Pressure touch switch

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a pressure touch switch. The pressure touch switch comprises a shell, a circuit board, a pressure sensor, a touch controller and a metal elastic component, the shell comprises a middle frame and a cover plate, the middle frame is of a frame-shaped structure defined by a plurality of side plates, the middle frame is covered with the cover plate, and a touch electrode layer is arranged on the lower surface of the cover plate and used for outputting touch sensing signals; the circuit board is arranged below the cover plate and supported in the frame structure, and a pressure sensor is arranged on the circuit board and used for outputting a pressure sensing signal; the touch controller is arranged on the circuit board and is used for triggering a switch function according to the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal; at least part of the side plate of the middle frame comprises a first connecting part extending towards the inner side, the metal elastic component is arranged between the cover plate and the first connecting part, when the cover plate is pressed, the metal elastic component deforms, and the cover plate moves relative to the middle frame in the pressing direction, so that the pressure sensor is extruded, and a pressure sensing signal is output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of switch technology, and in particular to a pressure touch switch. Background Art

[0002] At present, the buttons used in the automotive industry mainly include physical buttons and touch switch buttons. Physical buttons provide a mechanical press touch, but physical buttons require a press gap to be reserved around the buttons, which makes them susceptible to interference from the external environment, thereby reducing the reliability of use. Compared with physical buttons, touch switch buttons do not require holes or reserved gaps, have greater advantages in dust and water resistance, and have stronger reliability in use.

[0003] However, touch switches may be triggered by inadvertent touch of a person's finger, which may easily lead to misoperation such as false touch, posing a safety risk. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a pressure touch switch and a vehicle steering wheel to at least partially solve the above problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a pressure touch switch, comprising: a housing, a circuit board, a pressure sensor, a touch controller, and a metal elastic member;

[0006] The housing comprises a middle frame and a cover plate, wherein the middle frame is a frame-shaped structure formed by a plurality of side plates, and the cover plate is covered on the middle frame;

[0007] A touch electrode layer is disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate, and the touch electrode layer is used to sense the touch position of the finger when the finger touches or presses the cover plate, and output a corresponding touch sensing signal;

[0008] The circuit board is arranged below the cover plate and supported in the frame structure, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the circuit board, and is used to deform when the finger presses the cover plate and output a corresponding pressure sensing signal;

[0009] The touch controller is arranged on the circuit board and is electrically connected to the touch electrode layer and the pressure sensor respectively. The touch controller is used to receive the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal and trigger a switch function according to the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal.

[0010] Wherein, at least part of the side plates of the middle frame include first connecting portions extending inwards along the inner surface of the side plates. The metal elastic member is disposed between the cover plate and the first connecting portions. When the cover plate is pressed, the metal elastic member deforms, and the cover plate moves relative to the middle frame in the pressing direction, so that the pressure sensor is squeezed to output the pressure sensing signal.

[0011] In the pressure touch switch provided by the present application, a pressure sensor is disposed on the circuit board. During operation, the pressure touch switch is triggered when detecting the touch sensing signal output by the touch electrode layer and the pressure sensing signal output by the pressure sensor, that is, it is triggered only when detecting that the user touches and presses, effectively avoiding problems such as accidental touch of the user's finger and accidental touch of water. While ensuring better meeting the requirements of life and reliability, the safety and accuracy of the key switch are improved. Further, in the pressure touch switch provided by the present application, a metal elastic member is disposed between the cover plate and the first connecting portion of the middle frame. The metal elastic member deforms when the cover plate is pressed, providing a stroke for the cover plate to move in the pressing direction, enabling the cover plate to move in the pressing direction and transmit the pressing force to the pressure sensor on the circuit board below it to perform the detection of the pressing force. At the same time, when the finger is released, the metal elastic member rebounds to push the cover plate back to its original position. Since the metal elastic member rebounds quickly and responds quickly, it can avoid affecting the detection of the next pressing force by the pressure sensor, improving the response speed and accuracy of the pressure touch switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of the present application, and those of ordinary skill in the art can also obtain other drawings based on these drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure touch switch provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure touch switch provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure touch switch provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure touch switch provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressure touch switch provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 6 is Figure 1 An exploded view of the pressure touch switch shown;

[0019] Figure 7 is Figure 2 An exploded view of the pressure touch switch shown;

[0020] Figure 8 is Figure 3 An exploded view of the pressure touch switch shown;

[0021] Figure 9 is Figure 4 An exploded view of the pressure touch switch shown;

[0022] Figure 10 is Figure 5 An exploded view of the pressure touch switch shown;

[0023] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of a dome sheet provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0024] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art shall fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0025] The following further illustrates the specific implementation of the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application.

[0026] Figures 1 to 5 Schematically show the structural diagrams of a pressure touch switch provided by the embodiments of the present application respectively. Figure 6 and Figure 10 respectively show Figures 1 to 5 the exploded view of the pressure touch switch shown. The following will refer to Figures 1 to 10 to describe in detail the pressure touch switch provided in the embodiments of the present application. The pressure touch switch provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to vehicle steering wheels, other vehicle-mounted buttons, or other human-computer interaction devices, etc.

