedded in the limiting groove, and a portion of the pressing member on the side away from the pressure sensing module protrudes out of the limiting groove to abut against the inner wall of the shell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bracket is a hollow structure, and the bracket is further provided with an opening communicating with the hollow interior of the bracket at the bottom wall of the limiting groove, and the opening is used for electrically connecting the pressure sensing module to the control mainboard of the electronic device;

[0014] And / or, the pressure sensing module is adhesively fixed to the groove wall of the limiting groove of the bracket.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressure sensing module includes a plurality of pressure sensors, the plurality of pressure sensors are spaced apart on a side of the bracket away from the button area, and the pressing member covers and fits the plurality of pressure sensors.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is one of a resistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor and a piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[0017] In some of the embodiments, the virtual key structure further includes a capacitor layer, which is disposed between the bracket and the inner wall surface of the shell and is arranged opposite to the key area, and the capacitor layer is electrically connected to the pressure sensing module.

[0018] In some of the embodiments, the virtual key structure further includes a pressing member, which is disposed on a side of the bracket facing the capacitor layer, and is used to press the capacitor layer against an inner wall of the housing.

[0019] In some of the embodiments, the virtual key structure also includes an actuator, which is disposed on the bracket and electrically connected to the pressure sensing module. When the pressure value exceeds a preset pressure threshold, the actuator generates vibration feedback in the normal direction of the key area.

[0020] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which includes the virtual key structure as described above.

[0021] In the technical solution of the virtual key structure and electronic device of the present application, the pressure sensing module is installed on a bracket set relative to the key area of ​​the shell, and at the same time, it is ensured that the opposite sides of the pressing member are respectively in contact with the surface of the pressure sensing module away from the bracket and the inner wall of the shell. Therefore, when the user applies external force to the key area of ​​the shell, the pressing member will press against the pressure sensing module under the abutment between the inner wall of the shell and the bracket. The pressure sensing module can detect the pressure signal of the pressing member pressing on the pressure sensing module, thereby indirectly obtaining the pressure signal of the key area, so that the pressure signal can be compared with the preset pressure threshold to achieve key control, thereby reducing the occurrence of false touches compared to capacitive keys. In addition, the pressure signal can be compared with multiple pressure thresholds to achieve precise control of different modes such as sliding, clicking, double-clicking, and long pressing, so as to meet the use requirements of multiple functions. At the same time, this pressure control design method does not need to set physical keys and open through holes on the shell, which solves the problem that the physical keys cause the electronic device to be too large in size, helps to design the electronic device with a small size, and improves the waterproof and dustproof function of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a virtual key structure of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the virtual key structure of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual key structure of the present application after the outer shell is removed;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the virtual key structure of this application after the outer shell is removed.

[0027] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0028] 100, virtual key structure; 10, housing; 10A, key area; 10a, installation cavity; 20, bracket; 20A, limit groove; 20B, opening; 30, pressure sensing module; 40, pressing component; 50, capacitor layer; 60, top pressure component.

[0029] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the following part will further describe the embodiments of the present application in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are only examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the attached claims.

[0032] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in this specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0034] With the development of science and technology, some electronic products such as headphones, electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, tablet computers, mobile phones and electronic pens have become indispensable daily necessities or office supplies for people. At present, in the prior art, electronic devices are provided with buttons for control, and the button control method is usually physical buttons or capacitive buttons for control. However, physical buttons will cause the overall size of the electronic pen to be too large, and capacitive buttons are prone to control mis-touch and other problems. Therefore, the button control method of the existing electronic equipment has certain defects and needs to be improved.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a virtual key structure and an electronic device, which improve the key control method to solve the problem that the physical keys cause the electronic device to be too large and the problem that the capacitive keys are easily touched by mistake.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 In the first aspect, the electronic device of the present application can be headphones, electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, tablet computers, mobile phones, and electronic pens. In the following, the electronic device is an electronic pen as an example. The electronic pen includes a pen head and a pen holder connected to each other. The pen head is used to contact the touch screen of smart devices such as tablet computers and mobile phones, and the pen holder is used for users to hold. The virtual key structure 100 is set on the pen holder, so that the user can control the function of the electronic device by operating the virtual key structure 100, such as turning on and off or adjusting the trajectory (straight line or curve) and thickness of the strokes of the electronic device.

