Key module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to a key structure, and discloses a key module and electronic equipment. The key module comprises a key, two fixing pieces, piezoelectric ceramics, a circuit board, two groups of capacitor structures and a bracket, the two fixing pieces are respectively arranged at two ends of the key, each fixing piece comprises a fixing main body and a bending part formed by bending along one end of the fixing main body, a first fixing position of the bending part is connected with the key, and a second fixing position of the fixing main body is connected with the support; the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged on the fixed main body, and the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged between the first fixed position and the second fixed position; the circuit board is fixed on the surface of the key, and the circuit board is located between the key and the bracket; the two groups of capacitor structures are arranged on the circuit board and are respectively positioned at two ends of the key; under the condition that the key moves under the action force, the circuit board moves along with the key, and the two groups of capacitor structures respectively generate capacitance signals related to the position and the size of the action force.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiment of the utility model relates to key structure, especially a kind of key module and electronic equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional mechanical key, usually only have press trigger function. In order to meet the diversification of key function, need key to have press trigger function simultaneously, also need to detect the force of user press, press position and whether user is sliding on key etc. In order to realize the detection of above-mentioned key operation behavior, different sensors are usually integrated in key module, for example, utilize pressure sensor to detect the force of user press key, utilize ultrasonic detection structure to detect user press position etc.

[0003] The inventor finds that at least the following problems exist in the key module integrated with multiple types of sensors: since the detection of press force and press position needs different sensors to detect respectively, integrating multiple types of sensors in key module will increase the production cost of key module, and multiple types of sensors integrated into key module will increase the volume of key module, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of key module. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT

[0004] The purpose of the embodiment of the utility model is to provide a kind of key module and electronic equipment, by increasing a set of capacitance structure at the position of both ends of key, the magnitude of press force to key can be calculated and determined by the capacitance signal change condition of capacitance structure, the position of force to key can also be calculated and determined, only by increasing capacitance structure in key module, the detection of multiple operation behaviors to key can be realized, the production cost of key module is controlled to a certain extent. Since the occupied space of capacitance structure in circuit board is smaller, it is conducive to the miniaturization of key module.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the utility model provides a kind of key module, it include: key, two fixed parts, piezoelectric ceramic, circuit board, two groups of capacitor structure and support;Two fixed parts are respectively arranged in the both ends of the key, the fixed part includes fixed main body and the bending portion that is bent along the one end of the fixed main body, the first fixed position of the bending portion is connected with the key, the second fixed position of the fixed main body is connected with the support;The piezoelectric ceramic is arranged on the fixed main body, and the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged between the first fixed position and the second fixed position;The circuit board is fixed on the key surface, and the circuit board is between the key and the support;Two groups of capacitor structure are arranged on the circuit board, and two groups of capacitor structure are respectively in the both ends of the key;When the key moves under the action force, the circuit board moves with the key, and two groups of capacitor structure respectively generate the capacitance signal related to the position and size of the action force.

[0006] The embodiment of the utility model further provides an electronic device, comprising: a shell and the above-mentioned key module arranged on the shell.

[0007] Compared with the related art, the embodiment of the utility model sets two groups of capacitor structures on the circuit board of the key module. When the key moves under the action force, the circuit board moves, and the capacitor structures on the circuit board generate different capacitance signals. The size of the action force on the key and the position of the action force on the key can be determined according to the capacitance signals generated by the two groups of capacitor structures. By adding capacitor structures to the key module, the detection of various operation behaviors of the key can be realized, and the production cost of the key module is controlled to a certain extent. Since the capacitor structures occupy a small space on the circuit board, the key module can be miniaturized. In addition, the fixed part connecting the key and the support is designed to include a fixed main body and a bending portion bent along one end of the fixed main body. The first fixed position of the bending portion is connected with the key, and the second fixed position of the fixed main body is connected with the support. The fixed part itself provides a moving space for the key pressing. In addition, the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged on the fixed main body to provide vibration feedback function for the key, realizing the tactile feedback function of the key.

[0008] In addition, the bending portion includes a bending area and an extension area. The bending area is connected with the fixed main body, and the extension area is arranged in parallel with the fixed main body. There is a gap between the extension area and the fixed main body.