[0027] For ease of description, each of the following embodiments will be described by taking the pressure touch switch applied to a vehicle steering wheel as an example. As Figures 1 to 10As shown, the pressure touch switch (also known as "touch pressure sensor switch") provided in this embodiment includes: a housing 10, a circuit board 20, a touch electrode layer (not shown), a pressure sensor 30, a touch controller (not shown), and a metal elastic member 40.

[0028] Among them, the housing 10 includes a middle frame 102, a cover plate 104, and a bottom case 106. The middle frame 102 is a frame structure formed by enclosing a plurality of side plates. The cover plate 104 is covered above the middle frame 102, and the plurality of side plates of the middle frame 102 are arranged at the edge of the lower surface of the cover plate to support the cover plate 104 and various components carried on the cover plate 104. In addition, the middle frame 104 can also be used to support the circuit board 20 and various components carried on the circuit board 20.

[0029] The plurality of side plates of the middle frame 102 can be integrally formed or can be fixedly connected together after being separately formed. The plurality of side plates of the middle frame 102 can include flat plates or can include curved plates, etc. At least some of the plurality of side plates of the middle frame 102 are provided with first connecting portions 1022 extending inward along the inner surface of the side plate, whereby the middle frame 102 can have a plurality of first connecting portions 1022. As Figures 6 to 10 shown in the exploded view, the middle frame 102 has three first connecting portions 1022. It should be understood that the number and arrangement positions of the first connecting portions 1022 can be set according to the overall structure of the middle frame 102, the force effect and force balance of the middle frame when pressing the cover plate.

[0030] The cover plate 104 is arranged above the middle frame 102 and is used to provide an input surface for finger touch or pressing, while protecting the touch electrode layer, the circuit board 20, the pressure sensor 30, etc. below the cover plate 104. In specific operations, the user can touch and press on the input surface provided by the cover plate 104 with a finger to control the vehicle to execute instructions related to the touch and press operations.

[0031] The surface of the cover plate 104 facing the circuit board 20 (i.e., the lower surface of the cover plate 104) is provided with a touch electrode layer. The touch electrode layer can be laid on the lower surface of the cover plate 104. In some embodiments, for example, in the case where the circuit board 20 is attached to the cover plate 104, the touch electrode layer can also be embedded in the circuit board 20 or arranged on the surface of the circuit board 20 that is attached to the cover plate 104 (i.e., the upper surface of the circuit board). The touch electrode layer is mainly used to sense the touch position of the finger when the finger touches or presses the cover plate 104 and output corresponding touch sensing signals.

[0032] The circuit board 20 is arranged below the cover plate 104 and is supported within the frame structure. In one implementation, as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the circuit board 20 can be fixedly connected to the middle frame 102 to be supported within the frame structure. In another implementation, as Figure 5 shown, the circuit board 20 can also be fixedly connected to the cover plate 104 to be supported within the frame structure. A pressure sensor 30 is provided on the circuit board 20, which is deformed when a finger presses the cover plate 104 to output a corresponding pressure sensing signal.

[0033] In addition to the pressure sensor 30, other electronic components and circuits can also be provided on the circuit board 20. The electronic components include, for example, a touch controller. For example, the touch controller can be installed on the side of the circuit board 20 facing away from the pressure sensor, and is electrically connected to the touch electrode layer and the pressure sensor 30 through the connection lines on the circuit board. On the one hand, it is used to provide a driving signal to the touch electrode layer to drive capacitive touch detection. On the other hand, it is used to receive the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal when a finger presses the cover plate of the pressure touch switch and trigger the switch function according to the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal. For example, the switch function is triggered after both the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal meet the preset conditions. Thereby, problems such as accidental touch by the user's finger and accidental touch by water splash are effectively avoided, while ensuring better meeting the requirements of life and reliability, the safety and accuracy of the key switch are improved.

[0034] In addition, an actuator (for example, a linear motor) can also be provided on the circuit board 20. In the case where an actuator is provided, the touch controller can also be electrically connected to the actuator and is used to drive the actuator to perform vibration feedback in response to the detected pressure magnitude. In a specific embodiment, the touch controller can be a touch control chip integrating pressure detection and touch position detection, or can be a pressure detection chip for detecting pressure and a touch control chip for detecting touch position that are separately provided.

[0035] The bottom case 106 is fixedly connected to the middle frame 104 to form a closed space together with the cover plate 104 and the middle frame 102 to protect each component in the pressure touch switch from the environment. In some implementations, the bottom case 106 can also cooperate with the cover plate 104, the circuit board 20, the pressure sensor 30, etc. to implement various functions of the pressure touch switch.