[0037] Combined with reference Figures 1 to 3 In the second aspect, the virtual key structure 100 of the present application includes a housing 10 , a bracket 20 , a pressure sensing module 30 and a pressing member 40 .

[0038] It should be noted that the shell 10 can be directly used as the shell 10 of the pen holder for the user to hold. Alternatively, the shell 10 is only a partial shell of the pen holder. An installation cavity 10a is provided in the shell 10, and the installation cavity 10a is used to carry components such as the protective bracket 20, the pressure sensing module 30 and the pressing member 40. The shell 10 can be made of non-metallic materials such as plastic materials, so that the shell 10 can meet the ability of various tests such as falling, twisting and sitting pressure without being damaged, while avoiding the excessive mass of the shell 10, so that the user can hold and use it. It should be noted that the material of the shell 10 is not limited to a certain one. The commonly used shell 10 materials in the field can be applied to the embodiments of the utility model, and they are not listed one by one here. In addition, the outer wall surface of the shell 10 is provided with a button area 10A, and the button area 10A can be specifically provided with a protrusion or a groove on the outer surface of the shell 10 to form a font or symbol or pattern and other identification structures, so that the user can identify and press. The shape of the key area 10A varies with the shape of the housing 10. For example, when the housing 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the pressing area should be a square ring structure. When the housing 10 is a cylinder, the key area 10A can be a circular ring, and so on.

[0039] The bracket 20 can be fixed in the mounting cavity 10a of the housing 10 by interference fit to ensure the position stability of the bracket 20 in the mounting cavity 10a and improve the overall structural strength of the housing 10. At the same time, the bracket 20 can also be used for assembly of components such as the pressure sensing module 30 to ensure the stability of the pressure sensing module 30 in the mounting cavity 10a. In the specific installation, the pressure sensing module 30 can be installed on the bracket 20 first, so that when the bracket 20 is installed in the mounting cavity 10a of the housing 10, the pressure sensing module 30 and the pressing member 40 can be installed in the mounting cavity 10a simultaneously, so that there is no need to separately assemble the pressure sensing module 30 and the pressing member 40 with the housing 10, so as to improve the efficiency of the early installation and subsequent disassembly. In addition, when the bracket 20 is located in the mounting cavity 10a, it is also arranged relative to the key area 10A, so that when the user presses the key area 10A, the external force can be transmitted to the bracket 20 to cause it to deform slightly, so that the bracket 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10 further generate abutment force.

[0040] The pressure sensing module 30 can be arranged on the side of the bracket 20 away from the button area 10A, so as to avoid the external force acting on the pressing area on the shell 10 directly pressing on the pressure sensing module 30. In this way, it can avoid damage to the pressure sensing module 30 due to excessive pressing pressure and improve the service life of the pressure sensing module 30.

[0041] The pressing member 40 can be directly installed on the surface of the pressure sensing module 30 away from the bracket 20, or the pressing member 40 can be directly set on the inner wall surface of the housing 10 relative to the pressure sensing module 30. It is only necessary to ensure that the two opposite sides of the pressing member 40 are respectively in contact with the surface of the pressure sensing module 30 away from the bracket 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10 after installation, that is, the pressing member 40 is located between the pressure sensor group and the inner wall of the housing 10. After the external force acts on the key area 10A, a further abutting force is generated between the bracket 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10, so that the abutting force of the pressing member 40 on the pressure sensing module 30 is increased, so as to indirectly obtain the pressure signal of the key area 10A by detecting the pressure signal of the pressing member 40 pressing on the pressure sensing module 30.

