Pressure-sensitive key

Abstract

The utility model relates to a pressure-sensitive key, which comprises a shell, a key cap and a feedback unit, the feedback unit is mounted in a cavity of the shell and supports the key cap, the feedback unit generates structural mutation after being pressed to reach a threshold value, and a feedback signal is generated when the structural mutation occurs; and the pressure sensing unit is connected with the feedback unit and senses the input pressure of the keycap. When a user presses down the keycap, the feedback unit is changed from the first state to the second state, meanwhile, the feedback signal is sent to the user for recognition to achieve man-machine interaction, in addition, the pressure applied by the user can be transmitted to the pressure sensing unit through the feedback unit, and therefore the pressure applied by the user is recognized. The feedback signal of the feedback unit is generated by the change of the state of the feedback unit caused by the pressing of the user, and the feedback unit does not need to be powered by a battery in the process, so that the loss of the electric quantity of the electronic equipment is avoided. Compared with the prior art, the pressure-sensitive key disclosed by the utility model can achieve the purpose of saving energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, in particular to a pressure-sensitive key. Background Art

[0002] Buttons are a common type of electronic product. Currently, buttons mainly include mechanical buttons, capacitive buttons, membrane buttons, infrared buttons, inductive buttons, etc. Among them, pressure-sensitive feedback buttons refer to buttons that use pressure sensors to determine the pressure applied by the user and can provide feedback on the pressure applied by the user.

[0003] Conventional pressure-sensitive feedback buttons often receive pressure signals from users through pressure sensors, which then transmit the pressure signals to vibration units, sound units, or light-emitting units, causing the above feedback units to emit feedback signals to achieve interaction with users. However, when performing pressure-sensitive feedback in the above manner, the feedback element often needs to rely on batteries for power supply, but pressure-sensitive feedback buttons generally do not carry batteries alone, but need to be used together with electronic devices. Therefore, the feedback unit will become an additional power burden on the electronic device during use. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the defect that the feedback unit becomes an additional power burden of the electronic device during use, the utility model proposes a pressure-sensitive key.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the utility model is a pressure-sensitive key, comprising a shell and a key cap, one end of the key cap is slidably constrained in a cavity inside the shell, and further comprising:

[0006] A feedback unit is installed in the cavity of the housing and supports the keycap. When the pressure on the feedback unit reaches a threshold, a structural mutation occurs, and a feedback signal is generated when the structural mutation occurs.

[0007] The pressure sensing unit is connected to the feedback unit, and the pressure sensing unit senses the input pressure of the key cap.

[0008] Preferably, the feedback unit is an elastic structure, and the elastic structure sends out a tactile signal simultaneously when changing from a first state to a second state.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic structure is a pot piece, and in the first state, the surface of the pot piece is convex outward / concave inward, and in the second state, the surface of the pot piece is concave inward / convex outward.

[0010] Preferably, the key cap and the pressure sensing unit are respectively arranged on both sides of the pot.

[0011] Preferably, the keycap is arranged on one side of the protruding pot piece, and the other side of the pot piece is fixedly connected to the pressure sensing unit.

[0012] Preferably, the surface of the pot piece has an electroplated film.

[0013] Preferably, the pressure sensing unit includes a structural member and a pressure sensor located inside the structural member, and the structural member is configured to be sealed and connected to an external device.

[0014] Preferably, the key cap passes through the housing and is connected to the feedback unit.

[0015] Preferably, the key cap extends laterally at one end close to the feedback unit to form a limiting portion, and the limiting portion abuts against the housing in the first state.

[0016] Preferably, the housing is configured to be sealed and connected to an external device, and the pressure sensing unit is disposed inside the external device and below the feedback unit.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The present application discloses a pressure-sensitive key. When a user presses down on a keycap, a feedback unit is pressed, and a structural mutation occurs after reaching a threshold value. At the same time, a feedback signal is generated for the user to identify and realize human-computer interaction. In addition, the pressure applied by the user can be transmitted to the pressure-sensitive unit through the feedback unit, thereby identifying the pressure applied by the user. The feedback signal of the feedback unit is generated by the change in the state of the feedback unit caused by the user's downward pressure. The process does not require a battery to power the feedback unit, so that the power of the electronic device will not be lost. Compared with the prior art, the pressure-sensitive key disclosed in the present application can achieve the purpose of saving energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure-sensitive key provided according to an embodiment of the utility model is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a pressure-sensitive key is provided;

[0022] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a pressure-sensitive key provided and mounted on an external device;

[0023] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a pressure-sensitive key mounted on an external device is provided.

[0024] Description of labels:

[0025] 10. Feedback unit; 20. Pressure sensing unit; 21. Structural component; 22. Pressure sensor; 30. Key cap; 31. Limiting part; 40. Housing; 50. External device; 60. Sealing structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the embodiments of the utility model will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Examples of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar components or components with the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the utility model, and cannot be interpreted as limiting the utility model.