[0036] In this embodiment, the metal elastic member 40 is disposed between the first connection portion 1022 of the cover plate 104 and the middle frame 102 to support the cover plate 104. When the cover plate 104 is pressed, the metal elastic member 40 deforms, providing a stroke for the cover plate 104 to move in the pressing direction, so that the cover plate 104 moves relative to the middle frame 102 in the pressing direction, transmitting the pressure to the pressure sensor 30 on the circuit board 20 below it, causing the pressure sensor 30 to be squeezed and outputting a corresponding pressure sensing signal. When the cover plate 104 is not pressed, that is, when the finger is released, the metal elastic member 40 rebounds and pushes the cover plate 104 to move upward and reset. Since the metal elastic member 40 rebounds quickly and responds quickly, it can avoid affecting the pressure sensor 30 from performing the next pressure detection, improving the response speed and accuracy of the pressure touch switch.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the first connection portion 1022 is provided with a first through hole A, the lower surface of the cover plate 104 is provided with a first connection pipe 1042, the first connection pipe 1042 passes through the first through hole A, the metal elastic member 40 is disposed around the first through hole A, the first end of the metal elastic member 40 contacts the cover plate 104, and the second end of the metal elastic member 40 contacts the first connection portion 1022. Wherein, the first connection pipe 1042 is a tubular member extending downward from the lower surface of the cover plate 104, and the first connection pipe 1042 can be integrally formed with the cover plate 104.

[0038] Specifically, when the finger presses the cover plate 104, the metal elastic member 40 is squeezed, causing the first connection pipe 1042 to move downward along the first through hole A, and the cover plate 104 moves downward relative to the middle frame 102. The metal elastic member 40 provides a stroke for the cover plate 20 to move downward, so that the user can clearly feel that the pressure touch switch is touched and the operation feel is better. When the finger is released, the metal elastic member 40 quickly rebounds, thereby quickly pushing the cover plate 104 to move upward and reset. In this embodiment, the metal elastic member 40 is disposed around the first through hole A, so that the metal elastic member 40 has a better stress effect when the finger presses the cover plate 104.

[0039] The following uses several exemplary implementation manners to illustrate the structure and installation position of the metal elastic member.

[0040] In the first implementation manner of the present application, as Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 11As shown, the metal elastic member 40 is a dome spring 40a. The dome spring 40a includes a first blocking disk 401 and a second blocking disk 402 parallel to the plane where the cover plate 104 is located, and at least one deformable elastic sheet 403 connected between the first blocking disk 401 and the second blocking disk 402. The first blocking disk 401 and the second blocking disk 402 are annular structures and are concentrically arranged. The first connecting pipe 1022 passes through the central holes of the first blocking disk 401 and the second blocking disk 402 and is disposed within the first through hole A, such that the first blocking disk 401 contacts the cover plate 104, and the second blocking disk 402 contacts the first connecting portion 1022.

[0041] Specifically, when a finger presses the cover plate 104, the deformable elastic sheet 403 between the first blocking disk 401 and the second blocking disk 402 of the dome spring 40a deforms, for example, bends. At this time, the distance between the first blocking disk 401 and the second blocking disk 402 becomes smaller, such that the first connecting pipe 1042 moves downward along the first through hole A, and the cover plate 104 moves downward relative to the middle frame 102. Thus, the dome spring 40a provides a stroke for the downward movement of the cover plate 104, such that the user can clearly feel that the pressure touch switch is triggered, and the operating feel is better. When the finger is released, the deformable elastic sheet 403 of the dome spring 40a quickly rebounds, thereby quickly pushing the cover plate 104 to move upward and reset.

[0042] In an implementation manner of the present application, as Figure 11 shown, the dome spring 40a includes a plurality of deformable elastic sheets 403, and the deformable elastic sheets 403 are implemented as strip-shaped structures and are connected between the edge of the first blocking disk 401 and the edge of the second blocking disk 402.

[0043] For the dome spring 40a, if the dome spring 40a is too high, its corresponding deformable elastic sheet 403 will become longer, which may result in poor stability of the support of the dome spring 40a. To improve the stability of the support, as Figure 1As shown in the figure, an abutting portion 10422 is provided on the side of the first connecting pipe 1042 close to the cover plate 104. The first blocking disc 401 abuts against the abutting portion 10422, and the second blocking disc 402 of the dome spring 40a abuts against the first connecting portion 1022, so that the dome spring 40a is arranged between the abutting portion 10422 of the first connecting pipe 1042 and the first connecting portion 1022. The abutting portion 10422 is a convex portion formed by the first connecting pipe 1042 expanding radially from its outer surface. The cross-sectional area of the end of the first connecting pipe 1042 provided with the abutting portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the other end of the first connecting pipe 1042. The abutting portion 10422 and the first connecting pipe 1042 are integrally formed. Since the dome spring 40a is arranged between the abutting portion 10422 of the first connecting pipe 1042 and the first connecting portion 1022, the height of the dome spring 40a is reduced, and the stability of the support of the dome spring 40a is improved.