[0042] In the technical solution of the virtual key structure 100 and the electronic device of the present application, the pressure sensing module 30 is mounted on the bracket 20 provided relative to the key area 10A of the housing 10, and at the same time, it is ensured that the two opposite sides of the pressing member 40 are respectively in contact with the side of the pressure sensing module 30 away from the bracket 20 and the inner wall of the housing 10. Therefore, when the user applies external force to the key area 10A of the housing 10, the pressing member 40 will press against the pressure sensing module 30 under the abutment between the inner wall of the housing 10 and the bracket 20, and the pressure sensing module 30 can detect the pressure signal of the pressing member 40 pressing on the pressure sensing module 30, thereby indirectly obtaining the pressure signal of the key area 10A, so that the pressure signal can be compared with the preset pressure threshold to realize key control, thereby reducing the occurrence of false touch compared with the capacitive key, and in addition, the pressure signal can be compared with multiple pressure thresholds to realize accurate control of different modes such as sliding, clicking, double-clicking, and long pressing, so as to meet the use requirements of multiple functions. At the same time, this pressure control design method does not require the setting of physical buttons and the opening of through holes on the housing 10, which solves the problem that physical buttons cause the electronic device to be too large, helps to design the electronic device to be miniaturized, and improves the waterproof and dustproof function of the electronic device.

[0043] Reference Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the surface of the pressing member 40 facing the pressure sensing module 30 is arranged in a plane. In this way, the pressing member 40 can be more stably pressed against the pressure sensing module 30 to further improve the accuracy of detecting the pressure signal.

[0044] Optionally, the pressing member 40 is made of an elastic material. Specifically, the pressing member 40 can be made of an elastic material such as silicone or rubber, so as to avoid hard contact with the pressure sensing module 30 and ensure the service life of the pressure sensing module 30. At the same time, the pressing member 40 made of elastic material can be interference-fitted with the inner wall of the housing 10 after installation, so as to pre-press the pressure sensing module 30, thereby ensuring effective contact between the pressing member 40 and the pressure sensing module 30.

[0045] Reference Figures 2 to 4 In some structural forms, a limiting groove 20A is recessed on the side of the bracket 20 away from the button area 10A, the pressing member 40 is embedded in the limiting groove 20A, the pressure sensing module 30 and the pressing member 40 are sequentially embedded in the limiting groove 20A, and the side of the pressing member 40 away from the pressure sensing module 30 partially protrudes out of the limiting groove 20A to abut against the inner wall of the housing 10. In this way, the limiting groove 20A is formed for positioning and installing the pressure sensing module 30 and the pressing member 40, thereby further improving the convenience and stability of the installation of the pressure sensing module 30 and the pressing member 40.

[0046] Furthermore, the bracket 20 is a hollow structure, which can reduce the weight of the bracket 20, so as to further reduce the mass of the electronic device and facilitate the user to hold it. The bracket 20 is also provided with an opening 20B connected to the hollow interior of the bracket 20 on the bottom wall of the limiting groove 20A, and the opening 20B is used for the pressure sensing module 30 to be electrically connected to the control motherboard of the pressure pen. In this way, through the hollow structure and opening 20B of the bracket 20, the pressure sensing module 30 can include a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and the flexible printed circuit can pass through the opening 20B to be connected to the control motherboard of the electronic device, so that the pressure signal detected by the pressure sensing module 30 can be fed back to the control motherboard to realize the control of the electronic device.

[0047] Optionally, the pressure sensing module 30 is bonded and fixed to the groove wall of the limiting groove 20A of the bracket 20. In this way, the pressure sensing module 30 can be fixed in the limiting groove 20A of the bracket 20 by bonding methods such as adhesive or dispensing to ensure the stability of the pressure sensing module 30 on the bracket 20, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the pressure signal when the pressing member 40 presses the pressure sensing module 30.

[0048] In some structural forms, the pressure sensing module 30 includes a plurality of pressure sensors, which are arranged at intervals on a side of the bracket 20 away from the key area 10A, and the pressing member 40 covers and fits the plurality of pressure sensors. By arranging a plurality of pressure sensors, the detection accuracy of the pressure signal can be further improved.

[0049] Optionally, the pressure sensor is one of a resistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor and a piezoelectric sensor. Since the working principle of the resistive pressure sensor is relatively simple and is usually composed of a sensitive resistor component, it has a simple structure, high reliability, and is easy to maintain and repair. Compared with other types of pressure sensors, it has a lower manufacturing cost and is therefore more economical. Therefore, the pressure sensor can preferably be a resistive pressure sensor, such as a strain gauge, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor, and a flexible pressure sensor.