[0009] In addition, the fixed main body is deformed by the piezoelectric ceramic.

[0010] In addition, the fixed main body and the bending portion are integrally formed. The parts required for fixing the key and the support are reduced, and the cost is reduced.

[0011] In addition, the fixing member is a steel sheet, and the fixing body and the bending portion are formed by bending the steel sheet.

[0012] In addition, the first fixing position of the bending portion is connected to the key by welding, thereby improving the fixing reliability between the key and the bracket.

[0013] In addition, the capacitor structure is composed of an emitter plate and a receiver plate; the circuit board is a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board comprises a main body portion and an extension portion extending from the edge of the main body portion; the projection of the extension portion towards the main body portion direction is coincident with part of the main body portion; one of the emitter plate and the receiver plate is arranged on the extension portion, and the other of the emitter plate and the receiver plate is arranged on the main body portion and is located in the projection area of the extension portion towards the main body portion direction; the emitter plate and the receiver plate are arranged oppositely. By changing the shape of the flexible circuit board, a structure suitable for capacitor structure layout is formed by the flexible circuit board itself, and the space occupied by the capacitor structure is further reduced.

[0014] In addition, the emitter plate and the receiver plate are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0015] In addition, when the key is moved under the action of a force, the distance moved by one end of the key close to the position of the force is greater than the distance moved by the other end of the key far from the position of the force; and the change amount of the capacitor signal of one group of capacitor structures close to the position of the force is greater than the change amount of the capacitor signal of the other group of capacitor structures far from the position of the force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that are part of this disclosure and which are illustrative, but not restrictive, of the embodiments, wherein elements having the same reference numerals designate corresponding elements and wherein the figures do not necessarily bear a proportional relationship to each other.

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a key module according to the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 is a structure schematic view of a fixing member of a key module according to the present application;

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the working principle of a piezoelectric ceramic of a key module according to the present application;

[0020] Figure 4Is the state diagram of the key module under the force condition of the key according to the utility model provides;

[0021] Figure 5 Is the state diagram of the key module under the force condition of the key according to the utility model provides;

[0022] Figure 6 Is the state diagram of the key module under the force condition of the key according to the utility model provides another kind;

[0023] Figure 7 Is the state diagram of the key module under the force condition of the key according to the utility model provides still another kind;

[0024] Figure 8 Is the related parameter instruction diagram of the key module according to the utility model provides;

[0025] Figure 9 Is the capacitor structure diagram according to the utility model provides;

[0026] Figure 10 Is the circuit connection diagram of the chip in the circuit board according to the utility model provides;

[0027] Figure 11 Is the system block diagram of the chip according to the utility model provides;

[0028] Figure 12 Is the assembly exploded view of the key module according to the utility model provides;

[0029] Figure 13 Is the assembly exploded view of the key module according to the utility model provides;

[0030] Figure 14 Is the assembly exploded view of the key module according to the utility model provides;

[0031] Figure 15 Is the assembly exploded view of the key module according to the utility model provides;

[0032] Figure 16 Is the assembly exploded view of the key module according to the utility model provides;

[0033] Figure 17 Is the assembly exploded view of the key module according to the utility model provides. Specific embodiments

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the various embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this utility model to enable the reader to better understand this utility model. However, the technical solutions claimed by this utility model can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0035] The division of the following embodiments is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this utility model. The various embodiments can be combined with or referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0036] The embodiments of this utility model relate to a button module, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the button module includes: a button 10, two fixing components 20, a piezoelectric ceramic 60, a circuit board 30, two sets of capacitor structures 40, and a bracket 50; the two fixing components 20 are respectively disposed at both ends of the button 10. Figure 2 As shown, the fixing member 20 includes a fixing body 21 and a bent portion 22 formed by bending along one end of the fixing body 21. The first fixing position of the bent portion 22 is connected to the button 10, and the second fixing position of the fixing body 21 is connected to the bracket 50. The piezoelectric ceramic 60 is disposed on the fixing body 21 and is disposed between the first fixing position and the second fixing position. The circuit board 30 is fixed to the surface of the button 10 and is located between the button 10 and the bracket 50. Two sets of capacitor structures 40 are disposed on the circuit board 30 and are respectively located at both ends of the button 10. When the button 10 is moved by a force, the circuit board 30 moves with the button 10, and the two sets of capacitor structures 40 respectively generate capacitance signals related to the position and magnitude of the force.