[0044] In addition, in order to prevent the deformable elastic piece 403 of the dome spring 40a from quickly rebounding when the finger is released, resulting in the first connecting pipe 1042 disengaging from the first through hole A, in one implementation manner of the present application, as Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the first connecting pipe 1042 is provided with a first connecting hole B along its axial direction. The first connecting pipe 1042 is fixedly connected to the first connecting portion 1022 through the first connecting hole B and the fixing member 5. Wherein, the axial direction of the first connecting pipe 1042 refers to the direction of the central axis extending along the length direction of the first connecting pipe. Specifically, the fixing member 50 has a head and a rod portion. The rod portion is provided with an external thread, and the first connecting hole B of the first connecting pipe 1042 is provided with an internal thread. The first connecting pipe 1042 passes through the first through hole A. The rod portion of the fixing member 50 enters the first connecting hole B from below the first connecting portion and is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the first connecting hole B. The head of the fixing member abuts against the first connecting portion 1022, thereby connecting the first connecting pipe 1042 and the first connecting portion 1022. Thus, when the finger is released, the deformable elastic piece 403 of the dome spring 40a quickly rebounds. Since the head of the fixing member abuts against the first connecting portion 1022, the first connecting pipe 1042 is prevented from disengaging from the first through hole A.

[0045] In the second implementation manner of the present application, as Figure 2 and Figure 7 shown, the metal elastic member 40 is an elastic ejector pin 40b. An installation groove is provided at a position on the first connecting portion 1022 adjacent to the first through hole A for installing the elastic ejector pin 40b. One end of the elastic ejector pin 40b is located in the installation groove, and the other end of the elastic ejector pin 40b abuts against the cover plate 104.

[0046] The elastic thimble usually consists of three parts: a needle tip, a needle tube, and a spring. The spring is installed inside the needle tube, and the bottom of the needle tip is located inside the needle tube and contacts the spring. When pressure is applied to the needle tip of the elastic thimble, this pressure is transmitted through the needle tip to the spring inside the elastic thimble, causing the spring to be compressed and deformed. In this implementation manner, the installation groove on the first connecting portion 1022 is formed by grooving at a position of the first connecting portion close to the first through hole A.

[0047] In this implementation manner, the elastic thimble 40b is used as the metal elastic member. The tip of the needle tip of the elastic thimble abuts against the cover plate, which makes the contact point where the elastic thimble 40b abuts against the cover plate not move when it is compressed, and the contact reliability is relatively high. In addition, since the elastic thimble has a long service life and a small volume, using the elastic thimble 40b as the metal elastic member can ensure that the pressure touch switch has a better service life and reliability.

[0048] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown and Figure 7 , the first connecting portion 1022 is provided with a first through hole A. An installation groove 10222 is provided at a position adjacent to the first through hole A on the first connecting portion 1022. The end of the elastic thimble 40b where the needle tube is located is located inside the installation groove 10222, and the tip of the needle tip of the elastic thimble 40b abuts against the cover plate 104. When a finger presses the cover plate, the elastic thimble 40b is squeezed, and the pressing force is transmitted through the needle tip of the elastic thimble to the spring inside the elastic thimble, causing the spring to be compressed and deformed, so that the first connecting tube 1042 moves downward along the first through hole A, and the cover plate 104 moves downward relative to the middle frame 102. Thus, the elastic thimble 40b provides the stroke for the cover plate to move downward, enabling the user to clearly feel that the pressure touch switch is touched and the operation feel is better. When the finger is released, the elastic thimble 40b quickly rebounds and quickly pushes the cover plate 104 to move upward and reset.

[0049] Furthermore, in an implementation manner of the present application, a contact portion 10422 is provided on a side of the first connecting tube 1042 close to the cover plate 104, and there is a preset gap between the contact portion 10422 of the first connecting tube 1042 and the first connecting portion 1022. Among them, the contact portion 10422 is a convex portion formed by the first connecting tube 1042 extending radially from its outer surface. The cross-sectional area of one end of the first connecting tube 1042 provided with the contact portion 10422 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the other end of the first connecting tube 1042. The contact portion 10422 can be integrally formed with the first connecting tube 1042. The contact portion 10422 can be integrally formed with the first connecting tube 1042.

[0050] In this implementation, by disposing the elastic ejector pin 40b between the cover plate 104 and the first connection portion 1022, and providing an abutting portion 10422 on the side of the first connection pipe 1042 close to the cover plate 104, when subjected to a strong external impact, the abutting portion 10422 of the first connection pipe 1042 can abut against the first connection portion 1022, thereby preventing the elastic ejector pin 40b from being damaged by the strong impact.

[0051] Similarly, in order to prevent the elastic ejector pin 40b from quickly rebounding when the finger is released, causing the first connection pipe 1042 to disengage from the first through hole A, and in order to ensure that the elastic ejector pin 40b reliably abuts against the lower surface of the cover plate 104, as Figure 2 shown, the first connection pipe 1042 is provided with a first connection hole B along its axial direction, and the first connection pipe 1042 is fixedly connected to the first connection portion 1022 through the first connection hole B and the fixing member 5. Wherein, the axial direction of the first connection pipe 1042 refers to the direction of the central axis extending along the length direction of the first connection pipe. Specifically, the fixing member 50 has a head and a rod portion, the rod portion is provided with an external thread, and the first connection hole B of the first connection pipe 1042 is provided with an internal thread. The first connection pipe 1042 is inserted through the first through hole A, the rod portion of the fixing member 50 enters the first connection hole B from below the first connection portion, and is threadedly connected with the internal thread of the first connection hole B, and the head of the fixing member abuts against the first connection portion 1022, thereby connecting the first connection pipe 1042 with the first connection portion 1022. Thus, when the finger is released, the elastic ejector pin 40b quickly rebounds, and since the head of the fixing member 50 abuts against the first connection portion 1022, the first connection pipe 1042 is prevented from disengaging from the first through hole A.