[0050] Reference Figures 2 to 4In some structural forms, the virtual key structure 100 further includes a capacitor layer 50, which is disposed between the bracket 20 and the inner wall surface of the housing 10 and is disposed opposite to the key area 10A, and the capacitor layer 50 is electrically connected to the pressure sensing module 30. The capacitor layer 50 may be a flexible circuit board, and the capacitor layer 50 is attached to the inner wall position of the housing 10 relative to the key area 10A, so that the capacitor layer 50 can be used for position detection and also for sliding detection of the key area 10A. The cooperation of the capacitor layer 50 and the pressure sensing module 30 can realize precise force control at a precise position, and realize adjustable and graded key functions.

[0051] Furthermore, the virtual key structure 100 further includes a pressing member 60, which is disposed on the side of the bracket 20 facing the capacitor layer 50, and is used to press the capacitor layer 50 against the inner wall of the housing 10. The pressing member 60 may be made of a material such as foam or silicone, and the capacitor layer 50 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the housing 10 by elastically pre-pressing the pressing member 60, so as to further improve the stability of the capacitor layer 50 installation and improve the detection accuracy of the capacitor layer 50.

[0052] In some structural forms, the virtual key structure 100 also includes an actuator (not shown), which is arranged on the bracket 20 and electrically connected to the pressure sensing module 30. When the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold, the actuator generates vibration feedback in the normal direction of the key area 10A. In this way, when the pressure sensor detects that the pressure value exceeds the preset pressure threshold, the actuator generates vibration feedback in the direction perpendicular to the key area 10A so that it can be perceived by the user, thereby achieving tactile feedback and realizing human-computer interaction. It should be noted that the actuator can be a piezoelectric ceramic actuator, a motor or a piezoelectric ceramic actuator, etc., which can be selected according to needs.

[0053] The above is an explanation of the specific structural example of the virtual key structure 100 of the embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that since the electronic device of the present application adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here one by one.

[0054] The same or similar numbers in the drawings of this embodiment correspond to the same or similar parts; in the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. indicate an orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing the position relationship in the drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as a limitation on this patent. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0055] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A virtual key structure, applied to electronic equipment, characterized in that: The virtual key structure comprises: A housing, wherein a mounting cavity is provided in the housing, and a key area is provided on an outer wall of the housing; A bracket, the bracket is arranged in the installation cavity and is arranged opposite to the key area; a pressure sensing module, the pressure sensing module being arranged on a side of the bracket away from the key area; and A pressing member, two opposite sides of which are in contact with a surface of the pressure sensing module facing away from the bracket and an inner wall of the housing respectively; When external force acts on the button area of ​​the shell, the pressing member presses the pressure sensing module under the abutment between the inner wall of the shell and the bracket, and the pressure sensing module is used to detect the pressure signal of the pressing member pressing the pressure sensing module.

2. The virtual key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the pressing member facing the pressure sensing module is arranged in a plane; And / or, the pressing member is made of elastic material.

3. The virtual key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting groove is recessed on the side of the bracket away from the button area, the pressure sensing module and the pressing member are sequentially embedded in the limiting groove, and a part of the pressing member on the side away from the pressure sensing module protrudes out of the limiting groove to abut against the inner wall of the shell.

4. The virtual key structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bracket is a hollow structure, and an opening communicating with the hollow interior of the bracket is formed on the bottom wall of the limiting groove, and the opening is used for electrically connecting the pressure sensing module to the control mainboard of the electronic device; And / or, the pressure sensing module is adhesively fixed to the groove wall of the limiting groove of the bracket.

5. The virtual key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensing module comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, the plurality of pressure sensors are arranged at intervals on a side of the bracket away from the key area, and the pressing member covers and fits the plurality of pressure sensors.

6. The virtual key structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is one of a resistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor and a piezoelectric pressure sensor.

7. The virtual key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The virtual key structure further includes a capacitor layer, which is disposed between the bracket and the inner wall surface of the shell and is arranged opposite to the key area. The capacitor layer is electrically connected to the pressure sensing module.

8. The virtual key structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The virtual key structure further includes a pressing component, which is disposed on a side of the bracket facing the capacitor layer, and is used to press the capacitor layer to fit the inner wall of the housing.

9. The virtual key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The virtual key structure also includes an actuator, which is disposed on the bracket and electrically connected to the pressure sensing module. When the pressure value exceeds a preset pressure threshold, the actuator generates vibration feedback in the normal direction of the key area.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising a virtual key structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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