[0037] The utility model discloses relative to relevant technique, set up two groups of capacitance structure on the circuit board of key module, and the key moves under the action of force and will drive the circuit board to move, and then cause the capacitance structure on the circuit board to produce different capacitance signals. The magnitude of the force acting on the key and the position of the force acting on the key can be determined according to the capacitance signals produced by the two groups of capacitance structures. Only by increasing the capacitance structure in the key module can the detection of various operation behaviors of the key be realized, and the production cost of the key module is controlled to a certain extent. Since the occupation space of the capacitance structure on the circuit board is small, it is beneficial to the miniaturization of the key module. In addition, the fixing member connecting the key and the support is designed to include a fixed body and a bending portion bent along one end of the fixed body, the first fixed position of the bending portion is connected with the key, the second fixed position of the fixed body is connected with the support, and the fixed member itself is designed to provide a moving space for the key pressing. In addition, the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged on the fixed body to provide vibration feedback function for the key, and the tactile feedback function of the key is realized.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2 The bending portion 22 includes a bending area and an extension area, the bending area is connected with the fixed body 21, the extension area is arranged in parallel with the fixed body 21, and there is a spacing between the extension area and the fixed body 21. In the case that the key 10 is moved downward under the action of external force, the deformation of the fixing member is facilitated due to the existence of the bending portion 22, and the resistance of the key to move downward is reduced to a certain extent. The shape of the bending portion 22 can be U-shaped as shown in Figure 2 , or can be a multiple bending shape with an S-shaped trend, and the shape of the bending portion 22 is related to the distance between the support and the key.

[0039] In addition, the fixed body 21 and the bending portion 22 are integrally formed instead of being assembled by multiple parts, so as to reduce the parts required for fixing the key and the support and reduce the cost.

[0040] In addition, the fixing member 20 is specifically a steel sheet, and the fixed body 21 and the bending portion 22 are formed by bending the steel sheet.

[0041] In addition, the first fixed position of the bending portion 22 is connected with the key 10 by welding, which improves the reliability of the fixation between the key and the support, and avoids the simple disassembly of the key by external force.

[0042] As for the piezoelectric ceramic providing vibration feedback effect for the key, the implementation manner is that a suitable voltage signal is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic when vibration feedback is needed, and the piezoelectric ceramic deforms in the X direction according to Figure 3 Since the piezoelectric ceramic and the fixed body are closely attached, the fixed body is deformed by the piezoelectric ceramic, and the end of the fixed member away from the support (one end of the bending portion) deforms according to Figure 3The vibration in the Y direction, as shown, causes the button to vibrate, thus achieving a vibration feedback effect.

[0043] In addition to vibration feedback, this solution can also detect the location and magnitude of the pressing force. For example... Figure 1 As shown, button 10 has a certain length, allowing users to perform pressing or sliding operations at different positions on its surface, thus triggering different responses. When no force is applied, the distance between the surface of button 10 and the surface of bracket 50 is an initial threshold. Since both ends of button 10 are elastically fixed to bracket 50 by a fixing member 20, when button 10 is not pressed in the exact center position, the elastic fixing members 20 at both ends of button 10 deform to varying degrees, causing changes in the distance between the surface of button 10 and the surface of bracket 50. Different degrees of deformation of the elastic fixing members 20 result in different magnitudes of distance changes. These different distance changes cause different capacitance signals in the capacitor structures 40 located at both ends of button 10. Therefore, based on the changes in the capacitance signals of the capacitor structures 40 at both ends of button 10, the location and magnitude of the applied force can be deduced.

[0044] The following is a detailed explanation of how to determine the location and magnitude of a force using capacitance signals:

[0045] To simplify the explanation of the principle for determining the location and magnitude of the applied force, the structure of the button module in this embodiment is simplified, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, button 10 and two sets of capacitor structures 40 at both ends of button 10 are connected to one end of button 10 by a fixing member 20.