[0052] In a specific implementation, a plurality of mounting grooves are uniformly arranged around the first through hole A. That is, a plurality of elastic ejector pins 40b are uniformly mounted around the first through hole A to ensure the balance of the pressing force transmission when the cover plate is pressed. As Figure 2 and Figure 7 shown, two elastic ejector pins 40b are arranged around the first through hole A.

[0053] In another embodiment of the present application, as Figure 3 and Figure 8 shown, the metal elastic member 40 is an elastic cantilever 40c, the first end of the elastic cantilever 40c is fixedly installed on the first connection portion 1022, and the second end of the elastic cantilever 40c is connected to the first connection pipe 1042 provided on the lower surface of the cover plate 104. As Figure 3 、 Figure 8As shown, the first end of the elastic cantilever 40 has an L-shaped structure to facilitate stable installation on the first connecting portion 1022. When a finger touches and presses the cover plate 104, the elastic cantilever 40c deforms along the pressing direction (i.e., downward), and the cover plate 104 moves downward relative to the middle frame 102. The elastic cantilever 40c provides the travel for the downward movement of the cover plate, enabling the user to clearly feel that the pressure touch switch is triggered and resulting in a better operating feel. When the finger is released, the elastic cantilever quickly rebounds and quickly pushes the cover plate 104 upward to reset, thereby ensuring the response sensitivity and accuracy of the pressure touch switch.

[0054] As Figure 3 and Figure 8 shown, an abutting portion 10422 is provided on one side of the first connecting pipe 1042 close to the cover plate 104. A second through hole C corresponding to the first connecting pipe 1042 is provided at the second end of the elastic cantilever 40c. The first connecting pipe 1042 is inserted into the second through hole C, and the abutting portion 10422 of the first connecting pipe 1042 abuts against the elastic cantilever 40c, thereby realizing the connection between the cover plate 104 and the elastic cantilever 40c in this way. The abutting portion 10422 of the first connecting pipe 1042 is a protruding portion formed by the first connecting pipe 1042 extending radially from its outer surface. The cross-sectional area of the end of the first connecting pipe 1042 provided with the abutting portion 10422 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the end of the first connecting pipe 1042 connected to the elastic cantilever 40c. The abutting portion 10422 can be integrally formed with the first connecting pipe 1042.

[0055] To ensure the stability of the connection between the cover plate 104 and the elastic cantilever 40c and prevent the first connecting pipe 1042 from detaching from the second through hole C when the finger is released due to the rapid rebound of the elastic ejector pin 40b, a first connecting hole B is provided in the first connecting pipe 1042 along its axial direction. The first connecting pipe 1042 is connected to the elastic cantilever 40c through the first connecting hole B and the fixing member 70. Herein, the axial direction of the first connecting pipe 1042 refers to the direction of the central axis extending along the length direction of the first connecting pipe. Specifically, the fixing member 70 has a head and a rod portion. The rod portion is provided with an external thread, and the first connecting hole B of the first connecting pipe 1042 is provided with an internal thread. The first connecting pipe 1042 is inserted into the second through hole C. The fixing member 70 enters the first connecting hole B of the first connecting pipe 1042 from below the elastic cantilever 40c and is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the first connecting hole B. The head of the fixing member 70 abuts against the elastic cantilever 40c. Thus, when the finger is released, the elastic cantilever 40c quickly rebounds, and due to the head of the fixing member 70 abutting against the elastic cantilever 40c, the first connecting pipe 1042 is prevented from detaching from the second through hole C.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present application, the pressure sensor 30 uses an electrode sheet to realize pressure sensing at a lower cost. Specifically, as Figures 1 to 5As shown, the pressure sensor 30 includes a pair of first electrode plates 302 and second electrode plates 304. The first electrode plate 302 is attached to the circuit board for electrical connection with the circuit board. The second electrode plate 304 includes a main body portion and a support portion provided below the edge of the main body portion. The main body portion faces the first electrode plate 302 and is parallel to the first electrode plate 302. The support portion is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to support the main body portion such that a preset distance is formed between the first electrode plate 302 and the main body portion of the second electrode plate 304 to form a pressure detection capacitor. When the pressure sensor 30 is squeezed, causing the main body portion of the first electrode plate 302 or the second electrode plate 304 to deform, the distance between the main body portions of the first electrode plate 302 and the second electrode plate 304 changes, causing the pressure detection capacitor to change and output a corresponding pressure detection signal. The magnitude of the pressure can be calculated based on the pressure detection signal.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present application, different methods can be adopted to achieve squeezing the pressure sensor 30 when the cover plate 104 moves relative to the middle frame 102 along the pressing direction.