[0027] The utility model discloses a pressure-sensitive key, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , comprising a housing 40 and a key cap 30, one end of the key cap 30 being slidably constrained in a cavity inside the housing 40, and further comprising:

[0028] The feedback unit 10 is installed in the cavity of the housing 40 and supports the keycap 30. When the pressure on the feedback unit 10 reaches a threshold, a structural mutation occurs, and a feedback signal is generated when the structural mutation occurs.

[0029] The pressure sensing unit 20 is connected to the feedback unit 10 , and senses the input pressure of the key cap 30 .

[0030] The user presses down the keycap 30, causing the feedback unit 10 to be pressurized. After reaching the threshold, a structural mutation occurs, and a feedback signal is generated for the user to identify and realize human-computer interaction. In addition, the pressure applied by the user can be transmitted to the pressure sensing unit 20 through the feedback unit 10, thereby identifying the pressure applied by the user. The feedback signal of the feedback unit 10 is generated by the state change of the feedback unit 10 caused by the user pressing down. The process does not require a battery to power the feedback unit 10, so that the power of the electronic device will not be consumed. Compared with the prior art, a pressure-sensitive key disclosed in the present application can achieve the purpose of saving energy consumption.

[0031] Specifically, the feedback signal is one or more of an auditory signal, a tactile signal and a visual signal. When the feedback signal is an auditory signal or a tactile signal, the feedback unit 10 may be a pot piece or a vibrating spring. For example, when the feedback signal is a vibrating spring, the end of the vibrating spring abuts against the convex point. As the pressure applied by the user increases, the end of the vibrating spring may pass over the convex point. At this time, the vibrating spring will make a sound, thereby forming an auditory signal feedback and a tactile signal feedback. When the feedback signal is a visual signal, the feedback unit 10 may be a piezoelectric component. When the piezoelectric crystal inside the piezoelectric component is compressed, a very small charge is generated, sparks are generated, and visual signal feedback is realized. Obviously, the feedback unit 10 may also be other components that can generate feedback signals by applying pressure.

[0032] Since the pressure-sensitive button does not require an electrically connected feedback electronic component, the pressure-sensitive button disclosed in the present application has a lower cost. In addition, since the pressure-sensitive button disclosed in the present application does not require the feedback unit 10 to be installed inside the external device 50, it can adapt to more application scenarios and achieve the purpose of easy installation.

[0033] It should be explained that the present application does not limit the shape of the keycap 30, which may be circular or polygonal, etc. The material of the keycap 30 is also not limited, which may be plastic or silicone, etc.

[0034] In some embodiments, the feedback unit 10 is an elastic structure, and the elastic structure sends out a tactile signal when changing from a first state to a second state.

[0035] Specifically, the feedback unit 10 is an elastic structure, and the feedback signal that can be sent when changing from the first state to the second state is a tactile signal. Compared with auditory signals and visual signals, the feedback signal generated by the tactile signal is more direct, will not be affected by external sound and light, and the feedback to the user is more stable.

[0036] In other embodiments, the elastic structure can be composed of two springs with different elastic coefficients. When the user starts to apply pressure, the spring with a lower elastic coefficient will be compressed to a relatively long distance. When the user increases the pressure, the spring with a lower elastic coefficient has been compressed to near the limit length, and the spring with a higher elastic coefficient is not easily compressed. Therefore, compared with the first state at the beginning, the distance the spring is compressed under the same pressure will be relatively short, which is the second state. Therefore, if the user wants to continue to press down, the required pressure will increase sharply, and the pressing process will become more difficult, so that the user can obtain good tactile feedback.

[0037] When the key cap 30 is lifted, the feedback unit 10 can change from the second state to the first state, so that the key cap 30 can be reset after each pressing, thereby achieving repeatable operation.

[0038] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The elastic structure is a pot piece. In the first state, the surface of the pot piece is convex outward / concave inward, and in the second state, the surface of the pot piece is concave inward / convex outward.

[0039] In some more specific embodiments, the key cap 30 and the pressure sensing unit 20 are respectively arranged on two sides of the pot.

[0040] Specifically, the elastic structure is a pot piece. The present application does not limit the direction in which the pot piece is set between the key cap 30 and the pressure sensing unit 20. It can be placed upright or inverted between the key cap 30 and the pressure sensing unit 20. At the same time, the setting of the pot piece can send out auditory signals and tactile signals at the same time, and the double feedback makes the feedback effect better. In addition, the pot piece has a simple structure, a long life and a low cost, and is very suitable for use as a feedback unit 10.

[0041] In some more specific embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The key cap 30 is arranged on one side of the protruding pot piece, and the other side of the pot piece is fixedly connected to the pressure sensing unit 20.