[0046] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, when button 10 is pressed by an external force F, button 10 moves in the direction of capacitor structure 40, causing deformation of the fixing members 20 at both ends, and reducing the distance between button 10 and capacitor structure 40. Figure 5 As shown, if the external force F acting on button 10 is located in the middle position, the deformation of the fixing parts 20 at both ends of button 10 is the same. That is, the first component force F1 applied to the capacitor structure 40 on the left side of the diagram and the second component force F2 applied to the capacitor structure 40 on the right side of the diagram are approximately the same. The distance between button 10 and the two sets of capacitor structures 40 changes in the same way. Figure 6As shown, if the key 10 is subjected to the external force F, the position of the force is close to the left capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure, the distance of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the distance of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. The deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. That is, the first component force F1 applied to the left capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure is greater than the second component force F2 applied to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure. Figure 7 As shown, if the key 10 is subjected to the external force F, the position of the force is close to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure, the distance of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the distance of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. The deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. That is, the first component force F1 applied to the left capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure is less than the second component force F2 applied to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure.

[0047] As shown, if the key 10 is subjected to the external force F, the position of the force is close to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure, the distance of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the distance of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. The deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. That is, the first component force F1 applied to the left capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure is less than the second component force F2 applied to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure. Figure 8 As shown, if the key 10 is subjected to the external force F, the position of the force is close to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure, the distance of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the distance of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. The deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the one end of the key 10 close to the position of the force is greater than the deformation degree of the fixed part 20 of the other end of the key 10 far from the position of the force. That is, the first component force F1 applied to the left capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure is less than the second component force F2 applied to the right capacitive structure 40 shown in the figure.

[0048] As shown, the capacitive structure in the embodiment of the utility model comprises Figure 9 As shown, the capacitive structure comprises an emitter plate 401 and a receiver plate 402; the circuit board 30 is a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board comprises a main body part and an extension part extended from the edge of the main body part; the projection of the extension part towards the main body part direction is coincident with part of the main body part; one of the emitter plate 401 and the receiver plate 402 is arranged on the extension part, and the other of the emitter plate 401 and the receiver plate 402 is arranged on the main body part and is in the projection area of the extension part towards the main body part direction; the emitter plate 401 and the receiver plate 402 are oppositely arranged, and the emitter plate 401 and the receiver plate 402 are parallelly arranged. By changing the shape of the flexible circuit board, the structure suitable for capacitive structure layout is formed by the flexible circuit board itself, and the space occupied by the capacitive structure is further reduced.

[0049] In addition, as shown, Figure 10As shown, the button module also includes a chip. The emitter plates Tx1, Tx2...TxM of the M-group capacitor structure are connected to the corresponding pins of the chip, and the receiver plates Rx1, Rx2...RxN of the N-group capacitor structure are connected to the corresponding pins of the chip. Usually, M=N. The chip transmits the capacitance values ​​detected by all the capacitor structures to the chip's built-in microcontroller unit (MCU) for signal processing, and calculates the pressing force and the position of the pressing force at this time.

[0050] The chip and the host computer communicate through, for example Figure 11 The interface shown (I2C) is used for communication, feeding back the calculated pressing force and position to the host computer for further processing, such as focusing and taking pictures. The host computer can be the main control chip of the consumer electronics product. Alternatively, the capacitive signal can be directly transmitted to the host computer, where the pressing force and position are calculated. Furthermore, the signals from the transmitting plate Tx and receiving plate Rx are processed by a signal processor to determine the pressing force and position of the button. Then, the microcontroller unit executes corresponding commands on the electronic device based on the external pressing behavior of the button module.

[0051] In addition, the circuit board extends to contacts, which connect to the circuit board of the electronic device to enable signal transmission between the button module and the electronic device. The circuit board also contains a chip that processes capacitive signals and calculates information such as the magnitude and location of the button's force.

[0052] Another embodiment of this utility model relates to an electronic device, which includes: a housing and the aforementioned button module disposed on the housing.

[0053] The method of assembling button modules into electronic devices is as follows: Figures 12 to 16 As shown, the assembly method is used to illustrate the specific composition of each part of the button module in this case:

[0054] like Figure 12 As shown, one end of the fastener 20 is welded to the button 10. The welded end of the fastener forms a U-shaped bend and extends outward away from the button. The fastener 20 has a sheet-like structure, which facilitates deformation.