[0058] In the first implementation method, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the circuit board 20 is fixedly connected to the middle frame 102, and the pressure sensor 30 is disposed on one side of the circuit board 20 facing the cover plate 104. A pressing post 1044 corresponding to the pressure sensor 30 is provided on the lower surface of the cover plate 104, and the pressing post 1044 abuts against the main body portion of the second electrode plate 304 of the pressure sensor 30. Among them, the pressing post 1044 can be made of the same material as the cover plate. The pressing post can be integrally formed with the cover plate or fixed together after being separately formed with the cover plate.

[0059] In this implementation method, when the cover plate 104 is pressed, the metal elastic member 40 (for example, Figure 1 the dome spring sheet 40a in Figure 2 the elastic thimble 40b in Figure 3 and the elastic cantilever in

[0060] In this implementation method, as Figures 6 to 8As shown, at least some of the multiple side plates of the middle frame include a second connecting portion 1024 extending inward along the inner surface of the side plate and a second connecting pipe 1026 connected to the second connecting portion 1024. A third through hole D corresponding to the second connecting pipe 1026 is provided on the circuit board 20. The second connecting pipe 1026 passes through the third through hole D. The second connecting pipe 1026 is provided with a second connecting hole E along its axial direction. The second connecting pipe 1026 is connected to the circuit board 20 through the second connecting hole E and a fixing member 60. Wherein, the axial direction of the second connecting pipe 1026 refers to the direction of the central axis extending along the length direction of the second connecting pipe. Specifically, the fixing member 60 has a head and a rod portion. The rod portion is provided with an external thread, and the second connecting hole E of the second connecting pipe 1026 is provided with an internal thread. The second connecting pipe 1026 passes through the third through hole D. The rod portion of the fixing member 60 extends into the second connecting hole E from below the circuit board 20 and is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the second connecting hole E. The head of the fixing member 60 abuts against the circuit board 20 to fix the circuit board 20 to the middle frame 102.

[0061] In the second implementation, as Figure 4 and Figure 9 shown, the circuit board 20 is fixedly connected to the middle frame 102, but the pressure sensor 30 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 20 facing away from the cover plate 104. A pressure column 1044 corresponding to the pressure sensor 30 is provided on the lower surface of the cover plate 104. The pressure column 1044 abuts against the position on the circuit board 20 opposite to the first electrode sheet 302. In this implementation, the manner in which the circuit board 20 is fixedly connected to the middle frame 102 is the same as that in the aforementioned first implementation, and will not be elaborated here. In this implementation, the pressure column can be made of the same material as the cover plate. The pressure column 1044 can be integrally formed with the cover plate 104 or can be fixedly together after being separately formed from the cover plate 104.

[0062] Specifically, when the cover plate 104 is pressed, the metal elastic member 40 (specifically, Figure 4 the dome spring sheet 40a in

[0063] deforms, causing the cover plate 104 to move downward relative to the middle frame 102. The pressure column 1044 on the cover plate 104 presses the circuit board 20, causing the circuit board 20 to deform, resulting in a change in the distance between the main body portions of the first electrode sheet 302 and the second electrode sheet 304 on the circuit board, thereby causing a change in the pressure detection capacitance between the first electrode sheet 302 and the second electrode sheet 304, and the pressure sensor outputs a corresponding pressure sensing signal. It should be understood that Figure 4 and Figure 9 is only one implementation. In other implementations, the metal elastic member 40 can also adopt Figure 2 the elastic thimble shown in Figure 3The elastic cantilever shown in

[0064] In the third implementation, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 10 , the circuit board 20 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 104. The pressure sensor 30 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 20 facing away from the cover plate 104 (i.e., the lower surface of the circuit board 20). The housing 10 further includes a bottom case 106 fixedly connected to the middle frame 102. A pressing post 1062 is provided on the side of the bottom case 106 facing the circuit board 20, and the pressing post 1062 abuts against the main body portion of the second electrode plate 304. Specifically, when the cover plate 104 is pressed, the metal elastic member (specifically, the dome spring sheet 40a in Figure 5 and Figure 10 ) deforms, causing the cover plate 104 to move downward relative to the middle frame 102. Correspondingly, the circuit board 20 fixedly connected to the cover plate 104 also moves downward relative to the middle frame 102. Thus, the pressing post 1062 provided on the bottom case 106 presses the main body portion of the second electrode plate 304 provided on the lower surface of the circuit board 20, causing the main body portion of the second electrode plate 304 to deform. This results in a change in the distance between the main body portion of the second electrode plate 304 and the first electrode plate 302 provided on the circuit board. Correspondingly, the pressure detection capacitance between the first electrode plate 302 and the second electrode plate 304 changes, and the pressure sensor outputs a corresponding pressure sensing signal.

[0065] In this implementation, the bottom case 106 can be made of the same material as the middle frame 102 and the cover plate 104, and the pressing post 1062 can be made of the same material as the bottom case 106. The pressing post 1062 can be integrally formed with the bottom case 106 or can be fixedly connected together after being separately formed from the bottom case 106.