[0042] Specifically, when the keycap 30 is pressed down, the pot changes from protruding toward the keycap 30 to protruding toward the pressure sensing unit 20 and simultaneously sends out a tactile signal; when the keycap 30 is lifted, the pot changes from protruding toward the pressure sensing unit 20 to protruding toward the keycap 30 and simultaneously sends out a tactile signal.

[0043] It should be noted that the other side of the pot piece is fixedly connected to the pressure sensing unit 20 to prevent the pot piece from moving, which improves the stability of the pot piece on the one hand and prevents the pot piece from making a sound due to the movement of the pot piece on the other hand. In other embodiments, the pot piece may not be fixedly connected.

[0044] In some more specific embodiments, the surface of the pot has an electroplated film.

[0045] Specifically, the electroplated film can increase the mechanical properties of the pot piece, extend the service life of the pot piece, and make the sound emitted when the first state is converted to the second state clearer and louder. Preferably, the pot piece is made of metal.

[0046] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The key cap 30 passes through the housing 40 and is connected to the feedback unit 10 .

[0047] It should be noted that the keycap 30 and the feedback unit 10 can be well protected by the provision of the housing 40, so that they are not damaged by collisions with the external environment. The cavity inside the housing 40 allows the keycap 30 to move up and down, and the feedback unit 10 has a change space from the first state to the second state, so that the pressure-sensitive key can better form a modular key and can be independently installed on the external device 50 for use. In other embodiments, when there is no housing 40, the pressure-sensitive key can also be used alone, or installed on other structures on the external device 50 for use.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The key cap 30 extends laterally at one end close to the feedback unit 10 to form a limiting portion 31 . In the first state, the limiting portion 31 abuts against the housing 40 .

[0049] Specifically, in order to prevent the keycap 30 from falling off the housing 40, a limiting portion 31 is formed by extending laterally at one end close to the feedback unit 10. In addition, in order to make the pressure-sensitive key have more stable performance, the limiting portion 31 is abutted against the housing 40 in the first state to solidify the initial position of the feedback unit 10.

[0050] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The housing 40 is configured to be sealed and connected to the external device 50 , and the pressure sensing unit 20 is disposed inside the external device 50 and below the feedback unit 10 .

[0051] Capacitive buttons and inductive buttons cannot be used in the presence of water. Capacitive buttons, infrared buttons, and inductive buttons have no tactile feedback. Mechanical buttons and membrane buttons are waterproofed with silicone, which will age over time. In addition, due to their low waterproof rating, their underwater usage scenarios are limited, and they use contact on-off circuits as switches, so their service life is limited.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer surface of the housing 40 is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the external device 50. This makes the pressure-sensitive keys more beautiful when arranged.

[0053] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The pressure sensing unit 20 includes a structural member 21 and a pressure sensor 22 located inside the structural member 21 . The structural member 21 is configured to be sealed and connected to the external device 50 .

[0054] Specifically, the external device 50 has a through hole and a platform for installing a pressure-sensitive button. The pressure-sensitive button and the platform are connected by waterproof glue or the like, so that the electronic device part can be completely separated from the outside world. Although the pot piece is connected to the outside world, it is not affected by water, so such a design is completely waterproof. Due to the existence of the pot piece, tactile feedback is provided. Traditional mechanical buttons or membrane buttons are waterproofed by using silicone, which ages quickly and has a short lifespan. However, this application does not require silicone, so it is not restricted; on the other hand, since the pot piece is used as an electrical contact switch, when the pot piece is used for a long time, its role as an electrical contact function will fail (for example, the pot piece deforms and yields, and the degree of deformation cannot reach the initial state, etc.), so its lifespan is relatively short; but in this application, even if the performance of the pot piece decreases, it will only slightly affect the feedback and have no effect on the pressure-sensitive button function. In addition, since the pot piece does not need to be electrically connected, the surface of the pot piece can be coated to increase the mechanical properties of the pot piece and extend its lifespan; so the lifespan of this application is very long. The function of the through hole is to be used for the electrical connection of the pressure sensor 22.

[0055] Another implementation such as Figure 4 As shown, this method is basically consistent with the principle of the previous method, the difference is that the external device 50 has no openings at all, is an integrated type, and only has a groove on the surface for mounting the housing 40, and the housing 40 and the external device 50 are connected and fixed by adhesive, snap, welding, etc. The pressure sensor 22 is set at the bottom of the external device 50, where the pot piece is located. Compared with the previous method, this method has no openings at all in the external device 50, which can be better waterproof.