[0055] like Figure 13 As shown, the piezoelectric ceramic 60 is attached to the fixing body of the fixing component 20. The thickness of the piezoelectric ceramic 60 will not exceed the bending gap of the U-shaped bend to avoid the button coming into contact with the piezoelectric ceramic during pressing. One piezoelectric ceramic 60 can be installed on each fixing component to improve the vibration feedback.

[0056] like Figure 14As shown, the circuit board 30 is attached to the inner surface of the button. Two sets of capacitor structures are respectively set on the circuit board near the two ends of the button. A chip is set on the circuit board 30 at the middle position of the button, and contacts extend from the chip into the electronic device.

[0057] like Figure 15 As shown, the bracket 50 is installed in a suitable position. A protrusion is provided on the bracket 50 at the position corresponding to the receiving plate of the capacitor structure. The protrusion fits into the circuit board at the location of the receiving plate to prevent the position of the receiving plate from changing when the button is moved by external force. The protrusion acts as a support for the circuit board at the location of the receiving plate. Mounting holes are provided at both ends of the bracket 50, which match the mounting holes at the ends of the fixing components.

[0058] like Figure 16 As shown, screws are inserted through the mounting holes on the bracket and the mounting holes at the end of the fastener, with the screws protruding from the fastener.

[0059] like Figure 17 As shown, the screw is connected to the middle frame fixing position 81 of the housing (middle frame) 80, realizing the installation of the button module on the electronic device.

[0060] Electronic devices can be mobile phones, PCs, tablets, game consoles, and other devices with button modules.

[0061] Compared with related technologies, the electronic device provided in this embodiment of the present invention is equipped with the button module provided in the aforementioned embodiments. Therefore, it also has the same technical effects as those provided in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes can be made to them in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A key module, characterized by, The key module comprises: a key, two fixing members, a piezoelectric ceramic, a circuit board, two sets of capacitor structures and a support; the two fixing members are respectively arranged at two ends of the key, each of the fixing members comprises a fixing body and a bent portion bent from one end of the fixing body, a first fixing position of the bent portion is connected with the key, and a second fixing position of the fixing body is connected with the support; the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged on the fixing body, and the piezoelectric ceramic is arranged between the first fixing position and the second fixing position; the circuit board is fixed on the surface of the key, and the circuit board is between the key and the support; the two sets of capacitor structures are arranged on the circuit board, and the two sets of capacitor structures are respectively arranged at two ends of the key; when the key is moved under the action of a force, the circuit board moves with the key, and the two sets of capacitor structures respectively generate capacitor signals related to the position and size of the force.

2. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The bent portion comprises a bending area and an extension area; the bending area is connected with the fixing body, the extension area is arranged in parallel with the fixing body, and there is a spacing between the extension area and the fixing body.

3. The key module of claim 2, wherein, The fixing body is deformed by the piezoelectric ceramic.

4. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The fixing body and the bent portion are integrally formed.

5. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The fixing member is a steel sheet, and the fixing body and the bent portion are formed by bending the steel sheet.

6. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The first fixing position of the bent portion is connected with the key by welding.

7. The key module of claim 1, wherein, The capacitor structure is composed of an emitter plate and a receiver plate; The circuit board is a flexible circuit board, which comprises a main body portion and an extension portion extending from the edge of the main body portion; the projection of the extension portion towards the main body portion direction overlaps part of the main body portion; one of the emitter plate and the receiver plate is arranged on the extension portion, and the other of the emitter plate and the receiver plate is arranged on the main body portion and in the projection area of the extension portion towards the main body portion direction; the emitter plate and the receiver plate are arranged opposite to each other.

8. The key module of claim 7, wherein, The emitter plate and the receiver plate are arranged in parallel with each other.

9. The key module according to claim 1, wherein: when the key is moved under the action of a force, the distance moved by one end of the key close to the position of the force is greater than the distance moved by the other end of the key far from the position of the force; the change amount of the capacitor signal of one set of capacitor structures close to the position of the force is greater than the change amount of the capacitor signal of the other set of capacitor structures far from the position of the force.

10. An electronic device, comprising: The key module comprises: a housing and the key module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 arranged on the housing.

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