[0066] In this implementation, as shown in Figure 5 and 10 , a third connecting pipe 1046 is provided on the lower surface of the cover plate 104. A fourth through hole F corresponding to the third connecting pipe 1046 is provided on the circuit board 20. The third connecting pipe 1046 passes through the fourth through hole F, and a third connecting hole G is provided in the third connecting pipe 1046 along its axial direction. The third connecting pipe 1046 is connected to the circuit board 20 through the third connecting hole G and a fixing member 90. Specifically, the fixing member 90 has a head and a rod portion. The rod portion is provided with an external thread, and the third connecting hole G of the third connecting pipe 1046 is provided with an internal thread. The first connecting pipe 1036 passes through the fourth through hole F. The fixing member 90 extends into the third connecting hole G from below the circuit board 20 and is threadedly connected to the internal thread of the third connecting hole G. The head of the fixing member 90 abuts against the circuit board 20 to fixedly connect the circuit board 20 to the cover plate 104.

[0067] Further, as shown in Figure 5As shown, an abutting portion 10462 is provided on one side of the third connecting pipe 1046 close to the cover plate 20. The abutting portion 10462 of the third connecting pipe 1046 abuts against the circuit board 20, so that a predetermined distance is provided between the circuit board 20 and the cover plate 104. The abutting portion 10462 of the third connecting pipe 1046 is a convex portion formed by the third connecting pipe 1046 extending radially from its outer surface. The cross-sectional area of the end of the third connecting pipe 1046 provided with the abutting portion 10462 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the end of the third connecting pipe 1046 connected to the circuit board 20. The abutting portion 10462 of the third connecting pipe 1046 can be integrally formed with the third connecting pipe 1046.

[0068] It should be understood that Figure 5 merely one implementation manner, in other implementation manners, the metal elastic member can also be Figure 2 the elastic thimble 40b shown in Figure 3 or the elastic cantilever 40c shown in

[0069] Due to design tolerances and process tolerances, etc. in the design and assembly process of the pressure touch switch, in order to absorb these tolerances and ensure the accuracy of pressure detection, in the foregoing various embodiments, flexible contacts 80 are provided at the ends of the pressure columns 1044 and 1062. For example, the flexible contacts 80 can include rubber contacts or silicone contacts. Providing flexible contacts at the ends of the pressure columns 1044 and 1062 can ensure that the pressure columns press against the positions corresponding to the first electrode sheets 302 on the circuit board 20 or the main body portions of the second electrode sheets 304 of the pressure sensors 30 with interference to absorb tolerances.

[0070] In a specific implementation manner, the flexible contact 80 includes a first end connected to the pressure columns 1044 and 1062. The first end is provided with a receiving groove for receiving the ends of the pressure columns. Thus, the flexible contact 80 wraps the ends of the pressure columns to ensure the firm connection between the flexible contact 80 and the pressure columns 1044 and 1062.

[0071] In addition, the flexible contact 80 further includes a second end opposite to the first end. The cross-sectional area of the first end is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second end. The cross-sectional area of the first end is designed to be larger to facilitate opening a receiving groove on the flexible contact during processing and manufacturing.

[0072] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and method steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0073] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present application, rather than limiting the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field can also make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions also belong to the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The patent protection scope of the embodiments of the present application shall be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A pressure touch switch, comprising: A housing, a circuit board, a pressure sensor, a touch controller and a metal elastic member; The housing comprises a middle frame and a cover plate, wherein the middle frame is a frame-shaped structure formed by a plurality of side plates, and the cover plate is covered on the middle frame; A touch electrode layer is disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate, and the touch electrode layer is used to sense the touch position of the finger when the finger touches or presses the cover plate, and output a corresponding touch sensing signal; The circuit board is arranged below the cover plate and supported in the frame structure, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the circuit board, and is used to deform when the finger presses the cover plate and output a corresponding pressure sensing signal; The touch controller is arranged on the circuit board and is electrically connected to the touch electrode layer and the pressure sensor respectively. The touch controller is used to receive the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal and trigger a switch function according to the touch sensing signal and the pressure sensing signal. Among them, at least part of the side plate of the middle frame includes a first connecting portion extending inward along the inner surface of the side plate, and the metal elastic component is arranged between the cover plate and the first connecting portion. When the cover plate is pressed, the metal elastic component is deformed, and the cover plate moves along the pressing direction relative to the middle frame, so that the pressure sensor is squeezed and outputs the pressure sensing signal.

2. The pressure touch switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting portion is provided with a first through hole, and the lower surface of the cover plate is provided with a first connecting tube, the first connecting tube is passed through the first through hole, the metal elastic component is arranged around the first through hole, the first end of the metal elastic component is in contact with the cover plate, and the second end of the metal elastic component is in contact with the first connecting portion.

3. The pressure touch switch according to claim 2, wherein: The metal elastic component is an elastic ejector pin. A mounting groove for mounting the elastic ejector pin is provided on the first connecting portion adjacent to the first through hole. One end of the elastic ejector pin is located in the mounting groove, and the other end of the elastic ejector pin abuts against the cover plate.