[0056] In a particularly specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 A pressure-sensitive key, consisting of a shell 40, a structural member 21, a keycap 30, a pot piece, and a pressure sensor 22. The keycap 30 is loaded into the shell 40 from the bottom and is positioned upward by the shell 40. The pot piece is placed between the keycap 30 and the top of the structural member 21 to pre-press the keycap 30 upward. The shell 40 and the structural member 21 are fixedly connected, which can be done by bonding, welding, snapping, etc. The pressure sensor 22 is set at the bottom of the structural member 21, which can be bonded, snapped, etc.

[0057] When no force acts on the keycap 30, due to the pre-pressure of the pot, the keycap 30 is pushed upward to contact the housing 40. When a strong pressure is applied to the keycap 30, the keycap 30 transmits the force to the pot, and the pot transmits the force to the structural member 21, the structural member 21 deforms, and the pressure sensor 22 deforms with the deformation of the structural member 21, outputting an electrical signal.

[0058] When the pressure of pressing the keycap 30 reaches a certain value, the pot piece undergoes a sudden deformation change, from bending upward to bending downward, and the pot piece hits the structural member 21, generating an impact signal, the structural member 21 generates a special deformation signal, and the pressure sensor 22 outputs a special electrical signal, which can identify the sudden deformation of the pot piece. The sudden deformation of the pot piece can provide tactile feedback to the keycap 30. If the applied force continues to increase, the deformation of the structural member 21 will continue to increase, and the signal output by the pressure sensor 22 will continue to increase. Therefore, in the process of gradually increasing the force applied to the keycap 30, the pressure sensor 22 can identify both the magnitude of the pressure and the sudden deformation of the pot piece, providing sufficient signal characteristics for signal processing; and generating tactile feedback at the same time. Similarly, in the process of force reduction, the pressure sensor 22 can also identify the magnitude of the force and the sudden deformation of the pot piece, and generate tactile feedback at the same time.

[0059] In the description of this specification, if the terms "embodiment one", "this embodiment", "in an embodiment" and the like appear, it means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model or the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example; moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in an appropriate manner.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the terms "connect", "install", "fix", "set", "have", etc. are all understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0061] In the description of this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the statement "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0062] The above description of the embodiments is to facilitate ordinary technicians in the technical field to understand and apply the technology of this case. People familiar with the technology in this field can obviously make various modifications to these examples easily and apply the general principles described here to other embodiments without creative work. Therefore, this case is not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications to the following situations should all be within the scope of protection of this case: ① A new technical solution based on the technical solution of the utility model and combined with existing common knowledge, the technical effect produced by the new technical solution does not exceed the technical effect of the utility model; ② The equivalent replacement of some features of the technical solution of the utility model by using known technology, the technical effect produced is the same as the technical effect of the utility model; ③ The technical solution of the utility model can be expanded based on the technical solution of the utility model, and the substantive content of the expanded technical solution does not exceed the technical solution of the utility model; ④ The equivalent transformation made by using the contents of the specification and drawings of the utility model is directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields.

Claims

1. A pressure-sensitive key, comprising a housing and a key cap, wherein one end of the key cap is slidably restrained in a cavity inside the housing, characterized in that: Also includes: A feedback unit, which is installed in the housing cavity and supports the keycap, and the feedback unit generates a structural mutation when the pressure reaches a threshold, and a feedback signal is generated when the structural mutation occurs; A pressure sensing unit is connected to the feedback unit, and the pressure sensing unit senses the input pressure of the key cap.

2. A pressure-sensitive key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feedback unit is an elastic structure, and the elastic structure sends out a tactile signal when changing from a first state to a second state.

3. A pressure-sensitive key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic structure is a pot piece, and the first state is that the surface of the pot piece is convex outward / concave inward, and the second state is that the surface of the pot piece is concave inward / convex outward.

4. A pressure-sensitive key according to claim 3, characterized in that: The key cap and the pressure sensing unit are respectively arranged on two sides of the pot piece.

5. A pressure-sensitive key according to claim 4, characterized in that: The key cap is arranged on one side of the protruding pot piece, and the other side of the pot piece is fixedly connected to the pressure sensing unit.

6. A pressure-sensitive key according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the pot piece has an electroplated film.

7. The pressure-sensitive key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensing unit includes a structural member and a pressure sensor located inside the structural member, and the structural member is configured to be sealed and connected to an external device.

8. A pressure-sensitive key according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The key cap passes through the housing and is connected to the feedback unit.

9. The pressure-sensitive key according to claim 8, characterized in that: The feedback unit is an elastic structure, which simultaneously sends out a tactile signal when changing from a first state to a second state. The keycap extends laterally at one end close to the feedback unit to form a limiting portion, and the limiting portion abuts against the shell in the first state.

10. The pressure-sensitive key according to claim 8, characterized in that: The housing is configured to be sealed and connected to an external device, and the pressure sensing unit is arranged inside the external device and below the feedback unit.

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