4. The pressure touch switch according to claim 3, wherein: An abutting portion is disposed at one end of the first connecting tube close to the cover plate, and a preset gap exists between the abutting portion of the first connecting tube and the first connecting portion.

5. The pressure touch switch according to claim 3, wherein: There are multiple mounting grooves, and the multiple mounting grooves are arranged around the first through hole to be used for mounting multiple elastic ejector pins.

6. The pressure touch switch according to claim 2, wherein: The metal elastic component is a pot spring piece, which includes a first blocking plate and a second blocking plate parallel to each other, and a deformable spring-shaped plate connected between the first blocking plate and the second blocking plate. The first blocking plate and the second blocking plate are annular structures and are concentrically arranged. The first connecting tube is inserted into the first through hole through the center hole of the first blocking plate and the center hole of the second blocking plate, so that the first blocking plate contacts the cover plate, and the second blocking plate contacts the first connecting portion.

7. The pressure touch switch according to claim 6, wherein: An abutment portion is provided at one end of the first connecting pipe close to the cover plate, the first blocking disk abuts against the abutment portion, and the second blocking disk abuts against the first connecting portion.

8. The pressure touch switch according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The first connecting tube is provided with a first connecting hole along its axial direction, and one end of the first connecting tube away from the cover plate is connected to the first connecting portion through the first connecting hole and a fixing member.

9. The pressure touch switch according to claim 1, wherein: A first connecting tube is disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate, the metal elastic component is an elastic cantilever, a first end of the elastic cantilever is fixedly mounted on the first connecting portion, and a second end of the elastic cantilever is connected to the first connecting tube.

10. The pressure touch switch according to claim 9, wherein: An abutment portion is provided at one end of the first connecting tube close to the cover plate, a second through hole corresponding to the first connecting tube is provided on the second end of the elastic cantilever, the first connecting tube is passed through the second through hole, and the abutment portion abuts against the elastic cantilever.

11. The pressure touch switch according to claim 10, wherein: The first connecting tube is provided with a first connecting hole along its axial direction, and one end of the first connecting tube away from the cover plate is connected to the elastic cantilever through the first connecting hole and a fixing member.

12. The pressure touch switch according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure sensor includes a pair of first electrode sheets and second electrode sheets, the first electrode sheets are attached to the circuit board, the second electrode sheets include a main body and a support portion arranged below the edge of the main body, the main body faces the first electrode sheet and is parallel to the first electrode sheet, the support portion is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to support the main body, so that a preset distance is provided between the main bodies of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet.

13. The pressure touch switch according to claim 12, wherein: The circuit board is fixedly connected to the middle frame, the pressure sensor is arranged on a side of the circuit board facing the cover plate, a pressure column corresponding to the pressure sensor is arranged on the lower surface of the cover plate, and the pressure column abuts against the main body of the second electrode sheet.

14. The pressure touch switch according to claim 12, wherein: The circuit board is fixedly connected to the middle frame, the pressure sensor is arranged on a side of the circuit board away from the cover plate, and a pressure column corresponding to the pressure sensor is arranged on the lower surface of the cover plate, and the pressure column abuts against a position on the circuit board facing away from the first electrode sheet.

15. The pressure touch switch according to claim 13, wherein: At least some of the multiple side panels of the middle frame include a second connecting portion extending inward along the inner surface of the side panel and a second connecting tube connected to the second connecting portion, a third through hole corresponding to the second connecting tube is provided on the circuit board, the second connecting tube is penetrated into the third through hole, the second connecting tube is provided with a second connecting hole along the axial direction thereof, and the second connecting tube is connected to the circuit board through the second connecting hole and a fixing member.

16. The pressure touch switch according to claim 12, wherein: The circuit board is fixedly connected to the cover plate, the pressure sensor is arranged on a side of the circuit board facing away from the cover plate, the shell also includes a bottom shell detachably connected to the middle frame, a pressure column is arranged on the side of the bottom shell facing the circuit board, and the pressure column abuts against the main body of the second electrode sheet.

17. The pressure touch switch according to claim 16, wherein: A third connecting tube is provided on the lower surface of the cover plate, a fourth through hole corresponding to the third connecting tube is provided on the circuit board, the third connecting tube is passed through the fourth through hole, a third connecting tube is provided with a third connecting hole along its axial direction, and the third connecting tube is connected to the circuit board through the third connecting hole and a fixing member.

18. The pressure touch switch according to claim 17, wherein: An abutting portion is provided at one end of the third connecting tube close to the cover plate, and the abutting portion of the third connecting tube abuts against the circuit board so that a predetermined distance exists between the circuit board and the cover plate.

19. The pressure touch switch according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: A flexible contact is provided at the end of the pressure column.

20. The pressure touch switch according to claim 19, wherein: The flexible contact includes a first end portion connected to the pressure column, and the first end portion is provided with a receiving groove for receiving the end portion of the pressure column.

21. The pressure touch switch according to claim 20, wherein: The flexible contact further includes a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the first end portion is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second end portion.

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